Compression molding method and device

Abstract

A novel forming method and apparatus for forming products from molten material is provided. [Solution] A molding method and apparatus for forming a product from a quantity of molten material, in which the movement of one part of a mold to another part of the mold is controlled in a predetermined position and the compression movement accounts for 5% to 40% of the cycle time.

Description

Reference to corresponding application

[0001] This PCT application claims priority to an earlier European patent application No. 22155552.7, filed on February 8, 2022 in the name of AISAPACK HOLDING SA, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Technical field]

[0002] The invention relates to the compression moulding of articles of material, where the article is obtained by compressing a quantity of material between two parts of a mould. The invention applies more particularly to the manufacture of plastic tubes, for example for toothpaste or cosmetics, where the tube is formed from a flexible cylinder joined to a head with a shoulder and an orifice. In this case, the tube head is formed and welded to the body at the same time in one operation. The tube head is made from a quantity of melt formed and compressed between a lower tooling called the die assembly and an upper tooling called the mandrel, where the flexible cylinder is fitted. The temperature of the melt is such that it welds to the tube body. In a tube making machine, several moulds are usually driven with discontinuous (or continuous) movements, each mould undergoing different stages of the process (loading the tube body, depositing its quantity of plastic material, compression moulding, cooling, demoulding and ejecting the tube). The invention makes it possible to improve the quality of the moulding and / or to increase the production speed, thanks to the specific control of the operation of the press and the dosing nozzle. [Background technology]

[0003] Compression moulding processes and devices for producing tube packages are described in EP 0297257, EP 2364247, EP 2018258 and EP 2024153. These documents propose modifications of machines and tools to improve the productivity and quality of the packages produced. However, the control of the main stages of the process, in particular the control of the compression of the portions and the control of the formation of the portions, has remained rather basic. Current approximate control systems do not allow the production of packages of optimal quality in all cases. The present invention makes it possible, inter alia, to remedy this drawback.

[0004] US 2008 / 044508 A1 discloses an apparatus for molding plastics, comprising a mould assembly, an actuation system arranged to move the mould assembly, and a shock absorbing device interposed between the actuation system and the mould assembly, the actuation system comprising an electromechanical actuation system.

[0005] Swiss Patent Specification No. 695674 discloses a process for the production of plastic moulded parts, in particular parts injected from packaging containers, preferably heads for tube packaging.

[0006] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 055220 discloses an injection overmolding apparatus comprising at least one indexed rotating turret on which a cooled mold is mounted and at least five fixed stations arranged around the turret, including at least a first station, a second station and a third station respectively used to perform the operations of placing an insert in a mold cavity, injecting a plastic material into the mold cavity, and demolding the at least partially cooled object. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates generally to compression molding of articles, where an article is obtained by compressing a quantity of material between two portions of a mold.

[0008] The invention is more particularly applicable to the manufacture of plastic tubes, said tubes being formed from a flexible cylinder joined to a head with a shoulder and an orifice. In this case, the tube head is formed and welded to the cylinder at the same time in one operation. The tube head is made from a quantity of melt formed and compressed between a first part and a second part of a mould in which the flexible cylinder is fitted. The temperature of the molten plastic is such that it welds to the tube body. In a tube making machine, several moulds are typically driven in discontinuous (or continuous) motion, each mould undergoing different stages of the process (loading the tube body, depositing its quantity of plastic material, compression moulding and welding the formed head to the body, cooling, demoulding and ejection of the formed tube). Such devices are described in the prior art, for example in EP 0297257, EP 2364247, EP 2018258 and EP 2024153.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, it has been found that precise control adapted to the geometry of each part and to each molding material produces tube packages of optimum quality, resulting in a substantial improvement over known methods and the products obtained thereby.

[0010] In particular, control of the quantity of compression action, even when this action is performed in a fraction of a second, has been found to have a significant effect on the quality of the resulting formed tube shoulder.

[0011] It has also been found that even when the doses are formed in a fraction of a second, by controlling the opening and closing action of the dosing valve it is possible to influence the geometry of the doses, their regularity and, finally, that such control has a decisive influence on the quality of the doses obtained, independently of the material used.

[0012] According to the invention, these improvements are made possible, inter alia, by servomotor control of the press and of the dosing nozzles. The servo-controlled position of the movements carried out in a fraction of a second makes it possible to achieve optimal quality and to adapt the adjustment of the movements of the press and of the dosing units according to the material (e.g. color, grade, new recyclable, recycled, biosourced or biodegradable resin, etc.) and the geometry (e.g. diameter, ovality, etc.) of the tubes to be produced.

[0013] The principles of the present invention are particularly advantageous for producing compression molded tubeheads with materials with reduced processing temperature ranges. This is the case, for example, of recycled resins that decompose more quickly under the influence of high temperatures, or biosourced or biodegradable resins with reduced processing temperature ranges. The invention makes it possible to avoid overheating of these resins and the resulting defects thanks to optimal control of the dosing nozzles and compression speeds. In this case, the invention makes it possible to reduce the contact time of the portions in the mold thanks to fast molding compression speeds.

[0014] The invention and its principles are of particular interest for the use of more fluid resins, such as biosourced or biodegradable resins, which are not possible to use with conventional equipment. They make it possible to adjust the compression speed according to the viscosity and thermal properties of such resins, making it possible, for example, to avoid flashing (overflow of material along the flexible cylinder) that occurs with these resins when the compression speed at the end of filling is not sufficiently reduced.

[0015] The invention and its principles make it possible to control the compression action at each moment or stage of the process of forming the quantity. The invention makes it possible, for example, to adjust the compression speed so as to have a flow of the material front advancing in the mold at a constant speed. This makes it possible, for example, to avoid large speed fluctuations related to the geometry of the formed part and, as a result, to avoid the appearance of defects due to these speed fluctuations.

[0016] The present invention allows to control the opening and closing movement of the dosing nozzle, which directly affects the resulting dose geometry. Thus, the dose geometry as well as the dose formation time can be optimized. For example, for very fluid materials, it is advantageous to have a fast opening and closing of the dosing nozzle, thereby resulting in a more compact dose that limits creep due to gravity.

[0017] The present invention avoids the quantity flash caused by the pressure of the resin in the dispensing nozzle before opening. Thanks to the fast initial opening speed, the flash is eliminated.

[0018] The present invention makes it possible to obtain continuous portions with little mass variation, i.e. a smaller mass variance. This smaller variance in the portion mass results in a molded body with a smaller thickness variation.

[0019] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: A dosage unit; At least one mold formed from at least a first part and a second part; an electric motor for controlling a compressive movement of at least one of said parts of the die towards the other of said parts; A rotating turret; A spring that determines the forming force A method for forming a product from a quantity of molten material using a forming device comprising at least At least the electric motor and the dosing unit are in fixed positions within the molding apparatus; At least one of the parts of the die rotates with the turret and the movement of one of the parts of the die towards the other of the parts is controlled in a predetermined position, preferably with the compression movement taking up 5% to 40% of the cycle time.

[0020] In an embodiment, the method includes moving said parts of the mould towards each other, preferably the moving towards each other taking up 10% to 50% of the cycle time.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of holding the part in a mold under pressure, preferably for 5% to 50% of the cycle time.

[0022] In an embodiment, the maximum closing speed is preferably reached between 5% and 25% of the cycle time.In an embodiment, the constant speed is preferably reached between 65% and 95% of the cycle time.

[0023] In an embodiment, the maximum closing acceleration is preferably reached between 2% and 20% of the cycle time, and / or the maximum closing deceleration is preferably reached between 10% and 40% of the cycle time.

[0024] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: Dosing unit having a valve with at least an opening and closing action driven by a motor - Patents.com A molding method for molding a product from a quantity of molten material using a molding device comprising at least: At least the valve opening operation is controlled according to the quantity of material, and the valve opening operation preferably occupies 5% to 70% of the cycle time.

[0025] In an embodiment, the valve preferably remains in the closed position for between 20% and 60% of the cycle time.

[0026] In an embodiment, the closing operation of the valve preferably accounts for between 5% and 70% of the cycle time.

[0027] In an embodiment, the opening speed of the valve preferably passes through one or more maximum values ​​between 2% and 50% of the cycle time, and / or the closing speed of the valve preferably passes through one or more maximum values ​​between 30% and 80% of the cycle time.

[0028] In an embodiment, the opening of the valve preferably includes at least one acceleration and deceleration phase and / or the closing of the valve preferably includes at least one acceleration and deceleration phase.

[0029] In an embodiment, the maximum acceleration of the opening movement of the valve is preferably reached between 0.5% and 25% of the cycle time and / or the maximum deceleration of the opening movement of the valve is preferably reached between 3% and 45% of the cycle time.

[0030] In an embodiment, the maximum acceleration of the valve closing operation is preferably reached between 25% and 65% of the cycle time, and / or the maximum deceleration of the valve closing operation is preferably reached between 35% and 75% of the cycle time.

[0031] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a dosing unit having a valve with at least an opening action and a closing action, the valve being driven by a motor; At least one mold formed from at least a first part and a second part; an electric motor for controlling a compressive movement of at least one of said parts of the die towards the other of said parts; A rotating turret; A spring that determines the forming force The molding apparatus includes at least At least the electric motor and the dosing unit are in fixed positions within the molding apparatus; And at least one of the parts of the mold rotates with the turret.

[0032] In an embodiment, the spring is disposed between the motor and the forming device.

[0033] In an embodiment, a spring is disposed between the rotating turret and one of said parts of the mold. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] An example of the position control of a press movement is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the press movement in millimeters (y-axis, or vertical axis) versus time in seconds (x-axis, or horizontal axis). [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 shows the speed of the press movement in meters per second (y-axis) versus time in seconds (x-axis). [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows acceleration versus time for the pressing motion shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the acceleration of the pressing motion in meters per second (y-axis) as a function of time in seconds (x-axis). [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of a tube compression device and system having a servo drive according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an example of a tube compression device and system having a servo drive according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an example of a tube compression device and system having a servo drive according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example of a tube compression device and system having a servo drive according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an example of a tube compression device and system having a servo drive according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an example of a tube compression device and system having a servo drive according to the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 shows the position control of the metering valve movement as a function of time. More specifically, FIG. 10 shows the opening and closing movement of the valve in millimeters as a function of time (x-axis) in seconds. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows velocity versus time for the opening and closing of the valve movement shown in FIG. 10. More specifically, FIG. 11 shows the velocity of valve movement in millimeters per second (y-axis) as a function of time in seconds (x-axis). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows acceleration versus time for the opening and closing of the valve movement shown in FIG. 10. More specifically, FIG. 12 shows the acceleration of the valve movement in millimeters per second (y-axis) as a function of time in seconds (x-axis). [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an example of a servo-driven metering device and system according to the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an example of a servo-driven metering device and system according to the present invention; [Figure 15]1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a compression molding machine according to the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a compression molding machine according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an example of the position control of the press operation. In this figure, the movement along the compression axis in millimeters (y-axis) is shown as a function of time in seconds (x-axis). Curves 21, 22 and 23 show three examples of the position control of the press operation as a function of time. From these examples it can be seen that the cycle time of the press operation is 0.5 seconds and consists mainly of three different parts. First, the press 1 is in the 63 millimeter position, i.e. in the open and stationary position. In the first part, the so-called closing phase, the position of the press tool along the compression axis is reduced to 0, which corresponds to the maximum compression position. In the second part, the holding phase, this maximum compression position is maintained for a period of time, thus defining a plateau. In the third part, the opening phase, the position of the press tool along the compression axis is increased, preferably returning to the initial stationary position.

[0036] In FIG. 1, the decrease in the position value of the press tool 1 in the first part is arbitrary and does not indicate that the movement of the press tool is in the direction of gravity (downwards) or vice versa (upwards) or in another direction. It only indicates the closing of the mold and therefore the compression of the quantity. The value of 63 mm is also an example and should not be considered limiting. Other values ​​are possible, depending on the machine construction.

[0037] Curve 21 shows that the position of maximum compression is reached at 40% of the cycle time (0.2 s), while this position is reached at 30% of the cycle time (0.15 s) for control curve 22 and at 50% of the cycle time (0.25 s) for control curve 23. In control curve 23, the approach movement, which corresponds to the closing movement of the mold before the compression of the quantity, occurs very quickly (part of the curve from 0 to 0.1 s), while the compression of the quantity occurs slowly (part of the curve from 0.1 s to 0.25 s).

[0038] For curve 21, the approach operation accounts for 30% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve from 0 to 0.15 s), the compression of the quantity accounts for 10% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve from 0.15 to 0.20 s), the hold under pressure before opening the press accounts for 26% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve from 0.2 to 0.33 s) and the opening operation of the press accounts for 34% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve from 0.33 to 0.5 s).

[0039] For curve 22, the approach operation takes up 34% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve from 0 to 0.12 s), the compression of the quantity takes up 6% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve from 0.12 to 0.15 s), the hold under pressure before opening the press takes up 36% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve from 0.15 to 0.33 s) and the opening operation of the press takes up 34% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve from 0.33 to 0.5 s).

[0040] In curve 23, the approach operation accounts for 20% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve between 0 and 0.1 s), the compression of the quantity accounts for 30% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve between 0.1 and 0.25 s), the hold under pressure before opening the press accounts for 10% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve between 0.25 and 0.3 s) and the opening operation of the press accounts for 40% of the cycle time (the portion of the curve between 0.3 and 0.5 s).

[0041] According to the present invention, the approach operation occupies 10% to 50% of the cycle time, preferably 20% to 35% of the cycle time.

[0042] According to the invention, the quantity compression operation occupies between 5% and 40% of the cycle time, preferably between 10% and 30% of the cycle time.

[0043] According to the present invention, the holding under pressure by the press occupies 5% to 50% of the cycle time, preferably 10% to 35% of the cycle time.

[0044] According to the invention, the opening operation of the press occupies between 15% and 45% of the cycle time, preferably between 25% and 40% of the cycle time.

[0045] In the context of the present invention, it is important to note that the opening operation of the press initiates the rotation of the turret, and therefore the rotation of the turret takes place during the opening operation of the press.

[0046] According to the invention it is possible to program a complex operation of the press 1 as shown by the curve 23. In this example it is particularly advantageous to adopt a first phase of very fast closing of the press from the initial position to the position before the die comes into contact with the quantity, then a second phase of compression of the quantity with a speed profile adapted to the thermal and rheological properties of the material of that quantity, then a third phase of holding and finally a final phase of fast opening of the press.

[0047] Figure 2 is a diagram of the speed versus time profile of the pressing motion shown in Figure 1. In this diagram, the speed of the pressing motion in meters per second (y-axis) is plotted against time in seconds (x-axis).

[0048] In FIG. 2, a distinction is made between a first part, in which the speed is arbitrarily negative and corresponds to the closing speed of press 1, and a second part, in which the speed is positive and corresponds to the opening speed of press 1. The cycle time shown in FIG. 2 is 0.5 seconds. At the first and last time points, which correspond to the rest positions, the press is in the open position. Naturally, the inverted case can be considered, with a positive speed for closing and a negative speed for opening, and the rest of the description of FIG. 2 is correspondingly inverted.

[0049] For curves 24, 25 and 26, the initial velocity is zero (press opening), then passes through a negative maximum corresponding to the closing of the die and returns to zero (press closing), then the velocity passes through a positive maximum corresponding to the opening of the die and returns to zero (press opening).

[0050] In curve 24, the maximum closing speed (-0.668 m / s) is reached at time 0.089 s, i.e. 17.8% of the cycle time. At time 0.2 s, which corresponds to 40% of the cycle time, the speed of the press movement is 0 and the die is closed. At time 0.3 s, which corresponds to 60% of the cycle time, the speed increases corresponding to the opening movement of the press. The maximum opening speed of 0.818 m / s is reached at time 0.403 s, i.e. 80.6% of the cycle time.

[0051] For curve 25, maximum closure (-0.818 m / s) is reached at time 0.069 s, i.e. 13.8% of the cycle time. At time 0.15 s, which corresponds to 30% of the cycle time, the speed of the press movement is 0 and the die is closed. At time 0.3 s, which corresponds to 60% of the cycle time, the speed increases corresponding to the opening movement of the press. The maximum opening speed of 0.818 m / s is reached at time 0.403 s, i.e. 80.6% of the cycle time.

[0052] In curve 26, the maximum closing speed (-0.938 m / s) is reached at a time of 0.053 s, which corresponds to 10.6% of the cycle time. In the time interval from 0.1 s to 0.25 s, i.e. from 20% to 50% of the cycle time, the closing speed of the press is approximately constant and is equal to 0.05 m per second. In this time interval, a quantity of compression molding operations is performed. At a time of 0.25 s, which corresponds to 50% of the cycle time, the speed of the press movement is 0 and the mold is closed. At a time of 0.3 s, which corresponds to 60% of the cycle time, the speed increases corresponding to the opening movement of the press. The maximum opening speed of 0.841 m / s is reached at a time of 0.375 s, which corresponds to 75% of the cycle time.

[0053] According to the invention, the maximum closing speed of the press is comprised between 0.3 and 1.1 m / s, preferably between 0.5 m / s and 1 m / s.

[0054] According to the invention, the maximum opening speed of the press is comprised between 0.3 and 1.1 m / s, preferably between 0.5 m / s and 1 m / s.

[0055] According to the invention the maximum closing speed of the press is reached in 5% to 25% of the cycle time, preferably in 10% to 20% of the cycle time.

[0056] According to the invention the maximum opening speed of the press is reached between 65% and 90% of the cycle time, preferably between 70% and 85% of the cycle time.

[0057] According to the invention, the constant speed of the press is reached between 65% and 90% of the cycle time, preferably between 70% and 85% of the cycle time.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression moulding of the quantity is carried out at a low speed of 0.01 m / s to 0.2 m / s, preferably 0.05 m / s to 0.1 m / s.

[0059] Controlling position 23 in FIG. 1 results in a faster closing speed 26 as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, control of position 21 as shown in FIG. 1 results in a slower closing speed 24 as shown in FIG.

[0060] When controlling the position of the press movement, it is important to take into account not only the speed of movement, but also the accelerations of the press. These accelerations can be limited by the inertial effects of the device and the power used. These curves may be derived from the speed curves shown in Figure 2.

[0061] Figure 3 is a diagram of the acceleration versus time profile of the press motion shown in Figure 1. In this diagram, the acceleration of the press motion in meters per second (y-axis) is plotted against time in seconds (x-axis).

[0062] Acceleration curves 46, 47 and 48 shown in FIG. 3 show a first stage of acceleration and deceleration from 0 s to 0.2 s associated with closing the press, and a second stage of acceleration and deceleration from 0.3 s to 0.5 s associated with opening the press.

[0063] In curve 46, the maximum acceleration of the closing motion (-12.2 m / s2) is reached at 0.039 s, which corresponds to 7.8% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the closing motion (10.3 m / s 2 ) at a time of 0.128 s, which corresponds to 25.6% of the cycle time. 2 ) was reached in 0.367 s, which corresponds to 73.4% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the opening operation (-18.1 m / s 2 ) is reached at 0.442 s, which corresponds to 88.4% of the cycle time.

[0064] In curve 47, the maximum acceleration of the closing motion (-18.1 m / s 2 ) was reached in 0.031 s, which corresponds to 6.2% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the closing operation (15.3 m / s 2 ) is reached at a time of 0.106 s, which corresponds to 22.2% of the cycle time. 2 ) was reached in 0.367 s, which corresponds to 73.4% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the opening operation (-18.1 m / s 2 ) is reached at 0.442 s, which corresponds to 88.4% of the cycle time.

[0065] In curve 48, the maximum acceleration of the closing motion (-27.1 m / s 2 ) is reached in 0.025 s, which corresponds to 5% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the closing operation (19.7 m / s 2 ) is reached at a time of 0.081 s, which corresponds to 16.2% of the cycle time. 2 ) was reached at 0.342 s, which corresponds to 68.4% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the opening operation (-18.1 m / s 2 ) is reached in 0.414 s, which corresponds to 82.8% of the cycle time.

[0066] According to the present invention, the maximum acceleration and deceleration of the closing movement of the press is 5-40 m / s2 , preferably 10 m / s 2 ~30m / s 2 Included in.

[0067] According to the present invention, the maximum acceleration and deceleration of the opening operation of the press is 5-40 m / s 2 , preferably 10 m / s 2 ~30m / s 2 Included in.

[0068] According to the invention, the maximum acceleration of the closing movement of the press is reached between 2% and 20% of the cycle time, preferably between 4% and 15% of the cycle time.

[0069] According to the invention, the maximum deceleration of the closing movement of the press is reached between 10% and 40% of the cycle time, preferably between 15% and 30% of the cycle time.

[0070] According to the invention, the maximum acceleration of the opening movement of the press is reached between 40% and 85% of the cycle time, preferably between 60% and 80% of the cycle time.

[0071] According to the invention, the maximum deceleration of the opening movement of the press is reached between 55% and 95% of the cycle time, preferably between 60% and 90% of the cycle time.

[0072] Other press control curves can be used, such as those shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The invention allows the speed profile to be adjusted during the compression of the quantity, for example at the beginning of the compression or at the end of the compression when the mould cavity is almost completely filled. At the end of the filling process, for example, the speed can be reduced to avoid the outflow of material from the cavity.

[0073] 4 to 8 show an example of a tube forming apparatus having a servo drive according to the present invention.

[0074] The compression device shown in FIG. 4 comprises a press 1 consisting of at least a fixed part 2 and a movable part 3, which is coupled with the fixed part 2 during the closing movement of the mould.

[0075] The stationary part of the press makes it possible to control the closing movement of the mould precisely and repeatedly, thanks to the electric motor 4, the toggle system 6, the rotary guide means 9, the linear guide means 8, the coupling elements 11a and the air springs 5. Unlike the prior art, where the control is carried out by pressure, the present invention uses a position control which is therefore more predictable and more precise, making it possible to achieve the objectives of the invention.

[0076] The moving part of the press 3 is mounted on a frame 10 of a rotating turret 45 (see FIG. 15). The moving part of the press 3 comprises a set of modules consisting of an upper mould part 13, a lower mould part 14, a translation guide means 8 and a pneumatic cylinder 12. These modules are successively coupled to the fixed part of the press in each forming cycle by coupling means 11b of the moving part.

[0077] The advantage of the principle of the invention is the use of the same electrically controlled stationary part of the press for several dies (moving parts), which increases the precision and reduces the variance between the manufactured parts.

[0078] The stationary part of the press 2 also contains a pneumatic spring 5, which allows to absorb the mass variations of the quantity compressed in the mould cavity 15. Indeed, since the closing movement of the mould is controlled in position, it is necessary to impose a closing movement of the mould that is greater than the theoretical thickness of the part (corresponding to the theoretical volume of the quantity) in order to absorb the inevitable variations of the mass of the quantity. According to the invention, the pneumatic spring 5 is compressed once the mould is filled and the press has completed its downward movement (mould closing) and reached the desired position. The air spring 5 prevents the mould from overflowing, which would result in the formation of defects in the moulded part. According to the invention, the stiffness of the air spring 5 may be adjusted, for example, according to the viscosity of the moulding resin and the geometry of the part. Other parameters may be taken into account to adjust the stiffness and other properties of the air spring 5.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 1, the closing and compression movement driven by the stationary part 2 of the press continues for 0.15-0.25 seconds, then the return movement to the initial position is started, which corresponds to the opening movement of the press. This movement can also be seen in FIG. 2, where it can be observed that the speed becomes positive from 0.3 seconds, indicating a change of direction, i.e. the opening movement of the press. The pneumatic cylinder 12 is used to close and keep the mold under pressure when the stationary part of the press is no longer operating, i.e. after 0.3 seconds in the present example. This allows, on the one hand, the rotation of the turret 45 to continue the cooling of the molded parts and, on the other hand, to feed a new module in front of the stationary press for a new compression cycle.

[0080] Pneumatic cylinder 12 is also used to open the mold when the part has cooled, allowing the molded part to be removed from cavity 15.

[0081] The pneumatic cylinder 12 can also be used to start the closing of the mold after dosing, when the closing stroke is large. In this way, the stationary part of the press can be used mainly for the portion compression part, i.e. for the short compression stroke. This part of the operation can be performed by the pneumatic cylinder 12, since the portion of the mold closing before the portion compression does not affect the quality of the parts produced.

[0082] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which the air spring 5 is associated with a movable part 3 instead of a fixed part 2 as in figure 4. This is advantageous if parts of different geometric shapes are manufactured on moulds arranged in the same turret. In such a case the air spring 5 for each mould 13, 14 may be set individually for each mould.

[0083] Figure 6 shows a molding apparatus similar to that shown in Figure 4, used to make objects with an orifice, such as a tube head. In this apparatus, the movable part 3 also comprises an orifice pin 16 that defines the diameter of the orifice of the object. A quantity with a ring shape is deposited in the lower part 14 of the mold around the orifice pin 16. When the mold is closed, the contact between the upper part 13 and the orifice pin 16 drives the orifice pin, compressing the air spring 17. Alternatively, a mechanical spring may be used instead of the air spring 17. The spring 17 prevents the passage of the melt between the end of the orifice pin 16 and the upper mold 14 when the mold is closed.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows a molding apparatus similar to that of FIG. 6, where the upper part of the mold 13 also has a sliding sleeve 18 associated with an upper stop 19 and a lower stop 20. The sliding sleeve 18 is particularly advantageous for improving the peripheral quality of the molded part. It improves the aesthetics of the tube by avoiding beading formed at the weld. At the start of the molding process, the sliding sleeve 18 captures the quantity in the center of the cavity. During molding, the pressure of the molten resin in the cavity causes the sliding sleeve 18 to rise and mold the periphery of the object. The sliding sleeve 18 can be combined with an air spring to optimize its effect.

[0085] Figures 4 to 7 show examples of forming devices in which the stationary part 2 is shown at the top and gravity is in the same direction as the pressing action (i.e. vertically). An inverted system, not shown, in which the press is located at the bottom, is a variant of the invention within the framework of this application. Naturally, other positions may also be used.

[0086] 4 to 7 show an example of an apparatus in which the quantity is deposited in a mould cavity 15. A similar apparatus, not specifically shown, in which the quantity is deposited on a male part 13 of a mould (e.g. a mandrel) is another variant of the invention within the framework of this application and may be used as well.

[0087] 8 and 9 show an example of an apparatus in which the quantity is deposited on a mandrel and the die (second part of the die) is fixed in the press.

[0088] The compression device shown in figure 8 comprises a press 1 consisting of at least a fixed part 2 and a mobile part 3, the mobile part 3 being coupled with the fixed part 2 during the closing movement of the mould. The fixed part of the press makes it possible to control the closing movement of the mould precisely and repeatedly thanks to an electric motor 4, a toggle system 6, rotary guide means 9, linear guide means 8 and an air spring 5. Unlike the prior art where the control is carried out by pressure, the present invention uses a position control which is therefore more predictable and more precise and makes it possible to achieve the objectives of the invention.

[0089] The top part of the tool, in this example a die, is attached to the press mechanism as can be seen in Figure 8. The top part of the tool 13 is part of the fixed part of the press 2.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 8, the mould is opened with each press cycle, which means that the part is not completely cooled after mould opening. After mould opening, the moulded part remains connected to the lower part of mould 14. Post-cooling of the moulded part can be done in other stations of the turret (moving part 3).

[0091] FIG. 9 shows an apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. 8, but also including an orifice rod 16 for molding parts having orifices, such as tube heads.

[0092] 10 to 14 show the dispensing section of a molding device according to the present invention and its control.

[0093] Figures 10 to 13 show more specifically the control of the dosing nozzle. This control makes it possible to adjust the mass and the geometry of the dose. This control can be adjusted for each material with different rheological behavior. Thus, more fluid or more viscous resins can be dosed with greater precision and regularity. In particular, the invention allows the use of recycled, recyclable, biosourced or biodegradable materials and their mixtures that would not be possible without this precise control.

[0094] Fig. 10 shows the position control of the metering valve movement as a function of time. Fig. 10 shows the opening and closing movement of the valve in millimeters (y-axis) as a function of time in milliseconds (x-axis). The examples of control curves 50, 51, 52 or 53 show the new possibilities associated with the invention. It can be seen that for example with a cycle time of 300 milliseconds, the opening time can be achieved more or less quickly, for example in 200 milliseconds for control curve 50 or in 120 milliseconds for control curve 53. It can also be seen that it is possible to adopt a modulated opening speed on control curves 51, 52 and 53, with a very fast initial opening followed by a slower opening speed.

[0095] In curve 50, when the time is equal to 0 ms, the valve is in the closed position. From 0 to 200 ms, i.e. from 0% to 40% of the cycle time, curve 50 shows an increase in the stroke, which corresponds to the opening phase of the valve. During this opening phase, a first part of the dose is pushed out. From 200 ms to 300 ms, i.e. from 40% to 60% of the cycle time, curve 50 shows a decrease in the stroke, which corresponds to the closing of the valve. During the closing phase of the valve, a second part of the dose is pushed out and the dose is blocked off. Finally, from 300 ms to 500 ms, i.e. from 60% to 100% of the cycle time, the valve is in the closed position. During this phase, the reservoir 39 is filled for the next dose.

[0096] In curve 51, when the time is equal to 0 ms, the valve is in the closed position. From 0 to 50 ms, i.e. from 0% to 10% of the cycle time, curve 51 shows a first increase in the stroke, which corresponds to a fast opening of the valve. Then, from 50 to 200 ms, i.e. from 10% to 40% of the cycle time, curve 51 shows a second increase in the stroke, which corresponds to a slow opening of the valve. During this slow opening phase, a first part of the dose is pushed out. From 200 ms to 300 ms, i.e. from 40% to 60% of the cycle time, curve 50 shows a decrease in the stroke, which corresponds to the closing of the valve. During the closing phase of the valve, a second part of the dose is pushed out and the dose is blocked off. Finally, from 300 ms to 500 ms, i.e. from 60% to 100% of the cycle time, the valve is in the closed position. During this phase, the reservoir 39 is filled for the next dose.

[0097] In curve 52, when the time is equal to 0 ms, the valve is in the closed position. From 0 to 25 ms, i.e. from 0% to 5% of the cycle time, curve 51 shows a first increase in the stroke, which corresponds to a very fast opening of the valve. Then, from 50 to 200 ms, i.e. from 5% to 40% of the cycle time, curve 51 shows a second increase in the stroke, which corresponds to a slow opening of the valve. During this slow opening phase, a first part of the dose is pushed out. From 200 ms to 300 ms, i.e. from 40% to 60% of the cycle time, curve 50 shows a decrease in the stroke, which corresponds to the closing of the valve. During the closing phase of the valve, a second part of the dose is pushed out and the dose is blocked off. Finally, from 300 ms to 500 ms, i.e. from 60% to 100% of the cycle time, the valve is in the closed position. During this phase, the reservoir 39 is filled for the next dose.

[0098] In curve 53, when the time is equal to 0 ms, the valve is in the closed position. From 0 to 25 ms, i.e. from 0% to 5% of the cycle time, curve 51 shows a first increase in the stroke, which corresponds to a very fast opening of the valve. Then, from 50 to 100 ms, i.e. from 5% to 20% of the cycle time, curve 51 shows a second increase in the stroke, which corresponds to a fast opening of the valve. During this fast opening phase, a first part of the dose is pushed out. Then, from 100 to 200 ms, i.e. from 20% to 40% of the cycle time, curve 51 shows a plateau in the stroke, which corresponds to an open position of the valve. During this open position of the valve, a second part of the dose is pushed out. From 200 ms to 300 ms, i.e. from 40% to 60% of the cycle time, curve 50 shows a decrease in the stroke, which corresponds to the closing of the valve. During the closing phase of the valve, a third part of the dose is pushed out and the dose is blocked off. Finally, from 300ms to 500ms, i.e. 60% to 100% of the cycle time, the valve is in the closed position. During this phase, the reservoir 39 is being filled for the next dose.

[0099] According to the invention, the valve opening operation occupies 5% to 70% of the cycle time, preferably 10% to 50% of the cycle time.

[0100] According to the invention, the opening action of the valve has at least one stage, preferably at least two stages, with different controlled opening speeds.

[0101] According to the invention, the closing operation of the valve occupies 5% to 70% of the cycle time, preferably 10% to 30% of the cycle time.

[0102] According to the present invention, the time that the valve remains in the closed position occupies between 20% and 60% of the cycle time, preferably between 30% and 50% of the cycle time.

[0103] Figure 11 shows the velocity profiles of the position control curves of Figure 10. Thus, velocity profiles 54, 55, 56, and 57 correspond respectively to position control curves 50, 51, 52, and 53 of Figure 7. Figure 11 shows the velocity of valve movement in millimeters per second (y-axis) as a function of time in milliseconds (x-axis).

[0104] The velocity profile 54 corresponding to the control curve for position 50 shows that the opening velocity passes through a maximum value of 75 millimeters per second after 100 milliseconds. Conversely, the velocity profiles 55, 56, and 57 show two velocity maxima, indicating multiple possibilities for maneuvering. For example, the velocity profile 57 corresponding to the control curve 53 shows a first maximum of 280 millimeters per second after 30 milliseconds, then a second maximum of 55 millimeters per second after 75 milliseconds. After 200 milliseconds, the velocity profile is negative, corresponding to the closing movement of the metering valve.

[0105] For curves 54, 55, 56, and 57, the initial velocity is zero (valve closed), then passes through at least one positive maximum corresponding to the valve opening and returns to zero (valve open), and then the velocity passes through a negative maximum corresponding to the valve closing and returns to zero (valve closed).

[0106] In curve 54 it is observed that the initial velocity of the valve is zero and the valve is closed. The velocity then increases and reaches the maximum opening velocity (75 mm / s) at time 100 ms, i.e. 20% of the cycle time. At 200 ms, corresponding to 40% of the cycle time, the valve velocity returns to zero and the valve is open. From 200 ms, the velocity becomes negative corresponding to the closing movement of the valve. The maximum closing velocity (15 mm / s) is reached at time 250 ms, i.e. 50% of the cycle time. At 300 ms, corresponding to 60% of the cycle time, the valve returns to zero and the valve is closed again. From 300 ms to 500 ms, the valve velocity remains at zero.

[0107] In curve 55, it is observed that the initial velocity of the valve is zero and the valve is closed. The velocity then increases and reaches a first maximum opening velocity (138 mm / s) at time 32 ms, i.e. 6.4% of the cycle time. The velocity then decreases and reaches a second maximum opening velocity (36.7 mm / s) at time 120 ms, i.e. 24% of the cycle time. At 200 ms, which corresponds to 40% of the cycle time, the valve velocity returns to zero and the valve is open. From 200 ms, the velocity becomes negative, corresponding to the closing movement of the valve. The maximum closing velocity (150 mm / s) is reached at time 250 ms, i.e. 50% of the cycle time. At 300 ms, which corresponds to 60% of the cycle time, the valve returns to zero and the valve is closed again. From 300 ms to 500 ms, the valve velocity remains zero.

[0108] In curve 56, it is observed that the initial velocity of the valve is zero and the valve is closed. The velocity then increases and reaches a first maximum opening velocity (284 mm / s) at a time of 16 ms, i.e. 3.2% of the cycle time. The velocity then decreases and reaches a second maximum opening velocity (29.2 mm / s) at a time of 100 ms, i.e. 20% of the cycle time. At 200 ms, which corresponds to 40% of the cycle time, the valve velocity returns to zero and the valve is open. From 200 ms, the velocity becomes negative, corresponding to the closing movement of the valve. The maximum closing velocity (150 mm / s) is reached at a time of 250 ms, i.e. 50% of the cycle time. At 300 ms, which corresponds to 60% of the cycle time, the valve returns to zero and the valve is closed again. From 300 ms to 500 ms, the valve velocity remains zero.

[0109] In curve 57, it is observed that the initial velocity of the valve is zero and the valve is closed. The velocity then increases and reaches a first maximum opening velocity (284 mm / s) at time 16 ms, i.e. 3.2% of the cycle time. The velocity then decreases and reaches a second maximum opening velocity (61 mm / s) at time 72 ms, i.e. 14.4% of the cycle time. At 120 ms, which corresponds to 24% of the cycle time, the valve velocity returns to zero and the valve is open. The valve velocity remains zero from 120 ms to 200 ms, i.e. 24% to 40% of the cycle time. From 200 ms, the velocity becomes negative, corresponding to the closing movement of the valve. The maximum closing velocity (150 mm / s) is reached at time 250 ms, i.e. 50% of the cycle time. At 300 ms, which corresponds to 60% of the cycle time, the valve returns to zero and the valve is closed again. From 300 ms to 500 ms, the valve velocity remains zero.

[0110] According to the invention, the maximum opening speed of the valve is comprised between 10 mm / s and 500 mm / s, preferably between 20 mm / s and 300 mm / s.

[0111] According to the invention, the maximum closing speed of the valve is comprised between 10 mm / s and 500 mm / s, preferably between 100 mm / s and 300 mm / s.

[0112] According to the invention, the valve opening speed passes through one or more maximum values ​​between 2% and 50% of the cycle time, preferably between 3% and 40% of the cycle time.

[0113] According to the invention, the closing speed of the valve passes through one or more maximum values ​​between 30% and 80% of the cycle time, preferably between 40% and 60% of the cycle time.

[0114] According to the invention, the valve opening speed passes through one or more maximum values ​​between 2% and 50% of the cycle time, preferably between 3% and 40% of the cycle time.

[0115] According to the invention, the speed of the valve is zero for a total duration between 20% and 70% of the cycle time, preferably between 30% and 60% of the cycle time.

[0116] Figure 12 is a diagram of the acceleration versus time profile of the movement of the valve shown in Figure 10. In this diagram, the acceleration of the valve movement in millimeters per second (y-axis) is plotted against time in milliseconds (x-axis).

[0117] Acceleration curves 58, 59, 60 and 61 shown in FIG. 12 show a first stage of acceleration and deceleration from 0 ms to 200 ms associated with the opening of the valve, and a second stage of acceleration and deceleration from 200 ms to 500 ms associated with the closing of the valve.

[0118] In curve 58, the maximum acceleration of the opening motion (1.16 mm / s2) is reached at 44 ms, which corresponds to 9% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the opening motion (-1.16 mm / s 2 ) is reached in 156 ms, which corresponds to 31% of the cycle time. In curve 58, the maximum acceleration of the valve closing movement (-4.7 mm / s 2 ) was reached in 222 ms, which corresponds to 44% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the closing operation (4.7 mm / s 2 It is also observed that the valve acceleration remains zero from 300 ms to 500 ms.

[0119] In curve 59, the maximum acceleration of the opening operation (6.8 mm / s2) is reached in 16 ms, which corresponds to 3.2% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the opening operation (-6.8 mm / s 2 ) is reached in 48 ms, which corresponds to 9.6% of the cycle time. In curve 58, the maximum acceleration of the valve closing movement (-4.7 mm / s 2 ) was reached in 222 ms, which corresponds to 44% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the closing operation (4.7 mm / s 2It is also observed that the valve acceleration remains zero from 300 ms to 500 ms.

[0120] In curve 60, the maximum acceleration of the opening operation (28 mm / s2) is reached in 8 ms, which corresponds to 1.6% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the opening operation (-28 mm / s 2 ) is reached in 26 ms, which corresponds to 5.2% of the cycle time. In curve 58, the maximum acceleration of the valve closing movement (-4.7 mm / s 2 ) was reached in 222 ms, which corresponds to 44% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the closing operation (4.7 mm / s 2 It is also observed that the valve acceleration remains zero from 300 ms to 500 ms.

[0121] In curve 61, two phases of acceleration and deceleration of the opening movement of the valve can be clearly observed. These two phases are less visible in curves 59 and 60. In curve 61, the maximum acceleration of the first phase (28 mm / s2) is reached in a time of 8 ms, which corresponds to 1.6% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the first phase (-28 mm / s2) is reached in a time of 1.6% of the cycle time. 2 The maximum acceleration of the second stage (2 mm / s2) is reached in 52 ms, which corresponds to 10% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the second stage (-2 mm / s 2 It is also observed that the maximum acceleration of the valve closing movement (-4.7 mm / s 2 ) was reached in 222 ms, which corresponds to 44% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the closing operation (4.7 mm / s 2 It is also observed that the valve acceleration remains zero from 300 ms to 500 ms.

[0122] According to the present invention, the maximum acceleration and deceleration of the opening movement of the dosing valve is 0.5 m / s2 ~40mm / s 2 , preferably 1 mm / s 2 ~30mm / s 2 Included in.

[0123] According to the present invention, the maximum acceleration and deceleration of the closing movement of the dosing valve is 0.5 m / s 2 ~40mm / s 2 , preferably 1 mm / s 2 ~30mm / s 2 Included in.

[0124] According to the invention, the maximum acceleration of the opening movement of the dosing valve is reached in 0.5% to 25% of the cycle time, preferably in 1% to 15% of the cycle time.

[0125] According to the invention, the maximum deceleration of the opening movement of the press is reached between 3% and 45% of the cycle time, preferably between 5% and 35% of the cycle time.

[0126] According to the invention, the maximum acceleration of the closing movement of the dosing valve is reached between 25% and 65% of the cycle time, preferably between 35% and 55% of the cycle time.

[0127] According to the invention, the maximum deceleration of the closing movement of the dosing valve is reached between 35% and 75% of the cycle time, preferably between 45% and 65% of the cycle time.

[0128] According to the invention, the opening of the dosing valve comprises at least one acceleration and deceleration phase, and preferably comprises several acceleration and deceleration phases.

[0129] According to the invention, the closing of the dosing valve comprises at least one acceleration and deceleration phase, and preferably only one acceleration and deceleration phase.

[0130] Control of the dispensing nozzles shown in FIGS. 10-12 can be achieved by the exemplary apparatus shown in FIGS.

[0131] FIG. 13 shows a dosing unit 30 comprising at least one extrusion unit 31 and a dosing nozzle 35 .

[0132] The extrusion assembly 31 mainly comprises an extrusion screw 32 arranged in a temperature-controlled barrel and a hopper through which the resin is fed into the screw. The extrusion assembly provides the molten resin which is mixed in a metering device 35. The extrusion assembly shown in FIG. 13 also includes an actuator 33 for converting the continuous flow rate provided by the screw into a discontinuous feed rate to the dosing nozzle 35. The pneumatic cylinder 33 thus allows alternating between accumulating the resin upstream of the screw by a backward movement of the screw (low pressure P in the cylinder 33) and then transferring the resin into the dosing nozzle 35 by a forward movement of the screw (high pressure P in the cylinder 33). The pneumatic cylinder 33 is advantageously associated with a control valve 44 which is closed during the resin accumulation phase and open during the resin transfer phase.

[0133] The dosing nozzle 35 comprises a nozzle body 36 and a valve 37 for opening and closing an orifice 38 through which resin escapes from a reservoir 39 to form a dose. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the dosing nozzle 35 also comprises a piston 40 which is set to move via a step 41 on the valve shaft. According to the invention, the valve 37 and the piston 40 are driven by an electric motor 42. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the electric motor 42 is connected to a rack 43 attached to the valve shaft. The extrusion unit 31 and the dosing nozzle 35 are fixed to the frame 34. During production, the dosing unit 30 is in a fixed position relative to the moving part 3 of the press shown in FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0134] Figure 13 shows a volumetric dosing device, i.e. a device which produces volumetrically controlled portions of material. The controlled operation of the valve which triggers the movement of the piston 40 allows for a controlled emptying of the volume of the reservoir 39 with each dosing operation.

[0135] Figure 14 shows an alternative dosing unit 30. In this exemplary device, the mass of the portion is defined by controlling the operation of the valve 37 in conjunction with the pressure P in the cylinder 33. Precise control of the opening and closing operation of the valve as shown in Figures 10 to 12, together with the control of the air pressure P in the cylinder 33, makes it possible to obtain portions of controlled mass and geometry. In the example of the dosing device shown in Figure 14, the extrusion unit 31 is directly connected to the tank 39. In another example, a pilot valve (see reference number 44 in Figure 13) is placed between the extrusion unit 31 and the dosing nozzle 35.

[0136] 15 and 16 are schematic top views of an example of a compression molding machine.

[0137] Fig. 15 is a schematic top view of an example of a compression molding machine. The machine comprises a dosing unit 30, a rotating turret 45 carrying the moulds 13, 14, a press 1 and an ejection device (removal station). Due to the indexed rotational movement of the turret 45, the moulds 13, 14 are successively stopped in front of the dosing, compression, cooling and ejection stations shown in Fig. 15. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the turret 45 is driven by a discontinuous rotational movement. In another embodiment, the turret 45 is driven by a continuous rotational movement (constant rotational speed).

[0138] The indexed hb rotational movement of the turret 45 causes the moulds 13, 14 to stop successively before the dosing, compression, cooling and ejection stations shown in Fig. 15. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the turret 45 is driven by a discontinuous rotational movement. In another embodiment, the turret 45 is driven by a continuous rotational movement (constant rotational speed).

[0139] Figure 16 is a schematic top view of another example of a compression moulding machine. This machine, described in WO2017137079, comprises a dosing unit 30, a rotating turret 45 carrying a satellite turret 29 to which the moulds 13, 14 are fixed, a press and a loading and unloading device / station. This machine is characterised by the fact that the satellite turrets rotate in the opposite direction to the main turret. According to a preferred embodiment, the turret 45 of the machine shown in Figure 16 is driven by a continuous rotary motion. In another embodiment, the turret 45 is driven by a discontinuous rotary motion.

[0140] The invention makes it possible to manufacture single or multi-layer objects by compression molding of single or multi-layer quantities such as tube heads, closures or other types of packaging such as capsules.

[0141] This specification is not intended, and should not be construed, as representing the full scope and scope of the invention. The invention is described in various levels of detail in this specification and in the accompanying drawings and detailed description of the invention, and no limitation on the scope of the invention is intended by either including or not including elements, components, etc. Additional aspects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, especially when considered in conjunction with the drawings. All values ​​(times, sizes, percentages, etc.) are given herein as non-limiting examples / values, and other such values ​​are possible depending on the circumstances, the size and configuration of the machine and its parts and / or the product being molded (its size, dimensions, etc.), the amount of material being molded, etc.

[0142] Moreover, exemplary embodiments are described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the present invention is not defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with the exemplary embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Several problems with conventional methods and systems have been described herein, and the methods and systems disclosed herein may address one or more of these problems. By describing these problems, no admission of knowledge thereof in the art is intended. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although certain methods and systems have been described herein with respect to embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not so limited. Moreover, while the present invention has been described in conjunction with several embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be or will be apparent to those skilled in the applicable art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1...press, 2...stationary part of press, 3...movable part of press, 4...electric motor, 5...air spring, 6...press toggle, 7...stationary frame, 8...linear guide, 9...rotary guide, 10...movable frame, 11a...coupling element of stationary part, 11b...coupling element of movable part, 12...pneumatic cylinder, 13...upper part of mold, 14...lower part of mold, 15...mold cavity, 16...orifice pin, 17...air spring, 18...sliding sleeve of mold, 19...upper stopper, 20 ...Lower stopper, 21...Press position control curve (low speed), 22...Press position control curve (high speed), 23...Press position control curve (optimum), 24...Press speed curve (low speed), 25...Press speed curve (high speed), 26...Press speed curve (optimum), 29...Satellite turret, 30...Dosing unit, 31...Extrusion unit, 32...Extrusion screw, 33...Pneumatic cylinder, 34...Frame, 35...Dosing nozzle, 36...Dosing nozzle body, 37...Metering valve, 38...Orifice, 39...Tank, 40...Piston, 41...Step, 42...Electric motor, 43...Rack, 44...Valve, 45...Rotary turret, 46...Press acceleration curve (low speed), 47...Press acceleration curve (high speed), 48...Press acceleration curve (optimum), 50...Position control curve (low speed, 200 ms), 51...Position control curve (high speed 60 ms, 200 ms), 52...Position control curve (high speed 30 ms, 200 ms), 53...Position control curve (high speed 30 ms) , 120ms), 54...Speed ​​control curve (slow, 200ms), 55...Speed ​​control curve (fast 60ms, 200ms), 56...Speed ​​control curve (fast 30ms, 200ms), 57...Speed ​​control curve (fast 30ms, 120ms), 58...Acceleration control curve (slow, 200ms), 59...Acceleration control curve (fast 60ms, 200ms), 60...Acceleration control curve (fast 30ms, 200ms), 61...Acceleration control curve (fast 30ms, 120ms).

Claims

1. a dosage unit (30); At least one mold formed from at least a first part and a second part (13, 14); an electric motor (4) for controlling the compression of at least one of the parts of the mold towards the other of the parts; A rotating turret (45); a spring (5) that defines the forming force; A molding method for forming a product from a quantity of molten material using a molding device (1) comprising at least: at least the electric motor (4) and the dosing unit (30) are in fixed positions within the forming device (1); At least one of the parts (13, 14) of the mold rotates with the turret (45); The molding method comprises:

10. A molding method, characterized in that the movement of one of the parts (13, 14) of the mold towards the other of the parts (13, 14) is controlled to a predetermined position, and the compression movement occupies 5% to 40% of the cycle time.

2. 2. The molding method of claim 1, including an approaching movement of the parts of the mold toward one another, the approaching movement taking up 10% to 50% of the cycle time.

3. The molding method of claim 1 including the step of holding the parts in the mold under pressure for 5% to 50% of the cycle time.

4. 10. The molding method of claim 1, wherein a maximum closing speed is reached between 5% and 25% of the cycle time, and a constant speed is reached between 65% and 95% of the cycle time.

5. 10. The molding method of claim 1, wherein maximum closing acceleration is reached between 2% and 20% of the cycle time and maximum closing deceleration is reached between 10% and 40% of the cycle time.

6. A dosing unit (30) having a valve (37) with at least an opening and closing action driven by a motor (42).

1. A method for forming a product from a quantity of molten material using a forming device comprising at least: The molding method, characterized in that at least the opening operation of the valve (37) is controlled according to the quantity of the material, and the opening operation of the valve occupies 5% to 70% of the cycle time.

7. The molding method of claim 6, wherein the valve (37) remains in a closed position for between 20% and 60% of the cycle time.

8. 7. The molding method of claim 6, wherein the closing operation of the valve (37) accounts for 5% to 70% of the cycle time.

9. 7. The molding method of claim 6, wherein the opening speed of the valve (37) passes through one or more maximum values ​​between 2% and 50% of the cycle time, and the closing speed of the valve (37) passes through one or more maximum values ​​between 30% and 80% of the cycle time.

10. 7. The molding method of claim 6, wherein the opening of the valve (37) comprises at least one acceleration and deceleration phase, and the closing of the valve (37) comprises at least one acceleration and deceleration phase.

11. 11. The molding method of claim 10, wherein the maximum acceleration of the opening movement of the valve (37) is reached between 0.5% and 25% of the cycle time, and the maximum deceleration of the opening movement of the valve (37) is reached between 3% and 45% of the cycle time.

12. 11. The molding method of claim 10, wherein a maximum acceleration of the closing movement of the valve (37) is reached between 25% and 65% of the cycle time, and a maximum deceleration of the closing movement of the valve (37) is reached between 35% and 75% of the cycle time.

13. a dosing unit (30) having a valve (37) with at least an opening and closing action driven by a motor (42); At least one mold formed from at least a first part and a second part (13, 14); an electric motor (4) for controlling the compression of at least one of the parts of the mold towards the other of the parts; A rotating turret (45); A spring (5) that determines the forming force; A molding device (1) comprising at least at least the electric motor (4) and the dosing unit (30) are in fixed positions within the forming device (1); A molding apparatus wherein at least one of said parts (13, 14) of said mold rotates with said turret (45).

14. 14. A forming device according to claim 13, wherein the spring (5) is arranged between the motor (4) and the forming device (1).

15. 14. A molding device according to claim 13, wherein the spring (5) is arranged between the rotary turret (45) and one of the parts (13, 14) of the mold.

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