Patent ID: 7862321
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. A modular injection mold and manifold arrangement for a multi-level stack mold assembly mountable between a stationary platen and a movable platen of an injection molding machine wherein said stationary platen has at least one sprue bushing providing at least first and second discrete melt sources, said arrangement comprising: a first manifold module mountable to said stationary platen and providing a first melt distribution conduit for receiving melt from said first discrete melt source and delivering only said melt from said first discrete melt source to a first nozzle array associated with a first mold level of said multi-level stack mold assembly; said first mold level including a first mold module having a first core part, a first cavity part for registering with said first core part and respective gates registering with each nozzle of said first nozzle array for injecting said melt into a space defined between said first core and cavity parts in a mold closed configuration; a second manifold module mountable between said stationary and movable platens for movement toward and away from said fixed platen and including a second melt delivery conduit for receiving melt from said second discrete melt source and delivering only said melt from said second discrete melt source to a second nozzle array associated with a second mold level of said multi-level stack mold assembly at least a portion of said second melt delivery conduit extends through said first manifold; said second mold level includes a second mold module having a second core part, a second cavity part for registering with said second core part and respective gates registering with each nozzle of said second nozzle array for injecting said melt into a space defined between said core and cavity parts in said mold closed configuration; said first and second core and cavity parts being separable in a machine direction to a mold open configuration for stripping and being connectable to said stationary and movable platens for movement between said mold open and mold closed configuration; said first and second manifold modules being configured to divert melt around rather than through said first mold module to facilitate exchange of said first mold module as a unit for a first mold module for a different part having corresponding gate positions; said first manifold module being disconnectable at said sprue bushing from said stationary platen to facilitate exchange of a given first manifold module for another first manifold module of different configuration for a different first mold module; said second manifold module receives melt from said second source through a second run of said second melt delivery conduit, which is separable along its length for mold opening and to allow exchange of said second manifold module for one of different configuration; and, said second mold module is removable from said second manifold module without disassembly of said second manifold module to allow exchange of one said second mold module for another configured for a different part but having corresponding gate positions.