Extrusion die comprising multiple nozzle pieces

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an extrusion die may comprise: a finishing nozzle; a main nozzle disposed to face the finishing nozzle, the main nozzle comprising at least two nozzle pieces arranged in a circumferential direction and a nozzle tip implemented by coupling the at least two nozzle pieces; and a pressing ring coupled to surround the main nozzle. In one embodiment, the pressing ring may be configured to press the at least two nozzle pieces so as to bring same into close contact with adjacent other nozzle pieces. Various other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

Extrusion mold comprising multiple nozzle pieces

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mold, for example, an extrusion mold for forming a thermoelectric element.

[0002] A thermoelectric device is a device that converts electrical energy into thermal energy or thermal energy into electrical energy. It may refer to a device that utilizes the Seebeck effect, in which a potential difference is generated in a closed circuit due to a temperature difference; the Peltier effect, in which a temperature difference is generated on both sides of two different metals when current flows through them; and the Thomson effect, in which heat is absorbed or released when current flows in the same metal while there is a partial temperature difference. Such thermoelectric devices can be manufactured from an alloy containing elements such as bismuth (Bl), tellurium (Te), or antimony (Sb).

[0003] Casting, thermal sintering, hot pressing, and / or hot extrusion can be used to manufacture thermoelectric devices. Extrusion offers superior yields and manufacturing costs compared to other manufacturing methods, and facilitates controllable thermoelectric device properties, making it a useful method for thermoelectric device manufacturing. For example, hot extrusion can increase the density and microstructural anisotropy of the thermoelectric device by forming the thermoelectric material under high plastic stress. Furthermore, since plastic deformation and heat treatment are performed virtually simultaneously, it can also be beneficial for reducing manufacturing costs.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an extrusion mold may include a finishing nozzle, a main nozzle arranged to face the finishing nozzle, at least two nozzle pieces arranged along a circumferential direction, the main nozzle including a nozzle tip formed by combining the at least two nozzle pieces, and a pressure ring coupled to surround the main nozzle. In one embodiment, the pressure ring may be configured to pressurize the at least two nozzle pieces to bring them into close contact with another adjacent nozzle piece.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an extrusion mold may include a finishing nozzle, a base holder for accommodating the finishing nozzle, three nozzle pieces arranged along a circumferential direction as a main nozzle arranged to face the finishing nozzle, the main nozzle including a nozzle tip arranged to face the finishing nozzle within the base holder and implemented by combining the nozzle pieces, and a pressure ring coupled to surround the main nozzle. In one embodiment, the main nozzle may include an inclined outer circumferential surface such that an outer diameter increases as it approaches the nozzle tip, and the pressure ring may include an inclined inner circumferential surface such that an inner diameter increases as it approaches the nozzle tip. In one embodiment, the pressure ring may be configured to pressurize the nozzle pieces while bringing the inner circumferential surface into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the main nozzle, thereby bringing them into close contact with another adjacent nozzle piece.

[0007] The above-described aspects or other aspects, configurations and / or advantages of one embodiment of the present disclosure may be further clarified by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an extrusion mold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an assembled extrusion mold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an extrusion material arranged in an extrusion mold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an extrusion molding process performed using an extrusion mold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the end of extrusion molding using an extrusion mold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing one operation of removing residue from an extrusion mold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing another operation of removing residue from an extrusion mold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a drawing for exemplarily explaining the specifications of an extrusion mold according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Throughout the attached drawings, similar reference numbers may be assigned to similar parts, components and / or structures.

[0017] During the hot extrusion process, some of the extruded material (e.g., thermoelectric material) may not be completely extruded from the mold and may sinter inside the mold or nozzle. This residue can cause defective molded products in subsequent extrusion processes or clog the nozzle, delaying subsequent processes. While sintered residue inside the mold or nozzle can be removed using equipment such as a drill, the removal process can damage the inner nozzle wall, reducing the life of the mold. While the generation of residue can be suppressed through surface treatment of the inner nozzle wall (e.g., polishing or lapping), this surface treatment can make it difficult to secure sufficient extrusion pressure during the extrusion process. Without an appropriate level of extrusion pressure, it is difficult to control the density or crystal orientation of the molded product, which can degrade the performance of the manufactured thermoelectric device.

[0018] One embodiment of the present disclosure is intended to at least resolve the above-described problems and / or disadvantages and at least provide the advantages described below, and can provide an extrusion mold that is easy to remove residue inside a nozzle after molding.

[0019] One embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an extrusion mold that can suppress quality deterioration of a molded product in a subsequent process by facilitating removal of residue from a preceding process.

[0020] One embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an extrusion mold that can easily remove residue and thus suppress deterioration of the durability of the nozzle.

[0021] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0022] The following description of the accompanying drawings may provide an understanding of various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, including the claims and their equivalents. While the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the following description include numerous specific details to aid understanding, they are to be considered as one example of various exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the various implementations described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0023] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their reference meanings and can be used to clearly and consistently describe one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various implementations of the disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes, not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents.

[0024] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural meanings. Thus, for example, "a component surface" could be understood to include one or more of the surfaces of the component.

[0025] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a drawing showing an assembled state of an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main nozzle (101), a finishing nozzle (102), and / or a pressing ring (103). The main nozzle (101) may, for example, provide (or define) at least a portion of a space for accommodating an extruded material (e.g., a compact (159) as described below, which is a thermoelectric material). In one embodiment, as an extrusion pressure is applied to the compact (159), the main nozzle (101) may extrude an extruded article of a specified shape (e.g., an extruded article (159a) of FIG. 4) through a nozzle tip (113). The extruded material is, for example, a compact (159) formed by compressing a powdered raw material into a specified shape, and can be provided or placed in a cavity of an extrusion mold (100) (e.g., cavity (133) of FIG. 8).

[0027] In one embodiment, the molded article extruded from the main nozzle (101) may include a non-designed shape or structure, such as a parting line. For example, when the main nozzle (101) or the nozzle tip (113) includes a plurality (e.g., two or more) of nozzle pieces (111), a parting line may be formed on the surface of the molded article corresponding to the boundary of the nozzle pieces (111). The finishing nozzle (102) may be a flat plate having substantially through holes (e.g., a land hole (121a) and / or a relief hole (121b) described below). In one embodiment, as the molded article extruded from the main nozzle (101) passes through the finishing nozzle (102), surface defects (e.g., burrs or parting lines) are substantially removed, and the molded article may be formed into a designed shape.

[0028] In one embodiment, the main nozzle (101) may be substantially conical or frusto-conical in shape, with an outer diameter that gradually increases from the top toward the bottom (e.g., nozzle tip (113)). In one embodiment, the nozzle tip (113) may be a portion that substantially extrudes or ejects a molded article and may be bonded or fixed to a designated structure (e.g., base holder (104)). In one embodiment, the nozzle tip (113) may be substantially cylindrical in shape, with an outer diameter that is smaller than other portions of the main nozzle (101).

[0029] According to one embodiment, the main nozzle (101) can be implemented by combining at least two nozzle pieces (111). For example, when it is defined that a molded article (e.g., an extruded molded article (159a) of FIG. 4) is extruded in a vertical direction (e.g., a first direction (D1)), the nozzle pieces (111) can be combined in a horizontal direction (e.g., a direction intersecting the first direction (D1)) to implement the main nozzle (101). In the illustrated embodiment, the main nozzle (101) includes three nozzle pieces (111), and the nozzle pieces (111) are arranged along a circumferential direction and placed in contact with each other, thereby implementing a main nozzle (101) having a cone or frusto-conical shape. When three nozzle pieces (111) are combined, one nozzle piece (111) can provide an area (or portion) substantially 120 degrees from the circumferential direction of the main nozzle (101). For example, when a plurality of nozzle pieces (111) are combined, the nozzle pieces (111) can be implemented to provide an area (or portion) of equal angular size from the circumferential direction of the main nozzle (101). By implementing the nozzle pieces (111) to provide an area of ​​equal angular size, the force or load applied by the pressure ring (103) can be applied uniformly to all of the nozzle pieces (111).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the phrase "the main nozzle (101) has a cone or frusto-conical shape" may refer to the fact that the outer surface (111) of the main nozzle (101) is substantially inclined. For example, as seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the outer surface (119) of the main nozzle (101) is formed to be inclined with respect to the direction in which the molded article is extruded (e.g., the first direction (D1)), so that the outer diameter may gradually increase as it approaches the bottom. As will be described later, the outer surface (119) of the main nozzle (101) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the bottom surface at a second angle (e.g., the second angle (A2) of FIG. 8). In one embodiment, the main nozzle (101) is implemented by a combination of multiple nozzle pieces (111), so that residue after the extrusion process (e.g., residue (159b) of FIGS. 5 to 7) can be easily removed by separating the nozzle pieces (111).

[0031] In one embodiment, the main nozzle (101) may be positioned to face the finishing nozzle (102) and / or to be in direct contact with the upper portion of the finishing nozzle (102). For example, the nozzle pieces (111) may be positioned to face each other in different areas of the finishing nozzle (102), and the nozzle tip (113) may be maintained in substantially close contact with the finishing nozzle (102) during the extrusion molding process. In the extrusion molding process, the extruded material (e.g., the compact (159)) is positioned in a cavity (e.g., the cavity (133) of FIG. 8) implemented substantially above the main nozzle (101), and the extruded material sintered by the extrusion pressure may sequentially pass through the nozzle tip (113) and the finishing nozzle (102) to be formed into a molded article having a designed shape. In one embodiment, after the extrusion process, the molded article may be formed or processed into individual thermoelectric elements by a slicing process.

[0032] In one embodiment, the finishing nozzle (102) may include machining holes (121a, 121b) aligned with the nozzle tip (113) of the main nozzle (101). The machining holes (121a, 121b) may include, for example, a land hole (121a) having a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of a molded article (e.g., an extruded article (159a) of FIG. 4) and a relief hole (121b) extending from the land hole (121a). The land hole (121a) may extend downward from, for example, a first surface (F1) facing the nozzle tip (113) and may have a shape or inner diameter of a designated size (e.g., an inner diameter indicated as 'LD'). In one embodiment, the inner diameter (LD) of the land hole (121a) may be substantially the same size as the inner diameter of the nozzle tip (113) (e.g., the inner diameter (ID1) of FIG. 8). For example, surface defects of a molded article extruded from a main nozzle (101) may be eliminated as it passes through a land hole (121a). In one embodiment, a relief hole (121b) may extend from the land hole (121a) inside the finishing nozzle (102) toward a second surface (F2) opposite to the first surface (F1). In one embodiment, an inner diameter (e.g., an inner diameter indicated as 'RD') of the relief hole (121b) may gradually increase as it approaches the second surface (F2). For example, a molded article (e.g., an extruded molded article (159a) of FIG. 4) may be substantially separated from the extrusion mold (100) as it moves from a portion passing through the land hole (121b) to the outside of the extrusion mold (100).

[0033] According to one embodiment, among the land hole (121a) and the relief hole (121b) of the finishing nozzle (102), at least the land hole (121a) may have a smooth surface (e.g., an inner circumferential surface) by polishing or lapping. For example, the inner wall of the main nozzle (101) may have a sufficiently large surface roughness to generate an extrusion pressure of a specified size, and the surface of the extruded product (159a) may be smoothly processed by the finishing nozzle (102) (e.g., the land hole (121a)). In one embodiment, the surface processing of the land hole (121a) may facilitate the removal of residue (e.g., residue (155b) of FIGS. 5 to 7). In one embodiment, the thickness of the finishing nozzle (102) or the length of the land hole (121a) is only about 2-3 mm, and the inner surface of the land hole (121a) is surface-treated so that the residue (159b) inside can be easily removed.

[0034] In one embodiment, the pressurizing ring (103) can be coupled to surround at least a portion of the main nozzle (101), thereby pressurizing the nozzle pieces (111) and keeping them in close contact with adjacent nozzle pieces (111). For example, in an extrusion process, the pressurizing ring (103) can keep the nozzle pieces (111) in a close contact, so that when pressure is applied, the extruded material (e.g., the compact (159) of FIG. 3) can be extruded through the nozzle tip (113) to form a molded article having a designed shape. In one embodiment, the pressurizing ring (103) can pressurize the main nozzle (101) by providing an inner space in the shape of a cone or frustocone, thereby substantially surrounding the main nozzle (101). For example, the inner circumferential surface (131) of the pressurizing ring (103) can have a sloped shape such that the inner diameter increases as it approaches the bottom or as it approaches the nozzle tip (113). For example, the inner surface (131) of the pressure ring (103) may be formed to be inclined at a first angle (A1) with respect to the lower surface of the main nozzle or the lower surface of the pressure ring. As will be described later, the sum of the first angle (A1) and the second angle (A2) of FIG. 8 may be substantially 180 degrees.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the maximum value of the inner diameter of the pressure ring (103) may be smaller than the maximum value of the outer diameter of the main nozzle (101) (e.g., the outer diameter of the main nozzle (101) indicated as 'OD2' in FIG. 8). For example, the closer the pressure ring (103) is positioned to the nozzle tip (113), the greater force the pressure ring (103) can exert to press the nozzle pieces (111). Referring to FIG. 2, when the pressure ring (103) moves upward with respect to the main nozzle (101), the force for pressing the nozzle pieces (111) may decrease. For example, when the pressure ring (103) moves downward with respect to the main nozzle (101) in the state illustrated in FIG. 2, the force for pressing the nozzle pieces (111) may increase. As will be seen with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the extrusion pressure applied to the extruded material (e.g., the compact (159) of FIG. 2 or 3) may act in a direction that moves the nozzle pieces (111) away from each other. In this case, a gap is formed between the nozzle pieces (111), and a parting line may be created on the surface of the molded product at a portion corresponding to the gap, or the parting line may become larger. In the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure, even when the extrusion pressure is applied, the pressure ring (103) maintains the nozzle pieces (111) in a close state, thereby suppressing the creation of a parting line.

[0036] Although not shown, the press ring (103) may have a built-in heating coil to facilitate the extrusion molding process or to control the density or particle orientation of the molded product. However, it should be noted that in the disclosed embodiment, the extrusion mold (100) includes a heating unit (106) surrounding at least a portion of the press ring (103), and thus the structure in which the press ring (103) has a built-in heating coil is omitted. In one embodiment, even if a separate heating unit (106) is provided, the press ring (103) may have a structure including a heating coil. The heating unit (106) (or a heating coil built into the press ring (103)) may heat the compact (159) (e.g., an extruded material or a thermoelectric material) during the extrusion process to facilitate forming or sintering into a designed shape.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a cavity (e.g., cavity (133) of FIG. 8) surrounded by the pressure ring (103) may be implemented on the upper portion of the main nozzle (101) while the pressure ring (103) is positioned at a designated position of the main nozzle (101). For example, the cavity (133) may be implemented by combining the upper surface of the main nozzle (101) and the inner wall (or inner circumference (131)) of the pressure ring (103). An extruded material or compact (159) is accommodated in the cavity (133) and can be extruded through the nozzle tip (113) by pressure applied through a ram (153). For example, the ram (153) is placed on (e.g., on top of) the pressure ring (103) and can extrude the extruded material received in the cavity (133) through the nozzle tip (113) by applying pressure while moving in the first direction (D1) (e.g., downward).

[0038] In one embodiment, the extrusion die (100) may further include a base holder (104). The base holder (104) may provide, for example, a means for securing the main nozzle (101), the finishing nozzle (102), and / or the pressure ring (103) in designated positions. For example, the finishing nozzle (102) and / or the nozzle tip (113) may be substantially secured within a guide groove (141) of the base holder (104), and the pressure ring (103) may be secured on the base holder (104) in a state surrounding (or pressurizing) the main nozzle (103) or may be provided with a load acting in a direction approaching the base holder (104). Thus, during the extrusion process, the pressure ring (103) may maintain the nozzle pieces (111) in close contact.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a guide groove (141) is provided on the upper surface of the base holder (104), and the finishing nozzle (102) may be first placed in the guide groove (141) and then the nozzle pieces (111) (e.g., nozzle tips (113)) may be placed in the guide groove (141). For example, the nozzle tips (113) may be placed facing the finishing nozzle (102) within the base holder (104) (e.g., guide groove (141)). In one embodiment, the pressure ring (103) may be fastened to the base holder (104) by a bolt (151). In a structure fastened by the bolt (151), the pressure ring (103) may include support holes (139)(s), and the base holder (104) may include fastening holes (149)(s). The support holes (139)(s) may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the pressure ring (103), for example, and the fastening holes (149)(s) may be provided around the guide groove (141) on the upper surface of the base holder (104).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the support hole (139) may include a first dummy hole (139a) extending from the upper surface of the pressure ring (103) to receive the head of the bolt (151), and a second dummy hole (139b) extending from the first dummy hole (139a) to penetrate the lower surface of the pressure ring (103). The first dummy hole (139a) may have, for example, an inner diameter larger than the head of the bolt (151), and the second dummy hole (139b) may have an inner diameter smaller than the head of the bolt (151). For example, the head of the bolt (151) may be received in the first dummy hole (139a) and supported on the upper end of the second dummy hole (139b) (or the bottom of the first dummy hole (139a)) so as to protrude toward the lower end of the pressure ring (103) and be fastened to the base holder (104) (e.g., the fastening hole (149)). In one embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the main nozzle (101) may be larger than the maximum inner diameter of the pressure ring (103). For example, the pressure ring (103) may be fastened to the base holder (104) by the bolt (151) without directly contacting the base holder (104) by the main nozzle (101). In one embodiment, by fastening the bolt (151) deeper into the base holder (104), the pressure ring (103) may be able to press the nozzle pieces (111) with greater force.

[0041] In one embodiment, the base holder (104) may further include a guide hole (143). The guide hole (143) may be formed, for example, to penetrate from the bottom of the guide groove (141) to the lower surface of the base holder (104). When the finishing nozzle (102) and the main nozzle (101) (e.g., nozzle tip (113)) are placed on the base holder (104), the land hole (121a) and / or the relief hole (121b) may be substantially aligned with the guide hole (143). In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the guide hole (143) may be substantially equal to the maximum inner diameter (RD) of the relief hole (121b). For example, a molded article extruded from a finishing nozzle (102) (e.g., an extruded molded article (159a) of FIG. 4) can be drawn out (or discharged) from the base holder (104) and / or the extrusion mold (100) through a guide hole (143) without directly contacting the base holder (104).

[0042] Although not shown, the extrusion die (100) may further include at least one of a gas spring, a hydraulic cylinder, and / or a pneumatic cylinder. At least one of the gas spring, the hydraulic cylinder, and / or the pneumatic cylinder may, for example, provide a load that acts in a direction that brings the pressure ring (103) closer to the base holder (104). When placed on the base holder (104), the pressure ring (103) may contact the inner surface (131) with the outer surface (119) of the main nozzle (101), and may further pressurize the outer surface (119) of the main nozzle (101) as a load (e.g., a force applied by at least one of the gas spring, the hydraulic cylinder, and / or the pneumatic cylinder) is applied. For example, the load provided by at least one of the gas spring, the hydraulic cylinder, and / or the pneumatic cylinder may substantially bring the nozzle pieces (111) into close contact with each other. In one embodiment, when at least one of a gas spring, a hydraulic cylinder, and / or a pneumatic cylinder is provided, the bolt (151) may be omitted. In one embodiment, when at least one of a gas spring, a hydraulic cylinder, and / or a pneumatic cylinder is disposed, the bolt (151) may be an exemplified structure (e.g., a plunger) that transfers the load provided by the at least one of the gas spring, the hydraulic cylinder, and / or the pneumatic cylinder to the pressure ring (103).

[0043] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an extrusion material (e.g., a compact (159)) placed in an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an extrusion molding performed using an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, reference numeral '159a' may represent an extrusion molded product molded or sintered by an extrusion process.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the extrusion process may be a process of pressurizing a compact (159) (e.g., an extrusion material or a thermoelectric material) by using a ram (153) (or a punch) while the compact (159) is accommodated in a cavity (e.g., the cavity (133) of FIG. 8). To facilitate the process, the extrusion die (100) may include a heating unit (106) for heating the compact (159). Separately from the heating unit (106), the extrusion die (100) may further include a heating coil built into the pressurizing ring (103). In the illustrated embodiment, the heating unit (106) may have a structure that accommodates or surrounds at least a portion of the main nozzle (101), the finishing nozzle (102), the pressurizing ring (103), and / or the base holder (104). In one embodiment, when the extrusion mold (100) includes a heating coil built into the pressure ring (103), the heating unit (106) may be omitted.

[0045] According to one embodiment, as the ram (153) moves in the first direction (D1), the space inside the cavity (133) gradually narrows, and thus an increasingly higher pressure may be applied to the extruded material (e.g., the compact (159)). Due to the pressure applied through the ram (153), the compact (159) may be deformed into a shape corresponding to the space defined by the cavity (133) and the ram (153) and may be gradually extruded from the lower portion of the extrusion die (100) along the first direction (D1) sequentially via the nozzle tip (113) and / or the finishing nozzle (102). In this extrusion process, the process speed (e.g., sintering of the compact (159)) may be promoted by heating of the heating unit (106), and the density or orientation of the extruded product (159a) may be controlled.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the end of extrusion molding using an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, even after the extrusion process is completed, the extruded material or sintered material may not be completely discharged and residue (159b) may exist inside the main nozzle (101) and / or the finishing nozzle (102). For example, there may be a limit to completely discharging the material inside the main nozzle (101) and / or the finishing nozzle (102) to the outside due to the pressure of the ram (153). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the finishing nozzle (102) may be separated from the main nozzle (101), and the main nozzle (101) may have a structure in which a plurality of nozzle pieces (111) are combined, making it easy to remove the residue (159b) after the extrusion process. The removal of the residue (159b) after the extrusion process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating one operation of removing residue (159b) from an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating another operation of removing residue (159b) from an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in removing the residue (159b), the pressure ring (103) may first be separated from the main nozzle (101). When the pressure ring (103) is separated, the main nozzle (101) may be placed in an environment in which it can be separated from the base holder (104) and / or the nozzle pieces (111) in contact with each other may be placed in an environment in which it can be separated from the base holder (104). In one embodiment, when the nozzle pieces (111) are separated from each other, the residue (159b) may be generally exposed to the external space and may remain partially contained (or bound) to the finishing nozzle (102) (e.g., the land hole (121a) of FIG. 2). In one embodiment, when the nozzle pieces (111) are separated, an operator may directly remove the residue (159b) from the finishing nozzle (102). When the inner surface of the land hole (121a) (and / or the relief hole (121b)) is polished or lapped, the removal of the residue (159b) can be made easier. In one embodiment, after the residue (159b) is removed, the separated nozzle pieces (111) and / or the finishing nozzle (102) can be reassembled to the base holder (104) in a clean state after undergoing an additional cleaning process to remove foreign substances.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a drawing for exemplarily explaining the specifications of an extrusion mold (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which a plurality of nozzle pieces (111) are combined and implemented, and a main nozzle (101) having an inclined outer surface (e.g., the outer surface (119) of FIG. 1) and a pressure ring (103) having an inclined inner surface (e.g., the inner surface (131) of FIG. 1) are arranged in contact with each other. For example, the pressure ring (103) can pressurize the main nozzle (101) while the inner surface (131) is in contact with the outer surface (119) of the main nozzle (101). In the illustrated embodiment, it can be understood that the pressure ring (103) is arranged in a state in which the pressure ring pressurizes the main nozzle (103) by moving downward from the upper portion of the main nozzle (101). In FIG. 8, reference numeral 'OD1' may exemplify the minimum outer diameter of the main nozzle (101) or the minimum inner diameter of the pressure ring (103), reference numeral 'OD2' may exemplify the maximum outer diameter of the main nozzle (101), and reference numeral 'OD3' may exemplify the outer diameter of the pressure ring (103). In one embodiment, the maximum inner diameter of the pressure ring (103) may be smaller than the maximum outer diameter (OD2) of the main nozzle (101). In one embodiment, reference numeral 'ID1' in FIG. 8 may exemplify the inner diameter of the main nozzle (101) (or the outer diameter of the extruded product (159a)), and reference numeral 'EL' may exemplify the length of a passage through which the compact (159) is extruded within the main nozzle (101) or a passage defined for forming. In one embodiment, reference numeral 'SL' of FIG. 8 may be set to a size that can implement a cavity (133) for accommodating a compact (159) while stably pressurizing the main nozzle (101), for example. In one embodiment, reference numeral 'A2' of FIG. 8 may be an inclination angle of the outer circumferential surface (119) with respect to the lower surface of the main nozzle (101), and may exemplify a second angle. In one embodiment, the sum of the second angle (A2) and the first angle (A1) of FIG. 2 may be substantially 180 degrees.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the main nozzle (101) is manufactured to have a minimum outer diameter (OD1) of approximately 20 mm, a maximum outer diameter (OD2) of approximately 23.15 mm, a second angle (A2) of approximately 85 degrees, an inner diameter (ID1) of approximately 2 mm, and a passage length (EL) of 10 mm, and the pressurizing ring (103) can be manufactured to have an outer diameter of approximately 40 mm and a length of approximately 20 mm. When extrusion pressure is applied, the upper portion of the main nozzle (101) can provide a conical or funnel-shaped space so that a compact (e.g., a compact (159) of FIG. 2) can be extruded corresponding to the inner diameter (ID1) of the main nozzle (101). When performing an extrusion process using an extrusion mold (100) manufactured with these specifications, the pressure ring (103) can apply a load of approximately 1 ton to bring the nozzle pieces (111) into close contact. In this state, when the extrusion process is performed at a pressure of approximately 1 GPa, it was confirmed that the gap between the contact portions of the nozzle pieces (111) is controlled to within approximately 10 μm. The gap between the nozzle pieces (111) may cause the generation of a parting line on the surface of the extruded product (159a). However, when the gap between the nozzle pieces (111) is controlled to within approximately 10 μm, a parting line may not be substantially generated on the surface of the extruded product (159a). In one embodiment, even if a parting line is generated on the surface of the extruded product (159a), the parting line is removed by the finishing nozzle (102), and the surface of the extruded product (159a) can be implemented as a substantially continuous curved surface. For example, the density of the extruded product (159a) or the orientation of the crystals can be uniformly controlled.

[0053] When an extrusion process is performed at the same pressure in a nozzle implemented as a single piece of a typical cylindrical shape, circumferential tensile stress is generated in the nozzle, which may reduce the life of the nozzle in a continuous or repeated extrusion molding process.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a main nozzle (101) is implemented by combining a plurality of nozzle pieces (111) and an extrusion process is performed while pressurizing the main nozzle (101) using an inclined structure and a reinforcing ring (e.g., a pressurizing ring (103) of FIG. 1), the circumferential tensile stress in the main nozzle (101) can be offset by the compressive residual stress imparted by the pressurizing ring (103). For example, the lifespan of the main nozzle (101) can be maintained or improved, and the reliability of the extrusion mold (100) can be increased. For example, the extrusion mold (100) according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure can be useful for producing an extruded product of good quality while ensuring (or maintaining) the durability of the main nozzle (101). In one embodiment, when residue (159b) exists inside the main nozzle (101), the residue (159b) can be easily removed by separating the nozzle pieces (111). For example, damage to the main nozzle (101) can be suppressed when removing the residue (159b).

[0055] As described above, in an extrusion mold according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure (e.g., an extrusion mold (100) of FIGS. 1 to 5), in which a plurality of nozzle pieces (e.g., a nozzle piece (111) of FIG. 1) are combined to form a main nozzle (e.g., a main nozzle (101) of FIGS. 1 to 5), removal of residue (e.g., residue (159b) of FIGS. 5 to 7) can be facilitated. For example, since the nozzle pieces are separated from each other, residue inside the nozzle is substantially exposed to the external space, damage to the main nozzle can be suppressed during the process of removing the residue. Accordingly, deterioration in the quality of a molded article (e.g., an extruded molded article (159a) of FIG. 4) in repeated or subsequent processes can be suppressed, and since damage to the main nozzle is suppressed during the process of removing the residue, reduction in the lifespan of the main nozzle can be suppressed.

[0056] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description of the above-described embodiment(s).

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an extrusion mold (e.g., an extrusion mold (100) of FIGS. 1 to 5) may include a finishing nozzle (e.g., a finishing nozzle (102) of FIGS. 1 to 5), a main nozzle (e.g., a main nozzle (101) of FIGS. 1 to 5) arranged to face the finishing nozzle, the main nozzle including at least two nozzle pieces (e.g., a nozzle piece (111) of FIG. 1) arranged in a circumferential direction, a nozzle tip (e.g., a nozzle tip (113) of FIG. 1) implemented by combining the at least two nozzle pieces, and a pressure ring (e.g., a pressure ring (103) of FIGS. 1 to 5) coupled to surround the main nozzle. In one embodiment, the pressure ring may be configured to pressurize the at least two nozzle pieces to bring them into close contact with another adjacent nozzle piece.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the at least two nozzle pieces may be arranged to face different areas of the finishing nozzle.

[0059] In one embodiment, the pressurized ring may be configured to implement a cavity (e.g., cavity (133) of FIG. 8) configured to receive an extruded material (e.g., compact (159) of FIGS. 2 to 4) at an upper portion of the main nozzle when coupled to surround the main nozzle.

[0060] In one embodiment, the extrusion mold as described above may further include a ram (e.g., ram (153) of FIGS. 1 to 5) disposed on the pressure ring. In one embodiment, the ram may be configured to extrude the extrudable material accommodated in the cavity via the nozzle tip while moving in a first direction (e.g., first direction (D1) of FIGS. 2 to 4) on the pressure ring.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the extrusion mold as described above may further include a heating unit (e.g., heating unit (106) of FIGS. 2 to 4) arranged to surround the main nozzle and the pressurizing ring.

[0062] In one embodiment, the main nozzle may include three of the nozzle pieces.

[0063] In one embodiment, the main nozzle may include an inclined outer surface (e.g., outer surface (119) of FIG. 1) such that the outer diameter increases as it approaches the nozzle tip, and the pressure ring may include an inclined inner surface (e.g., inner surface (131) of FIG. 1) such that the inner diameter increases as it approaches the nozzle tip. For example, the pressure ring may be configured to pressurize the outer surface of the main nozzle while the inner surface is in contact with the outer surface of the main nozzle.

[0064] In one embodiment, the extrusion mold as described above may further include a base holder (e.g., base holder (104) of FIGS. 1 to 5) for accommodating the finishing nozzle. In one embodiment, the nozzle tip may be positioned within the base holder so as to face the finishing nozzle.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the finishing nozzle may include a land hole (e.g., a land hole (121a) of FIG. 2) extending from a first surface facing the nozzle tip (e.g., a first surface (F1) of FIG. 2) and having an inner diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the nozzle tip, and a relief hole (e.g., a relief hole (121b) of FIG. 2) extending from the land hole toward a second surface opposite to the first surface (e.g., a second surface (F2) of FIG. 2) and having an inner diameter that gradually increases as it approaches the second surface.

[0066] According to one embodiment, at least the inner wall of the land hole among the land hole and the relief hole may be subjected to a polishing treatment or a lapping treatment.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the extrusion mold as described above may further include at least one bolt (e.g., bolt (151) of FIG. 1) for attaching the pressure ring to the base holder.

[0068] In one embodiment, the extrusion die as described above may further include at least one of a gas spring, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder. In one embodiment, at least one of the gas spring, the hydraulic cylinder, or the pneumatic cylinder may be configured to provide a load acting in a direction that brings the pressure ring closer to the base holder.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an extrusion mold (e.g., an extrusion mold (100) of FIGS. 1 to 5) may include a finishing nozzle (e.g., a finishing nozzle (102) of FIGS. 1 to 5), a base holder (e.g., a base holder (104) of FIGS. 1 to 5) for accommodating the finishing nozzle, a main nozzle (e.g., a main nozzle (101) of FIGS. 1 to 5) arranged to face the finishing nozzle, wherein three nozzle pieces (e.g., a nozzle piece (111) of FIG. 1) are arranged along a circumferential direction, the main nozzle including a nozzle tip (e.g., a nozzle tip (113) of FIG. 1) that is implemented by combining the nozzle pieces and is arranged to face the finishing nozzle within the base holder, and a pressure ring (e.g., a pressure ring (103) of FIGS. 1 to 5) that is combined to surround the main nozzle. In one embodiment, the main nozzle may include an inclined outer surface (e.g., outer surface (119) of FIG. 1) such that the outer diameter increases as it approaches the nozzle tip, and the pressure ring may include an inclined inner surface (e.g., inner surface (131) of FIG. 1) such that the inner diameter increases as it approaches the nozzle tip. In one embodiment, the pressure ring may be configured to pressurize the nozzle pieces to contact adjacent other nozzle pieces by bringing the inner surface into contact with the outer surface of the main nozzle.

[0070] In one embodiment, the nozzle pieces may be arranged to face different areas of the finishing nozzle.

[0071] In one embodiment, the pressurized ring may be configured to implement a cavity (e.g., cavity (133) of FIG. 8) configured to receive an extruded material (e.g., compact (159) of FIGS. 2 to 4) at an upper portion of the main nozzle when coupled to surround the main nozzle.

[0072] In one embodiment, the extrusion mold as described above may further include a ram (e.g., ram (153) of FIGS. 1 to 5) disposed on the pressure ring. In one embodiment, the ram may be configured to extrude the extrudable material accommodated in the cavity via the nozzle tip while moving in a first direction (e.g., first direction (D1) of FIGS. 2 to 4) on the pressure ring.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the extrusion mold as described above may further include a heating unit (e.g., heating unit (106) of FIGS. 2 to 4) arranged to surround the main nozzle and the pressurizing ring.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the finishing nozzle may include a land hole (e.g., a land hole (121a) of FIG. 2) extending from a first surface facing the nozzle tip (e.g., a first surface (F1) of FIG. 2)) and having an inner diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the nozzle tip, and a relief hole (e.g., a relief hole (121b) of FIG. 2) extending from the land hole toward a second surface opposite to the first surface (e.g., a second surface (F2) of FIG. 2)) and having an inner diameter that gradually increases as it approaches the second surface.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the extrusion mold as described above may further include at least one bolt (e.g., bolt (151) of FIG. 1) for attaching the pressure ring to the base holder.

[0076] In one embodiment, the extrusion die as described above may further include at least one of a gas spring, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder. In one embodiment, at least one of the gas spring, the hydraulic cylinder, or the pneumatic cylinder may be configured to provide a load acting in a direction that brings the pressure ring closer to the base holder.

[0077] While this disclosure has been described by way of example and example, it should be understood that the example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the overall scope of this disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In the extrusion mold (100), Finishing nozzle (102); A main nozzle (101) arranged to face the finishing nozzle, the main nozzle including at least two nozzle pieces (111) arranged along the circumferential direction, and a nozzle tip (113) implemented by combining the at least two nozzle pieces; and It includes a pressure ring (103) that is combined to surround the above main nozzle, An extrusion mold in which the above pressure ring is configured to pressurize at least two nozzle pieces to bring them into close contact with adjacent other nozzle pieces.

2. In the first paragraph, the extrusion mold is arranged so that the at least two nozzle pieces face each other in different areas of the finishing nozzle.

3. An extrusion die according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the pressure ring, when coupled to surround the main nozzle, is configured to implement a cavity (133) configured to receive an extruded material (159) at an upper portion of the main nozzle.

4. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a ram (153) placed on the above pressure ring, An extrusion mold configured to extrude an extrudable material accommodated in the cavity via the nozzle tip while the ram moves in a first direction (D1) on the pressure ring.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An extrusion mold further comprising a heating unit (106) arranged to surround the main nozzle and the pressurizing ring.

6. An extrusion mold according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main nozzle comprises three of the nozzle pieces.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the main nozzle includes an inclined outer surface (119) so that the outer diameter increases as it approaches the nozzle tip, and the pressure ring includes an inclined inner surface (131) so that the inner diameter increases as it approaches the nozzle tip. An extrusion mold configured to pressurize the outer surface of the main nozzle while the inner surface of the pressurizing ring is in contact with the outer surface of the main nozzle.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, Further comprising a base holder (104) for accommodating the above finishing nozzle, An extrusion mold in which the nozzle tip is positioned facing the finishing nozzle within the base holder.

9. In the 8th paragraph, the finishing nozzle, A land hole (121a) extending from a first surface (F1) facing the nozzle tip and having an inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the nozzle tip; and An extrusion mold including a relief hole (121b) extending from the land hole toward a second surface (F2) opposite to the first surface, and having an inner diameter that gradually increases as it approaches the second surface.

10. In the 9th paragraph, an extrusion mold in which at least the inner wall of the land hole among the land hole and the relief hole is subjected to a polishing treatment or a lapping treatment.

11. In any one of paragraphs 8 to 10, An extrusion mold further comprising at least one bolt (151) for attaching the pressurized ring to the base holder.

12. In any one of paragraphs 8 to 10, further comprising at least one of a gas spring, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder, An extrusion mold configured such that at least one of the gas spring, the hydraulic cylinder or the pneumatic cylinder provides a load acting in a direction that brings the pressure ring closer to the base holder.

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