Automated injection molding system comprising extracting apparatus

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an automated injection molding system comprising an injection mold including a fixed mold and a movable mold, and an ejection device for ejecting a molded product from the injection mold, wherein a plurality of gripping positions are pre-set on the molded product, and the ejection device comprises a plurality of grippers each including a suction portion, a support frame to which the grippers are coupled, and an installation frame to which the support frame is slidably coupled in an up-and-down direction, wherein each of the plurality of grippers is arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of gripping positions.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an automated injection molding system including an ejection device. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, injection molding is a processing method that produces a finished molded product by injecting a plasticized molding material (synthetic resin) into a mold cavity and curing it; along with extrusion molding, it is widely used to manufacture processed products made of synthetic resin materials.

[0003] After injection is completed, the molded product is separated from the mold. In the past, this task was performed manually, but for work efficiency and safety, the molded product is now removed using an ejection device.

[0004] Such ejection devices commonly utilize suction pads to grip the molded product. However, since the molded product cools and hardens within the mold but remains at a high temperature, there is a problem where proper gripping using the suction pad is often not achieved. The problem to be solved

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an automated injection molding system including an extraction device.

[0006] In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an automated injection molding system including an ejection device with improved gripping stability. means of solving the problem

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an automated injection molding system may be provided comprising: an injection mold including a fixed mold and a movable mold; and an ejection device for ejecting a molded article from the injection mold; wherein a plurality of gripping positions are pre-set on the molded article, and the ejection device comprises a plurality of grippers each including a suction portion, a support frame to which the grippers are coupled, and an installation frame to which the support frame is slidably coupled in an up-and-down direction, wherein each of the plurality of grippers is arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of gripping positions. Effects of the invention

[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an automated injection molding system including an extraction device.

[0009] In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an automated injection molding system including an ejection device with improved gripping stability. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automated injection molding system including an extraction device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of the system according to FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 1. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a part of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a front view of a part of Fig. 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is merely illustrative and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described illustratively.

[0012] The following embodiments are provided to more faithfully and completely explain the technical concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the following embodiments. The present disclosure should be understood to broadly include various equivalents, substitutions, modifications, etc., that embody the technical concept to be described below.

[0013] The terms used in the following description are intended to describe specific embodiments more faithfully and completely in the same light as above. Accordingly, the terms used in the following description should not be interpreted to reduce, limit, or restrict the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] In the following description, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to refer to specific components to distinguish them from other components. However, such terms are used for clarity of explanation, and the technical concept of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by such terms.

[0015] In the following description, singular expressions may be interpreted to include the plural unless explicitly excluded by the context. Furthermore, in the following description, the expression "includes" means that the components, parts, actions, features, steps, numbers, etc. described in the description exist, and does not exclude the addition of one or more other components, parts, actions, features, steps, numbers, etc.

[0016] In the following description, terms related to direction, such as "beneath," "above," "lower," and "upper," may be used to facilitate understanding of the components. However, such terms are provided to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure based on various operations and usage conditions, and should not be interpreted to reduce, limit, or restrict the technical scope of the present disclosure. For example, terms related to direction may be determined from a relative perspective.

[0017] Meanwhile, in the drawings below, the depiction of each component may be exaggerated or omitted for the convenience and clarity of explanation.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automated injection molding system including an ejection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of the system according to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a part of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a front view of a part of FIG. 1.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, an automated injection molding system (1) including an ejection device according to the embodiments may include an injection mold (10) comprising a fixed mold (11) and a movable mold (12), and an ejection device (20) for ejecting a molded product (not shown) from the injection mold (10). The fixed mold (11) and the movable mold (12) form a cavity corresponding to the shape of the molded product between them, and the molding material injected into the cavity solidifies to form the molded product. Since the specific shape and operational structure of the injection mold (10) are the same as generally known, a detailed description and illustration will be omitted.

[0020] According to the automated injection molding system (1) including the extraction device according to the embodiments, gripping defects can be reduced during the process of extracting a molded product from an injection mold (10) using the extraction device (20). If a gripping defect occurs, the molded product falls, causing damage not only to the molded product itself but also to surrounding parts, and resulting in a loss due to the delay of the entire process. Such gripping defects can occur due to the high temperature of the molded product even after solidification. In the embodiments, such gripping defects can be improved by connecting an adsorption part (110) considering the failure rate of breakage by gripping position in the molded product and additionally cooling the gripping position locally using an air nozzle (130).

[0021] In the present embodiments, a plurality of gripping positions are pre-set in the molded product, and a gripper (100) is positioned to correspond to each gripping position. The extraction device (20) may include a plurality of grippers (100), each including a suction part (110), a support frame (200) to which the gripper (100) is coupled, and an installation frame (300) to which the support frame (200) is slidably coupled in the vertical direction. The suction part (110) may include a suction pad (111) and a main body (112). The suction pad (111) is formed of a material such as rubber or urethane and can be in close contact with the gripping position of the molded product. As will be described in detail later, the main body (112) is connected to each other through a tube (150), etc. and is connected to a vacuum motor to form a vacuum in the suction pad (111), and accordingly, the suction pad (111) can grip the molded product.

[0022] Multiple gripping positions are positions suitable for gripping the molded product according to the shape of the molded product, and the number of gripping positions is not limited. In the drawing, as an embodiment, four gripping positions are set and a configuration in which four grippers are provided accordingly is illustrated.

[0023] A plurality of grippers (100) are coupled to a support frame (200), and the grippers (100) can be arranged on the support frame (200) to correspond to each gripping position. The support frame (200) is slidably coupled to an installation frame (300) in an up-and-down direction, so that it can be lowered between the fixed mold (11) and the movable mold (12) on the upper side of the injection mold (10), or conversely, raised. With the support frame (200) inserted between the two molds, the support frame (200) advances forward and the grippers (100) grip the molded product, and with the molded product gripped, the support frame (200) retracts and rises, and the molded product can be ejected from the injection mold (10).

[0024] The installation frame (300) is fixed to the ground, and the support frame (200) is coupled to the installation frame (300) so that it can move not only up and down but also horizontally. Although the horizontal movement structure of the support frame (200) is omitted in the drawing, it can be configured in a known manner using a belt, a linear motor, etc. Accordingly, while the gripper (100) is gripping the molded product, the support frame (200) moves on the installation frame (300), and the ejected molded product can be moved to the outside of the injection mold (10) and transported by a conveyor belt, etc.

[0025] In some embodiments, the support frame (200) may include a first frame (210) that is slidably coupled vertically to the installation frame (300), a second frame (220) provided at the bottom of the first frame (210), and a third frame (230) that is slidably coupled horizontally to the second frame (220). Additionally, a plurality of grippers (100) may be slidably coupled vertically to the third frame (230).

[0026] The first frame (210) is formed to be long along the vertical direction and can be coupled to the installation frame (300). The first frame (210) moves up and down along the installation frame (300), and the gripper (100) is inserted between the movable mold (12) and the fixed mold (11) to grip and eject the molded product. Although the vertical movement structure of the first frame (210) relative to the installation frame (300) is omitted in the drawing, it can be configured in a known manner using a belt, a linear motor, etc.

[0027] The second frame (220) is connected to the bottom of the first frame (210) and is formed to be long along the horizontal direction, so that the horizontal position of the third frame (230) connected to the second frame (220) can be adjusted. An embodiment in which two second frames (220) are provided is shown in the drawing. The third frame (230) can move horizontally on the second frame (220) but can be fixed at a determined position.

[0028] The third frame (230) is formed to be elongated in the vertical direction, and the gripper (100) can move vertically on the third frame (230) but can be fixed at a determined position. By a combination of the horizontal movement of the third frame (230) relative to the second frame (220) and the vertical movement of the gripper (100) relative to the third frame (230), the position of the gripper (100) can be adjusted to correspond to the gripping position. An embodiment is illustrated in the drawing in which two third frames (230) and two grippers (100) are provided on each third frame (230), and the number and arrangement of the third frames (230) and grippers (100) can be appropriately adjusted according to the set gripping position.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of grippers (100) may further include a slide portion (101) slidably coupled to a third frame (230), and a first linkage portion (120) coupled to the slide portion (101) and coupled to an adsorption portion (110). The slide portion (101) is coupled to the third frame (230) and is configured to slide in an up-and-down direction, and can be fixed at a determined position as described above. The adsorption portion (110) is coupled to the slide portion (101) via the first linkage portion (120), and the first linkage portion (120) is configured in an articulating form so that the angle of the adsorption portion (110) can be adjusted.

[0030] More specifically, in some embodiments, the first linkage portion (120) may include a first pivot portion (121) comprising a first support portion (121-1) pivotally coupled to the slide portion (101) and a pair of second support portions (121-2) protruding vertically from both ends of the first support portion (121-1), and a second pivot portion (122) pivotally coupled between the second support portions (121-2) and to which an adsorption portion (110) is coupled. The pivot axis of the first pivot portion (121) with respect to the slide portion (101) and the pivot axis of the second pivot portion (122) with respect to the first pivot portion (121) are perpendicular to each other, so that the adsorption portion (110) may be positioned to face in various directions. The first support member (121-1) is coupled to the slide member (101), and the second support member (121-2) protrudes vertically from both ends of the first support member (121-1), so that the first pivot member (121) may be approximately U-shaped overall. The second pivot member (122) is coupled between the second support members (121-2), and the adsorption member (110) may be provided on the front surface of the second pivot member (122).

[0031] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of grippers (100) may further include an air nozzle (130) that sprays air onto a corresponding gripping position, and a second linkage portion (140) coupled to a slide portion (101) to which the air nozzle (130) is coupled. The air nozzle (130) operates before the suction pad (111) is supported at the gripping position to spray air onto the gripping position. Although the molded product is cooled and solidified within the injection mold (10), the gripping failure rate may be reduced by further cooling the gripping position by the air nozzle (130). An air nozzle (130) is provided on the slide portion (101) in the same manner as the suction portion (110), so that when the gripper (100) is inserted between the two molds and advances toward the molded product, the air nozzle (130) operates first to cool the gripping position, and the suction pad (111) is supported and adhered to the cooled gripping position so that the molded product can be gripped.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second linkage portion (140) may include a third pivot portion (141) comprising a third support portion (141-1) pivotally coupled to the slide portion (101) and a pair of fourth support portions (141-2) protruding vertically from both ends of the third support portion (141-1), and a fourth pivot portion (142) pivotally coupled between the fourth support portions (141-2) and to which an air nozzle (130) is coupled. The pivot axis of the third pivot portion (141) with respect to the slide portion (101) and the pivot axis of the fourth pivot portion (142) with respect to the third pivot portion (141) are perpendicular to each other, so that the air nozzle (130) may be positioned to face in various directions. The third support member (141-1) is coupled to the slide member (101), and the fourth support member (141-2) protrudes vertically from both ends of the third support member (141-1), so that the third pivot member (141) may be approximately U-shaped overall. The fourth pivot member (142) is coupled between the fourth support members (141-2), and the air nozzle (130) may be provided on the front surface of the fourth pivot member (142). By means of the second linkage member (140) of this shape, the air nozzle (130) is positioned toward the gripping position to spray air.

[0033] In some embodiments, a plurality of gripping positions are each assigned a number from highest to lowest gripping failure rate, and the suction unit (110) is connected to a tube (150) according to the number of the corresponding gripping position, and the last suction unit (110) according to the number is connected to a vacuum motor (not shown), and the suction unit (110) may be equipped with a valve (not shown) capable of opening and closing the connection with the next suction unit. That is, a plurality of suction units (110) are connected to each other through a tube (150), and only the last suction unit (110) may be connected to a vacuum motor. The main body (112) of the suction unit (110) may be equipped with a pair of nipples (113) to which the tube (150) can be coupled.

[0034] Through this structure, the complex structure in which the adsorption unit (110) is individually connected to the vacuum motor can be simplified. That is, although four gripping positions and a gripper (100) are shown as an example in the drawing, if a larger number of gripping positions need to be gripped, connecting each adsorption unit individually to the vacuum motor results in a complex structure and is difficult to control. In addition, the same vacuum pressure is provided to each adsorption unit (110), and the molded product can be gripped stably. However, in this structure, if a gripping failure occurs in any one of the adsorption units (110), there is a concern that the vacuum pressure will be released in the remaining adsorption units. In this embodiment, however, the adsorption units (110) are connected in order considering the gripping failure rate, thereby allowing the molded product to be gripped and transported more stably.

[0035] More specifically, the first gripping position may have the most gripping defects, and the last gripping position may have the fewest gripping defects. A sequence number corresponding to the gripping position may also be assigned to the adsorption unit (110). In the drawing, an embodiment is shown in which the sequence numbers are assigned in the order of the bottom right, bottom left, top left, and top right, based on FIG. 6. The adsorption unit (110) may be equipped with a valve capable of opening and closing the connection with the adsorption unit (110) of the next sequence. The extraction device (20) may include a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting a gripping defect in each adsorption unit (110) and a control unit (not shown) that controls the opening and closing of the valve. When the sensor detects a gripping defect in a certain adsorption unit, the control unit can control the valve of the corresponding adsorption unit to block the connection with the next sequence. Therefore, the vacuum pressure relief caused by the generated gripping defect is not propagated, and gripping by the next sequence and subsequent adsorption units can continue to be performed.

[0036] The main body (112) of the adsorption part (110) is provided with a pair of nipples (113), and a tube (150) can be connected to both nipples (113).

[0037] In some embodiments, the adsorption pad (111) may be provided with a PTFE coating. Since the PTFE coating has excellent heat resistance and chemical stability, the durability of the adsorption pad (111) is improved and the gripping stability can be further enhanced by the PTFE coating.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, those skilled in the art may modify or change the present disclosure in various ways by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure as described in the claims, and such modifications or changes shall also be deemed to be included within the scope of the rights of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0039] 1: Automated injection molding system including an ejection device 10: Injection mold 11: Fixed mold 12: Movable mold 20: Extraction device 100: Gripper 101: Slide part 110: Adsorption part 111: Suction pad 112: Main body 113: Nipple 120: 1st Linkage Branch 121: 1st Eastern Branch 121-1: 1st Branch 121-2: 2nd Branch 122: 2nd Eastern Branch 130: Air nozzle 140: 2nd linkage section 141: 3rd Eastern Division 141-1: 3rd Branch Division 141-2: 4th Branch 142: 4th Eastern Branch 150: Tube 200: Support Frame 210: Frame 1 220: Frame 2 230: 3rd frame 300: Installation Frame

Claims

Claim 1 delete Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 An automated injection molding system comprising: an injection mold including a fixed mold and a movable mold; and an ejection device for ejecting a molded product from the injection mold; wherein a plurality of gripping positions are pre-set on the molded product, and the ejection device comprises a plurality of grippers each including a suction part, a support frame to which the grippers are coupled, and an installation frame to which the support frame is slidably coupled in an up-and-down direction, wherein each of the plurality of grippers is arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of gripping positions, and each of the plurality of gripping positions is assigned a sequence number from highest to lowest gripping failure rate, and the suction parts are connected in series by tubes according to the sequence number of the corresponding gripping positions, and the last suction part according to the sequence number is connected to a vacuum motor, and the suction part is equipped with a valve capable of opening and closing the connection with the suction part of the next sequence number. Claim 8 delete

Images