Molds for injection molding

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an injection molding device (1), which comprises an injection molding machine and an injection mold (2) arranged therein. At least one first outer mold half (3) and at least one second outer mold half (4) are arranged in a manner that they can move relative to each other in a first direction (x). A central part (5) is arranged between the first outer mold half (3) and the second outer mold half (4), and the central part (5) comprises a lower part (6) and an upper part (7), the lower part (6) and the upper part (7) being arranged to be rotatable around a rotation axis (8). The lower part (6) and the upper part (7) are separated from each other by a support arrangement (9) arranged between the upper part (7) and the lower part (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is applicable to the field of tools and machines for injection molding plastics and other thermoplastic materials. Background Art

[0002] According to the prior art, an injection molding device with a rotating center part is known, which is used to efficiently prepare multi-component plastic parts by injection molding. A rotatable mold center part (center block) is arranged between two mold halves, the mold center part is fixed to a holding device and is arranged to be able to rotate around a rotation axis, and the two mold halves can be moved relative to each other in a first direction along a rod of the injection molding machine. The rotatable mold center part has at least two parallel side surfaces, along which the mold center part interacts with the two mold halves to form a cavity. During opening and closing, a coordination device keeps the rotatable mold center part centrally positioned between the two mold halves, so that collisions can be avoided. According to the prior art, various holding devices for the rotatable center part are known.

[0003] For the preparation of more complex articles consisting of two or more assembled parts in the same injection molding device, the following publication document WO2015158702A1 is known, which was published in October 2015 on behalf of the same applicant. It relates to an injection molding device having at least one first outer mold half and at least one second outer mold half, the first outer mold half and the second outer mold half being arranged in a manner that can move relative to each other in a first direction. A central part that can rotate around a rotation axis is arranged between the two mold halves, the central part having a lower part and an upper part. The first inner mold half is attached to the lower part in pairs, and the second inner mold half is attached to the upper part in pairs. In the closed position, the inner mold half interacts with the first outer mold half and the second outer mold half to form a cavity, wherein the first outer mold half and the second outer mold half are arranged in pairs with the inner half. The first inner mold half and the second inner mold half and the first outer mold half and the second outer mold half arranged in pairs form a lower preparation plane and an upper preparation plane. Summary of the invention

[0004] The injection molding device according to the present disclosure generally includes an injection molding machine, the injection molding machine having a first mold clamping plate and a second mold clamping plate, the first mold clamping plate and the second mold clamping plate being arranged to be movable relative to each other along a rod in a first direction. The injection molding device includes an injection mold, which is arranged in the injection molding machine during operation. The injection mold includes a first outer mold half and a second outer mold half, the first outer mold half and the second outer mold half being attached to the first mold clamping plate and the second mold clamping plate, respectively. Therefore, they are arranged to be movable relative to each other in a first direction. The first outer mold half and the second outer mold half may include more than one type of cavity, preferably a cavity grouped in sections. The central part is arranged between the first outer mold half and the second outer mold half. The central part includes a lower part and an upper part, the lower part and the upper part are arranged to be rotatable around a rotation axis, and the rotation axis is generally arranged to be perpendicular to the movement of the outer mold halves relative to each other in the first direction along the rod. Preferably, the lower part and the upper part can rotate independently of each other, so as to be actuated by separate drive trains respectively. The inner mould half is attached to the lower part, which is connected to the corresponding outer mould half, forming the cavity of the lower preparation plane. The inner mould half is attached to the upper part, which is connected to the corresponding outer mould half, forming the cavity of the upper preparation plane. The lower part and the upper part are mechanically separated from each other by a support arrangement arranged between the upper part and the lower part. Preferably, the support arrangement is the only direct connection between the lower part and the upper part. The support arrangement can be arranged in the centre between the lower part and the upper part. Alternatively or additionally, it can have an annular design.

[0005] One advantage of the interconnection via the support arrangement is that the lower part and the upper part are thermally separated from each other by the support arrangement. Thus, the support arrangement can be used as a thermal decoupling device, forming a thermal insulation between the lower part and the upper part. An advantage of this arrangement compared to the prior art is that it allows processing of significantly different materials in each preparation plane, for example, the significantly different materials require different temperatures, cooling, etc.

[0006] When the lower part and the upper part can rotate independently of each other, the support arrangement generally includes at least one radial support and, if appropriate, an axial support. The lower part and the upper part are supported relative to each other in a manner that can rotate around the axis of rotation. The axial support can be conceived to support the upper part in the vertical direction through the lower part. The support arrangement generally includes a first support block attached to the lower part and a second support block attached to the upper part. At least one axial support and at least one radial support are preferably arranged between the first support block and the second support block. Alternatively or additionally, the support can be arranged directly between the lower part and the upper part of the center part. Preferably, the first support block and / or the second support block are made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the lower part and / or the upper part. In a preferred variant, the lower part and the upper part can be separated from each other in the region of the support arrangement. Therefore, the upper part can be easily lifted from the lower part in the vertical direction. This is very advantageous, for example during assembly and maintenance. If appropriate, additional fixing means can be envisaged in order to stabilize the upper part relative to the lower part, for example during transport, wherein the fixing means temporarily connect the lower part and the upper part to one another. Good results can be achieved when the first bearing block and the second bearing block are connected to one another by a mechanical plug connection that can be separated from one another in the direction of the axis of rotation. If appropriate, the first bearing block and / or the second bearing block can be integrated in the lower part or the upper part of the central part.

[0007] In order to achieve stable operation, the lower part is preferably held by a lower holding device including a lower coupling plate. The upper part is preferably held by an upper holding device including an upper coupling plate. Each coupling plate can include identical or different standardized interfaces, which are interconnected with the corresponding standardized interfaces of the lower part and the corresponding standardized interfaces of the upper part respectively during operation. The standardized interface of the upper part is used to exchange liquids, such as cooling fluids, and exchange electricity and energy with the upper holding device. The standardized interface of the lower part is used to exchange liquids, such as cooling fluids, and exchange electricity and energy with the lower holding device. This design helps to improve the thermal separation between the lower part and the upper part.

[0008] In a preferred variant, the lower coupling plate is attached to the lower stub shaft and the upper coupling plate is attached to the upper stub shaft. During operation, each stub shaft is arranged coaxially relative to each other and can rotate around the axis of rotation. The lower stub shaft is arranged in a lower bearing sleeve, which forms part of the lower holding device, and the upper stub shaft is arranged in an upper bearing sleeve, which forms part of the upper holding device, whereby the central part is held relative to the injection molding machine. The lower coupling plate and the upper coupling plate can be arranged so as to be displaceable relative to each other in the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0009] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosed concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below, which should not be considered as limiting the present disclosure described in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings show:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an injection molding apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 An exploded view of an injection molding device;

[0013] Figure 3 is a cutaway view of a central portion according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, features are shown. Indeed, the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, similar reference numerals will be used to refer to similar components or parts.

[0015] Figure 1 A variant of an injection molding device 1 according to the disclosure is shown in a perspective view and in an opened state from obliquely above and from the front. Figure 2 The elements of the same injection-molding device 1 are shown in an exploded manner along the dashed line. As can be seen, the upper part is laid down laterally for a better view of the elements described in more detail below. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a central portion 5 of the injection molding apparatus 1 is shown. The drawings do not depict all parts of the injection molding apparatus 1 but only those parts thereof that are extremely important for understanding the functioning of the present disclosure.

[0016] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As best seen in the figure, the injection molding device 1 comprises a lower holding device 14 and an upper holding device 16 for a multi-part rotatable central part 5 which, during operation, is arranged in the injection molding device 1 between a first outer mold half 3 and a second outer mold half 4 (schematically indicated by a dotted line), which can be moved relative to each other in a first direction (X direction) along a rod 24 (indicated by a dotted line) of a commercially available injection molding machine (not shown in detail).

[0017] The outer mold halves 3, 4 are usually fixed to the mold clamping plate of the injection molding machine, and the outer mold halves 3, 4 are of single-part or multi-part design. In addition to the first outer mold half 3 and the second outer mold half 4, the injection mold 2 usually also includes a first inner mold half 25 and a second inner mold half 26, which are arranged in pairs opposite to each other on the lower part 6 and the upper part 7 of the rotatable central part 5, respectively. The first inner mold half 25 and the second inner mold half 26 interact with the first outer mold half 3 and the second outer mold half 4 to form a cavity (not shown) in the closed position of the injection molding device 1 for the preparation of a part (not shown).

[0018] The first inner mold half 25 is attached to the lower part 6 and the second inner mold half 26 is attached to the upper part 7 of the rotatable central part 5, which is of multi-part design. The lower part 6 and the upper part 7 are mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation 8. They usually have a block-like structure made of metal, such as aluminum and / or steel. The lower part 6 and the upper part 7 usually include cooling channels, etc. in the interior, which are necessary for adjusting the cavity during injection molding. In the variant shown, the lower part 6 is actuated by a lower drive train 27, while the upper part is actuated by an upper drive train 28.

[0019] The lower part 6 and the upper part 7 are thermally separated from each other by a support arrangement 9 arranged between the upper part 7 and the lower part 6 (see, for example, Figure 3 ). The support arrangement 9 preferably comprises an axial support 10 and a radial support 11, by means of which the lower part 6 and the upper part 7 can rotate relative to each other about the rotation axis 8. Furthermore, the upper part 7 can be supported by the lower part 6 in the vertical direction.

[0020] Good results can be achieved when the first support block 12 is interconnected with the lower part 6 and the second support block 13 is attached to the upper part 7. The axial support 10 and the radial support 11 are preferably arranged between the first support block 12 and the second support block 13, so that the lower part 6 and the upper part 7 are supported relative to each other. Wherein the first support block 12 and / or the second support block 13 are made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the lower part 6 and / or the upper part 7 of the central part 5.

[0021] For example, for maintenance reasons, the lower part 6 and the upper part 7 can preferably be separated from each other in the region of the bearing arrangement 9. The first bearing block 12 and the second bearing block 13 can be connected to each other by a plug connection, preferably by a plug connection that can be separated from each other in the direction of the rotation axis 8.

[0022] Preferably, the lower part 6 is held by a lower holding device 14 comprising a lower coupling plate 15, and the upper part 7 is held by an upper holding device 16 comprising an upper coupling plate 17. Each coupling plate 15, 17 can include a standardized interface 18, which is interconnected with a corresponding standardized interface 19 of the lower part 6 and a corresponding standardized interface 19 of the upper part 7 during operation. The standardized interfaces can be used, for example, to exchange cooling liquids in one or several circuits. Preferably, the standardized interfaces 18, 19 include means for transmitting power and data.

[0023] In the variant shown, the lower coupling plate 15 is attached to a lower stub shaft 20 and the upper coupling plate 17 is attached to an upper stub shaft 21. During operation, each stub shaft 20, 21 is arranged coaxially relative to each other, being able to rotate about the axis of rotation 8. The lower stub shaft 20 is arranged in a lower bearing sleeve 22, which is attached to the lower holding device 14, and the upper stub shaft 21 is arranged in an upper bearing sleeve 23, which is interconnected with the upper holding device 16.

[0024] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0025] List of reference numerals:

[0026] 1 Injection molding device 15 Lower connecting plate

[0027] 2 Injection mold 16 Upper holding device

[0028] 3 First outer mold half 17 Upper connecting plate

[0029] 4 Second outer mold half 18 Standardized interface (connection plate)

[0030] 5 Center part 19 Standardized interface (lower part / upper part)

[0031] 6 Lower part 20 Lower short axis

[0032] 7 Upper part 21 Upper short axis

[0033] 8 Rotation axis 22 Lower support sleeve (lower retaining device)

[0034] 9 Support arrangement 23 Upper support sleeve (upper retaining device)

[0035] 10 Axial support 24 Rod (injection molding machine)

[0036] 11 Radial support 25 First inner mold half

[0037] 12 First support block (support arrangement) 26 Second inner mold half

[0038] 13 Second support block (support arrangement) 27 Lower drive train (motor with gearbox)

[0039] 14 Lower holding device 28 Upper drive system (motor with gear box)

Claims

1. An injection molding device (1), comprising: Injection molding machines, and a. an injection mold (2), the injection mold (2) being arranged in the injection molding machine, the injection mold (2) having at least one first outer mold half (3) and at least one second outer mold half (4), the first outer mold half (3) and the second outer mold half (4) being arranged in a manner movable relative to each other in a first direction (x); as well as b. a central part (5), which is arranged between the first outer mold half (3) and the second outer mold half (4), and which comprises a lower part (6) and an upper part (7), which are arranged to be rotatable about a rotation axis (8), wherein: c. the lower part (6) and the upper part (7) are separated from each other by a support arrangement (9) arranged between the upper part (7) and the lower part (6); in d. The support arrangement (9) comprises a first support block (12) attached to the lower part (6) and a second support block (13) attached to the upper part (7), wherein the first support block (12) and / or the second support block (13) are made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the lower part (6) and / or the upper part (7).

2. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The bearing arrangement (9) comprises an axial bearing (10) and a radial bearing (11), by means of which the lower part (6) and the upper part (7) are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation (8), and wherein the upper part (7) is supported in a vertical direction (z) by the lower part (6).

3. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The axial support (10) and the radial support (11) are arranged between the first support block (12) and the second support block (13), thereby supporting the lower part (6) and the upper part (7) relative to each other.

4. The injection molding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lower part (6) and the upper part (7) are separable from one another in the region of the bearing arrangement (9).

5. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first bearing block (12) and the second bearing block (13) are connected to one another via a plug connection, which can be separated from one another in the direction of the rotation axis (8).

6. The injection molding device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: The lower part (6) is held by a lower holding device (14) comprising a lower connecting plate (15), and the upper part (7) is held by an upper holding device (16) comprising an upper connecting plate (17), wherein each connecting plate (15, 17) comprises a standardized interface (18), and during operation, the standardized interface (18) is respectively connected to a corresponding standardized interface (19) of the lower part (6) and a corresponding standardized interface (19) of the upper part (7).

7. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The lower coupling plate (15) is attached to a lower stub shaft (20) and the upper coupling plate (17) is attached to an upper stub shaft (21), each stub shaft (20, 21) being arranged coaxially relative to each other and rotatable about the rotation axis (8) during operation.

8. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The lower stub shaft (20) is arranged in a lower supporting sleeve (22), the lower supporting sleeve (22) and the lower retaining device (14) are connected to each other, and the upper stub shaft (21) is arranged in an upper supporting sleeve (23), the upper supporting sleeve (23) and the upper retaining device (16) are connected to each other.

9. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The lower coupling plate (15) and the upper coupling plate (17) are arranged to be displaceable relative to each other in the direction of the rotation axis (8).

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