WO2016137744A1 - Appareil de distribution de matériau fondu à butée réglable - Google Patents

Appareil de distribution de matériau fondu à butée réglable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016137744A1
WO2016137744A1 PCT/US2016/017232 US2016017232W WO2016137744A1 WO 2016137744 A1 WO2016137744 A1 WO 2016137744A1 US 2016017232 W US2016017232 W US 2016017232W WO 2016137744 A1 WO2016137744 A1 WO 2016137744A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stop member
valve stem
threaded
wall
dispensing position
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/017232
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Patrice Fabien Dezon-Gaillard
Berend Doane
Ruud Maria Theodorus Luijs
Original Assignee
Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
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 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. filed Critical Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
Publication of WO2016137744A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016137744A1/fr

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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
    • B29C45/27—Sprue channels ; Runner channels or runner nozzles
    • B29C45/28—Closure devices therefor
    • B29C45/2806—Closure devices therefor consisting of needle valve systems
    • B29C45/281—Drive means therefor
    • 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
    • B29C45/27—Sprue channels ; Runner channels or runner nozzles
    • B29C45/28—Closure devices therefor
    • B29C45/2806—Closure devices therefor consisting of needle valve systems
    • B29C2045/2872—Closure devices therefor consisting of needle valve systems with at least three positions, e.g. two different open positions to control the melt flow

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to melt dispensing apparatuses such as hot runners, and more particularly to melt dispensing apparatuses with adjustable stops.
  • a melt dispensing apparatus such as a hot runner component of an injection molding machine, may dispense melt, i.e. melted molding material such as plastic or resin, by way of a valve.
  • the valve may have a valve stem that reciprocates between an open dispensing position, in which the valve is open for dispensing melt, and a closed non-dispensing position, in which the valve is closed and no melt is dispensed.
  • a melt dispensing apparatus may have a network of fluid channels for distributing melt to multiple molding cavities. Each channel may terminate with a valve- gated drop comprising a valve with a valve stem. When melt is dispensed from multiple drops simultaneously, it may be desirable for each drop to dispense
  • melt dispensing apparatus may have multiple drops, it may be desirable for the amount of melt dispensed by way of a valve having a valve stem to be controllable or adjustable.
  • an apparatus for dispensing melted molding material comprising: a valve stem movable in an opening stroke from a closed non-dispensing position to an open dispensing position; and an indexed adjustable stop for adjustably limiting the opening stroke of the valve stem at one of a plurality of discrete limits.
  • the indexed adjustable stop comprises: a threaded stop member; and an indexing mechanism for indexing the threaded stop member at one of a plurality of discrete rotational positions.
  • the indexing mechanism comprises: a wall
  • the plurality of notches is in the wall and the detent is biased outwardly from the threaded stop member towards the wall.
  • the plurality of notches is in the threaded stop member and the detent is biased inwardly from the wall towards the threaded stop member.
  • each of the notches comprises a slot that is
  • the apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the indexed adjustable stop at a selected one of the discrete limits.
  • the threaded stop member has a threaded head and the locking mechanism comprises a locking nut receivable on the threaded head for locking the threaded stop member at one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions.
  • a melt dispensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of reciprocable valve stems, each movable in an opening stroke from a closed non-dispensing position to an open dispensing position; and for each valve stem of the plurality of reciprocable valve stems, an indexed adjustable stop configured for adjustably limiting the opening stroke of the valve stem at one of a plurality of discrete limits and thereby setting the open dispensing position of the valve stem independently of the closed non-dispensing position of the valve stem and independently of the open dispensing position of any other one of the plurality of reciprocable valve stems.
  • each of the indexed adjustable stops comprises: a threaded stop member; and an indexing mechanism for indexing the threaded stop member at one of a plurality of discrete rotational positions.
  • the indexing mechanism comprises: a wall surrounding the threaded stop member; a detent biased from one of the wall and the threaded stop member towards the other of the wall and the threaded stop member; and a plurality of notches in the other of the wall and the threaded stop member, each of the notches configured to receive the detent and thereby define one of the discrete rotational positions.
  • an apparatus for dispensing melted molding material from a plurality of valve-gated drops comprising: a plurality of valve stems, each reciprocable between an open dispensing position and a closed non-dispensing position; a reciprocating member for moving the plurality of valve stems between their respective open dispensing and closed non-dispensing positions; at least one biasing member for biasing, in a bias direction, each valve stem of the plurality against the reciprocating member during the moving of the valve stem; and for each valve stem of the plurality of valve stems, an adjustable stop for adjustably limiting a range of motion of the valve stem in the bias direction and thereby setting the open dispensing position for the valve stem independently of the closed non-dispensing position for the valve stem and independently of the open dispensing position of any other one of the plurality of valve stems.
  • each of the adjustable stops is an indexed adjustable stop that is indexed at one of a plurality of discrete stop positions.
  • each of the indexed adjustable stops comprises: a threaded stop member; and an indexing mechanism for indexing the threaded stop member at one of a plurality of discrete rotational positions.
  • the indexing mechanism comprises: a wall surrounding the threaded stop member; a detent biased from one of the wall and the threaded stop member towards the other of the wall and the threaded stop member; and a plurality of notches in the other of the wall and the threaded stop member, each of the notches configured for receiving the detent and thereby defining one of the discrete rotational positions.
  • the plurality of notches is in the wall and the detent is biased outwardly from the threaded stop member towards the wall.
  • each of the notches is in the threaded stop member and the detent is biased inwardly from the wall towards the threaded stop member.
  • each of the notches comprises a slot that is substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the threaded stop member.
  • an apparatus further comprises, for each of the adjustable stops, a locking mechanism for locking the adjustable stop in a locked position that is independent of the locked position any other adjustable stop.
  • a locking mechanism for locking the adjustable stop in a locked position that is independent of the locked position any other adjustable stop.
  • FIG. 1 is cross sectional view of a portion of a melt dispensing apparatus with a valve stem in a closed non-dispensing position;
  • FIG. 2 is top plan view of an indexed adjustable stop of the melt dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is top plan view of an indexed adjustable stop of the melt dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1 with a locking nut removed;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional perspective view of a portion of the indexed adjustable stop of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the melt dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1 with the valve stem in an open dispensing position;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional perspective view the portion of the melt dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the valve stem in the open dispensing position;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a portion of an alternative melt dispensing apparatus with two valve stems, each in a closed non-dispensing position;
  • FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the melt dispensing apparatus of FIG. 7 with each valve stem in an open dispensing position that is specific to that valve stem;
  • FIG. 9 is a close up view of a portion of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 10 is a close up view of a portion of FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 1 1 is a close up view of another portion of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 12 is a close up view of another portion of FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 13 is a close up view of a portion of a further embodiment of a melt dispensing apparatus.
  • any use of the term "exemplary” should be understood to mean “an example of” and not necessarily to mean that the example is preferable or optimal in some way.
  • FIG. 1 a portion of an exemplary melt dispensing apparatus 20 is illustrated in cross-section side elevation view.
  • the illustrated melt dispensing apparatus 20 may be a hot runner component of an injection molding machine for example.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a single valve 22 at a valve-gated drop of the melt dispensing apparatus 20, as may be used for dispensing melted molding material to a single molding cavity (not illustrated). It will be appreciated that the melt dispensing apparatus 20 may include many other similar valves (not illustrated) for dispensing melt to other molding cavities.
  • the valve 22 of FIG. 1 includes a nozzle 24 and a valve stem 26.
  • the nozzle 24 may be formed within a manifold plate 25 and mold plate 27 of the melt dispensing apparatus 20.
  • the valve stem 26 is longitudinally reciprocable (movable) between a closed non-dispensing position (as shown in FIG. 1 ) and an open dispensing position (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, described below). In the closed non-dispensing position of FIG. 1 , a distal tip 28 of the valve stem 26 is received within the gate 30 of the nozzle 24, thereby closing the gate 30 so as to prevent melted molding material fluid from being dispensed.
  • the distal tip 28 of the valve stem 26 is withdrawn from the gate 30, within the nozzle 24, to allow melted molding material to flow from the gate 30.
  • the motion of the valve stem 26 from the closed non-dispensing position to the open dispensing position is referred to as the opening stroke of the valve stem 26.
  • the motion the valve stem 26 in the opposite direction, from the open dispensing position to the closed non- dispensing position is referred to as the closing stroke of the valve stem 26.
  • a pneumatic actuator 32 is used to cause the valve stem 26 to reciprocate.
  • the pneumatic actuator 32 includes a piston 34 within a cylinder 36.
  • the piston 34 has a body 38 with a set screw 40 therein for holding in place a flared proximal end 42 of the valve stem 26.
  • the set screw 40 may be removable to facilitate replacement of the valve stem 26, e.g. during maintenance or repair.
  • Other piston embodiments may lack a set screw.
  • a source 44 of compressed air may be provided for pneumatically causing the piston 34 to reciprocate within the cylinder 36.
  • the piston 34 may be a double-acting piston.
  • the actuator in other embodiments may be another form of actuator, such as a hydraulic, electric or mechanical actuator for example.
  • the exemplary apparatus 20 further includes a back up pad 48.
  • the exemplary melt dispensing apparatus 20 further includes an indexed adjustable stop 50 for adjustably limiting the opening stroke of the valve stem 26 at one of a plurality of discrete limits.
  • the indexed adjustable stop 50 includes a threaded stop member 52 and an indexing mechanism 54.
  • the threaded stop member 52 may have a threaded or screw portion 56, a body 58, a head 59 and a foot 61 .
  • the threaded portion 56 may be received within a threaded bore 60, which in this example is in a backing plate 62.
  • the head 59 may be configured to receive a tool, such as a screwdriver, for rotating the threaded stop member 52 about central longitudinal axis A during stop adjustment. Such rotation may be performed to adjust the longitudinal position of the threaded stop member 52, and thus foot 61 , relative to the threaded bore 60 and the piston 34, and to thereby adjust the limit of the opening stroke of the valve stem 26.
  • illustrated embodiment may also be configured to receive a locking nut 70, which is described below.
  • the indexing mechanism 54 indexes the threaded stop member 52 at one of a plurality of discrete rotational positions. That is, the indexing mechanism 54 of the present embodiment causes the rotational position of the threaded stop member 52 to jump between predetermined angular increments, rather than changing continuously, upon rotation of the stop 52. This in turn causes the longitudinal position of the threaded stop member 52 to change in discrete increments, rather than continuously, when the threaded stop member 52 is rotated. Thus, rotational indexing is performed to promote longitudinal indexing of the threaded stop member 52.
  • the indexing mechanism 54 comprises a wall 64 surrounding the body 58 of the threaded stop member 52, a detent 66 and a plurality of notches 68 in the wall 64. These components are best viewed in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, which are top plan views of the indexed adjustable stop 50 with the locking nut 70 in place and removed, respectively, and FIG. 4, which is a cross- sectional perspective view of a portion of the indexed adjustable stop 50 of FIG. 1 .
  • the locking nut 70 has an integral circular flange 72 and that the nut 70 is threaded onto the threaded portion of head 59. Tightening the locking nut 70 applies longitudinal force upon the threaded stop member 52 and thereby locks the adjustable stop 50 in a selected position. The locking nut 70 may be loosened or removed for the purpose of adjusting the adjustable stop 50.
  • the scalloped shape of the wall 64 is visible.
  • Each of the scallops constitutes a notch within which the detent 66, which in this embodiment has a ball shape and is outwardly biased from the threaded stop member 52 (e.g. by a biasing member such as a spring, which is not illustrated), may be received.
  • the wall 64 has eight notches 68a-68g, referred to collectively or generically as notch(es) 68, which are evenly spaced at 45 degree increments.
  • the notches 68 thus define eight discrete rotational positions for the threaded stop member 52 in this embodiment.
  • the number, shape and spacing of the notches may vary in other embodiments (e.g.
  • each notch 68 of the present embodiment complements the curved profile of ball detent 66. This may help the ball detent 66 to more easily ride up the curved wall during stop adjustment. Once the ball detent 66 is atop the peak between adjacent notches, the outward bias of the ball detent 66 may cause it to pop into the next notch. Rotation of the threaded stop member 52 may produce a series of audible or tactile clicks as the ball detent 66 pops between adjacent notches. The clicks may facilitate measured stop adjustment, e.g. in comparison to a continuously adjustable stop, by providing immediate feedback regarding how much the stop position has changed.
  • each click is indicative of a 45 degree rotation.
  • the change in longitudinal stop position is dependent upon the lead of the threaded portion 56 of the threaded stop member 52, i.e. the distance along axis A that is covered by one complete rotation of the screw portion 56.
  • Each click adjusts the indexed adjustable stop 50 longitudinally to the next discrete limit, which is 0.2 mm from the previous limit in this example.
  • the number of notches (clicks) per turn, and the lead of the screw portion 56 may differ in alternative embodiments.
  • each of the notches 68 of the present embodiment comprises a slot that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A of the threaded stop member 52.
  • the slots allow the detent 66 to be received regardless of longitudinal offset of the threaded stop member 52 with respect to the wall 64, i.e. over multiple 360 degree rotations of the threaded stop member 52.
  • the indexing mechanism 54 of the present embodiment tends to maintain the indexed adjustable stop 50 in its current position, i.e. tends to preserve the current limit of the opening stroke of the valve stem 26.
  • the reason is that the bias of the ball detent 66 tends to keep the detent 66 within its current notch and thereby resists rotation of the threaded stop member 52 away from its current rotational position.
  • the use of a locking nut 70 or other locking mechanism for keeping the indexed adjustable stop 50 in its current position may be considered superfluous or unnecessary in some embodiments.
  • a locking mechanism such as a locking nut 70 may be desirable or appropriate for some applications, even in the presence of a biased detent, as an additional precaution against unintended stop adjustment (i.e. when apparatus vibration is excessive).
  • the pneumatically actuated piston 34 may cause the valve stem 26 to reciprocate between a closed non-dispensing position, as shown in FIG. 1 , and an open dispensing position, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • the closed non-dispensing position of the valve stem 26 may be determined by contact between the piston 34 and the manifold.
  • the closed non-dispensing position of the valve stem 26 may be determined by the contact between the valve stem 26 and the gate.
  • the piston 34 is separated from the foot 61 of the threaded stop member 52 by a distance D, with D being configurable by adjustment of the indexed adjustable stop 50.
  • the opening stroke is limited by contact between the foot 61 of the threaded stop member 52 and the set screw 40 of the piston 34 of the present embodiment (see FIGS. 5 and 6).
  • the tip 28 of the valve stem 26 will have been withdrawn into the nozzle 24 by distance D, which is the same distance D that is shown in FIG. 1 .
  • position of the indexed adjustable stop 50 determines the open dispensing position of the valve stem 26, independently of the closed non- dispensing position of the valve stem 26.
  • distance D may be set differently for different valves, the open dispensing position of the valve stem 26 can be configured independently of the open dispensing position of other valve stems (if any) in the same melt dispensing apparatus 20.
  • the indexed adjustable stop 50 may be used to address flow imbalances between valve-gated drops.
  • Flow imbalances may arise for various reasons. For instance, if the temperature of melt varies between drops (i.e. if a thermal imbalance exists), then the viscosity of the melt at those drops may vary. Melt temperature/viscosity may also be affected by shear, which results from friction between flowing melt and adjacent surfaces such as fluid channel walls. Shear may affect the temperature of melt flowing to different drops differently, e.g. depending on channel shape and other factors (i.e. shear imbalance may exist between drops).
  • a short shot balance test may be performed to estimate flow imbalance (if any) between drops.
  • the term "short shot” refers to an incompletely molded article that does not fully occupy a molding cavity. Variations in short shot weights between drops may reflect flow imbalances of melt between the drops.
  • the indexed adjustable stops 50 of valve- gated drops producing overweight short shots may be adjusted to decrease the size of the valve opening (i.e. to decrease D in FIG.
  • valve-gated drops producing underweight short shots may be adjusted to increase the size of the valve opening (i.e. to increase D in FIG. 5) so as to compensate for a low, or lower-than-target, flow rate of melt.
  • indexed adjustable stop 50 may be used simply because it provides a convenient mechanism for indexed adjustment of the open dispensing position of a valve stem 26, i.e. in discrete increments, regardless of whether the valve stem 26 is the only one in the apparatus or one of many.
  • each valve stem 26 is actuated by a separate pneumatic actuator. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, multiple valve stems can be actuated by a single actuator. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 7-12.
  • FIG. 7 a portion of an alternative melt dispensing apparatus 120 is illustrated in cross-sectional side elevation view.
  • the illustrated melt dispensing apparatus 120 may be a hot runner component of an injection molding machine for example.
  • FIG. 7 illustrate two valves 122a and 122b, as may be used for dispensing melted molding material to two respective molding cavities (not illustrated). It will be appreciated that the melt dispensing apparatus 120 may include many other similar valves (not illustrated) for dispensing melt to other molding cavities.
  • Each of the valves 122a, 122b of FIG. 7 has a nozzle 124a, 124b and a valve stem 126a, 126b, respectively.
  • the nozzles 124a, 124b may be formed within a manifold plate 123 and a mold plate 125 of the melt dispensing apparatus 120.
  • Each valve stem 126a, 126b is longitudinally reciprocable (movable) between a closed non- dispensing position (as shown in FIG. 7, with close-up views in FIGS. 9 and 1 1 ) and an open dispensing position (as shown in FIG. 8, with close-up views in FIGS. 10 and 12).
  • the apparatus 120 includes a reciprocating member 132 for causing both of the valve stems 126a, 126b to reciprocate (FIGS. 7-10).
  • the reciprocating member 132 which is a plate in the present embodiment, may be actuated by an actuator (not shown), such as mechanical, hydraulic, electric or pneumatic actuator for example.
  • the plate may be referred to as an actuation plate.
  • FIGS. 7-12 accordingly may be referred to as a plate-actuated apparatus or system.
  • the exemplary reciprocating member 132 has openings 127a, 127b through which the valve stems 126a, 126b may pass.
  • Each valve stem 126a, 126b may be biased against the reciprocating member 132, in a bias direction B, by a respective biasing member 129a, 129b.
  • the biasing (compliant) members 129a, 129b are sandwiched or compressed between a lip 131 a, 131 b of the plate 132 and a protrusion 133a, 133b on the valve stem 126a, 126b, respectively.
  • stops 135a, 135b biases the valve stems 126a, 126b against respective stops 135a, 135b (the stops being considered to form part of the reciprocating member 132).
  • the stops 135a, 135b may facilitate installation or repair of the biasing members 129a, 129b or to permit configuration of the closed non-dispensing position for each valve stem, e.g. by installation of alternative stops having a different longitudinal extent. Stops 135a, 135b could be omitted in alternative embodiments.
  • the biasing (compliant) members 129a, 129b may be springs.
  • the protrusions 133a, 133b may be clips.
  • the stops 135a, 135b may be cylindrical plugs with central apertures.
  • the exemplary melt dispensing apparatus 120 further includes indexed adjustable stops 150a, 150b for adjustably limiting the opening strokes of the respective valve stems 126a, 126b in an indexed manner.
  • each indexed adjustable stop 150a, 150b includes a threaded stop member 152a, 152b and an indexing mechanism 154a, 154b.
  • Each threaded stop member 152a, 152b may have a threaded or screw portion 156a, 156b, a head 159a, 159b and a foot 161 a, 161 b respectively.
  • the threaded portion 156a, 156b may be received within a respective threaded bore 160a, 160b which in this example is in backing plate 162.
  • Each head 159a, 159b may be configured to receive a tool, such as an alien wrench, for rotating the threaded stop member 152a, 152b about a respective central longitudinal axis A1 , A2 during stop adjustment.
  • Such rotation may be performed to adjust the longitudinal position of each threaded stop member 152a, 152b independently of any other stop member, and to thereby adjust the limit of the opening stroke of each valve stem 126a, 126b independently of any other valve stem.
  • first indexed adjustable stop 150a has been adjusted so that a foot 161 a of its threaded stop member 152a is flush with a surface 163 of the backing plate 162.
  • second indexed adjustable stop 150b has been adjusted so that a foot 161 b of its threaded stop member 152b is slightly recessed from the surface 163. The difference or offset between the
  • valve stems 126a, 126b longitudinal positions of stop members 152a, 152b is labeled ⁇ in FIG. 9.
  • this offset causes the valve stems 126a, 126b to open by different amounts, despite the fact that the closed non-dispensing position of each of the valve stems 126a, 126b is the same, and despite the use of a common reciprocating member 132 for actuating both valve stems 126a, 126b.
  • each of the indexing mechanisms 154a, 154b of the present embodiment has a similar structure and function to the indexing mechanism 54 of the earlier described embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 -6.
  • each indexing mechanism 154a, 154b comprises a wall 164a, 164b surrounding a respective threaded stop member 152a, 152b, a detent 166a, 166b (here, ball detents), and a plurality of notches 168a, 168b in the respective wall 164a, 164b.
  • Each indexing mechanism 154a, 154b indexes the respective threaded stop member 152a, 152b at one of a plurality of discrete rotational positions so that, upon its rotational adjustment, the longitudinal position of the stop member 152a, 152b will be similarly indexed.
  • rotation of the threaded stop members 152, 152b of the indexed adjustable stops 150a, 150b may produce a series of audible or tactile clicks as the detent s166a, 166b jump between adjacent ones of the notches 168a, 168b.
  • the number of notches 168a, 168b in the respective stops 150a, 150b may be the same as, or different from, the number of notches in the earlier-described embodiment (eight).
  • the reciprocating member 132 may reciprocate between a "valves closed” and a "valves open” position to cause valve stems 126a, 126b to reciprocate between their closed non-dispensing positions, as shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 1 1 , and their open dispensing positions, as shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 12, respectively.
  • a distal tip 128a, 128b of each valve stem 126a, 126b is received within the corresponding gate 130a, 130b of the respective nozzle 124a, 124b, so as to prevent melted molding material from being dispensed from the gate.
  • the closed non-dispensing position may be the same for all of the valve stems 126a, 126b in the melt dispensing apparatus 120.
  • the closed non-dispensing position for a valve stem 126a, 126b is determined, at least in part, by the longitudinal position of the reciprocating member 132 in the "valves closed” position and the longitudinal position of stops 135a, 135b (see FIGS. 7 and 9). [0072] When the reciprocating member 132 moves from the "valves closed" position of FIGS. 7 and 9 to the "valves open” position of FIGS. 8 and 10, each of the valve stems 126a, 126b moves in an opening stroke to its respective open dispensing position.
  • valve stems 126a, 126b have different open dispensing positions in this example.
  • valve stem 126b opens more than valve stem 126a (see FIG. 12).
  • stop member 152b is further, by distance ⁇ , from the proximal end 139b of its associated valve stem 126b than stop member 152a is from the proximal end 139a of its associated valve stem 126a.
  • the lengths D1 and D2 of the opening strokes of the first and second valve stems 126a and 126b differ by the offset ⁇ , with D2 being larger than D1 .
  • each indexed adjustable stop 150a, 150b of the melt dispensing apparatus 120 sets the open dispensing position for its associated valve stem 126a, 126b independently of the closed non-dispensing positions of the same valve stem 126a, 126b and independently of the open dispensing positions of any other valve stem.
  • non-indexed adjustable stops could be used in place of indexed adjustable stops 150a, 150b.
  • each indexed adjustable stop 150a, 150b may have a docking mechanism, e.g. similar to locking nut 70.
  • valve stem may be limited by way of either direct contact between the stop and the valve stem (e.g. as in FIG. 10), or by way of contact between the stop and a component that is connected to, moves with or drives the valve stem (e.g. as in FIG. 5).
  • biasing member In embodiments employing biasing members, it is not required for the biasing member to be compressed to provide a pushing biasing force for biasing valve stems against a reciprocating member. In an alternative embodiment, a stretched biasing member could be used to apply a pulling biasing force.
  • the configuration of a biasing member with respect to a valve stem and reciprocating member may differ in various ways from what is shown in FIG. 9 for example.
  • Biasing members can be of any type, such as springs, elastomers or enclosed volumes of compressed gas for example.
  • the contact need not necessarily be with the end of a valve stem (e.g. as stops 150a, 150b contact the proximal ends 139a, 139b of valve stems 126a, 126b in FIG. 10). Rather, the contact could be with other portions of the valve stem suited or configured for this purpose (e.g. with a protrusion or structural feature on the body of the valve stem).
  • indexed adjustable stops need not necessarily employ a ball detent or even any kind of detent.
  • the indexed adjustable stops may employ a spring loaded pin or a ratchet.
  • the stop member need not be rotatable in all embodiments.
  • the stop member may be adjustable using a wedge mechanism. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of a valve stem 226 of a single valve.
  • the valve stem 226 may be longitudinally reciprocable between a closed non-dispensing position and an open dispensing position (the latter being shown in FIG. 13).
  • a pneumatic actuator 232 including a piston 234 within a cylinder 236 may be used to cause the valve stem 226 to reciprocate.
  • the apparatus 200 includes an adjustable stop mechanism 250 for adjustably limiting the opening stroke of the valve stem 226.
  • the adjustable stop mechanism 250 may include a stop member 252 and a wedge 253.
  • the stop member 252 may be biased against the wedge.
  • the stop mechanism 250 may further include a stop adjustment knob 255 with a threaded neck 257. Rotation of the knob 255 may cause lateral translation of the wedge 253, which may in turn adjust the position of the stop 252.
  • the detent need not be biased outwardly against a notched wall.
  • the detent could conversely be biased inwardly from a surrounding wall, e.g. towards a notched surface of a rotatable threaded stop member.
  • the notches may be slots substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotatable member.
  • a notched wall or surface adjacent to the detent comprising notches for receiving the detent need not necessarily be a continuous wall or surface.
  • the wall or surface may have gaps or slits which act as notches and as such may have the appearance of a fence for example.
  • an induced adjustable stop may employ a biased detent in conjunction with a scalloped opposing wall to promote "jumping" between predetermined angular positions. This may be considered beneficial in some embodiments. However, use of an inducing mechanism that promotes such jumping is not necessarily required in all embodiments.
  • some indexed adjustable stop embodiments may employ an indexing mechanism wherein no peak is defined between notches in a wall opposing a biased detent. The opposing wall surface may be uniform between notches. In that case, while there may still be tactile feedback when the detent becomes seated within a notch, there may be little or no tendency of the mechanism to "jump" between indexed positions, e.g. as a detent rides along a uniform wall between notches.
  • a locking mechanism is used for locking an adjustable stop (whether indexed or otherwise), the locking mechanism need not necessarily be a locking nut.
  • Other forms of locking mechanisms could be used.
  • the locking mechanism can be implemented as a locking screw (e.g. a set screw).
  • the adjustable stop may lack an indexing mechanism altogether.
  • a visual indicator could be used to facilitate stop position determination. This may reduce the complexity of the resulting apparatus. It may also complicate adjustment, e.g. in comparison to indexing mechanisms providing tactile feedback during stop adjustment, by requiring visual access to the indicator.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de distribution de matériau de moulage fondu pouvant comprendre une tige de soupape mobile dans une course d'ouverture d'une position fermée de non-distribution à une position ouverte de distribution et une butée réglable indexée pour limiter de manière réglable la course d'ouverture de la tige de soupape au niveau de l'une d'une pluralité de limites discrètes. L'appareil de distribution de matériau de moulage fondu à partir d'une pluralité de gouttes commandées par une soupape peut comprendre une pluralité de tiges de soupape, chacune pouvant effectuer un mouvement de va-et-vient, par un élément de va-et-vient, entre une position ouverte de distribution et une position fermée de non-distribution. Chaque tige de soupape peut être sollicitée contre l'élément de va-et-vient. Chaque tige de soupape peut avoir une butée réglable associée pour limiter de manière réglable une plage de mouvement de la tige de soupape dans la direction de sollicitation et régler, de ce fait, la position ouverte pour la tige de soupape indépendamment de la position fermée de la tige de soupape et indépendamment de la position ouverte de toute autre tige de soupape.
PCT/US2016/017232 2015-02-23 2016-02-10 Appareil de distribution de matériau fondu à butée réglable WO2016137744A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201562119388P 2015-02-23 2015-02-23
US62/119,388 2015-02-23

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WO2016137744A1 true WO2016137744A1 (fr) 2016-09-01

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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CN107100773A (zh) * 2017-05-04 2017-08-29 芜湖市海联机械设备有限公司 一种喷油器

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US2932316A (en) * 1957-07-01 1960-04-12 Austin N Stanton Valves
US4121615A (en) * 1977-04-27 1978-10-24 B. W. B. Controls, Inc. Valve control with indicator
US4930669A (en) * 1987-06-03 1990-06-05 Loctite Corporation Sealless modular dispenser
US5855934A (en) * 1997-05-27 1999-01-05 Tradesco Mold Limited Valve pin actuator
US6161444A (en) * 1999-05-28 2000-12-19 Raytheon Company Precision linear adjustment mechanism
US6228309B1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2001-05-08 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Method and apparatus for injection molding including valve stem positioning
US6599116B2 (en) * 1997-06-13 2003-07-29 Synventive Molding Solutions, Inc. Valve pin actuator
US7175420B2 (en) * 2003-02-13 2007-02-13 Mold-Masters Limited Valve gated injection molding system with independent flow control

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2932316A (en) * 1957-07-01 1960-04-12 Austin N Stanton Valves
US4121615A (en) * 1977-04-27 1978-10-24 B. W. B. Controls, Inc. Valve control with indicator
US4930669A (en) * 1987-06-03 1990-06-05 Loctite Corporation Sealless modular dispenser
US5855934A (en) * 1997-05-27 1999-01-05 Tradesco Mold Limited Valve pin actuator
US6599116B2 (en) * 1997-06-13 2003-07-29 Synventive Molding Solutions, Inc. Valve pin actuator
US6228309B1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2001-05-08 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Method and apparatus for injection molding including valve stem positioning
US6161444A (en) * 1999-05-28 2000-12-19 Raytheon Company Precision linear adjustment mechanism
US7175420B2 (en) * 2003-02-13 2007-02-13 Mold-Masters Limited Valve gated injection molding system with independent flow control

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107100773A (zh) * 2017-05-04 2017-08-29 芜湖市海联机械设备有限公司 一种喷油器

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