Gradient cooling system for injection molding
By using a gradient cooling system with separate fast and slow cooling channels and temperature regulation of the mixing chamber, the problem of uneven cooling in traditional injection molding is solved, achieving precise cooling of products and reduced energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SICHUAN JIANGLONG AUTO PARTS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
In traditional injection molding processes, mold cooling systems struggle to meet the differentiated cooling needs of different areas of complex parts, leading to uneven local shrinkage, deformation, and concentrated internal stress in the product, as well as high energy consumption.
A gradual cooling system is adopted, which uses a partitioned design of fast cooling channel and slow cooling channel, combined with the dynamic adjustment of the cooling medium temperature by the mixing box, to achieve precise temperature gradient control in different areas of the mold. The mixing box also recovers part of the return water from the fast cooling channel and mixes it with the main inlet water to achieve step-by-step utilization of thermal energy.
It effectively reduces internal stress and deformation in products, significantly reduces energy consumption, and saves costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224224463U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooling equipment technology, specifically to a gradient cooling system that is injection molded. Background Technology
[0002] In traditional injection molding processes, the design of the mold cooling system directly impacts product molding quality and efficiency. Existing technologies typically employ a single cooling rate or fixed-zone cooling channels, making it difficult to meet the differentiated cooling needs of different areas of complex parts. This uniform cooling method easily leads to problems such as deformation and internal stress concentration due to uneven local shrinkage, especially affecting parts with complex structures or significant differences in wall thickness. Furthermore, traditional cooling systems often rely on fixed water temperature control, failing to dynamically adjust the temperature of the cooling medium, resulting in high energy consumption and insufficient flexibility. Particularly for areas requiring slow cooling, separate heating of the cooling water is often necessary, further increasing energy consumption. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a gradient cooling system for injection molding, which has a simple structure, is easy to use, and can effectively improve the above-mentioned problems.
[0004] The embodiments of this utility model are implemented as follows:
[0005] This utility model provides a gradient cooling system for injection molding, including a molding die, a chiller, and a mixing tank. The molding die has multiple cooling channels, including at least one fast cooling channel and at least one slow cooling channel. The chiller's cooling water outlet is equipped with a main inlet pipe. The main inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the fast cooling channel via a first branch inlet pipe equipped with a first solenoid valve. The main inlet pipe is also connected to the inlet of the slow cooling channel via a second branch inlet pipe equipped with a second solenoid valve. The chiller's return... The water inlet is equipped with a main return water pipe, which is connected to the outlet of the rapid cooling channel through a first branch return water pipe. The main return water pipe is connected to the outlet of the slow cooling channel through a second branch return water pipe. The inlet of the mixing tank is connected to the main inlet water pipe through a first mixing inlet water pipe, and a fourth solenoid valve is installed on the pipe. The inlet of the mixing tank is also connected to the first branch return water pipe through a second mixing inlet water pipe, and a fifth solenoid valve is installed on the pipe. The outlet of the mixing tank is connected to the second branch inlet water pipe through a mixing outlet water pipe, and a water pump is installed on the pipe.
[0006] Furthermore, the connection point between the mixing outlet pipe and the second branch inlet pipe is located between the second solenoid valve and the inlet end of the slow cooling channel.
[0007] Furthermore, the first branch return water pipe is equipped with a first check valve and a third solenoid valve.
[0008] Furthermore, the connection point between the second mixing inlet pipe and the first return pipe is located between the first check valve and the third solenoid valve.
[0009] Furthermore, a straight-through pipe is provided between the first return water pipe and the mixed water outlet pipe, and a sixth solenoid valve is provided on the pipe.
[0010] Furthermore, the connection point between the straight pipe and the first branch return water pipe is located between the first check valve and the third solenoid valve, and the connection point between the straight pipe and the mixed water outlet pipe is located between the water pump and the second branch inlet water pipe.
[0011] Furthermore, a second one-way valve is installed on the second branch return water pipe.
[0012] Furthermore, temperature sensors are installed in the first return water pipe, the second return water pipe, and the mixing tank.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0014] The gradient cooling system for injection molding provided by this utility model has a simple structure and is easy to use. Through the partitioned design of the fast cooling channel and the slow cooling channel, combined with the dynamic adjustment of the cooling medium temperature by the mixing box, precise temperature gradient control of different areas of the mold is achieved, effectively reducing internal stress and deformation of the product. The mixing box recovers part of the return water from the fast cooling channel through the second mixing water inlet pipe, mixes it with the cold water in the main water inlet pipe, and supplies it to the slow cooling channel, realizing the step-by-step utilization of heat energy, significantly reducing energy consumption and saving costs. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the injection-molded gradient cooling system according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the injection-molded gradient cooling system according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.
[0018] In the diagram: 1-Molding mold; 2-Chiller; 3-Mixing tank; 31-First mixing inlet pipe; 32-Fourth solenoid valve; 33-Second mixing inlet pipe; 34-Fifth solenoid valve; 35-Mixing outlet pipe; 36-Water pump; 4-Main inlet pipe; 41-First branch inlet pipe; 42-Second branch inlet pipe; 43-First solenoid valve; 44-Second solenoid valve; 5-Main return pipe; 51-First branch return pipe; 52-Second branch return pipe; 53-First check valve; 54-Third solenoid valve; 55-Second check valve; 6-Straight-through pipe; 61-Sixth solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model; that is, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0020] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.
[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following description.
[0024] Example 1
[0025] refer to Figure 1 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a gradient cooling system for injection molding, including a molding die 1, a chiller 2, and a mixing tank 3.
[0026] The molding die 1 is used to shape the product and is installed on the molding equipment. The molding die 1 has multiple cooling channels, including at least one fast cooling channel and at least one slow cooling channel. The fast cooling channel can quickly cool the product parts near it, and the slow cooling channel can slowly cool the product parts near it.
[0027] Chiller 2 utilizes existing technology and is used to provide cooling water and reduce the temperature of the returning high-temperature water. Chiller 2 is used in conjunction with a cooling tower, which is used to cool the coolant in chiller 2. Chiller 2 has a cooling water outlet and a return water outlet.
[0028] The chiller 2 is equipped with a main water inlet pipe 4 at the cooling water outlet. The main water inlet pipe 4 is connected to the water inlet of each cooling channel through a branch water inlet pipe. The branch water inlet pipe connected to the fast cooling channel is the first branch water inlet pipe 41, and the branch water inlet pipe connected to the slow cooling channel is the second branch water inlet pipe 42. The first branch water inlet pipe 41 is equipped with a first solenoid valve 43, and the second branch water inlet pipe 42 is equipped with a second solenoid valve 44.
[0029] The chiller 2 has a main return water pipe 5 at its return water inlet. The main return water pipe 5 is connected to the outlet of the cooling channel through a branch return water pipe. Each cooling channel outlet corresponds to a branch return water pipe. The branch return water pipe connected to the fast cooling channel is the first branch return water pipe 51, and the branch return water pipe connected to the slow cooling channel is the second branch return water pipe 52. The first branch return water pipe 51 is equipped with a first check valve 53 and a third solenoid valve 54, and the second branch return water pipe 52 is equipped with a second check valve 55.
[0030] The mixing tank 3 is used to mix hot and cold water to adjust the cooling water to the required temperature. The mixing tank 3 has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the mixing tank 3 is connected to the main inlet pipe 4 via a first mixing inlet pipe 31, which is equipped with a fourth solenoid valve 32. The inlet of the mixing tank 3 is also connected to the first branch return pipe 51 via a second mixing inlet pipe 33, which is equipped with a fifth solenoid valve 34. The connection point between the second mixing inlet pipe 33 and the first branch return pipe 51 is located between a first check valve 53 and a third solenoid valve 54. The outlet of the mixing tank 3 is connected to the second branch inlet pipe 42 via a mixing outlet pipe 35, which is equipped with a water pump 36. The connection point between the mixing outlet pipe 35 and the second branch inlet pipe 42 is located between the second solenoid valve 44 and the inlet end of the slow cooling channel.
[0031] Temperature sensors are installed in the first return water pipe 51, the second return water pipe 52, and the mixing tank 3. The temperature sensors are electrically connected to the controller of the cooling system.
[0032] In this embodiment, all solenoid valves are electrically connected to the controller of the cooling system. Water pump 36 is also electrically connected to the controller of the cooling system.
[0033] The working principle of the injection molding gradient cooling system provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model is as follows:
[0034] When the injection-molded workpiece needs to be gradually cooled, the thick-walled areas need to be cooled quickly, and the thin-walled areas need to be cooled slowly. The fast cooling channel corresponds to the thick-walled area of the workpiece, and the slow cooling channel corresponds to the thin-walled area of the workpiece. At this time, the second solenoid valve 44 and the third solenoid valve 54 are closed, and the first solenoid valve 43, the fourth solenoid valve 32 and the fifth solenoid valve 34 are opened. Part of the cooling water from the chiller 2 flows into the fast cooling channel from the first branch inlet pipe 41 to cool the workpiece, and then flows into the mixing tank 3 from the first branch return pipe 51 and the second mixing inlet pipe 33. Part of the cooling water from the chiller 2 flows directly into the mixing tank 3 from the first mixing inlet pipe 31. In the mixing tank 3, the cooling water is mixed to the required temperature, and then pumped by the water pump 36 through the mixing outlet pipe 35 to the slow cooling channel to cool the workpiece. The cooling water flowing out of the slow cooling channel flows into the chiller 2 through the second branch return pipe 52 and the main return pipe 5 for cooling. When the workpiece is cooled to a certain degree, the fourth solenoid valve 32 and the fifth solenoid valve 34 are closed, and the second solenoid valve 44 and the third solenoid valve 54 are opened. At this time, the cooling water of the chiller 2 flows into the fast cooling channel through the first branch water inlet pipe 41 and into the slow cooling channel through the second branch water inlet pipe 42. The cooling water flowing out of the fast cooling channel flows back to the chiller 2 through the first branch return water pipe 51 and the main return water pipe 5. The cooling water flowing out of the slow cooling channel flows back to the chiller 2 through the second branch return water pipe 52 and the main return water pipe 5, until the workpiece is cooled to the required level.
[0035] Example 2
[0036] refer to Figure 2 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a gradient cooling system for injection molding, including a molding die 1, a chiller 2, and a mixing tank 3.
[0037] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that a straight pipe 6 is added. The remaining structure, working principle and technical effects are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.
[0038] In this embodiment, a straight pipe 6 may be provided between the first branch return water pipe 51 and the mixed water outlet pipe 35, and a sixth solenoid valve 61 is provided on the pipe. The connection point between the straight pipe 6 and the first branch return water pipe 51 is located between the first one-way valve 53 and the third solenoid valve 54. The connection point between the straight pipe 6 and the mixed water outlet pipe 35 is located between the water pump 36 and the second branch inlet water pipe 42.
[0039] The working principle of the injection molding gradient cooling system provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model is as follows:
[0040] When gradual cooling of the injection-molded workpiece is required, thick-walled areas need rapid cooling, while thin-walled areas require slow cooling. The rapid cooling channel corresponds to the thick-walled areas of the workpiece, and the slow cooling channel corresponds to the thin-walled areas. When the cooling water temperature flowing from the rapid cooling channel meets the slow cooling requirements, the third solenoid valve 54, the fourth solenoid valve 32, and the fifth solenoid valve 34 are closed, while the first solenoid valve 43, the second solenoid valve 44, and the sixth solenoid valve 61 are opened. Cooling water from the chiller 2 flows into the rapid cooling channel through the first branch inlet pipe 41. Cooling water flowing from the rapid cooling channel is transported to the slow cooling channel through the first branch return pipe 51, the straight pipe 6, and the mixed outlet pipe 35 to cool the workpiece. Cooling water flowing from the slow cooling channel flows back into the chiller 2 through the second branch return pipe 52 and the main return pipe 5 for further cooling. When the cooling water temperature flowing from the rapid cooling channel does not meet the slow cooling requirements, the temperature is adjusted by mixing, referring to the working principle in Example 1.
[0041] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and does not constitute any limitation on this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solution of this utility model, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technology of this utility model without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model shall fall within the protection scope of this technical solution.
Claims
1. A gradient cooling system for injection molding, characterized in that: The system includes a molding die, a chiller, and a mixing tank. The molding die has multiple cooling channels, including at least one fast cooling channel and at least one slow cooling channel. The chiller has a main inlet pipe at its cooling water outlet. The main inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the fast cooling channel via a first branch inlet pipe equipped with a first solenoid valve. The main inlet pipe is also connected to the inlet of the slow cooling channel via a second branch inlet pipe equipped with a second solenoid valve. The chiller has a main return pipe at its return outlet. The water pipe is connected to the outlet of the rapid cooling channel through a first branch return water pipe, the main return water pipe is connected to the outlet of the slow cooling channel through a second branch return water pipe, the inlet of the mixing tank is connected to the main inlet water pipe through a first mixing inlet water pipe and a fourth solenoid valve is provided on the pipe, the inlet of the mixing tank is also connected to the first branch return water pipe through a second mixing inlet water pipe and a fifth solenoid valve is provided on the pipe, and the outlet of the mixing tank is connected to the second branch inlet water pipe through a mixing outlet water pipe and a water pump is provided on the pipe.
2. The injection-molded gradient cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection point between the mixing outlet pipe and the second branch inlet pipe is located between the second solenoid valve and the inlet end of the slow cooling channel.
3. The injection-molded gradient cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first branch return water pipe is equipped with a first check valve and a third solenoid valve.
4. The injection-molded gradient cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connection point between the second mixing inlet pipe and the first branch return pipe is located between the first check valve and the third solenoid valve.
5. The injection-molded gradient cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that: A straight pipe is provided between the first return water pipe and the mixed water outlet pipe, and a sixth solenoid valve is provided on the pipe.
6. The injection-molded gradient cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connection point between the straight pipe and the first branch return water pipe is located between the first check valve and the third solenoid valve, and the connection point between the straight pipe and the mixed water outlet pipe is located between the water pump and the second branch inlet water pipe.
7. The injection-molded gradient cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second one-way valve is installed on the second branch return water pipe.
8. The injection-molded gradient cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Temperature sensors are installed in the first branch return water pipe, the second branch return water pipe, and the mixing tank.