Spindle Cooling in Mould Closing Units to Limit Heat and Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mould closing units for injection moulding machines face inefficiencies due to thermal expansion and increased friction, leading to power losses from heat generation, which existing cooling solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A mould closing unit with a spindle unit that incorporates cooling elements passing through the bearing unit and motor, allowing coolant and lubricant to be fed directly to the points of contact between the spindle nut and spindle, along with a closed bearing chamber with a cooling coil for efficient heat management and lubrication, enabling targeted cooling and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cooling elements are added to the bearing unit and motor, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling functions into a single integrated cooling circuit that serves both the bearing unit and motor simultaneously. The cooling medium flows through channels in the bearing unit first, then continues to cool the motor, merging two separate cooling requirements into one unified system. This reduces the number of separate cooling components needed while maintaining effective heat dissipation from both heat-generating elements.
2Temperature
If coolant is fed directly to points of contact between spindle nut and spindle, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic cooling approach by injecting coolant directly into the contact region between the spindle nut and spindle through nozzles or channels. This hydraulic delivery method allows precise targeting of the heat generation zone at the friction contact points, maximizing cooling effectiveness where it is most needed. The liquid coolant absorbs heat directly from the contact surfaces through convection and conduction.
3Loss of energy
If cooling channels are integrated through bearing unit and motor, then thermal management is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit and motor housing are designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, mounting, and heat dissipation. The same housing components that provide mechanical support also contain the cooling channels, eliminating the need for separate cooling plates or heat sinks. This multi-functionality approach integrates thermal management into existing structural elements, reducing the need for additional precision-manufactured cooling components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively reduces thermal expansion and friction, enhancing the operational efficiency and lifespan of the spindle unit by providing a need-based heat management system that adapts to the specific requirements of individual elements, thus minimizing power losses.
Implementation Method 1
cooling elements which pass through at least the bearing unit and/or the bearing element... the heat quantity arising can be conducted away
Implementation Method 2
a coolant and/or lubricant is fed via at least one lance into the region of the points of contact between the spindle nut and the spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A mould closing unit (100) for an injection-moulding machine has an electromechanical closing mechanism (M) for opening and closing an injection mould, said electromechanical closing mechanism (M) being actuated by means of at least one spindle unit (10) having at least one spindle (12) and at least one spindle nut (14). Cooling by way of cooling ducts (32) for heat dissipation from the spindle unit (10) is provided. Since the spindle (12) has, in the core, at least one bore (24) in which a cooling and/or lubricating medium is passed into the region of the contact points between the spindle nut (14) and the spindle (12) via at least one lance (20), efficient cooling of the spindle unit is achieved.