A manifold connecting structure and hot runner system
The spherical mating structure solves the sealing failure problem caused by the connection surface error of the manifold, enabling the manifold to be reused and efficiently disassembled, thus reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU HOTST MOULD CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
In hot runner systems, the connection surfaces of manifolds may experience sealing failure and uneven stress due to manufacturing process errors. Traditional copper gaskets are prone to material deformation during disassembly and assembly, which cannot be reversed, resulting in material waste and increased maintenance costs.
By adopting a spherical mating structure, the spherical mating of the first and second mating blocks is used to lock the diverter plate and drive its rotation through the connecting component, so as to achieve a flat fit, replacing the plastic deformation leveling of traditional copper washers and forming a reusable connection structure.
It reduces material waste and maintenance costs, and improves disassembly and assembly efficiency. During maintenance, only the connecting components need to be disassembled and assembled, avoiding the replacement steps of traditional copper washers.
Smart Images
Figure CN224489887U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hot runner system technology, and in particular to a manifold connection structure and a hot runner system. Background Technology
[0002] In hot runner systems, manifolds, as key components for media distribution or pressure allocation, often require assembly. Due to manufacturing limitations, the flatness error of the manifold's connection surface is unavoidable. This can lead to sealing failure or uneven stress when two manifolds are directly attached, affecting the stable operation of the equipment.
[0003] In existing technologies, copper washers are typically placed between the connecting surfaces of two manifolds. Utilizing the good ductility of copper, under preload, the copper washers undergo plastic deformation to fill the unevenness of the manifold connecting surfaces, thereby compensating for processing errors and achieving a smooth fit and sealed connection between the two manifolds.
[0004] However, after copper washers undergo plastic deformation under preload, their geometry and material properties change irreversibly. When equipment needs to be disassembled for maintenance, the disassembled copper washers cannot return to their original shape due to plastic deformation, and their material ductility decreases after being stressed, causing them to lose their leveling and compensation capabilities and become unusable. This results in material waste, increased maintenance costs, and may also affect the efficiency of equipment disassembly and assembly due to frequent washer replacements.
[0005] Therefore, the above problems urgently need to be solved. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a manifold connection structure and a hot runner system to reduce maintenance costs and improve assembly and disassembly efficiency.
[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0008] A splitter plate connection structure is provided for connecting two splitter plates. The splitter plate connection structure includes a first mating block, a second mating block, and a connecting assembly, wherein:
[0009] The first mating block and the second mating block can be spherically mated, and the first mating block and the second mating block are respectively disposed on the two diverter plates;
[0010] The connecting component is used to lock the two splitter plates, so that the first mating block and the second mating block are in close contact through the spherical mating surface, and to drive either splitter plate to rotate when locked, so that the two splitter plates are flat and attached.
[0011] Preferably, the first mating block has a ball groove, and the second mating block has a spherical surface that mates with the ball groove. The spherical surface can be embedded in the ball groove and rotated to achieve leveling.
[0012] Preferably, the opening direction of the spherical groove is opposite to the convex direction of the spherical surface, and the radius of curvature of the spherical surface is adapted to the radius of curvature of the spherical groove.
[0013] Preferably, the diverter plate is provided with a mounting groove, the first mating block is embedded in the mounting groove, and the top surface of the first mating block is not higher than the groove opening plane of the mounting groove, so that when the two diverter plates are locked, the spherical mating surfaces of the first mating block and the second mating block are completely accommodated in the mounting groove.
[0014] Preferably, the connecting assembly includes a plurality of bolts, the threads of which pass through the two diverter plates and lock the two diverter plates together.
[0015] Preferably, a plurality of bolts are disposed on the periphery of the first mating block and the second mating block, and are evenly distributed around the spherical mating center of the first mating block and the second mating block.
[0016] Preferably, the connecting assembly includes a plurality of pads, each of which corresponds to a plurality of bolts, and each pad is fitted onto the corresponding bolt so that each pad is respectively placed at the corresponding bolt position between the two diverter plates;
[0017] The axial height of the pad is less than or equal to the maximum flatness error of the connecting surfaces of the two diverter plates, so that the tightening degree of the corresponding bolt can be independently controlled by each pad and the axial displacement of the spherical fit can be limited.
[0018] Preferably, the first mating block and the second mating block are respectively disposed on the edge area of the connection surface of the two splitter plates.
[0019] Preferably, the first mating block, the second mating block, and the two diverter plates are all made of the same material.
[0020] A hot runner system includes two manifolds and a manifold connection structure, wherein the two manifolds are connected and leveled through the manifold connection structure.
[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0022] In this invention, the spherical fit involves only mechanical rotation without plastic deformation. This allows for rigid leveling instead of the plastic deformation required by traditional copper washers, creating a reusable connection structure and reducing material waste. Furthermore, leveling can be achieved simply by rotating the distributor plate. Maintenance only requires disassembling and reassembling the connecting components, significantly reducing maintenance costs and improving efficiency compared to the traditional method of replacing copper washers. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flow divider connection structure provided by this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of multiple bolts provided by this utility model;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first mating block and the second mating block provided by this utility model when they are not locked;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first mating block and the second mating block when locked together, as provided by this utility model.
[0028] In the picture:
[0029] 100. Diverter plate; 101. Mounting slot;
[0030] 1. First mating block; 11. Ball groove;
[0031] 2. Second mating block; 21. Spherical surface;
[0032] 3. Connecting components; 31. Bolts; 32. Spacers. Detailed Implementation
[0033] Before explaining any implementation of this application in detail, it should be understood that this application is not limited to its application to the structural details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the above drawings.
[0034] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.
[0035] In this application, the term "and / or" describes a relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump and / or a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump can represent: the existence of only one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump, the simultaneous existence of one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump and a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump, or the existence of only one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "and / or" relationship.
[0036] In this application, the terms "connection," "combination," "coupling," and "installation" can refer to direct connection, combination, coupling, or installation, or indirect connection, combination, coupling, or installation. For example, a direct connection refers to two parts or components being connected together without the need for an intermediary, while an indirect connection refers to two parts or components each being connected to at least one intermediary, with the connection achieved through the intermediary. Furthermore, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include electrical connections or couplings.
[0037] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that relative terms (e.g., “about,” “approximately,” “basically,” etc.) used in conjunction with quantities or conditions are to include the values and have the meaning indicated by the context. For example, such relative terms include at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular value, tolerances associated with the particular value due to manufacturing, assembly, use, etc. Such terms should also be considered as disclosing a range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. Relative terms may refer to a certain percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more) of the indicated value. Numerical values not using relative terms should also be disclosed as specific values with tolerances. Furthermore, “basically” when expressing relative angular relationships (e.g., substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular) may refer to a certain degree (e.g., 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees or more) added to or subtracted from the indicated angle.
[0038] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that the function performed by a component can be performed by one component, multiple components, one part, or multiple parts. Similarly, the function performed by a part can also be performed by one part, one component, or a combination of multiple parts.
[0039] In this application, the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used to describe the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when an element is mentioned as being connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that directional terms such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side not only represent positive orientation but can also be understood as lateral orientation. For example, "below" can include directly below, lower left, lower right, lower front, and lower rear.
[0040] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment provides a diverter plate connection structure for connecting two diverter plates 100. The diverter plate connection structure includes a first mating block 1, a second mating block 2, and a connecting component 3. The first mating block 1 and the second mating block 2 can be spherically mated 21, and the first mating block 1 and the second mating block 2 are respectively disposed on the two diverter plates 100. The connecting component 3 is used to lock the two diverter plates 100, so that the first mating block 1 and the second mating block 2 are in close contact through the spherical mating surfaces 21, and when locked, it drives either diverter plate 100 to rotate, so that the two diverter plates 100 are flat and fitted together.
[0041] With this configuration, by setting a first mating block 1 and a second mating block 2 that can mate with spherical surfaces 21 on the two diverter plates 100 respectively, and applying a preload force to the diverter plates 100 using the connecting assembly 3, the mating surfaces of the spherical surfaces 21 are brought into close contact to form a rotatable rigid connection. When the two diverter plates 100 are locked, either diverter plate 100 is rotated, and the relative angle between the two diverter plates 100 is automatically adjusted by utilizing the curvature characteristics of the spherical surface 21 mating. This allows the flatness error of the connecting surface to be compensated by the rotation of the spherical surface 21, ultimately achieving a flat and snug fit between the connecting surfaces of the diverter plates 100.
[0042] Understandably, the spherical surface 21 only undergoes mechanical rotation without plastic deformation, thus replacing the plastic deformation leveling of traditional copper washers with rigid leveling, forming a reusable connection structure and reducing material waste. It is also understandable that leveling can be completed by rotating the diverter plate 100, and maintenance only requires disassembling and reassembling the connecting component 3. Compared to the traditional step of replacing copper washers, maintenance costs are significantly reduced, and disassembly and reassembly efficiency is improved.
[0043] Specifically, the first mating block 1 has a ball groove 11, and the second mating block 2 has a spherical surface 21 that mates with the ball groove 11. The spherical surface 21 can be embedded in the ball groove 11 and rotate to achieve leveling. The mating of the ball groove 11 and the spherical surface 21 is a spherical surface pair connection, which allows rotation around multiple axes in three-dimensional space. When there is a flatness error (such as tilting or twisting) in any direction on the connection surface of the two splitter plates 100, the spherical surface 21 can rotate at any angle in the ball groove 11 to automatically match the relative position of the two splitter plates 100, which is especially suitable for complex working conditions with superimposed errors in multiple directions.
[0044] In this embodiment, the opening direction of the ball groove 11 is opposite to the protruding direction of the spherical surface 21, and the radius of curvature of the spherical surface 21 is matched with the radius of curvature of the ball groove 11. As can be seen, the opening of the ball groove 11 and the protruding direction of the spherical surface 21 are opposite, allowing the spherical surface 21 to be completely embedded within the ball groove 11. This ensures that the preload is evenly distributed across the entire mating surface, preventing localized overload due to insufficient contact area. Furthermore, the matching radii of curvature—that is, the curvature of the spherical surface 21 is slightly smaller than the curvature of the ball groove 11, or the two are precisely matched—ensures that the mating surface forms a continuous annular contact band under preload, guaranteeing rotational flexibility while limiting excessive wobbling of the spherical surface 21. It should be noted that if the radius of curvature of the spherical surface 21 is exactly the same as the radius of curvature of the ball groove 11, they will be over-constrained and unable to rotate; if the difference is too large, the mating clearance increases, and the leveling accuracy decreases.
[0045] To improve the reliability of assembling the two splitter plates 100, a mounting groove 101 is provided on the splitter plate 100. The first mating block 1 is embedded in the mounting groove 101, and the top surface of the first mating block 1 is not higher than the groove opening plane of the mounting groove 101, so that when the two splitter plates 100 are locked, the spherical mating surfaces 21 of the first mating block 1 and the second mating block 2 are completely accommodated in the mounting groove 101. With this configuration, the groove wall of the mounting groove 101 forms a three-dimensional constraint on the first mating block 1. After being embedded, the top surface of the mating block is flush with or slightly lower than the groove opening plane, so that when the two splitter plates 100 are locked, the spherical surfaces 21 of the first mating block 1 and the second mating block 2 are completely sunk into the mounting groove 101, avoiding misalignment of the mating blocks due to external force collisions. When the two splitter plates 100 are locked, the groove opening plane of the mounting groove 101 is in contact with the connecting surface of the other splitter plate 100, and the spherical mating surfaces 21 are completely wrapped inside the mounting groove 101. For example, if the medium leaks from the gap between the spherical surface 21, it must first pass through the gap between the mounting groove 101 and the mating block, and then break through the seal of the connecting surface of the diverter plate 100 to form a double sealing barrier.
[0046] Specifically, the connecting assembly 3 includes multiple bolts 31, the threads of which pass through the two diverter plates 100, locking the two diverter plates 100 together. Understandably, the preload of the bolts 31 can be precisely adjusted using a torque wrench. When the medium pressure changes, the contact pressure of the spherical surfaces 21 can be maintained by tightening the supplementary bolts 31. More importantly, the bolt 31 connection is a mechanical fastener; during disassembly and assembly, the threaded fit between the thread and the screw hole exhibits no plastic deformation, supporting repeated disassembly and assembly, significantly reducing maintenance costs and labor time.
[0047] Furthermore, multiple bolts 31 are disposed on the periphery of the first mating block 1 and the second mating block 2, and are evenly distributed around the mating center of the spherical surface 21 of the first mating block 1 and the second mating block 2. The bolts 31 are evenly distributed circumferentially around the mating center of the spherical surface 21, and the preload of each bolt 31 is radially directed towards the center, forming a symmetrical axial tensile force system.
[0048] To improve operational convenience, the connecting assembly 3 includes multiple pads 32, each corresponding to a bolt 31. Each pad 32 is fitted onto its corresponding bolt 31, ensuring each pad 32 is positioned at the corresponding bolt 31 location between the two diverter plates 100. The axial height of the pad 32 is less than or equal to the maximum flatness error of the connecting surfaces of the two diverter plates 100. This allows each pad 32 to independently control the tightening degree of its corresponding bolt 31 and limit the axial displacement of the spherical mating surface 21. Since the axial height of the pad 32 is less than or equal to the maximum flatness error of the connecting surfaces, if the operator accidentally overtightens a bolt 31 on one side, the pad 32 reaches its maximum compression state before the diverter plates 100 are fully engaged. At this point, the preload of the bolt 31 is limited to the design threshold. Even if torque continues to be applied, the pad 32 cannot deform further, and the axial displacement of the bolt is rigidly blocked, preventing the preload on one side from exceeding the safe range. In practice, operators can judge whether the preload is up to standard by observing the pad 32, without relying on "feel" or experience.
[0049] In this embodiment, the first mating block 1 and the second mating block 2 are respectively disposed on the edge regions of the connecting surfaces of the two flow dividers 100. It can be understood that the core function of the flow divider 100 is to realize the distribution and guidance of fluid, and the central region is usually a multi-channel, manifold structure. The mating blocks are disposed on the edge to completely release the space in the central region and prevent the spherical mating structure 21 from encroaching on the cross-sectional area of the flow channel.
[0050] To improve the reliability of the connection between the two flow dividers 100, the first mating block 1, the second mating block 2, and the two flow dividers 100 are all made of the same material. Since the same material has the same coefficient of thermal expansion, the radial expansion of the mating blocks and the flow dividers 100 is the same when the operating temperature changes, avoiding thermal stress caused by differences in expansion. Furthermore, the elastic modulus and yield strength of the same material are consistent, ensuring that the compressive stress on the mating blocks and the flow dividers 100 is evenly distributed when the bolt 31 is preloaded, avoiding stress concentration caused by differences in the elastic modulus of dissimilar materials.
[0051] This embodiment also provides a hot runner system, which includes two manifolds 100 and the aforementioned manifold connection structure. The two manifolds 100 are connected and leveled through the manifold connection structure. It is understood that the hot runner system including the aforementioned manifold connection structure significantly reduces maintenance costs and improves disassembly and assembly efficiency.
[0052] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A manifold connection structure for connecting two manifolds (100), characterized in that, The diverter plate connection structure includes a first mating block (1), a second mating block (2), and a connection assembly (3), wherein: The first mating block (1) and the second mating block (2) can be spherically mated (21), and the first mating block (1) and the second mating block (2) are respectively disposed on the two diverter plates (100); The connecting component (3) is used to lock the two diverter plates (100), so that the first mating block (1) and the second mating block (2) are in close contact through the spherical (21) mating surface, and when locked, it drives either of the diverter plates (100) to rotate so that the two diverter plates (100) are flat and attached.
2. The diverter plate connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mating block (1) has a ball groove (11) and the second mating block (2) has a spherical surface (21) that mates with the ball groove (11). The spherical surface (21) can be embedded in the ball groove (11) and rotate to achieve leveling.
3. The diverter plate connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening direction of the spherical groove (11) is opposite to the protruding direction of the spherical surface (21), and the radius of curvature of the spherical surface (21) is adapted to the radius of curvature of the spherical groove (11).
4. The diverter plate connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diverter plate (100) is provided with a mounting groove (101), and the first mating block (1) is embedded in the mounting groove (101). The top surface of the first mating block (1) is not higher than the groove opening plane of the mounting groove (101), so that when the two diverter plates (100) are locked, the spherical (21) mating surfaces of the first mating block (1) and the second mating block (2) are completely accommodated in the mounting groove (101).
5. The diverter plate connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (3) includes a plurality of bolts (31), the threads of which pass through the two diverter plates (100) and lock the two diverter plates (100) together.
6. The diverter plate connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple bolts (31) are disposed on the periphery of the first mating block (1) and the second mating block (2), and are evenly distributed around the spherical mating center (21) of the first mating block (1) and the second mating block (2).
7. A diverter plate connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (3) includes a plurality of pads (32), each of the plurality of pads (32) corresponding to a plurality of bolts (31), and each of the pads (32) is fitted onto the corresponding bolt (31) so that each of the pads (32) is respectively placed at the position of the corresponding bolt (31) between the two diverter plates (100); The axial height of the pad (32) is less than or equal to the maximum flatness error of the connecting surfaces of the two diverter plates (100), so as to independently control the tightening degree of the corresponding bolt (31) and limit the axial displacement of the spherical (21) fit by each pad (32).
8. The diverter plate connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mating block (1) and the second mating block (2) are respectively disposed on the edge area of the connecting surface of the two diverter plates (100).
9. A diverter plate connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mating block (1), the second mating block (2), and the two diverter plates (100) are all made of the same material.
10. A hot runner system, characterized in that, The hot runner system includes two manifolds (100) and a manifold connection structure as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the two manifolds (100) are connected and leveled through the manifold connection structure.