MOLD-TOOL SYSTEM HAVING MANIFOLD EXTENSION AND BIASING ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
An aspect generally relates to (but is not limited to) mold-tool systems including (but not
limited to): (i) a manifold extension configured to couple with a manifold assembly of a
runner system, and (ii) a biasing assembly extending from the manifold extension, the
biasing assembly configured to arrange, in use, sealing contact between the manifold
extension and a nozzle assembly.
BACKGROUND
Known hot-runner systems convey molten, pressurized resin (hereafter referred to as the
"resin") from a machine nozzle of an injection molding system to one or more mold cavities
associated with a mold assembly. The hot-runner system is supported by a platen structure
of the injection molding system. In the known hot-runner system, a sprue receives the resin
from the machine nozzle and transfers the resin to a manifold assembly of the hot-runner
system. The manifold assembly distributes the resin to one or more outlets (also called
"drops"). At each outlet of the manifold assembly, a nozzle receives the resin and transfers
the resin to a mold cavity.
United States Patent Number US 4832593 discloses a system for injection molding large
parts. The system includes a large diameter hot runner valve gated nozzle assembly which
can be removed for servicing. The assembly includes a heated nozzle body having a
substantially C-shaped flow channel for conveying molten plastic to a nozzle having an
injection gate and a valve arrangement for opening and closing the injection gate. The
assembly further includes a nozzle extension attached to the nozzle body so as to
accommodate thermal expansion of the nozzle extension. A manifold for supplying molten
plastic material to the nozzle assembly is mounted and retained within a slot in the nozzle
extension so as to permit sliding action of the manifold.
United States Patent Number 5507637 discloses a nozzle-manifold assembly having utility in
injection molding machines for making molded plastic articles. The nozzle assembly employs
a clamp ring to apply a clamping force to the nozzle housing to cause it to mate with a
manifold so as to prevent leakage of molten plastic material between the nozzle housing and
the manifold. The clamp ring is mounted to the manifold by a plurality of screws whose
tightening creates the desired clamping force and an effective seal between the nozzle
housing and the manifold. The nozzle-manifold assembly also includes a centering ring for
positioning the nozzle housing within a bore in a mold plate.
United States Patent Number 6220851 discloses an apparatus and a process for injecting a
molten plastic material. The apparatus includes a nozzle assembly through which the plastic
material flows and include a nozzle body with a heater affixed thereto. A mold cavity plate is
positioned adjacent the nozzle body and is separable from the nozzle body so that
separation of the mold cavity plate from the nozzle body exposes the nozzle body and
permits removal of the nozzle body and the heater.
United States Patent Number 6860732 discloses a seal, which is provided between a nozzle
and a manifold. The seal provides a melt channel between an outlet of the manifold and a
nozzle channel. The seal has higher thermal expansion coefficient than both the nozzle and
the manifold to provide an improved seal between the manifold and the nozzle when the
injection molding apparatus is at an operating temperature.
United States Patent Number 7 168941 discloses a seal, which is provided between a nozzle
and a manifold. The seal provides a melt channel between an outlet of the manifold and a
nozzle channel. The seal has higher thermal expansion coefficient than both the nozzle and
the manifold to provide an improved seal between the manifold and the nozzle when the
injection molding apparatus is at an operating temperature.
United States Patent Number 7 189071 discloses an injection molding apparatus, which
includes a manifold having a manifold melt channel, a nozzle having a nozzle melt channel,
a slidable seal having seal melt channel located between the nozzle and the manifold melt
channels, and a biasing element that provides sealing contact between the slidable seal and
the manifold and nozzle to maintain a sealed melt path through the manifold, seal and nozzle
melt channels.
United States Patent Number 72441 18 discloses an injection molding apparatus, which
includes combined sealing elements located between a nozzle head of an injection molding
nozzle and a mold plate. The sealing elements are arranged so that they force the nozzle
head toward an outlet surface of a manifold and provide a seal therebetween over a range of
temperatures.
SUMMARY
The inventors have researched a problem associated with known runner system that may
inadvertently manufacture bad-quality molded articles or parts or may have other problems
associated with their usage. After much study, the inventors believe they have arrived at an
understanding of the problem and its solution, which are stated below, and the inventors
believe this understanding may not be known to the public.
The resin should be contained within the hot-runner system (that is, it may be an advantage
to avoid leakage of the resin). Resin leakage from any of the interfaces associated with the
manifold assembly may lead to inadvertent and/or undesirable loss of production through
increased downtime for maintenance and/or replacement of damaged components, etc.
Maintaining reliable seals between the components of the hot-runner system may be of
critical importance to maximize uptime and productivity. This invention describes a new
approach for creating the seal between the manifold and nozzles of hot runner systems.
A known nozzle-to-manifold connection in the hot-runner system may include the following
components: a manifold assembly, a nozzle, a backing plate, a manifold plate, and an
insulating component. The components may be arranged so that: (i) the manifold assembly
may be spaced from the backing plate by the insulating component, (ii) a nozzle head (or a
separate retaining component) may be captured between the manifold assembly and a bore
in the manifold plate, and (iii) the manifold plate may be fastened to the backing plate. In
order to seal the resin that is transferred from the manifold assembly to a housing of the
nozzle, a sealing load may be applied between the manifold assembly and the housing of the
nozzle thereby reducing and/or eliminating leakage of the resin from the manifold assemblyto-
housing interface.
The sealing load may be at an amount that: (i) does not allow the resin to escape, and (ii)
does not lead to a load related damage to sealing surfaces through galling or indentation,
etc. The sealing load may be generated by a thermal expansion of the components used in
the manifold assembly. During operation, the manifold assembly and the nozzle may be
heated to a resin-processing temperature (also known as the "operating temperature"), while
the manifold plates and the backing plates may be cooled to a required mold temperature.
Thermal expansion of the manifold assembly and the nozzle may be constrained by a bore in
the manifold plate and fasteners holding the manifold plate and backing plate together. This
condition (i.e., thermal expansion) may generate the required seal load.
The nozzle is also located in a mold frame by the bore within the manifold plate. The nozzle
may be substantially stationary in the x-y plane of the mold frame. In this system, the z
direction is parallel to the axis of the machine nozzle. The manifold x-y origin is located at a
position remote from the nozzle's location. When the components of the hot-runner system
are heated to the operating temperature, the components may experience thermal growth in
the x , y, and z directions. The retaining plates are not typically heated to the processing
temperature. The temperature difference in conjunction with the component location
difference between the manifold assembly and the nozzle leads to relative movement
between the manifold assembly and the nozzle during a heat-up phase. Growth in the z
direction for may increase the load generated at the seal faces. Growth in the x-y plane may
lead to the manifold assembly and the nozzle sliding against each other during the heat-up
phase. The sliding action while under the load designed to seal the interface may lead to
damage of the sliding surfaces.
Variations to the approach described above have been introduced, such as: compliant
features to decrease the load range generated, crush seals to lower the load required to
seal, and/or high thermal expansion seal tubes that allow for lower cold loads and/or higher
hot loads, and/or directly clamping the nozzle to the manifold.
The limitations of this approach may be as follows: high loads generated by noncompliant
components, large load range due to noncompliant components, temperature sensitivity to
sealing due to reliance upon thermal expansion, and surface damage due to thermal growth.
Also, the practice of using fasteners to resist the load generated during thermal growth may
limit the allowable pitch density. An inadequate number and position of fasteners may lead to
leakage at the seal faces. Inadequate material support under the nozzle bore shoulder may
lead to local plate deformation that may result in plate damage and tip position variation.
Clamping rings may be bulky items that also limit the pitch spacing.
An alternative configuration that is less commonly used is the practice of threading the
nozzle directly to the manifold. This approach may alleviate the load sensitivity issues,
however the differential in position during the heat up phase still exists. In this case,
excessive thermal growth may compromise the nozzle position causing it to tilt or be
damaged and leak. This approach may be applied to layouts where the manifold growth
distance is limited.
The inventors believe that a disadvantage of the known manifold-to-nozzle seal approach is
that the nozzle is contained within the hot-runner assembly. The nozzle may only be
removed by unfastening the manifold plate and backing plate and then removing the
manifold assembly from the manifold plate to expose the nozzle. This procedure may not
suitable for in-machine maintenance.
According to one aspect, there is provided a mold-tool system (100) of a runner system
(150), the mold-tool system (100) comprising: a manifold extension (102) being configured
to couple with a manifold assembly (152) of the runner system (150); and a biasing
assembly (106) extending from the manifold extension (102), the biasing assembly (106)
being configured to arrange, in use, sealing contact between the manifold extension (102)
and a nozzle assembly (156).
Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments will now become apparent to
those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting
embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The non-limiting embodiments will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following
detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3A, 3B and 4 depict examples of schematic representations of a mold-tool
system (100).
The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines,
diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details not
necessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details
difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
Specifically, the mold-tool system (100) may be used in an injection molding system (not
depicted but known). More specifically, the mold-tool system (100) may be used in a hotrunner
(known but not depicted) of the injection molding system. The mold-tool system
(100) may include components that are known to persons skilled in the art, and these
known components will not be described here; these known components are described, at
least in part, in the following reference books (for example): (i) "Injection Molding Handbook '
authored by OSSWALD/TURNG/G RAMAN N (ISBN: 3-446-21 669-2), (ii) "Injection Molding
Handbook authored by ROSATO AND ROSATO (ISBN: 0-41 2-99381 -3), (iii) "Injection
Molding Systems" 3rd Edition authored by JOHANNABER (ISBN 3-446-1 7733-7) and/or (iv)
"Runner and Gating Design Handbook ' authored by BEAUMONT (ISBN 1-446-22672-9). It
will be appreciated that for the purposes of this document, the phrase "includes (but is not
limited to)" is equivalent to the word "comprising". The word "comprising" is a transitional
phrase or word that links the preamble of a patent claim to the specific elements set forth in
the claim which define what the invention itself actually is. The transitional phrase acts as a
limitation on the claim, indicating whether a similar device, method, or composition infringes
the patent if the accused device (etc) contains more or fewer elements than the claim in the
patent. The word "comprising" is to be treated as an open transition, which is the broadest
form of transition, as it does not limit the preamble to whatever elements are identified in
the claim.
FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a cross sectional views of a first example of the mold-tool system
(100). The mold-tool system (100) is for use with a runner system (150). Generally speaking,
the mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to): a combination of (i) a manifold
extension (102), and (ii) a biasing assembly (106). More specifically, the manifold extension
(102) is configured (without limitation to any specific physical arrangement) to couple (in use)
with a manifold assembly (152) of the runner system (150). The biasing assembly (106)
extends from the manifold extension (102). More specifically, the biasing assembly (106) is
configured (without limitation to any specific physical arrangement) to arrange (in use)
sealing contact between the manifold extension (102) and a nozzle assembly (156). Even
more specifically, the manifold extension (102) defines an extension melt channel (104) that
is configured, in use, to be in fluid communication with a manifold-melt channel (154) that is
defined by the manifold assembly (152). For the case where the biasing assembly (106)
arranges sealing contact between the manifold extension (102) and a nozzle assembly (156),
the extension melt channel (104) is in fluid communication with a nozzle channel (158) being
defined by a nozzle assembly (156). To be clear, the extension melt channel (104) is in fluid
communication with a nozzle channel (158) being defined by the nozzle assembly (156) in
response to the biasing assembly (106) arranging sealing contact between the manifold
extension (102) and the nozzle assembly (156).
The mold-tool system (100) may create a seal between the manifold assembly (152) and the
nozzle assembly (156) that may permits removal of the nozzle assembly (156) while the
runner system (150) remains mounted in the injection molding system. The mold-tool system
(100) may also lower both the load range and the maximum load applied, which may result in
less component damage. Additionally, the mold-tool system (100) may eliminate plate
deflection and fastening issues described above (in the Summary Section) that may lead to
nozzle seal wear and leakage, processing issues, and mold wear, etc.
In general terms, the mold-tool system (100) may permit removal of the manifold plate (162)
and the backing plate (160) from the load-generation function, and the manifold plate (162)
and the backing plate (160) may be replaced by the combination of the combination of (i) the
manifold extension (102), and (ii) the biasing assembly (106), which may generate the
sealing load, positions the nozzle assembly (156) in the x-y plane, allows removal of the
nozzle assembly (156) in the press (that is, from the injection molding system), allows
thermal growth of the manifold assembly (152), and/or minimizes the applied load.
Features of the mold-tool system (100) may include (and are not limited to):
(i) a feature or component, such as the manifold extension (102), that is fixed to the
manifold assembly (152), and the manifold extension (102) may provide a surface (140) for
the biasing assembly (106) to bear against;
(ii) a compliant feature, such as a spring assembly (206) as indicated in FIG. 1B,
which is configured to manage the applied load;
(iii) a locating feature (212) as depicted in FIG. 1B, which is configured to locate and
position the nozzle assembly (156) in the manifold plate (162); and/or
(iv) a fastening feature, such as threads (for example) that are used to fasten a nozzle
collar (202) with a manifold collar (204) as depicted in FIG. 1B, which is configured to
generate, in use, the applied load.
Some technical effects associated with usage of the mold-tool system (100): removal of the
plates from the load generation function may be accomplished while simultaneously
allowing relative movement between the manifold assembly (152) and the nozzle assembly
(156), minimizing the load required to seal, and/or minimizing the installation size, etc.
FIG. 1A depicts, by way of example, the runner system (150) that may include (and is not
limited to): (i) a backing plate (160), a manifold plate (162), a spacer plate (163), a back-up
pad (166), an alignment mechanism (168) such as a spring dowel, and a plug receiver (155),
which are all known components and thus are not described here in any specific details.
FIG. 1B depicts, by way of example, a close-up cross sectional view of the runner system
(150) that may include (and is not limited to): (i) an air gap (170) defined by the manifold
plate (162), (ii) an air gap (171) defined by the spacer plate (163), (iii) a nozzle shoulder
(172) being provided by the nozzle assembly (156), (iv) an air gap (173) defined between
the manifold plate (162) and the manifold assembly (152), and (v) a manifold heater (174)
being supported by the manifold assembly (152), which are known components and thus
are not described here in any specific details.
FIG. 1B depicts additional details of the mold-tool system (100), in which the mold-tool
system (100) may be arranged so that the biasing assembly (106) may include (by way of
example and is not limited to): (i) a nozzle collar (202), (ii) a manifold collar (204), (ii) a
spring assembly (206), and (iv) a locator (208). The biasing assembly (106) may also
include other features (and not limited to): a threaded connection (210), a threadable
connection (211), a locating feature (212), an anti-rotation feature (214), and an extension
shoulder (216). As depicted in FIG. 1B, the anti-rotation feature (214) may be, for example,
a tab (215) extending from the manifold extension (102), and the tab (215) fits into a slot
(180) defined by the manifold assembly (152), the slot (180) faces the manifold extension
(102). The anti-rotation feature (214) may be included and used to prevent inadvertent
rotation of the biasing assembly (106).
The manifold collar (204) may be externally threaded. The manifold collar (204) may have
the anti-rotation feature (214), which may be called a tab or a key, which fits in the slot (180)
defined in the manifold assembly (152). The manifold extension (102) may be externally
threaded. The manifold extension (102) may be fastened or connected or coupled to the
manifold assembly (152). The manifold extension (102) may provide the extension shoulder
(216) upon which the manifold collar (204) may seat. The manifold extension (102) may trap
the manifold collar (204) to the manifold assembly (152) during assembly of the mold-tool
system (100). The nozzle assembly (156) may abut the manifold extension (102). The
locator (208) may engage a locating diameter of the nozzle assembly (156) and a locating
diameter on the nozzle shoulder (172). The locator (208) may provide a bearing surface for
the spring assembly (206). The spring assembly (206) may be compressed by the assembly
of the nozzle collar (202) to the manifold collar (204). The nozzle collar (202) and the
manifold collar (204) may limit compression of the spring assembly (206), which then limits
the load applied to the nozzle assembly (156) and then to the interface with the manifold
extension (102). During thermal growth of the manifold assembly (152), the manifold
extension (102) may slide with respect to the nozzle assembly (156) and the manifold collar
(204). The nozzle collar (202) may be aligned with the manifold-melt channel (154) of the
manifold assembly (152). This arrangement provides the x-y location for the nozzle assembly
(156). The interface for the nozzle assembly (156) to the nozzle collar (202) may be keyed to
allow the nozzle collar (202) to be rotated by the rotation of the nozzle assembly (156).
The following describes the sequence (that is, operation) for assembling the mold-tool
system (100): and operation (A) that may include (and is not limited to): placing the manifold
collar (204) on the manifold assembly (152), and aligning the tab (215) with the slot (218).
The sequence for assembling the mold-tool system (100) may further include (and is not
limited to): an operation (B) that may include (and is not limited to): threading the manifold
extension (102) to the manifold assembly (152) through the manifold collar (204), and the
manifold collar (204) may be loosely retained to the manifold assembly (152) by the manifold
extension (102). The sequence for assembling the mold-tool system (100) may further
include (and is not limited to): an operation (C) may include (and is not limited to): placing the
manifold assembly (152) in the manifold plate (162), and retaining the manifold assembly
(152) to the manifold plate (162). The sequence for assembling the mold-tool system (100)
may further include (and is not limited to): an operation (D) that may include (and is not
limited to): exposing a clamp side of the manifold plate (162); it is understood that the clamp
side of the manifold plate (162) is the side that faces a platen and does not face a mold
assembly; and placing the nozzle assembly (156) on the manifold extension (102). The
sequence for assembling the mold-tool system (100) may further include (and is not limited
to): an operation (E) that may include (and is not limited to): sliding the locator (208), the
spring assembly (206), and the nozzle collar (202) over the nozzle assembly (156). The
sequence for assembling the mold-tool system (100) may further include (and is not limited
to): an operation (F) that may include (and is not limited to): threading the nozzle collar (202)
onto the manifold collar (204).
For the case where the components of the mold-tool system (100), as depicted in FIG. 1B,
are assembled, the biasing assembly (106) may include the following structural
configurations (which may be called "limitations"): a limitation (A), which may include (and is
not limited to): the manifold collar (204) being configured to contact an extension shoulder
(216) of the manifold extension (102), the extension shoulder (216) being set apart from the
manifold assembly (152), so that that at least a part of the manifold collar (204) is placed
between the manifold extension (102) and the manifold assembly (152). The biasing
assembly (106) may further include the following structural configurations: a limitation (B),
which may include (and is not limited to): the nozzle collar (202) being configured to connect
with the manifold collar (204), the nozzle collar (202) extending toward the nozzle assembly
(156). The biasing assembly (106) may include the following structural configurations (which
may be called "limitations"): a limitation (C), which may include (and is not limited to): the
locator (208) being configured to abut a nozzle shoulder (172) of the nozzle assembly (156),
the locator (208) extending toward the nozzle collar (202). The biasing assembly (106) may
include the following structural configurations (which may be called "limitations"): a limitation
(D), which may include (and is not limited to): the spring assembly (206) being configured for
placement between the locator (208) and the nozzle collar (202).
FIG. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of a second example of the mold-tool system (100).
According to the second example, the mold-tool system (100) may be further adapted so that
the biasing assembly (106) may include (and is not limited to): a nozzle collar (302), a
manifold collar (304), a spring assembly (306), and a locator (308). FIG. 2 depicts a variation
of the mold-tool system (100). The second example of the mold-tool system (100) is similar
to the first example of the mold-tool system (100) as depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B. According to
the second example of the mold-tool system (100), the manifold collar (304) is internally
threaded and has a locating feature (212) that is configured, in use, to interface with a
location of a bore defined by the manifold plate (162). The nozzle collar (302) is externally
threaded. The nozzle collar (302) also has a locating feature (212) that is configured, in use,
to interface with the location of the bore defined by the manifold plate (162). The anti-rotation
feature (214) may include a dowel (314) that is received in the slot (180), and the dowel
(314) abuts with a notch (316) of the manifold collar (304). The notch (316) may be called a
clearance hole. A nozzle heater (159) may be connected with the nozzle assembly (156).
FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a third example of the mold-tool system (100). FIG. 3A depicts a
cross sectional view of the mold-tool system (100). FIG. 3B depicts a partial perspective view
of the mold-tool system (100). According to the third example, the mold-tool system (100)
may be adapted so that the biasing assembly (106) may include (and is not limited to): a
nozzle collar (402), a manifold collar (404), a spring assembly (406), a locator (408), and a
spacer (410). FIG. 3A depicts a variation of the mold-tool system (100). The third example of
the mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to) a locator (408), which has two
pieces, that is configured to transmit a spring load to the nozzle assembly (156). The
sequence for assembling the arrangement depicted in FIG. 3A starts the same way as the
first example of the mold-tool system (100) as depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, with the manifold
extension (102) trapping the manifold collar (404) as the manifold extension (102) threadably
connects with the manifold assembly (152). Instead of a key and slot providing the antirotation
function for the manifold collar (404), a dowel (314) may be used. On the nozzle
side, the nozzle collar (402), the spring assembly (406) and a spacer (410) (which may also
be called a "washer") may slide over the nozzle assembly (156) from the side that may be
mated to the manifold extension (102). The locator (408) may then be placed in a receiving
groove (420) defined in a side wall of the nozzle assembly (156). Then the manifold collar
(404) may be threadably connected to the manifold extension (102) via threaded connection
(210). A groove (175) is defined in the manifold assembly (152), and the groove (175) is
configured to receive a manifold heater. In summary, the biasing assembly (106) depicted in
FIG. 3A may include (and is not limited to): the nozzle collar (402) configured to receive the
nozzle assembly (156), the manifold collar (404) configured to receive the manifold extension
(102), the spring assembly (406) configured to abut the nozzle collar (402), the locator (408)
that is received in a receiving groove (420) defined in a side wall of the nozzle assembly
(156), and a spacer (410) that is positioned between the spring assembly (406) and the
locator (408).
FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of a fourth example of the mold-tool system (100).
According to the fourth example, the mold-tool system (100) may be adapted so that the
biasing assembly (106) may include (and is not limited to): a manifold collar (504), a spring
assembly (506), a spacer (510). FIG. 4 depicts a variation of the mold-tool system (100). The
fourth example of the mold-tool system (100) combines the retention function of the nozzle
collar (502) with the nozzle assembly (156). An end of the nozzle assembly (156) is threaded
to mate to the manifold collar (504). The spring assembly (506) and the spacer (510) may
then be placed on the manifold-collar side of the mold-tool system (100). In summary, the
biasing assembly (106) depicted in FIG. 4 may include (and it not limited to): the manifold
collar (504) that is configured to receive the nozzle assembly (156) and also configured to
receive the manifold extension (102), and a spring assembly (506) that is configured to
interact between the manifold extension (102) and with the manifold collar (504). It will be
appreciated that any variation in placement of the location features, spring assemblies and
anti-rotation features may be made without deviating from the principle of the mold-tool
system (100) while still providing the sealing load function.
It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by
the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention
is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting
embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) description provided outside of
this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as
granted). It is understood, for the purposes of this document, the phrase "includes (and is
not limited to)" is equivalent to the word "comprising". It is noted that the foregoing has
outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular
non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments
are merely illustrative as examples.
CLAIMS
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A mold-tool system (100), comprising:
a manifold extension (102) being configured to couple with a manifold
assembly (152) of a runner system (150); and
a biasing assembly (106) extending from the manifold extension (102), the
biasing assembly (106) being configured to arrange, in use, sealing contact between
the manifold extension (102) and a nozzle assembly (156).
2. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 1, wherein:
the manifold extension (102) defines an extension melt channel (104) being
configured, in use, to be in fluid communication with a manifold-melt channel (154)
being defined by the manifold assembly (152); and
the extension melt channel (104) is in fluid communication with a nozzle
channel (158) being defined by the nozzle assembly (156) in response to the biasing
assembly (106) arranging sealing contact between the manifold extension (102) and
the nozzle assembly (156).
3. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 2, wherein:
the biasing assembly (106) includes:
a manifold collar (204) being configured to contact an extension
shoulder (216) of the manifold extension (102), the extension shoulder (216)
being set apart from the manifold assembly (152), so that that at least a part
of the manifold collar (204) is placed between the manifold extension (102)
and the manifold assembly (152);
a nozzle collar (202) being configured to connect with the manifold
collar (204), the nozzle collar (202) extending toward the nozzle assembly
(156);
a locator (208) being configured to abut a nozzle shoulder (172) of the
nozzle assembly (156), the locator (208) extending toward the nozzle collar
(202); and
a spring assembly (206) being configured for placement between the
locator (208) and the nozzle collar (202).
4. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 2, wherein:
the biasing assembly (106) includes:
an anti-rotation feature (214) having a dowel (314) being received in a
slot (180) of the manifold assembly (152), and the dowel (314) abuts with a
notch (316) of a manifold collar (304).
5. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 2, wherein:
the biasing assembly (106) includes:
a nozzle collar (402) being configured to receive the nozzle assembly
(156);
a manifold collar (404) being configured to receive the manifold
extension (102);
a spring assembly (406) being configured to abut the nozzle collar
(402);
a locator (408) being received in a receiving groove (420) defined in a
side wall of the nozzle assembly (156); and
a spacer (410) being positioned between the spring assembly (406)
and the locator (408).
6. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 2, wherein:
the biasing assembly (106) includes:
a manifold collar (504) being configured to receive the nozzle assembly
(156) and also configured to receive the manifold extension (102); and
a spring assembly (506) being configured to interact between the
manifold extension (102) and with the manifold collar (504).
7. An injection molding system having the mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 1 to
6.
8. A runner system having the mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6.