Injection mold, method for its manufacture and use, computer program and computer-readable medium

Abstract

Injection mold (1) comprising at least one ejector plate (2) and one nozzle plate (3) which together define a cavity (4), wherein the injection mold (1) is provided with a data interface (5) for electronically transmitting or electronically reading tool parameters of the injection mold (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates in particular to an “intelligent” injection mold for the production of plastic components. Furthermore, methods for its manufacture and use / operation, a computer program, and a computer-readable medium are specified in this context.

[0002] Injection molds are used in injection molding machines. An injection mold comprises at least an ejector plate and a nozzle plate. The ejector plate and the nozzle plate can be pressed together by the injection molding machine, thus jointly defining a cavity. The nozzle plate has an opening to which a melting unit can terminate. Liquid plastic can be injected under pressure into the cavity of the nozzle plate via the melting unit. The pressure can be maintained during a curing phase until the liquid plastic has solidified. After the plastic part has completely cured, the ejector plate and the nozzle plate can be moved apart again, and the cured plastic part falls out of the opening cavity.

[0003] For the plastic component to cure completely and correctly, it is essential that key process parameters are adhered to. A separate injection mold is manufactured for each plastic component. Therefore, it is crucial that all process parameters are known for each individual injection mold so that the injection molding machine can be set up correctly.

[0004] Especially when manufacturing a large number of components, it is essential that the tool parameters are set precisely. If it is only discovered after the production of a large number of components that the tool parameters were not set correctly, a large number of components may have been produced that are of poor quality, unusable, or defective.

[0005] It is also important to know the process parameters when frequently reusing the injection mold. This allows setup times to be reduced and makes it possible to start production of a large number of components without lengthy changeover times.

[0006] Furthermore, it seems important to train employees correctly to prevent operator errors on an injection molding machine from leading to high scrap rates and / or the production of low-quality plastic components. Such production errors can occur particularly due to operator errors resulting from incorrect settings of the injection molding machine.

[0007] Injection molding machines require precise settings, meaning settings that are perfectly tailored to the specific injection molding process. These settings often need to be configured by the operator. For a modern injection molding machine to function correctly, it is typically necessary to input a large number of parameters. This requires calculating, determining, or reading these parameters. Subsequently, all these parameters must be entered into the injection molding machine so that the injection molding process can begin. If incorrect parameters are entered, it is necessary to identify and correct them. However, such troubleshooting can be time-consuming and complicated. It is also possible that these input errors go unnoticed, resulting in a high volume of rejects.

[0008] Based on this, the object of the invention is to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, it aims to create a method by which the tool parameters can be transmitted to the injection molding machine without the risk of operator error. Specifically, it aims to prevent errors from occurring when determining and entering further parameters, which could lead to an incorrect injection molding process resulting in a high amount of rejects.

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0010] An injection mold contributes to solving this task. The injection mold comprises at least an ejector plate and a nozzle plate, which together define a cavity. The injection mold is equipped with a data interface for the electronic transmission or electronic retrieval of mold parameters.

[0011] An injection mold can be used or set up to produce plastic components. In an injection mold, liquid plastic is formed into a cavity and hardens there. The injection mold is specifically designed for a particular or specified plastic component, thus serving to produce exactly one single, pre-defined plastic component. This makes it possible to produce a large number of (identical) plastic components with a single mold. For correct production of the plastic components, the injection mold is installed and set up in an injection molding machine. Preferably, different injection molds can be used in one injection molding machine. This makes it possible to produce different plastic components in one injection molding machine using different (but precisely assigned) injection molds.

[0012] The injection mold is a multi-part structure comprising (at least) an ejector plate and a nozzle plate. The ejector plate and the nozzle plate can be assembled to form a cavity. In particular, the ejector plate and the nozzle plate can completely seal the cavity, except for an inlet in the nozzle plate. The ejector plate and the nozzle plate can have adjacent (lateral) surfaces, each with a recess formed in it, creating a cavity that is sealed (except for the inlet) when the surfaces are in contact. The injection mold is preferably usable in an injection molding machine. Preferably, the nozzle plate is fixed in position within the injection molding machine, while the ejector plate is movable towards the nozzle plate. With a cavity formed between the ejector plate and the nozzle plate, liquid plastic can be injected into the cavity under pressure through the inlet of the nozzle plate.The plastic can harden in the cavity.

[0013] Furthermore, at least one data interface is provided on the injection mold, which is configured for exchanging or reading data. In particular, it is possible to store, modify, and / or read tool-specific data from the injection mold via this interface. The data interface allows different parameters of the injection mold to be retrieved when data is read. This enables injection molds to be used multiple times, and it is possible to store all data required for using the injection mold in an injection molding machine directly on the injection mold. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually search for the parameters of each injection mold in an external database or document collection.

[0014] The (active) data interface can enable the electronic transmission or electronic retrieval of tool parameters. In particular, electronic means can be provided on the injection mold that initiate and / or execute a data transfer from the injection mold to a receiver (at least partially). It is (further) possible that (external) electronic means are provided that interact with the (passive) data interface of the injection mold to make the data available to a receiver (directly or indirectly). Thus, by using electronic means, the receiver can obtain data via the data interface on the injection mold that is (uniquely) linked to or inherent in the injection mold.

[0015] In particular, it is possible for at least one of the following parameters to be provided or made available via the data interface (hereinafter also referred to in part as "tool parameters"): (1) a tool temperature of the injection mold, (2) a material specification, (3) a shot volume, i.e., the amount of liquid plastic injected into the cavity per injection process, (4) a filling speed, and (5) a tool locking mechanism of the injection mold, i.e., a reduction in the travel speed of the ejector plate towards the nozzle plate immediately before contact. Each of these data sets can specify a value or range of values ​​tailored to the cavity or the injection-molded component to be produced, which can be transmitted or displayed.

[0016] The mold temperature of an injection mold refers to a temperature, temperature range, and / or profile that must be maintained within the mold during component production, particularly when the plastic molten material is injected into the cavity. It is essential to set an optimal mold temperature so that the liquid plastic can properly adhere to the cavity walls and spread completely within them. An excessively high mold temperature can result in poor surface quality and / or prevent the component from emerging from the mold with sufficient rigidity. Conversely, an excessively low mold temperature can prevent the liquid plastic from spreading correctly within the cavity walls and / or cause it to cure uncontrollably, prematurely, and / or too quickly on the colder inner surfaces.

[0017] Since the cavity is usually designed / engineered to meet a specific flow and / or curing behavior of the injected material, a suitable material specification for the injection mold can also be provided.

[0018] The shot volume of an injection mold refers to a quantity or mass specification that must be adhered to when the plastic molten metal is injected into the cavity. An insufficient shot volume can result in the cavity not being completely filled. This can lead to external defects in the cured plastic part. Conversely, an excessive shot volume can cause excessive pressure within the injection mold cavity, potentially resulting in overmolding (an undesirable increase in the amount of plastic molten metal in the cavity) in the cured plastic part.

[0019] The specified and provided filling speed must also be maintained during an injection molding process. An incorrect filling speed (too fast or too slow) can cause the liquid plastic to spread unevenly within the cavity. This can lead to defects in the plastic.

[0020] A tool locking mechanism can increase the service life of the injection mold and improve the safety of the injection molding process. For example, a tool locking mechanism can be configured so that the ejector plate and the nozzle plate are brought together more slowly or with less force towards the end of the closing process or at a predetermined minimum distance from each other, before the two plates come into contact.

[0021] It is also possible to retrieve further parameters of the injection mold via the data interface. In particular, the number of shots (already executed) can be stored or provided via the data interface. This makes it possible to track the number of shot cycles of the injection mold and store it as a parameter.

[0022] It is possible that optimized parameters can be retrieved via the data interface. This allows the aforementioned parameters and / or others to be adjusted. For example, based on the current number of shots, further tool parameters can be adjusted / optimized to account for potential wear effects.

[0023] Preferably, the data interface can be connected to or connectable to a database. The database can be encompassed by the data interface, connected to it (electronically), and / or linked to it via data technology. The data accessible via the data interface can be physically connected to the data interface or accessible via a (preferably wireless) connection. It is possible to design the data interface so that the data can be accessed decentrally. Access can depend on a network connection or be local, or even without a network connection. Data stored in a network can be stored on an internal server accessible wirelessly or via cable. It is also possible for the data to be stored in a cloud or another location accessible via the internet. Preferably, the data interface can be designed as a receiver / transmitter unit.This allows the data interface to retrieve the requested data and send it to the accessing device upon access. Preferably, the data interface is designed and / or configured so that all data can be (collectively) provided and / or transmitted (automatically) when it is used.

[0024] Preferably, the data interface is accessible from the outside of the injection mold. In particular, this allows the data interface to be contacted and / or read from the outside. This also applies when the injection mold is installed or positioned within the injection molding machine, so that data is easily accessible and retrievable via the data interface even in this state.

[0025] Preferably, the data interface is held or attached to the outside of the nozzle plate of the injection mold. This preferred placement on the outside of the nozzle plate minimizes the data interface's exposure to mechanical influences or restrictions related to installation space or travel distance during setup and / or use of the injection mold in the injection molding machine. This is because the nozzle plate is typically fixed in position within the injection mold.

[0026] It is possible that the data interface is (partially and / or temporarily) located within the injection mold or its nozzle plate. Positioning it within the mold or nozzle plate provides better protection against external influences. Nevertheless, the data interface is still accessible from the outside, either via cable or wirelessly.

[0027] The data interface can be connected to the outside of the nozzle plate by force-fit or form-fit.

[0028] A friction-fit connection also allows for the data interface to be disassembled if necessary. Preferably, the friction-fit connection is equipped with a locking mechanism so that the data interface cannot be accessed without first releasing the locking mechanism.

[0029] A positive-locking connection of the data interface allows it to be recessed into the outer surface of the nozzle plate, for example. This can be achieved by ensuring the data interface is flush with the outer surface of the nozzle plate. Such flushness reduces the risk of the data interface breaking off or being damaged during transport or installation and / or removal of the injection mold. It is also possible to implement a positive-locking connection based on a key-and-lock principle. The data interface can have a specific shape. The corresponding injection mold can then be designed so that only this one data interface fits into a receptacle on the outer surface of the nozzle plate. This prevents the data interfaces from being mixed up and avoids incorrect use of the injection mold.

[0030] It is possible to bond the data interface to the outer surface of the nozzle plate using a material-bonded connection. This creates a permanent bond, making removal of the data interface impossible without deliberate intent. Material-bonded connections, particularly by gluing or welding, are preferred, especially for (passive) data interfaces (e.g., barcode labels or stickers).

[0031] The data interface can be an electronic (or active) data interface with a data storage device for storing the tool parameters, a battery, and a communication module.

[0032] It is possible for the data interface to be installed as an independent or standalone interface on or attached to the injection mold. In this way, the injection mold can be upgraded to an "intelligent" injection mold by installing the data interface.

[0033] In particular, the electronic data interface can be installed on the injection mold without major structural modifications. The electronic data interface also allows the data to be read by the injection mold without requiring a connection to a power grid. This means the data interface can be used even under production conditions where an external power supply is neither possible nor planned. Specifically, this also allows data to be retrieved from the data interface during transport.

[0034] The data interface is accessible via the communication module. It is possible to establish a connection with a (remote or external) output device and transmit data from the data interface to the output device via the communication module. The communication module can be a transceiver unit. The communication module can be equipped with a wireless or a wired connection interface. Preferably, the communication module is equipped with a wireless connection interface. In particular, the wireless connection interface can be equipped with WLAN (Wi-Fi), RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, or another industry standard for data transmission.

[0035] A communication channel is preferred that allows a battery-powered output device to connect to the data interface's communication module even during a power outage. The battery can be a rechargeable battery. It is possible for the battery to consist of one or more battery cells.

[0036] The electronic data interface can be equipped with an electronic localization unit. The electronic localization unit can provide location data of the injection mold (via the data interface), particularly via the communication module. The location data of the injection mold can be retrieved via the communication module. This location data can include GPS data, which may be generated, acquired, and / or provided by or via the data interface. It is also possible for the electronic localization unit to perform location tracking (within a building) based on positional information relating to transmitters and / or receivers. Furthermore, it is possible for the electronic localization unit to perform location tracking (within the injection molding machine) based on positional information and / or connections relating to components of the injection molding machine, for example, via RFID or NFC.

[0037] The data interface can be a passive interface where the tool parameters (encoded) can be read. In this case, the data interface may simply be a link to a central or decentralized storage system from which the data can be retrieved. If the data interface is designed as a passive link, it may be a barcode, a QR code, and / or an (alpha)numeric code. In this passive case, the data interface can be implemented as a plaque, sign, etc., on which the tool parameters (encoded) are printed and / or engraved.

[0038] The tool parameters themselves can be stored on external storage. The passive data interface can include means for establishing a (data) connection to the external (data) storage. The data can then be stored on a server, in the cloud, or on an output device. In this case, the data interface can also include location information for the storage location where the data is stored, so that it can be found there.

[0039] The injection mold offers particular advantages and alleviates the problems mentioned at the outset. The specific advantages and design features described for the injection mold are applicable and transferable to the processes and injection mold system described below, and vice versa.

[0040] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing an injection mold is described here, comprising at least the following steps: a. Production of an ejector plate and a nozzle plate for the injection mold, b. Determining predefined tool parameters of the injection mold, c. Storing specific tool parameters on a data storage device, d. Linking the data storage to a data interface, e. Attaching the data interface to the injection mold.

[0041] In step a., the injection mold can be manufactured according to the specifications of the plastic component to be produced. The ejector plate and the nozzle plate preferably form a cavity in a combined state, which represents the shape of the plastic component.

[0042] The size and geometry of the cavity, as well as other factors, can influence or dictate the use of the injection mold. These mold parameters are preferably determined in step b, for example, by calculation and / or measurement. The mold parameters could be selected / predefined according to their value ranges and, if necessary, recorded. This data can be reused in the production of plastic components with the injection mold, thus enabling repeatable and high-quality production.

[0043] The tool parameters can be stored in step c on local, decentralized, or centralized storage. This storage can be part of a data interface, located on a server, in the cloud, or on an output device. In particular, the data must be stored in a way that ensures it is retrievable and uniquely associated with the injection mold.

[0044] The data storage can be linked to the data interface in step d. wirelessly, via cable, or within a component assembly. This link does not need to be permanent; it can be activated and deactivated temporarily. The data interface may include storage. This storage can be connected to the data interface or be part of the data interface within a component assembly. The data interface is linked to the data storage by assembling the data interface. Alternatively, the tool parameters can be stored centrally, thus enabling a link to the data interface. Central storage can be on a server, in the cloud, or on an output device. The data interface may have a wired connection point or a wireless interface.

[0045] The data interface can be attached to the injection mold in step e. in such a way that it is accessible from the outside. Alternatively, the data interface can be attached to the injection mold in such a way that it is not removable, or only removable after a locking mechanism is released. Finally, the data interface can be attached to the injection mold in such a way that the data interface and the injection mold fit together according to the lock-and-key principle. This allows for the use of only one data interface on a correct and compatible injection mold.

[0046] It is obvious that the individual steps a. to e. do not necessarily have to be carried out sequentially and in the specified order. For example, steps c. and / or d. as well as e. can be carried out in reverse order and / or at least partially in parallel.

[0047] The process can be carried out in such a way that an injection molding tool as proposed here is / is produced.

[0048] Furthermore, a procedure for retrieving the tool parameters of the injection mold is also specified, comprising at least the following steps: i. Initiating the query of the tool parameters, ii. Authentication of data transmission, iii. Transfer of tool parameters.

[0049] It is possible to query the tool parameters in step i. using a data receiver on the injection mold, establishing a connection to an electronic data interface or contacting a passive data interface. Specifically, a data receiver can be a readout device or an injection molding machine. A connection to an electronic data interface can be wireless or wired. The query can be performed automatically when the data receiver is brought near the injection mold. It is also possible for the query to be initiated by a query request from the data receiver.

[0050] In step ii., it can be checked whether the data receiver is authenticated to receive data, either by entering authentication data into the data receiver or by checking whether the data receiver's authentication data matches the device data of the injection mold. Preferably, only data receivers that can read and use the mold parameters can access them. In particular, this prevents the mold parameters from being received by a universal data receiver, and especially preferably, it prevents such a universal data receiver from manipulating or changing the mold parameters on the injection mold.

[0051] In step iii, the tool parameters can be transferred from a memory of the electronic data interface or from an external memory accessible via the passive data interface to the data receiver. In particular, an injection molding program can be generated on the data receiver using the transferred tool parameters. It is possible that the tool parameters are applicable, enabling the production of plastic components on an injection molding machine with the injection mold. Preferably, the received tool parameters can be used to make the injection mold universally usable on an injection molding machine. The data receiver can be configured to convert the tool parameters on the data receiver to generate a specific injection molding program for a desired injection molding machine.In other words, the data receiver can use a standardized dataset of standardized tool parameters to output a specific injection molding program on a specific injection molding machine, or directly control the specific injection molding machine with the specific injection molding program. Outputting a specific injection molding program in this way preferably results in a lower error rate in the production of plastic components with that particular injection mold. The injection molding program does not need to be determined (and entered) manually.

[0052] Furthermore, an injection molding tool system is proposed, comprising an injection mold, a data interface on the injection mold, means for reading tool parameters at the data interface, and means for determining an injection molding program for an injection molding machine.

[0053] In particular, an injection molding tool with a data interface for electronically transmitting or electronically reading tool parameters of the injection molding tool is also proposed, which includes means adapted to perform the steps of the procedure for retrieving the tool parameters of the injection molding tool.

[0054] Furthermore, a computer program may be provided, comprising commands that cause the injection molding tool described above to execute the process steps for retrieving the tool parameters of the injection molding tool.

[0055] A computer-readable medium may be provided on which the computer program is stored.

[0056] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to two figures. The illustrations are schematic and not intended to demonstrate scale relationships. The explanations given with reference to individual details of the figure can be extracted and freely combined with information from the preceding description, unless a person skilled in the art would necessarily conclude otherwise, or such a combination is explicitly excluded. The figures schematically show: Fig. 1: an injection molding machine with built-in injection mold, and Fig. 2: an injection mold with a data interface.

[0057] Fig. Figure 1 shows the general structure of an injection molding machine 6. This can be fundamentally divided into a plasticizing unit 7 and a clamping unit 8. The plasticizing unit 7 is, for example, assigned a screw drive 9, whereby the desired plastic is fed to the downstream feed screw and then conveyed by the feed screw to the nozzle 10. The nozzle plate 3 of the injection mold assembly is located in the area of ​​the nozzle 10. Opposite it, the ejector plate 2 of the injection mold assembly is movably arranged, with the movement being carried out, for example, by a hydraulic cylinder 11. The injection mold assembly at the nozzle plate 3 and the ejector plate 2 together form the injection mold 1. A cavity 4 is formed between the nozzle plate 3 and the ejector plate 2, which is closed by the nozzle plate 3 and the ejector plate 2 when the injection mold 1 closes.

[0058] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of an injection mold 1. The injection mold comprises the ejector plate 2 and the nozzle plate 3. The data interface 5 is attached to the nozzle plate 3. The data interface 5 is in Fig. 2 is designed as an electronic data interface. It is also possible that the data interface 5 is a passive data interface. The passive data interface can be implemented, for example, as a QR code, barcode, numerical code, or the like. The passive data interface can be integrated into the nozzle plate 3, printed onto it, or affixed to it. The data interface 5 is accessible from the outside and can also be accessed when the injection mold 1 is installed in the injection molding machine 6. It is also possible that the data interface 5 is not visible from the outside or is integrated into the nozzle plate 3. Reference sign 1 injection mold 2 ejector plate 3 nozzle plate 4 Cavity 5 Data interface 6 injection molding machines 7 plasticizing units 8 locking units 9 worm drive 10 nozzles 11 hydraulic cylinders

Claims

[1] Injection mold (1) comprising at least one ejector plate (2) and one nozzle plate (3) which together define a cavity (4), wherein the injection mold (1) is provided with a data interface (5) for electronically transmitting or electronically reading tool parameters of the injection mold (1). [2] Injection mold (1) according to claim 1, wherein the data interface (5) is connected or connectable to a database in which the tool parameters can be retrieved via the data interface (5). [3] Injection mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data interface (5) is held on an outside of the nozzle plate (3) of the injection mold (1). [4] Injection mold (1) according to claim 3, wherein the data interface (5) is connected to the outside of the nozzle plate (3) by frictional or form-fitting means. [5] Injection mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data interface (5) is an electronic data interface with a data storage device for storing the tool parameters, a battery and a communication module. [6] Injection mold (1) according to claim 5, wherein the electronic data interface is further equipped with an electronic localization unit. [7] Injection mold (1) according to one of claims 1 or 4, wherein the data interface (5) is a passive data interface in which the tool parameters can be read out in coded form. [8] Injection mold (1) according to claim 7, wherein the mold parameters are stored on an external memory, the passive data interface comprising means for establishing a connection with the external memory. [9] Method for manufacturing an injection mold (1) comprising the following steps: a. Production of an ejector plate (2) and a nozzle plate (3) of the injection mold (1), b. Determining predefined tool parameters of the injection mold (1), c. Storing specific tool parameters on a data storage device, d. Linking the data storage to a data interface (5) and e. Attaching the data interface (5) to the injection mold (1), [10] Method for retrieving the tool parameters of the injection mold (1) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: i. Initiating the query of the tool parameters, ii. Authentication of data transmission and iii. Transfer of tool parameters. [11] Injection mold (1) with a data interface (5) for electronically transmitting or electronically reading tool parameters of the injection mold (1), and means adapted to perform the steps of the method according to claim 10. [12] Computer program comprising commands that cause the injection molding tool (1) of claim 11 to perform the process steps of claim 10. [13] Computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to claim 12 is stored.

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