Mold device for direct injection molding of footwear, system comprising such mold device and direct injection molding system

Abstract

A mold device (2) for producing footwear by direct injection molding (DIP), wherein the mold device comprises - a first side mold (4), - a second side mold (6), and - a bottom mold (8). The first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) are configured to be laterally movable relative to each other, and the bottom mold (8) is configured to be vertically movable relative to the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6), wherein the first side mold (4), the second side mold (5), and the bottom mold (8) are configured to define at least a portion of a mold cavity (40) for the direct injection molding of footwear. The mold device (2) further comprises a last holding device (16) connected to or configured to be connectable to the mold device. The invention also relates to a system for producing footwear by direct injection molding and a direct injection molding system (130) in which such a mold device is used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mold apparatus for producing footwear by direct injection molding according to the direct injection process (DIP), wherein the mold apparatus includes a first side mold, a second side mold and a bottom mold.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for producing footwear by direct injection molding, the system comprising such a mold assembly.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a direct injection molding system for performing at least a portion of direct injection molding manufacturing of footwear, the system comprising at least one mold device for engaging with a shoe last carrying an upper to at least partially define a mold cavity, the system comprising a transfer system for transferring the at least one mold device between a plurality of worktables.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing footwear by direct injection molding (DIP). Background Technology

[0005] It is well known in the industry that footwear is produced by directly adding the sole to the upper, which is understood to involve the automated production of at least part of the sole while simultaneously attaching the sole to the upper, wherein the sole production is preferably carried out via injection molding. For example, such a technique is described in US4608724A, which specifically discloses a machine with two molding workstations, each having a molding unit and a movable support for the last. With this technique, the molding unit and the movable support are occupied, for example, during sole curing, and therefore the throughput is relatively low. For higher throughput production, automated machines with multiple workstations are used, arranged in turntable, rotary, or rotating footwear production machines. Regarding this prior art DIP machine, the mold is arranged in a fixed relative position where it cooperates with a last manipulator, such as a device for holding the last, while the upper is mounted and used to position the last with the upper mounted relative to the mold, so that the last and upper are held in the desired position, while molding, for example, the sole is performed, and further molding is performed during the curing of the sole. Therefore, also in conjunction with this prior art, the mold and the corresponding last processing device will be occupied throughout the entire period of molding and curing.

[0006] GB 849917A discloses another example of prior art injection molding equipment, relating to a manually operated injection molding apparatus for injection molding a sole onto a shoe upper. The apparatus includes a base plate bolted to a floor and supported in such a manner that the mold can be tilted using a crank. The mold essentially comprises two lateral components pivotally connected and, when assembled, forming the periphery of the sole. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a horizontal last base plate having a fixing device for supporting the last in an inverted position, thereby closing the two lateral components around the upper positioned on the last. Additionally, the apparatus has a pivotable cover that must be closed to form a closed chamber around the upper on the last, and the cover has an orifice through which molding material can be forced. Thus, the last with the upper is placed in an inverted position, the two lateral components are closed around the upper, the cover is also closed, and the corresponding components are clamped together to form a mold assembly having a box shape. Subsequently, the mold assembly is manually tilted using a crank, thereby positioning the orifice in the cap in the position where it is supplied to the injection machine. It should be noted that this prior art injection molding equipment is designed only for stationary use and manual operation. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the shoe last is completely enclosed within a box-shaped mold. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a mold apparatus for producing footwear by direct injection molding (DIP), wherein the mold apparatus comprises:

[0008] - First side mold and second side mold

[0009] - Bottom mold,

[0010] The first side mold and the second side mold are configured to move laterally relative to each other.

[0011] The bottom mold is configured to move vertically relative to the first side mold and the second side mold.

[0012] Wherein, the first side mold, the second side mold, and the bottom mold are configured to define at least a portion of the mold cavity for direct injection molding of footwear, and

[0013] The mold assembly further includes a last retaining device, which is connected to or configured to be connected to the mold assembly.

[0014] Thus, it is possible to use a mold device for direct injection molding of footwear in a direct injection process, where the mold device can operate with, for example, greater degrees of freedom, rather than, as is the case with a mold device used in conjunction with an automated machine having multiple worktables arranged in a turntable, circular table, or rotary footwear production machine. Regarding such prior art DIP machines, the mold is arranged in a fixed relative position where it cooperates with a last manipulator, such as a device for holding a last with an upper attached, and for positioning the last with the upper attached relative to the mold, such that the last and upper are held in the desired position while performing, for example, molding of the sole, and further molding during the curing of the sole. This last manipulator is associated with prior art that is, for example, part of a rotary production machine, meaning that the mold and the corresponding last manipulator will be occupied throughout the entire period of molding and curing. With this invention, the time required for the mold device to operate without the assistance of, for example, a last manipulator is longer than the time required to position the last relative to the mold device and for the mold device, i.e., the last manipulator, to hold the last or last retainer. Therefore, the last manipulator can be used more efficiently, for example, by enabling the last to be positioned with a greater number of molds, compared to situations otherwise associated with prior art molds.

[0015] Furthermore, since the mold device itself can hold the shoe last during molding and curing, the mold device and the footwear being manufactured can be manipulated, moved, and transported, for example, without considering shoe last manipulation devices, thereby facilitating various options in the manufacturing process.

[0016] Furthermore, it is possible to hold the shoe last in a desired vertical position using a shoe last holding device that also positions the upper portion of the shoe last relative to a mold, such as a side mold. Additionally, the shoe last and the upper mounted on it can be positioned through contact with a first and a second side mold, such as contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second side molds, and particularly their contact surfaces, such as circumferential lips.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the last holding device may include a last positioning arm fixed to each of the first side mold and the second side mold, the last positioning arm being designed as a last holder for clamping or holding the last.

[0018] Thus, it is possible to provide the last retaining device as a single component, which can be provided as an integral part of a typical mold component, i.e., a side mold. Alternatively, the last retaining device can be provided as an additional component, which can be fixed to the side mold, for example, by a releasable connection, bolt connection, clamp connection, various threaded connections, etc., and the last retaining device, such as a last positioning arm, can be removably fixed and replaceable.

[0019] According to one embodiment, when the first side mold and the second side mold are adjacent to each other, the last positioning arm can be designed to clamp the last or a portion of the last holder.

[0020] This allows the last holding device to be configured such that, during normal mold operation, for example, when the side molds of the mold assembly move relative to each other in the horizontal direction to form a portion of the mold cavity shape, and the portion of the mold cavity shape is restricted in the upward direction by the upper mounted on the last and the circumferential contact between the upper and the contact surfaces, such as the lip, on the inner surface of the side mold, the last holder or the last clamping device can be automatically realized.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the last positioning arm may be designed at or near the upper end to cooperate with a corresponding part of the last or last retainer.

[0022] Therefore, the last holding device and the last positioning arm can be constructed in a suitable manner and with a suitable design, wherein a possible last handler positions the last or last holder such that the last positioning arm simply clamps around, for example, the upper part of the last or last holder before or simultaneously with the movement of the first and second side molds toward each other. Thus, a possible last handler, such as an industrial robot, can operate efficiently and without interfering with, for example, the last positioning arm. Once, for example, the last positioning arm has gripped the last or last holder, the last handler can be removed and can be used, for example, in conjunction with another mold assembly.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the last retaining device may be configured to provide fixation for relative movement of the last or last retainer, at least in the upward direction.

[0024] Therefore, the last retainer can effectively position the last relative to the mold in a desired vertical position, such as the end position relative to the bottom mold, so that even if there are tolerances in the clamping between the last retainer and the last, the last will be forced, for example by the force provided by the expanding molding material, to terminate at the desired vertical position, which will not be exceeded.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the last retaining device, such as the last positioning arm, can be removably fixed to the first side mold and the second side mold.

[0026] Therefore, the shoe last retainer can be easily replaced, for example, when a different type of shoe last retainer is needed, when a different type of footwear is to be manufactured, or when a different type of shoe last retainer or shoe last positioning arm is required. The shoe last positioning arm can be removably fixed by means of threaded connection, bolt, releasable clamp, spring-loaded locking device, etc.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the last positioning arm may be configured to have a length corresponding to that of footwear manufactured by direct injection molding.

[0028] Therefore, the mold device can be conveniently used to manufacture a wide variety of footwear, including shoes, boots, sandals and many other footwear examples, because the last holding device and / or last positioning arm can be easily replaced with a type that can be used for and / or is required for manufacturing specific types, sizes, etc. of footwear.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the mold assembly may include a mold lock, which includes a mold locking device for locking the first side mold and the second side mold together in a relative position, adjacent to each other.

[0030] Therefore, when the first and second side molds have moved together to their adjacent positions, the mold assembly can be locked together by a mold lock, wherein the last retaining device further clamps the last or possibly a last retainer, so that no device is needed to press the two side molds together to maintain the relative positions of the two side molds and thus also to maintain the clamping of the retaining device on the last or possibly a last retainer. The mold lock can be configured in various ways and uses a wide range of components to achieve the holding of the side molds together, which is obvious to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that this locking arrangement also allows the mold assembly to move freely, for example, in a flow, without any active force to hold the side molds together.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the mold lock for locking the first side mold and the second side mold together may include a mold locking device for cooperating with locking taps disposed at the first side mold and the second side mold, for example at their respective ends.

[0032] Therefore, the mold lock used to lock the two side molds together can be designed in a relatively simple and direct manner, which also has the advantage of making the mold lock easy to activate or deactivate, for example, by realizing linear movement of the mold locking device. Furthermore, a relatively strong and effective locking can be achieved, especially when both ends of the mold assembly may include mold locking devices.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the mold assembly may include a bottom mold lock for locking the bottom mold relative to the first side mold and / or the second side mold.

[0034] Therefore, when the first and second side molds move together to an adjacent position, and when the bottom mold moves vertically to a desired position, such as an end position defined by a contact surface component, the mold assembly can lock the bottom mold to one or both of the side molds, for example, by means of one or more bottom mold locking buckles or any other suitable means. Thus, no actuators or similar devices are needed for upward movement of the bottom mold, and the side molds and bottom molds are locked together. Furthermore, as described above, in this locked position of the mold components, the last retaining device further clamps the last or possibly a last retainer, thereby locking the last together with the side molds and bottom mold, thus defining the mold cavity. As will be understood, the mold assembly can function as a mold in the state where the various components are locked together and the last is held in a predetermined position, which molds, for example, a sole such as an outsole or midsole, onto an upper mounted on the last by injecting sole molding material into the mold cavity. It should be noted that the injection material may have been injected before this locked state, for example, during the process step where the bottom mold moves upward, after which the bottom mold of the mold assembly is locked in the end position, and the molding process continues, for example, by the expansion of the injection material to fill the mold cavity. In both cases, the mold assembly can then be used to accommodate the molded footwear component, which is currently curing, which can be a relatively lengthy process. However, as explained herein, the mold assembly can be in a state where no external devices are needed, such as those for holding the mold components together, holding the shoe last, etc., and therefore, the mold assembly can also be transported, for example, independently of other devices, and can move freely, for example, in a flow. Therefore, shortly after molding, while the molded parts are curing and the molded footwear parts can be stored for other reasons, the mold assembly containing the molded footwear parts can be transported, for example as a separate object, via a conveyor such as a conveyor belt or chain conveyor, by means of a trolley, to a selected location, temporary storage location, buffer, or the like, where it can be stored until the specific mold assembly can be retrieved and further transported for further processing of the molded footwear parts.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the mold device can be configured to be portable.

[0036] Therefore, it is possible for the mold assembly to be an independently movable object, for example, before injection molding, during processing, and during the curing of the injected sole components. Furthermore, since the last holding device itself can hold the last during molding and further during curing, the mold assembly, the last, and possible last holders for holding the last and the footwear product being manufactured can be manipulated, moved, conveyed, and stored, for example, without considering, for example, last manipulators. This facilitates various options in the manufacturing process, for example, because the mold assembly, the last, and possible last holders for holding the last and the footwear product being manufactured can be moved, conveyed, and stored independently, for example, independently of other mold assemblies and / or independently of, for example, last manipulators, injection equipment, and / or other types of equipment.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the last retaining device may be configured to retain the last in the upper region of the last.

[0038] Thus, when the last is held by a last holding device in the upper region, such as the area above the ankle or instep region, the last will be positioned such that the upper region is positioned above the mold cavity and is accessible to the region for, for example, subsequent clamping by a handler.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the last retaining device may be configured to retain the last by a last retainer in the upper region of the last.

[0040] Thus, it is possible to position the last retainer such that it is positioned above the mold cavity and is accessible to the area for, for example, subsequent clamping by a manipulator, wherein the last is held in the upper region, such as the area above the ankle or instep region.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the last retaining device may be configured to retain the last or last retainer in an upward direction using the upper part of the last.

[0042] It is important to note that the upper part of the shoe last refers to the portion of the shoe last above the ankle or instep area. This embodiment allows the shoe last or shoe last retainer to be positioned above the mold cavity and to be accessible for subsequent clamping, for example, by a manipulator.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the last retaining device may be configured to retain a last clamp or last retainer, at least a portion of which is accessible at a horizontal level above the mold device.

[0044] Thus, it is possible, for example, that when the last or last retainer is released from the last retaining device, the last manipulator or corresponding device can clamp or otherwise manipulate the last or last retainer.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the last retaining device may be configured to retain a last or last retainer by direct coupling.

[0046] Thus, the shoe last or shoe last retainer can be held in a precise and secure manner, for example, the shoe last is positioned at a desired height and has a desired position in the horizontal plane. Furthermore, it should be noted that by using direct coupling, the shoe last or shoe last retainer can be clamped in a secure and reproducible manner by a shoe last holding device, such as a shoe last positioning arm, which facilitates automation. It should be noted that standardization can be applied, thus meaning that the shoe last or shoe last retainer can be configured with a standard interface conforming to the corresponding part of the shoe last holding device. Further, it should be noted in this respect that the portion of the shoe last that carries the upper is typically positioned in the longitudinal and transverse directions by contact formed by a first side mold and a second side mold, such contact being, for example, through the lip on these mold components that will contact the upper when the first and second side molds are brought together. Therefore, the positioning of the shoe last can be achieved through a combination of positioning by the shoe last retainer and positioning by the side molds.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the mold assembly may include an identifier, such as an RFID device, associated with one or more components of the mold assembly.

[0048] Thus, it is possible to identify and track the mold assembly, which can be moved, transported, conveyed, stored, etc., by using the identifier, for example, when it contains molded footwear components, such as those in a curing process. Furthermore, it should be noted that the identifier can also be used to facilitate the extraction of data related to molded footwear components that may be contained within the mold assembly. Further, it should be noted that the mold assembly may include more than one identifier, for example, one for the side mold, one for the sole mold, etc., and the shoe last may also include an identifier, so that these components can be individually identified, for example, when they are transported, processed, prepared, etc., in separate flows and then combined for use in the molding process at a later stage. Furthermore, it should be noted that the identifier may include, for example, circuitry related to information associated with the mold assembly.

[0049] According to one embodiment, such an identifier associated with one or more components of the mold assembly can be selected from a variety of identification devices such as, for example, RFID devices, tags, barcodes, images, signs, etc.

[0050] It should be noted that by using identifiers for the mold assembly and / or components of the mold assembly, multiple mold assemblies can be used in a direct injection molding system, wherein the characteristics of the footwear that can be produced by each mold can be identified by the identifier. Therefore, for example, a set of mold assemblies, the footwear being produced may not be identical, and the footwear produced by the mold assembly can be unique, for example, in terms of size, shape, left / right, and / or any other characteristics. When each of the multiple mold assemblies, which can be independently moved or conveyed as described above, arrives at, for example, a workbench, a mechanical or control unit can, for example, read the identifier and, based on this, determine which processes need to be performed at a particular step.

[0051] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a system for producing footwear by direct injection molding, the system comprising a mold apparatus according to any one of claims 1-17, the system further comprising a shoe last, and possibly comprising a shoe last retainer for holding the shoe last.

[0052] Such a system enables the use of a mold device for direct injection molding of footwear in a direct injection process, where the mold device can be manipulated, for example, with greater degrees of freedom, as opposed to, mold devices used in conjunction with automated machines having multiple worktables arranged in a rotary footwear production machine, such as the rotary DIP (Direct Injection Process) footwear production machine described above. With prior art DIP machines, the mold is arranged in a fixed relative position where it cooperates with a last manipulation device, such as a device for holding the last, while the upper is mounted and used to position the last with the upper mounted thereon relative to the mold, so that the last and upper are held in the desired position while, for example, molding of the sole is performed, and further held during the curing of the sole. This last manipulation device, as in the prior art, is part of, for example, a rotary production machine, meaning that the mold and the corresponding last manipulation device are occupied throughout the entire molding and curing period. With this invention, the time required for the mold assembly to operate without the assistance of, for example, a last manipulator is longer than the time required to position the last relative to the mold assembly and for the mold assembly (i.e., the last retainer) to hold the last or last retainer. Therefore, for example, the last manipulator can be used more efficiently by enabling the last to be positioned in relation to a greater number of molds compared to situations involving other prior art molds.

[0053] Furthermore, since the mold assembly itself can hold the last during molding and further during curing, the mold assembly, the last, and possibly a last holder for holding the last and the footwear product being manufactured can be manipulated, moved, and transported, for example, without considering, for example, a last manipulation device, thereby facilitating various options for the manufacturing process.

[0054] Furthermore, this system allows the shoe last to be held in a desired vertical position by a shoe last holding device that also positions the upper part of the shoe last relative to a mold, such as a side mold. Additionally, the shoe last and the upper mounted on it can be positioned by contact with a first and a second side mold, such as their inner surfaces, and particularly their contact surfaces, for example, the circumferential lip.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the system may further include an automatic manipulator for positioning a shoe last and possibly a shoe last retainer at a predetermined position relative to a die assembly, the shoe last carrying an upper, wherein a first side die and a second side die are laterally spaced at least a predetermined distance from each other, wherein the shoe last retainer is configured to retain the shoe last when the first side die and the second side die are in a position adjacent to each other.

[0056] Thus, it is possible to arrange the last holding device such that the clamping of the last or last holder positioned by the automatic manipulator can be automatically achieved during the normal operation of the mold (e.g., when the side molds of the mold device move relative to each other in the horizontal direction to form part of the mold cavity shape), wherein the mold cavity is limited in the upward direction by the circumferential contact between the upper mounted on the last and the contact surfaces, such as the lip, on the inner surface of the side mold.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the system may further include a side mold actuator for laterally moving the first side mold and the second side mold relative to each other.

[0058] Therefore, the opening and / or closing of the mold assembly can be performed in a highly efficient and potentially automated manner. It should be noted that the first and / or second molds can also be moved by tilting or flipping, for example by angular movement, thereby opening the mold assembly. This can provide more space to perform operations such as mold cleaning, inspection, and preparation.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the system may further include a bottom mold actuator for vertically moving the bottom mold relative to the first side mold and the second side mold.

[0060] Therefore, the system can be executed in an efficient and potentially automated manner.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the system may further include an injection molding apparatus for performing direct injection molding of the sole component within the mold cavity.

[0062] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a direct injection molding system for at least a portion of direct injection molding manufacturing of footwear, the system comprising at least one mold assembly for defining at least partially a mold cavity in combination with a last carrying an upper, the system comprising a transfer system for transferring the at least one mold assembly between a plurality of workstations, the at least one mold assembly comprising a last holding device configured to hold the last carrying the upper at least when a sole portion is directly injection molded onto the upper, wherein the direct injection molding system is configured to transfer the at least one mold assembly from one workstation to the next of the plurality of workstations, wherein the last holding device is an integral part of the mold assembly.

[0063] Therefore, a system can be provided that allows for greater freedom in the operation of the mold assembly and in the layout of manufacturing steps in the direct injection process related to footwear production.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the mold assembly may include relatively movable mold components, and the system is configured to achieve relative movement of at least some of the mold components at at least one of the plurality of worktables.

[0065] Therefore, direct injection molding manufacturing of footwear can be automated, for example, by using one or more worktables that include equipment to provide the necessary movement for the mold assembly.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the mold component may include

[0067] - First side mold and second side mold

[0068] - Bottom mold,

[0069] The first side mold and the second side mold are configured to move laterally relative to each other.

[0070] The bottom mold is configured to move vertically relative to the first side mold and the second side mold.

[0071] Therefore, the mold assembly can be configured in an advantageous manner.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the last holding device may include a last positioning arm fixed to each of the first side mold and the second side mold, the last positioning arm being designed as a last holder for clamping or holding the last.

[0073] Thus, it is possible to provide the last retaining device as a single component, which can be provided as an integral part of the usual mold component, i.e., the side mold. Alternatively, the last retaining device can be provided as an additional component, which can be fixed to the side mold, for example, by a releasable connection, bolt connection, clamp connection, or various threads, and the last retaining device, such as a last positioning arm, can be removably fixed and replaceable.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the plurality of workstations may include a pre-injection workstation, wherein the last carrying the upper is introduced into the molding device, and the last holding device is operated to hold the last carrying the upper.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the last holding device can be operated to hold the last bearing the upper by the relative movement of at least some of the mold components, such as by the lateral movement of the first side mold and the second side mold relative to each other.

[0076] This allows the shoe last retainer to be arranged such that during the normal operation of the mold provided by the worktable, for example, when the side molds of the mold device move relative to each other in the horizontal direction to form part of the mold cavity shape, and the mold cavity shape is restricted in the upward direction by the upper mounted on the shoe last and the circumferential contact between the upper and the contact surfaces on the inner surface of the side mold, such as the lip, the shoe last or shoe last retainer can be automatically clamped.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the pre-injection workbench may include a mold locking actuator for locking mold components, such as the first side mold and the second side mold, relative to each other.

[0078] Therefore, the mold assembly can be locked together by a mold lock, so that no device is needed to force the two side molds together in order to maintain the relative position of the two side molds and therefore also to maintain the clamping of the assembly on the shoe last or possibly a shoe last retainer. The mold lock, and therefore the activator, can be configured in various ways, and a wide range of components can be used to achieve the holding of the side molds together, which is obvious to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that this locking arrangement also allows the mold assembly to move freely, for example, during circulation, without any active force to hold the side molds together.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the pre-injection workbench may include an automated machine for introducing and positioning the last carrying the shoe upper into the mold assembly.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the plurality of workstations may include an injection workstation disposed after the pre-injection workstation, wherein the injection workstation includes mold injection equipment for injecting molding material into the mold cavity.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the injection worktable may include a bottom mold actuator for moving the bottom mold vertically relative to the first side mold and the second side mold.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the injection stage may include an actuator for locking the bottom mold, which is used to lock the bottom mold in the vertical direction.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the conveying system for conveying the at least one mold assembly can be configured to convey the mold assembly from the injection workbench to further conveying, transporting, storage, etc., after the molding material has been injected.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the plurality of worktables may include a receiving worktable, wherein, when the mold component is locked, the mold device is unlocked by an unlocking activator, and the mold device is operated to be in an open state.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the plurality of worktables includes an open-state preparation worktable for processing the mold device in the open state.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the conveying system for transferring the at least one mold device between multiple worktables may include at least one load-bearing beam configured to reciprocate at least partially in the horizontal direction (F) with a fixed horizontal stroke.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the at least one load-bearing beam configured to reciprocate in at least a partial horizontal direction may include a plurality of load-bearing sub-beams, each load-bearing sub-beam having at least one vertically oriented load-bearing sub-beam pin.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the plurality of load-bearing sub-beams, each having at least one vertically oriented load-bearing sub-beam pin, and / or the at least one vertically oriented load-bearing sub-beam pin of each load-bearing sub-beam, may be configured to move in a vertical direction.

[0089] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of worktables may include two support plates, each support plate having at least one vertically oriented support pin, the support plates being configured to move away from each other and toward each other in the direction of the at least one support beam.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the plurality of workstations can be configured as modules, which can be added, removed, swapped, or interchanged relative to the direct injection molding system.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the modules of the plurality of workstations may have separate frames that can be disconnected from and / or connected to other modules in the direct injection molding system.

[0092] Therefore, for example, new functionalities can be added to an existing direct injection molding system, or one or more modules can be removed or replaced during maintenance or other situations. Each workstation can have its own individual frame, which can be connected, for example, by bolting, to other workstations to form the basic framework of the system. Thus, changes to the modular workstation configuration can be achieved quickly.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the plurality of workstations may include a plurality of multi-workstation modules that can be disconnected, connected, interchanged, and / or exchanged in a direct injection molding system, wherein each of the plurality of workstations includes a plurality of workstations, and each workstation is configured as a module.

[0094] This allows for a high degree of flexibility, as the multi-stage module, which itself comprises multiple workstations, can be moved as a (working) module, which can be added or removed, for example, from the direct injection molding system. Thus, "dual" modularity is achieved, because the "multi-stage module" can be combined not only with other "multi-stage modules" but also additionally with single-stage modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that, for example, one of the single-stage modules can be removed from the "multi-stage module" as a module.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the conveying system for transferring the at least one mold device between multiple workbenches can be modularly configured, wherein the length of the at least one load-bearing beam corresponds to the number of workbenches.

[0096] Therefore, the load-bearing beams, such as the travel beams, can be configured modularly. For example, when a workbench is removed, the load-bearing beam can be shortened by removing its modular length, and correspondingly, when a workbench is added, the length of the load-bearing beam can be increased by adding its modular length. Thus, changes to the modular workbench configuration can be quickly implemented.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the conveying system for transferring the at least one mold device between multiple worktables can be configured to have a fixed horizontal stroke adapted to the requirements of the worktables.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the system may include a mold device according to any one of claims 1-17.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the system may include multiple mold assemblies that are capable of moving independently between the multiple worktables and / or traveling to other locations, such as storage locations, curing locations, heating locations, and buffer locations.

[0100] This allows for further advantages provided by the mold assembly, such as those offered by independently movable and / or individually identifiable mold assemblies.

[0101] By using an identifier for the mold assembly and / or components of the mold assembly, multiple mold assemblies can be used in a direct injection molding system, wherein the characteristics of the footwear that can be produced by each mold can be identified by the identifier. Therefore, for example, a set of mold assemblies, the footwear being produced may not be identical, and the footwear produced by the mold assembly can be unique, for example, in terms of size, shape, left / right, and / or any other characteristics. When each of the multiple mold assemblies, which can be independently moved or transported as described above, arrives at, for example, a workstation, a mechanical or control unit can, for example, read the identifier and, based on this, determine which processes need to be performed at a particular step.

[0102] Because of practical requirements, such as during curing, multiple mold units can be stored, and other mold units can be assigned to different workstations for actual processing. Mold units can be moved and transferred, enabling further versatility and / or flexibility. Furthermore, it should be noted that at any given time, multiple mold units can be processed at multiple workstations, but the footwear assigned to each of these mold units can be different from each other; this is possible because the mold units are individually identifiable. Additionally, it should be noted that the mold units do not need to be moved sequentially, but rather can be transferred or moved based on practical requirements, such as the transfer or movement of specific mold units. For example, when a desired temperature has been reached, mold units stored to await a decrease or increase in temperature can be moved further for further processing, rather than being moved in a fixed order, such as the order in which the mold units arrived.

[0103] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing footwear by direct injection molding (DIP), wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0104] - A mold assembly is provided, comprising a first side mold, a second side mold, and a bottom mold, wherein the first side mold and the second side mold include shoe last retaining devices.

[0105] -Providing a shoe last that supports the shoe upper, wherein the method further includes

[0106] - Position the shoe last between the first side mold and the second side mold.

[0107] -The first side mold and the second side mold move laterally relative to each other and toward each other, and

[0108] - When the first side mold and the second side mold are adjacent to each other, the shoe last or a portion of the shoe last retainer is clamped by the shoe last retaining device.

[0109] Thus, the mold device can hold the shoe last by means of a shoe last holding device that can be an integral part of the mold device, and the mold device can therefore be an independent component that does not rely on, for example, external parts to hold the shoe last during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the mold device can move independently, and furthermore, improved efficiency and precision can be achieved.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the method may further include vertically moving the bottom mold relative to the first side mold and the second side mold to define at least a portion of the direct injection molding cavity for footwear.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the method may further include injecting liquefied material into the mold cavity for the direct injection molding of footwear.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0113] - To move the first side mold and the second side mold laterally relative to each other and laterally away from each other, and

[0114] - Remove the last having the upper, the sole portion of which has been molded onto the upper by the direct injection molding process for further processing.

[0115] It is worth noting that the advantage of this fact is that the clamping on the shoe last can be easily released when the two side molds separate from each other, thus improving efficiency.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the mold apparatus according to any one of claims 1-17, the system according to any one of claims 18-22, or the direct injection molding system according to any one of claims 23-47 can be applied. Attached Figure Description

[0117] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0118] Figure 1 An embodiment of a mold assembly for direct injection molding of footwear is shown in cross-sectional view and in an open state.

[0119] Figure 2 Showing from Figure 1The schematic diagram shown in the cross-sectional view relates to a shoe last used for direct injection molding of footwear.

[0120] Figure 3 The mold assembly and shoe last are shown schematically, as follows. Figure 2 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the side molds have been moved together, so that the last retainer of the shoe last has been clamped by the mold assembly.

[0121] Figure 4 The mold assembly and shoe last are shown schematically, as follows. Figure 3 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the bottom mold has been lifted and molding material has been injected into the mold cavity.

[0122] Figure 5 The mold assembly and shoe last are shown schematically, as follows. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shown is in a closed state, with the bottom mold in the upper position and the injected material forming the sole.

[0123] Figure 6 Corresponding to Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates a mold assembly and a shoe last, with side molds moved together to hold the shoe last in place by a shoe last retainer. Another embodiment of the shoe last retainer is also shown.

[0124] Figure 7a , Figure 7b An embodiment of a mold assembly with a shoe last retaining device is shown in perspective view.

[0125] Figure 8 A perspective view correspondingly shows one embodiment of the mold assembly, wherein the side mold is in the open state.

[0126] Figure 9a -c is a flowchart illustrating a possible flow using the mold assembly according to an embodiment.

[0127] Figure 10 This is a top view schematic diagram of a direct injection molding system including multiple worktables, wherein the mold assembly is transferred from one worktable to the next during the manufacturing process, and

[0128] Figure 11 This is a top view of the corresponding direct injection molding system, showing the modular options for the worktable and worktable assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0129] The following will refer to Figure 1 A detailed description of an embodiment of the mold device 2 is provided. The mold device 2 for direct injection molding of footwear is observed in its cross-sectional view and open state, as follows: Figure 1As shown in the image.

[0130] The mold assembly 2 can be made of metal, for example, aluminum machined by CNC machining, and can be as follows: Figure 1 The diagram shows a first side mold 4, a second side mold 6, and a bottom mold 8, arranged such that mold 2 can be opened and closed, for example, by means of the first side mold 4 and the second side mold 6, which are respectively capable of lateral movement in the horizontal directions indicated by arrows A and B, and by means of the bottom mold 8, which is arranged to move in the vertical direction indicated by arrow C. It should be noted that, additionally, the side molds 4 and 6 can move at an angle, for example, by flipping or tilting, which will be explained later, for example, in conjunction with mold devices used in conveyor systems such as traveling beam systems. Such flipping or tilting of the side molds... Figure 1 The curved arrows A' and B' are shown in the middle, depicted by dashed lines.

[0131] like Figure 1 As shown, the first side mold 4 and the second side mold 6 may be provided with a first side surface 10 and a second side surface 12, respectively, which are formed, for example, during a CNC milling process, and generally define the desired shape of the side portion of the sole to be molded. Furthermore, the bottom mold 8 may be correspondingly provided with a bottom inner surface 14, which is formed, for example, during a CNC milling process, and generally has a shape corresponding to the desired shape of the underside of the sole to be molded, for example defining a mold cavity 40.

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the mold assembly 2 may be provided with a last holding device 16, which may include two last positioning arms 18, for example, one positioned in relation to each of the side molds 4 and 6 respectively. The last holding device 16, such as the last positioning arms 18, may be arranged such that, as will be shown in more detail below, at a distance above the first side mold 4 and the second side mold 6, for example at their upper ends, they will cooperate to hold the last or last retainer when the first side mold and the second side mold 6 move together to an abutment position. For this purpose, the last positioning arm 18 may include an arm clamping component 26, schematically shown, which will cooperate with the last clamping component, which will be described further below. Alternatively, a separate component may be used to carry, for example, the last positioning arm 18 for holding the last or last retainer.

[0133] The positioning arm 18 of the shoe last can be connected to the first side mold 4 and the second side mold 6 by a fixing device 24, such as a threaded connection, bolt connection, clamp connection, etc. The fixing device 24 can be releasable, for example, to replace the positioning arm 18 of the shoe last with a longer or shorter arm.

[0134] As corresponding to Figure 1 of Figure 2As further shown, the mold assembly 2, schematically illustrated here, is associated with the shoe last 20 for, for example, direct injection molding of footwear. Also seen in the cross-sectional view, the shoe last 20 is connected to the shoe last retainer 22, and the shoe last carries the upper 30. The shoe last 20 with the upper 30 can move in various directions, including downward relative to the mold 2 as indicated by arrow D. The shoe last 20 with the upper 30 can move toward the mold assembly 2, and by means of an automatic manipulator, automatic positioning device, such as an industrial robot, etc. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) is positioned relative to the mold assembly 2. It should be understood that when performing such a step, the mold 2 is required to be in a state of at least partial opening to allow the shoe last 20 to move into the mold 2. Thereafter, the mold 2 can be closed, thereby forming a cavity 40 between the upper 30, the first side mold 4, the second side mold 6, and the sole mold 8. As described above, the shoe last 20 and the shoe last retainer 22 have been positioned such that the shoe last retaining device 16, such as the shoe last positioning arm 18, will clamp the shoe last 20 or the shoe last retainer 22, for example, by clamping the clamping member 28 of the shoe last corresponding to the arm clamping member 26, thereby securing these members to each other.

[0135] already as Figure 3 As shown, side molds 4 and 6 have been moved to an abutment relationship, and the mold cavity 40 is formed by the downward-facing portions of the first side surface 10, the second side surface 12, and the upper 30, which are limited, for example, by the contact between the lip 32 of the first and second side surfaces and the bottom mold surface 14. Figure 3 The middle part is shown as moving upwards before reaching the end position.

[0136] It should be understood that mold 2 will be attached at a point to an injection molding device (not shown here), by means of which injection molding equipment injects material into the mold cavity, in which the injected material contacts the first side surface 10, the second side surface 12, the bottom mold surface 14, and the bottom component of the upper 30. It should be understood that the contact surfaces of the lip 32 and the upper 30 are forced into contact, preventing the injection material from flowing out of the mold cavity through the contact surfaces and the lip 32. As the injected material takes shape within the mold cavity, it is being cured.

[0137] like Figure 4 As shown, for example, before closing the mold assembly 2, the injection material can be introduced into the mold cavity 40 by introducing it as injection material 60 into the bottom inner surface 14, and then the mold assembly can be closed, for example, by closing the bottom mold 8, which allows the injected material to expand to fill the mold cavity 40 and be bonded to the lower part of the upper 30.

[0138] Figure 5The diagram shows the stage in which the bottom mold 8 moves upward as indicated in the vertical direction C, wherein the bottom mold 8 abuts the protrusions of the first side mold 4 and the second side mold 6, thereby closing the mold cavity 40. When the mold assembly 2 is closed, the mold cavity 40 is closed to the surrounding environment, thereby ensuring that the injected material 60 takes the shape of the mold cavity 40 and forms the sole 62 when it expands.

[0139] exist Figure 5 Furthermore, it is noted that the bottom mold 8 has been locked onto the first side mold 4 and the second side mold 6 by a bottom mold locking buckle 54, which can be secured by, for example, an actuator device ( Figure 5 (Not shown) moves to perform a locking action. This ensures that the bottom mold 8 is held in place, thereby avoiding, for example, continuous application of force to the bottom mold. Figure 5 The bottom mold locking buckle 54 shown in the illustration is merely an exemplary illustration and various other configurations, including individual components locked to the mold components, may be applied.

[0140] In principle, when the injection material 60 has cured, the bottom mold 8 can move downwards in direction C during unlocking, while the first side mold 4 and the second side mold 6 can move horizontally as indicated by arrows A and B, respectively, thereby opening the footwear injection mold. As will be further explained, the first side mold 4 and the second side mold 6 can be locked to each other, therefore they need to be unlocked before opening and before the last 20 and the upper 30 with the sole 62 can be removed from the mold assembly 2.

[0141] It should be noted that injectable materials can be used to form the midsole, and in this case, the outsole ( Figure 5 (Not shown) has been pre-supplied in the bottom mold.

[0142] Figure 6 Basically corresponds to Figure 3 This is because Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view shows the mold assembly 2 and the shoe last 20, with side molds 4 and 6 moved together to hold the shoe last retainer 22 of the shoe last 20. However, another embodiment of the shoe last retainer 16 has been shown, in which the shoe last positioning arm 18 is connected to a shoe last retainer base 70, which may include, for example, a base component associated with each of the first and second side molds 4 and 6 on each side of the mold assembly 2. The shoe last retainer base 70 may be permanently fixed to the mold components, but may also be removable, for example, by means of... Figure 6 The base connector 72 shown is used for connection, such as a snap-fit, screw, other threaded connector, clamp, etc. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other variations are possible, including the construction of the last retainer base 70 and / or the last positioning arm 18.

[0143] In addition, it should be noted that the bottom mold 8 can be removably connected to other mold components.

[0144] To further illustrate an embodiment of the mold device 2 with the shoe last retaining device 16, Figure 7a This mold assembly is shown in perspective. Here, it is shown that the positioning arm 18 of the shoe last can be fixed to each side mold by a fixing device 24 in the form of bolts. In addition, an exemplary embodiment of the arm holder component 26 is shown here. It should be noted that the shoe last positioning arm 18 may have a recess 36 near the top so as not to come into contact with (clear) the shoe last or shoe last holder when the shoe last or shoe last holder is introduced and clamped.

[0145] In addition, such as Figure 7a As shown, the upper part of the mold cavity 40 defined by the side molds may include a lip 32 for contacting the upper on the shoe last. Furthermore, it is shown that the mold assembly 2 includes an injection channel 34 at one end, which may be arranged in the adjacent portions of the side molds 4, 6. Additionally, a mold locking device 50 is shown, which facilitates locking the two side molds together. While the mold locking device 50 is shown at one end, one mold locking device 50 may be placed at each end of the mold assembly 2. It should be noted that the mold locking device 50 is shown schematically in the figures to illustrate its function, and various designs, constructions, positions, etc., of the lock, including the use of various activators, are applicable and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0146] Figure 7b An embodiment of the mold assembly 2 is shown in perspective view, the mold assembly having a... Figure 7a The embodiment shown corresponds to a shoe last retaining device 16, but the shoe last 20 carried by the shoe last retainer 22 is held by the shoe last positioning arm 18, for example by the arm clamping member 26 that has already clamped the shoe last clamping member 28.

[0147] Figure 8 Accordingly, one embodiment of the mold assembly 2 is shown, in which the side molds 4 and 6 are moved away from each other, so that the mold assembly 2 is in an open state. It is further noted here that the mold locking device 50 cooperates with the locking latches 52 on each of the side molds 4 and 6. When the side molds 4 and 6 are adjacent, locking can be achieved by moving the mold locking device 50 downwards, and correspondingly, the mold locking device 2 can be unlocked by moving the mold locking device 50 upwards, for example, as indicated by the double arrows.

[0148] Figures 9a-9c This is a flowchart illustrating a possible process in a part of footwear production using a mold device or system according to one embodiment.

[0149] Figure 9aThis is a flowchart in which, at point 100, if the mold assembly, such as its components, is provided in a locked form, the mold assembly is received and subsequently opened 102, for example, unlocked, and the side molds with corresponding last positioning arms are moved to space them apart. It is possible to perform mold assembly preparation 104, for example, by applying an anti-stick agent, lubricant, or the like to the surfaces of the side and bottom molds in case this was not noticed at an earlier stage. It should be noted that for mold assembly preparation 104, the side molds can be individually flipped, for example, tilted away from each other, to make more room for operation, provide access channels to the inner surfaces, etc. This is especially true when the mold assembly is arranged in a conveyor system such as a walking beam system (as will be described later), where the mold assemblies may be arranged relatively close together.

[0150] A shoe last is provided at point 106, which has been fitted with an upper that matches the footwear piece being manufactured. The shoe last is positioned relative to the mold assembly at step 108, and therefore also relative to the shoe last positioning arm, whereby the shoe last (or a shoe last retainer attached to the shoe last) will be clamped and held when the mold, such as the side mold, closes and locks together at point 110.

[0151] At this stage, molding material can be injected at 112 while the bottom mold of the molding device continues to move upward until it is locked to the rest of the molding device at step 114. At this stage, the various components of the molding device are locked together, thus eliminating the need for any external devices to hold them together, since the last is similarly held by a last holding device such as a last positioning arm. This means that the molding device now having molded footwear, such as an outsole or midsole, does not need to be attached to any machinery and can move independently of any machinery other than a conveyor such as a conveyor. Therefore, when curing at 116, the molding device can, for example, be stored in a buffer until a predetermined curing stage, which is estimated, for example, based on temperature measurements of the mold, last, molded sole, or any other component. Afterward, the molding device can be opened at 118, and the produced shoe can be retrieved at 120, after which any further processing 122 can be performed to achieve the desired state, appearance, etc.

[0152] For steps 118 and 120, the footwear is removed from the last that has been used to produce that particular footwear piece, thus retrieving the last, as shown in 124. As indicated by the dashed lines, this last can be reintroduced into production, for example, by assigning it to a production line corresponding to the last's size and type, applying an upper to it, etc.

[0153] Similarly, the mold device retrieved at 126, after it has been opened and the shoe last and the produced footwear have been removed, can be cleaned, for example, by applying an anti-stick agent, by closing the mold device and, for example, maintaining it at a specified ambient temperature, or by cooling or heating, as shown, in consideration of molding production.

[0154] Figure 9b The flowchart shown is Figure 9a The correspondence shown, but Figure 9b The diagram further illustrates that after the mold closes at 110, the bottom mold moves upward at 111. At some point, material is injected at 112, and subsequently, the bottom moves further upward at 111 until it is locked at 114.

[0155] also, Figure 9c The flowchart shown is Figure 9a The correspondence shown, but Figure 9c The text further illustrates that a separate preparation process for the sole mold can be included in the footwear production process. Therefore, for example, in step 126 where the mold assembly is retrieved, the sole mold can be removed at 127 and taken out for a separate preparation process, including, for example, a bottom preparation step 128, after which the bottom subsequently re-encounters the mold assembly itself, and as... Figure 9c As shown, it is included at 129 immediately following the mold-making device at 104.

[0156] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 9a , 9b The various embodiments shown in 9c can be combined in any combination and may include other variations and / or modifications.

[0157] Figure 10 This is a top view schematic diagram of a direct injection molding system 130 including multiple worktables 140a-140d, wherein, for example, the mold assembly shown in schematic example 2, is transferred from one worktable to the next during the manufacturing process. The system includes a conveyor system for transporting the mold assembly 2, which may include various conveying devices such as conveyors, trolleys, etc. At, for example, the locations of the multiple worktables 140a-140d, the conveyor system may include a conveyor system substantially comprising, for example, two support beams 132, arranged along the length of the production area covered by the worktables 140a-140d and on a horizontal plane below these worktables. Figure 10As indicated by the double arrow F, these support beams 132, also referred to as traveling beams, are configured for reciprocating motion, for example, reciprocating in a fixed pattern. This means that, for example, after a predetermined time or according to control parameters, the support beams 132 move forward, i.e., in the production direction E, and then move backward again, where they pause. Therefore, this pattern is cyclically repeated and can be achieved in various ways and by using various drive devices. For example, the drive can be achieved by a controlled drive motor with cranks on the drive wheels, where the motor is controlled to make the drive wheels move one revolution in each cycle. Another drive device could be a linear drive, such as a servo-like drive. Other options are possible and will be available, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0158] To further facilitate the transfer of the mold assembly 2, as shown, each support beam 132 has a support sub-beam 134 on each worktable, the support sub-beam having a support sub-beam pin 136. The support sub-beams 134 and / or the support sub-beam pins 136 are arranged such that they move upward during at least a portion of the movement of the support beam 132 along the production direction, whereby the support sub-beam pins 136 can engage with corresponding insertion holes in the bottom of the side mold assembly 2, for example, with insertion holes in the bottom of the side molds 4, 6. At some point, for example when the support beam 132 reverses direction, the support sub-beam pins 136 move downward again and disengage from the corresponding side mold assembly 2, thus meaning that any side mold assembly already on one of the worktables has been transferred by a fixed length corresponding to the distance between two adjacent worktables 140a-140d.

[0159] It should be noted that, in addition to, for example, the bearing sub-beam pin 136 and the corresponding socket, other devices can also be used to achieve movement, transfer, etc.

[0160] In addition, additional actuators can be arranged at each workbench, for example, to operate the mold device 2 during processes such as opening and positioning the shoe last, closing the side mold and bottom mold, injecting molding materials, and curing.

[0161] Therefore, a pair of support plates 138 can be arranged such that they are adjacent to the possible mold assembly located at a particular worktable. Such a pair is shown on worktable 140c, wherein the pair of support plates 138 are arranged in parallel and can move away from and toward each other as indicated by the double arrows. Each support plate has a plurality of, for example, support plate pins 139, and the support plates 138 and / or support plate pins 138 are arranged such that they can move upward and downward, wherein at the upper horizontal position, they can engage with corresponding insertion holes in the bottom of the side mold assembly 2, for example, in the bottom of the side molds 4, 6. Thus, by moving the pair of support plates 138 away from each other, when the pins engage the side molds of the mold assembly 2, the side molds 4, 6 can move away from each other, thereby opening the mold assembly. Correspondingly, this applies when the pair of support plates 138 move toward each other, thereby closing the mold assembly 2, for example, closing the side molds.

[0162] For example, actuators such as the actuator for opening or closing the mold locking device 50 and the bottom mold locking buckle 54 can be arranged at one or more worktables, depending on the functions that a particular worktable is intended to have.

[0163] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the mold device feeder 146 is arranged to supply empty mold devices 2 to the system 130, one of which, viewed from above, is... Figure 10 On the left side. Such a mold device feeder 146 can be a conveyor. When the mold device 2 is supplied to the system 130, for example to the worktable 140a, the mold device 2 can be unlocked, and the side mold can be moved away from each other, for example, by a pair of support plates 138 as described above.

[0164] In the next step performed by system 130, mold device 2 will be transferred to worktable 140b, where any preparatory work can be performed in the open state, such as inspection, application of anti-sticking agent, etc.

[0165] It is worth noting that for operations such as inspection, cleaning, and application of anti-stick agents, which are preferably performed in the open state, for example, Figure 1 As shown and illustrated, the side molds of the mold assembly can be flipped or tilted, thereby providing more space for the corresponding operations. This can be particularly advantageous when the mold assembly is used in a walking beam or load-bearing beam system where the distance to the adjacent mold may be relatively small.

[0166] In the subsequent steps, the mold assembly is transferred to workbench 140c, where, by means of an automated manipulator 142, such as an industrial robot, the shoe last is introduced into the open mold assembly 2, and the side molds 4 and 6 move toward each other, for example, via a pair of support plates 138 as described above, to close the mold assembly, thereby holding the shoe last by the shoe last holding device 16. The mold locking device 50 is activated to keep the side molds locked together. Furthermore, the bottom mold can move an initial step length toward its end position.

[0167] Subsequently, the mold assembly 2 is transferred to the shoe last worktable 140d, where the mold injection device 144 is arranged and can be connected to the injection channel 34 to inject injection molding material into the mold cavity. The injection step may also include moving the bottom mold to its end position by an actuator, where the bottom mold is locked in place, for example by a bottom mold locking buckle 54 or by a corresponding device.

[0168] At the end of the injection process, and after the bottom mold has locked in its end position, the mold assembly can now be moved as a separate unit and positioned appropriately for curing, storage, etc. Figure 10 The image shows a mold assembly 2 with a footwear part, such as an upper on a shoe last 20 held by a shoe last retaining device 16, and a sole component, such as an outsole, already molded onto the upper. This mold assembly is then transferred to a discharge device 148. Such a discharge device 148 can be a conveyor, trolley, transport device, etc.

[0169] It is worth noting that, combined Figure 10 Four workbenches have been shown and illustrated, but depending on the actual functions that must be performed, such as the actual function of all workbenches and / or each workbench, there may be fewer or more than four workbenches. These requirements can be met by providing load-bearing beams of different lengths, and it will be understood that the system can be applied in a modular manner, as will be further illustrated below.

[0170] Therefore, it is understandable that Figure 10 The worktables 140a-d shown can be modules that can be added, removed, exchanged, or interchanged, thereby providing new functionality, for example, for an already implemented direct injection molding system or during maintenance. Thus, each worktable can have its own individual frame, which can be connected, for example, by bolting, to other worktables to form a basic frame. Similarly, the load-bearing beam 132 can be modularly configured, for example, by removing the modular length of the load-bearing beam when a worktable is removed, thus shortening the load-bearing beam; and correspondingly, by increasing the modular length of the load-bearing beam when a worktable is added, the length of the load-bearing beam can be increased. Therefore, changes in the modular worktable configuration can be implemented quickly.

[0171] It should also be noted that, in Figure 10 The example only describes the operation of one mold device, but it is clear that mold device 2 can appear at any time at more or all worktables.

[0172] The modularity of the direct injection molding system 130 will refer to Figure 11 To further explain, Figure 11 A system drawn at a smaller scale is shown, with only some of the main components depicted. Thus, a mold assembly feeder 146 with mold assembly 2 is shown, ready to be transferred to the direct injection molding system 130, and correspondingly, an ejector of the mold assembly with a shoe 148 having a sole is arranged at the other end of system 130. The system 130 shown includes two multi-stage modules 149a and 149b; however, it should be understood that more than two (or only one) can be used to form system 130. Furthermore, it will be understood that one or more additional stages, such as one or more of stages 140a-140h, may be added to the two multi-stage modules 149a and 149b, for example, to achieve the desired functionality.

[0173] This arrangement allows for a high degree of flexibility because the multi-workstation module 149a or 149b, which itself includes multiple workstations such as 140a-140d, can be moved as a (working) module, which can be added or removed, for example, from the direct injection molding system. Therefore, "dual" modularity is achieved, as the "multi-workstation module" can not only be combined with other "multi-workstation modules," but also additionally with single-workstation modules, such as one or more of 140a-140h. Furthermore, it should be understood that, for example, one of the single-workstation modules, such as 140a-140h, can be removed as a module from a "multi-workstation module" such as 149a or 149b.

[0174] In the foregoing description, various embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced in an infinite number of ways, for example, in various combinations and within a wide range of variations within the scope of the appended claims.

[0175] Figure Labels

[0176] 2. Mold device

[0177] 4 First side mold

[0178] 6. Second side mold

[0179] 8-base mold

[0180] 10 First side surface

[0181] 12 Second side surface

[0182] 14 Bottom Inner Surface

[0183] 16. Shoe last retainer

[0184] 18 shoe last positioning arm

[0185] 20 shoe lasts

[0186] 22 Shoe Last Holder

[0187] 24 Fixtures

[0188] 26-arm gripper components

[0189] 28 Shoe last clamping components

[0190] 30 shoe upper

[0191] 32 Lip border

[0192] 34 Injection Channels

[0193] 36 recesses

[0194] 40 mold cavities

[0195] 50 Mold Locking Device

[0196] 52 locking buckle

[0197] 54 Bottom Mold Locking Buckle

[0198] 56 Shoe last retainer connection buckle

[0199] 60 injection materials

[0200] 62 sole

[0201] 70 Shoe Last Holding Device Base

[0202] 72 base connector

[0203] 100 Receiving Mold Device

[0204] 102 Opening mold device

[0205] Preparation of 104 mold device

[0206] 106 provides shoe lasts

[0207] Positioning of 108 shoe last

[0208] Closure of 110 mold

[0209] 111 Move Bottom

[0210] 112 Injection Material

[0211] 114 Locking Bottom Mold

[0212] 116 Curing

[0213] 118 Open

[0214] 120 offers shoes with soles.

[0215] 122 Further processing

[0216] 124 retrieve shoe lasts

[0217] 126 Mold Retrieval Device

[0218] The bottom of 127 has been removed.

[0219] 128 bottom ready

[0220] 129 includes the bottom

[0221] 130 Direct Injection Molding System

[0222] 132 load-bearing beam

[0223] 134 carrier sub-beam

[0224] 136 load-bearing sub-beam pin

[0225] 138 bearing plate

[0226] 139 bearing plate pin

[0227] 140a-d workbench

[0228] 142 Automatic Control

[0229] 144 mold injection equipment

[0230] 146 Mold Device Feeder

[0231] 148 Mold assembly and ejector for shoes with soles

[0232] 149a, b Multi-workbench Module

[0233] A. Lateral movement of the first side mold

[0234] A' The first side mold moves at an angle

[0235] B Second side mold lateral movement

[0236] B' The second side mold moves at an angle

[0237] C-bottom mold moved vertically

[0238] Vertical movement of D-type shoe last

[0239] E Production Direction

[0240] F Reciprocating direction

Claims

1. A mold device (2) for producing footwear by direct injection molding (DIP), wherein, The mold device includes: - First side mold (4) and second side mold (6). - Bottom mold (8) The first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) are configured to move laterally relative to each other. The bottom mold (8) is configured to move vertically relative to the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6). The first side mold (4), the second side mold (6), and the bottom mold (8) are configured to define at least a portion of the mold cavity (40) for direct injection molding of footwear. The mold assembly (2) further includes a last retaining device (16), which is connected to or configured to be connected to the mold assembly. The last retaining device (16) is configured to provide fixation for the relative movement of the last (20) or the last retainer (22) holding the last (20) at least in the upward direction.

2. The mold device (2) according to claim 1, wherein The last holding device (16) includes a last positioning arm (18) fixed to each of the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6), the last positioning arm (18) being designed to hold the last (20) or the last holder (22).

3. The mold device (2) according to claim 2, wherein The last positioning arm (18) is designed to hold a portion of the last (20) or the last retainer (22) when the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) are adjacent to each other.

4. The mold device (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The last positioning arm (18) is designed at or near the upper end to cooperate with a corresponding part of the last (20) or the last retainer (22).

5. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The last retaining device (16) is removably fixed to the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6).

6. The mold device (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The last positioning arm (18) is configured to have a length corresponding to the footwear being manufactured by direct injection molding.

7. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The mold assembly includes a mold lock, which includes a mold locking device (50) for locking the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) together in a relative position, adjacent to each other.

8. The mold device (2) according to claim 7, wherein The mold lock for locking the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) together includes a mold locking device (50) for cooperating with locking latches (52) arranged at the respective ends of the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6).

9. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The mold assembly includes a bottom mold lock for locking the bottom mold (8) relative to the first side mold (4) and / or the second side mold (6).

10. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The mold device is configured to be portable.

11. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The last holding device (16) is configured to hold the last (20) in the upper region of the last.

12. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The last holding device (16) is configured to hold the last (20) by a last holder (22) in the upper region of the last.

13. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The last retaining device (16) is configured to retain the last (20) or the last retainer (22) such that the upper part of the last is in the upward direction.

14. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The last holding device (16) is configured to hold the last (20) or the last holder (22) such that at least a portion of the last or the last holder is accessible at a horizontal position above the mold device.

15. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The last retaining device (16) is configured to retain the last (20) or the last retainer (22) by direct coupling.

16. The mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The mold assembly includes an identifier associated with one or more components of the mold assembly.

17. A system for producing footwear by direct injection molding, the system comprising a mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-16, the system further comprising a last (20) and a last retainer (22) for retaining the last (20).

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising an automatic manipulator for positioning the shoe last (20) and the shoe last retainer (22), the shoe last carrying the upper (30) at a predetermined position relative to the mold device (2), wherein the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) are laterally spaced from each other by at least a predetermined distance, wherein, The last holding device (16) is configured to hold the last (20) by means of the last holder (22) when the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) are in a position adjacent to each other.

19. The system of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The system also includes a side mold actuator for laterally moving the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) relative to each other.

20. The system of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The system also includes a bottom mold actuator for moving the bottom mold (8) vertically relative to the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6).

21. The system of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The system also includes an injection molding device for performing direct injection molding of the sole component in the mold cavity (40).

22. A direct injection molding system (130) for performing at least a portion of direct injection molding manufacturing of footwear, the system comprising at least one mold device (2) according to any one of claims 1-16 for defining a mold cavity (40) at least partially in combination with a last (20) carrying an upper (30), the system comprising a transfer system for transferring the at least one mold device (2) between a plurality of worktables (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d), the last holding device (16) of the at least one mold device (2) being configured to hold the last (20) carrying the upper at least when performing direct injection molding of a sole portion onto the upper. wherein The direct injection molding system (130) is configured to transfer the at least one mold device (2) from one workbench to the next of the plurality of workbenches (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d), wherein the last holding device (16) is an integral part of the mold device (2).

23. The system of claim 22, wherein, The plurality of workstations include a pre-injection workstation (140c), at which the last (20) carrying the upper is introduced into the mold device (2), and the last holding device (16) is operated to hold the last (20) carrying the upper.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein, The last holding device (16) is operated to hold the last (20) bearing the upper by means of the lateral movement of the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) relative to each other.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein, The pre-injection workbench includes a mold locking activator for locking the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) relative to each other.

26. The system of claim 23, 24, or 25, wherein, The pre-injection workbench includes an automatic manipulator (142) for introducing and positioning the last (20) carrying the upper into the mold device (2).

27. The system of any one of claims 23-25, wherein, The plurality of workstations include an injection workstation (140d) arranged after the pre-injection workstation (140c), wherein the injection workstation (140d) includes a mold injection device (144) for injecting molding material into the mold cavity (40).

28. The system of claim 27, wherein, The injection worktable (140d) includes a bottom mold actuator for moving the bottom mold (8) vertically relative to the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6).

29. The system of claim 28, wherein, The injection worktable (140d) includes an activator for a bottom mold lock, which is used to lock the bottom mold (8) in the vertical direction.

30. The system of claim 27, wherein, The conveying system for conveying the at least one mold device (2) is configured to convey the mold device (2) from the injection workbench (140d) to further conveying, transporting and storing after the molding material has been injected.

31. The system of claim 22, wherein, The plurality of worktables includes a receiving worktable (140a), wherein the mold device (2) is unlocked by an unlocking activator when the mold component is locked and the mold device (2) is operated to the open state.

32. The system of claim 22, wherein, The plurality of worktables includes an open-state preparation worktable (140b), wherein the mold device (2) is processed in the open state.

33. The system of claim 22, wherein, The conveying system for transferring the at least one mold device (2) between multiple worktables includes at least one load-bearing beam (132) configured to reciprocate in at least a partial horizontal direction (F) with a fixed horizontal stroke.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein, The at least one load-bearing beam (132) configured to reciprocate in at least a partial horizontal direction includes a plurality of load-bearing sub-beams (134), each load-bearing sub-beam having at least one vertically oriented load-bearing sub-beam pin (136).

35. The system of claim 34, wherein, Each of the plurality of load-bearing sub-beams (134) has at least one vertically oriented load-bearing sub-beam pin (136) and / or the at least one vertically oriented load-bearing sub-beam pin (136) of each load-bearing sub-beam is configured to move in the vertical direction.

36. The system of claim 22, wherein, At least one of the plurality of worktables (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d) includes two support plates (138), each support plate having at least one vertically oriented support pin (139), the support plates (38) being configured to move away from each other and toward each other in the direction of the at least one support beam (132).

37. The system of claim 22, wherein, The plurality of workstations (140a-140h) are configured as modules that can be added, removed, exchanged, or interchanged relative to the direct injection molding system (130).

38. The system of claim 37, wherein, The modules of the plurality of worktables (140a-140h) have separate frames that can be disconnected and / or connected to other modules in the direct injection molding system (130).

39. The system of claim 22, wherein, The multiple workstations (140a-140h) include multiple workstation modules (149a, 149b) which can be disconnected, connected, interchanged and / or exchanged in the direct injection molding system (130), wherein each of the multiple workstation modules (149a, 149b) includes multiple workstations, each workstation being configured as a module.

40. The system of claim 33, wherein, The conveying system for transferring the at least one mold device (2) between multiple workbenches is modularly configured, and the length of the at least one load-bearing beam (132) corresponds to the number of workbenches (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d; 140e, 140f, 140g, 140h).

41. The system of claim 33, wherein, The conveying system for conveying the at least one mold device (2) between multiple worktables (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d; 140e, 140f, 140g, 140h) is configured to have a fixed horizontal stroke adapted to the requirements of the worktables.

42. The system according to claim 22, comprising a plurality of mold devices (2) that can move independently between the plurality of worktables and / or travel back and forth between a storage position, a curing position, a heating position and a buffer position.

43. A method of producing footwear by direct injection molding (DIP) using the mold apparatus according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The method includes the following steps: - Provide the mold device (2) including a first side mold (4), a second side mold (6) and a bottom mold (8), wherein the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) include a shoe last retaining device (16). -Providing a shoe last (20) to support the upper, wherein the method further includes: - Position the shoe last (20) between the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6). - Move the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) laterally relative to and toward each other, and - When the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) are adjacent to each other, the last holding device (16) holds a portion of the last (20) or last holder (22).

44. The method of claim 43, wherein, The method further includes moving the bottom mold (8) vertically relative to the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) to define at least a portion of the direct injection mold cavity (40) for footwear.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein, The method further includes injecting liquefied material into the mold cavity (40) of the direct injection molding for footwear.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein, The method further includes: - To move the first side mold (4) and the second side mold (6) laterally relative to each other and away from each other, and - Remove the last (20) for further processing, the last (20) having the upper and the sole portion having been molded onto the upper by the direct injection molding.

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