TW201406517A - Modular clamp station with variable pitch - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and modular mold clamp assembly for use in a molding machine. The assembly has a frame with a base member. The base member has end members provided thereon. Radial adjustment mechanisms are mounted on the end members, with the radial adjustment members configured to cooperate with turntables of the molding machine. At least one support bracket extends from the frame. The support bracket is configured to cooperate with at least one support fixture of the molding machine. The radial adjustment mechanisms and the at least one support bracket allow the modular mold clamp assembly to be moved toward and away from the center of a wheel of the molding machine.

Description

Modular fixture table with variable pitch Cross-reference to related applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/898,824, filed on Oct. 2, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Field of invention

The invention generally relates to extrusion molding apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a modular mold clamping assembly having a variable pitch for use with the molding apparatus.

Background of the invention

Conventional rotary extrusion blow molding devices typically have a structural frame mounted on a rotating shaft. The structural frame has a plurality of molds mounted thereon and is well known in the industry. As the wheel rotates, the plurality of molds are rotated through an extrusion die to extrude a continuous parison. Each mold typically includes two mold half-shells, each half-shell containing one half of the mold cavity such that when the mold half-shell is closed, the mold defines a structure to be formed, such as a container The corresponding mold cavity. Each mold is tied one by one with two castings in an open configuration The mold half-shell rotates through the extrusion die. The mold halves of each mold are then closed around the parison for enclosing the parison in the mold defined by the mold halves. A blow pin is then inserted into the parison in the closed mold and an internal pressure is introduced into the parison, forcing the parison to expand and conform to the configuration of the mold cavity. The shaped article is then cooled and the mold is opened to remove the shaped article from the mold.

When the two mold half-shells are clamped to one or more parisons to form a plastic container prior to blowing of the parisons, high clamping forces are required to mold the molds on the parisons The half-shell is closed, the plastic is removed during blow molding and the mold half-shells are closed. A conventional mold jig assembly is mounted on a frame supporting the assembly, and when actuated, the clamping force is transmitted to the other of the molds via a frame by a transmission located on one side of the mold On the side. This means that the frame supporting the molds must be sufficiently strong to withstand the bending moments exerted by the high clamping forces transmitted through the frame. The deformation of the frame caused by the clamping force is not desirable because the deformation does not allow the molds to face each other in parallel to close.

The blow molding apparatus described above is typically a costly, heavy machine that requires a great deal of expertise to adjust and maintain. For example, when a mold jig requires repair, the entire wheel must be off-line while the mold jig continues to operate. Furthermore, if the number of mold jigs of the blow molding apparatus is changed to accommodate a mold of a different size, the cost and time required to disassemble and reassemble the apparatus are remarkable.

In an attempt to improve the existing technology, a mold holder for a rotary or shuttle blow molding machine is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,611,657. With assembly. The clamp assembly is mounted on a frame and includes a mold opening and closing transmission that is coupled to the two mold half-shells independently of the frame, such that when the mold half-shells are closed, the clamping force is not Transfer to the mold half-shells via the frame. Thus, the high clamping force required to hold the mold halves together during blow molding is not transferred from the side of one of the molds through the machine frame to the other side of the mold.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved forming apparatus and mold jig assembly that takes into account the ease of maintenance of the apparatus and that is easy to conform to. At the same time, the complexity of the forming apparatus needs to be reduced to help reduce the manufacturing and operating costs of the forming apparatus. In addition, there is a need for a modular mold fixture assembly for accomplishing the above objectives, wherein the modular mold fixture has a variable pitch or can be radially adjusted to allow for individual differences in the mold fixtures. The mold circle formed by the mold is made larger or smaller to accommodate different sized molds to minimize waste associated with the forming process.

Summary of invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a reel in which the modular mold jig assemblies are provided and the positioning of the molds can be radially adjusted to accommodate different sized molds to thereby produce waste during the forming operation of the container. Minimized to a minimum.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism to perform this radial adjustment with minimal downtime for the forming wheel, thereby minimizing the impact on productivity of the job.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a radial adjustment capable of It is adjusted by individuals at the maintenance level rather than by the factory technician to reduce costs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simplified structure of a forming wheel by using a modular mold jig assembly that provides the necessary structural support between the components of the forming wheel to permit the module Simplified radial adjustment of the mold holder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular mold jig assembly in which the bending moments are not transferred to the radial adjustment mechanism or the components of a forming reel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a radial adjustment mechanism that can be mounted to and mounted to the modular mold fixture assembly, allowing the forming wheel to be assembled to meet specific needs.

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a modular mold fixture assembly for use in a molding machine. The assembly has a frame with a base member. The base member has an end member disposed thereon. Radial adjustment mechanisms are mounted on the end members and have radial adjustment members that are assembled to mate with the rotating table of the molding machine. At least one support bracket extends from the frame. The support bracket is assembled to mate with at least one support device of the molding machine. The radial adjustment mechanism and the at least one support bracket allow the modular mold clamp assembly to move toward and away from the center of one of the forming machines.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a rotary molding machine. The rotary molding machine has a pair of rotating stages rotatably mounted on respective shafts or a common shaft. A plurality of modular mold clamping fixture assemblies are mounted on the rotation The table is spaced apart from the turntable, and each modular mold clamp assembly includes a frame having a base member, a first end member and an opposite second end member. The first and second end members are integrally attached to the base member. A radial adjustment mechanism is mounted on the first and second end members, the radial adjustment members mating with the turntable. At least one support bracket extends from each modular mold clamp assembly such that at least one support bracket cooperates with at least one support device of the rotary molding machine.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of adjusting a modular mold fixture assembly mounted on a rotary molding machine. The method includes releasing a mounting member to permit movement of the mounting member relative to a slot of a radial adjustment mechanism attached to the modular mold fixture assembly; and a support bracket of the modular mold fixture a first adjustment mechanism engages to move the support bracket and the modular mold clamp assembly to a desired position relative to one of the fulcrum assembly and the rotary molding machine of the rotary molding machine; The mounting members are tightened to prevent undesired movement of the mounting members relative to the slots, thereby maintaining the modular mold holder assembly in position relative to the rotary forming machine.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

10‧‧‧ round

12‧‧‧ Flat or rotary table

20, 21‧‧‧ axis

22‧‧‧Rotating shaft or center

25‧‧‧Installation opening

100‧‧‧Modular mold clamping fixture assembly

110‧‧‧Frame

111,113‧‧‧End members

112‧‧‧Base member

114‧‧‧ mounting bracket

115‧‧‧Installation opening

116,118,120‧‧‧ mounting bracket

124‧‧‧ rod

126, 128‧‧‧ boards

130‧‧‧Sliding parts

132,134‧‧‧Molded half shell

142‧‧‧ latch

144‧‧‧ pivot arm

145‧‧‧Inner rod end

146‧‧‧Outer end

148‧‧‧ tackle

150‧‧‧ linkage

152‧‧‧Sliding parts

154‧‧‧ arrow

156‧‧‧Cam follower roller

160‧‧‧ linkage

162‧‧‧moving components

163‧‧‧Transmission

164‧‧‧Upper end

166‧‧‧ lower end

167‧‧‧Cylindrical rod

168‧‧‧ rod

170‧‧ ‧ cross latch

172‧‧‧ pivot arm

174‧‧‧ lower end

176‧‧‧ pivot link

177‧‧‧ rod end U-hook

178‧‧‧Upper end

180‧‧‧Molding clamp rod

182‧‧‧ pivot link

183‧‧‧ rod end U-hook

184‧‧‧disk washer spring set

200‧‧‧ Radial adjustment mechanism

202‧‧‧Installation slots

204‧‧‧ first surface

206‧‧‧ second surface

208‧‧‧ shoulder part

210‧‧‧Installation components

212‧‧‧Installation opening/keyway

220‧‧‧ Radial adjustment or cam follower mounting device

222‧‧‧ slot

224‧‧‧Installation slider

240‧‧‧Support rod

242‧‧‧First adjustment body

244‧‧‧Second adjustment body

246‧‧‧Support device

1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a modular mold jig assembly for a rotary blow molding machine having a mold inserted therein Displayed as being in the closed position Set.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a modular mold jig assembly for a rotary blow molding machine having a mold inserted therein Displayed as being in the on position.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the modular mold jig assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the longitudinal axis of the modular mold jig assembly.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the modular mold jig assembly of FIG. 2 taken along the longitudinal axis of the modular mold jig assembly.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the modular mold fixture assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through a tie centerline of the modular mold fixture assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a first end view of the modular mold fixture assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a second end view of the modular mold fixture assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a wheel of a blow molding apparatus having seven modular molded mold assemblies attached thereto, the mold clamp assemblies being shown with no mold locations disposed therein.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel taken along the plane of the longitudinal axis of the wheel.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel taken along line 11-11 of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is an end view of one of the rotating tables of the wheel.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view through a radial adjustment mechanism mounted to the turntable.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Referring to Figures 9-11, a wheel 10 of a blow molding machine is illustrated. However, the invention is not limited to a blow molding machine, and other molding machines can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The blow molding machine has a base (not shown) on which the wheel 10 is rotatably supported. An extruder (not shown) is positioned adjacent to the wheel 10. The wheel 10 has two substantially parallel radially extending plates or rotating tables 12 that carry a plurality of modular mold clamping fixture assemblies 100, each assembly having an internal chamber (not depicted) for The extruder receives a parison. As is well known in the art, the wheel 10 is mounted on shafts 20, 21 having an actuator that rotates the wheel 10 relative to the wheel 10 and one of the axes 20, 21 or the center 22 The modular mold fixture assembly 100 directs each mold that is secured between the extrusion, blow molding, cooling, and firing stations by the modular mold fixture assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel 10 is assembled thereon to have eighteen modular mold fixture assemblies, shown as four in the figures. However, each wheel 10 can be assembled to allow any number of modular mold jig assemblies 100 to be secured thereto.

Referring to Figures 1-8, an exemplary embodiment of a mold clamping fixture assembly 100 having a frame 110 is shown. The frame 110 has a base member 112 and two oppositely facing end members 111, 113. The end members 111, 113 extend from either end of the base member 112 in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base member 112. The end members 111, 113 are integrally formed with the base member 112 in any well known manner and have the required strength characteristics. Mounting openings 115 are provided on the frame 110 that is closest to the ends of the base member 112. The openings 115 cooperate with the mounting hardware to mount the modular mold clamping assembly 100 to the radial adjustment mechanism 200, which in turn is mounted to the mounting of the rotating table 12 of the wheel 10. The opening 25 will be described in more detail below. The base member 112, the end members 111, 113, and the radial adjustment mechanism 200 are made of any material having the required strength characteristics to support the components of the modular mold fixture assembly 100 and to provide support The required structural integrity of the radially extending turntable 12 of the wheel 10.

As clearly shown in FIG. 8, the radial adjustment mechanism 200 has a mounting slot 202 that extends from a first surface 204 adjacent the mechanism 200 to a second surface 206. In the exemplary embodiment shown, three slots 202 extending from the first surface 204 to the second surface 206 are shown. The longitudinal axes of the slots 202 are positioned closer to each other proximate the second surface 206 to permit the radial adjustment mechanism 200 to be mounted on the circular turntable 12. As best seen in Figure 13, each slot 202 has a T-shaped configuration with shoulder portions 208 that cooperate with a mounting member 210 to maintain the radial adjustment mechanism in position relative to the rotary table 12. At the office. Referring again to FIG. 8, the mounting opening 212 extends through the radial adjustment mechanism 200. The mounting openings 212 are assembled to insert the modular mold clip The mounting hardware in the mounting opening 115 of the assembly 100 cooperates to maintain the radial adjustment mechanism in position relative to the modular fixture assembly 10.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the central slot is sized to have tight tolerances to allow the central slot to accurately align with the mounting member 210 for proper positioning on the rotating table 12 The radial adjustment mechanism 200 is aligned. The central slot also cooperates with the mounting member 210 to secure the radial adjustment mechanism 200 to the turntable 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer slots are not so precisely machined. Accordingly, the outer slots are used to secure the radial adjustment mechanism 200 to the turntable 12 and are not used to align with the radial adjustment mechanism 200 positioned on the turntable 12. However, other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment, each mounting member 210 has a T-shaped configuration that is configured to mate with and slide in a respective T-shaped slot 202. As shown in FIG. 13, the heads of the T-shaped configuration of the mounting members 210 cooperate with the shoulder portions of the shoulder portions 208 of the slots 202 to maintain the mounting members 210 in the slots. 202. Mounting hardware is provided to extend from the mounting members 210 to the mounting openings 25 of the turntable 12 to secure the mounting members 210 and the radial adjustment mechanism 200 to the turntable 12. However, other types of mounting members may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, a keyway 212 (Fig. 12) is positioned adjacent the central mounting openings of the turntable 12. The keyway 212 cooperates with a respective mounting member 210 to align The mounting member 210 and the radial adjustment mechanism 200 prevent the radial adjustment mechanism 200 from moving laterally with the longitudinal axis of the keyway 212.

As explained above, the central slot is sized to have a tight tolerance to allow the central slot to accurately align with the mounting member 210 for proper alignment with the radial adjustment on the rotating table 12. The mechanism 200 is aligned. The central slot also cooperates with the mounting member 210 to secure the radial adjustment mechanism 200 to the turntable 12. The central mounting opening 25 is thus also machined to maintain the radial adjustment mechanism 200 in the correct position. At the same time, as previously stated, the outer slots are not processed so precisely. Therefore, when the outer mounting openings 25 are used to secure the radial adjustment mechanism 200 to the rotating table 12 and are not intended to be aligned with the radial adjustment mechanism 200 located on the rotating table 12, The mounting opening 25 can be machined with less precision. However, other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

Each modular mold fixture assembly 100 includes a rod 124 mounted on a base member 112 of the frame 110. The rods 124 extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base member 112. As best shown in Figures 1 and 4, the rod 124 extends through an opening in the mounting bracket 114, 116, 118, 120. In the particular embodiment shown, the mounting brackets 114, 116, 118, 120 are secured to the base member 112 by bolts or other mounting hardware. Mold pallets 126 and 128 are mounted to the rods 124 by sliders 130 that permit opening and closing of mold halves 132 and 134 that are mounted on pallets 126 and 128, respectively. During the period, the pallets slide toward each other or move away from each other. Figure 1 shows that it has The mold half-shell is a closed assembly 100.

The latch 142 extends through a portion of the end member 113. The adjacent ends of the rods 124 are secured to the pins. A pivot arm 144 is rotatably mounted on the latch 142 between the rods 124. The outer end 146 of the arm 144 remote from the mold half-shells extends through an opening in the end member 113 and is coupled to the trolley 148 by a connecting rod 150. The trolley 148 is mounted on the outer surface of the end wall 113 by a slider 152 to permit the vehicle to move back and forth in the direction of the arrow 154 shown in Figures 3 and 4. A radial adjustment or cam follower mounting device 220 is mounted on the trolley 148. The cam follower mounting device 220 has a slot 222 disposed thereon that carries a cam mounting slider 224 having a cam follower roller 156 mounted thereto. The cam follower roller 156 extends into a fixed cam slot (not shown) around the blow molding machine. The rotation of the wheel 10 moves the follower 156 into and around the cam slot to slide the car 148 and the swivel arm 144 inwardly and outwardly between the positions shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the slot 222 is machined to allow the cam mounting slider 224 to freely move along the longitudinal axis of the slot 222 while preventing the cam mounting slider 224 from The longitudinal axis of the slot 222 moves laterally. The cam mounting slider 224 has a T-shaped configuration that is assembled to mate with the slot 222 and slide within the slot. However, other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The moving member 162 is positioned between the mold holder 126 and the end member 113. A cylindrical rod 167 extends from one of the upper ends 164 of the member 162 and is directly bolted to the mold carrier 126 such that the member 162 faces the end member The movement of 113 moves the mold holder 126 and the mold half-shell 132 toward the end member 113. The lower end portion 166 of the moving member 162 extends from the lower end portion of the bracket 120 and extends below the mold half-shells 132 and 134. The moving member is slidably mounted on the rods 124 and 168.

Link 160 is pivotally coupled to the inner link end 145 of the arm 144 and to the mold moving member 162. Between the link 160 and the member 162, the pivotal connection is located midway between the upper end 164 and the lower end 166 of the member 162 to balance the force. The travel bar 168 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base member 112 and extends freely through the base member 112. The travel bar 168 is coupled to the lower end 166 of the member 162. The link 160 and the inner link end 145 of the arm 144 form a two-link extensible and retractable transmission 163 for opening and closing the plates 126, 128 and the mold half-shells 132, 134.

The cross pin 170 is fixedly mounted on the ends of the rod 124 extending through the pallet 128 and the mold half-shell 134 and rotatably supports the pivot arm 172. The lower end 174 of the arm 172 is coupled to the adjacent end of the travel bar 168 by a pivot link 176 and a rod end U-hook 177. The upper end portion 178 of the arm 172 is coupled to the mold clamp bar 180 by a pivot link 182 and a rod end U-shaped hook 183. The clamp bar 180 is coupled to the pallet 128 via a disc washer spring set 184. Rod 168, U-hook 177, link 176, arm 172, and lever 180 are part of a mold moving mechanism for opening and closing pallet 128 and mold half-shell 134. The mold moving mechanism is coupled to the transmission 163 via a member 162.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a support rod 240 extends through the base 112 and It is held by a bracket attached to the mounting bracket 118. The bracket allows the support bar 240 to rotate while still capturing the support bar 240, so that the modular mold clamp assembly 100 moves radially as the support bar 240 rotates. The support bar 240 extends from the base 112 in a direction away from the mold trays 126, 128. In the exemplary embodiment, the support bar 240 is located closest to the center of gravity of the modular mold jig assembly 100 such that approximately 1⁄2 of the weight of the modular mold jig assembly is distributed over the support. On either side of the rod 240, although other specific embodiments having one or more support members can be used, without departing from the scope of the invention. The support bar 240 has a first adjustment mechanism 242 such as, but not limited to, a thread that mates with a second adjustment mechanism 244, such as, but not limited to, extending from the blow molding machine to a support device 246. The nut on it or something similar. The cooperation of the first adjustment mechanism 242 and the second adjustment mechanism 244 allows the modular mold fixture assembly 100 to be adjusted as desired, as will be more fully described. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support device 246 is a central disc having an opening for receiving the support rods 240 therein. However, other devices may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

In operation, the modular mold fixture assembly 100 is assembled to the turntable 12 of the wheel 10 as previously described. A water management hose is attached to one of the water connection members of each assembly 100. As is well known in the art, water is supplied to cool the mold. An air hose is attached to one of the air connecting members of each of the assemblies 100. Air is used to blow air into the mold cavity and to operate the necessary means to facilitate removal of the container from the chamber, both of which are well known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 2, the half-shells 132 and 134 are in the open position and the transmission 163 is retracted, and the rotation of the wheel 10 moves the open mold half-shells 132, 134 through the extrusion station. Either one side of a plurality of parisons extruded by the extrusion head. The rotation of the wheel 10 also moves the follower 156 along a radially outward portion of a cam slot to slide the carriage 148 radially outward from the position of Figure 2 to that position of Figure 1. This movement rotates the arm 144 counterclockwise from the position of Figure 2 to that position of Figure 1.

Movement of the arm 144 from the position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 1 extends the transmission 163 to move the moving member 162 away from the end member 113. Movement of the moving member moves the mold half-shell 132 from the open position to the closed position. Movement of the moving member also actuates the mold moving mechanism to move the moving rod 168 away from the end member 113, rotate the arm 172 and move the mold half-shell 134 from the open position to the closed position. The connection between the rod 180 and the spring set 184 is adjusted so that the spring set 184 is compressed when the mold is closed.

During or after the mold is closed, the clamping force applied to the mold half-shell 134 is directly transmitted to the transmission 163 via the mold moving mechanism. An equal and opposite clamping force applied to the mold half-shell 132 is transmitted directly to the transmission via the member 162. The clamping force is transmitted via a rod 124 between the cross pin 170 and a fixed pin 142 that is sequentially attached to the end member 113, which end member is sequentially mounted to the radial adjustment mechanism 200. The clamping force is not transmitted via the frame member 110. Therefore, the frame 110 does not withstand the bending moment caused by the high clamping force that holds the molds 132 and 134 closed. The frame 110, and thus the radial adjustment mechanism 200, does not need to be reinforced to resist bending moments. Due to the weight reduction, A smaller, more efficient motor can be used to operate the machine.

After the mold is closed to capture the parison, the rotation of the wheel 10 moves the closed mold half-shell away from the extrusion station to a blow molding station where the parison is blown, and After the blown parisons are cooled, the injection molding station is opened there to open the mold for injection molding of the blow molded container. During the rotation to the injection molding station, the follower 156 is moved radially inward by the cam track, so the arm end portion 146 is moved radially inward relative to the fixed pin 142, and the transmission device 163 is as shown in FIG. Retracted as shown, and the pallets 126, 128 and the mold half-shells 132, 134 are opened by movement of the moving member 162 and the mold moving mechanism. The pallet 126 and the mold half-shell 132 are directly coupled to the moving member 162 and open after sensing the movement of the member. The pallet 128 and the mold half-shell 134 are opened by the movement of the moving rod 168 toward the side member 113, and the rotation of the arm 172 and the rod 180 are moved away from the side member 113 and toward the side member 111.

It is not uncommon for a particular mold fixture assembly to be problematic during the operation of the wheel 10. At the same time, it is common to have problems with scheduled maintenance. In the current state of the art, in order to repair or perform maintenance on a particular mold fixture assembly, when the assembly is still attached to the wheel, the operation of the wheel is stopped and the mold clamp is always Perform the repair or maintenance. This can result in a large downtime for the entire job and a dramatic impact on the productivity of the job. Alternatively, the operation of the wheel is stopped and the mold clamp assembly is removed from the pallets and the axle of the wheel and replaced with another mold clamp assembly. However, when the mold fixture assembly is attached to the structure of the wheel at a plurality of points, the process takes a lot of time. The cost and the cost are completed, which significantly affects the productivity of the job and requires a skilled operator to complete the transfer.

In contrast, the modular mold fixture assembly 100 described herein overcomes the problems associated with the prior art. When all of the components of the modular mold fixture assembly 100 are mounted to the frame 110, it greatly facilitates removal of the separate modular mold fixture assembly 100 from the wheel 10. In order to repair or perform maintenance on a particular mold fixture assembly, the operation of the wheel is stopped and the mold clamp assembly is removed for replacement with another modular mold fixture assembly 100. When all of the components are attached to the frame 100, rather than to the structural members of the wheel 10, the service technician simply removes the diameter of the frame 110 of the modular mold fixture assembly 100. The hardware attached to the wheel 10 is attached to the adjustment mechanism 200, and the support bar 240 is released from the support device 246. The modular mold fixture assembly 100 is then removed and inserted into a new modular mold fixture assembly 100. The radial adjustment mechanism 200 of the frame 110 of the new modular mold fixture assembly 100 is mounted to the wheel 10 by the use of the hardware. At the same time, the support bracket of the new modular mold clamping fixture assembly 100 is inserted into the support device 246. This allows the wheel to be repaired or repaired with minimal downtime, minimizing the impact on productivity. In addition, the replacement of the modular mold jig assembly 100 can be accomplished by a maintenance technician rather than by a factory technician, thereby reducing costs.

The use of the modular mold fixture assembly 100 also allows for a simplified construction of the wheel 10. When each modular component assembly 100 is independent, the different components of the modular mold fixture assembly 100 are not mounted to A shaft or plate extending between the rotating stages 12 of the wheel 10. Further, the base member 112, the end members 111, 113, and the radial adjustment mechanisms 200 are made of a material having structural strength and integrity as a support when mounted in the wheel 10. Accordingly, the wheel 10 used with the modular mold fixture assembly 100 described herein is greatly simplified by the wheels currently in use. When the modular mold jig assembly 100 provides the necessary structural support between the rotating stages 12 of the wheel 10, the previously required axes and plates are eliminated. This allows the wheel 10 of the blow molding machine to have more open space, making repair of the blow molding machine easier. The use of such modular mold jig assemblies 100 as support members also reduces the overall cost of the blow molding machine because the structural modular mold jig assembly is less expensive than having a structural shaft and plate.

Although the base member 112, the end members 111, 113, and the radial adjustment mechanisms 200 must be made of a material having sufficient strength characteristics to support the components and provide the structural integrity required for the wheel 10, However, as previously explained, when the bending moments are not transferred to the frame 110, the frame 110 need not be material having the bending moments that are resistant to the high clamping forces held by the holding molds 132 and 134. production. Thus, the frame 110 need not be reinforced to resist bending moments, thereby allowing the frame 110 to be made of relatively light weight materials. This facilitates the removal and replacement of the modular mold fixture assembly 100 and reduces the material cost of manufacturing the frame 110.

In the prior art, it is required to use different wheels for the different sized containers manufactured using the blow molding machine as the molds. The table is radially positioned to accommodate different sized rotating stages required for different mold sizes. Thus, when each wheel is designed for a particular mold size, the inventory associated with the application's needs will be large or generated by the wheels when smaller molds are used in the wheels. The amount of wasted is significant, and most materials are wasted between the molds.

In contrast, in accordance with the present invention, the modular mold fixture assembly can be easily adjusted to move closer to or away from the center of the shaft 20, 21 or the wheel 10. In other words, the diameter of the mold circle is composed of all of the modular mold clamping fixture assemblies, which may be larger depending on the size of the manufactured container and the size of the mold half shells 132, 134. Or smaller. To move each modular mold clamp assembly, the mounting members 210 are loosened to permit movement of the radial adjustment mechanism 200 relative to the mounting members 210. The first adjustment mechanism 242 is then engaged to move the support bar 240 and the modular mold clamp assembly 100 to the desired position relative to the support device 246 and the rotary table 12. For example, rotating the first adjustment mechanism 242 in one direction causes the modular mold fixture assembly 100 to move away from the center of the wheel 100 while rotating the first adjustment mechanism 242 in an opposite direction to cause the modular mold fixture Assembly 100 moves toward the center of the wheel 100. Once properly adjusted, the mounting members 210 are tightened to prevent the mounting members 210 from moving undesirably relative to the slots, thereby maintaining the modular mold holder assembly 100 in position relative to the rotation. The appropriate position of the table 12 and the wheel 10. Meters or the like can be used to monitor and accurately control the movement of the modular mold fixture assemblies and to control their positioning relative to the rotary tables 12. This allows the modular mold fixture assembly to move precisely or It is removed from the center of the wheel and maintained in place. In this way, the space between the molds adjacent to the modular mold jig assemblies and their respective molds is minimized, thereby minimizing the amount of material wasted between the molds, thereby reducing the resulting The amount of debris.

In accordance with the invention as described herein, the inventory required to accommodate different configurations is minimized. When the wheels do not require a shaft or the like, the wheels can be made to accommodate different configurations. The support devices 246 and the opening spaces of the wheel 10 and the support rods 240 of the radial adjustment mechanism 200 and the modular mold clamping assembly 100 allow the modular mold clamping assembly 100 to pass through Moving to accommodate different container sizes allows the same modular mold fixture assembly 100 to be moved to accommodate different sized molds, thereby reducing the need to manufacture a particular mold clamp assembly or a particular rotary table 12 for a particular machine.

Although the particular embodiment shown represents a one-ton modular modular assembly, other modular modular assemblies are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various modifications may be substituted and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the teachings of the present invention may be modified to adapt to a particular situation or material without departing from the basic scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments of the invention All specific embodiments.

100‧‧‧Modular mold clamping fixture assembly

110‧‧‧Frame

111,113‧‧‧End members

112‧‧‧Base member

114‧‧‧ mounting bracket

116,118,120‧‧‧ mounting bracket

124‧‧‧ rod

126, 128‧‧‧ boards

130‧‧‧Sliding parts

132,134‧‧‧Molded half shell

142‧‧‧ latch

144‧‧‧ pivot arm

145‧‧‧Inner rod end

156‧‧‧Cam follower roller

162‧‧‧moving components

163‧‧‧Transmission

164‧‧‧Upper end

166‧‧‧ lower end

167‧‧‧Cylindrical rod

172‧‧‧ pivot arm

174‧‧‧ lower end

176‧‧‧ pivot link

177‧‧‧ rod end U-hook

178‧‧‧Upper end

180‧‧‧Molding clamp rod

182‧‧‧ pivot link

183‧‧‧ rod end U-hook

184‧‧‧disk washer spring set

200‧‧‧ Radial adjustment mechanism

220‧‧‧Cam follower mounting device

240‧‧‧Support rod

Claims (20)

A modular mold jig assembly for use in a molding machine, the assembly comprising: a frame having a base member having an end member disposed thereon; mounted on the end members a radial adjustment mechanism, the radial adjustment members being assembled to cooperate with a rotating table of the molding machine; at least one support bracket extending from the frame, the support bracket being assembled to be combined with the molding machine At least one support device is mated; wherein the radial adjustment mechanism and the at least one support bracket permit the modular mold clamp assembly to move toward and away from the center of one of the forming machines. The modular mold clamping fixture assembly of claim 1, wherein a cam follower is movably mounted on a respective end member, the cam follower and the modular molding jig One of the drive train linkages is coupled whereby movement of the cam follower moves the drive linkage. The modular mold clamping fixture of claim 1, wherein the radial adjustment mechanism has a mounting slot extending from a first surface adjacent the one of the radial adjustment mechanisms to a proximate to the radial adjustment mechanism At a second surface. For example, in the modular casting jig assembly of claim 3, three of the slots are installed, and the longitudinal axis of the three mounting slots is adjacent to the first The two surfaces are positioned closer to each other to allow the radial adjustment mechanism to be mounted on the rotating tables of the molding machine. A modular mold clamping fixture assembly according to claim 3, wherein each mounting slot has a T-shaped configuration that cooperates with a respective mounting member to maintain the diameter relative to the rotating table To the adjustment mechanism in place. A modular mold clamp assembly according to claim 3, wherein a centrally mounted slot is sized to have a tight tolerance to allow the central mounting slot to be accurately aligned with a respective mounting member. Aligned and secured correctly with the radial adjustment mechanism located on the turntable. The modular casting jig assembly of claim 1, wherein a cam follower mounting device is mounted on a pulley of a first end member having a cam follower mounting device disposed thereon A slot carries a cam mounting slider having a cam follower mounted thereon. The modular mold clamping fixture assembly of claim 7, wherein the slot is sized to allow the cam follower mounting device to freely move along a longitudinal axis of the slot while preventing the The cam follower mounting device moves laterally with the longitudinal axis of the slot. The modular mold clamping fixture assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one support bracket is located closest to a center of gravity of the modular mold clamping fixture assembly, such that the modular molding fixture assembly is Approximately 1⁄2 weight is distributed on either side of the at least one support bracket. Such as the modular mold clamping fixture assembly of claim 1 of the patent scope, wherein The support bracket has a first adjustment mechanism that allows the modular mold clamp assembly to be adjusted toward and away from the center of the wheel of the molding machine. A rotary molding machine comprising: a pair of rotary tables rotatably mounted on one or more shafts; a plurality of modular mold clamp assemblies mounted on the rotary table and surrounding the rotary table Spaced apart, each modular mold fixture assembly includes a frame having a base member, a first end member and an opposite second end member, the first and second end members being integrally formed Attached to the base member; a radial adjustment mechanism mounted on the first and second end members, the radial adjustment members cooperating with the rotating table; at least one support bracket, each from each The modular mold fixture assembly extends, the at least one support bracket mating with at least one support device of the rotary molding machine. The rotary molding machine of claim 11, wherein the radial adjustment mechanism has a mounting slot extending from a first surface adjacent to the radial adjustment mechanism to a second one of the radial adjustment mechanisms At the surface. A rotary forming machine according to claim 12, wherein each of the mounting slots has a T-shaped configuration that cooperates with a respective mounting member to maintain the radial adjustment mechanism relative to the rotating stages. In the right place. A rotary forming machine according to claim 12, wherein a centrally mounted slot is sized to have a tight tolerance to allow the central mounting slot to be accurately aligned with a respective mounting member, Correctly The radial adjustment mechanism positioned on the turntable is aligned and secured. A rotary molding machine according to claim 11, wherein a cam follower mounting device is mounted on a carriage of a first end member having a slot disposed thereon It carries a cam mounting slider with a cam follower mounted thereon. A rotary forming machine according to claim 15 wherein the slot is sized to allow the cam follower mounting device to freely move along a longitudinal axis of the slot while preventing the cam from being driven The piece mounting device moves laterally with the longitudinal axis of the slot. The rotary molding machine of claim 11, wherein the at least one support bracket is located closest to a center of gravity of the modular mold fixture assembly such that the modular mold fixture assembly has a weight of about 1⁄2. The system is distributed on either side of the at least one support bracket. The rotary molding machine of claim 11, wherein the support bracket has a first adjustment mechanism and the support device has a second adjustment mechanism, the first and second adjustment mechanisms permit the modular molding The clamp assembly is adjusted toward and away from the shaft of the molding machine. A method of adjusting a modular mold fixture assembly mounted on a rotary molding machine, the method comprising the steps of: releasing a mounting member to permit attachment of the mounting member to the modular mold fixture assembly a slot movement of a radial adjustment mechanism; engaging a first adjustment mechanism of a support bracket of the modular mold fixture to support the support bracket and the modular mold fixture assembly relative to the One of the rotating forming machines and the rotary forming machine One of the axes of the machine is moved to a desired position; and the mounting members are tightened to prevent undesired movement of the mounting members relative to the slots, thereby maintaining the modular mold holder assembly in position relative to the The appropriate position of the rotary molding machine. The method of claim 19, wherein the monitoring of the movement of the modular mold fixture assembly relative to a center of the rotary molding machine is monitored via the use of one or more gauges.