Mould, machine and method for manufacturing three-dimensional items and manufacturing plant associated with same

Abstract

A mould for manufacturing three-dimensional items, comprising a body; a lid configured to close the body; and incorporated closing and openings configured to keep the body and the lid joined during the movement thereof is disclosed. A machine for manufacturing three-dimensional items, comprising a receiving module configured to receive the mould; a conditioning module configured to receive the mould from the receiving module and act on the incorporated closing and openings in order to separate the lid from the body; and a handling module configured to receive the body from the conditioning module and enable the placement of the components of the item to be manufactured. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional items and manufacturing plant associated with the machine.

Claims

1. A mould for manufacturing three-dimensional items, comprising: a body which defines an internal surface, comprising: a fixed portion whereon the mould is supported; and an interchangeable portion which is configured to be removably mounted on the fixed portion; a lid configured to close said body; and incorporated closing and opening means configured to keep the body and the lid joined during movement of said mould; wherein the incorporated closing and opening means are configured to move together with the mould along a production line, ensuring a secure and airtight closure of said mould, able to resist working pressures produced therein, keeping the lid closed against the body, wherein the interchangeable portion is arranged within the fixed portion, defining the internal surface of the body; and wherein the mould comprises: an elastically deformable template arranged between the body and the lid, which fits on the internal surface and which is configured to receive one or more laminar parts of an item to be manufactured; and/or a countermould or last which occupies a defined volume between the body and the lid.

2. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the countermould or last is arranged between the template and the lid, and is configured to press the laminar parts against the template when the body and the lid are joined.

3. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a demoulding hole configured to enable a passage of an external demoulding element for extracting the last by means of the pushing exerted thereon by said external demoulding element.

4. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the fixed portion is made of metal material; and the interchangeable portion is made of metal or plastic material.

5. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises: a vacuum chamber that communicates with a plurality of suction holes that reach the internal surface of the body; and an extraction nozzle which enables air to be extracted from the vacuum chamber; and the template comprises: a plurality of holes in communication with the suction holes, configured to attract one or more laminar parts of the item to be manufactured against said template when the air is extracted from the vacuum chamber.

6. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises: a first lateral part which defines a first portion of the internal surface; and a second lateral part which defines a second portion of the internal surface; wherein the first lateral part and the second lateral part are joined together when the lid is joined to the body, and configured to move in opposite directions once the lid is removed from the body.

7. The mould according to claim 6, wherein the first lateral part and the second lateral part are jointly covered by an elastic cover configured to prevent an entry of external air when both lateral parts are separated.

8. The mould according to claim 6, comprising lateral closing and opening means configured to keep the first lateral part and the second lateral part joined, and to enable a subsequent lateral separation thereof, formed by: at least one lateral latch which runs through a lateral hole of the body, at one end of which it has a lateral closing element configured to join the first lateral part to the second lateral part; and at least one lower actuation which runs through a lower hole of the body, at the end of which it has a lateral opening element configured to unlock the closing element of the lateral latch.

9. The mould according to claim 8, wherein the lateral closing and opening means comprise: at least one lead screw which laterally crosses through both lateral parts and which is configured to be threaded thereto; wherein the separation and subsequent joining of the lateral parts is performed by means of screwing/unscrewing said lead screw.

10. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises: a first face which defines a first countermould associated with a first volume of the item to be manufactured; and a second face which defines a second countermould associated with a second volume of the item to be manufactured; wherein the lid is reversible which enables the body to be closed through the first face or the second face.

11. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the incorporated closing and opening means comprise: at least one upper latch which runs through an upper hole extending from the body to the lid, at an end of which it has an upper closing element configured to join the body to the lid; and at least one locking element which works in collaboration with the upper closing element; and at least one unlocking actuation configured to release the closing element from the locking element.

12. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the incorporated closing and opening means comprise at least one closing spring configured to press the lid against the body when both are joined; and the incorporated closing and opening means comprise at least one rod which has: an upper end whereon an upper latch is arranged; and a lower end whereon the closing spring is arranged; wherein the closing spring is in a compressed position when the lid is joined to the body in order to exert a downward pushing force against the lower end of the rod.

13. The mould according to claim 1, comprising an injection mechanism configured to slide upwards by means of an action exerted by an elastic mechanism arranged between the body and the lid.

14. The mould according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a partial coating made of an elastically deformable material.

15. The mould according to claim 1, wherein it is configured to be kept closed without needing to be connected or fastened to a machine, enabling the mobility thereof along a process chain of a manufacturing plant.

16. The mould according to claim 1, wherein it is configured to move along a production line together with the incorporated closing and opening means, keeping the body and the lid joined during the movement of said mould.

17. The mould according to claim 1, comprising a support base arranged underneath the body; and the incorporated closing and opening means are configured to leave a clearance between the body and the support base in order to enable a relative vertical movement between both of them.

18. A machine for manufacturing three-dimensional items configured to work with the mould according to claim 1, wherein the machine comprises: a body which defines an internal surface; a lid configured to close said body; and incorporated closing and opening means configured to keep the body and the lid joined during the movement of the mould; wherein it is configured to work with the mould by actuating on the incorporated closing and opening means in order to separate the lid from the body.

19. The machine according to claim 18, configured to work with a mould, the body of which further comprises: a first lateral part which defines a first portion of the internal surface; and a second lateral part which defines a second portion of the internal surface; wherein the first lateral part and the second lateral part are joined together when the lid is joined to the body, and configured to move in opposite directions once the lid is removed from the body; wherein the mould further comprises lateral closing and opening means configured to keep the first lateral part and the second lateral part joined, and to enable a subsequent lateral separation thereof; wherein it is configured to work with the mould by acting on the lateral closing and opening means in order to keep the first lateral part and the second lateral part joined, and to enable a subsequent lateral separation thereof.

20. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional items, comprising the following steps: a) receiving a mould according to claim 1 formed by a body and a lid joined by means of incorporated closing and opening means; b) acting on the incorporated closing and opening means in order to separate the lid from the body; and c) placing the components of the item to be manufactured inside the body; step c) comprises: c1) acting on lateral closing and opening means of the body in order to laterally separate a first lateral part and a second lateral part thereof.

21. A plant for manufacturing three-dimensional items, comprising: a plurality of moulds according to claim 1 formed by a body and a lid joined by means of incorporated closing and opening means; a selection area configured to store the plurality of moulds; an assembly area which has at least one assembly machine configured to: receive a mould from the selection area; act on the incorporated closing and opening means in order to separate the lid from the body; enable placement of the components of an item to be manufactured inside the body; and act on the incorporated closing and opening means in order to join the lid to the body after the placement of the components of the item to be manufactured; and an injection area having at least a first injection machine configured to: receive a mould from the assembly area after the placement of the components of the item to be manufactured, the lid of which is joined to the body; and join the components of the item to be manufactured arranged inside the mould by means of a first injection of plastic material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) What follows is a very brief description of a series of drawings that aid in better understanding the invention and which are expressly related to one embodiment of said invention that is presented by way of a non-limiting example of the same.

(2) FIG. 1: Perspective view of a first exploded view of the mould of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2: Perspective view of a second exploded view of the mould of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3: Top plan view of the mould of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4: Cross-sectional view along cutting line A-A of FIG. 3.

(6) FIG. 5: Bottom plan view of the mould of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6: Side view of a third exploded view of the mould of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7: Cross-sectional view along cutting line B-B of FIG. 6.

(9) FIG. 8: Cross-sectional view along cutting line C-C of FIG. 6.

(10) FIG. 9a: Cross-sectional view along cutting line D-D of FIG. 6.

(11) FIG. 9b: Cross-sectional view according to FIG. 9a, with the lid joined to the body of the mould.

(12) FIGS. 10a-10f: Sequence of operations for manufacturing footwear shown by means of transverse cross sections of the mould.

(13) FIG. 11: Schematic diagram of the power and control elements of the mould.

(14) FIG. 12a: Cross-sectional view along cutting line E-E of FIG. 6, without the last and with the lid open.

(15) FIG. 12b: Detail Z of FIG. 12a.

(16) FIG. 13a: Cross-sectional view along cutting line E-E of FIG. 6, without the last and with the lid closed.

(17) FIG. 13b: Detail W of FIG. 13a.

(18) FIG. 14: Perspective view of a first exploded view of the mould of the present invention, according to a second embodiment.

(19) FIG. 15: Perspective view of a second exploded view of the mould of the present invention, according to the second embodiment.

(20) FIGS. 16a-16d: Sequence of joining the lid to the body of the mould, according to the second embodiment.

(21) FIG. 17: Perspective view of an exploded view of the body of the mould of FIGS. 14 and 15.

(22) FIG. 18: Perspective view showing the mode of separation of the lateral parts of the mould of FIG. 17.

(23) FIG. 19: Perspective view of the machine of the present invention.

(24) FIG. 20: Side view of the machine of the present invention.

(25) FIG. 21: Plan view of the receiving module receiving a mould.

(26) FIG. 22: Side view of the receiving module receiving a mould.

(27) FIG. 23: Plan view of the receiving module performing the alignment of the mould.

(28) FIG. 24: Plan view of the receiving module with the mould aligned according to the advance direction.

(29) FIG. 25: Side view of the conditioning module performing the centring of the mould.

(30) FIG. 26: Front view of the conditioning module with the mould centred according to the advance direction.

(31) FIG. 27: Side view of the conditioning module performing the lifting of the mould.

(32) FIG. 28: Front view of the conditioning module performing the opening of the lid.

(33) FIG. 29: Side view of the conditioning module performing the lowering of the body while the lid is secured above it.

(34) FIG. 30: Front view of the conditioning module performing the lowering of the body while the lid is secured above it

(35) FIG. 31: Side view of the conditioning module turning over the lid.

(36) FIG. 32: Front view of the conditioning module turning over the lid.

(37) FIG. 33: Plan view of the handling module performing the lateral opening of the body.

(38) FIG. 34: Side view of the handling module performing the lateral opening of the body.

(39) FIG. 35: Front view of the handling module with the body cross-sectioned, showing the first lateral part and the second lateral part joined together.

(40) FIG. 36: Front view of the handling module with the body cross-sectioned, showing the first lateral part and the second lateral part separated.

(41) FIG. 37: Plan view of the handling module performing the demoulding.

(42) FIG. 38: Side view of the handling module performing the demoulding.

(43) FIG. 39: Schematic view of the manufacturing plant of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(44) As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mould (1) for manufacturing three-dimensional items with flexible walls of the present invention comprises: a body (2) which defines an internal surface (S.sub.2), see FIG. 7; an elastically deformable template (3), for example made of silicone (which also has an impermeable nature that does not enable the passage of air), which is fitted on said internal surface (S.sub.2) and which is configured to receive one or more laminar parts (L) of an item to be manufactured; a lid (4) configured to close said body (2), the template (3) staying arranged between the body (2) and the lid (4); and incorporated closing and opening means (5) configured to keep the body (2) and the lid (4) joined during the transport/movement of the mould (1).

(45) This configuration enables the mould (1) to be kept closed without needing to be connected or fastened to a machine. This gives it the advantage of being able to move to any other point of the manufacturing plant or process line, see FIG. 39.

(46) The body (2) comprises: a first lateral part (2a) which defines a first portion (S.sub.2a) of the internal surface (S.sub.2) whereon the template (3) is fitted; and a second lateral part (2b) which defines a second portion (S.sub.2b) of the internal surface (S.sub.2) whereon the template (3) is fitted;

(47) wherein the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) are joined together when the lid (4) is joined to the body (2), and configured to move in opposite directions (d.sub.2a, d.sub.2b) once the lid (4) is removed from the body (2). This enables the mould (1) to be opened laterally, once the lateral parts (L) are arranged on the template (3), in order to in turn enable the introduction of a countermould (6), or last (6) for manufacturing footwear, see FIG. 9b.

(48) Moreover, in order to prevent the loss of the vacuum inside the mould (1) in said situation, which could cause the lateral parts (L) to be displaced, the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) are jointly covered by an elastic cover (7) configured to prevent the entry of external air when both lateral parts (2a, 2b) are separated. To enable the interaction of actuations and/or external elements with the mould (1), the elastic cover (7) also comprises a plurality of openings or windows (71) with different shapes and sizes to make some functional and/or connecting elements thereof visible, such as for example; the incorporated closing and opening means (5), the lateral closing and opening means (9), the air extraction nozzle (25) of the vacuum chamber (23), injection holes (111) for molten material, electrical connectors, etc.

(49) The incorporated closing and opening means (5) are integrated into the mould (1) itself, or make up part of it, and which move together with said mould (1) along the production line keeping the lid (4) closed against the body (2).

(50) According to the present example, the incorporated closing and opening means (5) comprise: a plurality of upper latches (51), one for each corner of the mould (1), wherein each one runs through an upper hole (52) extending from the body (2) to the lid (4), at the end of which it has an upper closing element (53) configured to join the body (2) to the lid (4); and at least one locking element (54) which works in collaboration with the upper closing element (53); and at least one unlocking actuation (55) configured to release the closing element (53) from the locking element (54).

(51) According to the present example, each unlocking actuation (55), or key, comprises an inner spring (not shown), such that when said spring is pressed by means of the unlocking actuation (55), the upper closure (53) is released from the locking element (54). On the contrary, if no action is taken on the unlocking actuation (55), the upper closure (53) stays locked, preventing the opening of the lid (4).

(52) The described configuration increases the accessibility of the incorporated closing and opening means (5), such that they can be easily actuated from the outside by actuating, for example, on the contour of the lid (4).

(53) FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the mould (1).

(54) As seen in FIG. 4, the mould (1) comprises a countermould (6), or last (6) for manufacturing footwear, which occupies a defined volume (V) between the template (3) and the lid (4), and which is configured to press the laminar parts (L) against the template (3) when the body (2) and the lid (4) are joined, see FIG. 9b.

(55) The body (2) comprises a demoulding hole (60) configured to enable the passage of an external demoulding element for extracting the last (6) by pushing on it with said external demoulding element. In this manner, once the item has been manufactured, the last (6) can be extracted from it.

(56) FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the mould (1) wherein the different elements which enable the interaction of the mould (1) with a machine for handling it can be seen in greater detail.

(57) Specifically, the mould (1) comprises four unlocking actuations (55), each of them configured to release a closing element (53) from the incorporated closing and opening means (5).

(58) Moreover, there are also two lower holes (95) located in the central portion which provide access to two other lower actuations (94) each one configured to unlock a closing element (93) of the lateral closing and opening means (9).

(59) Also seen from another point of view is the demoulding hole (60) configured to enable the passage of an external demoulding element for extracting the last (6), as well as the air extraction nozzles (25) of the vacuum chamber (23).

(60) Finally, to increase the sliding and/or mobility of the mould (1) along the process line, the elastic cover (7) comprises on the external lower face thereof, or support face, two metal plates (72) to prevent friction that the plastic material of the cover would cause on other transport elements (conveyor belts, etc.) and/or machinery (work stations, etc.).

(61) FIG. 6 shows a side view of a third exploded view of the mould (1).

(62) As seen in FIG. 7, the body (2) comprises: a fixed portion (21) whereon the mould (1) is supported; and an interchangeable portion (22) wherein the internal surface (S.sub.2) of the body (2) is defined and whereon the template (3) is fitted, and which is configured to be removably mounted on the fixed portion (21), see FIGS. 9a and 9b.

(63) The fixed portion (21), or chassis, acts as a support element and/or structural element of the mould, regardless of the model and/or the size of the item to be manufactured, for which reason said fixed portion (21) is shared by a large number of items, as well as a large number of models and/or sizes thereof. Moreover, the interchangeable portion (22) is what determines the shape, size and/or features of the design of each item to be manufactured. Therefore, with a smaller number of components and/or parts of the mould (1), a larger number of different items can be manufactured. Likewise, the fixed portion (21) and the interchangeable portion (22) have complementary shapes which facilitate the assembly and replacement thereof in a quick and easy manner.

(64) The fixed portion (21) is made of metal material, such as aluminium, while the interchangeable portion (22) is made of plastic material which is easily produced by means of 3D printing.

(65) The mould (1) comprises two electric heaters (8) arranged inside the body (2) which are thermally insulated from the outside of said body (2) by an elastic cover (7).

(66) As seen in FIG. 8, the mould (1) comprises lateral closing and opening means (9) configured to keep the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) joined, and to enable a subsequent lateral separation thereof, which are formed by: at least one lateral latch (91), equipped with a first spring (97), which runs through a lateral hole (92) of the body (2), at the end of which it has a lateral closing element (93) configured to join the first lateral part (2a) to the second lateral part (2b); and at least one lower actuation (94), equipped with a second spring (98), which runs through a lower hole (95) of the body (2), at the end of which it has a lateral opening element (96) configured to unlock the closing element (93) of the lateral latch (91).

(67) The described configuration increases the accessibility of the lateral closing and opening means (9), such that they can be easily actuated from the outside by actuating on the lateral faces of the mould (1) and on the lower face thereof.

(68) As seen in FIGS. 9a and 9b, according to the present example, the incorporated closing and opening means (5) additionally comprise at least one closing spring (56) configured to press the lid (4) against the body (2) when both are joined, FIG. 9b.

(69) To do so, the incorporated closing and opening means (5) comprise at least one rod (57) which has: an upper end (57s) whereon the upper latch (51) is arranged; and a lower end (57i) whereon the closing spring (56) is arranged;

(70) wherein the closing spring (56) is in a compressed position (56T) when the lid (4) is joined to the body (2) in order to exert a downward pushing force (F.sub.56) against the lower end (57i) of the rod (57).

(71) In any case, the presence of the closing springs (56) and the elements associated with them are an optional complement to the closure means (5) described above, the purpose of which is to offer a better securing of the lid (4) to the body (2) during the transport of the mould (1). Meaning, the incorporated closing and opening means (5) formed by elements (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) can likewise function properly without the presence of the closing springs (56).

(72) As seen in FIGS. 10a and 10b, the body (2) comprises: a vacuum chamber (23) that communicates with a plurality of suction holes (24) that reach the internal surface (S.sub.2) of the body (2); and an extraction nozzle (25) which enables the air to be extracted from the vacuum chamber (23).

(73) In turn, the template (3) includes: a plurality of holes (31) in communication with the suction holes (24), configured to attract one or more laminar parts (L) of the item to be manufactured against said template (3) when the air is extracted from the vacuum chamber (23).

(74) As stated above, the body (2) comprises: a first lateral part (2a) which defines a first portion (S.sub.2a) of the internal surface (S.sub.2) whereon the template (3) is fitted; and a second lateral part (2b) which defines a second portion (S.sub.2b) of the internal surface (S.sub.2) whereon the template (3) is fitted; wherein the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) are joined together when the lid (4) is joined to the body (2), and configured to move in opposite directions (d.sub.2a, d.sub.2b) once the lid (4) is removed from the body (2). This enables the mould (1) to be opened laterally, once the lateral parts (L) are arranged on the template (3), in order to in turn enable the last (6) to be introduced, see FIG. 9b.

(75) The elastically deformable template (3) fitted on the internal surface (S.sub.2) portions (S.sub.2a, S.sub.2b) of the body (2), in combination with the elastic cover (7), which is also deformable, enable said body (2) to be kept airtight despite the separation between the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b).

(76) As seen in FIG. 10c, the lid (4) comprises: a first face (41) which defines a first countermould (42) associated with a first volume (V.sub.1) of the item to be manufactured; and a second face (43) which defines a second countermould (44) associated with a second volume (V.sub.2) of the item to be manufactured; wherein the lid (4) is reversible which enables the body (2) to be closed through the first face (41) or the second face (43).

(77) The contour of the lid (4) has securing elements (45) which facilitate the lid (4) being turned over by external turning elements, see FIG. 2.

(78) FIGS. 10d-10f show a sequence of operations wherein the reversible character of the lid (4) is seen. In FIG. 10d, the lid (4) is closed on the first face (41), such that a first injection of plastic material fills the first volume (V.sub.1) in order to define a first element of the item to be manufactured. FIG. 10e shows the moment when the lid (4) is turned over in order to close it on the body (2) on the second face (43) thereof. This process is taken advantage of in order to introduce another component of the item to be manufactured, in this case, the outermost portion of the sole (P). In FIG. 10f, the lid (4) is closed on the second face (41), such that a second injection of plastic material fills the second volume (V.sub.2) in order to define a second element of the item to be manufactured.

(79) As seen in the diagram of FIG. 11, the mould (1) comprises remote identification means (101) configured to transmit information (I) about the mould (1) by means of radio frequency to a data network (R). In this manner, the central data system of the manufacturing plant can receive said information (I) and send the corresponding orders to the mould (1) for the operation thereof.

(80) The mould (1) comprises: local identification means (102) configured to transmit information (I) about the mould (1) by means of wiring and/or direct connection to an electronic device (D); wireless connection means (103) configured to connect to the Internet and/or a data network (R); and pressure and temperature sensors (104) to know the physical conditions therein.

(81) The mould (1) is electrically powered from an incorporated power source (105) by means of one or more batteries arranged therein, and/or from an external power source (E) through an electrical socket (106) arranged therein.

(82) FIGS. 12a, 12b, 13a and 13b show in greater detail the configuration and operations of the injection mechanism (110) of the mould (1). As seen, said injection mechanism (110) is formed by a first injection block (110a) associated with the first lateral part (2a), and by a second injection block (110b) associated with the second lateral part (2b). Both blocks (110a, 110b) are able to be separated from each other, see FIG. 12a, and between them the injection channels (112) are formed which have outlet holes (113), see FIG. 1.

(83) In turn, the injection mechanism (110) is configured to slide upwards (d.sub.110 by means of the action exerted by an elastic mechanism (120) arranged between the body (2) and the lid (4). In this case, by the elastic force of a first spring (120a) and a second spring (120b). This causes upward sliding (d.sub.110a, d.sub.110b) of each of the blocks (110a, 110b) with respect to the lateral parts (2a, 2b) when the lid (4) is open, see FIGS. 12a and 12b. On the contrary, when the lid (4) is closed, said injection blocks (110a, 110b) slide in the opposite direction from the elastic force of the springs (120a, 120b), thereby producing a pressure of the upper portion of the injection mechanism (110) against the lid (4), see FIGS. 13a and 13b. Said pressure ensures sealing during the closing of the mould (1), meaning, between the body (2) and the lid (4), preventing molten material from leaking out of the mould (1).

(84) FIGS. 14-18 show a second embodiment of the mould (1) of the present invention.

(85) As seen in FIG. 14, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, said mould (1) comprises: a body (2) which defines an internal surface (S.sub.2), formed by a first lateral part (2a) and a second lateral part (2b); a lid (4) configured to close said body (2); and incorporated closing and opening means (5) configured to keep the body (2) and the lid (4) joined during the movement of said mould (1).

(86) Likewise, said mould (1) may also comprise: an elastically deformable template (3) arranged between the body (2) and the lid (4), which fits on the internal surface (S.sub.2) and which is configured to receive one or more laminar parts (L) of an item to be manufactured; and a countermould or last (6) which occupies a defined volume (V) between the body (2) and the lid (4), and is arranged between the template (3) and the lid (4), and which is configured to press the laminar parts (L) against the template (3) when the body (2) and the lid (4) are joined.

(87) As seen in FIG. 15, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the incorporated closing and opening means (5) include: a plurality of upper latches (51), one for each corner of the mould (1), wherein each one runs through an upper hole (52) extending from the body (2) to the lid (4), at the end of which it has an upper closing element (53) configured to join the body (2) to the lid (4); and at least one locking element (54) which works in collaboration with the upper closing element (53); and at least one unlocking actuation (55) configured to release the closing element (53) from the locking element (54).

(88) However, in this case, the lid (4) is crossed longitudinally by two unlocking actuations (55), configured as a platen or a bar, wherein each one comprises an inner spring (58) between two actuation ends (55L, 55R). Said inner spring (58) is configured to enable a slight linear displacement of the unlocking actuation (55) through the lid (4) until one of the actuation ends (55L, 55R) thereof or the other laterally protrudes from the lid (4). This enables the locking elements (54), each configured as a hole, to work in collaboration with the upper closing element (53) enabling the release or locking thereof, as seen in FIGS. 16a-16d.

(89) Likewise, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the incorporated closing and opening means (5) comprise at least one closing spring (56) configured to press the lid (4) against the body (2) when both are joined, FIG. 16d. To do so, the closing and opening means (5) comprise at least one rod (57) which has an upper end (57s) whereon the upper latch (51) is arranged; and a lower end (57i).

(90) However, in this case, each spring (56) is arranged at the upper end (57s) of the corresponding rod (57), while the lower end (57i) thereof is attached or joined to a support base (59) arranged underneath the body (2). Said joining prevents the vertical movement of the rods (57) with respect to the support base (59).

(91) Moreover, each spring (56) is arranged on the corresponding rod (57) thereof, leaving a clearance (H) between the body (2) and the support base (59), enabling a relative vertical displacement (d.sub.VR) between said elements (2, 59) when the spring (56) is compressed, FIGS. 16a-16d. A chock (59c) arranged at each joining of the lower end (57i) of the rods (57) with the support base (59) facilitates the fitting of the body (2) with the support base (59) when said relative vertical displacement (d.sub.VR) is produced.

(92) FIGS. 16a-16d show a sequence of joining the lid (4) to the body (2) of the mould (1), based on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) described for FIG. 15.

(93) As seen in FIG. 16a, the lid (4) is separated from the body (2). In order to then close the body (2) with the lid (4), first, one of the actuation ends (551, 55R) is pressed, in this case the right actuation end (55R), compressing the inner spring (58). This enables the locking elements (54), or holes, to be oriented, such that the closing elements (53) can pass through them. In this situation, there is a clearance (H) between the support base (59) and the lower portion of the body (2) due to the action of the springs (56).

(94) As seen in FIG. 16b, the lid (4) comes into contact with the upper portion of the body (2), while still maintaining the clearance (H).

(95) As seen in FIG. 16c, the pressure exerted on the lid (4) in turn acts on the springs (56) causing a relative vertical displacement (d.sub.VR), between the body (2) and the support base (59). In this case, a downward movement of the body (2) towards the support base (59) until it comes into contact with it, eliminating the clearance (H). This enables, in the upper portion, the closing elements (53) to surpass the holes making up the locking elements (54). At that moment, the inner spring (58) is decompressed by pushing the unlocking elements (55) in the opposite direction, trapping the closing elements (53) underneath.

(96) As seen in FIG. 16d, the body (2) stays closed by the lid (4) with the force of the springs (56).

(97) As seen in FIG. 17, the mould (1) comprises lateral closing and opening means (9) configured to keep the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) joined, and to enable a subsequent lateral separation thereof.

(98) In this case, the lateral closing and opening means (9) comprise: at least one lead screw (901), preferably two arranged parallel to each other, which laterally crosses through both lateral parts (2a, 2b) and which is configured to be threaded thereto; wherein the separation and subsequent joining of said lateral parts (2a, 2b) is performed by means of screwing/unscrewing said lead screw (901).

(99) Each lead screw (901) comprises an actuation end (902) which protrudes from one of the lateral parts (2a, 2b) and/or is accessible from the outside of the body (2), the rotation of which causes the screwing/unscrewing of said lead screw (901).

(100) Preferably, in the case of having two or more lead screws (901), the lateral closing and opening means (9) are engaged to enable the synchrony thereof, that is, the rotation on the actuating end (902) of one of them causes the screwing/unscrewing of all the lead screws (901). To do this, preferably, the lateral closing and opening means (9) comprise a toothed belt (903) which engages with a toothed pulley (904) securely arranged in each lead screw (901). Additionally, an intermediate toothed pulley (905) can be arranged anchored with the possibility of rotation inside the body (2) in order to stiffen the system and better redistribute the tensions on the toothed belt (903).

(101) As seen in FIG. 18, when the lid (4) is removed from the body (2), the rotation on an actuating end (902) enables the lateral parts (2a, 2b) to move in opposite directions (d.sub.2a, d.sub.2b). For purposes of clarity, the plate (26) has been illustrated separately from the body (2), although it should be noted that the actuation ends (902) are accessible from outside the body (2), as they are shown and/or protrude from the access holes (27).

(102) As seen in FIGS. 19 and 20, the machine (M1) for manufacturing three-dimensional items of the present invention comprises: a receiving module (M2), or feed module, configured to receive a mould (1) formed by a body (2) and a lid (4) joined by means of incorporated closing and opening means (5); a conditioning module (M3) configured to receive the mould (1) from the receiving module (M2) and act on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) in order to separate the lid (4) from the body (2); and a handling module (M4) configured to receive the body (2) from the conditioning module (M3) and enable the placement of the components of the item to be manufactured.

(103) As seen, the handling module (M4) comprises: a robotic mechanism (M43), in this case a double robot arm, configured to assist an operator in the placement within the body (2) of the components of the item to be manufactured.

(104) It can also refer to the machine (M1) for manufacturing three-dimensional items of the present invention as an assembly machine, machine for handling independent moulds (1) and/or workstation for placing laminar parts of three-dimensional items with flexible walls.

(105) As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the receiving module (M2) comprises: a first conveyor belt (M21) configured to receive the mould (1); and a first alignment mechanism (M22) configured to align the mould (1) according to an advance direction (d.sub.M21) of the first conveyor belt (M21).

(106) FIG. 23 shows a plan view of the receiving module (M2) when the alignment of the mould (1) is carried out.

(107) FIG. 24 shows a plan view of the receiving module (M2) with the mould (1) aligned according to the advance direction (d.sub.M21).

(108) As seen in FIGS. 25 and 26, the conditioning module (M3) comprises: a second conveyor belt (M31) configured to receive the mould (1) from the receiving module (M2); and a second centring mechanism (M32) configured to centre the mould (1) horizontally, longitudinally and transversely according to an advance direction (d.sub.M31) of the second conveyor belt (M31).

(109) FIG. 27 shows a side view of the conditioning module (M3) performing the lifting of the mould (1). As seen, the conditioning module (M3) comprises a lifting mechanism (M33) configured to lift the mould (1).

(110) FIG. 28 shows a front view of the conditioning module (M3) performing the opening of the lid (4).

(111) As seen, the conditioning module (M3) comprises: an opening mechanism (M34) configured to act on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) of the mould (1) and separate the lid (4) from the body (2); and a securing mechanism (M35) configured to secure the lid (4) once it is separated from the body (2).

(112) As seen, the conditioning module (M3) comprises: a closing mechanism (M37) configured to act on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) of the mould (1) and join the lid (4) to the body (2) after said body (2) passes through the handling module (M4).

(113) FIGS. 29 and 30, respectively, show a side view and a front view of the conditioning module (M3) performing the lowering of the body (2) while the lid (4) is secured above it.

(114) FIGS. 31 and 32, respectively, show a side view and a front view of the conditioning module (M3) turning over the lid (4). As seen, the conditioning module (M3) comprises a turning mechanism (M36) configured to turn over the lid (4).

(115) FIGS. 33-36 respectively show a plan view, a side view and two front views of the handling module (M4) performing the lateral opening of the body (2).

(116) As seen, the handling module (M4) comprises: a lateral opening mechanism (M41) configured to act on lateral closing and opening means (9) of said body (2) in order to laterally separate a first lateral part (2a) and a second lateral part (2b) thereof; and a lateral closing mechanism (M44) configured to act on the lateral closing and opening means (9) of said body (2) in order to laterally join the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) thereof.

(117) The described configuration of the lateral opening mechanism (M41) and the lateral closing mechanism (M44) enables the lower face of the mould (1) and the lateral faces thereof to be acted on, respectively. This enables space to be freed up in the central and upper portion of the handling module (M4), in order to facilitate the job of placing the components of the item to be manufactured for an operator or for the robotic mechanism (M43), see FIG. 20.

(118) Thus, the machine (M1) operates on the mould (1) of the present invention, handling the self-locking mechanisms (5, 9) thereof. Specifically: the machine (M1) is configured to work with the mould (1) by acting on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) to separate the lid (4) from the body (2); and/or the machine (M1) is configured to work with the mould (1) by acting on the lateral closing and opening means (9) in order to keep the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) joined, and to enable a subsequent lateral separation thereof.

(119) FIGS. 37 and 38, respectively, show a plan view and a side view of the handling module (M4) performing the demoulding.

(120) As seen, the handling module (M4) comprises: a demoulding mechanism (M42) configured to enable the extraction of a manufactured item (A) arranged inside the body (2).

(121) The body (2) of the mould (1) comprises a demoulding hole (60) configured to enable the passage of a demoulding element (M48) of the machine (M1) for extracting the last (6) by pushing on it with said demoulding element (M48). In this manner, once the item (A) has been manufactured, the last (6) can be extracted from it.

(122) The previous figures show the method for manufacturing three-dimensional items of the present invention, which comprises the following steps: a) receiving a mould (1) formed by a body (2) and a lid (4) joined by means of incorporated closing and opening means (5); b) acting on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) in order to separate the lid (4) from the body (2); and c) placing the components of the item to be manufactured inside the body (2).

(123) Step a) comprises: a1) receiving the mould (1) on a first conveyor belt (M21); and a2) aligning the mould (1) according to an advance direction (d.sub.M21) of the first conveyor belt (M21).

(124) Step b) comprises: b1) receiving the mould (1) on a second conveyor belt (M31); b2) centring the mould (1) horizontally, longitudinally and transversely according to an advance direction (d.sub.M31) of the second conveyor belt (M31); b3) lifting the mould (1); b4) acting on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) of the mould (1) in order to separate the lid (4) from the body (2); and b5) securing the lid (4) once it is separated from the body (2).

(125) Step b) additionally comprises: b6) turning over the lid (4).

(126) Step b) additionally comprises: b7) acting on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) of the mould (1) in order to join the lid (4) to the body (2).

(127) Step c) comprises: c1) acting on lateral closing and opening means (9) of the body (2) in order to laterally separate a first lateral part (2a) and a second lateral part (2b) thereof.

(128) Step c) additionally comprises: c2) extracting a manufactured item (A) arranged within the body (2); and/or c3) placing the components of the item to be manufactured inside the body (2).

(129) Step c) additionally comprises: c4) acting on the lateral closing and opening means (9) of the body (2) in order to laterally join the first lateral part (2a) and the second lateral part (2b) thereof.

(130) The three-dimensional items (A) to be manufactured have flexible walls.

(131) FIG. 39 shows a schematic view of the smart manufacturing plant for manufacturing three-dimensional items of the present invention.

(132) As seen, this plant includes: a selection area (100) configured to store a plurality of moulds (1) formed by a body (2) and a lid (4) joined by means of incorporated closing and opening means (5); an assembly area (200) having a plurality of assembly machines (M1) configured to: receive a mould (1) from the selection area (100); act on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) in order to separate the lid (4) from the body (2); enable the placement of the components of the item to be manufactured inside the body (2); and 2 act on the incorporated closing and opening means (5) in order to join the lid (4) to the body (2) after the placement of the components of the item to be manufactured;
and an injection area (300) having a first injection machine (301) configured to: receive a mould (1) from the assembly area (200) after the placement of the components of the item to be manufactured, the lid (4) of which is joined to the body (2); and join the components of the item to be manufactured arranged inside the mould (1) by means of a first injection of plastic material.

(133) The injection area (300) comprises: two turning machines (302) configured to: receive a mould (1) from the assembly area (200) after the placement of the components of the item to be manufactured, and to receive a mould (1) from the first injection machine (301) after the first injection of plastic material; and turn over the lid (4) and join it to the body (2) once again;
and a second injection machine (303) configured to: receive the mould (1) from the turning machine (302); and perform a second injection of plastic material.

(134) The assembly area (200) comprises an advancement area (202) which enables the advancement of a selected mould (1s) over other waiting moulds (1R) in order to lead it to a free assembly machine (M1).

(135) The manufacturing plant incorporates: an electrical system which provides energy to the moulds (1) in a selective manner; a remote mould control system (1); and a smart storage which optimises the use of the moulds (1), since they can enter and exit when necessary due to the mobility thereof, and because the factory accumulates manufacturing data and implements calculation algorithms which enable making the most efficient decisions for the fabrication process.

(136) The mould (1) comprises remote identification means configured to transmit information about it by means of radio frequency to a data network. In this manner, the central data system of the manufacturing plant can receive said information and send the corresponding orders to the mould for the operation thereof.