Injection molding machine

Abstract

The invention provides an injection molding machine, and provides a technology capable of accurately adjusting the mold clamping force of each of a plurality of molds. An injection molding machine includes: a movable platen including a plurality of movable molds independent of each other; a fixed pressure plate provided with a plurality of fixed molds capable of respectively facing the plurality of movable molds; and a moving mechanism that moves the movable platen relative to the fixed platen in the mold opening / closing direction. The movable pressing plate or the fixed pressing plate is provided with a mold clamping force restraining part which enables the mold clamping force of a part of the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds to be smaller than the mold clamping force of other parts of the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds when the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds are clamped; and a partial mold clamping force adjusting part for adjusting the mold clamping force of the partial mold during injection molding after the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds are clamped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-216246 filed on December 21, 2023. The entire content of the Japanese application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an injection molding machine. Background Art

[0003] In Patent Document 1, an injection molding machine is disclosed that includes a mold clamping device capable of simultaneously clamping a plurality of different molds. The injection molding machine includes: a primary mold for performing primary molding, a secondary mold for performing secondary molding, and a pair of mold clamping actuators corresponding to each mold. During injection molding, the injection molding machine simultaneously clamps each mold by each mold clamping actuator, first performs primary molding by the primary mold, and then flips each movable mold and performs secondary molding by the secondary mold, thereby molding a molded product.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-113963

[0005] In such an injection molding machine, the mold clamping force applied to the mold during mold clamping varies depending on the shape of the molded product and the filling material. If the mold clamping force is less than the accurate value, the mold opens and burrs are generated. Therefore, conventionally, the mold clamping force is set according to the mold that requires a high mold clamping force among the two molds, and the two molds are clamped with the same mold clamping force.

[0006] However, if an unnecessary excessive mold clamping force is applied to a mold that only requires a small mold clamping force, problems such as vent hole damage, poor gas escape, increased load on the mold, and easy reduction of the life of the mold may occur. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a technique capable of accurately adjusting the mold clamping force of each of a plurality of molds.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an injection molding machine including: a movable platen having a plurality of movable molds independent of each other; a fixed platen having a plurality of fixed molds capable of facing the plurality of movable molds respectively; and a moving mechanism for relatively moving the movable platen relative to the fixed platen in the mold opening and closing direction. The movable platen or the fixed platen has: a mold clamping force suppression portion that makes the mold clamping force of a part of the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds smaller than that of the other part of the molds when the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds are clamped; and a partial mold clamping force adjustment portion that adjusts the mold clamping force of the part of the molds during injection molding after the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds are clamped.

[0009] Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect, the clamping force of each of a plurality of molds can be accurately adjusted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 The figure shows the state of the injection molding machine according to one embodiment when the mold is fully opened.

[0012] Figure 2 The figure shows the state of the injection molding machine according to one embodiment when the mold is being clamped.

[0013] Figure 3 The figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the fixed mold and the movable mold of the mold device are separated from each other when the rotation angle of the turntable is the first rotation angle.

[0014] Figure 4 The figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state of the mold device when the rotation angle of the turntable is the first rotation angle and the mold is being clamped.

[0015] Figure 5 The figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state of the mold device when the rotation angle of the turntable is the first rotation angle and the mold is fully opened.

[0016] Figure 6 The figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state of the mold device when the rotation angle of the turntable is the second rotation angle and the mold is being clamped.

[0017] Figure 7 The figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state of the mold device when the rotation angle of the turntable is the second rotation angle and the mold is fully opened.

[0018] Figure 8 The figure is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the second fixed mold and the fixed platen.

[0019] Figure 9 In (A), it is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the clamping force of each mold at the end of the pressure boosting process. Figure 9 In (B), it is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the clamping force of each mold at the start of the filling process.

[0020] Figure 10 In (A), it is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a part of the clamping force adjustment unit according to the first modification. Figure 10 In (B), it is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a magnified part of the clamping force adjustment unit during injection molding.

[0021] Figure 11 The figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a part of the clamping force adjustment unit according to the second modification.

[0022] In the figure: 10 - injection molding machine, 100 - clamping device, 102 - moving mechanism, 110 - fixed platen, 120 - movable platen, 190 - clamping force suppression unit, 201 - first ejector device, 202 - second ejector device, 290, 290A, 290B - partial clamping force adjustment units, 800 - mold device, 810A - first fixed mold, 810B - second fixed mold, 820A - first movable mold, 820B - second movable mold. Detailed implementation mode

[0023] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the modes for implementing the present invention will be described. In each of the drawings, sometimes the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a view showing the state of the injection molding machine according to one embodiment when the mold is fully opened.

[0025] Figure 2 It is a view showing the state of the injection molding machine according to one embodiment when the mold is clamped. Figure 3 It is a horizontal sectional view showing the state where the fixed mold and the movable mold of the mold device are separated from each other when the rotation angle of the turntable is the first rotation angle. Figure 4 It is a horizontal sectional view showing the state of the mold device when the rotation angle of the turntable is the first rotation angle and the mold is clamped. Figure 5 It is a horizontal sectional view showing the state of the mold device when the rotation angle of the turntable is the first rotation angle and the mold is fully opened. Figure 6 It is a horizontal sectional view showing the state of the mold device when the rotation angle of the turntable is the second rotation angle and the mold is clamped. Figure 7 It is a horizontal sectional view showing the state of the mold device when the rotation angle of the turntable is the second rotation angle and the mold is fully opened. In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 are vertical sectional views taken along the I-I line of Figure 4 .

[0026] Moreover, in the description of the embodiment, sometimes the directions or positions are indicated according to the three-dimensional arrows described in Figures 1 - 7 . The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction represent the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction. When the clamping device 100 is horizontal, the X-axis direction is the mold opening and closing direction, and the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the injection molding machine 10. The negative side of the Y-axis direction is called the operation side, and the positive side of the Y-axis direction is called the opposite side of the operation side.

[0027] As Figures 1 - 7As shown, the injection molding machine 10 has a mold clamping device 100 for opening and closing the mold device 800, a first ejecting device 201 for ejecting the first defective product 23 formed by the mold device 800, a second ejecting device 202 for ejecting both the second molded product 22 and the second defective product 24 formed by the mold device 800, a first injection device 301 for injecting molding material into the mold device 800, a second injection device 302 for injecting molding material into the mold device 800, a first moving device 401 for moving the first injection device 301 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800, a second moving device (not shown) for moving the second injection device 302 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800, a control device 700 for controlling each component of the injection molding machine 10, and a frame 900 for supporting each component of the injection molding machine 10.

[0028] The frame 900 includes a mold clamping device frame 910 and an injection device frame 920. The mold clamping device frame 910 and the injection device frame 920 are respectively provided on the floor 2 via horizontal adjusting casters 930. The control device 700 is arranged in the internal space of the injection device frame 920. Hereinafter, each component of the injection molding machine 10 will be described.

[0029] (Mold clamping device)

[0030] In the description of the mold clamping device 100, the moving direction of the movable platen 120 during mold closing (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is defined as the front, and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 during mold opening (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is defined as the rear for the description. The mold clamping device 100 performs mold closing, pressure boosting, mold clamping, pressure release, and mold opening of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 includes a first fixed mold 810A, a second fixed mold 810B, a first movable mold 820A, and a second movable mold 820B.

[0031] The mold clamping device 100 is, for example, horizontal, and the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal. The mold clamping device 100 has: a fixed platen 110 for installing the first fixed mold 810A and the second fixed mold 810B; a rotating table 520 for installing the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B; a movable platen 120 for rotatably installing the rotating table 520; a rotating mechanism 530 for rotating the rotating table 520; and a moving mechanism 102 for moving the movable platen 120 forward and backward relative to the fixed platen 110.

[0032] The fixed platen 110 is fixed to the mold clamping device frame 910. The first fixed mold 810A and the second fixed mold 810B are installed on the surface of the fixed platen 110 facing the movable platen 120.

[0033] The first stationary mold 810A has a plurality of plates 871A stacked in the mold opening and closing direction. The second stationary mold 810B also has a plurality of plates 871B stacked in the mold opening and closing direction. The plate 871A in the negative X-axis direction of the first stationary mold 810A forms a part of the wall surface of the first cavity space 801 in which the first molded product 21 is molded. On the other hand, the plate 871B in the negative X-axis direction of the second stationary mold 810B forms a part of the wall surface of the second cavity space 802 in which the second molded product 22 including the first molded product 21 is molded.

[0034] The plate 871A in the negative X-axis direction of the first stationary mold 810A and the plate 871B in the negative X-axis direction of the second stationary mold 810B are formed, for example, in different concave shapes from each other. In addition, for easy understanding of the figure, in Figures 3 - 7 , a mode in which the first stationary mold 810A and the second stationary mold 810B each have one concave portion 801a, 802a is illustrated. However, the first stationary mold 810A may also have a plurality of concave portions to form a plurality of first cavity spaces 801. Similarly, the second stationary mold 810B may also have a plurality of concave portions 802a (refer to Figure 8 ) to form a plurality of second cavity spaces 802.

[0035] Moreover, one or more columns 191 are provided on the opposing surface of the fixed platen 110 to the movable platen 120. The column 191 functions as a mold clamping force suppressing portion 190 that makes the mold clamping force on the side of the second stationary mold 810B (a part of the plurality of stationary molds) smaller than the mold clamping force of the first stationary mold 810A (the other part of the plurality of stationary molds). The structure of the mold clamping force suppressing portion 190 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The movable platen 120 is configured to be movable relative to the mold clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction. A guide member 101 for guiding the movable platen 120 is laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. A rotating table 520 is mounted on the surface of the movable platen 120 that faces the fixed platen 110. As Figures 3 - 7 shown, the movable platen 120 supports the rotating shaft 571 of the rotating table 520 via a bearing 572 so as to be rotatable.

[0037] The rotating table 520 is rotatably mounted on the movable platen 120. The rotation center line 520X of the rotating table 520 is parallel to the mold opening and closing direction. On the opposing surface of the rotating table 520 to the fixed platen 110, a first movable mold 820A and a second movable mold 820B are mounted.

[0038] As Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B successively form a part of the wall surface of the first cavity space 801 and a part of the wall surface of the second cavity space 802. The first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B are formed, for example, in the same convex shape. The first movable mold 820A has a plurality of plates 831A, 835A, 836A laminated in the mold opening and closing direction. The second movable mold 820B also has a plurality of plates 831B, 835B, 836B laminated in the mold opening and closing direction. The plates 831A, 831B mounted on the movable platen 120 are referred to as movable mounting plates 831A, 831B. The plates 836A, 836B forming the cavity space are referred to as movable templates 836A, 836B. The plates 835A, 835B disposed between the movable mounting plates 831A, 831B and the movable templates 836A, 836B are referred to as spacers 835A, 835B.

[0039] In addition, in one embodiment, the first fixed mold 810A and the second fixed mold 810B are formed in a concave shape, and the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B are formed in a convex shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the first fixed mold 810A and the second fixed mold 810B may be formed in a convex shape, and the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B may be formed in a concave shape.

[0040] The turntable 520 rotates around the rotation center line 520X by a rotation mechanism 530. The rotation mechanism 530 has a rotation motor (not shown) and a transmission mechanism, and rotates the turntable 520 at a first rotation angle and a second rotation angle. As Figure 4 shown, the first rotation angle is the rotation angle at which the first fixed mold 810A and the first movable mold 820A are engaged and the second fixed mold 810B and the second movable mold 820B are engaged. The first rotation angle is, for example, 0°. In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the second rotation angle is the rotation angle at which the first fixed mold 810A and the second movable mold 820B are engaged and the second fixed mold 810B and the first movable mold 820A are engaged. The second rotation angle is, for example, 180°.

[0041] Whenever the turntable 520 rotates 180°, the rotation direction of the turntable 520 may also be reversed. For example, after the rotation mechanism 530 rotates the turntable 520 clockwise by 180°, the turntable 520 is rotated counterclockwise by 180°. Since the arrangement of the wiring and piping fixed to the turntable 520 returns to its original state, the processing of the wiring and piping is easy.

[0042] As Figure 4As shown, at the first rotation angle, the first movable mold 820A and the first fixed mold 810A form the first cavity space 801, and the second movable mold 820B and the second fixed mold 810B form the second cavity space 802. The molding material is supplied from the first injection device 301 to the first cavity space 801 to mold the first molded product 21. Then, the mold is opened.

[0043] Next, as Figure 5 shown, the first ejector device 201 ejects the first scrap 23 from the first movable mold 820A. The first scrap 23 and the first molded product 21 are cured together inside the mold device 800. Then, the rotary table 520 is rotated 180° by the rotation mechanism 530. Along with the rotation of the rotary table 520, the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B are rotated 180°. At this time, the first molded product 21 is rotated 180° together with the first movable mold 820A without being ejected from the first movable mold 820A.

[0044] Moreover, as Figure 6 shown, at the second rotation angle, the second movable mold 820B and the first fixed mold 810A form the first cavity space 801, and the first movable mold 820A and the second fixed mold 810B form the second cavity space 802. As described above, the first molded product 21 is disposed in a part of the second cavity space 802. The molding material is supplied from the second injection device 302 to the remaining part of the second cavity space 802 to mold the second molded product 22. The second molded product 22 is a two-shot molded product including the first molded product 21. The first molded product 21 is molded in parallel with the molding of the second molded product 22. The first molded product 21 is molded in the first cavity space 801. Then, the mold is opened.

[0045] Next, as Figure 7 shown, the second ejector device 202 ejects both the second molded product 22 and the second scrap 24 from the first movable mold 820A. The second scrap 24 and the second molded product 22 are cured together inside the mold device 800. After the second scrap 24 is ejected from the first movable mold 820A, it is separated from the second molded product 22. The ejection of the first scrap 23 is performed in parallel with the ejection of both the second molded product 22 and the second scrap 24. Then, the mold is opened and the rotary table 520 is rotated 180° again.

[0046] As Figure 4 shown, the movable platen 120 mainly includes: a front surface plate 121 that supports the rotary table 520 so as to be rotatable; an intermediate block 124 disposed radially inside the cylindrical portion 524 of the rotary table 520; a rear block 126 provided behind the intermediate block 124; and a toggle lever mounting portion 128 (refer to Figure 1) is provided on the rear end face of the rear block 126. The front surface plate 121, the intermediate block 124, the rear block 126, and the toggle lever mounting portion 128 can be formed and connected separately, or can be integrally formed by casting or the like.

[0047] The front surface plate 121 supports the rotating table 520 so as to be rotatable. A first rod hole 122 penetrating the front surface plate 121 in the die opening and closing direction is formed in the front surface plate 121. A first ejector rod 211 is disposed in the first rod hole 122 so as to be movable forward and backward. Further, a second rod hole 123 penetrating the front surface plate 121 in the die opening and closing direction is formed in the front surface plate 121. A second ejector rod 212 is disposed in the second rod hole 123 so as to be movable forward and backward.

[0048] The intermediate block 124 is disposed radially inside the cylindrical portion 524 of the rotating table 520. When viewed from the die opening and closing direction, the intermediate block 124 has, for example, a cylindrical shape that is received inside the cylindrical portion 524 of the rotating table 520. A space for disposing the first ejecting device 201 and a space for disposing the second ejecting device 202 are formed inside the intermediate block 124. The front surface plate 121 is mounted on the front end face of the intermediate block 124. An insertion hole 127 through which the rotating shaft 571 of the rotating table 520 is inserted via a bearing 572 is formed in the front surface plate 121 and the intermediate block 124.

[0049] The rear block 126 is provided behind the intermediate block 124 and is supported by the platen carriage 104 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The rear block 126 has, for example, a rectangular shape. Inside the rear block 126, a space for disposing the first ejecting device 201 and a space for disposing the second ejecting device 202 are formed. The intermediate block 124 is mounted on the front end face of the rear block 126.

[0050] The toggle lever mounting portion 128 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) has a pair of vertically arranged in the vertical direction on the rear end face of the rear block 126. Each toggle lever mounting portion 128 is a plate-like shape with the plate thickness direction facing the horizontal direction, protrudes rearward from the rear end face of the rear block 126, and has a pin hole (not shown) at its front end portion. A pin is inserted through the pin hole, and the first link 152 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) is swingably mounted on the toggle lever mounting portion 128 via the pin.

[0051] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the moving mechanism 102 moves the movable platen 120 relative to the fixed platen 110 in the die opening and closing direction, thereby performing die closing, pressure boosting, mold clamping, pressure release, and die opening of the die device 800. The moving mechanism 102 includes: a toggle seat 130 disposed at an interval from the fixed platen 110; a connecting rod 140 connecting the fixed platen 110 and the toggle seat 130; a toggle mechanism 150 moving the movable platen 120 relative to the toggle seat 130 in the die opening and closing direction; a mold clamping motor 160 operating the toggle mechanism 150; a motion conversion mechanism 170 converting the rotational motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into a linear motion; and a mold thickness adjusting mechanism 180 adjusting the interval between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle seat 130.

[0052] The toggle seat 130 is disposed at an interval from the fixed platen 110 and is placed on the mold clamping device frame 910 so as to be movable in the die opening and closing direction. Additionally, the toggle seat 130 may be configured to be movable along a guide member laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. The guide member of the toggle seat 130 may be common with the guide member 101 of the movable platen 120.

[0053] Further, in the present embodiment, the fixed platen 110 is fixed to the mold clamping device frame 910, and the toggle seat 130 is disposed on the mold clamping device frame 910 so as to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction. However, the toggle seat 130 may be fixed to the mold clamping device frame 910, and the fixed platen 110 may be disposed on the mold clamping device frame 910 so as to be movable in the die opening and closing direction.

[0054] The connecting rod 140 connects the fixed platen 110 and the toggle seat 130 with an interval L in the die opening and closing direction. Multiple (e.g., four) connecting rods 140 may be used. The multiple connecting rods 140 are arranged parallel to the die opening and closing direction and extend according to the mold clamping force. A connecting rod strain detector 141 for detecting the strain of the connecting rod 140 may be provided on at least one connecting rod 140. The connecting rod strain detector 141 sends a signal representing its detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the connecting rod strain detector 141 is used for detection of the mold clamping force, etc.

[0055] Further, in the present embodiment, the connecting rod strain detector 141 is used as the mold clamping force detector for detecting the mold clamping force, but it is not limited thereto. The mold clamping force detector is not limited to the strain type, and may also be piezoelectric, capacitive, hydraulic, electromagnetic, etc., and its installation position is not limited to the connecting rod 140.

[0056] The toggle mechanism 150 is disposed between the movable platen 120 and the toggle seat 130, and moves the movable platen 120 relative to the toggle seat 130 in the die opening and closing direction. The toggle mechanism 150 has a crosshead 151 that moves in the die opening and closing direction and a pair of link groups that flex and extend by the movement of the crosshead 151. Each of the pair of link groups has a first link 152 and a second link 153 that are flexibly connected by a pin or the like. The first link 152 is mounted to be swingable relative to the movable platen 120 by a pin or the like. The second link 153 is swingably mounted to the toggle seat 130 by a pin or the like. The second link 153 is mounted to the crosshead 151 via a third link 154. When the crosshead 151 moves forward and backward relative to the toggle seat 130, the first link 152 and the second link 153 flex and extend, and the movable platen 120 moves forward and backward relative to the toggle seat 130.

[0057] In addition, the structure of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the structure shown. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the number of nodes of each link group is 5, but it can also be 4, and one end of the third link 154 can be joined to the node of the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0058] The clamping motor 160 is mounted on the toggle seat 130 to operate the toggle mechanism 150. The clamping motor 160 moves the crosshead 151 forward and backward relative to the toggle seat 130, causing the first link 152 and the second link 153 to flex and extend, thereby moving the movable platen 120 forward and backward relative to the toggle seat 130. The clamping motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but it can also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt and a pulley or the like.

[0059] The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotational motion of the clamping motor 160 into the linear motion of the crosshead 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 includes a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut that engages with the lead screw shaft. A ball or a roller can be interposed between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut.

[0060] Under the control of the control device 700, the mold clamping device 100 performs processes such as a mold closing process, a pressure boosting process, a mold clamping process, a pressure releasing process, a mold opening process, and a mold rotating process. The mold rotating process is performed after the mold opening process and before the next mold closing process. In the present embodiment, the mold rotating process is performed after the ejection process, but it may also be performed before the ejection process. For example, when the molding position of the second molded product 22 is different from the ejection position of the second molded product 22, the mold rotating process is performed after the mold opening process, and then the ejection process is performed. For example, when the molding position of the second molded product 22 is on the operation side and the ejection position of the second molded product 22 is on the side opposite to the operation side, the mold rotating process is performed after the mold opening process, and then the ejection process is performed.

[0061] In the mold closing process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to advance the crosshead 151 to the mold closing completion position at a set moving speed, so as to advance the movable platen 120, thereby bringing the movable mold 820 into contact with the fixed mold 810. For example, a mold clamping motor encoder 161 or the like is used to detect the position and moving speed of the crosshead 151. The mold clamping motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the mold clamping motor 160 and sends a signal representing the detection result to the control device 700.

[0062] In addition, the crosshead position detector for detecting the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead moving speed detector for detecting the moving speed of the crosshead 151 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161, and ordinary detectors can be used. Also, the movable platen position detector for detecting the position of the movable platen 120 and the movable platen moving speed detector for detecting the moving speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161, and ordinary detectors can be used.

[0063] In the pressure boosting process, the mold clamping motor 160 is further driven to advance the crosshead 151 from the mold closing completion position to the mold clamping position, thereby generating a mold clamping force.

[0064] In the mold clamping process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to maintain the position of the crosshead 151 at the mold clamping position. In the mold clamping process, the mold clamping force generated in the pressure boosting process is maintained. In the mold clamping process, a first cavity space 801 and a second cavity space 802 are formed in the mold device 800.

[0065] In the pressure releasing process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to retract the crosshead 151 from the mold clamping position to the mold opening start position, so as to retract the movable platen 120, thereby reducing the mold clamping force. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position may be the same position.

[0066] In the mold opening process, the crosshead 151 is driven by the mold closing motor 160 to retreat from the mold opening start position to the mold opening completion position at a set moving speed, thereby retreating the movable platen 120, and separating the movable mold 820 from the fixed mold 810.

[0067] The ejection process is performed after the mold opening process is completed and before the next mold closing process starts. In the ejection process, the first ejection device 201 ejects the first scrap 23 from the movable mold 820. The first molded product 21 cured together with the first scrap 23 is not ejected. Also, in the ejection process, the second ejection device 202 ejects both the second molded product 22 and the second scrap 24 from the movable mold 820. The mold rotation process is performed after the ejection process is completed and before the next mold closing process starts.

[0068] In the mold rotation process, the rotating table 520 is rotated to rotate the first molded product 21 together with the movable mold 820. Then, through the mold closing process and the pressure boosting process, the first molded product 21 is disposed in a part of the second cavity space 802.

[0069] The set conditions in the mold closing process, the pressure boosting process, and the mold clamping process are set together as a series of set conditions. For example, the moving speed, position (including the mold closing start position, the moving speed switching position, the mold closing completion position, and the mold clamping position), and the mold clamping force of the crosshead 151 in the mold closing process and the pressure boosting process are set together as a series of set conditions. The mold closing start position, the moving speed switching position, the mold closing completion position, and the mold clamping position are arranged in order from the rear to the front, and represent the start and end points of the interval for setting the moving speed. The moving speed is set for each interval. The moving speed switching position can be one or more. The moving speed switching position may not be set. Only either the mold clamping position or the mold clamping force may be set.

[0070] The set conditions in the pressure release process and the mold opening process are also set in the same way. For example, the moving speed and position (the mold opening start position, the moving speed switching position, and the mold opening completion position) of the crosshead 151 in the pressure release process and the mold opening process are set together as a series of set conditions. The mold opening start position, the moving speed switching position, and the mold opening completion position are arranged in order from the front to the rear, and represent the start and end points of the interval for setting the moving speed. The moving speed is set for each interval. The moving speed switching position can be one or more. The moving speed switching position may not be set. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position may be the same position. Also, the mold opening completion position and the mold closing start position may be the same position.

[0071] Alternatively, the moving speed, position, etc. of the movable platen 120 can be set to replace the moving speed, position, etc. of the crosshead 151. Also, the clamping force can be set to replace the position of the crosshead (e.g., the clamping position) and the position of the movable platen.

[0072] The toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the clamping motor 160 and transmits it to the movable platen 120. The amplification ratio is also referred to as the toggle ratio. The toggle ratio changes according to the angle θ formed by the first link 152 and the second link 153 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "link angle θ"). The link angle θ is obtained based on the position of the crosshead 151. When the link angle θ is 180°, the toggle ratio becomes the maximum.

[0073] In the case where the thickness of the mold device 800 has changed due to replacement of the mold device 800, temperature change of the mold device 800, etc., mold thickness adjustment is performed to obtain a prescribed clamping force during clamping. In the mold thickness adjustment, for example, the interval L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle base 130 is adjusted so that the link angle θ of the toggle mechanism 150 becomes a prescribed angle at the moment of mold contact where the movable mold 820 contacts the fixed mold 810.

[0074] The clamping device 100 is provided with a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 performs mold thickness adjustment by adjusting the interval L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle base 130. Also, regarding the timing of the mold thickness adjustment, for example, it is performed during the period from the end of the molding cycle to the start of the next molding cycle. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180, for example, has: a lead screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end portion of the connecting rod 140; a lead screw nut 182 rotatably held on the toggle base 130 without being able to move forward and backward; and a mold thickness adjustment motor 183 that rotates the lead screw nut 182 screwed with the lead screw shaft 181.

[0075] A lead screw shaft 181 and a lead screw nut 182 are provided for each connecting rod 140. The rotational driving force of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 can be transmitted to the plurality of lead screw nuts 182 via a rotational driving force transmission portion 185. The plurality of lead screw nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously. Also, the plurality of lead screw nuts 182 can be rotated individually by changing the transmission path of the rotational driving force transmission portion 185.

[0076] The rotational driving force transmission portion 185 is formed of, for example, gears or the like. At this time, driven gears are formed on the outer periphery of each lead screw nut 182, a driving gear is mounted on the output shaft of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183, and an intermediate gear that meshes with the plurality of driven gears and the driving gear is rotatably held at the center portion of the toggle base 130. Also, the rotational driving force transmission portion 185 can be formed of a belt, a pulley, etc. instead of gears.

[0077] The operation of the die thickness adjusting mechanism 180 is controlled by the control device 700. The control device 700 drives the die thickness adjusting motor 183 to rotate the ball screw nut 182. As a result, the position of the toggle seat 130 relative to the connecting rod 140 is adjusted, and the interval L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle seat 130 is adjusted. In addition, a plurality of die thickness adjusting mechanisms may be used in combination.

[0078] The interval L is detected using the die thickness adjusting motor encoder 184. The die thickness adjusting motor encoder 184 detects the rotation amount and rotation direction of the die thickness adjusting motor 183, and sends a signal representing the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the die thickness adjusting motor encoder 184 is used to monitor and control the position of the toggle seat 130 and the interval L. In addition, the toggle seat position detector for detecting the position of the toggle seat 130 and the interval detector for detecting the interval L are not limited to the die thickness adjusting motor encoder 184, and ordinary detectors can be used.

[0079] The clamping device 100 may also have a mold temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 has a flow path for a temperature regulating medium inside it. The mold temperature regulator adjusts the temperature of the mold device 800 by adjusting the temperature of the temperature regulating medium supplied to the flow path of the mold device 800.

[0080] In addition, the clamping device 100 involved in this embodiment is a horizontal type with the mold opening and closing direction being the horizontal direction, but it may also be a vertical type with the mold opening and closing direction being the up and down direction. And, the clamping device 100 of this embodiment has a clamping motor 160 as a driving part, but a hydraulic cylinder may be used instead of the clamping motor 160. Or, the clamping device 100 may have a linear motor for mold opening and closing, and may also have an electromagnet for clamping.

[0081] (The first ejecting device 201 and the second ejecting device 202)

[0082] In the description of the first ejecting device 201 and the second ejecting device 202, similar to the description of the clamping device 100, the moving direction of the movable platen 120 at the time of mold closing (for example, the positive direction of the X axis) is set as the front, and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 at the time of mold opening (for example, the negative direction of the X axis) is set as the rear for the description.

[0083] The first ejecting device 201 and the second ejecting device 202 move forward and backward together with the movable platen 120. The first ejecting device 201 ejects the first waste product 23 from the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B. At this time, the first ejecting device 201 does not eject the first molded product 21 solidified together with the first waste product 23. The second ejecting device 202 ejects both the second molded product 22 and the second waste product 24 from the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B.

[0084] The first ejecting device 201 and the second ejecting device 202 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. This is because the first cavity space 801 and the second cavity space 802 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. For example, the first cavity space 801 and the first ejecting device 201 are arranged on the operation side. The second cavity space 802 and the second ejecting device 202 are arranged on the side opposite to the operation side. Thus, the second molded product 22 can be taken out on the side opposite to the operation side.

[0085] First, mainly referring to Figure 5 The structure of the first movable mold 820A will be described. The first movable mold 820A has a fixing portion 830A fixed to the movable platen 120, a first movable portion 840A that ejects both the first scrap 23 and the second scrap 24 from the fixing portion 830A, and a second movable portion 850A that ejects the second molded product 22 from the fixing portion 830A.

[0086] The fixing portion 830A includes: a movable mounting plate 831A mounted on the rotary table 520; a spacer 835A that forms a space 834A in front of the movable mounting plate 831A; a movable template 836A fixed to the movable mounting plate 831A via the spacer 835A; and a guide pin 839A.

[0087] Through holes 832A for inserting and removing the first ejecting rod 211 and the second ejecting rod 212 in sequence are formed in the movable mounting plate 831A. The diameter of the through holes 832A is larger than the diameter of the first ejecting rod 211 and the diameter of the second ejecting rod 212.

[0088] The spacer 835A forms a space 834A between the movable mounting plate 831A and the movable template 836A. The first ejecting plate 841A described later and the second ejecting plate 851A described later are arranged in the space 834A so as to be able to advance and retreat.

[0089] The movable template 836A sequentially forms a part of the wall surface of the first cavity space 801 and a part of the wall surface of the second cavity space 802 on the front end surface.

[0090] The first movable portion 840A includes, for example, a first ejecting plate 841A arranged perpendicular to the mold opening and closing direction, a rod-shaped first ejecting pin 842A extending forward from the first ejecting plate 841A, and a first pressing body 843A fixed to the front end of the first ejecting pin 842A.

[0091] The first ejecting plate 841A is arranged in the space 834A between the movable mounting plate 831A and the movable template 836A. The first ejecting plate 841A advances and retreats along the guide pin 839A parallel to the mold opening and closing direction. The first ejecting plate 841A is urged by a first return spring 845A in a direction away from the movable template 836A.

[0092] The first ejector pin 842A is disposed in the first pin hole so as to be able to move forward and backward freely, and the first pin hole penetrates the movable template 836A in the die opening and closing direction. The first pressing body 843A is formed, for example, as an annular plate around the convex portion surrounding the first movable die 820A. The first pressing body 843A moves forward and backward integrally with the first ejector pin 842A and contacts the first scrap 23 on the front surface, whereby the first scrap 23 can be ejected.

[0093] The second movable part 850A includes, for example, a second ejector plate 851A disposed perpendicular to the die opening and closing direction and a rod-shaped second ejector pin 852A extending forward from the second ejector plate 851A.

[0094] The second ejector plate 851A is disposed in the space 834A between the movable mounting plate 831A and the movable template 836A. The second ejector plate 851A moves forward and backward along the guide pin 839A parallel to the die opening and closing direction. The second ejector plate 851A is biased in a direction away from the movable template 836A by the second return spring 855A.

[0095] The second ejector plate 851A is disposed between the movable mounting plate 831A and the first ejector plate 841A. When the second ejector plate 851A moves forward and backward, the first ejector plate 841A moves forward and backward together with the second ejector plate 851A.

[0096] A through hole 856A penetrating the second ejector plate 851A in the die opening and closing direction is formed in the second ejector plate 851A. The diameter of the through hole 856A is smaller than the diameter of the second ejector rod 212. The second ejector rod 212 pushes the second ejector plate 851A forward without passing through the through hole 856A of the second ejector plate 851A.

[0097] The diameter of the through hole 856A of the second ejector plate 851A is larger than the diameter of the first ejector rod 211. The first ejector rod 211 passes through the through hole 856A of the second ejector plate 851A and pushes the first ejector plate 841A forward.

[0098] The second ejector pin 852A is disposed in the second pin hole so as to be able to move forward and backward freely, and the second pin hole penetrates the movable template 836A in the die opening and closing direction. The front end surface of the second ejector pin 852A abuts against the first molded product 21 or the second molded product 22.

[0099] Similar to the first movable die 820A, the second movable die 820B has a fixed portion 830B fixed to the movable pressure plate 120, a first movable portion 840B that ejects both the first scrap 23 and the second scrap 24 from the fixed portion 830B, and a second movable portion 850B that ejects the second molded product 22 from the fixed portion 830B. Since the second movable die 820B has the same structure as the first movable die 820A, the description thereof is omitted.

[0100] Next, mainly referring toFigure 5 The operation of the first ejecting device 201 for ejecting the first waste product 23 from the first movable mold 820A will be described. In addition, the first ejecting device 201 not only ejects the first waste product 23 from the first movable mold 820A, but also ejects the first waste product 23 from the second movable mold 820B. The latter operation is performed in the same manner as the former operation, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0101] The first ejecting device 201 has a first ejecting rod 211 that only presses the first movable part 840A among the first movable part 840A and the second movable part 850A. The first ejecting rod 211 is not connected to the first movable part 840A. The first ejecting rod 211 can be pulled out from the turntable 520, and the turntable 520 can be rotated.

[0102] The first ejecting device 201 has a first driving mechanism 220 for moving the first ejecting rod 211 forward and backward. The first driving mechanism 220, for example, has a first ejecting motor 221, a first crosshead 223, and a first motion conversion mechanism 225 that converts the rotational motion of the first ejecting motor 221 into the linear motion of the first crosshead 223.

[0103] The first motion conversion mechanism 225 includes a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut that is screwed onto the lead screw shaft. A ball or a roller can be interposed between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut. The first crosshead 223 moves in the mold opening and closing direction along the first guide rod 224. The rear end portion of the first ejecting rod 211 is mounted on the first crosshead 223, and the first ejecting rod 211 moves forward and backward together with the first crosshead 223.

[0104] As Figure 5 shown, when the first driving mechanism 220 moves the first ejecting rod 211 forward, the first ejecting rod 211 passes through the through hole 832A of the movable mounting plate 831A and the through hole 856A of the second ejecting plate 851A, and pushes the first ejecting plate 841A forward. As a result, the first ejecting plate 841A moves forward against the biasing force of the first return spring 845A. Therefore, the first ejecting pin 842A and the first pressing body 843A move forward, and eject the first waste product 23 from the fixing portion 830A.

[0105] During the period when the first driving mechanism 220 moves the first ejecting plate 841A forward together with the first ejecting rod 211, the second ejecting plate 851A is stopped at the retracted limit position by the biasing force of the second return spring 855A and does not move forward. Therefore, when the first waste product 23 is ejected from the fixing portion 830A, the first molded product 21 is not ejected from the fixing portion 830A.

[0106] Then, if the first driving mechanism 220 retracts the first ejector rod 211, the first ejector plate 841A retracts to the retraction limit position due to the biasing force of the first return spring 845A. When the first ejector plate 841A reaches the retraction limit position, the front end surface of the first pressing body 843A is flush with the front end surface of the fixing portion 830A.

[0107] The control device 700 controls the position of the first ejector rod 211 when advancing and retracting the first ejector rod 211. The position of the first ejector rod 211 is detected, for example, using the first ejector motor encoder 222. The first ejector motor encoder 222 detects the rotation of the first ejector motor 221 and sends a signal representing the detection result to the control device 700. In addition, the first ejector rod position detector for detecting the position of the first ejector rod 211 is not limited to the first ejector motor encoder 222, and a general detector can be used.

[0108] Next, mainly referring to Figure 7 The operation of the second ejector device 202 and the second ejector device 202 for ejecting the second molded product 22 and the second waste product 24 from the first movable mold 820A will be described. In addition, the second ejector device 202 not only performs the operation of ejecting the second molded product 22 and the second waste product 24 from the first movable mold 820A, but also performs the operation of ejecting the second molded product 22 and the second waste product 24 from the second movable mold 820B. The latter operation is implemented in the same manner as the former operation, so the description is omitted. Further, the second ejector device 202 cooperates with the movable molds (the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B) to constitute a part of the clamping force adjustment unit 290 for adjusting the clamping force of the mold on the second fixed mold 810B side. The function of this part of the clamping force adjustment unit 290 will be described in detail later.

[0109] The second ejector device 202 has a second ejector rod 212 that pushes the first movable portion 840A and the second movable portion 850A. The second ejector rod 212 is formed thicker than the first ejector rod 211 and can face the surface of the second ejector plate 851A. The second ejector rod 212 is not connected to the first movable portion 840A and the second movable portion 850A. The second ejector rod 212 can be pulled out from the turntable 520, and the turntable 520 can be rotated.

[0110] The second ejector device 202 has a second driving mechanism 230 that advances and retracts the second ejector rod 212. The second driving mechanism 230, for example, has a second ejector motor 231, a second crosshead 233, and a second motion conversion mechanism 235 that converts the rotational motion of the second ejector motor 231 into the linear motion of the second crosshead 233.

[0111] The second motion conversion mechanism 235 includes a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut that is screwed onto the lead screw shaft. Balls or rollers can be interposed between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut. The second crosshead 233 moves in the mold opening and closing direction along the second guide rod 234. The rear end portion of the second ejector rod 212 is mounted on the second crosshead 233, and the second ejector rod 212 moves forward and backward together with the second crosshead 233.

[0112] As Figure 7 shown, if the second drive mechanism 230 advances the second ejector rod 212, the second ejector rod 212 passes through the through hole 832A of the movable mounting plate 831A and pushes the surface of the second ejector plate 851A (the edge portion of the through hole 856A) forward. As a result, the second ejector plate 851A advances against the biasing force of the second return spring 855A. Therefore, the second ejector pin 852A advances and ejects the second molded product 22 from the fixed portion 830A.

[0113] During the period when the second drive mechanism 230 advances the second ejector plate 851A together with the second ejector rod 212, the first ejector plate 841A advances against the biasing force of the first return spring 845A. Therefore, the first ejector pin 842A and the first pressing body 843A advance and eject the second waste product 24 from the fixed portion 830A.

[0114] Then, if the second drive mechanism 230 retracts the second ejector rod 212, the second ejector plate 851A retracts to the retraction limit position due to the biasing force of the second return spring 855A. When the second ejector plate 851A reaches the retraction limit position, the front end surface of the second ejector pin 852A is flush with the front end surface of the fixed portion 830A.

[0115] During the period when the second ejector plate 851A retracts, the first ejector plate 841A retracts to the retraction limit position due to the biasing force of the first return spring 845A. When the first ejector plate 841A reaches the retraction limit position, the front end surface of the first ejector pin 842A is flush with the front end surface of the fixed portion 830A.

[0116] The control device 700 controls the position of the second ejector rod 212 when advancing and retracting the second ejector rod 212. The position of the second ejector rod 212 is detected, for example, using the second ejector motor encoder 232. The second ejector motor encoder 232 detects the rotation of the second ejector motor 231 and sends a signal representing the detection result to the control device 700. In addition, the second ejector rod position detector that detects the position of the second ejector rod 212 is not limited to the second ejector motor encoder 232, and a general detector can be used.

[0117] (First injection device and second injection device)

[0118] In the descriptions of the first injection device 301 and the second injection device 302, different from the descriptions of the clamping device 100 etc., the moving direction of the screw 330 during filling (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is set as the front, and the moving direction of the screw 330 during metering (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is set as the rear for the description.

[0119] The first injection device 301 is provided on the first sliding base 303, and the first sliding base 303 is configured to be retractable relative to the injection device frame 920. The first injection device 301 is configured to be retractable relative to the mold device 800. The first injection device 301 contacts the mold device 800 and injects the molding material into the interior of the mold device 800, thereby filling the molding material into the first cavity space 801.

[0120] The second injection device 302 is provided on the second sliding base, and the second sliding base is configured to be retractable relative to the injection device frame 920. The second injection device 302 is configured to be retractable relative to the mold device 800. The second injection device 302 contacts the mold device 800 and injects the molding material into the interior of the mold device 800, thereby filling the molding material into the second cavity space 802.

[0121] The first injection device 301 and the second injection device 302 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. This is because the first cavity space 801 and the second cavity space 802 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The molding material filled into the first cavity space 801 by the first injection device 301 and the molding material filled into the second cavity space 802 by the second injection device 302 can be different materials or the same materials.

[0122] The first injection device 301 and the second injection device 302 are constructed in substantially the same manner. Hereinafter, the structure of the first injection device 301 will be described, and the description of the structure of the second injection device 302 will be omitted.

[0123] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first injection device 301, for example, has a cylinder 310 for heating the molding material, a nozzle 320 provided at the front end of the cylinder 310, a screw 330 configured to be rotatable and retractable within the cylinder 310, a metering motor 340 for rotating the screw 330, an injection motor 350 for retracting the screw 330, and a load detector 360 for detecting the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330.

[0124] The cylinder block 310 heats the molding material supplied into the interior from the supply port 311. The molding material includes, for example, resin and the like. The molding material is formed, for example, in a granular shape and is supplied to the supply port 311 in a solid state. The supply port 311 is formed at the rear of the cylinder block 310. A cooler 312 such as a water-cooled cylinder is provided on the outer periphery of the rear of the cylinder block 310. A heater 313 such as a band heater and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder block 310 further forward than the cooler 312.

[0125] The cylinder block 310 is divided into a plurality of regions along the axial direction of the cylinder block 310 (for example, the X-axis direction). Heaters 313 and temperature detectors 314 are provided in the plurality of regions respectively. A set temperature is set for each of the plurality of regions, and the control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the detected temperature of the temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0126] The nozzle 320 is provided at the front end of the cylinder block 310 and is pressed against the mold device 800. Heaters 313 and temperature detectors 314 are provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 becomes the set temperature.

[0127] The screw 330 is configured to be rotatable and reciprocable within the cylinder block 310. When the screw 330 is rotated, the molding material is conveyed forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330. While being conveyed forward, the molding material is gradually melted by the heat from the cylinder block 310. As the liquid molding material is conveyed to the front of the screw 330 and accumulates in the front of the cylinder block 310, the screw 330 is retracted. Then, when the screw 330 is advanced, the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is injected from the nozzle 320 and fills the mold device 800.

[0128] A check ring 331 is installed at the front of the screw 330 so as to be reciprocable, and this check ring 331 functions as a check valve to prevent the molding material from flowing backward from the front to the rear of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is pushed forward.

[0129] When the screw 330 is advanced, the check ring 331 is pushed backward by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330, and thus relatively retracts with respect to the screw 330 to a closed position where the flow path of the molding material is blocked (refer to Figure 2 ). Thereby, the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is prevented from flowing backward.

[0130] On the other hand, when the screw 330 is rotated, the check ring 331 is pushed forward by the pressure of the molding material conveyed forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330, and thus relatively advances with respect to the screw 330 to an open position where the flow path of the molding material is opened (refer to Figure 1) Thus, the molding material is conveyed to the front of the screw 330. The check ring 331 can be either a co-rotating type that rotates together with the screw 330 or a non-co-rotating type that does not rotate together with the screw 330. Also, the first injection device 301 can also have a drive source for advancing and retracting the check ring 331 relative to the screw 330 between an open position and a closed position.

[0131] The metering motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source for rotating the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340. For example, it can also be a hydraulic pump or the like.

[0132] The injection motor 350 advances and retracts the screw 330. Between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330, a motion conversion mechanism or the like for converting the rotational motion of the injection motor 350 into the linear motion of the screw 330 is provided. The motion conversion mechanism has, for example, a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut that engages with the lead screw shaft. Balls, rollers, etc. can be provided between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut. The drive source for advancing and retracting the screw 330 is not limited to the injection motor 350. For example, it can also be a hydraulic cylinder or the like.

[0133] The load detector 360 detects the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The detected load is converted into pressure by the control device 700. The load detector 360 is provided on the load transmission path between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330 and detects the load acting on the load detector 360.

[0134] The load detector 360 sends the signal of the detected load to the control device 700. The load detected by the load detector 360 is converted into the pressure acting between the screw 330 and the molding material and is used to control and monitor the pressure that the screw 330 receives from the molding material, the back pressure on the screw 330, and the pressure acting on the molding material from the screw 330, etc.

[0135] In addition, the pressure detector for detecting the pressure of the molding material is not limited to the load detector 360, and a normal detector can be used. For example, a nozzle pressure sensor or an in-mold pressure sensor can be used. The nozzle pressure sensor is provided at the nozzle 320. The in-mold pressure sensor is provided inside the mold device 800.

[0136] The first injection device 301 performs a metering process, a filling process, a holding pressure process, etc. under the control of the control device 700. The filling process and the holding pressure process can be collectively referred to as an injection process.

[0137] In the metering process, the metering motor 340 is driven to rotate the screw 330 at a set speed, so that the molding material is conveyed forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330. Thus, the molding material is gradually melted. As the liquid molding material is conveyed to the front of the screw 330 and accumulates in the front part of the cylinder block 310, the screw 330 retreats. For example, the metering motor encoder 341 is used to detect the rotation speed of the screw 330. The metering motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the metering motor 340 and sends a signal representing the detection result to the control device 700. In addition, the screw rotation speed detector for detecting the rotation speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341, and a general detector can be used.

[0138] In the metering process, in order to limit the sharp retreat of the screw 330, the injection motor 350 can be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330. For example, the load detector 360 is used to detect the back pressure on the screw 330. When the screw 330 retreats to the metering completion position and a specified amount of molding material accumulates in front of the screw 330, the metering process is completed.

[0139] The position and rotation speed of the screw 330 in the metering process are set together as a series of set conditions. For example, the metering start position, the rotation speed switching position, and the metering completion position are set. These positions are arranged in sequence from the front side to the rear side and represent the start and end points of the interval of the set rotation speed. The rotation speed is set for each interval. The rotation speed switching position can be one or more. The rotation speed switching position can also not be set. And the back pressure can be set for each interval.

[0140] In the filling process, the injection motor 350 is driven to make the screw 330 advance at a set moving speed, and the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is filled into the first cavity space 801 in the mold device 800. For example, the injection motor encoder 351 is used to detect the position and moving speed of the screw 330. The injection motor encoder 351 detects the rotation of the injection motor 350 and sends a signal representing the detection result to the control device 700. When the position of the screw 330 reaches the set position, the switching from the filling process to the holding pressure process (so-called V / P switching) is performed. The position where the V / P switching is performed is also called the V / P switching position. The set moving speed of the screw 330 can also be changed according to the position and time of the screw 330, etc.

[0141] The position and moving speed of the screw 330 in the filling process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the filling start position (also referred to as the "injection start position"), the moving speed switching position, and the V / P switching position are set. These positions are arranged in sequence from the rear to the front, and represent the starting point and ending point of the interval for setting the moving speed. The moving speed is set for each interval. The moving speed switching position can be one or more. It is also possible not to set the moving speed switching position.

[0142] The upper limit value of the pressure of the screw 330 is set for each interval of setting the moving speed of the screw 330. The pressure of the screw 330 is detected by the load detector 360. When the pressure of the screw 330 is below the set pressure, the screw 330 advances at the set moving speed. On the other hand, when the pressure of the screw 330 exceeds the set pressure, for the purpose of protecting the mold, the screw 330 advances at a moving speed slower than the set moving speed so that the pressure of the screw 330 becomes below the set pressure.

[0143] In addition, in the filling process, after the position of the screw 330 reaches the V / P switching position, the screw 330 can be temporarily stopped at the V / P switching position, and then the V / P switching is performed. It is also possible to perform a micro-advance or micro-retreat of the screw 330 before the V / P switching instead of stopping the screw 330. And the screw position detector for detecting the position of the screw 330 and the screw moving speed detector for detecting the moving speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351, and ordinary detectors can be used.

[0144] In the holding pressure process, the injection motor 350 is driven to push the screw 330 forward, and the pressure of the molding material at the front end of the screw 330 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "holding pressure") is maintained at the set pressure, and the molding material remaining in the cylinder 310 is pushed toward the mold device 800. It is possible to supplement the insufficient amount of molding material caused by the cooling shrinkage in the mold device 800. For example, the load detector 360 is used to detect the holding pressure. The set value of the holding pressure can be changed according to the elapsed time since the start of the holding pressure process, etc. Multiple holding pressures and holding times for maintaining the holding pressure can be set respectively in the holding pressure process, or they can be set together as a series of setting conditions.

[0145] In the holding pressure process, the molding material in the first cavity space 801 within the mold device 800 is gradually cooled, and when the holding pressure process is completed, the inlet of the first cavity space 801 is blocked by the solidified molding material. This state is referred to as gate sealing, which can prevent the reverse flow of the molding material from the first cavity space 801. After the holding pressure process, the cooling process begins. In the cooling process, the molding material within the first cavity space 801 is solidified. For the purpose of shortening the molding cycle time, the metering process can be carried out during the cooling process.

[0146] In addition, the first injection device 301 of the present embodiment is of a coaxial screw type, but it can also be of a screw pre-plasticizing type or the like. The injection device of the pre-plasticizing type supplies the molding material melted in the plasticizing cylinder to the injection cylinder and injects the molding material from the injection cylinder into the mold device. In the plasticizing cylinder, the screw is configured to be rotatable and non-retractable, or the screw is configured to be rotatable and retractable. On the other hand, in the injection cylinder, the plunger is configured to be retractable.

[0147] Moreover, the first injection device 301 of the present embodiment is horizontal with the axial direction of the cylinder block 310 being the horizontal direction, but it can also be vertical with the axial direction of the cylinder block 310 being the up-down direction. The mold clamping device combined with the vertical first injection device 301 can be vertical or horizontal. Similarly, the mold clamping device combined with the horizontal first injection device 301 can be horizontal or vertical.

[0148] (The first moving device and the second moving device)

[0149] In the description of the first moving device 401 and the second moving device (not shown), similar to the description of the first injection device 301 and the second injection device 302, the moving direction of the screw 330 during filling (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is set as the front, and the moving direction of the screw 330 during metering (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is set as the rear for the description.

[0150] The first moving device 401 moves the first injection device 301 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800. Moreover, the first moving device 401 presses the nozzle 320 of the first injection device 301 against the mold device 800 to generate a nozzle contact pressure.

[0151] The second moving device moves the second injection device 302 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800. Moreover, the second moving device presses the nozzle of the second injection device 302 against the mold device 800 to generate a nozzle contact pressure.

[0152] The first moving device 401 and the second moving device are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The first moving device 401 and the second moving device move the first injection device 301 and the second injection device 302 forward and backward independently.

[0153] The first mobile device 401 and the second mobile device are configured in the same manner. Therefore, hereinafter, the structure of the first mobile device 401 will be described, and the description of the structure of the second mobile device will be omitted. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first mobile device 401 includes a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, and a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator, etc.

[0154] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a bidirectional rotation pump. By switching the rotation direction of the motor 420, it sucks the working fluid (e.g., oil) from either the first port 411 or the second port 412 and discharges it from the other port to generate hydraulic pressure. In addition, the hydraulic pump 410 can also suck the working fluid from the tank and discharge the working fluid from either the first port 411 or the second port 412.

[0155] The motor 420 operates the hydraulic pump 410. The motor 420 drives the hydraulic pump 410 in a rotation direction and torque corresponding to the control signal from the control device 700. The motor 420 can be an electric motor or an electric servo motor.

[0156] The hydraulic cylinder 430 has a cylinder body 431, a piston 432, and a piston rod 433. The cylinder body 431 is fixed to the first injection device 301. The piston 432 divides the inside of the cylinder body 431 into a front chamber 435 as the first chamber and a rear chamber 436 as the second chamber. The piston rod 433 is fixed to the fixed platen 110.

[0157] The front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the first flow path 413. The working fluid discharged from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first flow path 413, whereby the first injection device 301 is pushed forward. The first injection device 301 advances and the nozzle 320 of the first injection device 301 is pressed against the fixed mold 810. The front chamber 435 functions as a pressure chamber, and the nozzle contact pressure of the nozzle 320 is generated by the pressure of the working fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 410.

[0158] On the other hand, the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the second port 412 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the second flow path 414. The working fluid discharged from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second flow path 414, whereby the first injection device 301 is pushed backward. The first injection device 301 retreats and the nozzle 320 of the first injection device 301 moves away from the fixed mold 810.

[0159] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first mobile device 401 includes a hydraulic cylinder 430, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into the linear motion of the first injection device 301 may be used instead of the hydraulic cylinder 430.

[0160] (Control device)

[0161] The control device 700 is constituted by a computer, for example, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, it has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage medium 702 such as a memory, an input interface 703, and an output interface 704. By causing the CPU 701 to execute a program stored in the storage medium 702, the control device 700 performs various controls. Also, the control device 700 receives signals from the outside through the input interface 703 and sends signals to the outside through the output interface 704.

[0162] The control device 700 repeatedly manufactures the first molded product 21 and the second molded product 22 by repeatedly performing a metering process, a mold closing process, a pressure boosting process, a mold clamping process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, a cooling process, a pressure releasing process, a mold opening process, an ejection process, and a mold rotation process, etc. A series of actions for obtaining the first molded product 21 and the second molded product 22, for example, the actions from the metering process to before the start of the next metering process are also referred to as "injection" or "molding cycle". Also, the time required for one injection is also referred to as "molding cycle time" or "cycle time".

[0163] One molding cycle, for example, sequentially has a metering process, a mold closing process, a pressure boosting process, a mold clamping process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, a cooling process, a pressure releasing process, a mold opening process, an ejection process, and a mold rotation process. The order here is the order in which each process starts. The filling process, the pressure holding process, and the cooling process are performed during the mold clamping process. The start of the mold clamping process may also coincide with the start of the filling process. The end of the pressure releasing process coincides with the start of the mold opening process.

[0164] In addition, for the purpose of shortening the molding cycle time, multiple processes may be performed simultaneously. For example, the metering process may be performed during the cooling process of the previous molding cycle, or may be performed during the mold clamping process. At this time, the mold closing process may also be performed at the beginning of the molding cycle. Also, the filling process may start during the mold closing process. And the ejection process may also start during the mold opening process. In the case where there is an on-off valve for the flow path of the opening and closing nozzle 320, the mold opening process may also start during the metering process. This is because even if the mold opening process starts during the metering process, as long as the on-off valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320, the molding material will not leak from the nozzle 320.

[0165] In addition, the one-shot molding cycle may have processes other than the metering process, mold closing process, pressure boosting process, mold clamping process, filling process, pressure holding process, cooling process, pressure releasing process, mold opening process, ejection process, and mold rotation process.

[0166] For example, a pre-metering backflow process of retracting the screw 330 to a preset metering start position may be performed after the pressure holding process is completed and before the metering process starts. The pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 can be reduced before the metering process starts, and the sudden retraction of the screw 330 at the start of the metering process can be prevented.

[0167] Also, a post-metering backflow process of retracting the screw 330 to a preset filling start position (also referred to as the "injection start position") may be performed after the metering process is completed and before the filling process starts. The pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 can be reduced before the filling process starts, thereby preventing the leakage of the molding material from the nozzle 320 before the filling process starts.

[0168] The control device 700 is connected to the operation device 750 that receives the input operations of the user and the display device 760 of the display screen. The operation device 750 and the display device 760 according to the embodiment are arranged on the positive Y-axis side. That is, in the injection molding machine 10, the positive Y-axis side is the operation side of the device, and the negative Y-axis side is the side opposite to the operation side of the device.

[0169] The operation device 750 and the display device 760 can be constituted by, for example, a touch panel 770 and integrated. The touch panel 770 serving as the display device 760 displays a screen under the control of the control device 700. On the screen of the touch panel 770, information such as the settings of the injection molding machine 10 and the current state of the injection molding machine 10 can be displayed, for example. Also, on the screen of the touch panel 770, operation parts such as buttons and input fields for receiving user input operations can be displayed, for example. The touch panel 770 serving as the operation device 750 detects the user's input operation on the screen and outputs a signal corresponding to the input operation to the control device 700. Thus, for example, the user can operate the operation parts provided on the screen while confirming the information displayed on the screen to perform settings (including input of set values) of the injection molding machine 10, etc. Also, by the user operating the operation parts provided on the screen, the injection molding machine 10 corresponding to the operation parts can be made to operate. In addition, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 can be, for example, the operation (including stopping) of the mold clamping device 100, the first ejecting device 201, the second ejecting device 202, the first injection device 301, the second injection device 302, the first moving device 401, and the second moving device (not shown), etc. Also, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 can be the switching of the screen displayed on the touch panel 770 serving as the display device 760, etc.

[0170] In addition, although the case where the operation device 750 and the display device 760 of the present embodiment are integrated into the touch panel 770 has been described, they may be provided independently. Also, a plurality of operation devices 750 may be provided. The operation device 750 and the display device 760 are arranged on the operation side (negative Y-axis direction) of the mold clamping device 100 (more specifically, the fixed platen 110).

[0171] (Mold clamping force suppression part and a part of the mold clamping force adjustment part)

[0172] Next, with reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the mold clamping force suppression part 190 and a part of the mold clamping force adjustment part 290 provided in the injection molding machine 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the second fixed mold 810B and the fixed platen 110. Figure 9 In (A), it is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the mold clamping force of each mold at the end of the boosting process. Figure 9 In (B), it is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the mold clamping force of each mold at the start of the filling process.

[0173] As Figure 8As shown, the clamping force suppression unit 190 according to the embodiment is composed of a pair (two) of columns 191 provided on the opposing surface of the fixed platen 110 that faces the movable platen 120. Each column 191 extends linearly from the fixed platen 110 toward the movable platen 120 and has a set length. In addition, the number of columns 191 of the clamping force suppression unit 190 is not particularly limited, and it may be a structure with one column, or a structure with three or more columns.

[0174] A pair of columns 191 are provided at adjacent positions on the opposite side of the operation side of the second fixed mold 810B. In addition, when looking down at the Figures 3 - 7 clamping device 100 shown, the pair of columns 191 overlap each other. In other words, each column 191 is arranged in the direction in which the first fixed mold 810A and the second fixed mold 810B are arranged, at a position adjacent to the second fixed mold 810B rather than adjacent to the first fixed mold 810A. Thus, the clamping force suppression unit 190 can ensure the clamping force between the first fixed mold 810A and the movable molds (the first movable mold 820A, the second movable mold 820B), while reducing the clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable molds (refer to Figure 9 (A)). In addition, the pair of columns 191 may also be provided at adjacent positions on the operation side of the second fixed mold 810B.

[0175] The pair of columns 191 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). On the upper surface of the upper column 191 among the columns 191, it is arranged at a position slightly lower than the upper edge of the second fixed mold 810B. The interval between the upper column 191 and the second fixed mold 810B is shorter than the interval between the pair of columns 191. In other words, the upper column 191 is arranged near the upper end of the second fixed mold 810B. On the upper surface of the lower column 191 among the pair of columns 191, it is arranged at a position slightly higher than the lower edge of the second fixed mold 810B. The interval between the lower column 191 and the second fixed mold 810B is shorter than the interval between the pair of columns 191. In other words, the lower column 191 is arranged near the lower end of the second fixed mold 810B. In this way, each column 191 is arranged at equal intervals above and below the central position of the second fixed mold 810B in the Z-axis direction. Thus, the clamping force suppression unit 190 can stably bear the clamping force, thereby avoiding applying a clamping force that is separated from the second fixed mold 810B.

[0176] Each column 191 is formed as a solid columnar shape and has a square shape with rounded corners in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the extending direction. The protruding end face 191s in the negative X-axis direction of each column 191 is formed flat and can be in surface contact with the rotating table 520 of the movable platen 120. The protruding end face 191s or the contact portion of the rotating table 520 may also be provided with a buffer portion or the like that disperses the load applied during mold clamping.

[0177] Each column 191 can, in a state of being in contact with the movable platen 120, dispersedly bear the mold clamping force applied to the second fixed mold 810B as the pressing force of the movable platen 120. Thus, the mold clamping force suppression portion 190 can reduce the mold clamping force when the first movable mold 820A or the second fixed mold 810B is clamped with the second fixed mold 810B.

[0178] Even when the protruding end face 191s is in contact with the movable platen 120 and a pressing force is applied from the movable platen 120, each column 191 has a rigidity such that bending, buckling, collapse, etc. do not occur. In order to improve the rigidity, each column 191 may be provided with reinforcing portions such as grooves, ribs, support pieces, etc. The material constituting each column 191 is not particularly limited, but for example, hard materials such as stainless steel can be cited.

[0179] The length of each column 191 in the mold opening and closing direction (X-axis direction) is substantially the same as the sum of the length of the second fixed mold 810B in the mold opening and closing direction and the length of the first movable mold 820A or the second movable mold 820B in the mold opening and closing direction. Therefore, when the movable platen 120 is moved relative to the fixed platen 110 to perform the boosting process and the mold clamping process, each column 191 according to the embodiment can make the mold clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable mold (the first movable mold 820A, the second movable mold 820B) zero. In addition, during the boosting process or the mold clamping process, each column 191 may also generate some mold clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable mold. The mold clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable mold is lower than the mold clamping force between the first fixed mold 810A and the movable mold. For example, the mold clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable mold during mold clamping can be set to 1 / 2 or less of the mold clamping force between the first fixed mold 810A and the movable mold.

[0180] On the other hand, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290 has a function of temporarily increasing (adjusting) the mold clamping force between the second stationary mold 810B, which has been made zero or reduced by the mold clamping force suppression unit 190 during injection molding after mold clamping, and the movable molds (the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B). This "during injection molding" includes the periods of the mold clamping process, the filling process, and the holding pressure process of the mold clamping device 100. Moreover, the injection molding may include a cooling process. Generally speaking, the injection molding period refers to the period during which the molding material is injected into the mold device 800 clamped by the mold clamping device 1100 to reliably mold the second molded product 22, and it can be set to any period from the start timing of the mold clamping process (i.e., after mold clamping) to the start timing of the pressure release process.

[0181] A part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290 can apply various structures such as ejector compression that increases the mold clamping force by the second ejector device 202, fixed platen compression that increases the mold clamping force from the fixed platen 110 side, and movable mold compression that increases the mold clamping force from the movable platen 120 side. A part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290 according to the embodiment exemplifies a structure that performs ejector compression using the second ejector device 202.

[0182] For example, as Figure 9 shown in (A) of Figure 9 and (B) of

[0183] When adjusting the mold clamping force between the second movable mold 820B and the second stationary mold 810B, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290 is realized by the structure of the second ejector device 202 and the second movable mold 820B. In addition, when rotating the turntable 520 to adjust the mold clamping force between the first movable mold 820A and the second stationary mold 810B, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290 is realized by the structure of the second ejector device 202 and the first movable mold 820A. The structures of the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B are substantially the same. Hereinafter, the second ejector device 202 and the second movable mold 820B will be described, and the description of the first movable mold 820A will be omitted. As described above, the second ejector device 202 advances the second ejector rod 212 in the positive X-axis direction (toward the fixed platen 110 side). As the second ejector rod 212 advances, it pushes the second ejector plate 851B of the second movable mold 820B forward. By pushing the second ejector plate 851B, the second movable mold 820B causes the first ejector pin 842B to advance integrally with the first ejector plate 841B, the second ejector plate 851B, and the second ejector pin 852B. As a result, the second pressing body 843B fixed to the front end of the first ejector pin 842B advances toward the second stationary mold 810B. As a result, the second movable mold 820B can generate a mold clamping force between the second pressing body 843B and the second stationary mold 810B.

[0184] In other words, the second ejecting device 202 can apply an appropriate clamping force between the second movable mold 820B and the second fixed mold 810B by transmitting the forward force of the second ejecting rod 212 to the second pressing body 843B during injection molding. The clamping force at this time is a pressure that can ensure good gas escape without generating burrs on the second molded product 22 and without damaging the vent holes between the second movable mold 820B and the second fixed mold 810B. The clamping force between the second movable mold 820B and the second fixed mold 810B during injection molding is smaller than the clamping force between the adjacent first movable mold 820A and the first fixed mold 810A. In particular, a part of the clamping force adjusting portion 290 generates a clamping force only between the second movable mold 820B and the second fixed mold 810B during injection molding, thereby reducing the load applied to the mold.

[0185] In addition, the control device 700 identifies the position of the second pressing body 843B and controls the rotation of the second ejecting motor 231 according to the signal of the second ejecting motor encoder 232 that detects the position of the second ejecting rod 212. Thus, the control device 700 moves the second pressing body 843B to an accurate target position during injection molding, and can adjust the clamping force between the second pressing body 843B and the first fixed mold 810A with high precision.

[0186] As described above, the injection molding machine 10 has a clamping force suppressing portion 190 that makes the clamping force of a part of the molds (the second fixed mold 810B and the movable molds (the first movable mold 820A, the second movable mold 820B)) smaller than the clamping force of the other part of the molds (the first fixed mold 810A and the movable molds (the first movable mold 820A, the second movable mold 820B)) during mold clamping. Thereby, the clamping force applied to a part of the molds can be dispersed to the clamping force suppressing portion 190, thereby reducing the clamping force of a part of the molds. As a result, the load on a part of the molds can be reduced, and the life and maintenance cycle can be extended.

[0187] In addition, the injection molding machine 10 has a part of the clamping force adjusting portion 290 that adjusts the clamping force of a part of the molds (the second fixed mold 810B and the movable molds (the first movable mold 820A, the second movable mold 820B)) during injection molding. Therefore, the injection molding machine 10 can perform mold clamping without applying a clamping force more than necessary to a part of the molds during injection molding. As a result, gas can be promoted to escape from a part of the molds to prevent bubbles from being generated in the molded product, and the production of inferior products can be prevented.

[0188] Moreover, the mold clamping force suppression part 190 protrudes from the fixed platen 110 toward the movable platen 120. For example, in the rotatable movable platen 120, the influence of the mold clamping force suppression part 190 can be avoided. By arranging each column 191 at a position adjacent to a part of the mold and not adjacent to other parts of the mold in the Y-axis direction, the mold clamping force suppression part 190 can well reduce the mold clamping force of a part of the mold without changing the mold clamping force of other parts of the mold. Moreover, by arranging a plurality of columns 191 in the Z-axis direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction in which a part of the mold and other parts of the mold are arranged), the mold clamping force suppression part 190 can stably bear the mold clamping force applied between the fixed platen 110 and the movable platen 120 during mold clamping.

[0189] Moreover, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment part 290 adjusts the mold clamping force between the pressing bodies (the first pressing body 843A and the second pressing body 843B) that move as the second ejecting device 202 advances and the mold (the second fixed mold 810B) opposed to the pressing bodies. Thus, the injection molding machine 10 can simply and highly accurately adjust the mold clamping force of a part of the mold without making major changes to the mold clamping device 100 or the mold device 800.

[0190] In addition, the injection molding machine 10 according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can also be adopted. For example, the injection molding machine 10 has a structure in which injection molding is performed by combining two molds, namely, the first fixed mold 810A, the second fixed mold 810B, the first movable mold 820A, and the second movable mold 820B. However, the number of molds of the injection molding machine 10 is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0191] Moreover, the injection molding machine 10 according to the embodiment is configured to perform two-color molding by rotating a plurality of movable molds (the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B) by the turntable 520. However, the injection molding machine 10 may also be a device that repeatedly molds molded products between the opposed fixed molds in a short time without rotating a plurality of movable molds.

[0192] Moreover, for example, the mold clamping force suppression part 190 is not limited to a structure having columns 191 on the fixed platen 110, and may be provided on the movable platen 120 side (as an example, the turntable 520). That is, the mold clamping force suppression part 190 may also have a structure having one or more columns protruding from the movable platen 120 toward the fixed platen 110. Even in this case, the mold clamping force of a part of the molds among the plurality of molds can be made smaller than the mold clamping force of other parts of the molds.

[0193] Moreover, the mold clamping force suppression unit 190 may also be configured to reduce the mold clamping force on the first fixed mold 810A side by the mold clamping forces of the two target molds. At this time, the mold clamping force suppression unit 190 is preferably provided on the operating side of the first fixed mold 810A.

[0194] Figure 10 In (A), it is a horizontal sectional view showing a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A according to the first modification. Figure 10 In (B), it is a magnified horizontal sectional view showing a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A during injection molding. In terms of increasing the mold clamping force from the fixed platen 110 side to compress the fixed platen, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A according to the first modification is different from a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 2930 according to the embodiment.

[0195] A part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A adjusts the mold clamping force during injection molding by relatively moving the second fixed mold 810B with respect to the fixed platen 110 and the movable mold (the first movable mold 820A or the second movable mold 820B). Specifically, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A includes: a holding body 115 that holds the second fixed mold 810B; and one or more mold clamping actuators 119 that move the holding body 115 forward and backward with respect to the fixed platen 110.

[0196] The holding body 115 is disposed on the surface of the fixed platen 110 facing the movable platen 120. The holding body 115 is separately formed from the fixed platen 110. The holding body 115 fixes the second fixed mold 810B on the surface facing the movable platen 120. The holding body 115 is formed in a plate shape with an appropriate thickness in the mold opening and closing direction and has the rigidity to hold the second fixed mold 810B. Moreover, the holding body 115 has a hole at the central portion into which the second injection device 302 can be inserted.

[0197] Regarding the mold clamping actuator 119, for example, a pair (two) is provided along the Y-axis direction and is disposed at symmetric positions sandwiching the second injection device 302 therebetween. Each mold clamping actuator 119 has a shaft 119s connected to the holding body 115, and moves the holding body 115 by advancing and retracting this shaft 119s under the control of the control device 700. The structure of each mold clamping actuator 119 is not particularly limited, and a structure having a drive transmission part such as a motor and a ball screw mechanism, a cylinder mechanism, etc. can be appropriately adopted.

[0198] Moreover, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A may also include a position detection unit that detects the position of the holding body 115, a pressure detection unit that detects the pressure applied to the holding body 115 or the mold clamping actuator 119, etc. Thereby, the control device 700 can control the drive of the mold clamping actuator 119 based on the detection information of each detection unit.

[0199] As described above, during injection molding, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A causes the second fixed mold 810B side to move upward relative to the movable mold (the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B) and adjusts the mold clamping force. Even at this time, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A can accurately adjust the mold clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable mold. Therefore, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A can suppress burrs and the like from being generated on the second molded product 22 due to insufficient mold clamping force, and can smoothly exhaust air from the second cavity space 802.

[0200] In this way, the injection molding machine 10 can suppress the mold clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable mold through the mold clamping force suppression unit 190 (the column 191), and at the same time, adjust the mold clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable mold to an accurate value during injection molding through a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290A. As a result, the injection molding machine 10 can mold the first molded product 21 and the second molded product 22 with high precision, and thus can obtain high-quality molded products.

[0201] Figure 11 FIG. is a horizontal sectional view showing a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290B according to the second modified example. The part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290B according to the second modified example is different from the above-described part of the mold clamping force adjustment units 290 and 290A in that the movable mold is not compressed from the movable platen 120 side by the second ejector device 202 to increase the mold clamping force.

[0202] A part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290B adjusts the mold clamping force during injection molding by relatively moving the movable mold relative to the fixed platen 110 and the movable mold (the first movable mold 820A or the second movable mold 820B). Specifically, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290B includes: a pair of holding bodies 125 that respectively hold the first movable mold 820A and the second movable mold 820B; and one or more mold clamping actuators 129 that move each holding body 125 forward and backward relative to the movable platen 120.

[0203] Each holding body 125 is disposed on a surface facing the rotating table 520 of the movable platen 120. Each holding body 125 is separately formed from the rotating table 520. The holding bodies 125 respectively fix the movable mold (the first movable mold 820A or the second movable mold 820B) to a surface facing the fixed platen 110.

[0204] Regarding each mold clamping actuator 129, for example, two are provided inside the rotating table 520 and are arranged to Figure 3)Symmetrical positions therebetween. Each mold clamping actuator 129 has a shaft 129s connected to the holding body 125, and moves the holding body 125 by moving the shaft 129s in and out and retracting it under the control of the control device 700. The structure of each mold clamping actuator 129 is not particularly limited, and a structure having a drive transmission part such as a motor and a ball screw mechanism, a cylinder mechanism, etc. can be appropriately adopted.

[0205] Moreover, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290B may also include a position detection unit for detecting the positions of the respective holding bodies 125, a pressure detection unit for detecting the pressure applied to the respective holding bodies 125 or the respective mold clamping actuators 129, and the like. Thereby, the control device 700 can control the drive of the mold clamping actuator 129 based on the detection information of the detection unit.

[0206] As described above, during injection molding, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290B relatively moves the movable mold (first movable mold 820A, second movable mold 820B) side toward the second fixed mold 810B to lift and adjust the mold clamping force. Even at this time, the mold clamping force between the second fixed mold 810B and the movable mold (first movable mold 820A, second movable mold 820B) can be accurately adjusted. Therefore, a part of the mold clamping force adjustment unit 290B can suppress the generation of burrs and the like on the second molded product 22 due to insufficient mold clamping force, and can smoothly exhaust air from the second cavity space 802.

[0207] The injection molding machine 10 according to the embodiment disclosed this time is an example in all respects and is not restrictive. The embodiment can be deformed and improved in various ways without departing from the scope and gist of the appended technical solutions. The matters described in the above-mentioned multiple embodiments can also adopt other structures within the non-contradictory range, and can be combined within the non-contradictory range.

Claims

1. An injection molding machine comprising: A movable platen having a plurality of movable dies which are independent of each other; a fixed platen having a plurality of fixed molds capable of being respectively opposed to the plurality of movable molds; and The moving mechanism enables the movable platen to move relative to the fixed platen in the mold opening and closing direction. The movable platen or the fixed platen has: a clamping force suppressing unit that, when the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds are clamped, makes the clamping force of a part of the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds smaller than the clamping force of the other part of the molds; and The partial mold clamping force adjustment unit adjusts the mold clamping force of the partial molds during injection molding after the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds are clamped.

2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein: The mold clamping force suppression portion is one or more columns protruding from the fixed platen toward the movable platen or from the movable platen toward the fixed platen.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more pillars are arranged at positions adjacent to the one portion of the mold and not adjacent to the other portion of the mold in the direction in which the one portion of the mold and the other portion of the mold are arranged.

4. The injection molding machine according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more pillars are provided in plurality in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the part of the mold and the other part of the mold are arranged.

5. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The partial mold clamping force adjustment unit adjusts the mold clamping force of the partial mold by moving one mold among the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds constituting the partial mold relative to the other mold.

6. The injection molding machine according to claim 5, comprising: The ejector moves forward to the cavity space formed between the plurality of movable molds and the plurality of fixed molds to take out the molded product. The partial mold clamping force adjustment unit adjusts the mold clamping force between a pressing body that moves along with the advancement of the ejection device and a mold that faces the pressing body.

7. The injection molding machine according to claim 5, wherein: The partial mold clamping force adjustment unit adjusts the mold clamping force of the partial mold by relatively moving the partial fixed mold toward the movable platen relative to the fixed platen.

8. The injection molding machine according to claim 5, wherein: The partial mold clamping force adjustment unit adjusts the mold clamping force of the partial mold by relatively moving the partial movable mold toward the fixed platen relative to the movable platen.

Images