Automotive lighting injection molding system
By adopting independent temperature control for multiple mold cores and a parallel-series cooling channel design in the automotive lighting injection system, the problem of long injection molding cycles for automotive lights has been solved, achieving efficient and stable injection molding production and improving production efficiency and product quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MIND ELECTRONICS APPLIANCE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
Smart Images

Figure CN224426375U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of lighting module technology, and in particular to an automotive lamp injection molding system. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, users have had increasingly higher demands for vehicle appearance. As the "eyes" of a car, headlights have inevitably become a key focus for various car manufacturers, and the requirements for headlight appearance are also getting higher and higher.
[0003] Most components of automotive lights are typically manufactured using injection molding, such as the housing, lamp cover, and light guide. Thick-walled components, in particular, have longer injection molding cycles, resulting in a longer overall production cycle for the automotive light. Reducing the injection molding cycle while ensuring product quality has become a new challenge for the mold industry. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application proposes an automotive lamp injection molding system to improve the problem of long injection molding cycles, thereby improving production efficiency while ensuring injection molding quality.
[0005] An automotive headlight injection molding system includes: a mold, comprising a mold frame and fixed mold cores, wherein there is at least one mold frame, and a plurality of fixed mold cores are spaced apart within each mold frame, and each fixed mold core has a cavity and a first cooling channel; a piping assembly, including a first cooling pipe; and a first temperature control device, wherein there are multiple first temperature control devices, and each first cooling channel is connected to a first temperature control device through a first cooling pipe.
[0006] In the automotive lighting injection molding system of this application embodiment, multiple fixed mold cores are spaced apart within each mold frame, enabling "one mold, multiple cavities" injection molding. Multiple automotive lighting components can be produced in a single injection, suitable for large-scale mass production scenarios. This improves production efficiency while reducing the unit mold cost per product. Furthermore, each fixed mold core's first cooling channel is individually connected to a first temperature control device. This addresses issues such as uneven flow distribution and heat loss differences caused by channel branching when multiple cavities share a single temperature control device in related technologies. It shortens the channel length between the first temperature control device and the first cooling channel, allowing the cooling water to quickly remove heat from each cavity, improving cooling efficiency and significantly reducing the cooling time of each cavity, thereby increasing overall production efficiency. Simultaneously, it can control the inlet and outlet water temperature difference to ensure consistency and uniformity of cooling effect. Thus, while ensuring injection molding quality, it reduces the automotive lighting production cycle and improves the production efficiency and yield of the automotive lighting injection molding system.
[0007] In some embodiments, the mold frame is provided with a second cooling channel, and the piping assembly includes a second cooling pipe; the automotive headlight injection molding system further includes a second temperature control device, and each of the second cooling channels is connected to a second temperature control device through a second cooling pipe.
[0008] On the one hand, this allows the temperature of the mold frame to be controlled within a stable range, reducing thermal deformation and thus improving product consistency and quality. On the other hand, it prevents reverse heat transfer from the mold frame to the mold core, making heat dissipation from the first cooling channel more efficient, which helps to further shorten the injection molding cycle and improve production efficiency and yield. In addition, it can also improve the problem of the mold frame being in a high-temperature state for a long time, thus helping to extend the service life of the mold.
[0009] In some embodiments, the mold frame includes a fixed mold frame and a moving mold frame, the fixed mold core is disposed on the fixed mold frame, and the second cooling channel includes a first sub-channel disposed in the fixed mold frame and a second sub-channel disposed in the moving mold frame. The first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are connected to a second temperature control device in parallel or in series.
[0010] This design has two advantages. First, it helps eliminate the temperature difference between the fixed mold frame and the moving mold frame, thereby improving mold closing accuracy and extending service life. Second, it simplifies the system structure and reduces equipment costs while ensuring effective cooling for both the fixed and moving mold frames.
[0011] In some embodiments, the second cooling pipeline includes a main outlet pipe, a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe connected to the main outlet pipe, a main return pipe, and a third branch pipe and a fourth branch pipe connected to the main return pipe. The main outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of the second temperature control device, and the main return pipe is connected to the return port of the second temperature control device. The first branch pipe and the third branch pipe are respectively connected to both ends of the first sub-channel, and the second branch pipe and the fourth branch pipe are respectively connected to both ends of the second sub-channel.
[0012] Therefore, by connecting them in parallel, the heat dissipation differences between the fixed mold frame and the moving mold frame can be accurately adapted, which helps to improve the cooling accuracy of the second temperature control equipment and thus improve the injection molding quality.
[0013] In some embodiments, the second cooling pipeline includes a connecting pipe, an inlet pipe, and a return pipe. The first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are connected through the connecting pipe. The two ends of the inlet pipe are respectively connected to the outlet of the first sub-channel and the outlet of the second temperature control device. The two ends of the return pipe are respectively connected to the return port of the second sub-channel and the return port of the second temperature control device.
[0014] This design simplifies the structure, reduces the difficulty of pipe layout, and lowers construction costs. Furthermore, by cooling the fixed mold frame first and then the moving mold frame in series, gradient cooling can be achieved, ensuring efficient use of cooling resources and thus improving energy efficiency.
[0015] In some embodiments, the mold further includes a movable mold core corresponding to the fixed mold core. The mold frame includes a fixed mold frame and a movable mold frame. The fixed mold core is disposed on the fixed mold frame, and the movable mold core is disposed on the movable mold frame. The movable mold core forms a core. The cavity and the core enclose an injection space. A third cooling channel is provided inside the movable mold core. The automotive lighting injection molding system further includes a third temperature control device. The piping assembly includes a third cooling pipe. Each of the third cooling channels is connected to a third temperature control device through a third cooling pipe.
[0016] On the one hand, it helps to further improve injection molding quality and reduce injection defects. On the other hand, it enables temperature matching between the cavity and the core, which helps to further improve cooling efficiency and cooling uniformity, thereby further shortening the injection molding cycle and improving production efficiency and yield.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first cooling channel is a conformal cooling channel. This configuration allows the cooling medium to act more evenly on various areas of the cavity when flowing through the first cooling channel, effectively reducing temperature differences between different parts of the cavity, improving cooling efficiency and uniformity, thereby ensuring the dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and molding stability of the injection-molded automotive lamp plastic parts.
[0018] In some embodiments, the third cooling channel is a conformal cooling channel. This configuration allows the cooling medium to act more evenly on various areas of the core when flowing through the third cooling channel, effectively reducing temperature differences between different parts of the core, improving cooling efficiency and uniformity, thereby ensuring the dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and molding stability of the injection-molded automotive lamp plastic parts.
[0019] In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the first cooling channel are each provided with a first temperature sensor and a first pressure sensor, and the first temperature sensor and the first pressure sensor are electrically connected to the first temperature control device.
[0020] By setting up a first temperature sensor and a first pressure sensor electrically connected to the first temperature control device, real-time monitoring of cooling efficiency and pipeline operating status can be achieved. This is beneficial in two ways: firstly, it helps to further improve cooling uniformity and effectively mitigate defects such as shrinkage and deformation in automotive headlight plastic parts caused by local temperature differences and overcooling; secondly, it improves the convenience of pipeline fault diagnosis and maintenance. Furthermore, by reading the temperature and pressure data of the first cooling channel in each cavity, the injection molding consistency across multiple cavities can be ensured, improving product consistency. Moreover, the data can be uploaded and stored, providing feasibility for quality traceability and enabling intelligent production.
[0021] In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the third cooling channel are each provided with a second temperature sensor and a second pressure sensor, and the second temperature sensor and the second pressure sensor are electrically connected to the third temperature control device.
[0022] By installing a second temperature sensor and a second pressure sensor electrically connected to the third temperature control device, real-time monitoring of cooling efficiency and pipeline operating status can be achieved, enabling closed-loop precise temperature control. This benefits both the improvement of defects such as shrinkage and deformation in automotive lamp plastic parts caused by localized temperature differences and over-cooling, and the convenience of pipeline fault diagnosis and maintenance. Furthermore, it ensures consistency in multi-cavity injection molding, improving product consistency. Moreover, it provides feasibility for quality traceability, empowering intelligent production.
[0023] In some embodiments, the mold further includes a hot runner assembly corresponding to each of the mold frames, the hot runner assembly being configured to deliver molten plastic into the cavity of each of the fixed mold cores, the hot runner assembly including a temperature control element, and the automotive headlight injection molding system further including a fourth temperature control device, wherein the temperature control element of each of the hot runner assemblies is connected to a fourth temperature control device.
[0024] On the one hand, it ensures that the molten plastic remains in a stable molten state when delivered to each cavity, achieving "zero-waste production" and thus improving material utilization. On the other hand, it stabilizes the molten state, guaranteeing molding quality. Furthermore, hot runners eliminate the need for cooling runner waste, requiring only the cooling of the product within the cavity, which also helps shorten the molding cycle and improve production efficiency.
[0025] In some embodiments, the hot runner assembly further includes a hot runner plate and a nozzle. The hot runner plate has a main runner and a plurality of branch runners connected to the main runner. Each branch runner corresponds one-to-one with a fixed mold core in the mold frame. Each branch runner is connected to the cavity through a nozzle. The temperature control element is disposed on the hot runner plate and / or the nozzle.
[0026] By placing the temperature control element on the hot runner plate and / or nozzle, the temperature of the molten material in the hot runner plate and / or nozzle can be controlled, avoiding the decrease in molten material fluidity or local solidification caused by uneven cooling, ensuring that the molten material always maintains a suitable injection molding state, which helps to reduce internal stress, improve appearance quality, and reduce warpage.
[0027] In some embodiments, the temperature control element includes at least one of a heating rod, a heating coil, and an electromagnetic induction coil. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of a vehicle headlight injection molding system proposed in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the mold frame and the second temperature control device as proposed in the embodiments of this application.
[0030] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic diagram showing the parallel cooling channels of the moving mold frame and the fixed mold frame as proposed in the embodiments of this application;
[0031] Figure 4 This is a simplified schematic diagram showing the cooling channels of the moving mold frame and the fixed mold frame connected in series according to an embodiment of this application.
[0032] Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the moving mold core and the third temperature control device as proposed in an embodiment of this application.
[0033] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:
[0034] 10. Automotive headlight injection molding system;
[0035] 100. Mold;
[0036] 110. Mold frame; 111. Second cooling channel; 1111. First sub-channel; 1112. Second sub-channel; 112. Fixed mold frame; 113. Moving mold frame;
[0037] 120. Fixed mold core; 121. Mold cavity; 122. First cooling channel;
[0038] 130. Moving mold core; 131. Mold core; 132. Third cooling channel;
[0039] 200. Piping assembly; 210. First cooling piping; 211. Inlet section; 212. Outlet section; 220. Second cooling piping; 221. Main outlet pipe; 222. First branch pipe; 223. Second branch pipe; 224. Main return pipe; 225. Third branch pipe; 226. Fourth branch pipe; 227. Connecting pipe; 228. Inlet pipe; 229. Return pipe; 230. Third cooling flow channel;
[0040] 300, First temperature control device; 400, Second temperature control device; 500, Third temperature control device. Detailed Implementation
[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0044] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0045] like Figure 1As shown in the figure, this application proposes a vehicle headlight injection molding system 10. The vehicle headlight injection molding system 10 includes a mold 100, a piping assembly 200, and a first temperature control device 300. The mold 100 includes a mold frame 110 and a fixed mold core 120. There is at least one mold frame 110, and multiple fixed mold cores 120 are spaced apart in each mold frame 110. The fixed mold core 120 is provided with a cavity 121 and a first cooling channel 122. The piping assembly 200 includes a first cooling pipe 210. There are multiple first temperature control devices 300, and each first cooling channel 122 is connected to a first temperature control device 300 through a first cooling pipe 210.
[0046] The automotive lighting injection molding system 10 of this application embodiment includes a mold 100, a piping assembly 200, and a first temperature control device 300. The mold 100 is the core molding component of the lighting injection molding system 10. The mold 100 includes a mold frame 110 and a fixed mold core 120. There is at least one mold frame 110, which serves as the load-bearing base for the fixed mold core 120. It is usually made of high-strength alloy steel (such as mold steel) and has sufficient rigidity and wear resistance to withstand the high pressure and high temperature during the injection molding process.
[0047] Multiple fixed mold cores 120 are arranged at specific intervals inside the mold frame 110. Each fixed mold core 120 corresponds to a molding unit for a single automotive lamp component. The cavity 121 of the fixed mold core 120 is the molding space for the automotive lamp component, and its outline is consistent with the outer surface shape of the target component, such as the lamp cover or lamp housing. The surface of the cavity 121 is polished or textured to ensure the surface accuracy and structural details of the molded part. The first cooling channel 122 of the fixed mold core 120 can ensure that the heat of the molten plastic can be quickly dissipated during injection molding, improving defects such as shrinkage and deformation caused by local overheating.
[0048] The first cooling channel 122 may have interfaces at both ends, which are connected to the first cooling pipe 210 of the external piping assembly 200 through sealed joints. The first cooling pipe 210 may include an inlet section 211 and an outlet section 212. One end of the inlet section 211 is connected to one end of the first cooling channel 122, and the other end of the inlet section 211 is connected to the first temperature control device 300. One end of the outlet section 212 is connected to the other end of the first cooling channel 122, and the other end of the outlet section 212 is connected to the first temperature control device 300. In this way, the first temperature control device 300 can form a water circulation between the first cooling pipe 210 and the first cooling channel 122, thereby precisely controlling the temperature of each die core 120. Optionally, the first cooling pipe 210 may be, for example, a copper pipe, a stainless steel pipe, a metal braided pipe, a rubber pipe, etc.
[0049] The number of first temperature control devices 300 corresponds one-to-one with the number of fixed mold cores 120. That is, the first cooling channel 122 of each fixed mold core 120 is independently connected to a first temperature control device 300. The first temperature control device 300 can be, for example, a mold temperature controller, which typically includes a heating / cooling unit, a circulating pump, a control system, etc. The first temperature control device 300 can precisely control the temperature of the fixed mold core 120 through the first cooling channel 122 to ensure the injection molding effect.
[0050] In the automotive lighting injection molding system 10 of this application embodiment, multiple fixed mold cores 120 are spaced apart within each mold frame 110 of the mold 100, enabling "multi-cavity" injection molding. Multiple automotive lighting components can be produced in a single injection, suitable for large-scale mass production scenarios, improving production efficiency while reducing the mold cost per unit product. Furthermore, each fixed mold core 120's first cooling channel 122 is individually connected to a first temperature control device 300. This improves upon issues such as uneven flow distribution and heat loss differences caused by channel branches when multiple cavities share a single temperature control device in related technologies. It shortens the channel length between the first temperature control device 300 and the first cooling channel 122, allowing the cooling water to quickly remove heat from each cavity 121, improving cooling efficiency and significantly reducing the cooling time of each cavity 121, thereby improving overall production efficiency. Simultaneously, it can control the inlet and outlet water temperature difference to ensure consistency and uniformity of cooling effect. Thus, while ensuring injection molding quality, it reduces the automotive lighting production cycle and improves the production efficiency and yield of the automotive lighting injection molding system 10.
[0051] Furthermore, since the first cooling channel 122 of each fixed mold core 120 is individually connected to a first temperature control device 300, differentiated temperature control can be supported. For different automotive lamp components within the same mold frame 110, the temperature of the corresponding first temperature control device 300 can be adjusted according to actual needs, such as cooling rate and temperature of the fixed mold core 120, thereby precisely controlling the cooling effect of each cavity 121 and achieving multi-temperature control within a single mold. On the one hand, this can improve the problems of insufficient local cooling, uneven cooling, or over-cooling caused by traditional single temperature control systems, reducing defects such as shrinkage, weld lines, and warping, thus further improving product quality and yield. On the other hand, it is beneficial to improve process flexibility, applicability, and stability.
[0052] Furthermore, a more uniform temperature distribution and cooling effect can reduce thermal stress concentration in the mold core 120 caused by local overheating or uneven heating and cooling, reduce the risk of thermal fatigue, and thus help to improve the service life of the mold core 120.
[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the mold frame 110 is provided with a second cooling channel 111, the pipeline assembly 200 includes a second cooling pipeline 220, and the vehicle headlight injection molding system 10 also includes a second temperature control device 400. Each second cooling channel 111 is connected to a second temperature control device 400 through a second cooling pipeline 220.
[0054] In this embodiment, the mold frame 110 is provided with a second cooling channel 111, and the second cooling channel 111 of each mold frame 110 is independently connected to a second temperature control device 400, which can also be a mold temperature controller.
[0055] As the supporting base for the fixed mold core 120, the temperature stability of the mold frame 110 directly affects the positioning accuracy of the fixed mold core 120. By setting up a second temperature control device 400 for separate cooling of the mold frame 110, on the one hand, the temperature of the mold frame 110 can be controlled within a stable range, reducing thermal deformation and thus improving product consistency and quality. On the other hand, it can prevent reverse heat transfer from the mold frame 110 to the mold core, making the heat dissipation of the first cooling channel 122 more efficient, thereby further shortening the injection molding cycle and improving production efficiency and yield. In addition, it can also improve the problem of the mold frame 110 being in a high-temperature state for a long time, thus helping to extend the service life of the mold 100.
[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the mold frame 110 includes a fixed mold frame 112 and a moving mold frame 113. The fixed mold core 120 is disposed on the fixed mold frame 112. The second cooling channel 111 includes a first sub-channel 1111 disposed in the fixed mold frame 112 and a second sub-channel 1112 disposed in the moving mold frame 113. The first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 are connected to a second temperature control device 400 in parallel or in series.
[0057] The mold frame 110 includes a fixed mold frame 112 and a movable mold frame 113. The fixed mold frame 112 serves as the mounting base for the fixed mold core 120 and remains stationary. The mold 100 typically also includes a movable mold core 130, and the movable mold frame 113 serves as the mounting base for the movable mold core 130. The movable mold frame 113 and the movable mold core 130 can move relative to the fixed mold frame 112 and the fixed mold core 120 to achieve mold opening and closing. When the mold is closed, the fixed mold core 120 and the movable mold core 130 together form the injection space S1.
[0058] The first sub-flow channel 1111 can cool the fixed mold frame 112, and the second sub-flow channel 1112 can cool the moving mold frame 113. The first sub-flow channel 1111 and the second sub-flow channel 1112 can be connected to a second temperature control device 400 in parallel or in series, so that the second temperature control device 400 can cool the fixed mold frame 112 and the moving mold frame 113 simultaneously.
[0059] This design has two advantages. First, it helps eliminate the temperature difference between the fixed mold frame 112 and the moving mold frame 113, thereby improving mold closing accuracy and extending service life. Second, it simplifies the system structure and reduces equipment costs while ensuring effective cooling of the fixed mold frame 112 and the moving mold frame 113.
[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second cooling pipe 220 includes a main outlet pipe 221, a first branch pipe 222 and a second branch pipe 223 connected to the main outlet pipe 221, a main return pipe 224, and a third branch pipe 225 and a fourth branch pipe 226 connected to the main return pipe 224. The main outlet pipe 221 is connected to the outlet of the second temperature control device 400, and the main return pipe 224 is connected to the return port of the second temperature control device 400. The first branch pipe 222 and the third branch pipe 225 are respectively connected to both ends of the first sub-channel 1111, and the second branch pipe 223 and the fourth branch pipe 226 are respectively connected to both ends of the second sub-channel 1112.
[0061] The above structure enables parallel connection between the first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112. The second temperature control device 400 can control the temperature of each sub-channel independently through a flow splitting method, thereby achieving precise temperature control between the fixed mold frame 112 and the moving mold frame 113 of the same pair. For example, manual / electric regulating valves can be installed on the first branch pipe 222 and the second branch pipe 223 to individually adjust the coolant flow rate into the two sub-channels and distribute it as needed.
[0062] Therefore, by connecting them in parallel, the heat dissipation difference between the fixed mold frame 112 and the moving mold frame 113 can be accurately adapted, which is conducive to improving the cooling accuracy of the second temperature control device 400, and thus improving the injection molding quality.
[0063] In other embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second cooling pipe 220 includes a connecting pipe 227, an inlet pipe 228, and a return pipe 229. The first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112 are connected through the connecting pipe 227. The two ends of the inlet pipe 228 are respectively connected to the outlet of the first sub-channel 1111 and the second temperature control device 400. The two ends of the return pipe 229 are respectively connected to the return port of the second sub-channel 1112 and the second temperature control device 400.
[0064] The above structure enables a series connection between the first sub-channel 1111 and the second sub-channel 1112. Furthermore, the first sub-channel 1111 is located upstream, and the second sub-channel 1112 is located downstream.
[0065] This design simplifies the structure and reduces the difficulty of piping layout and construction costs. Furthermore, the fixed mold frame 112, due to its proximity to the injection nozzle and its role in supporting the fixed mold core 120, typically experiences higher temperatures than the moving mold frame 113. In this embodiment, cooling the fixed mold frame 112 first, followed by the moving mold frame 113, in a series configuration achieves gradient cooling, ensuring efficient utilization of cooling resources and thus improving energy efficiency.
[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixed mold core 120 is disposed on the fixed mold frame 112, and the moving mold core 130 is disposed on the moving mold frame 113. The moving mold core 130 forms a core 131. The cavity 121 and the core 131 enclose an injection space S1. A third cooling channel 132 is provided inside the moving mold core 130. The automotive headlight injection molding system 10 also includes a third temperature control device 500. The pipeline assembly 200 includes a third cooling pipeline 230. Each third cooling channel 132 is connected to a third temperature control device 500 through a third cooling pipeline 230.
[0067] In this embodiment, the automotive headlight injection molding system 10 further includes a third temperature control device 500. Each third temperature control device 500 is connected to a third cooling channel 132 of a moving mold core 130 via a third cooling pipe 230. In other words, this embodiment adds an independent cooling module for the core 131 of the moving mold core 130.
[0068] The core 131 has a raised structure that matches the recessed structure of the cavity 121, together forming the injection space S1 of the automotive headlight component. The third temperature control device 500 can also be a mold temperature controller. The core 131 is the direct molding area on the inner surface of the injection molded part, and its temperature stability directly affects the internal shape accuracy of the product. By setting the third temperature control device 500, individual cooling of each core 131 can be achieved. On the one hand, this is beneficial to further improve injection molding quality and reduce injection defects. On the other hand, it can achieve temperature matching between the cavity 121 and the core 131, thereby further improving cooling efficiency and cooling uniformity, and thus further shortening the injection molding cycle, improving production efficiency and yield.
[0069] In some embodiments, the first cooling channel 122 is a conformal cooling channel. A conformal cooling channel means that the extension direction and shape of the first cooling channel 122 are adapted to the contour or surface shape of the cavity 121. For example, along the extension direction of the first cooling channel 122, the shortest distance between any position of the first cooling channel 122 and the contour surface of the cavity 121 is equal, or the shortest distance is within a preset small range. This configuration allows the cooling medium to act more evenly on various areas of the cavity 121 when flowing through the first cooling channel 122, effectively reducing temperature differences between different parts of the cavity 121, improving cooling efficiency and uniformity, thereby ensuring the dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and molding stability of the injection-molded automotive lamp part.
[0070] In some embodiments, the third cooling channel 132 is a conformal cooling channel. This configuration allows the cooling medium to act more evenly on various areas of the core 131 when flowing through the third cooling channel 132, effectively reducing temperature differences between different parts of the core 131, improving cooling efficiency and cooling uniformity, thereby ensuring the dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and molding stability of the injection-molded automotive lamp plastic part.
[0071] In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the first cooling channel 122 are each provided with a first temperature sensor and a first pressure sensor, and the first temperature sensor and the first pressure sensor are electrically connected to the first temperature control device 300.
[0072] By setting up a first temperature sensor and a first pressure sensor electrically connected to the first temperature control device 300, real-time monitoring of cooling efficiency and pipeline operating status can be achieved, enabling closed-loop precise temperature control. This not only improves cooling uniformity and effectively mitigates defects such as shrinkage and deformation in automotive headlight plastic parts caused by localized temperature differences and overcooling, but also enhances the convenience of pipeline fault diagnosis and maintenance. Furthermore, by reading the temperature and pressure data of the first cooling channels 122 in each cavity 121, injection molding consistency across multiple cavities can be ensured, improving product consistency. Moreover, the data can be uploaded and stored, providing feasibility for quality traceability and empowering intelligent production.
[0073] In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the third cooling channel 132 are each provided with a second temperature sensor and a second pressure sensor, and the second temperature sensor and the second pressure sensor are electrically connected to the third temperature control device 500.
[0074] By installing a second temperature sensor and a second pressure sensor electrically connected to the third temperature control device 500, real-time monitoring of cooling efficiency and pipeline operating status can be achieved, enabling closed-loop precise temperature control. This benefits both the improvement of defects such as shrinkage and deformation in automotive headlight plastic parts caused by localized temperature differences and over-cooling, and the convenience of pipeline fault diagnosis and maintenance. Furthermore, it ensures consistency in multi-cavity injection molding, improving product consistency. Moreover, it provides feasibility for quality traceability, empowering intelligent production.
[0075] In some embodiments, the mold 100 further includes a hot runner assembly (not shown) corresponding to the mold frame 110. The hot runner assembly is configured to deliver molten plastic into the cavity 121 of each mold core 120. The hot runner assembly includes a temperature control element (not shown). The automotive headlight injection molding system 10 further includes a fourth temperature control device (not shown). The temperature control element of each hot runner assembly is connected to a fourth temperature control device.
[0076] As a crucial component of injection molds, the hot runner assembly precisely controls the temperature and flow of the molten plastic, ensuring its uniform distribution within the cavity 121, thereby achieving high-quality injection molding. The one-to-one correspondence between the hot runner assembly and the mold frame 110 means that the number of hot runner assemblies corresponds to the number of mold frames 110 in the mold 100, with multiple fixed mold cores 120 within each mold frame 110 using the same set of hot runner assemblies. A fourth temperature control device heats the temperature control elements of the hot runner assembly, thereby maintaining the molten plastic within the hot runner assembly within a stable temperature range. This fourth temperature control device can be, for example, a temperature control chamber.
[0077] In this embodiment, by providing a set of hot runner components for each mold frame 110 in the mold 100, and with each set of hot runner components having its temperature control element individually connected to a fourth temperature control device, on the one hand, it can ensure that the molten plastic is in a stable molten state when it is delivered to each cavity 121, achieving "waste-free production," which is beneficial to improving material utilization. On the other hand, it can stabilize the molten state and ensure molding quality. Furthermore, the hot runner does not require cooling runner waste, only cooling the product in the cavity 121, which also helps to shorten the molding cycle and improve production efficiency.
[0078] In some embodiments, the hot runner assembly further includes a hot runner plate (not shown) and a nozzle (not shown). The hot runner plate has a main runner (not shown) and a plurality of branch runners (not shown) communicating with the main runner. Each branch runner corresponds one-to-one with a fixed mold core 120 in the mold frame 110. Each branch runner is connected to the cavity 121 through a nozzle. A temperature control element is provided on the hot runner plate and / or the nozzle.
[0079] This embodiment further proposes a specific structure for the hot runner assembly. The combination design of the hot runner plate and the nozzle forms a three-stage conveying network of "main runner - branch runner - nozzle". The molten material ejected from the injection molding machine nozzle flows from the main runner to each branch runner, and is finally injected by each nozzle into the cavity 121 of each fixed mold core 120 within the same mold frame 110.
[0080] By placing the temperature control element on the hot runner plate and / or nozzle, the temperature of the molten material in the hot runner plate and / or nozzle can be controlled, avoiding the decrease in molten material fluidity or local solidification caused by uneven cooling, ensuring that the molten material always maintains a suitable injection molding state, which helps to reduce internal stress, improve appearance quality, and reduce warpage.
[0081] In some embodiments, the temperature control element includes at least one of a heating rod, a heating coil, and an electromagnetic induction coil. Therefore, the type of temperature control element can be flexibly selected according to different melt characteristics and molding requirements, improving the versatility and adaptability of the hot runner assembly.
[0082] In this application, the mold 100 includes a mold frame 110, a fixed mold core 120, a moving mold core 130, a hot runner assembly, etc. A mold 100 has at least one mold frame 110, and each mold frame 110 has at least two fixed mold cores 120 and a set of hot runner assemblies. It should be noted that the specific connection methods for the mold frame 110, fixed mold core 120, moving mold core 130, and hot runner assembly can be similar to the connection methods for the mold frame, mold core, and hot runner assembly in existing molds. The difference lies only in that, in this application, each fixed mold core 120 has a first cooling channel 122 connected to a first temperature control device 300 via a first cooling pipe 210; each mold frame 110 has a second cooling channel 111 connected to a second temperature control device 400 via a second cooling pipe 220; each hot runner assembly is connected to a fourth temperature control device; and each moving mold core 130 is connected to a third temperature control device 500 via a third cooling pipe 230. This allows for individual temperature control of each component, thereby significantly reducing the injection molding cycle and improving injection molding efficiency.
[0083] In one specific embodiment, the mold 100 has two mold frames 110, and each mold frame 110 has two fixed mold cores 120. Therefore, there are a total of four fixed mold cores 120, two mold frames 110, and two sets of hot runner assemblies. Correspondingly, the four fixed mold cores 120 are connected to four mold temperature controllers, the two mold frames 110 are connected to two mold temperature controllers, and the two temperature control elements of the two hot runner assemblies are connected to two temperature control boxes. In this way, a total of eight temperature control devices are used for individual control, saving 42 seconds per mold cycle, effectively shortening the production cycle of thick-walled parts from the original 240 seconds to 198 seconds, reducing the production cycle by 17.5%, thereby significantly improving production efficiency.
[0084] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A vehicle headlight injection molding system, characterized in that, include: A mold includes a mold frame and a fixed mold core. There is at least one mold frame, and multiple fixed mold cores are spaced apart in each mold frame. Each fixed mold core is provided with a cavity and a first cooling channel. Piping assembly, including a first cooling pipe; and The first temperature control device, there are multiple first temperature control devices, and each first cooling channel is connected to a first temperature control device through a first cooling pipe.
2. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold frame is provided with a second cooling channel, and the pipeline assembly includes a second cooling pipeline; The automotive headlight injection molding system also includes a second temperature control device, and each of the second cooling channels is connected to a second temperature control device through a second cooling pipe.
3. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mold frame includes a fixed mold frame and a movable mold frame, and the fixed mold core is disposed on the fixed mold frame; The second cooling channel includes a first sub-channel disposed within the fixed mold frame and a second sub-channel disposed within the moving mold frame. The first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are connected to a second temperature control device in parallel or in series.
4. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second cooling pipeline includes a main outlet pipe, a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe connected to the main outlet pipe, a main return pipe, and a third branch pipe and a fourth branch pipe connected to the main return pipe. The main outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of the second temperature control device, and the main return pipe is connected to the return port of the second temperature control device. The first branch pipe and the third branch pipe are respectively connected to both ends of the first sub-channel, and the second branch pipe and the fourth branch pipe are respectively connected to both ends of the second sub-channel. Alternatively, the second cooling pipeline includes a connecting pipe, an inlet pipe, and a return pipe. The first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are connected through the connecting pipe. The two ends of the inlet pipe are respectively connected to the outlet of the first sub-channel and the outlet of the second temperature control device. The two ends of the return pipe are respectively connected to the return port of the second sub-channel and the return port of the second temperature control device.
5. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold also includes a movable mold core that corresponds to the fixed mold core. The mold frame includes a fixed mold frame and a movable mold frame. The fixed mold core is disposed on the fixed mold frame, and the movable mold core is disposed on the movable mold frame. The movable mold core forms a core. The cavity and the core together form an injection space. The moving mold core is provided with a third cooling channel, the automotive headlight injection molding system also includes a third temperature control device, the pipeline assembly includes a third cooling pipeline, and each of the third cooling channels is connected to a third temperature control device through a third cooling pipeline.
6. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first cooling channel is a conformal cooling channel; And / or, the third cooling channel is a conformal cooling channel.
7. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet of the first cooling channel are each equipped with a first temperature sensor and a first pressure sensor, and the first temperature sensor and the first pressure sensor are electrically connected to the first temperature control device. And / or, the inlet and outlet of the third cooling channel are each equipped with a second temperature sensor and a second pressure sensor, and the second temperature sensor and the second pressure sensor are electrically connected to the third temperature control device.
8. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold also includes a hot runner assembly corresponding to each of the mold frames. The hot runner assembly is configured to deliver molten plastic into the cavity of each of the fixed mold cores. The hot runner assembly includes a temperature control element. The automotive headlight injection molding system also includes a fourth temperature control device, wherein the temperature control element of each of the hot runner components is connected to a fourth temperature control device.
9. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hot runner assembly further includes a hot runner plate and nozzles. The hot runner plate has a main runner and multiple branch runners connected to the main runner. Each branch runner corresponds to a fixed mold core in the mold frame. Each branch runner is connected to the cavity through a nozzle. The temperature control element is disposed on the hot runner plate and / or the nozzle.
10. The automotive lamp injection molding system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The temperature control element includes at least one of a heating rod, a heating coil, and an electromagnetic induction coil.