Injection mold with easy demolding

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of 3D printing mold technology, specifically to an injection mold that facilitates demolding. It includes a central connecting rod fixedly installed within a base. A snap-fit ​​frame is provided within the printing mold, snapping onto the top of the central connecting rod. A water flow switching mechanism, fixedly connected to the central connecting rod, is located within the snap-fit ​​frame. The base design employs a connection structure compatible with the printing mold, specifically using screws to securely fix the central connecting rod to the snap-fit ​​frame. When the system's inlet water pressure increases, the water flow switching mechanism activates, effectively connecting the branched water channels and the drainage pressure-reducing water channels. This design significantly accelerates the cooling water flow rate inside the mold, improving heat exchange efficiency while effectively mitigating potential pressure buildup. This structure is highly versatile, adaptable to various types and specifications of printing molds, requiring no major modifications for different molds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of injection mold technology, and more specifically to an injection mold that facilitates demolding. Background Technology

[0002] For small-batch production, 3D-printed injection molds are used. These molds have superior cooling channels that are curved and closely fit the edges of the punches, allowing for rapid cooling of the mold and quick product molding. This cooling method also shortens the cooling time and reduces the time required for demolding, facilitating rapid demolding.

[0003] 3D printing technology using metal powder has been widely applied in the market. When using 3D printing to manufacture metal molds, conformal water channels can be formed inside, allowing for faster cooling of the mold during the injection molding process. However, in current 3D printing mold manufacturing technology, to save printing time and costs, the mold is often printed on top of the base, leaving a 0.8mm margin for further processing. The printing process involves laying down 0.5mm layers of metal powder, which are then solidified using laser heating. The connection between the printed layer and the base layer is achieved by melting the powder metal with the base after laser heating. However, the injection mold requires frequent mold opening and closing during the punch and die processes. Each opening generates tensile forces, which over time can cause cracks between the printed layer and the base layer. Once these cracks appear, they can lead to leakage problems, rendering the mold unusable.

[0004] One major issue with this 3D printed mold is its high heat dissipation requirements. Temperature differences can negatively impact the mold's metal stability, potentially leading to metal fatigue under high-stability conditions. Particularly in summer, heat dissipation issues cause manufacturers to increase the mold's cooling time after opening. While attempts have been made to increase the cooling water pressure to accelerate water flow within the mold, the reduced drainage speed of the internal water channels prevents a significant increase in flow rate. Instead, this can lead to excessive pressure buildup within the mold, creating internal and external problems.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to design an injection mold that facilitates demolding, increases the connection between the printed layer and the base layer, and accelerates the water flow rate inside the mold after increasing the water pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned technical deficiencies, the purpose of this invention is to provide an injection mold that is easy to demold, which can increase the connection between the printing layer and the base layer, and can accelerate the water flow speed inside the mold after increasing the water pressure.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides an injection mold that is easy to demold, including a central connecting rod fixedly installed in a base, a snap-fit ​​frame provided inside the printing mold, the snap-fit ​​frame being snapped onto the top of the central connecting rod, a water flow switching mechanism fixedly connected to the central connecting rod provided inside the snap-fit ​​frame, a water outlet channel provided inside the printing mold and the base, a branched water channel provided on the side of the water outlet channel, the branched water channel being connected to the interior of the snap-fit ​​frame, a drainage and pressure-reducing water channel provided between the printing mold and the base, and the water flow switching mechanism being used to switch the branched water channel and the drainage and pressure-reducing water channel to be connected or closed.

[0008] Preferably, the branching waterways are set within the printing mold using printing technology.

[0009] Preferably, the water flow switching mechanism includes a screw, a baffle plate, a baffle side plate, and a connecting side plate. The baffle plate is rotatably connected to the screw. The connecting side plate and the baffle side plate are both fixedly installed on the side of the baffle plate. A sealing plate is detachably installed on the end of the screw. The sealing plate is in contact with the ends of the baffle side plate and the connecting side plate. A liquid guiding chamber is formed between the baffle plate, the baffle side plate, the connecting side plate, and the sealing plate. A plug is fixedly installed at the top of the middle connecting rod. The screw is engaged with the plug. A threaded hole is opened on the plug for engaging with the screw. The two sides of the connecting side plate and the baffle side plate are respectively in contact with the two sides of the snap-fit ​​frame. A strip hole is opened on the baffle side plate. A water inlet hole communicating with the branched water channel is provided on the side of the snap-fit ​​frame. The baffle side plate covers the water inlet hole. A water outlet hole communicating with the drainage pressure relief water channel is opened on the snap-fit ​​frame. When the water flow switching mechanism is switched to the open state, the strip hole is connected with the water inlet hole.

[0010] Preferably, the top of the snap-fit ​​frame is a concave structure, and the outer contours of the baffle plate and the sealing plate are the same as the cross-sectional contours of the snap-fit ​​frame, while the middle part of the snap-fit ​​frame is a hollow structure.

[0011] Preferably, a retaining ring is fixedly provided on the screw, and the water baffle is engaged between the screw crown and the retaining ring.

[0012] Preferably, a stud is fixedly provided at the end of the screw, a through hole is provided on the sealing plate for the stud to pass through, a nut is engaged on the stud, and a washer is provided between the nut and the sealing plate.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the snap-fit ​​frame has a socket for inserting the end of the plug rod.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The base design employs a connection structure that matches the printing mold, specifically using screws to securely fix the central connecting rod to the snap-fit ​​frame. This connection method significantly improves the bonding strength between the printed layer and the base, ensuring the stability and reliability of the overall structure. Furthermore, when the system's inlet water pressure increases, the integrated water flow switching mechanism automatically activates, performing a switching operation to effectively connect the branched water channels and the drainage pressure-relief water channels. This design significantly accelerates the cooling water flow rate inside the mold, improving heat exchange efficiency while effectively mitigating potential pressure buildup. This structure is highly versatile, adaptable to various types and specifications of printing molds without requiring significant modifications for different molds. More importantly, while achieving performance improvements, the additional manufacturing cost is relatively limited, demonstrating good economic efficiency and practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention in its installed state.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the invention along the mold.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the present invention along the mold.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the water flow switching mechanism after switching.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the water flow switching mechanism.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the waterway at the base.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a partial exploded view of the water flow switching mechanism.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Printing mold; 2. Base; 3. Middle connecting rod; 3a. Insert rod; 4. Snap-fit ​​frame; 4a. Water inlet hole; 4b. Water outlet hole; 4c. Insertion hole; 5. Water flow switching mechanism; 5a. Screw; 5b. Water baffle plate; 5c. Water baffle side plate; 5c1. Strip hole; 5d. Connecting side plate; 5e. Sealing plate; 5f. Snap ring; 5h. Nut; 5g. Stud; 6. Water inlet channel; 7. Water outlet channel; 7a. Branching channel; 8. Drainage and pressure relief channel. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] Example: This invention provides an injection mold that facilitates demolding, such as... Figure 1-8As shown, the system includes a central connecting rod 3 fixedly installed within the base 2, a snap-fit ​​frame 4 within the printing mold 1, the snap-fit ​​frame 4 being snapped onto the top of the central connecting rod 3, a water flow switching mechanism 5 fixedly connected to the central connecting rod 3 within the snap-fit ​​frame 4, a water outlet channel 7 within the printing mold 1 and the base 2, a branched water channel 7a on the side of the water outlet channel 7, the branched water channel 7a being connected to the interior of the snap-fit ​​frame 4, and a drainage pressure-reducing water channel 8 between the printing mold 1 and the base 2. The water flow switching mechanism 5 is used to switch the branched water channel 7a and the drainage pressure-reducing water channel 8 to be connected or closed. The installation process of the snap-fit ​​frame 4 inside the printing mold 1 is a step-by-step integrated operation, the specific implementation method of which is as follows: when the printing mold 1 is built layer by layer on the base 2 using laser printing technology from bottom to top, printing needs to continue until a specific height position is reached—this position must ensure that the bottom of the snap-fit ​​frame 4 can be properly placed and completely adhered to the printed portion below. Upon reaching this height, the first step is to clean the residual metal powder from the top surface of the printing mold 1. Then, align and snap the snap-fit ​​frame 4 onto the already positioned central connecting rod 3. After the initial installation of the snap-fit ​​frame 4, the laser printing process continues until the entire printing mold 1 structure is fully formed, ultimately completely enclosing and fixing the snap-fit ​​frame 4 within the internal space of the printing mold 1. Since the snap-fit ​​frame 4 is installed during the printing process, the water flow switching mechanism 5 is assembled after the entire printing mold 1 has been processed. Once the mold is fully formed, the water flow switching mechanism 5 is then installed into the snap-fit ​​frame 4, which is already embedded inside the mold. The water flow switching mechanism 5 plays a crucial connecting and fixing role here: it firmly connects the central connecting rod 3 and the snap-fit ​​frame 4 together, forming a single integrated structure. This design is particularly important in the subsequent injection molding process, as the snap-fit ​​action of the snap-fit ​​frame 4 effectively prevents gaps or cracks from forming between the printing mold 1 and the base 2 during use. It is worth noting that there are two options for the connection between the central connecting rod 3 and the base 2: one is integral molding, and the other is interference fit. The advantage of using interference fit is that when the printing mold 1 is damaged and needs to be replaced, the central connecting rod 3 can be easily pulled out and replaced together with the mold. However, if integral molding is used, there may be difficult-to-handle connection parts left when replacing the mold, which will cause inconvenience to maintenance.

[0027] The water flow switching mechanism 5 not only achieves mechanical fixation between the central connecting rod 3 and the snap-fit ​​frame 4, but also has an important thermal management function. Specifically, in summer or when the ambient temperature is high, the water flow switching mechanism 5 can open the passage between the branch water channel 7a and the drainage pressure-reducing water channel 8, allowing the coolant delivered from the water pump to be simultaneously diverted along the main path of both the branch water channel 7a and the outlet water channel 7. This diversion design allows the water pump to provide a higher pressure cooling water flow through the inlet water channel 6, thereby accelerating the flow speed of the coolant inside the printing mold 1 and significantly improving the cooling efficiency and heat dissipation effect of the printing mold 1. In addition, the output ends of multiple drainage pressure-reducing water channels 8 are collected through a newly built main pipeline, which centrally transports the coolant discharged from each drainage pressure-reducing water channel 8 to a storage tank; similarly, the coolant flowing out of the outlet water channel 7 is also guided back to the same storage tank. In this way, all the used coolant can be collected in the storage tank, making it easy for the water pump to extract and recycle it, forming a complete and efficient closed-loop cooling system.

[0028] The branching channel 7a is incorporated into the printing mold 1 using 3D printing technology. Because the overall structure of the printing mold 1 is manufactured using advanced 3D printing technology, the internal branching channel 7a can be designed as a fully embedded complex structure and can be directly and precisely formed through the 3D printing process. This manufacturing method eliminates the need for additional machining holes penetrating the mold body, as is required in traditional machining processes. This structural design offers two significant advantages: firstly, it completely eliminates the need for secondary machining steps on the branching channel 7a, effectively saving processing costs and time; secondly, it avoids the formation of unnecessary through holes in the printing mold 1 body, which helps maintain the integrity and continuity of the mold structure, thereby significantly improving the overall structural stability and mechanical strength of the printing mold 1 during subsequent use.

[0029] The water flow switching mechanism 5 includes a screw 5a, a baffle plate 5b, a baffle side plate 5c, and a connecting side plate 5d. The baffle plate 5b is rotatably connected to the screw 5a. The connecting side plate 5d and the baffle side plate 5c are both fixedly installed on the side of the baffle plate 5b. The sealing plate 5e is detachably and washably installed at the end of the screw 5a. The sealing plate 5e is in contact with the ends of the baffle side plate 5c and the connecting side plate 5d. A liquid guiding chamber is formed between the baffle plate 5b, the baffle side plate 5c, the connecting side plate 5d, and the sealing plate 5e. The top and bottom of the liquid guiding chamber are sealed by the snap-fit ​​frame 4. The top of the middle connecting rod 3... A fixed insertion rod 3a is provided, and a screw 5a engages with the insertion rod 3a. The insertion rod 3a has a threaded hole that engages with the screw 5a. The two sides of the connecting side plate 5d and the water-blocking side plate 5c respectively abut against the two sides of the snap-fit ​​frame 4. The water-blocking side plate 5c has a strip-shaped hole 5c1. The side of the snap-fit ​​frame 4 has a water inlet hole 4a that communicates with the branched water channel 7a. The water-blocking side plate 5c covers the water inlet hole 4a. The snap-fit ​​frame 4 has a water outlet hole 4b that communicates with the drainage pressure-reducing water channel 8. When the water flow switching mechanism 5 is switched to the open state, the strip-shaped hole 5c1 connects with the water inlet hole 4a. A stable connection is achieved through the threaded engagement between the screw 5a and the insertion rod 3a. Simultaneously, the screw 5a, with the help of its attached water-blocking plate 5b structure, effectively constrains and limits the overall position of the snap-fit ​​frame 4. This design ensures that the snap-fit ​​frame 4 can fit tightly against the surface of the central connecting rod 3 with sufficient pressure, thereby completely eliminating any displacement in the vertical direction. Loosening or movement, whether upward or downward, is effectively prevented, ultimately achieving a reliable rigid fixation and secure connection between the snap-fit ​​frame 4 and the central connecting rod 3.

[0030] When the ambient temperature has not yet risen to the preset higher stable threshold, the water-blocking side plate 5c in the device will maintain its initial position, completely covering and sealing the water inlet 4a, thereby forming an effective seal against the bifurcation channel 7a connected to it. In this state, the coolant flow channel inside the bifurcation channel 7a is blocked, so the coolant will not flow out from the channel.

[0031] Once the ambient temperature rises and reaches the trigger condition, screw 5a can be rotated manually or automatically. Rotation of screw 5a engages with the threaded hole on the insert 3a, driving the entire fluid guiding chamber to produce axial or linear displacement. During the movement of the fluid guiding chamber, the strip-shaped hole 5c1 on its side wall gradually aligns with and connects to the water inlet hole 4a on the snap-fit ​​frame 4. When the fluid guiding chamber moves to the final preset position of its stroke, its internal cavity further precisely aligns with and connects to the water outlet hole 4b. In this way, the coolant flowing in from the water inlet hole 4a can smoothly enter the fluid guiding chamber, and after being guided and transferred within the chamber, it is finally discharged from the system along the path of the water outlet hole 4b, thus achieving directional flow of coolant under temperature control.

[0032] The top of the snap-fit ​​frame 4 is concave, and the outer contours of the baffle plate 5b and the sealing plate 5e are the same as the cross-sectional contours of the snap-fit ​​frame 4. The middle part of the snap-fit ​​frame 4 is hollow. By adopting the structural design of the snap-fit ​​frame 4, its convex-concave combination can effectively enhance the fitting connection between the snap-fit ​​frame 4 and the printing mold 1, thereby further improving the stability and assembly reliability of the overall structure.

[0033] A retaining ring 5f is fixedly installed on the screw 5a, and the baffle plate 5b is engaged between the screw crown of the screw 5a and the retaining ring 5f. Through this ingeniously designed engagement method, when the screw 5a moves back and forth or rotates, it can effectively drive the baffle plate 5b, which is closely connected to it, to achieve synchronous and coordinated displacement movement.

[0034] A stud 5g is fixedly attached to the end of screw 5a. A through hole is provided on sealing plate 5e for the stud 5g to pass through. A nut is engaged with the stud 5g, and a washer is placed between the nut and sealing plate 5e. The ingenious structural design of nut 5h enables the detachable function of sealing plate 5e. This is because during the installation of screw 5a, screw 5a must pass through insert 3a to complete the installation and connect and fix with nut 5h. Therefore, the entire assembly process requires that screw 5a be installed first, and after it is tightened in place with nut 5h, sealing plate 5e is then assembled into its corresponding position. Furthermore, considering actual usage conditions, sealing plate 5e can also be installed after the ambient temperature rises to adapt to the impact of temperature changes on the component, ensuring its stability and sealing effect during use.

[0035] The bottom of the snap-fit ​​frame 4 has an insertion hole 4c for inserting the end of the insertion rod 3a. The insertion rod 3a and the insertion hole 4c are used to achieve the snap-fit ​​between the middle connecting rod 3 and the snap-fit ​​frame 4.

[0036] In use, screw 5a is engaged and inserted into the insert rod 3a to fix the snap-fit ​​frame 4 to the central connecting rod 3. At the same time, the water-blocking side plate 5c covers and seals the water inlet hole 4a. When the environment stabilizes and rises, rotating screw 5a causes the water-blocking plate 5b, the water-blocking side plate 5c, the connecting side plate 5d, and the sealing plate 5e to move together, so that the liquid guiding chamber connects the water inlet hole 4a and the water outlet hole 4b.

[0037] Beneficial Effects: The base design employs a connection structure that matches the 3D printed mold, specifically using screws 5a to securely fix the central connecting rod 3 to the snap-fit ​​frame 4. This connection method significantly enhances the bonding strength between the printed layer and the base, ensuring the stability and reliability of the overall structure. Furthermore, when the system's inlet water pressure increases, the integrated water flow switching mechanism 5 automatically activates, performing a switching operation to effectively connect the branched water channel 7a with the drainage pressure-reducing water channel 8. This design significantly accelerates the cooling water flow rate inside the mold, improving heat exchange efficiency while effectively mitigating potential pressure buildup. This structure is highly versatile, adaptable to various types and sizes of 3D printed molds without requiring significant modifications for different molds. More importantly, while achieving performance improvements, the additional manufacturing costs are relatively limited, demonstrating good economic efficiency and practical value.

[0038] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An injection mold that facilitates demolding, characterized in that, The system includes a central connecting rod (3) fixedly installed in the base (2), a snap-fit ​​frame (4) provided in the printing mold (1), the snap-fit ​​frame (4) snapped onto the top of the central connecting rod (3), a water flow switching mechanism (5) fixedly connected to the central connecting rod (3) provided in the snap-fit ​​frame (4), a water outlet channel (7) provided in the printing mold (1) and the base (2), a branch channel (7a) provided on the side of the water outlet channel (7), the branch channel (7a) being connected to the interior of the snap-fit ​​frame (4), a drainage pressure relief channel (8) provided between the printing mold (1) and the base (2), and the water flow switching mechanism (5) being used to switch the branch channel (7a) and the drainage pressure relief channel (8) to be connected or closed.

2. The injection mold for easy demolding as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The branched waterway (7a) is set in the printing mold (1) using 3D printing technology.

3. The injection mold for easy demolding as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow switching mechanism (5) includes a screw (5a), a baffle plate (5b), a baffle side plate (5c), and a connecting side plate (5d). The baffle plate (5b) is rotatably connected to the screw (5a). The connecting side plate (5d) and the baffle side plate (5c) are both fixedly installed on the side of the baffle plate (5b). The sealing plate (5e) is detachably and washably installed at the end of the screw (5a). The sealing plate (5e) is attached to the ends of the baffle side plate (5c) and the connecting side plate (5d). A liquid guiding chamber is formed between the baffle plate (5b), the baffle side plate (5c), the connecting side plate (5d), and the sealing plate (5e). The top of the middle connecting rod (3) is fixedly provided with a plug rod (3a). The screw (5a) is engaged with the insert rod (3a). The insert rod (3a) has a threaded hole that engages with the screw (5a). The two sides of the connecting side plate (5d) and the water-blocking side plate (5c) are respectively attached to the two sides of the snap-fit ​​frame (4). The water-blocking side plate (5c) has a strip hole (5c1). The side of the snap-fit ​​frame (4) is provided with a water inlet hole (4a) that communicates with the branch water channel (7a). The water-blocking side plate (5c) covers the water inlet hole (4a). The snap-fit ​​frame (4) has a water outlet hole (4b) that communicates with the drainage pressure relief water channel (8). When the water flow switching mechanism (5) is switched to the open state, the strip hole (5c1) communicates with the water inlet hole (4a).

4. The injection mold for easy demolding as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the snap-fit ​​frame (4) is concave, and the outer contours of the baffle plate (5b) and the sealing plate (5e) are the same as the cross-sectional contours of the snap-fit ​​frame (4). The middle part of the snap-fit ​​frame (4) is hollow.

5. The injection mold for easy demolding as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A retaining ring (5f) is fixedly installed on the screw (5a), and a baffle plate (5b) is engaged between the screw crown of the screw (5a) and the retaining ring (5f).

6. The injection mold for easy demolding as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A stud (5g) is fixedly provided at the end of the screw (5a). A through hole is provided on the sealing plate (5e) for the stud (5g) to pass through. A nut is engaged on the stud (5g). A washer is provided between the nut and the sealing plate (5e).

7. The injection mold for easy demolding as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the snap-fit ​​frame (4) is provided with a socket (4c) for inserting the end of the plug rod (3a).

Images