A hopper structure for injection molding machines

Abstract

This utility model discloses a hopper structure for an injection molding machine, characterized by: a feed hopper and a discharge hopper detachably connected by flanges; a plurality of downwardly inclined distribution pipes connected circumferentially to the lower end of the feed hopper within the discharge hopper cavity; a distribution disc rotatably disposed within the discharge hopper cavity below the distribution pipes; discharge holes evenly distributed along the circumference of the upper side of the distribution disc; and a driving component for rotating the distribution disc on the discharge hopper. Through the layered dispersion effect of each component, the material remains uniformly dispersed throughout the entire process from entry to exit within the hopper, completely solving the problems of easy material accumulation and uneven discharge in traditional hoppers, effectively avoiding material blockage, and significantly improving the feeding stability and production efficiency of the injection molding machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model specifically relates to a hopper structure for an injection molding machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the injection molding process, the injection molding machine hopper, as a key component for material storage and conveying, has a structural design that not only affects injection molding efficiency and quality but is also closely related to the effectiveness of the accompanying drying equipment. Traditional injection molding machine hoppers have relatively simple structures. After material enters from the top of the hopper, it easily accumulates inside due to a lack of effective dispersion and guidance. This accumulation not only leads to uneven material feeding and frequent material blockages, reducing injection molding machine efficiency, but also seriously affects the quality stability of plastic products. For example, in the production of products requiring high uniformity of material filling, it can cause defects such as uneven density and dimensional deviations.

[0003] Furthermore, when traditional hoppers are used in conjunction with drying devices, material stacking can hinder the uniform penetration of hot air, preventing the material from fully contacting the hot air and resulting in insufficient drying and low drying efficiency. For example, in some injection molding processes with strict requirements for material moisture content, poor drying and substandard material moisture content directly affect the performance of the molded product, leading to problems such as surface bubbles and internal stress concentration. This also results in poor compatibility with drying devices, making widespread application in actual production difficult. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the defects of the existing technology, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a hopper structure for an injection molding machine.

[0005] A hopper structure for an injection molding machine includes a feed hopper and a discharge hopper detachably connected by a flange. The lower end of the feed hopper is located in the inner cavity of the discharge hopper and is connected to several downwardly inclined distribution pipes along the circumference. The inner cavity of the discharge hopper is rotatably arranged below the distribution pipes and a distribution plate is provided. The upper side of the distribution plate is evenly distributed with discharge holes along the circumference. The discharge hopper is provided with a driving component for driving the distribution plate to rotate.

[0006] In one embodiment, the driving component includes a motor disposed on the outside of the discharge hopper, a driving gear disposed on the drive shaft of the motor, and a material distribution disc disposed concentrically within the discharge hopper via a bearing. A first groove is recessed along the circumference of the outer side of the material distribution disc, and a plurality of teeth are provided in the first groove, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the material distribution disc. A through hole is provided on the circumference of the discharge hopper corresponding to the position of the first groove, and the driving gear can partially pass through the through hole and mesh with the teeth.

[0007] In one embodiment, the material distribution plate includes a circular ring and a plurality of baffles evenly distributed along the circumference and connected to the inner side of the circular ring. The upper end face of the baffles is a triangular bevel, and the material discharge hole is formed between adjacent baffles.

[0008] In one embodiment, the inner side of the discharge hopper is provided with limiting rings spaced vertically, and the material distribution plate is rotatably disposed between the two limiting rings.

[0009] In one embodiment, a material distribution cone is provided at the center of the lower end of the inner cavity of the feed hopper.

[0010] In one embodiment, the material distribution cone is movably disposed in the inner cavity of the feed hopper, and a transmission component is provided between the material distribution cone and the material distribution plate, so that the material distribution cone moves up and down as the material distribution plate rotates.

[0011] In one embodiment, the transmission component includes a push rod disposed at the lower end of the material distribution cone. The lower end of the push rod is provided with a ball bearing. A connecting part is provided at the center of the upper side of the material distribution disc. The upper end of the connecting part is recessed with a plurality of second grooves along the circumference. The second grooves are arc-shaped transition recesses. The lower end of the push rod abuts against the second grooves.

[0012] In summary, the advantages of this utility model over the prior art are:

[0013] This invention utilizes the layered dispersing effect of components such as the material distribution pipe, material distribution plate, and material distribution cone to ensure that the material remains evenly dispersed throughout the entire process from entering to exiting the hopper. This completely solves the problems of easy material accumulation and uneven feeding in traditional hoppers, effectively avoids material blockage, and significantly improves the feeding stability and production efficiency of injection molding machines.

[0014] Furthermore, the uniform dispersion of materials within the hopper structure creates excellent conditions for coordinated operation with a drying device. Hot air can fully and evenly contact the material, significantly improving drying efficiency and ensuring that the material's moisture content accurately meets the standards. Compared to the insufficient drying that occurs when traditional hoppers are used in conjunction with drying devices, this technology can shorten drying time by 30%-50%, while significantly reducing the defect rate of injection molded products caused by poor drying effects, effectively improving product quality and production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an injection molding machine hopper structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an injection molding machine hopper structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3This is a perspective view of an injection molding machine hopper structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0019] like Figures 1 to 3 The present invention preferably provides an injection molding machine hopper structure, including a feed hopper 2 and a discharge hopper 3 detachably connected by a flange 1. The lower end of the feed hopper 2 is located in the inner cavity of the discharge hopper 3 and is connected to a plurality of downwardly inclined distribution pipes 4. The inner cavity of the discharge hopper 3 and located below the distribution pipes 4 is rotatably provided with a distribution plate 5. The upper side of the distribution plate 5 is provided with discharge holes 6 evenly distributed and penetrated along the circumference. The discharge hopper 3 is provided with a driving component 7 for driving the distribution plate 5 to rotate.

[0020] Specifically, the feed hopper 2 and discharge hopper 3 are detachably connected via flange 1. This connection method not only facilitates the overall installation, disassembly, and maintenance of the hoppers but also lays the foundation for the coordinated operation of subsequent components. The lower end of the feed hopper 2 extends into the inner cavity of the discharge hopper 3, with several downwardly inclined distribution pipes 4 arranged circumferentially, acting like a "channel network" for material dispersion. This quickly and evenly distributes the material entering the feed hopper 2 to different areas within the discharge hopper 3, reducing the possibility of material accumulation at the source. A rotating distribution disc 5 is located below the distribution pipes 4 within the inner cavity of the discharge hopper 3. Combined with the circumferentially distributed discharge holes 6 on its upper side and the driving component 7 that drives the distribution disc 5 to rotate, this further achieves dynamic dispersion and uniform discharge of the material.

[0021] Furthermore, the driving component 7 includes a motor 8 disposed on the outside of the discharge hopper 3, a driving gear 9 disposed on the drive shaft of the motor 8, and the material distribution plate 5 is disposed in the inner cavity of the discharge hopper 3 in a concentric manner through a bearing. The outer side of the material distribution plate 5 has a first groove 10 recessed along the circumference, and a plurality of teeth 11 are provided in the first groove 10, and the plurality of teeth 11 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the material distribution plate 5. A through hole 12 is provided on the periphery of the discharge hopper 3 corresponding to the position of the first groove 10, and the driving gear 9 can partially pass through the through hole 12 and mesh with the teeth 11.

[0022] Specifically, in the drive component 7, the motor 8, located outside the discharge hopper 3, serves as the power source. The drive gear 9 on its drive shaft meshes with the teeth 11 in the first groove 10 on the outside of the distribution plate 5 through the through hole 12 on the discharge hopper 3. This gear transmission method enables precise control of the rotation speed of the distribution plate 5. When the motor 8 starts, the drive gear 9 rotates and drives the distribution plate 5 to rotate smoothly within the discharge hopper 3, allowing the discharge holes 6 on the distribution plate 5 to pass sequentially below the distribution pipe 4, ensuring that the material enters the subsequent injection molding process with a stable flow rate and uniform distribution, avoiding localized material accumulation caused by uneven material discharge.

[0023] Furthermore, the distributing disc 5 includes a circular ring 51 and a plurality of baffles 52 evenly distributed along the circumference and connected to the inner side of the circular ring 51. The upper end face of each baffle 52 is a triangular bevel, and the discharge hole 6 is formed between adjacent baffles 52. Furthermore, the inner side of the discharge hopper 3 is provided with limiting rings 53 spaced vertically, and the distributing disc 5 is rotatably disposed between two limiting rings 53.

[0024] Specifically, the distribution plate 5 consists of a circular ring 51 and baffles 52 evenly distributed along the circumference and connected to the inner side of the circular ring 51. The triangular inclined surface design on the upper end of the baffles 52 acts like a series of small "guide slopes". When the material falls from the distribution pipe 4, the triangular inclined surface can guide the material to slide smoothly into the discharge hole 6 formed between adjacent baffles 52, effectively preventing the material from accumulating on the surface of the distribution plate 5, and further ensuring the smoothness and uniformity of the discharge. At the same time, the limiting rings 53 set at intervals on the inner side of the discharge hopper 3 stably restrict the distribution plate 5 between the two limiting rings 53, ensuring that the distribution plate 5 will not deviate vertically during rotation, and maintaining the stability of the entire distribution process.

[0025] Furthermore, a material distribution cone 13 is provided at the center of the lower end of the inner cavity of the feed hopper 2. Furthermore, the material distribution cone 13 is movably disposed within the inner cavity of the feed hopper 2, and a transmission component 14 is provided between the material distribution cone 13 and the material distribution disc 5, causing the material distribution cone 13 to move up and down as the material distribution disc 5 rotates. Furthermore, the transmission component 14 includes a push rod 15, which is disposed at the lower end of the material distribution cone 13. A ball bearing is provided at the lower end of the push rod 15. A connecting portion 15 is provided at the center of the upper side of the material distribution disc 5. Several second grooves 16 are recessed along the circumference of the upper end of the connecting portion 15. The second grooves 16 are arc-shaped transition recesses, and the lower end of the push rod 15 abuts against the second grooves 16.

[0026] Specifically, the distribution cone 13 at the lower center of the inner cavity of the feed hopper 2 initially disperses the material in a cone shape before it enters the distribution pipe 4, allowing the material to spread more evenly into the distribution pipe 4. The up-and-down movement of the distribution cone 13, combined with the transmission component 14 between it and the distribution plate 5, enables dynamic adjustment of the material dispersion. In the transmission component 14, the ball bearing at the lower end of the push rod 15 engages with the second groove 16 of the upper connecting part 15 of the distribution plate 5. When the distribution plate 5 rotates, the ball bearing rolls within the arc-shaped transition recess of the second groove 16, driving the push rod 15 to move up and down, thereby causing the distribution cone 13 to move up and down. During this process, the change in the height of the distribution cone 13 alters the dispersion angle and range of the material within the feed hopper 2, adapting to different material characteristics and production needs. This ensures that the material remains evenly dispersed at multiple stages, creating conditions for good coordination with the drying device.

[0027] Through the synergistic action of the aforementioned components, this hopper structure ensures that the material remains uniformly dispersed within the hopper. When used in conjunction with a drying device, hot air can penetrate the material layer more smoothly. The contact area between the material and the hot air is significantly increased and made more uniform, thereby significantly improving drying efficiency and effect. For example, during the drying process, the hot air can quickly remove moisture from the surface and interior of the material, avoiding localized moisture residue problems caused by material stacking. This ensures that the material moisture content meets the stringent requirements of the injection molding process, effectively reducing quality problems such as surface bubbles and internal stress concentration in injection molded products caused by substandard moisture content.

[0028] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles and main features of this utility model, as well as its advantages. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An injection molding machine hopper structure characterized by: It includes a feed hopper (2) and a discharge hopper (3) detachably connected by a flange (1). The lower end of the feed hopper (2) is located in the inner cavity of the discharge hopper (3) and is connected to several downwardly inclined distribution pipes (4). The inner cavity of the discharge hopper (3) is rotatably provided with a distribution plate (5) located below the distribution pipes (4). The upper side of the distribution plate (5) is evenly distributed with discharge holes (6) through it. The discharge hopper (3) is provided with a driving component (7) for driving the distribution plate (5) to rotate.

2. A hopper structure for an injection molding machine as defined in claim 1, wherein: The driving component (7) includes a motor (8) disposed on the outside of the discharge hopper (3). A driving gear (9) is disposed on the drive shaft of the motor (8). The material distribution plate (5) is disposed in the inner cavity of the discharge hopper (3) in a concentric manner through a bearing. A first groove (10) is recessed along the circumference of the outer side of the material distribution plate (5). A plurality of teeth (11) are provided in the first groove (10), and the plurality of teeth (11) are evenly arranged along the circumference of the material distribution plate (5). A through hole (12) is provided on the periphery of the discharge hopper (3) corresponding to the position of the first groove (10). The driving gear (9) can partially pass through the through hole (12) and mesh with the teeth (11).

3. The hopper structure of claim 1 wherein: The material distribution plate (5) includes a ring (51) and several baffles (52) evenly distributed along the circumference and connected to the inner side of the ring (51). The upper surface of the baffle (52) is a triangular bevel, and the material discharge hole (6) is formed between adjacent baffles (52).

4. The hopper structure of claim 1 wherein: The discharge hopper (3) is provided with upper and lower limit rings (53) at intervals on the inner side, and the material distribution plate (5) is rotatably set between the two limit rings (53).

5. The hopper structure of an injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A material distribution cone (13) is provided at the center of the lower end of the inner cavity of the feed hopper (2).

6. The hopper structure of an injection molding machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The material distribution cone (13) is movably disposed in the inner cavity of the feed hopper (2). A transmission component (14) is provided between the material distribution cone (13) and the material distribution plate (5). The material distribution cone (13) moves up and down with the rotation of the material distribution plate (5) through the transmission component (14).

7. The hopper structure of an injection molding machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmission component (14) includes a push rod, which is located at the lower end of the material distribution cone (13). The lower end of the push rod is provided with a ball bearing. A connecting part (15) is provided at the center of the upper side of the material distribution disc (5). The upper end of the connecting part (15) has several second grooves (16) recessed along the circumference. The second grooves (16) are arc-shaped transition recesses. The lower end of the push rod abuts against the second grooves (16).

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