TW201720617A - Co-injection with continuous injection molding - Google Patents

Abstract

A carousel-like continuous co-injection molding system includes an arrangement of upper and lower inclined feed channels. Each of the feed channels has a valve therein positioned upstream of an inlet to an associated mold cavity. The valve is controllable so that adjustments may be made in real time to achieve or maintain delivery of molten polymeric material to the mold cavity at constant pressure.

Description

Co-injection with continuous injection molding

The present application is generally directed to an injection molding system and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for producing a co-injection molded part at a low constant pressure by continuously feeding a molten polymeric material to a plurality of cavities, the plural The mold cavity rotates about an axis including at least one of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

Injection molding systems are commonly used in high volume manufacturing of parts made of fusible materials, most commonly made of thermoplastic polymers. The injection molding programs currently used in the industry are intermittent, meaning that all programs occur in a sequential manner and therefore each step must be completed before the next step can begin. A plastic resin (most often in the form of beads or pellets) is introduced into an injection molding machine that melts the resin beads under heat, pressure and shear. The now melted resin is forcibly injected into one of the cavities having a specific cavity property. The injected plastic is held under pressure in the cavity, cooled and then removed as one of the shaped shapes of the cavity shape having the essentially replicated mold. Repeat this procedure to create multiple parts using the same mold. The mold itself can have a single cavity or multiple cavities. If more than one molten material is injected into a mold, the injection molding process refers to co-injection.

The co-injection procedure in a substantially constant pressure injection molding system is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/774,692, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. There are several limitations and challenges that are manifested by both intermittent injection molding and coinjection molding. For example, conventional intermittent injection molding is necessary to lengthen the formation of a part due to the need to perform various stages or steps in sequence. circulation time. In addition, since the clamp tonnage must hold multiple cavity closures at the same time, the use of intermittent injection molding to produce a large number of parts requires large equipment to hold the mold closed. Conventional multi-cavity intermittent injection molding systems also occupy a large footprint to accommodate multiple mold cavities. Conventional co-injection molding shows the manufacturing challenge of maintaining the simultaneous flow front velocity of the material introduced into the cavity to maintain a uniform distribution of one of the materials in the cavity. Conventional co-injection molding further requires that the thickness of the part be at least 1 mm to avoid an inner layer swelling an outer layer. These and other limitations and challenges limit the use of intermittent and co-injection molding procedures.

One of the ways to solve such problems using intermittent injection molding is to "mold" shaped articles. The route comprises: 1) extruding the molten polymer; 2) trimming one of the extruded polymers "plug" to a predetermined length (to achieve a target volume of the polymer); 3) The plug body is deposited to a bottom mold cavity; and 4) compressing an upper mold half to a bottom mold half to form a formed part. This approach can be accomplished on a continuous rotating platform that allows the steps to be completed simultaneously, resulting in very high productivity and lower cost. However, there are several trade-offs. First, upon contact with the cooled bottom mold half, the polymer "plug" is immediately frozen, which results in a significant matte or rough surface texture (a poor quality defect) on the formed part. Second, the mold must be designed to be very simple so that when the upper abrasive half is close to the bottom mold half, the part is shaped by compressive forces, which greatly limits the part design that may use this forming technique.

An alternative approach is to continuously feed the polymer to a plurality of cavities disposed around a central polymer source in a rotating rack. In prior art continuous injection molding systems of the nature that have been proposed or practiced, it will be appreciated that the cavities are disposed in a planar, centrally radiating manner around the central polymer source, wherein the polymer source outlet or nozzle is located The entrance of each of the cavities is in the same plane. One of the disadvantages of this configuration is the large footprint of the manufacturing footprint required to accommodate all of the cavities. Another disadvantage is the amount of energy necessary to propagate the polymer along the horizontally extending feed channels connecting the nozzles and the cavities. An additional disadvantage is the lack of melt The ability to make immediate pressure adjustments. In at least one prior disclosure of a rotary rack type continuous forming system, the system has a gate valve actuator for positioning a valve pin that controllably connects the forming cavity to a shot canister. The gate valve operates in accordance with a gate valve cam profile for actuation of the valve pin. Because the actuation of the valve is dependent on a cam track, when a mold position is rotated about the rotating rack, the valve position is specified by the orientation of the mold position. Therefore, there is no ability to adjust the melt flow to increase or decrease the pressure. The only variable that determines the rate and pressure of the melt flow to a given cavity is the extent to which the valve is open or closed, but is incapable of making precise adjustments at that location of the valve, any pressure that may be required will have to be relied upon This is accomplished by adjusting the rate at which an extruder or other source of molten polymeric material is output.

The present invention provides a solution to the problem of having a substantially constant pressure filling procedure due to co-injection, both of which are characterized by intermittent injection molding and co-injection.

A new continuous injection molding approach is achieved by using a newly discovered substantially constant pressure filling procedure that is suitable for producing a high quality part even at very low fill pressures. This new continuous injection molding approach uses intermittent injection molding to solve the problem. The new procedure involves: 1) extruding the polymer onto a rotating feeder element on a continuous basis; 2) measuring the flow of molten polymeric material to the cavity through a valve or gauge; 3) in the cavity Cooling the polymer; 4) ejecting the part from the mold cavity; and 5) closing the cavity to prepare the cavity to receive another "shot" molten polymeric material. Repeat the procedure on a continuous basis.

Substantially constant, low pressure injection molding also provides an environment conducive to solving problems using conventional co-injection forming. When the firing systems for each of two or more materials co-injected to a cavity are maintained at a constant and equal pressure, the flow rates of the materials are also equal in the cavity. This provides a more consistent layer thickness and eliminates the need for highly complex control algorithms, expensive equipment, and time consuming repetitive procedures to define acceptable program settings to achieve the desired layer thickness. In addition, when the material is co-injected at a lower constant pressure When in a mold made of a material having high thermal conductivity, it is less desirable to provide such a thick outer material to effect flow relative to the first second material. Thus, multi-layer co-injection parts can achieve a total thickness of even less than 0.5 mm, and materials having inferior physical properties can be used as a core material in an injection molded part having a thin wall.

The present invention relates to: 1) supplying a flow of one of the first molten polymeric materials to an upper rotary feeder element by some motive (such as extrusion); 2) supplying one of the second molten polymeric materials to a continuous flow to the next Rotating the feeder element; 3) simultaneously measuring the flow of the first molten polymeric material to the cavity and the flow of the second molten polymeric material to the cavity through a measuring plate (or measuring gate) or valve; 4) Cooling the polymer in the cavity; 4) ejecting the part from the cavity; and 5) closing the cavity to prepare the cavity to receive another "shot" to melt the polymeric material. Repeat the procedure on a continuous basis.

The feed channel above the continuous coinjection forming system of the present invention provides the first molten polymeric material to each mold, while the feed channel below the continuous coinjection forming system of the present invention provides the second molten polymeric material to each mold . It is recognized that the second molten polymeric material can differ from the first molten polymeric material in one or more of a variety of properties or attributes such as color, viscosity, flow rate, melting point, freezing point, and regrind content. Supplying the first molten polymeric material to one of the upper feed channels, the first nozzle being at a first height, the first height being higher than supplying the second molten polymeric material to one of the lower feed channels The second height of one of the second nozzles. The second height of the second nozzle can be a height or a third height of one of the entrances of each of the cavities. Thus, each of the upper feed channels of the present invention is configured with a slope. Each of the lower feed channels of the present invention may also be configured in a slope or alternatively in the same plane as the cavity (such as with a central radiation distribution).

The continuous forming system of the present invention is particularly suitable for operation at substantially constant pressure when filling each cavity. The present invention also recognizes that it is desirable to make minor adjustments to the pressure of the molten polymeric material entering the individual mold cavities based on an instant measurement. These feed channels can be equipped to cause transfer A metering gate or controllable valve (such as a ball valve, needle valve or gauge) that is actuated to increase the pressure of the molten polymeric material at the inlet of the cavity associated with the inclined feed channel while maintaining substantially The molten polymeric material is delivered to the inlet of the cavity in fluid communication with the feed passage upstream of the cavity (between the plurality of closed cavities) at a constant pressure.

A substantially constant pressure injection molding system causes the injection molding stage to occur simultaneously at the same (or substantially the same) pressure as the injection forming filling stage, advantageously reducing cycle time and avoiding the need to increase pressure at the end of filling, To avoid the adverse effects attributed to shrinkage after cooling of the injection molded product. However, even in a substantially constant pressure multi-cavity injection molding system, it is desirable to have the ability to make limited adjustments to the pressure of the molten polymeric material introduced into the cavity. Some injection molding systems control pressure by adjusting the rate of rotation of a nozzle and one of the manifold or feed system upstream of the extruder system. One of the disadvantages of such systems is the sensing condition (eg, pressure, temperature, viscosity, or flow rate) at a particular location (such as a gate, a cavity inlet) or at a location along one of the interior of a cavity. There is an inherent lag between a pressure adjustment and a pressure adjustment because it takes some time (even if the controller is assumed to be able to instantaneously process one of the sensing conditions from one of the sensors (which indicates one of the guaranteed pressure changes) And indicating that the extruder system changes its compensation speed; due to the time it takes for the molten polymeric material to travel from the extruder system to the sensing location, before the resulting pressure change is achieved at the sensing location, the pressure Adjustment takes some time). U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/476,047, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in its entirety in the entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire all A substantially constant pressure of one of the molten polymeric materials is achieved, as well as other pressures that use the conditioning device to maintain a substantially constant melt pressure. For example, a pressure relief valve is disclosed, one of which is set below a melt pressure on one of the pressure relief valves on the side of the melted retainer, when the pressure of the molten polymeric material exceeds a set point of the pressure relief valve The pressure relief valve discharges a portion of the molten polymeric material through a pressure relief outlet.

With the ability to actuate the controllable valves of the individual feed channels of the present invention, the continuous forming system facilitates more instantaneous or pressure adjustment of the closed loop controller as compared to adjusting the rate of rotation of one of the injection molding systems. This is due to the fact that the pressure adjustment is carried out by placing a valve immediately upstream of one of the inlets of the cavity. In this regard, the controllable valve of the individual feed passage of the continuous forming system of the present invention provides a pressure adjustment that is very close to the inlet of the cavity, similar to one of the pressure relief valves of U.S. Application No. 13/476,047. advantage. In addition, since the individually actuatable control valve is not limited to a single set point, but can be variably opened or closed to the desired degree to instantly adjust the pressure, the individually actuatable control valve provides more during the forming operation. Great flexibility. An extruder system of the continuous forming system (if desired) may also add a boost in addition to the pressure generated by the rotation. In addition, step-filling procedures using one of the valves provide better injection control. On/off (valve control) can be located at the extruder, at the nozzle, or at each cavity.

In continuous injection molding, each cavity can be fed through a rotary feed system. Within the feed system, each feed line can be adjusted by a hydraulic or pneumatic valve. This rotary feed system has the ability to limit or shut down.

10‧‧‧Exemplary low constant pressure injection molding device

12‧‧‧Injection system

14‧‧‧Clamp system

16‧‧‧ thermoplastic pellets

18‧‧‧ funnel

20‧‧‧heating sleeve

22‧‧‧Extrusion system / screw

24‧‧‧melted thermoplastic materials

25‧‧‧First mould parts

26‧‧‧Nozzles

27‧‧‧Second mold parts

28‧‧‧Mold

30‧‧‧ brake

32‧‧‧ cavity

34‧‧‧ Press or clamp unit / clamp system

36‧‧‧ Screw control parts

50‧‧‧Active, closed loop controller

52‧‧‧ sensor

54‧‧‧Wired connectors

56‧‧‧Wired connectors

180‧‧‧Illustrative low constant pressure co-injection manifold

182‧‧‧First machine nozzle path

184‧‧‧ first material

186‧‧‧Second machine nozzle path

188‧‧‧second material

190‧‧‧injection tip

192‧‧‧heat pipe tip

194‧‧‧ cavity

196‧‧‧ opposite end

200‧‧‧First screw pump

202‧‧‧Second screw pump

204‧‧‧Rotary motor

206‧‧‧ funnel

208‧‧‧ screw

210‧‧‧first nozzle

212‧‧‧second nozzle

214a‧‧‧Up feed channel

214b‧‧‧Up feed channel

214c‧‧‧Up feed channel

216a‧‧‧feed channel

216b‧‧‧ lower feed channel

216c‧‧‧ lower feed channel

220‧‧‧ cavity

220a‧‧‧ cavity

220b‧‧‧ cavity

220c‧‧‧ cavity

220n‧‧‧ cavity

222‧‧‧ cavity/core board

224‧‧‧Co-injection manifold

226‧‧‧Single entrance/first entrance

228‧‧‧second entrance

230‧‧‧ core

230a‧‧‧ core

230b‧‧‧ core

230c‧‧·core

230n‧‧‧ core

232‧‧‧Cam follower roller

234‧‧‧Cam track

236‧‧‧Measurement gate or valve

A‧‧‧ arrow

Y ₁ ‧‧‧first height

Y ₂ ‧‧‧second height

Y ₃ ‧‧‧ third height

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the appended claims. Some of the figures may have been simplified by ignoring selected elements for the purpose of presenting other elements more clearly. The ignorance of elements in some of the figures is not necessarily indicative of the presence or absence of a particular element in any of the illustrative embodiments, but may be specifically described in the corresponding written description. No drawing is necessarily drawn to scale.

As used herein, the term "injection point" is used in a forming apparatus that includes the location of the molten thermoplastic material that enters the cavity. For example, for a forming device having a single cavity coupled to one of the nozzles, the injection point can be located at or adjacent to the nozzle. Alternatively, for having a plurality of cavities and for transferring the molten thermoplastic material from the nozzle to the mold One of the runner systems of each of the runner systems, the injection point being at a point of contact between the runner system and each of the individual mold cavities. When the molten thermoplastic material is transferred through the runner system, the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material is maintained at a substantially constant melt pressure. Typically, the runner system maintains one of the melt temperatures of the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material as the molten thermoplastic material is transferred to the mold cavities.

As used herein, the term "low pressure" with respect to the melt pressure of a thermoplastic material means a melt pressure near one of the nozzles of one of the injection molding machines of about 15,000 psi and lower.

As used herein, the term "melt" refers to a molten material, which is typically a polymeric material that is transferred to a cavity through a feed system, wherein the polymeric material solidifies into a finished part.

As used herein, the term "melt pressure" refers to the pressure of one of the shots comprising a molten thermoplastic material when the molten thermoplastic material is injected and filled into a cavity of a forming device. The melt pressure of the shot including the molten thermoplastic material remains substantially constant during the filling of substantially the entire cavity. As used herein, the term "cavity pressure" refers to the pressure within a closed cavity. The cavity pressure can be measured, for example, using a pressure sensor placed inside the cavity. In an embodiment of the method, the cavity pressure is different from the pre-injection pressure of the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material prior to injecting the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material into the cavity. For example, the cavity pressure can be less than the pre-injection pressure of the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material. In another embodiment, the cavity pressure can be greater than the pre-injection pressure of the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material. For example, prior to injection, the cavity pressure may be different (greater or smaller) than the pre-injection pressure of the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material by at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, At least 40% or at least 50%. In one embodiment, the cavity pressure is different (greater than or less than) the pre-injection pressure of the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material by at least 15 psi. In various embodiments, the cavity pressure can be atmospheric prior to injection. In other embodiments, the cavity pressure can have greater than One of the atmospheric pressures. In yet another embodiment, the cavity can be maintained at a vacuum prior to injection.

As used herein, the term "motivation" refers to a means by which a melt is made to move from a press nozzle to a part cavity. This can be accomplished by positive displacement or positive pressure means or a combination thereof.

As used herein, the term "non-fluid temperature" refers to a temperature at which the viscosity of the thermoplastic material is so high that the thermoplastic material is effectively unable to be forced to flow.

As used herein, the term "pre-injection pressure" with respect to the shot comprising a molten thermoplastic means after the thermoplastic has been heated to a molten state in the heating sleeve and prepared into the shot, and The pressure of the thermoplastic material prior to injecting the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material into the cavity or into a runner or feed system in fluid communication with the nozzle and the cavity. The pre-injection pressure of the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material may not be equal to the pressure of the cavity prior to injection. In an embodiment, the cavity may be, for example, at atmospheric pressure prior to injection. In another embodiment, the cavity can have a slight positive pressure. In yet another embodiment, a vacuum can be created in the cavity.

The term "substantially constant pressure" as used herein with respect to melt pressure of a thermoplastic material means that a deviation from a baseline melt pressure does not produce a meaningful change in the physical properties of the thermoplastic material. For example, "substantially constant pressure" includes, but is not limited to, pressure changes for which the viscosity of the molten thermoplastic material does not change meaningfully. In this regard, the term "substantially constant" encompasses a deviation of about 30% from a baseline melt pressure. For example, the term "a substantially constant pressure of about 4600 psi" includes pressures ranging from about 6000 psi (up to 4600 psi up to 30%) to about 3200 psi (less than 4600 psi up to 30%). A melt pressure is considered to be substantially constant as long as the melt pressure fluctuation is not greater than 30% of the recited pressure.

The term "valve" refers to a mechanism that regulates the mass flow of a melt through a point in a feed system that includes the ability to completely block flow. One valve can use a rotatable ball Valve, gate valve, butterfly valve, needle valve, diaphragm type valve, tongue valve, reed valve, flap valve, diaphragm valve, disc valve, check (ball type) valve, check (ring type) valve, duckbill Some other type of valve or valve.

1 is a schematic front elevational view of an exemplary low constant pressure injection molding apparatus; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-cavity mold and a co-injection manifold forming assembly; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention. A perspective view of a continuous coinjection forming system comprising: a first pump providing a continuous supply of one of the first molten polymeric materials and a plurality of positions at a steep angle relative to one of the molds a combination of upper feed channels; and a second pump that provides a continuous supply of one of the second molten polymeric materials in combination with a plurality of lower feed channels disposed at a lesser angle relative to one of the molds; 3A is a top view of one embodiment of FIG. 3 and illustrates one of the rotating cavities/core plates having a cam track therein; FIG. 3B is a view showing one of the cores surrounding the nozzle of the continuous supply of the molten polymeric material of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the continuous coinjection forming system of the present invention depicted in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a continuous co-injection forming system of the present invention; a perspective view, The continuous coinjection forming system includes: a first pump that provides a continuous supply of one of the first molten polymeric materials in combination with a plurality of upper feed channels disposed at an angle relative to the molds; and a second a pump that provides a continuous supply of one of the second molten polymeric materials in combination with a plurality of lower feed channels disposed on the same plane as the molds; Figure 6 is the continuous co-injection of the present invention depicted in Figure 5. An exploded view of the forming system; Figure 7 is a perspective view of one of the continuous coinjection forming systems in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention may use materials, structures, and/or any and all embodiments of features, methods, and materials for injection molding at substantially constant pressure as disclosed in the following U.S. Patent Application: the name "Apparatus And Method for Injection Molding at Low Constant Pressure, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/476,045, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/476,047, entitled "Alternative Pressure Control for a Low Constant Pressure Injection Molding Apparatus" (Application Reference 12128); entitled "Injection Molding System Having" U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/774,571, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety the entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire content Refer to 12130) and the name is "Method for Injection Molding at Low," U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/476,197, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in its entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire content U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/601,338, entitled "Method for Injection Molding at Low, Substantially Constant Pressure" (Reference: 1213D2Q); the name "High Thermal Conductivity Co-Injection Molding System" U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/774,692, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire all Reference: 12453); the name is "Injection Mold Having A Simplified Evaporative Cooling U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/765,425, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in its entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire Clause No. 13/476,584, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein to US Patent Application No. 13/672,246, entitled "Injection Mold with Failsafe Mechanism" (Reference to Application: 12657); U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/ entitled "A Method for Operating A High Productivity Injection Molding Machine" 682,456 (Reference of the application: 12673R); U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/728,764, entitled "Methods of Molding Compositions of Thermoplastic Polymer and Hydrogenated Castor Oil" (Reference: 12674P); Runner for an Injection Mold System Provisional Application No. 61/729,028.

1 illustrates an exemplary low constant pressure injection molding apparatus 10 for producing thin walled parts (e.g., a type 101 or 102 injection mold, or an "ultra high productivity mold") in a high volume. The injection molding apparatus 10 generally includes an injection system 12 and a clamp system 14. A thermoplastic material can be introduced into the injection system 12 in the form of thermoplastic pellets 16. The thermoplastic pellets 16 are placed in a funnel 18 which feeds the thermoplastic pellets 16 to a heating sleeve 20 of the firing system 12. After being fed to the heating sleeve 20, the thermoplastic pellets 16 can be driven to the heating sleeve 20 by an extruder system 22. Heating of the heating sleeve 20 and compression of the thermoplastic pellets 16 by the extruder system 22 causes the thermoplastic pellets 16 to melt to form a molten thermoplastic material 24. The molten thermoplastic material is typically treated at a temperature of about 410 ° C to about 410 ° C.

The extruder system 22 forces the molten thermoplastic material 24 toward a nozzle 26 to form a shot of thermoplastic material that will be injected into one of the cavities 32 of a mold 28. Melted thermoplastic The 24 injection can pass through a gate 30 which directs the molten thermoplastic material 24 to flow to the cavity 32. The cavity 32 is formed between the first mold part 25 of the mold 28 and the second mold part 27, and the first mold part 25 and the second mold part 27 are held together under pressure by a press or clamp unit 34. . When the molten thermoplastic material 24 is injected into the cavity 32, the press or clamp unit 34 applies a clamping force in the range of from about 1000 psi to about 6000 psi during the forming process to the first mold part 25 and the second mold part. 27 held together. To support such clamping forces, the clamping system 34 can include a mold frame and a mold base formed from a material having a surface hardness of greater than about 165 BHN and preferably less than about 260 BHN. However, materials having a surface hardness BHN value of about 260 can be used as long as the material can be easily processed, as discussed further below.

Once the shot comprising the molten thermoplastic material 24 is injected into the cavity 32, the extruder system 22 stops traveling forward. The molten thermoplastic material 24 takes the form of a cavity 32 and the molten thermoplastic material 24 cools inside the mold 28 until the thermoplastic material 24 solidifies. Once the thermoplastic material 24 has cured, the press 34 releases the first mold part 25 and the second mold part 27, the first mold part 25 and the second mold part 27 are separated from each other, and the finished part can be ejected from the mold 28. Mold 28 can include a plurality of cavities 32 to increase overall productivity.

A controller 50 is communicatively coupled to a sensor 52 and a screw control member 36. Controller 50 can include a microprocessor, a memory, and one or more communication links. Controller 50 can be coupled to sensor 52 and screw control 36 via wired connectors 54, 56, respectively. In other embodiments, the controller 50 can allow the controller 50 and the sensor 52 and the screw control via a wireless connector, a mechanical connector, a hydraulic connector, a pneumatic connector, or those known to those skilled in the art. 36 Any other type of communication connector that is in communication with each other is coupled to sensor 52 and screw control member 36.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, sensor 52 measures (directly or indirectly) one of the melt pressures of molten thermoplastic material 24 in nozzle 26. The sensor 52 produces an electrical signal that is transmitted to the controller 50. Next, the controller 50 commands the screw connector 36 to maintain the nozzle 26 One of the molten thermoplastic materials 24 advances the screw 22 at a rate that is substantially constant melt pressure. While the sensor 52 can directly measure the melt pressure, the sensor 52 can measure other characteristics of the molten thermoplastic material 24 (such as temperature, viscosity, and flow rate indicative of melt pressure, etc.). Likewise, the sensor 52 need not be located directly in the nozzle 26, but instead the sensor 52 can be located anywhere within the firing system 12 or mold 28 that is in fluid connection with the nozzle 26. If the sensor 52 is not located within the nozzle 26, an appropriate correction factor can be applied to the measured characteristics to calculate the melt pressure in the nozzle 26. In still other embodiments, the sensor 52 need not form a fluid connection with the nozzle. Rather, the sensor can measure the clamping force generated by the clamping system 14 at a mold parting line between the first mold part 25 and the second mold part 27. In one aspect, controller 50 can maintain pressure based on input from sensor 52. The sensor can be tied to a stationary sensor or can be a mobile sensor. The sensor can be used to sense all of the cavities rather than one or two cavities. Additionally, the sensors can be used on a variety of molds.

Although an active, closed loop controller 50 is illustrated in FIG. 1, other pressure regulating devices may be utilized instead of the closed loop controller 50. For example, a pressure regulating valve (not shown) or a pressure relief valve (not shown) can be substituted for controller 50 to regulate the melt pressure of molten thermoplastic material 24. More specifically, the pressure regulating valve and the pressure relief valve prevent excessive pressurization of the mold 28. Another alternative mechanism for preventing over-pressurization of the mold 28 is to initiate an alarm when an over-pressurized condition is detected.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary low constant pressure coinjection manifold 180. The manifold includes: a first machine nozzle path 182 for a first material 184 for forming an inner and outer wall or "layer" of a shaped product; and a second machine nozzle for a second material 188 Path 186 is used to form a core of the shaped product. Co-injection manifold 180 includes a common injection tip 190 that nests a second machine nozzle path 186 within first nozzle path 182 at heat pipe tip 192 for entering first material 184 and second material 188 Each cavity 194. Because the injection molding assembly operates at a low constant pressure (i.e., one injection pressure less than 15,000 psi), the first material 184 and the second material 188 are introduced to the cavity at a constant flow rate. In 194, a fill cavity 194 is formed from the heat pipe tip 192 to a uniform flow front of one of the opposite ends 196 of the cavity.

The first material 184 can be shaped to have a skin thickness of at least 0.1 mm without the second material 188 rushing or swelling the skin layer. The ability to co-inject materials with such a thin layer allows for greater use of polylactic acid (PLA), starch, acrylic acid, post-consumer recyclables (PCR), and post-industrial recyclables (PIR) in injection molded products because These materials, which are employed as the second (core) material 188, protect the field of view from protection from consumable products to be dispensed in consumer product containers, and are protected from one by the skin layer Skin contact of the user (which may be one of the preferred physical properties of the starting material (such as EVOH or nylon)), so regardless of its internal physical properties (such as the brittleness of PLA, the moisture sensitivity of starch and acrylic acid, and the odor in PCR) And discontinuity).

Figure 3 illustrates a first screw pump 200 adapted to supply a continuous flow of one of the first molten polymeric materials, and a second screw pump 202 for continuously flowing one of the second polymeric materials to the plurality A cavity 220. The first screw pump 200 and the second screw pump 202 can each include a rotary motor 204, a funnel 206, and a screw 208. The first screw pump 200 can further include a first nozzle 210, and the second screw pump 202 can further protect a second nozzle 212. The first screw pump 200 and/or the second screw pump 202 can be in the form of or similar to an extruder. The first nozzle 210 is disposed at a first height Y ₁ and is in fluid communication with a plurality of inclined upper feed passages 214 (numbered 214a, 214b...214n from left to right in the drawing). The feed passage 214 is at least partially surrounded and disposed concomitantly downwardly from the first nozzle 210 in a conical configuration. The plurality of upper feed channels 214a, 214b ... 214n may be supported by a first rotating conical feed channel plate (not depicted). The second nozzle 212 is disposed at a second height Y ₂ (which is less than Y ₁ ) and is in fluid communication with a plurality of lower feed channels 216. The lower feed channels 216a, 216b ... 216n may be supported by a second rotating conical feed channel plate (not depicted). The lower feed channel 216 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 is also inclined and at least partially surrounds and is disposed concentrically downwardly from the second nozzle 212 in a conical distribution. Alternatively, the lower feed channel 216 may extend horizontally outward from the second nozzle 212 in a horizontal plane that is identical to the second nozzle 212, at least partially around a central radiation configuration of the second nozzle 212.

The first nozzle 210 and the second nozzle 212 are aligned to the same vertical axis. A plurality of cavities 220a, 220b...220n are rotated at least partially about the vertical axis of the first nozzle 210 and the second nozzle 212 along a cavity/core plate 222. The cavity 220 can include a gauge (which includes a valve or gauge 236) and can also include a co-injection manifold 224 (such as the co-injection manifold depicted in Figure 2). Because a total injection manifold 224 introduces two or more polymeric materials simultaneously (which selectively alters the proportional relationship of the polymeric material through a single inlet 226 to the cavity 220), when a layered structure is desired to pass through the wall of a part At the same time, a total injection manifold 224 is advantageous. When a sequential co-injection (which changes the distribution of each polymeric material in the direction of flow) is used, a co-injection manifold 224 may or may not be used. Sequential co-injection is used to, for example, co-inject two polymeric materials (which are identical but different in color).

The cavities are each defined at least in part by a wall. If a co-injection manifold 224 is used, the upper feed channel 214 supplies the first molten polymeric material to the co-injection manifold 224 and the lower feed channel 216 supplies the second molten polymeric material to the co-injection manifold 224. If the target is to achieve a layered structure through the wall of a part, then a single inlet 226 (such as a runner disposed between the co-injection manifold 224 and the respective cavity 220), then the first polymeric material and the second Both polymeric materials are supplied to the cavity 220. If a sequential co-injection occurs instead (using a co-injection manifold), a first inlet 226 (such as a runner disposed between the co-injection manifold 224 and the respective cavity 220) supplies the first molten polymeric material. To the cavity 220, and a second inlet 228 (such as a second runner disposed between the co-injection manifold 224 and the respective cavity 220) supplies the second molten polymeric material to the cavity 220.

If no co-injection manifold is used, a first inlet 226 (such as a first runner disposed between each of the upper feed channels 214 and the respective die 220) supplies the first molten polymeric material to the die. The holes 220, and a second inlet 228 (such as a second runner disposed between each of the lower feed channels 216 and the respective mold holes 220) supply the second molten polymeric material to the cavity 220. To this end, at the lower end of each of the inclined upper feed passages 214, the inclined upper feed passage 214 forms selective or permanent fluid communication with the first inlet 226 of the cavity 220. Likewise, at one of the ends of each of the lower feed channels 216, the lower feed channel 216 is in communication with the second inlet 228 of the cavity 220. The first inlet 226 and the second inlet 228 of the cavity 220 are at or near a third height Y ₃ , and the third height Y _{3 is} lower than the first height Y _{1 of the} first nozzle 210 and may be lower than or equal to the second nozzle 212 The second height Y ₂ . Although the first inlet 226 and the second inlet 228 are located at the top of the cavity 220 in FIG. 3, it is recognized that the first inlet 226 and the second inlet 228 of the cavity 220 can be positioned at any of the cavity 220. The height (such as at the bottom of the cavity 220 or at a midpoint).

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the cavities 220a, 220b . . . 220n are disposed in a complete circle or rotated about the vertical axis containing the first nozzle 210 and the second nozzle 212. Each of the cavities 220a, 220b...220n has a respective core 230a, 230b...230n associated therewith, and each of the cavities 220a, 220b...220n and the cores 230a, 230b...230n At least one of them can be actuated relative to the respective core 230 or cavity 220 such that the cavity 220 and the core 230 are at least during the portion of the rotation of the cavity/core plate 222 (during which a respective tilt feed is performed) The passage 214 conveys the first molten polymeric material and conveys the second molten polymeric material by the lower feed passage 216 to form a firmly sealed forming chamber. For example, although in accordance with this embodiment, each of the cavities 220 travels (i.e., rotates) about the vertical axis containing the first nozzle 210 and the second nozzle 212 at a fixed radius, each of the cores 230a, 230b, ... 230n One of the cam follower rollers 232 can be mounted in one of the cam tracks 234 in the cavity/core plate 222 associated therewith.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the cam track 234 has a position extending from at least one of the initial positions (i.e., just prior to) from the initial formation to at least immediately beyond an angular position (filling at the angular position or At least one of the portions of the cavity/core plate 222 of a cavity 220) is filled with a constant maximum radius CMR. A portion of the cam track 234 corresponding to the non-formed portion (i.e., along an arcuate region of the cavity/core plate 222 during which no filling or filling of the cavity 220 occurs), the cam track 234 The radius is reduced to a pause region along which the core 230 is completely separated from the respective cavity 220. The area of the cam track 234 (where the radius of the cam track 234 is reduced from R _CMR to R _DWELL ) causes the core 230 to move radially inwardly, resulting in separation of the cavity 220 from the core 230, thereby facilitating cooling of the formed part and Shot from the cavity 220. After the shaped parts are ejected from each of the cavities 220, each of the cores 230 and the cavities 220 begins a new rotation or cycle, thereby being closed together to form again with the respective upper feed channels 214 and down. The material passage 216 forms one of fluid communication to securely seal the forming chamber to receive additional molten polymeric material (i.e., to form an additional part).

As used herein, when describing the treatment of the cavity 220 relative to the nozzles 210 and 212 along the cam track 234, the term "arc" means having at least 15 degrees relative to the nozzle (up to and including 360° (ie, A circular configuration)) One of the arc lengths is one of a region of substantially constant radius.

The radius of the cam track 234 is depicted in FIG. 3B as a function of time for a given cavity 220 and the respective core 230 is fully rotated about one of the vertical axes containing the first nozzle 210 and the second nozzle 212, wherein the identification will be along the cam track Forming operations that occur in the respective areas of 234. If desired, instead of paired cavities and cores that can travel along different cam tracks, it may be desirable to facilitate simultaneous execution of a particular operation on a plurality of cavities. For example, the odd-numbered cores 230a, 230c, 230e ... 230n may have 234 _odd riding along the cam of a first cam follower 232 _odd tracks and the even-numbered core 230b, 230d, 230f ... 230n + 1 may have riding along the cam 234 _even track of a second cam follower 232 _even, a second cam track 234 _even similar to the first cam profile of the cam track of the cam profile 234 _odd, but slightly offset, such that pairs of odd and even The cores 230n and 230n+1 are subjected to the same operation while surrounding the core 230 containing the vertical axis of the first nozzle 210 and the second nozzle 212 through a rotating portion or through a whole rotation. The second cam track 234 _even may have a maximum radius CMR that is smaller than the first cam track 234 _odd and a link comparable cam between the cam follower 232 _even and its respective core 230b, 230d, 230f...230n+1 The link between the follower 232 _odd and its respective cores 230a, 230c, 230e...230n is long to avoid the cam follower switching from one of the cam tracks to another cam track or to the core 230 Smooth rotation about the vertical axis containing the first nozzle 210 and the second nozzle 212.

The rate of molten polymeric material introduced into the feed channel 214 or the lower feed channel 216 of one of the first inlet 226 or the second inlet 228 of one of the respective mold cavities 220 may be controlled by a metering gate or valve 236. . Valve 236 can take the form of a rotatable ball gate valve. Alternatively, a gate valve, a butterfly valve, a needle valve, a diaphragm type valve, a tongue valve, a reed valve, a flap valve, a diaphragm valve, a disc valve, a check (ball type) valve, a check (ring type) may be employed. Some other types of valves, duckbill valves or valves. Ball gate valves and needle valves are the easiest to allow for precise control of flow rate, but other types of valves can be used. The position of the valve 236 can be controlled by a controller (such as a servo drive controller) to reach a particular length along the arc length of the cavity/core plate 222 as the upper feed channel 214, the lower feed channel 216, and the cavity 220 The position of the valve 236 is dynamically adjusted in position. Alternatively, the rotating conical feed channel plate, gauge plate or some external structure may be provided with a cam system or trigger mechanism (such as an electromagnetic switch) that imparts an arc length along the cavity/core plate 222 at a given location The change in valve position.

When the valve 236 is fully open, the molten polymeric material flows freely from the upper feed channel 214 and/or the lower feed channel 216 to the respective cavity 220 at a nominal pressure. When the valve 236 is actuated from its fully open state to a partially closed state, the configuration causes the pressure of the molten polymeric material downstream of the valve 236 (i.e., the pressure of the melt as it flows to the cavity) to decrease.

In order to detect the pressure of the molten polymeric material entering each cavity to ensure a constant pressure is maintained in each cavity 220, and any unacceptable variations in correcting the desired constant pressure are adjusted as needed, The interior of each of the pockets 220 forms one or more pressure sensors (not shown) in fluid communication. In a rotary rack type multi-cavity injection molding system as disclosed herein, it is desirable to enable pressure signals to be transmitted by each of the pressure sensors, despite the fact that the pressure sensors and the cavities 220 Rotate together. Self-contained A number of alternatives to the fixed line communication of the pressure signals of the plurality of pressure sensors associated with the cavity 220. For example, each of the pressure sensors can use a radio frequency relay (eg, RFID) to communicate a pressure signal, or a BLUTOOTH or Wifi signal can be used to transmit a pressure signal to a central controller (which is based on a pressure signal) The valve position of valve 236 can be adjusted as needed to achieve the desired pressure in individual cavity 220. In a particular embodiment, instead of a wired connector, a pressure sensor can be in contact with a plurality of pressure sensors (not shown) positioned in a series of at least one arcuate portion of the rotating rack. a discontinuous contact corresponding to one of the pressures measured by the pressure sensor instantaneously communicated to the pressure sensor contact pad after the contact, which subsequently communicates the sensed pressure data to the Central controller.

As an alternative to providing wireless communication from a plurality of pressure sensors that dynamically move with the rotating cavity 220, a plurality of static pressure sensors can be used, the stationary pressure sensors having a fixed line with one of the central controllers Or wireless communication. For example, a pin (not shown) in fluid communication with one of the interiors of one of the cavities 220 can be worn along a rotating rack having a cavity, but can be applied with pressure at a predetermined position at one of the peripheral locations of the rotating rack. On the sensor (not shown). The pressure exerted on the stationary sensor by the pin will be proportional to the pressure of the melt in the cavity 220 such that the pressure detected by the stationary sensor can be communicated to the central controller and interpreted to determine the cavity Whether the pressure within 220 requires any change, and if a change is desired, the central controller can send an appropriate command to relocate one of the valves 236 associated with an upper feed channel 214 and/or to correspond to the cavity The feed channel 216 is associated with one of the valves 236 to complete the desired pressure change.

It is recognized that the pressure in each of the upper feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216 upstream of the valve 236 can be accurately predicted as one of the pressures in the respective associated cavity. For example, when there is one of the valve positions adjusted, an increase in one of the pressures detected in the feed channel 214 or the lower feed channel 216 upstream of the valve 236 is indicative of a decrease in pressure within the cavity 220. Therefore, in addition to or instead of the pressure sensor in the cavity 220, it is recognized that the upward use can be used. a pressure sensor in each of the feed passage 214 and the lower feed passage 216 upstream of the valve 236 in the feed passage 214 and the lower feed passage 216 to collect for determining whether the adjustment of the valve position is in the mold cavity Pressure data necessary to achieve or maintain a constant pressure within 220. In view of the similar rotating rack configuration of the upper feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216, the pressure sensors disposed in the upper feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216 will similarly benefit from a fixed line with a central controller. Some alternatives to communication (such as wireless radio frequency relay (eg, RFID), BLUTOOTH, or Wifi).

In addition to the pressure sensor in the cavity 220 and/or the upper feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216 near the valve 236, it may be desirable to feed the channel above the first screw pump 200 and the second screw pump 202. Each of the 214 and lower feed channels 216 has an additional pressure sensor to detect the pressure of the molten polymeric material as it is introduced into the upper feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216. Information from the pressure sensor (which indicates the pressure of the molten polymeric material introduced into the upper feed channel 214 by the first screw pump 200 and introduced to the lower feed channel 216 by the second screw pump 202) will advantageously provide The central controller is informed by whether the pressure transmitted by the first screw pump 200 and the second screw pump 202 is sufficiently high to deliver the desired constant pressure to all of the downstream cavity 220.

4 is an exploded view of the continuous coinjection forming system of the present invention depicted in FIG. 4 illustrates the first nozzle 210 (the upper feed channel 214 extends downwardly from the first nozzle 210) and is located on the second nozzle 212 (the lower feed channel 216 extends downwardly from the second nozzle 212). The nozzles 210 and 212 lower the cavity 220 and the core 230. The core 230 is located radially inwardly in the cavity 220. Portions of the cavity 220 including the valve or gauge gate 236 and/or the co-injection manifold 224 are located on portions of the cavity 220 that include the first inlet 226 and the second inlet 228.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the continuous coinjection forming systems of the present invention, similar to the continuous coinjection forming system disclosed in Figure 3, but wherein the lower feed channels 216a, 216b, 216c ... 216n are disposed in the mold. The hole 220 is in one of the central radiating configurations on the same plane. The first height Y ₁ of the first nozzle 210 is greater than the second height Y _{2 of the} second nozzle 212, which is equal to the height Y ₃ of the first inlet 226 and the second inlet 228 of the cavity 220.

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the continuous coinjection forming system of the present invention depicted in Figure 5. The upper feed channels 214a, 214b, 214c...214n are commensurately downward, while the lower feed channels 216a, 216b, 216c...216n extend in a flat central radiation configuration.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment in which the cavities 220a, 220b...220n and the respective cores 230a, 230b...230n are only along an arcuate portion of the cavity/core plate 222 (such as along a half circle) Engage. Along the arcuate region, at least one of the cavities 220a, 220b...220n and each of the respective cores 230a, 230b...230n are actuated to be fixedly engaged with their respective cores or cavities such that the cavities 220 and core 230 form a firmly sealed forming chamber at least during the portion of rotation of cavity/core plate 220 during which the molten polymeric material is transferred by upper feed channel 214 and lower feed channel 216. As in the previous embodiment, a cam track 234 can be provided to actuate each of the cores 230 relative to a respective cavity 220.

As discussed above, a controller and a feedback loop are utilized to adjust the rate of one of the extruder systems upstream of a nozzle, and the manifold or feed system provides melt polymerization for transfer to a cavity of a multi-cavity forming system. One of the possible ways to make limited adjustments to the pressure of the material. Alternatively or in addition, a pressure relief valve may be employed just upstream of one of the inlets of the cavity, having a set point that, when the pressure exceeds the set point, causes the release valve to discharge molten polymeric material through a pressure relief outlet portion. In one continuous co-injection forming system of the present invention, the need and advantages of the ability to control pressure in the vicinity of the inlet to the cavity are even more severe. Since each of the individual cavities has only a limited period of arc length around the cavity/core plate 222 of the rotating rack (which can receive the molten polymeric material along the rotating rack), it can be effectively tuned by the upper feed. One of the channels 214 and/or the lower feed channels 216 feeds the pressure of the molten polymeric material to the inlet(s) of a respective cavity 220. The limited adjustment of the position of the valve(s) 236 results in an immediate change in the nominal pressure of the molten polymeric material in the upper feed channel 214 and/or the lower feed channel 216 as the molten material enters the cavity 220. Responsive to sensed parameters in cavity 220 or in upper feed channel 214 or lower feed channel 216 These adjustments are made immediately or under conditions such as pressure, temperature, viscosity or flow rate. Alternatively or in addition, such adjustments may be made based on predetermined conditions that require a particular deviation of the nominal (substantially constant) pressure within upper feed channel 214 or lower feed channel 216.

For example, it may be desirable to form different parts of a plurality of different products or products using different volumes and/or shapes of cavities in the various cavities 220a, 220b, 220c...220n. For example, to facilitate the downstream assembly of a multi-part cover (not shown) of one of the personal hygiene products or one of the like, a first plurality of cavities (such as odd-numbered mold cavities 220a, 220c...) The first, relatively large component of the cover can be shaped and shaped to form a second plurality of cavities (such as even-numbered cavities 220b, 220d...) that can be sized and shaped To form a second, relatively small component of the cover. The time between the odd-numbered and even-numbered mold cavities and their respective upper feed channels 214 and lower feed channels 216 along a portion of the cavity/core plate 222 (which may take place during this time) of the rotating rack identical. Accordingly, it may be necessary to operate the valve 236 on the feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216 associated with the second plurality of cavities (ie, even-numbered 220b, 220d...) such that the cavities may The opening is shorter than the first plurality of cavities (i.e., the odd-numbered (relatively larger) 220a, 220c...) and the upper of the feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216.

Additionally, it may be desirable to fill the first, odd-numbered plurality of cavities 220a, 220c, ... at a pressure higher or lower than the second, even-numbered plurality of cavities 220b, 220d. To accomplish this filling, the valve 236 associated with the first plurality of cavities 220a, 220c... above the feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216 may be along a cavity/core plate 222 of a similar rotating frame ( The shaping may occur during this time to adjust to a different position than one of the valve 236 of the feed channel 214 and the lower feed channel 216 associated with the second plurality of cavities 220b, 220d.

Another advantage of being able to vary the pressure to a controlled amount during filling is to compensate or balance the expansion in the region of the varying thickness of the cavity and/or to adjust to compensate for the ability to thermally contract the cavity wall. Can be borrowed when forming thin-walled products or thin-walled areas of products Adjustment by the nominal pressure of the molten polymeric material conveyed by an inclined feed channel can be particularly advantageous.

Some or all of the embodiments of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with some or all of the other embodiments of the injection-molding embodiments known in the art, and the like, including the embodiments described below.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for injection molding at a low constant pressure, such as the US Patent Application entitled "Apparatus and Method for Injection Molding at Low Constant Pressure", filed on May 21, 2012. No. 13/476, 045, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

An embodiment of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for pressure control, such as U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/476,047, filed on May 21, 2012, entitled "Alternative Pressure Control for a Low Constant Pressure Injection Molding Apparatus. No. 8,757,999, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with embodiments for a non-naturally balanced feed system, such as the U.S. Patent Application entitled "Non-Naturally Balanced Feed System for An Injection Molding Apparatus", filed on May 21, 2012. No. 13/476,073, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the invention may be used with embodiments for injection molding at low (substantially constant) pressure, as applied for on May 21, 2012, entitled "Method for Injection Molding at Low, Substantially Constant Pressure" U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/476,197, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in

Embodiments of the invention may be directed to injection molding at low (substantially constant) pressure For example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/476,178, filed on May 21, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference. It is disclosed in US 2012-0295049 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

An embodiment of the present invention can be used in conjunction with an embodiment for a co-injection procedure, such as U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/774,692, filed on Feb. 22, 2013, entitled "High Thermal Conductivity Co-Injection Molding System" As disclosed in the case of the application 12361), it is hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with embodiments for forming using a simplified cooling system, such as the application "Injection Mold Having a Simplified Evaporative Cooling System or a Simplified Cooling System with Exotic Cooling Fluids" on February 12, 2013. U.S. Patent No. 3,591,219, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for forming a thin-walled part, such as the US Patent Application No. "Method and Apparatus for Substantially Constant Pressure Injection Molding of Thinwall Parts", filed on May 21, 2012. This is incorporated herein by reference.

An embodiment of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for forming a fail-safe mechanism, as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/672,246, filed on November 8, 2012, entitled "Injection Mold With Fail Safe Pressure Mechanism" No. (Application No. 12657), which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with embodiments for high productivity forming, such as the US Patent Application No. entitled "Method for Operating a High Productivity Injection Molding Machine", filed on November 20, 2012 This is incorporated herein by reference.

An embodiment of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for forming a specific thermoplastic, such as U.S. Patent Application No. 14 entitled "Methods of Molding Compositions of Thermoplastic Polymer and Hydrogenated Castor Oil", filed on November 20, 2013. No. 085,515, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

An embodiment of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for forming a specific thermoplastic, such as U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/085,515, filed on Nov. (Disclosed in the case of the application 12677M), which is hereby incorporated by reference.

An embodiment of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for a mobile forming system, such as U.S. Patent Application No. 61, entitled "Low Constant Pressure Injection Molding System with Variable Position Molding Cavities:", filed on May 13, 2013. This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention may be used with embodiments for an injection molding control system, such as the US name "Injection Molding Machines and Methods for Accounting for Changes in Material Properties During Injection Molding Runs" filed on August 20, 2013. Patent Application No. 61/861,298, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention may be used with embodiments for an injection molding control system, such as the US name "Injection Molding Machines and Methods for Accounting for Changes in Material Properties During Injection Molding Runs" filed on August 20, 2013. Patent Application Serial No. 61/861,304, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention may be used with embodiments for an injection molding control system, such as the US name "Injection Molding Machines and Methods for Accounting for Changes in Material Properties During Injection Molding Runs" filed on August 20, 2013. Patent Application Serial No. 61/861,310, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for the use of injection molding to form a coated article, such as U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/918,438, filed on Dec. 19, 2013, entitled "Methods of Forming Overmolded Articles. No. (Application No. 13190P), which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for controlling a forming procedure, such as U.S. Patent No. 5,728,329, issued to the name of "Method and Apparatus for Injecting a Molten Material into a Mold Cavity", issued March 17, 1998. The application is disclosed in the case of 12, 467 CC), which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used in conjunction with an embodiment for controlling a forming process, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,716,561, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It is hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with an embodiment for a shaped preform, such as U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/952, 281, filed to As disclosed, this is hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used with embodiments for forming preforms, such as U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/952,283, filed on Serial No As disclosed, this is hereby incorporated by reference.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the precise values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and the functional equivalent of one of the values. For example, one of the dimensions disclosed as "40mm" is intended to mean "about 40mm".

All of the documents (including any cross-references or related patents or applications) cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety in their entirety herein in their entirety. The citation of any document is not a license: it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or any combination thereof, or any other reference, teaching, suggestion or disclosure of any such invention. In addition, the meaning assigned to a term assigned to this document should be governed by any meaning or definition of a term in this document that conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in one of the documents incorporated by reference. Or definition.

While the invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that All such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

200‧‧‧First screw pump

202‧‧‧Second screw pump

204‧‧‧Rotary motor

206‧‧‧ funnel

208‧‧‧ screw

210‧‧‧first nozzle

212‧‧‧second nozzle

214a‧‧‧Up feed channel

214b‧‧‧Up feed channel

214c‧‧‧Up feed channel

216a‧‧‧feed channel

216b‧‧‧ lower feed channel

216c‧‧‧ lower feed channel

220a‧‧‧ cavity

220b‧‧‧ cavity

220c‧‧‧ cavity

222‧‧‧ cavity/core board

224‧‧‧Co-injection manifold

226‧‧‧Single entrance/first entrance

228‧‧‧second entrance

230a‧‧‧ core

230b‧‧‧ core

230c‧‧·core

232‧‧‧Cam follower roller

236‧‧‧Measurement gate or valve

Y ₁ ‧‧‧first height

Y ₂ ‧‧‧second height

Y ₃ ‧‧‧ third height

Claims (15)

A method of injection molding, comprising: continuously feeding one of a first molten polymeric material to a first nozzle selectively connected to a plurality of cavities (220a, 220b, 220c in FIG. 3) (FIG. 3) Element symbol 210); one of the second molten polymeric materials is continuously fed to a second nozzle (element symbol 212 in FIG. 3) in selective communication with the plurality of cavities. The method of claim 1, wherein the first nozzle system is disposed at a height higher than a first inlet (component symbol 226 in FIG. 3) of at least one of the plurality of cavities (Y1 in FIG. 3) And wherein the second nozzle is disposed at a height equal to or higher than a height of one of the second inlets (the symbol 228 in FIG. 3) of at least one of the plurality of cavities (Y2 in FIG. 3) and One height lower than the first nozzle. The method of claim 2, and in the first nozzle that continuously feeds the first molten polymeric material to the first nozzle in fluid communication with the plurality of cavities, dividing the first molten polymeric material into a plurality of progressive Means channels (214a, 214b, 214c in Fig. 3), each of the upper feed channels being selectively in communication with one of the cavities, and each of the upper feed channels is dependent on The higher height of the first nozzle to the lower height of the first inlet of each of the cavities is inclined downward at an angle, and the supply of the second molten polymeric material is continuously fed to the The second molten polymer is divided into a plurality of lower feed channels (216a, 216b, 216c in FIG. 3), and the lower feed channels are each of the plurality of cavities forming the second nozzle in fluid communication. It is in selective communication with one of the cavities. The method of claim 3, wherein a first runner system is disposed between each of the upper feed channels and the respective mold cavity, and a second runner system is disposed at the lower feed channels Each of the Tao is in the middle of the respective cavity. The method of claim 3, wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are in the same vertical axis, and the cavity and the upper feed channel and the lower feed channel surround the first nozzle and the second nozzle The vertical axis rotates. The method of claim 5, and wherein the cavities and the upper feed channels and the lower feed channels are rotated about the vertical axis of the first nozzle and the second nozzle, the cavities are relative to the One of the vertical axes of the first nozzle and the second nozzle is disposed in an arcuate configuration, and the upper feed channels are disposed conically distributed at least partially around one of the first nozzles. The method of claim 6, wherein the cavity is disposed in a circular configuration relative to the vertical axis of the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The method of claim 6, wherein the lower feed channels are disposed conically distributed at least partially around one of the second nozzles. The method of claim 7, wherein the lower feed channels are disposed at least partially around a central radiation distribution of the second nozzle. The method of claim 1, and squeezing the first molten polymeric material in the continuous feeding of the first polymeric material to the first nozzle, and continuously supplying the second polymeric material to the first In the two nozzles, the second polymeric material is extruded. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising measuring the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material or the first polymeric material, and the second polymerization by one of a valve or a measuring plate The flow of material to at least one of the cavities. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising cooling the polymeric material in at least one of the mold cavities. The method of claim 12, further comprising, after cooling the polymeric material in the at least one cavity, ejecting a shaped part from each of the at least one cavity. The method of claim 13, wherein the projecting the part comprises: partially defining the open portion At least one wall of at least one cavity. The method of claim 14, further comprising, after exiting the part from the at least one cavity, closing the at least one wall that partially defines the cavity.