A quick die change cooling line system for a thermoforming die

Abstract

The utility model relates to cooling system technical field discloses a kind of hot forming die quick die changing cooling pipeline system, including left cooling water pipe and right cooling water pipe;The left cooling water pipe and right cooling water pipe are connected with control solenoid valve by flange plate, left side main water pipe and right side main water pipe are led out respectively, and are connected with left tap and right tap respectively arranged on press moving workstation;The left tap and right tap are connected with the corresponding interface of hot forming die by sub pipeline respectively, to cool high-temperature sheet on hot forming die;The control solenoid valve is used to control the on-off and flow of cooling water.The utility model can reduce die changing difficulty, improve die changing efficiency, reduce operating cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooling system technology, specifically to a rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds. Background Technology

[0002] Thermoforming technology is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and home appliance manufacturing industries. The cooling efficiency of the core equipment, thermoforming mold, directly determines the product molding quality and production efficiency.

[0003] Traditional thermoforming mold cooling systems generally employ a multi-loop parallel structure design, with each loop equipped with a self-locking quick-connect coupling, and the cooling medium is delivered through an external circulating water system. However, in practical applications, this type of system has the following significant drawbacks: First, the multi-loop parallel structure is prone to local pressure buildup due to uneven flow distribution, making it difficult and time-consuming to insert and remove pipes during mold changes (e.g., changing a mold with eight pipes can take 1-2 hours). Furthermore, due to local pressure buildup, if cooling medium remains in the pipes, it will spray out during mold changes, causing leakage and affecting operator safety. Second, the insertion and removal of self-locking quick-connect couplings requires individual alignment and manual tightening, with each mold change taking 1-2 hours, severely restricting production line efficiency.

[0004] With the widespread adoption of multi-variety, small-batch production models under the Industry 4.0 framework, traditional cooling systems can no longer meet the demands of efficient mold changing. There is an urgent need to develop cooling pipeline systems that combine rapid connection and high reliability to improve production line efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds, which can reduce the difficulty of mold changing, improve the efficiency of mold changing, and reduce operating costs.

[0006] The basic solution provided by this utility model is: a rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds, including a left cooling water pipe and a right cooling water pipe; both the left and right cooling water pipes are connected to a control solenoid valve via flanges, and then lead out a left main water pipe and a right main water pipe respectively, and are respectively connected to a left tap and a right tap on the moving worktable of the press; the left tap and the right tap are respectively connected to the corresponding interface of the thermoforming mold via sub-pipes to cool the high-temperature material sheet on the thermoforming mold; the control solenoid valve is used to control the on / off state and flow rate of the cooling water.

[0007] Furthermore, both the left and right taps include a main interface and multiple taps; the left and right main water pipes are respectively connected to the main interfaces of the left and right taps.

[0008] Furthermore, the main interface is positioned downwards, and the sub-interfaces are positioned upwards.

[0009] Furthermore, both the left and right taps have four taps.

[0010] Furthermore, quick-connect couplings are installed at both ends of the left main water pipe, the right main water pipe, and the sub-pipes.

[0011] Furthermore, the quick-connect coupling is a snap-fit ​​quick-connect coupling.

[0012] Furthermore, a flange is provided at both the front and rear ends of the control solenoid valve.

[0013] The working principle and advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] To ensure processing efficiency, this solution employs two press moving worktables (referred to here as the external press moving worktable and the internal press moving worktable for ease of description). Each worktable holds a thermoforming mold awaiting cooling, with one as a backup. Before the current product's production ends, the mold for the next product is prepared and hoisted onto the external press moving worktable. The sub-pipes of the external press moving worktable are pre-connected, while the cooling water pipes are disconnected. After the current product's production ends, the cooling water flow is cut off via a solenoid valve. The left and right cooling water pipes at the main interface are disconnected (using a snap-lock mechanism, requiring only two main interface operations), and the internal press moving worktable is opened. The external press moving worktable is then moved back into position, connecting the left and right main water pipes to the worktable at the current processing position (i.e., the external press moving worktable). The cooling water flow and volume are then controlled via a solenoid valve for cooling. During this process, the original worktable (i.e., the moving worktable inside the press) uses the switching gap to disassemble the old mold and install the new mold, reconnect the sub-pipelines (8 quick-change joints operation), and switch to the preparation position for the next cycle.

[0015] This utility model discloses a rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds, which can reduce the difficulty of mold changing, improve mold changing efficiency, and reduce operating costs. The key features are:

[0016] This solution optimizes the overall piping structure, converting the traditional multi-loop parallel structure into a single-loop series structure. In the traditional multi-loop parallel structure, a single mold requires four parallel cooling pipes, comprising eight cooling pipes, and 16 connectors. Figure 1As shown, in this structure, each mold change requires the disassembly and assembly of 8 interfaces. This solution, through the pivotal role of the tap, simplifies the mold-side interfaces to 8 sub-pipes (4 on each tap) and 2 main interfaces. The main interfaces handle the cooling water input, thus requiring only the disassembly and assembly of 2 interfaces each time the mold is changed, significantly improving mold change efficiency. Pipe switching time can be controlled within 5 minutes. Furthermore, this structure supports a one-for-one standby mechanism for dual workstations. While one workstation is producing, the other workstation can simultaneously install a new mold (pre-connecting sub-pipes), facilitating continuous production and maximizing production efficiency. In addition, the tap configuration not only simplifies pipe layout but also allows for flexible expansion of the number of taps and sub-pipes according to mold requirements. Moreover, the vertically arranged tap and main interface layout is compatible with the operating direction (vertical) of the snap-fit ​​quick-change connector and facilitates drainage (with the tap's main interface facing downwards, residual water flows back by gravity, eliminating the risk of spraying).

[0017] Secondly, this solution optimizes the pipeline connection structure, replacing the traditional self-locking connector with a snap-fit ​​quick-connect connector. Self-locking connectors offer good sealing and pressure self-tightening, making them the preferred choice in traditional solutions. However, in practical applications, we found that these connectors are prone to causing internal pressure buildup in the pipeline, are difficult to insert and remove, and are not very convenient to use—tools are needed to tighten / loosen the threads, and even slight bumps or deformation during disassembly can prevent insertion, and there is a risk of thread wear leading to poor sealing. Snap-fit ​​connectors, on the other hand, do not have these problems. Installation and removal are completed simply by operating the locking mechanism, making operation more convenient, efficient, and durable. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the piping structure of a traditional thermoforming mold cooling system;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a first schematic diagram of the pipeline structure of an embodiment of a rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the pipeline structure of an embodiment of a rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connector component structure of a quick-change cooling pipeline system for a thermoforming mold according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the interface component structure of the quick-change connector in an embodiment of a rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to this utility model.

[0023] The markings in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: 1. Press moving worktable; 2. High-temperature material sheet; 3. Left cooling water pipe; 31. Left main water pipe; 4. Right cooling water pipe; 41. Right main water pipe; 5. Control solenoid valve; 6. Flange; 7. Left tap; 8. Right tap; 9. Main interface; 10. Tap interface; 11. Connector component; 12. Interface component; 13. Branch pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following detailed explanation illustrates the specific implementation methods:

[0025] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown: A rapid mold change cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds, including a left cooling water pipe 3 and a right cooling water pipe 4.

[0026] The left cooling water pipe 3 and the right cooling water pipe 4 are both connected to the control solenoid valve 5 via flange 6, and then lead out the left main water pipe 31 and the right main water pipe 41 respectively, and are connected to the left tap 7 and the right tap 8 respectively on the press moving worktable 1; the left tap 7 and the right tap 8 are respectively connected to the corresponding interface of the thermoforming mold through sub-pipes to cool the high-temperature material sheet 2 on the thermoforming mold. In this embodiment, there are two press moving worktables 1, both of which are existing worktables with the left tap 7 and the right tap 8 added to them.

[0027] The control solenoid valve 5 is equipped with a flange 6 at both its front and rear ends. The control solenoid valve 5 is used to control the on / off state and flow rate of cooling water (or other cooling medium). In this embodiment, the control solenoid valve 5 is a commercially available solenoid valve.

[0028] Both the left tap 7 and the right tap 8 include a main interface 9 and multiple taps 10. The left main water pipe 31 and the right main water pipe 41 are connected to the main interfaces 9 of the left tap 7 and the right tap 8, respectively. Specifically, the main interface 9 is oriented downwards, and the taps 10 are oriented upwards. The main interface 9 and the taps 10 are interconnected. Both the left tap 7 and the right tap 8 have four taps 10.

[0029] Quick-connect couplings are installed at both ends of the left main water pipe 31, the right main water pipe 41, and the sub-pipes. These quick-connect couplings are snap-fit ​​type. In this embodiment, existing stainless steel snap-fit ​​quick-connect couplings suitable for the corresponding pipe diameter are selected. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, a quick-connect fitting consists of a connector component 11 and an interface component 12. In actual installation, in this embodiment, the connector component 11 is installed at the corresponding interface of the thermoforming mold, the branch interface 10, the main interface 9, and one end of the flange 6 closer to the main water pipe. The interface component 12 is installed at both ends of the branch pipe 13 and both ends of the main water pipe so that the two can be connected in pairs.

[0030] In practical applications, to ensure processing efficiency, two press moving worktables 1 (for ease of description, they are defined here as the press external moving worktable and the press internal moving worktable) are used for processing. The thermoforming molds to be cooled are placed on both worktables, one for backup and one for use.

[0031] The sub-pipelines of the two press moving worktables 1 are pre-connected, with the cooling water pipeline disconnected at this time. Then, the left main water pipe 31 and the right main water pipe 41 are connected to the worktable of the current processing position (i.e., the moving worktable inside the press). The flow and volume of cooling water are controlled by the solenoid valve 5 for cooling. After the current mold is produced, the flow of cooling water is cut off by controlling the solenoid valve 5, and the left cooling water pipe 3 and the right cooling water pipe 4 at the main interface 9 are disconnected (snap-lock unlocking, only 2 main interfaces 9 need to be operated); the moving worktable inside the press is opened out, and then the moving worktable outside the press is opened into place. The left main water pipe 31 and the right main water pipe 41 are connected to the worktable of the current processing position (i.e., the moving worktable outside the press), and the flow and volume of cooling water are controlled by the solenoid valve 5 for cooling. During this process, the original worktable (i.e., the moving worktable inside the press) uses the switching gap to disassemble the old mold and install the new mold, reconnect the sub-pipelines (8 quick-change joint operations), and switch to the preparation position for the next cycle.

[0032] This embodiment provides a rapid mold-changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds, which reduces mold-changing difficulty, improves mold-changing efficiency, and reduces operating costs. This solution optimizes the overall pipeline structure, simplifying the mold-side interface into eight sub-pipelines (four on each side of the left and right taps) and two main interfaces (9). The main interfaces (9) handle the cooling water input, thus requiring only the disassembly and assembly of two interfaces each time a mold is changed, significantly improving mold-changing efficiency. Pipeline switching time can be controlled within 5 minutes. Furthermore, it supports a one-for-one standby mechanism for dual workstations; while one workstation is producing, the other workstation can simultaneously install a new mold (pre-connecting sub-pipelines), facilitating continuous production and maximizing production efficiency. Simultaneously, by using snap-fit ​​quick-change connectors, the pipeline disassembly and assembly steps during mold changes are further simplified. Disassembly and assembly can be completed by operating the locking mechanism, making operation more convenient, efficient, and durable.

[0033] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this utility model. Commonly known structures and characteristics are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are knowledgeable of all existing technologies in that field, and possess the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Therefore, those skilled in the art can, based on the guidance provided in this application, improve and implement this solution in conjunction with their own capabilities. Typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of this utility model. These modifications and improvements should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent.

Claims

1. A rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds, characterized in that, It includes a left cooling water pipe and a right cooling water pipe; both the left and right cooling water pipes are connected to the control solenoid valve via flanges, and then lead out to the left and right main water pipes respectively, and are connected to the left and right taps respectively on the press moving worktable; the left and right taps are connected to the corresponding interfaces of the thermoforming mold via sub-pipes to cool the high-temperature material sheet on the thermoforming mold; the control solenoid valve is used to control the on / off state and flow rate of the cooling water.

2. The rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the left and right taps include a main interface and multiple taps; the left and right main water pipes are respectively connected to the main interfaces of the left and right taps.

3. The rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main interface is positioned downwards, and the sub-interfaces are positioned upwards.

4. The rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the left and right taps have four taps.

5. The rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to claim 1, characterized in that, Quick-connect couplings are installed at both ends of the left main water pipe, the right main water pipe, and the sub-pipes.

6. The rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to claim 5, characterized in that, The quick-connect coupling is a snap-fit ​​quick-connect coupling.

7. The rapid mold changing cooling pipeline system for thermoforming molds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control solenoid valve has a flange at both its front and rear ends.

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