WO2013122789A1

WO2013122789A1 - Mold-tool system including pin-guidance mechansim

Info

Publication number: WO2013122789A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/024832
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Osborne Plumpton; Patrice Fabien Dezon-Gaillard
Original assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
Priority date: 2012-02-16
Filing date: 2013-02-06
Publication date: 2013-08-22

Abstract

A mold-tool system (100), comprising: means (500) for (i) maintaining aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between a protracted position and a retracted position, and (ii) permit flow of flowable resin toward the mold gate (101) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position.

Description

MOLD-TOOL SYSTEM INCLUDING PIN-GUIDANCE MECHANISM

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects generally relate to (and not limited to) mold-tool systems including (and not limited to) molding systems.

BACKGROUND

United States Patent Number 6159000 (Puri et al., filed 3/12/1999) discloses a valve gated injection molding device.

United States Patent Number 6921259 (Sicilia et al., filed 2/21/2003) discloses a valve pin guide for a valve-gated nozzle.

United States Patent Number 7025586 (Fischer et al., filed 7/30/2003) discloses a valve pin guidance and alignment system for an injection molding apparatus.

SUMMARY

The inventors have researched a problem associated with known molding systems that inadvertently manufacture bad-quality molded articles or parts. After much study, the inventors believe they have arrived at an understanding of the problem and its solution, which are stated below. A costly problem associated with using known runner system assemblies is wear of a mold gate. Repeated placement of known valve-pin assemblies into known mold gates (mold holes) eventually leads to inadvertent or unwanted damage and/or wear to the known mold gate and/or the known valve-pin assemblies, thus resulting in a lower quality of gate vestige. A gate vestige is a portion of the molded article that was solidified in or near the mold gate. Eventually, those known mold gates that wear out may be reworked or may be replaced with newer mold gates, which adds costs to manufacturing of the molded articles.

Misalignment of the valve-pin assembly to the mold gate increases the rate of wear of the mold gate thus causing unwanted leakage. In order to resolve, at least in part, the above-noted issues, according to a first aspect, there is provided a mold-tool system (100), comprising: a pin-guidance mechanism (104) configured to: (i) maintain aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between a protracted position and a retracted position, and (ii) permit the flow of flowable resin toward the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position.

In order to resolve, at least in part, the above-noted issues, according to a second aspect, there is provided a mold-tool system (100), comprising: a mold gate (101 ); a valve-pin assembly (103); and a pin-guidance mechanism (104); wherein: the valve-pin assembly (103) is configured to move from (i) a protracted position in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is received in the mold gate (101 ) to (ii) a retracted position in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is positioned set apart from the mold gate (101 ); the mold gate (101 ) is positioned relative to the valve-pin assembly (103), the mold gate (101 ) is configured to: (i) receive the valve-pin assembly (103) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the protracted position, and (ii) block the flow of flowable resin through the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the protracted position; and the pin-guidance mechanism (104) is configured to: (i) maintain aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between the protracted position and the retracted position, and (ii) permit the flow of flowable resin toward the mold assembly (918) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position. In order to resolve, at least in part, the above-noted issues, according to another aspect, there is provided a mold-tool system (100), comprising: means (500) for (i) maintaining aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between a protracted position and a retracted position, and (ii) permit flow of flowable resin toward the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position.

The mold-tool system (100) provides improved alignment between the valve-pin assembly (103) with the mold gate (101 ) during usage such that damage and/or wear due to the valve-pin assembly (103) colliding with the mold gate (101 ) is reduced at least in part. Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments will now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 depicts examples of a mold-tool system (100) having a molding system (900) and/or having a runner system (916);

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict cross-sectional views of a first specific example of the mold-tool system (100);

FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of the first specific example of the mold-tool system (100);

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict cross-sectional views of a second specific example of the mold-tool system (100);

FIG. 3C depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the second specific example of the mold-tool system (100); FIGS. 4A and 4B depict cross-sectional views of the third specific example of the mold-tool system (100);

FIG. 4C depicts a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the third specific example of the mold-tool system (100);

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict cross-sectional view of the fourth specific example of the mold-tool system (100); and

FIG. 5C depicts a partial perspective view of the fourth specific example of the mold-tool system (100). The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details not necessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 depicts examples of the mold-tool system (100) having the molding system (900) and/or having the runner system (916).

The molding system (900) and the runner system (916) may include components that are known to persons skilled in the art, and these known components will not be described here; these known components are described, at least in part, in the following reference books (for example): (i) "Injection Molding Handbook' authored by OSSWALD/TURNG/G RAMAN N (ISBN: 3-446-21669-2), (ii) "Injection Molding Handbook authored by ROSATO AND

ROSATO (ISBN: 0-412-99381 -3), (iii) "Injection Molding Systems" 3^rd Edition authored by JOHANNABER (ISBN 3-446-17733-7) and/or (iv) "Runner and Gating Design Handbook authored by BEAUMONT (ISBN 1 -446-22672-9). It will be appreciated that for the purposes of this document, the phrase "includes (and is not limited to)" is equivalent to the word "comprising." The word "comprising" is a transitional phrase or word that links the preamble of a patent claim to the specific elements set forth in the claim that define what the invention itself actually is. The transitional phrase acts as a limitation on the claim, indicating whether a similar device, method, or composition infringes the patent if the accused device (etc) contains more or fewer elements than the claim in the patent. The word "comprising" is to be treated as an open transition, which is the broadest form of transition, as it does not limit the preamble to whatever elements are identified in the claim.

On the one hand, the mold-tool system (100), the molding system (900), and the runner system (916) may all be sold separately. That is, the mold-tool system (100) may be sold as a retrofit item (assembly) that may be installed to an existing molding system (not depicted) and/or an existing runner system (not depicted). In accordance with an option, it will be appreciated that the mold-tool system (100) may further include (and is not limited to): a runner system (916) configured to support the mold-tool system (100). In accordance with an option, it will be appreciated that the mold-tool system (100) may further include (and is not limited to): a molding system (900) having a runner system (916) configured to support the mold-tool system (100). In accordance with an option, it will be appreciated that the mold-tool system (100) may further include (and is not limited to): a molding system (900) configured to support the mold-tool system (100). On the other hand, the mold-tool system (100), the molding system (900), and the runner system (916) may all be sold, to an end user, as an integrated product by one supplier.

More specifically, FIG 1 depicts an example of a schematic representation of the molding system (900), and an example of a schematic representation of a mold-tool system (100). The molding system (900) may also be called an injection-molding system for example. The mold-tool system (100) may include the molding system (900) configured to support the mold-tool system (100). The mold-tool system (100) may be sold as a retrofit item to be installed on an existing molding system. According to the example depicted in FIG. 1 , the molding system (900) includes (and is not limited to): (i) an extruder assembly (902), (ii) a clamp assembly (904), (iii) a runner system (916), and/or (iv) a mold assembly (918). By way of example, the extruder assembly (902) is configured, to prepare, in use, a heated, flowable resin, and is also configured to inject or to move the resin from the extruder assembly (902) toward the runner system (916). Other names for the extruder assembly (902) may include injection unit, melt-preparation assembly, etc. By way of example, the clamp assembly (904) includes (and is not limited to): (i) a stationary platen (906), (ii) a movable platen (908), (iii) a rod assembly (910), (iv) a clamping assembly (912), and/or (v) a lock assembly (914). The stationary platen (906) does not move; that is, the stationary platen (906) may be fixedly positioned relative to the ground or floor. The movable platen (908) is configured to be movable relative to the stationary platen (906). A platen-moving mechanism (not depicted but known) is connected to the movable platen (908), and the platen-moving mechanism is configured to move, in use, the movable platen (908). The rod assembly (910) extends between the movable platen (908) and the stationary platen (906). The rod assembly (910) may have, by way of example, four rod structures positioned at the corners of the respective stationary platen (906) and the movable platen (908). The rod assembly (910) is configured to guide movement of the movable platen (908) relative to the stationary platen (906). A clamping assembly (912) is connected to the rod assembly (910). The stationary platen (906) is configured to support (or configured to position) the position of the clamping assembly (912). The lock assembly (914) is connected to the rod assembly (910), or may alternatively be connected to the movable platen (908). The lock assembly (914) is configured to selectively lock and unlock the rod assembly (910) relative to the movable platen (908). By way of example, the runner system (916) is attached to, or is supported by, the stationary platen (906). The runner system (916) includes (and is not limited to) the mold-tool system (100). The mold-tool system (100) may include the runner system (916) configured to support the mold-tool system (100). The definition of the mold-tool system (100) is as follows: a system that may be positioned and/or may be used in a platen envelope (901 ) defined by, in part, an outer perimeter of the stationary platen (906) and the movable platen (908) of the molding system (900) as depicted in FIG. 1. The runner system (916) is configured to receive the resin from the extruder assembly (902). By way of example, the mold assembly (918) includes (and is not limited to): (i) a mold-cavity assembly (920), and (ii) a mold-core assembly (922) that is movable relative to the mold-cavity assembly (920). The mold-core assembly (922) is attached to or supported by the movable platen (908). The mold-cavity assembly (920) is attached to or supported by the runner system (916), so that the mold-core assembly (922) faces the mold-cavity assembly (920). The runner system (916) is configured to distribute the resin from the extruder assembly (902) to the mold assembly (918). In operation, the movable platen (908) is moved toward the stationary platen (906) so that the mold-cavity assembly (920) is closed against the mold-core assembly (922), so that the mold assembly (918) may define a mold cavity configured to receive the resin from the runner system (916). The lock assembly (914) is engaged so as to lock the position of the movable platen (908) so that the movable platen (908) no longer moves relative to the stationary platen (906). The clamping assembly (912) is then engaged to apply a camping pressure, in use, to the rod assembly (910), so that the clamping pressure then may be transferred to the mold assembly (918). The extruder assembly (902) pushes or injects, in use, the resin to the runner system (916), which then the runner system (916) distributes the resin to the mold cavity structure defined by the mold assembly (918). Once the resin in the mold assembly (918) is solidified, the clamping assembly (912) is deactivated so as to remove the clamping force from the mold assembly (918), and then the lock assembly (914) is deactivated to permit movement of the movable platen (908) away from the stationary platen (906), and then a molded article may be removed from the mold assembly (918). With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, the various specific examples of the mold-tool system (100) are depicted. In accordance with a first general example, which is applicable to all of the specific examples of the mold-tool system (100), the mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to): a pin-guidance mechanism (104) configured to maintain aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between a protracted position and a retracted position. The valve-pin assembly (103) is movable relative to the mold gate (101 ). As well, pin-guidance mechanism (104) is also configured to permit the flow of flowable resin toward the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position. The valve-pin assembly (103) has a very tight fit with the mold gate (101 ) and does not disengage from the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between a protracted position.

In accordance with a second general example, which is also applicable to all of the specific examples of the mold-tool system (100), the mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to): a mold gate (101 ), a valve-pin assembly (103), and a pin-guidance mechanism (104). The valve-pin assembly (103) is configured to move from (i) a protracted position in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is received in the mold gate (101 ) to (ii) a retracted position in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is positioned set apart from the mold gate (101 ). The mold gate (101 ) is positioned relative to the valve-pin assembly (103), the mold gate (101 ) is configured to: (i) receive the valve-pin assembly (103) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the protracted position, and (ii) block the flow of flowable resin through the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the protracted position. The pin-guidance mechanism (104) is configured to: (i) maintain aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between the protracted position and the retracted position, and (ii) permit the flow of flowable resin toward the mold assembly (918) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position. The valve-pin assembly (103) is translatable forward (to a protracted position) and backward (to a retracted position), into and out of the mold gate (101 ). The mold gate (101 ) is closed for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the protracted position thus preventing the flowable resin to flow from the runner system (916) to the mold assembly (918). The mold gate (101 ) is open for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the retracted position thus allowing the flowable resin to flow from the runner system (916) to the mold assembly (918).

According to a variation or option, which is applicable to all of the specific examples of the mold-tool system (100), the pin-guidance mechanism (104) has an interrupted alignment surface (106). For the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is retracted thus opening the mold gate (101 ), an interrupted alignment surface (106), either a horizontal interruption or a vertical interruption, in the mold gate (101 ) allows the flowable resin to flow from the runner system (916) in to the mold assembly (918). The interrupted alignment surface (106) is configured to permit flow of a flowable resin past the valve-pin assembly (103) to the mold assembly (918) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the retracted position (as depicted in FIG. 2A). More specifically, the interrupted alignment surface (106) defines a void (107) configured to permit flow of a flowable resin past the valve-pin assembly (103) to the mold assembly (918) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the retracted position. The interrupted alignment surface (106) may include a vertically- aligned interruption and/or a horizontally-aligned interruption. Once the mold assembly (918) has been filled with the flowable resin, the valve-pin assembly (103) is translated forward into the mold gate (101 ) to close off fluid communication from the runner system (916) to the mold assembly (918), so then the molded article, molded in the mold assembly (918), may be cooled and ejected from the mold assembly (918). According to an option, the valve-pin assembly (103) remains engaged with the interrupted alignment surface (106) during use, thus the mold gate (101 ) and the valve-pin assembly (103) remain aligned with each other during use, and thereby does not cause damage and/or wear to the mold gate (101 ) and/or the valve-pin assembly (103).

Referring now to FIG. 2A, which depicts the cross-sectional view of a first specific example of the mold-tool system (100), in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed or is positioned in a pin-retracted position. In the pin-retracted position, the flowable resin flows into the mold assembly (918) because the valve-pin assembly (103) is not received in the mold gate (101 ). The valve-pin assembly (103) is set apart from the mold gate (101 ).

Referring specifically now to FIG. 2A, there is depicted: (i) a nozzle tip assembly (110), (ii) a valve-pin assembly (103), (iii) a nozzle seal assembly (112), (iv) a gate-retainer mechanism (114), and (v) a mold-interface structure (116). A direction (113) indicates the direction of flow of the flowable resin through the melt passageway (111 ). The nozzle tip assembly (110) defines a melt passageway (111 ). The valve-pin assembly (103) is configured to be received in the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110). The gate-retainer mechanism (114) is configured to be interfaced with (such as received, at least in part, in) the mold- interface structure (116). The mold-interface structure (116) is positioned, at least in part, between the mold assembly (918) and the nozzle tip assembly (110). The mold-interface structure (116) is an assembly that is configured to interface, at least in part, the mold assembly (918) with the nozzle tip assembly (110). The mold-interface structure (116) is positioned between the mold assembly (918) and the nozzle tip assembly (110). By way of example, the mold-interface structure (116) may include a gate insert. The nozzle seal assembly (112) is configured to be interfaced with (such as received, at least in part, in) the gate-retainer mechanism (114). The nozzle seal assembly (112) is also configured to be interfaced with (such as received, at least in part, by) the nozzle tip assembly (110). The pin- guidance mechanism (104) is configured to be interfaced with (such as received, at least in part, in) the mold-interface structure (116). The pin-guidance mechanism (104) is also configured to interface with (such as abut, at least in part, with) the nozzle tip assembly (110). The interrupted alignment surface (106) defines the void (107) configured to permit flow of a flowable resin past the valve-pin assembly (103) to the mold assembly (918) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the retracted position (as depicted in FIG. 2A). According to the example depicted in FIG. 2A, the interrupted alignment surface (106) extends from the mold gate (101 ). The interrupted alignment surface (106) of the pin- guidance mechanism (104) forms, at least in part, a gate hole having the same diameter as the mold gate (101 ). For example, a single hole-drilling operation may be used to form the interrupted alignment surface (106) and the mold gate (101 ). The pin-guidance mechanism (104) and the mold gate (101 ) may be (advantageously) machined in a single manufacturing operation as one single hole drilling operation. According to FIG. 2A, the void (107) is an example of a vertical interruption in the interrupted alignment surface (106).

Generally speaking, the mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to) means (500) for (i) maintaining aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between a protracted position and a retracted position, and (ii) permit flow of flowable resin toward the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position. By way of example, the means (500) includes (and is not limited to) the pin-guidance mechanism (104).

FIG. 2B depicts the cross-sectional view of the first specific example of the mold-tool system (100), in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed or is positioned in a pin-protracted position. In the pin-protracted position, the flowable resin does not flow into the mold assembly (918) because the valve-pin assembly (103) is received in the mold gate (101 ). For the view of FIG. 2B, the valve-pin assembly (103) covers the void (107). FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of the first specific example of the mold-tool system (100). According to the example depicted in FIG. 2C, the pin-guidance mechanism (104) further includes (and is not limited to): a disc assembly (122), an insert assembly (124), a set of walls (126). The disc assembly (122) defines a central bore extending through the disc assembly (122). The insert assembly (124) has a base that extends form the disc assembly (122), and the base extends toward the mold gate (101 ). It will be appreciated that the insert assembly (124) may be any convenient or suitable shape, such as conically-shaped (as depicted), or cylindrically shaped, etc. The set of walls (126) extends from an outer periphery of the insert assembly (124) toward a central axis (130) that extends through the pin- guidance mechanism (104). The set of walls (126) and the insert assembly (124) define a group of melt channels (128). The group of melt channels (128) is configured to fluidly communicate with the nozzle tip assembly (110) and with the mold gate (101 ). The interrupted alignment surface (106) is formed, at least in part, on end portions of the set of walls (126) that are positioned proximate to the central axis (130). The void (107) is boarded on opposite sides by several walls of the set of walls (126).

Referring now to FIG. 3A, which depicts the cross-sectional view of a second specific example of the mold-tool system (100), in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed or is positioned in a pin-retracted position. In the pin-retracted position, the flowable resin flows into the mold assembly (918) because the valve-pin assembly (103) is not received in the mold gate (101 ). The valve-pin assembly (103) is set apart from the mold gate (101 ).

According to the example of FIG. 3A, the void (107) is an example of a horizontal interruption in the interrupted alignment surface (106). According to the example of FIG. 3A, the mold- tool system (100), the pin-guidance mechanism (104) includes (and is not limited to): the interrupted alignment surface (106) positioned in the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110). The nozzle tip assembly (110) interfaces with the nozzle-housing assembly (140). The valve-pin assembly (103) is extendable from the nozzle-housing assembly (140). The melt passageway 111 includes: (i) a bypass passageway (144) circumventing the interrupted alignment surface (106), and (ii) a rejoining passageway (142) leading to the mold gate (101 ). More specifically, the pin-guidance mechanism (104) includes a body member (141 ) having the interrupted alignment surface (106), and the body member (141 ) is positioned in the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110). The rejoining passageway (142) is used so that after the flowable resin flows through the bypass passageway (144) to bypass the interrupted alignment surface (106), the flowable resin rejoins back into a continuous flow of flowable resin. According to FIG. 3A, the void (107) is an example of a horizontal interruption in the interrupted alignment surface (106). FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional view of the second specific example of the mold-tool system (100), in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed or is positioned in a pin- protracted position. In the pin-protracted position, the flowable resin does not flow into the mold assembly (918) because the valve-pin assembly (103) is received in the mold gate (101 ). For the view of FIG. 3B, the valve-pin assembly (103) covers the void (107).

FIG. 3C depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the second specific example of the mold-tool system (100) taken along line A-A of FIG. 3A.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, which depicts the cross-sectional view of the third specific example of the mold-tool system (100), in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed or is positioned in a pin-retracted position. In the pin-retracted position, the flowable resin flows into the mold assembly (918) because the valve-pin assembly (103) is not received in the mold gate (101 ). According to the example of FIG. 4A, the void (107) is an example of a horizontal interruption in the interrupted alignment surface (106).

FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view of the third specific example of the mold-tool system (100), in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed or is positioned in a pin-protracted position. In the pin-protracted position, the flowable resin does not flow into the mold assembly (918) because the valve-pin assembly (103) is received in the mold gate (101 ). For the view of FIG. 4B, the valve-pin assembly (103) covers the void (107).

FIG. 4C depicts a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the third specific example of the mold-tool system (100). The pin-guidance mechanism (104) includes (and is not limited to): a disc assembly (122) defining a central bore, and a set of walls (126). The set of walls (126) extend from a periphery of the disc assembly (122) toward a central portion of the disc assembly (122). Each of the walls of the set of walls (126) is separated from each other so as to define a set of melt channels (128). The melt channels (128) configured to be in fluid communication with the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110), and also in fluid communication with the mold gate (101 ).

Referring now to FIG. 5A, which depicts the cross-sectional view of the fourth specific example of the mold-tool system (100), in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed or is positioned in a pin-retracted position. In the pin-retracted position, the flowable resin flows into the mold assembly (918) because the valve-pin assembly (103) is not received in the mold gate (101 ). The pin-guidance mechanism (104) includes (and is not limited to): a mold- interface structure (116). The mold-interface structure (116) is positioned, at least in part, between the mold assembly (918) and the nozzle tip assembly (110). The mold-interface structure (116) is configured to interface, at least in part, the mold assembly (918) with the nozzle tip assembly (110). A gate seal (150) is positioned between the nozzle tip assembly (110) and the mold-interface structure (116), and the gate seal (150) is configured to seal the nozzle tip assembly (110) with the mold-interface structure (116) to prevent leakage of the flowable resin. More specifically, the mold-interface structure (116) defines a central bore, and a set of walls (126) extending from a periphery of the disc assembly (122) toward a central portion of the disc assembly (122), each of the walls of the set of walls (126) being separated from each other so as to define a set of melt channels (128), the melt channels (128) being configured to be in fluid communication with the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110), and also in fluid communication with the mold gate (101 ). There is a void (600) between the nozzle seal assembly (112) and the nozzle tip assembly (110), and the void (600) is filled with the flowable resin during normal operation.

FIG. 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of the fourth specific example of the mold-tool system (100), in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed or is positioned in a pin-protracted position. In the pin-protracted position, the flowable resin does not flow into the mold assembly (918) because the valve-pin assembly (103) is received in the mold gate (101 ). For the view of FIG. 4B, the valve-pin assembly (103) covers the void (107).

FIG. 5C depicts a partial perspective view of the fourth specific example of the mold-tool system (100). According to the example of FIG. 5C, the void (107) is an example of a vertical interruption in the interrupted alignment surface (106). According to what is depicted in FIG. 5C, there is depicted a perspective view of the mold-interface structure (116). Preferably, the mold-interface structure (116) includes a gate insert.

It will be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as may be required to perform desired functions and tasks that are within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each one of them in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly, components, or software code that is superior to any of the equivalents available to the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the inventions and/or examples of the invention that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the invention have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for the purposes of this document, the phrase "includes (and is not limited to)" is equivalent to the word "comprising." It is noted that the foregoing has outlined the non- limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A mold-tool system (100), comprising:

means (500) for (i) maintaining aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between a protracted position and a retracted position, and (ii) permit flow of flowable resin toward the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position.

2. A mold-tool system (100), comprising:

a pin-guidance mechanism (104) configured to: (i) maintain aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve-pin assembly (103) is made to move between a protracted position and a retracted position, and (ii) permit flow of flowable resin toward the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position.

3. A mold-tool system (100), comprising:

a valve-pin assembly (103) being movable relative to a mold gate (101 ); and a pin-guidance mechanism (104);

wherein:

the valve-pin assembly (103) is configured to move from (i) a protracted position in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is received in the mold gate (101 ) to (ii) a retracted position in which the valve-pin assembly (103) is positioned set apart from the mold gate (101 );

the mold gate (101 ) is positioned relative to the valve-pin assembly (103), the mold gate (101 ) is configured to: (i) receive the valve-pin assembly (103) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the protracted position, and (ii) block the flow of flowable resin through the mold gate (101 ) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the protracted position; and

the pin-guidance mechanism (104) is configured to: (i) maintain aligned movement of a valve-pin assembly (103) relative to a mold gate (101 ) while the valve- pin assembly (103) is made to move between the protracted position and the retracted position, and (ii) permit the flow of flowable resin toward the mold assembly (918) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is moved to the retracted position.

4. The mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein:

the pin-guidance mechanism (104) has an interrupted alignment surface (106), and the interrupted alignment surface (106) is configured to permit flow of a flowable resin past the valve-pin assembly (103) to the mold assembly (918) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the retracted position.

5. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 3, wherein:

the interrupted alignment surface (106) defines a void (107) configured to permit flow of a flowable resin past the valve-pin assembly (103) to the mold assembly (918) for the case where the valve-pin assembly (103) is placed in the retracted position.

6. The mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein:

the pin-guidance mechanism (104) is configured to be interfaced with a mold- interface structure (116),

the pin-guidance mechanism (104) is also configured to interface with the nozzle tip assembly (110) defining a melt passageway (111 ), and

the valve-pin assembly (103) is configured to be received in the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110).

7. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 4, wherein:

the mold-interface structure (116) is positioned, at least in part, between the mold assembly (918) and the nozzle tip assembly (110),

the mold-interface structure (116) is configured to interface, at least in part, the mold assembly (918) with the nozzle tip assembly (110),

a gate-retainer mechanism (114) is configured to be interfaced with the mold- interface structure (116),

a nozzle seal assembly (112) is configured to be interfaced with the gate- retainer mechanism (114), and

the nozzle seal assembly (112) is configured to be interfaced with the nozzle tip assembly (110).

8. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 6, wherein:

the interrupted alignment surface (106) of the pin-guidance mechanism (104) forms, at least in part, a gate hole having the same diameter as the mold gate (101 ).

9. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 6, wherein:

the pin-guidance mechanism (104) includes:

a disc assembly (122);

an insert assembly (124)

a set of walls (126),

the disc assembly (122) defines a central bore extending through the disc assembly (122),

the insert assembly (124) has a base that extends form the disc assembly (122), and the base extends toward the mold gate (101 ), the set of walls (126) extends from an outer periphery of the insert assembly (124) toward a central axis (130) that extends through the pin- guidance mechanism (104),

the set of walls (126) and the insert assembly (124) define a group of melt channels (128),

the group of melt channels (128) are configured to fluidly communicate with the nozzle tip assembly (110) and with the mold gate (101 ), the interrupted alignment surface (106) is formed, at least in part, on end portions of the set of walls (126) that are positioned proximate to the central axis (130), and

the void (107) is boarded on opposite sides by several walls of the set of walls (126).

10. The mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein:

the pin-guidance mechanism (104) includes:

the interrupted alignment surface (106) positioned in the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110),

the nozzle tip assembly (110) interfaces with the nozzle-housing assembly (140), and

the melt passageway (111 ) includes: (i) a bypass passageway (144) circumventing the interrupted alignment surface (106), and (ii) a rejoining passageway (142) leading to the mold gate (101 ).

11 . The mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein: the pin-guidance mechanism (104) includes:

a disc assembly (122) defining a central bore, and a set of walls (126) extending from a periphery of the disc assembly (122) toward a central portion of the disc assembly (122), each of the walls of the set of walls (126) being separated from each other so as to define a set of melt channels (128), the melt channels (128) being configured to be in fluid communication with the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110), and also in fluid communication with the mold gate (101 ).

12. The mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein:

the pin-guidance mechanism (104) includes:

a mold-interface structure (116) positioned, at least in part, between the mold assembly (918) and the nozzle tip assembly (110), and

the mold-interface structure (116) is configured to interface, at least in part, the mold assembly (918) with the nozzle tip assembly (110).

13. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 12, wherein:

the mold-interface structure (116) defines a central bore, and a set of walls (126) extending from a periphery of the disc assembly (122) toward a central portion of the disc assembly (122), each of the walls of the set of walls (126) being separated from each other so as to define a set of melt channels (128), the melt channels (128) being configured to be in fluid communication with the melt passageway (111 ) of the nozzle tip assembly (110), and also in fluid communication with the mold gate (101 ).

14. The mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising:

a runner system (916) configured to support the mold-tool system (100).

15. The mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising:

a molding system (900) having a runner system (916) configured to support the mold-tool system (100).

16. The mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising:

a molding system (900) configured to support the mold-tool system (100).