Pusher device and molding machine

Abstract

The ejector device (11) drives an ejector pin (41) which is inserted through the movable mold (105) in the mold opening and closing direction. The ejector device (11) has a support member (49), a drive member (51), a hydraulic drive section (57), and an electric drive section (55). The support member (49) is fixed to the movable mold plate (17). The drive member (51) is fixed to an ejector plate (43). The ejector plate (43) is located in a space (105s) formed by a mold base (105a) of the movable mold (105) and is fixed to the ejector pin (41). The movable mold plate (17) holds the movable mold (105). The hydraulic drive section (57) and the electric drive section (55) each drive the drive member (51) relative to the support member (49).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to ejection devices and molding machines. Molding machines may be, for example, die-casting machines or injection molding machines. Background Technology

[0002] A molding machine is known to produce molded articles by solidifying molding material within a mold. The mold comprises a fixed mold and a movable mold driven in the mold opening and closing direction (relative to the direction of approach and departure from the fixed mold). The movable mold moves towards the fixed mold and the two come into contact, forming a cavity between them filled with molding material before solidification (e.g., in a molten state). After the molding material in the cavity solidifies, when the movable mold is moved to the side opposite to the fixed mold, the solidified molding material (molded article) leaves, for example, the fixed mold and remains in the movable mold. The molded article remaining in the movable mold is ejected towards the fixed mold side, for example, by an ejector pin inserted into the movable mold in the mold opening and closing direction, and exits from the movable mold.

[0003] Various structures have been proposed as ejection devices relative to the moving module drive ejection pin (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5 below).

[0004] The ejection device of Patent Document 1 has the following structure: Multiple ejection pins are inserted into a movable mold in the mold opening and closing direction, and also inserted into a movable template that holds the movable mold in the mold opening and closing direction. An ejection plate is located behind the movable template (on the side opposite to the movable mold) and is fixed to the multiple ejection pins. An electric drive unit and a hydraulic drive unit drive the ejection plate relative to the movable template in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0005] The ejection devices in Patent Documents 2, 4, and 5 utilize an electric drive unit to drive the ejection pin. This electric drive unit includes a rotary electric motor and a lead screw mechanism that converts the rotation of the electric motor into linear motion. The ejection device in Patent Document 3 utilizes a hydraulic cylinder to drive the ejection pin.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-18837

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-106129

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-144479

[0011] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-27656

[0012] Patent Document 5: International Publication No. 2013 / 38501 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] Various proposed structures for ejection devices each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the performance requirements for ejection devices vary greatly depending on the user or the type of molding machine. Moreover, known structures may not always be optimal for the specific user or molding machine. Therefore, a new structure for the ejection device is proposed to enrich the technology.

[0015] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0016] One aspect of this disclosure provides an ejection device that drives an ejection pin inserted in a mold, either a fixed mold or a movable mold, in a mold opening and closing direction. The ejection device includes a first component, a second component, a hydraulic drive unit, and an electric drive unit. The first component is fixed to one of an ejection plate and a template. The ejection plate is located in a space formed by the mold base of the one mold and is fixed to the ejection pin. The template holds the one mold. The second component is fixed to the other component of the ejection plate and the template. The hydraulic drive unit drives the second component relative to the first component. The electric drive unit drives the second component relative to the first component. A molding machine according to one aspect of this disclosure includes the ejection device.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the aforementioned structure, a new ejection device and forming machine are provided that utilize a hydraulic drive unit and an electric drive unit to drive an ejection plate located in a space formed by a mold base, thereby enriching the technology. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the structure of the main parts of the die-casting machine according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A side view of the die-casting machine mold and its surrounding structure.

[0021] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the drive unit of the ejection device of a die-casting machine.

[0022] Figure 4 Therefore with Figure 3 The different states represent cross-sectional views of the drive section of the ejection device.

[0023] Figure 5 Therefore with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The different states represent cross-sectional views of the drive section of the ejection device.

[0024] Figure 6 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the core device of a die-casting machine.

[0025] Figure 7 Therefore with Figure 6 Cross-sectional views of the structure of the core assembly in different states.

[0026] Figure 8 Therefore with Figure 6 and Figure 7 Cross-sectional views of the structure of the core assembly in different states.

[0027] Figure 9 (a) indicates Figure 1 A circuit diagram illustrating the structure of the main components of the hydraulic system in a die-casting machine. Figure 9 (b) is a circuit diagram showing the structure of the main parts of the hydraulic device in the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0028] (Summary of the forming process performed by a die-casting machine)

[0029] Figure 1 This is a side view, partially including a cross-sectional view, showing the structure of the main parts of the die-casting machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 In other drawings that may partially include cross-sections, for convenience, two or more cross-sections that are not necessarily located in the same plane may sometimes be shown simultaneously. Figure 1 The vertical direction on the paper is, for example, the vertical direction.

[0030] The die-casting machine 1 is configured, for example, as a device that manufactures a product (molded article, die-cast article) made of solidified molding material by injecting (filling) molten molding material into the interior (cavity 107) of the mold 101. It should be noted that... Figure 1 In the diagram, a portion of the inner surface of the cavity 107 (the portion formed by the movable mold 105 described later) is represented by a double-dotted line.

[0031] The molding material is a metal such as aluminum. Molten metal is sometimes referred to as molten metal. It should be noted that a molding material in a solid-liquid coexisting state (semi-solid or semi-molten state) can also be injected into the cavity 107 instead of the molten molding material.

[0032] Mold 101, for example, has a fixed mold 103 and a movable mold 105 opposite to the fixed mold 103. Figure 1For convenience, the cross-section of the fixed mold 103 or the movable mold 105 is represented by a shaded area. However, these molds can be either straight-cut molds or nested molds. The fixed mold 103 is a stationary mold. The movable mold 105 is a mold that moves in the direction opposite to the fixed mold 103, and can move between the position indicated by the solid line and the position indicated by the double-dotted line. The direction opposite to the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105 is, for example, the horizontal direction.

[0033] The moving mold 105 moves in the mold-closing direction (the direction relative to the moving mold 105 towards the fixed mold 103. The same applies below). Mold closing is achieved by moving the moving mold 105 towards the fixed mold 103. Mold closing is usually accomplished by mold contact (the moving mold 105 abutting against the fixed mold 103). Through mold contact, a cavity 107 is formed between the fixed mold 103 and the moving mold 105.

[0034] After mold closing, a force (closing force) is applied to mold 101 to fasten fixed mold 103 and moving mold 105 in their opposing directions. After mold closing, molding material is injected into cavity 107. Mold 101 is subjected to pressure from the molten metal injected into cavity 107 in the direction of opening mold 101. However, because a closing force is applied, mold 101 remains in a closed state.

[0035] The molding material injected into the cavity 107 solidifies to form a molded article. Then, the moving mold 105 is moved in the mold opening direction (the direction opposite to the fixed mold 103, as follows). This opens the mold, causing the moving mold 105 to leave the fixed mold 103. The molded article can then be removed. It should be noted that the combination of the mold closing direction and the mold opening direction is sometimes referred to as the mold opening / closing direction.

[0036] When the mold is opened to remove the molded article, the molded article leaves one of the molds, the fixed mold 103 or the movable mold 105, and remains in the other mold. Then, the molded article is ejected from the other mold towards the mold of the first mold by an ejector pin (described later) inserted into the other mold. The molded article is determined to remain in either the fixed mold 103 or the movable mold 105 during mold opening, depending on the shape of the movable mold 105 and the fixed mold 103. In the die-casting machine 1 of this embodiment, it is assumed that the molded article remains in the movable mold 105 after mold opening.

[0037] The mold 101 may also include a core 109 (a movable core). The core 109 is movable in a direction intersecting (e.g., orthogonal) to the mold opening and closing direction (vertical direction in the illustrated example). Before or simultaneously with mold closing, the core 109 moves toward the space between the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105, thereby partially residing within the cavity 107. Additionally, during or after mold opening and before ejection of the molded article, the core 109 moves in a direction retracting from between the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105, thereby being pulled out of the molded article. Using this core 109, for example, a recess or through hole opening in a direction intersecting the mold opening and closing direction can be formed on the molded article.

[0038] (Overview of the structure of a die-casting machine)

[0039] The die-casting machine 1 has a machine body 3 for performing mechanical actions and a control device 5 for controlling the machine body 3. The machine body 3 has, for example, the following devices: a mold closing device 7 for opening, closing, and shutting down the mold 101; an injection device 9 for injecting molten metal into the cavity 107; an ejection device 11 for pushing the molded part formed by the solidification of the molten metal out of the moving mold 105; and a core device 13 for driving the core 109.

[0040] The structure and operation of the machine body 3, in addition to the structure and operation of the ejector device 11, can be configured with various structures and operations that include known structures and operations. However, in the description of this embodiment, new structures and / or operations are sometimes illustrated with respect to structures and operations that can be configured with known structures and operations. For example, a new structure and operation are illustrated with respect to the structure and operation of the core device 13. In addition, a new structure (especially its configuration) is illustrated with respect to the structure of the hydraulic device that supplies working fluid (e.g., oil) to the ejector device 11 and / or the core device 13.

[0041] The following sections will first provide examples of the structures of the mold clamping device 7, the injection device 9, and the control device 5. Next, the structure of the ejection device 11 will be described. Next, the structure of the new core device 13 will be described. Next, the structure of the hydraulic device supplying working fluid to the ejection device 11 and the core device 13 will be described. Finally, the operation of the ejection device 11 and the operation of the core device 13 will be explained. In the following descriptions, descriptions of structures and operations that can be assumed to be the same as those known will be omitted as appropriate.

[0042] It should be noted that structures shared in the ejection device 11 and other devices (such as the mold clamping device 7 and the injection device 9, etc.) (e.g., the control device 5 and the hydraulic device 67 described later) can be considered as part of the die casting machine 1 or as part of the ejection device 11.

[0043] (Mold closing device)

[0044] The mold clamping device 7, for example, has a base 14, a fixed template 15 and a movable template 17 facing each other on the base 14, and one or more (usually multiple, for example, four) tie rods 19 suspended on the two templates.

[0045] The fixed template 15 is fixed to the base 14, holding the fixed mold 103 on the surface opposite to the movable template 17. The movable template 17 is movable on the base 14 in the direction opposite to the fixed template 15 (mold opening and closing direction), holding the movable mold 105 on the surface opposite to the fixed template 15. The tie rod 19 is fixed to one of the templates (fixed template 15 in the illustrated example) at least when the mold is closed, and can be inserted axially relative to the other template (movable template 17 in the illustrated example).

[0046] The mold 101 is opened and closed by moving the movable template 17 in the mold opening and closing direction. When the mold 101 is closed (mold contact), the portion of the other template (moving template 17) is stretched relative to the other template towards the opposite side (left side of the paper in the illustrated example). This generates a closing force corresponding to the amount of stretching of the pull rod 19.

[0047] The drive unit of the mold closing device 7, which performs the mold opening, closing, and mold closing as described above, can be configured in various ways. In the illustrated example, an electric and toggle-type mold closing drive unit 21 is used as the drive unit. The mold closing drive unit 21 includes, for example, a linkage seat 23 located on the base 14 behind the movable template 17 (opposite to the fixed template 15), a linkage mechanism 25 connected to the linkage seat 23 and the movable template 17, and a mold closing motor 27 that provides driving force to the linkage mechanism 25.

[0048] It should be noted that a hydraulic cylinder (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) that provides driving force to the linkage mechanism 25 can also be provided in addition to the mold clamping motor 27 or the mold clamping motor 27. That is, the drive unit of the toggle-type (or other type) mold clamping device 7 can be a hydraulic drive unit or a hybrid drive unit that combines electric and hydraulic types.

[0049] Alternatively, the drive unit of the mold clamping device 7 can be a drive unit other than a toggle type. For example, the mold clamping device can also be a device that has a separate drive unit for mold opening and closing and a drive unit for mold closing. In this case, the drive unit for mold opening and closing can be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, or it can be a rotary electric motor and a conversion mechanism (e.g., a lead screw mechanism) that converts the rotation of the electric motor into linear motion. The drive unit for mold closing can also be, for example, a mold clamping cylinder with a piston fixed to the pull rod 19.

[0050] (Injection device)

[0051] The injection device 9 includes, for example, a sleeve 35 passing through the mold 101, a plunger 37 slidable within the sleeve 35, and an injection drive unit 39 that drives the plunger 37. With the molding material disposed within the sleeve 35, the plunger 37 moves towards the mold 101, ejecting the molding material into the mold 101 (injection). It should be noted that since the sleeve 35 and the plunger 37 can be considered consumables, the injection drive unit 39 can also be considered solely as the injection device.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the injection device 9 corresponds to a so-called cold chamber die casting machine. That is, the molding material is supplied into the sleeve 35 through a supply port 35a that opens on the upper surface of the sleeve 35 by a supply device (hot liquid supply device) not shown. However, the injection device 9 can also be configured to correspond to a so-called hot chamber die casting machine. The injection drive unit 39 can also be hydraulic (e.g., oil pressure), electric, or a hybrid combination of hydraulic and electric.

[0053] (Control device)

[0054] Although not specifically illustrated, the control device 5 may be configured as a computer. The computer, though not specifically illustrated, may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and external storage devices. The CPU executes programs stored in ROM and / or external storage devices to construct various functional units that perform various operations (including control). Furthermore, the control device 5 may include logic circuits that perform certain actions, power supply circuits, or even a driver concept. The control device 5 may be centralized in one location or distributed across multiple locations.

[0055] Under the control of the control device 5, for example, a series of actions (molding cycle) for producing molded articles, as described above, are repeated. When confirmed, the molding cycle includes mold opening and closing and mold closing performed by the mold closing device 7, injection performed by the injection device 9, ejection performed by the ejection device 11, and core insertion and removal performed by the core device 13. Unless otherwise specified, the operation of the die-casting machine 1 described in this embodiment can also be interpreted as being controlled by the control device 5, provided that there are no significant differences compared to common technical knowledge.

[0056] (Ejection device)

[0057] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram showing the main structural components of mold 101 and its surrounding area. The diagram is a side view that partially includes a sectional view.

[0058] The movable mold 105 has a mold base 105a (in this disclosure, the mold base 105a is referred to as part of the movable mold 105). The mold base 105a facilitates the mounting of the movable mold 105 to the movable template 17 and helps to form a space 105s for accommodating a portion of the ejection device 11. The structure of the mold base 105a can be configured in various ways, including known structures. For example, the mold base 105a is generally configured as a hollow cuboid, with the main body side (right side of the paper) of the movable mold 105 open. One side of the space 105s on the movable template 17 side can be formed by a portion of the movable mold 105 as shown in the figure, or it can be formed by a portion of the movable template 17, unlike the figure.

[0059] The ejection device 11 has, for example, the following structure: a plurality of ejection pins 41 for pressing the molded article; an ejection plate 43 for holding the plurality of ejection pins 41; a plurality of guide pins 45 for guiding the ejection plate 43 when the ejection pins 41 move; and an ejection drive portion 47 for driving the ejection plate 43. It should be noted that since some of the above-mentioned components (e.g., the ejection pins 41 and the ejection plate 43) are replaced when the mold 101 is changed, the ejection device 11 can be defined in addition to these components. For example, the ejection drive portion 47 can be considered only as the ejection device.

[0060] The ejector pin 41 is, for example, a shaft-shaped component with a flange at the rear end. The ejector pin 41 is inserted into the movable mold 105 (more precisely, the portion to the right of the mold base 105a on the paper) in the mold opening and closing direction, and is movable relative to the movable mold 105 in its insertion direction. Multiple ejector pins 41 can be arranged in appropriate positions and numbers according to the shape of the space within the mold 101 (including not only the cavity 107, but also the shape of the space such as sleeves). It should be noted that, theoretically, there can also be only one ejector pin 41.

[0061] The ejector pin 41 is configured, for example, so that its front end face aligns with the inner surface of the moving mold 105 constituting the cavity 107 when molding material is injected into the cavity 107. Furthermore, when the molding material solidifies and the mold is opened, it is driven toward the fixed mold 103 side in a manner that protrudes from the inner surface of the moving mold 105. Thus, the molded article is ejected.

[0062] It should be noted that the ejector pin 41 can also be located inside the inner surface of the moving mold 105 when the molding material is injected into the cavity 107. Moreover, the ejector pin 41 can also help to apply local pressure to the molding material by being driven toward the cavity 107 during the solidification process of the molding material, just like an extrusion pin.

[0063] The ejector pin 41 can, for example, be driven throughout its entire stroke. That is, when injecting material, the ejector pin 41 can be located at its retraction limit (drive limit in the mold opening direction), and when ejecting the molded part, the ejector pin 41 can be driven to its forward limit (drive limit in the mold closing direction). The drive limit is the position that physically restricts movement (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified). However, the ejector pin 41 can also be left undriven throughout its entire stroke. The drive limit of the ejector pin 41 can be appropriately defined, or it can be defined by the drive limit of the ejector plate 43 and / or the drive limit of the ejector drive 47, as described later.

[0064] The ejector plate 43, for example, has a front side plate 43a and a rear side plate 43b that overlaps and is fixed to the rear of the front side plate 43a. An ejector pin 41, for example, is fixed to the ejector plate 43 by being clamped by the front side plate 43a and the rear side plate 43b through a flange portion that passes through the front side plate 43a and is provided at the rear end. It should be noted that the ejector plate 43 may also have a structure in which a plate (not shown) overlaps with the rear side plate 43b and is fixed to the ejector drive unit 47 on the side of the rear side plate 43b opposite to the front side plate 43a. The ejector plate 43 is accommodated in the space 105s of the moving mold 105. Multiple ejector pins 41 are jointly fixed to the ejector plate 43, and therefore, as the ejector plate 43 moves relative to the moving mold 105, they move together relative to the moving mold 105.

[0065] The ejector plate 43 can also define a driving limit in the mold-closing direction by abutting against a suitable stop (e.g., the right side of the inner surface of the constitutive space 105s of the moving mold 105) in the mold-closing direction, where the stop is stationary relative to the moving mold 105. This driving limit may or may not define the forward limit of the ejector pin 41. Additionally, the ejector plate 43 can also define a driving limit in the mold-opening direction by abutting against a suitable stop (e.g., the side of the moving mold 105 of the moving template 17) in the mold-opening direction, where the stop is stationary relative to the moving mold 105. This driving limit may or may not define the backward limit of the ejector pin 41.

[0066] The guide pin 45, except for its placement and specific dimensions, has a structure largely the same as the ejector pin 41. That is, the guide pin 45 is generally axial in shape with a flange at its rear end. The guide pin 45 is inserted into the moving mold 105 (the portion forward of the mold base 105a) in the mold opening and closing direction, and can move relative to the moving mold 105 in its insertion direction. Furthermore, like the ejector pin 41, the rear flange of the guide pin 45 is fixed to the ejector plate 43. The multiple guide pins 45, unlike the ejector pin 41, are located outside the cavity 107 when viewed in the mold opening and closing direction. The position and number of the multiple guide pins 45 can also be appropriately set. For example, the guide pins 45 are located at the four corners of the moving mold 105. It should be noted that, theoretically, the guide pin 45 can be omitted, or there can be only one.

[0067] The ejection drive unit 47 has a support member 49 fixed to the movable template 17 and a drive member 51 driven relative to the support member 49 in the mold opening and closing direction. The drive member 51 is fixed to the ejection plate 43. Moreover, the ejection drive unit 47 generates a driving force relative to the support member 49 in the mold opening and closing direction to drive the drive member 51. As a result, the ejection plate 43 moves relative to the movable template 17 in the mold opening and closing direction, and further, the ejection pin 41 moves relative to the movable mold 105 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0068] The method of fixing the drive component 51 and the ejector plate 43 can also be various methods including those known to the public. In the illustrated example, the drive component 51 and the ejector plate 43 are fixed via an ejector rod 53 inserted into the movable template 17 in the mold opening and closing direction. The connection between the ejector rod 53 and the drive component 51, and / or the connection between the ejector rod 53 and the ejector plate 43, can also be made by suitable methods such as bolts or clamps (e.g., pneumatic clamps).

[0069] Unlike the example shown, the drive component 51 can also be configured as a shaft inserted into the movable template 17, directly connected to the ejector plate 43 without via the ejector rod 53. Alternatively, the ejector device can have a structure with multiple ejector rods and a plate-shaped component located behind the movable template 17 (on the left side of the paper) and fixed to the multiple ejector rods, with the ejector drive unit 47 driving the plate-shaped component relative to the movable template 17.

[0070] (Launch of the drive unit)

[0071] Figures 3-5 These are cross-sectional views showing the structure of the ejection drive unit 47. It should be noted that these figures also show a portion of the hydraulic device 67 that supplies working fluid to the ejection drive unit 47. In these figures, the vertical direction is... Figure 1 The top and bottom directions on the paper correspond. Figure 3 This indicates the state prior to the launch of product 41. Figure 4 This indicates the state after the initial push action has been performed. Figure 5 This indicates that the launch is complete.

[0072] As described above, the ejection drive unit 47 has a support member 49 fixed to the movable template 17 and a drive member 51 driven relative to the support member 49 in the moving direction (mold opening and closing direction) of the ejection pin 41. The ejection drive unit 47 has an electric drive unit 55 and a hydraulic drive unit 57 as drive units that generate a driving force to move the drive member 51 relative to the support member 49. That is, the drive method of the ejection drive unit 47 is a hybrid type combining electric and hydraulic. It should be noted that the support member 49 and the drive member 51 can also be regarded as part of the electric drive unit 55 and / or the hydraulic drive unit 57. The specific structure of each part of the ejection drive unit 47 is as follows.

[0073] (Supporting components)

[0074] The shape and size of the support member 49 can also be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, the support member 49 is configured as a cylinder that also serves as the hydraulic drive unit 57 (hydraulic cylinder). Specifically, the support member 49 has, for example, a cylindrical portion 49a (cylinder barrel) extending in the driving direction (mold opening and closing direction), a front end portion 49b blocking the cylindrical portion 49a from the front (the direction in which the drive member 51 extends from the support member 49), and a rear end portion 49c blocking the cylindrical portion 49a from the rear.

[0075] The cross-section (the section orthogonal to the driving direction) of the cylindrical portion 49a is, for example, circular. The front end portion 49b may be a generally plate-shaped component, and may also have a flange that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 49a. The flange of the front end portion 49b can help fix the support member 49 relative to the movable template 17. The rear end portion 49c may be a generally plate-shaped component, and may also have a flange that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 49a. The flange of the rear end portion 49c can be used to support a portion of the electric drive unit 55.

[0076] As will be understood from the following description, the portion of the support member 49 that actually functions as a cylinder may only be a part of the rear end side (left side of the paper) (wherein, for convenience, the terms support member 49 and cylinder are sometimes used interchangeably in the description of this embodiment). Therefore, the front end side portion of the support member 49 may not be sealed (it may also be open to the atmosphere). Furthermore, the shape of the front end side portion may be different from that of a typical cylinder. For example, the front end side portion may be constructed by a combination of rods extending side-by-side. Additionally, as will be described later, the rear end side portion of the support member 49 may also differ from a typical cylinder, and may only be sealed at the outer periphery. However, the front end side portion and / or the rear end side portion may be the same as a typical cylinder.

[0077] (Drive components)

[0078] The shape and size of the drive component 51 can be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, the drive component 51 has a shaft-shaped rod portion 51c, a connecting portion 51a located at the front end (the end on the right side of the paper) of the rod portion 51c, and a locking portion 51b located at an appropriate position along the length of the rod portion 51c. The rod portion 51c constitutes most of the drive component 51. The connecting portion 51a is the portion that connects to the ejector plate 43 (more specifically, the ejector rod 53). The locking portion 51b is, for example, a portion that facilitates the engagement of the hydraulic drive unit 57 with the piston 61 (described later). These portions can be integrally formed or composed of different parts. In addition, the shape and size of each portion can be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, as follows.

[0079] The rod portion 51c extends along the driving direction (mold opening and closing direction) of the drive member 51. In the illustrated example, the axial length (mold opening and closing direction) of the rod portion 51c is longer than its diameter. However, the former may be the same as or less than the latter. The shape of the rod portion 51c (the shape of its outer surface) is, for example, cylindrical. Furthermore, the rod portion 51c is designed to be hollow, capable of accommodating a portion of the electric drive unit 55. The cross-sectional shape of the inner surface is, for example, circular. Therefore, the rod portion 51c is integrally constructed as a generally cylindrical shape.

[0080] The rod portion 51c extends from the interior to the exterior of the support member 49 through an opening formed in the front end portion 49b of the support member 49. The outer surface of the rod portion 51c may slide relative to the front end portion 49b of the support member 49 (in the illustrated example) or it may not slide. In other words, the front end portion 49b may or may not contribute to the support of the drive member 51. Although not specifically illustrated, the rod portion 51c may also have a spline groove extending axially. The front end portion 49b may also have a protrusion that inserts into the spline groove to restrict the rotation of the drive member 51 about its axis.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the rod portion 51c can also be inserted into the piston 61 of the hydraulic drive unit 57 (described later) when at least the drive member 51 is at its retraction limit relative to the support member 49. Therefore, for example, compared to a configuration where the rod portion 51c is not inserted into the piston 61 (which is also included in the technology of this disclosure), the extension drive unit 47 can be shortened. The insertion amount of the rod portion 51c relative to the piston 61 when the drive member 51 is at its retraction limit, and the positional relationship between the rod portion 51c and the piston 61, can be appropriately set. For example, the insertion amount can be set to more than 1 / 2 or more than 2 / 3 of the axial length of the piston 61. Furthermore, for example, the rear end of the rod portion 51c can be located in front of the rear end of the piston 61 (in the illustrated example) or behind it. The distance between the two rear ends can be set to less than 1 / 2 or less than 1 / 3 of the axial length of the piston 61. When the rod portion 51c is inserted into the piston 61, the outer surface of the rod portion 51c can, for example, separate from the inner surface of the piston 61 (or a structure in which the two do not slide against each other).

[0082] The connecting portion 51a is fixed to the front end of the rod portion 51c (or the connecting portion 51a can also be considered as the front end of the rod portion 51c), and is located outside the support member 49, regardless of the position of the drive member 51. The structure of the connecting portion 51a can be set to an appropriate structure corresponding to the connection method. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 51a has a flange that facilitates engagement with the front end.

[0083] The engaging portion 51b is, for example, formed by a flange protruding radially outward from the rod portion 51c. Furthermore, viewed axially from the rod portion 51c, the engaging portion 51b may, for example, surround the entire circumference of the rod portion 51c (or may not). Additionally, viewed axially, the outer edge of the engaging portion 51b (flange) may, for example, be circular. The engaging portion 51b may slide relative to the inner surface of the support member 49, or it may not slide (or it may separate from the inner surface of the support member 49). Although not specifically illustrated, the inner surface of the support member 49 may have spline grooves or protrusions extending axially. The engaging portion 51b, by having a protrusion for insertion into the spline groove or a recess for insertion into the protrusion, helps to limit the rotation of the drive member 51 about its axis.

[0084] The axial position of the engaging portion 51b relative to the rod portion 51c can be appropriately set. For example, the engaging portion 51b can be positioned rearward from the front end of the rod portion 51c. This allows, for example, the rod portion 51c to be supported forward of the engaging portion 51b. Alternatively, the engaging portion 51b can be positioned at the rear end relative to the axial center of the rod portion 51c (as illustrated in the example), or at the front end relative to the aforementioned central position. Generally, the former position allows for a smaller stroke relative to the drive member 51 to push out the drive unit 47 compared to the latter.

[0085] In the illustrated example, the engaging portion 51b moves forward a predetermined distance from the rear end of the lever portion 51c. This predetermined distance corresponds to the insertion amount of the lever portion 51c relative to the piston 61 when the drive member 51 is at its retracted limit. It should be noted that, unlike the illustrated example, the engaging portion 51b may also be located at the rear end of the lever portion 51c (the lever portion 51c may not be inserted into the piston 61).

[0086] Unlike the example shown, the engaging portion 51b can also be a structure other than a flange. For example, a stepped portion formed by the diameter of the rear end portion of the rod portion 51c being smaller than the diameter of the front end portion can also be used as the engaging portion. It should be noted that, according to this modified example, the engaging portion engaging with the piston may not engage from the rear to the front relative to the front end portion 49b.

[0087] The stroke of the drive unit 51 (from another viewpoint, the forward and backward limits) can be appropriately set. For example, the forward limit can be defined by engaging the engagement portion 51b with the stop (the front end 49b in the illustrated example) provided on the support member 49 from the rear (left side of the paper) to the front. Similarly, the backward limit can be defined by engaging the engagement portion 51b with the piston 61 (described later) of the hydraulic drive unit 57 from the front to the rear, and the piston 61 reaching the backward limit. Furthermore, the forward and / or backward limits can also be defined by the forward and / or backward limits (described later) of the electric drive unit 55, in addition to or replacing the aforementioned definition of the engagement portion 51b.

[0088] (Electric drive unit launched by the drive division)

[0089] The electric drive unit 55 includes, for example, a rotary ejector motor 58, a transmission mechanism 59 for transmitting the rotation of the ejector motor 58, and a conversion mechanism 60 for converting the rotational motion from the transmission mechanism 59 into linear motion. Furthermore, the drive unit 51 is driven by transmitting the linear motion of the conversion mechanism 60 to the drive unit 51.

[0090] Although not specifically illustrated, the push-out motor 58 has a stator that forms one armature or excitation component and a rotor that forms the other armature or excitation component. The rotor rotates about an axis relative to the stator. The specific structure of the push-out motor 58 can be tailored to suit various needs. For example, the push-out motor 58 can be a DC motor or an AC motor, an induction motor or a synchronous motor, and may or may not have a brake. The push-out motor 58 can function as a constant-speed motor in an open-loop configuration or as a servo motor in a closed-loop configuration.

[0091] The position and orientation of the ejector motor 58 can be appropriately set. As indicated by the transmission mechanism 59 that can transmit the rotation of the ejector motor 58 to the conversion mechanism 60, the position and orientation of the ejector motor 58 are arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the ejector motor 58 is arranged side-by-side with the conversion mechanism 60 so that its output shaft faces the rear end of the drive member 51 (left side of the paper). This, for example, allows for miniaturization of the electric drive unit 55. In this case, the ejector motor 58 can also be located above (in the illustrated example), below, or to the side relative to the conversion mechanism 60. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the main body (stator) of the ejector motor 58 is fixed to the rear end 49c of the support member 49.

[0092] The transmission mechanism 59 is, for example, a pulley and belt mechanism. Specifically, the transmission mechanism 59 has a first pulley 59a fixed to the output shaft of the push-out motor 58, a second pulley 59b fixed to the lead screw shaft 60a (described later) of the conversion mechanism 60, and a belt 59c mounted on these pulleys. Therefore, when the push-out motor 58 rotates, its rotation is sequentially input to the conversion mechanism 60 via the first pulley 59a, the belt 59c, and the second pulley 59b. The transmission mechanism 59 may or may not change speed. In the illustrated example, the diameter of the second pulley 59b is larger than the diameter of the first pulley 59a, and the transmission mechanism 59 increases speed.

[0093] It should be noted that the transmission mechanism 59 can be other winding transmission mechanisms (e.g., sprocket and chain mechanisms), or it can be a mechanism other than a winding transmission mechanism (e.g., a gear mechanism). The transmission mechanism can also be a mechanism that changes the direction of rotation, such as a gear mechanism containing bevel gears. Alternatively, the transmission mechanism 59 can be omitted, and the rotation of the ejector motor 58 can be directly input to the conversion mechanism 60. For example, the output shaft of the ejector motor 58 can also be coaxially connected to the lead screw shaft 60a.

[0094] In the illustrated example, the conversion mechanism 60 is constituted by a lead screw mechanism (e.g., a ball screw mechanism or a sliding lead screw mechanism). The lead screw mechanism has a lead screw shaft 60a and a nut 60b screwed to the lead screw shaft 60a. One component of the lead screw shaft 60a and the nut 60b (lead screw shaft 60a in the illustrated example) is, for example, restricted to axial (left-right direction) movement relative to the support member 49, and is allowed to rotate about the shaft. The other component of the lead screw shaft 60a and the nut 60b (nut 60b in the illustrated example) is, for example, allowed to move axially relative to the support member 49, and is restricted to rotation about the shaft. Therefore, by rotating the aforementioned component, the aforementioned component moves axially.

[0095] In the illustrated example, the conversion mechanism 60 is configured with its axis parallel to the mold opening and closing direction. The lead screw 60a, one of the aforementioned components, is supported by the support member 49 (or, from another viewpoint, the moving template 17) so that it cannot move axially but can rotate about the axis. The nut 60b, another of the aforementioned components, is fixed to the drive member 51 (or, from another viewpoint, the ejector plate 43). The nut 60b restricts rotation about the axis by being fixed to a rotation-restricting member (e.g., the ejector plate 43 and / or the drive member 51). Therefore, when the ejector motor 58 rotates, and its rotation is input to the lead screw 60a, the nut 60b moves in the mold opening and closing direction, thereby driving the ejector plate 43 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0096] The specific configuration positions of the nut 60b and the lead screw shaft 60a can be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, the conversion mechanism 60 is substantially housed inside the support member 49. The rear end portion of the lead screw shaft 60a is supported by a bearing on the rear end 49c of the support member 49. The nut 60b is concentrically configured with the drive member 51 such that it is located at the rear end of the drive member 51 and that approximately the entire nut 60b (e.g., more than eight-tenths of its axial length) is located inside the drive member 51. The drive member 51, through the movement of the nut 60b, can be positioned to accommodate at least a portion of the lead screw shaft 60a (e.g., more than eight-tenths of its axial length of the portion with the lead screw groove cut out). Figure 3 ) and reduced the location for accommodating the length of the lead screw shaft 60a ( Figure 5 The drive unit 51 moves between the two. In other words, the drive unit 51 and the conversion mechanism 60 are arranged concentrically. This arrangement, for example, enables the miniaturization of the push-out drive unit 47.

[0097] In the single unit of the conversion mechanism 60, the stroke of the nut 60b (which, from another viewpoint, is the forward or backward limit) is defined, for example, by the length of the range of the lead screw groove cut out in the lead screw shaft 60a. This stroke (drive limit) may or may not define the forward or backward limit of the ejector pin 41. From another viewpoint, the conversion mechanism 60 may or may not be used throughout the entire stroke.

[0098] Although not specifically illustrated, the rotation of nut 60b can also drive lead screw shaft 60a axially. The drive component 51 can also be arranged coaxially with respect to the conversion mechanism 60, rather than concentrically. Alternatively, other conversion mechanisms (such as rack and pinion mechanisms or linkage mechanisms) can be used instead of the lead screw mechanism.

[0099] (The hydraulic drive unit that is being pushed out of the drive section)

[0100] The hydraulic drive unit 57 is, for example, constituted by a hydraulic cylinder. It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments, the term "hydraulic drive unit 57" is sometimes used as a term to refer to the hydraulic cylinder (ejection cylinder). Specifically, the hydraulic drive unit 57 has, for example, a support member 49 as a cylinder and a piston 61 that is capable of sliding axially within the support member 49.

[0101] The piston 61 divides the interior of the support member 49 into a front chamber 49d on the front side of the drive member 51 (the right side of the paper in the illustrated example) and a rear chamber 49e on the opposite side. By supplying working fluid to the rear chamber 49e, the piston 61 can move towards the front chamber 49d. Unlike ordinary hydraulic cylinders, the front chamber 49d is open to the atmosphere. That is, the front chamber 49d is not used to move the piston 61 towards the rear chamber 49e.

[0102] As described above, the drive member 51 has an engaging portion 51b. The engaging portion 51b is located in the front chamber 49d and can engage with the piston 61 from the front (right side of the paper) to the rear. Therefore, when the engaging portion 51b is not engaged with the piston 61, the drive member 51 can be moved while the piston 61 is stopped. Furthermore, for example, when the engaging portion 51b is engaged with the piston 61, the drive member 51 can be moved forward by driving the piston 61 towards the front chamber 49d. Additionally, for example, when the engaging portion 51b is engaged with the piston 61, the piston 61 can be moved towards the rear chamber 49e by moving the drive member 51 rearward (left side of the paper) using the electric drive unit 55.

[0103] Unlike the pistons of ordinary hydraulic cylinders, piston 61 has a through-hole 61h through which fluid (e.g., gas) can flow. The through-hole 61h passes through the center of piston 61 axially (in the mold opening / closing direction). Piston 61 helps divide the interior of the support member 49, which serves as the cylinder section, into an axial side portion 49f containing the through-hole 61h and a cylinder chamber (more specifically, a rear chamber 49e) located on the outer periphery of piston 61 (or, from another viewpoint, a sealed rear chamber 49e). Furthermore, the axial side portion 49f is open to the atmosphere. That is, piston 61 helps to use only the outer periphery portion of the interior of support member 49 as the cylinder chamber. Thus, for example, the drive member 51, unlike the piston rod of an ordinary hydraulic cylinder, can be disengaged from piston 61. Additionally, for example, a portion of the electric drive unit 55 (in the illustrated example, a conversion mechanism 60) can be disposed within support member 49 (or, from another viewpoint, within axial side portion 49f or through-hole 61h) without being immersed in the working fluid.

[0104] The specific structure used to divide the piston 61 into an axial side portion 49f and a rear chamber 49e can be configured appropriately. Unless otherwise specified, in the illustrated example, the piston 61 is shaped to have a main body and a protrusion with a smaller diameter than the main body that protrudes rearward. Furthermore, the support member 49 has a first inner surface on which the main body of the piston 61 slides and a second inner surface with a smaller diameter than the first inner surface for the protrusion of the piston 61 to slide. Thus, a sealed rear chamber 49e is formed between the first inner surface and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion. It should be noted that in the illustrated example, the second inner surface is formed by the rear end portion 49c of the support member 49. However, the second inner surface could also be formed by a cylindrical portion 49a.

[0105] It should be noted that, as described above, the hydraulic drive unit 57 differs from the illustrated example and can also be configured to move the piston 61 rearward by supplying hydraulic pressure. In this case, although not specifically illustrated, by forming a protrusion on the piston 61 that protrudes forward from the main body, a sealed cylinder chamber can be formed in front of the main body, and working fluid can be supplied to this cylinder chamber.

[0106] Piston 61 stroke St0( Figure 3 This is specified by forming a stop of appropriate shape inside the support member 49. In the illustrated example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the retraction limit of piston 61 (the drive limit on the left side of the paper) is defined by the rear end 49c, which acts as a stop. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the forward limit of piston 61 (the drive limit on the right side of the paper) is defined by a stop (symbol omitted) formed by reducing the inner diameter of support member 49.

[0107] The stroke St0 of piston 61 may be set to only a portion of the rear (left side of the paper) of the stroke of drive component 51 and electric drive unit 55. For example, the length of the former may be less than 1 / 2, 1 / 5, or 1 / 10 of the length of the latter. It should be noted that, unlike the example shown, the stroke St0 may also be the same as the stroke of drive component 51 or electric drive unit 55.

[0108] It should be noted that, as can be understood from the description so far, in the support member 49, the cylindrical portion 49a and the rear end portion 49c are fixed to seal the rear chamber 49e. On the other hand, the cylindrical portion 49a and the front end portion 49b may not be fixed in this way. Atmospheric opening of the front chamber 49d can be achieved by appropriate methods. For example, a port can be formed at an appropriate location, or it can be opened to the atmosphere only through the gap between the cylindrical portion 49a and the front end portion 49b or the gap between the drive member 51 and the front end portion 49b.

[0109] To improve the sealing of the rear chamber 49e, an O-ring or other seal can be provided between the piston 61 and the support member 49. It should be noted that, for example, when the piston 61 slides toward the support member 49, the two components do not necessarily need to directly contact each other by providing a seal between them. The same applies to other components.

[0110] (Core assembly)

[0111] return Figure 1 The mounting position of the core device 13 relative to the fixed mold 103 or the moving mold 105 can be any of the following: above (in the example shown), below, or to the side. Furthermore, viewed in the mold opening and closing direction, the movement direction of the core 109 can be any of the following: vertical (in the example shown), horizontal, or inclined relative to these directions. However, for convenience, as in the example shown, the following description is sometimes based on the premise that the core device 13 is located above the moving mold 105 and that the core 109 is driven vertically.

[0112] The core assembly 13 is fixed to one of the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105 (movable mold 105 in the illustrated example) via a mounting portion 65. The mounting portion 65 can be configured with various structures including known structures. In the illustrated example, the mounting portion 65 has a rod-shaped component extending upward from the upper surface of the movable mold 105. The core assembly 13 is fixed to the upper end of this rod-shaped component.

[0113] Figures 6-8 These are cross-sectional views showing the structure of the core assembly 13. It should be noted that these figures also show a portion of the hydraulic device 67 that supplies working fluid to the core assembly 13. In these figures, the vertical direction of the paper is... Figure 1 The top and bottom directions on the paper correspond. Figure 4 This indicates the state of the core 109 when it retracts from between the fixed mold 103 and the moving mold 105. Figure 5 This indicates the state when the core 109 is inserted between the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105. Figure 6 This indicates the initial state when the core 109 retracts between the fixed mold 103 and the moving mold 105.

[0114] The core assembly 13 has a support member 69 fixed to the movable mold 105 by a mounting part 65 and a drive member 71 driven relative to the support member 69 in the moving direction of the core 109 (vertical direction in the illustrated example). The front end (lower end in the illustrated example) of the drive member 71 becomes a connecting part 71a connected to the core 109.

[0115] The core-forming device 13 has a structure similar to that of the ejection drive unit 47. That is, in order to drive the drive member 71 relative to the support member 69, the core-forming device 13 has a hybrid drive unit consisting of an electric drive unit 73 and a hydraulic drive unit 75. Furthermore, in both the core-forming device 13 and the ejection drive unit 47, the stroke of the hydraulic drive unit is only a portion of the stroke of the drive member 51. However, in the ejection drive unit 47, the hydraulic drive unit 57 is configured to drive the drive member 51 forward from its backward limit (or near it), while in the core-forming device 13, the hydraulic drive unit 75 is configured to drive the drive member 71 backward from its forward limit (or near it). Specifically, as follows.

[0116] The following description mainly focuses on the differences between the core device 13 and the ejection drive unit 47. Matters not specifically mentioned in the description of the core device 13 can be the same as those in the ejection drive unit 47, or can be inferred from the description of the ejection drive unit 47.

[0117] The description of the ejection drive unit 47, except for the differences described below, can also be applied to the core assembly 13 as long as it does not cause contradictions. In this case, the terms ejection drive unit 47, support member 49, and drive member 51 are replaced with the terms core assembly 13, support member 69, and drive member 71. The terms "cylindrical portion 49a," "front end portion 49b," "rear end portion 49c," "front chamber 49d," and "rear chamber 49e" in support member 49 are replaced with the terms "cylindrical portion 69a," "front end portion 69b," "rear end portion 69c," "front chamber 69d," and "rear chamber 69e" in support member 69. The terms "connecting portion 51a," "engaging portion 51b," and "rod portion 51c" in drive member 51 are replaced with the terms "connecting portion 71a," "engaging portion 71b," and "rod portion 71c" in drive member 71. The terms "electric drive unit 55" and "hydraulic drive unit 57" are replaced with the terms "electric drive unit 73" and "hydraulic drive unit 75." The terms "electric drive unit 55," "ejection motor 58," "transmission mechanism 59," and "conversion mechanism 60" are replaced with the terms "core motor 76," "transmission mechanism 77," and "conversion mechanism 79" in the electric drive unit 73. The terms "first pulley 59a," "second pulley 59b," and "belt 59c" in the transmission mechanism 59 are replaced with the terms "first pulley 77a," "second pulley 77b," and "belt 77c" in the transmission mechanism 77. The terms "screw shaft 60a" and "nut 60b" in the conversion mechanism 60 are replaced with the terms "screw shaft 79a" and "nut 79b" in the conversion mechanism 79. The terms "piston 61" and "stroke St0" in the hydraulic drive unit 57 are replaced with the terms "piston 81" and "stroke St1" in the hydraulic drive unit 75. The right and left sides of the page in the description of the ejection drive unit 47 are replaced with the bottom and top of the page in the description of the core forming device 13.

[0118] The structure of the support member 69 of the core device 13 is roughly the same as that of the support member 49 of the ejection drive unit 47. However, in the support member 49, only a portion of the rear end side is actually used as the cylinder, while in the support member 69, only a portion of the front end side is actually used as the cylinder. Therefore, the front end side of the support member 69 is sealed. In other words, the rear end side of the support member 69 can also be open to the atmosphere without being sealed.

[0119] The structure of the drive member 71 of the core device 13 is roughly the same as that of the drive member 51 of the ejection drive unit 47. However, the connecting portion 71a of the drive member 71 is configured to correspond to the connection method with the core 109. Furthermore, since the piston 81 is located in the front portion of the support member 69, the rod portion 71c of the drive member 71 is always slidably inserted into the piston 81, which also helps to seal the front chamber 69d for supplying the working fluid. A seal can be provided between the rod portion 71c and the piston 81. In the ejection drive unit 47, the engaging portion 51b is located forward of the rear end of the rod portion 51c in order to insert the rear end portion of the rod portion 51c into the piston 61. In the core device 13, the engaging portion 71b is located at the rear end of the rod portion 71c. In the illustrated example, the engaging portion 71b is separated from the inner surface of the support member 69, but the engaging portion 71b can also slide on the inner surface of the support member 69.

[0120] The stroke of the drive member 71 of the core-forming device 13 (which, from another viewpoint, is the forward and backward limit) is the same as the stroke of the drive member 51 of the ejection drive unit 47, and can be appropriately set. However, the piston 81 of the core-forming device 13 is located in front, opposite to the piston 61 of the ejection drive unit 47. Therefore, in the ejection drive unit 47, the backward limit of the piston 61 can define the backward limit of the drive member 51, and conversely, in the core-forming device 13, the forward limit of the piston 81 can define the forward limit of the drive member 71.

[0121] The electric drive unit 73 of the core-forming device 13 is largely the same as the electric drive unit 55 of the ejection drive unit 47, and there are no particularly noteworthy differences. However, since the objects driven by the two are different, the specific structures (e.g., the performance of the electric motor, the speed ratio of the transmission mechanism, and the length of the lead wire of the conversion mechanism) can naturally differ between the two.

[0122] The hydraulic drive unit 75 of the core-forming device 13 is the same as the hydraulic drive unit 57 of the ejection drive unit 47, and is composed of a hydraulic cylinder. It should be noted that in the description of the embodiment, the term "hydraulic drive unit 75" is sometimes used to refer to this hydraulic cylinder (core cylinder). The piston 81 of the hydraulic drive unit 75 is the same as the piston 61 of the hydraulic drive unit 57, dividing the interior of the cylinder support member 69 into a front chamber 69d (in the illustrated example, the lower side) and a rear chamber 69e on the opposite side.

[0123] However, in the hydraulic drive unit 75 of the core device 13, unlike the hydraulic drive unit 57 of the ejection drive unit 47, the piston 81 is driven towards the rear chamber 69e by supplying working fluid to the front chamber 69d. The rear chamber 69e of the hydraulic drive unit 75, like the front chamber 49d of the hydraulic drive unit 57, is open to the atmosphere. That is, the rear chamber 69e is not used to move the piston 81 towards the front chamber 69d. Furthermore, the piston 81 of the core device 13 differs from the piston 61 of the ejection drive unit 47 (from other viewpoints, it is the same as the piston of a typical hydraulic cylinder) in that the interior of the cylinder support member 69 is not divided into an axial side portion and an outer peripheral side portion.

[0124] In the ejection drive unit 47, the engaging portion 51b of the drive member 51 engages with the piston 61 from the front (connecting portion 51a side) to the rear. In the core device 13, the engaging portion 71b of the drive member 71 engages with the piston 81 from the rear to the front (in the opposite direction to the above). Moreover, for example, with the engaging portion 71b engaged with the piston 81, by driving the piston 81 towards the rear chamber 69e side, the drive member 71 can be moved rearward (upward in the illustrated example). Additionally, for example, with the engaging portion 71b engaged with the piston 81, by using the electric drive unit 73 to move the drive member 71 forward (downward in the illustrated example), the piston 81 can be moved towards the front chamber 69d side.

[0125] (Hydraulic device)

[0126] Figure 9 (a) is a circuit diagram showing an example of the structure of a hydraulic device 67 that supplies working fluid to the ejection device 11 (more specifically, the rear chamber 49e of the hydraulic drive unit 57).

[0127] The hydraulic device 67 also supplies working fluid to the core assembly 13 (more specifically, the front chamber 69d of the hydraulic drive unit 75). That is, at least a portion of the hydraulic device 67 is shared by the ejector 11 and the core assembly 13.

[0128] Hydraulic unit 67 has a hydraulic source 83 (symbol in) for supplying working fluid. Figures 3-8The pump 89 (in the middle) and the reservoir 85 for storing the working fluid are shared in the ejection device 11 and the core device 13. The hydraulic device 67 has an ejection valve 91 for controlling the flow of the working fluid between the above-mentioned elements (83, 85) and the ejection device 11 (rear chamber 49e), and a core-forming valve 87 for controlling the flow of the working fluid between the above-mentioned elements and the core device 13 (front chamber 69d).

[0129] Pump 89 can be a rotary pump that ejects working fluid by rotating a rotor, or a plunger pump that ejects working fluid by reciprocating a piston. Pump 89 can be a constant-capacity pump with a fixed ejection volume during one cycle of rotor or piston movement, or a variable-capacity pump that can change the ejection volume. In addition, pump 89 only needs to be able to eject working fluid in one direction, but its structure can also be the same as a bidirectional (two-way) pump.

[0130] Pump 89 is driven, for example, by a rotary pump motor 93. This pump motor 93 can be a DC motor, an AC motor, an induction motor, or a synchronous motor. The pump motor 93 can function as a constant-speed motor in an open-loop configuration or as a servo motor in a closed-loop configuration. Pump motor 93 (pump 89) is driven, for example, only when needed (e.g., when supplying working fluid to the rear chamber 49e or the front chamber 69d). This reduces energy consumption. However, pump motor 93 can also be driven at all times.

[0131] The reservoir 85 is, for example, an open reservoir. That is, the reservoir 85 holds the working fluid at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, for example, when the rear chamber 49e or the front chamber 69d is connected to the reservoir 85, the pressure in these chambers is reduced to atmospheric pressure or close to atmospheric pressure.

[0132] The ejection valve 91, for example, allows and prohibits the flow of working fluid from the hydraulic source 83 (here, pump 89) to the rear chamber 49e, and allows and prohibits the flow of working fluid from the rear chamber 49e to the reservoir 85. The specific structure of the ejection valve 91 can also be various structures including known structures. The ejection valve 91 can also consist of two or more valves. In the illustrated example, the ejection valve 91 is a 3-port, 2-position switching valve that selectively connects one of the hydraulic source 83 and the reservoir 85 to the rear chamber 49e. This actuation method is, for example, using a solenoid to overcome the force of a spring to move the valve core. The ejection valve 91 can also have a flow control function.

[0133] The core valve 87, for example, allows and prohibits the flow of working fluid from the hydraulic source 83 to the front chamber 69d, and allows and prohibits the flow of working fluid from the front chamber 69d to the reservoir 85. The specific structure of the core valve 87 can be various structures including known structures. The core valve 87 can also be composed of two or more valves. In the illustrated example, the core valve 87 is composed of a 3-port, 2-position switching valve, selectively connecting one of the hydraulic source 83 and the reservoir 85 to the front chamber 69d. This actuation method is, for example, using a solenoid to overcome the force of a spring to move the valve core. The core valve 87 can also have a flow control function.

[0134] like Figure 2 As shown, the hydraulic device 67 can be mounted (supported) on the movable template 17. Figure 2 The diagram schematically shows unit 67a in hydraulic device 67 and flow path 67b connecting unit 67a and rear chamber 49e.

[0135] Unit 67a may include, for example, all components other than the flow path of the hydraulic device 67. As described above, these components include, for example, the pump 89, the pump motor 93, the reservoir 85, the ejection valve 91, and the core valve 87. These components may be concentrated in one place and modularized to form unit 67a. However, these components may also be disposed of separately relative to the moving template 17 without being modularized.

[0136] The placement of unit 67a (or the aforementioned constituent elements arranged separately, as in this paragraph) can be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, unit 67a is disposed at the lower part of the back surface of the movable template 17. However, unit 67a may be located on the back surface, side, or top of the movable template 17, or on the upper surface or side of the movable template 17. The method of fixing unit 67a relative to the movable template 17 may also be an appropriate method such as using screws.

[0137] Flow path 67b connects the ejection valve 91 and the rear chamber 49e of the ejection device 11. As in this embodiment, with the cylinder (support member 69) of the ejection device 11 fixed to the movable template 17, the rear chamber 49e and the movable template 17 do not move relative to each other. Therefore, flow path 67b can be constructed from a component (e.g., a pipe or block) that is considered as a rigid body as a whole. Of course, at least a portion of flow path 67b can also be constructed from a flexible component (e.g., a hose).

[0138] Although omitted Figure 2 The diagram shows a flow path 67c that connects unit 67a (core valve 87) and the front chamber 69d of core assembly 13. Figure 9(a) The core assembly 13 (via the moving mold 105) is supported on the moving template 17, and the front chamber 69d does not move relative to the moving template 17. Therefore, the flow path 67c is the same as the flow path 67b, and can be composed of a component that is regarded as a rigid body as a whole, or at least part of it can be composed of a flexible component.

[0139] (Example of a modified hydraulic device)

[0140] Figure 9 (b) is a circuit diagram showing the structure of the modified hydraulic device 67A. It should be noted that here, only the differences from hydraulic device 67 are described in detail. Matters not specifically mentioned are the same as those of hydraulic device 67, or can be inferred from hydraulic device 67.

[0141] The hydraulic source 83 of the hydraulic device 67A is configured as an accumulator 95. A pump 89 is used, for example, to fill the accumulator 95. Alternatively, the space from the accumulator 95 to the cylinder chambers (49e and 69d) can be essentially a closed space, in which the pump 89 is used to compensate for leakage of the working fluid. The accumulator 95 can be constructed from suitable forms such as weight-type, spring-type, pneumatic (including air-pressure type), cylinder-type, orifice-type accumulators. For example, the accumulator 95 is a pneumatic, cylinder-type, orifice-type accumulator, which stores pressure by compressing a gas (e.g., air or nitrogen) held within the accumulator 95.

[0142] A valve 97 can be installed between pump 89 and accumulator 95 to reduce the possibility of backflow of working fluid from accumulator 95 to pump 89. The structure of valve 97 can be configured appropriately. In the illustrated example, valve 97 is configured as a check valve that allows the flow of working fluid from pump 89 to accumulator 95 and prevents its flow in the opposite direction.

[0143] (Sensors, etc.)

[0144] Although not specifically illustrated, the die-casting machine 1 can be equipped with various sensors to enable the control device 5 to control the movement of the machine body 3. Furthermore, the control device 5 can control the mold clamping device 7, injection device 9, ejection device 11, and core device 13, etc., based on the detection values ​​of various sensors.

[0145] Examples of sensors like those described above can be provided. For instance, a position sensor can be provided to detect the position of the drive member 51 of the ejector device 11 relative to the support member 49 (or, from another viewpoint, the position of the ejector pin 41 relative to the moving mold 105). Specific examples of position sensors include, for example, a linear encoder or a laser length measuring device. In addition to or instead of a position sensor that detects the position of the driven object (drive member 51), a sensor for the drive source can also be provided. Examples of such sensors include, for instance, a sensor that detects the rotation of the ejector motor 58 (e.g., an encoder or phase splitter). Furthermore, a sensor capable of detecting the driving force generated by the drive source can be provided. Examples of such sensors include, for instance, a sensor that detects the torque of the ejector motor 58, and a sensor that detects the pressure in the cylinder chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0146] (Action of launching device 11)

[0147] The operation of the ejection device 11 is as follows.

[0148] As described above, molten molding material is injected into the cavity 107 of the mold 101, which is closed by the mold closing device 7, using the injection device 9. Furthermore, a molded article is produced by solidifying the molding material within the cavity 107.

[0149] During the injection and solidification of the molding material, the ejection device 11 is configured to... Figure 3 The state is shown. Specifically, the relative position of the ejector pin 41 with respect to the moving mold 105 is set to the initial position. For example, as described above, the initial position can also be set to the position where the front end of the ejector pin 41 coincides with the inner surface of the cavity 107, and / or the retraction limit of the ejector pin 41 relative to the moving mold 105. The drive member 51 is located, for example, at the retraction limit relative to the support member 49. That is, the drive member 51 engages with the piston 61 from front to rear, and the piston 61 is located at the retraction limit relative to the support member 49. The nut 60b is located at or near the retraction limit relative to the lead screw shaft 60a.

[0150] In this state, the control device 5, for example, stops the supply of working fluid from the hydraulic unit 67 to the hydraulic drive unit 57 (rear chamber 49e). More specifically, for example, the control device 5 stops the pump motor 93 and / or uses the ejection valve 91 to prevent the supply of working fluid to the rear chamber 49e (connecting the rear chamber 49e to the reservoir 85). Additionally, the control device 5 stops the ejection motor 58 of the electric drive unit 55. The stopped state can be a state with no torque, a state where the brake is engaged, or a state where position control is performed to maintain the stop.

[0151] When it is determined that the molding material in the cavity 107 has solidified, the control device 5 controls the mold closing device 7 to open the mold (from another viewpoint, the movement of the moving template 17 in the mold opening direction). Through mold opening, the molded article moves together with the moving mold 105 and leaves the fixed mold 103.

[0152] During or after mold making, such as Figure 4 As shown, the control device 5 performs the initial ejection action. During this initial ejection action, a larger driving force is required compared to subsequent ejection actions. This is due to factors such as the need for a force to peel the molded part, which is tightly fitted to the moving mold 105, from the moving mold 105 (demolding). During the initial ejection action, the control device 5 drives the ejection pin 41 via both the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the electric drive unit 55, for example. This results in a larger driving force compared to using only one drive unit. Specifically, as follows.

[0153] Control device 5 controls hydraulic device 67 to supply working fluid from hydraulic source 83 to rear chamber 49e. The supply of working fluid can be initiated by driving pump motor 93, and / or by connecting rear chamber 49e of push valve 91 to hydraulic source 83.

[0154] By supplying working fluid to the rear chamber 49e, the piston 61 moves forward relative to the support member 49 (towards the connecting part 51a), and the drive member 51, engaged with the piston 61, moves forward relative to the support member 49. Simultaneously, the control device 5 rotates the ejector motor 58 in a direction corresponding to the forward movement of the nut 60b relative to the lead screw shaft 60a (support member 49). The drive member 51, fixed to the nut 60b, moves forward relative to the support member 49. This relative movement of the drive member 51 relative to the support member 49 causes the ejector plate 43 to move relative to the moving template 17 in the mold-closing direction. Furthermore, the ejector pin 41 is driven towards the fixed mold 103 relative to the moving mold 105 by both the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the electric drive unit 55.

[0155] When supplying working fluid to the rear chamber 49e, the control device 5 may, for example, perform pressure control of the hydraulic device 67 (e.g., pump motor 93 or flow control valve) and the ejector motor 58 based on the detection value of a force sensor (not shown) that detects the force exerted by the ejector pin 41 on the molded article, and / or position control and / or speed control of the hydraulic device 67 (e.g., pump motor 93 or flow control valve) and the ejector motor 58 based on the detection value of a position sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the ejector pin 41 relative to the moving mold 105.

[0156] The driving force exerted by the hydraulic drive unit 57 on the drive component 51 and the driving force exerted by the electric drive unit 55 on the drive component 51 can both be large, and the difference between them can be set appropriately. For example, the former can be set to more than twice, more than once, more than half, or less than half of the latter.

[0157] When the specified conditions are met, the control device 5 controls the hydraulic device 67 to stop the supply of working fluid to the rear chamber 49e and terminates the drive of the ejector pin 41 by the hydraulic drive unit 57. The supply of working fluid can be stopped by stopping the pump motor 93 and / or by cutting off the ejector valve 91 of the rear chamber 49e from the hydraulic source 83. Additionally, at the same time as or before the supply of working fluid stops, the piston 61 can also stop by abutting against the stop provided on the support member 49 (reaching its forward limit).

[0158] The aforementioned conditions for stopping the supply of working fluid to the rear chamber 49e can be set, for example, by the movement of the ejector pin 41 (which, from another viewpoint, is a molded part), detected by a position sensor (not shown), reaching a predetermined target movement, or by the force applied to the ejector pin 41, detected by a force sensor (not shown), being below a predetermined threshold. It should be noted that stopping under the latter condition will also result in the aforementioned target movement.

[0159] Next, as Figure 5 As shown, a residual ejection action is performed. In this residual ejection action, for example, the ejection pin 41 is driven only by the electric drive unit 55 of the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the electric drive unit 55. This, for example, reduces energy consumption. Specifically, as follows.

[0160] Following the initial ejection action, the control device 5 rotates the ejection motor 58 in a rotational direction corresponding to the forward relative movement of the drive member 51 relative to the support member 49. This causes the ejection pin 41 to move relative to the moving mold 105 towards the fixed mold 103. Furthermore, the molded article further exits from the moving mold 105. At this time, the control device 5 can, for example, perform position control and / or speed control of the ejection motor 58 based on the position control of the ejection pin 41 relative to the moving mold 105 detected by a position sensor (not shown). It should be noted that the control of the electric drive unit 55 can be the same or different whether it cooperates with the hydraulic drive unit 57 or not.

[0161] Piston 61 is not fixed relative to drive member 51 and engages from rear to front. That is, drive member 51 is allowed to move forward relative to piston 61. Therefore, as described above, when drive member 51 is driven forward relative to support member 49 by push-out motor 58, piston 61 can remain stationary without relative movement relative to support member 49. As a result, in the later stages of push-out, rear chamber 49e does not expand its volume, and no working fluid needs to be replenished to rear chamber 49e.

[0162] Then, when the specified conditions are met, the control device 5 stops driving the ejector motor 58. The specified conditions can be, for example, set as the movement of the ejector pin 41 (molded article), detected by a position sensor (not shown), reaching a specified target movement. Simultaneously with or before stopping the control of the ejector motor 58, the ejector pin 41 (which, from another viewpoint, is the ejector plate 43 and / or the drive component 51) may also reach its drive limit and stop. In other words, the result of the ejector pin 41 reaching its drive limit and stopping is that the target movement can still be achieved.

[0163] The amount of movement of the ejector pin 31 in the initial action (referred to as the first movement amount in this paragraph) and the amount of movement of the ejector pin 31 in subsequent actions (referred to as the second movement amount in this paragraph) can be appropriately set. For example, the primary purpose of the movement of the first movement amount is to move the molded article 111, which is in close contact with the moving mold 105, away from the moving mold 105. In this case, the first movement amount can be as short as possible. For example, the first movement amount can be set to 5 mm or less. On the other hand, the primary purpose of the movement of the second movement amount is to ensure the distance between the molded article and the moving mold 105. By ensuring the distance, for example, the removal of the molded article by a device not shown becomes easier. The first movement amount can be, for example, shorter than the second movement amount, or set to less than 1 / 2, 1 / 5, or 1 / 10 of the second movement amount.

[0164] After ejection, the ejection pin 41 is reset to its initial position. In other words, preparations are made for the following cycle.

[0165] Specifically, the control device 5, for example, rotates the ejector motor 58 in a rotational direction corresponding to the rearward (opposite to the connecting portion 51a) relative movement of the drive member 51 with respect to the support member 49. As a result, the ejector pin 41 moves toward the initial position.

[0166] The drive component 51 engages with the piston 61 during its rearward movement. Furthermore, the piston 61 and the drive component 51 move rearward relative to the support component 49. Then, the drive component 51 and the piston 61 reach... Figure 3 The initial position shown (e.g., the backoff limit).

[0167] As the piston 61 moves rearward relative to the support member 49, the working fluid discharged from the reduced-volume rear chamber 49e is discharged, for example, into the reservoir 85. If the hydraulic source 83 is an accumulator 95, at least a portion of the working fluid discharged from the rear chamber 49e can also be filled into the accumulator 95.

[0168] The control device 5, for example, uses a position sensor (not shown) that detects the relative position of the ejector pin 41 with respect to the moving mold 105 (or, from another viewpoint, the relative position of the drive member 51 with respect to the support member 49) to detect the return of the ejector pin 41 to its initial position. Furthermore, when the return to the initial position is detected, the control device 5 stops the ejector motor 58.

[0169] (The operation of the core assembly)

[0170] The operation of the core device 13 is as follows.

[0171] Before mold closing begins, the drive component 71 (or nut 79b from other viewpoints) is, for example, as shown in... Figure 6 The piston 81 is located at its retraction limit (the upper drive limit in the illustrated example). As a result, the core 109 retracts between the fixed mold 103 and the moving mold 105. Since the piston 81 does not participate in the positioning of the drive component 71 at the retraction limit, it can also be in the appropriate position. From another viewpoint, the front chamber 69d can also be connected to either the hydraulic source 83 or the reservoir 85. In the illustrated example, the piston 81 is at its retraction limit. Additionally, the front chamber 69d is connected to the reservoir 85.

[0172] Before mold closing is completed (e.g., before mold closing begins or during mold closing), such as Figure 7 As shown, the control device 5 drives the core motor 76, causing the drive member 71 to move to its forward limit. Thus, the core 109 is positioned between the fixed mold 103 and the moving mold 105. Furthermore, midway through the movement of the drive member 71 towards its forward limit, the engaging portion 71b of the drive member 71 engages with the piston 81 from the rear. This applies a driving force from the core motor 76 to the piston 81, causing the piston 81 to also move to its forward limit. At this time, the working fluid in the front chamber 69d is discharged into the storage tank 85 via the core valve 87.

[0173] It should be noted that at least a portion of the working fluid in the front chamber 69d can also be supplied to the accumulator 95, which serves as the hydraulic power source 83. Additionally, the drive component 71 can be stopped at a desired position based on the detection value of a sensor that detects the position of the drive component 71, preventing the drive component 71 from moving to its forward limit.

[0174] Then, when the mold closing and injection are completed and the molding material in the cavity 107 solidifies, the mold is opened and ejection is further carried out. After the mold opening begins (e.g., during or after mold opening) and before ejection, the control device 5 controls the electric drive unit 73 and the hydraulic drive unit 75 to retract the core 109 between the fixed mold 103 and the moving mold 105.

[0175] Specifically, firstly, such as Figure 8 As shown, the control device 5 controls the core valve 87 (and / or hydraulic source 83) to supply working fluid from the hydraulic source 83 to the front chamber 69d. This causes the piston 81 to move towards the rear chamber 69e. The drive component 71 engages with the piston 81 from the rear, and thus moves rearward (upward in the illustrated example) as the piston 81 moves towards the rear chamber 69e. Furthermore, the core 109 begins to move in a direction retracting from between the fixed mold 103 and the moving mold 105, exiting the molded article.

[0176] As described above, when the piston 81 is driven by the hydraulic drive unit 75, the electric drive unit 73 (core motor 76) can, for example, generate a driving force that moves the drive member 71 backward together with the hydraulic drive unit 75. In this case, both the driving force exerted by the hydraulic drive unit 75 on the drive member 71 and the driving force exerted by the electric drive unit 73 on the drive member 71 can be large, and the difference can be appropriately set. For example, the former can be set to more than twice, more than once, more than half, or less than half of the latter. In addition, the electric drive unit 73 can move the nut 79b at an appropriate speed so that it exerts almost no backward driving force on the drive member 71, and the inertial force and frictional resistance of the electric drive unit 73 do not hinder the driving of the drive member 71 by the hydraulic drive unit 75. Furthermore, depending on the structure of the conversion mechanism 79, the core motor 76 can also be set to a torque-free state.

[0177] When piston 81 moves to its retraction limit, control device 5 continues or begins to control the drive member 71 to be driven backward (or upward in the illustrated example) using electric drive unit 73, causing drive member 71 to move to its retraction limit. As a result, core 109 continues to retract, moving away from the fixed mold 103 and moving mold 105. It should be noted that when driving force is applied to drive member 71 from hydraulic drive unit 75 while also applying driving force to drive member 71 using electric drive unit 73, the control of electric drive unit 73 can be the same or varied before and after piston 81 reaches its retraction limit.

[0178] As described above, because the core device 13 is a hybrid type, it is easy to apply a large force to the core 109 when it is being removed from the molded article. This is because, for example, the hydraulic drive unit 75 used when removing the core 109 from the molded article can easily obtain a larger force than the electric drive unit 73, and / or the hydraulic drive unit 75 and the electric drive unit 73 can cooperate when removing the core 109 from the molded article. On the other hand, after the core 109 is removed from the molded article, energy consumption can be saved by using only one of the hydraulic drive unit 75 and the electric drive unit 73 (e.g., the electric drive unit 73).

[0179] Furthermore, in the core assembly 13, the stroke of the piston 81 is only a portion of the stroke of the front end side (connection 71a side) of the drive member 71 driven by the electric drive unit 73. Therefore, for example, when the core 109 is ejected from the molded article, a large driving force can be obtained using the hydraulic drive unit 75. On the other hand, the amount of working fluid supplied to the forward chamber 69d can be reduced. Furthermore, the hydraulic device 67 can be miniaturized.

[0180] As described above, the ejection device 11 of this embodiment drives the ejection pin 41, which is inserted into one of the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105 (movable mold 105 in this embodiment), in the mold opening and closing direction. The ejection device 11 has a first component (support component 49), a second component (drive component 51), a hydraulic drive unit 57, and an electric drive unit 55. The support component 49 is fixed to one of the ejection plate 43 and the template (movable template 17 in this embodiment). The drive component 51 is fixed to the other component of the ejection plate and the template (ejection plate 43 in this embodiment). The ejection plate 43 is located in the space 105s formed by the mold base 105a of the movable mold 105 and is fixed to the ejection pin 41. The movable template 17 holds the mold through which the ejection pin 41 is inserted. Both the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the electric drive unit 55 drive the drive component 51 relative to the support component 49.

[0181] Furthermore, from other perspectives, the molding machine (die-casting machine 1) of this embodiment has the ejection device 11, the mold closing device 7, and the injection device 9 as described above. The mold closing device 7 has a fixed template 15 for holding the fixed mold 103 and a movable template 17 for holding the movable mold 105. The injection device 9 injects molding material into the cavity 107 formed by the movable mold 105 and the fixed mold 103.

[0182] Therefore, a new ejection device 11 (die-casting machine 1) can be provided that uses a hydraulic drive unit 57 and an electric drive unit 55 to drive the ejection plate 43 located in the space 105s of the mold base 105a, thus enriching the technology. In this ejection device 11, unlike the method where the hydraulic drive unit drives the ejection plate relative to the moving mold plate and the electric drive unit drives the ejection pin relative to the ejection plate, the two drive units (51 and 61) are connected side by side with the ejection pin, instead of the two drive units being connected in series with the ejection pin. Therefore, for example, by having the two drive units cooperate, a larger driving force can be applied to the ejection pin 41 compared to the method where the two drive units are connected in series with the ejection pin. In addition, in this embodiment, the ejection plate 43 is located in the space 105s, and the ejection pin 41 only penetrates the moving mold 105. That is, unlike the method where the ejection plate 43 is located behind the moving mold plate 17 (see Patent Document 1), the ejection pin 41 does not have a length that penetrates the moving mold plate 17. Therefore, when a large driving force is applied to the ejection pin 41 as described above, the possibility of deformation such as buckling of the ejection pin 41 is reduced.

[0183] Furthermore, because the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the electric drive unit 55 are combined, the burden on the hydraulic drive unit 57 can be reduced compared to a method that uses only the hydraulic drive unit 57 for pushing. Furthermore, for example, the amount of working fluid can be reduced, or energy consumption can be lowered. On the other hand, for example, a large driving force can be easily and inexpensively obtained using the hydraulic drive unit 57.

[0184] The hydraulic drive unit 57 may have a cylinder (support member 49) and a piston 61. The cylinder may be composed of a first member (support member 49), and its axial direction may be parallel to the mold opening and closing direction. The piston 61 may divide the interior of the support member 49 into a first cylinder chamber (rear chamber 49e in this embodiment) and a second cylinder chamber (front chamber 49d in this embodiment) in the mold opening and closing direction. The piston 61 may be at least restricted from relative movement with respect to the second member (drive member 51) from the rear chamber 49e side to the front chamber 49d side. The rear chamber 49e may be a cylinder chamber that supplies working fluid when the ejector pin 41 is driven from one mold (moving mold 105) to the other mold (fixed mold 103). The front chamber 49d may be open to the atmosphere.

[0185] In this case, for example, the effect of reducing the working fluid of the hydraulic drive unit 57 is improved. That is, since the return of the ejector pin 41 to its initial position and the movement of the piston 61 to the rear chamber 49e can be performed by the electric drive unit 55, the necessity of filling the front chamber 49d with working fluid can be eliminated.

[0186] The piston 61 allows relative movement in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the second component (drive component 51), and can engage with the drive component 51 from the first cylinder chamber (rear chamber 49e) side to the second cylinder chamber (front chamber 49d) side. The rear chamber 49e can be a cylinder chamber that supplies working fluid when the ejector pin 41 is driven from one mold (moving mold 105) to the other mold (fixed mold 103).

[0187] In this case, supplying working fluid to the rear chamber 49e causes the piston 61 to move towards the front chamber 49d, engaging the piston 61 with the drive member 51 and moving the drive member 51 towards the front chamber 49d. This allows the ejector pin 41 to move relative to the moving mold 105 towards the fixed mold 103. That is, the ejector pin 41 can be driven by the hydraulic drive unit 57 (further, in this embodiment, by the electric drive unit 55). Then, when the ejector pin 41 is moved relative to the moving mold 105 towards the fixed mold 103 by the electric drive unit 55, the drive member 51 can move relative to the support member 49 towards the front chamber 49d while the piston 61 is stopped relative to the support member 49.

[0188] Therefore, for example, compared to a method in which the ejector pin 41 is driven by the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the piston 61 and drive member 51 are fixed (this method is also included in the technology of this disclosure), the amount of working fluid supplied to the rear chamber 49e can be reduced. When the structure that opens the front chamber 49d to the atmosphere and the structure that allows the drive member 51 to move relative to the piston 61 are combined, for example, the effect of reducing the necessary amount of working fluid in the hydraulic drive unit 57 is significantly improved. It should be noted that, unlike this embodiment, the structure that allows the drive member 51 to move relative to the piston 61 can also be combined with a structure that fills the front chamber 49d (or the expanded diameter portion in which the piston 61 slides) with working fluid.

[0189] The piston 61 may have a through hole 61h extending in the mold opening and closing direction. The second component (drive component 51) may have a rod portion 51c and a engaging portion 51b. The rod portion 51c may have a portion that moves in and out of the through hole 61h with relative movement relative to the piston 61 in the mold opening and closing direction (in this embodiment, the portion is located further back than the engaging portion 51b). The engaging portion 51b may be located in the second cylinder chamber (front chamber 49d) and fixed to the rod portion 51c, engaging with the piston 61 from the front chamber 49d side to the rear chamber 49e side.

[0190] In this case, for example, miniaturization of the ejection device 11 is facilitated because the rear end portion of the rod 51c is housed within the piston 61. Since the drive member 51 and the piston 61 are configured coaxially or concentrically, by utilizing the flange surrounding the rod 51c to form the engaging portion 51b, the possibility of generating an unwanted torque that would tilt the axis of the drive member 51 relative to the axis of the support member 49 is reduced compared to a configuration where the piston 61 and the drive member 51 are arranged side-by-side (a configuration also included in this disclosure).

[0191] The electric drive unit 55 can drive the ejector pin 41 throughout its entire stroke. The stroke St0 that the ejector pin 41 can move relative to the cylinder (support member 49) of the piston 61 can only correspond to a portion of the ejector pin 41's stroke as it moves away from the other mold (fixed mold 103) on the side (rear).

[0192] In this case, for example, because the movement of piston 61 is physically restricted in such a way that the stroke of piston 61 is shorter than the stroke of ejector pin 41, it becomes easier to move ejector pin 41 using electric drive unit 55 when piston 61 is stopped. Furthermore, the effect of reducing the supply of working fluid to the forward chamber 49d is improved. Additionally, it is possible to designate only a portion of the support member 49 that actually functions as a cylinder. As a result, for example, the portion of the support member 49 requiring airtightness or machining precision can be reduced, leading to cost reduction.

[0193] The piston 61 may have a through hole 61h extending in the mold opening and closing direction, dividing the interior of the cylinder (support member 49) into a axial side portion 49f including the through hole 61h and a first cylinder chamber (rear chamber 49e) located on the outer periphery of the piston 61. The axial side portion 49f may be open to the atmosphere. At least a portion of the electric drive unit 55 (e.g., the lead screw 60a) may be located in the through hole 61h.

[0194] In this case, for example, because at least a portion of the electric drive unit 55 is housed in the through hole 61h (axial side portion 49f), miniaturization of the ejection device 11 is achieved. Furthermore, for example, because the axial side portion 49f is open to the atmosphere, the portion of the electric drive unit 55 disposed in the through hole 61h can be kept out of immersion in the working fluid. As a result, for example, the placement of a portion of the electric drive unit 55 within the axial side portion 49f does not need to constitute a sealed structure, increasing design flexibility. Additionally, the possibility of fluid resistance to the working fluid generated by the drive of the electric drive unit 55 is reduced.

[0195] The ejection device 11 may also have a hydraulic source 83 that supplies working fluid to the hydraulic drive unit 57. The template of the mold that holds the ejection pin 41 in place may be a movable template 17 that holds the movable mold 105. The hydraulic source 83 may be supported on the movable template 17.

[0196] In this case, for example, if the support member 49 of the cylinder is fixed to the movable template 17 as in this embodiment, the support member 49 and the hydraulic source 83 do not move relative to each other. Therefore, for example, a flow path 67b connecting the two can be constructed using components that are considered rigid bodies (e.g., pipes and / or blocks). In addition, for example, the flow path 67b can be shortened. Furthermore, the influence of the working fluid, or the compression of the working fluid in the flow path, on the control of the hydraulic drive unit 57 can be reduced.

[0197] The electric drive unit 55 may have a rotary electric motor (ejection motor 58) and a conversion mechanism 60 that converts the rotation of the ejection motor 58 into linear motion in the mold opening and closing direction. The conversion mechanism 60 may have a lead screw 60a and a nut 60b. The lead screw 60a may extend in the mold opening and closing direction, may be restricted in axial movement relative to the first component (support component 49) and may be allowed to rotate about the axis, and may be input with the rotation of the ejection motor 58. The nut 60b may be screwed onto the lead screw 60a, may be allowed in axial movement relative to the support component 49 and may be restricted in rotation about the axis, and may be fixed to the second component (drive component 51). The drive component 51 may be hollow and accommodate a portion of the lead screw 60a that is closer to one end than the nut 60b.

[0198] In this case, for example, because the conversion mechanism 60 and the drive member 51 are configured coaxially or concentrically, the possibility of generating an unwanted torque that would tilt the axis of the drive member 51 relative to the axis of the support member 49 is reduced compared to a configuration where the two are arranged side by side (which is also included in the technology of this disclosure). Furthermore, because the conversion mechanism 60 is housed within the drive member 51, miniaturization of the ejection device 11 is achieved.

[0199] The ejection device 11 may include a control device 5 that controls the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the electric drive unit 55. The control device 5 may be configured to, when the molded article contacts one of the molds (moving mold 105), use both the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the electric drive unit 55 to move the ejection plate 43 relative to the template (moving template 17) in the direction that causes the molded article to leave the moving mold 105. Alternatively, the control device 5 may be configured to, after the aforementioned relative movement, use only the electric drive unit 55 of the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the electric drive unit 55 to further move the ejection plate 43 relative to the moving template 17 in the direction of departure.

[0200] In this case, for example, as already mentioned, it is easy to obtain the large driving force required for the initial push-out action. On the other hand, in actions following the initial action, the electric drive unit 55 can reduce the burden on the hydraulic drive unit 57. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce energy consumption and working fluid usage.

[0201] The molding machine (die-casting machine 1) may include an ejection device 11 as described above, a hydraulic source 83 that supplies working fluid to the hydraulic drive unit 57 of the ejection device 11, and a core device 13 that moves the core 109 between the fixed mold 103 and the moving mold 105. The core device 13 may include a hydraulic core cylinder (hydraulic drive unit 75) that generates a driving force transmitted to the core 109 and a core motor 76 that generates a driving force transmitted to the core 109. The hydraulic source 83 may supply working fluid not only to the hydraulic drive unit 57 but also to the hydraulic drive unit 75.

[0202] That is, the hydraulic source 83 that supplies working fluid to the hybrid ejection device 11 can also be used as the hybrid core device 13. By using the hydraulic source 83, the hydraulic device 67 can be miniaturized. Since both the ejection device 11 and the core device 13 are hybrid, which reduces the amount of working fluid, the miniaturization effect of the hydraulic device 67 is improved.

[0203] Furthermore, in the core assembly 13, the hydraulic core cylinder (hydraulic drive unit 75) that generates the driving force transmitted to the core 109 can be directly or indirectly (in this embodiment, indirectly via the moving mold 105) supported on the moving mold plate 17. The hydraulic source 83, which is supported on the moving mold plate 17 and supplies working fluid to the hydraulic drive unit 57 of the ejection device 11, can also supply working fluid to the hydraulic drive unit 75 of the core assembly 13.

[0204] Because the hydraulic drive unit 75 is supported on the movable template 17, similar to the hydraulic drive unit 57, compared to the method where the hydraulic source 83 is directly supported on the base 14 (which is also included in the technology of this disclosure), the flow path connecting the hydraulic source 83 and the hydraulic drive unit 75 can be shortened (e.g., flow path 67c). Furthermore, the flow path can also be constructed using a component that can be considered a rigid body. Therefore, the effects already described (e.g., reduction of working fluid) produced by placing the hydraulic source 83 on the movable template 17 are enhanced. Moreover, because the hydraulic source 83 is shared in both the hydraulic drive unit 57 and the hydraulic drive unit 75, for example, the hydraulic device 67 can be miniaturized. Through miniaturization, the inertial force required to move the movable template 17 is reduced.

[0205] In the above embodiments, the die-casting machine 1 is an example of a molding machine. The movable mold 105 is an example of a mold for which the ejector pin is inserted. The fixed mold 103 is an example of a mold for the other party. The movable template 17 is an example of a template for holding one of the molds. In addition, the movable template 17 is an example of a component (the component that fixes the first component) in the ejector plate and template. The ejector plate 43 is an example of another component. The support component 49 is an example of the first component. The drive component 51 is an example of the second component. The rear chamber 49e is an example of the first cylinder chamber. The front chamber 49d is an example of the second cylinder chamber. The hydraulic drive unit 75 of the core device 13 is an example of a core cylinder.

[0206] The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways.

[0207] The molding machine is not limited to a die-casting machine. For example, the molding machine can be other metal molding machines, injection molding machines, or molding machines that mold materials such as wood powder mixed with thermoplastic resins. In addition, the molding machine is not limited to horizontal molded transverse injection; for example, it can also be vertical molded longitudinal injection, vertical molded transverse injection, or horizontal molded longitudinal injection.

[0208] The mold may not have a core. In other words, the molding machine may not have a core device. In the case where the molding machine has a core device, the core device may be hydraulic or electric, rather than a hybrid device. A hydraulic core device may also not share the ejection device and the hydraulic system.

[0209] The ejector motor, core motor, and / or other motors (e.g., mold clamping motors) can also be linear motors instead of rotary motors. In this case, there is no need for a transmission mechanism to transmit rotation and a conversion mechanism to convert rotary motion into linear motion. Furthermore, as described in the embodiments, a rotary motor may or may not be connected to the conversion mechanism via a transmission mechanism.

[0210] In the ejection device, two or more hydraulic drive units may be provided. Similarly, two or more electric drive units may be provided in the ejection device. As mentioned in the description of the embodiments, the hydraulic drive units and electric drive units may be arranged side by side, rather than coaxially or concentrically. In the ejection device, the division of labor between the hydraulic drive units and electric drive units can be appropriately set. For example, at the initial stage of ejection, only one of the hydraulic drive units and electric drive units (e.g., the hydraulic drive unit) may be driven.

[0211] In this embodiment, the support member 49 is fixed to the movable template 17, and the drive member 51 is fixed to the ejector pin 41. However, as can be understood from known ejection devices (ejection cylinders), it is also possible to reverse the embodiment, fixing the support member 49 to the ejector pin 41 and the drive member 51 to the movable template 17. In this case, for example, a plate-shaped movable member can be provided opposite to the back of the movable template 17 (opposite to the movable mold 105) and connected to the ejector plate 43 via a plurality of ejector rods. The support member 49 can be mounted on this movable member. The drive member 51 can be inserted into the movable member and its front end fixed to the movable template 17. One or more guide members can be provided to guide and support the movable member in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0212] In this embodiment, the extension of the ejector 11 (movement of the drive member 51 toward the outside of the support member 49) corresponds to the ejection of the molded article by the ejector pin 41. However, as can be understood from known ejector devices (ejection cylinders), it is also possible, contrary to this embodiment, that the retraction of the ejector 11 (movement of the drive member 51 toward the inside of the support member 49) corresponds to the ejection of the molded article by the ejector pin 41. In this case, the ejection drive unit can be configured such that, for example, as with the core device 13, the drive member can be driven by a hydraulic drive unit when it moves backward from its forward limit.

[0213] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0214] 1…Die casting machine (forming machine), 5…Control device, 7…Mold closing device, 9…Injection device, 11…Ejection device, 13…Core device, 15…Fixed template, 17…Moving template (template, one component), 41…Ejection pin, 43…Ejection plate (another component), 49…Support component (first component), 51…Drive component (second component), 55…Electric drive unit, 57…Hydraulic drive unit, 101…Mold, 103…Fixed mold (the other mold), 105…Moving mold (one mold), 105a…Mold base, 105s…Space, 107…Cavity, 109…Core.

Claims

1. An ejection device that drives an ejection pin inserted into one of a fixed mold and a movable mold in the mold opening and closing direction, wherein, have: The first component is fixed to one of the ejector plate and the template, the ejector plate being located in a space formed by a mold base having the mold of one side and fixed to the ejector pin, the template holding the mold of the one side; The second component is fixed to the ejector plate and another component in the template. A hydraulic drive unit that drives the second component relative to the first component; An electric drive unit that drives the second component relative to the first component. The hydraulic drive unit has: The cylinder section, which is composed of the first component, has its axial direction parallel to the mold opening and closing direction; The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber in the mold opening and closing direction. The piston allows relative movement with respect to the second component in the mold opening and closing direction, and is capable of engaging with the second component from the first cylinder chamber side to the second cylinder chamber side. The first chamber is the chamber in which the working fluid is supplied when the ejector pin is driven from one mold side to the other.

2. The ejection device according to claim 1, wherein, The piston has a through hole that extends in the mold opening and closing direction. The second component has: The rod portion has a portion that moves in and out of the through hole as it moves relative to the piston in the mold opening and closing direction. The engaging portion, located in the second cylinder chamber and fixed to the rod portion, is capable of engaging with the piston from the second cylinder chamber side to the first cylinder chamber side.

3. The ejection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electric drive unit is capable of driving the ejector pin throughout its entire stroke. The piston can only move a portion of the stroke relative to the cylinder, corresponding to the portion of the ejector pin's stroke that separates the ejector pin from the mold on the other side.

4. An ejection device that drives an ejection pin inserted into one of a fixed mold and a movable mold in the mold opening and closing direction, wherein, have: The first component is fixed to one of the ejector plate and the template, the ejector plate being located in a space formed by a mold base having the mold of one side and fixed to the ejector pin, the template holding the mold of the one side; The second component is fixed to the ejector plate and another component in the template. A hydraulic drive unit that drives the second component relative to the first component; An electric drive unit that drives the second component relative to the first component. The hydraulic drive unit has: The cylinder section, which is composed of the first component, has its axial direction parallel to the mold opening and closing direction; The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber in the mold opening and closing direction. The piston is at least restricted from relative movement with respect to the second component from the first cylinder chamber side to the second cylinder chamber side. The first chamber is the chamber in which working fluid is supplied when the ejector pin is driven from one mold side to the other. The piston has a through hole that extends in the mold opening and closing direction. The interior of the cylinder is divided into an axial side portion containing the through hole and a first cylinder chamber located on the outer periphery side of the piston. The central portion is open to the atmosphere. The lead screw mechanism of the electric drive unit is inserted through the through hole.

5. The ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, It also includes a hydraulic source for supplying working fluid to the hydraulic drive unit. The template is a moving template that maintains the moving template as the template of the said one. The hydraulic power source is supported by the movable template.

6. The ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The electric drive unit has: Rotary electric motor; The conversion mechanism converts the rotation of the electric motor into linear motion in the mold opening and closing direction. The conversion mechanism has: The lead screw shaft, which extends in the die opening and closing direction, is restricted from axial movement relative to the first component and allows rotation about the shaft, and is input to the rotation of the motor; A nut, which engages with the lead screw shaft, allows axial movement relative to the first component and restricts rotation about the shaft, and is fixed to the second component. The second component is hollow and accommodates a portion of the lead screw shaft that is closer to one end than the nut.

7. The ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, It includes a control device for controlling the hydraulic drive unit and the electric drive unit. The control device is configured to perform the following control: when the molded article contacts the mold of one of the molds, the ejector plate is moved relative to the template in the direction that causes the molded article to leave the mold of one of the molds by both the hydraulic drive unit and the electric drive unit; then, the ejector plate is further moved relative to the template in the direction of leaving by only the electric drive unit of the hydraulic drive unit and the electric drive unit.

8. A molding machine, comprising: The ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A mold closing device having a fixed template for holding the fixed mold and a movable template for holding the movable mold; An injection device that injects molding material into a cavity formed by the moving mold and the fixed mold.

9. A molding machine, comprising: The ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; A hydraulic power source that supplies working fluid to the hydraulic drive unit; A core assembly that allows the core to move in and out between the fixed mold and the moving mold. The core assembly has: A hydraulic core cylinder generates a driving force that is transmitted to the core. A core motor that generates a driving force transmitted to the core. The hydraulic source also supplies working fluid to the core cylinder.

10. A molding machine, comprising: The ejection device as described in claim 5; A core assembly, supported by the movable template, allows the core to move in and out between the fixed mold and the movable mold. The core assembly has a hydraulic core cylinder that generates a driving force transmitted to the core. The hydraulic source also supplies working fluid to the core cylinder.

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