Clamshell device frame and injection molding machine

Abstract

A mold clamping device frame that supports a mold clamping device of an injection molding machine has a first fixed portion, a second fixed portion, a base, a first support portion, and a second support portion. A source that generates a mold clamping force is fixed to the first fixed portion. A mold is fixed to the second fixed portion. The base supports the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion. The first support portion supports the base. The second support portion supports the base with a space from the first support portion in a mold clamping direction. At least one of the first support portion and the second support portion includes a plurality of openings and a beam that divides the plurality of openings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mold clamping device frame and an injection molding machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the mold-closing frame described in Patent Document 1, two main bodies, which are roughly H-shaped when viewed from the front, are arranged parallel to each other front to back, and the two main bodies are integrally locked together at the middle horizontal section, thus forming a roughly H-shape when viewed from the side. Separate first and second upper opposing portions are provided on the upper part of the main body. A fixed platform is vertically held on the first upper opposing portion. On the other hand, a mold-closing cylinder is held on the second upper opposing portion. Separate first and second lower opposing portions are also provided on the lower part of the main body. The same content is disclosed in Patent Document 2.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-148806

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-058472 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the past, during mold closing, the mold closing device frame supporting the mold closing device would deform, sometimes causing the parting surface (the so-called parting line) separating the fixed mold and the movable mold that constitute the mold assembly to tilt. The deformation of the mold closing device frame that occurs during mold closing is relieved when the mold closing force is removed or when the mold opens. During the process of the mold closing device frame returning to its original shape, the mold may tear off the molded part, sometimes resulting in defective products.

[0009] Increasing the rigidity of the mold clamping device frame is effective in suppressing deformation. However, if the frame is thickened to increase rigidity, its weight will increase.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a technology that simultaneously achieves lightweight and high rigidity of the mold clamping device frame.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] A mold clamping device frame supporting a mold clamping device of an injection molding machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first fixing part, a second fixing part, a base, a first support part, and a second support part. A source generating a mold clamping force is fixed on the first fixing part. A mold is fixed on the second fixing part. The base supports the first fixing part and the second fixing part. The first support part supports the base. The second support part supports the base at a distance from the first support part in the mold clamping direction. At least one of the first support part and the second support part includes a plurality of openings and a beam dividing the plurality of openings.

[0013] A mold clamping device frame supporting a mold clamping device of an injection molding machine according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first fixing part, a second fixing part, a base, a first support part, and a second support part. A source generating a mold clamping force is fixed on the first fixing part. A mold is fixed on the second fixing part. The base supports the first fixing part and the second fixing part. The first support part supports the base. The second support part supports the base at a distance from the first support part in the mold clamping direction. At least one of the first support part and the second support part includes a pointed portion, the size of which decreases in the mold clamping direction toward a direction orthogonal to the mold clamping direction and away from the base.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, by providing multiple openings in the support portion, the support portion can be made lightweight. Furthermore, by providing beams that divide the multiple openings, the openings can be subdivided, deformation of the openings can be suppressed, thereby increasing the rigidity of the support portion. Therefore, both lightweighting and high rigidity can be achieved simultaneously.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the support portion includes a tapered portion whose dimensions in the mold-closing direction decrease in a direction orthogonal to the mold-closing direction and away from the base. By making the portion of the support portion closer to the fixing portion that bears the mold-closing force highly rigid while making the portion farther from the fixing portion lightweight, both lightweight and high rigidity can be achieved simultaneously. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a half of an injection molding machine according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the frame of the mold clamping device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the frame of the mold clamping device involved in the first modified example.

[0020] Figure 4This is a side view of the mold clamping device frame involved in the second variation.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side view of the mold clamping device frame involved in the third variation. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same symbols are used to denote the same structures, and sometimes descriptions are omitted. In this specification, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are directions perpendicular to each other. The X-axis and Y-axis represent the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 The injection molding machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described. The injection molding machine 1 has a structure that is centrally symmetrical about the center plane in the Y-axis direction, therefore... Figure 1 The image shows half of the injection molding machine 1. The injection molding machine 1 includes: a mold clamping device 2 for clamping the mold assembly 9; and a mold clamping device frame 3 for supporting the mold clamping device 2. First, the mold clamping device 2 will be described.

[0024] The mold clamping device 2 is, for example, a horizontal type with the mold clamping direction in the horizontal direction. When the mold clamping device 2 is horizontal, the X-axis direction is the mold clamping direction, and the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the injection molding machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to a horizontal type, and can also be a vertical type with the mold clamping direction in the vertical direction.

[0025] The mold closing device 2 performs mold closing, pressurization, mold closing, depressurization, and mold opening of the mold device 9. The mold device 9 includes a fixed mold 91 and a movable mold 92. The mold closing direction (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) that brings the movable mold 92 closer to the fixed mold 91 is also called the front, and the mold opening direction (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) that separates the movable mold 92 from the fixed mold 91 is also called the rear.

[0026] The mold closing device 2 includes: a fixed pressure plate 21 on which a fixed mold 91 is mounted; a movable pressure plate 22 on which a movable mold 92 is mounted; a generation source 23 that causes the movable pressure plate 22 to move relative to the fixed pressure plate 21 in the mold closing direction to generate a mold closing force; and a mounting plate 24 on which the generation source 23 is mounted.

[0027] The fixed pressure plate 21 is fixed to the mold clamping device frame 3. A fixed mold 91 is mounted on the opposite surface (e.g., the rear surface) of the fixed pressure plate 21 to the movable pressure plate 22. A through hole 211 is formed in the center of the fixed pressure plate 21, extending through the fixed pressure plate 21 in the front-to-back direction. The nozzle of the injection device (not shown) is inserted into the through hole 211 and contacts the fixed mold 91.

[0028] The movable pressure plate 22 is configured to move freely relative to the mold clamping device frame 3 in the mold clamping direction. A guide (not shown) for guiding the movable pressure plate 22 can be provided on the mold clamping device frame 3. A movable mold 92 is mounted on the opposite surface (e.g., the front surface) of the movable pressure plate 22 to the fixed pressure plate 21.

[0029] The generating source 23 includes, for example, a hydraulic cylinder 231. The hydraulic cylinder 231 performs mold closing, pressurization, mold closing, depressurization and mold opening of the mold device 9 by moving the movable pressure plate 22 forward and backward relative to the fixed pressure plate 21.

[0030] The hydraulic cylinder 231 includes, for example, a cylinder barrel 232, a piston (not shown) disposed inside the cylinder barrel 232, and a piston rod 233 that moves with the piston. The internal space of the cylinder barrel 232 is divided into a front chamber and a rear chamber by the piston.

[0031] The piston rod 233 extends forward from the piston and protrudes forward from the cylinder 232. The rear end of the piston rod 233 is fixed to the piston, and the front end of the piston rod 233 is fixed to the movable pressure plate 22. The front end of the piston rod 233 is, for example, fixed to the center of the rear surface of the movable pressure plate 22.

[0032] When the mold assembly 9 closes and when the mold assembly 9 pressurizes, a hydraulic pump (not shown) supplies hydraulic pressure to the rear chamber of cylinder 232. As a result, the piston is pressed forward, the front chamber contracts, and oil is discharged from the front chamber. Furthermore, the piston rod 233 moves forward with the piston, and the movable pressure plate 22 moves forward.

[0033] On the other hand, when the mold device 9 is depressurized and when the mold device 9 is opened, the hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic pressure to the front chamber of the cylinder 232. As a result, the piston is pressed backward, the rear chamber shrinks, and oil is discharged from the rear chamber. Furthermore, the piston rod 233 retracts along with the piston, and the movable pressure plate 22 retracts.

[0034] Alternatively, the power source 23 can replace the hydraulic cylinder 231 with an electric motor and a toggle mechanism actuated by the electric motor. The toggle mechanism amplifies the driving force of the electric motor and transmits it to the movable pressure plate 22.

[0035] The toggle mechanism is positioned between the movable pressure plate 22 and the mounting plate 24. The toggle mechanism has a crosshead that moves in the mold closing direction and a pair of linkages that extend and retract with the movement of the crosshead. The pair of linkages each has a first linkage and a second linkage connected by pins or the like to allow for free extension and retraction.

[0036] The first link is oscillatingly mounted on the movable pressure plate 22 via a pin or the like. The second link is oscillatingly mounted on the mounting plate 24 via a pin or the like. The second link is mounted on the crosshead via the third link. The third link is oscillatingly mounted on the second link via a pin or the like, and is also oscillatingly mounted on the crosshead via a pin or the like.

[0037] If the electric motor is activated, the crosshead moves forward and backward, the first and second connecting rods extend and retract, and the movable pressure plate 22 moves forward and backward. When the first and second connecting rods extend, a clamping force is generated with an amplification corresponding to the angle formed by the first and second connecting rods.

[0038] The mold closing device 2 performs mold closing, pressurization, mold closing, depressurization, and mold opening processes under the control of a control device. The control device is, for example, a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage medium such as memory. The control device performs various controls by causing the CPU to execute programs stored in the storage medium.

[0039] In the mold closing process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is driven to move the movable pressure plate 22 from the mold closing start position to the mold closing end position at a set speed, thereby bringing the movable mold 92 into contact with the fixed mold 91. The position or movement speed of the movable pressure plate 22 is detected by a position detector or a speed detector. Alternatively, in the mold closing process, the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic cylinder 231 can be controlled instead of controlling the forward speed of the movable pressure plate 22.

[0040] In the pressurization process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is further driven, causing the movable pressure plate 22 to advance further from the mold closing position to the mold closing position, thereby generating a mold closing force. This mold closing force is detected, for example, by a hydraulic detector. The hydraulic detector detects the hydraulic pressure in the rear chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 231 and sends a signal corresponding to the detected hydraulic pressure to the control device.

[0041] In the mold closing process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is driven to maintain the position of the movable pressure plate 22 in the mold closing position. The mold closing force generated in the pressurization process is maintained during the mold closing process. During the mold closing process, a cavity space is formed between the movable mold 92 and the fixed mold 91, and the injection device fills the cavity space with liquid molding material from the nozzle. A molded article is obtained by curing the filled molding material. The molding material contains resin.

[0042] The number of cavity spaces can be one or more. In the latter case, multiple molded articles can be obtained simultaneously. An insert can be placed in one part of the cavity space while the other part of the cavity space is filled with molding material. A molded article in which the insert and the molding material are integrally formed can be obtained.

[0043] During the depressurization process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is driven to retract the movable pressure plate 22 from the mold closing position to the mold opening start position, thereby reducing the mold closing force. The mold opening start position and the mold closing end position can be the same position.

[0044] In the mold opening process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is driven to cause the movable pressure plate 22 to retract from the mold opening start position to the mold opening end position at a set speed. As a result, the movable mold 92 separates from the fixed mold 91. Then, the molded product is ejected from the movable mold 92. Alternatively, in the mold opening process, the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic cylinder 231 can be controlled instead of the retraction speed of the movable pressure plate 22.

[0045] However, when the clamping force is generated by the source 23, a repulsive force equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the clamping force is generated, thereby achieving stress balance. Unlike this embodiment, in the case where a connecting rod connects the fixed pressure plate 21 and the mounting plate 24 with a gap, the mounting plate 24 can move freely in the X-axis direction. The connecting rod elongates according to the clamping force, and a repulsive force is generated by the elastic restoring force of the connecting rod.

[0046] On the other hand, in the absence of a connecting rod as in this embodiment, both the fixed pressure plate 21 and the mounting plate 24 are fixed to the mold clamping device frame 3. Therefore, when the mold clamping force is generated by the generation source 23, the mold clamping device frame 3 deforms. A repulsive force is generated by the elastic restoring force of the mold clamping device frame 3, thereby achieving stress balance.

[0047] Previously, during mold closing, the mold closing device frame deformed, sometimes causing the parting surface (so-called parting line) separating the fixed mold 91 and the movable mold 92 to tilt. The deformation of the mold closing device frame that occurred during mold closing was relieved during demolding when the mold closing force was removed or during mold opening. During the process of the mold closing device frame returning to its original shape, the mold may tear off the molded part, sometimes resulting in defective products.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mold clamping device frame 3 according to the embodiment will be described. The mold clamping device frame 3 has a pair of (in) arranged at a distance in the Y-axis direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (Only one is shown in the figure) A vertical plate 30. A pair of vertical plates 30 can be connected by a beam or the like extending along the Y-axis.

[0049] The vertical plate 30 includes: a first fixing part 31 for fixing a source 23 that generates a mold-closing force; a second fixing part 32 for fixing a mold 91; a base 33 for supporting the first fixing part 31 and the second fixing part 32; a first support part 34 for supporting the base 33; and a second support part 35 that supports the base 33 at a distance from the first support part 34 in the mold-closing direction. In this embodiment, the first fixing part 31, the second fixing part 32, the base 33, the first support part 34, and the second support part 35 are integrally formed by casting or the like, but they can also be formed separately and welded.

[0050] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first fixing part 31 is, for example, a right-angled trapezoidal plate. The first fixing part 31 has a vertical rear surface 311, a horizontal upper surface 312, and an inclined surface 313 that slopes downwards towards the front. The front surface of the mounting plate 24 abuts against the rear surface 311 of the first fixing part 31, and a generation source 23 is mounted on the mounting plate 24.

[0051] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the second fixing part 32 is, for example, a right-angled trapezoidal plate. The second fixing part 32 has a vertical rear surface 321, a horizontal upper surface 322, and an inclined surface 323 that slopes downwards towards the front. The front surface of the fixing plate 21 abuts against the rear surface 321 of the second fixing part 32, and a fixing mold 91 is mounted on the rear surface of the fixing plate 21.

[0052] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the base 33 is a rectangular plate that is longer in the X-axis direction. The base 33 has, for example, a horizontal upper surface 331, a rear surface 332 that slopes downwards towards the rear, and a vertical front surface 333. In this embodiment, the rear surface 332 is an inclined surface, but it could also be a vertical surface.

[0053] On the upper surface 331 of the base 33, a first fixing part 31 and a second fixing part 32 are provided at intervals along the X-axis. Furthermore, a movable pressure plate 22 is mounted on the upper surface 331 of the base 33, between the first fixing part 31 and the second fixing part 32, and can move freely in the X-axis direction. A guide member (not shown) for guiding the movable pressure plate 22 may be provided on the upper surface of the base 33.

[0054] The first support portion 34 supports the base 33 from below. The first support portion 34 is provided at one end (e.g., the rear end) of the base 33 in the X-axis direction. The first support portion 34 is provided, for example, directly below the first fixing portion 31. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 are separated by the largest opening 36.

[0055] The first support portion 34 includes, for example, a first pointed portion 341, the dimension of which in the mold-closing direction (e.g., the dimension in the X-axis direction) decreases toward a first direction (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction, i.e., the downward direction) that is orthogonal to the mold-closing direction and away from the base 33. Therefore, compared to the case where the first support portion 34 has a constant X-axis dimension from top to bottom, the portion of the first support portion 34 near the first fixing portion 31, which bears the mold-closing force, can be made highly rigid, while the portion away from the first fixing portion 31 can be made lightweight. Thus, both lightweighting and high rigidity can be achieved simultaneously.

[0056] The first tip 341, for example, has a rear surface 341a that slopes downwards and forwards, and a front surface 341b that slopes downwards and rearwards. The X-axis dimension from the rear surface 341a to the front surface 341b decreases downwards. Either the rear surface 341a or the front surface 341b may be a vertical surface, rather than a sloped surface.

[0057] The first support portion 34 may include a first fixed-width portion 342 with a constant X-axis dimension between the first tapered portion 341 and the base 33. The first fixed-width portion 342 has a vertical rear surface 342a and a vertical front surface 342b. The X-axis dimension from the rear surface 342a to the front surface 342b is constant. In this specification, a constant X-axis dimension means that when the maximum value of the X-axis dimension is set to 100%, the minimum value of the X-axis dimension is 95% or more.

[0058] If the first support portion 34 includes a first fixed width portion 342 between the first tip 341 and the base 33, then compared with the case where the first support portion 34 only includes the first tip 341, the portion of the first support portion 34 near the first fixing portion 31 that bears the clamping force can be further made more rigid.

[0059] The first support portion 34, for example, has multiple (e.g., 3) openings 343A to 343C and multiple (e.g., 3 beams) 344A to 344C. The openings 343A to 343C are smaller than the opening 36 that separates the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. Furthermore, the number of beams may be not multiple, but only one. When there is only one beam, the number of openings is two.

[0060] By providing openings 343A to 343C on the first support portion 34, the first support portion 34 can be made lighter. Furthermore, by providing beams 344A to 344C that divide the openings 343A to 343C, the openings 343A to 343C can be subdivided, deformation of the openings 343A to 343C can be suppressed, thereby increasing the rigidity of the first support portion 34. Therefore, both lightweighting and high rigidity can be achieved simultaneously. If there are multiple beams, the openings can be further subdivided, achieving further lightweighting and high rigidity.

[0061] When viewed from the Y-axis, the three beams 344A to 344C are arranged in an inverted Y-shape, for example. Beam 344A extends downward from the base 33. Beam 344B slopes upward as the angle between the rear surface 342a of the first fixed-width portion 342 and the rear surface 341a of the first tapering portion 341 approaches the front. Beam 344C slopes upward as the angle between the front surface 342b of the first fixed-width portion 342 and the front surface 341b of the first tapering portion 341 approaches the rear.

[0062] The three openings 343A to 343C are divided by three beams 344A to 344C. The largest opening 343A is located at the bottom. When viewed from the Y-axis, the largest opening 343A appears as a rhombus, for example.

[0063] The second support portion 35 supports the base 33 from below. The second support portion 35 is located at the other end (e.g., the front end) of the base 33 in the X-axis direction. The second support portion 35 is located, for example, directly below the second fixing portion 32. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the second support portion 35 and the first support portion 34 are separated by the largest opening 36.

[0064] The second support portion 35 includes, for example, a second pointed portion 351, the dimension of which in the mold-closing direction (e.g., the dimension in the X-axis direction) decreases toward the first direction (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction, i.e., the downward direction). Therefore, compared to the case where the second support portion 35 has a constant X-axis dimension from top to bottom, the portion of the second support portion 35 near the second fixing portion 32, which bears the mold-closing force, can be made more rigid, while the portion farther from the second fixing portion 32 can be made lighter. Thus, both lightweighting and high rigidity can be achieved simultaneously.

[0065] The second tip 351, for example, has a rear surface 351a that slopes downwards and forwards, and a front surface 351b that slopes downwards and rearwards. The X-axis dimension from the rear surface 351a to the front surface 351b decreases downwards. Either the rear surface 351a or the front surface 351b may be a vertical surface, rather than a sloped surface.

[0066] The second support portion 35 may include a second fixed-width portion 352 with a constant X-axis dimension between the second tip 351 and the base 33. The second fixed-width portion 352 has a vertical rear surface 352a and a vertical front surface 352b. The X-axis dimension from the rear surface 352a to the front surface 352b is constant.

[0067] If the second support portion 35 includes a second fixed-width portion 352 between the second tip 351 and the base 33, then compared with the case where the second support portion 35 only includes the second tip 351, the portion of the second support portion 35 near the second fixing portion 32 that bears the clamping force can be further made more rigid.

[0068] The second support portion 35, for example, has multiple (e.g., 3) openings 353A to 353C and multiple (e.g., 3) beams 354A to 354C. The openings 353A to 353C are smaller than the opening 36 that separates the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. Furthermore, the number of beams may be not multiple, but only one. When there is only one beam, the number of openings is two.

[0069] By providing openings 353A to 353C on the second support portion 35, the second support portion 35 can be made lighter. Furthermore, by providing beams 354A to 354C that divide the openings 353A to 353C, the openings 353A to 353C can be subdivided, deformation of the openings 353A to 353C can be suppressed, thereby increasing the rigidity of the second support portion 35. Therefore, both lightweighting and high rigidity can be achieved simultaneously. If there are multiple beams, the openings can be further subdivided, achieving further lightweighting and high rigidity.

[0070] When viewed from the Y-axis, the three beams 354A to 354C are arranged, for example, in an inverted Y-shape. Beam 354A extends downward from the base 33. Beam 354B slopes upward as the angle between the rear surface 352a of the second fixed-width portion 352 and the rear surface 351a of the second tapered portion 351 approaches the front. Beam 354C slopes upward as the angle between the front surface 352b of the second fixed-width portion 352 and the front surface 351b of the second tapered portion 351 approaches the rear.

[0071] The three openings 353A to 353C are divided by three beams 354A to 354C. The largest opening 353A is located at the bottom. When viewed from the Y-axis, the largest opening 353A appears as a rhombus, for example.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first support portion 34 includes a first tip 341, and the second support portion 35 includes a second tip 351; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the first support portion 34 includes the first tip 341, the second support portion 35 can have a constant X-axis dimension from its upper end to its lower end. And when the second support portion 35 includes the second tip 351, the first support portion 34 can have a constant X-axis dimension from its upper end to its lower end.

[0073] The vertical plate 30 may further include a connecting platform 37 that connects the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. The connecting platform 37 connects the lower ends of the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 to each other to prevent the lower ends from opening together during mold closing. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the connecting platform 37 is, for example, a rectangular shape that is longer in the X-axis direction.

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 3 The mold clamping device frame 3 according to the first modification will be described. Hereinafter, the differences between the first modification and the above-described embodiment will be mainly described. In the first modification, the first support portion 34 includes a first base 345 between the first tip 341 and the base 33, whose dimension in the mold clamping direction (e.g., the dimension in the X-axis direction) decreases toward the first direction (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction, i.e., the downward direction).

[0075] The first base 345 has, for example, a vertical rear surface 345a and a front surface 345b that slopes downwards towards the rear. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the rear surface 345a of the first base 345 and the rear surface 341a of the first tip 341 are connected in a zigzag line. Furthermore, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the front surface 345b of the first base 345 and the front surface 341b of the first tip 341 are connected in a zigzag line.

[0076] The X-axis dimension of the first base 345 gradually decreases in the first direction compared to the X-axis dimension of the first tip 341. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the rear surface 345a of the first base 345 has a smaller slope relative to the vertical plane and a smaller angle with the vertical plane compared to the rear surface 341a of the first tip 341. Furthermore, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the front surface 345b of the first base 345 has a smaller slope relative to the vertical plane and a smaller angle with the vertical plane compared to the front surface 341b of the first tip 341.

[0077] As described above, the X-axis dimension of the first base 345 gradually decreases towards the first direction compared to the X-axis dimension of the first tip 341. Therefore, compared to the case where the X-axis dimension decreases at a constant rate from the upper end to the lower end of the first support 34, the portion of the first support 34 near the first fixing portion 31, which bears the clamping force, can be made more rigid, and the portion away from the first fixing portion 31 can be made more lightweight.

[0078] The second support portion 35 includes a second base 355 between the second tip 351 and the base 33, whose dimensions in the mold closing direction (e.g., X-axis direction) decrease toward the first direction (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction, i.e., the downward direction).

[0079] The second base 355, for example, has a rear surface 355a that slopes downwards towards the front and a vertical front surface 355b. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the rear surface 355a of the second base 355 and the rear surface 351a of the second tip 351 are connected in a zigzag shape. Furthermore, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the front surface 355b of the second base 355 and the front surface 351b of the second tip 351 are connected in a zigzag shape.

[0080] The X-axis dimension of the second base 355 gradually decreases towards the first direction compared to the X-axis dimension of the second tip 351. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the rear surface 355a of the second base 355 has a smaller slope relative to the vertical plane and a smaller angle with the vertical plane compared to the rear surface 351a of the second tip 351. Furthermore, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the front surface 355b of the second base 355 has a smaller slope relative to the vertical plane and a smaller angle with the vertical plane compared to the front surface 351b of the second tip 351.

[0081] As described above, the X-axis dimension of the second base 355 gradually decreases towards the first direction compared to the X-axis dimension of the second tip 351. Therefore, compared to the case where the X-axis dimension decreases at a constant rate from the upper end to the lower end of the second support 35, the portion of the second support 35 near the first fixing portion 31, which bears the clamping force, can be made more rigid, and the portion away from the first fixing portion 31 can be made more lightweight.

[0082] In this modified example, the first support portion 34 includes a first base portion 345, and the second support portion 35 includes a second base portion 355; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first support portion 34 may include a first base portion 345, and the second support portion 35 may include a second fixed-width portion 352. Alternatively, the first support portion 34 may include a first fixed-width portion 342, and the second support portion 35 may include a second base portion 355.

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 4 The mold clamping device frame 3 according to the second modification will be described. Hereinafter, the differences between the second modification and the above-described embodiment will be mainly described. In the second modification, when viewed from a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to both the mold clamping direction and the first direction, the two end faces (rear surface 341a and front surface 341b) of the first tip 341 in the mold clamping direction are curved and bulge outward. Alternatively, when viewed from the second direction, only one of the rear surface 341a and the front surface 341b may be curved and bulge outward. Compared to the case where the rear surface 341a and the front surface 341b are straight when viewed from the second direction, the portion of the first tip 341 near the first fixing part 31 that bears the mold clamping force can be made more rigid, and the portion away from the first fixing part 31 can be made more lightweight.

[0084] Furthermore, when viewed from the second direction, the two end faces (rear surface 351a and front surface 351b) of the second tip 351 in the mold-closing direction are curved and bulge outwards. Alternatively, when viewed from the second direction, either the rear surface 351a or the front surface 351b may be curved and bulge outwards. Compared to the case where the rear surface 351a and the front surface 351b are straight when viewed from the second direction, the portion of the second tip 351 closer to the second fixing part 32 that bears the mold-closing force can be made more rigid, and the portion farther from the second fixing part 32 can be made lighter.

[0085] Furthermore, in this modified example, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, both the first pointed portion 341 and the second pointed portion 351 have curved end faces on both sides or one side in the mold-closing direction; however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the pointed portions 341 and 351 may have curved end faces on both sides or one side in the mold-closing direction.

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 5 The mold clamping device frame 3 involved in the third modification will be described. Hereinafter, the differences between the third modification and the above-described embodiment will be mainly described. In the third modification, both the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 have a constant X-axis dimension from the upper end to the lower end. If at least one of the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 includes multiple openings and beams, both lightweight and high rigidity can be achieved simultaneously.

[0087] The first support portion 34 has multiple (e.g., four) openings 343A to 343D and multiple (e.g., four) beams 344A to 344D. The openings 343D to 343D are smaller than the opening 36 that separates the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. Furthermore, the number of beams may be either multiple or only one. When there is only one beam, the number of openings is two.

[0088] By providing openings 343A to 343D on the first support portion 34, the first support portion 34 can be made lighter. Furthermore, by providing beams 344A to 344D that divide the openings 343A to 343D, the openings 343A to 343D can be subdivided, deformation of the openings 343A to 343D can be suppressed, thereby increasing the rigidity of the first support portion 34. If there are multiple beams, the openings can be further subdivided, achieving further weight reduction and increased rigidity.

[0089] Viewed from the Y-axis, the four beams 344A to 344D are arranged in an X-shape, for example. Beam 344A slopes downwards towards the front from the base 33. Beam 344B slopes downwards towards the rear from the base 33. Beam 344C is continuously connected to beam 344A and slopes downwards towards the front. Beam 344D is continuously connected to beam 344B and slopes downwards towards the rear.

[0090] The four openings 343A to 343D are divided by four beams 344D to 344D. When viewed from the Y-axis, two openings 343A and 343B are, for example, isosceles triangles and are arranged symmetrically from top to bottom. When viewed from the Y-axis, the remaining two openings 343C and 343D are, for example, isosceles triangles and are arranged symmetrically from front to back.

[0091] The second support portion 35 has multiple (e.g., four) openings 353A to 353D and multiple (e.g., four) beams 354A to 354D. The openings 353D to 353D are smaller than the opening 36 that separates the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. Furthermore, the number of beams may be either multiple or only one. When there is only one beam, the number of openings is two.

[0092] By providing openings 353A to 353D on the second support portion 35, the second support portion 35 can be made lighter. Furthermore, by providing beams 354A to 354D that divide the openings 353A to 353D, the openings 353A to 353D can be subdivided, deformation of the openings 353A to 353D can be suppressed, thereby increasing the rigidity of the second support portion 35. If there are multiple beams, the openings can be further subdivided, achieving further weight reduction and increased rigidity.

[0093] Viewed from the Y-axis, the four beams 354A to 354D are arranged in an X-shape, for example. Beam 354A slopes downwards towards the front from the base 33. Beam 354B slopes downwards towards the rear from the base 33. Beam 354C is continuously connected to beam 354A and slopes downwards towards the front. Beam 354D is continuously connected to beam 354B and slopes downwards towards the rear.

[0094] The four openings 353A to 353D are divided by four beams 354D to 354D. When viewed from the Y-axis, two openings 353A and 353B are, for example, isosceles triangles and are arranged symmetrically from top to bottom. When viewed from the Y-axis, the remaining two openings 353C and 353D are, for example, isosceles triangles and are arranged symmetrically from front to back.

[0095] In addition, in the third variation, the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 include multiple openings and beams, but either one may include multiple openings and beams.

[0096] The above describes the embodiments of the mold clamping device frame and injection molding machine involved in this invention. However, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations can be made within the scope described in the technical solution. These naturally also fall within the technical scope of this invention.

[0097] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2021-055957 and 2021-055974, filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 29, 2021, and incorporates all contents of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2021-055957 and 2021-055974 into this application.

[0098] Symbol Explanation

[0099] 1-Injection molding machine, 2-Mold clamping device, 3-Mold clamping device frame, 31-First fixing part, 32-Second fixing part, 33-Base, 34-First support part, 341-First pointed part, 343A~343C-Opening, 344A~344C-Beam, 35-Second support part, 351-Second pointed part, 353A~353C-Opening, 354A~354C-Beam.

Claims

1. A mold clamping device frame supporting a mold clamping device of an injection molding machine, the mold clamping device frame comprising: The first fixing part fixes the source of the mold closing force; The second fixing part fixes the mold; The base supports the first fixing part and the second fixing part; The first support portion supports the base; and The second support portion supports the base platform in the mold closing direction, spaced apart from the first support portion. At least one of the first support portion and the second support portion includes a plurality of openings and a beam that demarcates the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings includes a first opening, a second opening located above the first opening, and a third opening located above the first opening and on a side further away from the first fixing part and the second fixing part in the mold closing direction than the second opening. The beam between the first opening and the second opening tilts upwards as it moves away from the location where the clamping force is generated. The beam between the first opening and the third opening tilts upwards as it approaches the position where the clamping force is generated.

2. The mold clamping device frame according to claim 1, wherein, The size of the first opening is larger than the size of the second opening and the third opening.

3. An injection molding machine, comprising: The mold clamping device frame as described in claim 1 or 2; and The mold closing device is supported by the mold closing device frame.

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