Automatic in-mold injection molding insert positioning equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses in-mold injection molding insert positioning automation equipment, which relates to the technical field of injection molding inserts, and is technically characterized by comprising a base, a lower mold is arranged on the base, a first positioning frame is arranged on the lower mold, a frame top beam is connected with a first lifting assembly, and an upper mold matched with the lower mold is arranged on a movable part at the bottom of the assembly; the upper mold is provided with a positioning mechanism and comprises a second positioning frame, the frame bottom is connected with a movable frame through a second lifting assembly, a positioning thin pipe is arranged on the frame, the upper mold is provided with a movable cavity channel allowing the upper mold to move, the top of the thin pipe is connected with an air pumping and inflating assembly, and the bottom end is closed and internally provided with a limiting pipe and a limiting rod; an adaptive positioning groove is formed in the top of the insert body, a limiting hole is formed in the groove, and a containing shallow groove is formed in the bottom of the lower mold; when the insert is embedded in the mold, the insert body is placed, the upper mold is attached to the lower mold, the positioning thin pipe extends into the positioning groove, the air inflation ejection limiting rod is clamped, and the insert body is lifted for injection molding; after completion, the limiting rod is retracted after air exhaust, and the positioning slim tube is separated from the positioning groove; the positioning precision can be guaranteed, and the space occupied by the positioning mechanism in the die is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of injection molding inserts, and in particular to an automated positioning device for in-mold injection molding inserts. Background Art

[0002] In-mold insert technology is a widely used and highly innovative process in modern manufacturing. During the injection molding process, a pre-prepared insert is precisely placed at a specific location within the mold cavity, followed by injection molding of the plastic melt. Once the plastic cools and solidifies, the insert firmly bonds to the plastic, forming a composite product with specific functions and properties. This technology leverages the strengths of different materials. For example, combining metal inserts with plastics leverages the metal's high strength and high thermal conductivity with the plastic's lightweight, insulating, and easily moldable properties, resulting in components that meet diverse needs. These components are widely used in numerous industries, including automotive, electronics, and home appliances.

[0003] The existing application number is CN202323016483.8, which is an automated equipment for positioning in-mold injection molding inserts. It provides an innovative solution to the problem of insert positioning.

[0004] Despite continuous improvements to existing in-mold injection molding insert positioning mechanisms, with researchers exploring numerous approaches to enhance their performance, challenges remain in actual production. Positioning stability is crucial to product quality, determining the insert's positional accuracy within the mold cavity and directly impacting product strength and appearance. However, existing technologies face an intractable conflict between positioning mechanism size and stability. To improve stability, the positioning mechanism must be more complex and larger, but this consumes mold space, increases costs, and potentially interferes with the flow of the plastic melt. While reducing the positioning mechanism's size can simplify the mold and improve flow, it struggles to ensure positioning accuracy and stability. This conflict has become a bottleneck for further technological development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated positioning device for in-mold injection molding inserts, which ensures positioning accuracy and reduces the space occupied by the positioning mechanism in the mold.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] The cam is fixedly provided with a lower mold, and the base is provided with a first positioning frame above the lower mold, the top beam of the first positioning frame is fixedly connected with a first lifting assembly, and the bottom movable part of the first lifting assembly is fixed with an upper mold adapted for the lower mold; a positioning mechanism is provided on the upper mold, and the positioning mechanism comprises a second positioning frame fixed above the upper mold, the bottom of the second positioning frame is connected with a movable frame through a second lifting assembly, a plurality of positioning capillaries are evenly fixed on the movable frame, a movable cavity for the positioning capillaries to move is provided on the upper mold, the inner wall of the movable cavity is slidably fitted with the outer wall of the positioning capillaries, the top of the positioning capillaries is connected with an air pumping assembly, the bottom end of the positioning capillaries is closed, a plurality of limiting tubes are evenly fixedly provided in an annular inner cavity of the bottom of the positioning capillaries, and a limiting rod is slidably fitted in the limiting tubes; the top of the insert body There are multiple positioning grooves that are compatible with the positioning capillaries, and the positioning grooves are provided with multiple limiting holes that are compatible with the limiting rods in an annular manner. The bottom of the lower mold is provided with a shallow accommodating groove for placing the insert body; when it is necessary to insert the insert into the mold, the insert body is first placed in the shallow accommodating groove, and the first lifting component extends to drive the upper mold to approach and fit the lower mold. After that, the second lifting component extends through the movable frame to drive the bottom of the positioning capillaries to extend into the positioning groove, and the vacuum and inflation component inflates the positioning capillaries and pushes out the limiting rods, and the limiting rods are engaged with the limiting holes; after that, the second lifting component contracts a certain distance to drive the insert body to rise to a preset position and start injection molding; when the injection molding is completed, the vacuum and inflation component evacuates the positioning capillaries and retracts the limiting rods from the limiting holes, and the second lifting component continues to contract, driving the positioning capillaries to disengage from the positioning grooves and completely enter the active cavity, and the bottom end of the positioning capillaries closes the opening of the active cavity.

[0008] Preferably, a limiting disk is fixedly provided at one end of the limiting rod away from the limiting hole, an elastic sealing ring is provided on the outer sleeve of the limiting disk, the elastic sealing ring slides in contact with the inner wall of the limiting tube, limiting rings are fixedly provided at both ends of the limiting tube, the inner diameter of the limiting ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic sealing ring, and there is a certain gap between the inner wall of the limiting ring and the outer wall of the limiting rod.

[0009] Preferably, the bottom of the positioning tube, the limiting tube and the limiting rod are all made of titanium alloy.

[0010] Preferably, the first lifting component is configured as a hydraulic cylinder, and the second lifting component is configured as an electric cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, the first positioning frame and the upper mold are also connected by a plurality of first sliding telescopic rods, and the first sliding telescopic rods are used to limit the movable path of the upper mold; the number of the second lifting components is two and they are respectively arranged on both sides of the first lifting component, and the second positioning frame and the movable frame are also connected by a plurality of second sliding telescopic rods, and the second sliding telescopic rods are used to limit the movable path of the movable frame.

[0012] Preferably, the pumping and inflating assembly includes a metering valve connected to the top opening of the positioning tube, and the other end of the metering valve is connected to an air pump that can rotate forward and reverse.

[0013] Preferably, the other end of the air pump is connected to a filter.

[0014] Preferably, a pressure sensor is provided on the metering valve, and the pressure sensor controls the rotation speed of the air pump according to a preset pressure range through a control unit.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom of the positioning tube is in a truncated cone shape, and the bottom diameter is smaller than the opening diameter of the positioning groove.

[0016] Preferably, a plurality of scrapers are fixedly provided on the inner wall of the movable cavity, and the plurality of scrapers are stacked and arranged in a fish scale shape; when the positioning capillary is contracted, the scrapers are used to scrape off impurities on the surface of the positioning capillary.

[0017] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. Precision-Fitting Design: The bottom of the positioning tube extends into the positioning slot of the insert body. The pumping and inflation assembly inflates the tube to eject the limiting rod, causing it to engage with the limiting hole in the positioning slot. This design positions the insert from multiple dimensions, greatly improving the insert's positional accuracy within the mold cavity and effectively ensuring the product's strength and appearance quality. For example, in automotive parts manufacturing, precise insert positioning can ensure component dimensional accuracy and performance stability, reducing the rate of defective products caused by inaccurate positioning.

[0019] Second, movement path restriction: The first positioning frame is connected to the upper mold via multiple first sliding and telescopic rods, restricting the upper mold's movement path. The second positioning frame is connected to the movable frame via multiple second sliding and telescopic rods, restricting the movable frame's movement path. This design stabilizes the upper mold and movable frame during movement, reducing positioning errors caused by shaking or offset, and further ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0020] 3. Pressure Control and Monitoring: The pumping and inflating assembly includes a metering valve connected to the top opening of the positioning capillary tube. The other end of the metering valve is connected to a reversible air pump. The metering valve is equipped with a pressure sensor, which controls the air pump's speed through a control unit within a preset pressure range. By precisely controlling the air pressure within the positioning capillary tube, the engagement force between the stop rod and the stop hole is moderate, ensuring a secure engagement while preventing damage to the insert or positioning mechanism due to excessive pressure, thereby ensuring stable and accurate positioning.

[0021] Fourth, Compact Structural Design: The positioning mechanism of this invention utilizes a combination of a second positioning frame, a second lifting assembly, a movable frame, and a positioning capillary, resulting in a compact structure. Compared to existing complex and bulky positioning mechanisms designed to enhance stability, this invention effectively reduces the space occupied by the positioning mechanism within the mold while maintaining positioning accuracy, lowering mold costs and avoiding the problem of interference with the flow of the plastic melt caused by an overly large positioning mechanism.

[0022] 5. Retractable Positioning Capillary: The positioning capillary can be retracted and retracted within the active cavity. After injection molding is complete, the pumping assembly deflates the capillary and retracts the limiting rod from the limiting hole. The second lifting assembly continues to retract, driving the capillary out of the positioning slot and fully into the active cavity. The bottom end of the capillary seals the active cavity opening. This retractable design allows the positioning mechanism to be stored in a small space when not in use, further reducing mold space occupation.

[0023] 6. Advantageous Material Combination: The bottom of the positioning capillary, the stop tube, and the stop rod are all made of titanium alloy. Titanium alloy has excellent properties such as high strength and corrosion resistance. Using titanium alloy to manufacture these key components can improve the durability and reliability of the positioning mechanism, reduce positioning errors caused by component wear and corrosion, extend the service life of the equipment, and form a good synergy with the overall positioning function.

[0024] 7. Cleaning Function Design: Multiple scrapers arranged in a fish-scale pattern are fixed to the inner wall of the movable cavity. When the positioning capillary retracts, the scrapers are used to scrape impurities from the surface of the positioning capillary. This design not only ensures the normal expansion and contraction of the positioning capillary, but also effectively cleans the surface of the positioning capillary, preventing impurities from entering the positioning mechanism and affecting its normal operation. This improves the stability and reliability of the equipment and works in conjunction with the positioning function to ensure smooth production.

[0025] 8. Filtering and protection function: The other end of the air pump is connected to a filter, which can filter impurities in the air entering the air pump, preventing impurities from entering the positioning tube and affecting the movement and positioning accuracy of the limit rod. At the same time, it protects the air pump and other pumping and inflation components from damage, complementing the positioning function of the pumping and inflation components to ensure the smooth progress of the entire positioning process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 It is a front cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning capillary structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the positioning tube according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the positioning tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In the figure: 1. base; 2. insert body; 201. positioning groove; 301. lower mold; 311. accommodating shallow groove; 302. first positioning frame; 303. first lifting assembly; 304. upper mold; 401. second positioning frame; 402. second lifting assembly; 403. movable frame; 5. positioning capillary; 501. limiting tube; 502. limiting rod; 503. limiting disk; 504. elastic sealing ring; 505. limiting ring; 561. metering valve; 562. air pump; 563. filter; 564. pressure sensor; 507. scraper; 601. first sliding telescopic rod; 602. second sliding telescopic rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] First embodiment

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, an automated device for positioning an in-mold injection molded insert comprises a base 1 and an insert body 2, wherein a lower mold 301 is fixedly provided on the base 1, and a first positioning frame 302 is provided on the base 1 above the lower mold 301, and a top beam of the first positioning frame 302 is fixedly connected to a first lifting assembly 303, and a bottom movable portion of the first lifting assembly 303 is fixedly provided with an upper mold 304 adapted to the lower mold 301; a positioning mechanism is provided on the upper mold 304, and the positioning mechanism comprises a second positioning frame 401 fixed above the upper mold 304, and the bottom of the second positioning frame 401 is connected to a movable frame 403 via a second lifting assembly 402, and the movable frame 403 is provided with a plurality of A plurality of positioning capillaries 5 are evenly fixed thereon, and an active cavity for the positioning capillaries 5 to move is provided on the upper mold 304, and the inner wall of the active cavity is slidably fitted with the outer wall of the positioning capillaries 5. The top of the positioning capillaries 5 is connected to an air pumping assembly, and the bottom end of the positioning capillaries 5 is closed. A plurality of limiting tubes 501 are evenly and fixedly provided in an annular shape in the inner cavity at the bottom of the positioning capillaries 5, and a limiting rod 502 is slidably fitted in the limiting tube 501; a plurality of positioning grooves 201 adapted to the positioning capillaries 5 are provided on the top of the insert body 2, and a plurality of limiting holes adapted to the limiting rod 502 are provided in an annular shape in the positioning groove 201; a shallow accommodating groove 311 for placing the insert body 2 is provided at the bottom of the lower mold 301;

[0035] When it is necessary to insert a part into the mold, the insert body 2 is first placed in the accommodating shallow groove 311, and the first lifting component 303 extends to drive the upper mold 304 to approach and fit the lower mold 301. Then, the second lifting component 402 extends through the movable frame 403 to drive the bottom of the positioning tube 5 to extend into the positioning groove 201, and the air pumping component inflates the positioning tube 5 and pushes out the limiting rod 502, and the limiting rod 502 engages with the limiting hole; then, the second lifting component 402 contracts a certain distance to drive the insert body 2 to rise to the preset position, and the injection molding work begins; when the injection molding is completed, the air pumping component evacuates the positioning tube 5 and retracts the limiting rod 502 from the limiting hole, and the second lifting component 402 continues to contract, driving the positioning tube 5 to leave the positioning groove 201 and completely enter the active cavity, and the bottom end of the positioning tube 5 closes the opening of the active cavity.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a shallow receiving groove 311 is provided at the bottom of the lower mold 301. When an in-mold insert operation is required, the insert body 2 is placed in the shallow receiving groove 311. The shallow receiving groove 311 provides a preliminary placement position for the insert body 2, plays a certain positioning and fixing role, and ensures that the insert body 2 will not move arbitrarily during subsequent operations. The first positioning frame 302 is fixed on the base 1 and is located above the lower mold 301. Its top beam is connected to the first lifting assembly 303. The bottom movable part of the first lifting assembly 303 fixes the upper mold 304 that is compatible with the lower mold 301. When the first lifting assembly 303 extends, it will drive the upper mold 304 to move downward, so that it approaches and eventually fits the lower mold 301, preparing for subsequent insert positioning and injection molding. The upper mold 304 is equipped with a positioning mechanism. The second positioning frame 401 in the positioning mechanism is fixed above the upper mold 304. Its bottom is connected to the movable frame 403 via the second lifting assembly 402. Multiple positioning tubes 5 are evenly fixed on the movable frame 403. When the upper mold 304 is in contact with the lower mold 301, the second lifting assembly 402 extends, driving the positioning tubes 5 downward through the movable frame 403, so that the bottom of the positioning tubes 5 extend into the corresponding positioning grooves 201 at the top of the insert body 2. The top of the positioning tubes 5 is connected to the pumping and inflation assembly. The bottom end of the positioning tubes 5 is sealed, and multiple limiting tubes 501 are evenly fixed in an annular shape in the bottom cavity. Limiting rods 502 are slidably mounted within the limiting tubes 501. The pumping and inflation assembly inflates the positioning tubes 5. The gas pressure pushes the limiting rods 502 out of the limiting tubes 501, causing them to engage with the multiple limiting holes annularly defined within the positioning groove 201. This multi-directional engagement design ensures precise positioning of the insert body 2 both horizontally and vertically, preventing it from shifting during the injection molding process. Once the stop rod 502 engages the stop hole, the second lifting assembly 402 retracts a certain distance. The connection between the positioning capillary 5 and the stop rod 502 drives the insert body 2 upward to the preset position, providing an accurate spatial position for subsequent injection molding.

[0037] When the insert body 2 is lifted to the preset position, the injection molding process begins. At this point, the plastic melt is injected into the mold cavity, combined with the insert body 2, and after cooling and solidification, a composite product with specific functions and performance is formed. After the injection molding is completed, the vacuuming assembly evacuates the positioning capillary 5 to reduce the air pressure in the positioning capillary 5. Under the action of its own gravity or other factors, the limiting rod 502 retracts from the limiting hole into the limiting tube 501. After the limiting rod 502 retracts, the second lifting assembly 402 continues to retract, driving the movable frame 403 and the positioning capillary 5 to move upward, so that the positioning capillary 5 disengages from the positioning groove 201 and completely enters the active cavity on the upper mold 304. After the positioning capillary 5 completely enters the active cavity, its bottom end closes the opening of the active cavity to prevent impurities from entering the active cavity during subsequent operations and affecting the normal operation of the positioning mechanism. At this point, the entire in-mold injection insert positioning automation equipment completes a working cycle.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, a limiting plate 503 is fixedly provided at one end of the limiting rod 502 away from the limiting hole, and an elastic sealing ring 504 is provided on the outer cover of the limiting plate 503. The elastic sealing ring 504 slides and fits with the inner wall of the limiting tube 501. Limiting rings 505 are fixedly provided at both ends of the limiting tube 501. The inner diameter of the limiting ring 505 is smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic sealing ring 504. There is a certain gap between the inner wall of the limiting ring 505 and the outer wall of the limiting rod 502.

[0039] The elastic sealing ring 504 is sleeved on the outside of the limiting plate 503 and slides in contact with the inner wall of the limiting tube 501. When the pumping and inflation assembly inflates or exhausts air into the positioning tube 5, the gas pressure will act on the limiting rod 502. The elastic sealing ring 504 can effectively prevent gas from leaking from the gap between the limiting rod 502 and the limiting tube 501, ensuring that the gas pressure can be accurately and effectively transmitted to the limiting rod 502, so that the limiting rod 502 can extend (eject into the limiting hole) and retract (exit from the limiting hole) as expected, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the positioning and demoulding process. The existence of the limiting plate 503 has a certain limiting effect on the movement range of the limiting rod 502, preventing the limiting rod 502 from excessive movement under the action of gas pressure or its own gravity and detaching from the limiting tube 501. At the same time, the combination of the limiting plate 503 and the elastic sealing ring 504, in conjunction with the inner wall of the limiting tube 501, provides a guide for the movement of the limiting rod 502, so that the limiting rod 502 can only move linearly along the axial direction in the limiting tube 501, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the movement of the limiting rod 502, and further ensuring that the limiting rod 502 can accurately engage and separate with the limiting hole in the positioning groove 201 of the insert body 2.

[0040] The inner diameter of the limiting rings 505 fixed at both ends of the limiting tube 501 is smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic sealing ring 504. This design prevents the elastic sealing ring 504 from falling out of the limiting tube 501 due to factors such as friction and inertia during the reciprocating motion of the limiting rod 502, ensuring that the elastic sealing ring 504 is always in an effective working position and continues to perform its sealing and guiding functions. A certain gap exists between the inner wall of the limiting ring 505 and the outer wall of the limiting rod 502. This gap provides the necessary space for the movement of the limiting rod 502, allowing the limiting rod 502 to freely extend and retract within the limiting tube 501 under the action of gas pressure without encountering excessive resistance due to the presence of the limiting ring 505, thereby ensuring the flexibility and smoothness of the positioning mechanism.

[0041] For example, the bottom of the positioning capillary 5, the limiting tube 501, and the limiting rod 502 are all made of titanium alloy. Titanium alloy has excellent properties such as high strength, low density, and corrosion resistance. In the injection molding production environment, it may be exposed to various chemicals and high temperature and humidity conditions. Titanium alloy's excellent corrosion resistance can effectively resist the erosion of these harsh environments, reduce wear and corrosion of positioning components, extend the service life of the equipment, and reduce equipment maintenance costs.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the first lifting assembly 303 is a hydraulic cylinder, which generates power by converting the pressure energy of liquid into mechanical energy. When high-pressure liquid is input into the cylinder, the liquid pressure pushes the cylinder's piston, thereby driving the first positioning frame 302 connected to the piston and the upper mold 304 to move upward and downward. By controlling the flow rate and pressure of the liquid input into the cylinder, the lifting speed and position of the upper mold 304 can be precisely adjusted, allowing the upper mold 304 to smoothly and reliably approach or move away from the lower mold 301, creating conditions for subsequent insert positioning and injection molding operations. The second lifting assembly 402 is an electric cylinder. An electric cylinder is a modular product that integrates a servo motor and a lead screw. It converts the servo motor's rotational motion into linear motion. By precisely controlling the servo motor's speed, direction, and rotation angle, the position of the electric cylinder's piston rod (the portion connected to the movable frame 403) can be precisely controlled. In the in-mold injection molding insert positioning automation equipment, two electric cylinders are respectively arranged on both sides of the first lifting component 303, which can synchronously or independently control the lifting and lowering of the movable frame 403, so that the positioning tube 5 can accurately extend into the positioning groove 201 of the insert body 2, and accurately control the engagement and separation action of the limit rod 502 and the limit hole, thereby improving the positioning accuracy and reliability.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the first positioning frame 302 and the upper mold 304 are also connected by multiple first sliding telescopic rods 601, and the first sliding telescopic rods 601 are used to limit the moving path of the upper mold 304; there are two second lifting components 402 and they are respectively arranged on both sides of the first lifting component 303, and the second positioning frame 401 and the movable frame 403 are also connected by multiple second sliding telescopic rods 602, and the second sliding telescopic rods 602 are used to limit the moving path of the movable frame 403.

[0044] The first sliding telescopic rod 601 is connected between the first positioning frame 302 and the upper mold 304. Its structure is generally composed of an inner rod and an outer rod, and the inner rod can slide within the outer rod. During the lifting process of the upper mold 304, the first sliding telescopic rod 601 plays a guiding role, limiting the upper mold 304 to linear motion in the vertical direction, preventing the upper mold 304 from deviating or shaking in the horizontal direction. This helps to ensure the accurate mold closing of the upper mold 304 and the lower mold 301, avoid defects in the injection molded product caused by mold misalignment, and improve the quality and pass rate of the product. Multiple first sliding telescopic rods 601 work together to disperse the force applied to the upper mold 304 during the lifting process, enhance the stability of the entire upper mold 304 support structure, reduce deformation caused by uneven force, and extend the service life of the equipment. The second sliding telescopic rod 602 is connected between the second positioning frame 401 and the movable frame 403, and its function is similar to that of the first sliding telescopic rod 601. When the second lifting assembly 402 (electric cylinder) drives the movable frame 403 up and down, the second sliding and telescopic rods 602 ensure that the movable frame 403 can only move in a vertical linear direction, allowing the positioning tube 5 to accurately and vertically enter and exit the positioning slot 201 of the insert body 2, ensuring accurate positioning. The coordinated operation of multiple second sliding and telescopic rods 602 reduces vibration and shaking during the movement of the movable frame 403, ensuring smoother movement of the positioning tube 5, and preventing interference with the engagement and separation of the limiting rod 502 with the limiting hole due to unstable movement, further improving positioning reliability.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the pumping and inflating assembly includes a metering valve 561 connected to the top opening of the positioning capillary 5. The other end of metering valve 561 is connected to a reversible air pump 562. The other end of air pump 562 is connected to a filter 563. A pressure sensor 564 is mounted on metering valve 561. This pressure sensor 564 controls the speed of air pump 562 via a control unit within a preset pressure range.

[0046] The metering valve 561 is connected between the top opening of the positioning capillary 5 and the air pump 562, and it plays a key role in accurately controlling the gas flow and flow direction. On the one hand, the metering valve 561 can accurately adjust the amount of gas entering or exiting the positioning capillary 5 according to the instructions of the control unit, ensuring that each inflation and degassing operation can reach the predetermined gas volume, thereby providing reliable gas power support for the accurate movement of the limit rod 502. On the other hand, the metering valve 561 can control the flow direction of the gas, allowing gas to enter the positioning capillary 5 when the air pump 562 rotates forward, and allowing gas to be discharged from the positioning capillary 5 when the air pump 562 rotates backward, realizing the inflation and discharge cycle of the gas in the positioning capillary 5. The air pump 562 is the power source of the entire inflation and pumping assembly, and its forward and reverse rotation characteristics enable it to have both inflation and degassing functions. When the air pump 562 rotates forward, it will suck in air from one end, and after compression, the high-pressure gas will be delivered to the positioning capillary 5 through the metering valve 561. As the gas pressure within the positioning capillary 5 increases, the limiting rod 502 is pushed out by the gas pressure and extends into the limiting hole of the insert body 2, thus achieving the insert's position. After the injection molding is completed, the air pump 562 is reversed, and the air pump 562 extracts the gas within the positioning capillary 5, reducing the air pressure within the positioning capillary 5. The limiting rod 502 retracts from the limiting hole due to its own gravity or other factors, preparing for subsequent demolding and equipment reset.

[0047] The filter 563 is arranged at the other end of the air pump 562, and its main function is to filter and purify the air entering the air pump 562. In the injection molding production environment, the air may contain tiny particles such as dust and impurities. If these particles enter the air pump 562 and the positioning capillary 5, it may cause the air pump 562 to wear, clog the metering valve 561 or the positioning capillary 5, affect the normal operation of the pumping and inflation components, and even damage the equipment. The filter 563 can effectively intercept these impurities, ensure that the gas entering the air pump 562 and the positioning capillary 5 is clean, and improve the reliability and service life of the equipment. The pressure sensor 564 is installed on the metering valve 561, which can monitor the gas pressure in the positioning capillary 5 in real time and convert the pressure signal into an electrical signal for transmission to the control unit. Through the pressure sensor 564, the control unit can accurately grasp the pressure changes in the positioning capillary 5, providing a basis for subsequent pressure control. The control unit accurately controls the rotation speed of the air pump 562 according to the preset pressure range. When the pressure in the positioning capillary 5 is lower than the preset range, the control unit will issue a command to increase the speed of the air pump 562, so that the air pump 562 can inflate the positioning capillary 5 faster, increase the air pressure in the positioning capillary 5, and ensure that the limit rod 502 can be reliably pushed out and stuck in the limit hole. When the pressure in the positioning capillary 5 reaches or exceeds the preset range, the control unit will reduce the speed of the air pump 562 or stop the operation of the air pump 562 to prevent the pressure in the positioning capillary 5 from being too high, causing damage to the equipment or abnormal operation of the limit rod 502. During the air extraction process, the control unit also controls the speed of the air pump 562 according to the pressure signal fed back by the pressure sensor 564, so that the air pressure in the positioning capillary 5 drops steadily, ensuring that the limit rod 502 can be smoothly retracted.

[0048] Second embodiment

[0049] like Figure 4As shown, the bottom of the positioning capillary 5 is designed to be truncated cone-shaped, which has good guiding properties. During the process of the positioning capillary 5 extending into the positioning groove 201 of the insert body 2, due to the inclined surface characteristics of the truncated cone-shaped bottom, even if there is a certain initial position deviation between the positioning capillary 5 and the positioning groove 201, the truncated cone-shaped bottom can gradually adjust the direction of the positioning capillary 5 through the guiding effect of the inclined surface when it contacts the edge of the positioning groove 201, and accurately extend into the positioning groove 201. This design reduces the requirements for the initial position accuracy of the positioning capillary 5 and improves the accuracy and success rate of positioning. The bottom diameter of the positioning capillary 5 is smaller than the opening diameter of the positioning groove 201, ensuring that the positioning capillary 5 can smoothly enter the positioning groove 201. At the same time, this size relationship also provides the necessary space for the subsequent limiting rod 502 to extend from the bottom of the positioning capillary 5 and be inserted into the limiting hole in the positioning groove 201 of the insert body 2. When the positioning tube 5 is inserted into the positioning groove 201, the limiting rod 502 can be accurately extended under the action of the gas pressure in the positioning tube 5, and accurately engage with the limiting hole, thereby completing the positioning of the insert body 2, ensuring the position stability of the insert during the injection molding process, and improving the quality of the product.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of scrapers 507 are fixedly provided on the inner wall of the movable cavity, and the plurality of scrapers 507 are stacked in a fish scale shape; when the positioning capillary 5 contracts, the scrapers 507 are used to scrape off impurities on the surface of the positioning capillary 5. During the in-mold injection molding process, various impurities may adhere to the surface of the positioning capillary 5, such as burrs, dust, oil stains, etc. of the plastic melt. When the positioning capillary 5 contracts after completing the positioning task, the positioning capillary 5 will withdraw from the movable cavity. At this time, the scrapers 507 on the inner wall of the movable cavity, which are stacked in a fish scale shape, will contact the surface of the positioning capillary 5. As the positioning capillary 5 moves, the scrapers 507 can scrape off impurities on the surface of the positioning capillary 5. The design of the fish scale stacking arrangement increases the contact area and friction between the scraper 507 and the surface of the positioning capillary 5, improves the effect of scraping impurities, and ensures that the surface of the positioning capillary 5 is clean. Keeping the surface of the positioning capillary 5 clean is crucial for the normal operation of the equipment. If a large amount of impurities adhere to the surface of the positioning capillary 5, it may affect the seal between the positioning capillary 5 and the active cavity, leading to gas leakage, affecting the pumping and inflating assembly's control of the gas pressure within the positioning capillary 5, and further affecting the accuracy of the limiting rod 502. Furthermore, impurities may enter the interior of the positioning capillary 5, blocking the air path or damaging components such as the limiting rod 502. By providing a scraper 507 to promptly scrape impurities from the surface of the positioning capillary 5, these problems can be effectively avoided, extending the service life of the equipment, improving its reliability and stability, and ensuring the long-term and efficient operation of the automated in-mold insert positioning system.

[0051] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the technical features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any simple changes, equivalent substitutions, or modifications based on the present invention to solve substantially the same technical problems and achieve substantially the same technical effects are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated device for positioning an in-mold injection molded insert, comprising a base (1) and an insert body (2), wherein a lower mold (301) is fixedly provided on the base (1), a first positioning frame (302) is provided on the base (1) above the lower mold (301), a top beam of the first positioning frame (302) is fixedly connected to a first lifting assembly (303), and an upper mold (304) adapted to the lower mold (301) is fixedly provided on a bottom movable portion of the first lifting assembly (303), and characterized in that: The upper mold (304) is provided with a positioning mechanism, which includes a second positioning frame (401) fixed above the upper mold (304), the bottom of the second positioning frame (401) is connected to a movable frame (403) through a second lifting component (402), a plurality of positioning tubes (5) are evenly fixed on the movable frame (403), and a movable cavity for the positioning tube (5) to move is opened on the upper mold (304), the inner wall of the movable cavity is slidably fitted with the outer wall of the positioning tube (5), the top of the positioning tube (5) is connected to an air pumping component, the bottom end of the positioning tube (5) is closed, and a plurality of limiting tubes (501) are evenly and annularly fixed on the inner cavity of the bottom of the positioning tube (5), and a limiting rod (502) is slidably fitted inside the limiting tube (501); The top of the insert body (2) is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves (201) adapted to the positioning tubes (5), the inner ring of the positioning groove (201) is provided with a plurality of limiting holes adapted to the limiting rods (502), and the bottom of the lower mold (301) is provided with a shallow receiving groove (311) for accommodating the insert body (2); When an in-mold insert is required, the insert body (2) is first placed in the shallow accommodating groove (311), the first lifting component (303) is extended to drive the upper mold (304) to approach and fit the lower mold (301), and then the second lifting component (402) is extended through the movable frame (403) to drive the bottom of the positioning tube (5) to extend into the positioning groove (201), the pumping and inflating component inflates the positioning tube (5) and pushes out the limiting rod (502), and the limiting rod (502) and the limiting rod (502) are in contact with each other. The positioning hole is engaged; thereafter, the second lifting component (402) contracts a certain distance to drive the insert body (2) to rise to a preset position, and the injection molding process begins; when the injection molding is completed, the air-inflating component evacuates the positioning tube (5) and retracts the limiting rod (502) from the limiting hole, and the second lifting component (402) continues to contract, driving the positioning tube (5) to disengage from the positioning groove (201) and completely enter the active cavity, and the bottom end of the positioning tube (5) closes the opening of the active cavity.

2. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting plate (503) is fixedly provided at one end of the limiting rod (502) away from the limiting hole, an elastic sealing ring (504) is provided on the outer cover of the limiting plate (503), the elastic sealing ring (504) is slidingly fitted with the inner wall of the limiting tube (501), and limiting rings (505) are fixedly provided at both ends of the limiting tube (501), the inner diameter of the limiting ring (505) is smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic sealing ring (504), and a certain gap exists between the inner wall of the limiting ring (505) and the outer wall of the limiting rod (502).

3. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the positioning capillary tube (5), the limiting tube (501) and the limiting rod (502) are all made of titanium alloy.

4. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first lifting component (303) is configured as a hydraulic cylinder, and the second lifting component (402) is configured as an electric cylinder.

5. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first positioning frame (302) and the upper mold (304) are also connected by a plurality of first sliding telescopic rods (601), and the first sliding telescopic rods (601) are used to limit the movable path of the upper mold (304); the number of the second lifting components (402) is two and they are respectively arranged on both sides of the first lifting component (303), and the second positioning frame (401) and the movable frame (403) are also connected by a plurality of second sliding telescopic rods (602), and the second sliding telescopic rods (602) are used to limit the movable path of the movable frame (403).

6. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pumping and inflating assembly comprises a metering valve (561) connected to the top opening of the positioning capillary (5), and the other end of the metering valve (561) is connected to an air pump (562) that can rotate forward and reverse.

7. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 6, characterized in that: The other end of the air pump (562) is connected to a filter screen (563).

8. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 7, characterized in that: The metering valve (561) is provided with a pressure sensor (564), and the pressure sensor (564) controls the rotation speed of the air pump (562) according to a preset pressure range through a control unit.

9. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the positioning capillary tube (5) is in the shape of a truncated cone, and the diameter of the bottom is smaller than the opening diameter of the positioning groove (201).

10. The automated positioning equipment for in-mold injection molding inserts according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of scrapers (507) are fixedly provided on the inner wall of the movable cavity, and the plurality of scrapers (507) are stacked and arranged in a fish-scale shape; when the positioning capillary (5) contracts, the scrapers (507) are used to scrape away impurities on the surface of the positioning capillary (5).

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