Hollow molding machine mold opening and closing auxiliary device
The mechanical mold opening and closing auxiliary device addresses inefficiencies in hollow molding machines by using stepper or servo motors and mechanical transmission to adjust clamping force, ensuring stable mold locking and adaptability to different mold sizes, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW115204069
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2036-05-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing mold opening and closing mechanisms in hollow molding machines face issues such as high operating costs, hydraulic system failures, environmental pollution, and limited adaptability to molds of different sizes and thicknesses, leading to inefficiencies and precision problems.
A mechanical mold opening and closing auxiliary device using stepper or servo motors, gears, racks, and crank-connecting rods to adjust clamping force and accommodate various mold sizes, eliminating hydraulic systems and enhancing precision and versatility.
The device achieves stable mold locking without continuous power, prevents mold retraction due to excessive pressure, reduces downtime, and saves energy and costs while maintaining precision and adaptability.
Smart Images

Figure IMG-2_DRAW_115204069-A0305-14-0001-1 
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_115204069-A0305-14-0002-2 
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_115204069-A0305-14-0003-3
Abstract
Description
Hollow molding machine mold opening and closing auxiliary device Technical Field
[0001] This work relates to a hollow molding mechanism that can be fitted with molds of different thicknesses and sizes. Prior Technology
[0002] The commonly seen mold opening and closing mechanism of blow molding machines is exemplified by Patent No. 459648, "Improvement of Mold Opening and Closing Mechanism for Plastic Blow Molding Machine," published on April 1, 2017 (Republic of China Year 106). This patent discloses that a large-diameter master hydraulic cylinder and two smaller-diameter slave hydraulic cylinders are located on one side of the movable mold plate. The master hydraulic cylinder has a accumulator to supplement the hydraulic pressure source. Thus, by providing a predetermined hydraulic pressure source to the slave hydraulic cylinders with a hydraulic pump, the master hydraulic cylinder's hydraulic pressure source can be supplemented by the accumulator while the movable mold plate is rapidly moved. After the movable mold plate and the fixed mold plate are closed, the master hydraulic cylinder is provided with a predetermined hydraulic pressure source by the hydraulic pump, ensuring sufficient closing pressure for the movable mold plate to complete the mold closing action. Therefore, the displacement speed of the movable mold plate can be increased without affecting the pressure required for mold closing, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing production costs.
[0003] The previous patent used hydraulic pressure to drive the opening and closing of the two molds. However, using hydraulic pressure requires frequent operation of the hydraulic pump to maintain stable hydraulic pressure, even when the molds are not closing. Furthermore, to counteract the pressure rise within the molds caused by blow-outs, the hydraulic cylinder must maintain a thrust state, inevitably increasing operating costs. In addition, there are various other problems, including: oil leakage and contamination common in hydraulic machines; variations in action time due to oil temperature changes; poor accuracy; contamination during molding; increased noise; and increased space requirements.
[0004] Another patent application, No. 355441, "Clamping Device for a Hollow Molding Machine," published on April 1, 1999, discloses: a main body; a pull rod that moves freely back and forth and is horizontally supported on the main body; a front plate and a back plate disposed at the front and rear ends of the pull rod; and a movable platform that faces the front plate and moves freely back and forth on the pull rod; furthermore, a separate molding die is provided on the opposing sides of the front plate and the movable platform; a crank mechanism and a drive source that transmits driving force to the crank shaft of the crank mechanism are attached to the main body, and the back plate and the movable platform are connected to the crank arm of the crank mechanism via a connecting rod.
[0005] The prior art patent uses a crankshaft mechanism to replace the hydraulic mechanism, thereby achieving advantages such as energy saving, accurate and stable operation, and reduced environmental pollution. However, the prior art patent cannot adjust the distance between the opening and closing of the mold to suit different mold sizes and thicknesses, so it cannot be installed with molds of different thicknesses and sizes, and is therefore not suitable for use in production lines for different products.
[0006] There is also a patent application No. I865481, "Molding Apparatus and Manufacturing System for Molded Articles," published on December 11, 2014 (Republic of China year 113). It discloses a molding apparatus for molding a molded body, comprising: a mold clamping device for closing a preform extruded from an extrusion device to obtain a molded article; a transfer track movably supporting the mold clamping device; and an electric cylinder for moving the mold clamping device along the transfer track. The mold clamping device includes first and second pressure plates for holding the mold, and a mold clamping drive device for bringing the first and second pressure plates closer together and separating them. The electric cylinder includes a motor with an output shaft and a feed screw mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the output shaft into linear motion. It also includes at least one of the following configurations (1) and (2): Configuration (1): The motor is a brake motor with a brake, which can brake the rotation of the output shaft; Configuration (2): It includes a clutch capable of switching between a state connecting the output shaft and the feed screw mechanism and a state releasing the connection between the output shaft and the feed screw mechanism.
[0007] The previous patent application utilized an electric cylinder to generate direct pressure for mold opening and closing, thereby enabling the installation of molds of different thicknesses and sizes. However, this previous patent application still suffered from drawbacks such as high cost and insufficient clamping force, thus its application was not entirely ideal. Summary of the Invention
[0008] Therefore, in view of the aforementioned shortcomings of the current mold opening and closing structure of hollow molding machines, this invention provides a mold opening and closing auxiliary device for a hollow molding machine, comprising: a base; a mold base unit, movable on the base, the mold base unit including a first template, a second template, and a third template, the first template, the second template, and the third template being respectively spaced apart and slidable on the base, a first mold and a second mold respectively provided on the opposite wall surfaces of the first template and the second template, the first template and the second template sliding relative to each other on the base, thereby causing the first mold and the second mold to close or open relative to each other; a first power unit, which is poweredly connected to the mold base unit, thereby outputting a first power to drive the first template, the second template, and the third template to move relative to each other to complete the mold closing or opening action; and an adjustment unit, which is provided with... The system comprises a power source, a lead screw, and a stop seat. The power source is fixed to the base and engages with the lead screw for transmission. The other end of the lead screw passes through the third template and is fixed to the stop seat. By rotating the power source forward and backward, the lead screw is driven to move the stop seat closer to or further away from the second template, thereby adjusting the position of the stop seat on the base. A second power unit is connected to the second template to output a second power to drive the second template towards a closer fit with the first template. The second power unit is fixed to the second template and moves with it. A crank-connecting rod assembly is connected to the second shaft of the second power unit. The other end of the crank-connecting rod assembly is connected to a slider seat, which slides on the base so that it can abut against the stop seat.
[0009] The aforementioned base is provided with a working plane, on which two opposing slide rails are provided, and a groove is provided between the two slide rails. The first template, the second template, and the third template slide relative to each other on the two slide rails, and the crank connecting rod assembly extends and retracts within the groove.
[0010] The first template is fixed with at least one limiting post. One end of the limiting post passes through the second template and is fixed to the third template, so that the second template can move along the limiting post. A first rack and a second rack are respectively provided on the opposite wall surfaces between the second template and the third template.
[0011] A transmission gear is provided on a first shaft of the first power unit. The transmission gear meshes with the first rack and the second rack respectively. The first power unit outputs the first power by rotating in the forward or reverse direction. The power is transmitted to the second template and the third template through the first rack and the second rack respectively. The first rack moves the second template along the limiting post, moving away from or closer to the first template. The second rack moves the third template closer to or away from the second template. When the third template moves, it moves the first template through the limiting post, causing the first template to move away from or closer to the second template, thereby achieving the mold closing or opening action.
[0012] The second power unit oscillates and outputs the second power, which is transmitted to the slider seat through the crank-connecting rod assembly. The slider seat is blocked by the stop seat, so that the second power is mechanically amplified by the crank-connecting rod assembly, driving the second template to press against the first template, thereby increasing the clamping force.
[0013] The aforementioned first power unit is either a stepper motor or a servo motor.
[0014] The aforementioned power source is either a stepper motor or a servo motor.
[0015] The aforementioned second power unit is either a stepper motor or a servo motor.
[0016] The output value of the second power source is one-third of the output value of the first power source.
[0017] The above-mentioned technical features have the following advantages:
[0018] 1. It can avoid excessive pressure during hollow molding, which could cause the mold to retract and affect the precision of the finished product. It can also maintain the mold-locking state without continuous power output, thus improving the stability of the mold-locking.
[0019] 2. The first power unit outputs the optimal mold closing force, and the second power unit outputs the maximum clamping force. By adjusting the position of the stop seat, the extension of the crank connecting rod can be controlled to change the clamping force output conditions, thereby achieving an average output force. This prevents uneven stress on some components and damage, thereby reducing the load on the mechanism and extending its service life.
[0020] 3. By adjusting the mechanism, it can accommodate molds of different thicknesses and sizes, increasing its versatility and reducing downtime for mold changes, thereby improving production efficiency and equipment flexibility.
[0021] 4. By utilizing mechanical transmission mechanisms such as gears and racks, as well as crank connecting rods, energy and cost savings can be achieved.
[0022] 5. Since no hydraulic system is used, problems such as oil leakage, pollution, oil temperature changes, and noise can be avoided, thus improving equipment stability and environmental friendliness. Simple Explanation of the Diagram
[0023] [Figure 1] is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this embodiment of the invention.
[0024] [Figure 2] is a three-dimensional view of the first power unit in this embodiment.
[0025] [Figure 3] is a perspective view of the adjustment unit and the second power unit in this embodiment of the invention.
[0026] [Figure 4] is a closed-mold schematic diagram of the overall structure of this embodiment.
[0027] [Figure 5] is a schematic diagram showing the gap formed between the slider seat and the stop seat when the mold with a smaller thickness is replaced in this embodiment of the invention.
[0028] [Figure 6] is a schematic diagram of the mold closing process when replacing the mold with one of smaller thicknesses in this embodiment of the invention.
[0029] [Figure 7] is a schematic diagram of the mold opening process when replacing the mold with one of smaller thicknesses in this embodiment of the invention. Implementation
[0030] In the description of this work, it should be understood that the terms "center," "axial," "longitudinal," "lateral," "vertical," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the diagrams and are used only for the convenience of describing this work and for simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this work. In the description of this work, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" or "plural" means two or more. Furthermore, "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish components with the same properties and do not indicate a necessary assembly order or quantity.
[0031] Please refer to Figures 1, 2, and 3. This embodiment of the invention is an auxiliary device for opening and closing a hollow molding machine, comprising: a base 1, a mold base unit 2, a first power unit 3, an adjustment unit 4, and a second power unit 5, wherein:
[0032] The base 1 has a working surface 11. Two opposing slide rails 12 are provided on the working surface 11. A groove 13 is provided between the two slide rails 12.
[0033] The mold base unit 2 is movable on the working plane 11 of the base 1. The mold base unit 2 includes a first template 21, a second template 22, and a third template 23. The first template 21, the second template 22, and the third template 23 are respectively arranged at a distance from each other on two slide rails 12. At least one limiting post 24 is fixed to the first template 21, passing through the second template 22 and fixed to the third template 23, allowing the second template 22 to move along the limiting post 24. A first rack 25 is provided on the opposing wall surfaces of the second template 22 and the third template 23. A second rack 26 is provided on the opposing wall surfaces of the third template 23 and the second template 22. The first template 21 has a first mold A on its opposite wall surface to the second template 22, and the second template 22 has a second mold B on its opposite wall surface to the first template 21. The first template 21 and the second template 22 slide relative to each other on the two slide rails 12, so that the first mold A and the second mold B are closed or opened relative to each other, thereby allowing the blow molding process to be performed.
[0034] The first power unit 3 is powered by the mold base unit 2, thereby driving the first mold plate 21, the second mold plate 22, and the third mold plate 23 to move relative to each other to complete the mold closing or opening action. The first power unit 3 is a stepper motor or a servo motor, and a transmission gear 32 is provided on its first shaft 31. The transmission gear 32 meshes with the first rack 25 and the second rack 26 respectively, so that the first power output by the first power unit 3 rotating in the positive direction (defined as clockwise direction) is transmitted to the second mold plate 22 and the third mold plate 23 through the first rack 25 and the second rack 26 respectively. The first rack 25 drives the second mold plate 22 to move away from the first mold plate 21 along the limiting post 24. The second rack 26 moves the third template 23 closer to the second template 22 relative to it. Simultaneously, as the third template 23 moves, it moves the first template 21 away from the second template 22 via the limiting post 24, thus achieving the mold opening action. As shown in Figure 4, when the first power unit 3 rotates in the reverse direction (defining counterclockwise as the reverse direction), it outputs the first power, which is transmitted to the second template 22 and the third template 23 respectively through the first rack 25 and the second rack 26. The first rack 25 moves the second template 22 closer to the first template 21 along the limiting post 24. The second rack 26 moves the third template 23 away from the second template 22. Simultaneously, as the third template 23 moves, it moves the first template 21 closer to the second template 22 via the limiting post 24, thus achieving the mold closing action.
[0035] The adjustment unit 4 includes a power source 41, a lead screw 42, and a stop seat 43. The power source 41 is fixed to the base 1 and is either a stepper motor or a servo motor. It meshes with the lead screw 42 for transmission. The other end of the lead screw 42 passes through the third template 23 and is fixedly connected to the stop seat 43. By rotating the power source 41 forward and backward, the lead screw 42 is driven to move the stop seat 43 closer to or further away from the second template 22, thereby adjusting the position of the stop seat 43 on the working plane 11.
[0036] The second power unit 5 is powered by the second template 22, thereby driving the second template 22 to close relative to the first template 21. The second power unit 5 is a stepper motor or a servo motor, fixed to the second template 22, and moves with the second template 22. A crank-connecting rod assembly 52 is connected to the second shaft 51 of the second power unit 5, and the crank-connecting rod assembly 52 extends and retracts within the groove 13. The other end of the crank-connecting rod assembly 52 is connected to a slider seat 53, which slides on the working plane 11 of the base 1, allowing it to abut against the stop seat 43. The second power output from the second power unit 5 when it swings counterclockwise is transmitted to the slider seat 53 through the crank-connecting rod assembly 52. The slider seat 53 is blocked by the stop seat 43, so that the second power, using the mechanical force amplification effect generated when the crank-connecting rod is in a near-linear alignment, can drive the second mold plate 22 to press against the first mold plate 21, thereby increasing its clamping force. The output value of the second power is approximately one-third of the output value of the first power.
[0037] When the mold is closed, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, firstly, the first power unit 3 is controlled to rotate in the opposite direction to output the first power. The transmission gear 32 rotates in the opposite direction, causing the first rack 25 and the second rack 26 to move away from each other. Therefore, the first power is transmitted to the second mold plate 22 and the third mold plate 23 through the first rack 25 and the second rack 26 respectively. The first rack 25 moves the second mold plate 22 along the limiting post 24, causing it to move closer to the first mold plate 21. The second rack 26 moves the third mold plate 23 away from the second mold plate 22. When the third mold plate 23 moves, it can move the first mold plate 21 through the limiting post 24, causing it to move closer to the second mold plate 22. The first power is used to achieve the mold closing action. After mold closing, to prevent the first mold A and the second mold B from separating due to the blowing pressure during the blow molding process, which would affect the precision of the finished product, the second power unit 5 is controlled to swing in the opposite direction to output the second power. This power is then transmitted to the slider seat 53 after the crank-connecting rod assembly 52 is straightened. The slider seat 53 is then blocked by the stop seat 43, allowing the mechanical amplification effect of the second power to drive the second template 22 and the first template 21 to press against each other, thereby increasing the clamping force. This prevents the first mold A and the second mold B from separating due to the blowing pressure during molding.
[0038] When replacing molds of different thicknesses, as shown in Figure 5, this embodiment replaces the first mold A1 and the second mold B1 with the thinner molds. Because the thickness of the replaced molds A1 and B1 is reduced, the maximum mold opening distance changes. Therefore, during mold locking, the slider seat 53 of the second power unit 5 cannot precisely abut against the stop seat 43, resulting in a gap between them. Conversely, if a thicker mold is used, interference will occur between the slider seat 53 and the stop seat 43, preventing the crank-connecting rod assembly 52 from fully extending and causing it to bend. In this case, the maximum second power cannot be generated. The maximum second power can only be obtained when the crank-connecting rod assembly 52 is fully extended. Therefore, the position of the stop seat 43 needs to be adjusted so that the slider seat 53 can precisely abut against the stop seat 43. The system can activate the power source 41, which drives the lead screw 42 to rotate. This causes the lead screw 42 to move the stop seat 43 closer to the second template 22, thereby adjusting the position of the stop seat 43 on the working plane 11. This allows the crank connecting rod assembly 52 to be fully extended, and the slider seat 53 to abut against the stop seat 43 (as shown in Figure 6), thus obtaining the maximum value of the second power output.
[0039] During mold opening, as shown in Figure 7, firstly, the second power unit 5 swings forward, retracting through the crank-connecting rod assembly 52 to move the slider seat 53 away from the stop seat 43, thus canceling the mold-locking force generated by the second power unit. Then, when the first power unit 3 rotates forward, the transmission gear 32 rotates forward, causing the first rack 25 and the second rack 26 to move closer together. The first rack 25 then moves the second template 22 along the limiting post 24 away from the first template 21. The second rack 26 then moves the third template 23 closer to the second template 22. When the third template 23 moves, it can move the first template 21 away from the second template 22 through the limiting post 24, thus canceling the first power unit and completing the mold opening action.
[0040] Thus, by outputting the optimal mold-closing force through the first power unit 3, and then outputting the maximum mold-locking force through the second power unit 5, an even output force can be achieved, preventing uneven stress on some components and damage. It also avoids excessive blown pressure that could cause the mold to retract, affecting the precision of the finished product. Furthermore, the adjustable mechanism can accommodate molds of different thicknesses and sizes, increasing its versatility. The use of gears, racks, pinions, and crank-connecting rods in the mechanical transmission mechanism design achieves energy savings and cost reduction.
[0041] Based on the above description of the embodiments, one can fully understand the operation, use and effects of this invention. However, the above embodiments are only preferred embodiments of this invention and should not be used to limit the scope of implementation of this invention. Simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the description of this invention are all within the scope of this invention.
[0042] 1:Abutment 11: Working plane 12: Slide rail 13: Groove 2: Mold base unit 21: First Template 22: Second Template 23: Third Template 24: Limiting post 25: First rack 26: Second rack 3: First Power Unit 31: First Axis 32: Transmission gears 4: Adjustment Unit 41: Power Source 42: Lead screw 43: Support seat 5: Second Power Unit 51: Second Axis 52: Crankshaft and connecting rod assembly 53: Slider base A: First mold B: Second mold A1: First mold B1: Second mold
Claims
1. A mold opening and closing auxiliary device for a hollow molding machine, comprising: a base; a mold base unit, movable on the base, the mold base unit comprising a first template, a second template, and a third template, the first template, the second template, and the third template being respectively spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other, and sliding on the base, a first mold and a second mold being respectively provided on the opposite wall surfaces of the first template and the second template, the first template and the second template sliding relative to each other on the base, thereby causing the first mold and the second mold to close or open relative to each other; a first power unit, which is poweredly connected to the mold base unit, thereby outputting a first power to drive the first template, the second template, and the third template to move relative to each other, thereby completing the mold closing or opening action; An adjustment unit comprises a power source, a lead screw, and a stop seat. The power source is fixed to the base and engages with the lead screw for transmission. The other end of the lead screw passes through the third template and is fixedly connected to the stop seat. By rotating the power source forward and backward, the lead screw is driven to move the stop seat closer to or further away from the second template, thereby adjusting the position of the stop seat on the base. A second power unit is connected to the second template to output a second power to drive the second template to move towards the first template for relative close contact. The second power unit is fixed to the second template and moves with the second template. A crank-connecting rod assembly is connected to the second shaft of the second power unit, and the other end of the crank-connecting rod assembly is connected to a slider seat. The slider seat slides on the base so that it can abut against the stop seat.
2. As in request item 1, the mold opening and closing auxiliary device for the hollow molding machine, wherein, The base has a working plane with two opposing slide rails on it. A groove is provided between the two slide rails. The first template, the second template, and the third template slide relative to each other on the two slide rails. The crank connecting rod assembly extends and retracts within the groove.
3. As in request item 2, the mold opening and closing auxiliary device for the hollow molding machine, wherein, The first template is fixed with at least one limiting post. One end of the limiting post passes through the second template and is fixed to the third template, so that the second template can move along the limiting post. A first rack and a second rack are respectively provided on the opposite wall surfaces between the second template and the third template.
4. As in request item 3, the mold opening and closing auxiliary device for the hollow molding machine, wherein, A transmission gear is provided on a first shaft of the first power unit. The transmission gear meshes with the first rack and the second rack respectively. The first power unit outputs the first power by rotating in the forward or reverse direction. The power is transmitted to the second mold plate and the third mold plate through the first rack and the second rack respectively. The first rack moves the second mold plate away from or closer to the first mold plate along the limiting post. The second rack moves the third mold plate closer to or away from the second mold plate. When the third mold plate moves, it moves the first mold plate away from or closer to the second mold plate through the limiting post, thereby achieving the mold closing or opening action.
5. As in request item 1, the mold opening and closing auxiliary device for the hollow molding machine, wherein, The second power unit oscillates and outputs the second power, which is transmitted to the slider seat through the crank-connecting rod assembly. The slider seat is blocked by the stop seat, so that the second power is mechanically amplified by the crank-connecting rod assembly, driving the second template to press against the first template, thereby increasing the clamping force.
6. As in request item 1, the mold opening and closing auxiliary device for the hollow molding machine, wherein, The first power unit is either a stepper motor or a servo motor.
7. As in request item 1, the mold opening and closing auxiliary device for the hollow molding machine, wherein, The power source is either a stepper motor or a servo motor.
8. As in request item 1, the mold opening and closing auxiliary device for the hollow molding machine, wherein, The second power unit is either a stepper motor or a servo motor.
9. As in request item 1, the auxiliary device for opening and closing the mold of the hollow molding machine, wherein, The output value of the second power is one-third of the output value of the first power.