Injection mold cooling device

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of mold cooling technology and discloses an injection mold cooling device. The technical solution of this utility model includes a box frame, a thermoelectric power generation module, a fan cooling system, an energy storage and control module, and an external power interface. The box frame includes a top cover, side panels, a support platform, and support feet. The support platform is fixedly installed inside the side panels, the top cover is located above the side panels, and the support feet are fixedly installed at the bottom of the side panels. This device uses a thermoelectric power generation module, which can generate electricity using the waste heat of the hot mold to power the fan, realizing energy recovery and saving external power. Through a three-level power supply architecture and a power switching module, it ensures that the fan can continue to operate when the temperature difference fluctuates or the power generation is insufficient, thus ensuring the stability of the cooling process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of mold cooling technology, specifically relating to a cooling device for injection molds. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional injection mold cooling mainly relies on built-in water cooling channels to remove heat through circulating cooling water. However, this method has significant limitations: First, the water cooling system requires auxiliary equipment such as water pumps and cooling towers, resulting in high energy consumption and easy scaling and blockage of pipes, leading to high maintenance costs; second, for complex cavity molds, it is difficult to evenly arrange the water cooling channels, resulting in temperature differences of 20-50℃ in different areas of the mold, which can easily cause quality problems such as uneven shrinkage and warping of plastic parts; third, the residual heat of the mold (usually the water temperature only rises by 5-10℃) is not utilized and is directly discharged, resulting in energy waste.

[0003] Some companies have tried using air-cooled auxiliary cooling, but traditional air cooling requires continuous power supply from the external power grid, which increases power consumption in mass production scenarios. Moreover, most existing air cooling devices are single power supply mode. When the power grid fluctuates or there is a sudden power outage, the cooling interruption will cause the mold temperature to rise, which will not only prolong the molding cycle, but may also cause mold damage due to the plastic parts remaining in the cavity.

[0004] In addition, the ambient temperature in injection molding workshops is high (reaching over 35°C in summer), and the heat dissipation efficiency of traditional cooling methods is significantly affected by the environment, with cooling capacity decreasing by about 15%-20% in high-temperature environments. At the same time, the vibration generated during mold opening and closing can easily cause the cooling pipe connections to loosen, leading to safety hazards such as water leakage and electrical leakage.

[0005] Therefore, in response to the high heat load, high cycle frequency, and high reliability requirements of injection molds, developing a cooling device that can recover and utilize mold waste heat, provide stable power supply, have efficient heat dissipation, and adapt to complex workshop environments has become the key to solving the problems of high energy consumption, low efficiency, and unstable quality in current injection molding production. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an injection mold cooling device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this injection mold cooling device to solve its technical problems is as follows:

[0008] A cooling device for injection molds is provided, including a housing frame, a thermoelectric power generation module, a fan cooling system, an energy storage and control module, and an external power interface. The housing frame includes a top cover, side panels, a support platform, and support feet. The support platform is fixedly installed inside the side panels, the top cover is located above the side panels, and the support feet are fixedly installed at the bottom of the side panels. The thermoelectric power generation module is distributed on the support platform and the side panels. The fan cooling system is installed on the top cover and the side panels. The energy storage and control module is integrated in the side panel below the support platform. The external power interface is located at the bottom of the side panels.

[0009] Furthermore, the supporting platform is made of 6mm thick 5052 aluminum alloy plate with anodized surface; the side panels and top cover are made of 20mm thick polyurethane foam board with a 0.1mm aluminum foil reflective layer on the inside.

[0010] Furthermore, the thermoelectric power generation module uses bismuth telluride thermoelectric generators, with 4 groups evenly arranged on the support platform, each group consisting of 3 generators connected in series, and 2 groups symmetrically arranged on the side panels, each group consisting of 2 generators connected in series; the low-temperature end of the generator on the support platform is connected to a 10mm thick aluminum heat sink plate by M3 bolts, and the low-temperature end of the generator on the side panels is welded with copper heat pipes, all extending to the outside of the device.

[0011] Furthermore, the fan cooling system includes two 120mm axial fans and two 80mm axial fans. The 120mm axial fans are mounted on the top cover 11, and the 80mm axial fans are mounted on the side panels. The 80mm axial fans are respectively set at a 30° angle on the side panels. (The 80mm axial fans are set at an angle to blow air inward to form a ring airflow field with a wind speed ≥3m / s, which enhances the heat dissipation effect).

[0012] Furthermore, the energy storage and control module includes an energy storage unit and a control unit. The energy storage unit is a 3-cell 18650 lithium battery pack encapsulated in an ABS plastic box. The control unit is an STM32F030 microcontroller minimum system board with a 1602 display screen and an integrated DS18B20 temperature sensor mounted on the support platform 13.

[0013] Furthermore, the circuit system of the device adopts a three-level power supply architecture, including a power generation and rectification unit, a voltage regulator circuit, a power switching module, and a protection circuit. In the power generation and rectification unit, each group of generators is converted to DC power by an MB10F rectifier bridge and connected in parallel with a 100μF / 16V electrolytic capacitor. The voltage regulator circuit includes an MP2307 DC-DC module, an XL6009 Boost module, and an LM1117-3.3V module. The power switching module uses Schottky diodes to implement OR gate control. The protection circuit includes an SMBJ6.5A TVS diode, a 1A resettable fuse, and a TP4056 module.

[0014] Furthermore, a bellows box is fixedly installed on the top cover, and an air duct is fixedly installed on one side of the bellows box.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] 1. This utility model adopts a thermoelectric power generation module, which can use the waste heat of the hot mold to generate electricity to power the fan, realizing the recycling of energy and saving external power.

[0017] 2. An energy storage module and an external power interface are provided. Through a three-level power supply architecture and a power switching module, the fan can continue to operate when there are temperature fluctuations or insufficient power generation, thus ensuring the stability of the cooling process.

[0018] 3. The fan cooling system adopts a design with multiple fans and air guide plates to form a ring airflow field, which enhances the heat dissipation effect and improves the cooling efficiency of the mold. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Box frame; 11. Top cover; 12. Side panel; 13. Load-bearing platform; 14. Supporting feet; 2. Thermoelectric power generation module; 3. Fan cooling system; 31. 120mm axial fan; 32. 80mm axial fan; 4. Energy storage and control module; 5. External power interface; 6. Heat sink; 7. Heat pipe; 8. Air box; 9. Air duct. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] Example 1:

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a cooling device for injection molds, including a housing frame 1, a thermoelectric generator module 2, a fan cooling system 3, an energy storage and control module 4, and an external power interface 5. The housing frame 1 includes a top cover 11, side panels 12, a support platform 13, and support legs 14. The support platform 13 is fixedly installed inside the side panels 12, the top cover 11 is located above the side panels 12, and the support legs 14 are fixedly installed at the bottom of the side panels 12. The thermoelectric generator module 2 is distributed on the support platform 13 and the side panels 12. The fan cooling system is installed on the top cover 11 and the side panels 12. The energy storage and control module 4 is integrated inside the side panels 12 below the support platform 13. The external power interface 5 is located at the lower part of the side panels.

[0026] In this embodiment, the bearing platform is made of 6mm thick 5052 aluminum alloy plate with anodized surface and a temperature resistance of ≥300℃, used to support molds with a weight of ≤50kg; the side panels and top cover are made of 20mm thick polyurethane foam board with a 0.1mm aluminum foil reflective layer on the inside to reduce internal heat loss.

[0027] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module uses bismuth telluride thermoelectric generators with dimensions of 40mm×40mm×3.4mm. The output power is 2.5W when the temperature difference is 100℃. Four groups are evenly arranged on the support platform 13, with three generators in series in each group. Two groups are symmetrically arranged on the side plate, with two generators in series in each group. The low-temperature end of the generator on the support platform is connected to a 10mm thick aluminum heat sink 6 by M3 bolts. The low-temperature end of the generator on the side plate is welded with copper heat pipes 7, all of which extend to the outside of the device.

[0028] In this embodiment, the fan cooling system 3 includes two 120mm axial fans 31 and two 80mm axial fans 32. The 120mm axial fans 31 are installed on the top cover 11, and the 80mm axial fans 32 are installed on the side panels 12. The 80mm axial fans 32 are respectively set at a 30° angle on the side panels 12. The 80mm axial fans 32 are set at an angle to blow air inward to form a ring airflow field with a wind speed ≥3m / s, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect.

[0029] In this embodiment, the energy storage and control module 4 includes an energy storage unit and a control unit. The energy storage unit is a 3-cell 18650 lithium battery pack encapsulated in an ABS plastic box. The control unit is an STM32F030 microcontroller minimum system board with a 1602 display screen and an integrated DS18B20 temperature sensor mounted on the support platform 13.

[0030] In this embodiment, the circuit system of the device adopts a three-level power supply architecture of "thermoelectric power generation as the main method and energy storage and external power supply as auxiliary methods", including a power generation and rectification unit, a voltage regulation circuit, a power switching module, and a protection circuit. In the power generation and rectification unit, each group of generators outputs a voltage of 3~5V (when the temperature difference is 50~200℃), which is converted into DC power by an MB10F rectifier bridge, and a 100μF / 16V electrolytic capacitor is connected in parallel to filter out ripple, with a ripple coefficient ≤5%. The voltage regulator circuit includes an MP2307DC-DC module, an XL6009Boost module, and an LM1117-3.3V module. The MP2307DC-DC module converts a 3~16V input to a stable 5V output with a load regulation rate ≤±0.5% and a maximum output current of 1.5A. The XL6009Boost module starts when the input is <3V, boosting 2~5V to 5V with a conversion efficiency ≥85%. The LM1117-3.3V provides a 3.3V power supply to the microcontroller with a ripple voltage ≤10mV. The power switching module uses a Schottky diode (1N5822, forward voltage drop 0.3V) to implement OR gate control. When the main circuit voltage is ≥4.8V, D1 conducts to supply power, and the external power supply circuit D2 is cut off. When the main circuit voltage is <4.8V, D1 is cut off, and the external power supply is turned on through D2 (output 4.7V). The switching response time is <10ms, and a built-in 10μF tantalum capacitor provides freewheeling to prevent the fan from stopping. The protection circuit includes an SMBJ6.5ATVS transistor, a 1A resettable fuse, and a TP4056 module. The SMBJ6.5ATVS transistor is connected in series at the input terminal, with a response time of <1ns and a clamping voltage of 6.5V, to achieve overvoltage protection. The 1A resettable fuse is connected in series in the external power supply circuit, with a fusing time of <50ms@2A, to achieve overcurrent protection. The TP4056 module integrates overcharge (4.25V), over-discharge (2.5V), and overcurrent (1A) protection to protect the battery.

[0031] In this embodiment, a wind box 8 is fixedly installed on the top cover 11, and a duct 9 is fixedly installed on one side of the wind box 8.

[0032] In use, the hot mold is placed on the support platform, with the mold in close contact with the high-temperature end of the power generator. Heat is transferred to the thermoelectric generator through thermally conductive silicone, creating a temperature difference (≥50℃) between the two ends of the power generator, generating direct current (3~5V). After rectification and voltage regulation, the direct current drives the fan, and excess energy is stored in the lithium battery. An 80mm axial fan 32 generates a directional airflow that blows across the mold surface, accelerating convection cooling. A 120mm axial fan 31 blows the hot air out to the air box 8 and then through the air duct 9 for heat dissipation. Simultaneously, the low-temperature end of the power generator dissipates heat to the outside through fins / heat pipes, maintaining the temperature difference.

[0033] When the mold temperature is high, with a temperature difference ≥80℃, the generator outputs ≥4V, directly driving the fan and charging the battery (charging current 500mA), operating in normal mode. When the temperature difference is between 50℃ and 80℃, the generator outputs 3~4V, with the battery providing auxiliary power to maintain the fan at full speed, operating in energy storage mode. When the temperature difference is <50℃ or the battery charge is <20%, an external power supply becomes the primary power source, while simultaneously trickle charging the battery (200mA), operating in external power supply mode. The microcontroller adjusts the fan's PWM duty cycle (30%~100%) based on the mold temperature (detected via DS18B20), automatically stopping when the temperature is <50℃ to complete the cooling cycle.

[0034] Compared with existing technologies, this invention employs a thermoelectric power generation module, which utilizes the waste heat of the hot mold to generate electricity to power the fan, achieving energy recovery and saving external power. It incorporates an energy storage module and an external power interface, and through a three-level power supply architecture and power switching module, ensures continuous fan operation even during temperature fluctuations or insufficient power generation, guaranteeing the stability of the cooling process. The fan cooling system uses a multi-fan design with air guide plates to form a ring-shaped airflow field, enhancing heat dissipation and improving mold cooling efficiency. It is also easy to use. Therefore, this device effectively utilizes the waste heat of the mold for cooling, provides stable power supply, and offers high cooling efficiency.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

[0036] Apart from the technical features described in the specification, the other technical features are known to those skilled in the art. To highlight the innovative features of this utility model, the other technical features will not be described in detail here.

Claims

1. A cooling device for injection molds, comprising a housing frame (1), a thermoelectric power generation module (2), a fan cooling system (3), an energy storage and control module (4), and an external power interface (5), characterized in that, The box frame (1) includes a top cover (11), a side panel (12), a support platform (13), and support feet (14). The support platform (13) is fixedly installed inside the side panel (12), the top cover (11) is located above the side panel (12), and the support feet (14) are fixedly installed at the bottom of the side panel (12). Thermoelectric power generation modules (2) are distributed on the support platform (13) and the side panel (12). The fan cooling system is installed on the top cover (11) and the side panel (12). The energy storage and control module (4) is integrated in the side panel (12) below the support platform (13). The external power interface (5) is opened at the bottom of the side panel.

2. The injection mold cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bearing platform (13) is made of 6mm thick 5052 aluminum alloy plate with anodized surface; the side panels (12) and top cover (11) are made of 20mm thick polyurethane foam board with 0.1mm aluminum foil reflective layer on the inside.

3. The injection mold cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermoelectric power generation module (2) uses bismuth telluride thermoelectric power generation cells. Four groups are evenly arranged on the support platform (13), with three cells in series in each group. Two groups are symmetrically arranged on the side plate, with two cells in series in each group. The low-temperature end of the power generation cell on the support platform is connected to a 10mm thick aluminum heat sink plate (6) by M3 bolts. The low-temperature end of the power generation cell on the side plate is welded with a copper heat pipe (7), which extends to the outside of the device.

4. The injection mold cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan cooling system (3) includes two 120mm axial fans (31) and two 80mm axial fans (32). The 120mm axial fans (31) are installed on the top cover (11), and the 80mm axial fans (32) are installed on the side panels (12). The 80mm axial fans (32) are respectively set at a 30° angle on the side panels (12).

5. A cooling device for injection molds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage and control module (4) includes an energy storage unit and a control unit. The energy storage unit is a 3-cell 18650 lithium battery pack, encapsulated in an ABS plastic box. The control unit is an STM32F030 microcontroller minimum system board with a 1602 display screen and an integrated DS18B20 temperature sensor mounted on the support platform (13).

6. A cooling device for injection molds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit system of the device adopts a three-level power supply architecture, including a power generation and rectification unit, a voltage regulator circuit, a power switching module, and a protection circuit. In the power generation and rectification unit, each group of generators is converted to DC power by an MB10F rectifier bridge and connected in parallel with a 100μF / 16V electrolytic capacitor. The voltage regulator circuit includes an MP2307 DC-DC module, an XL6009 Boost module, and an LM1117-3.3V module. The power switching module uses Schottky diodes to implement OR gate control. The protection circuit includes an SMBJ6.5A TVS diode, a 1A resettable fuse, and a TP4056 module.

7. A cooling device for injection molds according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wind box (8) is fixedly installed on the top cover (11), and a duct (9) is fixedly installed on one side of the wind box (8).

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