Quick change injection rod floating connection mechanism

Abstract

This invention provides a quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism, relating to the field of injection molding equipment connection technology. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism includes a floating head, a clamp installed at its bottom, and a cooperating first connecting frame. The first connecting frame houses a rotating shaft, rotating gears, a moving rack, a limiting plate, and a universal joint. The universal joint, in conjunction with multiple rotating gears, drives the rack, causing the limiting plate to move synchronously to a preset guide aperture. The clamp houses a rotating shaft, a driving gear, a driven gear, and a rotating sleeve with a variable-diameter arc groove. The arc groove drives a limiting post, causing the extrusion block to move radially. This invention achieves multi-point synchronous and precise positioning through the universal joint and radially uniform locking through the variable-diameter arc groove, effectively solving the problems of cumbersome operation, low positioning efficiency, and uneven clamping force when changing injection molding rods, significantly shortening downtime and improving replacement efficiency and locking reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of injection molding equipment connection technology, specifically a quick-change injection rod floating connection mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the modern injection molding process, the injection rod, as a key transmission and actuation component, directly affects production efficiency and processing accuracy through the performance of its connection mechanism. Currently, the connection between the injection rod and the drive mechanism typically employs traditional threaded locking, pin fixing, or flange connections. However, existing connection mechanisms reveal several shortcomings in practical applications. First, the traditional disassembly and assembly process heavily relies on manual operation. Replacing the injection rod requires significant time for disassembly and recalibration, failing to meet the high-efficiency demands of modern industry for rapid mold changes and flexible production. Existing mechanisms often lack effective floating compensation and precise guiding mechanisms. During injection rod insertion and operation, even slight deviations in the axis or displacement due to thermal stress can easily lead to mechanical interference and stress concentration, resulting in abnormal wear or even damage to the components.

[0003] Existing clamping devices typically have a relatively simple structure, making it difficult to achieve multi-point synchronous linkage adjustment when fixing objects. This results in uneven radial force, affecting positioning accuracy and connection stability. Therefore, developing an injection rod connection mechanism that can achieve rapid and accurate positioning, multi-point synchronous linkage clamping, and floating adjustment is of significant practical importance and application value for improving the automation level of injection molding equipment, extending equipment lifespan, and enhancing the continuity of production operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a quick-change floating connection mechanism for injection molding rods, which solves the problem of excessive downtime caused by difficulties in adjusting the connection mechanism during frequent mold changes or maintenance of injection molding equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism, comprising a floating head, a clamp assembly installed at the bottom of the floating head, and a first connecting frame assembly cooperating with the clamp assembly; the floating head has a floating gap inside to compensate for axial deviation; the first connecting frame assembly includes a rotating shaft, a rotating gear, a moving rack, and a limiting plate; the clamp assembly includes a rotating sleeve and an extrusion block, the rotating sleeve having an arc-shaped groove inside, the arc-shaped groove being drively connected to the extrusion block.

[0006] Preferably, the first connecting frame assembly further includes a fixing plate and a second connecting frame mounted on the fixing plate, the rotating shaft is horizontally inserted inside the second connecting frame, the rotating gear is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft, the movable rack meshes with the rotating gear, and the limiting plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the movable rack.

[0007] Preferably, a limiting sleeve is fitted at the axial end of the rotating shaft, and the limiting sleeve constrains the axial position of the rotating shaft to the side wall of the second connecting frame by radially arranged fastening bolts.

[0008] Preferably, the rotating gears are provided in multiple sets and are correspondingly arranged in different positions of the second connecting frame, and adjacent rotating shafts are connected by universal joints.

[0009] Preferably, a guide plate is fixed to the top of the inner wall of the second connecting frame, and the guide plate is provided with a slide rail that matches the shape of the movable rack, and the movable rack is embedded in the slide rail.

[0010] Preferably, the clamp assembly further includes a connecting ring, a connecting plate, and a limiting ring. A rotating shaft is vertically mounted on the connecting plate, and a driving gear is fixed at the output end of the rotating shaft. A driven gear is fixed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating sleeve, and the driving gear meshes with the driven gear.

[0011] Preferably, the rotating sleeve achieves axial limiting and circumferential rotational engagement with the inner wall of the clamp assembly through a connecting sleeve.

[0012] Preferably, the trajectory of the arc-shaped groove is a variable diameter curve, and its radial distance increases or decreases with the change of the circumferential angle.

[0013] Preferably, a limiting post is fixed to the back of the extrusion block, one end of the limiting post is inserted into and slidably fitted into the arc-shaped groove, and the extrusion block is radially slidably installed inside the clamp assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the extrusion block has an arcuate friction surface facing the central axis.

[0015] This invention provides a quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism. It has the following advantages: 1. This invention uses universal joints to flexibly and synchronously connect multiple rotating gears, achieving synchronized movement of multiple limiting plates. This synchronous linkage mechanism replaces the cumbersome steps of repeated measurement and manual alignment required in traditional connection mechanisms during injection rod replacement. Precise alignment and guidance of the injection rod can be completed in a single operation, greatly optimizing the positioning process, shortening the auxiliary adjustment time before injection rod insertion, and significantly improving the equipment's replacement efficiency on the production line.

[0016] 2. This invention combines a driving gear, a driven gear, and a rotating sleeve with an arc-shaped groove to form a highly efficient radial force amplification mechanism. Utilizing the variable diameter principle of the arc-shaped groove, the rotational motion of the rotating sleeve is converted into the radial extrusion motion of the extrusion blocks. Due to the symmetry of the arc-shaped groove in the circumferential direction, multiple extrusion blocks distributed around the injection rod can act on the injection rod surface with identical radial loads. This not only provides extremely high locking force but also ensures the coaxiality of the injection rod after clamping, effectively preventing vibration or axial displacement caused by uneven force during injection molding.

[0017] 3. This invention replaces complex hydraulic or electromagnetic clamping devices with a purely mechanical transmission structure, which not only reduces manufacturing and usage costs but also improves the mechanism's environmental adaptability in high-temperature and high-pressure injection molding environments. The rigid connection between the gear rack and the arc-shaped groove provides a definite motion trajectory and feedback, allowing operators to intuitively judge the clamping status through torque sensing, ensuring the safety and continuity of production operations. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamp structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving gear of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting ring of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the extrusion block of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing plate of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the movable rack of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the universal joint structure of the present invention.

[0019] The components are as follows: 1. Floating head; 2. Clamp; 21. Connecting ring; 22. Connecting plate; 23. Limiting ring; 24. Rotating shaft; 25. Driving gear; 26. Rotating sleeve; 27. Connecting sleeve; 28. Driven gear; 29. ​​Arc groove; 210. Extrusion block; 211. Limiting post; 3. First connecting frame; 31. Fixing plate; 32. Second connecting frame; 33. Rotating shaft; 34. Limiting sleeve; 35. Rotating gear; 36. Moving rack; 37. Guide plate; 38. Limiting plate; 39. Universal joint. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] like Figure 1-8 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a quick-change injection rod floating connection mechanism, comprising a floating head 1, a clamp assembly 2 installed at the bottom of the floating head 1, and a first connecting frame assembly 3 that cooperates with it. The floating head 1, as a component directly connected to the power output end of the injection molding machine, has a certain radial compensation margin inside. This margin absorbs the slight axial deviation of the injection rod caused by thermal deformation or installation errors during reciprocating motion, protecting the structural integrity of the entire drive system. The clamp assembly 2 is fixed to the lower end face of the floating head 1 by a group of high-strength bolts, serving as an actuator that directly clamps the injection rod. The first connecting frame assembly 3 is installed at the feeding station of the injection rod, playing a role in pre-guidance and precise positioning.

[0022] In the detailed construction of the first connecting frame component 3, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The system includes a fixed plate 31 and a second connecting frame 32. The fixed plate 31 serves as the base of the entire positioning system, and its surface is machined with precision mounting holes to anchor the entire mechanism to the frame of the injection molding machine. The second connecting frame 32 is mounted on the fixed plate 31, forming a box space for accommodating the transmission components. Inside the second connecting frame 32, a rotating shaft 33 is horizontally inserted. The rotating shaft 33 is made of high-quality alloy steel, and its outer circumference is precision ground to reduce frictional resistance during rotation. At the axial end of the rotating shaft 33, a specially designed limiting sleeve 34 is fitted. The limiting sleeve 34 locks the axial position of the rotating shaft 33 onto the side wall of the second connecting frame 32 by radially arranged fastening bolts. This structure achieves physical self-locking of the rotating shaft 33 in the non-adjustment state, preventing the positioning parameters from drifting due to vibration during the operation of the injection molding machine.

[0023] A rotating gear 35 is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft 33. In this embodiment, in order to achieve omnidirectional guidance of the injection rod, four rotating gears 35 are provided, respectively located around the insertion path of the injection rod. (Refer to...) Figure 8To enable the four rotating gears 35 to move in perfect synchronization, the present invention connects universal joints 39 between adjacent rotating shafts 33. The universal joints 39 adopt a double cross shaft structure. This design enables the lossless transmission of torque across spatial angles. When the operator rotates one of the exposed rotating shafts 33 with a wrench or other driving tools, the power is instantly distributed to the other three rotating shafts through the universal joints 39, driving all rotating gears 35 to rotate at the same angular velocity.

[0024] The movable rack 36 meshes with the rotating gear 35. (See reference) Figure 7 The tooth profile of the moving rack 36 is precisely matched with the involute tooth profile of the rotating gear 35, ensuring linearity during transmission. Above the moving rack 36, a guide plate 37 is closely attached, and the guide plate 37 is fixed to the inner top surface of the second connecting frame 32. Below it, there is a slide that matches the shape of the moving rack 36. The setting of the guide plate 37 achieves strict constraint on the movement trajectory of the moving rack 36, so that the moving rack 36 only makes linear reciprocating motion in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the injection rod. The end of the moving rack 36 is connected to a limit plate 38. The inner edge of the limit plate 38 is machined with a guide slope. When multiple limit plates 38 move towards the center synchronously under the drive of the rotating gear 35, they together form a guide hole that matches the outer diameter of the injection rod. By adjusting the rotating shaft 33, the operator can achieve stepless adjustment of the guide hole diameter, thereby adapting to injection rods of different specifications.

[0025] Turn to the internal details of clamp assembly 2, see reference. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The clamp assembly 2 consists of a connecting ring 21, a connecting plate 22, and a limiting ring 23 forming the main frame. A rotating shaft 24 is installed on the connecting plate 22 perpendicular to the injection rod axis. A drive gear 25 is fixed at the output end of the rotating shaft 24. A rotatable rotating sleeve 26 is fitted around the central cavity of the clamp assembly 2. A driven gear 28 is machined on the outer circumference of the rotating sleeve 26. The drive gear 25 and the driven gear 28 are in a constant meshing state. In order to ensure the stability of the rotating sleeve 26 during rotation, the rotating sleeve 26 is axially limited by the connecting sleeve 27 and the inner wall of the clamp assembly 2. The gear ratio of the drive gear 25 and the driven gear 28 has been optimized to achieve a significant amplification of torque, so that the operator only needs to apply a small torque to generate a huge radial clamping force.

[0026] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The internal structure of the rotating sleeve 26 is the core of achieving radial clamping. On the annular inner wall of the rotating sleeve 26, three circumferentially distributed arc-shaped grooves 29 are provided. The trajectory of the arc-shaped grooves 29 is not a concentric circle, but adopts a variable diameter curve design. Specifically, the radial depth of the arc-shaped grooves 29 gradually becomes shallower as the circumferential angle rotates. Inside the clamp assembly 2, three guide holes are provided radially. A pressing block 210 is slidably installed in each guide hole. A limit post 211 is fixed on the back of the pressing block 210. The top end of the limit post 211 extends into and fits in the arc-shaped groove 29. When the rotating sleeve 26 rotates under the drive of the driven gear 28, the side wall of the arc-shaped groove 29 applies an oblique pressing force to the limit post 211. This pressure is decomposed into a radial component force, driving the pressing block 210 to advance synchronously towards the central axis along the guide hole.

[0027] The inner contact surface of the extrusion block 210 is machined with an arc-shaped surface that matches the curvature of the injection rod surface and is knurled to increase the coefficient of friction. Since the three extrusion blocks 210 are driven by the arc groove 29 on the same rotating sleeve 26, their radial displacements are completely consistent. This structure realizes automatic centering and clamping of the injection rod, ensuring that the injection rod is completely aligned with the center line of the floating head 1 after locking, thus eliminating the wear of the seal by the eccentric load.

[0028] The workflow and implementation of this invention are as follows: S1: System preparation. First, install the clamp assembly 2 under the floating head 1 through the bottom connecting ring 21, and ensure that the connecting bolts reach the predetermined preload. At this time, the first connecting frame assembly 3 has been pre-installed on the feed path of the injection rod according to the center height of the injection molding machine.

[0029] S2: Release the self-locking positioning. The operator uses an Allen wrench to loosen the locking bolts on the outer ring limit sleeve 34 of the rotating shaft 33. This action releases the rotational constraint on the rotating shaft 33, allowing the positioning guide system to enter the adjustable mode.

[0030] S3: Set the guide hole diameter, and the operator rotates the main rotating shaft 33. The rotational power is synchronously transmitted to the rotating gears 35 in four directions through the universal joint 39. Since the module and number of teeth of each rotating gear 35 are exactly the same, they drive their respective meshing moving racks 36 to move at the same speed.

[0031] S4: The limiting plates are positioned synchronously. Under the constraint of the guide plate 37, the moving rack 36 drives the four limiting plates 38 to move towards the axis line synchronously. The operator adjusts the limiting plates 38 to the appropriate position according to the diameter of the injection rod to be replaced, forming a precise physical guide channel. Then, the bolts on the limiting sleeve 34 are tightened again to fix the position.

[0032] S5: Insert the injection rod. Insert the injection rod along the guide channel formed by the limiting plate 38. Due to the pre-positioning function of the limiting plate 38, the end of the injection rod can accurately enter the internal cavity of the clamp assembly 2 without the need for manual secondary alignment.

[0033] S6: Start the clamping program. Manually or by using a pneumatic tool, rotate the shaft 24 on the side of the clamp. The shaft 24 drives the drive gear 25 to rotate, which in turn drives the large-diameter driven gear 28 that meshes with it.

[0034] S7: Radial force transformation. Driven gear 28 drives rotating sleeve 26 to rotate smoothly under the support of connecting sleeve 27. As rotating sleeve 26 rotates, limiting post 211 slides relative to each other in the variable diameter arc groove 29. The trajectory change of arc groove 29 forces limiting post 211 to drive extrusion block 210 to make radial linear displacement towards the center.

[0035] S8: Final locking. Multiple extrusion blocks 210 simultaneously contact the outer wall of the injection rod. As the rotating sleeve 26 continues to rotate slightly, the radial extrusion pressure rises rapidly. Through mechanical interference and strong friction, the injection rod is securely locked. Then, the limit ring 23 and bolts are used for limit control. At this point, the quick replacement operation is completed.

[0036] In this embodiment, the helix angle of the arc groove 29 is designed to be between 5 and 15 degrees. This range realizes the mechanical self-locking characteristics of the mechanism, ensuring that the extrusion block 210 will not displace due to the axial reaction force of the injection rod under the high temperature and high pressure environment of the injection molding process. At the same time, the universal joint 39 is made of high-toughness chromium-molybdenum steel, which realizes long-life operation under high frequency adjustment. The moving rack 36 and the guide plate 37 are coated with molybdenum disulfide grease, which realizes smooth operation for a long time and reduces the frequency of maintenance.

[0037] This invention uses a universal joint 39 to link multiple rotating gears 35 together, achieving synchronized movement of multiple limiting plates 38. This synchronous linkage mechanism replaces the cumbersome steps of repeated measurement and manual alignment required in traditional connection mechanisms during injection rod replacement. Precise alignment and guidance of the injection rod can be completed in a single operation. This structural arrangement greatly optimizes the positioning process, shortens the auxiliary adjustment time before the injection rod is inserted, and significantly improves the equipment replacement efficiency on the production line.

[0038] Furthermore, the combination of the driving gear 25, driven gear 28, and rotating sleeve 26 with arc groove 29 used in this invention constitutes a highly efficient radial force amplification mechanism. Utilizing the variable diameter principle of the arc groove 29, the rotational motion of the rotating sleeve 26 is converted into the radial extrusion motion of the extrusion block 210. Due to the symmetry of the arc groove 29 in the circumferential direction, multiple extrusion blocks 210 distributed around the injection rod can act on the injection rod surface with identical radial loads. This multi-point synchronous clamping method not only provides extremely high locking force but also ensures the coaxiality of the injection rod after clamping, effectively preventing vibration or axial displacement caused by uneven force during injection molding.

[0039] In terms of structural stability, the limiting sleeve 34 on the rotating shaft 33 provides a reliable self-locking function for the mechanism, preventing the positioning mechanism from loosening under the high-frequency vibration environment of the injection molding machine. At the same time, the cooperative design of the guide plate 37 and the moving rack 36 ensures the long-term stable operation of the moving parts and reduces mechanical wear. In addition, the introduction of the floating head 1 provides the necessary degree of freedom compensation for the system, realizes the absorption of small displacements caused by processing errors or thermal deformation, and protects the structural integrity of the injection rod and the drive system.

[0040] This invention adopts a modular design approach, concentrating the positioning and guiding function in the first connecting frame component 3 and the locking and fixing function in the clamp component 2. This functional separation design makes the responsibilities of each component clear, the structure compact, and the components do not interfere with each other. In daily maintenance, maintenance personnel can independently inspect or replace parts for specific functional modules, reducing maintenance costs and improving the overall reliability of the system. The pure mechanical transmission structure replaces the complex hydraulic or electromagnetic clamping device, which not only reduces manufacturing and usage costs but also improves the environmental adaptability of the mechanism in high-temperature and high-pressure injection molding environments. The rigid connection between the gear rack and the arc groove provides a definite motion trajectory and feedback, allowing operators to intuitively judge the clamping status through torque sensation, ensuring the safety and continuity of production operations.

[0041] In summary, this invention, through its ingenious mechanical linkage design, achieves rapid replacement, precise positioning, and secure locking of the injection molding rod connection mechanism without increasing operational complexity, demonstrating significant industrial application value. The close physical connections between the components collectively construct a highly efficient, stable, and self-compensating floating connection system, fully meeting the automation and flexibility requirements of the modern injection molding industry.

[0042] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism, characterized in that: The device includes a floating head (1), a clamp assembly (2) installed at the bottom of the floating head (1), and a first connecting frame (3) assembly that cooperates with the clamp assembly (2); the floating head (1) has a floating gap inside to compensate for axial deviation; the first connecting frame (3) assembly includes a rotating shaft (33), a rotating gear (35), a moving rack (36), and a limiting plate (38); the clamp assembly (2) includes a rotating sleeve (26) and an extrusion block (210), the rotating sleeve (26) has an arc groove (29), and the arc groove (29) is connected to the extrusion block (210) in a transmission connection.

2. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting frame (3) assembly also includes a fixing plate (31) and a second connecting frame (32) mounted on the fixing plate (31). The rotating shaft (33) is horizontally inserted inside the second connecting frame (32). The rotating gear (35) is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft (33). The moving rack (36) meshes with the rotating gear (35). The limiting plate (38) is fixedly connected to the output end of the moving rack (36).

3. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: A limiting sleeve (34) is fitted at the axial end of the rotating shaft (33). The limiting sleeve (34) constrains the axial position of the rotating shaft (33) to the side wall of the second connecting frame (32) by means of radially arranged fastening bolts.

4. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating gear (35) is provided in multiple sets and is correspondingly arranged in different positions of the second connecting frame (32), and the adjacent rotating shafts (33) are connected by universal joints (39).

5. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the inner wall of the second connecting frame (32) is fixed with a guide plate (37), the guide plate (37) is provided with a slide that matches the shape of the moving rack (36), and the moving rack (36) is embedded in the slide.

6. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamp assembly (2) also includes a connecting ring (21), a connecting plate (22) and a limiting ring (23). A rotating shaft (24) is vertically mounted on the connecting plate (22). A driving gear (25) is fixed at the output end of the rotating shaft (24). A driven gear (28) is fixed on the outer circumference of the rotating sleeve (26). The driving gear (25) meshes with the driven gear (28).

7. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rotating sleeve (26) achieves axial limiting and circumferential rotation cooperation with the inner wall of the clamp assembly (2) through the connecting sleeve (27).

8. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The trajectory of the arc groove (29) is a variable diameter curve, and its radial distance increases or decreases with the change of the circumferential angle.

9. The quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The back of the extrusion block (210) is fixed with a limiting post (211), one end of the limiting post (211) is inserted into and slidably fitted in the arc groove (29), and the extrusion block (210) is slidably installed in the clamp assembly (2) along the radial direction.

10. A quick-change injection molding rod floating connection mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The extrusion block (210) has an arc-shaped friction surface facing the central axis.

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