Sealing module for cables or pipes as well as method and apparatus for providing the same

Abstract

It is disclosed a method for the production of a sealing module (1) for a pipe or a cable, the sealing module having a hollow body (10) and a plurality of inner layers (11a-11h) superimposed one to the other provided within said body (10), the layers (11a-11h) being removable one from the other to define the size of the cross-section of a housing (14) extending between two opposite surfaces (S1, S2) of the sealing module to house cables or pipes of different sizes, wherein said plurality of layers (11a-11h) are made of a thermoplastic material, or both said body (10) and said plurality of layers (11a-11h) are made of a thermoplastic material. It is also disclosed an apparatus for the production of a sealing module, and a sealing module made of thermoplastic material.

Claims

1. A method for the production of a sealing module for a pipe or a cable, the sealing module having a hollow body and a plurality of inner layers superimposed one to the other, provided within said body, the layers being removable one from the other to define the size of the cross-section of a housing extending between two opposite surfaces of the sealing module to house cables or pipes of different sizes, wherein said plurality of layers are made of a thermoplastic material or both said body and said plurality of layers are made of a thermoplastic material, the method comprising the step of providing said external body and a core member, and the step of extruding in sequence, or simultaneously, said plurality of layers of thermoplastic material, one above the other, one or more layers being removable from another layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a) providing a core member; b) extruding in sequence said plurality of layers, one above the other, on said core member, one or more layers being removable from another layer; c) extruding said body made of thermoplastic material on the external layer of said plurality of layers extruded in said step b), or providing said body and constraining it to said external layer of said plurality of layers.

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: (a) providing said body having a cavity to house said plurality of layers; (b) extruding in sequence said plurality of layers, one above the other, in said cavity of said body, one or more layers being removable from another layer.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more layer is removable by peeling.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of extruding in sequence said plurality of layers comprises the step of cooling at least part of at least the external surface of a first layer, before a second layer is extruded and deposited onto said first layer, preferably in the step of cooling a coolant is provided on at least part of the external surface of a first layer, before a second layer is extruded and deposited onto said first layer.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of extruding in sequence said plurality of layers comprises the step of providing a detaching agent before the thermoplastic material is extruded and/or after the thermoplastic material has been extruded.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of extruding in sequence said plurality of layers with a closed section, and extruding said body made of thermoplastic material, or providing said body with a closed section, and further comprising the step of partially cutting, or completely cutting, substantially along the axis of the housing, the sealing module, preferably into two portions.

8. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of setting one or more extrusion parameters to provide the desired adhesion between the layers allowing removal of one or more layers, preferably said parameters being selected from: the extrusion speed, the extrusion temperature, the distance between extrusion dies, or a combination thereof.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of drying the external surface of a first layer, before a second layer is extruded and deposited onto said first layer.

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein said step (a) of providing a core member comprises the step of extruding a core member made of thermoplastic material.

11. The method according to claim 2, comprising the step of removing the core member, after said step (c).

12. The method according to claim 3, wherein said step (a) of providing said body comprises the step of extruding the body made of thermoplastic material.

13. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first layer is permanently constrained to the surface of the cavity of the body.

14. The method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: (a) simultaneously extruding said plurality of layers of thermoplastic material, one above the other, one or more layers being removable from another layer; (b) providing said external body on said plurality of layers.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said external body and said layers have an open hollow section.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein said step (b) is simultaneous to said step (a), so that the external body is extruded simultaneously to said plurality of layers extruded in said step (a).

17. The method according to claim 14, comprising the step of providing a detaching agent to the plurality of layers.

18. The method according to claim 14, comprising the step of cooling at least part of said layers, during or after said step of extruding said plurality of layers.

19. An apparatus for the production of a sealing module for a pipe or a cable according to the method of claim 1, the sealing module having a hollow body and a plurality of inner layers superimposed one to the other provided within said body, the layers being removable one from the other to define the size of the cross-section of a housing extending between two opposite surfaces of the sealing module to house cables or pipes of different sizes, wherein said plurality of layers are made of a thermoplastic material or both said body and said plurality of layers are made of a thermoplastic material, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of extruding stations, each extruding station comprising an extrusion die, wherein at least part of the sizes of said extrusion dies are different one from the other; guiding means to direct and move the thermoplastic material extruded from the extrusion die of an extruding station to the extrusion die of a subsequent extruding station; a coolant feeder arranged between two subsequent extruding stations, to feed a coolant to the extruded thermoplastic material or comprising at least an extruding station comprising a plurality of extrusion holes, said extrusion holes being configured to allow a simultaneous extrusion of said layers.

20. A sealing module for a pipe or a cable, the sealing module having a hollow body and a plurality of inner layers superimposed one to the other provided within said body, the layers being removable one from the other to define the size of the cross-section of a housing extending between two opposite surfaces of the sealing module to house cables or pipes of different sizes, wherein said plurality of layers are made of an extruded thermoplastic material or both said body and said plurality of layers are made of an extruded thermoplastic material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) With reference to the drawings, non-limiting embodiments of the present inventions will be now discussed, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a sectional front view of a sealing module according to a possible embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sealing module of FIG. 1, wherein the lines along which it is longitudinally cut into two halves are also shown;

(4) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the sealing module, wherein the two portions of the sealing module are not completely cut and are partially connected one to another;

(5) FIG. 3 is a schematic, sectional plant view of the sealing module of FIG. 1 (the view is rotated by 90 degrees);

(6) FIG. 4 is a sectional front view of the sealing module of FIG. 1, after being longitudinally cut into two halves;

(7) FIG. 5 is a sectional front view of the sealing module of FIG. 4, after removal of the core member;

(8) FIG. 6 is a sectional front view of the sealing module of FIG. 5, after removal of the three layers;

(9) FIG. 6B is a sectional front view of a sealing module having an open section hollow body;

(10) FIG. 7 is a schematic and simplified view of an extrusion in sequence to produce a sealing module according to a first embodiment of the invention;

(11) FIG. 7A is a schematic and simplified view of an extrusion in sequence alternative to the one of FIG. 7;

(12) FIG. 7B is a front view of an extrusion die for the extrusion of FIG. 7A.

(13) FIG. 8 is a perspective and simplified view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention for producing a sealing module by means of an extrusion in sequence;

(14) FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 8, with components of the apparatus added in a schematic and simplified view;

(15) FIG. 10 is a plant schematic view of an alternative apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention for producing a sealing module by means of an extrusion in sequence;

(16) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 10;

(17) FIG. 12 is a sectional front view of a sealing module according to a possible embodiment of the invention;

(18) FIG. 12B is a sectional front view of a sealing module having an open section hollow body;

(19) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the sealing module of FIG. 12;

(20) FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the sealing module of FIG. 12 wherein the two portions of the sealing module are not completely cut and are partially connected one to another;

(21) FIG. 14 is a schematic, sectional plant view of the sealing module of FIG. 12 (the view is rotated by 90 degrees);

(22) FIG. 15 is a sectional front view of the sealing module of FIG. 12 wherein a core member is also shown;

(23) FIG. 16 is sectional front view of the sealing module of FIG. 12, after removal three layers;

(24) FIG. 17 is sectional front view of another embodiment of the sealing module according to the invention wherein the hollow body has a closed section;

(25) FIG. 18 is a schematic and simplified view of an extrusion in sequence to produce a sealing module according to a second embodiment of the invention;

(26) FIG. 19 is a perspective and simplified view of an apparatus for producing a sealing module according to a second embodiment of the invention by means of an extrusion in sequence;

(27) FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 19, with components of the apparatus added in a schematic and simplified view;

(28) FIG. 21 is a plant schematic view of an alternative apparatus for producing a sealing module according to a second embodiment of the invention by means of an extrusion in sequence;

(29) FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 21;

(30) FIG. 23 is a sectional front view of a sealing module according to a possible embodiment of the invention;

(31) FIG. 23B is a sectional front view of a sealing module having an open section hollow body;

(32) FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the sealing module of FIG. 23;

(33) FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the sealing module of FIG. 23 wherein the two portions of the sealing module are not completely cut and are partially connected one to another;

(34) FIG. 25 is a schematic, sectional plant view of the sealing module of FIG. 23 (the view is rotated by 90 degrees);

(35) FIG. 26 is a sectional front view of the sealing module of FIG. 23 wherein a core member is also shown;

(36) FIG. 27 is a sectional front view of the sealing module of FIG. 23, after removal three layers;

(37) FIG. 28 is a sectional front view of another embodiment of the sealing module according to the invention wherein the hollow body has a closed section;

(38) FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for the production of a sealing module according to the invention;

(39) FIG. 30 is a detailed view of the extrusion station;

(40) FIG. 31 schematically shows the extrusion holes of a die of an apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the holes are arranged concentric one to another to provide a simultaneous extrusion.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(41) In the following, possible embodiments of the method, apparatus and sealing modules according to the inventing will be disclosed.

(42) More in detail, according to a first embodiment of the invention, which will be disclosed with exemplary and not limitative reference to FIGS. 1-11, the production of the sealing module according to the invention is carried out starting from the inner part thereof (i.e. the core member) and by an extrusion in sequence of the layers.

(43) According to a second embodiment of the invention, which will be disclosed with exemplary and not limitative reference to FIGS. 12-22, the production of the sealing module is carried out starting from the external part thereof (i.e. the external body) and by an extrusion in sequence of the layers.

(44) According to a third embodiment, which will be disclosed with exemplary and not limitative reference to FIGS. 23-31, the production of the sealing module according to the invention is carried out by simultaneous extrusion of the layers.

First Embodiment

(45) According to a first possible embodiment, as for example shown in the FIGS. 1-11, a sealing module 1 comprises a hollow body 10 and in particular an external body, and a plurality of superimposed inner layers 11a-11h arranged inside the hollow external body 10.

(46) As it will be discussed here below, the plurality of inner layers 11a-11h acts as an adapter portion 11 of the sealing module, in fact, the removal of one or more layers allows to modify the size of the cross section of the sealing module so as to adapt it to different cable or pipe sizes. It has to be noted that the term “adaptor” 11 is also used herein to indicate the plurality of superimposed inner layers 11a-11h.

(47) In FIG. 1, the layers 11a-11h are placed around a core member 12, which is used during production of the sealing module 1. It is also possible that, the core member 12 may be removed at the end of the production step, so that, in the final piece, the core member 12 is absent.

(48) The adaptor 11, i.e. the plurality of layers, is provided within the body 10, which is hollow so that the layers can be housed therein.

(49) By doing so, a housing 14 extending between two opposite surfaces S1, S2 (see for example FIG. 2) of the sealing module, i.e. a pass through housing 14 extending from one surface of the sealing module to an opposite surface of the sealing module, can be provided. The size of the housing 14 can be varied by removing (e.g. peel off, preferably by hand) one or more layer(s).

(50) The body 10 (in particular the one having a closed hollow section) is typically divided in two portions after the extrusion process (as discussed here below the body 10 can be partially or completely divided).

(51) The layers 11a-11h, as better discussed later, are extruded and superimposed one to the other, so that the cross section of the layers is substantially the same (with obviously progressively increasing size). In other words, the layers are placed in sequence one around the other.

(52) In fact, the layers 11a-11h have preferably a closed hollow section, e.g. as for example shown in FIG. 1, a circular closed hollow section, i.e. annular or ring shaped closed section. As mentioned above, different shapes can be used instead of a circular shape.

(53) The body 10 can be extruded on the last (external) layer of the plurality of layer and it is preferably provided with an internal shape (internal surface) correspondent to the external surface of the last layer so as it can adhere thereon. However, the external shape of the external surface of the body 10 can be different from the shape of the internal surface. According to an aspect, as for example shown in the attached FIGS. 1-7, the body 10 (which is a closed section hollow body) has a rectangular or square shaped external surface, while it is provided with an internal surface that is correspondent to the surface of the last layer on which it is extruded. In the shown embodiment, the internal surface of the body 10 is circular as the external surface of the last (external) layer 11h. According to a different aspect, as mentioned, a body 10 may be obtained from a known forming process (e.g. molding or extrusion) and applied (e.g. glued or adhered) to the layers in a subsequent time with respect to the layers extrusion process.

(54) The first layer 11a of the plurality of layer is extruded on the external surface of the core member 12 so that the internal surface of the first layer 11a have a correspondent shape with respect to the shape of the external surface of the core member.

(55) Typically, according to a preferred aspect, all the layers have circular cross section. In any case, other shapes may be used as well. As an example, layers having a semi-circular cross section (corresponding to a half of a circular cross section and more in detail corresponding to a half of an annulus) may be used together with an open section hollow body, e.g. a body having a recess or indentation.

(56) The layers 11a-11h adhere one to the other and are in contact one to the other to form an adaptor 11. At the end of the production step, the layers are constrained (by adhesion) one to the other, so as to prevent movement between the layers 11a-11h.

(57) However, the adhesion between the layers, and between the first layer 11a and the core member 12, is loose enough to allow a user to remove (preferably by peeling) one or more layers 11a-11h, to modify the size (e.g. the diameter) of the housing 14 for passing a cable or pipe through the sealing module 1.

(58) In particular, the size of the housing 14 is a function of the number of layers 11a-11h removed (i.e. peeled off) from the sealing module.

(59) In fact, according to an aspect, a user can peel (preferably by hand) one or more layers 11a-11h to adapt the sealing module for the use with cables of different dimensions.

(60) As an example, in FIG. 4, no layer 11a-11h is removed, and the core member 12 is still within the adaptor 11. As a result, no pass through housing 14 is present because the sealing module is completely filled by the layers and the core member thus no passage for the cable is present, and a cable cannot be inserted within (and through) the sealing module 1. With reference to FIG. 5, no layer 11a-11h is removed, but the core member 12 is no longer present within the adaptor 11.

(61) As a result, a hollow volume is formed within the sealing module. In other words an empty volume of the housing 14 is provided, so that a cable or pipe can be passed through the sealing module 1 via this empty volume of the housing 14. In this case, the opening has a small cross-section, so that only small cables/pipes (i.e. having small cross section) can be housed in the sealing module 1.

(62) By removing one or more layer(s), the cross section of the housing 14 (i.e. the empty volume of the housing 14) can be increased and adapted to the size (e.g. external circumference) of the cable or pipe (or similar element) to be housed in the sealing module.

(63) As an example, in FIG. 6, layers 11a-11c have been removed from the sealing module, so that the cross section of the housing 14 (i.e. empty space or not occupied space of the housing) is bigger with respect to the one of FIG. 5. As a result, bigger cables/pipes can be housed within the sealing module.

(64) In the shown embodiment, the layers have substantially identical thickness one with respect to the other. Also on this case, it has to be noted that this condition is preferred, but it is not strictly required. The extrusion dies may thus be configured so as to produce at least two layers having thickness different one from the other. In addition (or as an alternative), two or more layers may be extruded so as to be substantially permanently attached one to the other (e.g. by properly choosing the material, the extrusion temperature, avoiding the presence of a detaching agent, etc.). As a result, the sealing module will be provided with a reduced number of layers with respect to the number of layers that are extruded, because part of the extruded layer are attached one to the other so as to form a single thicker layer in the sealing module. As an example, layers 11b and 11c may be extruded so as to be permanently joined one to the other so as to form a single layer having a thickness that is twice the thickness of the other layers. In other words, the sealing module of this example will not be provided with eight layers, but it will be provided with seven layers, one which (i.e. 11b+11c) has a greater thickness with respect to the other ones. According to an aspect, the body 10 and the layers 11a-11h (i.e. the adaptor 11) are made of a thermoplastic material, allowing an extrusion in sequence of the sealing module 1. Otherwise, only the layers 11a-11h may be extruded of thermoplastic material and extruded in sequence, while a closed section hollow body 10 (or at least one open section hollow body) may be subsequently applied to the layers 11a-11h.

(65) According to the invention, suitable thermoplastic material are thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic rubbers (such as Santoprene), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic fluoropolymer elastomers (e.g. the one knows as Viton), thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (e.g. the one traded with the name Hytrel), thermoplastic polyamides (e.g. Nylon or PA-12).

(66) These and other thermoplastic materials are suitable materials for the production body 10 and the layers 11a-11h.

(67) The core member 12 can be made of a thermoplastic material as well, e.g. the materials of the body and the layers 11a-11h.

(68) In particular, the core member 12 can be extruded in the first step of production of the sealing module, or it can be produced separately from the sealing module 1, and used as a base for the extrusion of the sealing module 1. The cross section of the core member can be full (e.g. a circular full section) or hollow (e.g. an annular cross section). It has to be also noted that as an example, the core member 12 may be a rope or a cable that is used as a basis for the extrusion of the layer, and also as a driving member, i.e. a member that pulls the material after it has been extruded.

(69) In the case the core member 12 is provided by extrusion, i.e. in a first step of extrusion of thermoplastic material, what is herein disclosed and/or claimed with respect to a first layer and a subsequent layer of the adapter can be applied to the core member and a layer of the adapter extruded on the external surface of the core member. More in detail, the first layer made of thermoplastic material extruded on the external surface of the core member preferably adhere on the core member and can be removed (peeled off) from the core member.

(70) Returning now on the extrusion process, as before mentioned, an extrusion in sequence is a process where extrusion occurs in different steps at different places (e.g. at different extrusion dies), and the material extruded in the second (or subsequent) step is extruded and the deposited onto the material extruded in the preceding step.

(71) As for example shown in FIG. 7, a schematic representation of the above mentioned method of “extrusion in sequence” is shown.

(72) This figure is only illustrative and its only purpose is to provide a schematic reference for the description of the extrusion process in sequence. It has to be noted that in FIG. 7 some elements, such as a source of solid thermoplastic material (e.g. a feeder of hopper containing solid thermoplastic material), etc., are omitted and the other elements are schematic and simplified. In particular, FIG. 7 shows schematically the extrusion in sequence of the core member 12 and of the first two layers 11a and 11b.

(73) At first, at an extrusion die A, the core member 12 is extruded.

(74) Subsequently, further thermoplastic material is delivered to an extrusion die B, distant from the die A, and extruded onto the core member 12 to form the first layer 11a of the adaptor 11. In a similar manner, thermoplastic material is delivered at a die C, to be extruded onto the first layer 11a, to form the second layer 11c.

(75) This operation is repeated a number of times to form all the layers of the adaptor 11.

(76) Finally, after the last layer of the adaptor has been extruded (e.g. layer 11h in the adaptor of the other figures), a closed section hollow body 10 is extruded onto the last (external) layer 11h, or one or more open section hollow bodies are applied to the external layer 11h.

(77) An alternative configuration is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In FIG. 7A, after its extrusion at extrusion die A′, the core member 12 is delivered to a second extrusion die B′. The second extrusion die B′, schematically shown in FIG. 7B, is provided with a central hole B1 to allow passage of the core member 12, and with an annular hole B2 for the extrusion of the first layer 11a. The annular hole B2 is placed around the central hole B2 to allow a better deposition of the extruded material PM of the first layer 11a on the core 12. The third die C′ is similar to the second die B′, but it is provided with different size. In other words, at least the annular hole of third die C′ (preferably also the central hole of third die C′) is provided with a bigger size.

(78) In the shown embodiment, all the layers 11a-11h and the core member have identical cross section (except for the size), i.e. circular in this particular case. In other words, the shapes of the cross section of the layers and of the core member are “similar”, in a strict geometrical meaning.

(79) The body 10 has a rectangular cross section. This may be achieved my means of a rectangular die.

(80) Otherwise, the sealing module 10 can be cut after the extrusion process, to shape the body as desired.

(81) As also discussed here below, it has to be noted that the rectangular or square section of the body 10 (external body 10) is not limitative. In fact, the body 10 can be extruded, or cut, so as to provide different shape of the cross section, for example the body 10 can be directly extruded or subsequently cut to provide a polygonal section, the number of lateral sides being selected according to the need, or a circular or oval section, etc.

(82) It has to be also noted that, as already mentioned, in the shown schematic embodiment, the core member 12 is extruded at a first die A. It is also possible that, the core member may be produced separately (and thus before) the sealing module 1. In this case, the core member already formed can be delivered to the die B (which thus becomes the “first” die), to allow extrusion of the first layer 11a around the core member 12. The die A is thus omitted, or used only as a guide for the core member 12.

(83) As mentioned the extrusion dies A, B, C are separated one from the other, and they are also typically aligned.

(84) In other words, all the dies typically share their respective axes (in other words the axes of the dies are coincident so as to form one axis corresponding to the axis along which the extrusion process is carried out).

(85) Extrusion parameters can be e.g. chosen between the extrusion speed, the extrusion temperature and the distance between the dies.

(86) In fact, according to an aspect, the distance between the dies, and/or the extrusion speed and/or the extrusion temperature are set in order to allow a good adhesion between the layers, which should at the same time not be too strong, in order to allow a user to remove, preferably to peel off by hand, one or more layers 11a-11h.

(87) For example, the extrusion temperature can be set in the range 160° Celsius-240° Celsius. The extrusion speed, that is corresponding to the moving speed of the extruded thermoplastic material between the extruding stations, can be for example in the range 1 meter/minute-2 meter/minute, preferably in the range 1 meter/minute-1.5 meter/minute.

(88) Usually, between two subsequent extrusions (e.g. between dies B and C) the extruded thermoplastic material PM can be cooled.

(89) With the expression “extruded thermoplastic material” it is meant the material exiting a generic die. As an example, with reference to die A, the “extruded thermoplastic material” PM is the core member 12. With reference to die B, the “extruded thermoplastic material” PM is the group comprising the core member and the first layer 11a, while the “extruded thermoplastic material” PM for die C is the group comprising the core member 12, the first layer 11a and the second layer 11b.

(90) This can be done via natural cooling (exposure of the material to ambient air), or by delivering a coolant to the extruded thermoplastic material PM.

(91) As better discussed later, with reference to the apparatus for example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, water may be delivered (e.g. sprayed) onto the extruded thermoplastic material. As a result, one or more driers may be provided between two subsequent extrusion dies (e.g. between dies B and C) to dry the coolant.

(92) According to an aspect, in order to prevent a too strong adhesion, a detaching agent may be provided before the thermoplastic material is extruded (e.g. in the feeder supplying solid thermoplastic material to the extrusion die) and/or after the thermoplastic material has been extruded, i.e. after the thermoplastic material exits the extrusion die. In the latter case, the detaching agent can be delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material PM before a subsequent extrusion step (e.g. between dies A and B and between dies B and C).

(93) The coolant itself may be the detaching agent, or the coolant may contain the detaching agent (e.g. the detaching agent can be mixed or added or emulsified with a coolant). According to an aspect, silicone as detaching agent is used added to water used a coolant. After completion of all the extrusion steps, the core member may be removed from the sealing module 1. Also, the sealing module 1, in particular the closed section hollow body 10 and the adaptor 11 (possibly also the core member 12, if present), can be completely or partially cut into two portions 1a, 1b. FIG. 2A shows a sealing module that is partially cut. As already mentioned above, with the expression partially cut it is meant that the sealing module, and in particular its external body is not completely cut so as to keep an integral connection part 1c between two portions 1a, 1b of the sealing module. In particular two portions 1a, 1b of the external body 10 are formed, which are constrained one to another and can be moved (e.g. rotated) one with respect to another, for the cable insertion, while the two portions are constrained in at least one point or area of connection 1c. This area of connection is preferably arranged close to (in correspondence of) the external surface of the external body 10 so that this part can act as a hinge allowing the relative rotation of the two portions of the sealing module. The extension of the area of point of connection 1c can be varied with respect to the one shown in FIG. 2A and for example can be limited to the longitudinal edge of the two portions 1a, 1b.

(94) According to an aspect, as already mentioned above, the two portions 1a, 1b can be constrained one to another by providing a constraining or connection area between the two portions, for example by providing an additional joining part or by providing an adhesive or by welding, thus joining the two portions. In general the two portions are joined or connected together in a point or area of connection 1c. As already mentioned above, this area of connection is preferably arranged close to (or in correspondence of) an external surface of the external body so that this part 1c can act as a hinge allowing the relative rotation of the two portions of the sealing module. The sealing module 1 is cut along the axis X of the housing 14, i.e. along the axis passing through the two opposite surfaces of the sealing module through which the cable is passed. It has to be noted that the axis X corresponds to the axis of the cable or pipes that is passed through the sealing module. Typically the sealing module 1 is cut along the axis X, so as to be divided (partially or completely) into two portions 1a, 1b substantially symmetrical. This operation simplifies the removal of one or more layers 11a-11h, and the insertion of a pipe or cable within the housing 14.

(95) A sealing module 1 having a closed section hollow body 10 has been shown in the figures in detail. An open section hollow body may be formed such that its finished product is e.g. similar to the portion 1a or 1b of the sealing module 1 shown in the FIGS. 1-6. A sealing module 1 from an open section hollow body 10 is e.g. shown in FIG. 6B.

(96) In the shown embodiment, all the layers 11a-11h and the core member have identical cross section (except for the size), i.e. circular or of a half of circle (half of a annulus) in this particular case. In other words, the shapes of the cross section of the layers and of the core member are “similar”, in a strict geometrical meaning.

(97) For example, the body 10 can be provided with a rectangular cross section with the cavity preferably having a substantially arch shape. This may be achieved by means of a rectangular die having a corresponding substantially arch shape cavity.

(98) The layers 11a-11h have can have therefore shape of half of circle (half of a annulus).

(99) A first possible embodiment of an apparatus 100 for the production of a sealing module 1 is disclosed with reference to FIGS. 8-11. In FIG. 8 the main elements of the apparatus 100 are shown.

(100) In more detail, the apparatus 100 is provided with a plurality of extruding stations 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110. The number of extruding stations may vary with respect to what shown. For example, with reference to the figures: station 101 extrudes the core member 12; station 102 extrudes layer 11a on the core member 12; station 103 extrudes layer 11b on layer 11a; station 104 extrudes layer 11c on layer 11b; station 105 extrudes layer 11d on layer 11c; station 106 extrudes layer 11e on layer 11d; station 107 extrudes layer 11f on layer 11e; station 108 extrudes layer 11g on layer 11f; station 109 extrudes layer 11h on layer 11g; station 110 extrudes the body 10 on layer 11h;

(101) Each extruding station 101-110 is provided with an extrusion die 102a, 103a, two of which are visible in greater detail in the partial enlarged view of FIG. 9. From now on, reference will be made to the two shown extruding stations 102 and 103, as well as to the extrusion dies 102a, 103a. However, the following description applies as well to all the other extruding stations and extrusion dies, and in particular to all of the couples of subsequent extruding stations.

(102) As known, the extrusion dies 102a, 103a comprise a body and a hole within the body. It has to be noted that the shape of the hole (and in particular its cross section shape) correspond to the shape of body, layer or core member to be extruded. For example the hole can be circular, annular, or have the shape of half a annular shape, ecc. Thermoplastic material is forced through the hole of the extrusion die 102a, 103a, so that the external shape of the thermoplastic material is shaped as the hole of the extrusion die.

(103) The extruding stations 102, 103 also provided with known means (not shown in detail) to feed thermoplastic material to the extrusion die 102a, 103a and means for melting the thermoplastic material (e.g. a melting cylinder) and a moving means such as a moving screw.

(104) It has to be noted that according to an aspect of the invention, the extruding station according to the invention comprises a pump, e.g. a volumetric pump, or other suitable supply means, to effectively control the quantity of melted thermoplastic material supplied to the extrusion die.

(105) The pump, or similar means, is preferably provided upstream of the extrusion die. Preferably the pump, or similar means, is arranged between the extrusion die and the melting cylinder.

(106) By doing so it is possible to reach high accuracy in controlling the thickness of each layer of thermoplastic material.

(107) The extruding stations 101-110 are preferably also disposed so that the extrusion dies 102a, 103a are aligned one after the other, i.e. so that the extruded thermoplastic material PM from one extrusion die 102a is naturally directed towards the subsequent extrusion die 103a. In other words, the axes of the extrusion dies (i.e. of the holes of the extrusion dies 102a, 103a) substantially coincide.

(108) In order to provide the above discussed extrusion in sequence, each extrusion die 103a has preferably a greater dimension with respect to the previous extrusion die 102a. With “die of greater dimension” it is meant that an extrusion die 103a has a hole (in particular the hole for the material to be extruded) greater than the hole of the previous extrusion die 102a. This condition (which is shown in simplified manner also in FIG. 7) does not obviously apply to the extrusion die of the first extruding station 101, because no previous “extrusion die” exists.

(109) Guiding means 120, 121 (shown schematically in FIG. 9) are preferably provided to guide the extruded thermoplastic material PM between the various extruding stations 102, 103. In the figures, rollers 120 are shown, which support the extruded thermoplastic material PM from between extrusion dies 102a and 103a. The rollers 120 may be motorized, so as to pull the extruded thermoplastic material. A greater number of rollers is normally used with respect to what shown.

(110) Also rollers are typically provided between each couple of extruding stations. The rollers may be driven by a common motor (not shown), so that all the rollers are rotated at the same angular velocity. As mentioned, the core 12 may be also used as the element for driving the extruded material PM.

(111) According to an aspect, inclined surfaces 121 at the extruding dies 102a, 103a may be used, so as to precisely direct the extruded thermoplastic material PM within the extrusion dies 102a, 103.

(112) In general, fixed and/or movable guiding means 120, 121, may be used to guide and/or move and/or direct the extruded thermoplastic material PM between the different extruding stations 102, 103.

(113) In general, the guiding means allow to guide and support the extruded thermoplastic material PM, and to direct it towards the subsequent extrusion die (if present). As mentioned, the guiding means can be motorized to push or pull the extruded thermoplastic material PM.

(114) The apparatus 100 may be provided with various means to carry out different operations on the extruded thermoplastic material PM between two subsequent extruding stations 102, 103. Examples of these means are for example schematically shown in FIG. 9.

(115) The apparatus 100 may be provided with a coolant feeder 150 to provide coolant to the material extruded from an extrusion die 102a, before it reaches the subsequent extrusion die 103a. The coolant, typically water, is preferably delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material PM in misted form, e.g. by means of one or more sprayers or sprinkler 150a.

(116) Also, the speed and/or the extrusion temperature, together with the distance between two subsequent extruding stations 102, 103, may be set to provide for drying of the coolant at ambient temperature. Otherwise, a drier 140 may be provided to dry the coolant. The drier 140 may be arranged e.g. to direct air (e.g. hot air) towards the extruded thermoplastic material. A drier 140 may be also provided without the coolant feeder, e.g. to generally dry the extruded thermoplastic material exiting an extrusion die 102a.

(117) Below the extrusion dies, a recovery tray 160 may be provided, usually to recover the coolant falling from the extruded thermoplastic material PM.

(118) Furthermore, a detaching agent feeder 130 may be user to deliver a detaching agent to the extruded thermoplastic material PM. The detaching agent may be for example an oil or other suitable lubricant, or can be in the form of a powder (e.g. talc powder).

(119) It has to be noted that a detaching agent, can be provided in the feeder of thermoplastic material of the extruding station. In other words the detaching agent, for example in the form of grains or pellets, can be added to the feeder of solid thermoplastic material at the extruding station. The pellets or grains of detaching agent are dispersed in the melted thermoplastic material and, in particular, the detaching agent emerges at the external surface of the extruded thermoplastic material. This allows to provide a detaching action when a thermoplastic material is subsequently extruded thereon so that the adhesion between the layer is such as to allow removal, preferably by peeling, of one or more layer.

(120) According to an aspect, detaching grains or pellets, e.g. of the type known in the field of extrusion of thermoplastic material can be added to the thermoplastic material in the feeder of hopper of the extruding station.

(121) Otherwise, as before mentioned, a detaching agent may be mixed with the coolant.

(122) As an example, the coolant feeder 150 may comprise a coolant tank 150b, housing the coolant in liquid form. The detaching agent, e.g. silicone, may be e.g. dispersed within the coolant in the coolant tank 150b.

(123) The last extruding station 110 is used to extrude the body 10 of the sealing module 1. A cutting station 111 may be provided to cut the extruded thermoplastic material PM, to obtain directly a sealing module 1, or a semi-finished product. As an example, the last extruding station may extrude a body having a cylindrical section. Further cutting operation may be provided (typically on a different apparatus from the apparatus 100) to e.g. cut the body into a rectangular section.

(124) It has to be noted that the body 10 (external body 10) can be extruded or cut so as to provide different shape of the cross section, for example the body 10 can be directly extruded or subsequently cut to provide a polygonal section, the number of lateral sides being selected according to the need, or a circular or oval section, etc.

(125) The feeding of plastic material to the extruding stations 101-110 may be operated in different ways. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, each extruding station is provided with a (known) source 170 of material to be extruded. The source 170 typically comprises (in a known manner) a hopper 171 to receive plastic material, and to feed it to an extrusion screw (not shown) that melts (possibly together with a relevant heater) and forces the material towards the relevant extruding station 101-110.

(126) As an alternative, a source 180, 181 may feed material to different extruding stations (i.e. to different extrusion dies 101a-110a), as e.g. shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example via suitable ducts preferably heated ducts intended to maintain the temperature of the material at a desired value or within a desired temperature range.

(127) In such an embodiment, there are two sources 180, 181, each feeding material to five different extruding dies 101a-110a. In different embodiments, a single source 180, 181 may feed material to a different number of extruding stations).

(128) A detailed discussion, with reference in particular to FIG. 11, will be made of source 180. This discussion applies as well also to source 181.

(129) Source 180 can be any known source of material that is configured to supply material to an extrusion die. Downstream the source 180 there is a distribution line 190 that supplies the material to be extruded from the source 180 to different extrusion dies 101a-105a of different extruding stations 101-105.

(130) Preferably, upstream of each extrusion die 101a-105a there is a pump, preferably a volumetric pump 101b-105b to accurately dose the material to each extrusion die 101a-105a.

(131) In the shown embodiment, the first source 180 feeds material to the first fie extruding stations 101-105, while the second source 181 feeds material to the last five extruding stations 106-110. Different embodiment may be provided, e.g. wherein the first source and the second source feed alternately material to the extruding station, e.g. the first extruding station is fed by the first source, the second extruding station is fed by the second source, the third extruding station is fed by the first source, and so on.

(132) Operation of the apparatus 100 according to the invention, preferably for carrying out the method according to the invention is evident from the above and can be summarized as follow. A core member is extruded by the first extruding station 101 and directed towards the second extruding station 102.

(133) As an alternative, not shown, the core member 12 can be produced by means of another apparatus and fed to the extruding station 102. The extruding station 102 extrudes layer 11a around the core member 12.

(134) The subsequent extruding station 103 extrudes the second layer 11b around layer 11a, and so on until the last layer 11h, i.e. until the adaptor 11 is complete.

(135) Subsequently, the extruding station 110 extrudes the body 10 around the plurality of layers 11a-11h, and in particular on the external surface of the last layer 11h of said plurality of layers.

(136) The cutting station may thus cut the extruded thermoplastic material PM to the dimension of the sealing module 1.

(137) Between each couple of subsequent extruding stations, coolant and/or a detaching agent may be delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material PM via the coolant feeder 150 and/or the detaching agent feeder 130.

(138) It has to be also noted that the a detaching agent can be provided before the thermoplastic material is extruded, i.e. provided to the thermoplastic material in the solid state for example in the thermoplastic material feeder or hopper of an extruding station. The provision of a detaching agent before the extrusion of the thermoplastic material can be carried out in alternative, or in combination, with the provision of a detaching agent to the thermoplastic material after its extrusion, i.e. to the thermoplastic material exiting the extrusion die.

(139) It has to be noted that, in both the above mentioned cases, a detaching agent is present on the external surface of the extruded thermoplastic material on which subsequently a thermoplastic material is extruded. In other words, according to an aspect of the invention a detaching agent is provided on the external surface of a layer on which a subsequent layer is extruded and/or on the external surface of the core member on which a layer of said plurality of layer is extruded.

(140) The presence of the detaching agent at the interface between a core member and a layer and/or between a layer and a subsequent layer (i.e. between two layers) allows to provide the desired adhesion of these elements while allowing a separation, i.e. allowing a removal or peeling (preferably a peeling by hand) of the thermoplastic material.

(141) It has to be noted that, according to different possible embodiments, the desired adhesion between the thermoplastic materials extruded in sequence allowing a separation (removal or peeling) can be obtained by a proper of the extrusion parameters, as for example mentioned above, in combination or in alternative to a provision of detaching agent. As mentioned above, according to possible embodiment the detaching agent can be carried out before and/or after the extrusion of the thermoplastic material. Therefore, a detaching agent is present between two layers of thermoplastic material extruded in sequence, i.e. between two layers of thermoplastic materials of the sealing module according to the invention.

(142) The movement of the thermoplastic material from one extruding station to a subsequent extruding station is provided by guiding means 120, 121.

(143) Possibly, the extruded thermoplastic material (in particular when wet with a coolant) may be dried by means of drier 140.

(144) It has to be noted that according to an aspect, the last layer 11h of the adaptor on which the body is extruded in the last extruding station 110, is preferably cooled in a quick cooling step and without the addition detaching agent, i.e. without detaching agent added in the material used for the extrusion of the last layer after its extrusion outside the extrusion die and before the body 10 is extruded on it.

(145) Also the thermoplastic material used for the extrusion of the sealing body 10 on the external surface of the last layer 11h of the adaptor is not provided with a detaching agent so that the body 10 is constrained to the last layer 11h. Therefore, according to an aspect, the last layer 11h is not removable (it cannot be peeled off) and it is permanently constrained to the internal surface of the body 10. In other words the last layer 11h and the body 10 can be constrained one to another to be not separable.

(146) On the contrary, as mentioned before, the extrusion parameter(s) and/or the provision of detaching agent and/or the provision of a controlled cooling step, are selected so as the core member 12 can be removed (peeled off) from the first layer 11a of the adapter, as well as the layer of the adapter can be removable (peeled off) from another layer, as already discussed above.

(147) As mentioned, at the end of the extrusion step, when the module 1 is obtained, it may be longitudinally (i.e. along the axis of the opening 14) cut (partially or completely) into two halves if the body is provided with a closed hollow section. Thus, the opening 14 is divided in two halves, having an open cross section, so as to allow an easy insertion of the cable/pipe within the opening 14 itself. This step is not necessary if the body 10 is provided with an open section.

(148) Furthermore, the core member may be removed from the sealing module 1, so that the final piece is already provided with an opening 14.

Second Embodiment

(149) According to a second possible embodiment, as for example shown in the FIGS. 12-22, a sealing module 1 comprises a hollow body 10 and in particular an external body, and a plurality of superimposed inner layers 11a-11h arranged inside the hollow external body 10.

(150) As it will be discussed here below, the plurality of inner layers 11a-11h acts as an adapter portion 11 of the sealing module, in fact, the removal of one or more layers allows to modify the size of the cross section of the sealing module so as to adapt it to different cable or pipe sizes. It has to be noted that the term “adaptor” 11 is also used herein to indicate the plurality of superimposed inner layers 11a-11h.

(151) In the FIGS. 12-17, the layers 11a-11h are placed on the body 10 in a cavity 50 of the body. More in detail, the adaptor 11, i.e. the plurality of layers, is provided within the body 10, which is hollow so that the layers can be housed therein.

(152) By doing so, a housing 14 extending between two opposite surfaces S1, S2 (see for example FIG. 13) of the sealing module, i.e. a pass through housing 14 extending from one surface of the sealing module to an opposite surface of the sealing module, can be provided. The size of the housing 14 can be varied by removing (e.g. peel off, preferably by hand) one or more layer(s). The body 10 (in particular the one having a closed hollow section as for example shown in FIG. 17) is typically divided in two portions after the extrusion process (as discussed here below the body 10 can be partially or completely divided.

(153) The layers 11a-11h, as better discussed later, are extruded and superimposed one to the other, so that the cross section of the layers is substantially the same (with obviously progressively decreasing size). In other words, the layers are placed in sequence one around (on) the other. According to an aspect, the layers 11a-11h have a closed hollow section, e.g. as for example shown in FIG. 17, a circular closed hollow section, i.e. annular or ring shaped closed section. As mentioned above, different shapes can be used instead of a circular shape. In fact, according to different possible embodiments as for example shown in FIGS. 12-16, the body can be provided with an open hollow section, i.e. it is provided with an open cavity 50 (the cavity is not completely surrounded by the body shape in cross section) and the layers intended to be extruded in the cavity are sheets having an open section (not forming a closed hollow section). More in detail, according to an aspect, as for example shown in the FIGS. 12-16, the layers can be in the form of a curved sheet having an arched shape, and preferably half of an annular shape (half of an annulus).

(154) The first layer 11a of the plurality of layer is extruded on a surface of the body 10 and in particular on the surface of the cavity 50. The first layer 11a have a correspondent shape with respect to the shape of the surface of the cavity 50 of the body so as it can adhere thereon.

(155) According to an aspect, as for example shown in the attached FIGS. 12-16, the body 10 has a rectangular or square shaped external surface, with a cavity 50 having the shape of half annulus if seen in cross section.

(156) The body 10 can be provided either by extrusion in a first extruding station (as it will be discussed in greater detail here below) or the body 10 may be obtained from a separate and other forming process (e.g. molding or extrusion). The layers are then extruded on the body.

(157) A core member 12, can be extruded on the last layer 11h of the plurality of layer and it is preferably provided with a shape correspondent to the external surface of the last layer so as it can adhere thereon. Typically, according to an embodiment, as for example shown in FIGS. 12-16, all the layers have shape corresponding to a half of a circular cross section and more in detail corresponding to a half of an annulus together with an open section hollow body.

(158) In any case, other shapes may be used as well.

(159) As an example, according to another aspect, all the layers have a closed cross section, e.g. a circular cross section (as for example shown in FIG. 17).

(160) The layers 11a-11h adhere one to the other and are in contact one to the other to form an adaptor 11. At the end of the production step, the layers are constrained (by adhesion) one to the other, so as to prevent movement between the layers 11a-11h.

(161) However, the adhesion between the layers, and between the first layer 11a and the core member 12 (if provided), is loose enough to allow a user to remove (preferably by peeling) one or more layers 11a-11h, to modify the size (e.g. the diameter) of the housing 14 for passing a cable or pipe through the sealing module 1.

(162) In particular, the size of the housing 14 is a function of the number of layers 11a-11h removed (i.e. peeled off) from the sealing module.

(163) In fact, according to an aspect, a user can peel (preferably by hand) one or more layers 11a-11h to adapt the sealing module for the use with cables of different dimensions.

(164) As an example, in FIG. 15, no layer 11a-11h is removed, and a core member 12 is provided within the adaptor 11. As a result, no pass through housing 14 is present because the sealing module is completely filled by the layers and the core member thus no passage for the cable is present, and a cable cannot be inserted within (and through) the sealing module 1. With reference to FIG. 12, no layer 11a-11h is removed, but the core member 12 is no longer present within the adaptor 11.

(165) As a result, an hollow volume is formed within the sealing module. In other words an empty volume of the housing 14 is provided, so that a cable or pipe can be pass through the sealing module 1 via this empty volume of the housing 14. In this case, the opening has a small cross-section, so that only small cables/pipes (i.e. having small cross section) can be housed in the sealing module 1.

(166) By removing one or more layer(s), the cross section of the housing 14 (i.e. the empty volume of the housing 14) can be increased and adapted to the size (e.g. external circumference) of the cable or pipe (or similar element) to be hosed in the sealing module.

(167) As an example, in FIG. 16, layers 11h-11f have been removed from the sealing module, so that the cross section of the housing 14 (i.e. empty space or not occupied space of the housing) is bigger with respect to the one of FIG. 12. As a result, bigger cables/pipes can be housed within the sealing module.

(168) In the shown embodiment, the layers have substantially identical thickness one with respect to the other. Also on this case, it has to be noted that this condition is preferred, but it is not strictly required.

(169) The extrusion dies may thus be configured so as to produce at least two layers having thickness different one from the other. In addition (or as an alternative), two or more layers may be extruded so as to be substantially permanently attached one to the other (e.g. by properly choosing the material, the extrusion temperature, avoiding the presence of a detaching agent, etc.). As a result, the sealing module will be provided with a reduced number of layers with respect to the number of layers that are extruded, because part of the extruded layer are attached one to the other so as to form a single thicker layer in the sealing module. As an example, layers 11b and 11c may be extruded so as to be permanently joined one to the other so as to form a single layer having a thickness that is twice the thickness of the other layers. In other words, the sealing module of this example will not be provided with eight layers, but it will be provided with seven layers, one which (i.e. 11b+11c) has a greater thickness with respect to the other ones.

(170) According to an aspect, the body 10 and the layers 11a-11h (i.e. the adaptor 11) are made of a thermoplastic material, allowing an extrusion in sequence of the sealing module 1. Otherwise, only the layers 11a-11h may be extruded of thermoplastic material and extruded in sequence, while a closed section hollow body 10 (or an open section hollow body) may be provided and the layers extruded on it.

(171) According to the invention, suitable thermoplastic material are thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic rubbers (such as Santoprene), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic fluoropolymer elastomers (e.g. the one knows as Viton), thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (e.g. the one traded with the name Hytrel), thermoplastic polyamides (e.g. Nylon or PA-12).

(172) These and other thermoplastic materials are suitable materials for the production body 10, if it is produced by extrusion, and the layers 11a-11h.

(173) The core member 12 can be made of a thermoplastic material as well, e.g. the materials of the body 10 and/or of the layers 11a-11h.

(174) In particular, the body 10 can be extruded in the first step of production of the sealing module, or it can be produced separately from the sealing module 1, and used as a base for the extrusion of the sealing module 1 and in particular of the layers 11a-11h.

(175) In the case the body 10 is provided by extrusion, i.e. in a first step of extrusion of thermoplastic material, the first layer 11a made of thermoplastic material extruded on the body and in particular in the cavity 50 of the body, preferably adhere on the body to be constrained to it. In other words, the first layer 11a cannot be removed (peeled off) from the body 10.

(176) This can be for example achieved by properly selecting the extrusion parameters and/or by not providing a detaching agent between the body and the first layer extruded thereon.

(177) Returning now on the extrusion process, as before mentioned, an extrusion in sequence is a process where extrusion occurs in different steps at different places (e.g. at different extrusion dies), and the material extruded in the second (or subsequent) step is extruded and the deposited onto the material extruded in the preceding step.

(178) As for example shown in FIG. 18, a schematic representation of the above mentioned method of “extrusion in sequence” is shown.

(179) This figure is only illustrative and its only purpose is to provide a schematic reference for the description of the extrusion process in sequence. It has to be noted that in FIG. 18 some elements, such as a source of solid thermoplastic material (e.g. a feeder of hopper containing solid thermoplastic material), etc., are omitted and the other elements are schematic and simplified. In particular, FIG. 18 shows schematically the extrusion in sequence of the body 10 and of the first two layers 11a and 11b.

(180) At first, at an extrusion die A, the body 10 is extruded.

(181) Subsequently, further thermoplastic material is delivered to an extrusion die B, distant from the die A, and extruded onto the body 10 to form the first layer 11a of the adaptor 11. In a similar manner, thermoplastic material is delivered at a die C, to be extruded onto the first layer 11a, to form the second layer 11b.

(182) This operation is repeated a number of times to form all the layers of the adaptor 11.

(183) Finally, after the last layer of the adaptor has been extruded (e.g. layer 11h in the adaptor of the other figures), a core member 12 can be extruded onto the last layer 11h.

(184) The core member 12 can be extruded in a step of production of the sealing module, or it can be produced separately from the sealing module 1, and subsequently provided. The cross section of the core member can be full (e.g. a circular full section) or hollow (e.g. an annular cross section). In the shown embodiment, all the layers 11a-11h and the core member have identical cross section (except for the size), i.e. circular or of a half of circle (half of a annulus) in this particular case. In other words, the shapes of the cross section of the layers and of the core member are “similar”, in a strict geometrical meaning.

(185) The body 10 has a rectangular cross section with the cavity 50 preferably having a substantially arch shape. This may be achieved my means of a rectangular die having a corresponding substantially arch shaped cavity.

(186) Otherwise, the sealing module 10 can be cut after the extrusion process, to shape the body as desired.

(187) As also discussed here below, it has to be noted that the rectangular or square section of the body 10 (external body 10) is not limitative. In fact, the body 10 can be extruded, or cut, so as to provide different shape of the cross section, for example the body 10 can be directly extruded or subsequently cut to provide a polygonal section, the number of lateral sides being selected according to the need, or a circular or oval section, etc.

(188) It has to be also noted that, as already mentioned, in the shown schematic embodiment, the body 10 is extruded at a first die A. In different embodiments, the body may be produced separately (and thus before) the sealing module 1. In this case, the body already formed can be delivered to the die B (which thus becomes the “first” die), to allow extrusion of the first layer 11a on the body 10. The die A is thus omitted, or used only as a guide for the body 10.

(189) As mentioned the extrusion dies A, B, C are separated one from the other, and they are also typically aligned.

(190) In other words, all the dies typically share their respective axes (in other words the axes of the dies are coincident so as to form one axis corresponding to the axis along which the extrusion process is carried out).

(191) Extrusion parameters can be e.g. chosen between the extrusion speed, the extrusion temperature and the distance between the dies.

(192) In fact, according to an aspect, the distance between the dies, and/or the extrusion speed and/or the extrusion temperature are set in order to allow a good adhesion between the layers, which should at the same time not be too strong, in order to allow a user to remove, preferably to peel off by hand, one or more layers 11a-11h.

(193) For example, the extrusion temperature can be set in the range 160° Celsius-240° Celsius. The extrusion speed, that is corresponding to the moving speed of the extruded thermoplastic material between the extruding stations, can be for example in the range 1 meter/minute-2 meter/minute, preferably in the range 1 meter/minute-1.5 meter/minute.

(194) Usually, between two subsequent extrusions (e.g. between dies B and C) the extruded thermoplastic material PM can be cooled.

(195) With the expression “extruded thermoplastic material” it is meant the material exiting a generic die. As an example, with reference to die A, the “extruded thermoplastic material” PM is the body 10. With reference to die B, the “extruded thermoplastic material” PM is the group comprising the body 10 and the first layer 11a, while the “extruded thermoplastic material” PM for die C is the group comprising the body 10, the first layer 11a and the second layer 11b.

(196) This can be done via natural cooling (exposure of the material to ambient air), or by delivering a coolant to the extruded thermoplastic material PM.

(197) As better discussed later, with reference to the apparatus for example shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, water may be delivered (e.g. sprayed) onto the extruded thermoplastic material. As a result, one or more driers may be provided between two subsequent extrusion dies (e.g. between dies B and C) to dry the coolant.

(198) According to an aspect, in order to prevent a too strong adhesion, a detaching agent may be provided before the thermoplastic material is extruded (e.g. in the feeder supplying solid thermoplastic material to the extrusion die) and/or after the thermoplastic material has been extruded, i.e. after the thermoplastic material exits the extrusion die. In the latter case, the detaching agent can be delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material PM before a subsequent extrusion step (e.g. between dies A and B and between dies B and C).

(199) The coolant itself may be the detaching agent, or the coolant may contain the detaching agent (e.g. the detaching agent can be mixed or added or emulsified with a coolant). According to an aspect, silicone as detaching agent is used added to water used a coolant. After completion of all the extrusion steps, the core member may be removed from the sealing module 1. Also, the sealing module 1, in particular the sealing body 10 if provided with a close hollow shape and the adaptor 11 (possibly also the core member 12, if present), can be completely or partially cut into two portions 1a, 1b. FIG. 13A shows a sealing module that is partially cut. As already mentioned above, with the expression partially cut it is meant that the sealing module, and in particular its external body is not completely cut so as to keep an integral connection part 1c between two portions 1a, 1b of the sealing module. In particular two portions 1a, 1b of the external body 10 are formed, which are constrained one to another and can be moved (e.g. rotated) one with respect to another, for the cable insertion, while the two portions are constrained in at least one point or area of connection 1c. This area of connection is preferably arranged close to (in correspondence of) the external surface of the external body 10 so that this part can act as a hinge allowing the relative rotation of the two portions of the sealing module. The extension of the area of point of connection 1c can be varied with respect to the one shown in FIG. 13A and for example can be limited to the longitudinal edge of the two portions 1a, 1b.

(200) According to an aspect, as already mentioned above, the two portions 1a, 1b can be constrained one to another by providing a constraining or connection area between the two portions, for example by providing an additional joining part or by providing an adhesive or by welding, thus joining the two portions. In general the two portions are joined or connected together in a point or area of connection 1c. As already mentioned above, this area of connection is preferably arranged close to (or in correspondence of) an external surface of the external body so that this part 1c can act as a hinge allowing the relative rotation of the two portions of the sealing module. The sealing module 1 is cut along the axis X of the housing 14, i.e. along the axis passing through the two opposite surfaces of the sealing module through which the cable is passed. It has to be noted that the axis X corresponds to the axis of the cable or pipes that is passed through the sealing module. Typically the sealing module 1 is cut along the axis X, so as to be divided (partially or completely) into two portions 1a, 1b substantially symmetrical. This operation simplifies the removal of one or more layers 11a-11h, and the insertion of a pipe or cable within the housing 14.

(201) This step can be avoided if for example the body 10 has an open section.

(202) A sealing module 1 having an open section hollow body may be formed such that its finished product is e.g. similar to the portion 1a or 1b of the sealing module 1, as for example shown in the FIGS. 12-16. A sealing module 1 from an open section hollow body 10 is e.g. shown in FIG. 12B. A sealing module having a closed section hollow body 10 is for example shown in FIG. 17.

(203) In more detail, a possible second embodiment of an apparatus 100 for the production of a sealing module 1 is disclosed with reference to FIGS. 19-22. In FIG. 19 the main elements of the apparatus 100 are shown.

(204) In more detail, the apparatus 100 is provided with a plurality of extruding stations 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110. The number of extruding stations may vary with respect to what shown. For example, with reference to the FIGS. 19-22: station 101 extrudes the body 10; station 102 extrudes layer 11a on the body 10; station 103 extrudes layer 11b on layer 11a; station 104 extrudes layer 11c on layer 11b; station 105 extrudes layer 11d on layer 11c; station 106 extrudes layer 11e on layer 11d; station 107 extrudes layer 11f on layer 11e; station 108 extrudes layer 11g on layer 11f; station 109 extrudes layer 11h on layer 11g; station 110 can be used to extrude the core member 12 on layer 11h;

(205) Each extruding station 101-110 is provided with an extrusion die 102a, 103a, two of which are visible in greater detail in the partial enlarged view of FIG. 20. From now on, reference will be made to the two shown extruding stations 102 and 103, as well as to the extrusion dies 102a, 103a. However, the following description applies as well to all the other extruding stations and extrusion dies, and in particular to all of the couples of subsequent extruding stations.

(206) As known, the extrusion dies 102a, 103a comprise a body and a hole within the body. It has to be noted that the shape of the hole (and in particular its cross section shape) correspond to the shape of body, layer or core member to be extruded. For example the hole can be circular, annular, or have the shape of half a annular shape, ecc.

(207) According to an aspect, as for example shown in the FIGS. 18-19, the holes for extruding the layers have an arch shape (half annular shape) with decreasing size from the first layer to the last layer.

(208) It has to be noted that, if the layers are extruded in a close shape (e.g. annular) these are subsequently extruded within the close section hollow body. In this case to facilitate the contact of a layer on the previously extruded layer, or on the body, directing means, such as for example an air jet, can be used.

(209) Returning now to the apparatus, thermoplastic material is forced through the hole of the extrusion die 102a, 103a, so that the external shape of the thermoplastic material is shaped as the hole of the extrusion die.

(210) The extruding stations 102, 103 also provided with known means (not shown in detail) to feed thermoplastic material to the extrusion die 102a, 103a and means for melting the thermoplastic material (e.g. a melting cylinder) and a moving means such as a moving screw.

(211) It has to be noted that according to an aspect of the invention, the extruding station according to the invention comprises a pump, e.g. a volumetric pump, or other suitable supply means, to effectively control the quantity of melted thermoplastic material supplied to the extrusion die.

(212) The pump, or similar means, is preferably provided upstream of the extrusion die. Preferably the pump, or similar means, is arranged between the extrusion die and the melting cylinder.

(213) By doing so it is possible to reach high accuracy in controlling the thickness of each layer of thermoplastic material.

(214) The extruding stations 101-110 are preferably also disposed so that the extrusion dies 102a, 103a are aligned one after the other, i.e. so that the extruded thermoplastic material PM from one extrusion die 102a is naturally directed towards the subsequent extrusion die 103a. In other words, the axes of the extrusion dies (i.e. of the holes of the extrusion dies 102a, 103a) substantially coincide.

(215) In order to provide the above discussed extrusion in sequence, each extrusion die 103a has preferably a reduced dimension with respect to the previous extrusion die 102a. With “die of reduced dimension” it is meant that an extrusion die 103a has a hole smaller than the hole of the previous extrusion die 102a. This condition (which is shown in simplified manner also in FIG. 18) does not obviously apply to the extrusion die of the first extruding station 101, because no previous “extrusion die” exists.

(216) Guiding means 120, 121 (shown schematically in FIG. 20) are preferably provided to guide the extruded thermoplastic material PM between the various extruding stations 102, 103. In the FIGS. 18-22, rollers 120 are shown, which support the extruded thermoplastic material PM from between extrusion dies 102a and 103a. The rollers 120 may be motorized, so as to pull the extruded thermoplastic material. A greater number of rollers is normally used with respect to what shown.

(217) Also rollers are typically provided between each couple of extruding stations. The rollers may be driven by a common motor (not shown), so that all the rollers are rotated at the same angular velocity.

(218) According to an aspect of the invention, inclined surfaces 121 at the extruding dies 102a, 103a may be used, so as to precisely direct the extruded thermoplastic material PM within the extrusion dies 102a, 103. In general, fixed and/or movable guiding means 120, 121, may be used to guide and/or move and/or direct the extruded thermoplastic material PM between the different extruding stations 102, 103.

(219) In general, the guiding means allow to guide and support the extruded thermoplastic material PM, and to direct it towards the subsequent extrusion die (if present). As mentioned, the guiding means can be motorized to push or pull the extruded thermoplastic material PM.

(220) The apparatus 100 may be provided with various means to carry out different operations on the extruded thermoplastic material PM between two subsequent extruding stations 102, 103. Examples of these means are for example schematically shown in FIG. 20.

(221) The apparatus 100 may be provided with a coolant feeder 150 to provide coolant to the material extruded from an extrusion die 102a, before it reaches the subsequent extrusion die 103a. The coolant, typically water, is preferably delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material PM in misted form, e.g. by means of one or more sprayers or sprinkler 150a.

(222) Also, the speed and/or the extrusion temperature, together with the distance between two subsequent extruding stations 102, 103, may be set to provide for drying of the coolant at ambient temperature. Otherwise, a drier 140 may be provided to dry the coolant. The drier 140 may be arranged e.g. to direct air (e.g. hot air) towards the extruded thermoplastic material. A drier 140 may be also provided without the coolant feeder, e.g. to generally dry the extruded thermoplastic material exiting an extrusion die 102a.

(223) Below the extrusion dies, a recovery tray 160 may be provided, usually to recover the coolant falling from the extruded thermoplastic material PM.

(224) Furthermore, a detaching agent feeder 130 may be user to deliver a detaching agent to the extruded thermoplastic material PM. The detaching agent may be for example an oil or other suitable lubricant, or can be in the form of a powder (e.g. talc powder).

(225) It has to be noted that a detaching agent, can be provided in the feeder of thermoplastic material of the extruding station. In other words the detaching agent, for example in the form of grains or pellets, can be added to the feeder of solid thermoplastic material at the extruding station. The pellets or grains of detaching agent are dispersed in the melted thermoplastic material and, in particular, the detaching agent emerges at the external surface of the extruded thermoplastic material. This allows to provide a detaching action when a thermoplastic material is subsequently extruded thereon so that the adhesion between the layer is such as to allow removal, preferably by peeling, of one or more layer.

(226) According to an aspect, detaching grains or pellets, e.g. of the type known in the field of extrusion of thermoplastic material can be added to the thermoplastic material in the feeder of hopper of the extruding station.

(227) Otherwise, as before mentioned, a detaching agent may be mixed with the coolant.

(228) As an example, the coolant feeder 150 may comprise a coolant tank 150b, housing the coolant in liquid form. The detaching agent, e.g. silicone, may be e.g. dispersed within the coolant in the coolant tank 150b.

(229) The last extruding station 110 can be used to extrude the core member 12 of the sealing module 1. A cutting station 111 may be provided to cut the extruded thermoplastic material PM, to obtain directly a sealing module 1, or a semi-finished product. Further cutting operation may be provided (typically on a different apparatus from the apparatus 100) to e.g. cut the body into a rectangular section.

(230) It has to be noted that the body 10 (external body 10) can be provided or extruded or cut so as to provide different shape of the cross section, for example the body 10 can be directly extruded or subsequently cut to provide a polygonal section, the number of lateral sides being selected according to the need, or a circular or oval section, etc.

(231) The feeding of plastic material to the extruding stations 101-110 may be operated in different ways. In the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20, each extruding station is provided with a (known) source 170 of material to be extruded. The source 170 typically comprises (in a known manner) a hopper 171 to receive plastic material, and to feed it to an extrusion screw (not shown) that melts (possibly together with a relevant heater) and forces the material towards the relevant extruding station 101-110.

(232) As an alternative, a source 180, 181 may feed material to different extruding stations (i.e. to different extrusion dies 101a-110a), as e.g. shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, for example via suitable ducts preferably heated ducts intended to maintain the temperature of the material at a desired value or within a desired temperature range.

(233) In such an embodiment, there are two sources 180, 181, each feeding material to five different extruding dies 101a-110a. In different embodiments, a single source 180, 181 may feed material to a different number of extruding stations).

(234) A detailed discussion, with reference in particular to FIG. 22, will be made of source 180. This discussion applies as well also to source 181.

(235) Source 180 can be any known source of material that is configured to supply material to an extrusion die. Downstream the source 180 there is a distribution line 190 that supplies the material to be extruded from the source 180 to different extrusion dies 101a-105a of different extruding stations 101-105.

(236) Preferably, upstream of each extrusion die 101a-105a there is a pump, preferably a volumetric pump 101b-105b to accurately dose the material to each extrusion die 101a-105a.

(237) In the shown embodiment, the first source 180 feeds material to the first fie extruding stations 101-105, while the second source 181 feeds material to the last five extruding stations 106-110.

(238) Different embodiment may be provided, e.g. wherein the first source and the second source feed alternately material to the extruding station, e.g. the first extruding station is fed by the first source, the second extruding station is fed by the second source, the third extruding station is fed by the first source, and so on.

(239) Operation of the apparatus 100 according to the invention, preferably for carrying out the method according to the invention is evident from the above and can be summarized as follow. A body is extruded by the first extruding station 101 and directed towards the second extruding station 102.

(240) As an alternative, not shown, the body 10 can be produced by means of another apparatus and fed to the extruding station 102. The extruding station 102 extrudes layer 11a around (on) the body 10.

(241) The subsequent extruding station 103 extrudes the second layer 11b around (on) layer 11a, and so on until the last layer 11h, i.e. until the adaptor 11 is complete.

(242) Subsequently, the extruding station 110 can be used to extrude the core member 12 on the plurality of layers 11a-11h, and in particular on the external surface of the last layer 11h of said plurality of layers.

(243) The cutting station may thus cut the extruded thermoplastic material PM to the dimension of the sealing module 1.

(244) Between each couple of subsequent extruding stations, coolant and/or a detaching agent may be delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material PM via the coolant feeder 150 and/or the detaching agent feeder 130.

(245) It has to be also noted that the a detaching agent can be provided before the thermoplastic material is extruded, i.e. provided to the thermoplastic material in the solid state for example in the thermoplastic material feeder or hopper of an extruding station. The provision of a detaching agent before the extrusion of the thermoplastic material can be carried out in alternative, or in combination, with the provision of a detaching agent to the thermoplastic material after its extrusion, i.e. to the thermoplastic material exiting the extrusion die.

(246) It has to be noted that, in both the above mentioned cases, a detaching agent is present on the external surface of the extruded thermoplastic material on which subsequently a thermoplastic material is extruded. In other words, according to an aspect of the invention a detaching agent is provided on the external surface of a layer on which a subsequent layer is extruded.

(247) The presence of the detaching agent at the interface between a core member and a layer and/or between a layer and a subsequent layer (i.e. between two layers) allows to provide the desired adhesion of these elements while allowing a separation, i.e. allowing a removal or peeling (preferably a peeling by hand) of the thermoplastic material.

(248) It has to be noted that, according to different possible embodiments, the desired adhesion between the thermoplastic materials extruded in sequence allowing a separation (removal or peeling) can be obtained by a proper of the extrusion parameters, as for example mentioned above, in combination or in alternative to a provision of detaching agent. As mentioned above, according to an aspect of the invention the detaching agent can be carried out before and/or after the extrusion of the thermoplastic material. Therefore, a detaching agent is present between two layers of thermoplastic material extruded in sequence, i.e. between two layers of thermoplastic materials of the sealing module according to the invention.

(249) The movement of the thermoplastic material from one extrusion station to a subsequent extrusion station is provided by guiding means 120, 121.

(250) Possibly, the extruded thermoplastic material (in particular when wet with a coolant) may be dried by means of drier 140.

(251) It has to be noted that according to an aspect, the body 10 extruded in the first extruding station 110, is preferably cooled in a quick cooling step and without the addition detaching agent, i.e. without detaching agent added in the material used for the extrusion of the body.

(252) Also the thermoplastic material used for the extrusion of the first layer 11a on the body 10 is not provided with a detaching agent so that the body 10 is constrained to the first layer 11a. Therefore, according to an embodiment, the first layer 11a is not removable (it cannot be peeled off) and it is permanently constrained to the body 10. In other words the first layer 11a and the body 10 can be constrained one to another to be not separable.

(253) On the contrary, as mentioned before, the extrusion parameter(s) and/or the provision of detaching agent and/or the provision of a controlled cooling step, are selected so as the core member 12 can be removed (peeled off) from the last layer 11h of the adapter, as well as the layer of the adapter can be removable (peeled off) from another layer, as already discussed above.

(254) As mentioned, at the end of the extrusion step, when the module 1 is obtained, it may be longitudinally (i.e. along the axis of the opening 14) cut (partially or completely) into two halves if the body is provided with a closed hollow section. Thus, the opening 14 is divided in two halves, having an open cross section, so as to allow an easy insertion of the cable/pipe within the opening 14 itself. This step is not necessary if the body 10 is provided with an open section.

(255) Furthermore, the core member may be removed from the sealing module 1, so that the final piece is already provided with an opening 14.

Third Embodiment

(256) According to a third possible embodiment, as for example shown in the FIGS. 23-31, a sealing module 1 comprises a hollow body 10 and in particular an external body, and a plurality of superimposed inner layers 11a-11h arranged inside the hollow external body 10.

(257) As it will be discussed here below, the plurality of inner layers 11a-11h acts as an adapter portion 11 of the sealing module; in fact, the removal of one or more layers allows to modify the size of the cross section of the sealing module so as to adapt it to different cable or pipe sizes. It has to be noted that the term “adaptor” 11 is also used herein to indicate the plurality of superimposed inner layers 11a-11h.

(258) In the FIGS. 23-31, the layers 11a-11h are placed on the body 10. The adaptor 11, i.e. the plurality of layers, is provided within the body 10, which is hollow so that the layers can be housed therein.

(259) By doing so, a housing 14 extending between two opposite surfaces S1, S2 (see for example FIG. 24) of the sealing module, i.e. a pass through housing 14 extending from one surface of the sealing module to an opposite surface of the sealing module, can be provided. The size of the housing 14 can be varied by removing (e.g. peel off, preferably by hand) one or more layer(s). The body 10 (in particular the one having a closed hollow section) is typically divided (partially or completely) in two portions after the extrusion process.

(260) The layers 11a-11h, as better discussed later, are extruded and superimposed one to the other, so that the cross section of the layers is substantially the same (with obviously progressively decreasing size).

(261) According to an embodiment, the layers 11a-11h may have a closed hollow section, e.g. as for example shown in FIG. 28, a circular closed hollow section, i.e. annular or ring shaped closed section. As mentioned above, different shapes can be used instead of a circular shape. In fact, according to different possible embodiments as for example shown in FIGS. 23-27, the body can be provided with an open hollow section, i.e. it is provided with an open cavity 50 (the cavity is not completely surrounded by the body shape in cross section) and the layer intended to be extruded in the cavity are sheets having an open section (not forming a closed hollow section). More in detail, according to an embodiment, as for example shown in the FIGS. 23-27, the layers can be in the form of a curved sheet having an arched shape, and preferably half of an annular shape (half of an annulus).

(262) It has to be noted that after cutting the sealing module of FIG. 28, the embodiments of FIGS. 23-27 can be obtained.

(263) According to an aspect of the invention, the layers 11a-11h are simultaneously extruded on a surface of the body 10 and in particular on the surface of the cavity 50. The layers 11a-11h have a correspondent shape with respect to the shape of the surface of the cavity 50 of the body so that the plurality of layers can adhere thereon.

(264) According to an aspect, as for example shown in the attached FIGS. 23-31, the body 10 has a rectangular or square shaped external surface, with a cavity 50 having the shape of half annulus if seen in cross section.

(265) The body 10 can be provided either by extrusion in a first extruding station (as it will be discussed in greater detail here below) or the body 10 may be obtained from other forming process (e.g. molding or extrusion). The layers are then simultaneously extruded on the body.

(266) A core member 12 can be extruded as well together with the layers 11a-11h and it is preferably provided with a shape (internal surface) that allow it to be placed internally with respect to the plurality of layers 11a-11h.

(267) Alternatively, the layers 11a-11h may be extruded simultaneously onto the core member 12, and the external body 10 may be provided on the layers in a subsequent time.

(268) Also, core member 12, layers 11a-11h and external body 10 may be extruded together.

(269) In general, the core member 12 can be extruded simultaneously to the layers or it can be produced separately from the sealing module 1, and subsequently provided. The cross section of the core member can be full (e.g. a circular full section) or hollow (e.g. an annular cross section). It has to be also noted that as an example, the core member 12 may be a rope or a cable that is used as a basis for the extrusion of the layer, and also as a driving member, i.e. a member that pulls the material after it has been extruded.

(270) The layers 11a-11h adhere one to the other to form an adaptor 11. In other words, at the end of the production step, the layers are constrained (by adhesion) one to the other, so as to prevent movement between the layers 11a-11h.

(271) However, the adhesion between the layers, and between the layers and the core member 12 (if provided), is loose enough to allow a user to remove (preferably by peeling) one or more layers 11a-11h, to modify the size (e.g. the diameter) of the housing 14 for passing a cable or pipe through the sealing module 1.

(272) In particular, the size of the housing 14 is a function of the number of layers 11a-11h removed (i.e. peeled off) from the sealing module.

(273) In fact, according to an aspect, a user can peel (preferably by hand) one or more layers 11a-11h to adapt the sealing module for the use with cables of different dimensions.

(274) As an example, in FIG. 26, no layer 11a-11h is removed, and the core member 12 is still within the adaptor 11. As a result, no pass through housing 14 is present because the sealing module is completely filled by the layers and the core member thus no passage for the cable is present, and a cable cannot be inserted within (and through) the sealing module 1. With reference to FIG. 23, no layer 11a-11h is removed, but the core member 12 is no longer present within the adaptor 11.

(275) As a result, a hollow volume is formed within the sealing module. In other words an empty volume of the housing 14 is provided, so that a cable or pipe can be pass through the sealing module 1 via this empty volume of the housing 14. In this case, the opening has a small cross-section, so that only small cables/pipes (i.e. having small cross section) can be housed in the sealing module 1.

(276) By removing one or more layer(s), the cross section of the housing 14 (i.e. the empty volume of the housing 14) can be increased and adapted to the size (e.g. external circumference) of the cable or pipe (or similar element) to be hosed in the sealing module.

(277) As an example, in FIG. 27, layers 11h-11f have been removed from the sealing module, so that the cross section of the housing 14 (i.e. empty space or not occupied space of the housing) is bigger with respect to the one of FIG. 26. As a result, bigger cables/pipes can be housed within the sealing module.

(278) In the shown embodiment, the layers have substantially identical thickness one with respect to the other. Also on this case, it has to be noted that this condition is preferred, but it is not strictly required.

(279) The extruding station may thus be configured so as to produce at least two layers having thickness different one from the other. In addition (or as an alternative), two or more layers may be extruded so as to be substantially permanently attached one to the other (e.g. by properly choosing the material, the extrusion temperature, avoiding the presence of a detaching agent, etc.). As a result, the sealing module will be provided with a reduced number of layers with respect to the number of layers that are extruded, because part of the extruded layer are attached one to the other so as to form a single thicker layer in the sealing module. As an example, layers 11b and 11c may be extruded so as to be permanently joined one to the other so as to form a single layer having a thickness that is twice the thickness of the other layers. In other words, the sealing module of this example will not be provided with eight layers, but it will be provided with seven layers, one of which (i.e. 11b+11c) has a greater thickness with respect to the other ones. According to an embodiment, the body 10 (and possibly also the core member 12), in addition to the layers 11a-11h (i.e. the adaptor 11), is made of a thermoplastic material, allowing an extrusion simultaneous of the elements of the sealing module 1. Otherwise, only the layers 11a-11h may be extruded of thermoplastic material, while a closed section hollow body 10 (or at least one open section hollow body) may be provided and the layers extruded on it or constrained to it after extrusion.

(280) According to the invention, suitable thermoplastic material are thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic rubbers (such as Santoprene), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic fluoropolymer elastomers (e.g. the one knows as Viton), thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (e.g. the one traded with the name Hytrel), thermoplastic polyamides (e.g. Nylon or PA-12).

(281) These and other thermoplastic materials are suitable materials for the production body 10, if it is produced by extrusion, and the layers 11a-11h.

(282) The core member 12 can be made of a thermoplastic material as well, e.g. the materials of the body 10 and/or of the layers 11a-11h.

(283) The body 10 can be extruded in the first step of production of the sealing module, possibly simultaneously with respect to the layers, or it can be produced separately from the sealing module 1, and used as a base for the extrusion of the sealing module 1 and in particular of the layers 11a-11h.

(284) In the case the body 10 is provided by extrusion, i.e. in a first step of extrusion of thermoplastic material, the layer 11a of the plurality of layers 11a-11h contacting the cavity 50 of the body preferably adheres on the body so as to be constrained to it. In other words, such a layer 11a cannot be removed (peeled off) from the body 10.

(285) This can be for example achieved by properly selecting the extrusion parameters and/or by not providing a detaching agent between the body and the layer contacting the cavity of the body 10. It has to be also noted that the body can be constrained to the first layers with other known techniques, different from the direct extrusion of the layers on the body. For example the layers and the body can be constrained by an adhesive and in general by any known method, e.g. by gluing or by adhesion between the materials of the body and the layers.

(286) Returning now on the extrusion process, as before mentioned, a simultaneous extrusion of the layers it is meant that the layers are extruded at the same time, preferably at the same extruding station.

(287) FIGS. 29 and 30 show a possible embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention for carrying out a simultaneous extrusion of the layers and, optionally, of the body 10 and/or of the core member 12.

(288) The apparatus 100 comprises at least an extruding station 102 comprising a plurality of extrusion holes 301a-301h configured to allow a simultaneous extrusion of the layers 11a-11h. One or more additional extrusion hole 300, 302 can be provided to extrude the body 10 and the core member 12.

(289) At least one source 181, 182, 183 of thermoplastic material is provided to feed said extruding station and in particular the extrusion holes of the extrusion dies. For example two or more sources 181, 182, 183 of thermoplastic material can be connected to the at least one extruding station.

(290) It has to be noted that the holes 300, 301a-301h, 302 can be arranged on a single extrusion die 102a, provided with channels to receive the thermoplastic material from one or more sources 181, 182, 183 and supply it to the extrusion holes.

(291) However, it is not excluded that more than one extrusion die 102a is provided and one or more extrusion holes is/are arranged on the each extrusion die 102a. In other words, instead of providing a single extrusion die with a plurality of holes, two or more extrusion die can be provided each having one or more extrusion hole. The two or more dies and in particular the extrusion holes thereof are arranged to allow the simultaneous extrusion of the layers.

(292) The feeding of plastic material to the extruding station may be operated in different ways. As an example, each extruding station may be provided with a (known) source 180 of material to be extruded. The source 180 typically comprises (in a known manner) a hopper 185 to receive plastic material, and to feed it to an extrusion screw (not shown) that melts (possibly together with a relevant heater) and forces the material towards the relevant extrusion die.

(293) As an alternative, a source 180 may feed material to different extrusion dies, for example via suitable ducts, preferably heated ducts, intended to maintain the temperature of the material at a desired value or within a desired temperature range.

(294) A pump, preferably a volumetric pump can be provided to accurately dose the material to be supplied.

(295) According to an embodiment, as for example shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, an extrusion die 102a is provided with extrusion holes 301a-301h to simultaneously extrude the layers 11a-11h. The extrusion die 102a is connected to two sources 182, 183 of thermoplastic material. Another extrusion station 103 and another extrusion die 103a is provided to extrude the body 10 from an extrusion hole 300. The extrusion die 103a is connected to another source 181 of thermoplastic material. If two or more extrusion dies are provided, a same source of thermoplastic material can be connected to them for example via a distribution line of the thermoplastic material.

(296) In any configuration, the extrusion holes are arranged so as to allow the mentioned simultaneous extrusion at least of the plurality of layers.

(297) According to an embodiment, the extrusion holes 300, 301a-301h, 302, and in particular the outlet sections of the extrusion holes, are substantially coplanar one with the other, i.e. are arranged substantially on the same plane. Typically such a plane is perpendicular to the direction along which the extrusion occurs. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, such a plane is arranged substantially vertically (considering the condition in use of the apparatus). Therefore a simultaneous extrusion, i.e. an extrusion at the same time of the layers and possibly of the body 10 and/or of the core member 12 can be achieved.

(298) At least part of the extrusion holes have similar shapes, with different size and in particular progressively increasing. According to an aspect, the holes have increasing size towards the body 10.

(299) In the shown embodiment, all the layers 11a-11h and the core member have identical cross section (except for the size), i.e. circular or of a half of circle (half of a annulus) in this particular case. In other words, the shapes of the cross section of the layers and of the core member are “similar”, in a strict geometrical meaning. The shape of the holes 301a-301h have a shape correspondent to that of the layers to be extruded, such as for example a circular or of a half of circle (half of a annulus).

(300) The body 10 has a rectangular cross section with the cavity 50 preferably having a substantially arch shape. This may be achieved my means of a rectangular hole 300 of a die having a corresponding substantially arch shape cavity (see for example FIGS. 29 and 30). If however, a closed section hollow body has to be extruded, the hole 300 of the die will be accordingly provided with closed section shape (see for example FIG. 31).

(301) It has to be noted that according to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the extrusion holes 300, 301a-301h, 302 are arranged one above the other.

(302) This configuration is typically used if the layers 11a-11h, and possibly the body 10, have an open section shape.

(303) According to another possible option, as for example shown in FIG. 31, the extrusion holes 300, 301a-301h, 302 are arranged concentric one with respect to the other. This configuration is typically used if the layers 11a-11h, and possibly the body 10, have an closed section shape, e.g. a circular (annular) shape.

(304) As also discussed here below, it has to be noted that the rectangular or square section of the body 10 (external body 10) is not limitative. In fact, the body 10 can be extruded, or cut, so as to provide different shapes of the cross section, for example the body 10 can be directly extruded or subsequently cut to provide a polygonal section, the number of lateral sides being selected according to the need, or a circular or oval section, etc.

(305) It has to be also noted that, as already mentioned, in the shown schematic embodiment, the body 10 is extruded from the extrusion hole 300. In different embodiments, the body may be produced separately (and thus before) the sealing module 1. In this case, the body already formed can be delivered to the extrusion die 102a where the layers 11a-11h are extruded from the holes 301a-301h simultaneously on the body 10.

(306) Extrusion parameters can be e.g. chosen between the extrusion speed, the extrusion temperature and the distance between the holes and in particular the distance of the outlet of the holes in the plane in which they are arranged.

(307) In fact, according to an aspect, the distance between the holes (e.g. the distance between the holes arranged substantially coplanar), and/or the extrusion speed and/or the extrusion temperature are set in order to allow a good adhesion between the layers, which should at the same time not be too strong, in order to allow a user to remove, preferably to peel off by hand, one or more layers 11a-11h.

(308) For example, the extrusion temperature can be set in the range 160° Celsius-240° Celsius. The extrusion speed, that is corresponding to the moving speed of the extruded thermoplastic material from the holes, can be for example in the range 1 meter/minute-2 meter/minute, preferably in the range 1 meter/minute-1.5 meter/minute.

(309) The extruded thermoplastic material can be cooled.

(310) This can be done via natural cooling (exposure of the material to ambient air), or by delivering a coolant to the extruded thermoplastic material.

(311) For example water may be delivered (e.g. sprayed) onto the extruded thermoplastic material exiting the holes. As a result, one or more driers may be provided at the exit of the holes. According to an aspect of the invention, in order to prevent a too strong adhesion, a detaching agent may be provided before the thermoplastic material is extruded (e.g. in the feeder supplying solid thermoplastic material to the extrusion die) and/or after the thermoplastic material has been extruded, i.e. after the thermoplastic material exits the extrusion holes. In the latter case, the detaching agent can be delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material at the exit of the extrusion holes.

(312) The coolant itself may be the detaching agent, or the coolant may contain the detaching agent (e.g. the detaching agent can be mixed or added or emulsified with a coolant). According to an aspect, silicone as detaching agent is used added to water used a coolant.

(313) Also, the sealing module 1, in particular the sealing body 10—if provided with a close hollow shape—and the adaptor 11 (possibly also the core member 12, if present), can be completely or partially cut into two portions 1a, 1b. FIG. 24A shows a sealing module that is partially cut. As already mentioned above, with the expression partially cut it is meant that the sealing module, and in particular its external body is not completely cut so as to keep an integral connection part 1c between two portions 1a, 1b of the sealing module. In particular two portions 1a, 1b of the external body 10 are formed, which are constrained one to another and can be moved (e.g. rotated) one with respect to another, for the cable insertion, while the two portions are constrained in at least one point or area of connection 1c. This area of connection is preferably arranged close to (in correspondence of) the external surface of the external body 10 so that this part can act as a hinge allowing the relative rotation of the two portions of the sealing module. The extension of the area of point of connection 1c can be varied with respect to the one shown in FIG. 24A and for example can be limited to the longitudinal edge of the two portions 1a, 1b.

(314) According to an aspect, as already mentioned above, the two portions 1a, 1b can be constrained one to another by providing a constraining or connection area between the two portions, for example by providing an additional joining part or by providing an adhesive or by welding, thus joining the two portions. In general the two portions are joined or connected together in a point or area of connection 1c. As already mentioned above, this area of connection is preferably arranged close to (or in correspondence of) an external surface of the external body so that this part 1c can act as a hinge allowing the relative rotation of the two portions of the sealing module. The sealing module 1 is cut along the axis X of the housing 14, i.e. along the axis passing through the two opposite surfaces of the sealing module through which the cable is passed. It has to be noted that the axis X corresponds to the axis of the cable or pipes that is passed through the sealing module. Typically the sealing module 1 is cut along the axis X, so as to be divided (partially or completely) into two portions 1a, 1b substantially symmetrical. This operation simplifies the removal of one or more layers 11a-11h, and the insertion of a pipe or cable within the housing 14. A sealing module having a closed section hollow body 10 is for example shown in FIG. 28.

(315) This step can be avoided if for example the body 10 has an open section.

(316) A sealing module 1 having an open section hollow body may be formed such that its finished product is e.g. similar to the portion 1a or 1b of the sealing module 1, as for example shown in the FIGS. 23-27. A sealing module 1 from an open section hollow body 10 is e.g. shown in FIG. 23B. In more detail, a possible embodiment of an apparatus 100 for the production of a sealing module 1 is disclosed with reference to FIGS. 29-31.

(317) The apparatus 100 is provided with an extruding station 102 comprising a die 102a having extruding holes 301a-301h to simultaneously extrude the layers. An additional extrusion die 103a can be provided with extrusion hole 300 to extrude the body. It has to be noted that the body 10 can be provided not by an extrusion process. it has to be also noted that an extrusion hole 302 can be provided on the extrusion die 102a or at another extrusion die to extrude a core member 12, if present.

(318) For example, with reference to the FIGS. 30-31: hole 300 extrudes the body 10; hole 301a extrudes layer 11a on the body 10; hole 301b extrudes layer 11b on layer 11a; hole 301c extrudes layer 11c on layer 11b; hole 301d extrudes layer 11d on layer 11c; hole 301e extrudes layer 11e on layer 11d; hole 301f extrudes layer 11f on layer 11e; hole 301g extrudes layer 11g on layer 11f; hole 301h extrudes layer 11h on layer 11g; hole 302 can be used to extrude the core member 12 on layer 11h.

(319) As mentioned, at least the extrusions of the layers 11a-11h is carried out simultaneously. Thermoplastic material is forced through the holes of the extrusion die 102a, 103a so that the external shape of the thermoplastic material is shaped as the hole of the extrusion die.

(320) The extruding stations 102, 103 are also provided with known means (not shown in detail) to feed thermoplastic material to the extrusion die 102a, 103a and means for melting the thermoplastic material (e.g. a melting cylinder) and a moving means such as a moving screw.

(321) It has to be noted that according to an aspect, the extruding station according to the invention comprises a pump, e.g. a volumetric pump, or other suitable supply means, to effectively control the quantity of melted thermoplastic material supplied to the extrusion die.

(322) The pump, or similar means, is preferably provided upstream of the extrusion die. Preferably the pump, or similar means, is arranged between the extrusion die and the melting cylinder.

(323) By doing so it is possible to reach high accuracy in controlling the thickness of each layer of thermoplastic material.

(324) The extruding holes 301a-301h are arranged, preferably in a same plane (i.e. on the same surface of the die 102a) one above another, so that the extruded material can be placed on the extruded material below. The body 10 is preferably either extruded or provided in the lower position so that the simultaneously extruded layers are arranged on it.

(325) Similarly in the other possible embodiment, schematically shown for example in FIG. 31 for only some layers, a plurality of concentric holes are provided to simultaneously extrude the layers. Also in this case the holes and in particular the outlet sections are arranged on the same plane (i.e. on the same surface of the die 102). A plurality of concentric annular holes 301a-301h (only part of them are shown in the schematic view of FIG. 31) are provided to simultaneously extrude the layers 11a-11h. It has to be noted that also in this case, extrusion holes 300, 302 can be provided to simultaneously extrude the body 10 and the core member 12.

(326) Guiding means not shown are preferably provided to guide the extruded thermoplastic material. For example rollers, not shown, can be provided to support the extruded thermoplastic material. The rollers may be motorized, so as to pull the extruded thermoplastic material.

(327) In general, guiding means allow to guide and support the extruded thermoplastic material, and in particular the layers extruded simultaneously, and possibly also the body 10 on which the layers are extruded.

(328) The apparatus 100 may be provided with a coolant feeder, not shown, to provide coolant to the material extruded from the extruding stations. The coolant, typically water, is preferably delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material in misted form, e.g. by means of one or more sprayers or sprinkler.

(329) A drier may be provided to dry the coolant. The drier may be arranged e.g. to direct air (e.g. hot air) towards the extruded thermoplastic material. A drier may be also provided without the coolant feeder, e.g. to generally dry the extruded thermoplastic material exiting the extrusion holes.

(330) Below the extrusion holes, a recovery tray 160 may be provided, usually to recover the coolant falling from the extruded thermoplastic material.

(331) Furthermore, a detaching agent feeder may be used to deliver a detaching agent to the extruded thermoplastic material. The detaching agent may be for example an oil or other suitable lubricant, or can be in the form of a powder (e.g. talc powder).

(332) It has to be noted that a detaching agent, can be provided in the feeder of thermoplastic material of the extruding station. In other words the detaching agent, for example in the form of grains or pellets, can be added to the feeder of solid thermoplastic material at the extruding station. The pellets or grains of detaching agent are dispersed in the melted thermoplastic material and, in particular, the detaching agent emerges at the external surface of the extruded thermoplastic material. This allows to provide a detaching action when a thermoplastic material is simultaneously extruded thereon so that the adhesion between the layer is such as to allow removal, preferably by peeling, of one or more layer.

(333) According to an aspect, detaching grains or pellets, e.g. of the type known in the field of extrusion of thermoplastic material can be added to the thermoplastic material in the feeder of hopper of the extruding station.

(334) Otherwise, as before mentioned, a detaching agent may be mixed with the coolant.

(335) As an example, the coolant feeder may comprise a coolant tank, housing the coolant in liquid form. The detaching agent, e.g. silicone, may be e.g. dispersed within the coolant in the coolant tank.

(336) A cutting station may be provided to cut the extruded thermoplastic material, to obtain directly a sealing module 1, or a semi-finished product. Further cutting operation may be provided (typically on a different apparatus from the apparatus 100) to e.g. cut the body into a rectangular section.

(337) It has to be noted that the body 10 (external body 10) can be provided or extruded or cut so as to provide different shapes of the cross section, for example the body 10 can be directly extruded or subsequently cut to provide a polygonal section, the number of lateral sides being selected according to the need, or a circular or oval section, etc.

(338) Operation of the apparatus 100 according to the invention, preferably for carrying out the method according to the invention is evident from the above and can be summarized as follow.

(339) A plurality of layers 11a-11h are simultaneously extruded from extrusion holes 301a-301h. The layers are extruded simultaneously either with an open shape (as for example shown in FIGS. 29 and 30), or with a closed shape (as for example in FIG. 31).

(340) A body 10 is extruded by an extruding hole 300 or it can be provided already formed via a different forming process. For example, as an alternative, not shown, the body 10 can be produced by means of another apparatus.

(341) An extrusion hole 302 can be provided, on the same extrusion die 102a, or at a different extrusion die, to extrude the core member 12. Also the core member can be provided with a different forming process, thus it is not necessarily extruded in the apparatus 100.

(342) Coolant and/or detaching agent(s) may be delivered to the extruded thermoplastic material via a coolant feeder and/or the detaching agent feeder.

(343) It has to be also noted that the a detaching agent can be provided before the thermoplastic material is extruded, i.e. provided to the thermoplastic material in the solid state for example in the thermoplastic material feeder or hopper of an extruding station. The provision of a detaching agent before the extrusion of the thermoplastic material can be carried out in alternative, or in combination, with the provision of a detaching agent to the thermoplastic material after its extrusion, i.e. to the thermoplastic material exiting the extrusion die.

(344) It has to be noted that, in both the above mentioned cases, a detaching agent is present on the external surface of the extruded thermoplastic material on which simultaneously a thermoplastic material is extruded. In other words, according to an aspect of the invention a detaching agent is provided on the external surface of a layer on which another layer is extruded simultaneously and/or on the external surface of the core member (if provided).

(345) The presence of the detaching agent at the interface between a core member and a layer and/or between a layer and another layer (i.e. between two layers) allows to provide the desired adhesion of these elements while allowing a separation, i.e. allowing a removal or peeling (preferably a peeling by hand) of the thermoplastic material.

(346) It has to be noted that, the desired adhesion between the thermoplastic materials extruded simultaneously allows a separation (removal or peeling) can be obtained by a proper of the extrusion parameters, as for example mentioned above, in combination or in alternative to a provision of detaching agent. As mentioned above, according to an aspect of the invention the detaching agent can be carried out before and/or after the extrusion of the thermoplastic material. Therefore, a detaching agent is present between two layers of thermoplastic material extruded simultaneously, i.e. between two layers of thermoplastic materials of the sealing module according to the invention.

(347) Possibly, the extruded thermoplastic material (in particular when wet with a coolant) may be dried by means of drier.

(348) It has to be noted that according to an aspect, the layer 11a of the adaptor extruded on the body 10 from the hole 301a, is preferably cooled in a quick cooling step and without the addition detaching agent, i.e. without detaching agent added in the material used for the extrusion of the first layer.

(349) Also the thermoplastic material used for the extrusion of the sealing body 10 is not provided with a detaching agent so that the body 10 is constrained to the layer 11a. Therefore, according to an aspect of the invention, the layer 11a is not removable (it cannot be peeled off) and it is permanently constrained to the body 10. In other words the layer 11a and the body 10 can be constrained one to another to be not separable.

(350) On the contrary, as mentioned before, the extrusion parameter(s) and/or the provision of detaching agent and/or the provision of a controlled cooling step, are selected so as the core member 12 can be removed (peeled off) from the layer 11h of the adapter, as well as the layer of the adapter can be removable (peeled off) from another layer, as already discussed above.

(351) As mentioned, at the end of the extrusion step, when the module 1 is obtained, it may be longitudinally (i.e. along the axis of the opening 14) cut (partially or completely) into two portions, if the body is provided with a closed hollow section. Thus, the opening 14 is divided in two halves, having an open cross section, so as to allow an easy insertion of the cable/pipe within the opening 14 itself. This step is not necessary if the body 10 is provided with an open section. Furthermore, the core member may be removed from the sealing module 1, so that the final piece is already provided with an opening 14.