WO2011088921A1 - A method of manufacturing a formed connector device and a connector device manufactured by the method - Google Patents

A method of manufacturing a formed connector device and a connector device manufactured by the method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011088921A1
WO2011088921A1 PCT/EP2010/067957 EP2010067957W WO2011088921A1 WO 2011088921 A1 WO2011088921 A1 WO 2011088921A1 EP 2010067957 W EP2010067957 W EP 2010067957W WO 2011088921 A1 WO2011088921 A1 WO 2011088921A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
injection mold
connector device
injection
rack
section
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2010/067957
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Knoblauch
Jean-Max Robert
Original Assignee
Johnson Controls Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Johnson Controls Gmbh filed Critical Johnson Controls Gmbh
Publication of WO2011088921A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011088921A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/26—Moulds
    • B29C45/2673—Moulds with exchangeable mould parts, e.g. cassette moulds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/60—Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2410/00—Constructional features of vehicle sub-units
    • B60Y2410/12—Production or manufacturing of vehicle parts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a formed connector device by injection molding in an injection molding machine with an injection mold, comprising a number of inserting holes and formed in at least two components which fit together to form a cavity there between and a connector device manufactured by the method.
  • a cavity shape for the manufacture of the connecting devices can be modified, particularly with regard to different customized kinds of connecting devices, during the manufacture process.
  • WO 2000/008504 discloses a ferrule for an optical connector, which is attached to one end of an optical fiber core to form an optical connector.
  • the optical connector has a connector surface opposed to another optical connector to be connected.
  • the connector surface includes an opening for receiving the optical fiber and a pair of guide pins for determining the position relative to the optical connector.
  • the ferrule is intergrally formed of a resin.
  • the optical connector thus formed exhibits a good transmission characteristic, while the ferrule for the optical connector is easy to manufacture.
  • the method of manufacturing the optical connector ferrule comprises the steps of:
  • the object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a connecting device according to claim 9.
  • a method of manufacturing a formed connector device by injection molding in an injection molding machine with an injection mold, formed in at least two components which fit together to form a cavity there between comprises the following steps:
  • the preheating of the at least one rack according to method step b) facilitates an improvement of an output form of the connector device due to a prevention of surface defects and an improvement of a forming accuracy.
  • the method makes it possible to modify the cavity of the injection mold during the manufacturing process by using the at least one preheated rack including the at least one injection mold element and thus manufacturing a plurality of different specific forms of the connector device depending on customer applications without changing the injection mold on the injection molding machine. This fact allows getting lower costs and a reduction of a
  • a plurality of racks stores a plurality of similar injection mold elements or a plurality of different injection mold elements.
  • the specific form of the connector device comprises a fixed base part, which is defined by the injection mold, and variable parts, which are defined by the subforms of the injection mold elements. This allows the manufacturing of different specific forms of connector devices in the same injection molding machine, differing in said subforms, depending on customer applications.
  • the injection mold elements which are provided in the magazine, differ from each other due to their subforms. This allows that a plurality of injection mold elements with different subforms is transferred from the magazine to the plurality of racks.
  • one injection mold element is allocated to one rack and one rack is allocated to one insertion hole of the injection mold.
  • an injection mold is created, which allows forming a predetermined specific form of the connector device either with similar subforms or with different subforms. This facilitates that the cavity of the injection mold can be directly modified and/or changed on the injection mold.
  • the hot plastic material having a maximum temperature limit, is injected into the cavity of the injection mold under force by an injecting screw, which is arranged on the injection molding machine.
  • the injection screw is capable of moving, for example as it moves back and forth. This allows injecting the hot plastic material into the cavity of the injection mold.
  • the plastic material After injection, the plastic material must be cooled to harden before it may be removed from the injection mold.
  • the injection mold comprises cooling channels. This allows the cooling of the injected plastics in the injection mold down to a minimum temperature limit, wherein the required low temperature limit of each injected plastic material can be adjusted to suit the injection molding.
  • each specific form of the connector device is associated with its own ejection and cooling system. Therefore, each injection mold element is provided with their own cooling channels.
  • the maximum and the minimum temperature limit define a cooling cyclic time.
  • the cooled plastic material is ejected by opening the injection mold.
  • the injection mold comprises a number of ejection pins, which are pushed into the cavity from the rear of the injection mold as the injection mold opens to force the cooled plastic material out of the injection mold.
  • the number of ejection pins is connected with an ejection unit, which controls the ejection pins.
  • Each injection mold element comprises a number of ejection pins.
  • the number of ejection pins of the injector mold elements is connected with the ejection unit of the injection mold.
  • the ejection pins of the injection mold elements are connected to a particular ejection unit.
  • the specific form is cooled, additionally.
  • a cooling time of the injected plastic material can be reduced and the next hot plastic material can be injected into the cavity of the injecting mold.
  • a connector device manufactured by the method comprises a base body and a number of specific sections respectively including a number of boreholes.
  • the boreholes are capable of receiving optical fibres.
  • two sections have a substantially circular cross-section and one section has a substantially rectangular cross-section.
  • the connector device is designed as a wall of a vehicle's instrument panel.
  • the instrument panel typically displays relevant data of a vehicle and/or warning signals in the view of a user of the vehicle. Details of the present invention are described hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and the specific examples indicate possible embodiments of the invention and are given by way of illustration only. Various changes and modifications of the illustrated embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention are appreciated by those skilled in the art.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method of manufacturing a formed connector device, is a schematic view of a connector device, is a further schematic view of the connector device, is a perspective, schematic view of a closed injection mold, is a perspective, schematic view of one component of the injection mold according to figure 4.
  • Figure 1 shows schematically a flow chart of a method, comprising an injection mold 1 , a number of racks 2, a number of injection mold elements 3, and a magazine 4, each arranged in an injection molding machine 5 (shown in dotted lines), for manufacturing a form of a connector device 6.
  • the injection mold 1 is a tool of the injection molding machine 5 for
  • a connector device 6 manufactured the form of a connector device 6. It includes a number of insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3, wherein the number of racks 2, each including at least one injection mold element 3, is insertable. Thus, one rack 2 is allocated to one of the insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3 of the injection mold 1 .
  • this injection mold 1 see the description of figure 4.
  • the number of racks 2 is designed as a holding device and preferably composed of a metal, particularly hardened steel, pre-hardened steel, aluminium, and/or beryllium-copper alloy.
  • the number of racks 2 is arranged in the injection molding machine 5 by using guide means.
  • One rack 2 stores at least one injection mold element 3, which is allocated to this rack 2.
  • one rack 1 stores a plurality of injection mold elements 3.
  • the number of racks 2 is movable between the injection mold 1 and the magazine 4.
  • the number of injection mold elements 3 is designed as tools of the injection molding machine 5 for manufacturing the form of the connecting device 5 as well. They are preferably composed of the same material as the number of racks 2. Each injection mold element 3 has a specific subform, which can differ from one injection mold element 3 to another injection mold element 3.
  • the magazine 4 is designed revolver-like and stores the number of injection mold elements 3. It provides at least one injection mold element 3 for one rack 2. Alternatively, a plurality of injection mold elements 3 is provided for one rack 3. Furthermore, a plurality of racks 2 stores a plurality of injection mold elements 3, either with similar subforms or with different subforms. That means that for example three racks 2 store injection mold elements 3, each having the similar subform or two injection mold elements 3 have a similar subform and one subform differs, or each of the injection mold elements 3 has a different subform.
  • the form of the connector device 6 is the output of the injection molding. For a more detailed description of the connector device 6, see the description of figure 2.
  • the method for manufacturing the specific form of the connector device 6 comprises at least the steps a) to e).
  • Step a) provides a number of racks 2.
  • the plurality of injection mold elements 3 is transferred from the magazine 4 to the rack 2.
  • the plurality of racks 2 is controlled by a controller unit using the guide means.
  • the controller unit guides the plurality of racks 2 into a removal position onto the magazine 4 and the plurality of injection mold elements 3, provided in the magazine 4, is transferred from the magazine 4 into the rack 2 by an actuator.
  • step b) at least one rack 2 including the at least one injection element 3 is preheated to a predetermined temperature.
  • the at least one rack 2 is preheated by using a laser, which is arranged in the injection molding machine 5.
  • the at least one rack 2 is preheated outside the injection molding machine 5 and subsequent being arranged on the injection molding machine 5. This facilitates an improvement of an output form of the connector device 6 due to a prevention of surface defects and an improvement of a forming accuracy according to step d).
  • step c) at least one rack 2 including the at least one injection mold element 3 is transferred to one of the insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3 of the injection mold 1 using the guide means of the rack 2.
  • three racks 2, each including an injection mold element 3 with a different subform, are
  • an injection mold 1 is created, which allows forming a predetermined specific form of the connector device 6 either with similar subforms or with different subforms. This facilitates that a cavity, a space created by the
  • components 1 .2, 1 .3 of the injection mold 1 and the injection mold elements 3, can be directly modified and/or changed on the injection mold 1 without changing the injection mold 1 on the injection molding machine 5.
  • Step d) describes the injection of a hot plastic material into the cavity.
  • the hot plastic material having a maximum temperature limit, is injected under a predetermined high force by an injecting screw (not shown), which is arranged on the injection molding machine 5.
  • the injection screw is capable of moving, for example as it moves back and forth. This allows injecting the hot plastic material into the cavity of the injection mold 1 .
  • the hot plastic material has to be cooled down to a minimum temperature limit to harden before it may be removed from the injection mold 1 .
  • the injection mold 1 comprises cooling channels.
  • the cooling channels are for example bored channels, introduced very near to the surface of the injection mold and filled with cold thermal fluid.
  • the cooling channels are connected to one or several sources, which are not shown in the drawing.
  • the injection mold elements 3 are provided with own cooling channels, which are connected with the thermal fluid source of the injecting mold. Alternatively, the cooling channels of the injection mold elements 3 are connected to a particular thermal fluid source.
  • step e the cooled plastic material is ejected in a specific form from the injection mold 1 .
  • the maximum and the minimum temperature limit define a cooling cyclic time.
  • the cooled plastic material is ejected by opening the injection mold 1 .
  • the injection mold 1 comprises a number of ejection pins, which are pushed into the cavity from the rear of the injection mold 1 as the injection mold 1 opens to force the cooled plastic material to move out of it.
  • the number of ejector pins is arranged on an ejector plate, which is
  • each injection mold element 3 comprises a number of ejection pins.
  • the number of ejection pins of the injector mold elements 3 is connected with the ejection unit of the injection mold 1 .
  • the number of ejection pins of the injection mold elements 3 is connected to a particular ejection unit.
  • FIG. 2 shows schematically the connector device 6, comprising a base body 7 with a number of sections 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, particularly a first section 7.1 , a second section 7.2 and a third section 7.3.
  • the connector device 6 is designed as a wall of a vehicle's instrument panel, capable of receiving optical fibres.
  • the instrument panel typically displays relevant data of a vehicle and/or warning signals in the view of a user of the vehicle.
  • the base body 7 is composed of the same plastic material described in figure 1 .
  • the first section 7.1 , the second section 7.2 and the third section 7.3 are connected to each other mechanically and/or electrically by connecting means M1 , M2, M3, wherein the third section 7.3 is arranged between the first section 7.1 and the second section 7.2.
  • the first section 7.1 has a substantially circular cross section and includes a number of boreholes 8.1 to 8.3 with a substantially circular cross section as well.
  • the boreholes 8.1 to 8.3 are designed for receiving optical fibres, which are used for background lighting of the instrument panel and for lighting a number of relevant data of the vehicle in terms of lighted symbols.
  • the first section 7.1 is designed as a part of the wall for the instrument panel, which displays a pointer, indicating a rotational speed of the engine.
  • An outer part of the first section 7.1 includes a number of boreholes 8.1 , which are arranged in a predetermined distance along the circumference of the first section 7.1 .
  • the boreholes 8.1 are designed with a similar diameter.
  • the boreholes 8.1 are designed to receive optical fibres, which lighten translucent rev numerics, introduced in the first section 7.1 .
  • the inner part of the first section 7.1 includes in its centre a borehole 8.2 with a diameter, larger then the diameter of the boreholes 8.1 of the outer part.
  • this borehole 8.2 receives an optical fiber to lighten the pointer.
  • the first versioning area 9.1 is arranged in a lower part of the first section 7.1 , according to a lateral alignment of the connector device 6, and designed half shell shaped, wherein a circular part of the first versioning area 9.1 corresponds with a rim of the lower part of the first section 7.1 .
  • the first versioning area 9.1 is designed with other forms.
  • the first versioning area 9.1 includes a number of the
  • the boreholes 8.4 are arranged along the circular part of the first versioning area 9.1 .
  • these boreholes 8.4 receive optical fibers, which lighten the background of the rev counter.
  • the form of the first versioning area 9.1 corresponds to the subform of the injection mold elements 3, described in figure 1 .
  • This first versioning area 9.1 is variable compared to an area of the first section 7.1 , which is defined as an area, including the first section 7.1 without the first versioning area 9.1 .
  • the second section 7.2 has a substantially circular cross section similar to the first section 7.1 and includes a number of boreholes 8.5 to 8.8 with
  • the second section 7.2 is designed as a part of the wall for the instrument panel, which displays a pointer indicated the speed of the vehicle.
  • An outer part of the second section 7.2 includes a number of boreholes 8.5, which are arranged in a predetermined distance along the circumference of the second section 7.2.
  • boreholes 8.5 are designed with a similar diameter.
  • the boreholes 8.5 are designed to receive optical fibers, which lighten translucent speed numerics, introduced in the second section 7.2.
  • the inner part of the second section 7.2 includes in its center a borehole 8.6 with a diameter, larger then the diameter of the boreholes 8.5 of the outer part.
  • this borehole 8.6 receives an optical fiber to lighten the pointer.
  • the inner part of the second section 7.2 includes a number of further boreholes 8.7. These boreholes 8.7 are arranged all around the center borehole 8.6 in one level. The diameters and the cross sections of the boreholes 8.7 differ from each other. Alternatively, the diameters and cross sections of the boreholes 8.7 are similar to each other. Preferably, the boreholes 8.7 receive optical fibers, which lighten for example a brake warning symbol and/or an oil pressure warning symbol.
  • the second section 7.2 comprises an area, which is shown in a shaded manner and which is defined as a second versioning area 9.2 in the following.
  • the second versioning area 9.2 is arranged in a lower part of the second section 7.2, according to a lateral alignment of the connector device 6 and designed half shell shaped, wherein a circular part of the second versioning area 9.2 corresponds with a rim of the lower part of the second section 7.2.
  • the second versioning area 9.2 is designed with other forms.
  • the second versioning area 9.2 includes a number of the boreholes 8.5 of the outer part of the second section 7.2 and in addition a number of boreholes 8.8 having a substantially rectangular cross section.
  • the boreholes 8.8 are arranged along the circular part of the second versioning area 9.2. For example these boreholes 8.8 receive optical fibers, which lighten the background of the tachometer.
  • the form of the second versioning area 9.2 corresponds to the subform of the injection mold elements 3, described in figure 1 .
  • This second versioning area 9.2 is variable compared to an area of the second section 7.2, which is defined as an area including the second section 7.2 without the second versioning area 9.2.
  • each borehole 8.1 is limited by a defined profile, to get lighting effects for a better view of the vehicle's user.
  • the third section 7.3 has a substantially rectangular cross and includes a number of boreholes 8.9 with substantially rectangular cross sections.
  • the third section 7.3 is designed as a part of the wall for the instrument panel, which displays a number of relevant symbols of the vehicle.
  • the symbols show a coolant temperature light, a high beam light and/or a fuel low light.
  • the third section comprises an area, which is shown in a shaded manner and which is defined as a third versioning area 9.3 in the following.
  • the third versioning area 9.3 corresponds with the third section 9.3 and a subform of the injection mold elements 3.
  • the connecting means M1 , M2, M3, which connect the third section 7.3 with the first section 7.1 and the second section 7.2 include a number of further boreholes 8.10 to 8.12.
  • the first connecting means M1 ties an upper part of the first section 7.1 with an upper part of the third section 7.3, according to the lateral alignment of the connector device 6, positively and/or form-closed and/or adhesively.
  • the first connecting means M1 includes a borehole 8.10, which receives optical fibers, for example lighting a left turn signal. Additionally, the guide means M1 includes further boreholes.
  • the second connecting means M2 ties an upper part of the second
  • the second connecting means M2 includes a borehole 8.1 1 , which receives optical fibers, for example lighting a right turn signal.
  • the second connecting means M2 includes further boreholes.
  • the third connecting means M3 connects the lower parts of the first section 7.1 and the second section 7.2 with a lower part of the third
  • the third connecting means M3 includes a number of boreholes 8.12, which have a substantially rectangular cross section and being arranged below the lower part of the third section 7.3.
  • these boreholes 8.12 receive optical fibers, lighting a background of the third section 7.3.
  • the specific subforms of the connector device 6 respectively differ in their versioning areas 9.1 , 9.2, 9.3, depending on customer applications.
  • versioning areas 9.1 , 9.2, 9.3 can comprise a different number of boreholes for receiving optical fibres, according to the specific subform.
  • one customer application defines background lighting of the complete connector device 6.
  • Another specific subform defines background lighting only for the speedometer.
  • Figure 3 is a further schematic view of the connector device 6 as described in figure 2.
  • a first slot S1 is allocated to the first versioning area 9.1 , a second slot S2 to the second versioning area 9.2 and a third slot S3 to the third versioning area 9.3.
  • the slots S1 , S2, S3 are semitransparently illustrated and correspond to the form of the insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3 of the injection mold 1 as described in figure 4 and 5.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic and perspective view of the injection mold 1 .
  • the injection mold 1 is designed box-shaped and preferably composed of hardened steel, pre-hardened steel, aluminium, and/or beryllium-copper alloy.
  • the injection mold 1 is formed in two components 1 .2, 1 .3, particularly in an injection mold cavity 1 .2 and an injection mold core 1 .3, which fit together on a divided line D to form a cavity there between, in which the hot plastic material, for example PPS (polyphenylene sulphide) is injected.
  • the injection mold cavity 1 .2 and the injection mold core 1 .3 together define the negative form of the connector device 6, wherein the injection mold cavity 1 .2 and the injection mold core 1 .3 together form a negative form of the connector device 6.
  • the injection mold cavity 1 .2 is positively and/or form-closed and/or adhesively connected to a support plate 1 .2.1 and movable by the
  • injection molding machine 5 so that the injection mold 1 is allowed to slide so that it can be opened or closed.
  • the moving of the injector mold cavity 1 .2 is controlled by a not shown electrical motor, arranged in the
  • the injection mold 1 is closed under force by the injection molding machine 5.
  • the injection mold cavity 1 .2 includes a number of ejector pins 1 .2.2, which are arranged on an ejector plate 1 .2.3, which is arranged on the support plate 1 .2.1 .
  • the number of ejector pins 1 .2.2 and the ejector plate 1 .2.3 are visible through an open area A, arranged on the injection mold cavity 1 .2.
  • the ejector plate 1 .2.3 is controlled by the ejector unit.
  • the injection mold core 1 .3 is positively and/or form-closed and/or adhesively connected to a stationary plate 1 .3.1 .
  • the stationary plate 1 .3.1 includes a nozzle 1 .3.2, wherein the injection screw is controlled for injection of the hot plastic material in to the cavity.
  • the nozzle 1 .3.2 is arranged in the center of the outside wall of the stationary plate 1 .3.1 and connects the injection screw with the injection mold cavity 1 .2.
  • the center of a front side of the injection mold 1 comprises a pocket with a centred bump B.
  • the pocket is divided by the divided line D and is a part of the injection mold cavity 1 .2 and the injection mold core 1 .3.
  • the pocket defines injection mold cavity 1 .2 sided a first insertion hole 1 .1 .1 and a second insertion hole 1 .1 .2.
  • the first insertion hole 1 .1 .1 is arranged on an upper part and the second insertion hole 1 .1 .2 is arranged on a lower part of the injection mold cavity 1 .2, according to a lateral alignment of the injection mold 1 .
  • the third insertion hole 1 .1 .3 is arranged on a backside of the injection mold element, according to the view of figure 4 and not shown.
  • the number of racks 2 including at least one injection mold element 3 is insertable into the insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3.
  • the form of the first insertion hole 1 .1 .1 , the second insertion hole 1 .1 .2 and the third insertion hole 1 .1 .3 correspond to the form of the first slot S1 , the second slot S2 and the third slot S3, illustrated in figure 3.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective, schematic view of the injection mold cavity 1 .2 of the injection mold 1 according to figure 4.
  • the first insertion hole 1 .1 .1 and the second insertion hole 1 .1 .2 respectively include a slot S4 for connecting the number of ejector pins 1 .2.2, which are introduced into the racks 2 and/or into the injection mold elements 3 with the ejector plate 1 .2.3 of the injection mold cavity 1 .2.
  • the insertion hole 1 .1 .3 includes a further slot S4 for connecting the number of ejector pins 1 .2.2 with the ejector plate 1 .2.3 of the injection mold cavity 1 .2.
  • the number of racks 2 include at least one injection mold element 3 having its own ejection system. That allows the manufacturing of a plurality of specific subforms of the connector device 6, each manufactured in an optimal manufacturing time.
  • step e) A open area

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
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Abstract

A method of manufacturing a formed connector device (6) by injection molding in an injection molding machine (5) with an injection mold (1), formed in at least two components (1.2, 1.3) which fit together to form a cavity there between, and a connector device (6) manufactured by the method are provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a number of racks (2), each storing at least one injection mold element (3) with a specific subform, transferring at least one of the injection mold elements (3) from a magazine (4), storing a number of the injection mold elements (3) into the rack (2), preheating at least one of the racks (2) including the at least one injection mold element (3) up to a predetermined temperature, transferring the at least one preheated rack (2) including the at least one injection mold element (3) respectively into one insertion hole (1.1.1 to 1.1.3), arranged in the injection mold (1), and locking the at least one rack (2) in the injection mold (1).

Description

A method of manufacturing a formed connector device and a connector device manufactured by the method
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a formed connector device by injection molding in an injection molding machine with an injection mold, comprising a number of inserting holes and formed in at least two components which fit together to form a cavity there between and a connector device manufactured by the method.
Background of the invention Connecting devices for fibre optics and methods of manufacture of connecting devices for fibre optics, for example injection molding, are well known.
Furthermore, it is known that a cavity shape for the manufacture of the connecting devices can be modified, particularly with regard to different customized kinds of connecting devices, during the manufacture process.
WO 2000/008504 discloses a ferrule for an optical connector, which is attached to one end of an optical fiber core to form an optical connector. The optical connector has a connector surface opposed to another optical connector to be connected. The connector surface includes an opening for receiving the optical fiber and a pair of guide pins for determining the position relative to the optical connector. The ferrule is intergrally formed of a resin. The optical connector thus formed exhibits a good transmission characteristic, while the ferrule for the optical connector is easy to manufacture. The method of manufacturing the optical connector ferrule comprises the steps of:
preparing a mold; providing a molding resin into said mold to form said ferrule; and inspecting a position of a fiber accommodating hole with respect to that of a first guide projection of said ferrule to screen said ferrule having passed the inspection and said ferrule having failed to pass the inspection.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for manufacturing a formed connector device and an improved connector device manufactured by the method.
According to the invention, the object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a connecting device according to claim 9.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the independent claims.
According to the invention, a method of manufacturing a formed connector device by injection molding in an injection molding machine with an injection mold, formed in at least two components which fit together to form a cavity there between, comprises the following steps:
a) providing a number of racks, each storing at least one injection mold element with a specific subform,
transferring at least one of the injection mold elements from a magazine, storing a number of the injection mold elements into the rack, b) preheating at least one rack including the at least one injection mold element up to a predetermined temperature,
c) transferring the at least one preheated rack including the injection mold element respectively into one insertion hole, arranged in the injection mold, and locking the rack in the injection mold,
d) injecting a hot plastic material into the cavity and cooling down the injected plastic material in the injection mold,
e) ejecting the cooled plastic material in a specific form from the
injection mold. The preheating of the at least one rack according to method step b) facilitates an improvement of an output form of the connector device due to a prevention of surface defects and an improvement of a forming accuracy.
The method makes it possible to modify the cavity of the injection mold during the manufacturing process by using the at least one preheated rack including the at least one injection mold element and thus manufacturing a plurality of different specific forms of the connector device depending on customer applications without changing the injection mold on the injection molding machine. This fact allows getting lower costs and a reduction of a
manufacturing time.
According to a preferred embodiment, a plurality of racks stores a plurality of similar injection mold elements or a plurality of different injection mold elements. The specific form of the connector device comprises a fixed base part, which is defined by the injection mold, and variable parts, which are defined by the subforms of the injection mold elements. This allows the manufacturing of different specific forms of connector devices in the same injection molding machine, differing in said subforms, depending on customer applications.
Preferably, the injection mold elements, which are provided in the magazine, differ from each other due to their subforms. This allows that a plurality of injection mold elements with different subforms is transferred from the magazine to the plurality of racks.
Preferably, one injection mold element is allocated to one rack and one rack is allocated to one insertion hole of the injection mold. After transferring each rack to the allocated insertion hole, an injection mold is created, which allows forming a predetermined specific form of the connector device either with similar subforms or with different subforms. This facilitates that the cavity of the injection mold can be directly modified and/or changed on the injection mold.
The hot plastic material, having a maximum temperature limit, is injected into the cavity of the injection mold under force by an injecting screw, which is arranged on the injection molding machine. The injection screw is capable of moving, for example as it moves back and forth. This allows injecting the hot plastic material into the cavity of the injection mold. After injection, the plastic material must be cooled to harden before it may be removed from the injection mold. For cooling down the injected plastic material according to method step d) the injection mold comprises cooling channels. This allows the cooling of the injected plastics in the injection mold down to a minimum temperature limit, wherein the required low temperature limit of each injected plastic material can be adjusted to suit the injection molding.
According to a preferred embodiment, each specific form of the connector device is associated with its own ejection and cooling system. Therefore, each injection mold element is provided with their own cooling channels.
The maximum and the minimum temperature limit define a cooling cyclic time. At the end of the cooling cycle, the cooled plastic material is ejected by opening the injection mold. Preferably, the injection mold comprises a number of ejection pins, which are pushed into the cavity from the rear of the injection mold as the injection mold opens to force the cooled plastic material out of the injection mold. The number of ejection pins is connected with an ejection unit, which controls the ejection pins. Each injection mold element comprises a number of ejection pins. The number of ejection pins of the injector mold elements is connected with the ejection unit of the injection mold.
Alternatively, the ejection pins of the injection mold elements are connected to a particular ejection unit. Subsequent to the method step e) the specific form is cooled, additionally. Thus, a cooling time of the injected plastic material can be reduced and the next hot plastic material can be injected into the cavity of the injecting mold. This allows manufacturing a plurality of specific forms of connector devices in an optimal manufacturing time, which makes the manufacturing process less expensive.
According to the method, a connector device manufactured by the method comprises a base body and a number of specific sections respectively including a number of boreholes. Preferably, the boreholes are capable of receiving optical fibres. In a preferred embodiment, two sections have a substantially circular cross-section and one section has a substantially rectangular cross-section.
In a preferred embodiment, the connector device is designed as a wall of a vehicle's instrument panel. The instrument panel typically displays relevant data of a vehicle and/or warning signals in the view of a user of the vehicle. Details of the present invention are described hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and the specific examples indicate possible embodiments of the invention and are given by way of illustration only. Various changes and modifications of the illustrated embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention are appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Brief description of the drawings
The present invention will be better understood from the detailed description given in the following. The accompanying drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. is a schematic flow chart of a method of manufacturing a formed connector device, is a schematic view of a connector device, is a further schematic view of the connector device, is a perspective, schematic view of a closed injection mold, is a perspective, schematic view of one component of the injection mold according to figure 4.
Detailed description of the preferred embodiments
Figure 1 shows schematically a flow chart of a method, comprising an injection mold 1 , a number of racks 2, a number of injection mold elements 3, and a magazine 4, each arranged in an injection molding machine 5 (shown in dotted lines), for manufacturing a form of a connector device 6.
The injection mold 1 is a tool of the injection molding machine 5 for
manufacturing the form of a connector device 6. It includes a number of insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3, wherein the number of racks 2, each including at least one injection mold element 3, is insertable. Thus, one rack 2 is allocated to one of the insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3 of the injection mold 1 . For a more detailed description of this injection mold 1 , see the description of figure 4.
The number of racks 2 is designed as a holding device and preferably composed of a metal, particularly hardened steel, pre-hardened steel, aluminium, and/or beryllium-copper alloy. The number of racks 2 is arranged in the injection molding machine 5 by using guide means. One rack 2 stores at least one injection mold element 3, which is allocated to this rack 2.
Alternatively, one rack 1 stores a plurality of injection mold elements 3.
Furthermore, the number of racks 2 is movable between the injection mold 1 and the magazine 4.
The number of injection mold elements 3 is designed as tools of the injection molding machine 5 for manufacturing the form of the connecting device 5 as well. They are preferably composed of the same material as the number of racks 2. Each injection mold element 3 has a specific subform, which can differ from one injection mold element 3 to another injection mold element 3.
The magazine 4 is designed revolver-like and stores the number of injection mold elements 3. It provides at least one injection mold element 3 for one rack 2. Alternatively, a plurality of injection mold elements 3 is provided for one rack 3. Furthermore, a plurality of racks 2 stores a plurality of injection mold elements 3, either with similar subforms or with different subforms. That means that for example three racks 2 store injection mold elements 3, each having the similar subform or two injection mold elements 3 have a similar subform and one subform differs, or each of the injection mold elements 3 has a different subform.
The form of the connector device 6 is the output of the injection molding. For a more detailed description of the connector device 6, see the description of figure 2.
The method for manufacturing the specific form of the connector device 6 comprises at least the steps a) to e).
Step a) provides a number of racks 2. The plurality of injection mold elements 3 is transferred from the magazine 4 to the rack 2. For example, the plurality of racks 2 is controlled by a controller unit using the guide means. The controller unit guides the plurality of racks 2 into a removal position onto the magazine 4 and the plurality of injection mold elements 3, provided in the magazine 4, is transferred from the magazine 4 into the rack 2 by an actuator.
In step b) at least one rack 2 including the at least one injection element 3 is preheated to a predetermined temperature. For example the at least one rack 2 is preheated by using a laser, which is arranged in the injection molding machine 5. Alternatively, the at least one rack 2 is preheated outside the injection molding machine 5 and subsequent being arranged on the injection molding machine 5. This facilitates an improvement of an output form of the connector device 6 due to a prevention of surface defects and an improvement of a forming accuracy according to step d).
In step c) at least one rack 2 including the at least one injection mold element 3 is transferred to one of the insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3 of the injection mold 1 using the guide means of the rack 2. For example three racks 2, each including an injection mold element 3 with a different subform, are
respectively transferred to one of the allocated insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3 of the injection mold 1 . The three racks 2 are then locked in the injection mold 1 . After inserting each rack 2 into the allocated insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3, an injection mold 1 is created, which allows forming a predetermined specific form of the connector device 6 either with similar subforms or with different subforms. This facilitates that a cavity, a space created by the
components 1 .2, 1 .3 of the injection mold 1 and the injection mold elements 3, can be directly modified and/or changed on the injection mold 1 without changing the injection mold 1 on the injection molding machine 5.
Step d) describes the injection of a hot plastic material into the cavity. The hot plastic material, having a maximum temperature limit, is injected under a predetermined high force by an injecting screw (not shown), which is arranged on the injection molding machine 5. The injection screw is capable of moving, for example as it moves back and forth. This allows injecting the hot plastic material into the cavity of the injection mold 1 . After injection, the hot plastic material has to be cooled down to a minimum temperature limit to harden before it may be removed from the injection mold 1 . For cooling down the injected plastic material, the injection mold 1 comprises cooling channels. The cooling channels are for example bored channels, introduced very near to the surface of the injection mold and filled with cold thermal fluid. The cooling channels are connected to one or several sources, which are not shown in the drawing. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the injection mold elements 3 are provided with own cooling channels, which are connected with the thermal fluid source of the injecting mold. Alternatively, the cooling channels of the injection mold elements 3 are connected to a particular thermal fluid source.
In step e) the cooled plastic material is ejected in a specific form from the injection mold 1 .
The maximum and the minimum temperature limit define a cooling cyclic time. At the end of the cooling cycle, the cooled plastic material is ejected by opening the injection mold 1 . For example the injection mold 1 comprises a number of ejection pins, which are pushed into the cavity from the rear of the injection mold 1 as the injection mold 1 opens to force the cooled plastic material to move out of it.
The number of ejector pins is arranged on an ejector plate, which is
introduced in the injection mold 1 . The number of ejector pins is controlled mechanically and/or electrically by an ejection unit, for example a hydraulic cylinder. Preferably, each injection mold element 3 comprises a number of ejection pins. The number of ejection pins of the injector mold elements 3 is connected with the ejection unit of the injection mold 1 . Alternatively, the number of ejection pins of the injection mold elements 3 is connected to a particular ejection unit.
Subsequent to the method step e) the specific form of the connector device 6 is cooled additionally. Thus, a cooling time of the injected plastic material can be reduced and the next hot plastic material can be injected into the cavity of the injecting mold 1 his fact allows for a reduction of the manufacturing time and thus makes the manufacturing process less expensive. Figure 2 shows schematically the connector device 6, comprising a base body 7 with a number of sections 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, particularly a first section 7.1 , a second section 7.2 and a third section 7.3.
In a preferred embodiment, the connector device 6 is designed as a wall of a vehicle's instrument panel, capable of receiving optical fibres. The instrument panel typically displays relevant data of a vehicle and/or warning signals in the view of a user of the vehicle.
The base body 7 is composed of the same plastic material described in figure 1 .
The first section 7.1 , the second section 7.2 and the third section 7.3 are connected to each other mechanically and/or electrically by connecting means M1 , M2, M3, wherein the third section 7.3 is arranged between the first section 7.1 and the second section 7.2.
The first section 7.1 has a substantially circular cross section and includes a number of boreholes 8.1 to 8.3 with a substantially circular cross section as well. The boreholes 8.1 to 8.3 are designed for receiving optical fibres, which are used for background lighting of the instrument panel and for lighting a number of relevant data of the vehicle in terms of lighted symbols. For example the first section 7.1 is designed as a part of the wall for the instrument panel, which displays a pointer, indicating a rotational speed of the engine. An outer part of the first section 7.1 , according to its circumference, includes a number of boreholes 8.1 , which are arranged in a predetermined distance along the circumference of the first section 7.1 . The boreholes 8.1 are designed with a similar diameter. For example the boreholes 8.1 are designed to receive optical fibres, which lighten translucent rev numerics, introduced in the first section 7.1 .
The inner part of the first section 7.1 , according to its circumference, includes in its centre a borehole 8.2 with a diameter, larger then the diameter of the boreholes 8.1 of the outer part. For example, this borehole 8.2 receives an optical fiber to lighten the pointer.
Furthermore, the inner part of the first section 7.1 includes a number of further boreholes 8.3. These boreholes 8.3 are arranged all around the borehole 8.2 in the centre in two levels. The diameters of the boreholes 8.3 differ from each other. Alternatively, the diameters of the boreholes 8.3 are similar to each other. Preferably, the boreholes 8.3 receive optical fibers, which lighten relevant data in terms of symbols. For example the symbols show an alternator warning light or an electronic power control (=EPC) warning light. Furthermore, the first section 7.1 comprises an area, which is shown in a shaded manner and which is defined as a first versioning area 9.1 in the following.
The first versioning area 9.1 is arranged in a lower part of the first section 7.1 , according to a lateral alignment of the connector device 6, and designed half shell shaped, wherein a circular part of the first versioning area 9.1 corresponds with a rim of the lower part of the first section 7.1 . Alternatively, the first versioning area 9.1 is designed with other forms.
Furthermore, the first versioning area 9.1 includes a number of the
boreholes 8.1 of the outer part of the first section 7.1 and in addition a number of boreholes 8.4 having a substantially rectangular cross section. The boreholes 8.4 are arranged along the circular part of the first versioning area 9.1 . For example these boreholes 8.4 receive optical fibers, which lighten the background of the rev counter.
The form of the first versioning area 9.1 corresponds to the subform of the injection mold elements 3, described in figure 1 . This first versioning area 9.1 is variable compared to an area of the first section 7.1 , which is defined as an area, including the first section 7.1 without the first versioning area 9.1 .
The second section 7.2 has a substantially circular cross section similar to the first section 7.1 and includes a number of boreholes 8.5 to 8.8 with
substantially circular cross sections and substantially rectangular cross sections.
For example the second section 7.2 is designed as a part of the wall for the instrument panel, which displays a pointer indicated the speed of the vehicle.
An outer part of the second section 7.2, according to its circumference, includes a number of boreholes 8.5, which are arranged in a predetermined distance along the circumference of the second section 7.2. The
boreholes 8.5 are designed with a similar diameter. For example the boreholes 8.5 are designed to receive optical fibers, which lighten translucent speed numerics, introduced in the second section 7.2.
The inner part of the second section 7.2, according to its circumference, includes in its center a borehole 8.6 with a diameter, larger then the diameter of the boreholes 8.5 of the outer part. For example, this borehole 8.6 receives an optical fiber to lighten the pointer.
Furthermore, the inner part of the second section 7.2 includes a number of further boreholes 8.7. These boreholes 8.7 are arranged all around the center borehole 8.6 in one level. The diameters and the cross sections of the boreholes 8.7 differ from each other. Alternatively, the diameters and cross sections of the boreholes 8.7 are similar to each other. Preferably, the boreholes 8.7 receive optical fibers, which lighten for example a brake warning symbol and/or an oil pressure warning symbol.
Furthermore, the second section 7.2 comprises an area, which is shown in a shaded manner and which is defined as a second versioning area 9.2 in the following.
The second versioning area 9.2 is arranged in a lower part of the second section 7.2, according to a lateral alignment of the connector device 6 and designed half shell shaped, wherein a circular part of the second versioning area 9.2 corresponds with a rim of the lower part of the second section 7.2. Alternatively, the second versioning area 9.2 is designed with other forms.
Furthermore, the second versioning area 9.2 includes a number of the boreholes 8.5 of the outer part of the second section 7.2 and in addition a number of boreholes 8.8 having a substantially rectangular cross section. The boreholes 8.8 are arranged along the circular part of the second versioning area 9.2. For example these boreholes 8.8 receive optical fibers, which lighten the background of the tachometer.
The form of the second versioning area 9.2 corresponds to the subform of the injection mold elements 3, described in figure 1 . This second versioning area 9.2 is variable compared to an area of the second section 7.2, which is defined as an area including the second section 7.2 without the second versioning area 9.2.
The outer parts of the first section 7.1 and the second section 7.2 are further designed with a specified profile. In a preferred embodiment of the connector device 6, each borehole 8.1 is limited by a defined profile, to get lighting effects for a better view of the vehicle's user.
The third section 7.3 has a substantially rectangular cross and includes a number of boreholes 8.9 with substantially rectangular cross sections.
For example the third section 7.3 is designed as a part of the wall for the instrument panel, which displays a number of relevant symbols of the vehicle. Particularly, the symbols show a coolant temperature light, a high beam light and/or a fuel low light. Furthermore there are several symbols, relevant to the vehicle, displayable, depending on customer applications.
The third section comprises an area, which is shown in a shaded manner and which is defined as a third versioning area 9.3 in the following.
The third versioning area 9.3 corresponds with the third section 9.3 and a subform of the injection mold elements 3.
The connecting means M1 , M2, M3, which connect the third section 7.3 with the first section 7.1 and the second section 7.2 include a number of further boreholes 8.10 to 8.12.
The first connecting means M1 ties an upper part of the first section 7.1 with an upper part of the third section 7.3, according to the lateral alignment of the connector device 6, positively and/or form-closed and/or adhesively. The first connecting means M1 includes a borehole 8.10, which receives optical fibers, for example lighting a left turn signal. Additionally, the guide means M1 includes further boreholes.
The second connecting means M2 ties an upper part of the second
section 7.2 with the upper part of the third section 7.3 such as the first guide means M1 . The second connecting means M2 includes a borehole 8.1 1 , which receives optical fibers, for example lighting a right turn signal.
Additionally, the second connecting means M2 includes further boreholes. The third connecting means M3 connects the lower parts of the first section 7.1 and the second section 7.2 with a lower part of the third
section 7.3, according to the lateral alignment of the connector device 6. The third connecting means M3 includes a number of boreholes 8.12, which have a substantially rectangular cross section and being arranged below the lower part of the third section 7.3. For example these boreholes 8.12 receive optical fibers, lighting a background of the third section 7.3.
According to the method described in figure 1 , the specific subforms of the connector device 6 respectively differ in their versioning areas 9.1 , 9.2, 9.3, depending on customer applications.
That means that the versioning areas 9.1 , 9.2, 9.3 can comprise a different number of boreholes for receiving optical fibres, according to the specific subform. For example one customer application defines background lighting of the complete connector device 6. Another specific subform defines background lighting only for the speedometer.
This fact allows an employment of different specific forms of the connector device 6 depending on customer applications with low manufacturing costs and manufacturing times. Figure 3 is a further schematic view of the connector device 6 as described in figure 2.
A first slot S1 is allocated to the first versioning area 9.1 , a second slot S2 to the second versioning area 9.2 and a third slot S3 to the third versioning area 9.3.
The slots S1 , S2, S3 are semitransparently illustrated and correspond to the form of the insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3 of the injection mold 1 as described in figure 4 and 5.
Figure 4 shows a schematic and perspective view of the injection mold 1 .
The injection mold 1 is designed box-shaped and preferably composed of hardened steel, pre-hardened steel, aluminium, and/or beryllium-copper alloy.
The injection mold 1 is formed in two components 1 .2, 1 .3, particularly in an injection mold cavity 1 .2 and an injection mold core 1 .3, which fit together on a divided line D to form a cavity there between, in which the hot plastic material, for example PPS (polyphenylene sulphide) is injected. The injection mold cavity 1 .2 and the injection mold core 1 .3 together define the negative form of the connector device 6, wherein the injection mold cavity 1 .2 and the injection mold core 1 .3 together form a negative form of the connector device 6. The injection mold cavity 1 .2 is positively and/or form-closed and/or adhesively connected to a support plate 1 .2.1 and movable by the
injection molding machine 5, so that the injection mold 1 is allowed to slide so that it can be opened or closed. The moving of the injector mold cavity 1 .2 is controlled by a not shown electrical motor, arranged in the
injection molding machine 5. Preferably, the injection mold 1 is closed under force by the injection molding machine 5. For ejection of the cooled plastic material according to method step e) described in figure 1 , the injection mold cavity 1 .2 includes a number of ejector pins 1 .2.2, which are arranged on an ejector plate 1 .2.3, which is arranged on the support plate 1 .2.1 . The number of ejector pins 1 .2.2 and the ejector plate 1 .2.3 are visible through an open area A, arranged on the injection mold cavity 1 .2.
As described in figure 1 , the ejector plate 1 .2.3 is controlled by the ejector unit.
The injection mold core 1 .3 is positively and/or form-closed and/or adhesively connected to a stationary plate 1 .3.1 . The stationary plate 1 .3.1 includes a nozzle 1 .3.2, wherein the injection screw is controlled for injection of the hot plastic material in to the cavity. The nozzle 1 .3.2 is arranged in the center of the outside wall of the stationary plate 1 .3.1 and connects the injection screw with the injection mold cavity 1 .2.
According to the view of the injection mold 1 in figure 4, the center of a front side of the injection mold 1 comprises a pocket with a centred bump B. The pocket is divided by the divided line D and is a part of the injection mold cavity 1 .2 and the injection mold core 1 .3.
The pocket defines injection mold cavity 1 .2 sided a first insertion hole 1 .1 .1 and a second insertion hole 1 .1 .2.
The first insertion hole 1 .1 .1 is arranged on an upper part and the second insertion hole 1 .1 .2 is arranged on a lower part of the injection mold cavity 1 .2, according to a lateral alignment of the injection mold 1 . The third insertion hole 1 .1 .3 is arranged on a backside of the injection mold element, according to the view of figure 4 and not shown. As described in figure 1 , the number of racks 2 including at least one injection mold element 3 is insertable into the insertion holes 1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3.
That allows manufacturing a plurality of different specific forms of the connector device 6 depending on customer applications in the same injection molding machine without changing the injection mold 1 .
The form of the first insertion hole 1 .1 .1 , the second insertion hole 1 .1 .2 and the third insertion hole 1 .1 .3 correspond to the form of the first slot S1 , the second slot S2 and the third slot S3, illustrated in figure 3.
Figure 5 is a perspective, schematic view of the injection mold cavity 1 .2 of the injection mold 1 according to figure 4. The first insertion hole 1 .1 .1 and the second insertion hole 1 .1 .2 respectively include a slot S4 for connecting the number of ejector pins 1 .2.2, which are introduced into the racks 2 and/or into the injection mold elements 3 with the ejector plate 1 .2.3 of the injection mold cavity 1 .2. Preferably, the insertion hole 1 .1 .3 includes a further slot S4 for connecting the number of ejector pins 1 .2.2 with the ejector plate 1 .2.3 of the injection mold cavity 1 .2.
Thus, the number of racks 2 include at least one injection mold element 3 having its own ejection system. That allows the manufacturing of a plurality of specific subforms of the connector device 6, each manufactured in an optimal manufacturing time. List of references
1 injection mold
1.1.1 first insertion hole
1.1.2 second insertion hole
1.1.3 third insertion hole
1.2 injection mold cavity
1.2.1 support plate
1.2.2 ejector pins
1.2.3 ejector plate
1.3 injection mold core
1.3.1 stationary plate
1.3.2 nozzle
2 racks
3 injection mold elements
4 magazine
5 injection molding machine
6 connector device
7 base body
7.1 first section
7.2 second section
7.3 third section
8.1 to 8.12 bore holes
9.1 first versioning area
9.2 second versioning area
9.3 third versioning area a) step a)
b) step b)
c) step c)
d) step d)
e) step e) A open area
B bump
D dividing line
M1 first connecting means
M2 second connecting means
M3 third connecting means S1 first slot
S2 second slot
S3 third slot

Claims

ms
A method of manufacturing a formed connector device (6) by injection molding in an injection molding machine (5) with an injection mold (1 ), formed in at least two components (1 .
2, 1 .3) which fit together to form a cavity there between,
characterized by the following steps:
a) providing a number of racks (2), each storing at least one injection mold element (3) with a specific subform,
transferring at least one of the injection mold elements (3) from a magazine (4), storing a number of the injection mold elements (3) into the rack (2),
b) preheating at least one of the racks (2) including the at least one injection mold element (3) up to a predetermined temperature, c) transferring the at least one preheated rack (2) including the at least one injection mold element (3) respectively into one insertion hole (1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3), arranged in the injection mold (1 ), and locking the rack (2) in the injection mold (1 ),
d) injecting a hot plastic material into the cavity and cooling down the injected plastic material in the injection mold (1 ),
e) ejecting the cooled plastic material in a specific form from the
injection mold (1 ).
A method according to claim 1 ,
characterized in that a plurality of racks (2) stores a plurality of similar injection mold elements (3) or a plurality of different injection mold elements (3).
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the injection mold elements (3), which are provided in the magazine (4), differ from each other. A method according to claim 1 to 3,
characterized in that one injection mold element (3) is allocated to one rack (2) and one rack (2) is allocated to one insertion
hole (1 .1 .1 to 1 .1 .3).
A method according to any one of the claim 1 to 4,
characterized in that the plastic material is injected by an injecting screw, which is arranged on the injection molding machine (5).
A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that the cooling of the plastic material is effected by using cooling channels, arranged in the injection mold (1 ).
A method according to claim 1 ,
characterized in that subsequent to the method step e) the specific form is cooled additionally.
A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that each specific form of the connector device (6) is associated with its own cooling and ejection system.
A connector device manufactured by the method according to claim 1 to 8, comprising a base body (7) and a number of specific
sections (7.1 , 7.2, 7.3) respectively including a number of
boreholes (8.1 to 8.9).
A device according to claim 9,
characterized in that the connector device (6) is designed as a wall of a vehicle's instrument panel.
PCT/EP2010/067957 2010-01-22 2010-11-22 A method of manufacturing a formed connector device and a connector device manufactured by the method WO2011088921A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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DE102010005384.8 2010-01-22

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06312440A (en) * 1993-04-28 1994-11-08 Seikosha Co Ltd Holding structure of cassette type mold
WO2000008504A1 (en) 1998-08-07 2000-02-17 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Ferrule for optical connector, mold for ferrule, method of manufacturing ferrule for optical connector, and method of testing ferrule for optical connector
US20040001901A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-01 Modular Molding International, Inc. System for removably mounting modules in an injection molding press
FR2860282A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-04-01 Siemens Ag Symbol zone night lighting and function lighting device for motor vehicle, has cylindrical symbol light guides associated to respective back-lighted symbols and including function light and night light injection surfaces
DE102006056272A1 (en) * 2006-11-27 2008-05-29 Bernd Kussmaul Gmbh Illuminable body and method for its manufacture

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06312440A (en) * 1993-04-28 1994-11-08 Seikosha Co Ltd Holding structure of cassette type mold
WO2000008504A1 (en) 1998-08-07 2000-02-17 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Ferrule for optical connector, mold for ferrule, method of manufacturing ferrule for optical connector, and method of testing ferrule for optical connector
EP1031859A1 (en) * 1998-08-07 2000-08-30 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Ferrule for optical connector, mold for ferrule, method of manufacturing ferrule for optical connector, and method of testing ferrule for optical connector
US20040001901A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-01 Modular Molding International, Inc. System for removably mounting modules in an injection molding press
FR2860282A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-04-01 Siemens Ag Symbol zone night lighting and function lighting device for motor vehicle, has cylindrical symbol light guides associated to respective back-lighted symbols and including function light and night light injection surfaces
DE102006056272A1 (en) * 2006-11-27 2008-05-29 Bernd Kussmaul Gmbh Illuminable body and method for its manufacture

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