Side gate nozzle tip structure and hot runner system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a side gate nozzle head structure and hot runner system, side gate nozzle head structure includes nozzle insert, nozzle tip insert piece and nozzle tip, nozzle tip include the base body that is equipped with with the tip melt channel intercommunication of nozzle insert's melt channel and the coating of plating on the surface of base body, the base body adopts beryllium copper alloy material, the coating is diamond coating. Adopt the composite structure of high strength beryllium copper alloy's base body and the diamond coating of plating on the surface of base body, promote nozzle tip's high temperature resistant strength and surface wear resistance, prolong its service life, optimize the heat conduction homogeneity of nozzle tip, ensure melt temperature stability, reduce the forming defect, keep with the original side gate nozzle's assembly structure compatible, need not change other components and can directly replace.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hot runner technology, specifically to a side gate nozzle head structure and hot runner system. Background Technology

[0002] While the structure of hot runner systems can vary greatly due to differences in plastic types and properties, as well as the shape and structure of plastic products, the basic structure remains consistent. A hot runner system mainly consists of components such as a manifold, main inlet, and nozzles; if the hot runner system uses a needle valve nozzle, it also includes components such as the valve needle and valve needle actuator. The main inlet is the feed end of the hot runner system and contacts the injection molding machine nozzle. During production, molten resin is injected from the injection molding machine nozzle and enters the hot runner system through the main inlet.

[0003] In hot runner injection molding systems, the side gate nozzle is a key component connecting the melt distribution channel and the mold cavity. Its core function is to stably deliver high-temperature molten thermoplastic material (hereinafter referred to as "melt") to the mold cavity, ensuring the quality of the molded product. As disclosed in the invention entitled "Side Gate Nozzle and Injection Mold" with existing patent document number 202080072952.8, the side gate nozzle typically includes a supply block, a distribution block, and a nozzle block connected axially. The nozzle block has a recess, and a nozzle insert is arranged in the recess. A nozzle tip pointing towards the mold cavity is attached to the nozzle insert. The melt is injected into the mold cavity through the outlet opening of the distribution block, the inlet opening of the nozzle insert, and finally through the nozzle tip. Existing side-gate nozzles typically use ordinary alloy steel (such as H13) or pure copper alloy for their nozzle tips. However, the applicant's research has revealed two issues: First, the nozzle tip is in long-term contact with molten metal at temperatures of 150℃-300℃ and must withstand the scouring force generated by the melt flow and the assembly pressure with the mold cavity recess. Existing ordinary alloy steel or pure copper alloy nozzle tips are prone to surface scratches and localized wear under these long-term scouring and assembly pressures, leading to failure of the seal between the nozzle tip and the nozzle insert recess. This results in melt leakage or localized melt stagnation in the delivery path, disrupting melt flow stability and ultimately affecting the dimensional accuracy and appearance quality of the molded product (e.g., defects such as flash and material shortage). Second, the poor thermal conductivity of existing ordinary alloy steel or pure copper alloy nozzle tips easily leads to uneven melt temperature distribution inside the nozzle tip, causing localized overheating degradation or solidification. This not only affects melt flow efficiency but may also produce defects such as product bubbles and shrinkage marks. On the other hand, due to wear and deformation issues, the existing nozzle tips need to be frequently disassembled and replaced, which not only increases the cost of spare parts but also leads to longer equipment downtime and reduced production efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, it is essential to provide a new side gate nozzle head structure and hot runner system to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address one of the aforementioned technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a side gate nozzle head structure and hot runner system that is simple in structure, highly compatible, and has excellent performance.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is:

[0007] One objective of this utility model is to provide a side gate nozzle head structure for a hot runner system, including a nozzle insert, a nozzle tip insert, and a nozzle tip. The nozzle tip includes a substrate having a tip melt channel communicating with the melt channel of the nozzle insert, and a coating plated on the surface of the substrate. The substrate is made of beryllium copper alloy, and the coating is a diamond coating.

[0008] Preferably, the substrate includes a tapered tip at one end, a sealing end at the other end, and a main body portion disposed between the tip and the sealing end.

[0009] The sealing end is a tubular structure with an outer diameter larger than that of the main body and a central opening that serves as part of the tip melt channel. The end face of the sealing end facing the main body serves as a limiting end face for mounting the nozzle tip insert, and the end face of the sealing end facing away from the main body serves as a sealing surface that seals with the recess of the nozzle insert.

[0010] The tip melt channel extends from the sealing end to the tip, with the inlet end on the sealing surface of the sealing end and the outlet end on the side wall of the tip.

[0011] Preferably, the tip has two outlet channels that are symmetrical about the axis of the tip melt channel.

[0012] Preferably, the diamond coating is applied to at least the inner wall surface of the tip melt channel, the outer peripheral surface of the tip, and the sealing surface.

[0013] Preferably, the outer surface of the substrate is coated with the diamond coating.

[0014] Preferably, the sealing mating end is detachably connected to the recess of the nozzle insert; and / or

[0015] The main body is detachably connected to the nozzle tip insert.

[0016] Preferably, the diamond coating is a diamond coating or a diamond-like coating (DLC).

[0017] Preferably, the thickness of the diamond coating is 3-15 μm.

[0018] Preferably, the thickness of the diamond coating is 5-10 μm.

[0019] One objective of this invention is to provide a hot runner system, including the aforementioned side gate nozzle head structure.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0021] This utility model discloses a side-gate nozzle head structure for a hot runner system, which offers the following advantages: 1. Significantly improved high-temperature resistance and wear resistance: The beryllium copper substrate itself possesses excellent high-temperature strength, and combined with a diamond coating (5-10 times harder than ordinary steel), it effectively resists molten material erosion and assembly wear, extending the service life of the nozzle tip and significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime; 2. Optimized thermal conductivity uniformity: The thermal conductivity of beryllium copper alloy is 4-5 times that of ordinary alloy steel. 1. **Superior Thermal Conductivity:** The diamond coating provides superior heat transfer and uniform distribution of melt heat, preventing melt degradation due to localized overheating or flow stagnation due to localized cooling. This reduces defects such as bubbles and shrinkage marks, improving the molding yield. 2. **Stable Sealing Performance:** The smooth surface of the diamond coating (roughness Ra≤0.2μm) and excellent anti-adhesion properties reduce melt residue and adhesion on the sealing surface. The coating's wear resistance prevents scratches on the sealing surface, maintaining a good sealing effect and preventing melt leakage over a long period. 3. **Strong Compatibility:** The external dimensions and installation positioning structure of the nozzle tip are completely consistent with the original side-gate nozzle. No modifications to the supply block, distribution block, nozzle block, or other components are required. It can directly replace the original nozzle tip, reducing equipment upgrade costs and adapting to upgrades of existing production lines. 4. **Wide Applicability:** It is suitable for injection molding of high-temperature engineering plastics such as PA66, PC, and PBT, as well as high-speed molding of general-purpose plastics such as PP and ABS, demonstrating strong versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the side gate nozzle head structure of the hot runner system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An axial sectional view of the nozzle tip of the side gate nozzle head structure in the hot runner system.

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Axial section view of the nozzle tip, nozzle tip insert and nozzle plug assembly of the side gate nozzle head structure of the hot runner system.

[0026] Among them: 10, nozzle tip; 11, main body; 12, tip; 13, sealing mating end; 131, sealing surface; 132, limiting surface; 14, tip melt channel; 141, outlet channel; 20, nozzle tip insert; 30, nozzle insert; 31, melt channel; 40, distribution block. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.

[0028] See Figures 1 to 3 This invention relates to a side-gate nozzle head structure for a hot runner system, comprising a supply block (not shown), a distribution block 40, and a nozzle block (not shown) connected axially, and further including a nozzle tip 10, a nozzle tip insert 20, and a nozzle insert 30. The specific structures of the supply block, distribution block 40, and nozzle block are not described or limited, but refer to the prior art described in the background section; these are not innovations of this invention. A nozzle recess (not shown) is provided within the nozzle block, and the nozzle insert 30 is disposed within this nozzle recess. The nozzle tip 10 is attached to the outward end of the nozzle insert 30 and they are sealed together. The main innovation of this invention lies in the improvement of the nozzle tip 10, specifically, as shown in... Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle tip 10 of this embodiment includes a substrate and a coating (not shown due to its thinness). The substrate is a tubular structure with a tip 12 at one end. Specifically, a tip melt channel 14 is formed inside the substrate, which communicates with the melt channel 31 inside the nozzle insert 30. The outlet end of the tip melt channel 14 is located on the side wall of the tip 12. The substrate is made of commercially available high-strength beryllium copper alloy material, and the coating is a diamond coating plated on the surface of the substrate (it should be noted that the surface here includes both the outer and inner surfaces of the substrate). The plating process is not described or limited here, as it is a conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process and is not an innovation of this invention.

[0029] Regarding the specific structure of the substrate of the nozzle tip 10, such as Figure 2As shown, the substrate includes a pointed portion 12 at one end, a sealing and mating end portion 13 at the other end, and a main body portion 11 disposed between the pointed portion 12 and the sealing and mating end portion 13. In this embodiment of the present invention, the pointed portion 12 is conical, the main body portion 11 is a tubular structure with a generally uniform diameter at all parts of its outer periphery and a first through cavity (not shown) opened axially in the middle, and the sealing and mating end portion 13 is a tubular structure with an outer diameter larger than that of the main body portion 11 and a second through cavity (not shown) opened in the middle, which is connected to and coaxially arranged with the first through cavity of the main body portion 11. An outlet channel 141 is opened on the side wall of the pointed portion 12, which is connected to the first through cavity and the second through cavity and forms an angle (the specific angle is not limited, it is prior art and not an innovation of this present invention). The first through cavity, the second through cavity and the outlet channel 141 together constitute the pointed melt channel 14, that is, the inner cavity of the sealing and mating end portion 13 is implemented as part of the pointed melt channel 14. The outer peripheral surface of the sealing end 13 and the recess of the nozzle insert 30 can be an interference fit, a threaded connection, or a pin connection. The end face of the sealing end 13 facing the main body 11 is configured as a limiting surface 132 for the nozzle tip insert 20 to abut and limit during installation, while the end face of the sealing end 13 facing away from the main body 11 is configured as a sealing surface 131 that seals with the bottom end face of the recess of the nozzle insert 30. During installation, if... Figure 3 As shown, the nozzle tip insert 20 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the main body 11 and its end abuts against the limiting surface 132. The sealing surface 131 of the nozzle tip 10 is sealed together with the bottom end surface of the recess (not shown).

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, the diamond coating covers at least the following key areas:

[0031] 1. The inner wall surface of the tip melt channel 14 is the area that bears the scouring force of the melt because it is in direct contact with the melt;

[0032] 2. The outlet end face of the nozzle tip 10, which is also the outer peripheral surface of the tip 12, is a wear-prone area because this area is the area that connects with the mold cavity.

[0033] 3. The sealing surface 131 that mates with the recess of the base and the nozzle insert 30 is located in an area that ensures the sealing of the assembly.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments, the diamond coating is applied to the outer surface of the substrate (including the outer peripheral surface of the sealing mating end 13, the outer peripheral surface of the tip 12, and the outer peripheral surface of the main body 11), the inner wall surface of the tip melt channel 14, the outlet end of the tip melt channel 14 (i.e., the outlet end of the outlet channel 141), and the sealing surface 131. In other words, the entire outer surface of the substrate is coated with a diamond coating.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, a connecting structure (not shown) for connecting the nozzle tip insert 20 is also provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 11, and a connecting structure (not shown) for connecting with the recess of the nozzle insert 30 is also provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sealing mating end 13. The present invention preferably adopts a detachable connecting structure, such as a threaded or pin connecting structure. This improves the assembly compatibility of the original structure and facilitates assembly and disassembly.

[0036] For the diamond coating, a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating or diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating is preferred (DLC is an amorphous carbon material formed by sp³ and sp² hybridized carbon atoms, with CH bonds in its hydrogen-containing structure. It combines the high hardness of diamond (≥60 GPa) and the lubricating properties of graphite, while also possessing a low coefficient of friction (0.06), high chemical stability, and excellent optical properties). Regarding the thickness of the diamond coating, in some preferred embodiments, the thickness is 3-15 μm. The applicant's research has found that if the thickness of the diamond coating is less than 3 μm, the wear resistance is insufficient, while if it is greater than 15 μm, the coating is prone to peeling due to differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion. In a further preferred embodiment, the thickness of the diamond coating is 5-10 μm, a design that balances wear resistance and adhesion stability.

[0037] The nozzle tip 10 of this embodiment is manufactured using the following process: First, the blank is CNC machined to form a tip melt channel 14 and a sealing surface 131, which is the connection structure with the nozzle insert 30 (e.g., threads, interference fit surfaces, etc.). Then, an aging treatment is performed to ensure the high-temperature strength of the substrate. Finally, a diamond coating of the required thickness is deposited on the outer surface of the substrate, the inner wall of the tip melt channel 14, the outlet end of the tip melt channel 14, and the sealing surface 131 where the substrate mates with the recess of the nozzle insert 30 using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Specific process steps and parameters are not described or limited, and are not the innovation of this invention.

[0038] The side-gate nozzle head structure of this embodiment adopts a composite structure of beryllium copper alloy substrate and coating, which improves the high-temperature strength and surface wear resistance of the nozzle tip, extending its service life; optimizes the heat conduction uniformity of the nozzle tip, ensuring stable melt temperature and reducing molding defects; and maintains compatibility with the original side-gate nozzle assembly structure, allowing direct replacement without modifying other components. In other words, while retaining the overall assembly compatibility of the original side-gate nozzle, it significantly improves the high-temperature resistance, wear resistance, and thermal conductivity stability of the nozzle tip 10.

[0039] In summary, the side-gate nozzle head structure of this utility model's hot runner system has the following advantages compared to ordinary alloy steel nozzle tips such as H13: 1. Significantly improved high-temperature resistance and wear resistance: The beryllium copper substrate itself has excellent high-temperature strength, combined with a diamond coating (5-10 times harder than ordinary steel), effectively resisting molten erosion and assembly wear, extending the service life of the nozzle tip 10, and significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime; 2. Optimized thermal conductivity uniformity: The thermal conductivity of beryllium copper alloy is 4-5 times that of ordinary alloy steel. 1. **Superior Thermal Conductivity:** The coating provides superior heat transfer and uniform distribution of melt heat, preventing melt degradation due to localized overheating or flow stagnation due to localized cooling. This reduces defects such as bubbles and shrinkage marks, improving the molding yield. 2. **Stable Sealing Performance:** The diamond coating has a smooth surface (roughness Ra≤0.2μm) and excellent anti-adhesion properties, reducing melt residue and adhesion on the sealing surface 131. The coating's wear resistance also prevents scratches on the sealing surface 131, maintaining a good sealing effect and preventing melt leakage over a long period. 3. **Strong Compatibility:** The external dimensions and installation positioning structure of the nozzle tip 10 are completely consistent with the original side-gate nozzle. No modifications to the supply block, distribution block 40, nozzle block, or other components are required. It can directly replace the original nozzle tip 10, reducing equipment upgrade costs and adapting to existing production line upgrades. 4. **Wide Applicability:** It is suitable for injection molding of high-temperature engineering plastics such as PA66, PC, and PBT, as well as high-speed molding of general-purpose plastics such as PP and ABS, demonstrating strong versatility.

[0040] This utility model embodiment also provides a hot runner system, including the side gate nozzle head structure of the above embodiment. Because it possesses the side gate nozzle head structure of the above embodiment, it at least has the beneficial effects described above, which will not be elaborated further.

[0041] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be included within its protection scope. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. A side gate nozzle head structure for a hot runner system, comprising a nozzle insert, a nozzle tip insert, and a nozzle tip, characterized in that, The nozzle tip includes a substrate having a tip melt channel that communicates with the melt channel of the nozzle insert and a coating plated on the surface of the substrate. The substrate is made of beryllium copper alloy and the coating is a diamond coating.

2. The side-gate nozzle head structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate includes a tapered tip at one end, a sealing end at the other end, and a main body portion disposed between the tip and the sealing end. The sealing end is a tubular structure with an outer diameter larger than that of the main body and a central opening that serves as part of the tip melt channel. The end face of the sealing end facing the main body serves as a limiting end face for mounting the nozzle tip insert, and the end face of the sealing end facing away from the main body serves as a sealing surface that seals with the recess of the nozzle insert. The tip melt channel extends from the sealing end to the tip, with the inlet end on the sealing surface of the sealing end and the outlet end on the side wall of the tip.

3. The side-gate nozzle head structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tip has two outlet channels that are symmetrical about the axis of the tip melt channel.

4. The side gate nozzle head structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diamond coating is applied to at least the inner wall surface of the tip melt channel, the outer peripheral surface of the tip, and the sealing surface.

5. The side-gate nozzle head structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer surface of the substrate is coated with the diamond coating.

6. The side-gate nozzle head structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing end is detachably connected to the recess of the nozzle insert; and / or The main body is detachably connected to the nozzle tip insert.

7. The side gate nozzle head structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The diamond coating is a diamond coating or a diamond-like coating (DLC).

8. The side gate nozzle head structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thickness of the diamond coating is 3-15 μm.

9. The side gate nozzle head structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The thickness of the diamond coating is 5-10 μm.

10. A hot runner system, characterized in that, Includes the side gate nozzle head structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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