Long-life mould for manufacturing elongated bodies

Abstract

A die (1) for mounting in an associated die holder (20) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a nail or a screw. The die has a body (2) with a top surface (3) provided with a through-going recess (4) for longitudinally receiving and holding the elongated body in the recess. Furthermore, the die has a recess (5) on one side which merges into the recess (4) at one end of the recess (4) adapted to form a head of the nail or screw. The die has a side surface portion, e.g. conical, shaped to press fit by contact with a corresponding inner surface portion of a bore or hole (30) in the associated die holder. Further, a second side surface portion (9) of the die, e.g. a flat portion, is for engagement with a corresponding inner surface portion of the bore or hole of the die holder. Thus, the angular orientation of the recess (4) is secured relative to the die holder (20) and it has proven that two different side surface portions of the die, e.g. with a conical portion and a flat portion, provide an effective press fit which ensures a long life of the die. Further, the die is very easy to mount in the die holder, e.g. by hand, and easy to eject by a tool. Thus, with this die and die holder system a highly efficient nail production is fully obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a novel tool design, particularly for molds and die rings used in wire-feed nail making machines to produce slender bodies such as nails or screws. Background Technology

[0002] In existing nail-making machines, a major problem is the wear and replacement of the dies or grippers used to produce the nails, particularly the heads. The nail-making machine is continuously fed raw material, wire, which is pressure-formed into nails through a stamping, rolling, or roll forming process involving two corresponding dies.

[0003] In some nail-making machines, the die is secured to a rotating ring tool within the machine via a threaded fastening device around which the die is arranged. Periodic die replacement is a labor-intensive task involving several fastening elements to secure each die. Furthermore, tolerances in each fastening element involved in die securing often reduce the positional accuracy of the die within the die holder, and thus ultimately reduce nail quality and introduce wear. An embodiment of such a nail-making machine can be seen, for example, in EP 1 631 400 B1.

[0004] An improved nail-making machine can be seen in WO 2020 / 088823 A1, in which a die for forming the head on a nail is press-fitted into a hole or drilled hole in a corresponding die holder, for example, a tool ring with 40-60 holes or drilled holes for the die. This provides a more time-saving and reliable method for changing the die, as each individual die can be removed from the die holder quite easily, and each individual die can be replaced if damaged. In particular, an individual die can be changed without interfering with other dies mounted on the die holder, and the entire die-changing process can be easily performed, for example, by an unauthorized person.

[0005] However, further reductions in mold wear are still needed to decrease nail machine downtime and output due to the time required to replace damaged or partially damaged molds, without compromising the positioning accuracy of the mold relative to the mold base. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Specifically, the purpose of this invention can be seen as providing a mold for manufacturing heads on elongated bodies, which solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art and reduces downtime of nail-making machines while increasing output.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mold mounted in a relevant mold base for producing a head on an elongated body, the mold comprising:

[0008] - A body portion having a top surface with a through groove for longitudinally receiving and holding an elongated body within the groove.

[0009] - A recess, located at one end of a groove, suitable for forming a head on an elongated body.

[0010] A side surface, comprising a first portion having a curved shape, arranged to press-fit with a curved portion of the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the associated mold base, and

[0011] - A stop surface, which engages with a stop portion in a hole or drilled hole in the relevant mold base to determine the height of the mold relative to the relevant mold base.

[0012] The side surface also includes a second portion formed to engage with a corresponding portion of the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the associated mold base, so as to guide the angular orientation of the groove relative to the associated mold base.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, a first portion of the side surface of the mold has a circular shape, such as a circular or cylindrical shape, which can improve the durability of the mold because sharp edges are often the weakest points and most prone to breakage when using alloy steel suitable for tools. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the side surface has a conical shape, which has an advantageous shape for press-fitting with a corresponding conical hole in the associated mold base.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second portion of the side surface of the mold includes a planar portion for engaging a corresponding planar portion of the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the associated mold base. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the planar portion provides a locking feature with the corresponding drilled hole or bore in the associated mold base, thereby preventing the operator from inserting a stop surface into the drilled hole or bore. Thus, the flat surface provides an intuitive design for assembly. Furthermore, according to the inventors' important tests, the planar portion has proven to provide a very durable mold, thereby saving time and materials in nail manufacturing.

[0015] The inventors have tested the mold under normal operating conditions. Normal operating conditions should be understood as operating conditions required and / or recommended by the factory, i.e., the nail-making machine in which the mold is positioned is maintained according to the factory's recommendations, and the machine parameters are adjusted and set according to the factory's recommendations.

[0016] This invention introduces a novel mold and a method for securing the mold in a mold base to form a head on an elongated body such as a nail or screw. By introducing a planar side surface portion that engages with a corresponding in-plane surface portion of a drilled hole or bore in the mold base, angular orientation guidance between the mold and the mold base is addressed without requiring any components that would increase the mold height. Furthermore, the limited height of the mold contributes to increased stability during normal head-forming operations, thereby eliminating or at least reducing problems associated with damage and wear.

[0017] The inventors have recognized, and confirmed through testing under normal nail production conditions, that the mold according to the first aspect has a surprisingly long lifespan compared to prior art molds (including those disclosed in WO 2020 / 088823 A1). Therefore, a nail-making machine with such a mold can be expected to have very limited downtime and thus high throughput, as it requires very little interruption in nail production due to worn or damaged head forming of the mold.

[0018] Furthermore, compared to the prior art molds disclosed in WO 2020 / 088823 A1, the mold according to the present invention is easier to install because it has only one planar side surface, and therefore cannot be fitted into the drilled holes or openings of the mold base where the head-forming recesses are formed on the wrong side. This helps reduce installation time and eliminates the time spent on damaging or operating a nail-making machine with one or more head-forming recesses in the wrong position. The planar side surface also provides a clear, visible key indication that provides the operator with immediate information about how the mold is positioned relative to the drilled holes of the relevant mold base when the operator's task is, for example, to replace the mold in the relevant mold base of the nail-making machine.

[0019] Furthermore, compared with the prior art molds disclosed in WO 2020 / 088823 A1, the molds according to the present invention are easier to manufacture because the design is simpler and therefore can be performed with fewer manufacturing steps.

[0020] Furthermore, the mold can be designed to have only 40-50% of the volume of the prior art molds disclosed in WO 2020 / 088823 A1. Therefore, the mold design helps to save a significant amount of material, typically hard metal alloys. Consequently, the mold according to the invention is also more environmentally friendly than prior art molds.

[0021] In this invention, "mold" should be understood as a tool or device used to give a material the desired shape, form or finish or to imprint an object or material, such as forming a head on a nail or screw by wire.

[0022] In this invention, "recess" should be understood as a recess in a portion of a surface, such as, but not limited to, a crack, cut, or cavity. In a recess for forming a head on an elongated body, the recess may be a combination of cuts for forming a surface (e.g., a planar surface), suitable for forming a head by applying pressure to the end of the elongated body while it is held by the recess. Furthermore, the recess may include specific features for forming a particular head shape on the elongated body, such as chamfers and / or rounded shapes.

[0023] In this invention, "head" should be understood as the uppermost part or protruding part of an object.

[0024] In the most preferred embodiment, the groove is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the central axis passing through the body of the mold between the top and bottom surfaces. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the mold and the stop surface are the same surface, i.e., the bottom surface constitutes the stop surface. Preferably, the groove is perpendicular to the central axis passing through the body. In particular, a small offset angle such as 0.1° may be preferred, and therefore most preferably, the groove forms an angle of 89.8°-90.2° with the central axis passing through the body of the mold.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the elongated body is machined into a rivet.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, an elongated body is processed into spokes, such as, but not limited to, spokes for bicycles.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the wire to be supplied to the machine is smooth.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the steel to be fed into the machine is shaped, such as into a circle, a square, or a spline profile.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the planar portion of the side surface is parallel to the central axis of the mold. This embodiment can be advantageous for further strengthening the structure of the mold, thereby providing a more durable mold.

[0030] In this invention, the central axis is an axis that extends through the bottom and top planes of the mold.

[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, the planar portion of the mold forms an angle of 0.5-2.0° with the central axis of the mold. This embodiment may be advantageous for providing a press fit between the side surface of the mold and the corresponding drilled hole or bore of the associated mold base.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, a second portion of the side surface of the mold includes a curved portion for engaging with a corresponding curved portion of an inner surface or a drilled hole in the associated mold base.

[0033] In another embodiment of the invention, the curvature of the curved portion of the second part of the side surface is different from the curvature of the first part of the side surface.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second portion of the side surface of the mold is arranged to press-fit with a corresponding portion of the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the associated mold base.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a first portion of the side surface of the mold has a conical shape, and the conical portion of the side surface forms an angle of 0.5-2.0° relative to the central axis of the mold, such as 0.8-1.6°, 1.0-1.4°, or 1.1-1.3°. The above examples can provide optimal press-fit angles for providing durable molds, i.e., molds that can operate for more than 2000 hours, preferably more than 3000 hours, more preferably more than 4000 hours, and even more preferably between 4500 and 10000 hours or longer.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the area of ​​the second portion of the side surface is smaller than the area of ​​the first portion of the side surface, for example, the area of ​​the second portion of the side surface is 10-40% of the area of ​​the first portion of the side surface. This embodiment can be particularly advantageous for providing a more durable mold.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side surface of the mold has a chamfered portion that interconnects the first and second portions of the side surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the side surface of the mold has a first and a second portion, and the mold has a first chamfered portion and a second chamfered portion. This embodiment can be advantageous for reducing the machining time of both the mold and, in particular, the drilling or hole of the associated mold base.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first chamfered portion and the second chamfered portion interconnect the second portion of the side surface and the corresponding first and second sides of the first portion of the side surface.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the chamfered portion extends from the bottom surface or stop surface of the mold body. This embodiment can be particularly advantageous for reducing the machining time for drilling or piercing the mold and, in particular, the associated mold base. In some embodiments of the invention, the chamfered portion extends from the bottom surface or stop surface of the mold to the top surface of the mold.

[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, the chamfered portion occupies only a portion of the side surface between the bottom surface and the top surface of the body, such as 30-80% or 40-70% of the distance between the bottom and top surfaces of the body. This embodiment may be advantageous for providing a more durable mold.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the chamfered portion of the side surface of the mold occupies 1-20% of the total circumference of the body of the mold, such as 2-10% of the circumference of the body.

[0042] It should be understood that the perimeter of the mold body should be understood as the total length of the perimeter of the side surfaces of the mold in a plane perpendicular to the central axis and substantially parallel to the top surface of the mold, such as the perimeter of the first and second portions of the side surfaces of a mold with only two sides.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chamfered portion of the side surface of the mold includes a flat portion. This embodiment can be particularly advantageous for reducing the machining time of both the mold and, in particular, the drilling or hole of the associated mold base, i.e., by reducing the tolerance of the drilling or hole relative to the corresponding mold.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, the chamfered portion includes a curved portion. This embodiment can be advantageous for providing a more durable mold.

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, a second portion of the side surface of the mold extends from the top surface of the body to the bottom surface and / or the stop surface. This embodiment can be advantageous for providing a more durable mold and for drilling or piercing within the associated mold base, which allows for faster processing.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the recess for forming the head on the elongated body is formed as a recess in the upper portion of a second portion of the side surface. In this embodiment, the second portion of the side surface is substantially flat, extending from the bottom surface of the mold to the top surface of the mold, and the recess is formed in the upper portion of the flat surface. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for providing a more durable mold, as the inventors have found that providing an extended flat surface on one side of the mold (corresponding to the extrusion surface for forming the head on the elongated body) provides a stronger and more durable mold that does not crack during extensive use, such as in the first 2000 to 3000 hours of operation.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the axis of the through groove is parallel to the normal of the planar portion of the second part of the side surface.

[0048] In this invention, it should be understood that a normal is a defining element, such as an axis or vector perpendicular to a given element. For example, the normal to a plane curve at a given point is an (infinite) line perpendicular to the tangent to the curve at that point.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the groove on the top surface of the mold is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the mold.

[0050] In one advantageous embodiment, the bottom surface of the body forms a stop surface.

[0051] In a more advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface has a planar portion that serves as a stop surface. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for providing a simpler mold and corresponding mold base, which is faster and simpler to manufacture.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the mold further includes dummy elements or related dummy elements, such as integral elements, arranged to be positioned at the bottom of a hole or bore in the related mold base. The dummy elements include a top surface arranged to engage with the bottom surface of the body of the mold so as to cooperate with the bottom of the hole or bore in the related mold base to form a stop surface.

[0053] In one advantageous embodiment, the bottom surface or stop surface of the mold has a groove to allow an associated tool to engage with the groove in order to push the mold upward, thereby removing the mold from the associated mold base.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface or stop surface of the mold has an inclined groove so that when the mold is in the associated mold base, pressure is applied by an elongated tool such as a pin, preferably with an inclined tip corresponding to the inclination of the groove, making the mold easy to remove or eject, thereby removing the mold from the associated mold base without damaging the mold base or the associated elongated tool.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the groove is an inclined groove having an inclination angle between 2° and 20° relative to the bottom surface of the mold.

[0056] In another embodiment of the invention, the inclined groove on the stop surface of the mold has an angle between 1° and 40° relative to the stop surface of the mold, such as between 2° and 30°, such as between 5° and 20°, such as between 8° and 15°, wherein the angle reduces the pressure required to remove the mold from the associated mold base.

[0057] The above-described embodiments are advantageous because when the mold is located in the relevant mold base, when pressure is applied with an elongated tool such as a pin, preferably with an inclined tip corresponding to the inclination of the groove, the inclined groove at the bottom surface or stop surface of the mold can provide easier removal or ejection of the mold, thereby removing the mold from the relevant mold base without damaging the mold base or the tool.

[0058] In this invention, an inclined groove should be understood as a narrow cut or low region in the surface that is angled from one region of the surface to another region of the surface, and the groove varies in depth relative to the surface from one end of the groove to the opposite end of the groove.

[0059] In some embodiments of the mold, the stop surface and the bottom surface are the same. In some embodiments, the stop surface may be a recess cut into the body of the mold at a location above the bottom surface.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, the inclined groove on the bottom surface or stop surface of the mold has a width (W), and the mold has an outer diameter (D), and the ratio (W / D) between the width and the outer diameter is between 0.01 and 1, more preferably between 0.1 and 0.5, because these ratios may be ideal for producing molds from steel (such as tool-grade steel) or other hard alloys (especially hard metals such as tungsten carbide) or other hard materials suitable for making slender bodies such as nails or screws.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inclined groove has a width (W), and the mold has an outer diameter (D), and the ratio (W / D) between the width and the outer diameter is between 0.1 and 0.5.

[0062] In another embodiment of the invention, the inclined groove has at least one planar surface portion. This embodiment can be advantageous for reducing friction between the associated elongated tool and the planar surface, thereby facilitating the ejection of the mold from the mold base when the mold is securely mounted in the mold base.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the groove is a planar surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the mold, so that when the mold is securely placed in the mold base, it is convenient to insert an associated elongated tool to eject the mold from the mold base.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the planar surface has an inclination angle of 0.5° to 50° relative to the stop surface or bottom surface of the mold, such as 1° to 40° or such as 2° to 20°.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, the inclined groove has at least one curved surface portion.

[0066] In this invention, it should be understood that the associated elongated tool can be used as a wedge, wherein the tip of the elongated tool is wedged between the bottom surface of the mold and the bottom surface of the associated mold base in order to apply pressure to push the mold upward and out of the drilled hole or hole in the associated mold base.

[0067] In one embodiment of the invention, the tip of the relevant elongated tool has a sloping flat surface arranged to engage with the sloping flat surface of the sloping groove of the mold, so as to easily eject the mold disposed in the relevant mold base.

[0068] In another embodiment of the invention, the groove on the bottom surface is parallel to the through groove on the top surface.

[0069] In another embodiment of the invention, the groove on the bottom surface forms a recess in the bottom of the second portion of the side surface.

[0070] In another embodiment of the invention, the body of the mold has a plane of symmetry that is parallel to the axis along the through groove.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body of the mold is integral and made of metal or ceramic. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for providing a more robust and durable mold, which is also faster to manufacture. Typically, the mold can be formed from a variety of materials, including metals, alloy steels, and non-metals.

[0072] In this invention, "alloy steel" should be understood as steel that is highly suitable for making tools. Adding alloying elements, such as, but not limited to, tungsten, chromium, vanadium, or molybdenum, forms carbides in the steel to increase its hardness, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, wear resistance, and deformability.

[0073] In embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the mold may be made of hard alloy or ceramic, for example, oxide ceramics with additives such as zirconium oxide, hybrid ceramics with additives such as carbide or silicon nitride, and SiAION-level ceramics. Ceramics exhibit excellent wear resistance, which improves the durability of the mold or mold base.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the outer diameter (D) to the total height (H) of the mold is between 0.5 and 2.0, such as between 0.7 and 1.5.

[0075] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of the mold between the top and bottom surfaces is 5-20 mm, such as 8-18 mm, such as 10-16 mm, such as 12-15 mm.

[0076] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the total length of the through groove on the top surface of the mold is 5-30 mm, such as 10-20 mm, such as 10-18 mm, such as 10-17 mm, or such as 11-17 mm.

[0077] In yet another preferred embodiment, the through groove on the top surface of the mold has a width of 1.2-5.5 mm or such as 1.8-4.5 mm.

[0078] In one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the mold body, such as a first portion of the mold's side surface, is tapered, improving mold fixation within a mold base; that is, a mold is provided that is adapted for press-fitting into a mold base having a corresponding tapered geometry. In some embodiments, the tapered portion of the mold body or the entire mold body may have one or more circular cross-sections. It should be understood that the circular cross-section may also be slightly elliptical or slightly oval.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first portion of the side surface has a conical shape and occupies a corner portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the mold that is greater than 180°, such as 200-280°, such as 230-260°, such as 240-250°.

[0080] In embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the body of the mold has a conical shape, such as wherein the side surface of said portion of the body provides an angle of 0.1°-3° with the central axis of the body, such as 0.5°-2.5°, such as 1.0°-2.0°.

[0081] In one embodiment of the invention, when the stop surface of the mold abuts against the bottom surface or lower shoulder surface of the associated mold base, the top surface of the mold and the surface portion of the associated mold base are substantially parallel to each other.

[0082] In one embodiment of the invention, the ratio (D / H) of the outer diameter (D) of the mold to the total height (H) of the mold is between 0.1 and 5, preferably between 0.5 and 2.0, even more preferably between 0.5 and 1.0, even more preferably between 0.7 and 1.0, even more preferably between 0.8 and 1.0, even more preferably between 0.9 and 1.0, to optimize the manufacturing cost of the mold and related mold bases such as tool rings.

[0083] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a mold base, comprising:

[0084] - Body portion, which has a surface portion

[0085] - A plurality of holes or drilled holes in a surface portion, wherein each of the plurality of holes or drilled holes has a first inner surface portion having a curved shape and arranged for receiving a mold and for press-fitting with the mold by contacting a side surface of the mold, wherein each of the holes or drilled holes has a second inner surface portion for engaging with a corresponding side surface portion of the mold to fix the angular orientation of the mold relative to the mold base, and wherein each of the holes or drilled holes has a stop portion arranged for fixing the height of the top surface of the mold relative to the surface portion of the mold base.

[0086] In this invention, "press fit" should be understood as a fit in which the body is driven into a hole slightly smaller than itself to remain tight and stationary or substantially stationary.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mold base is annular.

[0088] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of holes or drill holes have parallel central axes and are radially distributed on the mold base.

[0089] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mold base includes at least 10 holes or drilled holes, such as 20-60 holes or drilled holes, which are evenly distributed on the annular top surface portion of the mold base. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for ensuring the structural integrity of the mold base.

[0090] In some embodiments of the invention, the mold base includes at least 10 holes or drilled holes, such as 10-100 holes or drilled holes, evenly distributed on the annular top surface portion, to maximize the number of holes or drilled holes on the annular top surface. In specific embodiments, the mold base may have 24, 30, 36, 40, 48, or 60 holes or drilled holes evenly distributed on the annular top surface portion of the mold base; however, other numbers of holes or drilled holes may be preferred.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of holes or drill holes are axially distributed on the inner or outer surface portion of the mold base.

[0092] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the body of the mold base is integral and made of metal.

[0093] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of holes or bores in the mold base has a tapered inner surface portion that has an angle of 0.5-2.0° relative to the central axis of the hole or bore. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous for providing bores (suitable for press fitting) when an element having a corresponding conical shape (such as a mold according to the first aspect of the invention) is inserted into the bore.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of holes or drill holes has a planar inward surface portion. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous for providing mold bases that are quick to manufacture while still maintaining adequate fixation of the elements inserted into the holes or drill holes, such as molds according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0095] In one embodiment of the invention, the inner surface portion of the plane is parallel to the central axis of the hole or borehole.

[0096] This aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous because the mold base according to the invention can be implemented as an upgrade kit by insertion into older, less advanced machines (such as nail making machines). The invention is advantageous for new nail or screw making machines as well as existing machines that can be modified or updated to include mold bases having molds according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0097] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a machine for producing a head on an elongated body, the machine comprising:

[0098] - At least one mold according to the first aspect of the invention, and

[0099] - A mold base according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the top surface of the mold base is annular and has a central axis of rotation, and the annular mold base is mounted to rotate around the axis.

[0101] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the top surface of the annular circular mold base has a plurality of holes or drilled holes arranged for mounting the corresponding mold.

[0102] In one embodiment of the invention, the top surface of the annular circular mold base has a plurality of holes or drilled holes, such as 10 to 100 holes or drilled holes, arranged for mounting a corresponding mold according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0103] In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of holes or drill holes are distributed in parallel and uniformly around the top surface portion of the annular mold base.

[0104] In one embodiment of the invention, the machine has two opposing annular mold bases, which are angled or tilted so that the two opposing molds are brought close enough together during rotation that they almost brush against each other.

[0105] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mold base body has an opening connected to a portion of a hole or drill hole shaped for receiving and holding the mold, so as to allow an elongated tool to engage with the lower part of the mold to push the mold upward, thereby removing the mold from the mold base.

[0106] In one embodiment of the invention, the mold base body has an opening, such as a hole or drill hole, connected to the bottom of the hole or drill hole shaped to receive and retain the mold, so as to allow an associated elongated tool to engage with the lower part of the mold to push the mold upward, thereby removing the mold from the mold base, such as by applying force between the bottom surface of the mold and the surface of the mold base. This embodiment is particularly advantageous, but not exclusively, for the quick and easy removal of worn or broken molds from the mold base, which will significantly reduce machine downtime.

[0107] In another embodiment of the invention, the mold base is annular, and the opening is located on the inside of the annulus so as to allow the removal of the mold when the mold base is installed for normal operation.

[0108] In one embodiment of the invention, the opening for inserting the relevant elongated tool into the mold base body is a hole or drill hole perpendicular to the hole or drill hole for receiving and holding the mold.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine includes a head forming mechanism arranged such that, when the elongated body is fixed by a groove in the mold, a force is applied to the elongated body at the recessed end of the groove in the mold to form a head on the elongated body, shaped according to the recess of the mold.

[0110] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one side surface of the mold has a first portion having a conical shape, wherein the conical portion of the side surface forms a first angle relative to the central axis of the mold, and each of the plurality of holes or drill holes of the mold base has a conical first inner surface portion that forms a second angle relative to the central axis of the hole or drill hole.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the first angle and the second angle is less than 0.02°.

[0112] In another embodiment of the invention, the first angle is greater than the second angle, such as the first angle being 0.02°-0.10° greater than the second angle.

[0113] In another embodiment of the invention, the first angle and the second angle are both within the range of 0.5-2.0°, such as 0.8-1.6°, such as 1.0-1.4°, such as 1.1-1.3°.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second portion of the side surface of the mold includes a planar portion, and the second inner surface portion of the hole or drilled hole of the mold base includes a corresponding planar side surface portion.

[0115] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one planar portion of a mold is parallel to the central axis of at least one mold, and the planar side surface portion of the inner surface of the hole or drill hole of the mold base is parallel to the central axis of the hole or drill hole of the mold base.

[0116] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of at least one mold forms the stop surface of at least one mold, and wherein the bottom surface of the hole or drill hole of the mold base forms the stop portion in the hole or drill hole of the mold base.

[0117] In some embodiments of the invention, the machine includes a dummy element arranged between the bottom surface of at least one mold and the bottom surface of a hole or drilled hole in the mold base. This embodiment of the invention can be advantageous for providing a more durable mold within a nail-making machine.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of at least one mold is equal to the distance between the bottom surface of the hole or drilled hole and the surface portion of the mold base.

[0119] This machine can be, in particular, a nail-making machine, such as one used to produce nails with round heads or nails with D-shaped heads. Alternatively, it can be a screw-making machine, for example, used to produce heads on slender threaded bodies.

[0120] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a mold for manufacturing a head on an elongated body, such as a nail, in a machine according to a third aspect of the invention.

[0121] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a mold for manufacturing a head on an elongated body, such as a nail, in a machine according to a third aspect of the invention.

[0122] This aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous because the method according to the invention can be implemented by inserting a mold base according to the second aspect as an upgrade kit into older, less advanced machines (such as nail making machines). The invention is advantageous for new nail or screw making machines as well as existing machines that can be modified or updated to include a mold base having a mold according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0123] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a head on an elongated body using a mold according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes mounting the mold in a hole or drill hole in a mold base by press fitting, and forming the head of an elongated body with the mold when the mold is mounted in the mold base.

[0125] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes mounting the mold in a hole or drilled hole in the mold base during tool-less installation. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for easily and quickly securing the mold within the mold base.

[0126] In this invention, "toolless" should be understood as a method in which a mold can be inserted into a drilled hole in a mold base without using any tools other than the operator's hands. That is, the operator does not need a hammer, measuring tools, or any other tools to successfully complete the installation process.

[0127] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes, after a first step of installing a mold in a hole or drill hole without the use of tools, operating a machine in a second step to produce a head on an elongated body using a mold mounted in a mold holder. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for nail production, as the process of inserting a new mold into a hole or drill hole in the mold holder is rapid and requires only a few steps, such as two steps, after which nail production can immediately continue.

[0128] It should be understood that any maintenance hatch needs to be opened / closed before / after any mold insertion.

[0129] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes:

[0130] a. Provide (S1) a first mold base and a second mold base, each of the first mold base and the second mold base comprising:

[0131] i. A body portion having at least a surface portion.

[0132] ii. A hole or drilled hole in a surface portion, wherein the hole or drilled hole has a first inner surface portion having a curved shape and arranged for receiving a mold and for press-fitting by contacting a first side surface portion of the mold.

[0133] iii. A stop portion located in a hole or drill hole, for engaging with the bottom surface of the mold when pressed into the hole or drill hole, so as to fix the height of the top surface of the mold relative to the surface portion of the mold base, and

[0134] iv. A second inner surface portion of a hole or drilled hole, which engages with a corresponding second side surface portion of the mold to achieve angular orientation relative to the groove of the mold base that secures the mold.

[0135] b. Provide (S2) a first mold and a second mold, each of the first mold and the second mold comprising:

[0136] i. A body portion having a top surface having a through groove for longitudinally receiving and holding an elongated body within the groove.

[0137] ii. A recess at one end of a groove, suitable for forming a head on an elongated body.

[0138] iii. A first side surface portion having a curved shape, the first side surface portion being used for press-fitting by contacting a first inner surface portion of a drilled hole or bore in the associated mold base.

[0139] iv. A stop surface for engaging with a stop portion in a hole or drill hole in the relevant mold base to determine the height of the top surface of the mold relative to the surface portion of the relevant mold base, and

[0140] v. A second side surface portion, which is used to engage with a corresponding second inner surface portion of the mold base, so as to be angularly oriented relative to the mold base fixing groove.

[0141] c. Bring the top surface of the first mold (S3) close to the top surface of the second mold, so that the grooves of the first and second molds remain elongated.

[0142] d. Apply force (S4) to the elongated body at the concave end of the groove to form a head on the elongated body.

[0143] In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes ejecting the mold from a hole or drill hole in the mold base.

[0144] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes:

[0145] -Provide slender tools, such as pins,

[0146] - Insert the elongated tool into the opening of the relevant mold base, and

[0147] - Apply a force toward the mold along the length axis of the slender tool so as to force the mold to be ejected from the mold base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the applied force.

[0148] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous because the method according to the invention can be implemented as an upgrade kit in older, less advanced machines (such as nail making machines) by combining elongated tools with a mold according to the first aspect of the invention and a mold base according to the second aspect. The invention is advantageous for new nail making machines or screw manufacturing machines, as well as existing machines that can be modified or updated to more quickly replace any damaged molds from the mold base, and thus reduce downtime of the manufacturing machine.

[0149] In another embodiment of the invention, the method includes engaging between a tip of an elongated tool and a groove in the bottom of a mold, wherein the tip and the groove are shaped to match to facilitate ejection of the mold.

[0150] This aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous because the method according to the invention can be implemented by providing an annular mold base according to the second aspect and a mold according to the first aspect. The invention is advantageous for new nail-making machines or screw-making machines, as well as existing machines that can be modified or updated to include a mold base having a mold according to the invention.

[0151] In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a head on an elongated body, such as a nail, using a mold according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0152] In an eighth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a head on an elongated body, such as a nail, using a machine according to a third aspect of the invention.

[0153] In a ninth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing nails, comprising:

[0154] -1) The first side surface portion of the mold with a curved shape is press-fitted with the curved second inner surface portion of the hole or drilled hole in the mold base by contact.

[0155] -2) Engage the stop surface of the mold with the stop portion in the hole or drilled hole of the mold base to determine the height of the mold relative to the mold base.

[0156] -3) Fix the angular position of the mold relative to the mold base by engaging a second side surface portion (such as a planar side surface portion) with a corresponding second inner surface portion of a hole or drilled hole in the mold base.

[0157] - Following steps 1), 2), and 3), the elongated body is received and held longitudinally in a groove on the top surface of the mold, and

[0158] – The head is formed on the elongated body via a recess at one end of the groove in the mold.

[0159] In the tenth aspect, the present invention relates to a nail manufactured according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects of the invention.

[0160] In the eleventh aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a mold according to the first aspect of the invention for manufacturing a head on an elongated body such as a nail.

[0161] In the twelfth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a mold base according to a second aspect of the invention for manufacturing a head on an elongated body such as a nail.

[0162] In the thirteenth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a machine according to the third aspect of the invention for manufacturing a head on an elongated body such as a nail.

[0163] In its fourteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of forming an article, comprising:

[0164] - Install the mold in the relevant mold base to create the head on the slender body.

[0165] - The slender body is received and held longitudinally in a groove on the top surface of the mold.

[0166] -A head is formed on the slender body at the concave portion at one end of the groove.

[0167] - By contacting the first inner surface portion of the mold with a curved shape of a hole or drilled hole in the relevant mold base, the first side surface portion of the mold with a curved shape is press-fitted.

[0168] - To engage the second side surface portion of the mold (such as a planar portion) with the second inner surface portion of a hole or drilled hole in the associated mold base, so as to fix the angular orientation of the groove relative to the associated mold base, and

[0169] - To determine the height of the mold relative to the relevant mold base, the stop surface of the mold engages with the stop portion in the hole or drilled hole of the relevant mold base.

[0170] The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth aspects of the present invention can each be combined with any other aspect. These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below, and will be explained with reference to these embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0171] The mold according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate one embodiment of the invention and should not be construed as limiting oneself to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0172] Figure 1 This is an oblique axis view of the mold implementation method.

[0173] Figure 2 This is a front view of the mold implementation method.

[0174] Figure 3 This is a side view of the mold implementation method.

[0175] Figure 4 This is another oblique view of the mold implementation method.

[0176] Figure 5 It is an oblique axis view of a mold base having an installed mold embodiment.

[0177] Figure 6 It is an oblique axis view of the cross-section of the mold base and the installed mold embodiment.

[0178] Figure 7 This is a top view of a cross-section of the mold base implementation method.

[0179] Figure 8 It is an oblique axis view of the cross-section of the mold base and the uninstalled mold embodiment.

[0180] Figure 9 It is an oblique axis view of the cross-section of the mold base and the installed mold embodiment.

[0181] Figure 10 It is a side view of the cross-section of an elongated tool, which, according to one embodiment, is placed in an opening in the mold base between the mold base and the mold.

[0182] Figure 11 It is an oblique axis view of an elongated body fixed between the cross sections of two corresponding molds and mold bases.

[0183] Figure 12 It is an oblique axis view of a cross section of an annular mold base with an installed mold and a corresponding free-floating mold, to show the engagement of the recesses of the two molds for producing the head on the nail.

[0184] Figure 13 It is a side view of two annular mold bases oriented toward each other, such as a part used to form nails in a nail-making machine.

[0185] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the method according to the present invention.

[0186] Figure 15a and Figure 15b This is an oblique view of the alternative mold implementation method.

[0187] Figure 16a and Figure 16b This is an oblique view of other alternative mold implementation methods.

[0188] Figure 17a and Figure 17b These are oblique views of other alternative mold implementations. Detailed Implementation

[0189] Figure 1This is an oblique axis view of an embodiment of mold 1. The figure shows mold 1 for mounting in a relevant mold base (not shown) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw. Mold 1 includes a body 2 having a top surface 3. The top surface has a through groove 4 adapted to receive and hold the elongated body longitudinally within the groove 4. The groove 4 may have clamping markings (not visible) to increase friction with the elongated body to improve holding effect. The body 2 of mold 1 has side surfaces 6, which include a generally circular first portion and a second portion 9. The second portion 9 has a recess 5 extending from the second portion 9 and incorporated into the groove 4. The recess 5 is shaped to form half of the head on the elongated body. The side surfaces 6 are shaped to press-fit by contacting the inner surface of a hole or drill hole in the relevant mold base. Mold 1 has a bottom surface 7 with a chamfer 10 for easy mounting of mold 1 into a hole or drill hole in the relevant mold base. The second portion 9 of the side surface 6 is flat for greater durability and also serves to engage with a corresponding flat surface of the associated mold base for angular orientation relative to the fixing groove 4 of the associated mold base. A first chamfered portion 11 and a second chamfered portion 11' are positioned on the side surface 6 of the body 2 of the mold 1, interconnecting the first portion of the side surface 6 with the second portion 9. In some embodiments of the mold 1, the first chamfered portion 11 and the second chamfered portion 11' extend from the bottom surface 7 of the mold 1 to the top surface 3. On the bottom surface 7, a groove 75 extending from the bottom surface 7 to the second portion 9 of the side surface 6 has been cut into the body 2 of the mold 1. This groove 75 allows an associated elongated tool (not shown) with a tip that matches the groove 75 to engage with the groove to push the mold 1 upward when press-fitted into the associated mold base 20. In particular, this elongated tool can be inserted into an opening in the associated mold base 20 to facilitate removal of the mold for replacement.

[0190] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the inclined groove 75 is a planar surface parallel to an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the mold 1. The inclination angle is preferably 2°-20°. The inclined planar surface helps to provide an upward force to remove the mold 1 from the mold base. The tool preferably has a tip with an inclination angle matching the inclination angle of the planar surface of the groove 75.

[0191] Figure 2This is a side view of an embodiment of the mold 1 having a conical side surface 6. The figure shows the body 2 of the mold 1 when viewed directly toward the second portion 9 of the side surface 6. The second portion has a recess 5 that incorporates a groove 4 on the top surface 3 of the mold 1. The recess 5 is substantially circular and shaped to form half of the head of a nail or screw. A first chamfered portion 11 and a second chamfered portion 11' are positioned on the side surface 6 of the body 2 of the mold 1, interconnecting the first portion of the side surface 6 with the second portion 9. The side surface 6 of the mold 1 is angled to accommodate a corresponding shape of the mold base. In this particular embodiment, the angle between the side surface 6 and the central axis (dashed line) of the body 2 is between one and two degrees, but can range from one-tenth of a degree to five degrees. The bottom surface 7 of the mold 1 is chamfered 10 to facilitate insertion and guidance of the mold 1 into the mold base. In some embodiments of the mold 1, the first chamfered portion 11 and the second chamfered portion 11' extend from the bottom surface 7 of the mold 1 to the top surface 3. On the bottom surface 7, a groove 75 has been cut in the body 2 of the mold 1, which extends from the bottom surface 7 to the second part 9 of the side surface 6.

[0192] Figure 3 This is another side view of an embodiment of the mold 1 having a conical side surface 6. The figure shows the body 2 of the mold 1 when viewed perpendicularly to the second portion 9 of the side surface 6. A first chamfered portion 11 and a second chamfered portion (not shown) are positioned on the side surface 6 of the body 2 of the mold 1, interconnecting the first portion and the second portion 9 of the side surface 6. The side surface 6 of the mold 1 is angled to accommodate the corresponding shape of the mold base. In this particular embodiment, the angle between the side surface 6 and the central axis (dashed line) of the body 2 is between one and two degrees, but can range from one-tenth of a degree to five degrees. The bottom surface 7 of the mold 1 is chamfered 10 to facilitate insertion and guidance of the mold 1 into the mold base.

[0193] Figure 4This is another oblique bottom view of an embodiment of mold 1. The figure shows mold 1 for mounting in a related mold base (not shown) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw. The body 2 of mold 1 has a side surface 6 comprising a generally circular first portion and a second portion 9. The second portion 9 has a recess 5 shaped to form half of the head on the elongated body. The side surface 6 is shaped to press-fit with the inner surface of a hole or drilled hole in the related mold base. Mold 1 has a bottom surface 7 with a chamfer 10 to facilitate mounting of mold 1 into the hole or drilled hole in the related mold base. The second portion 9 of side surface 6 is flat for greater durability and also for engaging with a corresponding flat surface of the related mold base to fix the angular orientation of mold 1 relative to the related mold base. A first chamfered portion 11 and a second chamfered portion 11' are positioned on the side surface 6 of the body 2 of mold 1, interconnecting the first portion and the second portion 9 of side surface 6. On the bottom surface 7, a groove 75 has been cut in the body 2 of the mold 1, extending to the second part 9 of the side surface 6.

[0194] Figure 5 This is an oblique axis view of a cross-section of a mold base 20 with the mold 1 mounted. The figure shows the mounted mold 1 and the cross-section of the annular mold base 20. Furthermore, the side surface 22 (not visible) of the mold base 20 is planar relative to the second portion 9 of the side surface of the mold 1, where the recess 5 of the mold 1 for forming the head of an elongated body is placed. Pins or bolts 24 are placed on the third surface 23 of the mold base 20, parallel to the top surface 21 of the mold base 20, for mounting the mold base 20 to a machine (not shown).

[0195] Figure 6 This is an oblique axis view of a cross-section of a mold base 20 with the mounted mold 1. The figure shows a cross-section of the annular mold base 20, and a sectional view of the mold base 20 and the mounted mold 1. The top surface 3 of the mold 1 and the top surface portion 21 of the mold base 20 are planar relative to each other. Furthermore, the side surface 22 (not visible) of the mold base 20 is planar relative to a second portion 9 of the side surface of the mold 1, in which a recess 5 of the mold 1 for forming the head of an elongated body is placed. An opening 26 is located on the inner side 25 of the mold base 20 and extends to the bottom surface 7 of the mold 1. In this particular embodiment, a plug 45 has been inserted into the opening 26 of the mold base 20.

[0196] Figure 7 This is a top view of a cross-section of the annular mold base 20 according to the invention. A drilled hole 30 in the top surface 21 of the mold base 20 is located in the center of this view. An opening 26 of the mold base 20 is visible in the bottom surface 28 of the mold base 20. Pins or bolts 24 are disposed on a third surface 23 of the mold base 20, parallel to the top surface 21, for mounting the mold base 20 to a machine (not shown).

[0197] Preferably, the mold base 20 is a monolithic element made of metal, preferably a metal softer than the metal or other material forming the associated mold base to be press-fitted into the hole or drilled hole 30. The mold is preferably made of a hard material, such as a hard metal, to provide a long service life. Through the press-fit principle, the hard material mold is firmly secured in the hole or drilled hole 30, thereby providing optimal support for the edges of the hard material mold, thus providing a long service life for the mold.

[0198] Both the hole or drilled hole 30 have an inner surface shaped to receive the mold and for press-fitting by contact with the side surface of the mold. A stop is formed in the hole or drilled hole 30 to allow engagement with the stop surface of the mold when the mold is pressed into the hole or drilled hole, thereby fixing the height of the top surface of the mold relative to the top surface portion of the mold base 20. Furthermore, the mold base 20 has protrusions or recesses for engaging with corresponding recesses or protrusions of the mold, thereby fixing the angular orientation of the mold relative to the mold base, thus facilitating precise angular orientation of the mold during installation in the mold base 20 (e.g., after mold replacement).

[0199] Figure 8 This is an oblique axis view of the cross-section of the mold base 20 with the mold 1 not installed. The figure shows a cross-section of the annular mold base 20 and a sectional view of the mold base 20 and the uninstalled mold 1 (which floats above the drilled hole 30 in the top surface 21 of the mold base 20). The floating mold 1 has a bottom surface 7, corresponding to the bottom surface 28 of the mold base 20. When the stop surface or bottom surface 7 of the mold 1 abuts the bottom surface 28 of the mold base 20, the top surface 3 of the mold 1 and the surface portion 21 of the mold base 20 are planar relative to each other.

[0200] Figure 9 This is a side view of the cross-section of mold base 20 and mold 1, with mold 1 installed in a drilled hole in mold base 20. Mold 1 has a side surface 6 shaped to press-fit with the corresponding inner surface of the drilled hole in mold base 20. The press-fit is used to interlock mold 1 within the drilled hole 30 of mold base 20. When the bottom surface 7 of mold 1 abuts against the bottom surface 28 of mold base 20, the top surface 3 of mold 1 becomes flush with or planar with the top surface 21 of mold base 20.

[0201] Figure 10 This is a side view of a cross-section of an elongated tool 50 according to the invention, which is placed in an opening of a mold base 20, between the mold base 20 and the mold 1. The elongated tool has a tapered tip 52 abutting the bottom surface 7 of the mold 1. When the elongated tool 50 is pushed toward the mold 1, the mold 1 is pushed away from the mold base 20, releasing the mold 1 from the mold base 20 in order to maintain the mold base 20 or the mold 1.

[0202] Figure 11This is an oblique axis view of an elongated body 40 fixed between the cross sections of two corresponding molds 1, 1' and an annular mold base 20. When the two molds 1, 1' are positioned such that their corresponding top surfaces face each other and their grooves are aligned, and the head end 40' of the elongated body 40 is pressed longitudinally against the recesses 5, 5' of the molds 1, 1', the recesses 5, 5' on each mold 1, 1' form the shape of a nail head.

[0203] Figure 12 This is an oblique axis view of the cross-sections of two corresponding molds 1, 1' and the annular mold base 20. In this figure, one mold 1 is mounted in the mold base 20, and the second mold 1' is floating, as if it were mounted in a second mold base (not shown), with the top surfaces of molds 1, 1' abutting each other. When the two molds 1, 1' are positioned so that their corresponding top surfaces face each other and their grooves are aligned, the recesses 5, 5' on each mold 1, 1' form the shape of a nail head.

[0204] Figure 13 This is an oblique view of an embodiment of two annular mold holders 20, 20' oriented relative to each other. The annular mold holders 20, 20' have a central axis of rotation 100, about which they are arranged to rotate. A plurality of molds 1 are circumferentially positioned within the mold holders 20, 20'. The molds 1 are mounted on each of the mold holders 20, 20', which are arranged facing each other. Specifically, in one of the mold holders 20, the holes or drilled holes for the molds are parallel to the axis of rotation 100, while in the other mold holder 20', the holes or drilled holes for the molds are slightly angled. It should be understood that the positions and angles of the mold holders 20, 20' are configured to be closer at a point (such as at the bottom) than at the top, so that the plurality of molds 1 of the first mold holder 20 can be abutted against the corresponding molds of the opposite mold holder 20'.

[0205] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw, the method comprising:

[0206] e. Provide S1 a first mold base 20 and a second mold base 20', each of the first mold base and the second mold base comprising:

[0207] i. A body portion having at least a surface portion 21.

[0208] ii. A hole or drilled hole 30 in the surface portion, wherein the hole or drilled hole has a first inner surface portion 29, the first inner surface portion having a curved shape and arranged for receiving the mold and for press-fitting by contacting the first side surface portion 6 of the mold.

[0209] iii. A stop 28, located in a hole or drilled hole, for engaging with the bottom surface 7 of the mold when pressed into the hole or drilled hole, so as to fix the height of the top surface 3 of the mold relative to the surface portion of the mold base, and

[0210] iv. The second inner surface portion of the hole or drilled hole engages with the corresponding second side surface portion of the mold to achieve angular orientation relative to the groove 4 of the mold base that fixes the mold.

[0211] f. Provide S2 first mold 1 and second mold 1', each of the first mold and the second mold comprising:

[0212] vi. Body 2, which has a top surface with a through groove for longitudinally receiving and holding an elongated body in the groove.

[0213] vii. Recess 5, located at one end of a groove, suitable for forming a head on an elongated body.

[0214] viii. A first side surface portion having a curved shape, which is used for press-fitting by contacting a first inner surface portion of a hole or drilled hole in the associated mold base.

[0215] ix. A stop surface for engaging with a stop portion in a hole or drill hole in the relevant mold base to determine the height of the top surface of the mold relative to a surface portion of the relevant mold base, and

[0216] x. A second side surface portion, which is used to engage with a corresponding second inner surface portion of the mold base, so as to be angularly oriented relative to the mold base fixing groove.

[0217] g. Make the top surface of the first mold 1 approach the top surface of the second mold 1', so that the grooves of the first and second molds remain elongated.

[0218] h. Apply force S4 to the elongated body at the concave end of the groove to form a head on the elongated body.

[0219] Figure 15a and Figure 15b This is an oblique view of the alternative mold implementation method.

[0220] Figure 15aThis is an oblique axis view of an embodiment of mold 1. The figure shows mold 1 for mounting in a related mold base (not shown) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw. Mold 1 includes a body portion 2 having side surfaces 6, which include a generally circular first portion and a second portion 9. The second portion 9 has a larger surface area relative to some embodiments of mold 1. The side surface 6 is shaped to press-fit with the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the related mold base. The second portion 9 of the side surface 6 is flat for greater durability and also for engaging with a corresponding flat surface of the related mold base to fix the angular orientation of mold 1 relative to the related mold base. A first chamfered portion 11 and a second chamfered portion 11' are positioned on the side surface 6 of the body portion 2 of mold 1, interconnecting the first portion of side surface 6 with the second portion 9. In some embodiments of mold 1, the first chamfered portion 11 and the second chamfered portion 11' extend from the bottom surface of mold 1 to the top surface.

[0221] Figure 15b This is an oblique axis view of an embodiment of mold 1. The figure shows mold 1 for mounting in a related mold base (not shown) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw. Mold 1 includes a body portion 2 having side surfaces 6, which include a generally circular first portion and a second portion 9. The second portion 9 has a smaller surface area relative to some embodiments of mold 1. The side surface 6 is shaped to press-fit with the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the related mold base. The second portion 9 of the side surface 6 is flat for greater durability and also for engaging with a corresponding flat surface of the related mold base to fix the angular orientation of mold 1 relative to the related mold base. A first chamfered portion 11 and a second chamfered portion 11' are positioned on the side surface 6 of the body portion 2 of mold 1, interconnecting the first portion of side surface 6 with the second portion 9. In some embodiments of mold 1, the first chamfered portion 11 and the second chamfered portion 11' extend from the bottom surface of mold 1 to the top surface.

[0222] Figure 16a and Figure 16b This is an oblique view of other alternative mold implementation methods.

[0223] Figure 16aThis is an oblique axis view of an embodiment of mold 1. The figure shows mold 1 for mounting in a related mold base (not shown) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw. Mold 1 includes a body portion 2 having side surfaces 6, which include a generally circular first portion and a second portion 9. The second portion 9 has a larger surface area relative to some embodiments of mold 1. The side surface 6 is shaped to press-fit with the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the related mold base. The second portion 9 of the side surface 6 is flat for greater durability and also for engaging with a corresponding flat surface of the related mold base to fix the angular orientation of mold 1 relative to the related mold base. A first chamfered portion 11 and a second chamfered portion 11' are positioned on the side surface 6 of the body portion 2 of mold 1, interconnecting the first portion of side surface 6 with the second portion 9. The chamfered portions have a smaller surface area relative to some embodiments of mold 1. In some embodiments of mold 1, the first chamfered portion 11 and the second chamfered portion 11' extend from the bottom surface of mold 1 to the top surface.

[0224] Figure 16b This is an oblique axis view of an embodiment of mold 1. The figure shows mold 1 mounted in a related mold base (not shown) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw. Mold 1 includes a body portion 2 having side surfaces 6, which include a generally circular first portion and a second portion 9. The side surface 6 is shaped to press-fit with the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the related mold base. The second portion 9 of the side surface 6 is flat for greater durability and also for engaging with a corresponding flat surface of the related mold base to fix the angular orientation of mold 1 relative to the related mold base. A first chamfered portion 11 and a second chamfered portion 11' are positioned on the side surface 6 of the body portion 2 of mold 1, interconnecting the first portion and the second portion 9 of the side surface 6. The chamfered portions have a larger surface area relative to some embodiments of mold 1. In some embodiments of mold 1, the first chamfered portion 11 and the second chamfered portion 11' extend from the bottom surface of mold 1 to the top surface.

[0225] Figure 17a and Figure 17b These are oblique views of some alternative mold implementation methods.

[0226] Figure 17aThis is an oblique axis view of an embodiment of mold 1. The figure shows mold 1 for mounting in a related mold base (not shown) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw. Mold 1 includes a body portion 2 having side surfaces 6, which include a generally circular first portion and a second portion 9. The side surface 6 is shaped to press-fit with the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the related mold base. The second portion 9 of the side surface 6 is flat for greater durability and also serves to engage with a corresponding flat surface of the related mold base to fix the angular orientation of mold 1 relative to the related mold base.

[0227] Figure 17b This is an oblique axis view of an embodiment of mold 1. The figure shows mold 1 for mounting in a related mold base (not shown) for producing a head on an elongated body such as a metal nail or screw. Mold 1 includes a body portion 2 having side surfaces 6, which include a substantially circular first portion, a second portion 9, and a third portion 9'. Side surfaces 6 are shaped to press-fit with the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the related mold base. The second portion 9 of side surface 6 is flat to provide greater durability during nail production. The third portion 9' of side surface 6 is curved and is used to engage with a corresponding curved surface of the related mold base to fix the angular orientation of mold 1 relative to the related mold base. In some embodiments, the curvature of side surface 6 and the curvature of third portion 9' are substantially the same. In this particular embodiment, the curvature of side surface 6 and the curvature of third portion 9' are different.

[0228] In summary, the present invention provides a mold 1 for mounting in a related mold base 20 for producing heads on elongated bodies such as nails or screws. The mold has a body portion 2 with a top surface 3 having a through groove 4 for longitudinally receiving and holding the elongated body within the groove. Furthermore, the mold has a recess 5 on one side, which merges into the groove 4 at one end, suitable for forming the head of a nail or screw. The mold has side surface portions, for example conical, shaped to press-fit with corresponding inner surface portions of drilled holes or bores 30 in the related mold base. Additionally, a second side surface portion (9) of the mold, for example flat, is used to engage with corresponding inner surface portions of the drilled holes or bores in the mold base. Thus, angular orientation of the groove 4 is ensured relative to the mold base 20, and it has been proven that the two distinct side surface portions of the mold, for example having a conical portion and a flat portion, provide an effective press-fit, ensuring a long mold life. Furthermore, the mold is very easy to install in the mold base, for example by hand, and it is easy to eject with a tool. Therefore, this mold and mold base system can be used to achieve efficient nail production.

[0229] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should not be construed as limiting it in any way to the presented embodiments. The scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "including" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Moreover, references such as "a" or "an" should not be construed as excluding multiple. The use of reference numerals in the claims relating to elements indicated in the figures should also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the various features mentioned in different claims may be advantageously combined, and the mention of these features in different claims does not preclude the possibility and advantage of combining features.

Claims

1. A mold (1) mounted in a relevant mold base for producing a head on an elongated body (40), said mold comprising: - Body (2), having a top surface (3) with a through groove (4) for longitudinally receiving and holding an elongated body in the groove, the groove being perpendicular to the central axis of the mold. - A recess (5), at one end of the groove, is adapted to form a head on an elongated body. - A side surface (6) comprising a first portion having a curved shape, the first portion being arranged to press-fit with a curved portion of the inner surface (29) of a drilled hole or bore (30) in the associated mold base, the first portion having a conical shape, and - A stop surface (7) for engaging with a stop portion (28) in a hole or drill hole in the associated mold base to determine the height of the mold relative to the associated mold base. The side surface further includes a second portion (9) formed to engage with a corresponding portion of the inner surface of a drilled hole or bore in the associated mold base to guide the angular orientation of the groove relative to the associated mold base. The second portion (9) of the side surface is flat and extends from the bottom surface (7) of the mold to the top surface (3) of the mold. The recess (5) is formed in the upper part of the flat second portion of the side surface. The flat portion of the second portion of the side surface is parallel to the central axis of the mold, or the flat portion of the second portion of the side surface forms an angle of 0.5-2.0° with the central axis of the mold.

2. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The conical portion of the side surface forms an angle of 0.5-2.0° relative to the central axis of the mold.

3. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the second portion of the side surface is smaller than the area of ​​the first portion of the side surface.

4. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The side surface has a chamfered portion that interconnects the first and second portions of the side surface.

5. The mold according to claim 4, wherein, The chamfered portion occupies only a part of the side surface between the bottom surface and the top surface of the body part (2).

6. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The normal to the planar portion of the second part of the side surface is parallel to the axis of the through groove.

7. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom surface of the body (2) forms the stop surface (7).

8. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom surface (7) of the mold has a groove to allow a tool (50) to engage with the groove to push the mold upward, thereby removing the mold from the mold base.

9. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The body is integral and made of metal or ceramic.

10. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The outer diameter (D) and total height (H) of the mold have a ratio between 0.5 and 2.

0.

11. The mold according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion of the side surface occupies a corner portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the mold that is greater than 180°.

12. The mold according to claim 2, wherein, The conical portion of the side surface forms an angle of 0.8-1.6° relative to the central axis of the mold.

13. The mold according to claim 2, wherein, The conical portion of the side surface forms an angle of 1.0-1.4° relative to the central axis of the mold.

14. The mold according to claim 2, wherein, The conical portion of the side surface forms an angle of 1.1-1.3° relative to the central axis of the mold.

15. The mold according to claim 3, wherein, The area of ​​the second portion of the side surface is 10-40% of the area of ​​the first portion of the side surface.

16. The mold according to claim 5, wherein, The chamfered portion occupies only 30-80% of the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of the body (2).

17. The mold according to claim 5, wherein, The chamfered portion occupies only 40-70% of the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of the body part (2).

18. The mold according to claim 10, wherein, The outer diameter (D) and total height (H) of the mold have a ratio between 0.7 and 1.

5.

19. The mold according to claim 11, wherein, The first portion of the side surface occupies 200-280° of the corner portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the mold.

20. The mold according to claim 11, wherein, The first portion of the side surface occupies 230-260° of the corner portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the mold.

21. The mold according to claim 11, wherein, The first portion of the side surface occupies 240-250° of the corner portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the mold.

22. A machine for producing a head on an elongated body (40), said machine comprising: - At least one mold according to any one of claims 1 to 21, and - An annular mold base (20), comprising: - Body, which has a surface portion (21). - A plurality of holes or drilled holes (30) in the surface portion (21), each of the plurality of holes or drilled holes (30) having a first inner surface portion having a curved shape and arranged for receiving a mold (1) and for press-fitting with the mold (1) by contacting the side surface (6) of the mold (1), wherein each of the holes or drilled holes (30) has a second inner surface portion including a straight portion for engaging with a corresponding side surface portion of the mold (1) to fix the angular orientation of the mold relative to the mold base (20), wherein each of the plurality of holes or drilled holes has a conical inner surface portion having an angle of 0.5-2.0° relative to the central axis of the hole or drilled hole, and wherein each of the holes or drilled holes has a stop (28) arranged to fix the height of the top surface (3) of the mold (1) relative to the surface portion of the mold base (20).

23. A method of forming an article, comprising: - A mold according to any one of claims 1-21 is installed in a relevant mold base for producing a head on an elongated body, wherein the mold has a first side surface portion in a conical shape and a straight second side surface portion, the second side surface portion extending from the bottom surface of the mold to the top surface of the mold. - The elongated body is received and held longitudinally in a groove extending through the top surface of the mold, wherein the groove is perpendicular to the central axis of the mold. - A head is formed on the elongated body at a recess at one end of the groove, wherein the recess is formed in the upper part of the second portion of the flat side surface. - By contacting the first inner surface portion of the die, which has a conical shape, with a drilled hole or bore in the associated die holder, the first side surface portion of the die is press-fitted with the die. - The second portion of the flat side surface of the mold engages with the flat inner surface portion of a drilled hole or bore in the associated mold base, so as to fix the angular orientation of the groove relative to the associated mold base, and - Engage the stop surface of the mold with the stop portion in the hole or drill hole of the associated mold base to determine the height of the mold relative to the associated mold base.

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