DEVICE FOR MOULDING PLASTIC PARTS

Abstract

A device for moulding plastic parts, which comprises a first element (100) with at least one cavity (101) configured to receive and shape a portion of plastic material, and at least one second element (200) configured to cover the at least one cavity (101) of the first element (100), wherein the device is configured to shape the portion of plastic material by suction and/or blowing of a gaseous fluid, wherein the first element (100) comprises: a coolant inlet (108); at least one coolant pipe (107) connected to the coolant inlet (108) with a plurality of spray orifices (110) configured to spray the coolant fluid against the bottom face of the at least one cavity (101); and at least one drain (109) configured to allow the discharge of the coolant coming from the at least one coolant pipe (107).

Claims

1. The device for moulding plastic parts, comprising a first element (100) with at least one cavity (101) configured to receive and shape a portion or sheet of plastic material, and at least one second element (200) configured to cover the at least one cavity (101) of the first element (100) and assist in the shaping of the portion or sheet of plastic material, wherein the device is configured to shape the portion or sheet of plastic material by suction and/or blowing a gaseous fluid, wherein the first element (100) comprises: a coolant inlet (108) configured for connection of an external coolant pumping system; at least one coolant pipe (107), formed in the first element (100), connected to the coolant inlet (108), wherein the at least one coolant pipe (107) is configured to allow the flow of coolant along said at least one coolant pipe (107), a plurality of spray orifices (110) configured to allow the outlet of the coolant from the at least one coolant pipe (107) and its spraying against a lower face of the at least one cavity (101), and at least one drain (109) configured to allow the discharge of the coolant from the at least one coolant pipe (107).

2. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 1, wherein the first element (100) comprises at least one cooling gallery (106) formed in the first body (1) configured to collect the coolant sprayed from the spray orifices (110) and direct the coolant towards the at least one drain (109).

3. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 2, wherein the at least one coolant pipe (107) comprises a narrowing (111) configured to produce an acceleration of the coolant by the Venturi effect and a homogeneous outlet of the coolant through the spray orifices (110).

4. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 2, wherein the first element (100) comprises: a first base (100a) which in turn comprises the at least one cavity (101); a second base (100b) located on the opposite side to the at least one cavity (101) of the first base (100a), and; an intermediate panel (100c), arranged between the first base (100a) and the second base (100b); wherein the intermediate panel (100c) comprises the coolant inlet (108), the at least one drain (109), the at least one coolant pipe (107) and the at least one cooling gallery (106).

5. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 1, wherein the first element (100) comprises a suction nozzle (105) and the at least one cavity (101) comprises a plurality of suction orifices (102) connected to the suction nozzle (105), wherein the suction nozzle (105) is configured for the connection of an external suction system.

6. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 4, wherein the suction orifices (102) of the at least one cavity (101) pass through the first base (100a) and are connected to the suction nozzle (105) through suction ducts (103) arranged on the intermediate panel (100c), wherein each suction duct (103) connects a suction orifice (102) with a suction chamber (104) existing in a space between the intermediate panel (100c) and the second base (100b), and wherein the suction nozzle (105) is arranged in the second base (100b) and is configured to connect the suction chamber (104) with the external suction system.

7. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 4, the first base (100a) comprises first threaded holes (112) located in correspondence with second threaded holes (113) of the intermediate panel (100c), such that the first base (100a) is configured to be integrally joined to the intermediate panel (100c) by inserting screws in the first threaded holes (112) and in the second threaded holes (113).

8. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 4, wherein the first base (100a) comprises a plurality of third threaded holes (114) located in correspondence with through orifices (115) of the intermediate panel (100c) and with fourth threaded holes (116) of the second base (100b), such that the first base (100a) is configured to be integrally joined to the second base (100b), through the intermediate panel (100c), by inserting screws in the third threaded holes (114), in the through orifices (115) and in the fourth threaded holes (116).

9. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 8, wherein the third threaded holes (114), the through orifices (115) and the fourth threaded holes (116) are homogeneously distributed respectively along the perimeters of the first base (100a), the intermediate panel (100c) and second base (100b).

10. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 4, wherein the first base (100a) is a hollow part.

11. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity (101) has a geometry configured to receive a mould element (117), wherein the mould element (117) has a specific geometry according to the plastic part to be manufactured.

12. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 11, wherein each mould element (117) comprises a plurality of perimeter orifices (118) arranged in correspondence with threaded orifices (119) of the at least one cavity (101), such that each mould element (117) is configured to be integrally joined to the at least one cavity (101), by inserting screws in the perimeter orifices (118) and in the threaded orifices (119).

13. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second element (200) comprises a plurality of gaseous fluid passages (201) configured to allow pressurised gaseous fluid to pass from an external gaseous fluid blowing system through said gaseous fluid passages (201).

14. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 13, wherein each second element (200) comprises fastening means for fastening to a plate, such that, by moving the plate and its positioning on the first element (100), it is possible to position each second element (200) in correspondence with each cavity (101) of the first element (100), wherein the plate comprises a plurality of blowing orifices configured to allow gaseous fluid to pass from the external gaseous fluid blowing system to each second element (200) and to each cavity (101).

15. The device for moulding plastic parts according to claim 1, wherein the first element (100) and/or the second element (200) are manufactured by 3D printing.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0051] The following figures have been included as part of the explanation of at least one embodiment of the invention.

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of the first base of the first element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention, where the cavities for moulding different plastic parts can be seen.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of the lower surface opposite the cavities of the first base of the first element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of the intermediate panel of the first element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention, where the upper surface of the intermediate panel is seen, configured to face the first base of the first element of the device.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional schematic perspective view of the intermediate panel of FIG. 3.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view, with a cross section according to a plane parallel to its largest surfaces, of the intermediate panel of FIG. 3.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the intermediate panel of FIG. 3, where the lower surface of the intermediate panel is seen, configured to face the second base of the first element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of the second base of the first element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention, where the upper surface of the second base is seen, configured to face the intermediate panel of the first element of the device.

[0059] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the second base of FIG. 7, where the lower surface of the second base is seen.

[0060] FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment, alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 1, of the first base of the first element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention, where alternative shaped for the cavities for moulding different plastic parts can be seen.

[0061] FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment, which is an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 3, of the intermediate panel of the first element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention, where this alternative embodiment of the intermediate panel corresponds to the embodiment of the first base of the first element of the device shown in FIG. 9.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional schematic perspective view of the first base of the first element of the device according to the embodiment of the first base shown in FIG. 9, where this first base is hollow.

[0063] FIG. 12 shows a possible embodiment of the first base of the first element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention, where said first base has a generic geometry with cavities configured to receive specific moulds with specific geometries according to the plastic part to be manufactured.

[0064] FIG. 13 shows a schematic top perspective view, according to a possible embodiment, of a specific mould element for each of the cavities of a first generic base such as that shown in FIG. 12.

[0065] FIG. 14 shows a schematic bottom perspective view of the specific mould element shown in FIG. 13.

[0066] FIG. 15 shows a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a second element of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 16 shows an exploded perspective view of a first element and a second element, according to a possible embodiment of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention, where the first element appears with the first base, the intermediate panel and the second base assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] The present invention relates, as mentioned above, to a device for moulding plastic parts.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 16, the device for moulding plastic parts comprises a first element (100) or female element (mould) and at least a second element (200) or male element (countermould).

[0070] The first element (100) in turn comprises a first base (100a), an intermediate panel (100c) and a second base (100b).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 1, the first base (100a) comprises one or more cavities (101) configured to receive the plastic material, providing it with the shape of said cavity or cavities (101).

[0072] The first base (100a) further comprises a plurality of suction orifices (102) that connect each cavity (101) of the first base (100a) with a network of air suction ducts (103) of the intermediate panel (100c) (see FIG. 3). These air suction ducts (103) of the intermediate panel (100c) are in turn connected to a suction chamber (104) (see FIG. 7) located in the hollow space existing between the intermediate panel (100c) and the second base (100b). This suction chamber (104) is connected to an air suction nozzle (105) located on the second base (100b), configured for the connection of an external suction system (not shown). The suction orifices (102) allow the inlet of air towards the suction ducts (103), when the external suction system is activated and connected to the second base (100b), therefore these suction orifices (102) perform the suction function to mould the plastic sheet with the shape of the cavity or cavities (101) of the first base (100a), by pulling the sheet against the bottom of said cavity or cavities (101) of the first base (100a).

[0073] The intermediate panel (100c) comprises a plurality of cooling galleries (106). In the cooling galleries (106), preferably there are hoses or sleeves (not shown) that connect coolant pipes (107) to each other, and a hose or sleeve that connects at least one of the coolant pipes (107) to a coolant inlet (108) (water or other coolant) through connection nozzles (120) (see FIGS. 3, 5 and 10). The coolant inlet (108) is configured for the connection of an external coolant pumping system (not shown).

[0074] Each coolant pipe (107) is equipped with a plurality of spray orifices (110) (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) oriented towards the first base (100a) of the first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts, configured to let the coolant escape in order to spray a surface of the first base (100a), opposite to the cavities (101), thus cooling the first base (100a) of the first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts.

[0075] After having sprayed the surface of the first base (100a) opposite the cavities (101), the coolant is collected and guided through the cooling galleries (106) of the intermediate panel (100c), towards one or more drains (109), for the discharge of the coolant (see FIG. 10).

[0076] The coolant pipes (107) preferably comprise a narrowing (111) (see FIG. 5), configured to produce an acceleration, by the Venturi effect, of the flow of coolant, in order to adjust the pressure of the coolant and guarantee a homogeneous outlet of the coolant through the spray orifices (110), along the entire length of each coolant pipe (107).

[0077] The first base (100a) comprises three first threaded through holes (112) (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), located in correspondence with three second threaded holes (113) of the intermediate panel (100c) (see FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). In this way, it is possible to fasten the first base (100a) to the intermediate panel (100c) using screws, the two forming a solid assembly. Preferably, a sealing gasket (not shown) is used in the fastening between the surface of the first base (100a) opposite the cavities (101) and the surface of the intermediate panel (100c) facing the surface of the first base (100a) opposite the cavities. This prevents the leakage of coolant out of the device. Likewise, as seen in the Figures, the second holes (113) are preferably arranged housed along columns of the intermediate panel (100c) that are oversized in their cross section such that, in addition to serving to house the corresponding screw, they serve as structural reinforcement and prevent the first base (100a) from buckling or bending inward upon receiving the countermould or any other stress.

[0078] Both the first threaded through holes (112) of the first base (100a) and the corresponding second threaded holes (113) of the intermediate panel (100c) are preferably arranged centrally in the first base (100a) and in the intermediate panel (100c).

[0079] The first base (100a) also comprises a plurality of third threaded through holes (114), preferably distributed homogeneously along the perimeter of the first base (100a). These third threaded through holes (114) are located in correspondence with respective through orifices (115) distributed along the perimeter of the intermediate panel (100c). Likewise, the third threaded through holes (114) of the first base (100a) and the through orifices (115) of the intermediate panel (100c) are in turn located in correspondence with fourth threaded holes (116) distributed along of the perimeter of the second base (100b) (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). In this way, it is possible to fasten the assembly of the first base (100a) and the intermediate panel (100c) to the second base (100b) using screws. Preferably, a sealing gasket (not shown) is used in the fastening between both facing surfaces of the intermediate panel (100c) and the second base (100b). In this way, the inlet of suction air into the join between the intermediate panel (100c) and the second base (100b) is prevented.

[0080] Preferably, the first base (100a), the intermediate panel (100c) and the second base (100b) of the first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts, as well as the second element (200) of the device for moulding plastic parts, are manufactured using 3D printing.

[0081] The cavities (101) of the first base (100a) can have different geometries, depending on the geometry of the plastic part to be moulded. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the first base (100a), which is an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wherein the cavities (101) have a specific geometry of revolution with an intermediate protuberance configured to produce a container. FIG. 10 shows a specific configuration of the intermediate panel (100c), specially designed according to the first base of FIG. 9.

[0082] FIG. 1 and FIG. 9 show embodiments wherein the first base (100a) is solid.

[0083] However, according to a possible embodiment, the first base (100a) of the first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts is a hollow part (not solid), which makes it possible to reduce the weight and the material necessary for the manufacture of the first base (100a), and allows the cooling efficiency of the first base (100a) to be improved, since it is easier to dissipate heat from the first base (100a) when the first base (100a) is hollow. FIG. 11 shows a view of the surface of the first base (100a), opposite the cavities (101), according to this embodiment wherein the first base (100a) is hollow. According to an alternative embodiment, the cavities (101) of the first base (100a) of the first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts may have a generic geometry and be through cavities (101) configured to receive a mould element (117) specific for each plastic part that is to be manufactured. In this way, by means of a first generic base (100a), it is possible to have a first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts valid for manufacturing plastic parts with different geometries. It is only necessary to replace, for each different geometry of the part to be manufactured, the specific mould element (117) that fits in its external geometry in the cavity (101), and place said specific mould element (117) in the respective cavity (101). of the first base (100a) of the first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts.

[0084] FIG. 12 shows this first generic base (100a), with through cavities (101) with a generic geometry (in this case, rectangular), each configured to receive a specific mould element (117), such as the mould element (117) shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. The specific mould element (117) preferably comprises perimeter through orifices (118), located in correspondence with threaded orifices (119) in each cavity of the first base (100a) of the first element (100), configured to fasten each specific mould element (117) to each cavity (101) of the first base (100a) of the first element (100) using screws. Likewise, the mould element further comprises, similarly to each cavity (101) of the first base (100a), a set of suction orifices (102). This configuration, in addition to the versatility it provides, requiring only the mould element (117) to be manufactured according to the required configuration, also allows this element to be manufactured by moulding or machining, since the mould element (117) may require greater resistance if it has protrusions that may be a point susceptible to breakage, or because it is the element that suffers the most wear and may need to be replaced without having to manufacture the entire device.

[0085] FIG. 15 shows a possible embodiment of the second element (200) of the device for moulding plastic parts, subject matter of the present invention.

[0086] The second element (200) of the device for moulding plastic parts comprises a plurality of gaseous fluid passages (201) configured to allow pressurised gaseous fluid (generally pressurised air) to pass from an external air blowing system (not shown) through said gaseous fluid passages (201), in order to push the plastic sheet against the bottom of each cavity (101) of the first base (100a) of the first element (100) of the device. The air blowing system thus contributes, together with the external air suction system, to shape the plastic sheet in each cavity (101) of the first base (100a) of the first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts.

[0087] The device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention preferably comprises a plurality of second elements (200) of the device, each of them configured to be located in correspondence with a corresponding cavity (101) of the first base (100a) of the first element (100) of the device for moulding plastic parts.

[0088] The second element (200) of the device for moulding plastic parts is equipped with fastening means for fastening to a plate (not shown), such as threaded ducts (202) located in correspondence with holes of the plate. These threaded ducts (202) allow the second element (200) of the device for moulding plastic parts to be fastened to the plate using screws.

[0089] The plate allows all the second elements (200) of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention to be moved as a single assembly.

[0090] The plate is equipped with a plurality of blowing orifices, configured to allow air to pass from the external air blowing system to each of the second elements (200) of the device for moulding plastic parts subject matter of the present invention. This plate can be made of resistant and lightweight materials such as wood or resin.