Molding system with movable split mold inserts
阅读说明:本技术 具有可移动对开式模具***件的模制系统 (Molding system with movable split mold inserts ) 是由 雷纳托·帕帕 德里克·罗伯逊·麦克里迪 阿德里安·皮特·罗杰 于 2018-06-11 设计创作,主要内容包括:本文尤其公开了一种可操作以从模具中将模制件起模的脱模组件,模具包括可相对于彼此横向移动的滑动件、与第一滑动件相互连接的第一对开式模具插入件以及与第二滑动件相互连接的第二对开式模具插入件。该系统可操作使得在第一滑动件和第二滑动件处于闭合位置时,第一对开式模具插入件和第二对开式模具插入件形成模制空腔的至少一部分;该系统可操作使得在注塑模制系统的操作期间,第一对开式模具插入件能够相对于相应的第一滑动件移动,并且第二对开式模具插入件能够相对于第二滑动件移动。(Disclosed herein, among other things, is a stripper assembly operable to strip a molded article from a mold that includes slides that are movable laterally relative to each other, a first split mold insert interconnected with the first slide, and a second split mold insert interconnected with the second slide. The system is operable such that the first split mold insert and the second split mold insert form at least a portion of the molding cavity when the first slide and the second slide are in the closed position; the system is operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold inserts are movable relative to the respective first slides and the second split mold inserts are movable relative to the second slides.)
1. An injection mold system comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold halves, the first and second mold halves axially movable relative to each other between first and second closed positions, the first and second mold halves together providing a molding cavity (1133) when in the second closed position;
a mold stack comprising a plurality of components associated with the first mold half and the second mold half to collectively operably define the molding cavity (1133) when the first mold half and the second mold half are in the closed position;
a demolding assembly operable to demold a molded article from the mold;
the stripper assembly includes first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112); the first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) being laterally movable relative to each other between an open position when the first and second mold halves are in the open position and a closed position when the first and second mold halves are in the closed position;
a first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) interconnected with the first slider (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112);
a second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) interconnected with the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112);
the system is operable such that the first and second split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) form at least a portion of the molding cavity (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) when the first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) are in the closed position;
the system is operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the system is operable such that the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) to facilitate alignment of at least one component of the mold stack adjacent at least one of the first and second split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is axially movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is axially movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
4. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is longitudinally movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is longitudinally movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable in a lateral direction relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112), and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable in a lateral direction relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
6. The system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is directly connected and mounted to the first slide (2112, 4112, 5112), and wherein the second split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is directly connected and mounted to the second slide (2112, 4112, 5112) such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (2112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the second slide (2112, 4112, 5112).
7. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is radially movable relative to the respective first slider (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is radially movable relative to the second slider (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a first support device (1113, 3113) operable to support the first split mold insert (1114, 3114), the first support device (1113, 3113) fixedly connected to the first slide (1112, 3112), and the system further comprising: a second support means (1113, 3113) operable to support the second split mold insert (1114, 3114), the second support means (1113, 3113) fixedly connected to the second slide (1112, 3112);
such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) is movable relative to the first support means (1113, 3113) and the first slide (1112, 3112), and the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) is movable relative to the second support means (1113, 3113) and the second slide (1112, 3112).
9. The system of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) comprises a first neck ring half (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) comprises a second neck ring half (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
10. The system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first split mold insert (3114) comprises a first neck-ring half and a first body portion, and the second split mold insert (3114) comprises a second neck-ring half and a second body portion.
11. The system of any of claims 1-5 or claims 7-10, further comprising:
a first retainer (113, 3113) operable for retaining the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) and allowing the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to move relative to the first retainer (1113, 3113) during use of the system, the first retainer (1113, 3113) fixedly connecting the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to the first slide (1112, 3112);
a second retainer (1113, 3113) operable for retaining the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) and allowing the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) to move relative to the second retainer (1113, 3113) during use of the system, the second retainer (1113, 3113) fixedly connecting the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) to the second slide (1112, 3112).
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) is retained within the opening (1109, 3109) of the first holder (1113, 3113) by a first retaining mechanism (1136, 3136); and the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) is retained within the opening (1109, 3109) of the second retainer (1113, 3113) by a second retaining mechanism (1136, 3136).
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first retaining mechanism (1136, 3136) includes a first retaining plate retained within a recess (1125, 3125) of the first retainer (1113, 3113) and positioned a distance from an engagement surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to allow limited movement of the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) within the opening (1109, 3109) of the first retainer (1113, 3113).
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the second retaining mechanism (1136, 3136) includes a second retaining plate retained within a recess (1125, 3125) of the second retainer (1113, 3113) and positioned a distance from an engagement surface of the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) to allow limited movement of the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) within the opening (1109, 3109) of the second retainer (1113, 3113).
15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: an elastic member (1124) located between the surface of the first retainer (1113, 3113) defining the opening (1109, 3109) of the first retainer (1113, 3113) and the first split mold insert (1114, 3114), and the elastic member (1124) is operable to push against the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to urge the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) in a direction outward from the opening (1109, 3109) in the first retainer (1109, 3109).
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a first resilient member (1124) located between the surface of the first retainer (1113, 3113) defining the opening (1109, 3109) of the first retainer (1113, 3113) and the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) and operable to push against the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to urge the split mold insert (1114, 3114) in an outward direction from the opening (1109, 3109) in the first retainer (1109, 3109); and further comprising: a second resilient member (1109, 3109) located between the surface of the second retainer (1113, 3113) defining the opening (1109, 3109) of the second retainer (1113, 3113) and the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) and operable to push against the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) to urge the split mold insert (1114, 3114) in a direction outward from the opening (1109, 3109) in the second retainer (1113, 3113).
17. The apparatus of claim 13, 14, 15, or 16, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) has an outward facing surface (1132, 3132) that is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, and the opening (1109, 3109) in the first holder (1113, 3113) is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) has an outward facing surface (1132, 3132) that is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, and the opening (1109, 3109) in the second holder (1113, 3113) is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape.
19. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an alignment interface surface (1126, 1127, 3127), the alignment interface surface (1126, 1127, 3127) operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an engaging member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engages the interface surface of the engaging member of the mold stack to move the first split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective first slide to assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an alignment interface surface (1126, 1127, 3127), the alignment interface surface (1126, 1127, 3127) operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an engaging member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engages the interface surface of the engaging member of the mold stack to move the second split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective second slide to assist in aligning the members of the mold stack.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the engagement member of the mold stack is a mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) positioned adjacent the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the engagement member of the mold stack is one or more mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) positioned adjacent to the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
23. The system of claim 19, wherein the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack.
24. The system of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the alignment interface surface of the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack.
25. The apparatus of any of claims 1-18, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an upper alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an upper engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has a lower alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of a lower engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the upper and lower alignment interface surfaces of the first split mold insert engage the interface surfaces of the upper and lower engagement members of the mold stack, respectively, to move the first split insert relative to the respective first slide To assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
26. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) each have an inner surface (1135, 3135) that is generally semi-cylindrical in shape.
27. The system of claim 6 wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is radially movable relative to the respective first slide (2112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5112) is radially movable relative to the second slide (2112, 4114, 5112).
28. The system of claim 6, wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) comprises a first neck ring half and the second split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) comprises a second neck ring half.
29. The system according to any one of claims 6, 27 or 28, wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) is retained within the opening (2109, 4109) of the first slide (2112, 4112) by a first retaining mechanism (2136, 4111); and the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) is retained within the opening (2109, 4109) of the second slide (2112, 4112) by a second retaining mechanism (2136, 4111).
30. The system of claim 29 wherein the first retaining mechanism (2136) comprises a first retaining plate retained within a recess (2125) of the first slide (2112) and having a surface positioned a distance from an engagement surface of the first split mold insert (2114) to allow limited movement of the first split mold insert (2114) within the opening (2109) of the first slide (2112).
31. The system of claim 30 wherein the second retaining mechanism (2136) comprises a second retaining plate retained within a recess (2125) of the second slide (2112) and positioned a distance from an engagement surface of the second split mold insert (2114) to permit limited movement of the second split mold insert (2114) within the opening (2109) of the second slide (2112).
32. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising: a resilient member (2124) located between the traveler (2112) and the first split mold insert (2114) and operable to urge against the first split mold insert (2114) to urge the first split mold insert (2114) in a direction outward from the opening in the first traveler (2112).
33. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising: a first resilient member (2124, 5199) located between the first sled (2112, 5112) and the first split mold insert (2114) and operable to push against the first split mold insert (2114, 5114) to urge the split mold insert (2114, 5114) in a direction outward from the opening (2109, 5195) in the first sled (2114, 5114); and further comprising: a second resilient member (2124, 5199) located between the second sled (2112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (2114, 5114) and operable to push against the second split mold insert (2114, 5114) to urge the second split mold insert (2114, 5114) in a direction outward from the opening (2109, 5195) in the second sled (2112, 5112).
34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 or 27 to 33, wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) has an outer surface that is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape and the opening (2109, 4109) in the first slide (2112, 4112) is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape.
35. An apparatus according to claim 34 wherein when the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) is received in the opening (2109, 4109) in the first slide (2112, 4112), a space is provided between an outer surface of the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) and a surface of the first slide defining the opening (2109, 4109) in the first slide (2112, 4112) such that the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (2112, 4112) during operation of the injection molding system.
36. The apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) has an outer surface that is generally semi-cylindrical in shape, and the opening (2109, 4109) in the second slide (2112, 4112) is generally semi-cylindrical in shape.
37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein, when the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) is received in the opening (2109, 4109) in the second slide (2112, 4112), a space is provided between an outer surface of the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) and a surface of the second slide (2112, 4112) defining the opening (2109, 4109) in the second slide (2112, 4112) such that the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) is movable relative to the respective second slide (2112, 4112) during operation of the injection molding system.
38. The system of claim 6, wherein:
the first split mold insert (4114) comprises a flange portion (4114a) and a substantially semi-cylindrical portion (4114 b);
the second split mold insert (4114a) comprises a flange portion (4114a) and a substantially semi-cylindrical portion (4114 b);
the first slider (4112) comprises a platform recessed portion (4106) and a substantially semi-cylindrical opening portion (4109);
the second slider (4112) comprises a platform recessed portion (4106) and a substantially semi-cylindrical opening portion (4109);
the flange portion (4114a) of the first split mold insert (4114) is receivable in the platform recessed portion (4106) of the first slide (4112), and the semi-cylindrical portion (4114b) of the first split mold insert (4114) is receivable in the semi-cylindrical opening (4109) of the first slide (4112);
the flange portion (4114a) of the second split mold insert (4114) is receivable in the platform recessed portion (4106) of the second slide (4112), and the semi-cylindrical portion (4114b) of the second split mold insert (4114) is receivable in the semi-cylindrical opening (4109) of the second slide (4112).
39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the first split mold insert (4114) is retained within the opening (4109) of the first slide (4112) by a first retaining mechanism (4111); and the second split mold insert (4114) is retained within an opening (4109) of the second slide (4112) by a second retaining mechanism (4111).
40. The system of claim 36, wherein the first retaining mechanism (4111) comprises at least one retaining member (4111) having an upper head portion (4111a), a lower disk portion (4111b), and a shaft portion (4111c), the retaining member (4111) being receivable within an opening in the slider (4112), the retaining member (4111) being rotatable about its longitudinal axis between: (a) a first position in which the head (4111a) of the retaining member (4111) is oriented in a lateral direction; and (b) a second position, wherein the head portion (4111b) of the retaining member (4111) is oriented longitudinally such that when the retaining member (4111) is in the first position, the head portion (4111a) does not block entry of the flange portion (4114a) of the first split mold insert (4114) into the platform recess (4106) such that the flange portion (4114a) of the first split mold insert (4114) can be received into and rest on the platform (4106b) of the first slide (4112).
41. The system according to claim 40, wherein the head portion (4111a) is to retain the first split mold insert (41114) when the retaining member (4111) is in the second position.
42. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first split mold insert (5114) is interconnected with the first slide (5112) by a first retaining mechanism (5192); and the second split mold insert (5114) is interconnected to the second slide (5112) via a second retaining mechanism (5192).
43. The system of claim 42, wherein the first retention mechanism (5192) includes a retention member (5111) and a corresponding insertion member (5191);
the retaining member (5111) includes an upper head portion (5111a) and a shaft portion (5111 b);
the insert member (5191) includes a body portion (5191b) and a flange portion (5191a), and an opening (5191c) extending through the body portion (5191b) and the flange portion (5191a) of the insert member (5191);
the first split mold insert (5114) has a vertically oriented opening (5109) therethrough;
the first sled (5112) has a vertically oriented opening (5195) therethrough and is axially aligned with the vertically oriented opening (5195) through the first sled (5112); a recessed platform (5196) in the opening (5195) through the first slider (5112);
the depth of the recessed platform (5196) of the opening (5195) in the first slider (5112) is configured for positioning the flange portion (5191a) of the insertion member (5191) such that when the shaft portion (5111b) of the retention member (5111) is received through the opening (5191c) in the insertion member (5191) and the shaft portion (5111b) of the retention member (5111) and the insertion member (5191) are both received in the opening (5195) through the first slider (5112), a gap is formed between the lower surface of the flange portion (5191a) and the upwardly facing surface of the recessed platform (5196) such that, in operation, the first split mold insert (5114) is movable a limited axial distance relative to the first slider (5112).
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the first retention mechanism (5192) comprises first and second retention members (5111) and corresponding first and second insertion members (5191);
each of the first and second retaining members (5111) includes an upper head portion (5111a) and a shaft portion (5111 b);
each of the first and second insert members (5191) includes a body portion (5191b) and a flange portion (5191a), and an opening (5191c) extending through the body portion (5191b) and the flange portion (5191a) of the insert member (5191);
the first split mold insert (5114) has vertically oriented first and second openings (5109) therethrough;
the first sled (5112) has vertically oriented first and second openings (5195) therethrough and is axially aligned with the vertically oriented respective first and second openings (5195) through the first sled (5112); each of the first and second openings (5195) through the first slider (5112) has a recessed platform (5196);
the depth of the recessed platform (5196) of the first opening (5195) in the first slider (5112) is configured for positioning a flange portion (5191a) of the first insertion member (5191) such that when the shaft portion (5111b) of the first retention member (5111) is received through the opening (5191c) in the first insertion member (5191) and the shaft portion (5111b) of the first retention member (5111) and the first insertion member (5191) are both received in the opening (5195) through the first slider (5112), a first gap is formed between a lower surface of the flange portion (5191a) and an upwardly facing surface of the recessed platform (5196),
the depth of the recessed platform (5196) of the second opening (5195) in the first slider (5112) is configured for positioning a flange portion (5191a) of the second insertion member (5191), such that when the shaft portion (5111b) of the second retaining member (5111) is received through the opening (5191c) in the second insertion member (5191), and the shaft portion (5111b) of the second holding member (5111) and the second insertion member (5191) are both accommodated in the opening (5195) passing through the second slider (5112), a first gap is formed between a lower surface of the flange portion (5191a) and an upwardly facing surface of the recessed platform (5196), such that in operation, the first split mold insert (5114) is movable relative to the first slide (5112) a limited axial distance.
45. The system of any of claims 1 to 44, wherein the mold stack comprises a cavity insert (5106), and wherein the system further comprises a cavity insert compensation mechanism operable to enable relative movement of the cavity insert while the first and second mold halves (5114) move from the open position to the closed position to facilitate alignment of the cavity insert (5106) of the mold stack.
46. The system of any of claims 1 to 45, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is mounted for movement in an opening in the first support device (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
47. The system of claim 46, wherein the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) is mounted for movement in an opening in the second support means (1113, 3113).
48. A split mold insertion apparatus operable to be connected to a slide of an injection molding system, the slide operable to move laterally, the split mold insertion apparatus comprising:
a split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) comprising a body having an inner surface configured to form, in use, part of a surface of a mold cavity for forming at least part of a neck region of an article; a support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112) operable to support the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114);
the split mold insert apparatus is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are movable relative to the support device (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein, in use of the injection molding system, the split mold insert apparatus is operable such that the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112) to facilitate alignment of at least one component of a mold stack adjacent the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
50. The apparatus according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are axially movable relative to the support means (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
51. The apparatus according to claim 48, 49 or 50, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are longitudinally movable with respect to the support means (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 51, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are movable in a lateral direction relative to the support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
53. The apparatus of any of claims 48 to 52, wherein the support device is a slide (2112, 4112, 5112) of a stripper assembly of an injection molding system.
54. The apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is directly connected to the slide (2112, 4112, 5112) such that the split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the slide (2112, 4112, 5112) during operation of the injection molding system.
55. The apparatus of any of claims 48 to 54, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114) have outer surfaces that are generally semi-cylindrical in shape.
56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112) has an opening (1109, 2109, 3109, 4109), the opening (1109, 2109, 3109, 4109) being generally semi-cylindrical in shape and configured such that the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114) can be at least partially received within the opening of the support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112).
57. The apparatus of any of claims 48 to 56, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114) have an inner surface that is generally semi-cylindrical in shape.
58. The system according to any one of claims 46 to 57, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are mounted for movement in openings in the support means (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
59. The apparatus of any one of claims 46 to 58, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) have alignment interface surfaces operable to engage alignment interface surfaces of engaging members of a mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surfaces of the first split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engage the interface surfaces of the engaging members of the mold stack to move the first split inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective first slides (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) to assist in aligning the members of the mold stack.
60. The system of claim 59, wherein the engagement member of the mold stack is a mold insert positioned adjacent to the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
61. The system of claim 59 or 60, wherein the alignment interface surface of the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack.
62. The apparatus of any of claims 59, 60 or 61, wherein the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an upper alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an upper engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has a lower alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of a lower engagement member of the mold stack, wherein, during operation of the injection molding system, the upper and lower alignment interface surfaces of the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engage the interface surfaces of the upper and lower engagement members of the mold stack, respectively, to engage the split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) to cause the split insert (1114, 3114, 5114) to move into engagement with the upper and lower engagement members of the mold stack, 2114. 3114, 4114, 5114) to assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
63. An injection mold system comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold halves movable relative to each other between first and second open positions, the first and second mold halves together providing a molding cavity (1133) when in the second closed position;
a mold stack comprising a plurality of components associated with the first mold half and the second mold half to collectively operatively define the molding cavity (1113) when the first mold half and the second mold half are in the closed position;
a demolding assembly operable to demold a molded article from the mold;
the stripper assembly includes first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112); the first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112) being laterally movable relative to each other between an open position when the first and second mold halves are in the open position and a closed position when the first and second mold halves are in the closed position;
a first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) interconnected with the first slider (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112);
a second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) interconnected with the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112);
the system is operable such that the first and second split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) form at least a portion of the molding cavity (1133) when the first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112) are in the closed position;
the system is operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) to facilitate alignment of at least one component of the mold stack adjacent at least one of the first and second split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the injection molding system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engages the interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack to move the first split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective first slide to assist in aligning the members of the mold stack.
65. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surface of the second split mold insert engages the interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack to move the second split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective second slide to assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
66. The system of claim 64 or 65, wherein the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack.
67. The system of claim 66, wherein the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the alignment interface surface of the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack.
68. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an upper alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an upper engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has a lower alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of a lower engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the upper and lower alignment interface surfaces of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engage the interface surfaces of the upper and lower engagement members of the mold stack, respectively, to cause the first split insert to be engaged relative to the respective first split mold insert A slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) moves to assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally, but not limited to, molding systems, and more particularly, but not limited to, a mold stack having movable split mold inserts/neck rings, a molding system including a mold stack, and a method for aligning a mold stack at least in part using movable split mold inserts/neck rings.
Background
Molding is a method of forming a molded article from a molding material by using a molding system. Various molded articles may be formed by using a molding process, such as an injection molding process. One example of a molded article that may be formed from, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material is a preform that can be subsequently blow molded into a beverage container, such as a bottle or the like.
A typical injection molding system includes an injection unit, a clamp assembly, and a mold assembly. The injection unit may be of a reciprocating screw type or may be of a two-stage type. The clamp assembly may include, among other things, a frame, a movable platen, a fixed platen, and an actuator for moving the movable platen and applying tonnage to a mold assembly disposed between the platens. The mold assembly may include, inter alia, a cold half and a hot half. The hot half is typically associated with one or more mold cavities (and thus sometimes also referred to by those of skill in the art as a "cavity half"), while the cold half is typically associated with one or more cores (and thus sometimes also referred to by those of skill in the art as a "core half"). The one or more cavities together with the one or more cores define, in use, one or more moulding cavities. The hot half may also be associated with a melt distribution system (also sometimes referred to as a "hot runner" by those skilled in the art) for melt distribution. The mold assembly may be associated with some other component, such as a split mold insert/neck ring, a slide, a stripper structure, a wear pad, and the like.
Illustratively, injection molding of PET material involves heating the PET material (e.g., PET pellets, PEN powder, PLA, etc.) to a homogeneous molten state and injecting, under pressure, the so-molten material into one or more molding cavities defined at least in part by the aforementioned one or more cavities and one or more cores, which are mounted on the female and male dies, respectively, of the mold assembly. The female and male dies are urged together and are held together by a clamping force sufficient to hold the mould cavity and core together against the pressure of the injected PET material. The molding cavity has a shape substantially corresponding to the final cold shape of the part to be molded. The so-injected PET material is then cooled to a temperature sufficient to enable the so-formed molded part to be ejected from the mold. When cooled, the molded article shrinks within the molding cavity and as such, the molded article tends to remain associated with the core as the female and male molds are forced apart. Thus, by forcing the punch away from the die, the molded article can be demolded, i.e., stripped, from the core. Typically, the neck ring pairs must be separated to allow the molded article to be ejected from the mold. Stripping structures are known to assist in removing the molded article from the core half. Examples of the ejector structure include a stripper plate and an ejector pin.
Disclosure of Invention
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an injection molding system comprising a mold comprising a first mold half and a second mold half, the first mold half and the second mold half being axially movable relative to each other between a first open position and a second closed position, the first mold half and the second mold half together providing a molding cavity when in the second closed position; a mold stack comprising a plurality of components associated with the first mold half and the second mold half to cooperatively define a molding cavity when the first mold half and the second mold half are in a closed position; a demolding assembly operable to demold the molded article from the mold; the demolding assembly comprises a first sliding piece and a second sliding piece; the first and second slides are laterally movable relative to each other between an open position when the first and second mold halves are in the open position and a closed position when the first and second mold halves are in the closed position; a first split mold insert interconnected with the first slide; a second split mold insert interconnected with a second slide; the system is operable such that the first split mold insert and the second split mold insert form at least a portion of the molding cavity when the first slide and the second slide are in the closed position; the system is operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold inserts are movable relative to the respective first slides and the second split mold inserts are movable relative to the second slides.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a split mold insertion apparatus connected to a slide of an injection molding system, the slide operable to move laterally, the neck ring apparatus comprising a split mold insert including a body having an inner surface configured to form, in use, a partial surface of a mold cavity for forming at least a portion of a neck region of an article; a support device operable to support the split mold insert; the split mold insert apparatus is configured and operable such that the split mold insert is movable relative to the support device during operation of the injection molding system.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an injection molding system comprising a mold comprising a first mold half and a second mold half, the first mold half and the second mold half movable relative to each other between a first open position and a second closed position, the first mold half and the second mold half together providing a molding cavity when in the second closed position; a mold stack comprising a plurality of components associated with the first mold half and the second mold half to cooperatively define a molding cavity when the first mold half and the second mold half are in a closed position; a demolding assembly operable to demold the molded article from the mold; the demolding assembly comprises a first sliding piece and a second sliding piece; the first and second slides are laterally movable relative to each other between an open position when the first and second mold halves are in the open position and a closed position when the first and second mold halves are in the closed position; a first split mold insert interconnected with the first slide; a second split mold insert interconnected with a second slide; the system is operable such that the first split mold insert and the second split mold insert form at least a portion of the molding cavity when the first slide and the second slide are in the closed position; the system is operable such that, during operation of the injection molding system, when the first and second mold halves are moved to the closed position, the first split mold insert is movable relative to the respective first slide and the second split mold insert is movable relative to the second slide to facilitate alignment of at least one component of the mold stack adjacent at least one of the first and second split mold inserts.
These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Drawings
A better understanding of embodiments of the present invention (including alternatives and/or variations thereof) may be obtained with reference to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments along with the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a known mold;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative mold stack having movable split mold inserts;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the mold stack of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of some components of the mold stack of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the component of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a neck ring half of the mold stack of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of an alternative slider having neck ring halves;
FIGS. 8A and 8B are exploded perspective views of some of the components of an alternative mold stack employing the slide holder and neck ring halves of FIGS. 7A and 7B;
FIGS. 9A and 9B are vertical, elevational, cross-sectional views through a component and a portion of the mold stack of FIGS. 8A and 8B;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative slide with an insert holder and neck ring halves;
11A and 11B are top perspective views of another alternative slide and neck ring half;
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the slide and neck ring halves of FIGS. 11A and 11B with the neck ring halves removed from the slide;
FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the slide and neck ring halves of FIGS. 11A and 11B;
FIG. 14A is a top plan view of the slide and neck ring halves of FIGS. 11A and 11B with the neck ring halves removed from the slide;
FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view at B-B in FIG. 14A; FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view at C-C in FIG. 14A;
FIG. 15A is an enlarged top perspective view of a portion of the slide and neck ring halves of FIGS. 11A and 11B;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative neck ring configuration;
17A, 17B and 17C are cross-sectional profile views of a portion of the neck ring construction of FIG. 16; and
FIG. 18 provides a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a mold stack including the neck ring of FIG. 16.
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 exemplary embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.
Detailed Description
There are premature wear problems associated with the components of some known injection molding systems. The premature wear problem may be due, at least in part, to one or more of the following problems: (a) excessive clamping force, (b) insufficient clamping force, (c) process parameters for filling the molding cavity with melt, (d) geometry of the mold stack components, (e) platen parallelism (or lack thereof), (f) number of cavities in a given size of the negative mold, (g) material used for each mold stack component (e.g., a taper, etc.), and (i) relative position of each interfitting mold stack component (e.g., misalignment of the interfitting individual mold stack components). The premature wear problem can be attributed to other problems.
Also, in some known systems, for a given size of mold stack, the clamping force is not evenly distributed along a cross-section of the mold stack that is transverse to an operating axis of the molding system. During operation, when the two mold halves are brought together, the components of the mold stack may be misaligned. Attempts have been made to enhance the ability of the components of the mold stack to self-align when the mold halves are brought together.
For example, referring to FIG. 1, a portion of a
One problem to be solved when discussing molded articles, such as preforms, is the formation of a so-called "neck region". Typically and by way of example, the neck region may comprise: (i) threads (or other suitable structure) for receiving and retaining a closure assembly (e.g., a bottle cap); (ii) a tamper-evident assembly for cooperating with the closure assembly to indicate whether the final product, such as a beverage container filled with a beverage and shipped to a store, has been tampered with in any way. The neck region may include other additional elements for various purposes. However, the neck region cannot be simply formed using the cavity and the core. Traditionally, split mold inserts (sometimes some embodiments of which are referred to by those skilled in the art as "neck rings") have been used to form the neck region.
Thus, the split
In the particular non-limiting embodiment of fig. 1, each
Also depicted in fig. 1 is a retaining
Also depicted in fig. 1 is a
In the
A
As described in the aforementioned U.S. patent No. 7,575,429, the
Similarly, as described in PCT patent application serial No. PCT/CA2014/050041[ publication No. WO 2014/131118a1], filed on 21/1/2014, which is also assigned to the assignee of the present patent application and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, a mold stack is disclosed that includes a cavity insert that can be positioned within an aperture in a female mold in a loose-fit arrangement that allows for a degree of float of the cavity insert in a transverse direction relative to the female mold.
However, in each of the aforementioned mold stacks, there is no disclosure that the neck ring halves are movable relative to the respective slides to which they are mounted. The inventors have recognized that alternative or additional alignment mechanisms can be introduced into the mold stack to provide split mold compensation whereby the neck ring halves of the mold stack can be moved relative to or associated with the support members of the respective slides.
Referring now to fig. 2 and 3, the components of a
The
The core alignment
The split
However, if only movement of the
As shown, each
Each
Each
The
Each
Each
With particular reference to fig. 6, each
The longitudinal and vertically oriented outwardly facing
The
When each
Additionally, the shaft of the
As a result of the foregoing, each
With particular reference to fig. 4 and 5, the inner surface defining the
A retaining structure (not shown) may be coupled to a female die (not shown) that cooperates with a respective one of the pair of
Also depicted in fig. 2 is a
In the mold closed position, a portion of the
Each
Still referring to fig. 2 and 3, a cavity
The tapered
As described above, the
The movable
In other embodiments, the mold stack including the neck ring halves 1114 may be configured differently and may be configured with only one side (cavity side or core side) of the appropriate alignment interface surface in locking alignment engagement or neither side of the alignment interface surface in locking alignment engagement. In such an alternative embodiment, a degree of motion compensation may be built into one or both inserts on the cavity side and the core side. In such an embodiment, the freedom of movement of the
Referring now to fig. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, an alternative embodiment of a
The longitudinal and vertically oriented outward facing surfaces 2132 (fig. 7B) of the
By positioning the
When each neck-
The
The core alignment
The cavity side alignment
Each cavity
Thus, in a manner similar to the first embodiment described above, when the mold halves are brought together during operation, the
Referring now to fig. 10, another alternative embodiment of a movable split
The split mold insert assembly in this embodiment can include one or more pairs of
Each
Each
Each
Each split
The outwardly facing surfaces 3132 of the split
When each split
As a result of the foregoing, each split
Also, similar to the embodiments described above, the inner surface defining the
The
In the mold closed position, a portion of the core insert, a portion of the split
As described above, when held in the
Referring now to fig. 11A, 11B, 12, 13 and 14A-C, another alternative embodiment of the movable
Referring specifically to fig. 11B and 14A-C, each
Each
Referring to fig. 11B and 12, the
The
The opposite outer end of each
However, for the
Referring specifically to fig. 13 and 14A-C, on the side of the
The lower
As described above, each
Each retaining
Once each
With respect to movement in the lateral direction (Z), when the retaining
When each
As a result, the retaining
When each
Referring to fig. 15A and 15B, a plurality of cooling channels may be provided through the
In the mold closed position, a portion of the core insert, a portion of the neck ring half 4114 (along with a portion of the cavity insert and a portion of the gate insert, not shown) may cooperate to define a molding cavity.
As described above, when held in the
Referring now to fig. 18, showing some of the components of the mold stack 5000 having a core half 5001 and a cavity half 5002, the core half 5001 and the cavity half 5002 may be generally configured similar to the mold stack previously mentioned and described. The core half 5001 may include a punch (not shown) and a stripper plate (not shown). Core half 5001 may also include a core insert 5105. The
Each split mold insert assembly 5110 can include one or more pairs of slides 5112. One or more respective pairs of
Each
Each
Each
The
Each
An O-ring 5199 (fig. 18) can be disposed between the
This clearance allows the
As described above, the
In this fig. 18 embodiment, a cavity insert 5106 and cavity flange 5116 may be provided in the mold stack. When using known compensation mechanisms, the cavity insert 5106 and/or cavity flange 5116 can be implemented as a compensated cavity insert/compensated cavity flange insert. The compensation cavity insert 5106 and/or compensation cavity flange 5166 can align their locations with the locations of the neck ring halves 5114. An example of a cavity insert motion compensation mechanism is disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. patent No. 7,575,429.
Of course, the above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting in any way. It will be apparent that many modifications are possible in the form, arrangement of parts, details and order of operation of the embodiments described to carry out the invention. Other variations are also possible.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)
1. An injection mold system comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold halves, the first and second mold halves axially movable relative to each other between first and second closed positions, the first and second mold halves together providing a molding cavity (1133) when in the second closed position;
a mold stack comprising a plurality of components associated with the first mold half and the second mold half to collectively operably define the molding cavity (1133) when the first mold half and the second mold half are in the closed position;
a demolding assembly operable to demold a molded article from the mold;
the stripper assembly includes first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112); the first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) being laterally movable relative to each other between an open position when the first and second mold halves are in the open position and a closed position when the first and second mold halves are in the closed position;
a first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) interconnected with the first slider (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112);
a second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) interconnected with the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112);
the system is operable such that the first and second split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) form at least a portion of the molding cavity (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) when the first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) are in the closed position;
the system is operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the system is operable such that the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) to facilitate alignment of at least one component of the mold stack adjacent at least one of the first and second split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is axially movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is axially movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
4. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is longitudinally movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is longitudinally movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable in a lateral direction relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112), and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable in a lateral direction relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
6. The system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is directly connected and mounted to the first slide (2112, 4112, 5112), and wherein the second split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is directly connected and mounted to the second slide (2112, 4112, 5112) such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (2112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the second slide (2112, 4112, 5112).
7. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is radially movable relative to the respective first slider (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is radially movable relative to the second slider (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112).
8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a first support device (1113, 3113) operable to support the first split mold insert (1114, 3114), the first support device (1113, 3113) fixedly connected to the first slide (1112, 3112), and the system further comprising: a second support means (1113, 3113) operable to support the second split mold insert (1114, 3114), the second support means (1113, 3113) fixedly connected to the second slide (1112, 3112);
such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) is movable relative to the first support means (1113, 3113) and the first slide (1112, 3112), and the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) is movable relative to the second support means (1113, 3113) and the second slide (1112, 3112).
9. The system of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) comprises a first neck ring half (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) comprises a second neck ring half (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
10. The system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first split mold insert (3114) comprises a first neck-ring half and a first body portion, and the second split mold insert (3114) comprises a second neck-ring half and a second body portion.
11. The system of any of claims 1-5 or claims 7-10, further comprising:
a first retainer (113, 3113) operable for retaining the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) and allowing the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to move relative to the first retainer (1113, 3113) during use of the system, the first retainer (1113, 3113) fixedly connecting the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to the first slide (1112, 3112);
a second retainer (1113, 3113) operable for retaining the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) and allowing the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) to move relative to the second retainer (1113, 3113) during use of the system, the second retainer (1113, 3113) fixedly connecting the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) to the second slide (1112, 3112).
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) is retained within the opening (1109, 3109) of the first holder (1113, 3113) by a first retaining mechanism (1136, 3136); and the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) is retained within the opening (1109, 3109) of the second retainer (1113, 3113) by a second retaining mechanism (1136, 3136).
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first retaining mechanism (1136, 3136) includes a first retaining plate retained within a recess (1125, 3125) of the first retainer (1113, 3113) and positioned a distance from an engagement surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to allow limited movement of the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) within the opening (1109, 3109) of the first retainer (1113, 3113).
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the second retaining mechanism (1136, 3136) includes a second retaining plate retained within a recess (1125, 3125) of the second retainer (1113, 3113) and positioned a distance from an engagement surface of the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) to allow limited movement of the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) within the opening (1109, 3109) of the second retainer (1113, 3113).
15. The system of claim 13, further comprising: an elastic member (1124) located between the surface of the first retainer (1113, 3113) defining the opening (1109, 3109) of the first retainer (1113, 3113) and the first split mold insert (1114, 3114), and the elastic member (1124) is operable to push against the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to urge the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) in a direction outward from the opening (1109, 3109) in the first retainer (1109, 3109).
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a first resilient member (1124) located between the surface of the first retainer (1113, 3113) defining the opening (1109, 3109) of the first retainer (1113, 3113) and the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) and operable to push against the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) to urge the split mold insert (1114, 3114) in an outward direction from the opening (1109, 3109) in the first retainer (1109, 3109); and further comprising: a second resilient member (1109, 3109) located between the surface of the second retainer (1113, 3113) defining the opening (1109, 3109) of the second retainer (1113, 3113) and the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) and operable to push against the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) to urge the split mold insert (1114, 3114) in a direction outward from the opening (1109, 3109) in the second retainer (1113, 3113).
17. The system of claim 13, 14, 15, or 16, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 3114) has an outward facing surface (1132, 3132) that is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape and the opening (1109, 3109) of the first holder (1113, 3113) is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) has an outward facing surface (1132, 3132) that is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, and the opening (1109, 3109) of the second holder (1113, 3113) is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape.
19. The system of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an alignment interface surface (1126, 1127, 3127), the alignment interface surface (1126, 1127, 3127) operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engages the interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack to move the first split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective first slide to assist in aligning components of the mold stack.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an alignment interface surface (1126, 1127, 3127), the alignment interface surface (1126, 1127, 3127) operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an engaging member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engages the interface surface of the engaging member of the mold stack to move the second split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective second slide to assist in aligning the members of the mold stack.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the engagement member of the mold stack is a mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) positioned adjacent the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the engagement member of the mold stack is one or more mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) positioned adjacent to the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
23. The system of claim 19, wherein the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack.
24. The system of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the alignment interface surface of the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack.
25. The system of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an upper alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an upper engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has a lower alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of a lower engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the upper and lower alignment interface surfaces of the first split mold insert engage the interface surfaces of the upper and lower engagement members of the mold stack, respectively, to move the first split insert relative to the respective first slide To assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
26. The system of any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) each have an inner surface (1135, 3135) that is generally semi-cylindrical in shape.
27. The system of claim 6 wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is radially movable relative to the respective first slide (2112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5112) is radially movable relative to the second slide (2112, 4114, 5112).
28. The system of claim 6, wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) comprises a first neck ring half and the second split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) comprises a second neck ring half.
29. The system according to any one of claims 6, 27 or 28, wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) is retained within the opening (2109, 4109) of the first slide (2112, 4112) by a first retaining mechanism (2136, 4111); and the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) is retained within the opening (2109, 4109) of the second slide (2112, 4112) by a second retaining mechanism (2136, 4111).
30. The system of claim 29 wherein the first retaining mechanism (2136) comprises a first retaining plate retained within a recess (2125) of the first slide (2112) and having a surface positioned a distance from an engagement surface of the first split mold insert (2114) to allow limited movement of the first split mold insert (2114) within the opening (2109) of the first slide (2112).
31. The system of claim 30 wherein the second retaining mechanism (2136) comprises a second retaining plate retained within a recess (2125) of the second slide (2112) and positioned a distance from an engagement surface of the second split mold insert (2114) to permit limited movement of the second split mold insert (2114) within the opening (2109) of the second slide (2112).
32. The system of claim 29, further comprising: a resilient member (2124) located between the first runner (2112) and the first split mold insert (2114) and operable to push against the first split mold insert (2114) to urge the first split mold insert (2114) in a direction outward from the opening in the first runner (2112).
33. The system of claim 29, further comprising: a first resilient member (2124, 5199) located between the first sled (2112, 5112) and the first split mold insert (2114) and operable to push against the first split mold insert (2114, 5114) to urge the split mold insert (2114, 5114) in a direction outward from the opening (2109, 5195) in the first sled (2112, 5112); and further comprising: a second resilient member (2124, 5199) located between the second sled (2112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (2114, 5114) and operable to push against the second split mold insert (2114, 5114) to urge the second split mold insert (2114, 5114) in a direction outward from the opening (2109, 5195) in the second sled (2112, 5112).
34. The system according to any one of claims 6 or 27 to 33, wherein the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) has an outer surface that is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape and the opening (2109, 4109) of the first slide (2112, 4112) is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape.
35. The system of claim 34 wherein when the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) is received in an opening (2109, 4109) in the first slide (2112, 4112), a space is provided between an outer surface of the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) and a surface of the first slide defining the opening (2109, 4109) in the first slide (2112, 4112) such that the first split mold insert (2114, 4114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (2112, 4112) during operation of the injection molding system.
36. The system according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) has an outer surface that is generally semi-cylindrical in shape, and the opening (2109, 4109) in the second slide (2112, 4112) is generally semi-cylindrical in shape.
37. The system of claim 36 wherein, when the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) is received in the opening (2109, 4109) in the second slide (2112, 4112), a space is provided between an outer surface of the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) and a surface of the second slide (2112, 4112) defining the opening (2109, 4109) in the second slide (2112, 4112) such that the second split mold insert (2114, 4114) is movable relative to the respective second slide (2112, 4112) during operation of the injection molding system.
38. The system of claim 6, wherein:
the first split mold insert (4114) comprises a flange portion (4114a) and a substantially semi-cylindrical portion (4114 b);
the second split mold insert (4114a) comprises a flange portion (4114a) and a substantially semi-cylindrical portion (4114 b);
the first slider (4112) comprises a platform recessed portion (4106) and a substantially semi-cylindrical opening portion (4109);
the second slider (4112) comprises a platform recessed portion (4106) and a substantially semi-cylindrical opening portion (4109);
the flange portion (4114a) of the first split mold insert (4114) is receivable in the platform recessed portion (4106) of the first slide (4112), and the semi-cylindrical portion (4114b) of the first split mold insert (4114) is receivable in the semi-cylindrical opening (4109) of the first slide (4112);
the flange portion (4114a) of the second split mold insert (4114) is receivable in the platform recessed portion (4106) of the second slide (4112), and the semi-cylindrical portion (4114b) of the second split mold insert (4114) is receivable in the semi-cylindrical opening (4109) of the second slide (4112).
39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the first split mold insert (4114) is retained within the opening (4109) of the first slide (4112) by a first retaining mechanism (4111); and the second split mold insert (4114) is retained within an opening (4109) of the second slide (4112) by a second retaining mechanism (4111).
40. The system of claim 36, wherein the first retaining mechanism (4111) comprises at least one retaining member (4111) having an upper head portion (4111a), a lower disk portion (4111b), and a shaft portion (4111c), the retaining member (4111) being receivable within an opening in the slider (4112), the retaining member (4111) being rotatable about its longitudinal axis between: (a) a first position in which the head (4111a) of the retaining member (4111) is oriented in a lateral direction; and (b) a second position, wherein the head portion (4111b) of the retaining member (4111) is oriented longitudinally such that when the retaining member (4111) is in the first position, the head portion (4111a) does not block entry of the flange portion (4114a) of the first split mold insert (4114) into the platform recess (4106) such that the flange portion (4114a) of the first split mold insert (4114) can be received into and rest on the platform (4106b) of the first slide (4112).
41. The system according to claim 40, wherein the head portion (4111a) is to retain the first split mold insert (41114) when the retaining member (4111) is in the second position.
42. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first split mold insert (5114) is interconnected with the first slide (5112) by a first retaining mechanism (5192); and the second split mold insert (5114) is interconnected to the second slide (5112) via a second retaining mechanism (5192).
43. The system of claim 42, wherein the first retention mechanism (5192) includes a retention member (5111) and a corresponding insertion member (5191);
the retaining member (5111) includes an upper head portion (5111a) and a shaft portion (5111 b);
the insert member (5191) includes a body portion (5191b) and a flange portion (5191a), and an opening (5191c) extending through the body portion (5191b) and the flange portion (5191a) of the insert member (5191);
the first split mold insert (5114) has a vertically oriented opening (5109) therethrough;
the first sled (5112) has a vertically oriented opening (5195) therethrough and is axially aligned with the vertically oriented opening (5195) through the first sled (5112); a recessed platform (5196) in the opening (5195) through the first slider (5112);
the depth of the recessed platform (5196) of the opening (5195) in the first slider (5112) is configured for positioning the flange portion (5191a) of the insertion member (5191) such that when the shaft portion (5111b) of the retention member (5111) is received through the opening (5191c) in the insertion member (5191) and the shaft portion (5111b) of the retention member (5111) and the insertion member (5191) are both received in the opening (5195) through the first slider (5112), a gap is formed between the lower surface of the flange portion (5191a) and the upwardly facing surface of the recessed platform (5196) such that, in operation, the first split mold insert (5114) is movable a limited axial distance relative to the first slider (5112).
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the first retention mechanism (5192) comprises first and second retention members (5111) and corresponding first and second insertion members (5191);
each of the first and second retaining members (5111) includes an upper head portion (5111a) and a shaft portion (5111 b);
each of the first and second insert members (5191) includes a body portion (5191b) and a flange portion (5191a), and an opening (5191c) extending through the body portion (5191b) and the flange portion (5191a) of the insert member (5191);
the first split mold insert (5114) has vertically oriented first and second openings (5109) therethrough;
the first sled (5112) has vertically oriented first and second openings (5195) therethrough and is axially aligned with the vertically oriented respective first and second openings (5195) through the first sled (5112); each of the first and second openings (5195) through the first slider (5112) has a recessed platform (5196);
the depth of the recessed platform (5196) of the first opening (5195) in the first slider (5112) is configured for positioning a flange portion (5191a) of the first insertion member (5191) such that when the shaft portion (5111b) of the first retention member (5111) is received through the opening (5191c) in the first insertion member (5191) and the shaft portion (5111b) of the first retention member (5111) and the first insertion member (5191) are both received in the opening (5195) through the first slider (5112), a first gap is formed between a lower surface of the flange portion (5191a) and an upwardly facing surface of the recessed platform (5196),
the depth of the recessed platform (5196) of the second opening (5195) in the first slider (5112) is configured for positioning a flange portion (5191a) of the second insertion member (5191), such that when the shaft portion (5111b) of the second retaining member (5111) is received through the opening (5191c) in the second insertion member (5191), and the shaft portion (5111b) of the second holding member (5111) and the second insertion member (5191) are both accommodated in the opening (5195) passing through the second slider (5112), a first gap is formed between a lower surface of the flange portion (5191a) and an upwardly facing surface of the recessed platform (5196), such that in operation, the first split mold insert (5114) is movable relative to the first slide (5112) a limited axial distance.
45. The system of any of claims 1 to 44, wherein the mold stack comprises a cavity insert (5106), and wherein the system further comprises a cavity insert compensation mechanism operable to enable relative movement of the cavity insert while the first and second mold halves (5114) move from the open position to the closed position to facilitate alignment of the cavity insert (5106) of the mold stack.
46. The system of any of claims 1 to 45, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is mounted for movement in an opening in the first support device (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
47. The system of claim 46, wherein the second split mold insert (1114, 3114) is mounted for movement in an opening in the second support means (1113, 3113).
48. A split mold insertion apparatus operable to be connected to a slide of an injection molding system, the slide operable to move laterally, the split mold insertion apparatus comprising:
a split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) comprising a body having an inner surface configured to form, in use, part of a surface of a mold cavity for forming at least part of a neck region of an article; a support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112) operable to support the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114);
the split mold insert apparatus is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are movable relative to the support device (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein, in use of the injection molding system, the split mold insert apparatus is operable such that the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112) to facilitate alignment of at least one component of a mold stack adjacent the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
50. The apparatus according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are axially movable relative to the support means (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
51. The apparatus according to claim 48, 49 or 50, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are longitudinally movable with respect to the support means (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 51, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are movable in a lateral direction relative to the support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
53. The apparatus of any of claims 48 to 52, wherein the support device is a slide (2112, 4112, 5112) of a stripper assembly of an injection molding system.
54. The apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is directly connected to the slide (2112, 4112, 5112) such that the split mold insert (2114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the slide (2112, 4112, 5112) during operation of the injection molding system.
55. The apparatus of any of claims 48 to 54, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114) have outer surfaces that are generally semi-cylindrical in shape.
56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112) has an opening (1109, 2109, 3109, 4109), the opening (1109, 2109, 3109, 4109) being generally semi-cylindrical in shape and configured such that the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114) can be at least partially received within the opening of the support arrangement (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112).
57. The apparatus of any of claims 48 to 56, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114) have an inner surface that is generally semi-cylindrical in shape.
58. The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 57, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) are mounted for movement in openings in the support means (1113, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112).
59. The apparatus of any one of claims 46 to 58, wherein the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) have alignment interface surfaces operable to engage alignment interface surfaces of engaging members of a mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surfaces of the first split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engage the interface surfaces of the engaging members of the mold stack to move the first split inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective first slides (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) to assist in aligning the members of the mold stack.
60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the engagement member of the mold stack is a mold insert positioned adjacent to the split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
61. The apparatus of claim 59 or 60, wherein the alignment interface surface of the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack.
62. The apparatus of any of claims 59, 60 or 61, wherein the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an upper alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an upper engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has a lower alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of a lower engagement member of the mold stack, wherein, during operation of the injection molding system, the upper and lower alignment interface surfaces of the split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engage the interface surfaces of the upper and lower engagement members of the mold stack, respectively, to engage the split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) to cause the split insert (1114, 3114, 5114) to move into engagement with the upper and lower engagement members of the mold stack, 2114. 3114, 4114, 5114) to assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
63. An injection mold system comprising:
a mold comprising first and second mold halves movable relative to each other between first and second open positions, the first and second mold halves together providing a molding cavity (1133) when in the second closed position;
a mold stack comprising a plurality of components associated with the first mold half and the second mold half to collectively operatively define the molding cavity (1113) when the first mold half and the second mold half are in the closed position;
a demolding assembly operable to demold a molded article from the mold;
the stripper assembly includes first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112); the first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112) being laterally movable relative to each other between an open position when the first and second mold halves are in the open position and a closed position when the first and second mold halves are in the closed position;
a first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) interconnected with the first slider (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112);
a second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) interconnected with the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112);
the system is operable such that the first and second split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) form at least a portion of the molding cavity (1133) when the first and second slides (1112, 2112, 3113, 4112, 5112) are in the closed position;
the system is operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the respective first slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) and the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is movable relative to the second slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) to facilitate alignment of at least one component of the mold stack adjacent at least one of the first and second split mold inserts (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114).
64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the injection molding system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engages the interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack to move the first split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective first slide to assist in aligning the members of the mold stack.
65. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the alignment interface surface of the second split mold insert engages the interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack to move the second split insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) relative to the respective second slide to assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
66. The system of claim 64 or 65, wherein the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of the engagement member of the mold stack.
67. The system of claim 66, wherein the alignment interface surface of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the alignment interface surface of the second split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) is a tapered alignment interface surface operable to engage a tapered alignment interface surface of an engagement member of the mold stack.
68. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has an upper alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of an upper engagement member of the mold stack, and wherein the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) has a lower alignment interface surface operable to engage an alignment interface surface of a lower engagement member of the mold stack, wherein the system is configured and operable such that during operation of the injection molding system, the upper and lower alignment interface surfaces of the first split mold insert (1114, 2114, 3114, 4114, 5114) engage the interface surfaces of the upper and lower engagement members of the mold stack, respectively, to cause the first split insert to be engaged relative to the respective first split mold insert A slide (1112, 2112, 3112, 4112, 5112) moves to assist in aligning the components of the mold stack.
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