A diversified drying rack for automobile parts foam mold manufacturing
By designing a drying rack with adjustable support rod spacing and elastic locking, the problem of low space utilization in traditional drying racks has been solved, achieving efficient multi-variety production and reduced energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHONGQING JUNWEI MOLD MANUFACTURING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Traditional drying racks have fixed shelf heights, making them unsuitable for foam molds of different thicknesses. This results in low space utilization, incompatibility with irregularly shaped or discretely sized molds, inability to meet the flexible production needs of multiple varieties and small batches, and high energy consumption.
A versatile drying rack was designed, which achieves dynamic adjustment of the support rod spacing through detachable support rods and top block mechanism. Combined with the elastic locking design of the auxiliary rod system, it forms an adjustable support grid to adapt to molds of different specifications.
It improves the space utilization of drying equipment, reduces the number of drying cycles, lowers energy consumption, and meets the needs of multi-variety mixed production lines.
Smart Images

Figure CN224302677U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts manufacturing equipment, and in particular to a diversified drying rack for making foam molds for automotive parts. Background Technology
[0002] In the automotive parts manufacturing industry, foam molds are key intermediates for producing complex structural castings, such as EPS / EVA foam models used in lost foam casting. Their preparation process typically includes: foaming and molding of foam raw materials, CNC machining or manual finishing, and surface coating treatment. The dimensional accuracy and structural integrity of the mold directly affect the quality of the final parts; therefore, strict requirements are placed on environmental control during the preparation process.
[0003] After coating or impregnation, foam molds require drying and curing to remove moisture and enhance surface strength. Currently, the industry commonly uses multi-layer drying racks to stack foam molds, utilizing hot air circulation within the drying chamber for batch drying. These drying racks typically consist of a metal frame with shelves arranged parallel at fixed intervals, and the molds are stacked layer by layer to maximize the use of the drying chamber space.
[0004] Traditional drying racks have significant limitations. First, the shelf height is not adjustable, and the spacing between the shelves on each shelf is fixed, making it unsuitable for parts of different thicknesses. When stacking thin parts, the upper space is wasted significantly, while extra-tall parts are forced to occupy multiple layers of space or cannot be placed at all, resulting in low space utilization. Fixed-size shelves are difficult to accommodate irregularly shaped or discretely sized molds, increasing the ineffective gaps around small molds and reducing the unit volume loading rate. Furthermore, they lack flexibility, and single-size drying racks cannot respond to the flexible production needs of multiple varieties and small batches, leading to fluctuations in drying efficiency and increased energy consumption. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the drawback of low space utilization, this utility model provides a diversified drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts, aiming to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings.
[0006] A versatile drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts includes a main frame with several casters mounted on its bottom. Several mounting blocks are spaced apart on the main frame. Support rods are slidably connected between the mounting blocks laterally. Each mounting block supports both ends of the support rod. A top block is slidably connected to the side of each mounting block that contacts the support rod. A return spring is installed inside each mounting block, with one end connected to the mounting block and the other end connected to one side of the top block. The other side of the top block is slidably connected to the support rod, and the top block has an arc surface that mates with the support rod. Auxiliary components for placing small parts are arranged between the support rods.
[0007] As an improvement to the above solution, the auxiliary component includes an auxiliary rod, the support rod having several through keyways, and locking blocks connected to both ends of the auxiliary rod. The auxiliary rod passes through the support rod, and the locking blocks engage with the support rod through the keyways.
[0008] As an improvement to the above solution, a rubber pad is provided on the side where the card block connects to the support rod.
[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, a handle is connected to the side of the card block that is not connected to the rubber pad.
[0010] As an improvement to the above solution, a protective pad is provided on the side of the top block with the arc surface.
[0011] As an improvement to the above solution, the top block is rotatably connected to a roller, which is located at the top of the arc surface.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0013] 1. By dynamically coordinating the detachable support rods and the top block mechanism, the spacing between the support rods can be changed to allow for the merging, stacking, or accommodating of foam molds of different thicknesses, thereby improving the utilization rate of the drying room volume, reducing the number of drying cycles, and lowering drying energy consumption.
[0014] 2. Through the elastic locking design of the auxiliary rod system, an adjustable support grid is formed to realize the bearing mode of large and small molds, which is suitable for multi-variety mixed production lines. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the mounting block and the top block of this utility model.
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the auxiliary rod and the locking block of this utility model.
[0018] The labels in the diagram are as follows: 1-Main frame, 2-Moving wheel, 3-Mounting block, 4-Top block, 5-Reset spring, 6-Support rod, 7-Keyway, 8-Auxiliary rod, 9-Clamping block, 10-Rubber pad, 11-Handle, 12-Protective pad, 13-Roller. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The technical solution will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that the terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" used in this document refer only to the position of the structure shown in the corresponding drawings. The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "connection" and "linkage" in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).
[0020] Although this invention may be described with respect to a particular application or industry, those skilled in the art will recognize its broader applicability. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," etc., are used to describe the drawings and not to indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Any numerical designations such as "first" or "second" are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
[0021] Example: A versatile drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, the system includes a main frame 1, casters 2, mounting blocks 3, a top block 4, a return spring 5, a support rod 6, a protective pad 12, rollers 13, and auxiliary components. The main frame 1 serves as the load-bearing base, with four casters 2 fixedly installed at its four corners to enable overall movement and positioning of the equipment. Several mounting blocks 3 are evenly distributed along the vertical direction on the vertical columns of the main frame 1. Each group of horizontally symmetrical mounting blocks 3 forms a support position. The support rod 6 is horizontally mounted between the corresponding horizontal mounting blocks 3, with both ends installed via a sliding snap-fit connection. The mounting blocks 3 are used for support... At both ends of the support rod 6, a top block 4 is slidably connected to the side of the mounting block 3 that contacts the support rod 6. A return spring 5 is built into the cavity of the mounting block 3. One end of the return spring 5 is connected to the mounting block 3, and the other end is connected to one side of the top block 4. The other side of the top block 4 is slidably connected to the support rod 6. The outer end of the top block 4 is provided with a guide arc surface that matches the shape of the end of the support rod 6. The surface of the arc surface is covered with a composite protective pad 12, and a freely rotatable roller 13 is embedded in the top of the arc surface, which together constitute a low-resistance guide structure. An auxiliary component for placing small parts is provided between the support rods 6.
[0022] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the auxiliary component includes an auxiliary rod 8 and a locking block 9. The support rod 6 has several through keyways 7. The locking blocks 9 are vertically welded to both ends of the auxiliary rod 8. The auxiliary rod 8 passes through the support rod 6. The locking block 9 is inserted into the limiting groove of the keyway 7 by rotation. During installation, the locking block 9 passes through the keyway 7 and rotates 90° to achieve mechanical interlocking through the "medium" type limiting structure.
[0023] like Figure 3As shown, it also includes a rubber pad 10. The rubber pad 10 is bonded to the contact surface between the clip 9 and the support rod 6. The rubber pad 10 is made of elastic rubber.
[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a handle 11. The side of the locking block 9 not connected to the rubber pad 10 is connected to the handle 11, providing a pivot point for rotation operation.
[0025] When workers disassemble support rod 6 to dry larger parts of the foam mold, they hold the end of support rod 6 and lift it upwards. Support rod 6 slides along the protective pad 12 on the arc surface of top block 4. At this time, the inclined surface of support rod 6 presses against the arc surface of top block 4, forcing top block 4 to slide inwards into mounting block 3, while compressing return spring 5. As support rod 6 continues to move upwards, return spring 5 is compressed to its limit, and the end of support rod 6 contacts roller 13. Roller 13 then rotates, guiding support rod 6 to smoothly detach from the arc surface of top block 4. Return spring 5 releases its elasticity instantly, pushing top block 4 back to its original position. If there is an auxiliary rod 8 connecting adjacent support rods 6, the associated support rods 6 need to be disassembled simultaneously. This operation can increase the distance between upper and lower support rods 6, enabling the stacking of large-size foam molds or the placement of ultra-high molds. By controlling the number of support rods 6, space utilization can be optimized. For example, if each layer of foam originally only used 2 / 3 of the height of the support rod spacing, after removing the middle support rod 6, the distance between the two layers can accommodate three layers of foam.
[0026] When installing the support rod 6 to adjust the floor height, align the end of the support rod 6 with the gap between the two top blocks 4 and press it down vertically. During the pressing down process, the support rod 6 pushes open the top blocks 4 on both sides, and the top blocks 4 compress the return spring 5 and retract inward. When the support rod 6 passes the roller 13, the roller 13 rotates to reduce frictional resistance; after the support rod 6 has completely passed the arc surface, the return spring 5 pushes the top block 4 to return to its original position, and firmly locks the support rod 6 onto the mounting block 3.
[0027] When adding auxiliary rods 8 to dry small parts foam molds, the operator inserts a locking block 9 through the keyway 7 of the support rod 6, spanning two adjacent support rods 6. At this time, the locking block 9 is located outside the support rod 6. The locking block 9 is then rotated 90° using the handle 11. During the rotation, the rubber pad 10 on the inner side of the locking block 9 undergoes elastic deformation under the pressure of the curved surface of the support rod 6, forming an inward pre-tightening force, making the locking block 9 fit tightly against the surface of the support rod 6 and eliminating assembly gaps. The parallel arrangement of multiple auxiliary rods 8 can significantly reduce the gaps between the support rods 6. The parallel arrangement of multiple auxiliary rods 8 forms an adjustable grid with different gaps, preventing small-sized foam molds from leaking through the gaps.
[0028] During disassembly, rotate handle 11 90°, and the rubber pad 10 will spring back to release the preload. After the locking block 9 returns to its parallel position with the keyway 7, it can be directly pulled horizontally out of the keyway 7. This design allows for quick adjustment of the mesh density without tools, adapting to the drying needs of small molds of different sizes.
[0029] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A versatile drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts, characterized in that, Includes a main frame (1), with several casters (2) installed at the bottom of the main frame (1), and several mounting blocks (3) spaced apart on the main frame (1). Support rods (6) are slidably connected between the mounting blocks (3) laterally. The mounting blocks (3) are used to support the two ends of the support rods (6). A top block (4) is slidably connected to the side of the mounting block (3) that contacts the support rods (6). A return spring (5) is provided inside the mounting block (3). One end of the return spring (5) is connected to the mounting block (3), and the other end is connected to one side of the top block (4). The other side of the top block (4) is slidably connected to the support rods (6), and the top block (4) is provided with an arc surface that cooperates with the support rods (6). An auxiliary component for placing small parts is provided between the support rods (6).
2. The versatile drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary component includes an auxiliary rod (8), the support rod (6) has several through keyways (7), and both ends of the auxiliary rod (8) are connected to locking blocks (9). The auxiliary rod (8) passes through the support rod (6), and the locking blocks (9) are engaged with the support rod (6) through the keyways (7).
3. The versatile drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A rubber pad (10) is provided on the side where the card block (9) is connected to the support rod (6).
4. A versatile drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The side of the card block (9) not connected to the rubber pad (10) is connected to a handle (11).
5. A versatile drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top block (4) has a protective pad (12) on one side with an arc surface.
6. A versatile drying rack for manufacturing foam molds for automotive parts as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top block (4) is rotatably connected to a roller (13), which is located at the top of the arc surface.