Injection molding tool, device and associated method

Abstract

Injection molding tool, associated device and method This injection molding tool (12) comprises: - a mold (14) comprising a first mold part (24) and a second mold part (26), each mold part (24, 26) comprising a side face (28); and - at least one first supply unit (15), comprising: + at least one first supply element (34), configured to supply the mold (14) with a first commodity or to evacuate from the mold (14) such a commodity, + at least one second supply element (36), configured to supply the mold (14) with a second commodity or to evacuate from the mold (14) such a commodity, and + a connector (38), movable between a disconnected position and a connected position, in which said connector (38) is fixed to the lateral face (28), and in which the first (34) and second (36) supply elements carried by the connector (38) are connected to the mold (14).Figure for abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Injection molding tool, associated device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection molding tool. The invention further relates to an injection molding device comprising such a molding tool. The invention further relates to a method of injection molding using such a molding tool.

[0002] In the field of injection molding, it is known to use molds supplied from various convenience sources. The molds are, for example, simultaneously supplied with heat transfer fluid, for cooling the molds, with electricity, and with oil, for example to actuate jacks moving different elements of the mold.

[0003] For this purpose, it is known to connect different means of supplying the mold, supplying the mold from sources of heat transfer fluid, electricity or oil, directly to the mold. Such supply means take for example the form of cables or conduits and are generally connected and secured individually to the mold.

[0004] An injection molding tool in which the feed means are connected to the mold in this way is not, however, entirely satisfactory.

[0005] Indeed, the connection of the various cables and conduits between their source and the mold generally results in a complex tangle around the mold, which complicates maintenance operations, or can even hinder the proper functioning of the mold. In addition, it is generally necessary to provide protective edges on the periphery of the mold, aimed at protecting the supply means installed on the mold. This leads to excessive bulk of the mold, resulting in the use of often oversized injection molding devices, and thus resulting in expensive molding. In addition, the installation of the supply means on the mold proves tedious in such molding tools.

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is then to provide a molding tool which allows inexpensive and easy injection molding.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to an injection molding tool, comprising:

[0008] - a mold comprising a first mold part and a second mold part mold, movable relative to each other in a mold opening direction, each mold part comprising at least one lateral face extending in a plane parallel to the opening direction; and

[0009] - at least one first mold feed unit, comprising:

[0010] + at least one first feed element, configured to feed the mold with a first convenience from a first source chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source, or to evacuate such a convenience from the mold,

[0011] + at least one second feed element, configured to feed the mold into a second commodity from a second source, chosen from: a heat transfer fluid source, an electricity source, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source, or to evacuate such a commodity from the mold, and

[0012] + a connector, carrying the first and second power supply elements, the connector being movable between a disconnected position, in which the connector is spaced from the first mold part, and a connected position, in which said connector is fixed to the side face of the first mold part, and in which the first and second power elements carried by the connector are connected to the mold.

[0013] The use of a connector carrying power elements from separate sources is particularly advantageous since such a connector allows the simultaneous connection of several power elements and reduces the clutter of cables and conduits around the mold. The attachment of such a connector on a side face also makes it possible to reduce the size of the mold by eliminating the need for protective edges, resulting in inexpensive injection molding.

[0014] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the injection molding tool comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0015] - the power supply unit comprises an articulated arm carrying the connector, the arm articulated being secured to a support element of the first mold part;

[0016] - the articulated arm comprises:

[0017] - a base, integral with the support element,

[0018] - a first movable section, movable in rotation relative to the base according to a first axis of rotation, substantially perpendicular to the opening direction,

[0019] - a second movable section, movable in rotation relative to the first section movable along a second axis of rotation, substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation,

[0020] the connector being movable in rotation relative to the second section along a third axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first and second axes of rotation;

[0021] - the tool further comprises a second mold feed unit, said second power supply unit comprising:

[0022] - at least one other first power supply element, configured to power the mold into a first commodity from a first source chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source, or to evacuate such a commodity from the mold,

[0023] - at least one other second power supply element, configured to supply the mold into a second commodity from a second source, selected from: a heat transfer fluid source, an electricity source, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source, or to evacuate such a commodity from the mold, and

[0024] - another connector, carrying the other first and second elements feed, the other connector being movable between a disconnected position, in which the other connector is spaced from the second mold part, and a connected position, in which said other connector is fixed to the side face of the second mold part, and in which the other first and second feed elements carried by the other connector are connected to the mold;

[0025] - the side faces of the first and second mold parts on which the connectors of the first and second power units are fixed, extending on the same side of the mold;

[0026] - the connector comprises a connection plate provided with holes, each of the power supply elements being received at least partially through said orifices;

[0027] - the tool further comprises a locking member, the locking member being configured to lock the connector to the mold when the connector is in its connected position; and

[0028] - the power supply unit further comprises at least one third element supply, configured to supply the mold with a third commodity from a third source, selected from: a heat transfer fluid source, an electricity source, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source or to evacuate the mold from such a commodity; the connector, carrying the third supply element, the third supply element being connected to the mold when the connector is in its connected position.

[0029] The invention further relates to an injection molding device comprising:

[0030] - an injection molding tool as mentioned above, and

[0031] - at least two columns guiding the movement in the direction of opening of the two parts of the mold relative to each other,

[0032] the two columns defining between them a passage for inserting the mold into the device, a minimum width of the mold measured perpendicular to the opening direction being between the width of the insertion passage defined between the two columns, and said width of the insertion passage from which 8 cm is subtracted, by example 4 cm.

[0033] The invention further relates to an injection molding method implemented using an injection molding tool as mentioned above, comprising the following steps: - supply of the mold and the first mold feed unit, the feed unit connector being supplied in its disconnected position, - connecting the first and second connection elements to the mold by placing the connector in its connected position, - moving the first mold part and the second mold part to a closed configuration to define a molding cavity, - injection of molding material into the molding cavity to form a molded element, - moving the first mold part and the second mold part to an open configuration to release the molded element from the molding cavity, and - extraction of the molded element from the mold.

[0034] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective representation of a device for injection molding comprising an injection molding tool according to the invention; and

[0036] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation seen from the side of the device of injection molding of [Fig.l].

[0037] In the remainder of the description, the term heat transfer fluid is understood to mean a fluid whose thermal capacity is greater than 1000 J.kg *.K *.

[0038] Referring to [Fig.l], an injection molding device 10 comprises an injection molding tool 12 and a frame 13.

[0039] The injection molding tool 12 is, for example, a tool for molding a vehicle trim part, for example an automobile, such as a dashboard part, door panel or center console part.

[0040] The injection molding tool 12 comprises a mold 14 and at least one first mold feed unit 15. In the example of [Fig. 1], the injection molding tool 12 comprises a first 15 and a second 16 mold feed unit. The first 15 and the second 16 mold feed units are, for example, similar. As will be described in more detail later, the injection molding tool 12 further comprises, for example, a locking member (not shown).

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the frame 13 comprises at least two columns 18, a first 20 and a second 22 support element, the two columns 18 guiding the movement of the support elements 20, 22 between them. In particular, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the frame comprises four columns 18. The mold 14 is accommodated in the frame 13 between the two support elements 20, 22. In other words, the mold 14 of the device 10 is removable relative to the frame 13 of the device.

[0042] In particular, the two columns 18 define between them a passage 23 for inserting the mold 14 into the device 10. The mold 14 can thus be inserted or extracted from the mold 14 through the insertion passage 23.

[0043] In the remainder of the description, the mold 14 is described when it is received in the frame 13 of the device 10.

[0044] The mold 14 comprises a first mold part 24 and a second mold part 26.

[0045] The first mold part 24 is fixed to the first support element 20.

[0046] The second mold part 26 is fixed to the second support element 22.

[0047] The first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 are movable relative to each other in translation in a direction O-O' of opening of the mold 14.

[0048] In particular, the first 20 and the second 22 support elements are movable relative to each other in the direction O-O', the movement of the support elements 20, 22 causing the movement of the first 24 and second 26 mold parts.

[0049] The first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 are movable relative to each other between an open configuration, in which the first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 are arranged apart from each other, and a closed configuration, in which the first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 are in contact with each other.

[0050] When the first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 are in their closed configuration, the first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 define between them a molding cavity (not shown) having the shape of the molded element to be produced by the mold. In the open position, the molding cavity is accessible so as to allow the extraction of the molded element or the addition of elements into the molding cavity, such as elements overmolded by the molded element.

[0051] Each mold part 24, 26 comprises at least one lateral face 28 extending along a plane parallel to the opening direction O-O'. In other words, such a lateral face 28 comprises a component parallel to the opening direction O-O', another component of the lateral face 28 being in particular perpendicular to the opening direction O-O'. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], each mold part 24, 26 comprises several lateral faces 28, in particular four lateral faces 28.

[0052] Each mold part 24, 26 further comprises a joint face 30, the joint face 30 of the first mold part 24 extending opposite the joint face 30 of the second mold part 26. The joint face 30 is adjacent to the lateral faces 28 and extends for example substantially orthogonally to the lateral faces 28.

[0053] The joint face 30 of each mold part 24, 26 comprises for example a molding surface (not shown) surrounded by a cooperation surface (not shown). When the first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 are in their closed configuration, the cooperation surfaces of each mold part are in contact with each other and the molding surfaces define the molding cavity between them.

[0054] Each mold portion 24, 26 further comprises a press face 32, the press face extending opposite the seal face 30 relative to the mold portion 24, 26.

[0055] A minimum width LM of the mold, measured perpendicular to the opening direction O-O', for example in the plane formed by the joint faces 30, is for example between the width of the insertion passage LI defined between the two columns, and said width from which 8 cm is subtracted, for example 4 cm. In other words, the width of the insertion passage LI is at most 8 cm, for example at most 4 cm, greater than the minimum width LM of the mold.

[0056] The mold 14, and in particular the first mold part 24, and where appropriate the second mold part 26, comprises for example at least one heat exchange element, for example a cooling element, at least one electrical element, at least one hydraulic element and / or at least one pneumatic element (not shown). The heat exchange element is for example a cooling circuit. The electrical element is for example an injection nozzle, a contactor, an electric cylinder or a sensor, such as in particular a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor. The hydraulic element is for example a hydraulic cylinder. The pneumatic element is for example a pneumatic cylinder.

[0057] The mold 14, and in particular the first mold part 24, and where appropriate the second mold part 26, comprises for example a connection port 4L The mold 14, and in particular the first mold part 24, and where appropriate the second mold part 26, comprises for example an internal connection assembly (not shown) connecting the heat exchange element, the electrical element and / or the lubrication element to the connection port 4L The assembly of internal connection leads for example to connection port 41.

[0058] As visible in [Fig.l], the connection port 41 extends over one of the lateral faces 28 of the mold 14. Preferably, the connection port 41 does not protrude from the lateral face 28 towards the outside of the mold 14.

[0059] The first 15, and where appropriate the second 16, feed unit, comprises at least one first feed element 34, at least one second feed element 36 and at least one connector 38. The first 34 and second 36 feed elements are for example identical or of the same type between the first 15 and the second 16 feed unit. Alternatively, the first 34 and second 36 feed elements are different or of a different type between the first 15 and the second 16 feed unit, this depending for example on the mold parts 24, 26 used.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first 15, and where appropriate the second 16, power supply unit further comprises at least one third power supply element 40.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the first 15, and where appropriate the second 16, supply unit further comprises an articulated arm 42.

[0062] The first supply element 34 is configured to supply the mold 14 with a first commodity from a first source S1 chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source. The first commodity is then for example a heat transfer fluid, an electric current, a liquid or a gas. The source of heat transfer fluid is for example a source of water, the hydraulic source is for example a source of oil and the pneumatic source is for example a source of compressed air.

[0063] The first supply element 34 is alternatively, or in addition, configured to evacuate the first commodity from the mold 14. The first source SI is for example a source of heat transfer fluid. The first supply element 34 is then for example a conduit configured to transport the heat transfer fluid from the first source SI to the mold 14.

[0064] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the first supply element 34 comprises in particular two conduits, one of the conduits being for example configured to supply the mold 14 with the first commodity from the first source S1, the other of the conduits being configured to evacuate the first commodity from the mold 14, for example to the first source S1. In variants not shown, the first supply element 34 comprises a plurality of conduits configured to supply the mold with the first commodity from the first source S1 and / or a plurality of conduits configured to evacuate the first commodity from the mold. In other variants not shown, the first supply element 34 comprises a single conduit.

[0065] The second supply element 36 is configured to supply the mold 14 with a second commodity from a second source S2, for example different from the first source S1, chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source. The second commodity is then for example a heat transfer fluid, an electric current, a liquid or a gas. The source of heat transfer fluid is for example a source of water, the hydraulic source is for example a source of oil and the pneumatic source is for example a source of compressed air.

[0066] The second feed element 36 is alternatively, or in addition, configured to evacuate the second commodity from the mold 14.

[0067] The second source S2 is for example a hydraulic source. The second supply element 36 is then for example a conduit configured to transport a liquid from the second source S2 to the mold 14.

[0068] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the second supply element 36 comprises two conduits, one of the conduits being for example configured to supply the mold with the second commodity from the first source S2, the other of the conduits being configured to evacuate the second commodity from the mold, for example towards the second source S2.

[0069] In variants not shown, the second supply element 36 comprises a plurality of conduits configured to supply the mold with the second commodity from the second source S2 and / or a plurality of conduits configured to discharge the second commodity from the mold. In other variants not shown, the second supply element 36 comprises a single conduit.

[0070] The third supply element 40 is configured to supply the mold 14 with a third commodity from a third source S3, for example different from the first source S1 and the second source, chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source. The third commodity is then for example a heat transfer fluid, an electric current, a liquid or a gas. The source of heat transfer fluid is for example a source of water, the hydraulic source is for example a source of oil and the pneumatic source is for example a source of compressed air.

[0071] The third feed element 40 is alternatively, or additionally, configured to discharge the third commodity from the mold 14.

[0072] The third source S3 is for example an electricity source. The third power supply element 40 is then for example an electrically conductive cable, configured to conduct electricity from the third source S3, to the mold 14.

[0073] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the third power supply element comprises two cables, one of the cables being for example configured to supply the mold with the third commodity from the third source S3, the other of the conduits being configured to evacuate the third commodity from the mold, for example to the third source S3. In this particular case where the third commodity is an electric current, it is understood that a potential difference is applied between the two cables, the electric current resulting from the potential difference being assimilated to a commodity supplied / evacuated from the mold. In an embodiment not shown, the third supply element 40 comprises a single cable.

[0074] The first 34, second 36, and for example third 40 feed elements of the first feed unit 15 are for example configured to feed the first mold part 24 and the first 34, second 36, and for example third 40 feed elements of the second feed unit 16 are for example configured to feed the second mold part 26.

[0075] When the tool 12 comprises a first 15 and a second 16 power supply units, the first SI, second S2 and for example third S3 sources configured to power the first power supply unit 15 are for example further configured to power the second power supply unit 16. Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first power supply unit 15 and the second power supply unit 16 each comprise distinct first SI, second S2 and for example third S3 sources.

[0076] The connector 38 carries the first 34 and second 36 power supply elements. If applicable, the connector 38 also carries the third power supply element 40.

[0077] The connector 38 comprises for example a connection plate 44, provided with orifices 45. Each of the supply elements 34, 36, 40 is received at least partially through one of said orifices 45. Each of the supply elements 34, 36, 40 is for example enclosed in an orifice 45. In a particular example, each of the supply elements 34, 36, 40 passes through one of the orifices 45.

[0078] The connection plate 44 further comprises, for example, pins 47 configured to engage in housings (not shown) of the mold 14. The pins 47 make it possible to locate the connector 38 relative to the mold part 24, 26, thus facilitating the mounting of the connector 38 on said mold part 24, 26.

[0079] The orifices 45 of the plate 44 are for example arranged so as to correspond to the set of internal connections emerging by forming the connection port 4L.

[0080] The connector 38 is movable between a disconnected position and a connected position. The connector 38 of the first power supply unit 15 illustrated on the left of Figures 1 and 2 is in its disconnected position and the connector 38 of the second power supply unit 16 illustrated on the right of Figures 1 and 2 is in its connected position.

[0081] The connector 38 is for example movable between its connected and unconnected positions. connected by a user of the injection molding tool 12. For this purpose, the connector 38 is for example provided with a handle 17, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. Alternatively, or in addition, the first 15 or, where appropriate, the second 16, power supply unit is motorized to ensure the movement of the connector 38 between its connected and disconnected positions.

[0082] In its disconnected position, the connector 38 is spaced away from the mold 14. As visible for the first supply unit 15 on the left of Figures 1 and 2, the connector 38 of the first supply unit 15 is spaced away from the first mold part 24 when said connector 38 is in its disconnected position. Similarly, the connector 38 of the second supply unit 16 is spaced away from the second mold part 26 when said connector 38 is in its disconnected position.

[0083] In its disconnected position, the first 34, second 36 and for example third 40 power supply elements carried by the connector 38 are disconnected from the mold 14.

[0084] In its connected position, the connector 38 is fixed to the mold 14. As visible for the second power supply unit 16 on the right of Figures 1 and 2, the connector 38 of the second power supply unit 16 is fixed to one of the side faces 28, and more particularly to the connection port 41, of the second mold part 26 when said connector 38 of the second power supply unit 16 is in its connected position. Similarly, the connector 38 of the first power supply unit 15 is fixed to one of the side faces 28, and more particularly to the connection port 41, of the first mold part 24 when said connector 38 is in its connected position.

[0085] In the example of [Fig.l], the lateral faces 28 of the first 24 and of the second 26 mold parts on which the connectors 38 of the first and second supply units 16 are fixed, extend on the same side 43 of the mold 14. The lateral faces 38 of the first 24 and of the second 26 mold parts on which the connectors 38 are fixed are for example substantially coplanar.

[0086] When the connector 38 is in its connected position, the first 34 and second 36 supply elements, and where appropriate, the third 40 supply element, carried by the connector 38, are connected to the mold 14.

[0087] When the connector 38 of the first supply unit 15 of the mold 14 is in its connected position, the first 34 and second 36 supply elements, and where appropriate, the third 40 supply element, carried by the connector 38 of the first supply unit 15 of the mold 14, are connected to the first part 24 of the mold 14.

[0088] Where appropriate, when the connector 38 of the second supply unit 16 of the mold 14 is in its connected position, the first 34 and second 36 elements feed, and where appropriate, the third 40 feed element, carried by the connector 38 of the second feed unit 16 of the mold 14, are connected to the second part 26 of the mold 14.

[0089] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, when the tool 12 comprises a first supply unit 15 and a second supply unit 16, the first 34, second 36, and where appropriate third 40, supply elements carried by the connector 38 of the first supply unit 15 of the mold 14 are distinct from the first 34, second 36, and where appropriate third 40, supply elements carried by the connector 38 of the second supply unit 16 of the mold 14.

[0090] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the first mold part 24 is configured to be connected only to one connector 38, and the second mold part is configured to be connected only to one connector 38, each of the connectors 38 being in other words assigned to a mold part 24, 26. Alternatively, several connectors 38 can be attached to the first 24 and / or second 26 mold part. Such connectors are for example attached to a face different from the side face 28.

[0091] In particular, when the connector 38 is in its connected position, the first supply element 34 carried by the connector 38 is connected to the internal connection assembly. In the example of [Fig.l] where the first supply element 34 is configured to supply the mold 14 from a source SI of heat transfer fluid, the first supply element 34 is in fluid communication with the heat exchange element.

[0092] In particular, when the connector 38 is in its connected position, the second power supply element 36 carried by the connector 38 is connected to the internal connection assembly. In the example of [Fig.l] where the second power supply element 36 is configured to supply the mold 14 from a hydraulic source S2, the second power supply element 36 is in fluid communication with the hydraulic element.

[0093] In particular, when the connector 38 is in its connected position, the third power supply element 40 carried by the connector 38 is connected to the internal connection assembly. In the example of [Fig.l] where the third power supply element 40 is configured to power the mold 14 from a source S3 of electricity, the third power supply element 40 is in electrical communication with the electrical element.

[0094] The locking member (not shown) is configured to lock the connector 38 on the mold 14 when the connector 38 is in its connected position. The locking member is for example movable between a locked position, in which the locking member blocks the connector 38 in the connected position on the mold 14 and an unlocked position, in which the connector 38 is free rela- tively to mold 14.

[0095] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the articulated arm 42 carries the connector 38. The movement of the connector between its disconnected position and its connected position is for example guided by the articulated arm 42.

[0096] The articulated arm 42 of the first feed unit 15 is secured to the first support element 20. In the example of [Fig.l] where the tool 12 comprises a first 15 and a second 16 feed unit, the articulated arm 42 of the first feed unit 15 is secured to the first support element 20 and the articulated arm of the second feed unit 16 is secured to the second support element 22.

[0097] In a particular embodiment not shown, the first 34, second 36 and third 40 supply elements are guided by the articulated arm 42. The supply elements 34, 36, 40 are for example equipped for this purpose with an attachment means securing them to the articulated arm 42.

[0098] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the articulated arm 42 comprises a base 46, a first movable section 48 and a second movable section 50. The articulated arm 42 further comprises, for example, a support 52.

[0099] The base 46 is integral with the support element 20, 22. In the example of [Fig.l], the base of the articulated arm 42 of the first supply unit 15 is integral with the first support 20 and the base of the articulated arm 42 of the second supply unit 16 is integral with the second support 20.

[0100] The first movable section 48 is movable in rotation relative to the base 46 along a first axis of rotation RL. The first axis of rotation RI is substantially perpendicular to the opening direction O-O'. As illustrated in [Fig.l], the first axis of rotation RI is furthermore, for example, substantially parallel to the lateral face 28 to which the connector 38 is capable of being fixed.

[0101] The second movable section 50 is movable in rotation relative to the first section 48 along a second axis of rotation R2. The second axis of rotation R2 is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation RL

[0102] The connector 38 is movable in rotation relative to the second section 50 along a third axis of rotation R3 substantially parallel to the first RI and second R2 axes of rotation.

[0103] When the articulated arm 42 comprises a support 52, the connector 38 is for example integral with the support 52 and the support 52 is movable in rotation relative to the second section 50 along the third axis of rotation R3.

[0104] The connector 38, for example the connection plate 44, is for example secured to the support 52 by a slide of the support (not shown), the connector 38 being for example fixed to the support 52 by insertion of the connector 38, for example of the connection plate connection 44, in the slide. The connector 38, for example the connection plate 44, is for example fixed to the support 52 in a removable manner. The use of removable connection plates 44 is particularly advantageous for adapting the connector 38 to the mold 14 received in the frame 13.

[0105] The articulated arm 42 of the first feed unit 15 is configured so that the connector 38 carried by the articulated arm 42 remains fixed on the lateral face 28 of the first mold part 24, regardless of the position of the first mold part 24 along the opening direction O-O'. In other words, the articulated arm is configured to accompany the connector 38 during the movement of the first 24 and second 26 mold parts between their open and closed configurations.

[0106] Similarly, the articulated arm 42 of the second supply unit 16 is configured so that the connector 38 carried by the articulated arm 42 remains fixed on the lateral face 28 of the second mold part 26, regardless of the position of the first mold part 26 along the opening direction O-O'.

[0107] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the articulated arm 42 of the first power supply unit 15 is for example identical to the articulated arm 42 of the second power supply unit 16.

[0108] An injection molding method implemented using an injection molding tool 12 as described above will now be presented.

[0109] In a first step, a mold 14 and a first feeding unit 15 of the mold as previously presented are provided.

[0110] The connector 38 of the first mold supply unit 15 is in particular provided in its disconnected position, i.e. the connector 38 is spaced apart from the first 24 and second 26 mold parts.

[0111] In a second step, the first 34, second 36, and for example the third 40, supply elements are connected to the mold. The supply elements 34, 36, 40 are connected by placing the connector 38 in its connected position. The supply elements 34, 36, 40 are in particular simultaneously connected by placing the connector 38 in its connected position.

[0112] In a third step, the first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 are moved relative to each other from their open configuration to their closed configuration in order to define the molding cavity.

[0113] In a fourth step, molding material is injected into the molding cavity to form a molded element. Adequate injection into the molding cavity is made possible, for example, by the heat exchange element powered by the first feed element 34, by the hydraulic element powered by the second feed element 36, and / or by the electrical element powered by the third feed element 40.

[0114] In a fifth step, the first mold part 24 and the second mold part 26 are moved relative to each other from their closed configuration to their open configuration in order to release the molded element from the molding cavity.

[0115] In a final step, the molded element is extracted from the mold 14.

[0116] The use of an articulated arm 42, and in particular of an articulated arm comprising two movable sections, is particularly advantageous for adapting the connector 38 to different dimensions of the mold 14, while guiding the installation of the connector on the mold 14. This makes it possible in particular to adapt the connector to different thicknesses of the first 24, and where appropriate second 26, mold parts.

[0117] The use of two feed units 15, 16 makes it easier to install the feed elements 34, 36, 40 on each of the mold parts 24, 26.

[0118] A connection plate is particularly advantageous for its compactness, such a plate also being particularly suitable for facilitating connection on a lateral face 28.

[0119] A locking member 17 makes it possible to secure the molding operations, in particular by preventing the connector 38 from being accidentally pulled out of the mold 14.

Claims

Claims

1. An injection molding tool (12), comprising: - a mold (14) comprising a first mold part (24) and a second mold part (26), movable relative to each other in a mold (14) opening direction (O-O'), each mold part (24, 26) comprising at least one lateral face (28) extending in a plane (P) parallel to the opening direction (0-0'); and - at least a first feeding unit (15) of the mold (14), comprising: • at least one first supply element (34), configured to supply the mold (14) with a first commodity from a first source (SI) chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source, or to evacuate such a commodity from the mold (14), • at least one second supply element (36), configured to supply the mold (14) with a second commodity from a second source (S2), chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source, or to evacuate such a commodity from the mold (14), and • a connector (38), carrying the first (34) and second (36) supply elements, the connector (38) being movable between a disconnected position, in which the connector (38) is spaced from the first mold part (24), and a connected position, in which said connector (38) is fixed to the lateral face (28) of the first mold part (24), and in which the first (34) and second (36) supply elements carried by the connector (38) are connected to the mold (14) characterized in that the power supply unit (15) comprises an arm articulated arm (42) carrying the connector (38), the articulated arm (42) being secured to a support element (20, 22) of the first mold part (24).

2. The injection molding tool (12) of claim 1, wherein the articulated arm (42) comprises: - a base (46), integral with the support element (20, 22), - a first mobile section (48), mobile in rotation relative to at the base (46) along a first axis of rotation (RI), substantially perpendicular to the opening direction (O-O'), - a second movable section (50), movable in rotation relative to the first movable section (48) along a second axis of rotation (R2), substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation (RI), the connector (38) being movable in rotation relative to the second section (50) along a third axis of rotation (R3) substantially parallel to the first (RI) and second (R2) axes of rotation.

3. An injection molding tool (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool (12) further comprises a second feed unit (16) of the mold (14), said second feed unit (16) comprising: - at least one other first supply element (34), configured to supply the mold (14) with a first commodity from a first source (SI) chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source, or to evacuate such a commodity from the mold (14), - at least one other second supply element (36), configured to supply the mold (14) with a second commodity from a second source (S2), chosen from: a source of heat transfer fluid, a source of electricity, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source, or to evacuate from the mold (14) such a commodity, and - another connector (38), carrying the other first (34) and second (36) power supply elements, the other connector (38) being movable between a disconnected position, in which the other connector (38) is spaced from the second mold part (26), and a connected position, in which said other connector (38) is fixed to the side face (28) of the second mold part (26), and in which the other first (34) and second (36) power elements carried by the other connector (38) are connected to the mold (14).

4. An injection molding tool (12) according to claim 3, wherein the side faces (28) of the first (24) and second (26) mold parts on which the connectors (38) of the first (15) and second (16) power units are fixed, extend from the same side (43) of the mold (12).

5. An injection molding tool (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector (38) comprises a connection plate (44) provided with orifices (45), each of the feed elements (34, 36) being received at least partially through said orifices (45).

6. An injection molding tool (12) according to any preceding claim wherein the tool (12) further comprises a locking member, the locking member being configured to lock the connector (38) to the mold (14) when the connector (38) is in its connected position.

7. An injection molding tool (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the feed unit (15) further comprises at least one third feed element (40), configured to feed the mold (14) with a third commodity from a third source (S3), selected from: a heat transfer fluid source, an electricity source, a hydraulic source, a pneumatic source or to evacuate the mold (14) from such a commodity; the connector (38), carrying the third feed element (40), the third feed element (40) being connected to the mold (14) when the connector (38) is in its connected position.

8. Injection molding device (10) comprising: - an injection molding tool (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and - at least two columns (18) guiding the movement in the opening direction of the two mold parts (24, 26) relative to each other,

9. the two columns (18) defining between them a passage (23) for inserting the mold (14) into the device (10), a minimum width (LM) of the mold measured perpendicular to the opening direction being between the width of the insertion passage (LI) defined between the two columns (18), and said width of the insertion passage (LI) from which 8 cm is subtracted, for example 4 cm. An injection molding method carried out using an injection molding tool (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - providing the mold (14) and the first mold feed unit (15), the connector (38) of the feed unit (15) being provided in its disconnected position, - connecting the first (34) and second (36) connection elements to the mold (14) by placing the connector (38) in its connected position, - moving the first mold part (24) and the second mold part (26) to a closed configuration to define a molding cavity, - injection of molding material into the molding cavity to form a molded element, - moving the first mold part (24) and the second mold part (26) to an open configuration to release the molded element from the molding cavity, and - extraction of the molded element from the mold (14).

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