Conversion manifold for multiple injection unit injection...

Details Conversion manifold for multiple injection unit injection... Conversion manifold for multiple injection unit injection...

1998-12-18

2001-03-06

Heitbrink, Tim (Department: 1722)

Plastic article or earthenware shaping or treating: apparatus

Means feeding fluent stock from plural sources to common...

C425S573000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06196822

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to injection molding machines with two or more injection units. More specifically, the present invention relates to a manifold adapter for use on multi-component or multicolor injection molding machines, which allows them to function as standard single nozzle injection molding machines and to be utilized with standard molds.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Current multi-component or multi-color molding machines used for multiple color or two shot molding inject molten material, such as plastic, utilize two or more different injection units. These special purpose injection molding machines require molds designed to accept multiple injection points which are unique to the molded part to be produced.
These multiple injection unit molding machines cannot be utilized with standard single nozzle injection molds because of their configurations. Additionally, these two-barrel or two-color injection molding machines which typically have two through holes in the stationary platen are generally under utilized, since they are limited to only molds having two sprue bushings. Standard single sprue bushing molds cannot be utilized in these special machines as they require molds that are specially designed for molding two-color, two-component parts. When the production requirement for that application is finished, these injection molding machines typically sit idle, until that requirement is again needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a manifold that allows special purpose injection molding machines, such as multiple color or component molding machines to utilize standard or single sprue bushing molds.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a manifold adapter that allows any standard conventional mold to operate with a two-color or two-component injection molding machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a significantly less expensive alternative to purchasing both a standard single nozzle injection molding machine and a multiple color or component special purpose injection molding machine.
In accordance with the objects of the present invention, a manifold for attachment to a multiple injection unit injection molding machine to allow the machine to be used with a standard conventional mold is provided. The manifold is preferably attached to a false platen, which is then attached to the stationary platen of the multiple injection unit injection molding machine. The manifold includes a first inlet port that is in communication with one nozzle of the molding machine to receive molten material therefrom. The manifold further includes a second inlet port that is in communication with the other nozzle of the injection molding machine to receive molten material therefrom. The first inlet port is in communication with a first inlet passage and the second inlet port is in communication with a second inlet passage. The first inlet passage and the second inlet passage each have a first end that receives material from a respective nozzle and a second end opposite their first end. An exit port is also provided that is in communication with a first end of an exit passageway. A second end of the exit passageway is opposite the first end and is in communication with the second end of the first inlet passage and the second end of the second inlet passage at a juncture. A valve for controlling the flow of material through the manifold is preferably positioned at the juncture.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4376625 (1983-03-01), Eckardt
patent: 4715802 (1987-12-01), Arai
patent: 5374178 (1994-12-01), Nakayama
patent: 5650178 (1997-07-01), Bemis

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