阅读说明：本技术 用于挤出帘布增强挤出物的挤出机机头及使用其的方法 (Extruder head for extruding cord reinforced extrudate and method of using same ) 是由 R·G·M·德布恩 E·H·德扬 G·J·C·范拉尔 于 2017-05-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于挤出帘布增强挤出物的挤出机机头,其中,挤出机机头包括模具和帘布导件,其中,所述帘布导件包括在所述帘布平面的第一侧处的第一引导组件和在所述帘布平面的第二侧处的第二引导组件,其中,所述第一引导组件和所述第二引导组件中的一个包括多个可更换的引导块,所述引导块在平行于所述帘布平面并垂直于所述帘布方向的横向方向上并排布置,其中,每个块包括在所述帘布方向上延伸并且平行于帘布平面的、用于接收帘布的多个引导通道。(The present invention relates to an extruder head for extruding a cord-reinforced extrusion, wherein the extruder head comprises a die and a cord guide, wherein the cord guide comprises a first guide assembly at a first side of the cord plane and a second guide assembly at a second side of the cord plane, wherein one of the first guide assembly and the second guide assembly comprises a plurality of replaceable guide blocks arranged side by side in a transverse direction parallel to the cord plane and perpendicular to the cord direction, wherein each block comprises a plurality of guide channels extending in the cord direction and parallel to the cord plane for receiving a cord.)

1. An extruder head for extruding a cord reinforced extrudate, wherein the extruder head comprises a die for receiving a cord and an extruded material in a cord direction, and a cord guide for guiding the cord side by side into the die in a cord plane parallel to the cord direction, wherein the extruder head further comprises a first flow channel extending through the extruder head at a first side of the cord plane along a first flow path and into the die from the first side of the cord plane, and a second flow channel extending through the extruder head at a second side of the cord plane opposite the first side along a second flow path and into the die from the second side, wherein the cord guide comprises a first guide assembly at the first side of the cord plane and a second guide assembly at the second side of the cord plane, wherein one of the first and second guide assemblies comprises a plurality of replaceable guide blocks arranged side by side in a transverse direction parallel to the curtain plane and perpendicular to the curtain direction, wherein each block comprises a plurality of guide channels extending in the curtain direction and parallel to the curtain plane for receiving a curtain.

2. The extruder head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide channels includes at least one guide channel defined by two directly adjacent guide blocks.

3. Extruder head according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path each comprise a supply portion and a hanger-like portion having a widened cross section downstream of the supply portion, wherein the cord guide comprises a front end extending at least partially into the mold, wherein, the front end is provided with a first deflection surface and a second deflection surface extending on opposite sides of the cord plane and directed towards the mould in the cord direction, wherein the hanger-like portion of the first runner and the hanger-like portion of the second runner enter the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface, respectively, in a direction perpendicular to the curtain plane, wherein the first and second deflection surfaces are arranged to deflect the extrusion material from the first and second flow passages towards and/or into the die, respectively.

4. Extruder head according to claim 3, wherein the first and second deflection surfaces are tangential to the respective hanger-like portions and the cord plane.

5. Extruder head according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path each comprise a supply portion and a hanger-like portion having a widened cross section downstream of the supply portion, wherein the hanger-like portion of the first flow channel and the hanger-like portion of the second flow channel each comprise a circumferential wall, wherein the extruder head for each flow channel comprises a first hanger-like half and a second hanger-like half arranged to be placed next to each other on opposite sides of the mating plane to form the circumferential wall of the respective flow channel.

6. Extruder head according to claim 5, wherein the mating plane extends transverse or perpendicular to the cord plane and the cord direction.

7. Extruder head according to claim 5, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path intersect the mating plane at the respective hanger-like portion or extend at least partially in the mating plane at the respective hanger-like portion.

8. The extruder head of claim 5, wherein the first hanger-like half and the second hanger-like half are separable in a separation direction parallel to the cord direction.

9. The extruder head of claim 5, wherein said extruder head comprises a first head assembly for holding or forming said die and a second head assembly for holding or forming said curtain guide, wherein said first hanger-like half is formed by said first head assembly, and wherein said second hanger-like half is formed by said second head assembly.

10. The extruder head of claim 5, wherein said extruder head comprises a first head assembly for holding or forming said die and a second head assembly for holding or forming said curtain guide, wherein said first hanger-like half is an insert held by said first head assembly, and wherein said second hanger-like half is an insert held by said second head assembly.

11. The extruder head of claim 10, wherein the first head assembly and the second head assembly are separable in a separation direction parallel to the cord plane.

12. Extruder head according to claim 11, wherein the first head assembly and the second head assembly are arranged to be placed adjacent to each other on opposite sides of the mating plane.

13. The extruder head of claim 9, wherein the extruder head comprises an escape channel extending at the mating plane, wherein the escape channel is separated from the first flow channel and the second flow channel when the first head assembly and the second head assembly are abutted at the mating plane, and wherein the escape channel is in fluid communication with the first flow channel or the second flow channel when the first head assembly and the second head assembly are separated in the separation direction.

14. Extruder head according to claim 10, wherein the extruder head comprises an escape channel extending at the mating plane, wherein the escape channel is separated from the first flow channel and the second flow channel by the insert when the insert abuts at the mating plane, and wherein the escape channel is in fluid communication with the first flow channel and/or the second flow channel when the insert is separated in the separation direction.

15. Extruder head according to claim 14, wherein the head assemblies are arranged to remain mutually abutting outside the escape channel while the inserts are separated in the separation direction.

16. The extruder head of claim 9, wherein the second head assembly comprises a first housing assembly at a first side of the cord plane and a second housing assembly at a second side of the cord plane, wherein the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly together form a containment space for containing a cord guide, wherein the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly are not separable in a normal direction perpendicular to the cord plane.

17. The extruder head of claim 1, wherein the die comprises a first die assembly at a first side of the cord plane and a second die assembly at a second side of the cord plane, wherein the first die assembly and the second die assembly together form a die opening through which the extrudate exits the extruder head, wherein the first die assembly and the second die assembly are not separable in a normal direction perpendicular to the cord plane.

18. The extruder head of claim 1, wherein the cord guide is slidable into and out of an operating position in the extruder head in the cord direction and a sliding direction opposite the cord direction, respectively.

19. The extruder head of claim 1 and a set of replacement blocks to replace one or more guide blocks of the cord guide.

20. The extruder head of claim 19 and a set of change blocks, wherein at least one of the change blocks comprises a plurality of guide channels identical to the guide blocks of the cord guide.

21. The extruder head of claim 19 and a set of change blocks, wherein at least one of the change blocks comprises a different number or shape of guide channels than the guide blocks of the cord guide.

22. A method of using the extruder of claim 1, wherein the method comprises the step of replacing one or more guide blocks of the cord guide for one or more replacement blocks.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein at least one of the replacement blocks comprises a plurality of guide channels identical to guide blocks of the curtain guide.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein at least one of the replacement blocks includes a different number or shape of guide channels than the guide block of the curtain guide.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the method comprises the steps of: sliding the cord guide into and out of an operating position in the extruder head in the cord direction and a sliding direction opposite the cord direction, respectively.

Technical Field

The invention relates to an extruder head for extruding cord fabric reinforcing extrudate.

Background

EP 0339510 a2 discloses an extruder head for producing sheets of elastomeric material which are internally reinforced with relatively close-packed metal or textile cords. The extruder head includes a die defined by a top die and a bottom die and a cord guide assembly comprised of a top plate and a bottom plate. The top and bottom sections of the mold and the cord guide are mounted together by the housing on opposite sides of the cord plane. The extruder head defines two conical converging channels for supplying the plastic elastomeric material to the die.

When the elastomeric material is supplied to the conical converging channel of the extruder head, pressure build-up and pressure are applied outwardly to the circumferential wall of said channel. A substantial component of said pressure is applied to parts of the extruder head in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the cord causing the top and bottom parts of the die, the top and bottom parts of the cord guide assembly and/or the housing to move. As a result, the relative positioning of the parts becomes inaccurate. The precise positioning is particularly critical for the top and bottom portions of the mold, which determines the thickness of the elastomeric sheet. Also, inaccurate positioning of the top and bottom portions of the curtain guide can result in damage to the portions and/or inaccurate embedding of the curtain in the elastic material. In particular, the guide channels in the curtain channel are easily broken due to the very thin walls between them, which may lead to high replacement costs.

The invention aims to: an alternative extruder head for extruding cord reinforced extrudate is provided in which at least one of the above disadvantages may be reduced and/or prevented.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an extruder head for extruding cord reinforced extrudate, wherein the extruder head comprises a die for receiving cord and extruded material in a cord direction and a cord guide for guiding the cord side by side into the die in a cord plane parallel to the cord direction, wherein the extruder head further comprises a first flow channel extending along a first flow path through the extruder head at a first side of the cord plane and into the die from the first side of the cord plane, and a second flow channel extending along a second flow path through the extruder head at a second side of the cord plane opposite to the first side and into the die from the second side, wherein the cord guide comprises a first guide assembly at the first side of the cord plane and a second guide assembly at the second side of the cord plane, wherein one of the first and second guide assemblies comprises a plurality of replaceable guide blocks arranged side by side in a transverse direction parallel to the curtain plane and perpendicular to the curtain direction, wherein each block comprises a plurality of guide channels extending in the curtain direction and parallel to the curtain plane for receiving a curtain.

The guide channels in the block are easily broken due to the very thin walls between them. The block is easily replaced when it breaks. The cost of replacing a block may be lower than replacing the entire guide assembly.

In another embodiment, the plurality of guide channels includes at least one guide channel defined by two directly adjacent guide blocks. By providing half the guide channel at the end of the guide block rather than at the very thin end wall, the guide block is less prone to damage.

In another embodiment, the first flow path and the second flow path each comprise a supply portion and a hanger-like portion having a widened cross-section downstream of the supply portion, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path extend in their respective hanger-like portions along at least 70% of the respective hanger-like portions at an angle relative to the plane of the curtain in a first range of 85 degrees to 95 degrees.

Due to the steep, perpendicular or almost perpendicular orientation of the hanger-like part with respect to the plane of the curtain, it is prevented that a large component of the pressure (due to the pressure formed in the runner) is directed towards and/or generated in the mould opening in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the curtain. In particular, a substantial component of the pressure may be directed by the circumferential wall of the hanger-like part in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the curtain. Therefore, the extruder head is not prone to inaccuracies in the direction normal or perpendicular to the plane of the cord. In particular, the accuracy of the extrudate thickness can be improved.

In an embodiment thereof, the first flow path and the second flow path extend in their respective hanger-like portions and up to the curtain plane along at least 70% of the respective hanger-like portions at an angle to the curtain plane within a first range. Thus, the runner can be arranged as steep as possible in relation to the plane of the cord as far as the mould is entered.

In a preferred embodiment, the first range is 88 to 92 degrees. Most preferably, each flow path extends perpendicular to the plane of the curtain in the respective hanger suspension portion. The steeper the angle relative to the plane of the cord, the smaller the component of pressure applied in a direction normal or perpendicular to the plane of the cord.

In another preferred embodiment, each flow path extends in the first range with respect to the plane of the curtain along at least 80% and preferably at least 90% of the respective hanger-like portion. Most preferably, each flow path extends within a first range relative to the plane of the curtain throughout the respective hanger-like part. By ensuring that a substantial part of the respective hanger-like portion extends within the first range, a pressure is exerted in a direction parallel to the mating plane.

In an embodiment, the hanger-like portion enters the mould in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the curtain. Thus, after leaving the hanger-like portion, the flow of extruded material may be deflected directly into the die, for example, through the leading end of the curtain guide as described below.

In an embodiment the curtain guide comprises a front end extending at least partially into the mould, wherein the front end is provided with a first deflection surface and a second deflection surface extending on opposite sides of the curtain plane and facing the mould in the direction of the curtain, wherein the hanger-like part of the first runner and the hanger-like part of the second runner enter onto the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface, respectively, in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the curtain plane, wherein the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface are arranged to deflect and/or deflect the extruded material from the first runner and the second runner towards and/or into the mould, respectively. Thus, the curtain guide may be used to deflect the flow of extruded material in the curtain direction, wherein any tolerances of the curtain guide relative to the housing may be absorbed without negatively affecting the accuracy of the extruder head in the height direction.

In embodiments thereof, the first and second deflection surfaces are tangent or substantially tangent to the respective hanger-like portions and the plane of the curtain. Therefore, the flow of the extrusion material can be smoothly deflected from the corresponding runner into the die.

In an embodiment, the hanger-like part of the first flow channel and the hanger-like part of the second flow channel each comprise a circumferential wall, wherein the extruder head for each flow channel comprises a first hanger-like half and a second hanger-like half arranged to be placed adjacent to each other on opposite sides of the mating plane to form the circumferential wall of the respective flow channel. By forming the circumferential wall at the respective hanger-like portion by means of two parts opposing each other with respect to the mating plane, said parts can absorb pressure exerted on the circumferential wall in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the curtain. Any tolerance between these components in the said direction does not negatively affect the accuracy of the extruder in the height direction.

In embodiments thereof, the mating plane extends transverse or perpendicular to the curtain plane and the curtain direction. Thus, the hanger halves may fit along a plane transverse or perpendicular to the plane of the curtain.

In a further embodiment thereof, each flow path extends parallel or substantially parallel to said mating plane along at least 70% of the respective hanger-like portion. Thus, the extruded material may flow through the respective hanger-like portions in a direction parallel to the mating plane and perpendicular to the plane of the curtain.

In an embodiment, the first flow path and the second flow path intersect and/or extend at least partially in the mating plane at the respective hanger-like portion. Thus, the flow paths and/or flow channels may extend close to the mating plane or symmetrically along the mating plane at the respective hanger-like portions.

In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential wall of each flow channel is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about the mating plane along at least 70% of the respective hanger-like portion. Thus, the pressure may be evenly distributed over the circumferential wall in a direction parallel to the plane of the curtain.

In a further preferred embodiment at least 70% of the surface area of the circumferential wall at the respective hanger-like portion extends in the first range with respect to the cord plane. Preferably, at least 80% and preferably at least 90% of the surface area of the circumferential wall at the respective hanger-like portion extends in the first range relative to the plane of the curtain. Pressure is applied to the circumferential wall in a direction normal to the surface area. By having a substantial portion of the surface area extending under a first range of angles relative to the plane of the curtain, the pressure forces can be prevented from being directed in a direction normal or perpendicular to the plane of the curtain.

In a further embodiment, the first hanger-like half and the second hanger-like half are separable in a separation direction parallel to the curtain direction. Thus, pressure exerted on the hanger halves may be absorbed by separation of the hanger halves in the separating direction.

In one embodiment, the extruder head comprises a first head assembly for holding or forming a die and a second head assembly for holding or forming a curtain guide, wherein the first hanger-like half is formed by the first head assembly and wherein the second hanger-like half is formed by the second head assembly. The extruder head can thus have a relatively simple design.

In an alternative embodiment, the extruder head comprises a first head assembly for holding or forming a die and a second head assembly for holding or forming a curtain guide, wherein the first hanger half is an insert held by the first head assembly and wherein the second hanger half is an insert held by the second head assembly. As inserts, the hanger halves may be replaced by other inserts depending on the desired shape of the flow path at the respective hanger-like portions.

In embodiments thereof, the first head assembly and the second head assembly are separable in a separation direction parallel to the plane of the curtain. The head assembly can be separated to service or replace the die and/or cord guide.

In its preferred embodiment, the first head assembly and the second head assembly are arranged to be placed adjacent to each other on opposite sides of the mating plane. Thus, the head assembly can be mated about the same mating plane as the hanger halves.

In one embodiment, the extruder head comprises an escape channel extending at the mating plane, wherein the escape channel is separated from the first flow channel and the second flow channel when the first head assembly and the second head assembly are adjoined at the mating plane, and wherein the escape channel is in fluid communication with the first flow channel and/or the second flow channel when the first head assembly and the second head assembly are separated in the separation direction. The escape channel may relieve some of the pressure in the extrusion material by allowing some of the extrusion material to escape from the extruder head in the event of a dangerous pressure level.

In an alternative embodiment, the extruder head comprises an escape channel extending at the mating plane, wherein the escape channel is separated from the first flow channel and the second flow channel by the insert when the insert abuts at the mating plane, and wherein the escape channel is in fluid communication with the first flow channel and/or the second flow channel when the insert is separated in the separation direction. Thus, separation of the inserts may allow the extruded material to escape. Thus, the insert, rather than the handpiece assembly, can be separated.

More preferably, the head assemblies are arranged to remain in abutment with each other outside the escape channel, while the inserts are separated in the separation direction. The head assembly may prevent the released extrusion material and/or pressure from leaving the extruder head uncontrolled.

In a further embodiment, the second head assembly comprises a first housing assembly at the first side of the curtain plane and a second housing assembly at the second side of the curtain plane, wherein the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly together form an accommodation space for accommodating the curtain guide, wherein the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly are not separable in a normal direction perpendicular to the curtain plane.

In an embodiment thereof, the first housing component and the second housing component form a single piece. By having a single piece, tolerances between the housing components in a direction normal or perpendicular to the plane of the curtain can be prevented or even eliminated.

In an embodiment, the die comprises a first die assembly at a first side of the cord plane and a second die assembly at a second side of the cord plane, wherein the first die assembly and the second die assembly together form a die opening through which extrudate exits the extruder head, wherein the first die assembly and the second die assembly are not separable in a normal direction perpendicular to the cord plane. By having inseparable die components, tolerances between die components in a direction normal or perpendicular to the plane of the cord fabric can be prevented. Therefore, the mold is not liable to make the mold opening inaccurate in the height direction.

In an embodiment thereof, the first and second mold assemblies form a single piece. By having a single piece, tolerances between the die assemblies in a direction normal or perpendicular to the plane of the cord may be prevented or even eliminated.

In an embodiment, the curtain guide is slidable in and out of an operating position in the extruder head in the curtain direction and a sliding direction opposite to the curtain direction, respectively. By sliding the curtain guide in the curtain direction and the sliding direction, the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly do not have to be separated.

In an embodiment thereof, the extruder head further comprises a locking assembly arranged to lock the curtain guide against sliding in the sliding direction when the curtain guide is in the operating position. Thus, the curtain guide can be firmly held in place in the operating position during extrusion, so that the pressure generated by the extruded material in the flow channel does not push the curtain guide out of the extruder head.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides an extruder head according to the invention and a set of changing blocks to change one or more guide blocks of a cord guide.

In one embodiment thereof, at least one of the replacement blocks comprises a plurality of guide channels identical to the guide blocks of the curtain guide block. This set may be provided with the curtain guide to ensure that the guide block can be replaced immediately if damaged.

In an alternative embodiment thereof, at least one of the replacement blocks comprises a different number or shape of guide channels than the guide blocks of the curtain guide. The change block may be used to adapt the curtain guide to differently configured guide channels, for example a larger guide channel, a larger or smaller number of guide channels and/or a guide channel extending in the transverse direction over a larger or smaller width of the curtain guide.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method of using an extruder according to the invention, wherein the method comprises the step of replacing one or more guide blocks of the curtain guide for one or more replacement blocks.

The guide channels in the block are easily broken due to the very thin walls between them. The block is easily replaced when it breaks. The cost of replacing a block may be lower than replacing the entire guide assembly.

In one embodiment thereof, at least one of the replacement blocks comprises a plurality of guide channels identical to the guide blocks of the curtain guide. The one or more replacement blocks may be provided with the curtain guide to ensure that the guide block can be replaced immediately if damaged.

In another embodiment thereof, at least one of the replacement blocks comprises a different number or shape of guide channels than the guide blocks of the curtain guide. The change block may be used to adapt the curtain guide to differently configured guide channels, for example a larger guide channel, a larger or smaller number of guide channels and/or a guide channel extending in the transverse direction over a larger or smaller width of the curtain guide.

In another embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: sliding the cord guide into and out of an operating position in the extruder head in the cord direction and a sliding direction opposite the cord direction, respectively. By sliding the curtain guide in the curtain direction and the sliding direction, the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly do not have to be separated.

According to a third aspect not claimed herein, the present invention provides a method of extruding cord reinforced extrudate using the above extruder head, wherein the method comprises the steps of: feeding pressurized extrusion material into the first and second flow passages and absorbing pressure generated by the pressurized extrusion material in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the curtain cloth in the respective hanger-like portions.

Also, due to the steep, perpendicular or almost perpendicular orientation of the flow channel with respect to the plane of the curtain, it is possible to prevent a large component of the pressure (due to the pressure build-up in the flow channel) from being directed towards a direction perpendicular to the plane of the curtain.

In an embodiment of the method, the extruder head comprises an escape channel, wherein the method comprises the steps of: when the pressure level of the extrusion material rises to approach a dangerous level, the extrusion material is allowed to escape from the first flow passage and/or the second flow passage through the escape passage. The escape channel may relieve some of the pressure in the extrusion material by allowing some of the extrusion material to escape from the extruder head in the event of a dangerous pressure level.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: the cord guide is slid into and out of an operative position in the extruder head in a cord direction and a sliding direction opposite to the cord direction, respectively. By sliding the curtain guide in the curtain direction and the sliding direction, the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly do not have to be separated.

The various aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification may be applied separately wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular aspects and features described in the appended dependent claims, may all be the subject of divisional patent applications.

Drawings

The invention will be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side view in cross-section of an extruder head with a die, a cord guide and two flow channels according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of an extruder according to line II-II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the extruder according to line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the extruder according to FIG. 1 with the cord guide locked and unlocked, respectively, to prevent slippage relative to the extruder head;

FIG. 5A shows a front view of the curtain guide of FIG. 4 in more detail;

FIG. 5B shows a side view of the curtain guide of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 shows a side view in cross-section of the extruder head of FIG. 1 with the cord guide slid into a non-operating position; and

figure 7 shows a side view in cross section of an alternative extruder head with a die, a cord guide and two flow channels according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show an extruder head 1 for extruding a cord reinforced extrudate 90, in particular a cord reinforced tire component for tire building, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The extruder head 1 comprises a first head assembly H1, which holds or forms the die 2; and a second head assembly H2 that forms or holds the curtain guide 3 relative to the mold 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the first head assembly HI forms the mold 2 and the second head assembly H2 includes a housing 4, the housing 4 for holding the curtain guide 3 relative to the mold 2. The die 2 is arranged to receive a plurality of plies 8 and extruded material 9 in the ply direction X. The extruded material 9 is an elastic material, such as rubber. The cord fabric 8 is made of metal or synthetic fibers. The ply guide 3 is arranged to guide a plurality of plies 8 into the mould 2 in side by side relationship in a ply plane P. The first head assembly H1 and the second head assembly H2 are mated or positioned adjacent to each other at a mating plane M that extends transverse or perpendicular to the web direction X and the web plane P. The curtain guide 3 and the housing 4 are located on a first side a of the mating plane M, while the mould 2 is located on a second side B of the mating plane M opposite to the first side a.

The extruder head 1 further comprises a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12, the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 extending through the second head assembly H2 at a first side a of the mating plane M and at least partially in the second head assembly H2 at a second side B of the mating plane M. The first and second flow channels 11,12 are arranged in fluid communication with a first extruder 71 and a second extruder 72, respectively. Preferably, a first gear pump 73 is disposed between the first extruder 71 and the first flow channel 11 and a second gear pump 74 is disposed between the second extruder 72 and the second flow channel 12 to provide a pressurized and/or uniform flow of the extrusion material into the respective flow channels 11, 12.

As shown in fig. 1, the mold 2 includes a first mold assembly 21 and a second mold assembly 22, the first mold assembly 21 being disposed on a first side C of the cord plane P, the second mold assembly 22 being disposed on a second side D of the cord plane P opposite the first mold assembly 21 at the first side C. The first die assembly 21 and the second die assembly 22 form a die opening 23 for shaping the extrusion material 9 into a desired shape of the extrudate 90. The die opening 23 has a height in the height direction H that defines a thickness T of the extrudate 90. In the exemplary embodiment, first mold assembly 21 and second mold assembly 22 are inseparable, integral, monolithic, or formed as a single piece. Preferably, the mould 2 is made of a rigid material, such as metal. Therefore, the first mold assembly 21 and the second mold assembly 22 have substantially no tolerance in the height direction H of the mold opening 23.

As shown in fig. 1, the first runner 11 extends through the first housing component 41 of the second head assembly H2 and into the die opening 23 from the first side C of the cord plane P. The second runner 12 extends through the second housing assembly 42 of the second head assembly H2 and into the die opening 23 from the second side D of the cord plane P. The first flow passage 11 is formed by a first circumferential wall 13 that defines a first flow path F1 or extends along a first flow path F1 for extrusion material 9 to pass through the second head assembly H2 and into the die opening 23. The second flow passage 12 is formed by a second circumferential wall 14, the second circumferential wall 14 defining a second flow path F2 for the extrusion material 9 to pass through the second core assembly H2 and into the die opening 23. The two circumferential walls 13,14 extend coaxially to the respective flow paths F1, F2. In other words, the flow paths F1, F2 extend through the core and/or center of the circumferential walls 13, 14.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, each of the first and second flow passages 11,12 includes a supply portion S1, S3 and a so-called "hanger" portion S2, S4 downstream of the respective supply portion S1, S3, the supply portion S1, S3 for receiving the extrusion material 9 from the respective extruder 71,72, the "hanger" portion S2, S4 for dispensing the extrusion material 9 from the supply portion S1, S3 towards the die opening 23. The cross-section of the supply portions S1, S3 is circular or substantially circular. The cross-section of the supply sections S1, S3 is relatively fixed by the extruder head 1. As best shown in fig. 2, the hanger-like portions S2, S4 diverge or widen in a transverse direction L parallel to the curtain plane P and perpendicular to the curtain direction X from or to a relatively fixed cross-section of the supply portions S1, S3 to a relatively flat and wide cross-section which substantially corresponds to or merges into the die opening 23. Optionally, the runners 11,12 are provided with edges, flow diverters or other features (not shown) for optimizing the flow and/or distribution of the extruded material 9 in the hanger-like portions S2, S4. The widened cross-section of the hanger-like portions S2, S4 gives these portions their characteristic shape, similar to that of a hanger.

The supply portion S1 of the first flow passage 11 extends at an oblique angle relative to the cord plane P through the first housing assembly 41 at the first side a of the mating plane M from the first extruder 71 and/or the first gear pump 73 toward the first die assembly 21. The supply portion S1 intersects the mating plane M at a first intersection point W1 from the first side a to the second side B. At or near the first intersection point W1, the supply portion S1 is sharply deflected toward the cord plane P. As shown in fig. 2, the hanger-like portion S2 of the first flow path 11 starts where the first circumferential wall 13 widens in the transverse direction L and continues downstream of the supply portion S1 until the first flow path 11 enters the die opening 23.

In said hanger-like portion S2, the first flow path F1 extends along at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 90% of the hanger-like portion S2 at a first range of 85 to 95 degrees relative to the curtain plane P. Preferably, as in the exemplary embodiment, the first range is 88 to 92 degrees. More particularly, at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 90% of the surface area of the first circumferential wall 13 at said hanger-like portion S2 extends in a first range with respect to the curtain plane P.

As a result, a substantial portion of the first flow passage 11 and/or the first flow path F1 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the mating plane M, e.g., within a tolerance of 5 degrees or less relative to the mating plane M.

As shown in fig. 1, the second flow passage 12 is mirror-symmetrical to the first flow passage 11 with respect to the curtain plane P. As such, the second flow passage 12 includes a respective supply portion S3 extending at an oblique angle relative to the cord plane P from the second extruder 72 and/or the second gear pump 74 toward the die 2 through the second housing assembly 42 of the second head assembly H2 at the first side a of the mating plane M. The second flow channel 12 intersects the mating plane M at a second intersection point W2 from the first side a to the second side B. The supply portion S3 of the second flow passage 12 is sharply deflected toward the curtain plane P. As shown in fig. 2, the second runner 12 further includes a hanger-like portion S4 that begins where the second circumferential wall 14 widens in the transverse direction L and continues downstream of the supply portion S3 until the second runner 12 enters the die opening 23.

The supply portion S3 and the hanger-like portion S4 of the second flow passage 12 extend at the second side D of the curtain plane P mirror symmetrically to the supply portion S1 and the hanger-like portion S2, respectively, of the first flow passage 11 at the first side C of the curtain plane P, thus satisfying the same first ranges, surface areas and other conditions as previously discussed for the supply portion S1 and the hanger-like portion S2. As a result, a substantial portion of the hanger-like portion S4 of the second flow path 12 also extends parallel or substantially parallel to the mating plane M, for example within a tolerance of 5 degrees or less.

Due to the steep, perpendicular or almost perpendicular orientation of the hanger-like portions S2, S4 of the first and second flow passages 11,12 with respect to the curtain plane C, a large component of the pressure (resulting from the pressure built up in the extruded material 9 in the first and second flow passages 11, 12) may be directed in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the mating plane M and/or parallel or substantially parallel to the curtain plane P. Thus, forces perpendicular to the cord plane P can be reduced and/or prevented, so that the extruder head 1 is less prone to exhibit inaccuracies in the height direction H. In particular, the accuracy of the thickness T of the extrudate 90 may be improved.

In this exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 1, the extruder head 1 comprises a plurality of replaceable inserts 15-18 which form the circumferential walls 13,14 of the respective flow channels 11,12 at least at the hanger-like portions S2, S4 or along the hanger-like portions S2, S4. The inserts 15-18 are held in place by a handpiece assembly HI, H2. The inserts 15-18 may be replaced by other inserts depending on the desired shape of the flow channels 11, 12. Fig. 1 and 3 show that the first flow channel 11 is formed by a first insert formed as a first hanger-like half 15 on a first side a of the mating plane M and a second insert formed as a second hanger-like half 16 on a second side B of the mating plane M. Similarly, as shown in fig. 1, the second circumferential wall 14 at the hanger-like portion S4 of the second flow path 12 is formed by a third insert in the form of a first hanger-like half 17 on a first side a of the mating plane M and a fourth insert in the form of a second hanger-like half 18 on a second side B of the mating plane M. As shown in fig. 3, head assemblies H1, H2 are fixedly clamped together by clamping assembly 24, said clamping assembly 24 surrounding mating plane M in the outer space surrounding escape channel 6 and hanger halves 15-18, said hanger halves 15-18 mating around the same mating plane M therebetween.

As shown in fig. 1, first head assembly H1 and second head assembly H2 mate about mating plane M. For maintenance or replacement of the mould 2, curtain guide 3 and/or hanger halves 15-18, the first head assembly H1 and second head assembly H2 may be separated in a separation direction Z perpendicular to the mating plane M. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the extruder head 1 is further provided with an escape channel 6 extending at or in the mating plane M between the first head assembly H1 and the second head assembly H2. The escape passage 6 is preferably formed in the mold 2, the housing 4, or both. As best shown in fig. 2, the escape channel 6 extends around the die opening 23, the first runner 11 and the second runner 12 in the mating plane M and is fluidly separated from said die opening 23 and said runners 11,12 by the mutual abutment of the first head assembly H1 and the second head assembly H2 at the mating plane M. In particular, escape channel 6 comprises an annular main channel 61 and a plurality of discharge channels 62, annular main channel 61 extending circumferentially around a set of features comprising first flow channel 11, second flow channel 12 and die opening 23, and plurality of discharge channels 62 branching off from main channel 61 to the outside of extruder head 1.

At the hanger halves 15-18, head assemblies H1, H2 are provided with a negative tolerance, namely gap 45, to ensure that the hanger halves 15-18 are securely clamped together. Preferably, the gap 45 extends from the hanger halves 15-18 to the escape passage 6. When the pressure of the extruded material 9 in the die opening 23, the first flow channel 11 and/or the second flow channel 12 rises towards a dangerous level, for example at a level which would cause the extruder head 1 to explode, the hanger halves 15-18 are allowed to separate slightly in the separating direction Z, while the parts of the head assembly HI, H2 outside the escape channel 6 are still abutting each other around the mating plane M. Such a space allows the high-pressure extrusion material 9 to escape into the escape channel 6 and out of the extruder head 1. This should relieve the pressure in the extruded material 9 to an acceptable level.

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the curtain guide 3 comprises a first guide member 31 on a first side C of the curtain plane P, a second guide member 32 substantially on a second side B of the curtain plane P, and a securing member 38 for holding the first and second guide members 31, 32 together on said opposite sides C, D of the curtain plane P. One or both of the first and second guide assemblies 31, 32 form a plurality of mutually parallel guide channels 33 extending side-by-side, parallel or substantially parallel to the web direction X in the web plane P. Each guide channel 33 is arranged to receive the curtain 8 individually. Preferably, the guide channel 33 is formed in the second guide assembly 32 or is located at least partially in the second guide assembly 32. The guide channel 33 is closed by the abutment of the second guide member 32 with the first guide member 31. The curtain guide 3 is provided with a front end 30 facing the die 2 in the curtain direction X. At said front end 30, the first guide assembly 31 comprises a first deflection surface 34 extending at a first side C of the curtain plane P for deflecting the extruded material from the hanger-like portion S2 of the first runner 11 towards and/or into the die opening 23. At the same front end 30, the second guide assembly 32 includes a second deflection surface 35 extending at the second side D of the curtain plane P for deflecting the flow of extruded material from the hanger-like portion S4 of the second flow passage 12 toward and/or into the die opening 23.

In this particular embodiment, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the second guide assembly 32 includes a plurality of guide blocks 36, the guide blocks 36 being arranged side-by-side in the transverse direction L, parallel to the curtain plane P and perpendicular to the curtain direction X in the securing member 38. Each guide block 36 includes a plurality of guide channels 33. On the side of the guide block 36 in the transverse direction L, each guide block 36 is provided with a half guide channel 33 which forms a complete guide channel 33 with the half guide channel 33 of the directly adjacent guide block 36.

The guide channels 33 are easily damaged due to the thin wall between them. The extruder head 1 is provided with a set of replacement blocks 37 to replace one or more guide blocks 36 or to change the configuration of the guide channel 33 in case of damage. The guide block 36 can be easily replaced for one or more replacement blocks 37. The replacement block 37 may include guide channels of alternative shapes. As the die width decreases, the replacement blocks 37 at the opposite ends of the plurality of guide blocks 36 may have fewer guide channels 33.

As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 4 includes a first housing component 41 on a first side C of the cord plane P and a second housing component 42 on a second side D of the cord plane P. As best shown in fig. 6, the first housing member 41 and the second housing member 42 form an accommodation space 43 for accommodating the curtain guide 3. The housing 4 is arranged for holding and positioning the cord guide 3 relative to the cord plane P and the mould 2. In the exemplary embodiment, first housing component 41 and second housing component 42 are inseparable, integral, monolithic, or formed as a single piece. Preferably, the housing 4 is made of a rigid material such as metal. Therefore, the first case assembly 41 and the second case assembly 42 have substantially no tolerance in the height direction H of the accommodating space 43.

The curtain guide 3 is slidably inserted into the accommodating space 43 of the housing 4 in the curtain direction X parallel to the curtain plane P into the operating position shown in fig. 1. The curtain guide 3 is slidably removed from the housing 4 in a sliding direction Y opposite to the curtain direction X into a non-operative position as shown in fig. 6. The curtain guide 3 is preferably supported on a bracket (not shown) to keep the curtain guide 3 horizontal with the curtain plane P. Therefore, the curtain guide 3 can slide on the plurality of curtains 8 in the sliding direction Y without removing the curtains 8 from the curtain guide 3. The curtain guide 3 can be separated from the extruder head 1 and the extruders 71,72 in the non-operating position to allow the first guide assembly 31 to be lifted from the second guide assembly 32 and away from the holding member 38. Subsequently, a new curtain 8 can be inserted into the guide channel 33 of the curtain guide 3.

In order to lock the curtain guide 3 in the operating position against sliding in the sliding direction Y, the extruder head 1 is provided with a locking assembly 5. The locking assembly 5 is received in a slot 44 in the housing 4 and is slidable in the transverse direction L relative to the housing 4 between a locked position (as shown in fig. 4A) and a released position (as shown in fig. 4B). The locking assembly 5 comprises a locking plate 50, the locking plate 50 having a primary opening 51 and a plurality of recesses 52. In the locked position, the groove 52 is not aligned with the projection 53 of the curtain guide 3 in the sliding direction Y. Therefore, the curtain guide 3 is fixed relative to the housing 4 in the sliding direction Y. In the release position, the groove 52 is aligned with the projection 53 of the curtain guide 3 so that the curtain guide 3 can be removed from the housing 4 in the sliding direction Y.

The various aspects of the curtain guide 3 (in particular the replaceable guide block 36, the slidability in the sliding direction Y and/or the locking assembly 5) are independent of the aspects described below with respect to the runners 11,12 and may be the subject of divisional patent applications.

As shown in fig. 1, the first and second deflecting surfaces 34,35 at the front end 30 of the curtain guide 3 are tangent or substantially tangent to the circumferential walls 13,14 of the first and second flow passages 11,12, respectively, at the respective hanger-like portions S2, S4 to smoothly receive the flow of the extrusion material 9 from the respective flow paths F1, F2. The deflecting surfaces 34,35 are concave in the cord direction X. Preferably, the deflecting surfaces 34,35 are tangential to the cord plane P on opposite sides C, D of said cord plane P. Thus, the deflection surfaces 34,35 are arranged to smoothly receive and deflect the flow of extruded material 9 from the respective flow paths F1, F2 into the curtain direction X.

Alternatively, the deflecting surfaces 34,35 may be substantially planar (not shown) and arranged at an angle in a second range of 30 to 50 degrees, and preferably about 45 degrees, with respect to the cord plane P. In both cases, the first and second flow channels 11,12 enter the first and second deflecting surfaces 34,35, respectively, in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the curtain plane P and/or in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the mating plane M. At said deflection surfaces 34,35 the press material 9 will exert a pressure on the curtain guide 3, wherein at least a component of said pressure acts in a sliding direction Y opposite to the curtain direction X. As shown in fig. 1, the curtain guide 3 is locked in the operating position by the locking assembly 5. However, any tolerance between the cord guide 3 and the housing 4 in said sliding direction Y does not negatively affect the accuracy of the extruder head 1 in the height direction H.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that are also intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

For example, fig. 7 shows an alternative extruder head 101, which differs from the previously discussed extruder head 1 in that: the flow passages 111,112 are formed by the handpiece assemblies H1, H2, rather than the inserts 15-18 of FIG. 1. In particular, the first runner 111 is formed by a first mold component 121 of the mold 102 and a first shell component 141 of the shell 104, and the second runner 112 is formed by a second mold component 122 of the mold 102 and a second shell component 142 of the shell 104. Although this alternative embodiment is somewhat less flexible without the inserts 15-18, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flow passages 111,112 are still divided into supply portions S1, S3 having a relatively fixed circular cross-section and widened hanger-like portions S2, S4 similar to the portions S1-S4 in fig. 1, 2 and 3. The hanger-like portions S2, S4 still meet the first range previously discussed. Instead of separating the inserts 15-18 in the separation direction Z, the head assemblies H1, H2 may separate to release the pressure in the extruded material 9 when the pressure exceeds a threshold.

Furthermore, many variations in the shape and design of the flow channels will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the invention when they meet the scope specified in the claims.

In summary, the present invention relates to an extruder head 1,101 for extruding a drape-reinforcing extrudate, wherein the extruder head 1,101 comprises a die 2,102 and a drape guide 3, wherein the extruder head 1,101 further comprises a first flow channel 11,111 and a second flow channel 12,112, the first flow channel 11,111 extending along a first flow path F1 through the extruder head 1,101 at a first side C of a drape plane P and entering the die 2,102 from the first side C of the drape plane P, the second flow channel 12,112 extending along a second flow path F2 through the extruder head 1,101 at a second side D of the drape plane P and entering the die 2,102 from the second side D of the drape plane P, wherein the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 each comprise a supply portion S1, S3 and a hanger-like portion S2, S4, wherein the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 in their respective hanger-like portions S2, S3, S36 are in a range from the first flow path F1 to the drape plane P along the second flow path S3685. At least 70% of the S4 extension.