Apparatus and method for injection molding of complex plastic products

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an injection molding device (1) for injection molding of plastic material. The injection moulding device (1) comprises a first mould half (2) and a second mould half (3) which are displaceable relative to each other in a first direction (x) between an open position and a closed position. The central part (4) comprises a central block (6) rotatable about an axis of rotation (5), having at least one pair of opposite sides (7), each side comprising at least one inner cavity half (8), which, in an open position, is arranged to be rotatable about the axis of rotation (5) between the first mould half (2) and the second mould half (3) at a step length of 90 DEG. They alternate between an alignment position (11) and a lateral position (12), which, in a closed position, forms a cavity (10) with a corresponding outer cavity half (9), which, in the closed position, is accessible from the outside. The at least one inner cavity half (8) comprises at least one cavity section (13) which is displaceable in at least one direction. The drive unit (14) is configured to interact with the displaceable cavity section (13) arranged in the lateral position to move the displaceable cavity section (13) from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is in the field of apparatus and methods for injection molding of complex plastic products and ancillary devices related thereto. Background Art

[0002] WO20025361A1, first published in February 2020 in the name of the same applicant, relates to an injection molding device, comprising a central component and a rotating device for rotating the central component in the injection molding device. The rotating device comprises a base supported relative to the injection molding machine. A column attached to the base extends above the base in an axial direction. A sleeve coaxially surrounds the column and is at least partially arranged in the central component. The sleeve rotates around the column together with the central component. The column is arranged to be removable relative to the central component.

[0003] WO18234504A1, first published in December 2018 in the name of the same applicant, relates to a device for injection molding and blow molding of components, in particular hollow bodies made of multiple plastic components. The central component has lateral surfaces arranged in pairs relative to each other, which are arranged rotationally symmetrically relative to each other relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable central component. In the closed position of the device, they interact with the correspondingly arranged outer surfaces of the first, second and third mold halves in the area of ​​the first, second and third parting surfaces to form at least one first, one second and one third mold cavity. At least one first mold cavity is used to form a first plastic component. At least one second mold cavity is used to form a second plastic component. At least one third mold cavity is used to shape the first and / or second plastic components arranged therein by blow molding.

[0004] US2004094866A2 was first published in May 2005 in the name of Boutech NV. It relates to a method for producing an injection molded part consisting of at least two components. A first injection molded part is formed in a first mold die from a first component, and a second injection molded part is formed by placing the first injection molded part in a second mold die and providing the second component thereon. A mold with at least three series of mold parts is used. Its first and second series work alternately with the third series, and thus mutual repositioning of each first injection molded part takes place therebetween. The mold is arranged in a rotating manner.

[0005] WO2014075883A1, first published in May 2014 in the name of Krauss Maffei Technologies GmbH, relates to a rotary module of an injection molding machine for producing molded parts. A rotary device is rotatable about at least a first rotation axis on the rotary module, wherein the rotary device is arranged on at least one rotating surface and is rotatable about a second rotation axis.

[0006] CH708141A2, first published in December 2014 in the name of the same applicant, relates to an injection molding device. The injection molding device includes a first mold half and a second mold half, the second mold half being arranged so that the second mold half can move linearly relative to the first mold half. A third mold half arranged between the first mold half and the second mold half interacts with the first mold half in a first parting surface to form a first cavity, and interacts with the second mold half on a second parting surface to form a second cavity. The third mold half includes an upper part and a lower part, which are separated by a groove. A first drive shaft is arranged in an interior on the third mold half. The first drive shaft includes at least one bearing arranged on an arm so that the bearing can move in a radial direction. The first drive shaft is supported by at least one bearing relative to both the upper part and the lower part.

[0007] AT520478B1, first published in February 2021 in the name of Niigon Machines Co., Ltd., relates to an injection molding machine with a rotating device. The injection molding machine includes a static platen and a movable platen mounted on a machine base, and a rotating device for rotatably supporting a central mold section. The rotating device includes a bracket body, the bracket body including a bracket upper portion supported by a first and a second bracket track, and a bracket lower portion extending downward from the bracket upper portion in the middle of the first and second bracket tracks in a lateral direction. The rotating device also includes a rotating table mounted on the top of the bracket body for rotatably supporting the central mold section. The rotating table is mounted to the bracket body by a rotating table bearing, which has a combination of bearing elements to withstand axial, rotational and moment loads. The machine also includes a plurality of tie rods extending between the movable platen and the static platen. The tie rods are not engaged by the rotating device.

[0008] US10603828B2, first published in March 2020 in the name of Procter & Gamble, relates to an injection molding device. The injection molding device has a first mold half, a dividing plate at least partially received in the first mold half in a molding position, and a dividing plate shaft connected to the dividing plate. The dividing plate shaft is arranged to move linearly along its longitudinal axis relative to the first mold half, so that the dividing plate can move between a molding position and a rotational position in which the dividing plate can be rotated relative to the first mold half. An adapter plate connected to the first mold half has a drive and a first coupling element connected to the drive. The first coupling element is arranged eccentrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the dividing plate shaft.

[0009] US2006244178A1, first published in November 2006 in the name of the same applicant, relates to a device for injection molding. The device comprises a first fixed mold half and a second mold half movable in the direction of a side block of an injection molding machine. A first and a second intermediate element movable in the direction of the side block are mounted between the first and second mold halves. The first and the second intermediate element each comprise a mold support pivotable about a pivot axis relative to a base. A centering element is used to center the intermediate element relative to the mold half when the injection molding device is opened and closed.

[0010] WO2013067636A1, first published in May 2013 in the name of Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd., relates to a mold function actuator. The mold function actuator can be mounted to one of a static platen or a movable platen of a mold fixture. The mold function actuator includes a drive component configured to rotatably engage a first driven component of a mold to drive a mold function. Summary of the invention

[0011] The injection molding of complex components made of several plastic material components is usually limited when the complexity of the component reaches a certain level. It is an object of the present disclosure to be able to produce complex components, e.g. comprising several material components, by injection molding in a more efficient manner in a single injection molding device. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a drive unit for such an injection molding device. Preferably, the drive unit is attached to the outside of the injection molding device in a modular manner in an easily accessible position.

[0012] The injection molding device according to the invention is suitable for manufacturing a multi-component plastic product by injection molding several plastic material components in a single device. The injection molding device generally comprises a first (outer) mold half and a second (outer) mold half, which are displaceable relative to each other in a first direction between an open position and a closed position. A central component is arranged between the first and second mold halves. It comprises a central block rotatable about an axis of rotation, the central block having at least one pair of opposite side surfaces relative to the axis of rotation.

[0013] In the closed position, a pair of side faces are in an alignment position and engage with the corresponding side faces of the first and second mold halves in the first and second mold parting lines. The other pair of side faces is in a lateral position and is generally accessible from the outside. The center block is preferably held in the injection molding machine by a holding device. The holding device generally includes an upper bearing block arranged above the center block and a lower bearing block arranged below the center block, with the center block arranged between them. If appropriate, there is a coordination device that interconnects the first and second mold halves and the center component to ensure that the center component is positioned in the center between the first and second mold halves in the first direction. The axis of rotation of the center block is generally arranged perpendicular to the first direction, preferably arranged vertically. Each side of the center block includes at least one inner cavity half. The inner cavity halves are generally arranged in pairs relative to each other and are rotationally symmetrical relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable center block. In the open position, the center block can rotate in 90° steps between the first mold half and the second mold half around the axis of rotation. The inner cavity half alternates between the so-called alignment position and the so-called lateral position in its travel around the axis of rotation. In the aligned position, the inner cavity half is aligned with the first and second mold halves, so as to form a cavity with corresponding (similar or different) outer cavity halves arranged at the first and second mold halves in the closed position of the injection molding device. The cavity is configured to receive at least one liquefied plastic material component in the closed position in each cycle during production to form its product after the material solidifies. In the lateral position, the inner cavity half is arranged at a 90° position relative to the first direction to the side of the first and second mold halves, so as to be accessible from the outside. The first and second mold halves are usually attached to a first mold holding plate and a second mold holding plate of an injection molding machine during operation. The first and second mold holding plates can be displaced relative to each other in the first direction along a tie rod that usually constitutes part of the injection molding machine.

[0014] At least one inner cavity half preferably comprises at least one cavity segment displaceable in at least one direction, as described in more detail below. The injection molding device further comprises a drive unit, which is configured to interact directly or indirectly with a displaceable cavity segment arranged in a lateral position accessible from the outside, preferably in the closed position of the injection molding device, to move the displaceable cavity segment from a first position to a second position. Thereby, an intermediate component made in a previous injection molding step can be transferred from one cavity to another cavity, in which the intermediate component is, for example, overmolded by the same or different material / color. The drive unit is preferably arranged in a static manner relative to the first or second mold half. It is preferably mechanically engaged with the displaceable cavity segment by linear displacement in a first relative movement or a relative movement transverse thereto.

[0015] In a preferred variant, at least one displaceable cavity segment is arranged to be rotatable relative to the side of the central block in which it is arranged. The displaceable cavity segment can be arranged on a rotating table, which can be rotated around a corresponding rotation axis, which is preferably arranged perpendicular to the side of the central block in which the rotating table is arranged. If appropriate, the displaceable cavity segment can also be arranged to be displaceable relative to the rotating table to produce even more complex components. Therefore, the component can be released when moving from one cavity to another. When the displaceable cavity segment is actuated by at least one actuating finger arranged at the central block and protruding from the central block, good results can be achieved, for example in that the actuating finger displaces the displaceable cavity when the rotating table is moved linearly in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0016] The rotating table may comprise a first gear which is configured to be interconnected with a corresponding second gear of the drive unit. The interconnection may be established, for example, during the closing of the mould or by a relative movement of the first gear relative to the second gear in the direction of the axis of rotation. The first and second gears are preferably spur gears. Other types of clutches are also possible, depending on the field of application. Good results can be obtained when the rotating table is arranged on a platform which can be linearly displaced in the direction of the axis of rotation. The platform is preferably arranged in the side of the central block or forms part of the side of the central block. Linear guide means can be foreseen which allow the platform to be lifted to the side of the central block. In order to lift the platform, hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuators or combinations thereof can be integrated into the central block. If appropriate, two or more rotating tables adjacent to each other can be arranged in the side or platform, respectively. The rotating tables can interact with each other through circumferential gears which engage each other directly or indirectly so that the rotation of the first rotating table is transmitted to the adjacent second rotating table which rotates in the same direction or in a counterclockwise direction when directly interconnected. If appropriate, the displaceable cavity segments can be arranged to be displaceable perpendicular to the corresponding side of the central block. In a preferred variant, the drive unit of the rotary table is arranged in a fixed manner relative to the first mold half or the second mold half.

[0017] A preferred variant of the drive unit according to the invention is arranged at least partially outside at least one mold half and is mechanically interconnected to at least one movable device arranged at at least one mold half to actuate the device. The drive unit generally comprises a motor and a gearbox, which are preferably arranged outside at least one mold half. The motor and the gearbox can be arranged on a platform. The drive unit can be attached to a tie rod of an injection molding machine via a bracket, as described in more detail below. The drive unit can be directly attached to at least one tie rod of the first or second mold half and / or the injection molding machine, as mentioned above. In a preferred variant, the drive unit consists of a motor and a gearbox interconnected therewith, which form a compact unit. Good results can be obtained when the gearbox is an angular type that provides a space-saving arrangement. The compact unit is preferably arranged outside the first and / or second mold half, so that even if the injection molding device is in a closed position, the compact unit can be approached, for example, from the lateral side of the injection mold. Depending on the field of application, the drive unit can be used to actuate other elements in the mold that have a single parting line and do not include a center block. The drive unit can be used, for example, to actuate a rotating table in an injection mold, which is arranged between the first and second mold halves in the closed position. If appropriate, the drive unit can be arranged on a platform spaced a certain distance from the lateral sides of the mold halves. If the drive unit is not arranged on the movable side of the injection mold, the drive unit can be attached to a tie rod of the injection molding machine via a bracket. Therefore, the drive unit should be regarded as a separate inventive concept, which can be the subject of one or several divisional patent applications.

[0018] A method for producing a complex plastic product using an injection molding apparatus according to the present disclosure generally comprises the following steps:

[0019] (a) The injection molding device is closed by relative movement along the tie rod in the first direction, so that at least one first cavity is established between the first mold half and the first side of the center block aligned with it in the first direction. The first cavity is established by at least one first outer cavity half and at least one first inner cavity half corresponding thereto. At the same time, a second cavity is established between the second mold half and the second side of the center block aligned therewith in the first direction. At least one second cavity is established by at least one second outer cavity half and at least one second inner cavity half.

[0020] (b) injecting liquefied plastic material into the first and second cavities to form the first and second components.

[0021] (c) The injection molding apparatus is opened and the central component is rotated 90° so that the first inner cavity and the first component arranged therein are moved from the aligned position to a lateral position arranged at 90° relative to the rotation direction to the first mold half. At the same time, the second inner cavity and the second component arranged therein are moved to a lateral position arranged at 90° relative to the second mold half.

[0022] (d) The injection moulding apparatus is closed and the plastic material is injected as described above.

[0023] (e) in a lateral position, in which the first component is arranged on the side in the first lumen, interconnecting the drive unit with at least one displaceable lumen segment, and moving the first component from the first lumen to the second lumen by displacing the displaceable lumen segment, and simultaneously in a lateral position, in which the second component is arranged on the side in the second lumen, removing the second component from the second lumen.

[0024] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosed concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The disclosure described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given herein below, which should not be considered as limiting the disclosure described in the appended claims. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A shows a variation of the injection molding apparatus in a closed position;

[0027] Figure 2 show Figure 1 Details of A;

[0028] Figure 3 Display according to Figure 1 An injection molding device in an open position;

[0029] Figure 4 Display in simplified form Figure 1 Injection molding device;

[0030] Figure 5 show Figure 5 Details of B;

[0031] Figure 6 A shows the deformation of the drive unit;

[0032] Figure 7 showing several positions of the drive unit relative to the cube mold;

[0033] Figure 8 Several positions of the drive unit are shown relative to a single-sided mold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, features are shown. Indeed, the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components or parts.

[0035] Figure 1 A first variant of an injection molding device 1 according to the present disclosure is shown in a perspective view from the front and from above. The injection molding device 1 comprises a first mold half 2, a second mold half 3 and a central component 4 arranged therebetween. The central component comprises a central block 6 rotatable about an axis of rotation 5. The central block 6 is held by a holding device 24, which comprises an upper bearing block 25 arranged above the central block 6 and a lower bearing block 26 arranged below the central block 6.

[0036] The first mold half 2, the second mold half 3 and the central component 4 arranged therebetween can be moved in a first direction x. Figure 1 The visible open position and Figure 3 The closed positions visible in the figure are displaced relative to each other. Figure 2 Shown in an enlarged manner Figure 1 Details of A. For better observation and understanding, Figure 4 The second mold half 3 and the holding device 24 are shown. Figure 1 Injection molding device 1. Figure 5 Shown in an enlarged manner Figure 4 Details of B.

[0037] The first and second mold halves 2, 3 are typically attached to a first mold holding plate (not shown) and a second mold holding plate (not shown) of an injection molding machine (not shown) during operation. The first and second mold holding plates are displaceable relative to each other in a first direction along a tie rod 23 schematically shown in the figure, which typically forms part of the injection molding machine. A coordination device 28 interconnects the first mold half 2, the second mold half 3 and the central part 4. It ensures that the central part 4 remains in the middle between the first and second mold halves 2, 3.

[0038] In the variant shown, the central block 6 comprises two pairs of opposite side faces 7. Each side comprises at least one cavity half 8. The central block 6 (respectively the cavity half 8) and the first and second mold halves 2, 3 interact with each other on a first parting line 31 and a second parting line 32. The cavity halves can be rotated in steps of 90° about the rotation axis 5 between the first mold half 2 and the second mold half 3 in the open position. Thus, they alternate between an alignment position 11 and a lateral position 12, the alignment position 11 being in the closed position ( Figure 1 ) forms a cavity 10 with a corresponding outer cavity half 9 arranged at the first mold half 2 and the second mold half 3, and the lateral position 12 is accessible from the outside when in the closed position. Figure 3 , the central block is shown as being half turned at a rotation angle of 45°. At least one inner cavity half 8 comprises at least one displaceable cavity segment 13, as will be described in more detail below. The drive unit 14 is configured to interconnect with the displaceable cavity segment 13 when arranged in the lateral position 12, so as to move the displaceable cavity segment 13 from a first position to a second position, for example by linear and / or rotational movement.

[0039] In the variant shown, at least one displaceable cavity segment 13 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the side 7 of the central block 6 in which it is arranged. The displaceable cavity segment 13 is arranged on a rotating table 15, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation 16 extending perpendicularly to the respective side of the central block 6. Furthermore, the displaceable cavity segment 13 is arranged to be displaceable relative to the rotating table 15. Thus, since complex cavities are possible, complex components can be manufactured. In the variant shown, the displaceable cavity segment 13 is actuated by at least one actuating finger 17 arranged at the central block 4. Other types of actuators can be foreseen depending on the design.

[0040] The illustrated variant of the rotating table 15 further comprises a first gear 18. Figure 4 When engaged in the lateral position as shown, the first gear 18 is interconnected with the second gear 19 of the drive unit 14. As can be seen, the rotating table 15 is arranged relative to the central block 6 so as to be linearly displaceable in the direction of the rotation axis 16 between a dorsal position 21 and a distal position 22. Figure 4 . The rotary table 15 is arranged on a platform 20 which is arranged to be linearly displaceable in the direction of the axis of rotation 16, i.e. perpendicularly to the respective side 7. In the variant shown, two rotary tables 15 are arranged on the platform 20, adjacent to the drive unit and interconnected with each other relative to the drive unit. In the variant shown, the drive unit 14 is arranged in a fixed manner relative to the first mold half 2 or the second mold half 3.

[0041] In the variant shown, the drive unit 14 is attached directly to the first mold half and to the lower tie rod 23 shown in the figure front via a bracket 35. The drive unit 14 consists of a motor 33 and a gearbox 34 interconnected therewith. The motor 33 and the gearbox 34 together form a compact unit which is arranged outside the first mold half so that it remains accessible from the side. If appropriate, the drive unit can be used to actuate other elements in the injection molding device, as shown.

[0042] The method for producing a complex plastic product with the injection molding apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure generally comprises the following steps:

[0043] (a) The injection molding device 1 is closed along the first and second parting lines 31, 32 by relative movement of the first and second mold halves 2, 3 and the center part 4 arranged between them along the tie rod 23 in the first direction. As a result, at least one first cavity is established between the first mold half 2 and the first side 7 of the center block 6 aligned therewith in the first direction. The first cavity is established by at least one first outer cavity half and at least one first inner cavity half corresponding thereto. At the same time, a second cavity is established between the second mold half and the second side of the center block 6 aligned therewith in the first direction. At least one second cavity is established by at least one second outer cavity half and at least one second inner cavity half.

[0044] (b) injecting liquefied plastic material into the first and second cavities to form the first and second components.

[0045] (c) The injection molding apparatus 1 is opened, and the central component 4 is rotated 90°, so that the first inner cavity and the first component arranged therein are moved from the aligned position to a lateral position arranged at 90° relative to the rotation direction to the first mold half. At the same time, the second inner cavity and the second component arranged therein are moved to a lateral position arranged at 90° relative to the second mold half.

[0046] (d) The injection moulding apparatus 1 is closed and the plastic material is injected as described above.

[0047] (e) In a lateral position, at 90° or 270°, on the side where the first component is arranged in the first inner cavity, interconnect the drive unit 14 with at least one displaceable cavity segment 13, and move the first component from the first inner cavity to the second inner cavity by displacing the displaceable cavity segment. At the same time, in a lateral position, on the side where the second component is arranged in the second inner cavity, remove the second component from the second inner cavity.

[0048] Figure 6A variant of a drive unit 14 according to the present disclosure is shown. The same drive unit 14 is shown in the previous figures, which is integrated in an injection molding device according to the present disclosure. The drive unit 14 comprises an electric motor 33, which is attached to a gearbox 34 interconnected therewith, more precisely the housing of the gearbox 34. The gearbox 34 shown is of an angular type and transfers the rotation of the motor shaft through an angle of 90°. Depending on the field of application, other gearboxes and / or motors are also possible. The drive unit 14 further comprises a platform 35, to which the gearbox 34 is attached. If appropriate, the platform 35 can be integrated into the housing of the gearbox 34. The platform 34 is attached to a bracket 36. By means of the bracket 36, the drive unit 14 can be easily attached (clamped) to a tie rod of the injection molding machine in different positions, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As an alternative or in addition to the bracket 36, the platform 35 can be attached to the mold half, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 . The drive unit 14 further comprises an output gear 37. In the variant shown, the output gear 37 is integrated in the platform 35 and is therefore only partially visible. The output gear 37 is a spur gear. It is intended to be coupled to an input gear of the injection molding device in an axial or radial direction (see previous figures). Depending on the field of application, other output gears 37, temporarily or permanently coupled, are possible. In the variant shown, the drive unit 14 further comprises a socket 38, by which the drive unit 14 can be interconnected with a power supply and / or a control unit (neither shown in detail). In addition, the drive unit 14 may comprise at least one sensor 39 to determine the position of the drive unit 14 relative to other components of the injection molding device 1. In the variant shown, the sensor 39 is intended to be used to measure the distance in the coupling direction (here the x direction).

[0049] For example Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the drive unit 14 can be attached directly to the displaceable second mold half or to the static first mold half. In the case of a static mold half, the drive unit 14 can alternatively or additionally be clamped relative to at least one tie rod 23 of an injection molding machine 41 , only parts of which are shown in a simplified manner. Figure 7 In the case of a cubic mould comprising a central part 4 rotatable about an axis of rotation as shown in Figures 1 to 5 In a variant, the drive unit 14 can even be attached to the bearing blocks 24, 25 of the central part 4. In the variant shown, the drive unit 14 is attached to the upper bearing block 25, which is interconnected with the upper tie rod 23.

[0050] The drive unit 14 is preferably arranged outside the first or second mold half, so that even if the injection molding device 1 is in the closed position, the drive unit 14 is still accessible, for example from the lateral side of the injection mold. Depending on the field of application, the drive unit 14 can be used to actuate other elements in the mold that have a single parting line and do not include a center block. The drive unit 14 can, for example, be used to actuate a rotating table in the injection mold between the first and second mold halves in the closed position. Figure 7 As can be seen in the lower right corner of the figure, the drive unit 14 can be arranged on a platform 35 spaced a certain distance from the lateral sides of the mold half 2. In the variant shown, the drive unit 14 is also attached to the tie rod 23 of the injection molding machine 40 via a bracket 36. As described and shown, the drive unit 14 can be used in many different ways. For example, it can be used to drive a cubic mold (such as Figure 7 ), or a single-sided mold (such as Figure 8 ), or at least one integrated unscrewing gear 41 of a component with an internal or external thread on a stacked mold with more than one parting line. Depending on the field of application and the corresponding design of its injection mold, more than one drive unit 14 can be foreseen, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 Therefore, the drive unit 14 should be regarded as a separate inventive concept, which can be the subject of one or several divisional patent applications.

[0051] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0052] Reference numerals list

[0053] 1Injection molding device

[0054] 2 First (outer) mold half

[0055] 3 Second (outer) mold half

[0056] 4 Center Components

[0057] 5 Rotation axis (center block)

[0058] 6 center blocks

[0059] 7 Side

[0060] 8 Inner chamber halves (first and second)

[0061] 9 Outer chamber halves (first and second)

[0062] 10 chambers

[0063] 11 Alignment

[0064] 12 Lateral Position

[0065] 13 Displaceable cavity segments

[0066] 14 drive units

[0067] 15 Rotating table

[0068] 16 Rotation axis (rotating table)

[0069] 17 Actuation finger

[0070] 18 first gear (rotating table)

[0071] 19 Second gear (drive unit)

[0072] 20 platform (rotating table)

[0073] 21 Dorsal position (platform)

[0074] 22 Remote position (platform)

[0075] 23 tie rod

[0076] 24 Holding device (center component)

[0077] 25 Upper bearing block (center component)

[0078] 26 Lower bearing block (center component)

[0079] 27 motor (center block)

[0080] 28 coordination device

[0081] 29 Linear bearings

[0082] 30 guide rod

[0083] 31 First parting line

[0084] 32 Second parting line

[0085] 33 Motor (drive unit)

[0086] 34 Gear box (drive unit)

[0087] 35 platform (drive unit)

[0088] 36 bracket (drive unit)

[0089] 37 Output gear (drive unit)

[0090] 38 socket (drive unit)

[0091] 39 sensor (drive unit)

[0092] 40 Unscrew the gear

[0093] 41Injection molding machine

[0094] 42 static mold fixing plate

[0095] 43 can shift the mold fixing plate.

Claims

1. An injection molding device (1) for manufacturing a multi-component plastics product by injection molding of several plastics material components, the injection molding device (1) comprising: a. a first mold half (2) and a second mold half (3), which are displaceable relative to each other in a first direction (x) between an open position and a closed position; b. a central component (4) comprising a central block (6) rotatable about an axis of rotation (5), said central block having at least one pair of opposite side faces (7), each side face comprising at least one inner cavity half (8) arranged in said open position to be rotatable about said axis of rotation (5) between said first mould half (2) and said second mould half (3) in steps of 90°, said at least one inner cavity half (8) alternating between: i. an alignment position (11) which, in a closed position, forms a cavity (10) with corresponding outer cavity halves (9) arranged at said first mold half (2) and said second mold half (3), and ii. a lateral position (12) which is accessible from the outside when in the closed position; c. the at least one lumen half (8) comprising at least one lumen segment (13) displaceable in at least one direction; d. A drive unit (14) configured to interact with the displaceable cavity segment (13) arranged in the lateral position to move the displaceable cavity segment (13) from the first position to the second position.

2. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one displaceable cavity segment (13) is arranged to be rotatable relative to a side surface (7) of the central block (6) in which the cavity segment is arranged.

3. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The displaceable chamber segments (13) are arranged on a rotating table (15) which is rotatable about a rotation axis (16) extending perpendicularly to the respective side faces of the central block (6).

4. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The displaceable chamber section (13) is arranged to be displaceable relative to the rotating table (15).

5. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The displaceable cavity segment (13) is actuated by at least one actuating finger (17) arranged at the central block (4).

6. Injection molding device (1) according to claims 3 to 5, wherein: The rotating table (15) includes a first gear (18) to be interconnected with a second gear (19) of the driving unit (14).

7. The injection molding device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: The rotating table (15) is arranged relative to the central block (6) so as to be linearly displaceable in the direction of the rotation axis (16).

8. The injection molding device (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The rotating table (15) is arranged on a platform (20), and the platform (20) is arranged to be linearly displaceable in the direction of the rotation axis (16).

9. The injection molding device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein: Two rotating tables (15) are arranged adjacent to each other in the side surface (7).

10. Injection molding device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein: The displaceable cavity sections (13) are arranged to be displaceable perpendicularly to the respective side surfaces (7) of the central block (6).

11. Injection molding device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein: The drive unit (14) is arranged in a fixed manner relative to the first mold half (2) or the second mold half (3).

12. A drive unit (14) for an injection molding device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the drive unit (14) being at least partially arranged outside at least one mold half (2, 3) and interconnected with a movable device arranged at the at least one mold half (2, 3).

13. The drive unit (14) according to claim 12, wherein: The drive unit (14) comprises a motor (33) and a gearbox (34) which are arranged outside the at least one mold half (2, 3).

14. The drive unit (14) according to claim 13, wherein: The motor (33) and the gear box (34) are arranged on a platform (35).

15. The drive unit (14) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The drive unit (14) is attached to a tie rod (23) of an injection molding machine (40) via a bracket (36).

16. A method for producing a complex plastic product, comprising the steps of: a. Providing an injection molding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; b. closing the injection molding device (1) by relative movement in a first direction (x) so that at least one first cavity (10) is established between the first mold half (2) and a first side surface (7) of the center block (6) aligned therewith in the first direction by at least one first outer cavity half (9) and at least one first inner cavity half (8), and at least one second cavity (10) is established between the second mold half (3) and a second side surface (7) of the center block (6) aligned therewith in the first direction by at least one second outer cavity half (9) and at least one second inner cavity half (8); c. injecting liquefied plastic material into the first and second cavities (10) to form first and second components; d. opening the injection molding device (1) and rotating the central component (4) by 90° so that the at least one first inner cavity half (8) and the first component arranged therein and the at least one second inner cavity half (8) and the second component arranged therein are moved to opposite lateral positions relative to the central component (4); e. closing the injection molding device (1); f. in the lateral position, in which the at least one first component is arranged on the side (7) in the first lumen half (8), interconnecting the drive unit (14) with the at least one displaceable lumen section (13), and moving the at least one first component from the at least one first lumen half (8) to the at least one second lumen half (8) by displacing the displaceable lumen section (13); g. In the lateral position, in which the second component is arranged on the side (7) in the at least one second inner cavity half (8), removing the second component from the at least one second inner cavity half (8).

Images