Patent Description:
A mold apparatus is an apparatus for molding a material such as metal or plastic to a specific shape by injecting the material into a molding space (cavity) and pressing the material. The material injected into the molding space may be a molten metal in a liquid state, or a semi-molten metal in a solid state. Further, in a process of injecting the material or a process of releasing a molded article, a process of opening and closing the molding space is necessarily performed while the material is molded. Typically, there are forging molding, injection molding, die casting molding, and so on, and an appropriate mold apparatus is used according to an injected material.

In a typical mold apparatus, the molding space is formed between a movable mold and a fixed mold, and the molding space is open or closed as the movable mold is moved forward or backward. According to the type of the mold apparatus, a punch is provided in the movable mold. For example, the punch is provided in a forging molding-type mold apparatus.

Meanwhile, a hydraulic cylinder is used for moving the movable mold forward or backward, the movable mold being a heavy object. At this time, since the movable mold is the heavy object and is also to be supported under high pressure during a process of molding the material, the hydraulic cylinder has a large diameter of a cylinder. In addition, since a space sufficient to release a molded article is required to be secured, a length of the cylinder is also formed long enough. As a result, the hydraulic cylinder having a large size is used.

However, there is a problem that an operation time is increased as a size of the hydraulic cylinder increases. Therefore, when a hydraulic cylinder having a large size is used, an overall time of molding of a product with a mold apparatus is increased. That is, the process cycle is increased. Further, since the usage of hydraulic oil and energy consumption increase due to the use of a hydraulic cylinder having a large size, there is a problem that overall economic feasibility is reduced. <CIT> discloses a molding machine with a movable die plate. Various temperature adjustment means are provided in order to allow adjustment of the clamping force of the molding machine. <CIT> discloses a linear actuator with a double-threaded ball screw, a stationary platen and a movable platen.

Accordingly, the present disclosure has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and a method for molding a material, the apparatus and the method being capable of significantly shortening a process cycle and being capable of reducing energy consumption.

In order to achieve the above objective, according to the present disclosure, there are provided an apparatus for molding a material and a method for molding various materials by using the apparatus, the apparatus including: first and second fixed platens which are provided as a pair and spaced a predetermined distance from each other by tie bars; a movable platen formed such that the movable platen is capable of moving along the tie bars between the first and second fixed platens; a mold which is provided with a movable mold formed on the movable platen and with a fixed mold formed on the second fixed platen and which forms a molding space in a point where the movable mold and the fixed mold are in contact with each other such that the molding space is capable of being open or closed; and a pressing block selectively positioned between the first fixed platen and the movable platen, the pressing block being capable of applying a pressure to the movable mold.

According to the apparatus for molding the material and to the method for molding the material by using the apparatus, since the hydraulic cylinder having the large size is not used, the process cycle is shortened, and economic feasibility is increased since the usage of hydraulic oil and energy consumption is also reduced.

The present disclosure may be applied to various apparatuses molding various materials by using a mold formed of a movable mold and a fixed mold. For example, such as die casting apparatuses, forging apparatuses, and so on may be the various apparatuses, and the various materials include a material such as metal, plastic, and so on that are formed by a mold apparatus. Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings <FIG>. Further, in the drawings, <FIG> illustrate an embodiment in which the present disclosure is applied to a die casting apparatus molding a material by injecting a molten material.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating a front configuration of a die casting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating a side configuration of the die casting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating a state in which a molding space of the die casting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is open.

As illustrated in the drawings, the die casting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes first and second fixed platens <NUM> and <NUM>, a movable platen <NUM> disposed between the first and second fixed platens <NUM> and <NUM>, a mold <NUM> in which a molding space <NUM> is formed, and a pressing block <NUM> capable of applying a pressure to the mold <NUM>.

The first and second fixed platens <NUM> and <NUM> form plates having predetermined areas and predetermined thickness, and are disposed such that a predetermined distance from each other is formed by a plurality of tie bars <NUM> that is formed in a rod shape. In a state in which the distance between the first and second fixed platens <NUM> and <NUM> is maintained, the first and second fixed platens <NUM> and <NUM> are rigidly fixed such that the first and second fixed platens <NUM> and <NUM> are not moved.

The movable platen <NUM> is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined area and a predetermined thickness, and is formed such that the movable platen <NUM> is capable of being moved between the first and second fixed platens <NUM> and <NUM> along the tie bars <NUM>. The movable platen <NUM> may be moved by a hydraulic cylinder. For example, the hydraulic cylinder may be a mold opening and closing cylinder <NUM> mounted at the first fixed platen <NUM>. In this configuration, a plurality of mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM> is provided, and respective rods pulled out or pushed into the plurality of mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM> are connected to borders of the movable platen <NUM>. Therefore, when the rods are pulled out or pushed into the mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM>, the movable platen <NUM> is moved forward or backward along the tie bars <NUM>.

Here, the mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM> may have a low pressure and a high speed comparing to a pressing cylinder <NUM> that is a pressing means which will be described later, so that a mold opening and closing time may be shortened.

The mold <NUM> includes a movable mold <NUM> and a fixed mold <NUM>. The molding space <NUM> (cavity) is formed in surfaces where the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are in contact with each other. Therefore, when the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are coupled to each other, the molding space <NUM> is sealed, so that a material may be molded by injecting the material into the molding space <NUM>. When a plurality of molding spaces <NUM> is required, the plurality of molding spaces <NUM> may be simultaneously formed in one mold <NUM>.

Sealing of the molding space <NUM> may be realized by mounting a packing at each splayed point or at each point into which air can be introduced. Further, the molding space <NUM> is connected to an exhaust pipe <NUM>, so that a vacuum state of the molding space <NUM> may be formed by suctioning air from the molding space <NUM> that is sealed.

A position of the movable mold <NUM> may be moved, and the fixed mold <NUM> may be formed such that the fixed mold <NUM> is in a fixed state on a predetermined position. To this end, the movable mold <NUM> may be formed on a surface of the movable platen <NUM>, the surface facing the second fixed platen <NUM>. Further, the fixed mold <NUM> may be formed on the second fixed platen <NUM>. Therefore, when the movable platen <NUM> is moved while the fixed mold <NUM> is in the fixed state, the movable mold <NUM> is moved together with the movable platen <NUM> and is coupled to the fixed mold <NUM>.

The pressing block <NUM> is a block formed in a predetermined size, and is selectively positioned between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>. The pressing block <NUM> may be positioned between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> by moving the pressing block <NUM> only in a situation in which a pressure is required to be applied to the movable mold <NUM>. Further, when the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are to be splayed apart, the fixing block <NUM> is returned to an original position. A plurality of pressing blocks <NUM> is provided. Further, in a process of molding a metal by using a mold apparatus according to the present disclosure, the plurality of pressing blocks <NUM> may be formed such that the plurality of pressing blocks <NUM> is selectively positioned between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>.

The pressing block <NUM> presses the movable platen <NUM> while moving forward to the movable mold <NUM> by an external force, thereby pressing the movable mold <NUM> as a result. In this situation, a pressing means is provided, and the pressing block <NUM> may be moved forward to the movable mold <NUM> by a pressure generated from the pressing means.

The pressing means may be the pressing cylinder <NUM> which is mounted at the first fixed platen <NUM> and which is formed such that a first ram <NUM> is capable of being pulled out or pushed into the pressing cylinder <NUM>. Conventionally, such a pressing cylinder <NUM> is a component adopted as a means for pressing the mold <NUM>. According to the present disclosure, the pressing block <NUM> transfers a pressure generated from the pressing cylinder <NUM> to the movable mold <NUM>. Therefore, a length of the pressing cylinder <NUM> and a length of the first ram <NUM> is provided as short as a length of the pressing block <NUM> comparing to a conventional configuration. Accordingly, in a process of pressing the movable mold <NUM>, an operation time of the pressing cylinder <NUM> is reduced comparing to a conventional operation time, so that an overall process cycle of molding a molded article may be significantly reduced.

The pressing block <NUM> may be formed such that the pressing block <NUM> can be moved between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the mold <NUM> by an actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be mounted at a border of the first fixed platen <NUM>, and is formed such that the actuator <NUM> pushes and moves the pressing block <NUM> to a desired position or returns the pressing block <NUM> to an original position.

Meanwhile, the die casting apparatus according to the present disclosure is provided with an ejector pin <NUM>, so that a molded article may be released from the molding space <NUM>. The ejector pin <NUM> is formed such that the ejector pin <NUM> penetrates the movable mold <NUM> and an end of the ejector pin <NUM> reaches the molding space <NUM>, and the ejector pin <NUM> is operated and moved forward and backward by an ejector cylinder <NUM>.

The ejector cylinder <NUM> is formed at the movable platen <NUM>. The ejector cylinder <NUM> is formed on a surface opposite to a surface on which the movable platen <NUM> is formed. That is, the ejector cylinder <NUM> is formed on a surface facing the pressing block <NUM>. Therefore, the ejector cylinder <NUM> protrudes in a direction facing the pressing block <NUM>.

When the ejector cylinder <NUM> is formed, an accommodating space <NUM> in which the ejector cylinder <NUM> is accommodated is formed in the pressing block <NUM>. Therefore, in a state in which the ejector cylinder <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodating space <NUM>, the pressing block <NUM> may apply a pressure to the movable platen <NUM>.

In the die casting apparatus according to the present disclosure, a sleeve <NUM> that is in communication with the molding space <NUM> is formed at the second fixed platen <NUM>. Since the sleeve <NUM> is formed so that a material is injected into the molding space <NUM> through the sleeve <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> may be detachably mounted at the second fixed platen <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> is provided with a pressing plunger <NUM>. As such, the material inserted inside the sleeve <NUM> is pushed and injected into the molding space <NUM> by using the pressing plunger <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> may have a heating means. The heating means may be a coil <NUM> generating a heat by using electricity. Further, the coil <NUM> is wound on the sleeve <NUM> and generates the heat, so that the material inserted inside the sleeve <NUM> may be molten or the material may maintain a molten state or a semi-molten state by maintaining a predetermined temperature.

In the die casting apparatus in which the present disclosure as described above is applied, the first fixed platen <NUM>, the movable platen <NUM>, the second fixed platen <NUM>, and the sleeve <NUM> may be disposed in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the first fixed platen <NUM>, the movable platen <NUM>, the second fixed platen <NUM>, and the sleeve <NUM> may be disposed in a horizontal direction or may be disposed to be in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating a structure in which a pressing block according to the present disclosure is formed such that a length of the pressing block is capable of being adjusted.

The pressing block <NUM> may be formed such that a length of the pressing block <NUM> is capable of being adjusted. By realizing a structure in which a body of the pressing block <NUM> is divided into two parts and the two parts are screwed to each other, the length of the pressing block <NUM> is capable of being adjusted. Among the two divided parts, one part has a female thread and other part has a male thread, so that a structure in which the two divided parts are coupled to each other is formed. Accordingly, the length of the pressing block <NUM> may be adjusted and used when the length of the pressing block <NUM> is required to be adjusted.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating a structure in which a position of the pressing block according to the present disclosure is moved along rails.

The pressing block <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be formed such that the pressing block <NUM> is moved along a rail <NUM> that is formed on the first fixed platen <NUM>. The rail <NUM> is formed on a surface of the first fixed platen <NUM>, the surface facing the movable platen <NUM>. Preferably, a pair of rails <NUM> is formed. In this configuration, the pressing block <NUM> has slide guides <NUM> which correspond to the rails <NUM> and which are formed on a left side and a right side of the pressing block <NUM>. Further, in a state in which the slide guides <NUM> are coupled to the rails <NUM>, a position of the pressing block <NUM> is moved by pushing or pulling the pressing block <NUM>. At this time, in order for a smooth movement of the pressing block <NUM>, the pressing block <NUM> is required to maintain a predetermined distance from the first fixed platen <NUM>. Therefore, in order to maintain the predetermined distance, sizes of the rails <NUM> and the slide guides <NUM> are required to be determined.

Meanwhile, in the configuration as described above, the pressing block <NUM> is formed such that the pressing block <NUM> is capable of being elastically reciprocated while being coupled to the rails <NUM>. This configuration can be realized by support brackets <NUM> that protrude on opposite side surfaces of the pressing block <NUM>, spring brackets <NUM> which are formed in U-shapes having entrances open toward the pressing block <NUM> and which are formed below the slide guides <NUM>, and springs <NUM> supporting the support brackets <NUM> while the support brackets <NUM> are fitted into the spring brackets <NUM>. The springs <NUM> support the support brackets <NUM> on opposite sides.

Accordingly, in a state in which the pressing block <NUM> is positioned between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>, when the pressing block <NUM> is pushed by an external force, one spring <NUM> supporting a first surface contracts but other spring <NUM> supporting a second surface expands and moves forward. Further, when the external force that pushes the pressing block <NUM> is released, the other spring <NUM> supporting the second surface contracts and the one spring <NUM> supporting the first surface expands and moves backward to an original position.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating a structure in which the pressing block according to the present disclosure is formed such that the pressing block is capable of applying a pressure to a mold by using its own force.

As illustrated in the drawing, the pressing block <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be formed of a block cylinder <NUM> that is provided with a second ram <NUM>. In this configuration, the pressing block <NUM> generates a pressure by using its own force without a pressing means separately provided, thereby applying the pressure to the movable platen <NUM>. That is, in a state in which the block cylinder <NUM> operated by a hydraulic pressure is supported on the first fixed platen <NUM> and is operated, the second ram <NUM> protrudes and the pressure is applied to the movable platen <NUM>, thereby pressing the movable mold <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating another embodiment in which the pressing block according to the present disclosure is formed such that the pressing block is capable of applying a pressure to the mold by using its own force.

As illustrated in the drawing, the pressing block <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be configured to generate a pressure by using its own force by having toggle links <NUM>. In this situation, the pressing block <NUM> is divided into two parts, and the toggle links <NUM> are mounted at divided points and the two parts are connected with each other. As known, the toggle links <NUM> are configured such that two links are connected to each other by a shaft, and are capable of being folded or unfolded. In the present disclosure, the shaft to which the two links are connected is provided with a toggle actuating rod <NUM>. Further, when the toggle actuating rod <NUM> is moved forward or backward by a hydraulic cylinder, the toggle links <NUM> are unfolded or folded. Therefore, in a state in which the pressing block <NUM> according to another embodiment is supported on the first fixed platen <NUM>, when the toggle links <NUM> are unfolded, a length of the pressing block <NUM> is increased and the movable mold <NUM> is pressed. In contrast, when the toggle links <NUM> are folded, the length of the pressing block <NUM> is decreased, so that a force pressing the movable mold <NUM> is released.

<FIG> are exemplary views illustrating structures in which a material is injected into the molding space of an apparatus for molding a material according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the drawings, an apparatus for molding a metal according to the present disclosure may variously realize a structure in which a material is inserted into the molding space <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a structure in which the sleeve <NUM> is formed in a vertical direction and a runner pipe <NUM> is formed such that the runner pipe <NUM> is in communication with the sleeve <NUM> is illustrated. In this configuration, a material in a liquid state (hereinafter, referred to as 'a molten metal') is capable of being injected into the sleeve <NUM> through the runner pipe <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a structure in which the sleeve <NUM> is formed in a horizontal direction and a molten metal injection port <NUM> is formed at an upper portion of the sleeve <NUM> is illustrated. In this configuration, a molten metal is poured into the molten metal injection port <NUM> and is injected into the sleeve <NUM>, and the molten metal is capable of being injected into the molding space <NUM> by pushing the molten metal with the pressing plunger <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a structure in which the sleeve <NUM> is formed in the horizontal direction and the runner pipe <NUM> is formed at a lower portion of the sleeve <NUM> is illustrated. In this configuration, a molten metal is injected into the sleeve <NUM> through the runner pipe <NUM>.

In the die casting apparatus according to the present disclosure as described above, after a material is injected into the sleeve <NUM>, the material is molded by performing a forming process (S1) in which the molding space <NUM> is formed inside the mold <NUM> by coupling the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM>, a positioning process (S2) in which the pressing block <NUM> is moved from an original position to a point where the pressing block <NUM> is capable of applying a pressure to the mold <NUM>, a pressing process (S3) in which the pressing block <NUM> is moved forward to the mold <NUM> and applies the pressure so that the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are not splayed apart, a molding process (S4) in which the material injected into the sleeve <NUM> is injected into the molding space <NUM> inside the mold <NUM> and then is molded, a returning process (S5) in which the pressing block <NUM> is returned to the original position, and a releasing process (S6) in which the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are splayed apart and a molded article is released from the molding space <NUM>.

In the forming process (S1), the movable platen <NUM> is moved forward to the fixed mold <NUM> while the fixed mold <NUM> is in a state of being fixed to the second fixed platen <NUM>. By operating the mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM> mounted at the first fixed platen <NUM>, the movable platen <NUM> is moved forward along the tie bars <NUM>. Accordingly, the movable mold <NUM> formed on the movable platen <NUM> is moved toward the fixed mold <NUM> and is coupled to the fixed mold <NUM>.

In the positioning process (S2), the pressing block <NUM> is moved by lifting up the pressing block <NUM> with a separate apparatus. Otherwise, when the actuator <NUM> is provided, the pressing block <NUM> is moved to a point between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> by operating the actuator <NUM>, in which the point is a position where the pressing block <NUM> is capable of applying a pressure to the mold <NUM>.

In the pressing process (S3), when a configuration in which a pressing means formed at the first fixed platen <NUM> applies a pressure to the pressing block <NUM> or the pressing block <NUM> is capable of generating a pressure from the pressing block <NUM> is provided, the movable platen <NUM> is pushed by generating a pressure while a rear portion of the pressing block <NUM> is supported on the first fixed platen <NUM>. As an example of the configuration corresponding to the latter, there is the pressing block <NUM> which is formed of the block cylinder <NUM> that has the second ram <NUM> as described above, so that the block cylinder <NUM> is operated and the second ram <NUM> pushes the movable platen <NUM>, thereby applying a pressure to the movable mold <NUM>.

In the molding process (S4), in a state in which the pressure is applied by using the pressing block <NUM>, the material is pushed and injected into the molding space <NUM> by using the pressing plunger <NUM> that is formed at the sleeve <NUM>. At this time, the material injected into the sleeve <NUM> may be injected into the sleeve <NUM> while being in a molten metal state, or may be formed to be in the molten metal state by heating and melting the material from the sleeve <NUM>.

After the molding process (S4), when the molten metal is left for a predetermined amount of time, the molten metal injected into the molding space <NUM> is solidified.

Meanwhile, in the molding process (S4), the molten metal is injected into the molding space <NUM> by pushing the molten metal with a strong pressure with the pressing plunger <NUM>. Therefore, the strong pressure is applied to the movable mold <NUM>. At this time, since the pressing block <NUM> pushes the movable mold <NUM> with a strong force, the movable mold <NUM> is supported such that the movable mold <NUM> is not splayed apart from the fixed mold <NUM>.

In the returning process (S5), the pressing block <NUM> is moved to the original position. By spacing the pressing block <NUM> apart from the movable platen <NUM>, the pressure applied to the movable mold <NUM> is released. When the pressing cylinder <NUM> is provided as the pressing means, the pressing block <NUM> is spaced apart from the movable platen <NUM> by moving the first ram <NUM> backward. After then, the pressing block <NUM> positioned between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> is returned to the original position.

In the releasing process (S6), by returning the movable mold <NUM> to the original position, the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are splayed apart. Since the movable platen <NUM> is moved backward by operating the mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM>, the molded article may be released from the molding space <NUM>. In this process, by moving the ejector pin <NUM> forward to the molding space <NUM>, the molded article may be detached from the movable mold <NUM>.

Here, after the forming process (S1), the vacuum state may be formed by suctioning air from the molding space <NUM>. Further, air is suctioned through the exhaust pipe <NUM> connected to the molding space <NUM>. As a result, the material is molded while the vacuum state is maintained inside the molding space <NUM>. As such, when the vacuum state is formed inside the molding space <NUM>, the molten metal is prevented from being oxidized during a process of molding the metal material. Therefore, a molded article having high quality may be manufactured.

<FIG> are views illustrating examples in which the present disclosure is applied to a forging apparatus. Hereinbelow, descriptions of the configurations having the same or similar functions as those of the apparatus described above with reference to <FIG> will be omitted, and different configurations will be mainly described.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating an example of a forging apparatus to which the present disclosure is applied.

As illustrated in the drawing, the pressing block <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be applied to a forging apparatus having a punch <NUM>. Conventionally, the forging apparatus is used for molding a metal material.

The punch <NUM> is formed such that an end of the punch <NUM> penetrates the movable mold <NUM> and reaches the molding space <NUM>. Since the movable mold <NUM> is formed on the surface of the movable platen <NUM>, the surface facing the fixed mold <NUM>, the punch <NUM> sequentially penetrates the movable platen <NUM> and the movable mold <NUM>, and the end of the punch <NUM> reaches the molding space <NUM>. This structure is a structure in which the molding space <NUM> is formed in a space that is formed between the end of the punch <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM>.

The punch <NUM> may be configured to be moved forward or backward by a punch cylinder <NUM>. A punch support <NUM> having a cross-sectional area wider than a cross-sectional area of the punch <NUM> is provided at a rear end of the punch <NUM>, and the punch cylinder <NUM> is mounted between the movable platen <NUM> and the punch support <NUM>, so that the punch <NUM> may be formed such that the punch <NUM> is capable of being moved forward or backward according to an operation of the punch cylinder <NUM>.

Accordingly, by moving the punch <NUM> forward after the punch <NUM> is moved backward to a predetermined level, the material which is in the molten metal state or the semi-molten metal state and which is injected into the molding space <NUM> may be punched with a high pressure that is applied by the pressing block <NUM>. As a result, a molded article may be molded by applying a forging manner.

In the configuration as described above, the punch <NUM> penetrates a through hole <NUM> formed in the movable platen <NUM>. At this time, in an entrance of the through hole <NUM> and the molding space <NUM>, packings are mounted at points into which air is capable of being introduced, so that the entrance of the through hole <NUM> and the molding space <NUM> are sealed. The packings are formed so as to block an introduction of external air, thereby preventing the molten metal from being oxidized. In this configuration, a groove is formed inside the through hole <NUM> and a rear space <NUM> is formed, and the exhaust pipes <NUM> are respectively connected to the rear space <NUM> and to the molding space <NUM>, thereby being capable of simultaneously suctioning air from two points to which the exhaust pipes <NUM> are connected. As such, by simultaneously suctioning air, the high vacuum state is rapidly formed inside the apparatus including the molding space <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in the rear space <NUM>, impurities such as fine debris generated when the molten metal injected into the molding space <NUM> is molded during a process in which the punch <NUM> is reciprocated may be introduced into the rear space <NUM> through a gap between the punch <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> and may be collected. However, when air is suctioned simultaneously from the rear space <NUM> and the molding space <NUM> as described above, the impurities introduced into the rear space <NUM> are not introduced into the molding space <NUM> again, so that an introduction of the impurities during the process of molding the molten metal may be prevented.

<FIG> are exemplary views illustrating a process of molding a material by using the forging apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure.

In the forging apparatus according to the present disclosure as described above, after a material is injected into the sleeve <NUM>, the material is molded by performing a forming process (S1) in which the molding space <NUM> is formed inside the mold <NUM> by coupling the fixed mold <NUM> to the movable mold <NUM> in which the punch <NUM> is formed, a positioning process (S2) in which the pressing block <NUM> is moved from an original position to a point where the pressing block <NUM> is capable of applying a pressure to the mold <NUM>, an injecting process (S3) in which the material injected into the sleeve <NUM> is injected into the molding space <NUM>, a punching process (S4) in which a pressure is applied by moving the pressing block <NUM> forward to the mold <NUM> so that the pressure is applied to the punch <NUM> and the material injected into the molding space <NUM> is punched, a returning process (S5) in which the pressing block <NUM> is returned to the original position, and a releasing process (S6) in which the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are splayed apart and a molded article is released from the molding space <NUM>.

As a method of injecting a material into the sleeve <NUM>, there is a method of injecting a material into the sleeve <NUM>, the method being performed by injecting the material into the sleeve <NUM> through the molding space <NUM> after the movable platen <NUM> is moved backward and then the movable mold <NUM> is moved backward so that the molding space <NUM> is open. However, the method is not limited thereto, and the material may be injected into the sleeve <NUM> by using the method described with reference to <FIG>. When the material is injected into the sleeve <NUM>, the material is molten by operating the heating means, and the material may be formed in the molten metal or may maintain the semi-molten metal state.

In the forming process (S1), after the injection of the material is finished, the movable platen <NUM> is moved forward while the fixed mold <NUM> is in the state of being fixed to the second fixed platen <NUM>, so that the movable mold <NUM> formed on the movable platen <NUM> is pushed toward the fixed mold <NUM> and is coupled to the fixed mold <NUM>, thereby forming the molding space <NUM> inside the mold <NUM>. By operating the mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM> mounted at the first fixed platen <NUM>, the movable platen <NUM> is moved forward along the tie bars <NUM>. Here, by operating an exhaust apparatus <NUM> after the forming process (S1), air may be simultaneously suctioned from the molding space <NUM> and the rear space <NUM> that is formed in the through hole <NUM>. By simultaneously suctioning air through the exhaust pipes <NUM> that are respectively connected to the rear space <NUM> and the molding space <NUM>, the vacuum state is formed inside the molding space <NUM> (<FIG>).

In the positioning process (S2), the pressing block <NUM> is moved by lifting up the pressing block <NUM> with a separate apparatus. Otherwise, when an actuator is provided, the pressing block <NUM> is moved to a point between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> by operating the actuator, in which the point is a position where the pressing block <NUM> is capable of applying a pressure to the mold <NUM>. When a selection of the position of the pressing block <NUM> is finished, the punch <NUM> is moved backward toward the pressing block <NUM> to a predetermined amount of level. The punch <NUM> is moved backward by operating the punch cylinder <NUM>.

In the injecting process (S3), the material is pushed and injected into the molding space <NUM> by using the pressing plunger <NUM> that is formed at the sleeve <NUM>. At this time, the material injected into the sleeve <NUM> may be in a molten metal state. Otherwise, the material may be in the molten metal state or the semi-molten metal state by heating and melting the material from the sleeve <NUM> (<FIG>).

In the punching process (S4), the pressure is applied to the pressing block <NUM> by using the pressing means formed at the first fixed platen <NUM>. Alternatively, when the pressing block <NUM> is configured such that the pressing block <NUM> is capable of generating a pressure from the pressing block <NUM>, the pressing block <NUM> generates a pressure while a rear end of the pressing block <NUM> is in a state of being supported on the first fixed platen <NUM>, so that the pressure is applied to the movable platen <NUM> and the punch support <NUM>. Accordingly, the punch <NUM> moved backward also receives the pressure and is moved forward to the molding space <NUM>, and the punch <NUM> punches the molten metal injected into the molding space <NUM>, thereby performing forging molding. After the punching process (S4), when the molten metal is left for a predetermined amount of time, the molten metal injected into the molding space <NUM> is solidified (<FIG>).

In the returning process (S5), the pressing block <NUM> is returned to the original position. By separating the pressing block <NUM> from the movable platen <NUM>, the pressure applied to the movable mold <NUM> is released, and the pressing block <NUM> positioned between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> is returned to the original position.

In the releasing process (S6), by moving the movable mold <NUM> backward, the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are splayed apart. By operating the mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM> so that the movable platen <NUM> is moved backward, the movable mold <NUM> is returned to the original position. Accordingly, the molded article is capable of being released. At this time, the molded article may be in a state of being attached to the end of the punch <NUM>. In this situation, by operating the punch cylinder <NUM> so that the punch <NUM> is moved backward, the molded article attached to the end of the punch <NUM> is naturally detached and released (<FIG>).

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating another example of the forging apparatus to which the present disclosure is applied.

As illustrated in the drawing, the forging apparatus according to another example of the present disclosure may further include a wedge <NUM> that is inserted into and fitted between the movable platen <NUM> and the punch support <NUM> which is formed on the rear end of the punch <NUM>.

The wedge <NUM> may be formed on an upper surface of the movable platen <NUM>, and has a structure in which a lower surface of the wedge <NUM> is formed to be flat and an upper surface of the wedge <NUM> is formed to be inclined downward toward an end of the wedge <NUM>. The wedge <NUM> is formed such that the wedge <NUM> is moved forward and backward by a wedge cylinder <NUM>. Therefore, as the wedge <NUM> is moved forward, the wedge <NUM> may fill a wider gap between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>. As the wedge <NUM> is moved forward, the wedge <NUM> performs the same action that a space between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> is splayed more widely.

The wedge <NUM> may be formed such that the wedge is in a state of being completely getting out of the space between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> while the wedge <NUM> is in a normal state. However, preferably, the wedge <NUM> is formed such that the end of the wedge <NUM> is in a state of being introduced into the space between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> when the wedge <NUM> is completely moved backward. In the state in which the end of the wedge <NUM> is fitted into the space between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>, the wedge <NUM> is moved forward and backward.

In a state in which the pressing block <NUM> is positioned between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>, the wedge <NUM> moves forward when the punch <NUM> is moved backward, so that the wedge <NUM> fills the space between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>. As the pressing block <NUM> is pushed backward by the backward movement of the punch <NUM>, the rear end of the pressing block <NUM> is in contact with the first fixed platen <NUM>. In this state, the wedge <NUM> fills the gap formed between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>. As such, when the wedge <NUM> fills the gap between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM>, the movable platen <NUM> is no longer able to be moved backward.

Preferably, a plurality of wedges <NUM> is provided, and is formed such that the plurality of wedges <NUM> facing each other while the punch support <NUM> is placed therebetween. This configuration is adopted so as to maintain a balance of the punch support <NUM>.

Reference numerals that are not described in <FIG> have configurations same as the configurations as described in the forging apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure, so that descriptions thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> are exemplary views illustrating a process of molding a material by using the forging apparatus according to another example of the present disclosure. Here, a process of molding a material by using a mold apparatus in which the wedge <NUM> that is described with reference to <FIG> is formed will be described.

Schematically, after a material is injected into the sleeve <NUM>, the material is molded by performing a forming process (S1) in which the molding space <NUM> is formed inside the mold <NUM> by coupling the fixed mold <NUM> to the movable mold <NUM> in which the punch <NUM> is formed, a positioning process (S2) in which the pressing block <NUM> is moved from an original position to a point where the pressing block <NUM> is capable of applying a pressure to the mold <NUM>, an injecting process (S3) in which the material injected into the sleeve <NUM> is injected into the molding space <NUM>, a punching process (S4) in which a pressure is applied by moving the pressing block <NUM> forward to the mold <NUM> so that the pressure is applied to the punch <NUM> and the material injected into the molding space <NUM> is punched, a returning process (S5) in which the pressing block <NUM> is returned to the original position, and a releasing process (S6) in which the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are splayed apart and a molded article is released from the molding space <NUM>. In the process, the wedge <NUM> is used.

In the forming process (S1), after the injection of the material is finished while the molding space <NUM> is open by moving the movable platen <NUM> backward, the movable platen <NUM> is moved forward while the fixed mold <NUM> is in the state of being fixed to the second fixed platen <NUM>. By operating the mold opening and closing cylinders <NUM> mounted at the first fixed platen <NUM>, the movable platen <NUM> is moved forward along the tie bars <NUM>. Accordingly, the movable mold <NUM> formed on the movable platen <NUM> is moved toward the fixed mold <NUM> and is coupled to the fixed mold <NUM>, so that the molding space <NUM> is formed inside the mold <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). Meanwhile, by operating the exhaust apparatus <NUM> after the forming process (S1), air may be simultaneously suctioned from the molding space <NUM> and the rear space <NUM> that is formed in the through hole <NUM>. By simultaneously suctioning air through the exhaust pipes <NUM> that are respectively connected to the rear space <NUM> and the molding space <NUM>, the vacuum state is formed inside the molding space <NUM>.

In the positioning process (S2), the pressing block <NUM> is moved by lifting up the pressing block <NUM> with a separate apparatus. Otherwise, when an actuator is provided, the pressing block <NUM> is moved to a point between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> by operating the actuator, in which the point is a position where the pressing block <NUM> is capable of applying a pressure to the mold <NUM>. When a selection of the position of the pressing block <NUM> is finished, the punch <NUM> is moved backward toward the pressing block <NUM> to a predetermined amount of level. The punch <NUM> is moved backward by operating the punch cylinder <NUM> (<FIG>).

After the positioning process (S2), the punch <NUM> is moved backward to the pressing block <NUM>. The punch <NUM> is moved backward by operating the punch cylinder <NUM>. Accordingly, the punch <NUM> is pushed until the rear end of the pressing block <NUM> is in contact with the first fixed platen <NUM>, and the space between the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> are splayed, so that the gap is formed. The wedge <NUM> operated by the wedge cylinder <NUM> is moved forward to the gap that is formed as described above. As a result, the wedge <NUM> fills the gap. At this time, the backward movement of the punch <NUM> and the forward movement of the wedge <NUM> may be simultaneously performed. That is, the punch <NUM> is moved backward and the wedge <NUM> is moved forward according to a level to which the punch support <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> are splayed apart, so that the wedge <NUM> fills the gap (<FIG>). Therefore, the movable platen <NUM> is in a state of being no longer able to move backward.

In the injecting process (S3), the material is pushed and injected into the molding space <NUM> by using the pressing plunger <NUM> that is formed at the sleeve <NUM>. At this time, the material injected into the sleeve <NUM> may be in the molten metal state. Otherwise, the material may be in the molten metal state or the semi-molten metal state by heating and melting the material. Further, in the process in which the material is pushed by the pressing plunger <NUM> and is injected into the molding space <NUM>, a considerable amount of pressure is generated. However, since the movable platen <NUM> is in a state in which the movement of the movable platen <NUM> is restricted by the pressing block <NUM>, the punch support <NUM>, and the wedge <NUM>, the movable mold <NUM> and the fixed mold <NUM> are not splayed apart (<FIG>).

In the punching process (S4), a pressure is applied to the pressing block <NUM> by using the pressing means (for example, the pressing cylinder <NUM> formed such that the first ram <NUM> is capable of being pulled out or pushed into the pressing cylinder <NUM>) formed at the first fixed platen <NUM>. At this time, in order for the pressing block <NUM> to be moved forward, the wedge <NUM> is moved backward to the original position. The backward movement of the wedge <NUM> and the forward movement of the pressing block <NUM> may be simultaneously performed.

Meanwhile, when the pressing block <NUM> is configured such that the pressing block <NUM> is capable of generating a pressure from the pressing block <NUM>, the pressing block <NUM> generates a pressure while the rear end of the pressing block <NUM> is in the state of being supported on the first fixed platen <NUM>, so that the pressure is applied to the movable platen <NUM> and the punch support <NUM>. Accordingly, the punch <NUM> moved backward also receives the pressure and is moved forward to the molding space <NUM>, and the punch <NUM> punches the molten metal injected into the molding space <NUM>, thereby performing forging molding. At this time, the pressing plunger <NUM> may also apply a pressure together with the punch <NUM> to the material by pushing the material (<FIG>).

After the punching process (S4), when the molten metal is left for a predetermined amount of time, the molten metal injected into the molding space <NUM> is solidified.

In the returning process (S5), the pressing block <NUM> is returned to the original position. The pressure applied to the pressing block <NUM> by the pressing means is released, and the pressing block <NUM> positioned between the first fixed platen <NUM> and the movable platen <NUM> is returned to the original position.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for molding a material, the apparatus comprising:
first and second fixed platens (<NUM> and <NUM>) which are provided as a pair and spaced a predetermined distance from each other by a tie bar (<NUM>);
a movable platen (<NUM>) formed such that the movable platen (<NUM>) is capable of moving along the tie bar (<NUM>) between the first and second fixed platens (<NUM> and <NUM>);
a mold (<NUM>) which is provided with a movable mold (<NUM>) formed on the movable platen (<NUM>) and with a fixed mold (<NUM>) formed on the second fixed platen (<NUM>) and which forms a molding space (<NUM>) in a point where the movable mold (<NUM>) and the fixed mold (<NUM>) are in contact with each other, wherein the molding space (<NUM>) is formed such that the molding space (<NUM>) is capable of being open or closed as the movable mold (<NUM>) moves in a direction toward or away from the fixed mold (<NUM>); and
a pressing block (<NUM>) formed such that the pressing block (<NUM>) is capable of being moved at a position deviated from between the first fixed platen (<NUM>) and the movable platen (<NUM>) by an actuator (<NUM>), the pressing block (<NUM>) being capable of applying a pressure to the movable mold (<NUM>) when the pressing block (<NUM>) is moved between the first fixed platen (<NUM>) and the movable platen (<NUM>) by the actuator (<NUM>), and further comprising a punch (<NUM>) which penetrates the movable platen (<NUM>) and the movable mold (<NUM>) and reaches the molding space (<NUM>) and which has a rear end provided with a punch support (<NUM>), the punch (<NUM>) being configured to move forward or backward by a punch cylinder (<NUM>) that is formed between the movable platen (<NUM>) and the punch support (<NUM>), thereby being used as a forging mold.