A sole mold with a conformal waterway and methods of use and manufacture thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of shoe-making mould, and provides a sole mould with a conformal water channel, which comprises a pressing plate, an upper mould, a lower mould and a bottom plate; the pressing plate is connected with the upper mould, and the bottom plate is connected with the lower mould; the upper mould and the lower mould are matched with each other and form a mould cavity; the upper mould is provided with a first circulation system for circulating heating medium and cooling medium; the lower mould is provided with a second circulation system for circulating heating medium and cooling medium; the mould sets the direction of the water channel according to the shoe type, can uniformly circulate to heat / cool the product, accelerates the circulation speed, shortens the mould circulation time, and reduces the defects of plastic caused by non-uniform temperature circulation. The use method and the manufacturing method are also disclosed, the use method uses the above-mentioned sole mould, adjusts the temperature of the mould reasonably, and thus improves the production efficiency; the manufacturing method integrates the water channel and the mould by 3D printing, further improves the cooperative performance of the water channel and the mould, and thus improves the heating and cooling efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shoe mold technology, specifically to a shoe sole mold with conformal water channels and its usage and manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Molds are widely used in modern manufacturing; almost all product components require molds for forming. Therefore, the mold industry is an important component of the nation's high-tech industry and a valuable technological resource.

[0003] In the footwear industry, shoe soles are often produced using hot-press molding molds. By rationally designing the water system of the mold, functions such as rapid transmission, cooling, and heating during the production process can be achieved, thereby accelerating the production pace, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0004] CN201711410760.X discloses an integrated molding mold for a shoe sole, comprising a rubber upper mold, a rubber middle plate, two shared bottom molds, a shaping mold middle frame, and a shaping mold upper mold; the shaping mold middle frame and the shaping mold upper mold are hinged; the shared bottom mold, the shaping mold middle frame, and the shaping mold upper mold are all provided with circulating water channels, and the inlet and outlet of the circulating water channel of the shaping mold middle frame are located on both sides of the shaping mold middle frame; the circulating water channels of the shaping mold upper mold and the shared bottom mold are connected to the circulating water channel of the shaping mold middle frame; the circulating water channels of the shared bottom mold and the shaping mold middle frame flow through the edge of the finished shoe sole area, and the circulating water channel of the shaping mold upper mold flows through the middle of the shoe sole inner core and the template.

[0005] The shoe sole mold with the aforementioned patent application number CN201711410760.X has a circulating water channel designed around the edge of the mold cavity. Although it can achieve a certain cooling effect, thereby accelerating the production pace, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency, due to its structural limitations, the cooling of the mold is regional, making it difficult to cool the molded shoe sole evenly, and the cooling efficiency is low.

[0006] CN201710305430.8 discloses a shoe sole mold, comprising a lower mold unit and an upper mold unit that are mutually opposed, a heating unit for heating, and a control unit. The lower mold unit includes a lower mold core assembly formed with a cavity and made of a porous material. The lower mold core assembly has at least one circuit for guiding a heating medium or a cold airflow. The upper mold unit includes an upper mold core that is opposed to the cavity and displaced relative to the cavity by a compression distance. The upper mold core is made of a porous material and has a flow channel for guiding the heating medium or a cold airflow. The control unit controls the compression distance of the upper mold core to be proportional to the mold core temperature of the upper mold core and the lower mold core assembly, and controls the heating medium or cold airflow to be discharged from the outlet of the circuit and the outlet of the flow channel respectively in a first stage, and to overflow from the pores of the porous material in a second stage. This controls the heating and cooling rates, thereby improving the quality of the finished product.

[0007] The shoe sole mold described in patent application CN201710305430.8 has circuits or channels in the upper and lower mold units for introducing heating media and cooling airflow. By controlling the heater, the mold can be heated or cooled. Furthermore, its porous material allows the heating media or cooling airflow to be quickly discharged from the outlet or overflow through the pores, thereby controlling the heating or cooling rate and improving the uniformity of heating or cooling and the quality of the finished product. However, as can be seen from the attached drawings, the water channels are still arranged around the mold cavity and are far from the cavity. The mold temperature is mainly controlled by the heater, and the cooling of the mold is still regional, making it difficult to cool the molded shoe sole evenly, and the cooling efficiency is low.

[0008] Furthermore, during the hot pressing process for shoe soles, excessively high molding temperatures can affect the material's fluidity, making it difficult to fill the mold and achieve the desired shape. Conversely, excessively low temperatures or insufficient heat treatment time can result in incomplete curing.

[0009] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved in this case is: how to solve the problems of slow production pace, long production cycle, low production efficiency and inconsistent production quality of existing shoe sole molds. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a shoe sole mold with conformal water channels. The mold's water channel routing is tailored to the shoe shape, enabling uniform heating / cooling of the product, accelerating circulation speed, shortening mold circulation time, and reducing defects in the plastic caused by uneven temperature circulation. The invention also discloses its usage and manufacturing methods. The usage method effectively utilizes the aforementioned shoe sole mold, adjusting the mold temperature to maintain it within a set range, thereby further improving production efficiency. The manufacturing method uses 3D printing to integrally form the water channels with the mold, which, compared to the previous method of manufacturing simple water channels through milling, further improves the synergy between the water channels and the mold, thus enhancing heating and cooling efficiency.

[0011] The technical solution of this invention is:

[0012] A shoe sole mold with conformal water channels includes a pressure plate, an upper mold, a lower mold, and a bottom plate; the pressure plate is connected to the upper mold, and the bottom plate is connected to the lower mold; the upper mold and the lower mold cooperate with each other to form a mold cavity; the upper mold is provided with a first circulation system for the flow of heating and cooling media; the lower mold is provided with a second circulation system for the flow of heating and cooling media.

[0013] The first circulation system includes a first inlet channel, a first loop channel, and a first outlet channel that are sequentially connected; the first inlet channel is used to input heating medium and cooling medium; the first loop channel is arranged directly above the mold cavity and close to the inner surface of the molded shoe sole; the first outlet channel is used to output heating medium and cooling medium.

[0014] The second circulation system includes a second inlet channel, a second loop channel, an outer peripheral channel, and a second outlet channel that are sequentially connected. The second inlet channel is used to input heating and cooling media. The second loop channel is arranged directly below the mold cavity and close to the outer surface of the molded shoe sole. The outer peripheral channel is arranged around the outer periphery of the mold cavity and close to the outer periphery of the molded shoe sole. The second outlet channel is used to output heating and cooling media.

[0015] The projected area of ​​the first circular flow channel on the horizontal cross section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal cross section is S2; wherein, 0.6≤S1 / S2≤0.8;

[0016] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S4; wherein, 0.6≤S3 / S4≤0.8.

[0017] The aforementioned S1 / S2, S3 / S4 include, but are not limited to, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, and 0.8.

[0018] In the aforementioned shoe sole mold with conformal water channels,

[0019] The first circular flow channel has a cut shape that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with the narrower part close to the arc-shaped surface of the inner side of the molded shoe sole;

[0020] And / or,

[0021] The second flow channel has a cut shape that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, with the narrower part close to the arc surface of the outer surface of the molded shoe sole.

[0022] In the aforementioned shoe sole mold with conformal water channels,

[0023] The path trajectory of the first loop-shaped flow channel is "M" shaped, and the first inlet flow channel and the first outlet flow channel are respectively connected to the two ends of the "M" shaped first loop-shaped flow channel;

[0024] And / or,

[0025] The path trajectory of the second loop-shaped flow channel is "M" shaped. The second inlet flow channel is connected to one end of the "M" shaped second loop-shaped flow channel, one end of the outer peripheral flow channel is connected to the other end of the "M" shaped second loop-shaped flow channel, and the other end of the outer peripheral flow channel is connected to the second outlet flow channel. The path trajectory of the outer peripheral flow channel is arranged equidistantly along the outer peripheral contour line of the mold cavity.

[0026] In the aforementioned shoe sole mold with conformal water channels, the first and second loop-shaped flow channels have the same path trajectory.

[0027] In the aforementioned shoe sole mold with conformal water channels,

[0028] The first loop-shaped flow channel is located inside the upper mold; the first inlet flow channel is connected to one end of the first loop-shaped flow channel and extends to the side of the pressure plate to form the first inlet, and the first outlet flow channel is connected to the other end of the first loop-shaped flow channel and extends to the side of the pressure plate to form the first outlet.

[0029] And / or,

[0030] The second flow channel is located inside the lower mold; the second inlet channel is connected to one end of the second flow channel and extends to the side of the base plate to form the second inlet, and the second outlet channel is connected to the other end of the second flow channel and extends to the side of the base plate to form the second outlet.

[0031] In the aforementioned shoe sole mold with conformal water channels,

[0032] The upper mold is also provided with a plurality of first vent holes; the plurality of first vent holes are arranged along the first loop-shaped flow channel;

[0033] And / or,

[0034] The lower mold is also provided with a plurality of second vent holes; the plurality of second vent holes are arranged along the second loop flow channel.

[0035] A method for manufacturing a shoe sole using any of the shoe sole molds described above comprises the following steps in sequence:

[0036] Step 1: Place the raw material into the cavity of the lower mold, and then close the upper and lower molds.

[0037] Step 2: Introduce heating medium into the first circulation system and the second circulation system respectively, with a pressure of P1, 0.6Mpa≤P1≤1.5Mpa, until the upper mold temperature rises to T1 and the lower mold temperature rises to T2, and then hold for 15s~25s, where 150℃≤T1 / T2≤240℃.

[0038] Step 3: Introduce cooling medium into the first circulation system and the second circulation system respectively, with a pressure of P2, 0.6Mpa≤P2≤1.5Mpa, until the upper mold temperature drops to T3 and the lower mold temperature drops to T4, where 10℃≤T3 / T4≤30℃;

[0039] Step 4: Open the mold, separate the upper and lower molds, and remove the formed shoe sole;

[0040] In step 2, T1-T2 ≤ ±3℃, and in step 3, T3-T4 ≤ ±3℃.

[0041] The above-mentioned P1 / P2 includes, but is not limited to, 0.6 MPa, 0.7 MPa, 0.8 MPa, 0.9 MPa, 1.0 MPa, 1.1 MPa, 1.2 MPa, 1.3 MPa, 1.4 MPa, and 1.5 MPa; T1 / T2 includes, but is not limited to, 150℃, 160℃, 170℃, 180℃, 190℃, 200℃, 210℃, 220℃, 230℃, and 240℃; T3 / T4 includes, but is not limited to, 10℃, 12℃, 15℃, 18℃, 20℃, 22℃, 25℃, 28℃, and 30℃; T1-T2 / T3-T4 includes, but is not limited to, -3℃, -2℃, -1℃, 0℃, 1℃, 2℃, and 3℃.

[0042] In the above method for making shoe soles, the heating rate of the upper mold and the heating rate of the lower mold are kept consistent in step 2, and the cooling rate of the upper mold and the cooling rate of the lower mold are kept consistent in step 3.

[0043] In the above methods for making shoe soles,

[0044] In step 2, the upper mold temperature rises to T1, the lower mold temperature rises to T2, and then the temperature is maintained for 10s to 22s, wherein 180℃≤T1 / T2≤200℃, 0.8Mpa≤P1≤1.2Mpa;

[0045] In step 3, the upper mold temperature is reduced to T3 and the lower mold temperature is reduced to T4, wherein 15℃≤T3 / T4≤20℃ and 0.8Mpa≤P2≤1.2Mpa.

[0046] The above-mentioned T1 / T2 includes, but is not limited to, 180℃, 185℃, 190℃, 195℃, and 200℃; P1 / P2 includes, but is not limited to, 0.8Mpa, 0.9Mpa, 1.0Mpa, 1.1Mpa, and 1.2Mpa; T3 / T4 includes, but is not limited to, 15℃, 16℃, 17℃, 18℃, 19℃, and 20℃.

[0047] A method for manufacturing a shoe sole mold as described above, wherein the method uses 3D printing technology to integrally form the upper or lower mold; the method includes the following steps in sequence:

[0048] Step 1: Create a 3D design based on the shoe type and size, and generate the printing path;

[0049] Step 2: Select a printing substrate of appropriate size and use 3D printing equipment to print layer by layer to obtain the upper or lower mold;

[0050] Step 3: Perform stress relief treatment on the upper or lower mold;

[0051] Step 4: Assemble the upper mold and pressure plate, and the lower mold and base plate respectively.

[0052] One of the above-described technical solutions of the present invention has at least one of the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0053] The mold design of this invention features a water channel layout that enables uniform heating / cooling of the product, accelerating circulation speed, shortening mold circulation time, and reducing defects in the plastic caused by uneven temperature circulation. By rationally designing the flow channel's direction and proportion, heat transfer efficiency is improved. Based on this mold, the method of use in this invention optimizes parameters such as heating temperature, cooling temperature, pressure, and temperature difference between the upper and lower molds, improving molding efficiency and production benefits while reducing energy consumption and making the production process more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, this invention utilizes 3D printing to integrally form the water channel and mold, not only controlling the flow channel direction but also further improving the synergistic performance of the water channel and mold, thereby enhancing heating and cooling efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of mold closing according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper mold structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the lower mold structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a path trajectory diagram of the first loop flow channel, the second loop flow channel, and the outer peripheral flow channel in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5 The path trajectory diagrams of the first loop flow channel, the second loop flow channel, and the outer peripheral flow channel of Comparative Example 1 of the present invention are shown.

[0059] Figure 6 The diagram shows the path trajectories of the first loop flow channel, the second loop flow channel, and the outer peripheral flow channel in Comparative Example 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] A shoe sole mold with conformal water channels includes a pressure plate 1, an upper mold 2, a lower mold 3, and a base plate 4; the pressure plate 1 is connected to the upper mold 2, and the base plate 4 is connected to the lower mold 3; the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 cooperate with each other to form a mold cavity; the upper mold 2 is provided with a first circulation system 21 for the flow of heating and cooling media; the lower mold 3 is provided with a second circulation system 31 for the flow of heating water and cooling water;

[0063] The first circulation system 21 includes a first inlet channel 211, a first loop channel 212, and a first outlet channel 213 that are sequentially connected; the first inlet channel 211 is used to input heating water and cooling water; the first loop channel 212 is arranged directly above the mold cavity and close to the inner surface of the molded shoe sole; the first outlet channel 213 is used to output heating water and cooling water.

[0064] The second circulation system 31 includes a second inlet channel 311, a second loop channel 312, an outer peripheral channel 314, and a second outlet channel 313, which are sequentially connected. The second inlet channel 311 is used to input heating water and cooling water. The second loop channel 312 is arranged directly below the mold cavity and close to the outer surface of the molded shoe sole. The outer peripheral channel 314 is arranged around the outer periphery of the mold cavity and close to the outer periphery of the molded shoe sole. The second outlet channel 313 is used to output heating water and cooling water.

[0065] The projected area of ​​the first circular flow channel 212 on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.6;

[0066] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel 312 on the horizontal section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S4; wherein, S3 / S4≈0.6.

[0067] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the ratio of S1 to S2 or S3 to S4 reflects the proportion within the upper mold 2 or lower mold 3. Of course, in addition to the ratio of the projected area on the horizontal cross section, further explanation of the various dimensions of the mold is needed to fully reflect its proportion, which will be further explained below. First of all, it should be noted that this embodiment forms a size 36 shoe sole, and the dimensions of the shoe sole mold after mold closing are 470mm*400mm*170mm.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the sole is made of EVA material.

[0069] In this embodiment, the cut shape of the first loop-shaped flow channel 212 is a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, wherein the narrower part is close to the arc-shaped surface of the inner side of the molded shoe sole; the cut shape of the second loop-shaped flow channel 312 is a structure that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, wherein the narrower part is close to the arc-shaped surface of the outer surface of the molded shoe sole.

[0070] It should be noted that since the upper mold 2 is a punch and the lower mold 3 is a die, the volume of the punch is obviously larger than that of the die. Therefore, when heating / cooling the mold cavity, the upper mold 2 requires more energy than the lower mold 3. In order to maintain the same heating and cooling rates for the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3, and to avoid uneven heating of the product in the mold cavity causing unstable quality and low quality, it is necessary to further explain in this embodiment that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cut of the first flow channel 212 is S5, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the cut of the second flow channel 312 is S6. Generally speaking, in order to maintain the same heating and cooling rates for the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3, S5 > S6. In this embodiment, specifically, S5 is approximately 360 mm2, and S6 is approximately 120 mm2. Of course, the dimensions of S5 / S6 are positively correlated with the dimensions of the mold itself and are also related to the precision of the mold processing.

[0071] It should be further explained that the upper part of the cut shape of the first loop-shaped flow channel 212 is rectangular and the lower part is a gradually narrowing triangular shape; the upper part of the cut shape of the second loop-shaped flow channel 312 is a gradually narrowing triangular shape and the lower part is a rectangle with rounded corners on both sides; the upper part of the cut shape of the outer peripheral flow channel 314 is a gradually narrowing triangular shape and the lower part is an arc shape.

[0072] The reason for the above design is that both the inner and outer surfaces of the sole are curved. In order to make the first loop flow channel 212 and the second loop flow channel 312 closer to the inner / outer surface, the heating and cooling rates are increased.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first loop-shaped flow channel 212 and the second loop-shaped flow channel 312 have the same path trajectory;

[0074] The path trajectory of the first loop-shaped flow channel 212 is "M" shaped, and the first inlet flow channel 211 and the first outlet flow channel 213 are respectively connected to the two ends of the "M" shaped first loop-shaped flow channel 212;

[0075] The path trajectory of the second loop-shaped flow channel 312 is "M" shaped. The second inlet flow channel 311 is connected to one end of the "M" shaped second loop-shaped flow channel 312. One end of the outer peripheral flow channel 314 is connected to the other end of the "M" shaped second loop-shaped flow channel 312. The other end of the outer peripheral flow channel 314 is connected to the second outlet flow channel 313. The path trajectory of the outer peripheral flow channel 314 is equidistantly arranged along the outer peripheral contour line of the mold cavity.

[0076] It should be noted that the "M"-shaped path trajectory follows the shape of the shoe. In practical applications, the path trajectory should be made as close as possible to the molding surface, and the distance from each point on the path trajectory to the corresponding point on the molding surface should be equal. Under the above design, the "M"-shaped path trajectory can increase the side surface area of ​​the first loop flow channel 212 / second loop flow channel 312, thereby accelerating its heat exchange efficiency and increasing production efficiency. In addition, the "M"-shaped path trajectory has sufficient strength and is a better choice under the premise of meeting the flow rate and velocity requirements.

[0077] Specifically, the first loop-shaped flow channel 212 is disposed inside the upper mold 2; the first inlet channel 211 is connected to one end of the first loop-shaped flow channel 212 and extends to the side of the pressure plate 1 to form a first inlet, and the first outlet channel 213 is connected to the other end of the first loop-shaped flow channel 212 and extends to the side of the pressure plate 1 to form a first outlet; the second loop-shaped flow channel 312 is disposed inside the lower mold 3; the second inlet channel 311 is connected to one end of the second loop-shaped flow channel 312 and extends to the side of the bottom plate 4 to form a second inlet, and the second outlet channel 313 is connected to the other end of the second loop-shaped flow channel 312 and extends to the side of the bottom plate 4 to form a second outlet.

[0078] In this embodiment, preferably, the upper mold 2 is further provided with a plurality of first vent holes 22; the plurality of first vent holes 22 are arranged along the first loop flow channel 212; the lower mold 3 is further provided with a plurality of first vent holes 22; and the plurality of second vent holes 32 are arranged along the second loop flow channel 312.

[0079] Under the above-mentioned preferred embodiment, the first exhaust port 22 enables the airflow to be discharged and dispersed quickly, thereby controlling the heating rate or cooling rate, and improving the uniformity of heating or cooling and the quality of the finished product.

[0080] Example 2

[0081] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that: the projected area of ​​the first loop flow channel on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.7;

[0082] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal cross section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal cross section is S4; where S3 / S4≈0.7.

[0083] Example 3

[0084] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that: the projected area of ​​the first loop-shaped flow channel on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.8;

[0085] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S4; where S3 / S4≈0.8.

[0086] Example 4

[0087] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that: the projected area of ​​the first loop flow channel on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.6;

[0088] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal cross section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal cross section is S4; where S3 / S4≈0.7.

[0089] Example 5

[0090] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that: the projected area of ​​the first loop flow channel on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.7;

[0091] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal cross section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal cross section is S4; where S3 / S4≈0.6.

[0092] Example 6

[0093] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that: the projected area of ​​the first loop flow channel on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.6;

[0094] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S4; where S3 / S4≈0.8.

[0095] Example 7

[0096] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that: the projected area of ​​the first loop-shaped flow channel on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.8;

[0097] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal cross section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal cross section is S4; where S3 / S4≈0.6.

[0098] Comparative Example 1

[0099] The process is basically the same as in Example 1, except that the path of the first loop flow channel is reversed, making the path different, and the first loop flow channel is not close to the outer periphery of the molded shoe sole; Reference Figure 5 .

[0100] Comparative Example 2

[0101] The method is basically the same as in Example 1, except that the path trajectories of the first and second loop flow channels are changed. While maintaining the same projected area on the horizontal cross-section as in Example 1, the side surface area of ​​the first / second loop flow channels is increased by reducing the pipe diameter and adding bends. (Refer to...) Figure 6 .

[0102] Comparative Example 3

[0103] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that: the projected area of ​​the first loop flow channel on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.9;

[0104] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S4; where S3 / S4≈0.9.

[0105] Comparative Example 4

[0106] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that: the projected area of ​​the first loop flow channel on the horizontal section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S2; wherein, S1 / S2≈0.5;

[0107] The projected area of ​​the second circular flow channel on the horizontal section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal section is S4; where S3 / S4≈0.5.

[0108] Example 8

[0109] A method for manufacturing a shoe sole using the shoe sole mold as described in Example 1 includes the following steps in sequence:

[0110] Step 1: Place the raw material into the cavity of the lower mold, and then close the upper and lower molds.

[0111] Step 2: Heat water is introduced into the first circulation system and the second circulation system respectively, with a pressure of P1, until the upper mold temperature rises to T1 and the lower mold temperature rises to T2. Then, the temperature is maintained for 20 seconds, where T1 = 160℃, T2 = 160℃, and P1 = 1 MPa.

[0112] Step 3: Cooling water is introduced into the first circulation system and the second circulation system respectively, with a pressure of P2 = 2.2 kg / cm2, until the upper mold temperature drops to T3 and the lower mold temperature drops to T4, where T3 = 20℃, T4 = 20℃, and P2 = 1 MPa;

[0113] Step 4: Open the mold, separate the upper and lower molds, and remove the formed shoe sole;

[0114] In step 2, the heating rate of the upper mold and the heating rate of the lower mold are kept consistent, and in step 3, the cooling rate of the upper mold and the cooling rate of the lower mold are kept consistent.

[0115] It should be further explained that the temperatures T1, T2, T3, and T4 are the temperatures obtained by detecting the first or second outlet channel. In this embodiment, a temperature control machine for both the upper and lower molds is used to adjust their temperatures. The advantage of this machine is that it can automatically change the flow rate according to the temperature and can detect and adjust the temperatures of the upper and lower molds in real time. Of course, since the flow channel volumes of the upper and lower molds in this case are different, in practical applications, it is necessary to combine the properties of the medium to correctly obtain the volumetric flow rate, thereby keeping the temperatures of the upper and lower molds consistent.

[0116] Example 9

[0117] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T1 = 150°C, T2 = 150°C, and P1 / P2 = 0.9 MPa.

[0118] Example 10

[0119] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T1 = 180°C, T2 = 180°C, P1 = 1.2 MPa, and in step 3, P2 = 1.2 MPa.

[0120] Example 11

[0121] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T1 = 240°C, T2 = 240°C, P1 = 1.2 MPa, and in step 3, P2 = 1.2 MPa.

[0122] Example 12

[0123] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 3, T1 = 180°C and T2 = 183°C.

[0124] Example 13

[0125] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 3, T1 = 183°C and T2 = 180°C.

[0126] Example 14

[0127] It is basically the same as Example 10, except that in step 3, T3 = 30°C and T4 = 30°C.

[0128] Example 15

[0129] It is basically the same as Example 10, except that in step 2, T3 = 15℃ and T4 = 15℃.

[0130] Example 16

[0131] It is basically the same as Example 10, except that in step 2, T3 = 10℃ and T4 = 10℃.

[0132] Example 17

[0133] It is basically the same as Example 10, except that in step 2, T3 = 15°C and T4 = 18°C.

[0134] Example 18

[0135] It is basically the same as Example 10, except that in step 2, T3 = 18°C ​​and T4 = 15°C.

[0136] Comparative Example 5

[0137] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T1 = 130°C and T2 = 130°C.

[0138] Comparative Example 6

[0139] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T1 = 280°C and T2 = 280°C.

[0140] Comparative Example 7

[0141] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T3 = 8℃ and T4 = 8℃.

[0142] Comparative Example 8

[0143] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T3 = 35°C and T4 = 35°C.

[0144] Comparative Example 9

[0145] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T1 = 180°C and T2 = 185°C.

[0146] Comparative Example 10

[0147] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T1 = 185°C and T2 = 180°C.

[0148] Comparative Example 11

[0149] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T3 = 15℃ and T4 = 20℃.

[0150] Comparative Example 12

[0151] It is basically the same as Example 8, except that in step 2, T3 = 20°C and T4 = 15°C.

[0152] Example 19

[0153] A method for manufacturing a shoe sole mold as described in any of Examples 1-7, wherein the method uses 3D printing technology to integrally form the upper or lower mold; the method includes the following steps in sequence:

[0154] Step 1: Create a 3D design based on the shoe type and size, and generate the printing path;

[0155] Step 2: Select a printing substrate of appropriate size and use 3D printing equipment to print layer by layer to obtain the upper or lower mold;

[0156] Step 3: Perform stress relief treatment on the upper or lower mold;

[0157] Step 4: Assemble the upper mold and pressure plate, and the lower mold and base plate respectively.

[0158] Performance testing: Ten pairs of shoe soles were manufactured according to the parameters of each example, with Examples 1-7 and Comparative Examples 1-5 using the parameters of Example 10.

[0159] Table 1: Conditions of the shoe soles produced in each case

[0160]

[0161]

[0162]

[0163] Results analysis:

[0164] Comparing Examples 1 to 3, as the ratios of S1 / S2 and S3 / S4 increase, the molding time gradually shortens. This is obviously because increasing the side surface area and volume ratio of the first / second flow channel improves the efficiency of heat transfer. However, in Comparative Example 3, when the ratios of S1 / S2 and S3 / S4 reach 0.9, a large number of burrs appear on the molded sole. It is speculated that this is caused by the material strain caused by the drastic temperature change. In Comparative Example 4, the ratios of S1 / S2 and S3 / S4 are only 0.5. During the trial molding process, some cases showed edge lifting. This may be because the volume ratio of the first / second flow channel is too small, and its heat radiation range cannot cover the entire mold, resulting in unstable heating / cooling.

[0165] Comparing Example 3 and Example 10, under the same process parameters, Example 3 has a shorter molding time. In addition, in practical applications, Example 3 has lower energy consumption. This is because the larger ratios of S1 / S2 and S3 / S4 improve the efficiency of heat transfer, enabling the required temperature to be reached with less energy.

[0166] During the trial molding process, Examples 4 to 7 were still able to produce qualified shoe soles. No defects appeared in the molded shoe soles due to excessive temperature difference caused by the difference in heat transfer efficiency between the upper and lower parts. The only difference was in efficiency.

[0167] Based on the above results and after extensive trial molding of Examples 11 to 18, we believe that Example 3 has the best molding efficiency and the highest benefit. It is worth noting that although Example 11 also has a shorter molding time, it has higher energy consumption. Moreover, after trial molding, it was found that the first and second flow channels underwent different degrees of deformation. This was because the inlet pressure was higher, and the strength requirements for the first and second flow channels were higher.

[0168] In Comparative Example 1, the path trajectory of the first flow channel was reversed so that it was different from that of the second flow channel. Air bubbles appeared in the molded sole of the trial mold. This was caused by the gas inside the sole material not being completely discharged during the hot pressing process, resulting in uneven temperature.

[0169] In Comparative Example 2, the side surface area of ​​the first / second loop flow channel was further increased to improve heat transfer efficiency, but it could not be produced normally in actual trial molding. The reason is that the strength of the conformal water channel made by 3D printing technology is limited and cannot meet the production requirements.

[0170] The heating temperature of Comparative Example 5 was too low, making it difficult to form a qualified shoe sole. Conversely, the heating temperature of Comparative Example 6 was too high, causing the material to deform and crack.

[0171] The cooling temperature of Comparative Example 7 was too low. During the trial molding process, some of the molded soles showed minor cracks, presumably caused by drastic temperature changes. Conversely, the cooling temperature of Comparative Example 8 was too high. During the trial molding process, some of the molded soles showed a small number of air bubbles, which was caused by the incomplete molding of the sole and the incomplete expulsion of gas inside the sole.

[0172] In Comparative Examples 9 and 10, a small number of tiny air bubbles appeared in the molded soles of some cases during the trial molding process. However, after observation, it was found that the air bubbles in Comparative Example 9 were more located on the inner side of the sole, while the air bubbles in Comparative Example 10 were more located on the outer side of the sole. It is speculated that the cause is the directionality of heat radiation.

[0173] Comparative Examples 11 and 12 exhibited edge curling or edging during the trial molding process, respectively. The presumed causes are similar to those of Comparative Examples 9 and 10, only the manifestations are different.

[0174] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shoe sole mold with conformal water channels, comprising a pressure plate, an upper mold, a lower mold, and a bottom plate; wherein the pressure plate is connected to the upper mold, and the bottom plate is connected to the lower mold; the upper mold and the lower mold cooperate to form a mold cavity, characterized in that, The upper mold is provided with a first circulation system for the flow of heating and cooling media; the lower mold is provided with a second circulation system for the flow of heating and cooling media. The first circulation system includes a first inlet channel, a first loop channel, and a first outlet channel that are sequentially connected; the first inlet channel is used to input heating medium and cooling medium; the first loop channel is arranged directly above the mold cavity and close to the inner surface of the molded shoe sole; the first outlet channel is used to output heating medium and cooling medium. The projected area of ​​the first loop-shaped flow channel on the horizontal cross section is S1, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal cross section is S2; wherein, 0.6≤S1 / S2≤0.8; the path trajectory of the first loop-shaped flow channel is "M" shaped, and the first inlet flow channel and the first outlet flow channel are respectively connected to the two ends of the "M" shaped first loop-shaped flow channel; The second circulation system includes a second inlet channel, a second loop channel, an outer peripheral channel, and a second outlet channel that are sequentially connected. The second inlet channel is used to input heating and cooling media. The second loop channel is arranged directly below the mold cavity and close to the outer surface of the molded shoe sole. The outer peripheral channel is arranged around the outer periphery of the mold cavity and close to the outer periphery of the molded shoe sole. The second outlet channel is used to output heating and cooling media. The projected area of ​​the second loop-shaped flow channel on the horizontal cross section is S3, and the projected area of ​​the molded shoe sole on the horizontal cross section is S4; wherein, 0.6≤S3 / S4≤0.8; the path trajectory of the second loop-shaped flow channel is "M" shaped, the second inlet flow channel is connected to one end of the "M" shaped second loop-shaped flow channel, one end of the outer peripheral flow channel is connected to the other end of the "M" shaped second loop-shaped flow channel, and the other end of the outer peripheral flow channel is connected to the second outlet flow channel; the path trajectory of the outer peripheral flow channel is equidistantly arranged along the outer peripheral contour line of the mold cavity.

2. The shoe sole mold with conformal water channels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first circular flow channel has a cut shape that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with the narrower part close to the arc-shaped surface of the inner side of the molded shoe sole; And / or, The second flow channel has a cut shape that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, with the narrower part close to the arc surface of the outer surface of the molded shoe sole.

3. The shoe sole mold with conformal water channels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second loop-shaped flow channels have the same path trajectory.

4. The shoe sole mold with conformal water channels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first loop-shaped flow channel is located inside the upper mold; the first inlet flow channel is connected to one end of the first loop-shaped flow channel and extends to the side of the pressure plate to form the first inlet, and the first outlet flow channel is connected to the other end of the first loop-shaped flow channel and extends to the side of the pressure plate to form the first outlet. And / or, The second flow channel is located inside the lower mold; the second inlet channel is connected to one end of the second flow channel and extends to the side of the base plate to form the second inlet, and the second outlet channel is connected to the other end of the second flow channel and extends to the side of the base plate to form the second outlet.

5. The shoe sole mold with conformal water channels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper mold is also provided with a plurality of first vent holes; the plurality of first vent holes are arranged along the first loop-shaped flow channel; And / or, The lower mold is also provided with a plurality of second vent holes; the plurality of second vent holes are arranged along the second loop flow channel.

6. A method for manufacturing a shoe sole using a shoe sole mold as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The steps are as follows: Step 1: Place the raw material into the cavity of the lower mold, and then close the upper and lower molds. Step 2: Introduce heating medium into the first circulation system and the second circulation system respectively. The pressure is P1, 0.6Mpa≤P1≤1.5Mpa, until the upper mold temperature rises to T1 and the lower mold temperature rises to T2. Then keep it at the temperature for 15s~25s, where 150℃≤T1 and T2≤240℃. Step 3: Introduce cooling medium into the first circulation system and the second circulation system respectively, with a pressure of P2, 0.6Mpa≤P2≤1.5Mpa, until the upper mold temperature drops to T3 and the lower mold temperature drops to T4, where 10℃≤T3 and T4≤30℃. Step 4: Open the mold, separate the upper and lower molds, and remove the formed shoe sole; In step 2, T1-T2 ≤ ±3℃, and in step 3, T3-T4 ≤ ±3℃.

7. The method for manufacturing a shoe sole according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step 2, the heating rate of the upper mold and the heating rate of the lower mold are kept consistent. In step 3, the cooling rate of the upper mold and the cooling rate of the lower mold are kept consistent.

8. The method for manufacturing a shoe sole according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step 2, the upper mold temperature rises to T1, the lower mold temperature rises to T2, and then the temperature is maintained for 10s~22s, wherein 180℃≤T1, T2≤200℃, and 0.8Mpa≤P1≤1.2Mpa; In step 3, the upper mold temperature is reduced to T3 and the lower mold temperature is reduced to T4, wherein 15℃≤T3, T4≤20℃, and 0.8Mpa≤P2≤1.2Mpa.

9. A method for manufacturing a shoe sole mold as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method uses 3D printing technology to integrally form the upper or lower mold; it includes the following steps in sequence: Step 1: Create a 3D design based on the shoe type and size, and generate the printing path; Step 2: Select a printing substrate of appropriate size and use 3D printing equipment to print layer by layer to obtain the upper or lower mold; Step 3: Perform stress relief treatment on the upper or lower mold; Step 4: Assemble the upper mold and pressure plate, and the lower mold and base plate respectively.

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