WO2021003559A1 - Machine de moulage par injection et plaque de traverse destinée à cette dernière - Google Patents

Machine de moulage par injection et plaque de traverse destinée à cette dernière Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021003559A1
WO2021003559A1 PCT/CA2020/050910 CA2020050910W WO2021003559A1 WO 2021003559 A1 WO2021003559 A1 WO 2021003559A1 CA 2020050910 W CA2020050910 W CA 2020050910W WO 2021003559 A1 WO2021003559 A1 WO 2021003559A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plate
injection molding
bolster plate
bolster
intermediate element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2020/050910
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sebastian Kaivers
William James Andrew Jacovich
Allistair Claude Victor COTA
Xin Sun
Derek Robertson Mccready
Original Assignee
Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. filed Critical Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
Publication of WO2021003559A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021003559A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/1742—Mounting of moulds; Mould supports
    • B29C45/1744—Mould support platens
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
    • B29K2105/25—Solid
    • B29K2105/253—Preform
    • B29K2105/258—Tubular

Definitions

  • This application relates to injection molding in general and, more specifically, components of an injection molding machine.
  • Injection molding is a process by which a molding material is injected into a mold and then cooled to form a solid molded article.
  • a molding material such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is placed in an injection unit, which heats the molding material into a molten, flowable state.
  • Molten molding material is then conveyed through a molding material distributor, often referred to as a“hot runner”, and delivered to one or more mold cavities through one or more associated nozzles.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • Various articles can be produced using the molding process. Examples include but are not limited to: a preform for subsequent blow molding into a final shaped container for a beverage; a closure for such a container; a thin-walled container for food items; and the like. Some of the molded articles are produced using a single molding material - such as a preform for a carbonated soft drink, as an example. Other molded articles are produced using two or more molding materials. For example, a given molded article can be produced from two different resins or from two forms of the same resin (such as virgin and recycled).
  • Injection molds for the production of molded articles often include a rectangular array of mold cavities for the simultaneous production of identical preforms during each molding cycle.
  • the number of preforms that can be injection molded in a single cycle vary from four to over a hundred of preforms.
  • Each molding cavity is defined by a mold cavity plate and a mold core plate. In operation, the plates are opened/closed relative to each other to mold and then eject the articles molded therein.
  • the two mold halves are held together by applied injection machine tonnage (also known as clamping load).
  • injection machine tonnage also known as clamping load
  • the mold cavities may be subject to different loads depending on their position. Where the non-uniformity in the load distribution is more dramatic, some mold cavities may be fully closed and capable of properly formed preforms, while other mold cavities may not be subject to sufficient load to be properly shut, resulting in incomplete or deformed preforms.
  • embodiments of the present technology have been developed based on a premise that variation of applied injection molding tonnage, as distributed through a mold installed in an injection molding machine, can be at least partially compensated for by the addition of a bolster plate in the injection molding machine, where the bolster plate has variable flexibility. Areas of increased flexibility of the bolster plate are arranged to generally align or overlap along the operational axis with stiffer areas of either the mold or a molding material distributor (hot runner). Similarly, more rigid (less flexible) areas of the bolster plate are arranged to generally align or overlap along the operational axis with more flexible regions of the mold or the molding material distributor. As such, with the addition of the bolster plate, load is transferred in a more uniform manner across the mold.
  • embodiments of the present technology are further based on the premise that the bolster plate can be arranged with multiple stiffening zones which allow for compensation for flexing in the molding material distributor due to a manifold pocket defined therein.
  • a bolster plate for an injection molding machine including: a first plate; a second plate; and at least one intermediate element extending between at least one region of the first plate and at least one region of the second plate along an operational axis direction, the at least one intermediate element being connected to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, the at least one intermediate element defining at least one stiffening zone of the bolster plate, the first plate and the second plate being separated by a space along the operational axis direction over at least one other region of the first plate and at least one other region of the second plate, the at least one other region of the first plate defining a first flex zone of the bolster plate, the at least one other region of the second plate defining a second flex zone of the bolster plate, when installed in the injection molding machine and under applied injection molding tonnage: the at least one stiffening zone being adapted to rigidly transfer the applied injection molding tonnage therethrough along the operational
  • the bolster plate when installed in the injection molding machine, is disposed between a stationary platen of the injection molding machine and a molding material distributor; when installed in the injection molding machine and without the applied injection molding machine tonnage: a first external surface of the first plate abuts the stationary platen, and a second external surface of the second plate abuts a backing plate of the molding material distributor.
  • the at least one stiffening zone and the flexation of the bolster plate are arranged such that the applied injection molding tonnage is redistributed across the first and second external surfaces in order to at least partially compensate for applied injection molding tonnage variation on a mold component installed in the injection molding machine, the mold component including at least one of a mold and a molding material distributor associated with the mold.
  • the at least one stiffening zone and the flexation of the bolster plate are arranged such that the applied injection molding tonnage is redistributed across the bolster plate in order to at least partially compensate for applied injection molding tonnage variation on a mold installed in the injection molding machine.
  • the first flex zone includes a periphery of the first plate; and the second flex zone includes a periphery of the second plate.
  • the at least one intermediate element includes a first intermediate element and a second intermediate element; and the at least one rigid zone includes: a first rigid zone defined by the first intermediate element, and a second rigid zone defined by the second intermediate element.
  • the at least one intermediate element is integrally formed with one of the first plate and the second plate; and the first plate and the second plate are fastened together.
  • the at least one intermediate element, the first plate, and the second plate are integrally formed.
  • the first and second external surfaces are flat and substantially parallel to each other.
  • the second external surface includes a plurality of threaded holes for fastening the backing plate of the molding material distributor thereto.
  • At least one of the first plate and the second plate includes a plurality of bolting pads for receiving fasteners therethrough, the at least one of the first plate and the second plate having a greater thickness along the operational axis direction at the plurality of bolting pads that at areas surrounding the plurality of bolting pads.
  • the first plate defines a first nozzle aperture; the second plate defines a second nozzle aperture; and the first nozzle aperture and the second nozzle aperture are aligned with each other along the operational axis direction, the first nozzle aperture and the second nozzle aperture being adapted and arranged for receiving a molding material nozzle therethrough when the bolster plate is installed in the injection molding machine.
  • the at least one intermediate element includes a first intermediate element and a second intermediate element; the first intermediate element and the second intermediate element are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the first and second nozzle apertures; and the at least one rigid zone includes a first rigid zone defined by the first intermediate element and a second rigid zone defined by the second intermediate element, the first and second rigid zones being disposed to opposite sides of the first and second nozzle apertures.
  • the first flex zone includes at least a portion of a center of the first plate; and the second flex zone includes at least a portion of a center of the second plate.
  • the first plate, the second plate, and the at least one intermediate element are separate components fastened together and the at least one intermediate element is selectively positionable between the first plate and the second plate.
  • an injection molding machine including a stationary mold half including a stationary platen; a moveable mold half including a moveable platen, the moveable mold half being moveable relative to the stationary mold half along an operational axis direction; and a bolster plate connected to one of the stationary platen and the moveable platen.
  • the bolster plate includes a first plate; a second plate; and at least one intermediate element extending between at least one region of the first plate and at least one region of the second plate along the operational axis direction, the at least one intermediate element being connected to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, the at least one intermediate element defining at least one stiffening zone of the bolster plate, the first plate and the second plate being separated by a space along the operational axis direction over at least one other region of the first plate and at least one other region of the second plate, a first external surface of the first plate abutting the one of the stationary platen and the moveable platen, when under applied injection molding tonnage: the at least one stiffening zone rigidly transferring the applied injection molding tonnage therethrough along the operational axis direction, and the space along the operational axis direction over the at least one other regions of the first and second plates allowing flexation of the bolster plate along the operational axis direction.
  • the at least one stiffening zone and the flexation of the bolster plate are arranged such that the applied injection molding tonnage is redistributed across the first external surface of the bolster plate and a second external surface of the second plate of the bolster plate in order to at least partially compensate applied injection molding tonnage variation on the mold installed between the stationary mold half and the moveable mold half.
  • the stationary mold half includes a molding material distributor; the first external surface of the bolster plate is connected to the stationary platen; the bolster plate includes a second external surface defined by the second plate; and the second external surface of the bolster plate is connected to a backing plate of the molding material distributor.
  • the at least one intermediate element is at least partially aligned, along the operational axis direction, with at least one void in the molding material distributor.
  • the injection molding machine further includes a molding material nozzle extending through the stationary platen for delivering molding material to the molding material distributor; and wherein: the first plate of the bolster plate defines a first nozzle aperture; the second plate of the bolster plate defines a second nozzle aperture; and the first nozzle aperture and the second nozzle aperture are aligned with each other along the operational axis direction; and the molding material nozzle extends through the first nozzle aperture and the second nozzle aperture.
  • the at least one intermediate element of the bolster plate includes a first intermediate element and a second intermediate element; the first intermediate element and the second intermediate element are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the first and second nozzle apertures; and the at least one stiffening zone includes a first stiffening zone defined by the first intermediate element and a second stiffening zone defined by the second intermediate element, the first and second stiffening zones being disposed to opposite sides of the first and second nozzle apertures.
  • the at least one intermediate element is integrally formed with one of the first plate and the second plate of the bolster plate; and the first plate and the second plate are fastened together.
  • the at least one intermediate element, the first plate, and the second plate of the bolster plate are integrally formed.
  • the at least one intermediate element of the bolster plate includes a first intermediate element and a second intermediate element; and the at least one rigid zone includes a first rigid zone defined by the first intermediate element, and a second rigid zone defined by the second intermediate element.
  • an injection molding machine including a stationary platen; a moveable platen moveable relative to the stationary platen along an operational axis direction; a mold component disposed between the stationary platen and the moveable platen, the mold component including at least one of a mold and a molding material distributor associated with the mold, across a given plane along the operational axis direction, the mold component having varying flexibility such that under applied injection molding tonnage, load distribution across the given plane is inhomogeneous; and a bolster plate disposed between the mold component and one of the stationary platen and the moveable platen, a structure of the bolster plate defining: at least one stiffening zone arranged to substantially align, along the operation axis direction, with at least one region of relatively higher flexibility of the mold component, and at least one flex zone arranged to substantially align, along the operation axis direction, with at least one region of relatively lower flexibility of the mold component, when under the applied injection molding tonnage: the at least one stiffening
  • At least one component is disposed between the bolster plate and the one of the stationary platen and the moveable platen, such that the bolster plate is not in contact with the one of the stationary platen and the moveable platen.
  • the mold component includes at least one of a mold and a molding material distributor; and the bolster plate is integrally formed with one of: the mold; the molding material distributor; the stationary platen; and the moveable platen.
  • a method for configuring an injection molding machine including: disposing a mold component between a stationary platen of the injection molding machine and a moveable platen of the injection molding machine, the moveable platen being moveable relative to the stationary platen along an operational axis direction, the mold component including at least one of a mold and a molding material distributor associated with the mold; across a given plane along the operational axis direction, the mold component having varying flexibility such that under applied injection molding tonnage, load distribution across the given plane is inhomogeneous; disposing a bolster plate between the mold component and one of the stationary platen and the moveable platen, a body of the bolster plate defining: at least one stiffening zone arranged to substantially align, along the operation axis direction, with at least one region of relatively higher flexibility of the mold component, and at least one flex zone arranged to substantially align, along the operation axis direction, with at least one region of relatively lower flexibility of the mold component, when under
  • Figure 1 depicts a side elevation view of an injection molding machine.
  • Figure 2 depicts a top, side perspective side view of portions of the injection molding machine of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 depicts a side view of the injection molding machine portions of Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 depicts a front, side perspective view of a bolster plate of the injection molding machine of Figure 1, according to the present technology.
  • Figure 5 depicts a rear, side perspective view of the bolster plate of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 depicts a top plan view of the bolster plate of Figure 4.
  • Figure 7 depicts a left side elevation view of the bolster plate of Figure 4.
  • Figure 8 depicts an exploded view of the bolster plate of Figure 4, with the bolster plate having been cut along line 8-8 of Figure 7.
  • Figure 9 depicts the exploded view of Figure 8, with some elements of the bolster plate having been removed for illustrating additional features of the bolster plate.
  • Figure 10 depicts another non-limiting embodiment of a bolster plate according to the present technology.
  • Figure 11 depicts yet another non-limiting embodiment of a bolster plate according to the present technology, illustrated in one given configuration.
  • Figure 12 depicts the embodiment of the bolster plate of Figure 11, illustrated in another given configuration.
  • Figure 13 depicts the embodiment of the bolster plate of Figure 11, illustrated in yet another given configuration.
  • Figure 14 depicts a schematic flowchart of a method according to the present technology.
  • Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of an injection molding machine 100 for forming molded articles from molding material.
  • the molded article is a preform for subsequent blow molding into a final shape container. It is however, contemplated that embodiments of the present technology can be applied to other types of molded articles, such as other thick walled molded articles (test tubes or the like), as well as other thin walled molded articles.
  • Injection molding machine 100 has a stationary mold half 103 and a moveable mold half 105.
  • the stationary mold half 103 includes a stationary platen 102.
  • the moveable mold half includes a moveable platen 104.
  • the moveable platen 104 is moveable between a closed position, depicted in Figure 1, and an open position (not shown) in which the moveable platen 104 is withdrawn away from the stationary platen 102 along axis“9-9” (hereinafter referred to as an“operational axis” of the injection molding machine 100).
  • An operational axis direction 199 of the injection molding machine 100 is defined by the operational axis 9- 9.
  • the injection molding machine 100 also includes a bolster plate 200 mounted between the stationary platen 102 and the molding material distributor 106. It is contemplated that the bolster plate 200 could be connected between the moveable platen 104 and the mold components 106, 108 in some embodiments. The bolster plate 200 will be described in more detail below.
  • the mold 108 comprises a mold cavity plate 110 mounted to the molding material distributor 106, and a mold core plate 112 mounted to the moveable platen 104.
  • the mold core plate 112 has a plurality of mold cores (not illustrated).
  • the mold cavity plate 110 includes and supports a plurality of mold cavity inserts 114, each of which define an exterior form of a molding cavity 115.
  • An interior form of each molding cavity 115 is defined by the mold cores mounted to the mold core plate 112.
  • the plurality of mold cavity inserts 114 are mounted onto the mold cavity plate 110 without being surrounded by the mold cavity plate 110 material. In other words, it can be said that the plurality of mold cavity inserts 114 stand proud vis-a-vis the mold cavity plate 110.
  • the mold core plate 112 With the moveable platen 104 in the closed position, the mold core plate 112 abuts the outmost ends of the mold cavity inserts 114. It is noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the mold cavity inserts 114 being in the standing proud arrangement (as is best seen in Figure 2), such that the mold cavity plate 110 and the mold core plate 112 are not in direct contact when the moveable platen 104 is in a closed position (described in further detail below).
  • the mold 108 is maintained in the closed position by an applied injection molding tonnage, also referred to as a clamping load, exerted on the mold components 106, 108 by the stationary platen 102 and the moveable platen 104.
  • the plurality of molding cavities 115 are defined between the mold cavity inserts 114 of the mold cavity plate 110 and the mold cores of the mold core plate 112. Molten molding material may be injected under pressure into the molding cavities 115 and cooled to form molded articles (i.e. the preforms in this example). While forty-eight mold cavity inserts 114 are depicted in Figure 2, the mold 108 may have any number of mold cavity inserts 114/ molding cavities 115. As such, the number of the plurality of molding cavities 115 is not particularly limited and will depend on the particular embodiment of the mold 108.
  • the molding cavities 115 receive molten molding material from an injection unit 116 (shown schematically in Figure 1) through the molding material distributor 106.
  • the injection unit 116 heats molding material to a desired temperature sufficient to render the molding material in a flowable state.
  • Injection unit 116 may, for example, compress solid pellets of molding material with a screw, heating the material and urging it toward the molding cavities 115.
  • Other types of the injection unit 116 are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the molding material distributor 106 includes a backing plate 118 coupled to the bolster plate 200 and a manifold plate 120 mounted to the backing plate 118.
  • a molding material nozzle also known as a“machine nozzle” (not separately illustrated), also referred to as a sprue bushing, extends from the injection unit 116 via the stationary platen 102. The molding material nozzle is then received through the backing plate 118 and coupled to a manifold (not separately illustrated).
  • the molding material nozzle has an inner passage for receiving molten molding material from the injection unit 116.
  • the bolster plate 200 also includes a passage 204 through which the molding material nozzle extends, as will be described further below. Depending on the embodiment, the passage 204 could be adapted to receive various types of melt distribution structures, including but not limited to material nozzles and sprue bushings.
  • the manifold plate 120 is coupled to the backing plate 118 using bolts, although various other mounting methods are contemplated, including other suitable fasteners for example.
  • a manifold pocket 121 (illustrated schematically in Figure 3) is defined between the manifold plate 120 and the backing plate 118.
  • the manifold is disposed within manifold pocket 121.
  • the manifold is attached to the backing plate 118 and the manifold plate 120 using alignment pins (not shown). Thermally-insulating spacers (not shown) may be provided between the manifold and the backing plate 118 and/or the manifold plate 120.
  • the molding material distributor 106 may further include manifold heaters for controlling the temperature of the manifold.
  • the manifold has an inlet in fluid communication with the machine nozzle to receive the molding material.
  • the inlet branches into a plurality of conduits that run internally within the manifold from the machine nozzle to each of a plurality of nozzles (not shown), also known as“drops”.
  • Each nozzle extends through the manifold plate 120 to a corresponding molding cavity 115 to supply molding material thereto.
  • HPP High Performance Package
  • HYPETTM High Performance Package
  • Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. 500 Queen Street South, Bolton, ON, CA, L7E 5S5.
  • a machine controller 142 shown schematically.
  • the machine controller 142 can be implemented as a computing apparatus having a processor (not separately numbered).
  • the processor may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software.
  • the processor can execute one or more functions to control operations of one or more of the components of the injection molding machine 100.
  • the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared.
  • the processor may be a general purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a processor dedicated to a specific purpose.
  • processor or “controller” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • FPGA field programmable gate array
  • ROM read-only memory
  • RAM random access memory
  • non-volatile storage Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.
  • the machine controller 142 has access to a memory (not depicted) that stores computer executable instructions, the computer executable instructions, when executed, causing the processor to control operation of one or more of the components of the injection molding machine 100.
  • the mold 108 is closed and held under an applied injection molding tonnage during injection of molding material to form the preforms in the molding cavities 115.
  • the applied injection molding tonnage is applied to the mold 108, as well as the molding material distributor 106, by the force of the moveable platen 104 being pulled toward the stationary platen 102 in order to bring the moveable platen 104 into the closed position.
  • the distribution of the molding tonnage through the mold components 106, 108 specifically across any given plane orthogonal to the operational axis direction 199, depends on the transfer of the force load of the applied injection molding tonnage through the mold components 106, 108, as well as any other components disposed between the platens 102, 104.
  • the bolster plate 200 has been included in the injection molding machine 100 in order to at least partially compensate for variation in flexibility in other components of the injection molding machine 100 and the mold components 106, 108 disposed therein. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the bolster plate 200 aids in redistributing applied injection molding tonnage (clamping load during molding) to at least partially compensate for load variation due to voids in the mold components 106, 108.
  • the body of the bolster plate 200 is structured and arranged to provide relatively stiffer or more flexible regions to allow redistribution of loads applied thereto. As such, the applied injection molding tonnage is more evenly distributed over planes orthogonal to the operational axis direction 199, through at least the mold 108. Specific details of the bolster plate 200 will now be described with additional reference to Figures 4 to 8. It should be noted that portions of the bolster plate 200 are referred to using directional terminology (such as“front” and“rear”). These are used simply for ease of reference but are not meant to be interpreted as limiting the relative orientation in space of the bolster plate 200 or the overall injection molding machine 100.
  • the bolster plate 200 is installed in the injection molding machine 100 between the stationary platen 102 and the molding material distributor 106. It should be noted that this is simply one non-limiting embodiment. Depending on the particular embodiment, the bolster plate 200 could be disposed at any number of positions between the moveable platen 104 and the stationary platen 102. For example, in some embodiments the bolster plate 200 could be connected to the moveable platen 104. It is also contemplated that one or more components could be disposed between the bolster plate 200 and one or both of the platens 102, 104, such that the bolster plate 200 would not be in contact with the stationary platen 102 or the moveable platen 104.
  • the bolster plate 200 could be integrally formed with another component of the injection molding machine 100, including but not limited to: the mold 108, the molding material distributor 106, the stationary platen 102, and the moveable platen 104.
  • the body of the bolster plate 200 is formed by a front plate 210, a rear plate 240 and two intermediate elements 270 extending between the plates 210, 240. While described herein as generally separate components, the intermediate elements 270 are integrally connected to both of the plates 210, 240 in the present embodiment such that the bolster plate 200 is a single integral piece. As will be described below with reference to Figure 10, it is contemplated that in other non-limiting embodiments the bolster plate could be formed from two or more individually-formed elements which are then subsequently fastened or otherwise connected together.
  • the front plate 210 defines a first front surface 212 of the bolster plate 200, referred to herein as a front surface 212.
  • the front surface 212 forms a flat surface, although the exact form may vary in different embodiments.
  • the front plate 210 includes fourteen threaded holes 218, on the front surface 212, for fastening the molding material distributor 106 thereto. It is contemplated that the front plate 210 could include more or fewer holes 218, depending on the embodiment.
  • the backing plate 118 of the molding material distributor 106 is connected to the bolster plate 200. As is illustrated, the front surface 212 abuts the backing plate 118, such that the two flat surfaces are in smooth contact (at least when in the unloaded state).
  • the backing plate 118 is bolted to the front surface 212 via the threaded holes 218, although it is contemplated that the backing plate 118 and the front surface 212 could be differently fastened or connected together.
  • the front plate 210 also defines two holes 219 for receiving alignment pins (not illustrated) from the molding material distributor 106 therethrough.
  • the front plate 210 further defines a plurality of access holes 220 therethrough.
  • the access holes 220 allow a tool ( e.g . a wrench) to pass therethrough in order to fasten the bolster plate 200 to the stationary platen 102, as will be described further below. More or fewer access holes 220 could be included in the front plate 210, depending on the particular embodiment.
  • the front plate 210 further defines two additional alignment holes 222 therein that define alternative locations for receiving alignment pins (not illustrated) from the molding material distributor 106 therethrough.
  • the bolster plate 200 Opposite the front plate 210, the bolster plate 200 includes the rear plate 240.
  • the rear plate 240 defines a second rear surface 242 of the bolster plate 200, referred to herein as a rear surface 242.
  • the rear surface 242 forms a flat surface of the bolster plate 200, extending substantially parallel to the front surface 212.
  • the form of the rear surface 242 and its orientation relative the front surface 212 may vary.
  • the rear surface 242 When installed in the injection molding machine 100, the rear surface 242 abuts the stationary platen 102, such that the two flat surfaces are in smooth contact (at least when in the unloaded state).
  • the rear plate 240 includes six bolting pads 244 (see Figure 8); depending on the embodiment, more or fewer bolting pads 244 could be included.
  • Each bolting pad 244 defines one or two threaded holes 245 for fastening the bolster plate 200 to the stationary platen 102.
  • the rear plate 240 has a greater thickness along the operational axis direction 199 than at areas of the rear plate 240 surrounding the bolting pads 244.
  • the additional thickness of the bolting pads 244 aids structural strength of the bolster plate 200 at the connection points between the bolster plate 200 and the stationary platen 102. As such, it is contemplated that the thickness of the bolting pads 244 could vary in different embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, the bolting pads 244 may be excluded altogether.
  • the rear plate 240 also defines two holes 249 for receiving alignment pins (not illustrated) from the stationary platen 102 therethrough.
  • the rear plate 240 further defines two additional alignment holes 252 therein that define alternative locations for receiving alignment pins from the stationary platen 102 therethrough.
  • the bolster plate 200 is disposed between the stationary platen 102 and the molding material distributor 106, the bolster plate 200 defines the passage 204 therethrough (as mentioned above) to allow the machine nozzle to deliver molding material to the molding material distributor 106.
  • the passage 204 is formed by a nozzle aperture 216 defined in the front plate 210 and a nozzle aperture 246 defined in the rear plate 240.
  • the nozzle apertures 216, 246 are aligned with each other along the operational axis direction 199 and are adapted and arranged for receiving the machine nozzle therethrough when the bolster plate 200 is installed.
  • the nozzle apertures and the passage could be omitted.
  • the bolster plate 200 further includes two intermediate elements 270 extending between the front plate 210 and the rear plate 240 along the operational axis direction 199.
  • the general form and placement of the intermediate elements 270 can best be seen in Figure 8, where the bolster plate 200 is illustrated in an exploded view.
  • the intermediate elements 270 are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the nozzle apertures 216, 246, and generally the passage 204.
  • the intermediate elements 270 are integrally connected to both the front plate 210 and the rear plate 240, but in some embodiments the intermediate elements 270 may only connect to one of the plates 210, 240. As can be seen in the Figures, the intermediate elements 270 extend only partially across the faces of the front and rear plates 210, 240. As such, there are portions of the bolster plate 200 that generally form a rigid block along the operational axis direction 199 while other portions of the bolster plate 200 are formed from portions of the plates 210, 240 with a space 290 therebetween.
  • portions of the plates 210, 240 with the space 290 are able to flex when the applied molding tonnage is applied to the bolster plate 200 and the mold components 106, 108. These portions of the plates 210, 240 therefore generally define“flex zones” 273.
  • the bolster plate 200 is relatively stiffer, as compared to the flex zones, across portions of the plates 210, 240 in contact and aligned with the intermediate elements 270 and through the intermediate elements 270 themselves. These regions of the bolster plate 200 are referred to as“stiffening zones” 271.
  • the bolster plate 200 can thus be generally defined as having two types of zones: the stiffening zones 271 and the flex zones 273. It should be noted that the boundary between the zones is not meant to be an abrupt or discrete separation, but rather there will generally be a gradual transition between the two types of zones.
  • a simplified illustration of the bolster plate 200 is shown, in an exploded form, in Figure 9, to schematically illustrate the stiffening zones 271 and the flex zones 273.
  • each intermediate element 270 defines a stiffening zone 271 of the bolster plate 200.
  • Each stiffening zone 271 generally extends from portions of the rear plate 240 surrounding the area to which the intermediate element 270 connects, through the intermediate element 270, and through portion of the front plate 210 surrounding the area to which the intermediate element 270 connects.
  • the stiffening zones 271, when the bolster plate 200 is in use in the injection molding machine 100, are adapted to rigidly transfer the applied injection molding tonnage therethrough along the operational axis direction 199.
  • the flex zones 273 of the front plate 210 and the rear plate 240 Surrounding the stiffening zones 271 are the flex zones 273 of the front plate 210 and the rear plate 240, where the plates 210, 240 are separated by the space 290 along the operational axis direction 199.
  • the space 290 allows flexation over the flex zones 273 of the bolster plate 200, generally along the operational axis direction 199.
  • the bolster plate 200 will generally absorb a portion of the applied injection molding tonnage received on the flex zones 273 into flexing, and less of the applied tonnage will be transferred through the bolster plate 200 in these regions.
  • the flex zone 273 of the front plate 210 includes a periphery of the front plate 210 and the flex zone 273 includes a periphery of the rear plate 240. It is contemplated however that more or less of the peripheries of the plates 210, 240 could be included in the flex zones 273, depending on particular details of a given embodiment.
  • the stiffening zones 271 and the flex zones 273 of the bolster plate 200 are arranged such that the applied injection molding tonnage is redistributed across the front and rear surfaces 212, 242 in order to at least partially compensate for applied injection molding tonnage variation on the mold components 106, 108.
  • the stiffening zones 271 align with a void in the molding material distributor 106, specifically portions of the manifold pocket 121 to the left and right of the manifold nozzle. As the manifold pocket 121 is a void within the molding material distributor 106, the molding material distributor 106 is more likely to flex in the area surrounding the manifold pocket 121.
  • the flex zones 273 of the bolster plate 200 are arranged to generally align with portions of the molding material distributor 106 around the manifold pocket 121, which are relatively more rigid.
  • the flex zones 273 include a central portion of the plates 210, 240.
  • stiffening zone 271 there is no stiffening zone 271 generally produced at a center of the bolster plate 200, even though there is indeed a void in the molding material distributor 106 aligned with this portion.
  • the machine nozzle passing through the bolster plate 200 and connecting to the manifold provides at least some additional stiffening for the mold 108 along the operational axis direction 199 at this location. Additional stiffening along the center of the bolster plate 200 is therefore not needed in the present embodiment. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, additional stiffening could be provided in the central region, alternative regions and/or additional regions of the bolster plate 200.
  • the bolster plate 200 is structured and arranged to compensate for flexation in the molding material distributor 106, in some embodiments it is contemplated that the bolster plate 200 could be adapted to compensate for flexation of different machine components. It is also noted that the particular size and placement of intermediate elements 270, and thus the stiffening and flex zones 271, 273, will depend on the particular mold 108 and/or molding material distributor 106 installed in a given injection molding machine 100.
  • FIG. 10 Another embodiment of a bolster plate 300 according to the present technology is illustrated in Figure 10. Elements of the bolster plate 300 that are similar to those of the bolster plate 200 retain the same reference numeral and will generally not be described again.
  • the bolster plate 300 is formed by a front plate 310, a rear plate 340, and two intermediate elements 370, each of which performs functions similar to the plates 210, 240, and the intermediate elements 270.
  • the intermediate elements 370 are integrally formed with the rear plate 340.
  • the front plate 310 is then fastened to the rear plate 340 using a plurality of fasteners 380 (for example, bolts).
  • the intermediate elements 370 could be integrally formed with the front plate 310. It is also contemplated that the intermediate elements 370 could also be separately formed and then fastened to the front plate 310 and the rear plate 340.
  • FIG. 11 to 13 Another embodiment of a bolster plate 500 according to the present technology is illustrated in Figures 11 to 13. Elements of the bolster plate 500 that are similar to those of the bolster plate 200 will generally not be described again.
  • the bolster plate 500 is formed by a front plate 510, a rear plate 540, and two intermediate elements 570, each of which performs functions similar to the plates 210, 240, and the intermediate elements 270.
  • the intermediate elements 570 are formed separately from both the front plate 510 and the rear plate 540.
  • the front plate 510, the intermediate elements 570, and the rear plate 540 are fastened together using a plurality of fasteners 580 (for example, bolts) in order to form the bolster plate 500.
  • the front plate 510 and the rear plate 540 are adapted to receive the fasteners 580 at multiple locations, in order to allow one or both of the intermediate elements 570 to be selectively arranged therebetween.
  • the intermediate elements 570 are selectively positionable in different locations between the plates 510, 540 in order to provide stiffening zones and flex zones depending on the needs of the particular system.
  • the distribution of the applied injection molding tonnage can be adapted depending on specifics of a given mold or molding machine.
  • the intermediate elements 570 are arranged in locations similarly to the intermediate elements 270, left and right of the center aperture.
  • the intermediate elements 570 are connected above and below the center aperture, in order to differently distribute the stiffening zones and the flex zones of the bolster plate 500. In some cases, only one of the intermediate elements 270 may be connected between the front plate 510 and the rear plate 540, as is illustrated in Figure 13.
  • intermediate elements 570 are illustrated in three wholly different arrangements, it is contemplated that the locations of the intermediate elements 570 could be adjustable on a smaller scale. For example, the placement of the intermediate elements 570 could be incrementally adjustable.
  • the bolster plate 500, or the injection molding machine 100 could include one or more load sensors (not shown) such as strain gauges. These load sensors could be included to assess the applied injection molding tonnage distribution across one or more interfaces of the injection molding machine 100 and/or the mold components 106, 108. When the load sensors determine that the sensed information falls outside a predetermined bound of acceptable or desirable load distribution, for example, corrective steps could be taken, or signaled to an operator, to adjust the position of one or more intermediate elements 570. The adjustment criteria may be communicated to an operator for sake of a manual adjustment or the intermediate elements 570 may be repositioned using one or more actuators (not shown).
  • load sensors such as strain gauges.
  • the method 400 begins, at step 410, with disposing one or both of mold components, specifically the molding material distributor 106 and the mold 108, between the stationary platen 102 and the moveable platen 104.
  • the molding material distributor 106 has varying flexibility such that under the applied injection molding tonnage, load distribution across a given plane through the molding material distributor 106 along the operational axis direction 199 is inhomogeneous.
  • either the mold 108 or both of the mold components 106, 108 could have varying flexibility for which the bolster plate 200 is used to aid in compensating the load distribution as described above.
  • the method 400 continues, at step 420, with disposing the bolster plate 200 between one of the mold components 106, 108 and one of the stationary platen 102 and the moveable platen 104.
  • installing the bolster plate 200 in the illustrated embodiment includes fastening the bolster plate 200 to the stationary platen 102 and fastening the backing plate 118 to the bolster plate 200.
  • installation of the bolster plate 200 could instead include fastening or otherwise connecting the bolster plate 200 to the moveable platen 104.
  • the method 400 continues, at step 430, with arranging the bolster plate 200 such that the applied injection molding tonnage is redistributed across the bolster plate 200 in order to at least partially compensate for the variation in the applied injection molding tonnage variation across a given plane of one or both of the mold components 106, 108.
  • the stiffening zones 271 and the flex zones 273 of the bolster plate 200 are arranged such that the applied injection molding tonnage is redistributed across the front and rear surfaces 212, 242 in order to at least partially compensate for applied injection molding tonnage variation on the mold components 106, 108.
  • configuring the injection molding machine 100 could include additional steps, such as fastening and/or aligning additional elements to be installed in the injection molding machine 100, etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une plaque de traverse comprenant une première plaque, une seconde plaque et au moins un élément intermédiaire s'étendant entre au moins une région de la première plaque et au moins une région de la seconde plaque le long d'une direction d'axe opérationnel, ledit élément intermédiaire délimitant au moins une zone de rigidification de la plaque de traverse. Les première et seconde plaques sont séparées par un espace le long de la direction d'axe opérationnel sur au moins une autre région de la première plaque et au moins une autre région de la seconde plaque. Ladite autre région de la première plaque délimite une première zone de flexion de la plaque de traverse, et ladite autre région de la seconde plaque délimite une seconde zone de flexion de la plaque de traverse pour le transfert rigide sélectif de la force de moulage par injection appliquée le long de la direction de l'axe opérationnel.
PCT/CA2020/050910 2019-07-05 2020-06-30 Machine de moulage par injection et plaque de traverse destinée à cette dernière WO2021003559A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962870842P 2019-07-05 2019-07-05
US62/870,842 2019-07-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021003559A1 true WO2021003559A1 (fr) 2021-01-14

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA2020/050910 WO2021003559A1 (fr) 2019-07-05 2020-06-30 Machine de moulage par injection et plaque de traverse destinée à cette dernière

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4389183A (en) * 1979-10-09 1983-06-21 Pont-A-Mousson S.A. External frame injection molding apparatus
US10239246B2 (en) * 2015-03-03 2019-03-26 Limworks, Llc Injection molding machine

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4389183A (en) * 1979-10-09 1983-06-21 Pont-A-Mousson S.A. External frame injection molding apparatus
US10239246B2 (en) * 2015-03-03 2019-03-26 Limworks, Llc Injection molding machine

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