Hot runner system

Abstract

A hot runner system includes a manifold having a heater and a manifold channel network extending between a manifold inlet and a plurality of manifold outlets for distributing molten plastic, a nozzle seated against the manifold and housed in a corresponding manifold outlet, the nozzle having an extension portion, a body portion, and a nozzle channel extending through the extension and body portions, and a nozzle support seated against the nozzle, the nozzle support including an upstream nozzle support and a downstream nozzle support that is discrete from and slidably contacts the upstream nozzle support, and the downstream nozzle support is more loosely mated to the body portion of the nozzle than the upstream nozzle support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a hot runner system, and more particularly to a hot runner system having multiple nozzles laterally fixed to a manifold. Background Technology

[0002] Hot runner systems with particularly close nozzle spacing and / or for micro-molding applications present unique challenges. For example, in hot runner systems with a face seal between the manifold and nozzles, the nozzles typically include an isolation collar spaced apart from the nozzle body at their upstream end. The collar supports the nozzle against overturning forces generated by the manifold sliding relative to the nozzle; however, the diameter of the collar increases the minimum spacing between adjacent nozzles, exceeding the minimum spacing that a particular molding application might allow. Other hot runner systems have nozzles partially housed in and fixed to the manifold so that they move as the manifold grows when heated. In this configuration, the nozzles are subjected to lateral loads as the manifold grows. Such hot runner systems are relatively large to have sufficient strength to withstand lateral loads but are unsuitable for close-pitch and / or micro-molding applications. In some molding applications, such as parts suitable for multi-gate and perforated plates for scientific testing and analysis, the spacing between the ideal gate locations on such parts is specified by industry standards, which may be too small to accommodate conventional heated hot runner nozzles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this application provides a hot runner system comprising: a manifold having a heater and a network of manifold channels, wherein the heater is used to maintain the manifold at a suitable process temperature, the network of manifold channels extending between a manifold inlet and a plurality of manifold outlets, the network of manifold channels being used to dispense molten plastic from the manifold inlet to the plurality of manifold outlets; and a nozzle disposed against the manifold and received in a corresponding manifold outlet, the nozzle having an extension portion, a body portion, and a nozzle channel, the extension portion being received in the corresponding manifold outlet and thermally connected to the manifold. The nozzle includes a main body portion that protrudes downstream from the extension portion, a nozzle channel that extends through the extension portion and the main body portion; and a nozzle support member that is positioned against the nozzle, and the main body portion of the nozzle is housed within the nozzle support member. The nozzle support member includes an upstream nozzle support member and a downstream nozzle support member, the downstream nozzle support member being separate from and slidably contacting the upstream nozzle support member, and the fit between the downstream nozzle support member and the main body portion of the nozzle being looser than the fit between the upstream nozzle support member and the main body portion of the nozzle.

[0004] The upstream nozzle support may include a hole rigidly aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

[0005] The extension can be fixed laterally inside the corresponding manifold outlet.

[0006] The extension may include an external thread that mates with an internal thread formed in the corresponding manifold outlet.

[0007] The extension can be laterally fixed inside the manifold outlet via a transition fit.

[0008] The nozzle may include a flange located between the extension and the body portion; and the upstream nozzle support includes a collar surrounding the flange.

[0009] The flange may include an upstream-facing surface; and the collar is sized such that the upstream-facing surface is located upstream of the collar.

[0010] The downstream nozzle support may include a flange having an upstream facing surface; and the upstream nozzle support may include a downstream facing surface that can slide against the upstream facing surface of the flange of the downstream nozzle support when the manifold is heated.

[0011] The downstream-facing surface of the upstream nozzle support may include grooves.

[0012] The upstream-facing surface of the flange of the downstream nozzle support may include a groove.

[0013] The upper nozzle support may include an internal thread that mates with an external thread formed on the body portion of the nozzle.

[0014] The hot runner system may also include a support component in which a nozzle support is housed; and the flange of the downstream nozzle support is positioned against the support component.

[0015] The downstream nozzle support can be laterally fixed to the support member by engaging with the outer surface of the downstream nozzle support and the hole defined by the support member.

[0016] The downstream nozzle support may include a tubular body and a ridge extending circumferentially around the tubular body.

[0017] The downstream nozzle support may include another ridge axially spaced from the ridge and extending circumferentially around the tubular body, at least one of the ridges being sized to form a fluid seal with the orifice of the support member.

[0018] The manifold may include a first manifold and a second manifold releasably connected to the first manifold. The first manifold includes a first heater and a first manifold channel network extending between a manifold inlet and a plurality of first manifold outlets. The second manifold includes a second heater and a second manifold channel network extending between a plurality of second manifold outlets and a manifold outlet. Each second manifold is in fluid communication with a corresponding first manifold outlet. The manifold channel network includes the first manifold and the second manifold.

[0019] The hot runner system may also include multiple manifold supports, with manifolds and nozzles sandwiched between nozzle supports and manifold supports.

[0020] The manifold support may include multiple biasing members compressed between the manifold and the template, the template partially defining the housing that accommodates the hot runner system.

[0021] Each of the plurality of manifold supports may include a strut on which the biasing member is stacked.

[0022] The manifold support may include an elastic member and an insulating member, with the elastic member mounted against the manifold and the insulating member mounted against the elastic member. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the downstream side of a hot runner system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Line 2-2 in the figure shows a cross-sectional view of the hot runner system installed in the injection molding equipment.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The enlarged view of part 3 shows the hot runner system in an unheated state.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The enlarged view of part 3 in the figure shows the hot runner system in a heated state.

[0027] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the hot runner system taken from line 5-5 in the figure.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the upstream side of the hot runner system.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the nozzle and nozzle support of a hot runner system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 8This is a perspective view of a nozzle with a nozzle support according to another embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 9 It is along Figure 2 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view showing a nozzle with a nozzle support according to another embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 10 It is along Figure 2 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view showing a manifold, nozzle, and nozzle support according to yet another embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a side view of a hot runner system with a manifold support according to another embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a side view of a hot runner system having a manifold, a manifold support, and a manifold heater according to another embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view of a part of a hot runner system, similar to... Figure 2 Part 3 shows a hot runner system configured for a valve gate. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following description, the term "downstream" refers to the general direction of the molding material flowing from the injection unit to the mold gate of the injection molding equipment cavity, and the sequence of the molding material flowing from the injection molding equipment inlet to the mold gate of the components or features thereof. The term "upstream" refers to the opposite direction. In the following description, reference numerals followed by the letter "S" indicate schematically shown components or features thereof. Furthermore, it is not intended to be limited by any express or implied theory set forth in the foregoing technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,in Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the downstream side of the hot runner system 100 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Line 2-2 is taken and shown as a cross-sectional view of a hot runner system 100 installed in an injection molding apparatus 101. The hot runner system 100 delivers molding material received from the source to the mold cavity 104 (see Figure 2-2). Figure 3The mold cavity 104 defines the shape of a molded article (not shown) produced in the injection molding apparatus 101. The hot runner system 100 is adapted to deliver molding material to one or more mold cavities. The hot runner system 100 includes a manifold 106 and a plurality of nozzles 108 disposed abutting against the manifold 106. In operation, molding material flows through the manifold 106 and the nozzles 108 to the mold cavity 104. The hot runner system 100 also includes a plurality of nozzle supports 109 and a plurality of manifold supports 110, with the manifold 106 and nozzles 108 together sandwiched between the plurality of nozzle supports 109 and the plurality of manifold supports 110.

[0038] The hot runner system 100 is housed in a housing 112 defined by a first mold plate 114 and a second mold plate 115 of the injection molding apparatus 101. The injection molding apparatus 101 also includes a cavity insert 116 fixed within the second mold plate 115 and a support member 118 fixed within the cavity insert 116, with a nozzle support 109 housed within the support member 118. Although the cavity insert 116 and the support member 118 are shown as separate components, they can also be formed as an integral part (not shown).

[0039] continue Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, manifold 106 is anchored to injection molding equipment 101 via a slot / pin engagement between manifold 106 and cavity insert 116 to define thermal expansion reference axis A. RManifold 106 expands from the reference axis along its length L and width W. Manifold 106 includes a manifold inlet 120 and a plurality of manifold outlets 121, wherein the manifold inlet 120 receives molding material from a source (e.g., a molding machine), and the plurality of manifold outlets 121 are defined by corresponding outlet orifices 123. The manifold outlets 121 deliver molding material to corresponding nozzles 108, which are partially received in the outlet orifices 123. Manifold 106 includes a network of manifold channels 122 (partially shown) extending between the manifold inlet 120 and the manifold outlets 121, the network of manifold channels 122 being arranged to dispense molding material from the manifold inlet 120 to the manifold outlets 121. In the illustrated embodiment shown herein, the manifold outlets 121 are arranged in an array, such as a rectangular array; however, other configurations are also contemplated. Manifold 106 also includes at least one manifold heater 124 for maintaining manifold 106 at a suitable process temperature. Each nozzle 108 does not have a corresponding heater and its associated wiring and terminal connectors, but is indirectly heated via manifold heater 124. That is, the nozzle 108 is heated by heat transfer from manifold 106 to nozzle 108 at the point where the manifold 106 and nozzle 108 come into contact with each other. Since the nozzle 108 is heated by conductive heat transfer from the manifold 106, the nozzle 108 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, examples of which include beryllium copper or beryllium-free copper alloys, which are also known to have high coefficients of thermal expansion. The manifold 106 is typically made of a durable material, usually tool steel, such as H13, which has lower thermal conductivity and thermal expansion properties than the material used to manufacture the nozzle 108.

[0040] continue Figure 1 and Figure 2 and refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 ;in Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The enlarged view of part 3 shows the hot runner system 100 in an unheated state; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part 3 shows the hot runner system 100 in a heated state. (Reference) Figure 3 When the manifold 106 is not heated, the centerline L of the outlet orifice 123 is... CO Oriented toward reference axis A R Laterally offset from the centerline L of the mold gate by 125 degrees CG As manifold 106 is heated, manifold outlet 121 moves toward gate axis A. G Lateral movement. Once manifold 106 is heated to the process temperature, the deviation between manifold outlet 121 and mold gate 125 is smaller than when manifold 106 is not heated. Ideally, when manifold 106 is heated to the process temperature, manifold outlet 121 and mold gate 125 are concentric, such as... Figure 4As shown.

[0041] continue Figure 3 and Figure 4 The nozzle 108 includes an upstream-facing surface 126 abutting against the manifold 106 and a downstream-facing surface 127 abutting against the nozzle support 109. The nozzle 108 also includes an extension 128, a body portion 130 projecting downstream from the extension 128, and a nozzle channel 133 extending through the extension 128 and the body portion 130 to convey molding material received from the manifold outlet 121 to the mold cavity 104. The nozzle support 109 includes two separate components: an upstream nozzle support 135 and a downstream nozzle support 136, the downstream nozzle support 136 being abutted against and laterally secured to a support member 118. The upstream nozzle support 135 and the downstream nozzle support 136 include corresponding holes 138 and 139 extending axially through them. The nozzle 108, the upstream nozzle support 135, and the downstream nozzle support 136 are sandwiched together between the manifold 106 and the support member 118.

[0042] The extension 128 is laterally secured within the outlet orifice 123, and the main body 130 is received in the orifice 138 in the upstream nozzle support 135 and extends into the orifice 139 in the downstream nozzle support 136. Examples of suitable fits between the extension 128 and the outlet orifice 123 include: transition fits, such as sliding fits or light-press fits (i.e., the extension 128 can be laterally secured within the outlet orifice 123 via a transition fit); and tight-fitting fits that facilitate fluid sealing between the outlet orifice 123 and the extension 128, which increases the sealing force between the outlet orifice 123 and the extension 128 when the nozzle 108 is heated due to the different thermal expansion characteristics of the manifold 106 and the nozzle 108. Examples of suitable fits between the main body 130 and the orifice 138 include an interference fit that secures the upstream nozzle support 135 to the main body 130. When the manifold 106 is heated, the nozzle 108 and the upstream nozzle support 135 attached to the nozzle 108 are moved away from the reference axis A. RLateral movement occurs during which the upstream nozzle support 135 slides against the downstream nozzle support 136, and the main body portion 130 moves laterally within an aperture 139 in the downstream nozzle support 136. The aperture 139 is sized to allow lateral movement of the nozzle 108 within it, without the downstream nozzle support 136 colliding with the main body portion 130. The main body portion 130, together with the nozzle 108 sandwiched between the manifold 106 and the support member 118 and the nozzle support 109, allows the nozzle 108 to move laterally with the manifold 106, while limiting or preventing excessive tipping forces on the nozzle 108 generated by the sliding friction between the upstream nozzle support 135 and the downstream nozzle support 136. In other words, the fit between the downstream nozzle support 136 and the main body portion 130 of the nozzle 108 is looser than the fit between the upstream nozzle support 135 and the main body portion 130 of the nozzle 108.

[0043] To limit heat loss from manifold 106 to support member 118 via nozzle support 109, nozzle support 109 is made of a material with low thermal conductivity compared to nozzle 108, examples of which include titanium alloys, such as grade 5 titanium.

[0044] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, the upstream-facing surface 126 and the downstream-facing surface 127 of the nozzle 108 are the opposite-facing surfaces of the flange 134 located between the extension portion 128 and the main body portion 130.

[0045] continue Figure 3 The upstream nozzle support 135 includes a collar 140 surrounding the flange 134. For example, when the nozzle 108 is inserted into the outlet orifice 123, the collar 140 facilitates the manipulation of the assembled nozzle 108 and the upstream nozzle support 135. The collar 140 is sized such that the upstream-facing surface 126 is above the collar 140 (i.e., the upstream-facing surface 126 is upstream of the collar 140), which promotes contact between the manifold 106 and the nozzle 108, and thus promotes heat transfer from the manifold 106 to the nozzle 108. As the distance between the upstream-facing surface 126 and the downstream-facing surface 127 increases due to the heat input to the nozzle 108, thermal expansion promotes a face seal between the upstream-facing surface 126 and the manifold 106, which reduces the likelihood of molding material flowing out of the manifold outlet 121 through the interface between the extension 128 and the outlet orifice 123.

[0046] For reference Figure 4 ,exist Figures 1 to 4In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream nozzle support 136 includes a tubular body 142 and a flange 144. The flange 144 is disposed against a support member 118 and includes an upstream-facing surface 145 against which the downstream-facing surface 146 of the upstream nozzle support 135 slides when the manifold 106 is heated. Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream-facing surface 145 includes an annular groove 148. The groove 148 reduces surface contact between the upstream nozzle support 135 and the downstream nozzle support 136, which can reduce sliding friction between them. Furthermore, if molding material enters between the upstream-facing surface 145 and the downstream-facing surface 146, the groove 148 can also serve as a basin to collect migrating molding material, helping to prevent it from flowing into the housing 112. Although the groove 148 is shown in the upstream-facing surface 145, it can also be formed in the downstream-facing surface 146.

[0047] continue Figure 4 The downstream nozzle support 136 is laterally fixed to the support member 118 through a mating engagement between the outer surface 149 of the downstream nozzle support 136 and the hole 150 in the support member 118. Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 149 includes corresponding outer surfaces of a first ridge 151 and a second ridge 152 that are axially spaced apart, extending circumferentially around the tubular body 142. At least one of the first ridge 151 and the second ridge 152 is sized to form a fluid seal with the orifice 150, thereby limiting or preventing the backflow of molding material into the housing 112. The first ridge 151 and the second ridge 152 help mitigate the tipping force acting on the downstream nozzle support 136, which could compromise the fluid seal between one of the ridges 151, 152 and the orifice 150.

[0048] For reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 ,in Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the hot runner system 100 taken from line 5-5. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the upstream side of the hot runner system 100. Figure 5 It shows according to Figures 1 to 4 Details of the manifold 106 in the embodiment. The manifold 106 includes a first manifold 106-1, which is connected by, for example, a plurality of fasteners 154 (see...). Figure 6 The first manifold 106-1 is releasably connected to the second manifold 106-2. The first manifold 106-1 includes a first heater 124-1 (see [link to first heater]). Figure 6 ) and a first manifold channel network 122-1 extending between the manifold inlet 120 and a plurality of first manifold outlets 155 (in Figure 5 (shown in the middle section). The second manifold 106-2 includes a second heater 124-2 (see...). Figure 6 ) and in multiple second manifold inlets 156 and manifold outlets 121 (one of which is in Figure 5 The second manifold channel network 122-2 (shown in the diagram) extends between the two manifolds. Figure 5 (shown in the middle). Each second manifold inlet 156 is in fluid communication with a corresponding first manifold outlet 155. The manifold 106 formed by the first manifold 106-1 and the second manifold 106-2 (each manifold having a corresponding heater) allows for greater thermal control of the molding material flowing through the manifold 106 and also allows for greater heat input to the nozzle 108.

[0049] continue Figure 5 and Figure 6 and refer to Figure 2 ,exist Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold support 110 includes a plurality of biasing members 157 compressed between the manifold 106 and the first template 114. The biasing members 157 press the manifold 106 against the nozzle 108, which facilitates heat transfer from the manifold 106 to the nozzle 108 and promotes a fluid seal around the extension 128 between the upstream-facing surface 126 and the manifold 106. The manifold support 110 also includes a strut 158 ​​on which the biasing members 157 are stacked. The strut 158 ​​is attached to the first template 114 such that the biasing members 157 are also coupled to the first template 114. With this configuration, for example, when separating the first template 114 and the second template 115 for servicing the hot runner system 100, the biasing members 157 and the strut 158 ​​remain attached to the first template 115, easily allowing access to the manifold 106.

[0050] For reference Figure 7 ,Should Figure 7 Is with Figures 1 to 4 A perspective view of the hot runner system 100, showing the nozzle 108 and nozzle support 109 separated. Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 144 of the upstream nozzle support 135 and the downstream nozzle support 136 have a square profile P. S , and has a square outline P with a diameter equal to S The circular outline P with length L / width W C Compared to the nozzle support (not shown) shown in dashed lines 1, the square profile P S Provides greater surface contact and support against tipping forces.

[0051] For reference Figure 8 , Figure 8This is a perspective view of a nozzle 108 installed in a nozzle support 109a according to another embodiment of this application. The flanges 144a of the upstream nozzle support 135a and the downstream nozzle support 136a have a circular profile P. C 2, its diameter D is basically equal to Figure 8 The length L between the diagonally opposite corners 160 and 162 of the nozzle support 109 shown. This configuration improves the support of the nozzle 108 against overturning forces when the upstream nozzle support 135a slides over the downstream nozzle support 136a.

[0052] For reference Figure 9 , Figure 9 It is along Figure 2 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view shows a nozzle 108 with a nozzle support 109b according to another embodiment of this application. Features and aspects of the present embodiment can be used accordingly in other embodiments. The nozzle support 109b includes an upstream nozzle support 135b and a downstream nozzle support 136b. The upstream nozzle support 135b is related to... Figure 4 The upstream nozzle support 135 differs in that it does not have a collar surrounding the nozzle flange 134. This configuration simplifies the manufacture of the upstream nozzle support 135b. The downstream nozzle support 136b is similar to... Figure 4 The downstream nozzle support 136 described differs in that it includes a single ridge 151b extending circumferentially around a tubular portion 142b of the downstream nozzle support 136b. The ridge 151b is sized to form a fluid seal with the orifice 150 to limit or prevent backflow of molding material into the housing 112. Although the ridge 151b is shown as being in relation to... Figure 4 The ridge 151b is in the same position as the ridge 151b, but the ridge 151b can extend circumferentially around the tubular portion 142b at any position along the length of the tubular portion 142b.

[0053] Figure 10 It is along Figure 2 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view shows a manifold 106c, a nozzle 108c, and an upstream nozzle support 135c according to yet another embodiment of this application. Features and aspects of the present embodiment can be correspondingly used in other embodiments. Nozzle 108c and related... Figure 4The nozzle 108 described differs in that its extension 128c includes an external thread 163c that mates with an internal thread 164c formed in the outlet hole 123c of the manifold 106c to connect the nozzle 108c to the manifold 106c. In this configuration, the periphery 165c of the nozzle flange 134c may include an external helical drive, such as a 12-point drive, to facilitate the connection and disconnection of the nozzle 108c and the manifold 106c. (Continuing...) Figure 10 The upstream nozzle support 135c and related Figure 4 The difference in the discussed upstream nozzle support 135 is that the upper nozzle support 135c includes an internal thread 166c, which mates with an external thread 168c formed on the body portion 130c of the nozzle 108c to laterally secure the upstream nozzle support 135c to the nozzle 108c. In this configuration, the periphery 170c of the upstream nozzle support 135c may include an external helical drive portion, such as a 12-point drive portion, to facilitate the connection and separation of the upstream nozzle support 135c and the nozzle 108c.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a side view of a hot runner system 100d with a manifold support 110d according to another embodiment of this application. Features and aspects of the present embodiment can be correspondingly used in other embodiments. The manifold support 110d and related... Figures 2 to 4 The difference in the described manifold support 110d is that it is provided in the form of an elastic member 172d and a thermal insulation member 174d. The stacking height H of the manifold support 110d is smaller than the stacking height H of the manifold support 110 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 The resilient member 172d is positioned against the manifold 106, and the insulating member 174d is positioned against the resilient member 172d. The resilient member 172d is made of a hardened metallic material (e.g., H13 tool steel) and is shaped to buckle under compression. The insulating member 174d is made of a material such as ceramic, which has a lower thermal conductivity than the material used to manufacture the resilient member 172d. The manifold support 110d is dimensioned such that when the manifold 106 is not heated, a gap G exists between the insulating member 174d and the downstream-facing surface 175S of the template 176S. When the manifold 106 is heated to its operating temperature, the thermal expansion of the manifold 106 over its thickness T eliminates the gap G, causing the manifold support 110d to press against the template 176S, which in turn pushes the manifold 106 against the nozzle 108. Since the manifold 106 is spaced apart from the template 176S by the heat insulation member 174d, the manifold support 110 can be used in applications where heat loss from the manifold 106 through the manifold support is a problem, such as in the treatment of heat-sensitive resins.

[0055] Figure 12This is a side view of a hot runner system 100e having a manifold 106e, a manifold support 110e, and a manifold heater 124e according to another embodiment of this application. Features and aspects of the present embodiment can be correspondingly used in other embodiments. The hot runner system 100e and related... Figures 1 to 4 The difference in the described hot runner system 100 is that the manifold 106e is an integral structure defining a network of melt channels (not shown) therein. The manifold 106e is heated by a replaceable plate heater 124e, which is secured to the longitudinal side of the manifold 106 by a plurality of fasteners 177e. The manifold support 110e consists of a plurality of L-shaped clamping members 178e, which are secured to the template 180S by fasteners 181e to hold the manifold 106 on the nozzle 108.

[0056] Figure 13 It is part of the hot runner system (similar to) Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of part 3) shows a hot runner system 100f according to yet another embodiment of this application. Features and aspects of the present embodiment can be correspondingly used in other embodiments. The hot runner system 100f and related... Figures 1 to 4 The difference in the described hot runner system 100 is that the hot runner system 100f is configured for a valve gate. The hot runner system 100f includes a valve pin 182f (partially shown) and a nozzle 108f having a longitudinally extending nozzle channel 133f. A valve pin orifice 184f extends axially from the nozzle channel 133f through the nozzle 108f. The valve pin 182f extends through the valve pin orifice 184f to a mold gate 125f through which molding material is injected into the mold cavity 104f. Upstream of the valve pin orifice 184f, the valve pin 182f extends through the nozzle channel 133f and into a manifold outlet 121f (partially shown) of a manifold 106f. Upstream of manifold outlet 121f, valve pin 182f is coupled to an actuator (not shown) that translates valve pin 182f between a closed position and an open position; wherein in the closed position, valve pin 182f blocks mold gate 125f to prevent molding material from entering mold cavity 104f; and in the open position, valve pin 182f is spaced apart from mold gate 125f to allow molding material to enter mold cavity 104f. Figure 13 In the middle, valve pin 182f is in the closed position.

[0057] Although various embodiments have been described above, they are for illustrative and exemplary purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, this application should not be limited to any of the above embodiments, but should be defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hot runner system, comprising: A manifold having a heater and a network of manifold channels, wherein the heater is used to maintain the manifold at a suitable process temperature, and the network of manifold channels extends between a manifold inlet and a plurality of manifold outlets, the network of manifold channels being used to dispense molten plastic from the manifold inlet to the plurality of manifold outlets; A nozzle, wherein the nozzle is disposed against the manifold and received in a corresponding manifold outlet, the nozzle having: The extension portion is accommodated in the corresponding manifold outlet and is in thermal communication with the manifold. The main body portion, which protrudes downstream from the extension portion, and A nozzle channel extending through the extension portion and the main body portion; as well as A nozzle support is provided, wherein the nozzle support is disposed against the nozzle and the main body portion of the nozzle is accommodated in the nozzle support. The nozzle support includes an upstream nozzle support and a downstream nozzle support, the downstream nozzle support being separate from the upstream nozzle support and slidably contacting the upstream nozzle support, and the fit between the downstream nozzle support and the main body portion of the nozzle is looser than the fit between the upstream nozzle support and the main body portion of the nozzle.

2. The hot runner system according to claim 1, wherein, The upstream nozzle support includes a hole rigidly aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

3. The hot runner system according to claim 2, wherein, The extension portion is laterally fixed within the corresponding manifold outlet.

4. The hot runner system according to claim 3, wherein, The extension includes an external thread that mates with an internal thread formed in the corresponding manifold outlet.

5. The hot runner system according to claim 3, wherein, The extension portion is laterally fixed within the manifold outlet via a transition fit.

6. The hot runner system according to claim 2, wherein, The nozzle includes a flange located between the extension and the main body; and the upstream nozzle support includes a collar surrounding the flange.

7. The hot runner system according to claim 6, wherein, The flange includes an upstream-facing surface; and the collar is sized such that the upstream-facing surface is located upstream of the collar.

8. The hot runner system according to claim 7, wherein, The downstream nozzle support includes a flange with an upstream facing surface; and the upstream nozzle support includes a downstream facing surface, which, when the manifold is heated, is capable of sliding against the upstream facing surface of the flange of the downstream nozzle support.

9. The hot runner system of claim 8, wherein the downstream-facing surface of the upstream nozzle support includes a groove.

10. The hot runner system of claim 8, wherein the upstream-facing surface of the flange of the downstream nozzle support includes a groove.

11. The hot runner system according to claim 2, wherein, The upstream nozzle support includes an internal thread that mates with an external thread formed on the body portion of the nozzle.

12. The hot runner system of claim 8, further comprising a support member, wherein the nozzle support is housed in the support member; and the flange of the downstream nozzle support is disposed against the support member.

13. The hot runner system according to claim 12, wherein, The downstream nozzle support is laterally fixed to the support member by a mating engagement between the outer surface of the downstream nozzle support and the hole defined by the support member.

14. The hot runner system according to claim 13, wherein, The downstream nozzle support includes a tubular body and a ridge extending circumferentially around the tubular body.

15. The hot runner system according to claim 14, wherein, The downstream nozzle support includes another ridge axially spaced from the first ridge and extending circumferentially around the tubular body, at least one of the first ridge and the second ridge being sized to form a fluid seal with the orifice of the support member.

16. The hot runner system according to claim 1, wherein, The manifold includes a first manifold and a second manifold, wherein the second manifold is releasably connected to the first manifold. The first manifold includes a first heater and a first manifold channel network, wherein the first manifold channel network extends between the manifold inlet and a plurality of first manifold outlets. The second manifold includes a second heater and a second manifold channel network, wherein the second manifold channel network extends between a plurality of second manifold outlets and the manifold outlet. Each of the second manifolds is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the first manifold outlets. The manifold channel network includes the first manifold and the second manifold.

17. The hot runner system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of manifold supports, wherein the manifold and the nozzle are sandwiched between the nozzle support and the manifold support.

18. The hot runner system according to claim 17, wherein, The manifold support includes a plurality of biasing members compressed between the manifold and a template, the template partially defining a housing that accommodates the hot runner system.

19. The hot runner system according to claim 18, wherein, Each of the plurality of manifold supports includes a strut, and the biasing member is stacked on the strut.

20. The hot runner system according to claim 17, wherein, The manifold support includes an elastic member and a thermal insulation member, the elastic member being disposed against the manifold, and the thermal insulation member being disposed against the elastic member.

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