Angle gate injection molding apparatus

Abstract

Angle gate injection molding apparatus. An angle gate injection molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gate axis that is misaligned with a taper axis of a nozzle tip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to angled gate injection molding, and more specifically to the nozzle end and mold gate in an angled gate injection molding device. Background Technology

[0002] The molded material protruding from the gate area of ​​a molded part after it has been removed from the mold is called a gate mark. Gate marks are undesirable, so careful inspection is necessary to identify affected molded parts, which are either disposed of or further processed to remove the protruding molded material. Gate marks can be particularly problematic in angled gate injection molding applications, where the axis of the mold gate is arranged at an angle between 25 and 65 degrees to the demolding direction of the injection mold. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this application provides an injection molding apparatus, comprising: a gating assembly defining at least a portion of a mold cavity, the gating assembly having a ejection axis and a recess extending toward the ejection axis into the gating assembly, the recess including an alignment hole and terminating at a mold gate leading to the mold cavity, the mold gate having a gating axis intersecting the ejection axis at an acute angle; and a nozzle laterally offset to one side of the gating assembly, the nozzle having a molten material channel for receiving molding material from a source, the molten material channel including a lateral channel portion extending toward an outer sidewall of the nozzle and terminating thereat. At the nozzle exit; a nozzle end, which is connected to the nozzle at an acute angle to the demolding axis, the nozzle end being received in a recess in the gate assembly, the nozzle end including an inner end assembly and an outer end assembly surrounding the inner end assembly, the inner end assembly at least partially defining an end channel in fluid communication with the nozzle exit and the mold cavity, the outer end assembly having an outer alignment surface matching the alignment hole of the recess, the inner end assembly having an upstream end adjacent to the nozzle, a downstream end, a tapered portion having a apex at the downstream end, and the tapered portion having a tapered axis not aligned with the gate axis.

[0004] The apex of the tapered section can be spaced apart from the gate axis in a direction opposite to / contrary to the demolding direction.

[0005] The cone axis and the gate axis can be parallel but not aligned.

[0006] The cone axis and the gate axis may be misaligned at an angle.

[0007] The gate axis and the cone axis may be misaligned along the plane extending through the cone axis and the demolding axis.

[0008] The alignment hole, the circumferential outer surface of the outer end assembly, and the tapered portion can be concentric.

[0009] The inner end assembly may include an end body coaxial with the tapered portion.

[0010] The alignment hole, the circumferential outer surface of the outer end assembly, and the mold gate can be concentric.

[0011] The angular position of the outer end assembly can be fixed relative to the inner end assembly in the rotational direction, and the angular position of the outer end assembly can be fixed relative to the alignment hole in the rotational direction.

[0012] The inner end assembly may include an end body having an end body axis that is not angularly aligned with the cone axis.

[0013] The inner end assembly may include an end body having an end body axis that is parallel to but not aligned with the cone axis.

[0014] The angular position of the outer end assembly relative to the inner end assembly can be fixed by one of the following: a bonding joint between the outer and inner end assemblies; and the outer end assembly having a non-circular socket that matches a complementary non-circular plug on the body of the inner end assembly.

[0015] The angular position of the outer end assembly relative to the alignment hole can be fixed by one of the following: a bonded joint between the outer end assembly and the gate assembly; and the outer end assembly having a non-circular socket that matches a complementary non-circular socket in the gate assembly.

[0016] The nozzle tip can be placed on the outward-facing surface of the nozzle, which is orthogonal to the gate axis.

[0017] The nozzle tip can be placed on the outward-facing surface of the nozzle, which is parallel to the gate axis. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The attached diagrams may be out of scale.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an angled gating injection molding apparatus according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 Through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the molded product formed by the injection molding device.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part 3.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part 4.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a front view of the nozzle end and gate assembly of an injection molding apparatus according to another embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an angled gating injection molding apparatus having a nozzle tip and a gating assembly according to another embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 7 It is shown as isolated from the nozzle. Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of it.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 Partial cross-section and exploded view of the gating assembly and nozzle tip.

[0027] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion depicting parallel misalignment.

[0028] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A magnified image of a portion of the image depicts the misalignment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the following description, "downstream" is used to refer to the general direction of the flow of molding material from the injection unit to the mold cavity of the injection molding system, and the sequence in which the molding material flows from its inlet of the injection molding system to the components or parts thereof in the mold cavity. "Upstream" is used to refer to the opposite direction. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical field, background, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an injection molding apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of this application. Features and aspects of the present embodiment can be used accordingly with other embodiments. The injection molding apparatus 100 includes a gate assembly 104, a nozzle 106 offset to one side of the gate assembly 104, and a nozzle tip 108 that, together with the nozzle 106, delivers molding material to a mold cavity 109, which partially defines the shape of a molded article 110 formed by the injection molding apparatus 100 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 Nozzle 106 and mold gate assembly 104 are received within mold plates 107 and 111.

[0031] The gating assembly 104 defines at least a portion of the mold gate 112 and the mold cavity 109. During operation, molding material is injected into the mold cavity 109 through the mold gate 112. The gating assembly 104 includes a demolding axis A. D and the recess 114 therein receiving the nozzle end 108. Demolding axis A D Demolding direction D parallel to injection molding device 100 D The molded article 110 is pulled out of the mold cavity 109 along the demolding direction through a mold core (not shown). Demolding direction D DParallel to the opening and closing movement of the injection molding machine (not shown), the injection molding device 100 is mounted in the injection molding machine during operation. The recess 114 faces the demolding axis A. D It extends into the gate assembly 104 and terminates at the mold gate 112, the mold gate 112 having an acute angle α with the demolding axis A. D Intersecting gate axes A G .exist Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the gate axis A G With demolding axis A D It is at a 45-degree angle; however, the gate axis A G It can be positioned at any angle between 25 and 65 degrees relative to the demolding axis A. D intersect.

[0032] Nozzle 106 includes components parallel to the demolding axis A D nozzle centerline L C The nozzle 106 further includes a heater 115 for maintaining the nozzle 106 at a suitable processing temperature and a nozzle channel 116 for receiving molding material from a source, such as an upstream melt delivery assembly 118. Figure 1 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the upstream melt delivery assembly 118 and the nozzle centerline L C Axially aligned. The nozzle passage 116 includes a lateral passage portion 120 that extends toward the outer side wall 121 of the nozzle 106 and terminates at the nozzle outlet 122.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part 3. Nozzle end 108 about the demolding axis A. D An acute angle α is connected to the nozzle 106. The nozzle end 108 includes an inner end assembly 124 and an outer end assembly 125. The inner end assembly 124 at least partially defines an end channel 126 in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet 122 and the mold cavity 109. The outer end assembly 125 surrounds the inner end assembly 124 and is generally sleeve-shaped. The outer end assembly 125 includes an outer alignment surface 127 that mates with an alignment hole 128 of a recess 114. Downstream of the alignment hole 128, the recess 114 tapers inward toward the mold gate 112. The outer end assembly 125 further includes an inner alignment surface 130 that mates with a body portion 132 of the inner end assembly 124 to position the inner end assembly 124 relative to the outer end assembly 125. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 132 and the tapered portion 133 of the inner end assembly 124 are concentric.

[0034] Continue to refer to Figure 3 And refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of part 4. The inner end assembly 124 includes an upstream end 134 and a downstream end 135 adjacent to the nozzle 106 (see Figure 124). Figure 4 A tapered portion 133 with a apex 136 at the downstream end 135, and the tapered portion 133 having an axis A perpendicular to the gate axis. G (see Figure 4 Misaligned cone axis A C (see Figure 4 ).

[0035] exist Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the cone axis A C and gate axis A G The parallel lines are misaligned, and vertex 136 is away from the demolding direction D. D The direction of the gate axis A G Spacing out, if misaligned offset M O As shown.

[0036] In this configuration, the tapered portion 133 is recessed into one side of the tapered shape (which is perpendicular to the demolding direction D). D The gap G1 between the longitudinally aligned or substantially longitudinally aligned sections is smaller than the gap shown in region G2, which is located at the tapered portion 133 and transverse to or substantially transverse to the demolding direction D. D Between the opposite side of the concave cone. And the demolding direction D. D Smaller gaps that are longitudinally aligned or roughly longitudinally aligned can reduce or prevent gate marks on molded parts.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a front view, specifically along the gate axis A of the nozzle end 108 of the injection molding device 100 and the gate assembly 104 according to another embodiment of this application. G A view of the direction. The mold gate 112 includes the gate axis A. G The nozzle tip 108 includes a conical axis A C Both along the axis A of the cone C and demolding axis A D The planes P and P of the two are not aligned. In this configuration, the gate axis A... G and cone axis A C The misalignment between them is reflected symmetrically across the plane P.

[0038] exist Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the conical axis A is achieved by forming the nozzle tip 108 such that the tapered portion 133 and the outer alignment surface 127 are coaxial, and by forming the gate assembly 104 such that the alignment hole 128 and the mold gate 112 are axially misaligned. C and demolding axis A D The misalignment between them. In this configuration, when the nozzle tip 108 is mounted in the recess 114, the alignment hole 128 and the outer alignment surface 127 are misaligned around the conical axis A. C Concentric, and the cone axis A C Regarding gate axis A G The amount of parallel misalignment is the same as the amount of parallel misalignment of alignment hole 128 and mold gate 112.

[0039] Re-reference Figure 3 ,exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle tip 108 is rigidly coupled to the nozzle 106 to limit or prevent longitudinal and lateral movement of the nozzle tip 108 relative to the nozzle 106. An example of rigid coupling includes an inner end assembly 124 received in a closely sized countersunk bore 138 in the nozzle 106, the countersunk bore 138 defining an outward-facing step 139 between the nozzle outlet 122 and the outer sidewall 121. The countersunk bore 138 includes an internal thread 140 that matches a complementary external thread 142 formed on the outer end assembly 125. The outer end assembly 125 sits on a shoulder 144 on the inner end assembly 124, holding the upstream end 134 on the step 139 by tightening the threads 140, 142, thereby securing the inner end assembly 124 and the nozzle tip 108 to the nozzle 106.

[0040] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,in, Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an angled gating injection molding apparatus 100a having a nozzle 106a, a nozzle tip 108a, and a gating assembly 104a, according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 7 It is shown as being isolated from nozzle 106a. Figure 6 A magnified view of part 7. The features and aspects of the current embodiment can be used accordingly with other embodiments.

[0041] Figures 6 to 8 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the cone axis A C and gate axis A GThe axial misalignment is achieved by the axially misaligned nozzle end 108a, and the nozzle end 108a is slidably connected to the nozzle 106a.

[0042] refer to Figure 7 The gate assembly 104a includes a coaxial (i.e., about the gate axis A) G The nozzle tip 108a has an alignment hole 128a and a mold gate 112a, and has a tapered portion 133a that is axially misaligned with the outer alignment surface 127a. In this configuration, when the nozzle tip 108a is installed in the recess 114a, the alignment hole 128a and the outer alignment surface 127a are about the gate axis A. G Concentric, and the cone axis A C With gate axis A G Misalignment. Cone axis A C The misalignment between the outer alignment surface 127a and the gate axis A can be facilitated by forming an inner end assembly 124a, which is concentric with the outer alignment surface 127a and aligned with the gate axis A. G Coaxial and with the cone axis A C The main body 132a is misaligned. In this configuration, when the nozzle tip 108a is installed in the recess 104a, the alignment hole 128a and the outer alignment surface 127a are misaligned around the gate axis A. G Coaxial, and the cone axis A C With gate axis A G Misaligned. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the end body 132a and the conical axis A C The misalignment between them is a parallel misalignment; however, the main axis A B With cone axis A C Misalignment can also be angular misalignment, or a combination of parallel misalignment and angular misalignment. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates parallel and angular axial misalignment.

[0043] The misaligned nozzle tip 108a can be related to... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 When used together with the aforementioned misaligned gate assembly 104, in addition to the misalignment between the mold gate 112 and the alignment hole 128, this will also allow the gate axis A to be aligned. G With cone axis A C The misalignment between them.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figure 7 And refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8These are cross-sectional views of the gate assembly 104a and exploded views of the nozzle tip 108a, illustrating how the nozzle tip 108a promotes the tapered axis A when installed in the recess 114a. C and gate axis A G The expected misalignment occurs when the angular position of the inner end assembly 124a is fixed in the rotational direction relative to the outer end assembly 125a, and the angular position of the outer end assembly 125a is fixed in the rotational direction relative to the alignment hole 128a. Figures 6 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the angular position of the inner end assembly 124a relative to the outer end assembly 125a is fixed by a non-circular socket 145a located at the upstream end 146a of the outer end assembly 125a, and a corresponding non-circular plug 148a at the upstream end 134a of the inner end assembly 124a is received in the non-circular socket 145a.

[0045] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the angular position of the outer end assembly 125a is fixed in the rotational direction relative to the alignment hole 128a by a keyed joint between the outer end assembly 125a and the gate assembly 104a. Specifically, the outer end assembly 125a includes a first keyway 149a, and the gate assembly 104a includes a second keyway 150a, the second keyway 150a being positioned about the gate axis A. G The predetermined angular position is axially aligned with the first keyway 149a, which will achieve the tapered axis A when the key 151a is installed to extend between the first and second keyways 149a, 150a. C and gate axis A G The expectations between them are not aligned. It should be understood that, in addition to what has been described above, the fixing of the angular positions of the inner end assembly 124a and the outer end assembly 125a, as well as the fixing of the angular positions of the outer end assembly 125a and the gate assembly 104a, can be achieved through different combinations of bonding joints and matching non-circular plug and socket combinations.

[0046] Re-reference Figure 6 Nozzle tip 108a is slidably coupled to nozzle 106a to allow relative movement between nozzle tip 108a and nozzle 106a without exposing nozzle tip 108a to undue lateral loads, such as to accommodate thermal expansion of nozzle 106a. In the slidably coupled example, the upstream end 134a of inner end assembly 124a abuts an outwardly facing sidewall 121a and includes a shoulder 152a on which outer end assembly 125a sits. Figures 6 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end assembly 125a includes a skirt 154a, which is seated on a surface aligned with the gate axis A. GOn the support surface 155a of the orthogonal gate assembly 104a. During operation, the outward thermal expansion of the nozzle 106a compresses the nozzle tip 108a between the outward-facing surface 121a and the support surface 155a to promote a fluid seal between the nozzle 106a and the nozzle tip 108a.

[0047] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 Part 9 is an enlarged view depicting the cone axis A. C and gate axis A G The parallel lines are misaligned. Figure 9 The mold gate 112s and the tapered section 133s are schematically shown in the figure.

[0048] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 Part 9 is an enlarged view depicting the cone axis A. C and gate axis A G The angle is not aligned. Figure 10 The mold gate 112s and the tapered section 133s are schematically shown in the figure.

[0049] While various embodiments have been described above, they are presented by way of illustration and example only, and not as limitations. Therefore, this application should not be limited to any of the embodiments described above, but should be defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An injection molding device, comprising: A gating assembly defining at least a portion of a mold cavity, the gating assembly having a ejection axis and a recess extending toward the ejection axis into the gating assembly, the recess including an alignment hole and terminating at a mold gate leading to the mold cavity, the mold gate having a gating axis intersecting the ejection axis at an acute angle; The nozzle is laterally offset to one side of the gating assembly, and has a melt channel for receiving molding material from a source. The melt channel includes a lateral channel portion that extends toward an outward-facing sidewall of the nozzle and terminates at a nozzle outlet. A nozzle tip, connected at an acute angle to the ejection axis to the nozzle, is received in the recess within the gating assembly. The nozzle tip includes an inner end assembly and an outer end assembly surrounding the inner end assembly. The inner end assembly at least partially defines an end channel in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet and the mold cavity. The outer end assembly has an outer alignment surface that matches an alignment hole in the recess. The inner end assembly has an upstream end adjacent to the nozzle, a downstream end, a tapered portion having a apex at the downstream end, and the tapered portion having a tapered axis that is not aligned with the gate axis.

2. The injection molding device according to claim 1, wherein, The apex of the tapered portion is spaced apart from the gate axis in a direction opposite to / away from the demolding direction.

3. The injection molding device according to claim 2, wherein, The cone axis and the gate axis are parallel but not aligned.

4. The injection molding device according to claim 2, wherein, The cone axis and the gate axis are not aligned at an angle.

5. The injection molding device according to claim 1, wherein, The gate axis and the cone axis are not aligned axially along a plane extending through the cone axis and the demolding axis.

6. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment hole, the circumferential outer surface of the outer end assembly, and the tapered portion are concentric.

7. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The inner end assembly includes an end body coaxial with the tapered portion.

8. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment hole, the circumferential outer surface of the outer end assembly, and the mold gate are concentric.

9. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The angular position of the outer end assembly is fixed relative to the inner end assembly in the rotational direction, and the angular position of the outer end assembly is fixed relative to the alignment hole in the rotational direction.

10. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The inner end assembly includes an end body having an end body axis that is not angularly aligned with the cone axis.

11. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The inner end assembly includes an end body having an end body axis that is parallel to but not aligned with the cone axis.

12. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The angular position of the outer end assembly relative to the inner end assembly is fixed by one of the following: a bonding connector between the outer end assembly and the inner end assembly; and the main bodies of the outer end assembly and the inner end assembly respectively having complementary and matching non-circular sockets and non-circular plugs.

13. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The angular position of the outer end assembly relative to the alignment hole is fixed by one of the following: a bonding joint between the outer end assembly and the gate assembly; and the outer end assembly and the gate assembly each having a non-circular socket that matches each other.

14. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle tip is positioned on the outward-facing surface of the nozzle, which is orthogonal to the axis of the gate.

15. The injection molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle tip is positioned on the outward-facing surface of the nozzle, which is parallel to the axis of the gate.

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