CA2257281A1 - Process and device for making movable units of a plastic component - Google Patents
Process and device for making movable units of a plastic component Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2257281A1 CA2257281A1 CA002257281A CA2257281A CA2257281A1 CA 2257281 A1 CA2257281 A1 CA 2257281A1 CA 002257281 A CA002257281 A CA 002257281A CA 2257281 A CA2257281 A CA 2257281A CA 2257281 A1 CA2257281 A1 CA 2257281A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mould
- plastic component
- shut
- moveable
- cavity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/16—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
- B29C45/1671—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles with an insert
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C45/14778—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles the article consisting of a material with particular properties, e.g. porous, brittle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
- B29C70/78—Moulding material on one side only of the preformed part
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C2045/1486—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations
- B29C2045/14901—Coating a sheet-like insert smaller than the dimensions of the adjacent mould wall
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
- B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
- B29L2031/3041—Trim panels
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)
- Shaping Of Tube Ends By Bending Or Straightening (AREA)
- Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
- Extrusion Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Casting Or Compression Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A process and device for making movable units (1) of a plastic component (3), especially one with a decorative layer (2), one surface of which, in particular, has a decorative layer (2) and which can be made in one piece with the plastic components (3). Here, two tool halves (4, 5) form a cavity (6) of a tool mould (7) and the decorative material (2) can be applied to one of the tool halves before pressing in such a way that it is substantially in a first chamber (42, 42') which is separated by the closure of the tool mould (7) and possibly moving at least one blocking slide (8, 8') into its end blocking position in the cavity (6). After the plastic compound (9) has been fed into the first chamber (42, 42') through at least one supply pipe (10) and the tool mould (7) has been closed, the blocking slide (8') can be withdrawn from the end blocking position and a second plastic compound (9) can be injected into the second chamber (43) of the cavity (6). By separating along predetermined edge regions (11), which define at least one part of the periphery of movable parts (1) produced in one piece with the plastic component (3), the plastic component (3) can be produced as a single material with movable parts (1).
Description
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 Method and device for producing moveable elements o~ a plastic component, as well as such moveable elements In accordance with a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing moveable elements of a plastic component which is produced, for example, by means of a back compression moulding method or a combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method and, in particular, has a decorative layer, the mould serving to construct predetermined edge regions which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements, with the result that these moveable elements can be produced in one piece with the plastic component, as well as moveable elements which can be produced using this method.
In accordance with a second aspect, the invention relates to a moulding tool for producing moveable elements of a plastic component which is produced, for example, by means of a back compression moulding method or a combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method and, in particular, has a decorative layer, and for separating the edges of this moveable element from the plastic component with the aid of at least one separating element or a shut-off slide which has a relatively thin-walled blocking blade or separating blade, and which is arranged in the prede~ermined edge regions at least of a part of the contour of these moveable elements.
In many fields of technology, use is made of components made from plastic which also have to satisfy aesthetic demands in addition to functional requirements. As one example among many, mention may be made in this regard of car building, where such plastic components-are used for interior coverings, rear-window shelves, dashboard and the like. In order to configure them in an aesthetically appealing fashion, a decorative layer is frequently attached as a separate surface layer on a visible side of the plastic component. For reasons of CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 ~ ~ 2 ease of disposal and/or simplified reuse, the decorative material should preferably be produced from the same material as the supporting plastic part; such monomaterials can thereby be recycled substantially more cost-effectively than mixed materials which firstly have to be separated.
Consequently, the so-called back compression moulding method has been developed for producing such plastic components. This method is described in the publication entitled "Kunststoffe im Automobilbau ["Plastics in car building"], VDI-Verlag GmbH, Dusseldorf 1994". It provides that a decorative layer is fastened on a top mould half of an opened mould such that, if appropriate, it completely covers the area of the surface of the top mould half. Subsequently, a polymer melt which is molten and therefore flowable is injected or inserted into the still open mould. Thereafter, the mould is closed, as a result of which the polymer melt is distributed uniformly in the mould under the clamping pressure and, at least in the case of decorative materials with pores such as, for example, in the case of textile materials, partly penetrates the decorative material. The polymer melt subsequently solidifies and in so doing is intimately connected to the decorative layer.
If a surface of a plastic component is to be provided only partially with a surface layer, this back compression moulding method just described can be combined with an injection moulding method. In this case, the back compression moulding method is applied for the section of the plastic component which is to be provided with the decorative layer or the separate surface layer. The preparation of the plastics for the combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method can be undertaken using conventional compounding lines.
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 - 2a -GB ~,27f,956 discloses generic methods and devices and correspondingly produced plastic parts for the production of which a resilient surface material is preformed and laid onto a first half of a foundry mould. A first portion of a thermoplastic resin is applied to a region of the second half of the foundry mould which is opposite the inserted surface material.
Thereupon, the mould is closed, with the result that the resin spreads on the rear side of the surface material. Before this resin has completely solidified, a further portion of this resin is injected into the closed mould so that the two portions of resin can interconnect. The component is ejected after the plastic has cooled sufficiently.
US 5,335,939 relates to an air bag device whose cover is constructed as a composite component: the surface layer, consisting of two components, is preformed, in order to give it the contours of the cover. Thereupon, this surface layer is placed - together with a grid serving as reinforcement - into a mould in which a base material is applied, the grid thereby being connected to the surface layer. The cover thus produced is configured as a moveable element and has specially constructed hinges which are reinforced by the grid and via which the moveable element is fastened on a housing with the aid of screws or bolts.
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 If moveable parts such as flaps or slides are provided in such plastic components, it is normal to use hinges or rails and their fastening means made from plastic or metal. Building in separately produced, moveable parts - in particular when dissimilar materials are used -renders both the production and the assembly and, above all, the reuse of such components more complicated and more expensive. In addition, when customary moveable components are used in transport means - when the latter are being operated - rattling noises caused by vibrations frequently occur.
The invention intends to provide a remedy here.
Using a method of the type described at the beginning, the object is achieved by virtue of the fact that the edges of moveable elements, intended as a flap or as a slide, of the plastic components are preformed in a specific way and are cut off or blanked already before or not until after the polymer melt has cooled, for example with the aid of a part of the moulding tool used for the back compression moulding method or combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method. An integral hinge for the flap is formed by virtue of the fact that the overall thickness of the plastic component can be constricted along a specific edge of a flap according to the invention.
Consequently, inventive flaps are produced in one piece with this plastic component and by virtue of said integral hinges remain connected thereto along some of the predetermined edge regions. Particularly suitable for the at least partial separation of the moveable parts from the plastic component is a blocking blade or separating blade provided in the production moulding tool or, in a separate operation, cutting out with a laser. The in-plant separating operation can be performed at at least two different times:
~ Firstly, as early as during the back compression moulding/injection moulding method a blocking blade can prevent polymer material CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 from flowing together in the edge region of moveable elements which is to be separated.
~ Secondly, it is possible - by means of a separating blade - to separate the moveable elements from the supporting plastic component by punching or severing thinner regions of the edge regions to be separated.
In-plant blanking or separating can be dispensed with should moveable elements be provided only in a specific number of the plastic components (for example for the purpose of covering installation sites of optional accessories in transport means). A final user or a maintenance specialist provided for the purpose can then separate the intended edges of the moveable elements from the plastic component, for example with the aid of a hand tool, a knife or the like. Thus, for example, covers remain completely closed when, although provided, the inventive moveable elements are not used.
This has the advantage, for example in the automobile industry, that many variants of a vehicle can be fitted with the same plastic components. Although these can certainly differ in colour and structure of the decorative material used, they all have the prepared moveable elements. Thus, it is possible at any time to meet the customers' additional wishes for enhancement without the need for a large additional outlay in providing moveable elements in these plastic components - for example, ones designed as covers.
The method described above is generally suitable for all plastics which can be processed using the back compression moulding method and/or by injection moulding. It is possible to use as surface layer and/or decorative layer those materials which make a firm connection with a plastic when use is made of the back compression moulding process. Textile materials such as knitted fabrics and plastic films may be named purely by way of example. However, those combinations of CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 plastics and materials of the surface layer are preferred which are sorted, so that after it has been used as intended the laminated plastic part can be granulated with little outlay and reused as monomaterial.
In preferred variants of the method, it is possible to provide grips or gripping troughs with the aid of which the moveable elements of the plastic components, which are formed, for example, as a flap or slide, can be moved reliably.
Moreover, according to the invention the object is achieved with a moulding tool of the type mentioned at the beginning by virtue of the fact that the moulding tool may be provided with at least one shut-off slide which can be arranged in a shut-off limit position such that the cavity of the closed mould can be subdivided into at least two chambers by the shut-off slide. The shut-off slide can have a virtually arbitrary course in the mould, so that it is also possible to produce a laminated section of the element to be moved which has a complicated contour. In this case, the shut-off slide has a relatively thin-walled blocking or separating blade, as a result of which it is possible to achieve particularly precise joint lines and/or punched lines.
It is possible to provide in preferred embodiments of the invention that the shut-off slide can be actuated pneumatically, electromagnetically, by means of a mechanical drive (for example a servo drive) or, in particular, hydraulically. These embodiments can be implemented with a relatively low outlay on design.
However, such drives can be obtained per se as reasonably priced and reliable standard drives.
The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments represented diagrammatically in the figures, in which:
- CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 ~ ~ - 6 -Figure 1 shows a sectional representation of a moulding tool according to the invention, with a decorative layer located therein and an introduced polymer melt before the complete closure of the mould;
Figure 2a shows a detailed view of the edge region, noted by a in Figure 1, for producing a laminated, moveable element - in accordance with a first embodiment - which abuts the laminated part of a plastic component;
15 Figure 2b shows a detailed view of the edge region, denoted by b in Figure 1, for producing a laminated, moveable element - in accordance with a first embodiment - which abuts the non-laminated part of a plastic component;
Figure 2c shows a detailed view in accordance with the edge region marked by a in Figure 2a, for producing a laminated, moveable element - in accordance with a second embodiment - which abuts the laminated part of a plastic component;
Figure 3 shows detailed views of preferred embodiments of flaps and integral hinges in cross section:
a) edge region without stop, with V-shaped constriction of the plastic component;
b) edge region with plastic stop and trough-shaped constriction of the plastic component;
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 c) edge region with decorative stop and pan-shaped constriction of the plastic component;
d) detailed view of a preferred embodiment of slides in cross section, edge region with plastic stop;
10 Figures 4 a-c) show detailed views of preferred embodiments of grips in cross section;
and Figures 4 d-f) show detailed views of preferred embodiments of gripping troughs in cross section.
The moulding tool 7, represented in Figures 1 and 2 a, b, in accordance with a first embodiment for combined back compression moulding/injection moulding is a constituent of a machine (not shown in more detail) for producing plastic components. The moulding tool, constructed as a vertical clamping unit, has a top mould half 4 which is situated opposite a bottom mould half 5 such that their parting line runs essentially horizontally. Moreover, the moulding tool 7 is provided with at least one shut-off slide 8, a heating channel 22, a sprue bush 33 and a control unit (not represented).
The top mould half 4 is constructed on its underside such that it has the negative contour of a laminated plastic component to be produced thereby. The contour, constructed on the top mould half 4, of the cavity 6 runs essentially horizontally. Only at the edge regions 11 does it have vertical sections directed towards the bottom mould half 5, which can also be constructed as vertical flash faces 24. Furthermore, with reference to its horizontal extent it has at least one separating - CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 element 15 likewise directed towards the bottom mould half 5, or a nose 25. In Figure 1, the top mould half 4 is provided with a holding device (not represented) in the horizontal regions on the left and in the middle.
This is a plurality of vacuum nozzles which are distributed uniformly between the noses 25 and the vertical flash face 24.
The contour, constructed on the top mould half 4, of the mould 7 is provided on its entire circumference with a supporting surface 26. Furthermore, the top mould half 4 likewise has on its end faces holding grooves 27 in which corresponding counterpieces of the machine (which is not shown) engage in order to hold the top mould half in the vertical direction.
Constructed on the top side of the bottom mould half 5 is the lower part of the mould 7, which is likewise surrounded by a supporting surface 26' along its entire circumference. The contour, which is provided with approximately vertical sections only at its edge regions and its middle, of the ~ould 7 runs essentially horizontal here, as well. In this case, at least one vertical section of the contour is constructed in the horizontal direction as a depression 28, which is situated opposite the separating element 15 or the nose 25 of the top mould half 4.
The bottom mould half 5 has, furthermore, an insert 29 which is arranged in a cutout, corresponding to it, in a block 30 of the bottom mould half 5. A section of the lower part of the contour of the mould 7 is constructed on the surface of the insert 29 situated opposite the top mould half 4. This section of the contour is raised with respect to the supporting surface 26' and has a relatively sharp edge 31 at its edge.
An interspace 36, 37 is uncovered in each case between the bottom mould half 5 and a first plate 34, and the CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 first plate 34 and a second plate 35 by means of distance strips 32, 32' and 33, 33' arranged in each case in pairs.
As may likewise be gathered from Figures 1 and 2 a, b, there is arranged in the region of the depression 28 at least one shut-off slide 8, 8' which has a blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13, a push rod 38 and a hydraulic drive device 39, and cooperates with the nose 25 situated opposite this depression 28. The hydraulic drive unit 39 arranged in the interspace 36 on the underside of the block 30 is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder, which is conventional per se and therefore not represented in more detail, a hydraulic slide and a valve, and with supply lines and control lines. The shut-off slide 8, 8' has an essentially vertically running, thin blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13 and a supporting part 20, which is broader by comparison therewith. In this case, in the representations of the two Figures 1 and 2 the blades 12, 13 pro~ecting into the depression are arranged in a slot which is constructed between the insert 29 and the block 30 and also serves as guide for the vertical movements of the blades 12, 13. The arrangement of the blades 12, 13 is undertaken in this case such that it is proof against intrusion of plastic into the slot.
The supporting part 20 is located between a receptacle 41 which is constructed by the insert 29 and the block 30 and likewise serves as guide for the supporting part 20. An upper limit position of the blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13 is determined in this case by a stop of the supporting part 20 on an upper limiting surface of the receptacle 41. The blades 12, 13 are fastened on the upper end of the push rod 38, which is arranged in a continuous cutout in the block 30. At its lower end, the push rod 38 is provided with a hydraulic slide (not represented) which is located in the drive unit 39.
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 When supported on the bottom mould half 5, the top mould half 4 forms therewith a cavity 6 which has a contour which corresponds to the plastic component to be produced. The cavity 6 can be subdivided into at least two mutually separate chambers 42, 43 by means of the noses 25 and the blades 12, 13, cooperating therewith, of the shut-off slides 8, 8'. It is possible in this case for the separating elements 15 or the noses 25, respectively, and the blocking blade 12 or the separating blade 13, respectively, to be arranged such that they bear against one another and jointly seal the chambers 42, 43 against an overflow of polymer melt into the respectively other chamber. In this position, the shut-off slides 8, 8' also assume their cut-off limit position.
As is to be seen, furthermore, in Figure 1, there is located in the second interspace 37 a distributor piece 44, extending essentially horizontally, of the heating channel 22, into which an extruder screw conveys plasticized polymer melt via a sprue bush 23. Starting from the distributor piece 44, at least two feed lines constructed as vertically aligned needle valve nozzles 45', 45'', 45''', open into the cavity 6 of the mould 7 such that the noses 25 of the top mould half 4 are situated in each case between the opening points of the needle valve nozzles 45', 45'', 45'''. The heating channel 22 is provided with a controllable heating device (not represented) by means of which the plasticized polymer melt or the base material 9 can be held at a prescribed temperature or else be further heated. The heating device and the needle valve nozzles 45', 45'', 45''' shown in the sectional representation of Figure l are connected to the control unit of the machine, as are further needle valve nozzles (which are not, however, represented). It is possible using this control unit for the needle valve nozzles to be actuated independently of one another. The nozzle ~ CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 control unit in this case is a so-called cascade control unit.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the moulding tool represented in Figure 2c and having a top mould half 4 and a bottom mould half 5 is likewise a constituent of a machine (not shown in more detail otherwise) with a control unit (not represented) for the purpose of producing plastic parts by means of back compression moulding, for example. The moulding tool represented here largely corresponds to the moulding tool of the first embodiment. The following are the most important differences:
15 ~ The separating elements 15 are here constructed as fixed mould blades and arranged at least in some of the edge regions of moveable elements to be produced in one piece with the plastic components.
20 ~ Shut-off slides are essentially dispensed with.
~ The depression 28 is situated opposite the separating element 15, which is designed as a fixed mould blade and preferably reaches almost down to the base of the depression 28.
~ The cavity 6 can be subdivided into at least two chambers 42, 43 by the separating elements 15 and the depressions 28, which cooperate therewith.
~ The polymer melt or the base material 9 can be brought between the mould halves 4 and 5 with the aid of a moveable slit die (extrudate deposition method).
~ The polymer melt or the base material 9 can be brought between the mould halves 4 and 5 by needle valve nozzles (laminar flow method).
CA 022~728l l998-l2-02 The supporting plastic component 3 and the moveable elements 1 comprise - as may be seen from Figure 3 - in each case a base material, which is constructed, for example, as a solid plastic layer, and a decorative layer 2. The base material can also be foamed in order to reduce weight. The base material can have a region with a substantially reduced thickness, or a depression or constriction, in order to construct integral hinges 14 via which the moveable elements 1, produced in one piece, remain connected to the supporting plastic component 3 - for example in the case of the construction of a flap 16. In the case of the use of foamed base material, the structure of the regions of the depressions can deviate from the structure of the remaining base material - for example be solid - as a result of which the service life of the integral hinges is influenced.
Preferred embodiments of edge regions 11 and integral hinges 14 are represented in Figure 3. In this case, the edge regions 11 of a moveable element 1 can abut the supporting plastic component 3 such that - as in Figure 3a) - no stop is provided, or - in particularly preferred embodiments - a stop 21 of the plastic component 3 is provided without (as in Figure 3b) or with (as in Figure 3c) a decorative facing 2. In order to ensure the mobility of such flaps 16, the latter are connected in a hinged manner to the supporting plastic component by means of an integral hinge 14 along some of the predetermined edge regions 11, which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements 1 produced in one piece with the plastic component 3.
These integral hinges 14 can be provided as V-shaped, trough-shaped or pan-shaped depressions or constrictions in the base material of the plastic component 3. Combinations of these embodiments or other depressions which serve the purpose of increasing the flexibility and/or durability of these integral hinges are also conceivable, and form a constituent of the CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 present concept of the invention. Of course, the flaps can be moved against the side of the decoration 2 (as illustrated in Figure 3) or in the direction opposite thereto. In this case, either the moveable element 1 or the plastic component 3 can bear one or more stops 21.
The length and number of the stops 21 per moveable element 1 is determined, for example, by the size and/or the intended use or the loading of the moveable elements. The length of a stop can be a few centimetres. A stop can also extend along sizeable parts of the edge regions 11, or else along the whole edge region 11 of a moveable element.
A preferred embodiment of a slide 17 is represented in Figure 3d). In a way similar to Figure 3b), a stop 21 is constructed, but it is placed ~urther back from the surface of the decorative layer 2. After the edge regions 11 have been separated from the supporting plastic component 3 - for example by means of a hand tool, a knife or the like - the slide 17 can be pressed in from the decorative side and be moved to a lower position (drawn with dashes in Figure 3d). The slide can be moved - for example with the aid of one of the grips represented in Figure 4 - into the desired position, or closed again on the lower stop 21, which is preferably extended beyond the region of the moveable element 1, on at least one suitable side. In this case, a stop (not illustrated) or a plurality of stops can prevent the slide from being extracted completely. The stop or stops can be provided on the plastic component 3 or on the slide 17 or on both.
The moveable element 1 can also be formed as a removable cover with or without a stop, which is separated from the supporting plastic component in the plant, or not until later. Such covers can be connected to accessories for automobiles, such as ski bags and the like. Grips 18 and/or gripping troughs 19 as represented in Figures 4a)-4c) and Figures 4d)-4f) can - CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 serve the purpose of convenient and reliable movement of the elements 1, be they constructed as a cover, cap 16 or slide 17. The grips 18 are distinguished in that they can project beyond the decorative layer 2 and are preferably configured to be conically tapered (Figure 4a), straight (Figures 4b, c) and filled (Figures 4a, b) or hollow (Figure 4c). The gripping troughs 19 can accommodate one or more of these grips 18, the grips 18 then preferably not projecting above the gripping trough 19 (Figure 4d). The wall of the gripping trough 19 can be constructed directly as a grip (Figure 4e), or only conically (Figure 4d) or straight (Figure 4f).
It is important that these actuating means of the moveable elements 1 are produced in one piece therewith. These actuating means can in this case be laminated with the same decorative layer 2 as the moveable element 1 and the plastic component 3, or it is possible to provide different colours or textures for the plastic component, the moveable elements and/or the actuating means, or any combinations thereof.
In order to produce a laminated plastic component, the procedure in accordance with a first embodiment is firstly to introduce a surface layer, which is already preformed from polymer material in accordance with the desired contour and constructed as a decorative layer 2, into the chambers 42, 42' of the cavity 6, which are on the left and in the middle in the representation of Figure 1, it being possible for the vacuum nozzles to hold the decorative material 2 on the top mould half 4.
The size of the decorative layer 2 is dimensioned such that it can project oversized in the region of the vertical flash face 24, while it is preferably already of the desired size in the region of the separating elements 15 or the blocking blade 12. Subsequently, the top mould half 4 is moved through a vertical movement towards the bottom mould half 5 until the two mould halves, as represented in Figure 1, are positioned CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 relatively near to one another. Before this, shut-off slides 8, 8' have already been brought into their upper limit position, in which they bear with the supporting part 20 against the upper limiting surface of the receptacle 41 (see Figure 2). This lowering of the top mould half 4 causes the blocking blades 12 or separating blades 13 to come into contact with the edge of the decorative layer 2. Since the pressure exerted by the top mould half 4 is greater than the pressure of the drive unit 39 of the shut-off slides 8, 8', the blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13 are pushed back slightly. Thereafter, the needle valve nozzles 45' and 45'' of the back compression moulding tool of the mould 7 are opened until a predetermined quantity of plasticized polymer melt or base material 9 has flowed into the left-hand and middle chambers 42, 42'.
Thereafter, the further needle valve nozzles (not represented) likewise opening into the chambers 42, 42' are opened one after another. These method steps have already been carried out in the representation of Figure 1. The polymer melt 9 is introduced with a relatively low pressure, with the result that the melt of the base material 9 remains on the bottom mould half 5 in the region of the needle valve nozzle 45', 45'' without already coming into contact with the decorative layer 2.
Thereafter, the mould 7 is completely closed by a further vertical movement of the top mould half 4. The result is that the top mould half 4 now presses via the decorative layer 2 onto the polymer melt 9, and so the latter is displaced and evenly distributed into the chambers 42, 42'. The vertical flash face 24 of the top mould half 4, together with the edge 31 of the bottom mould half 5 closes the mould 7 already during this displacing/pressing movement. Moreover, the decorative layer 2 is sheared to its desired dimension by the vertical flash face 24 during the closing movement. The dimensions of the vertical flash face 24 are matched to ~ CA 022~728l l998-l2-02 the edge 31 such that the mould 7 remains open for ventilation as long as owing to the displacement pressing the plastic or the base material 9 is located in the region of the vertical flash face Z4, but has not yet emerged.
Moreover, this closing movement presses the blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13, and thus also the shut-off slides 8, 8' further back into the bottom mould half 5, with the result that, since the two supporting surfaces 26, 26' lie on one another, they finally assume their shut-off limit position with respect to the separating elements 15 and noses 25.
After the plastic in the left-hand and middle chambers 42, 42' has crystallized to approximately 70%, the shut-off slide 8 is completely withdrawn, and the same plastic 9 is injected into the right-hand chamber 43, likewise closed in this position, by means of the needle valve nozzle 45''' of said chamber.
After waiting for a setting or cooling time to achieve a crystallization process, the edges of the moveable elements 1 can - through a punching operation by means of at least one separating blade 13 moved by a shut-off slide 8' - be separated along at least some of the predetermined edge regions 11 of the moveable element 1 from the supporting plastic component 3. After that, the mould 7 is reopened, and the finished plastic component 3 is ejected by ejectors (not represented) arranged on the bottom mould half 5.
This description of an exemplary production of moveable elements which are produced in one piece with an optionally laminated plastic component took account of the geometrical conditions of Figure 1 by naming the chambers 42, 42' (with decorative layer 2) as "left-hand" and "middle" chamber, and of the chamber 43 (without decorative layer 2) as "right-hand" chamber.
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 In this case, the left-hand and middle chambers 42, 42' can - in accordance with the injection sequence of the polymer melt or base material 9 - also be designated as "first", and the right-hand chamber 43 also as "second"
chambers. Likewise, in the moulding tool 7, the mould parts designated as top mould half 4 or bottom mould half 5 can be interchanged, with the result that the bottom mould half 5 holds the decorative material before the back compression moulding or back injecting operation.
In accordance with a second preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to provide that the moveable elements 1 are produced in one piece with the supporting plastic components 3 by making use as separating elements 15 not of noses 25 and moveable shut-off slides 8, but of fixed mould blades for the purpose of constructing the edge regions 11 (compare Figure 2c). In such cases, these separating elements 15 or mould blades - corresponding to the noses 25 in the above example - can be integrally formed on the top mould half 4. Depressions 28 are then likewise constructed on the bottom mould half 5 - in a fashion situated opposite the mould blades. The lower edges of these separating elements 15 or mould blades can preferably - in the closed state of the moulding tool 7 - be spaced apart a little from the base of the depressions 28. This just leaves room for the construction of thin regions of the base material 9, which connect the moveable elements 1 in the edge regions 11 to the supporting plastic components 3. The base material 9 can be severed here in a simple way using the tools mentioned above, or similar ones.
Furthermore, before the closure of the moulding tool, it is possible for the decorative material simply to be laid between the two mould halves - instead of being attached in a preformed fashion to a mould part. It is also possible for attachment surfaces to be provided on the supporting plastic components 3 for connecting - CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 WO 9~/002~79 PCT/CH97/00202 elements such as clips or the like. Further connecting elements or fastenings for such, for example welding pins, adhesive surfaces and the like belong to the scope of the present invention.
Equally preferred embodiments of the plastic components 3 which comprise moveable elements 1 produced in one piece therewith can have containers which are integrally formed on the side of the base material 9 and can hold warning triangles, first aid boxes and the like in store. Struttings, reinforcement or supporting elements which can be pivoted out can also be integrally formed. Further preferred embodiments of the present invention have these containers, struttings, reinforcements or supporting elements on the moveable elements 1 themselves. For example, such supporting elements can substantially facilitate service work on the rear side of vehicle lighting devices, because by using them the moveable covering elements 1 can be kept open such that access to the installations to be reached remains free during service work.
Still further embodiments of the moveable elements according to the invention co~prise rotary and snap-action closures for locking the moveable elements in aspecific open or more or less closed position. Of course, the provision of such closure elements also extends to the supporting plastic components on which moveable elements are integrally formed in one piece.
Back injection, back compression moulding in accordance with the extrudate deposition method or laminar flow method, or any combinations of these processes preferably come into consideration as processes which can be applied for the moveable elements 1 produced according to the invention in one piece with supporting plastic components 3.
~ CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 All plastics suitable for a combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method come into consideration as materials - that is to say, thermoplastics such as, for example, polypropylene, ABS
copolymers (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers) etc., or thermosets such as epoxy resins etc. These plastics can also be reinforced, for example, with fibres or mats. Consideration is also given to so-called filled plastics to which, for example, talc particles have been added. In this case, use is also frequently made of decorative materials of different colours and/or plastics with differing textures.
Irrespective of whether covers, flaps 16 or slides 17 are involved, it is a common feature of the inventive moveable elements 1 represented in the Figures that in the edge region 11 they have an edge which is bent away from the main surface of the moveable element 1 and can be covered by a decorative layer in such a way that it runs preferably and essentially parallel to the edge similarly bent away from the main surface of the supporting plastic component 3. The two edges can thereby abut one another with their surfaces with frictional grip, and form a so-called shadow joint (as is known, for example, in the automotive industry) at the surface provided with the decorative layer.
Inherent in this is the advantage that even when the moveable elements are separated from the supporting plastic component 3 in the edge regions 11 they cause no rattling noises and act as essentially continuous sound insulation. In addition, thanks to the frictional grip of a flap 16 with the plastic component 3, snap-action closures or similar locking devices become largely superfluous.
It is preferable for the base material which connects the moveable elements 1 in the end regions 11 to the supporting plastic components 3 to be constructed so thin that it can easily be severed using the tools set CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 forth, or similar ones. In a departure from the embodiments represented in Figures 3a to 3d, the edge regions 11 can also be constructed at least partially as a straight joint. In another, differing embodiment, it is possible to dispense with the thin regions which connect the base material 9, for example of a flap 16, to the supporting plastic component 3.
The following may be mentioned as examples of application - in a representative fashion and in no way conclusively:
~ Fitments and/or trim elements in transport means (for example in cars, buses, trams, trains, ships or aircraft): in this case, the inventive, moveable elements can cover installations provided in transport vehicles, such as load-securing rings in estate cars and vans, safety devices, water tanks and their filling openings etc., or containers for accessories such as tools, first aid box, warning triangle, etc.
~ Cladding and/or furnishing components in buildings (for example in bathrooms, furniture, shops, exhibition equipment): in this case, the inventive, moveable elements can likewise cover service openings in bath tub panels or shower trays, as well as fuse boxes or distributor boxes of electric installations in dwellings or exhibition facilities.
~ Fitments or cladding elements in travel accessories (for example in suitcases for luggage, executive cases or instrument cases): in this case, the inventive, moveable elements can cover containers in the suitcase shell or in partitions as well as address compartments and other compartments.
In accordance with a second aspect, the invention relates to a moulding tool for producing moveable elements of a plastic component which is produced, for example, by means of a back compression moulding method or a combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method and, in particular, has a decorative layer, and for separating the edges of this moveable element from the plastic component with the aid of at least one separating element or a shut-off slide which has a relatively thin-walled blocking blade or separating blade, and which is arranged in the prede~ermined edge regions at least of a part of the contour of these moveable elements.
In many fields of technology, use is made of components made from plastic which also have to satisfy aesthetic demands in addition to functional requirements. As one example among many, mention may be made in this regard of car building, where such plastic components-are used for interior coverings, rear-window shelves, dashboard and the like. In order to configure them in an aesthetically appealing fashion, a decorative layer is frequently attached as a separate surface layer on a visible side of the plastic component. For reasons of CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 ~ ~ 2 ease of disposal and/or simplified reuse, the decorative material should preferably be produced from the same material as the supporting plastic part; such monomaterials can thereby be recycled substantially more cost-effectively than mixed materials which firstly have to be separated.
Consequently, the so-called back compression moulding method has been developed for producing such plastic components. This method is described in the publication entitled "Kunststoffe im Automobilbau ["Plastics in car building"], VDI-Verlag GmbH, Dusseldorf 1994". It provides that a decorative layer is fastened on a top mould half of an opened mould such that, if appropriate, it completely covers the area of the surface of the top mould half. Subsequently, a polymer melt which is molten and therefore flowable is injected or inserted into the still open mould. Thereafter, the mould is closed, as a result of which the polymer melt is distributed uniformly in the mould under the clamping pressure and, at least in the case of decorative materials with pores such as, for example, in the case of textile materials, partly penetrates the decorative material. The polymer melt subsequently solidifies and in so doing is intimately connected to the decorative layer.
If a surface of a plastic component is to be provided only partially with a surface layer, this back compression moulding method just described can be combined with an injection moulding method. In this case, the back compression moulding method is applied for the section of the plastic component which is to be provided with the decorative layer or the separate surface layer. The preparation of the plastics for the combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method can be undertaken using conventional compounding lines.
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 - 2a -GB ~,27f,956 discloses generic methods and devices and correspondingly produced plastic parts for the production of which a resilient surface material is preformed and laid onto a first half of a foundry mould. A first portion of a thermoplastic resin is applied to a region of the second half of the foundry mould which is opposite the inserted surface material.
Thereupon, the mould is closed, with the result that the resin spreads on the rear side of the surface material. Before this resin has completely solidified, a further portion of this resin is injected into the closed mould so that the two portions of resin can interconnect. The component is ejected after the plastic has cooled sufficiently.
US 5,335,939 relates to an air bag device whose cover is constructed as a composite component: the surface layer, consisting of two components, is preformed, in order to give it the contours of the cover. Thereupon, this surface layer is placed - together with a grid serving as reinforcement - into a mould in which a base material is applied, the grid thereby being connected to the surface layer. The cover thus produced is configured as a moveable element and has specially constructed hinges which are reinforced by the grid and via which the moveable element is fastened on a housing with the aid of screws or bolts.
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 If moveable parts such as flaps or slides are provided in such plastic components, it is normal to use hinges or rails and their fastening means made from plastic or metal. Building in separately produced, moveable parts - in particular when dissimilar materials are used -renders both the production and the assembly and, above all, the reuse of such components more complicated and more expensive. In addition, when customary moveable components are used in transport means - when the latter are being operated - rattling noises caused by vibrations frequently occur.
The invention intends to provide a remedy here.
Using a method of the type described at the beginning, the object is achieved by virtue of the fact that the edges of moveable elements, intended as a flap or as a slide, of the plastic components are preformed in a specific way and are cut off or blanked already before or not until after the polymer melt has cooled, for example with the aid of a part of the moulding tool used for the back compression moulding method or combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method. An integral hinge for the flap is formed by virtue of the fact that the overall thickness of the plastic component can be constricted along a specific edge of a flap according to the invention.
Consequently, inventive flaps are produced in one piece with this plastic component and by virtue of said integral hinges remain connected thereto along some of the predetermined edge regions. Particularly suitable for the at least partial separation of the moveable parts from the plastic component is a blocking blade or separating blade provided in the production moulding tool or, in a separate operation, cutting out with a laser. The in-plant separating operation can be performed at at least two different times:
~ Firstly, as early as during the back compression moulding/injection moulding method a blocking blade can prevent polymer material CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 from flowing together in the edge region of moveable elements which is to be separated.
~ Secondly, it is possible - by means of a separating blade - to separate the moveable elements from the supporting plastic component by punching or severing thinner regions of the edge regions to be separated.
In-plant blanking or separating can be dispensed with should moveable elements be provided only in a specific number of the plastic components (for example for the purpose of covering installation sites of optional accessories in transport means). A final user or a maintenance specialist provided for the purpose can then separate the intended edges of the moveable elements from the plastic component, for example with the aid of a hand tool, a knife or the like. Thus, for example, covers remain completely closed when, although provided, the inventive moveable elements are not used.
This has the advantage, for example in the automobile industry, that many variants of a vehicle can be fitted with the same plastic components. Although these can certainly differ in colour and structure of the decorative material used, they all have the prepared moveable elements. Thus, it is possible at any time to meet the customers' additional wishes for enhancement without the need for a large additional outlay in providing moveable elements in these plastic components - for example, ones designed as covers.
The method described above is generally suitable for all plastics which can be processed using the back compression moulding method and/or by injection moulding. It is possible to use as surface layer and/or decorative layer those materials which make a firm connection with a plastic when use is made of the back compression moulding process. Textile materials such as knitted fabrics and plastic films may be named purely by way of example. However, those combinations of CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 plastics and materials of the surface layer are preferred which are sorted, so that after it has been used as intended the laminated plastic part can be granulated with little outlay and reused as monomaterial.
In preferred variants of the method, it is possible to provide grips or gripping troughs with the aid of which the moveable elements of the plastic components, which are formed, for example, as a flap or slide, can be moved reliably.
Moreover, according to the invention the object is achieved with a moulding tool of the type mentioned at the beginning by virtue of the fact that the moulding tool may be provided with at least one shut-off slide which can be arranged in a shut-off limit position such that the cavity of the closed mould can be subdivided into at least two chambers by the shut-off slide. The shut-off slide can have a virtually arbitrary course in the mould, so that it is also possible to produce a laminated section of the element to be moved which has a complicated contour. In this case, the shut-off slide has a relatively thin-walled blocking or separating blade, as a result of which it is possible to achieve particularly precise joint lines and/or punched lines.
It is possible to provide in preferred embodiments of the invention that the shut-off slide can be actuated pneumatically, electromagnetically, by means of a mechanical drive (for example a servo drive) or, in particular, hydraulically. These embodiments can be implemented with a relatively low outlay on design.
However, such drives can be obtained per se as reasonably priced and reliable standard drives.
The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments represented diagrammatically in the figures, in which:
- CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 ~ ~ - 6 -Figure 1 shows a sectional representation of a moulding tool according to the invention, with a decorative layer located therein and an introduced polymer melt before the complete closure of the mould;
Figure 2a shows a detailed view of the edge region, noted by a in Figure 1, for producing a laminated, moveable element - in accordance with a first embodiment - which abuts the laminated part of a plastic component;
15 Figure 2b shows a detailed view of the edge region, denoted by b in Figure 1, for producing a laminated, moveable element - in accordance with a first embodiment - which abuts the non-laminated part of a plastic component;
Figure 2c shows a detailed view in accordance with the edge region marked by a in Figure 2a, for producing a laminated, moveable element - in accordance with a second embodiment - which abuts the laminated part of a plastic component;
Figure 3 shows detailed views of preferred embodiments of flaps and integral hinges in cross section:
a) edge region without stop, with V-shaped constriction of the plastic component;
b) edge region with plastic stop and trough-shaped constriction of the plastic component;
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 c) edge region with decorative stop and pan-shaped constriction of the plastic component;
d) detailed view of a preferred embodiment of slides in cross section, edge region with plastic stop;
10 Figures 4 a-c) show detailed views of preferred embodiments of grips in cross section;
and Figures 4 d-f) show detailed views of preferred embodiments of gripping troughs in cross section.
The moulding tool 7, represented in Figures 1 and 2 a, b, in accordance with a first embodiment for combined back compression moulding/injection moulding is a constituent of a machine (not shown in more detail) for producing plastic components. The moulding tool, constructed as a vertical clamping unit, has a top mould half 4 which is situated opposite a bottom mould half 5 such that their parting line runs essentially horizontally. Moreover, the moulding tool 7 is provided with at least one shut-off slide 8, a heating channel 22, a sprue bush 33 and a control unit (not represented).
The top mould half 4 is constructed on its underside such that it has the negative contour of a laminated plastic component to be produced thereby. The contour, constructed on the top mould half 4, of the cavity 6 runs essentially horizontally. Only at the edge regions 11 does it have vertical sections directed towards the bottom mould half 5, which can also be constructed as vertical flash faces 24. Furthermore, with reference to its horizontal extent it has at least one separating - CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 element 15 likewise directed towards the bottom mould half 5, or a nose 25. In Figure 1, the top mould half 4 is provided with a holding device (not represented) in the horizontal regions on the left and in the middle.
This is a plurality of vacuum nozzles which are distributed uniformly between the noses 25 and the vertical flash face 24.
The contour, constructed on the top mould half 4, of the mould 7 is provided on its entire circumference with a supporting surface 26. Furthermore, the top mould half 4 likewise has on its end faces holding grooves 27 in which corresponding counterpieces of the machine (which is not shown) engage in order to hold the top mould half in the vertical direction.
Constructed on the top side of the bottom mould half 5 is the lower part of the mould 7, which is likewise surrounded by a supporting surface 26' along its entire circumference. The contour, which is provided with approximately vertical sections only at its edge regions and its middle, of the ~ould 7 runs essentially horizontal here, as well. In this case, at least one vertical section of the contour is constructed in the horizontal direction as a depression 28, which is situated opposite the separating element 15 or the nose 25 of the top mould half 4.
The bottom mould half 5 has, furthermore, an insert 29 which is arranged in a cutout, corresponding to it, in a block 30 of the bottom mould half 5. A section of the lower part of the contour of the mould 7 is constructed on the surface of the insert 29 situated opposite the top mould half 4. This section of the contour is raised with respect to the supporting surface 26' and has a relatively sharp edge 31 at its edge.
An interspace 36, 37 is uncovered in each case between the bottom mould half 5 and a first plate 34, and the CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 first plate 34 and a second plate 35 by means of distance strips 32, 32' and 33, 33' arranged in each case in pairs.
As may likewise be gathered from Figures 1 and 2 a, b, there is arranged in the region of the depression 28 at least one shut-off slide 8, 8' which has a blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13, a push rod 38 and a hydraulic drive device 39, and cooperates with the nose 25 situated opposite this depression 28. The hydraulic drive unit 39 arranged in the interspace 36 on the underside of the block 30 is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder, which is conventional per se and therefore not represented in more detail, a hydraulic slide and a valve, and with supply lines and control lines. The shut-off slide 8, 8' has an essentially vertically running, thin blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13 and a supporting part 20, which is broader by comparison therewith. In this case, in the representations of the two Figures 1 and 2 the blades 12, 13 pro~ecting into the depression are arranged in a slot which is constructed between the insert 29 and the block 30 and also serves as guide for the vertical movements of the blades 12, 13. The arrangement of the blades 12, 13 is undertaken in this case such that it is proof against intrusion of plastic into the slot.
The supporting part 20 is located between a receptacle 41 which is constructed by the insert 29 and the block 30 and likewise serves as guide for the supporting part 20. An upper limit position of the blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13 is determined in this case by a stop of the supporting part 20 on an upper limiting surface of the receptacle 41. The blades 12, 13 are fastened on the upper end of the push rod 38, which is arranged in a continuous cutout in the block 30. At its lower end, the push rod 38 is provided with a hydraulic slide (not represented) which is located in the drive unit 39.
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 When supported on the bottom mould half 5, the top mould half 4 forms therewith a cavity 6 which has a contour which corresponds to the plastic component to be produced. The cavity 6 can be subdivided into at least two mutually separate chambers 42, 43 by means of the noses 25 and the blades 12, 13, cooperating therewith, of the shut-off slides 8, 8'. It is possible in this case for the separating elements 15 or the noses 25, respectively, and the blocking blade 12 or the separating blade 13, respectively, to be arranged such that they bear against one another and jointly seal the chambers 42, 43 against an overflow of polymer melt into the respectively other chamber. In this position, the shut-off slides 8, 8' also assume their cut-off limit position.
As is to be seen, furthermore, in Figure 1, there is located in the second interspace 37 a distributor piece 44, extending essentially horizontally, of the heating channel 22, into which an extruder screw conveys plasticized polymer melt via a sprue bush 23. Starting from the distributor piece 44, at least two feed lines constructed as vertically aligned needle valve nozzles 45', 45'', 45''', open into the cavity 6 of the mould 7 such that the noses 25 of the top mould half 4 are situated in each case between the opening points of the needle valve nozzles 45', 45'', 45'''. The heating channel 22 is provided with a controllable heating device (not represented) by means of which the plasticized polymer melt or the base material 9 can be held at a prescribed temperature or else be further heated. The heating device and the needle valve nozzles 45', 45'', 45''' shown in the sectional representation of Figure l are connected to the control unit of the machine, as are further needle valve nozzles (which are not, however, represented). It is possible using this control unit for the needle valve nozzles to be actuated independently of one another. The nozzle ~ CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 control unit in this case is a so-called cascade control unit.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the moulding tool represented in Figure 2c and having a top mould half 4 and a bottom mould half 5 is likewise a constituent of a machine (not shown in more detail otherwise) with a control unit (not represented) for the purpose of producing plastic parts by means of back compression moulding, for example. The moulding tool represented here largely corresponds to the moulding tool of the first embodiment. The following are the most important differences:
15 ~ The separating elements 15 are here constructed as fixed mould blades and arranged at least in some of the edge regions of moveable elements to be produced in one piece with the plastic components.
20 ~ Shut-off slides are essentially dispensed with.
~ The depression 28 is situated opposite the separating element 15, which is designed as a fixed mould blade and preferably reaches almost down to the base of the depression 28.
~ The cavity 6 can be subdivided into at least two chambers 42, 43 by the separating elements 15 and the depressions 28, which cooperate therewith.
~ The polymer melt or the base material 9 can be brought between the mould halves 4 and 5 with the aid of a moveable slit die (extrudate deposition method).
~ The polymer melt or the base material 9 can be brought between the mould halves 4 and 5 by needle valve nozzles (laminar flow method).
CA 022~728l l998-l2-02 The supporting plastic component 3 and the moveable elements 1 comprise - as may be seen from Figure 3 - in each case a base material, which is constructed, for example, as a solid plastic layer, and a decorative layer 2. The base material can also be foamed in order to reduce weight. The base material can have a region with a substantially reduced thickness, or a depression or constriction, in order to construct integral hinges 14 via which the moveable elements 1, produced in one piece, remain connected to the supporting plastic component 3 - for example in the case of the construction of a flap 16. In the case of the use of foamed base material, the structure of the regions of the depressions can deviate from the structure of the remaining base material - for example be solid - as a result of which the service life of the integral hinges is influenced.
Preferred embodiments of edge regions 11 and integral hinges 14 are represented in Figure 3. In this case, the edge regions 11 of a moveable element 1 can abut the supporting plastic component 3 such that - as in Figure 3a) - no stop is provided, or - in particularly preferred embodiments - a stop 21 of the plastic component 3 is provided without (as in Figure 3b) or with (as in Figure 3c) a decorative facing 2. In order to ensure the mobility of such flaps 16, the latter are connected in a hinged manner to the supporting plastic component by means of an integral hinge 14 along some of the predetermined edge regions 11, which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements 1 produced in one piece with the plastic component 3.
These integral hinges 14 can be provided as V-shaped, trough-shaped or pan-shaped depressions or constrictions in the base material of the plastic component 3. Combinations of these embodiments or other depressions which serve the purpose of increasing the flexibility and/or durability of these integral hinges are also conceivable, and form a constituent of the CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 present concept of the invention. Of course, the flaps can be moved against the side of the decoration 2 (as illustrated in Figure 3) or in the direction opposite thereto. In this case, either the moveable element 1 or the plastic component 3 can bear one or more stops 21.
The length and number of the stops 21 per moveable element 1 is determined, for example, by the size and/or the intended use or the loading of the moveable elements. The length of a stop can be a few centimetres. A stop can also extend along sizeable parts of the edge regions 11, or else along the whole edge region 11 of a moveable element.
A preferred embodiment of a slide 17 is represented in Figure 3d). In a way similar to Figure 3b), a stop 21 is constructed, but it is placed ~urther back from the surface of the decorative layer 2. After the edge regions 11 have been separated from the supporting plastic component 3 - for example by means of a hand tool, a knife or the like - the slide 17 can be pressed in from the decorative side and be moved to a lower position (drawn with dashes in Figure 3d). The slide can be moved - for example with the aid of one of the grips represented in Figure 4 - into the desired position, or closed again on the lower stop 21, which is preferably extended beyond the region of the moveable element 1, on at least one suitable side. In this case, a stop (not illustrated) or a plurality of stops can prevent the slide from being extracted completely. The stop or stops can be provided on the plastic component 3 or on the slide 17 or on both.
The moveable element 1 can also be formed as a removable cover with or without a stop, which is separated from the supporting plastic component in the plant, or not until later. Such covers can be connected to accessories for automobiles, such as ski bags and the like. Grips 18 and/or gripping troughs 19 as represented in Figures 4a)-4c) and Figures 4d)-4f) can - CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 serve the purpose of convenient and reliable movement of the elements 1, be they constructed as a cover, cap 16 or slide 17. The grips 18 are distinguished in that they can project beyond the decorative layer 2 and are preferably configured to be conically tapered (Figure 4a), straight (Figures 4b, c) and filled (Figures 4a, b) or hollow (Figure 4c). The gripping troughs 19 can accommodate one or more of these grips 18, the grips 18 then preferably not projecting above the gripping trough 19 (Figure 4d). The wall of the gripping trough 19 can be constructed directly as a grip (Figure 4e), or only conically (Figure 4d) or straight (Figure 4f).
It is important that these actuating means of the moveable elements 1 are produced in one piece therewith. These actuating means can in this case be laminated with the same decorative layer 2 as the moveable element 1 and the plastic component 3, or it is possible to provide different colours or textures for the plastic component, the moveable elements and/or the actuating means, or any combinations thereof.
In order to produce a laminated plastic component, the procedure in accordance with a first embodiment is firstly to introduce a surface layer, which is already preformed from polymer material in accordance with the desired contour and constructed as a decorative layer 2, into the chambers 42, 42' of the cavity 6, which are on the left and in the middle in the representation of Figure 1, it being possible for the vacuum nozzles to hold the decorative material 2 on the top mould half 4.
The size of the decorative layer 2 is dimensioned such that it can project oversized in the region of the vertical flash face 24, while it is preferably already of the desired size in the region of the separating elements 15 or the blocking blade 12. Subsequently, the top mould half 4 is moved through a vertical movement towards the bottom mould half 5 until the two mould halves, as represented in Figure 1, are positioned CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 relatively near to one another. Before this, shut-off slides 8, 8' have already been brought into their upper limit position, in which they bear with the supporting part 20 against the upper limiting surface of the receptacle 41 (see Figure 2). This lowering of the top mould half 4 causes the blocking blades 12 or separating blades 13 to come into contact with the edge of the decorative layer 2. Since the pressure exerted by the top mould half 4 is greater than the pressure of the drive unit 39 of the shut-off slides 8, 8', the blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13 are pushed back slightly. Thereafter, the needle valve nozzles 45' and 45'' of the back compression moulding tool of the mould 7 are opened until a predetermined quantity of plasticized polymer melt or base material 9 has flowed into the left-hand and middle chambers 42, 42'.
Thereafter, the further needle valve nozzles (not represented) likewise opening into the chambers 42, 42' are opened one after another. These method steps have already been carried out in the representation of Figure 1. The polymer melt 9 is introduced with a relatively low pressure, with the result that the melt of the base material 9 remains on the bottom mould half 5 in the region of the needle valve nozzle 45', 45'' without already coming into contact with the decorative layer 2.
Thereafter, the mould 7 is completely closed by a further vertical movement of the top mould half 4. The result is that the top mould half 4 now presses via the decorative layer 2 onto the polymer melt 9, and so the latter is displaced and evenly distributed into the chambers 42, 42'. The vertical flash face 24 of the top mould half 4, together with the edge 31 of the bottom mould half 5 closes the mould 7 already during this displacing/pressing movement. Moreover, the decorative layer 2 is sheared to its desired dimension by the vertical flash face 24 during the closing movement. The dimensions of the vertical flash face 24 are matched to ~ CA 022~728l l998-l2-02 the edge 31 such that the mould 7 remains open for ventilation as long as owing to the displacement pressing the plastic or the base material 9 is located in the region of the vertical flash face Z4, but has not yet emerged.
Moreover, this closing movement presses the blocking blade 12 or separating blade 13, and thus also the shut-off slides 8, 8' further back into the bottom mould half 5, with the result that, since the two supporting surfaces 26, 26' lie on one another, they finally assume their shut-off limit position with respect to the separating elements 15 and noses 25.
After the plastic in the left-hand and middle chambers 42, 42' has crystallized to approximately 70%, the shut-off slide 8 is completely withdrawn, and the same plastic 9 is injected into the right-hand chamber 43, likewise closed in this position, by means of the needle valve nozzle 45''' of said chamber.
After waiting for a setting or cooling time to achieve a crystallization process, the edges of the moveable elements 1 can - through a punching operation by means of at least one separating blade 13 moved by a shut-off slide 8' - be separated along at least some of the predetermined edge regions 11 of the moveable element 1 from the supporting plastic component 3. After that, the mould 7 is reopened, and the finished plastic component 3 is ejected by ejectors (not represented) arranged on the bottom mould half 5.
This description of an exemplary production of moveable elements which are produced in one piece with an optionally laminated plastic component took account of the geometrical conditions of Figure 1 by naming the chambers 42, 42' (with decorative layer 2) as "left-hand" and "middle" chamber, and of the chamber 43 (without decorative layer 2) as "right-hand" chamber.
CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 In this case, the left-hand and middle chambers 42, 42' can - in accordance with the injection sequence of the polymer melt or base material 9 - also be designated as "first", and the right-hand chamber 43 also as "second"
chambers. Likewise, in the moulding tool 7, the mould parts designated as top mould half 4 or bottom mould half 5 can be interchanged, with the result that the bottom mould half 5 holds the decorative material before the back compression moulding or back injecting operation.
In accordance with a second preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to provide that the moveable elements 1 are produced in one piece with the supporting plastic components 3 by making use as separating elements 15 not of noses 25 and moveable shut-off slides 8, but of fixed mould blades for the purpose of constructing the edge regions 11 (compare Figure 2c). In such cases, these separating elements 15 or mould blades - corresponding to the noses 25 in the above example - can be integrally formed on the top mould half 4. Depressions 28 are then likewise constructed on the bottom mould half 5 - in a fashion situated opposite the mould blades. The lower edges of these separating elements 15 or mould blades can preferably - in the closed state of the moulding tool 7 - be spaced apart a little from the base of the depressions 28. This just leaves room for the construction of thin regions of the base material 9, which connect the moveable elements 1 in the edge regions 11 to the supporting plastic components 3. The base material 9 can be severed here in a simple way using the tools mentioned above, or similar ones.
Furthermore, before the closure of the moulding tool, it is possible for the decorative material simply to be laid between the two mould halves - instead of being attached in a preformed fashion to a mould part. It is also possible for attachment surfaces to be provided on the supporting plastic components 3 for connecting - CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 WO 9~/002~79 PCT/CH97/00202 elements such as clips or the like. Further connecting elements or fastenings for such, for example welding pins, adhesive surfaces and the like belong to the scope of the present invention.
Equally preferred embodiments of the plastic components 3 which comprise moveable elements 1 produced in one piece therewith can have containers which are integrally formed on the side of the base material 9 and can hold warning triangles, first aid boxes and the like in store. Struttings, reinforcement or supporting elements which can be pivoted out can also be integrally formed. Further preferred embodiments of the present invention have these containers, struttings, reinforcements or supporting elements on the moveable elements 1 themselves. For example, such supporting elements can substantially facilitate service work on the rear side of vehicle lighting devices, because by using them the moveable covering elements 1 can be kept open such that access to the installations to be reached remains free during service work.
Still further embodiments of the moveable elements according to the invention co~prise rotary and snap-action closures for locking the moveable elements in aspecific open or more or less closed position. Of course, the provision of such closure elements also extends to the supporting plastic components on which moveable elements are integrally formed in one piece.
Back injection, back compression moulding in accordance with the extrudate deposition method or laminar flow method, or any combinations of these processes preferably come into consideration as processes which can be applied for the moveable elements 1 produced according to the invention in one piece with supporting plastic components 3.
~ CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 All plastics suitable for a combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method come into consideration as materials - that is to say, thermoplastics such as, for example, polypropylene, ABS
copolymers (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers) etc., or thermosets such as epoxy resins etc. These plastics can also be reinforced, for example, with fibres or mats. Consideration is also given to so-called filled plastics to which, for example, talc particles have been added. In this case, use is also frequently made of decorative materials of different colours and/or plastics with differing textures.
Irrespective of whether covers, flaps 16 or slides 17 are involved, it is a common feature of the inventive moveable elements 1 represented in the Figures that in the edge region 11 they have an edge which is bent away from the main surface of the moveable element 1 and can be covered by a decorative layer in such a way that it runs preferably and essentially parallel to the edge similarly bent away from the main surface of the supporting plastic component 3. The two edges can thereby abut one another with their surfaces with frictional grip, and form a so-called shadow joint (as is known, for example, in the automotive industry) at the surface provided with the decorative layer.
Inherent in this is the advantage that even when the moveable elements are separated from the supporting plastic component 3 in the edge regions 11 they cause no rattling noises and act as essentially continuous sound insulation. In addition, thanks to the frictional grip of a flap 16 with the plastic component 3, snap-action closures or similar locking devices become largely superfluous.
It is preferable for the base material which connects the moveable elements 1 in the end regions 11 to the supporting plastic components 3 to be constructed so thin that it can easily be severed using the tools set CA 022~7281 1998-12-02 forth, or similar ones. In a departure from the embodiments represented in Figures 3a to 3d, the edge regions 11 can also be constructed at least partially as a straight joint. In another, differing embodiment, it is possible to dispense with the thin regions which connect the base material 9, for example of a flap 16, to the supporting plastic component 3.
The following may be mentioned as examples of application - in a representative fashion and in no way conclusively:
~ Fitments and/or trim elements in transport means (for example in cars, buses, trams, trains, ships or aircraft): in this case, the inventive, moveable elements can cover installations provided in transport vehicles, such as load-securing rings in estate cars and vans, safety devices, water tanks and their filling openings etc., or containers for accessories such as tools, first aid box, warning triangle, etc.
~ Cladding and/or furnishing components in buildings (for example in bathrooms, furniture, shops, exhibition equipment): in this case, the inventive, moveable elements can likewise cover service openings in bath tub panels or shower trays, as well as fuse boxes or distributor boxes of electric installations in dwellings or exhibition facilities.
~ Fitments or cladding elements in travel accessories (for example in suitcases for luggage, executive cases or instrument cases): in this case, the inventive, moveable elements can cover containers in the suitcase shell or in partitions as well as address compartments and other compartments.
Claims (21)
1. Method for producing moveable elements (1) of a plastic component (3), in particular one having a decorative layer (2), in which two mould halves (4, 5) form a cavity (6) of a mould (7) which is subdivided by separating elements (15) into at least two chambers (42, 43), and which comprises the following steps:
~ inserting decorative material (2) between the two mould halves;
~ introducing a polymer melt or a base material (9) into the cavity (6) of the mould (7), and closing the mould;
~ displacement pressing and uniform distribution of the polymer melt or the base material (9);
~ awaiting the crystallization process, and ejecting the plastic component (3);
characterized by constructing predetermined edge regions (11) with the aid of the separating elements (15), which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements (1) which are produced in one piece with the plastic component (3).
~ inserting decorative material (2) between the two mould halves;
~ introducing a polymer melt or a base material (9) into the cavity (6) of the mould (7), and closing the mould;
~ displacement pressing and uniform distribution of the polymer melt or the base material (9);
~ awaiting the crystallization process, and ejecting the plastic component (3);
characterized by constructing predetermined edge regions (11) with the aid of the separating elements (15), which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements (1) which are produced in one piece with the plastic component (3).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that separating elements (15) which are constructed as fixed mould blades are used to separate the cavity (6) of the mould (7) into at least two chambers (42, 43)
3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that separating elements (15) which are constructed as noses (25) and cooperate with moveable shut-off slides (8, 8') are used to separate the cavity (6) of the mould (7) into at least two chambers (42, 43), and in that a combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method comprising the following steps is applied:
~ attaching decorative material (2) to one of the mould halves so that it is located in a first chamber (42, 42') which is cut off by closing the mould (7) and transferring at least one shut-off slide (8') into a shut-off limit position in the cavity (6);
~ introducing a polymer melt or a base material (9) into the mould (7) through at least one feed line (10), closing the mould (7) and transferring at least one shut-off slide (8, 8') into its shut-off limit position;
~ displacement pressing of the polymer melt or the base material (9) and awaiting a predetermined crystallization value;
~ withdrawing the at least one shut-off slide (8, 8') from its shut-off limit position;
~ injecting a second polymer melt or a base material (9) into a second chamber (43) of the cavity (6), awaiting the crystallization process and ejecting the plastic component (3); and ~ constructing predetermined edge regions (11) which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements (1) which are produced in one piece with the plastic component (3).
~ attaching decorative material (2) to one of the mould halves so that it is located in a first chamber (42, 42') which is cut off by closing the mould (7) and transferring at least one shut-off slide (8') into a shut-off limit position in the cavity (6);
~ introducing a polymer melt or a base material (9) into the mould (7) through at least one feed line (10), closing the mould (7) and transferring at least one shut-off slide (8, 8') into its shut-off limit position;
~ displacement pressing of the polymer melt or the base material (9) and awaiting a predetermined crystallization value;
~ withdrawing the at least one shut-off slide (8, 8') from its shut-off limit position;
~ injecting a second polymer melt or a base material (9) into a second chamber (43) of the cavity (6), awaiting the crystallization process and ejecting the plastic component (3); and ~ constructing predetermined edge regions (11) which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements (1) which are produced in one piece with the plastic component (3).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moveable elements (1) are separated along at least some of the predetermined edge regions (11) by a separation of the plastic component (3).
5. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that the separation is carried out by means of a blocking blade (12) which prevents polymer material or base material (9) from flowing together in the edge regions (11) to be separated.
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thinner regions and/or depressions in the polymer or base material (9) are constructed at least along in each case some of the edge regions (11) of the moveable element (1).
7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the separation is carried out by means of a separating blade (13) such that the polymer or base material (9) is severed in the thinner regions of the edge regions (11) to be separated.
8. Method according to Claim 5 or 7, characterized in that the blocking blade (12) or separating blade (13) is moved by means of the shut-off slide (8, 8').
9. Method according to Claim 4 or 6, characterized in that the separation is carried out by means of a laser.
10. Method according to one of Claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the decorative layer (2) is held on a mould half (4) by means of a holding device.
11. Moulding tool for producing in one piece moveable elements (1), in particular having a decorative layer (2), of a plastic component (3), which comprises a top mould half (4) and a bottom mould half (5) which form a cavity (6) of a mould (7) which comprises separating elements (15) by means of which the cavity can be subdivided into at least two chambers (42, 43), and by means of which predetermined edge regions (11) can be defined in at least a part of the contour of these moveable elements (1), characterized in that - for the purpose of separating the cavity (6) of the mould (7) into at least two chambers (42, 43) - the separating elements (15) are constructed as fixed mould blades and/or as noses (25) which are arranged opposite shut-off slides (8, 8').
12. Moulding tool according to Claim 11, characterized in that the mould (7) is constructed for applying a combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method and, in particular, has a feed line (10) and a sprue bush (23) for a plastics compounding line, and in that the mould (7) is provided with at least one shut-off slide (8, 8') which can be arranged in a shut-off limit position such that the cavity (6) of the closed mould (7) can be subdivided by the shut-off slide (8, 8') into at least two chambers (42, 43), and which, in addition, comprises a relatively thin-walled blocking blade (12) or separating blade (13) for separating the edge regions (11) of the moveable elements (1), produced in one piece with the plastic component (3), of the plastic component (3), and which can be arranged in the predetermined edge regions (11) of at least a part of the contour of these moveable elements (1).
13. Moulding tool according to Claim 12, characterized in that the at least one shut-off slide (8, 8') can be actuated hydraulically, electromagnetically or mechanically.
14. Moulding tool according to one of the preceding Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the mould (7) is constructed as a vertical clamping unit and has a vertical flash face (24).
15. Moulding tool according to Claim 14, characterized in that the dimensions of the vertical flash face (24) can be matched to the dimensions of the mould (7) such that the mould (7) cannot be closed by the vertical flash face (24) until owing to the increasing clamping pressure polymer melt (9) is already located in the region of the vertical flash faces (24).
16. Moulding tool according to one of Claims 11 to 15, characterized by means for producing an integral hinge (14).
17. Moveable element (1) which is produced in one piece with a plastic component (3) and has a surface which is provided in particular partially with a decorative layer (2), and which can be produced by means of:
inserting a decorative layer (2) between two mould halves of a mould (7) whose cavity (6) can be subdivided into a plurality of chambers (42, 43) with the aid of at least one separating element (15), the decorative layer (2) being located at least in one of the chambers;
introducing a polymer melt (9) into the cavity (6) of the mould (7), and closing the mould (7), as a result of which the first polymer melt is uniformly distributed in the chambers (42, 43); and constructing predetermined edge regions (11) with the aid of the separating elements (15) which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements (1) which are produced in one piece with the plastic component (3).
inserting a decorative layer (2) between two mould halves of a mould (7) whose cavity (6) can be subdivided into a plurality of chambers (42, 43) with the aid of at least one separating element (15), the decorative layer (2) being located at least in one of the chambers;
introducing a polymer melt (9) into the cavity (6) of the mould (7), and closing the mould (7), as a result of which the first polymer melt is uniformly distributed in the chambers (42, 43); and constructing predetermined edge regions (11) with the aid of the separating elements (15) which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements (1) which are produced in one piece with the plastic component (3).
18. Moveable element (1) of a plastic component (3) according to Claim 17, which can be produced, using a combined back compression moulding/injection moulding method, by means of:
inserting a decorative layer (2) into a mould half of a mould (7) whose cavity (6) can be subdivided into a plurality of chambers (42, 43) with the aid of at least one shut-off slide (8, 8'), the decorative layer (2) being located at least in one of the chambers;
introducing a first polymer melt (9) into a first chamber (42, 42') and closing the mould (7), as a result of which the first polymer melt is uniformly distributed in the chamber (42, 42');
withdrawing the at least one shut-off slide (8') of the mould (7), and injecting a second polymer melt (9) into a second chamber (43) of the mould (7); and constructing predetermined edge regions (11) which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements (1) which are produced in one piece with the plastic component (3).
inserting a decorative layer (2) into a mould half of a mould (7) whose cavity (6) can be subdivided into a plurality of chambers (42, 43) with the aid of at least one shut-off slide (8, 8'), the decorative layer (2) being located at least in one of the chambers;
introducing a first polymer melt (9) into a first chamber (42, 42') and closing the mould (7), as a result of which the first polymer melt is uniformly distributed in the chamber (42, 42');
withdrawing the at least one shut-off slide (8') of the mould (7), and injecting a second polymer melt (9) into a second chamber (43) of the mould (7); and constructing predetermined edge regions (11) which define at least a part of the contour of moveable elements (1) which are produced in one piece with the plastic component (3).
19. Moveable element (1) of a plastic component (3) according to Claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the element (1) can be cut off from the supporting plastic component (3) along all its predetermined edge regions (11), and comprises a cover or a slide (17).
20. Moveable element (1) of a plastic component (3) according to Claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the element (1) comprises a flap (16) which is connected in a hinged manner to the plastic component (3) with the formation of an integral hinge (14) along some of the predetermined edge regions (11).
21. Moveable element (1) of a plastic component (3) according to one of Claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the element (1) comprises a grip (18) or a gripping trough (19) for opening or closing at least partially.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH1610/96 | 1996-06-27 | ||
| CH161096 | 1996-06-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2257281A1 true CA2257281A1 (en) | 1998-01-08 |
Family
ID=4214464
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002257281A Abandoned CA2257281A1 (en) | 1996-06-27 | 1997-05-22 | Process and device for making movable units of a plastic component |
Country Status (14)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0914238B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE199515T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2688797A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9710058A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2257281A1 (en) |
| CZ (1) | CZ403198A3 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE59703113D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0914238T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2155684T3 (en) |
| HU (1) | HU221689B1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL127419A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL184274B1 (en) |
| PT (1) | PT914238E (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998000279A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19734686A1 (en) * | 1997-08-11 | 1999-02-18 | Otto Deuschle Modell Und Forme | Plastic molding and method and device for its production |
| DE19734666A1 (en) | 1997-08-11 | 1999-02-18 | Bayer Ag | Flame-retardant polycarbonate ABS molding compounds |
| GB2330791B (en) | 1997-10-30 | 2002-05-08 | Boucherie Nv G B | Method of molding toothbrushes and apparatus for performing the method |
| AT406759B (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2000-08-25 | Magna Eybl Gmbh | COVER FOR AN AIRBAG MODULE |
| DE19958316C1 (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2001-02-22 | Hans H Schmitz | Molding process for molding plastic components, e.g. interior panels for vehicles, incorporating coated and non-coated areas, where an area to be coated is separated from a non-coated area by a blade and corresponding slide |
| EP1112831A1 (en) * | 1999-12-30 | 2001-07-04 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Method of making an interior trim panel |
| US6838027B2 (en) | 1999-12-30 | 2005-01-04 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Method of making an interior trim panel |
| DE102011108942B4 (en) * | 2011-07-29 | 2021-06-10 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Method for producing a component from a first and a second material |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5395668A (en) * | 1990-08-29 | 1995-03-07 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Air bag apparatus |
| US5335939A (en) * | 1991-11-13 | 1994-08-09 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Air bag device |
| JP2701683B2 (en) * | 1992-10-30 | 1998-01-21 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Method for manufacturing resin molded body |
| FR2720320B1 (en) * | 1994-05-26 | 1996-09-20 | Cera | Method of including a decoration, in particular textile, in a plastic part. |
| DE19505155A1 (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1996-08-22 | Magna Zippex Autotechnik Gmbh | Method for producing a plastic lining part and a lining part produced in particular according to this method |
-
1997
- 1997-05-22 WO PCT/CH1997/000202 patent/WO1998000279A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-05-22 DE DE59703113T patent/DE59703113D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-05-22 BR BR9710058-7A patent/BR9710058A/en active Search and Examination
- 1997-05-22 HU HU9904272A patent/HU221689B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-05-22 EP EP97920484A patent/EP0914238B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-05-22 CA CA002257281A patent/CA2257281A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-22 AU AU26887/97A patent/AU2688797A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-22 PL PL97330896A patent/PL184274B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-05-22 IL IL12741997A patent/IL127419A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-05-22 AT AT97920484T patent/ATE199515T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-05-22 DK DK97920484T patent/DK0914238T3/en active
- 1997-05-22 PT PT97920484T patent/PT914238E/en unknown
- 1997-05-22 CZ CZ984031A patent/CZ403198A3/en unknown
- 1997-05-22 ES ES97920484T patent/ES2155684T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| PL184274B1 (en) | 2002-09-30 |
| ATE199515T1 (en) | 2001-03-15 |
| BR9710058A (en) | 2000-01-11 |
| HUP9904272A2 (en) | 2000-05-28 |
| DK0914238T3 (en) | 2001-07-16 |
| HUP9904272A3 (en) | 2000-12-28 |
| IL127419A (en) | 2001-03-19 |
| EP0914238B1 (en) | 2001-03-07 |
| PL330896A1 (en) | 1999-06-07 |
| IL127419A0 (en) | 1999-10-28 |
| WO1998000279A1 (en) | 1998-01-08 |
| DE59703113D1 (en) | 2001-04-12 |
| CZ403198A3 (en) | 1999-04-14 |
| PT914238E (en) | 2001-08-30 |
| AU2688797A (en) | 1998-01-21 |
| ES2155684T3 (en) | 2001-05-16 |
| EP0914238A1 (en) | 1999-05-12 |
| HU221689B1 (en) | 2002-12-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |