JP2009160844A - Simultaneous injection molding apparatus and hot runner nozzle related to the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simultaneous injection molding apparatus positioning a valve sleeve member or a valve pin member with respect to a cavity gate by properly separating different molten bodies and simplifying manufacture, assembly, and operation of the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The simultaneous injection molding apparatus includes: a manifold 112; a nozzle 116 connected to the manifold; a sleeve 124 which is arranged in the nozzle and forms an outer molten body channel between the nozzle and the sleeve; a pin 126 which is arranged in the sleeve and forms an inner molten body channel between the sleeve and the pin; and a nozzle chip which has a positioning part allowed to contact with the sleeve. The sleeve is operated so as to open/close the communication of a molten body between the outer molten body channel and the cavity gate 138. The pin is operated so as to open/close the communication of the molten body between the inner molten body channel and an opening part of the sleeve. The positioning member positions the sleeve with respect to the cavity gate along an operation range of the sleeve. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates generally to injection molding apparatus, and more particularly to a hot runner co-injection molding apparatus that controls the flow of various molding materials through a gate and into a cavity, and associated nozzles.

  It is well known in the art to simultaneously injection mold various plastic melts and to sequentially inject various melts.

  Conventionally, control of the flow of two or more fluids entering the cavity through the gate is accomplished by rotating the valve pin member into alignment with the various fluid channels, or surrounding the valve pin member and the valve pin member. One or more valve sleeve members have been reciprocated in the axial direction between an open position in which the valve sleeve is retracted and a closed position in which the valve sleeve is advanced. For example, simultaneous injection molding or sequential injection molding can be performed by rotating the valve pin member between various positions.

  By reciprocating the valve pin member and the valve sleeve member in the axial direction, simultaneous injection molding or sequential injection molding of at least two different melts can be performed, but this is not without problems. For example, reciprocation was inaccurate, it was difficult to properly separate the different melts, and there were problems in simplifying device manufacture, assembly, and operation. Another problem is that it is difficult to align the valve sleeve member or valve pin member with the cavity gate. Such alignment is important in improving implantation techniques and reducing gate wear.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a simultaneous injection molding apparatus and a hot runner nozzle associated therewith that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

  In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a co-injection molding apparatus includes a manifold, a nozzle body coupled to the manifold, and an outer melt channel disposed between the nozzle body and the nozzle body. A sleeve to be formed, a pin disposed within the sleeve, and forming an inner melt channel with the sleeve, and a nozzle tip having an alignment portion in contact with the sleeve. The sleeve is actuated to open and close the melt communication between the outer melt channel and the cavity gate. The pin is actuated to open and close the melt communication between the inner melt channel and the sleeve opening. The alignment portion aligns the sleeve with the cavity gate along the operating range of the sleeve.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a simultaneous injection molding apparatus 100. The simultaneous injection molding apparatus 100 includes a support plate 101, mold plates 102, 104, 106, 108, a cavity plate 110, a connection plate 113, and a manifold 112. The support plate 101, the mold plates 102, 104, 106, 108, and the cavity plate 110 are stacked. The connection plate 113 is surrounded by the mold plate 102 and the support plate 101. The manifold 112 is disposed on the mold plate 104 by a positioning ring 114 and is separated from the mold plate 102 by a valve body 115. The simultaneous injection molding apparatus 100 further includes a pair of nozzles 116. Each nozzle corresponds to a mold insert 118, a second mold insert 120, and a third mold insert 122 disposed in the mold plates 106 and 108. Each nozzle 116 is adapted to receive a sleeve 124 and a pin 126 (not hatched in the figure). Two actuators 117 are arranged in the connecting plate 113, and each of these actuators operates the pin 126 of the respective nozzle 116. Two actuators 119 for operating the connecting plate 113 to which the top of the sleeve 124 is fixed are disposed on the support plate 101. The support plate 101 has at least one fluid channel 121 for supplying to the attached actuator 119, and the connecting plate 113 has at least one fluid channel 123 for supplying to the attached actuator 117. .

  In the co-injection molding apparatus 100, by way of example only two nozzles 116 and two sets of related components are shown, but without changing the principles of the present invention, more or fewer nozzles and associated nozzles. A combination of components can be easily used. Further, the support plate 101, the mold plates 102, 104, 106, 108, and the cavity plate 110 are shown as examples. More or fewer plates may be used depending on the particular application. The number of plates, the type of plates, and the materials that make up the plates are not critical to the present invention. Similarly, the mold insert 118, the second mold insert 120, and the third mold insert 122 are also exemplary. Other embodiments may have more or less than three components, and one embodiment may have none at all, but instead simply comprise a mold plate well. .

  In the following description, the flow direction of the molding material from the manifold 112 to the cavity plate 110 is referred to as downstream, and the reverse direction is referred to as upstream. The front means the direction from the support plate 101 to the cavity plate 110, and the rear means the reverse direction. However, the orientation, shape, and structure of the co-injection molding apparatus 100 are not limited by these terms.

  A manifold 112 is disposed between the mold plates 102 and 104. The manifold includes a first manifold melt channel 128, a second manifold melt channel 130, and a guide hole 132, and a bevel end valve body joint 144 of the valve body 115 is disposed in the guide hole. The manifold melt channels 128, 130 are independent and are not in communication with each other, so that different melts or resins, or other molding materials do not mix in the manifold 112. The manifold melt channels 128, 130 include one or more sprues (not shown) connected to one or more molding machines (not shown) or other sources of molding material. Supplied by The length, diameter, or width, and overall shape of the manifold melt channels 128, 130 will depend on the particular application and the amount and nature of the molding material. In this embodiment, both manifold melt channels 128, 130 are cylindrical holes, and the first manifold melt channel 128 is larger in diameter than the second manifold melt channel 130, but the melt channel is Other shapes and sizes may be used. It is known to form a manifold from a single plate, a group of plates (with different melt channels on different plates), plumbing, and modular bars, and the manifold 112 can be any of these types It may be a manifold. For example, in another embodiment, manifold 112 may be made of two separate plates, each with one manifold channel 128, 130. Further, the manifold 112 may be provided with a heater 134. In general, when used as part of a hot runner application, the manifold 112 is heated and separated from the surrounding mold plate by an insulated air space 136.

  In this embodiment, the mold inserts 118, 120, 122 are cavity forming inserts, and each mold insert 118 includes a cavity gate 138. Mold inserts 118, 120, 122 partially define a mold cavity 140 that is fed by cavity gate 138, where the molding material solidifies to form an injection molded product (not shown). The mold insert 122 has a cooling channel for circulating a cooling fluid to assist in the solidification of the molding material within the mold cavity 140. In other embodiments, gate inserts or other known types of inserts may be used in place of the mold inserts 118, 120, 122. Such inserts typically do not form a substantial portion of the mold cavity. In yet another embodiment, the mold inserts 118, 120, 122 may not be provided, and instead the mold plate 108 may include a cavity gate.

  Cavity plate 110, shown in simplified form for ease of illustration, may also partially form cavity 140. When the molding material injected into the cavity 140 solidifies, the cavity plate 110 can be retracted so that the molded product can be removed, typically by ejector pins, stripper plates, etc. (not shown). .

  A nozzle 116 is connected to the manifold 112, and each of these nozzles is disposed in a container 142 of the mold plate 104. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the container 142 is configured so that an insulated air space 202 is formed around the nozzle 116 so that the heat of the nozzle 116 does not easily flow to the mold plate 104. The diameter is larger than that of the nozzle 116. The nozzle 116 includes a nozzle body 204, a nozzle chip 206, and a chip holding member 208 that couples the nozzle chip 206 to the nozzle body 204. The nozzle 116 further includes a heater 210 (for example, an electric heater) wound in a spiral shape. The pitch of this heater varies from the head to the area of the nozzle tip 206 and is embedded in the nozzle body 204. A nozzle flange 214 is provided in the head of the nozzle body 204 and serves to support the nozzle 116 within the mold plate 104. The nozzle flange 214 is disposed in the container 142. The heater 210 is covered by a cover 212 (eg, a plate or coating) and a nozzle flange 214. Both of these surround the nozzle body 204. A thermocouple 215 may be placed in the thermocouple container to measure the temperature of the nozzle 116 or the molding material therein. Further, a nozzle seal 216 is provided on the head of the nozzle 116 to seal the connecting portion between the nozzle 116 and the manifold 112.

  The nozzle body 204 is generally cylindrical and includes a longitudinal hole 218. This hole is also generally cylindrical. The longitudinal hole 218 of the nozzle 116 joins with the guide hole 132 of the manifold 112.

  The nozzle tip 206 is disposed in the front hole 220 of the nozzle body 204 and has an alignment portion 222. The nozzle tip 206 is shown as having two tubular portions, a first tubular portion 224 and a second tubular portion 226 downstream of the first tubular portion 224. These first and second tubular portions 224, 226 may be cylindrical or conical as long as the second tubular portion 226 has a smaller overall diameter than the first tubular portion 224. It may be present, may be curved, or may have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the first and second tubular portions 224, 226 are generally cylindrical. The fact that the nozzle tip 206 has two tubular portions 224, 226 does not mean that the nozzle tip 206 must be formed of two parts, but in understanding the nozzle tip 206. It's just a convenient way. The nozzle tip 206 may be formed of a single part or may be formed of a number of parts. The nozzle tip 206 has a nozzle tip melt channel 227 that communicates with the longitudinal bore 218 of the nozzle body 204. The nozzle tip 206 is retracted from the mold insert 118 such that the front melt region 229 is present.

  In this embodiment, the alignment portion 222 corresponding to the second tubular portion 226 has an alignment hole 228 that can be considered to be the inner diameter of the second tubular portion 226. The nozzle tip 206 further includes a discharge melt channel 230 disposed upstream of the alignment portion 222 or disposed between the second tubular portion 226 and the first tubular portion 224. At least one melt channel 230 must be provided and the maximum number is limited only by the shape, molding material, and desired structural integrity of the nozzle 206. Each discharge channel 230 can be said to be lateral in the sense that the molding material can flow laterally relative to the overall flow of molding material within the nozzle tip 206. Each discharge melt channel 230 may be a hole, a slit, a hole, an opening, or any other type of channel structure. There may be. The plurality of discharge melt channels 230 may be different in shape or the same.

  The tip holding member 208 has screws 232, which are screwed onto the screws 234 of the nozzle body 204, thereby holding the nozzle tip 206 on the nozzle body 204. Such retention is achieved by the concave shoulder 236 of the nozzle body 204 and the corresponding convex shoulder 238 of the nozzle tip 206 and the shape of the contact area 240 between the corresponding surfaces of the nozzle tip 206 and the tip holding member 208. Assisted by. Other connection methods such as brazing may be used. The chip holding member 208 further includes a seal portion 242 that fits or seals the mold insert 118 and prevents the molding material from entering the insulated air space 202.

  An annular melt channel 244 exists between the tip holding member 208 and the alignment portion of the nozzle tip 206, and the annular melt channel 244 surrounds a portion of the nozzle tip 206 downstream of the discharge melt channel 230. Surrounding. One or more discharge melt channels 230 communicate the molding material between the tip melt channel 227 and the annular melt channel 244. Annular melt channel 244 communicates the molding material from discharge melt channel 230 to forward melt region 229 that can communicate with cavity gate 138.

  A sleeve 124 and a pin 126 disposed within the sleeve 124 extend through the manifold 112 and the nozzle 116. The sleeve 124 is sometimes known as a sleeve pin, and the pin 126 is sometimes referred to as a valve pin or needle.

  The sleeve 124 is disposed within the guide hole 132 of the manifold 112, the longitudinal hole 218 of the nozzle body 204, and the nozzle tip melt channel 227 of the nozzle tip 206. The sleeve 124 has a guide hole 132, a longitudinal hole 218, and hollow regions 245 and 247 that are narrower than the nozzle tip melt channel 227, and thus between the sleeve 124 and the nozzle body 204, and the sleeve 124. An outer melt channel 246 is formed between the manifold 112 and the nozzle tip 206. In this embodiment, the hollow region 245 and the narrow region 247 both extend from the first manifold melt channel 128 to the cavity gate 138. The sleeve 124 may be stepped in diameter so that the sleeve 124 is narrower at the nozzle tip 206 than at the connecting plate 113. Outer melt channel 246 is in communication with first manifold melt channel 128. In this embodiment, the outer melt channel 246 has an annular cross section. The sleeve 124 has a tip portion 248 and an opening 250 of the tip portion 248. In this embodiment, the tip portion 248 is a narrowed or pointed section of the sleeve 124 and the opening 250 is the central opening of such a narrowed section. The sleeve 124 is slidably disposed within the valve body joint 144 in the guide hole 132, and the sleeve 124 opens and closes the communication of the melt of the outer melt channel 246 to the cavity gate 138 by the tip portion 248. Slidable, ie reciprocating. Thus, it can be said that the sleeve 124 has an open position and a closed position. The sleeve 124 further has a lateral opening 252 near the second manifold melt channel 130, and the valve body joint 144 has an opening corresponding to the lateral opening 252.

  The alignment portion 222, and more particularly in this embodiment, the alignment hole 228 of the nozzle tip 206 and the sleeve 124 over the sliding range of the sleeve 124 so that the sleeve 124 does not deflect laterally during sliding. Align, i.e. guide the sleeve. In this embodiment, the alignment means is a straight line. However, in other embodiments, the alignment means in communication. This alignment or guidance function of the alignment portion 222 (alignment hole 228) can reduce the wear of the cavity gate 138 caused by the sleeve 124 and further improve the injection technique. Further, the alignment hole 228 can eliminate resistance to movement of the sleeve 124. Further, the inner surface of the alignment hole 228 may be provided with a coating that assists in movement (friction reduction coating), a coating that reduces wear on the alignment hole 228 (abrasion resistant coating), and / or the cavity gate 138. The alignment of the sleeve 124 with respect to may be improved. The coating may be a nickel-based material, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the hardness of the surface of the alignment portion 222 that contacts the sleeve 124 may be improved by applying a coating. Further, the sleeve 124 and the alignment hole 228 may be fitted so that the molding material cannot flow between the sleeve 124 and the alignment hole 228.

  As controlled by the position of the sleeve 124, the nozzle tip 206 allows the molten material to be melted from the outer melt channel 246 through the discharge melt channel 230 to balance the flow rate, speed, and / or pressure of the molding material. Distribute to body channel 244. Thereby, the flow of the molding material can be made uniform and balanced.

  The pin 126 is disposed in the hollow region 245 of the sleeve 124. The pin 126 has a region 254 that is narrower than the hollow region 245 of the sleeve 124. Thus, an inner melt channel 256 is formed between the pin 126 and the sleeve 124. The pin 126 may have a stepped diameter so that the nozzle tip 206 is thinner than the connecting plate 113. Inner melt channel 256 can communicate with second manifold melt channel 130. In this embodiment, the inner melt channel 256 has an annular cross section. The pin 126 has a chip 258. The pin 126 is slidably disposed within the sleeve 124 by having its upper region 260 slidably fit into the inner wall of the hollow region 245 of the sleeve 124. The pin 126 can slide or reciprocate to open and close the melt communication of the inner melt channel 256 to the opening 250 of the sleeve 124 by the tip 258 of the pin 126. The open and closed positions of the pin 126 relate to the sleeve 124. The pin 126 actually has three positions from the reference frame of the nozzle body 204, for example. The pin 126 may further comprise at least one fin 262 that contacts the inner wall of the hollow region 245 of the sleeve 124 to align the pin 126 within the sleeve 124. In this embodiment, the pin 126 has an upstream fin 262 near the nozzle body 204 and a downstream fin 262 near the nozzle tip 206.

  A lateral opening 252 in the sleeve 124 allows molding material to flow from the second manifold melt channel 130 to the inner melt channel 256. Correspondingly, the pin 126 may further include a blocking portion 264. The blocking portion 264 is a section at the lateral opening 252 where the outer diameter of the pin 126 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the sleeve 124. The blocking portion 264 is arranged to block the lateral opening 252 when the pin 126 is in the closed position and not to block the lateral opening 252 when the pin 126 is in the open position. The blocking portion 264 is quite optional because the flow of molding material is also controlled by the tip 258 of the pin 126.

  FIGS. 3 a-3 d show in cross-section the possible locations of the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 and the various access of the molding material to the cavity 140.

  The sliding or reciprocating movement of the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 is controlled by actuators 119, 117 shown in cross section in FIGS. 4a to 4d.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 4a to 4d, the actuator 119 (only one is shown) controls the position of the connecting plate 113, and each of the actuators 117 (only one is shown) is the position of one pin 126. To control. The actuator 117 is disposed in the container 402 of the connection plate 113, and the actuator 119 is disposed in the container 404 of the support plate 101. Each actuator 117, 119 includes a cylindrical actuator body 406, a cylinder top 408, a piston 410, and a piston cap 412. The actuator body 406 includes a surrounding first fluid channel 414 and a second fluid channel 416 for delivering hydraulic fluid from the fluid channel 121 or 123 to the piston 410 to push the piston 410 rearward. The cylinder top 408 has a fluid channel 418 for delivering hydraulic fluid from a fluid source (not shown) to the upper side of the piston 410 so as to push the piston 410 forward. In the actuator 117, the pin 126 is fixed between the piston 410 and the piston cap 412. The actuator 119 is connected to the connection plate 113 by a bolt 420 screwed into the bolt hole 422 of the connection plate 113. In the actuator 119, the head of the bolt 420 is fixed between the piston 410 and the piston cap 412. Actuators 117 and 119 are hydraulic actuators, but pneumatic actuators, electrical actuators, and spring loaded actuators are equally suitable. Further, the operation of the actuator 119 is synchronized by the common fluid channel 121, and the operation of the actuator 117 is synchronized by the common fluid channel 123. In other embodiments, separate fluid channels may be provided so that they can operate independently.

  4a-4d further illustrate that the disk 424 assists in holding the sleeve 124 against the connection plate 113, and the connection plate 113 and support plate when the actuator 119 is in the forward position (as shown). A gap 426 existing between the terminal 101 and the terminal 101 is shown. Further, various positions of the blocking portion 264 of the pin 126 and the lateral opening 252 of the sleeve 124 are shown in FIGS. 4a-4d.

  The possible positions of the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 shown in FIGS. 3a to 3d directly correspond to the actuator positions shown in FIGS. 4a to 4d.

  FIG. 3a shows both the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 in the closed position. As can be seen, the tip portion 248 of the sleeve 124 is disposed in any concave recess 302 (eg, a conical recess) in the mold insert 118. In this way, the tip portion 248 of the sleeve 124 plugs or closes the cavity gate 138, thereby preventing molding material in the outer melt channel 246 from passing through the cavity gate 138. For the pin 126, its tip 258 is inserted into the opening 250 in the sleeve 124, thereby closing the opening 250 in the sleeve 124 and preventing the molding material in the inner melt channel 256 from passing through the cavity gate 138. To. This state of the sleeve 124 and pin 126 is achieved by positioning the actuators 119, 117 as shown in FIG. 4a. Specifically, hydraulic fluid is applied to the fluid channels 418 of the actuators 117 and 119, the hydraulic fluid is removed from the fluid channels 414 via the fluid channels 121 and 123, and the connecting plate 113 to which the sleeve 124 is attached is pushed forward. Then, the pin 126 is similarly pushed forward.

  FIG. 3b shows the sleeve 124 in its open position and the pin 126 in its closed position. The sleeve 124 is withdrawn from the concave recess 302 of the mold insert 118 so that the tip portion 248 of the sleeve 124 allows molding material in the outer melt channel 246 to pass through the cavity gate 138. With the sleeve 124 retracted, the alignment hole 228 holds the sleeve 124 in alignment with the cavity gate 138. The tip 258 of the pin 126 keeps the opening 250 of the sleeve 124 closed, preventing the molding material in the inner melt channel 256 from passing through the cavity gate 138. Although the position of the pin 126 relative to the sleeve 124 has not changed, it is believed that the pin 126 can be retracted relative to the nozzle body 204. This state of the sleeve 124 and pin 126 is achieved by positioning the actuators 119, 117 as shown in FIG. 4b. Specifically, hydraulic fluid is added to the fluid channel 414 of the actuator 119 via the fluid channel 121, the hydraulic fluid is drawn from the fluid channel 418, and the connecting plate 113 and the sleeve 124 attached to the connecting plate 113 are moved backward. Press. Further, hydraulic fluid is applied to the fluid channel 418 of the actuator 117, hydraulic fluid is drawn from the fluid channel 414 via the fluid channel 123, and the pin 126 is pushed forward.

  FIG. 3c shows the sleeve 124 in the closed position and the pin 126 in the open position. The tip portion 248 of the sleeve 124 is moved forward into the concave recess 302 of the mold insert 118. As the sleeve 124 is moved forward, the alignment hole 228 holds the sleeve in alignment with the cavity gate 138. As such, the tip portion 248 of the sleeve 124 closes or closes the cavity gate 138, thereby preventing molding material in the outer melt channel 246 from passing through the cavity gate 138. The pin 126 is retracted from the opening 250 in the sleeve 124 so that the tip 258 of the pin 126 does not block the opening 250 in the sleeve 124 and the molding material in the inner melt channel 256 is cavity gate 138. Can pass through. When the pin 126 is retracted, the pin 126 is held in alignment with the sleeve opening 250 by the fins 262. This state of the sleeve 124 and pin 126 is accomplished by positioning the actuators 119, 117 as shown in FIG. 4c. Specifically, a hydraulic fluid is applied to the fluid channel 418 of the actuator 119, the hydraulic fluid is drawn from the fluid channel 414 through the fluid channel 121, and the connection plate 113 and the sleeve 124 attached to the connection plate 113 are moved forward. Press. In addition, hydraulic fluid can be applied to the fluid channel 414 of the actuator 117 via the fluid channel 123 to draw hydraulic fluid from the fluid channel 418, thereby pushing the pin 126 rearward.

  FIG. 3d shows both the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 in the open position. The sleeve 124 is withdrawn from the concave recess 302 of the mold insert 118 so that the tip portion 248 of the sleeve 124 allows the molding material in the outer melt channel 246 to pass through the cavity gate 138. Similarly, the pin 126 is retracted from the opening 250 in the sleeve 124 and the tip 258 of the pin 126 does not block the opening 250 in the sleeve 124 so that the molding material in the inner melt channel 256 is not cavityd. It can pass through the gate 138. When the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 are retracted, the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 are held in alignment with the cavity gate 138 and the opening portion 250 of the sleeve 124 by the alignment hole 228 and the fin 262. This state of the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 is obtained by positioning the actuators 119, 117 as shown in FIG. 4d. More specifically, hydraulic fluid is added to the fluid channel 414 of the actuators 119 and 117 via the fluid channels 121 and 123, and hydraulic fluid is drawn from the fluid channel 418, and the connection plate 113 and the sleeve attached to the connection plate 113. 124 is pushed backward, and the pin 126 is pushed backward similarly.

  Within the range of movement of the sleeve 124 (ie, the range between these positions including the open and closed positions), as shown in FIGS. 3a-3d, the alignment portion 222 of the nozzle tip 206 and in particular the alignment. A hole 228 continuously aligns the sleeve 124, and specifically the tip portion 248 of the sleeve 124, with the cavity gate 138 and the concave recess 302. Similarly, within the range of movement of the pin 126 (ie, the range between these positions including the open and closed positions), the fin 262 causes the pin 126 and in particular the tip 258 of the pin 126 to open the sleeve 124. Align continuously with part 250.

  One of the many injection sequences that can be achieved by moving the sleeve 124 and the pin 126 in concert is as described below. First, the sleeve 124 is closed, the pin 126 is closed, and the molding material does not flow into the mold cavity 140 (see FIGS. 3a and 4a). Secondly, the sleeve 124 is opened, the pin 126 is held closed, and the molding material flows from the outer melt channel 246 into the mold cavity 140 (see FIGS. 3b and 4b). Third, the sleeve 124 is closed, the pin 126 is opened, and the molding material flows from the inner melt channel 256 into the mold cavity 140 (see FIGS. 3c and 4c). Fourth, the sleeve 124 is opened and the pin 126 is closed, again with molding material flowing from the outer melt channel 246 into the mold cavity 140 (see FIGS. 3d and 4d). Fifth, the sleeve 124 is closed and the pin 126 is kept closed, and the molding material does not flow into the mold cavity 140 (see FIGS. 3a and 4a). This sequence may be repeated in the steps of the molding cycle, such as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, (first,) second, third. Such a cycle is useful in producing multilayer molded articles from two different molding materials.

  The co-injection molding apparatus 100 may use other operation schemes. Instead of the actuator 119, the connection plate 113 may be moved by a sliding wedge disposed between the connection plate 113 and the mold plate 102. Actuator 117 may be placed in the piston of a large actuator used in place of actuator 119 and connecting plate 113. In addition, two independent actuators may be used, the actuator moving the sleeve 124 is a two position actuator and the actuator moving the pin 126 is a three position actuator.

  The simultaneous injection molding apparatus 100 can be manufactured by a conventional manufacturing technique.

  The material of the constituent elements of the co-injection molding apparatus 100 is typically a material such as steel, tool steel, copper alloy, copper beryllium, titanium, titanium alloy, ceramic, and high temperature polymer. However, in one embodiment, the tip holding member 208 is formed of a material that has lower thermal conductivity than the material that forms the nozzle tip 206. For example, the tip holding member 208 may be made of titanium when the nozzle tip 206 is made of a copper beryllium alloy, so that the tip holding member 208 further serves the purpose of thermal insulation.

  While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. The contents disclosed in all patents and publications discussed herein are intended to be included herein.

It is sectional drawing of the injection molding apparatus by this invention. It is sectional drawing of the nozzle of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the sleeve and pin of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the sleeve and pin of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the sleeve and pin of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the sleeve and pin of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the actuator of FIG. 1, and a connection plate. It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the actuator of FIG. 1, and a connection plate. It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the actuator of FIG. 1, and a connection plate. It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the actuator of FIG. 1, and a connection plate.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Simultaneous injection molding apparatus 101 Support plate 102,104,106,108 Mold plate 110 Cavity plate 112 Manifold 113 Connection plate 114 Positioning ring 115 Valve body 116 Nozzle 117 Actuator 118 Mold insertion body 119 Actuator 120 2nd mold insertion body 121 fluid channel 122 third mold insert 123 fluid channel 124 sleeve 126 pin 128 first manifold melt channel 130 second manifold melt channel 132 guide hole 134 heater 136 adiabatic air space 138 cavity gate 140 mold cavity 144 bevel end Valve joint

Claims (27)

In simultaneous injection molding equipment,
A manifold including a first manifold melt channel, a second manifold melt channel, and a guide hole;
A nozzle body coupled to the manifold, including a longitudinal hole aligned with the guide hole;
A sleeve disposed within the longitudinal bore, the sleeve having a tip portion having an opening, a hollow region and a region narrower than the longitudinal bore, and communicating with the first manifold melt channel. An outer melt channel is formed between the sleeve and the nozzle body, and the tip portion of the sleeve slides into the guide hole so as to open and close the communication of the melt of the outer melt channel to the cavity gate. A sleeve which is arranged freely,
A pin disposed in the hollow region of the sleeve, the pin having a tip and a region narrower than the hollow region of the sleeve, the inner melt communicating with the second manifold melt channel; A body channel is formed between the pin and the sleeve, and the tip portion of the pin is slidable within the sleeve to open and close communication of the melt of the inner melt channel to the opening of the sleeve. Are located on the pins,
A nozzle tip connected to the nozzle body, the nozzle tip having a nozzle tip melt channel that is in communication with the longitudinal bore and forms a portion of the outer melt channel, the nozzle tip being in contact with the sleeve A nozzle tip, further comprising an alignment portion, wherein the alignment portion aligns the tip portion of the sleeve with the cavity gate along a sliding range of the sleeve;
A simultaneous injection molding device with In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
The simultaneous injection molding apparatus, wherein the alignment portion has an alignment hole, and the sleeve slides through the alignment hole. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 2,
The nozzle tip further has a discharge melt channel upstream of the alignment hole, and the discharge melt channel includes the nozzle tip melt channel and the nozzle downstream of the discharge melt channel. A co-injection molding device in communication with an annular melt channel surrounding a portion of a tip. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 2,
A co-injection molding apparatus, wherein an inner surface of the alignment hole is provided with a friction-reducing coating or an abrasion-resistant coating. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
The nozzle tip has a first tubular portion connected to the nozzle body and partially defining the outer melt channel; and a second tubular portion having an alignment hole; A simultaneous injection molding apparatus that slides through the alignment hole, wherein the second tubular portion has a smaller diameter than the first tubular portion and is disposed downstream of the first tubular portion. . In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 5,
A co-injection molding apparatus further comprising a discharge melt channel disposed between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
The nozzle tip further includes a discharge melt channel upstream of the alignment portion, the discharge melt channel being a portion of the nozzle tip downstream of the nozzle tip melt channel and the discharge melt channel. A co-injection molding device in communication with an annular melt channel surrounding the periphery of the. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
A simultaneous injection molding apparatus further comprising a tip holding member connected to the nozzle body for holding the nozzle tip against the nozzle body. The simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 8,
The said chip | tip holding member is a simultaneous injection molding apparatus containing the sealing part which contacts a metal mold insert or a metal plate. The simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 8,
The simultaneous injection molding apparatus, wherein the tip holding member is formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than a material forming the nozzle tip. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
The sleeve has a lateral opening between the second manifold melt channel and the inner melt channel, and the transverse opening causes the melt to melt from the second manifold melt channel to the inner melt channel. The pin can further flow to a body channel, and the pin further comprises a blocking portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the sleeve at the lateral opening, the blocking portion having the pin in a closed position A simultaneous injection molding device that sometimes closes the lateral opening. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
The simultaneous injection molding apparatus, wherein the outer melt channel and the inner melt channel have a substantially annular cross section. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
The co-injection molding apparatus, wherein the pin further comprises at least one fin in contact with an inner wall of the hollow region of the sleeve for aligning the pin within the sleeve. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
The simultaneous injection molding apparatus, wherein the manifold or the nozzle further includes an electric heater. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
A simultaneous injection molding apparatus, further comprising: a first actuator including a piston connected to the sleeve; and a second actuator including a piston connected to the pin. The simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 15,
A simultaneous injection molding apparatus, further comprising a connecting plate to which the sleeve and the piston of the first actuator are attached, wherein a main body of the first actuator is fixed to a support plate. The simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 16,
The simultaneous injection molding device, wherein the main body of the second actuator is attached to the connecting plate and moves together with the connecting plate. In simultaneous injection molding equipment,
A movable connecting plate;
An actuator including a main body fixed to the connection plate and a movable piston disposed in the main body;
A manifold including a first manifold melt channel, a second manifold melt channel, and a guide hole;
A nozzle body connected to the manifold and having a longitudinal bore;
A sleeve disposed within the longitudinal bore, the sleeve having a tip portion having an opening, a hollow region and a region narrower than the longitudinal bore, and communicating with the first manifold melt channel. An annular outer melt channel is formed between the sleeve and the nozzle body, the sleeve being connected to the connecting plate, and the outer melt channel to the cavity gate by the tip portion of the sleeve. A sleeve that can be moved through the guide hole to open and close the melt communication; and
A pin disposed in the hollow region of the sleeve, the pin having a tip and a region narrower than the hollow region of the sleeve, the ring being in communication with the second manifold melt channel; An inner melt channel is formed between the pin and the sleeve, and the pin is connected to the actuator so that the tip of the pin opens and closes communication of the melt of the inner melt channel with the opening of the sleeve. A pin further comprising at least one fin connected to the inner wall of the hollow region of the sleeve for aligning the tip of the pin with the opening of the sleeve.
A nozzle tip connected to the nozzle body, the nozzle tip having a nozzle tip melt channel in communication with the longitudinal bore and forming a portion of the outer melt channel and having an alignment hole. The sleeve further includes an alignment portion, and the sleeve slides through the alignment hole, and the alignment hole causes the tip portion of the sleeve to move along the sliding range of the sleeve with the cavity gate. Aligning, the nozzle tip further includes a discharge melt channel upstream of the alignment hole, the discharge melt channel being downstream of the nozzle tip melt channel and the discharge melt channel. A nozzle in communication with an annular melt channel that surrounds a portion of the nozzle tip And-up,
A tip holding member connected to the nozzle body for holding the nozzle tip against the nozzle body;
A simultaneous injection molding device. In the simultaneous injection molding apparatus according to claim 1,
The sleeve has a lateral opening between the second manifold melt channel and the inner melt channel, and the transverse opening causes the melt to melt from the second manifold melt channel to the inner melt channel. The pin can further flow to a body channel, and the pin further comprises a blocking portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the sleeve at the lateral opening, the blocking portion having the pin in a closed position A simultaneous injection molding device that sometimes closes the lateral opening. In simultaneous injection molding equipment,
A manifold including a first manifold melt channel, a second manifold melt channel, and a guide hole;
A nozzle body coupled to the manifold, including a longitudinal hole aligned with the guide hole;
A sleeve disposed within the longitudinal bore, the sleeve having a tip portion having an opening, a hollow region and a region narrower than the longitudinal bore, and communicating with the first manifold melt channel. An outer melt channel is formed between the sleeve and the nozzle body, and the tip portion of the sleeve slides into the guide hole so as to open and close the communication of the melt of the outer melt channel to the cavity gate. A sleeve which is arranged freely,
Means for sliding the sleeve;
A pin disposed in the hollow region of the sleeve, the pin having a tip and a region narrower than the hollow region of the sleeve, the inner melt communicating with the second manifold melt channel; A body channel is formed between the pin and the sleeve, and the tip portion of the pin is slidable within the sleeve to open and close communication of the melt of the inner melt channel to the opening of the sleeve. Are located on the pins,
Means for sliding the pin;
A nozzle tip connected to the nozzle body, the nozzle tip having a nozzle tip melt channel forming a part of the outer melt channel in communication with the longitudinal hole, the nozzle tip being the tip of the sleeve A nozzle tip further comprising means for aligning a portion with the cavity gate;
A simultaneous injection molding device with In hot runner nozzles for simultaneous injection molding equipment,
A nozzle body with a longitudinal hole;
A sleeve having a tip portion with an opening, slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore;
An outer melt channel disposed between the sleeve and the nozzle body;
A pin with a tip, slidably disposed within the sleeve;
An inner melt channel disposed between the pin and the sleeve;
A nozzle tip connected to the nozzle body including an alignment portion for aligning the tip portion of the sleeve with a cavity gate over a sliding range of the sleeve;
With
The sliding range of the sleeve is between an open position and a closed position, in which the tip portion controls the communication of the melt between the outer melt channel and the cavity gate;
The pin is slidable between an open position and a closed position, and the tip controls the communication of the melt between the inner melt channel and the opening of the sleeve;
The hot runner nozzle, wherein the nozzle tip further comprises a lateral discharge melt channel between the outer melt channel and the cavity gate. The hot runner nozzle according to claim 21,
The hot runner nozzle, wherein the alignment portion includes an alignment hole through which the sleeve slides. The hot runner nozzle according to claim 22,
A hot runner nozzle having a friction reducing coating or an abrasion resistant coating on an inner surface of the alignment hole. The hot runner nozzle according to claim 21,
The transverse discharge melt channel is disposed upstream of the alignment portion, the transverse discharge melt channel being downstream of the outer melt channel and the lateral discharge melt channel. A hot runner nozzle in communication with an annular melt channel surrounding a portion of the nozzle tip. The hot runner nozzle according to claim 21,
A hot runner nozzle further comprising a tip holding member connected to the nozzle body for holding the nozzle tip against the nozzle body. The hot runner nozzle according to claim 21,
The hot runner nozzle, wherein the outer melt channel and the inner melt channel have a substantially annular cross section. The hot runner nozzle according to claim 21,
The hot runner nozzle, wherein the pin further comprises at least one fin in contact with the inner wall of the sleeve to align the tip of the pin with the opening of the sleeve.

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