Supercritical sole forming mold

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of mold technology, specifically disclosing a supercritical shoe sole molding mold. The mold comprises an upper mold assembly including an upper mold and an inner core insert connected to the bottom side of the upper mold. The inner core insert is 3D printed and filled with ventilation holes. A middle frame assembly is connected to the bottom side of the upper mold, including a middle frame and a shoe perimeter insert disposed within the middle frame. The shoe perimeter insert is 3D printed and filled with ventilation holes. A lower mold assembly is connected to the bottom side of the middle frame, including a lower mold and a shoe sole insert disposed on the upper side of the lower mold. The shoe sole insert is 3D printed and filled with ventilation holes. The inner core insert, the shoe perimeter insert, and the shoe sole insert together form a molding cavity. A ventilation system is used to extract or inject gas into the molding cavity. This utility model allows for rapid extraction or injection of gas from the molding cavity, reducing molding time and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mold technology, and in particular to a supercritical shoe sole forming mold. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of the footwear manufacturing industry, consumers have increasingly higher requirements for the performance and quality of shoe soles. Traditional shoe sole molding methods suffer from defects such as long molding cycles, uneven gas discharge, and susceptibility to porosity or shrinkage, leading to unstable product quality and low production efficiency. In recent years, the application of supercritical fluid technology in shoe sole molding has gradually attracted attention. Supercritical fluids possess the diffusivity of gases and the solubility of liquids, enabling rapid molding at lower temperatures and pressures while reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution. However, the supercritical shoe sole molding process places higher demands on the gas flow control of the mold. Traditional molds typically use a single vent or a simple ventilation channel, which is insufficient to meet the rapid inflation and deflation requirements of supercritical fluids, resulting in slow gas flow and reduced production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a supercritical shoe sole molding die, in which gas can be rapidly extracted or injected from the molding cavity, reducing molding time and greatly improving production efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A supercritical shoe sole molding die, comprising:

[0006] The upper mold assembly includes an upper mold and an inner core insert connected to the bottom side of the upper mold. The inner core insert is 3D printed and filled with vent holes.

[0007] A mid-frame assembly is connected to the bottom side of the upper mold. The mid-frame assembly includes a mid-frame and a shoe perimeter insert disposed within the mid-frame. The shoe perimeter insert is 3D printed and is covered with ventilation holes.

[0008] The lower mold assembly is connected to the bottom side of the middle frame. The lower mold assembly includes a lower mold and a sole insert disposed on the upper side of the lower mold. The sole insert is 3D printed and is covered with ventilation holes. The inner insert, the peripheral insert, and the sole insert together form a molding cavity.

[0009] A ventilation system is provided on the upper mold assembly, the middle frame assembly, and the lower mold assembly, and the ventilation system is used to extract or fill gas into the molding cavity.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ventilation system includes a first ventilation structure disposed on the upper mold, a second ventilation structure disposed on the middle frame, a third ventilation structure disposed on the shoe periphery insert, and a fourth ventilation structure disposed on the lower mold; the first ventilation structure is connected to the second ventilation structure, the second ventilation structure is connected to the third ventilation structure, and the fourth ventilation structure is connected to the third ventilation structure.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first ventilation structure includes a first ventilation hole for connecting to an external ventilation device, a first annular groove disposed on the bottom side of the upper mold, and a first air groove connecting the first ventilation hole and the first annular groove. The first annular groove is disposed above the inner core insert and matches the shape of the inner core insert.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second ventilation structure includes a second ventilation hole connected to the first ventilation hole and a second air groove, one end of the second air groove being connected to the second ventilation hole and the other end being connected to the third ventilation structure.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second ventilation structure includes a third annular groove disposed on the side of the shoe peripheral insert and communicating with the second ventilation hole.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the third ventilation structure includes a third air groove disposed on the upper side of the shoe perimeter insert, one end of the third air groove being connected to the second air groove and the first air groove, and the other end being connected to the molding cavity.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fourth ventilation structure includes a fourth air groove communicating with the second ventilation hole and a second annular groove, wherein the second annular groove is disposed below the sole insert and matches the shape of the sole insert.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first groove is provided on the bottom side of the upper mold, and the inner core insert is fixed in the first groove; a second groove is provided on the upper side of the lower mold, and the sole insert is fixed in the second groove.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a sealing structure is provided between the upper mold and the middle frame, and between the middle frame and the lower mold.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing structure includes a first sealing ring structure disposed on the upper side of the middle frame and a second sealing ring structure disposed on the upper side of the lower mold.

[0019] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The 3D-printed inner inlay, shoe perimeter inlay, and sole inlay are all filled with ventilation holes. Through the cooperation of the ventilation system and the ventilation holes on the inlay, an external ventilation device is connected to form a complete gas flow channel, which optimizes the gas flow path in the molding cavity, meets the dual requirements of gas filling and exhaust during the supercritical sole molding process, improves the gas flow efficiency in the molding cavity, shortens production and molding time, and significantly improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This invention provides the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. The description includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details should be considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0024] It should be understood that when one element (e.g., the first element) is “connected” to another element (e.g., the second element), the element may be directly connected to the other element, or there may be an intervening element (e.g., the third element) between the element and the other element.

[0025] An embodiment of this utility model provides a supercritical shoe sole molding die, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0026] The upper mold assembly 110 includes an upper mold 111 and an inner core insert 112 connected to the bottom side of the upper mold 111. The inner core insert 112 is 3D printed and is covered with vent holes.

[0027] The mid-frame assembly 120 is connected to the bottom side of the upper mold 111. The mid-frame assembly 120 includes a mid-frame 121 and a shoe perimeter insert 122 disposed within the mid-frame 121. The shoe perimeter insert 122 is 3D printed and is covered with ventilation holes.

[0028] The lower mold assembly 130 is connected to the bottom side of the middle frame 121. The lower mold assembly 130 includes a lower mold 131 and a sole insert 132 disposed on the upper side of the lower mold 131. The sole insert 132 is 3D printed and is covered with ventilation holes. The inner insert 112, the peripheral insert 122 and the sole insert 132 together form the molding cavity 2.

[0029] Ventilation system 3 is provided on upper mold assembly 110, middle frame assembly 120 and lower mold assembly 130. Ventilation system 3 is used to extract or fill gas into molding cavity 2.

[0030] In practical applications, the inner inlay 112, the periphery inlay 122, and the sole inlay 132 are all integrally molded using metal additive 3D manufacturing technology. 3D printing technology can precisely and simultaneously produce intricate sole texture patterns and complex structures filled with ventilation holes. The inlay design allows for easy variation of texture patterns by replacing different inlays, improving the mold's versatility and adaptability. The inner inlay 112, periphery inlay 122, and sole inlay 132 are all filled with ventilation holes, and the hole diameter can be flexibly adjusted according to supercritical materials or other materials, improving mold versatility. The ventilation hole design allows gas to pass through the inlay structure in all directions (X, Y, Z), enabling rapid extraction or filling of gas from the molding cavity during inflation and deflation, reducing molding time, significantly improving production efficiency, preventing trapped air and other air bubbles that affect appearance, avoiding localized gas accumulation or poor flow, and enhancing the overall appearance of the footwear. By cooperating with the ventilation system 3 and the ventilation holes on the insert, a complete gas flow channel is formed by connecting to the external ventilation equipment, which optimizes the flow path of gas in the molding cavity 2, meets the dual requirements of gas filling and exhaust during the supercritical shoe sole molding process, improves the flow efficiency of gas in the molding cavity 2, shortens the production and molding time, and significantly improves production efficiency.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ventilation system 3 includes a first ventilation structure 301 disposed on the upper mold 111, a second ventilation structure 302 disposed on the middle frame 121, a third ventilation structure 303 disposed on the shoe perimeter insert 122, and a fourth ventilation structure 304 disposed on the lower mold 131; the first ventilation structure 301 is connected to the second ventilation structure 302, the second ventilation structure 302 is connected to the third ventilation structure 303, and the fourth ventilation structure 304 is connected to the third ventilation structure 303.

[0032] The first ventilation structure 301 is used to connect to external ventilation equipment. Furthermore, multiple ventilation grooves can be arranged to connect to the inner core insert 112, which is covered with ventilation holes. Gas is drawn from or injected into the molding cavity 2 through the ventilation holes of the inner core insert 112, increasing gas flow efficiency. The second ventilation structure 302 is mainly used to connect the third ventilation structure 303 and the fourth ventilation structure 304. Furthermore, multiple ventilation grooves can be arranged to connect to the shoe perimeter insert 122, which is covered with ventilation holes, increasing gas flow efficiency. The third ventilation structure 303 mainly functions to directly connect to the molding cavity 2 to inject or extract gas from it. It can connect to the second ventilation structure 302, the first ventilation structure 301, or even both, increasing the gas flow speed. The fourth ventilation structure 304 connects to the sole insert 132, which is covered with ventilation holes, increasing the gas flow speed. The ventilation system 3 allows gas to flow smoothly between different parts of the mold, further improving gas flow efficiency and ensuring that gas can be quickly filled and discharged during the molding process, thereby further improving production efficiency and molding quality.

[0033] Furthermore, the first ventilation structure 301 includes a first ventilation hole 305 for connecting to an external ventilation device, a first annular groove 306 disposed on the bottom side of the upper mold 111, and a first air groove 307 connecting the first ventilation hole 305 and the first annular groove 306. The first annular groove 306 is disposed above the inner core insert 112 and matches the shape of the inner core insert 112.

[0034] The first vent 305 penetrates the upper mold 111, with its upper end directly connected to an external ventilation device and its lower end connected to the second ventilation structure 302. Furthermore, gas can quickly enter the first annular groove 306, which matches the shape of the inner core insert 112, through the first air groove 307 connected to the first vent 305, and then quickly enter the molding cavity 2 through the vented inner core insert 112, and vice versa. This achieves rapid inflation and deflation of the molding cavity 2, shortening the molding cycle and improving production efficiency. In this embodiment, the first vent 305 vertically penetrates the upper mold 111, and the first air groove 307 and the first annular groove 306 are located on the bottom side of the upper mold 111 for easy processing.

[0035] Furthermore, the second ventilation structure 302 includes a second ventilation hole 308 connected to the first ventilation hole 305 and a second air groove 309. One end of the second air groove 309 is connected to the second ventilation hole 308, and the other end is connected to the third ventilation structure 303.

[0036] The second vent 308 connects to an external ventilation device via the first vent 305. The second air groove 309 can directly connect to the third ventilation structure 303. In this case, the second air groove 309 can be located on the upper side of the middle frame 121 or inside it. Alternatively, it can first connect to the first air groove 307 and then to the third ventilation structure 303. In this embodiment, the second vent 308 vertically penetrates the middle frame 121, and the second air groove 309 is located on the upper side of the middle frame 121 and connects to the third ventilation structure 303, which facilitates processing. Moreover, the second air groove 309 and the first air groove 307 are arranged opposite each other, increasing the volume of the air groove and increasing the gas flow velocity.

[0037] Furthermore, the second ventilation structure 302 includes a third annular groove disposed on the side of the shoe periphery insert 122 and communicating with the second ventilation hole 308.

[0038] The third annular groove, not shown in the diagram, is a groove set on the inner side wall of the middle frame 121. Gas can directly enter the molding cavity 2 through the side of the shoe perimeter insert 122 which is full of ventilation holes, and vice versa, further improving the gas flow speed around the shoe perimeter insert 122.

[0039] Furthermore, the third ventilation structure 303 includes a third air groove 311 disposed on the upper side of the shoe peripheral insert 122. One end of the third air groove 311 is connected to the second air groove 309 and the first air groove 307, and the other end is connected to the molding cavity 2.

[0040] The third air groove 311 is a horizontal groove located on the upper side of the shoe peripheral insert 122, which leads directly to the molding cavity 2 and is connected to the second air groove 309 and the first air groove 307, thereby increasing the flow rate of gas in the molding cavity 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the fourth ventilation structure 304 includes a fourth air groove 312 communicating with the second ventilation hole 308 and a second annular groove 313. The second annular groove 313 is disposed below the sole insert 132 and matches the shape of the sole insert 132.

[0042] The fourth air groove 312 connects to the second air hole, allowing gas to quickly enter the second annular groove 313, which matches the shape of the sole insert 132, and then quickly enter the molding cavity 2 through the perforated sole insert 132, and vice versa. This enables rapid inflation and deflation of the molding cavity 2, shortening the molding cycle and improving production efficiency. In this embodiment, the first air groove 307 and the second annular groove 313 are located on the upper side of the lower mold 131 for easy processing.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the upper mold 111 has a first groove 113 on its bottom side, and the inner core insert 112 is fixed in the first groove 113; the lower mold 131 has a second groove 133 on its upper side, and the sole insert 132 is fixed in the second groove 133.

[0044] The first groove 113 facilitates the fixing of the inner core insert 112, improving the stability and molding accuracy of the mold structure. Due to the groove, the groove structure on the bottom side of the upper mold 111 in this embodiment is also set along the bottom side of the first groove 113, and the second groove 133 is set in the same way.

[0045] In some embodiments, a sealing structure 4 is provided between the upper mold 111 and the middle frame 121, and between the middle frame 121 and the lower mold 131.

[0046] Since the ventilation system 3 in this embodiment is located inside the mold, and the upper mold 111 and the middle frame 121 and the middle frame 121 and the lower mold 131 are separate, it is easy to cause gas leakage. The sealing structure 4 can further improve the airtightness, prevent impurities from entering, leave suitable gas to cooperate with the supercritical solution, reduce the complexity of the mold and the risk of leakage, and improve the integrity and reliability of the mold.

[0047] Furthermore, the sealing structure 4 includes a first sealing ring structure 401 disposed on the upper side of the middle frame 121 and a second sealing ring structure 402 disposed on the upper side of the lower mold 131.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first sealing ring structure 401 and the second sealing ring structure 402 are arranged around the ventilation system 3 of the upper mold 111, the middle frame 121 and the lower mold 131, in an enclosed manner to prevent gas leakage.

[0049] The terms and words used in the foregoing description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely used by the applicant to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A supercritical shoe sole forming mold, characterized in that, include: The upper mold assembly (110) includes an upper mold (111) and an inner core insert (112) connected to the bottom side of the upper mold (111), the inner core insert (112) being 3D printed and covered with vent holes; A mid-frame assembly (120) is connected to the bottom side of the upper mold (111). The mid-frame assembly (120) includes a mid-frame (121) and a shoe perimeter insert (122) disposed in the mid-frame (121). The shoe perimeter insert (122) is 3D printed and is covered with ventilation holes. The lower mold assembly (130) is connected to the bottom side of the middle frame (121). The lower mold assembly (130) includes a lower mold (131) and a sole insert (132) disposed on the upper side of the lower mold (131). The sole insert (132) is 3D printed and is covered with ventilation holes. The inner insert (112), the peripheral insert (122) and the sole insert (132) together form a molding cavity (2). A ventilation system (3) is provided on the upper mold assembly (110), the middle frame assembly (120) and the lower mold assembly (130), and the ventilation system (3) is used to extract or fill gas into the molding cavity (2).

2. The supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ventilation system (3) includes a first ventilation structure (301) disposed on the upper mold (111), a second ventilation structure (302) disposed on the middle frame (121), a third ventilation structure (303) disposed on the shoe perimeter insert (122), and a fourth ventilation structure (304) disposed on the lower mold (131); the first ventilation structure (301) is connected to the second ventilation structure (302), the second ventilation structure (302) is connected to the third ventilation structure (303), and the fourth ventilation structure (304) is connected to the third ventilation structure (303).

3. The supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first ventilation structure (301) includes a first ventilation hole (305) for connecting to an external ventilation device, a first annular groove (306) disposed on the bottom side of the upper mold (111), and a first air groove (307) connecting the first ventilation hole (305) and the first annular groove (306). The first annular groove (306) is disposed above the inner core insert (112) and matches the shape of the inner core insert (112).

4. The supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second ventilation structure (302) includes a second ventilation hole (308) connected to the first ventilation hole (305) and a second air groove (309). One end of the second air groove (309) is connected to the second ventilation hole (308), and the other end is connected to the third ventilation structure (303).

5. The supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second ventilation structure (302) includes a third annular groove disposed on the side of the shoe periphery insert (122) and communicating with the second ventilation hole (308).

6. The supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third ventilation structure (303) includes a third air groove (311) disposed on the upper side of the shoe peripheral insert (122). One end of the third air groove (311) is connected to the second air groove (309) and the first air groove (307), and the other end is connected to the molding cavity (2).

7. The supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fourth ventilation structure (304) includes a fourth air groove (312) communicating with the second ventilation hole (308) and a second annular groove (313), the second annular groove (313) being disposed below the sole insert (132) and matching the shape of the sole insert (132).

8. A supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The upper mold (111) has a first groove (113) on its bottom side, and the inner core insert (112) is fixed in the first groove (113); the lower mold (131) has a second groove (133) on its upper side, and the sole insert (132) is fixed in the second groove (133).

9. The supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing structure (4) is provided between the upper mold (111) and the middle frame (121) as well as between the middle frame (121) and the lower mold (131).

10. A supercritical shoe sole forming mold according to claim 9, characterized in that: The sealing structure (4) includes a first sealing ring structure (401) disposed on the upper side of the middle frame (121) and a second sealing ring structure (402) disposed on the upper side of the lower mold (131).

Images