Automatic in-mold labeling and product unloading apparatus for use with a plastic material injection molding machine

Abstract

An automatic in-mold label handling and product unloading device for use with a plastic injection molding machine includes a label handling arm and a product unloading arm. The label handling arm has a label retainer at its outer end, and the product unloading arm has a product clamping member at its outer end. The device has a fixed frame and a first linear guide that supports the label handling arm for reciprocating motion along the y-axis. The device also has a second linear guide that supports the product unloading arm for reciprocating motion along the y-axis. The first and second linear guides are guided relative to the frame, allowing them to move parallel to the x-axis. The label handling arm x-axis drive mechanism has a first drive motor mounted on the frame and a first transmission device connected to the first drive motor and the first linear guide. The product unloading arm x-axis drive mechanism has a second drive motor mounted on the frame and a second transmission device connected to the second drive motor and the second linear guide. The y-axis drive arrangement includes at least one y-axis drive motor mounted on the frame and a transmission device connecting the at least one y-axis drive motor to the label handling arm and the product unloading arm to move the label handling arm and the product unloading arm between their respective extended and retracted positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of injection molding of plastic products using a plastic material injection molding machine, which is equipped with a mold having a first mold component and a second mold component, and uses in-mold labeling technology. Background Technology

[0002] In-mold labeling is a well-known technique for manufacturing plastic products. In this paper, a label is placed in each mold of the first mold component when the mold is opened. During the molding stage, the label becomes integral with the molded plastic product. After the molding stage is completed, the mold is opened, which is known to result in the product remaining on a second mold component.

[0003] In this field, many automated devices are known to be configured to process labels so that they are correctly mounted on a first mold member. In known embodiments, these devices are also configured to unload products from a second mold member, typically simultaneously with the label processing.

[0004] Examples of prior art automatic devices are disclosed in NL1032959, JP2009096012, CN105965498 and CN203994424.

[0005] With a growing desire to use less plastic in every product, such as for injection-molded (food) packaging, so-called thin-wall injection molding has become increasingly attractive. This technology allows for the mass production of extremely thin-walled products in very short cycles. For example, food packaging containers with a wall thickness of less than 0.025 inches (0.62 mm) and a flow length to wall thickness ratio greater than 200 are produced using this technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to provide an improved automated in-mold label handling and product unloading device for use with plastic injection molding machines. For example, improvements are sought in terms of extremely short cycle times, such as when producing products using thin-wall injection molding technology. Improvements are also sought for stability, particularly for the high speeds of components in the automated device. Furthermore, improvements are sought in terms of energy consumption.

[0007] The present invention achieves one or more of the above objectives by providing an automatic in-mold label handling and product unloading device for use with a plastic material injection molding machine according to claim 1.

[0008] The automatic in-mold label handling and product unloading device of the present invention is configured for use with a plastic injection molding machine including a mold with a first mold component and a second mold component. These first and second mold components are adapted to be displaced relative to each other along a horizontally extending x-axis between an open and closed position of the mold. In some embodiments, one of the first and second mold components will be fixed in place, while the other mold component is adapted to be displaced by a mechanism of the injection molding device to close and open the mold. This is a very conventional arrangement. The device of the present invention can also be applied to so-called stacked molds, which include three or more stacked mold components that are displaced relative to each other.

[0009] Injecting plastic material into a mold can be accomplished through various arrangements. For example, injection can be performed via an injection point on a first mold or an injection point on a second mold. For instance, the injection can be performed on the label side or on the product side opposite the label. Other arrangements are also envisioned.

[0010] The device of the present invention includes two main arms, implemented as follows:

[0011] - A label processing arm, with a label holder at its outer end, the label holder being configured to releasably hold one or more labels.

[0012] - A product unloading arm, with a product clamping member at its outer end, the product clamping member being configured to releasably hold one or more molded plastic products.

[0013] According to the conventions of this technical field, molds can be designed to produce multiple products in each mold cycle, for example, four products arranged in a rectangular pattern in the mold.

[0014] According to conventions in this technical field, label holders can be configured to hold multiple labels simultaneously, which correspond to the product cavity / core arrangement of the mold.

[0015] According to conventions in this technical field, label holders can be configured to hold multiple products simultaneously, which correspond to the product cavity / core arrangement of a mold.

[0016] For example, a label holder is configured to hold four labels, a product holder is configured to hold four products, and a mold is configured to injection mold four in-mold labeled plastic products in one cycle. Obviously, other numbers, such as more than four, are also possible.

[0017] The device of the present invention has a fixed frame. In a practical embodiment, the frame is positioned next to the injection molding machine, typically at the mold opening and closing position, so that the main arm of the device of the present invention can be introduced laterally, preferably horizontally, between the open first mold component and the second mold component.

[0018] The device of the present invention includes two linear guiding devices:

[0019] - A first linear guide device that supports the label processing arm to reciprocate between a retracted position and an extended position along a y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis.

[0020] - A second linear guide device that supports the product unloading arm to reciprocate between a retracted position and an extended position along a y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis.

[0021] In this text, in the extended position, the label holder on the label processing arm and the product clamping member on the product unloading arm are aligned in the x-direction with the corresponding mold components. Therefore, these components are located between the mold components of the mold that is currently open.

[0022] In the apparatus of the present invention, a first linear guide device is guided relative to a frame, thereby allowing movement parallel to the x-axis. In the apparatus of the present invention, a second linear guide device is also guided relative to a frame, thereby allowing movement parallel to the x-axis. Since these guide devices each support a corresponding arm of the apparatus of the present invention, these arms can also move relative to the frame along the x-axis, thereby moving relative to the mold component.

[0023] The device of the present invention has a label processing arm x-axis drive mechanism, which has a corresponding first drive motor and a first gearbox. The first drive motor is mounted on the frame, and the first gearbox is connected to the first drive motor and a first linear guide device.

[0024] The device of the present invention has a product unloading arm x-axis drive mechanism, which has a corresponding second drive motor and a second transmission device. The second drive motor is mounted on the frame, and the second transmission device is connected to the second drive motor and the second linear guide device.

[0025] Mounting these first and second drive motors onto the frame allows for a lightweight design of the device's components, which must move at extremely high speeds during operation, given the very short cycle times of injection molding machines. If one or both of these motors were mounted on any such moving component, the weight of the moving component would increase significantly, leading to problems related to vibration, accuracy, stress in the device, excessive drive requirements, and energy consumption.

[0026] The device of the present invention also has a Y-axis drive arrangement, including at least one Y-axis drive motor mounted on a frame, and a transmission device connecting the at least one Y-axis drive motor to the label handling arm and the product unloading arm for movement. Similarly, it is advantageous to mount the at least one Y-axis drive motor on the frame of the device.

[0027] The device of the present invention also includes a control device for controlling the first drive motor, the second drive motor and at least one y-axis drive motor, all of which are mounted on the frame and do not move with the high-speed moving parts during device operation.

[0028] The control device is configured to operate at least one Y-axis motor after the injection molding phase of the molding cycle has ended and when the mold is brought into the open position, so as to advance the label handling arm and the product unloading arm to their respective extended positions located in the gap between the first mold member and the second mold member. This is done to align the label holder with and point towards the second mold member in the X-axis direction; and to align the product clamping member with and point towards the first mold member in the X-axis direction.

[0029] In the extended position, the first drive motor is operated to advance the label handling arm, which is equipped with aligned label holders, to the second mold member, thereby transferring one or more labels held therein to the second mold member.

[0030] In the extended position, the second drive motor is operated to advance the product unloading arm with the aligned product holder to the first mold component, thereby transferring one or more injection-molded products from the first mold component to the product holder.

[0031] After the label transfer is completed, the first drive motor is operated to retract the label handling arm, which is equipped with a label holder, from the second mold component.

[0032] After the product transfer is completed, the second drive motor is operated to retract the product unloading arm with a product clamp holding one or more products from the first mold component.

[0033] Because of the independently controlled first and second drive motors, the label holder and product clamping component can each move optimally relative to their respective mold components, and independently of each other. This means that label transfer and product clamping actions can be performed simultaneously. The gap between the mold components can also be kept within a limited dimension.

[0034] To complete the motion cycle of the device of the present invention, at least one Y-axis motor is operated to retract the label handling arm and the product unloading arm from their respective extended positions to their retracted positions. When closing / opening the mold, this retracted position is outside the trajectory of the first mold component and / or the second mold component.

[0035] As is customary in the art, a product gripper in the retracted position can be operated to eject the gripped product, for example, into a container or conveyor.

[0036] As is customary in the art, one or more new labels may be provided to the label holder in the retracted position.

[0037] For example, the product clamping component is implemented to clamp the product based on vacuum suction.

[0038] For example, the label holder is implemented to hold the label based on vacuum suction. The label may be charged with static electricity for electrostatic retention on the mold surface.

[0039] It should be understood that, due to the design of this invention, no actuable displacement mechanism is required between the label holder and the label processing arm. The movement of the arm itself is sufficient to correctly position the label holder relative to the mold components to achieve the transfer of one or more labels. Preferably, the device of this invention does not provide any actuable displacement mechanism between the label holder and the label processing arm. This reduces the weight on the moving parts and improves the operational reliability of the device.

[0040] It should be understood that, due to the design of this invention, no actuable displacement mechanism is required between the product gripper and the product unloading arm. The movement of the arm itself is sufficient to correctly position the product gripper relative to the mold components to achieve the gripping of one or more products from the second mold. Preferably, the device of this invention does not provide any actuable displacement mechanism between the product gripper and the product unloading arm. This reduces the weight on the moving parts and improves the operational reliability of the device.

[0041] In an embodiment, each of the first and second linear guide devices includes a horizontally oriented, elongated base frame extending in the y-direction, wherein each base frame has one or more linear bearing tracks extending in the y-direction, and wherein each arm is provided with a bearing member, for example at the inner end of the arm, the bearing member sliding along the y-axis on its respective linear bearing track.

[0042] In an embodiment, the frame has one or more (e.g., multiple parallel) x-axis tracks in a fixed position within the frame, the x-axis tracks supporting and guiding a first linear guide and a second linear guide in the x-axis direction. For example, positions of the guides near their inner and outer ends are supported on the tracks. For example, the guides are suspended below the x-axis tracks.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first transmission device between the first drive motor and the first linear guide includes a linear belt drive. For example, the first drive motor drives a rotatable shaft mounted to a fixed position on the frame and extending along the y-axis, wherein the shaft is fitted with one or more driven pulleys, such as two pulleys, wherein the frame supports one or more return pulleys spaced apart from the shaft in the x-axis direction, wherein a belt travels on the driven pulleys and the return pulleys, such as multiple belts, wherein each belt is fixed to the first linear guide, for example, fixed to the base of the first linear guide.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first drive motor is an electric drive motor and is configured to drive a rotatable shaft in each direction according to instructions.

[0045] In one embodiment, the second transmission device between the second drive motor and the second linear guide includes a linear belt drive. For example, the second drive motor drives a rotatable shaft mounted to a fixed position on the frame and extending along the y-axis, wherein the shaft is fitted with one or more driven pulleys, such as two pulleys, wherein the frame supports one or more return pulleys spaced apart from the shaft in the x-axis direction, wherein a belt runs over the driven pulleys and the return pulleys, such as two belts, wherein each belt is fixed to the second linear guide, for example, to the base of the second linear guide.

[0046] In one embodiment, the second drive motor is an electric drive motor and is configured to drive a rotatable shaft in each direction according to instructions.

[0047] In one embodiment, the base of the first linear guide device carries two pulleys spaced apart in the y-axis direction, for example, one located at the inner end of the base and the other at the outer end of the base. A belt is mounted around the pulleys, and the belt is connected to a label processing arm. One of the pulleys, for example, the inner pulley, is the driven pulley, which moves the belt in a selected direction, thereby causing the label processing arm to move in and out along the y-axis direction. The driven pulley is connected to at least one y-axis drive motor mounted to the frame.

[0048] In one embodiment, the base of the second linear guide device carries two pulleys spaced apart in the y-axis direction, for example, one located at the inner end of the base and the other at the outer end of the base. A belt is mounted around the pulleys and is connected to a product unloading arm. One of the pulleys, for example, the inner pulley, is the driven pulley, which moves the belt in a selected direction, thereby causing the product unloading arm to move in and out along the y-axis direction. The driven pulley is connected to at least one y-axis drive motor mounted on the frame.

[0049] In one embodiment, a y-axis drive motor is provided to drive a rotatable shaft mounted to a fixed position on the frame and extending along the x-axis, wherein the shaft extends through a drive pulley of a first linear guide and a drive pulley of a second linear guide.

[0050] In one embodiment, the label holder and the product clamp have compatible mechanical interfaces configured to allow each of the label holder and the product clamp to be mechanically connected to a selected one of the two arms.

[0051] The present invention also relates to a method for processing in-mold labels and unloading products from a plastic material injection molding machine, the plastic material injection molding machine including a mold with a first mold component and a second mold component, the first mold component and the second mold component being adapted to be displaced relative to each other along a horizontally extending x-axis between an open position and a closed position of the mold, wherein an automated in-mold label processing and product unloading device as described herein is used.

[0052] It should be understood that the system described herein can also be used when the product is an injection-molded product without an in-mold label. In this case, since the label does not need to be processed, a label holder will not be required.

[0053] The present invention also relates to an injection molding system comprising an automatic in-mold label handling and product unloading device as described herein, and a plastic material injection molding machine comprising a mold having a first mold component and a second mold component, the first mold component and the second mold component being adapted to be displaced relative to each other along a horizontally extending X-axis between an open position and a closed position of the mold.

[0054] The present invention also relates to a method for molding plastic products having in-mold labels, wherein an injection molding system as described herein is used. Attached Figure Description

[0055] The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic plan view of an injection molding system according to the present invention is shown. The injection molding system includes an injection molding machine and an automatic in-mold label handling and product unloading device.

[0057] Figure 2 A bottom perspective view shows a portion of an example of an automated in-mold label handling and product unloading apparatus according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 3 It shows from different angles Figure 2 The device,

[0059] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A bottom-view perspective of part of the device, and

[0060] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A top-down 3D view of part of it. Detailed Implementation

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates a plastic material injection molding machine, for example, used to perform the aforementioned thin-wall injection molding in a very short cycle time. For example, a cycle time of up to 3 seconds is envisioned within the scope of the invention, but longer cycle times may occur depending on the product. For example, machine 1 is used for injection molding thin-walled packaging products, such as lids and containers.

[0062] Generally, machine 1 includes an extruder 2 having an extrusion cylinder 3.

[0063] Machine 1 also includes mold 10. In a practical embodiment, mold 10 will be a replaceable mold to manufacture different products on machine 1.

[0064] Mold 10 includes a first mold component 11 and a second mold component 12. These first mold components 11 and second mold components 12 are adapted to be in the open position of mold 10 (in... Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram) and the closed position are shifted relative to each other along the horizontally extending x-axis.

[0065] Figure 1 A molded plastic product 5 is shown schematically.

[0066] Figure 1 The in-mold label 6 is shown schematically.

[0067] Figure 1 An automatic in-mold label handling and product unloading device 20, used in conjunction with a plastic material injection molding machine 1, is also schematically shown. As will be understood, Figures 2 to 5 An exemplary embodiment of this device 20 is shown in detail. Therefore, where appropriate, Figure 1 and Figures 2 to 5 The components in the figure are given the same reference numerals.

[0068] The device 20 has a fixed frame 21, for example, the frame 21 will be installed next to the machine 1, in the position where the mold 10 is open and closed. For example, the frame 21 is fixed to the floor next to the machine 1.

[0069] For example, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the frame 21 has vertical columns 22 and a top frame structure 23 supported by the columns 22.

[0070] The device 20 includes a label handling arm 40, which has a label retainer 45 at its outer end. The label retainer 45 is configured to releasably retain one or more labels 6, which are made for in-mold labeling technology to be integral with the molded plastic product 5 during production in the mold 10.

[0071] The device 20 includes a product unloading arm 70, which has a product clamping member 75 at its outer end. The product clamping member 75 is configured to releasably clamp one or more molded plastic products 5.

[0072] Figure 1 The label holder 45 and the product clamp 75 are schematically shown.

[0073] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 The label holder 45 and product clamp 75 are not shown. Figure 4 , Figure 5 Only the substrates of the label holder 45 and the product clamping member 75 are shown in the diagram. According to convention in the art, one or more label holder components can be attached to the substrate of the label holder, for example, with bolts. Similarly, according to convention in the art, one or more product clamping member components can be attached to the substrate of the product clamping member, for example, with bolts.

[0074] The device 20 includes a first linear guide 30. The first linear guide 30 supports the label processing arm 40 and allows it to reciprocate between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first linear guide 30 along a y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis X.

[0075] The device 20 includes a second linear guide device 50. The second linear guide device 50 supports the product unloading arm 70 and reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the second linear guide device 70 along a y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis X.

[0076] Figure 1 The extended positions of arms 40 and 70 are schematically shown. Other figures show the retracted positions.

[0077] For example, as shown in the figure, each of the first linear guide device 30 and the second linear guide device 50 includes a horizontally oriented, elongated base 31 and elongated base 51 extending in the y-direction. Each base has an inner end and an outer end. In this document, the outer end is the end pointing towards machine 1, while the inner end of the base is away from machine 1.

[0078] For example, as shown in the figure, each base frame 31 and base frame 51 has one or more linear bearing tracks 32 and 52 extending along the y-direction, located, for example, on the bottom side of the base frame. Each arm 40 and arm 70 has a bearing member 41 and bearing member 71 at its inner end, for example, on the top side of the arm 40 and arm 70, the bearing member 41 and bearing member 71 slide along the y-axis on their respective linear bearing tracks 32 and linear bearing tracks 52.

[0079] The first linear guide device 30 is guided relative to the frame 21, so that it can move parallel to the x-axis.

[0080] The second linear guide device 50 is guided relative to the frame 21, so that it can move parallel to the x-axis.

[0081] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, frame 21 has parallel x-axis tracks 24 and 25 in a fixed position. The x-axis tracks support and guide the first linear guide device 30 and the second linear guide device 50 in the x-axis direction. For example, the guide devices 30 and 50 are supported on tracks 24 and 25 near their inner and outer ends, respectively. As shown, each guide member base frame 31 and guide member base frame 51 may be provided with x-axis bearing components 33, 34, 53, and 54. The x-axis bearing components slide on x-axis tracks 24 and 25, which are fixedly mounted on frame 21.

[0082] For example, as shown in the figure, guide devices 30 and 50 are suspended below x-axis rails 24 and 25.

[0083] The device 20 has a label processing arm x-axis drive mechanism with a corresponding first drive motor 90 mounted on the frame 21. The motor 90 is connected to the first linear guide device 30 via a first transmission device.

[0084] The device 20 has a product unloading arm x-axis drive mechanism, which has a corresponding second drive motor 100 mounted on the frame 21. The motor 100 is connected to the second linear guide device 50 via a second transmission device.

[0085] Typically, the device 20 has a y-axis drive arrangement, including at least one y-axis drive motor 120 mounted on the frame 21, and a transmission that connects the at least one y-axis drive motor 120 to the label handling arm 40 and the product unloading arm 70 to move the label handling arm 40 and the product unloading arm 70 between their respective extended and retracted positions.

[0086] As shown in the figure, the first transmission device between the first drive motor 90 and the first linear guide device 30 includes a linear belt drive.

[0087] A first drive motor 90 drives a rotatable shaft 91, which is mounted to a fixed position on the frame 21 and extends along the y-axis. The shaft 91 is fitted with one or more driven pulleys, specifically two pulleys 92 and 93. The frame 21 supports one or more return pulleys in the x-axis direction, spaced apart from the shaft 91. Belts 94 and 95 travel on the driven and return pulleys. Each belt 94 or 95 is fixed to a first linear guide 30, specifically to its base 31, at a spaced-out position.

[0088] The first drive motor 90 is an electric drive motor and is configured to drive a rotatable shaft in each direction according to instructions. Therefore, the guide device 30 can be moved at high speed and accurately in the x-axis direction.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the second transmission device between the second drive motor 100 and the second linear guide device 50 includes a linear belt drive.

[0090] A second drive motor 100 drives a rotatable shaft 101, which is mounted to a fixed position on the frame 21 and extends along the y-axis, parallel to and adjacent to shaft 91. Shaft 101 is fitted with one or more driven pulleys, specifically two pulleys 102 and 103. The frame 21 supports one or more return pulleys in the x-axis direction, spaced apart from shaft 101. Belts 104 and 105 travel on the driven and return pulleys. Each belt 104 or 105 is fixed to a second linear guide 50, specifically to its base 51, at a spaced-out position.

[0091] The second drive motor 100 is an electric drive motor and is configured to drive the rotatable shaft in each direction according to instructions. Therefore, the guide device 50 can be moved at high speed and accurately in the x-axis direction.

[0092] The first drive motor 90 and the second drive motor 100, as well as the first transmission device and the second transmission device, are respectively transmitted from independently controllable transmission systems to the guide device 30 and the guide device 50, thereby enabling independent control of the x-axis movement of the arms 40 and 70. More specifically, the movement of the label holder relative to the mold component can be independently accomplished by the movement of the product clamping member relative to the mold component. Furthermore, as described above, the drive motors 90 and 100 that drive these movements are mounted on the frame 21.

[0093] like Figures 2 to 5As shown, the base of the guide device 30 carries two pulleys 35 and 36, which are spaced apart in the y-axis direction, for example, one at the inner end of the base 31 and the other at the outer end. A belt 37 is fitted around the pulleys 35 and 36. The belt 37 is connected to the arm 40 at its inner end. The inner pulley 35 is the driven pulley, causing the belt 37 to move in a selected direction, thereby moving the arm 40 in and out along the y-axis direction.

[0094] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the base of the guide device 50 carries two pulleys 55 and 36, which are spaced apart in the y-axis direction; for example, one is at the inner end of the base 51 and the other is at the outer end. A belt 57 is fitted around the pulleys 55 and 56. The belt 57 is connected to the arm 70 at its inner end. The inner pulley 55 is the driven pulley, causing the belt 57 to move in a selected direction, thereby moving the arm 70 in and out along the y-axis direction.

[0095] In a real-world example, this routine can be executed in a very short time, for example, in sync with a total injection molding cycle of up to 3 seconds.

[0096] The arm's acceleration in the y-direction can exceed 10G in both forward and backward movements to achieve extremely short routine times. Since the arm only carries the essential components for holding labels or gripping products, it is possible that these components do not perform any movement in the x and y directions, as these movements are controlled by motors arranged on a fixed frame. Arms 40 and 70 themselves are also preferably lightweight, such as made of carbon fiber.

[0097] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, arms 40 and 70 are preferably implemented as plate-like bodies. Arms 40 and 70 have length on the y-axis, height on the z-axis, and width on the x-axis. The height is a multiple of the width to achieve high stability of the arms.

[0098] As shown in the figure, arms 40 and 70 can have the same shape and are connected to the guide device and the label holder / product clamp at the outer end. For example, this can reduce the inventory cost of replacement arms.

[0099] In one embodiment, the label holder 45 and the product holder 75 have compatible mechanical interfaces configured to allow each of the label holder and the product holder to be mechanically connected to a selected one of the two arms 40 and 70.

[0100] In one embodiment, the label holder 45 and the product clamping member 75 can be interchanged between arms 40 and 70 of the device 20, for example, considering the use of different molds to mold different products. Therefore, considering Figure 1 The product retainer 75 will be mounted on the arm 40, and the label retainer will be mounted on the arm 70.

[0101] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, there is a y-axis drive motor 120 that causes the label handling arm 40 and the product unloading arm 70 to move in unison between their respective extended and retracted positions.

[0102] The drive motor 120 here drives the rotatable shaft 121, which is mounted to a fixed position on the frame 21 and extends along the x-axis. The shaft 121 extends through the inner end pulley 35 and the inner end pulley 55, or may otherwise be rotatably connected to such inner end pulleys.

[0103] The y-axis drive motor 120 is an electric drive motor and is configured to drive an output shaft and a rotatable shaft 121 connected to the output shaft in each direction according to instructions. Therefore, pulleys 35 and 55 are driven, thereby driving belts 37 and 57, causing arms 40 and 70 to move synchronously relative to the associated guides 30 and 50 in the y-axis direction.

[0104] Due to structural reasons, it is considered advantageous to provide only one y-axis drive motor 120. For example, it is preferable to allow the guide devices 30 and 50 to be similar in design, for example, since the inner pulleys 35 and 55 can now be located in the same spatial position.

[0105] It should be noted that, in an alternative embodiment, two y-axis drive motors may be provided, each motor cooperating with one of the inner pulleys 35 and 55 via a corresponding shaft, to provide an independent drive system for each arm 40 and arm 70 in the y-axis direction.

[0106] As shown, the x-axis movement of the label holder 45 relative to the mold member 12, such as the x-axis movement of the substrate and one or more label holder members attached thereto, is controlled solely by the x-axis drive of the guide device 30. The device 20 does not provide any actuable displacement mechanism between the label holder 45 and the label processing arm 40.

[0107] As shown, the x-axis movement of the product clamping member 75 relative to the mold component 11, such as the x-axis movement of the substrate and one or more clamping member components attached thereto, is controlled solely by the x-axis drive of the guide device 50. The device 20 does not provide any actuable displacement mechanism between the product clamping member 75 and the product unloading arm 70.

[0108] A control device 140, such as a computerized and programmed controller, is provided to control the operation of the device 20, including controlling the first drive motor 90, the second drive motor 100, and the y-axis drive motor 120. Preferably, the device 140 is also connected to the controller of the extruder 2.

[0109] The control device 140 is configured (e.g., programmed) to, after the injection molding stage has ended and the mold 10 has been brought into the open position, act to place one or more new labels 6 on the mold member 12 and remove one or more injection-molded plastic articles 5 from the other mold member 11. This is accomplished by a high-speed executed routine that includes operating the y-axis drive motor 120 to advance the label handling arm 40 and the product unloading arm 70 from their retracted positions to their respective extended positions in the gap between the first mold member 11 and the second mold member 12 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 The label holder 45 is aligned with the second member 12 in the x-axis direction and points towards the second mold member 12, and the product clamping member 75 is aligned with the first mold member 11 in the x-axis direction and points towards the first mold member 11. As shown herein, in this embodiment, arms 40 and 70 move in unison.

[0110] Once arms 40 and 70 have extended, the routine includes operating the first x-axis drive motor 90 to advance the label handling arm 40, which has aligned label holders 45, to the second mold member 12, thereby transferring one or more labels 6 held therein to the second mold member 12. For example, one or more labels 6 are held on the holders 45 by vacuum suction. During transfer, the vacuum is released. In embodiments, the labels 6 may be held in the mold member by electrostatic bonding between the electrostatically charged labels 6 and the metal mold member. For example, electrostatic charge is applied to the labels 6 using an electrostatic application device 146. Alternatively, vacuum suction is used to hold the labels 6 in the mold member.

[0111] Typically, while the label processing arm 40 and the label holder 45 perform the aforementioned x-movement, the second drive motor 100 is operated to advance the product unloading arm 70 with the aligned product gripper 75 to the first mold member 11, thereby engaging the gripper 75 with one or more products 5 present on the mold member 11. The gripper 75 is then operated to perform its gripping action, which may, for example, mean applying vacuum suction to grip the product and / or achieving mechanical gripping. This achieves the transfer of one or more injection-molded products from the first mold member 11 to the product gripper 75.

[0112] After the label transfer is completed, the first drive motor 90 is operated to retract the label processing arm 70, which is equipped with the label holder 45, from the second mold component 12.

[0113] After the product transfer to the clamping member 75 is completed, the second drive motor 100 is operated to retract the product unloading arm 70 with the product clamping member 75, which holds one or more products 5, from the first mold component 11.

[0114] It should be understood that, due to the existence of separate drive systems, the x-movements of the label holder 45 and the clamping member 75 can be performed independently. This optimizes each movement and enables these operations to achieve a high overall speed.

[0115] In the final step of the routine, the y-axis motor 120 is operated to retract the label handling arm 40 and the product unloading arm 70 from their respective extended positions to their retracted positions, which are outside the tracks of the first mold component 11 and / or the second mold component 12 when the mold is closed.

[0116] As is known in the art, one or more new labels 6 can now be loaded onto the label holder 45.

[0117] As is known in the art, product 5 can now be released from clamp 75. For example, the product may fall onto a conveyor or into a container, or be transferred to another processing device.

[0118] from Figures 2 to 5 It can be understood that arms 40 and 70 are implemented here to allow the interchange of the positions of the label holder 45 and the product holder 75, so that the label holder now faces the extruder and the product holder faces away from the extruder.

Claims

1. An automatic in-mold label handling and product unloading device (20) for use with a plastic material injection molding machine (1), comprising a mold (10) having a first mold component and a second mold component (11, 12), the first mold component and the second mold component being adapted to be displaced relative to each other along a horizontally extending x-axis (X) between an open position and a closed position of the mold, in, The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device (20) includes: A label processing arm (40) has a label holder (45) at its outer end, the label holder being configured to releasably hold one or more labels (6). A product unloading arm (70) having a product clamping member (75) at its outer end, the product clamping member being configured to releasably hold one or more molded plastic products. Fixed frame (21), A first linear guide device (30) supports the label processing arm (40) and reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first linear guide device (30) along a y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis (X). A second linear guide device (50) supports the product unloading arm (70) and reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the second linear guide device (50) along a y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis (X). The first linear guide device (30) is guided relative to the frame (21) so that it can move parallel to the x-axis. The second linear guide device (50) is guided relative to the frame (21) so that it can move parallel to the x-axis. The label processing arm x-axis drive mechanism has a corresponding first drive motor (90) mounted on the frame (21), and a first transmission device (91-95) connected to the first drive motor and the first linear guide device (30). The product unloading arm x-axis drive mechanism has a corresponding second drive motor (100) mounted on the frame (21), and a second transmission device (101-105) connected to the second drive motor and the second linear guide device (50). The Y-axis drive arrangement includes at least one Y-axis drive motor (120) mounted on the frame, and transmission devices (121, 35–37, 55–57) connecting the at least one Y-axis drive motor (120) to the label handling arm (40) and the product unloading arm (70) to move the label handling arm (40) and the product unloading arm (70) between their respective extended and retracted positions. A control device (140) controls the first drive motor (90), the second drive motor (100), and the at least one y-axis drive motor (120). The control device (140) is configured such that, after the injection molding stage is completed and the mold (10) has been brought into the open position: i) Operate the at least one y-axis drive motor (120) to advance the label processing arm (40) and the product unloading arm (70) from their retracted positions to their respective extended positions in the gap between the first mold member and the second mold member (11, 12), aligning the label holder (45) with and pointing towards the second mold member (12) in the x-axis direction, and aligning the product clamping member (75) with and pointing towards the first mold member (11) in the x-axis direction. ii) Operate the first drive motor (90) to advance the label processing arm (40) with the aligned label holder (45) to the second mold member (12), thereby transferring one or more of the labels (6) held therein to the second mold member (12). iii) Operate the second drive motor (100) to advance the product unloading arm (70) with the aligned product holder (75) to the first mold member (11), thereby transferring one or more injection-molded products (5) from the first mold member (11) to the product holder (75). iv) After the label transfer is completed, operate the first drive motor (90) to retract the label processing arm (40) equipped with the label holder (45) from the second mold component (12). v) After the product transfer is completed, the second drive motor (100) is operated to retract the product unloading arm (70) with the product clamping member (75) holding one or more products (5) from the first mold component (11). vi) Operate the at least one y-axis drive motor (120) to retract the label handling arm (40) and the product unloading arm (70) from their respective extended positions to their retracted positions, which are outside the tracks of the first mold component (11) and / or the second mold component (12) when the mold is closed.

2. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device (20) does not have any actuable displacement mechanism between the label holder (45) and the label processing arm (40).

3. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device (20) does not have any actuable displacement mechanism between the product clamp (75) and the product unloading arm (70).

4. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first linear guide device and the second linear guide device (30, 50) includes a horizontally oriented, elongated base frame (31, 51) extending in the y-direction, wherein each of the base frames (31, 51) has one or more linear bearing tracks (32, 52) extending in the y-direction, and wherein each of the arms (40, 70) has a bearing member (41, 71) at its inner end, the bearing member (41, 71) sliding on its respective linear bearing track (32, 52) along the y-axis direction.

5. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (21) has parallel x-axis tracks (24, 25) at a fixed position on the frame (21), the x-axis tracks (24, 25) supporting and guiding the first linear guide device (30) and the second linear guide device (50) in the x-axis direction.

6. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission device between the first drive motor (90) and the first linear guide device (30) includes a linear belt drive device. The first drive motor (90) drives a rotatable shaft (91), which is mounted to a fixed position on the frame (21) and extends along the y-axis. The rotatable shaft (91) is equipped with one or more driven pulleys (92, 93). The frame (21) supports one or more return pulleys, which are spaced apart from the rotatable shaft (91) in the x-axis direction. A belt travels on the driven pulleys and the return pulleys. Each belt (94, 95) is fixed to the first linear guide device (30).

7. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first drive motor (90) is an electric drive motor and is configured to drive the rotatable shaft (91) in each direction according to instructions.

8. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transmission device between the second drive motor (100) and the second linear guide device (50) includes a linear belt drive device. The second drive motor (100) drives a rotatable shaft (101) which is mounted to a fixed position on the frame (21) and extends along the y-axis. The rotatable shaft (101) is equipped with one or more driven pulleys (102, 103). The frame (21) supports one or more return pulleys which are spaced apart from the rotatable shaft (101) in the x-axis direction. A belt travels on the driven pulleys and the return pulleys. Each belt (104, 105) is fixed to the second linear guide device (50).

9. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second drive motor (100) is an electric drive motor and is configured to drive the rotatable shaft (101) in each direction according to instructions.

10. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (31) of the first linear guide device (30) carries two pulleys (35, 36) spaced apart in the y-axis direction, with a belt (37) fitted around the pulleys (35, 36), wherein the belt (37) is connected to the label processing arm (40), one of the pulleys (35) being a driven pulley that moves the belt (37) in a selected direction, thereby causing the label processing arm (40) to move in and out in the y-axis direction, the driven pulley being connected to at least one y-axis drive motor (120) mounted to the frame (21).

11. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (51) of the second linear guide device (50) carries two pulleys (55, 56) spaced apart in the y-axis direction, with a belt (57) mounted around the pulleys (55, 56). The belt (57) is connected to the product unloading arm (70), and one of the pulleys (55) is a driven pulley that moves the belt (57) in a selected direction, thereby causing the product unloading arm (70) to move in and out in the y-axis direction. The driven pulley is connected to at least one y-axis drive motor (120) mounted to the frame (21).

12. The automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, A y-axis drive motor (120) is provided, which drives a rotatable shaft (121) which is mounted to a fixed position on the frame (21) and extends along the x-axis direction, wherein the rotatable shaft (121) extends through the drive pulley (35) of the first linear guide (30) and the drive pulley (55) of the second linear guide (50).

13. A method for processing an in-mold label (6) and unloading a product (5) from a plastic material injection molding machine (1), the plastic material injection molding machine (1) comprising a mold (10) having a first mold component and a second mold component (11, 12), the first mold component and the second mold component being adapted to be displaced relative to each other along a horizontally extending x-axis (X) between an open position and a closed position of the mold, wherein an automatic in-mold label processing and product unloading device (20) according to claim 1 is used.

14. An injection molding system comprising an automatic in-mold label handling and product unloading device (20) according to claim 1 and a plastic material injection molding machine (1), the plastic material injection molding machine (1) comprising a mold (10) having a first mold component and a second mold component (11, 12), the first mold component and the second mold component being adapted to be displaced relative to each other along a horizontally extending x-axis between an open position and a closed position of the mold.

15. A method for molding a plastic product (5) having an in-mold label (6), wherein the injection molding system according to claim 14 is used.

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