Multi-directional casting nozzle

Abstract

An injection molding assembly configured for use with an injection molding machine includes a mixing chamber configured for receiving a flowable molding material and a nozzle assembly connectable to the mixing chamber. The nozzle assembly includes a cap removably connected to the mixing chamber for enclosing the mixing chamber and a nozzle extending through the cap and configured to deliver the flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to a mold. The nozzle is rotatable relative to the cap when the cap is connected to the mixing chamber. Also disclosed is an injection molding machine having a feed device for feeding a flowable molding material, a mixing chamber configured for receiving the flowable molding material from the feed device, and the nozzle assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 141,498, filed January 26, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an injection molding machine, and more particularly to an injection molding machine having a molding assembly with a multi-directional nozzle. BACKGROUND

[0004] There are various manufacturing methods for manufacturing optical articles, such as optical lenses or eyeglass lenses. Some manufacturing methods are based on a molding process that allows for mass manufacturing of optical articles. In this molding process, a flowable forming material is delivered to one or more mold cavities that are shaped into the final desired shape of the optical article. Typically, the optical article is produced from a pair of mold halves that collectively define the mold cavity. An injection molding machine is used to deliver the flowable forming material to the mold cavity, which is then solidified to form the lens. The mold halves are separated and the formed lens is removed from the mold cavity. The formed lens can then be subjected to various post-molding steps, including inspection, cleaning, and application of one or more coatings on the lens surface, such as a primer coating, a hard coating, a photochromic coating, and / or an anti-reflective coating.

[0005] Injection molding machines typically have at least one nozzle configured to deliver a flowable molding material to a mold. In some embodiments or aspects, the nozzle can be downwardly facing and positioned above the mold such that the flowable molding material is delivered to the mold by gravity. In other embodiments or aspects, the nozzle is upwardly facing and integrated into a bottom wall of the mold such that the mold is filled from the bottom with the flowable molding material. Some injection molding machines allow for the use of nozzles in either a downwardly or upwardly orientation.

[0006] Prior to delivering the flowable molding material to the mold, it can be necessary to purge the nozzle of the injection molding machine to eliminate any air bubbles. Additionally, some nozzles can need to be calibrated prior to use. Both of these processes require the nozzle to be arranged in a downward orientation. In this manner, when the injection molding machine is to be set up for bottom filling of the mold, the nozzle must first be positioned in a downward orientation for priming and calibration. The nozzle is then removed from the injection molding machine and rotated 180° into an upward orientation. This process requires additional steps, thereby increasing the setup time of the injection molding machine. It is desirable to develop new injection molding machines and nozzles to overcome this deficiency and other deficiencies of existing injection molding machines and nozzles. SUMMARY

[0007] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, an injection molding assembly can be configured for use with an injection molding machine. The injection molding assembly can include a mixing chamber configured to receive a flowable molding material, and a nozzle assembly connectable to the mixing chamber. The nozzle assembly can include a cap removably connected to the mixing chamber for closing the mixing chamber, and a nozzle extending through the cap and configured to deliver the flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to a mold. The nozzle can be rotatable relative to the cap when the cap is connected to the mixing chamber.

[0008] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the nozzle can be rotatable during delivery of the flowable molding material. For example, the nozzle can be rotatable 360° about a longitudinal axis of the mixing chamber.

[0009] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the nozzle can have a first end at the cap, a second end terminating at a nozzle tip, and a bend between the first end and the second end. The bend can be a 90° bend. The first end of the nozzle can be flared such that an outer diameter of the first end is greater than an outer diameter of a remainder of the nozzle between the first end and the second end.

[0010] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the nozzle assembly can further include a seal disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber. The seal can be configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at an interface between the cap and the mixing chamber. The seal can be made of a plastic material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0011] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the nozzle assembly can further include a clamp configured to secure the cap on the mixing chamber. The clamp can be configured to removably connect to a locking element on the injection molding machine. The clamp can have a body with a first aperture for receiving at least a portion of the nozzle therethrough, and at least one second aperture or notch configured to receive the locking element on the injection molding machine. A first end of the at least one second aperture or notch can be configured to support a fastener that is removably connected to the locking element on the injection molding machine.

[0012] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the cap can be made of stainless steel. The nozzle can be made of stainless steel.

[0013] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, a nozzle assembly configured for connection to a mixing chamber of an injection molding machine can include a cap configured to close the mixing chamber, and a nozzle extending through the cap and configured to deliver a flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to a mold. The nozzle can be rotatable 360° relative to the cap when the cap is connected to the mixing chamber.

[0014] According to some embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, the nozzle can have a first flared end at the cap, a second end terminating at a nozzle tip, and a 90° bend between the first flared end and the second end. A seal can be disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber, wherein the seal is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at the interface between the cap and the mixing chamber. A clamp can be configured for securing the cap on the mixing chamber, wherein the clamp is configured to removably connect to a locking element on the injection molding machine.

[0015] According to some embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, an injection molding machine can include a feeding device for feeding a flowable molding material, a mixing chamber configured for receiving the flowable molding material from the feeding device, and a nozzle assembly removably connected to the mixing chamber. The nozzle assembly can include a cap configured for closing the mixing chamber and a nozzle extending through the cap and configured for delivering the flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to a mold. The nozzle can be rotatable 360° relative to the cap when the cap is connected to the mixing chamber.

[0016] According to some embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, the injection molding machine can further include a clamp configured for securing the cap on the mixing chamber, wherein the clamp is removably connected to a locking element on a frame of the injection molding machine. A seal can be disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber, wherein the seal is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at the interface between the cap and the mixing chamber.

[0017] The disclosure can be further characterized by one or more of the following aspects:

[0018] In a first aspect, the disclosure relates to an injection molding assembly configured for use with an injection molding machine, the injection molding assembly comprising a mixing chamber configured for receiving a flowable molding material and a nozzle assembly connectable to the mixing chamber, the nozzle assembly comprising a cap removably connected to the mixing chamber for closing the mixing chamber and a nozzle extending through the cap and configured for delivering the flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to a mold, wherein the nozzle is rotatable relative to the cap when the cap is connected to the mixing chamber.

[0019] In a second aspect, in the injection molding assembly according to the first aspect, the nozzle is rotatable during delivery of the flowable molding material.

[0020] In a third aspect, in the injection molding assembly according to the first or second aspect, the nozzle is rotatable 360° around a longitudinal axis of the mixing chamber.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to any of the previous first through third aspects, the nozzle has a first end at the cap, a second end terminating at a nozzle tip, and a bend between the first end and the second end.

[0022] In a fifth aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to the fourth aspect, the bend is a 90° bend.

[0023] In a sixth aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the first end of the nozzle flares such that an outer diameter of the first end is greater than an outer diameter of a remainder of the nozzle between the first end and the second end.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to any of the previous first through sixth aspects, the nozzle assembly further comprises a seal disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber, and the seal is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at an interface between the cap and the mixing chamber.

[0025] In an eighth aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to the seventh aspect, the seal is made of a plastic material.

[0026] In a ninth aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to the eighth aspect, the plastic material is polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0027] In a tenth aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to any of the previous first through ninth aspects, the nozzle assembly further comprises a clamp configured to secure the cap on the mixing chamber, and the clamp is configured to removably connect to a locking element on an injection molding machine.

[0028] In an eleventh aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to the tenth aspect, the clamp has a body having a first aperture for receiving at least a portion of the nozzle therethrough, and at least one second aperture or recess configured to receive a locking element on an injection molding machine, and a first end of the at least one second aperture or recess is configured to support a fastener that removably connects to the locking element on the injection molding machine.

[0029] In a twelfth aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to any of the previous first through eleventh aspects, the cap is made of stainless steel.

[0030] In a thirteenth aspect, in an injection molding assembly according to any of the previous first through twelfth aspects, the nozzle is made of stainless steel.

[0031] In a fourteenth aspect, the disclosure relates to a nozzle assembly configured for connection to a mixing chamber of an injection molding machine, the nozzle assembly comprising: a cap configured for closing the mixing chamber; and a nozzle extending through the cap and configured for delivering flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to a mold, wherein the nozzle is rotatable 360° relative to the cap when the cap is connected to the mixing chamber.

[0032] In a fifteenth aspect, in the nozzle assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, the nozzle has a first flared end at the cap, a second end terminating at a nozzle tip, and a 90° bend between the first flared end and the second end.

[0033] In a sixteenth aspect, the nozzle assembly according to the fourteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect further comprises a seal disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber, wherein the seal is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at the interface between the cap and the mixing chamber.

[0034] In a seventeenth aspect, the nozzle assembly according to any one of the preceding fourteenth to sixteenth aspects further comprises a clamp configured for securing the cap on the mixing chamber, wherein the clamp is configured to be removably connected to a locking element on the injection molding machine.

[0035] In an eighteenth aspect, the disclosure relates to an injection molding machine comprising: a feeding device for feeding flowable molding material; a mixing chamber configured for receiving the flowable molding material from the feeding device; and a nozzle assembly removably connected to the mixing chamber, the nozzle assembly comprising: a cap configured for closing the mixing chamber; and a nozzle extending through the cap and configured for delivering flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to a mold, wherein the nozzle is rotatable 360° relative to the cap when the cap is connected to the mixing chamber.

[0036] In a nineteenth aspect, the injection molding machine according to the eighteenth aspect further comprises a clamp configured for securing the cap on the mixing chamber, wherein the clamp is removably connected to a locking element on a frame of the injection molding machine.

[0037] In a twentieth aspect, the injection molding machine according to the eighteenth aspect or the nineteenth aspect further comprises a seal disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber, wherein the seal is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at the interface between the cap and the mixing chamber.

[0038] In a twenty-first aspect, the disclosure relates to an injection molding machine comprising: a feeding device for feeding flowable molding material; and an injection assembly according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects.

[0039] In a twenty-second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing an optical article using the injection molding assembly according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects.

[0040] These and other features and characteristics of the multi-directional casting nozzle, as well as the methods of making and using thereof, described herein will become more readily apparent from the following description and appended claims, with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, like reference numbers used throughout the drawings and / or specification indicate the same or similar elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a representative schematic view of an injection molding machine according to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 2A is a representative perspective view of a nozzle assembly mounted on an injection molding machine according to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the nozzle assembly is shown in a first or upward orientation;

[0043] Figure 2B is a representative perspective view of the nozzle assembly shown in Figure 1 is shown in a second or downward orientation;

[0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly removed from the injection molding machine;

[0045] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 2;

[0046] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of the nozzle assembly shown in Figure 3 ;

[0047] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining collar of the nozzle assembly shown in Figure 3 ;

[0048] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the seal of the nozzle assembly shown in Figure 3 .

[0049] In Figures 1 to 7 , like characters represent like components unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0051] Spatial or directional terms, such as "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", and the like, are relative to the invention as illustrated in the drawings and should not be considered limiting as the invention can assume various alternative orientations.

[0052] All numbers used in the specification and claims are understood to be approximations unless otherwise indicated. "Approximately" means plus or minus twenty-five percent of the value stated, for example plus or minus ten percent of the value stated. This should not, however, be considered limiting in any analysis under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0053] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass both the stated value and the endpoints of the ranges or ratios. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all sub-ranges or sub-ratios of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all sub-ranges or sub-ratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein are intended to represent the average value within the specified range and / or ratio.

[0054] The terms "first", "second", and the like, do not denote any particular order or time sequence, but rather are used to distinguish different conditions, attributes, or elements.

[0055] All documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0056] The term "at least" is synonymous with "greater than or equal to".

[0057] As used herein, "at least one of' is synonymous with "one or more of'. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes only A; or only B; or only C; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.

[0058] The term "includes" is synonymous with "comprises".

[0059] As used herein, the term "parallel" or "essentially parallel" means a relative angle between two objects (such as elongate objects and including reference lines) if extended to a theoretical intersection point of from 0° to 5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to 1°, or from 0° to 0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°, inclusive.

[0060] As used herein, the term "perpendicular" or "substantially perpendicular" means that the relative angle between two objects at their point of actual or theoretical intersection is from 85° to 90°, or from 87° to 90°, or from 88° to 90°, or from 89° to 90°, or from 89.5° to 90°, or from 89.75° to 90°, or from 89.9° to 90°, inclusive of the values.

[0061] As used herein, the term "optical" means relating to or associated with light and / or vision. For example, in accordance with various non-limiting aspects disclosed herein, optical articles, articles, or devices can be selected from ophthalmic elements, articles, and devices, display elements, articles, and devices, windows, and mirrors.

[0062] As used herein, the term "ophthalmic" means relating to or associated with the eye and vision. Non-limiting examples of ophthalmic articles or elements include corrective and non-corrective lenses, including single or multi-vision lenses, which can be segmented or non-segmented multi-vision lenses, such as but not limited to bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, and progressive lenses, as well as other elements used to correct, protect, or enhance vision, aesthetically or otherwise, including but not limited to contact lenses, intraocular lenses, magnifying lenses, and protective lenses or eyewear.

[0063] The term "flowable forming material" means a material suitable for use in forming an optical or ophthalmic article and having a viscosity of less than 70,000 cps, preferably less than 60,000 cps, more preferably less than 40,000 cps at the temperature of the material during the filling step of the mold. The temperature during the filling step can range from 75°C to 155°C, typically between 90°C and 120°C.

[0064] The discussion of the various examples or aspects can describe certain features as "especially" or "preferably" within certain limitations (e.g., "preferably," "more preferably," or "even more preferably" within certain limitations). It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these particular or preferred limitations, but encompasses the full scope of the various examples and aspects described herein.

[0065] The disclosure includes, consists of, or consists essentially of the following examples or aspects, in any combination. Various examples or aspects of the disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is understood, however, that these are merely for illustration and discussion. In the practice of the disclosure, one or more examples or aspects shown in one drawing can be combined with one or more examples or aspects shown in another drawing.

[0066] In various embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, reference is made to Figure 1The injection molding system 100 can be configured for molding one or more substrates 10 suitable for use in the manufacture of optical articles. The injection molding system 100 generally includes an injection molding machine 102 configured to deliver a flowable molding material 110 to a mold 104. The injection molding machine 102 includes an injection molding assembly 106 having a mixing chamber 108 configured to receive a quantity of flowable molding material 110. In some embodiments or aspects, the flowable molding material 110 can include two or more components that are delivered to and mixed in the mixing chamber 108. The injection molding assembly 106 further includes a nozzle assembly 112 in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 108 and configured to deliver the flowable molding material 110 from the mixing chamber 108 to the mold 104. The nozzle assembly 112 is formed separately from the mixing chamber 108 such that the mixing nozzle assembly 112 is not part of the mixing chamber 108. After the flowable molding material 110 delivered to the mold 104 solidifies, a finished substrate 10 is formed and can be removed from the mold 104.

[0067] In various embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the substrates 10 can be used to manufacture one or more optical articles, such as ophthalmic articles or elements, display articles or elements, windows, mirrors, active liquid crystal cell articles or elements, and passive liquid crystal cell articles or elements.

[0068] Examples of ophthalmic articles or elements include, but are not limited to, corrective and non-corrective lenses, including single or multi-vision lenses, which can be segmented or non-segmented multi-vision lenses (such as, but not limited to, bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, and progressive lenses), as well as other elements used to correct, protect, or enhance vision (cosmetically or otherwise), including, but not limited to, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, magnifying lenses, and protective lenses or eyewear.

[0069] Examples of display articles, elements, and devices include, but are not limited to, screens, monitors, and security elements, including, but not limited to, security markings and authentication markings.

[0070] Examples of windows include, but are not limited to, automotive and aircraft transparency sheets, filters, shutters, and optical switches.

[0071] The substrates 10 can be made of a polymeric material. The polymeric material is desirably flowable such that it can flow from a reactor vessel to a mold before polymerizing (e.g., solidifying) in the mold.

[0072] The substrates 10 are desirably made of a transparent or translucent material.

[0073] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects disclosed herein, the flowable molding material 110 can be a reactive mixture including a polyisocyanate and / or a polyisothiocyanate, and a component including two or more active hydrogen groups selected from hydroxyl and thiol groups. In other embodiments or aspects, the flowable molding material 110 can be a sulfur-containing urethane-based polymeric material. Non-limiting examples of sulfur-containing urethane-based polymeric materials that can be used to form the substrate 10 include reaction products between active hydrogen atom-containing compounds, such as hydroxyl compounds, mercapto compounds, and hydroxylated mercapto compounds, with at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanate compounds, polyisothiocyanate compounds, and isocyanate group-containing polyisothiocyanate compounds.

[0074] Non-limiting examples of active hydrogen atom-containing compounds used to make sulfur-containing urethane-based polymeric materials for optical articles as the substrate 10 are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,687,597 B2, col. 5, line 1 to col. 15, line 63; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0286435 Al,

[0047] to

[0124] ; U.S. Patent No. 5,191,055, col. 2, line 33 to col. 50; and U.S. Patent No. 5,837,797, col. 13, line 15 to col. 16, line 40.

[0075] Non-limiting examples of polyisocyanates used to make sulfur-containing urethane-based polymeric materials for optical articles as the substrate 10 are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0286435 Al,

[0138] to

[0140] ; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0052284 Al,

[56] to

[61] .

[0076] With continued reference to Figure 1 In some embodiments or aspects, the injection molding system 100 can include a controller 113 configured to control operation of one or more components of the injection molding machine 102 (e.g., one or more components of the injection assembly 106). The controller 113 can be configured to transmit data to and / or receive data from one or more components of the injection molding machine 102. The controller 113 can perform one or more processes described herein. The controller 113 can perform these processes based on a processor executing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium, such as a memory and / or a storage component. When executed, the software instructions stored in the memory and / or storage component can cause the processor to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein.

[0077] As an example, the number and arrangement of components of the injection molding system 100 shown in Figure 1 may be present additional systems and / or devices, fewer systems and / or devices, different systems and / or devices, or systems and / or devices arranged in a different manner than those shown. Figure 1 One or more devices or components of the injection molding system 100 shown in Figure 1 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another device or component.

[0078] Referring to Figures 2A to 4 , the nozzle assembly 112 includes a cover 114 that is connected to the mixing chamber 108 to enclose the mixing chamber 108. In some embodiments or aspects, the cover 114 is removably connected to the mixing chamber 108. In this manner, the mixing chamber 108 can be cleaned and / or serviced when the cover 114 is removed. The nozzle assembly 112 further includes a clamp 128 that is configured to secure the cover 114 on the mixing chamber 108. The clamp 128 can be configured to be removably connected to a locking element 130 (shown in Figures 2A to 2B ) on the injection molding machine 102. In some embodiments or aspects, the cover 114, the nozzle 116, and the clamp 128 can be made of stainless steel.

[0079] With continued reference to Figures 2A to 4 , the nozzle 116 extends through the cover 114 and is configured to deliver the flowable molding material 110 from the mixing chamber 108 to the mold 104. The nozzle 116 can be free to rotate relative to the cover 114 when the cover 114 is connected to the mixing chamber 108. In some embodiments or aspects, the nozzle can be rotated, for example, by rotating the nozzle in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, between a first or upward position Figure 1 (illustrated in Figure 2A ) that is configured to bottom fill the mold 104 (illustrated in Figure 2B ) and a second or downward position that is configured to top fill the mold 104. The nozzle 116 can be rotated relative to the cover 114 during delivery of the flowable molding material 110 from the mixing chamber 108 to the mold 104. In some embodiments or aspects, the nozzle 116 can be rotated 360° about the longitudinal axis 118 of the mixing chamber 108. The nozzle 116 can be manually rotated. In some embodiments or aspects, a rotation mechanism (not shown) can be provided to rotate the nozzle 116. The rotation mechanism can be controlled by the controller 113.

[0080] Figure 5The nozzle 116 is made as a hollow tube having a first end 120a configured to interface with the cap 114 and a second end 120b opposite the first end 120a. In some embodiments or aspects, the nozzle 116 can be made of stainless steel. The first end 120a of the nozzle 116 terminates at an open nozzle tip 122 through which the flowable molding material 110 can be dispensed into the mold 104. The nozzle 116 has a bend 124 between the first end 120a and the second end 120b. The bend 124 can be a 90° bend. The first end 120a of the nozzle 116 can have a flared portion 126 extending outwardly such that the outer diameter of the first end 120a at the flared portion 126 is greater than the outer diameter of the rest of the nozzle 116 between the first end 120a and the second end 120b.

[0081] Referring to Figure 6 The clamp 128 has a body 132 having a first through hole 134 configured to receive at least a portion of the nozzle 116 therethrough and at least one second through hole 135 or notch configured to receive a locking element 130 (shown in Figures 2A to 2B ) on the injection molding machine 102. A first end 136 of the at least one second through hole 135 or notch is configured to support a fastener 138 (shown in Figures 2A to 2B ) that is removably connected to the locking element 130 on the injection molding machine 102.

[0082] Referring to Figure 4 and 7 The nozzle assembly 112 further includes a seal 140 disposed between the cap 114 and the mixing chamber 108. In some embodiments or aspects, the seal 140 is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at the interface between the cap 114 and the mixing chamber 108. As shown in Figure 7 , the seal 140 includes a central opening 142 extending through a body 143 of the seal 140. The central opening 142 is configured to receive the nozzle 116 when the seal 140 is installed on the cap 114. The central opening 142 can have a tapered portion 144 configured to receive the flared portion 126 of the nozzle 116 (shown in Figure 6 ). In some embodiments or aspects, the seal 140 can be made of a plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0083] The present disclosure has been described with reference to specific details of particular aspects of the disclosure. Such details are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, except as it can be encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An injection molding assembly configured for use with an injection molding machine, the injection molding assembly comprising: A mixing chamber configured to receive flowable molding material; and A nozzle assembly connectable to the mixing chamber, the nozzle assembly comprising: A cover, removably connected to the mixing chamber for closing the mixing chamber; and A nozzle extending through the cover and configured to deliver the flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to the mold, wherein the nozzle has a first end at the cover, a second end terminating at the nozzle tip, and a bend between the first end and the second end; When the cover is connected to the mixing chamber, the nozzle can rotate relative to the cover.

2. The injection molding assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is rotatable during delivery of the flowable molding material.

3. The injection molding assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the nozzle is rotatable 360° about the longitudinal axis of the mixing chamber.

4. The injection-molded assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bent portion is a 90° bent portion.

5. The injection-molded assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first end of the nozzle is opened such that the outer diameter of the first end is greater than the outer diameter of the remaining portion of the nozzle between the first end and the second end.

6. The injection molding assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the nozzle assembly further includes a seal disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber, and wherein the seal is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at the interface between the cap and the mixing chamber.

7. The injection-molded assembly of claim 6, wherein the seal is made of a plastic material.

8. The injection-molded assembly according to claim 7, wherein the plastic material is polytetrafluoroethylene.

9. The injection molding assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the nozzle assembly further includes a clamp configured to secure the cap to the mixing chamber, and wherein the clamp is configured to be removably connected to a locking element on the injection molding machine.

10. The injection molding assembly of claim 9, wherein the clamp has a body having: a first through-hole for receiving at least a portion of the nozzle passing through the first through-hole; and at least one second through-hole or notch configured to receive the locking element on the injection molding machine, wherein a first end of the at least one second through-hole or notch is configured to support a fastener removably connected to the locking element on the injection molding machine.

11. The injection-molded assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cap is made of stainless steel.

12. The injection molding assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the nozzle is made of stainless steel.

13. A nozzle assembly configured for connection to a mixing chamber of an injection molding machine, the nozzle assembly comprising: A cover, configured to close the mixing chamber; and A nozzle that extends through the cover and is configured to deliver flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to the mold, wherein the nozzle has a first end at the cover, a second end terminating at the nozzle tip, and a bend between the first end and the second end; When the cover is connected to the mixing chamber, the nozzle can rotate 360° relative to the cover.

14. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, wherein the nozzle has a first open end at the cap, a second end terminating at the nozzle tip, and a 90° bend between the first open end and the second end.

15. The nozzle assembly of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising a seal disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber, wherein the seal is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at the interface between the cap and the mixing chamber.

16. The nozzle assembly of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising a clamp configured to secure the cap to the mixing chamber, wherein the clamp is configured to be removably connected to a locking element on the injection molding machine.

17. An injection molding machine, the injection molding machine comprising: A feeding device for feeding flowable molding material; A mixing chamber configured to receive the flowable molding material from the feeding device; and A nozzle assembly removably connected to the mixing chamber, the nozzle assembly comprising: A cover, configured to close the mixing chamber; and A nozzle extending through the cover and configured to deliver the flowable molding material from the mixing chamber to the mold, wherein the nozzle has a first end at the cover, a second end terminating at the nozzle tip, and a bend between the first end and the second end; When the cover is connected to the mixing chamber, the nozzle can rotate 360° relative to the cover.

18. The injection molding machine of claim 17, further comprising a clamp configured to secure the cover to the mixing chamber, wherein the clamp is removably connected to a locking element on the frame of the injection molding machine.

19. The injection molding machine of claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising a seal disposed between the cap and the mixing chamber, wherein the seal is configured to prevent flow of the flowable molding material at the interface between the cap and the mixing chamber.

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