WO2018191813A1 - Moule à injection ayant un dispositif de fermeture de couvercle dans le moule - Google Patents

Moule à injection ayant un dispositif de fermeture de couvercle dans le moule Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018191813A1
WO2018191813A1 PCT/CA2018/050337 CA2018050337W WO2018191813A1 WO 2018191813 A1 WO2018191813 A1 WO 2018191813A1 CA 2018050337 W CA2018050337 W CA 2018050337W WO 2018191813 A1 WO2018191813 A1 WO 2018191813A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cam
lid closing
axis
mold
lid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2018/050337
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Christophe Halter
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 WO2018191813A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018191813A1/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
    • B29C45/0017—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor moulding interconnected elements which are movable with respect to one another, e.g. chains or hinges
    • 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
    • B29C45/0053—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor combined with a final operation, e.g. shaping
    • B29C45/006—Joining parts moulded in separate cavities
    • 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
    • B29C45/0081—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor of objects with parts connected by a thin section, e.g. hinge, tear line
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/56—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures

Definitions

  • the present technology relates to injection molding systems in general and specifically to an injection mold having an in-mold lid closing device.
  • Molding is a process by virtue of which a molded article can be formed from molding material by using a molding system.
  • Various molded articles can be formed by using the molding process, such as an injection molding process.
  • One example of a molded article that can be formed is a closure for a container, such as a bottle.
  • closures can be made, depending on the type of the container that the closure is to be used with.
  • the closure is designed with specific design considerations in mind. For example, a closure for a carbonated beverage is different in design from a closure for still water (at least in the sealing features used for the closure for the carbonated beverage).
  • closures One type of closure known in the art is a flip-top closure having a living hinge. These types of closures are used for sport beverages, sauces containers (such as mayonnaise containers, ketchup containers and specialty sauces containers), as well as shampoo containers, hand cream containers, household cleaning products and the like.
  • sauces containers such as mayonnaise containers, ketchup containers and specialty sauces containers
  • United States Patent Publication No. US 2008/0260890 Al in the name of Di Simone, published on October 23, 2008 discloses an apparatus and method for holding at least one hinged molded part each having a base portion and a projecting member.
  • This includes at least one part removal mechanism that is located within the at least one mold station, wherein the at least one part removal mechanism each further includes a pivotally attached arm and the at least one part removal mechanism grips both the base portion and the projecting member of the at least one hinged molded part and removes the at least one hinged molded part from a mold half in the at least one mold
  • the pivotally attached arm folds the projecting member towards the base portion of the at least one hinged molded part.
  • the pivotally attached arm can grip and remove the at least one folded part away from the at least one part removal mechanism.
  • United States Patent No. 4,040,595 granted to Tecco on August 9, 1977 discloses an injection molding machine including a stationary mold half and a movable mold half.
  • the stationary and movable mold halves cooperatively define a mold cavity for injection molding an end closure article having a base and a recloseable tab molded in an open position relative to the base.
  • a thermoplastic material is injected into the mold cavity to form the end closure article.
  • the movable mold half is then separated from the stationary mold half to open the mold cavity, and the tab of the end closure article is closed prior to ejecting the end closure article from the open mold cavity
  • United States Patent No. 4,351,630 granted to Hayberg et al. on September 28, 1982 discloses a device for exercising a living hinge of an article and/or closing a lid of a cap while the article or cap is in a mold for forming the article or cap.
  • the device includes a finger which slides between the mold sections, and, in the process, engages a portion of the article or the lid, rotates the portion or lid about the hinge, and in the case of the cap, snaps the lid shut.
  • the finger when the finger reaches predetermined point it pivots toward the female mold section to snap the lid tightly shut.
  • an injection mold for molding a flip-top closure.
  • the flip-top closure has a body portion and a lid attached to the body portion by a hinge.
  • the injection mold has a first mold portion for defining a first portion of the flip-top closure, a second mold portion for defining a second portion of the flip-top closure, a lid closing tool for closing the lid of the flip-top closure on the body portion after a molding of the flip- top closure in the injection mold and before an ejection of the flip-top closure from the injection mold, a cam follower connected to the lid closing tool, the cam follower being movable with the lid closing tool, a linear actuator operatively connected to the lid closing tool for moving the lid closing tool and the cam follower about a first axis, and a cam engaged by the cam follower.
  • the cam defines a lid closing path about the first axis and a second axis.
  • the lid closing path has a first lid closing path portion and a second lid closing path portion.
  • the cam defines a cam profile.
  • the cam profile defines the first lid closing path portion about the first and second axes.
  • the cam defines a passage extending from the cam profile about the second axis.
  • the passage defining the second lid closing path portion about the second axis.
  • the linear actuator is controllable to move the cam follower along the cam profile at least up to the passage for moving the lid closing tool about the first and second axes for effecting an initial closing motion of the lid closing tool for closing the lid of the flip-top closure on the body portion.
  • the cam follower moves at least in part into the passage about the second axis from the cam profile for effecting a final closing motion of the lid closing tool for closing the lid of the flip-top closure on the body portion.
  • the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.
  • the cam follower moves at least in part into the passage unassisted by the linear actuator.
  • the linear actuator is stopped when the cam follower moves at least in part into the passage.
  • the first lid closing path portion has: a first portion extending about the first axis, the first portion being linear, a second portion extending about the first axis in a first direction and about the second axis in a second direction from the first portion, the second portion being curved, a third portion extending about the first axis in the first direction and about the second axis in a third direction from the second portion, the third direction being opposite the second direction, the third portion being curved, and a fourth portion extending about the first axis in the first direction from the third portion, the fourth portion being linear.
  • the second lid closing path portion extends about the second axis in the third direction from the fourth portion of the first lid closing path portion.
  • the cam has a sliding cam member disposed at least in part in the passage.
  • the sliding cam member is movable between a first position and a second position.
  • the sliding cam member defines part of the cam profile of the cam when the sliding cam member is in the first position.
  • the sliding cam member moves in the passage about the second axis to the second position of the sliding cam member when the cam follower moves at least in part into the passage about the second axis.
  • the sliding cam member moves from the second position to the first position for returning the cam follower to the cam profile following the final closing motion.
  • the linear actuator is a first linear actuator.
  • a second linear actuator is operatively connected to the lid closing tool and the cam follower. The second linear actuator being controllable to move the cam follower at least in part into the passage, thereby moving the sliding cam member from the first position to the second position.
  • the second linear actuator is controllable to move the cam follower back to the cam profile and the sliding cam member from the second position to the first position following the final closing motion.
  • a biasing member is connected to the sliding cam member.
  • the biasing member biases the sliding cam member toward the first position.
  • the linear actuator is a first linear actuator.
  • a second linear actuator is operatively connected to the sliding cam member. The second linear actuator is controllable to move the sliding cam member from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the cam follower at least in part into the passage.
  • the second linear actuator is controllable to move the sliding cam member from the second position to the first position following the final closing motion, thereby moving the cam follower back to the cam profile.
  • the passage is defined by a recess extending from the cam profile.
  • an in-mold lid closing device for closing a lid of a flip-top closure on a body portion of the flip-top closure with the flip-top closure in an injection mold used for molding the flip-top closure.
  • the lid is connected to the body portion by a hinge.
  • the in-mold lid closing device has a lid closing tool for engaging the lid of the flip-top closure, a cam follower connected to the lid closing tool, the cam follower being movable with the lid closing tool, a linear actuator operatively connected to the lid closing tool for moving the lid closing tool and the cam follower about a first axis, and a cam engaged by the cam follower.
  • the cam defines a lid closing path about the first axis and a second axis.
  • the lid closing path has a first lid closing path portion and a second lid closing path portion.
  • the cam defines a cam profile.
  • the cam profile defines the first lid closing path portion about the first and second axes.
  • the cam defines a passage extending from the cam profile about the second axis.
  • the passage defines the second lid closing path portion about the second axis.
  • the linear actuator is controllable to move the cam follower along the cam profile at least up to the passage for moving the lid closing tool about the first and second axes for effecting an initial closing motion of the lid closing tool for closing the lid of the flip-top closure on the body portion.
  • the cam follower moves at least in part into the passage about the second axis from the cam profile for effecting a final closing motion of the lid closing tool for closing the lid of the flip-top closure on the body portion.
  • the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.
  • the cam follower moves at least in part into the passage unassisted by the linear actuator.
  • the linear actuator is stopped when the cam follower moves at least in part into the passage.
  • the first lid closing path portion has: a first portion extending about the first axis in a first direction, the first portion being linear, a second portion extending about the first axis in the first direction and about the second axis in a second direction from the first portion, the second portion being curved, a third portion extending about the first axis in the first direction and about the second axis in a third direction from the second portion, the third direction being opposite the second direction, the third portion being curved, and a fourth portion extending about the first axis in the first direction from the third portion, the fourth portion being linear.
  • the second lid closing path portion extends about the second axis in the third direction from the fourth portion of the first lid closing path portion.
  • the cam has a sliding cam member disposed at least in part in the passage.
  • the sliding cam member is movable between a first position and a second position.
  • the sliding cam member defines part of the cam profile of the cam when the sliding cam member is in the first position.
  • the sliding cam member moves in the passage about the second axis to the second position of the sliding cam member when the cam follower moves at least in part into the passage about the second axis.
  • the sliding cam member moves from the second position to the first position for returning the cam follower to the cam profile following the final closing motion.
  • the linear actuator is a first linear actuator.
  • a second linear actuator is operatively connected to the lid closing tool and the cam follower. The second linear actuator being controllable to move the cam follower at least in part into the passage, thereby moving the sliding cam member from the first position to the second position.
  • the second linear actuator is controllable to move the cam follower back to the cam profile and the sliding cam member from the second position to the first position following the final closing motion.
  • a biasing member is connected to the sliding cam member. The biasing member biases the sliding cam member toward the first position.
  • the linear actuator is a first linear actuator.
  • a second linear actuator is operatively connected to the sliding cam member. The second linear actuator is controllable to move the sliding cam member from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the cam follower at least in part into the passage.
  • the second linear actuator is controllable to move the sliding cam member from the second position to the first position following the final closing motion, thereby moving the cam follower back to the cam profile.
  • the passage is defined by a recess extending from the cam profile.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a flip-top closure
  • Figure 2 is partial cross-sectional view of an injection mold and a flip-top closure, with the injection mold being opened following a molding of the flip-top closure;
  • Figure 3 is partial cross-sectional view of the injection mold and the flip-top closure of Figure 2, with the flip-top closure being partially lifted from the injection mold following the opening of the injection mold;
  • Figures 4A to 4F are top views of the injection mold and the flip-top closure of Figure 2 with one of the mold portions and details of the other mold portion removed for simplicity, illustrating multiple positions of a lid of the flip-top closure and corresponding positions of a lid closing device during a lid closing process;
  • Figures 5A to 5F are close-up top views of the flip-top closure and of a lid closing tool of the lid closing device of Figure 2, illustrating multiple positions of the lid of the flip-top closure and corresponding positions of the lid closing tool during the lid closing process;
  • Figure 6 is partial cross-sectional view of the injection mold and the flip-top closure of Figure 2, with the flip-top closure being ejected from the injection mold following the closing of the lid;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view taken from a top, front, right side of the lid closing device of the injection mold of Figure 2 without spring assemblies;
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, right side of the lid closing device of Figure 7 without spring assemblies;
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, left side of the lid closing device of Figure 7 without spring assemblies;
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid closing device of Figure 7 taken through line 10-10 of Figure 8, showing a lower cam follower disposed in a cam profile defined by a lower cam of the lid closing device at an end of a first lid closing path portion;
  • Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the lid closing device of Figure 7 taken through line 10-10 of Figure 8, showing the lower cam follower disposed in part in a passage defined by the lower cam of the lid closing device at an end of a second lid closing path portion;
  • Figure 12 is a partial top view of the lower cam and the lower cam follower of the lid closing device of Figure 7 in the position shown in Fig. 10;
  • Figure 13 is a partial top view of the lower cam and the lower cam follower of Figure 12 in the position shown in Fig. 11;
  • Figure 14 is a partial top view of the lower cam, the lower cam follower and the lower spring assembly of the lid closing device of Figure 7 in a position corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 10;
  • Figure 15 is a partial top view of the lower cam, the lower cam follower and the lower spring assembly of Figure 14 in a position corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 11;
  • Figure 16 is a partial top view of a lower cam and a lower cam follower of an alternative implementation of the lid closing device of Figure 7 in a position corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 10;
  • Figure 17 is a partial top view of the lower cam and the lower cam follower of Figure 16 in a position corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 11;
  • Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative implementation of the lid closing device of Figure 7 taken horizontally through an upper guiding shaft thereof, showing a lower cam follower disposed in a cam profile defined by a lower cam of the lid closing device at an end of a first lid closing path portion;
  • Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the lid closing device of Figure 18 taken horizontally through the upper guiding shaft thereof, showing the cam follower disposed in part in a passage defined by the cam of the lid closing device at an end of a second lid closing path portion;
  • Figure 20 is a partial top view of the lower cam, the lower cam follower and a lower sliding cam member actuator of an alternative implementation of the lid closing device of Figure 7 in a position corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 10;
  • Figure 21 is a partial top view of the lower cam, the lower cam follower and the lower sliding cam member actuator of Figure 20 in a position corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 11;
  • Figure 22 is a partial top view of a lower cam and a lower cam follower of an alternative implementation of the lid closing device of Figure 7 showing in solid lines the lower cam follower in a position corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 10 and in dotted lines the lower cam follower in a position corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 11.
  • the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the implementations or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.
  • injection mold and its components are depicted merely as an illustrative implementation of the present technology.
  • the description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology.
  • modifications to the injection mold and/or its components may also be set forth below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and, as a person skilled in the art would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a flip-top closure 10.
  • the flip-top closure 10 has a body portion 12, a lid 14 and a living hinge 16 attaching the lid 14 to the body portion 12.
  • the flip-top closure 10 is formed by an injection molding process, such as the one described below.
  • a molding material is injected in a cavity of an injection mold, such as the injection mold 100 described below, to form the flip-top closure 10.
  • the molding material is a polymer, such as a thermoplastic or a thermosetting polymer.
  • the molding material could be a different type of polymer such as an elastomer, a metal or any other suitable material for injection molding and for the particular application of the flip-top closure 10.
  • the molding material used for producing the flip-top closure 10 is polypropylene (PP).
  • the body portion 12 has a side 18 and a top 20.
  • the side 18 has a generally oval cross-section, but other shapes are contemplated.
  • the side 18 defines a recess 22.
  • the top 20 defines a recess 24, an aperture 26 and a lip 28 surrounding the aperture 26.
  • the recess 22 and the recess 24 are contiguous. It is contemplated that the recess 24 could be omitted. It is also contemplated that the lip 28 could be omitted.
  • the aperture 26 allows the content of the container (not shown) to which the flip-top closure 10 is to be affixed to be poured out of the container.
  • the inner side (not shown) of the body portion 12 defines features complimentary to features of the container to which the flip-top closure 10 is to be affixed permitting the attachment of the flip-top closure 10 to the container. Examples of such features include, but are not limited to, threads, ribs and clips. It is also contemplated that the inner side of the body portion 12 could shaped and sized to provide a press-fitted connection to the container, or welding or bonding of the flip-top closure 10 to the container. It is also contemplated that more than one type of feature could be used. For example, the inner side of the body portion 12 could be threaded and dimensioned to permit bonding.
  • the lid 14 is shaped to be complementary with the shape of the recess 24 of the body portion 12, such that when the lid is closed, the lid 14 is received in the recess 24.
  • the lid 14 defines cylindrical protrusion 30.
  • the cylindrical protrusion 30 is sized to be received in the aperture 26 when the lid 14 is closed.
  • the cylindrical protrusion 30, the lip 28 and the aperture 26 are configured to prevent the content of the container to which the flip-top closure 10 is to be affixed to flow out of the container when the lid 14 is closed. It is contemplated that the lid 14 could have any other shape permitting the closing of the aperture 26.
  • the lid 14 also defines a tab 32.
  • the tab 32 is aligned with the recess 22 in the side 18 of the body portion 12 when the lid 14 is closed. As a result, a user can open the lid 14 more easily by pushing on the tab 32. It is contemplated that the tab 32 and/or the recess 22 could be omitted.
  • the living hinge 16 connects the body portion 12 to the lid 14 and has a thinned line 34.
  • the living hinge 16 permits the pivoting of the lid 14 relative to the body portion 12 about an axis defined by the thinned line 34 in order to open and close the lid 14. It is contemplated that living hinges of different types could be used. For example, the living hinge 16 could have multiple parallel thinned lines 34.
  • flip-top closure 10 described above is only one contemplated implementation of a flip-top closure, and it should be understood that other implementations of flip-top closures having a body portion and lid attached to the body portion by a living hinge are contemplated. It is also contemplated that the flip-top closure 10 could have more or less features than described above.
  • Figures 2 to 6 there is depicted views of a portion of an injection mold 100 and the flip-top closure 10.
  • the injection mold 100 is implemented in accordance with non-limiting implementations of the present technology.
  • the injection mold 100 is for producing the flip-top closures 10.
  • the injection mold 100 is depicted in various mold opened configurations, which are maintained during appropriate portions of the molding cycle of the flip-top closures 10 following the injection and cooling of the flip-top closures 10.
  • the injection mold 100 is adapted for producing eight flip-top closures 10 simultaneously. For simplicity, only the components shown in Figures 2 to 6 to produce one of the eight flip-top closures 10 will be described. It should be understood that the injection mold 100 also includes a greater number of some of the components described below in order to produce the seven other flip-top closures 10 simultaneously as would be understood by persons skilled in the art. It is contemplated that the injection mold 100 could be adapted for producing more or less than eight flip-top closures 10 simultaneously.
  • the injection mold 100 is positionable, in use, within an injection molding machine (not depicted).
  • Injection molding machines are well known in the art and, and as such, will not be described here at any length. A detailed description of these known injection molding machines may be referenced, at least in part, in the following reference books (for example): (i) "Injection Molding Handbook” authored by OSSWALD/TURNG/GRAMANN (ISBN: 3-446-21669-2), (ii) "Injection Molding Handbook” authored by ROSATO AND ROSATO (ISBN: 0-412-10581-3), (iii) "Injection Molding Systems” 3rd 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).
  • the injection mold 100 comprises a mold portion 102, a mold portion 104 and an in-mold lid closing device 106 for producing all eight flip-top closures 10 simultaneously.
  • the mold portion 102 defines a portion of the flip-top closure 10 and the mold portion 104 defines another portion of the flip-top closure 10.
  • the in-mold lid closing device 106 is used to close the lid 14 onto the body portion 12 while the flip-top closure 10 is in the injection mold 100 as will be described below.
  • the mold portion 102 has a support plate 108 to which are mounted two side support members 110.
  • a mold plate 112 is mounted to the side support members 110.
  • a mold insert 114 is received in a recess in the mold plate 112.
  • a mold insert 115 is connected to the mold insert 114.
  • a core insert 116 extends through apertures defined in the mold insert 114 and the mold plate 112.
  • the core insert 116 is connected to a core insert plate 118 disposed inside a cavity 120 defined between the support plate 108, the side support members 110 and the mold plate 112.
  • a stripper ring 124 is disposed around the core insert 116 and extends through the apertures defined in the mold insert 114 and the mold plate 112.
  • the stripper ring 124 is connected to a stripper plate 126.
  • the stripper plate 126 defines an apertures through which the core insert 116.
  • the stripper plate 126 is disposed in the cavity 120 between the core insert plate 118 and the mold plate 112.
  • the mold portion 102 has other features and components which are considered not necessary to the understanding of the present technology and which would be known to a person skilled in the art, such as cooling channels for example. Therefore, for simplicity, these other features and components will not be described herein.
  • the core insert 116 defines the inner side of the body portion 12.
  • the mold insert 115 defines an outer portion of the lid 14 and a portion of the living hinge 16.
  • the mold inserts 114, 115 can be implemented as a split mold insert. Within these implementations, the mold inserts 114, 115 can be made of two or more complementary parts, which can be actuated together and apart during the appropriate portions of the molding cycle. Actuation of the parts of the mold inserts 114, 115 can be implemented by known techniques, such as using slides (not depicted) associated with suitable actuators (also not depicted), such as cams, servo motors and the like.
  • the mold portion 104 has a support plate 140 to which is mounted a mold plate 142. Mold inserts 146 and 148 are received in recesses in the mold plate 142.
  • a molding material injection system 150 is connected to the support plate 140.
  • the molding material injection system 150 includes a hot runner nozzle 152.
  • the hot runner nozzle 152 extends through apertures defined in the support plate 140, the mold plate 142 and the insert 146.
  • the hot runner nozzle 152 is implemented as a hot tip hot runner nozzle.
  • the hot runner nozzle 152 can be implemented as a valve-gated hot runner nozzle.
  • the hot runner nozzle 152 is replaced by another type of injection nozzle.
  • An ejector 154 extends through apertures defined in the mold insert 148 and the mold plate 142 and connects to an ejector plate 156.
  • the ejector plate 156 is disposed in a recess defined between the mold plate 142 and the support plate 140.
  • the mold portion 104 has other features and components which are considered not necessary to the understanding of the present technology and which would be known to a person skilled in the art, such as cooling channels for example. Therefore, for simplicity, these other features and components will not be described herein.
  • the mold insert 146 defines the outer side of the body portion 12.
  • the mold insert 148 defines an inner portion of the lid 14 and a portion of the living hinge 16.
  • the mold inserts 146, 148 can be implemented as split mold inserts as described above with respect to the mold inserts 114, 115.
  • the molding material injection system 150 is used to inject the molding material in the molding cavities when the injection mold 100 is closed (i.e. mold portions 102, 104 abut each other).
  • the in-mold lid closing device 106 has eight lid closing tools 200 connected to upper and lower cam followers 202 (one of which is shown in Figure 12).
  • the number of lid closing tools 200 could be less than the number of instances of the flip-top closure 10 being produced by sizing the lid closing tools 200 to close more than one lid 14 at a time.
  • the cam followers 202 engage a pair of cams 204.
  • a linear actuator 206 is connected to the lid closing tools 200 and the cam followers 202.
  • a pair of linear actuators 208 is connected to the lid closing tools 200 and the cam followers 202. The linear actuators 206, 208 are controlled to move the lid closing tools 200 along a two-dimensional lid closing path 210 (Fig.
  • the injection mold 100 is actuated into the mold closed configuration where the mold portions 102, 104 abut each other to form the molding cavity (not separately numbered) for molding the flip-top closure 10.
  • the molding cavity is defined between the core insert 116 and the mold inserts 114, 115, 146, 148.
  • Tonnage is then applied by known means (such as a clamp assembly of the injection molding machine that houses, in use, the injection mold 100) to hold the mold portion 102 and the mold portion 104 together to define the molding cavity.
  • the molding cavity is formed between the core insert 116 and the mold inserts 114, 115 146 and 148.
  • the tonnage is applied to counteract the pressure of the molding material being injected into the molding cavity through the hot runner nozzle 152.
  • the molding material used for producing the flip-top closure 10 is polypropylene (PP).
  • PP polypropylene
  • the choice of material for producing the flip- top closure 10 is considered to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
  • the molding material is injected into the molding cavity to fill the molding cavity. Thereafter, the process of cooling and holding commences. As the flip-top closure 10 cools down, it tends to shrink. A certain amount of molding material can be added to the molding cavity to ensure that the final shape of the flip-top closure 10 is maintained. This process is generally known as packing or holding in the art.
  • the tonnage is disengaged through known techniques, such as disengaging the clamp of the injection molding machine (not shown).
  • the mold portion 104 is moved away from the mold portion 102 while the mold portion 102 is stationary.
  • the ejector 154 is actuated by an actuator (not shown) pushing on the ejector plate 156. Actuating the ejector 154 ensures that the lid 14 is urged off the mold insert 148 and that the flip-top closure 10 is held on the mold portion 102 as can be seen in Figure 2.
  • the ejector 154 is reset to its molding configuration, where the end of the ejector 154 is substantially flush with mold insert 148 to define a molding surface, before returning the injection mold 100 to its closed configuration to begin a new injection cycle.
  • it is the mold portion 102 that is moved away from the mold portion 104 while the mold portion 104 is stationary.
  • both mold portions 102, 104 are moved away each other.
  • an actuator moves the core insert plate 118 away from the support plate 108 about the Y axis.
  • the core insert 116, the stripper ring 124 and the stripper plate 126 move in the same direction. It is contemplated that the stripper plate 126 and the stripper ring 124 could be moved at the same time and in the same direction as the core insert plate 118 as a result of the actuation of their own, separate actuator (not shown).
  • the flip-top closure 10 is moved to the position shown in Figure 3, where the lid 14 is lifted off of the mold insert 115 and the body portion 12 is still held on the core insert 116.
  • the in-mold lid closing device 106 is actuated to move the lid closing tool 200 along the lid closing path 210 shown in Figures 4A and 5A.
  • the movement of the lid closing tool 200 will be described below with respect to the orientation of Figures 4A and 5A. It should be understood that the directions and relative spatial position of the components provided would differ should the elements of the figure be oriented differently.
  • the lid closing tool 200 is first moved laterally linearly about the X axis toward the core insert 116 as illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B and 5A.
  • the lid closing tool 200 moves about the X axis in the same direction and about the Y axis away from the mold portion 102. As a result, the lid closing tool 200 comes into contact with the outer surface of the lid 14 and the lid closing tool 200 is disposed between the lid 14 and the mold insert 115 as shown in Figure 5B. The lid closing tool 200 then continues to move in the same direction about the X and Y axes along a curved portion of the lid closing path 210, thereby pivoting the lid 14 toward the body portion 12 of the flip-top closure 10 as shown in Figure 4C.
  • the lid closing tool 200 then continues to move in the same direction about the X axis but in the opposite direction about the Y axis along a curved portion of the lid closing path 210, thereby pivoting the lid 14 toward the body portion 12 of the flip- top closure 10 as shown in Figures 4D, 5C and 5D.
  • the lid closing tool is then moved laterally linearly about the X axis in the same direction further pivoting the lid 14 toward the body of the flip- top closure 10 until the lid 14 is nearly closed as shown in Figures 4E and 5E.
  • the lid closing tool 200 then moves laterally linearly about the Y axis toward the mold portion 102 to effect a final lid closing motion of the lid closing tool 200 thereby closing the lid 14 as shown in Figures 4F and 5F.
  • the lid closing tool 200 is moved along the lid closing path 210 in the opposite direction until it is returned to its initial position shown in Figure 6.
  • the flip- top closure 10 is ejected from the mold portion 102 as shown in Figure 6.
  • the stripper plate 126 is moved about the Y axis away from the support plate 108 by an actuator (not shown) while the core insert 116 remains stationary.
  • the stripper ring 124 moves in the same direction relative to the core insert 116 and extends beyond the core insert 116, which pushes the flip-top closure 10 off of the core insert 116.
  • the mold portions 102, 104 separate about a vertical plane, the ejected flip- top closure 10 falls out of the injection mold 100 by gravity.
  • the mold portion 102 is returned to its configuration shown in Figure 2, the mold portion 104 is moved so as to abut the mold portion 102 and the injection mold 100 is closed in order to begin another injection cycle.
  • the mold portions 102, 104 could be oriented so as to separate about a horizontal plane.
  • the flip-top closure 10 remains in the injection mold 100 after it has been ejected.
  • a part removal apparatus is provided to push the ejected flip-top closure 10 out of the injection mold 100.
  • a separate part removal apparatus (not depicted) can be used for removing the flip-top closure 10 from the injection mold 100. Implementation of such part removal apparatus is known to those of skill in the art and, as such, will not be discussed here at any length.
  • the mold portions 102, 104 could be oriented so as to separate about a plane oriented at any angle, and that depending on the angle of this plane, a part removal apparatus for pushing the flip-top closure 10 out of the injection mold 100 may or may not be necessary.
  • the in-mold lid closing device 106 has a linear actuator 206, a two linear actuators 208 and eight lid closing tools 200.
  • the linear actuator 206 is an electrical actuator including a servomotor 212, a ball screw 214 and upper and lower guiding shafts 216 connected to the ball screw 214.
  • the servomotor 212 is controlled to turn the ball screw 214 via a belt 218, which in turn causes the guiding shafts 216 to move about the X axis.
  • the servomotor 212 is connected to a servomotor support 220.
  • the servomotor support 220 is connected to a plate 222.
  • the belt 218 is disposed between the servomotor support 220 and the plate 222.
  • the ball screw 214 and the guiding shafts 216 extend through the plate 222.
  • the guiding shafts 216 are supported by guiding bearings 224 connected to the plate 222.
  • the servomotor 212 is connected to a power source 226 and to a controller 228 ( Figure 2). It is contemplated that the servomotors 212 could be replaced by an electric motor that is not provided with feedback sensors and that separate sensors could be used to sense the positions of the guiding shafts 216. It is also contemplated that the ball screw 214 could be replaced by another mechanism for converting rotary motion to linear motion, such as, for example, a rack and pinion assembly. It is also contemplated that the linear actuator 206 could be of a type other than electrical. For example, the linear actuator 206 could be a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator.
  • the plate 222 is movably connected by upper and lower guiding shafts 230 ( Figure 9) to a base 232 such that the plate 222 and the components supported by the plate 222 can move about the Y axis as described in greater detail below.
  • the guiding shafts 230 extend through the base 232. As can be seen, the guiding shafts 230 extend about the Y axis perpendicularly to the guiding shafts 216.
  • the guiding shafts 216 are supported by guiding bearings 234 connected to the base 232.
  • the linear actuators 208 are connected to the base 232 next to the guiding shafts 230 and extend through the base 232 to connect to the plate 222 as will be described in more detail below.
  • the base 232 is connected to the mold portion 102 as can be seen in Fig. 2. It is contemplated that instead of being connected to the mold portion 102, the in-mold lid closing device 106 could be connected to the mold portion 104 or to another portion of the injection molding machine.
  • the upper and lower cams 204 are connected to the top and bottom of the base 232 respectively.
  • Each cam 204 defines a cam profile 236 in an inwardly facing side thereof. It is contemplated that the cam profiles 236 could be defined in the outwardly facing sides of the cams 204.
  • the cam followers 202 are disposed in the cam profiles 236 such that the cam followers 202 engage the cams 204. In the present implementation, the cam followers 202 are rollers but it is contemplated that they could be of another type. For example, the cam followers 202 could be sliders.
  • the cam followers 202 are rotationally connected to the top and bottom of a plate 238.
  • the plate is disposed between the cams 204 such that each cam follower 202 is disposed between the plate 238 and its corresponding cam 204.
  • the plate 238 is connected to the ends of the guiding shafts 216.
  • the plate 222 is disposed between the plate 238 and the lid closing tools 200.
  • each lid closing tool 200 are connected to the ends of the guiding shafts 216 and the ball screw 214 of the linear actuator 206 by a tool mounting bar 240.
  • each lid closing tool 200 has a wedge-shaped body 242.
  • each body 242 defines an aperture inside which is disposed a roller 244.
  • the roller 244 protrudes from the body 242 can rotate relative to the body 242.
  • the body 242 contacts the lid 14 of the flip-top closure 10 at the beginning of the closing of the lid 14 (see Figures 4B, 4C, 4D, 5B, 5C and 5D) and the roller 244 contacts the lid 14 of the flip-top closure 10 at the end of the closing of the lid 14 (see Figures 4E, 4F, 5E and 5F).
  • the roller 244 could be replaced by a shaft that is fixed to the body 242 or could be omitted.
  • the lid closing tools 200 could have a different configuration.
  • the lid closing tools 200 could be eccentric members.
  • the bodies 242 are mounted to the tool mounting bar 240 by fasteners 246.
  • the lid closing tools 200 can be easily replaced by other lid closing tools 200 or by another type of lid closing tools suitable for closing the type of flip-top closures being molded in the injection mold 100 should the injection mold 100 be used for molding flip-top closures other than the flip-top closures 10.
  • linear actuators 208 will be described in more detail. As both the upper and lower linear actuators 208 are the same, only the upper linear actuator 208 will be described in detail herein. It is contemplated that the two linear actuator 208 could be different from each other. It is also contemplated that only one or more than two linear actuators 208 could be provided.
  • the upper linear actuator 208 is a pneumatic actuator including a cylinder housing 248, a piston 250 and a piston rod 252.
  • the cylinder housing 248 is connected to the base 232.
  • the piston 250 is disposed inside a cylinder defined by the cylinder housing 248.
  • the piston rod 252 is connected to the piston 250, extends through the cylinder housing 248 and the base 232 and connects to the plate 222.
  • the piston 250 and the cylinder defined by the cylinder housing 248 define two variable volume chambers 254, 256. Differences between the pressures in the chambers 254, 256 cause the piston 250 to reciprocate inside the cylinder housing 248 about the Y axis.
  • the linear actuator 208 is only actuated when the cam followers 202 reach a certain position in the cams 204.
  • Pneumatic pressure in the variable volume chambers 254, 256 is controlled by a valve assembly 258 connected to a compressor 260 (both schematically shown in Figure 10) or another pressures source.
  • the valve assembly 258 is controlled by a controller 262 (schematically shown in Figure 10). It is contemplated that the controller 262 and the controller 228 of the linear actuator 206 could be a single controller.
  • sensors could be provided to provide a feedback to the controller 262 of the position of the piston rod 252, or of another component moving therewith, about the Y axis.
  • the linear actuator 208 could be of a type other than pneumatic.
  • the linear actuator 208 could be an electric actuator or a hydraulic actuator.
  • the actuator 208 could be a rotary electric motor turning a rotating cam engaging a cam follower at the end of a shaft connected to the plate 222 like the piston rod 252, such that rotation of the rotating cam causes the shaft, and therefore the plate 222, to reciprocate about the Y axis.
  • the linear actuator 206 and the linear actuators 208 could be arranged such that they act about axes other than the X and Y axes respectively and/or such that they do not act about perpendicular axes.
  • the cam 204 defines a cam profile 236.
  • the cam profile 236 is formed by a channel in the cam 204.
  • the cam 204 also defines a passage 264 that extends from the cam profile 236 about the Y axis.
  • a sliding cam member 266 is disposed in the passage 264. As described below, the sliding cam member 266 is movable between the position shown in Figure 12 and the position shown in Figure 13. In the position shown in Figure 12, the top of the sliding cam member 266 (with respect to the orientation of Figure 12) defines part of the cam profile 236.
  • the linear actuators 208 move the sliding cam member 266 in the passage 264 about the Y axis from the position shown in Figure 12 to the position shown in Figure 13 via the cam follower 202
  • the sliding cam member 266 is moved back from the position shown in Figure 13 to the position shown in Figure 12 by a spring assembly 268 (one per cam 204) described in greater detail below.
  • the cam 204 and more specifically the shape of the cam profile 236 and the passage 264, define the shape of the lid closing path 210.
  • the cam follower 202 moves along a cam follower path 270 along the cam profile 236 and into the passage 264.
  • the cam follower 202 and the lid closing tools 200 are connected to each other as described above.
  • the cam follower 202 and the lid closing tools 200 move together such that movement of the cam follower 202 along the cam follower path 270 results in a corresponding motion the lid closing tools 200.
  • the lid closing path 210 and the cam follower path 270 are identical.
  • Each portion of the cam follower path 270 has a corresponding portion in the lid closing path 210.
  • the cam profile 236 defines a first cam follower path portion 272 ( Figure 12) of the cam follower path 270 which defines a first lid closing path portion of the lid closing path 210.
  • the first lid closing path portion of the lid closing path 210 is two-dimensional (i.e. about the X and Y axes) and corresponds to the path taken by the lid closing tools 200 during the initial closing motion of the lid closing tools 200 for closing the lids 14 of the flip-top closures 10 on the body portions 12 as shown in Figures 4A to 4E and 5A to 5E.
  • the first cam follower path portion 272 has four distinct portions 274, 276, 278, 280 corresponding to four distinct portions 284, 286, 288, 290 respectively of the first lid closing path portion. As each of the portions 274, 276, 278, 280 is identical to the portions 284, 286, 288, 290 respectively, only the portions 274, 276, 278, 280 will be described in detail. It should be understood that the portions 284, 286, 288, 290 have the same shape.
  • the portions 274, 276, 278, 280 will be described with reference Figure 12, and with respect to the orientation of this Figure.
  • the portion 274 is linear and extends about the X axis.
  • the portion 276 is curved and extends upward about the Y axis and leftward about the X axis from the portion 274.
  • the portion 278 is curved and extends downward about the Y axis and leftward about the X axis from the portion 276.
  • the portion 280 is linear and extends leftward about the X axis from the portion 278.
  • the linear portion 280 is offset from the linear portion 274.
  • the passage 264 defines a second cam follower path portion 282 ( Figure 13) of the cam follower path 270 which defines a second lid closing path portion 292 of the lid closing path 210.
  • the second lid closing path portion 292 is unidimensional (i.e.
  • the second cam follower path portion 282 is identical to the second lid closing path portion 292 only the second cam follower path portion 282 will be described. With respect to the orientation of Figure 13, the second cam follower path portion 282 is linear and extends downward about the Y axis from the portion 280 of the first cam follower path portion 272. It is contemplated that the second cam follower path portion 282 could not be perpendicular to the portion 280 of the first cam follower path portion 272. It is also contemplated that the shape of the cam follower path 270 could be modified by modifying the cam profile 236 and/or the passage 264 in order to obtain a lid closing path having a shape corresponding to the modified shape of the cam follower path 270.
  • the lower spring assembly 268 will be described. As the upper spring assembly 268 is identical, it will not be described in detail herein. It is contemplated that the spring assemblies 268 could differ from each other.
  • the lower spring assembly 268 has a spring housing 294, a stopper ring 296 and a biasing member in the form of a helical spring 298. It is contemplated that the biasing member could be of another type, such as a leaf spring or a Belleville spring.
  • the spring housing 294 is connected to the cam 204 in alignment with the passage 264 and the sliding cam member 266.
  • the stopper ring 296 is disposed inside the spring housing 294.
  • the stopper ring 296 is spaced from the sliding cam member 266 when the sliding cam member 266 is in the position shown in Fig. 14.
  • the spring 298 is disposed inside the spring housing 294 and the stopper ring 296.
  • the spring 298 abuts the sliding cam member 266.
  • the sliding cam member 266 compresses the spring 298 until the sliding cam member 266 abuts the stopper ring 296 as shown in Figure 15.
  • the stopper ring 296 therefore limits the displacement of the sliding cam member 266 in the passage 264.
  • the spring 298 biases the sliding cam member 266 toward the position shown in Figure 14.
  • the spring assembly 268 could be of a different type, such as an air spring assembly for example. It is also contemplated that the spring assembly 268 could be replaced by an actuator such as a linear pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuator for example used for returning the sliding cam member 266 from the position shown in Figure 15 to the position shown in Figure 14.
  • an actuator such as a linear pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuator for example used for returning the sliding cam member 266 from the position shown in Figure 15 to the position shown in Figure 14.
  • the lid closing motion begins when the in-mold lid closing device 106 is in the configuration shown in Figure 3.
  • the cam followers 202 are at one end of the cam profiles 236.
  • This position of the lower cam follower 202 is shown in dotted lines as 202A in Figure 12.
  • the controller 228 sends a signal to the servomotor 212 to actuate the ball screw 214 to move the tool mounting bar 240, and therefore the lid closing tools 200, toward the flip-top closures 10 about the X axis (i.e.
  • the tool mounting bar 240 pulls the guiding shafts 216, the plate 238 and the cam followers 202 in the same direction about the X axis.
  • the cam followers 202 move along the cam profiles 236.
  • the cam followers 202 push the plate 238 in a direction away from the spring assemblies 268 about the Y axis (i.e. up with respect to the orientation of the Figures) as the cam followers 202 continue to move about the X axis.
  • the lid closing tools 200, the tool mounting bar 240, the ball screw 214, the guiding shafts 216, the plate 238 and the cam followers 202 continue to move linearly only about the X axis.
  • the controller 228 sends a signal to the servomotor 212 to stop actuating the ball screw 214.
  • the lid closing tools 200, the cam followers 202 and the components connected therebetween stop moving about the X axis. This completes the initial closing motion of the lid closing tools 200.
  • the controller 262 controls the valve assembly 258 such that the air pressure inside the chambers 254 is greater than the pressure inside the chambers 256 of the linear actuators 208.
  • the pistons 250 move away from the cams 204 about the Y axis (i.e. down with respect to the orientation of the Figures).
  • the pistons 250 pull on the piston rods 252 which pull on the plate 222 such that the piston rods 252 and the plate 222 move in the same direction as the pistons 250 about the Y axis.
  • stopper rings 296 pressure in the chambers 256 could be increased to stop the motion of the components about the Y axis. It is also contemplated that the stopper rings 296 could be omitted and that the balance of forces applied by the sliding cam members 266 and the springs 298 would determine the final position of the sliding cam members 266. It is contemplated that the linear actuator 206 could move the cam followers 202 and the lid closing tools 200 about the X axis as the linear actuators 208 move these components and the sliding cam member 266 about the Y axis.
  • the controller 262 controls the valve assembly 258 such that the air pressure inside the chambers 256 is greater than the pressure inside the chambers 254 of the linear actuators 208.
  • the pistons 250 move toward the cams 204 about the Y axis (i.e. up with respect to the orientation of the Figures).
  • the pistons 250 push on the piston rods 252 which push on the plate 222 such that the piston rods 252 and the plate 222 move in the same direction as the pistons 250 about the Y axis.
  • This motion of the plate 222 about the Y axis causes the linear actuator 206, the tool mounting bar 240, the lid closing tools 200, the plate 238 and the cam followers 202 to move linearly in the same direction as the pistons 250 about the Y axis.
  • the cam followers 202 are returned to the cam profiles 236, as shown in Figures 12 and 14.
  • the springs 298 bias the sliding cam members 266 back to their initial positions (i.e. as shown in Figure 14) as the cam followers 202 are returned to the cam profiles 236.
  • the springs 298 also push on the cam followers 202 via the sliding cam members 266 thereby assisting the linear actuators to return the cam followers to the cam profiles 236.
  • the cam followers 202 move along the cam profiles 236 back toward the ends of the cam profiles 236.
  • the controller 228 sends a signal to the servomotor 212 to stop actuating the ball screw 214.
  • the lid closing tools 200, the cam followers 202 and the components connected therebetween stop moving and the in-mold lid closing device 106 is in the configuration shown in Figure 2.
  • the cams 204 are replaced by cams 304 and the spring assemblies 268 are omitted.
  • the cams 304 define the same lid closing path 210 as the cams 204, but it is contemplated that the cams 304 could be configured to define a different lid closing path.
  • the cam 304 defines a cam profile 336.
  • the cam profile 336 has the same shape as the cam profile 236, but it is contemplated that it could have other shapes.
  • the cam 304 also defines a passage 364 that extends about the Y axis across the cam 304.
  • a sliding cam member 366 is disposed in the passage 364.
  • the sliding cam member 366 is movable between the position shown in Figure 16 and the position shown in Figure 17. In the position shown in Figure 12, the sliding cam member 366 defines parts 367 A, 367B on both sides of the cam profile 336.
  • the linear actuators 208 move the sliding cam member 366 in the passage 264 about the Y axis from the position shown in Figure 16 to the position shown in Figure 17 via the cam follower 202 pushing on the part 367A of the sliding cam member 366.
  • FIG. 18 illustrate an in-mold lid closing device 406 which in an alternative implementation of the in-mold lid closing device 106.
  • components of the in-mold lid closing device that correspond to previously described components have been labelled with the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.
  • the linear actuators 208 have been omitted, the cams 204 are replaced by the cams 304 described above, but the spring assemblies 268 still provided. It is contemplated that the cams 204 could be used instead of the cams 304.
  • the linear actuators 208 have been replaced by a linear actuator 408.
  • the linear actuator 408 is a pneumatic actuator formed by a stroke limiter 450 disposed in a cylinder defined in the base 232 and connected to the plate 222.
  • a variable volume chamber 454 is defined between the stroke limiter and the base 232. Pneumatic pressure in the variable volume chamber 454 is controlled by the valve assembly 258.
  • a sensor could be provided to provide a feedback to the controller 262 of the position of the stroke limiter 450, or of another component moving therewith, about the Y axis.
  • the stroke limiter 450 limits motion of the plate 222 about the Y axis away from the base 232, and of the components moving therewith about the Y axis, by contacting a shoulder defined in the base 232.
  • the initial closing motion of the lid closing tools 200 is performed as in the in-mold lid closing device 106 and will therefore not be described again.
  • the controller 262 controls the valve assembly 258 such that the air pressure inside the chambers 254 is increased.
  • the stroke limiter 405 moves down about the Y axis down with respect to the orientation of Figures 18 and 19.
  • the stroke limiter 450 pulls on the plate 222 such that the plate 222 move in the same direction as the stroke limiter 450 about the Y axis.
  • the stopper rings 296 could be omitted and that the balance of forces applied by the sliding cam members 366 and the springs 298 would determine the final position of the sliding cam members 366. It is contemplated that the linear actuator 206 could move the cam followers 202 and the lid closing tools 200 about the X axis as the linear actuator 408 moves these components and the sliding cam member 366 about the Y axis. It is contemplated that more than one linear actuator 408 could be provided. To return the in-mold lid closing device 406 to the configuration shown in Figure 18, the controller 262 controls the valve assembly 258 to release the air pressure inside the chambers 454.
  • the springs 298 of the spring assemblies 268 push on sliding cam members 366 which in turn push on the cam followers 202 so that they move about the Y axis back to their positions shown in Figure 18.
  • This motion of the cam followers 202 about the Y axis causes the plate 222, the linear actuator 206, the tool mounting bar 240, the lid closing tools 200, the plate 238 and the stroke limiter 450 to move linearly in the same direction as the cam followers 202 about the Y axis.
  • the in-mold lid closing device 406 is then returned to a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the in-mold lid closing device 106 shown in Figure 2 in the same manner as the in-mold lid closing device 106.
  • the linear actuators 208 and the spring assemblies 268 have been omitted and the cams 204 are replaced by the cams 304 described above.
  • the linear actuators 208 have been replaced by linear actuators 508.
  • the lower linear actuator 508 and the lower cam 304 are illustrated in Figures 20 and 21.
  • the linear actuator 508 is a pneumatic actuator including a cylinder housing 548, a piston 550 and a piston rod 552.
  • the cylinder housing 548 is connected to a fixed portion of the cam 304 by a bracket (not shown).
  • the piston 550 is disposed inside a cylinder defined by the cylinder housing 548.
  • the piston rod 552 is connected to the piston 550, extends through the cylinder housing 548 and connects to the sliding cam member 366.
  • the piston 550 and the cylinder defined by the cylinder housing 548 define two variable volume chambers 554, 556. Differences between the pressures in the chambers 554, 556 cause the piston 550 to reciprocate inside the cylinder housing 548 about the Y axis.
  • the piston 550 reciprocates, the piston rod 552, and as a result the sliding cam member 366, the cam follower 202, the plate 222, the plate 238, the linear actuator 206 and the lid closing tools 200, reciprocate about the Y axis when the cam follower 202 is aligned with the passage 364.
  • Pneumatic pressure in the variable volume chambers 554, 556 is controlled by the valve assembly 258 as described above for the in-mold lid closing device 106.
  • sensors could be provided to provide a feedback to the controller 262 of the position of the piston rod 552, or of another component moving therewith, about the Y axis.
  • the linear actuator 508 could be of a type other than pneumatic.
  • the linear actuator 508 could be an electric actuator or a hydraulic actuator. It is also contemplated that the linear actuator 206 and the linear actuators 508 could be arranged such that they act about axes other than the X and Y axes respectively and/or such that they do not act about perpendicular axes.
  • the initial closing motion of the lid closing tools 200 is performed as in the in-mold lid closing device 106 and will therefore not be described again.
  • the controller 262 controls the valve assemblies 258 such that the air pressure inside the chambers 554 is greater than the air pressure in the chambers 556.
  • the pistons 550 move down about the Y axis down with respect to the orientation of Figures 20 and 21.
  • the pistons 550 pull on the piston rods 552 which in turn pull on the sliding cam members 366 such that the sliding cam members 366 move in the same direction as the piston 550 about the Y axis.
  • stroke limiters and/or stoppers could be provided to limit the motion of the sliding cam members 366. It is contemplated that the linear actuator 206 could move the cam followers 202 and the lid closing tools 200 about the X axis as the linear actuators 508 move these components and the sliding cam member 366 about the Y axis.
  • the controller 262 controls the valve assembly 258 such that the air pressure inside the chambers 556 is greater than the air pressure in the chambers 554.
  • the pistons 550 move up about the Y axis down with respect to the orientation of Figures 20 and 21.
  • the pistons 550 push on the piston rods 552 which in turn push on the sliding cam members 366 such that the sliding cam members 366 move in the same direction as the piston 550 about the Y axis.
  • the cams 204 are replaced by cams 604 and the spring assemblies 268 are omitted.
  • the cams 604 define the same lid closing path 210 as the cams 204, but it is contemplated that the cams 604 could be configured to define a different lid closing path.
  • the cam 604 defines a cam profile 636.
  • the cam profile 636 has the same shape as the cam profile 236, but it is contemplated that it could have other shapes.
  • the cam 604 also defines a passage in the form of a recess 664 that extends from the cam profile 636 about the Y. As can be seen, the cam 604 does not have a sliding cam member.
  • the linear actuators 208 move the cam follower about the Y axis partly into the recess 664 (as illustrated by the cam follower 202 shown in dotted lines in Figure 22) when the cam follower is aligned with the recess 664 to effect the final closing motion of the lid closing tools 200 about the Y axis.
  • the cam follower 202 is then moved back into the cam profile 636 by the linear actuators 208.

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  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un moule d'injection pour mouler une fermeture à couvercle rabattable ayant une partie corps, un couvercle et une charnière, comprenant des première et seconde parties de moule, un outil de fermeture de couvercle, un suiveur de came relié à l'outil de fermeture de couvercle et mobile avec celui-ci, un actionneur linéaire relié de manière fonctionnelle à l'outil de fermeture de couvercle et une came en prise avec le suiveur de came. La came définit un trajet de fermeture de couvercle ayant des première et seconde parties de trajet de fermeture de couvercle. La came définit un profil de came définissant la première partie de trajet de fermeture de couvercle autour du premier axe et d'un second axe. La came définit un passage s'étendant à partir du profil de came et définissant la seconde partie de trajet de fermeture de couvercle autour du second axe. L'actionneur linéaire peut être commandé pour déplacer le suiveur de came le long du profil de came au moins jusqu'au passage. Le suiveur de came se déplace au moins en partie dans le passage à partir du profil de came.
PCT/CA2018/050337 2017-04-20 2018-03-21 Moule à injection ayant un dispositif de fermeture de couvercle dans le moule WO2018191813A1 (fr)

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US62/487,701 2017-04-20

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3581358A1 (fr) * 2018-06-13 2019-12-18 Nypromold Inc. Appareil de fermeture de couvercle intégré dans le moule

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040222559A1 (en) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-11 Gomes Manuel J. In mold closing mechanism
WO2016141461A1 (fr) * 2015-03-12 2016-09-15 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Moule à injection ayant un dispositif de fermeture de couvercle dans le moule
US20160263795A1 (en) * 2015-03-12 2016-09-15 Cap-Thin Molds Inc. Injection molding apparatus, method, and system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040222559A1 (en) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-11 Gomes Manuel J. In mold closing mechanism
WO2016141461A1 (fr) * 2015-03-12 2016-09-15 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Moule à injection ayant un dispositif de fermeture de couvercle dans le moule
US20160263795A1 (en) * 2015-03-12 2016-09-15 Cap-Thin Molds Inc. Injection molding apparatus, method, and system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3581358A1 (fr) * 2018-06-13 2019-12-18 Nypromold Inc. Appareil de fermeture de couvercle intégré dans le moule
US11110633B2 (en) 2018-06-13 2021-09-07 Nypromold Inc. In-mold lid closing apparatus

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