Injection molding device

Abstract

Injection molding device for injection molding plastic objects, in particular for injection molding brush bodies to be filled, comprising a guide (26) which extends along several stations (14, 16 ...), including at least one injection molding station, and along which at least one carriage (12) can be moved successively through the stations (14, 16 ...), wherein the carriage(s) (12, 12'...) transport the object to be manufactured from station to station and, preferably, each have at least one section of a mold block (30) which is combined in the injection molding station with an associated mold block to form a cavity to be injected with plastic, wherein a total of several motors (29, 129, 229, 329) are associated with the one or more carriages (12, 12'), which are seated on the carriage(s) (12, 12'), characterized in that the motors (29, 129, 229, 329) are associated with moving lines for the power supply and / or at least one moving line for the signaling (84, 86), which are coupled to a stationary power source (70) or a stationary control (48), that at least one of the lines (84, 86) is guided from one motor (29, 129, 229, 329) to another, and that the Motors (29, 129, 229, 329) to which at least one line (84, 86) is coupled for energy and / or signaling purposes.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an injection molding device for injection molding objects made of plastic, in particular for injection molding brush bodies to be filled, with a guide which extends along a plurality of stations, including at least one injection molding station, and along which at least one carriage can be moved successively through the stations, wherein the carriage(s) transport the object to be produced from station to station and, in particular, each have at least one section of a mold block which is combined in the injection molding station with an associated mold block to form a cavity to be injected with plastic, wherein a total of a plurality of motors are assigned to the carriage(s) which are mounted on the carriage(s).

[0002] Devices for the injection moulding of plastic articles of various kinds, predominantly (but not exclusively) everyday articles such as toothbrush bodies, writing instruments, handles, medical parts or other plastic parts of any kind, which are injection moulded from several plastic components due to functional or design requirements, comprise several injection moulding stations.

[0003] Such devices generally have a nozzle-side fixed mold block on which one or a group of partial cavities is formed for each component to be injected, an ejection-side movable mold block on which one or corresponding groups of partial cavities are formed, which, when the injection molding device is closed, form cavities with the partial cavities of the fixed mold block for injection molding the articles, and an ejection station located outside the mold blocks.

[0004] The molded parts are transferred between the groups of cavities and the ejection station by means of a mold block or a section of the mold block, namely a holder. For toothbrush bodies, for example, the holders form so-called head inserts, which are inserted into recesses in the ejection-side mold block and form sub-regions of the partial cavities corresponding to the head region of a toothbrush body. Tools of this type are shown, for example, in DE 102 08 599 A1 or DE 20 2006 017 919 U1. These holders are positioned by a drive mechanism with fixed linear or rotary index steps from the first group of cavities to the next, up to the ejection station, and back again to the first group of cavities.

[0005] EP 2 542 400 B1 describes a holding device for a rotatable central part having sliding contacts in an injection molding machine.

[0006] An injection molding machine with a rotating table is known from US 6 461 558 B1.

[0007] In DE 10 2011 015 568 B4, movable mold block parts are moved in a vertically erected oval path to locally fixed mold halves.

[0008] In the manufacture of brushes, for example toothbrushes, household brushes or even paint brushes, it is common for a brush body to be fed successively to various processing stations, including injection molding stations, where a specific processing step, including at least one injection molding step, is carried out. For example, at one injection molding station the basic shape of the brush body is injection molded, and at a subsequent one a second component of a different color and / or hardness is injection molded on. In further stations, additional components are injection molded on, or an already stuffed brush plate is overmolded to produce the entire brush body including head, neck and handle. Still other stations are feeding or ejection stations. A device of this kind is described in EP 2 314 980 A1.

[0009] To adjust the partially molded brush bodies using the holder and / or the complete mold block itself, one or more carriages are used. These carriages rotate along a predetermined path, i.e., a predetermined guide, so that they (possibly with the partially or fully molded articles) are presented one after the other to the various stations for processing. In a simple example, the injection molding machine has a loading station, one, but preferably several, injection molding stations, and a removal station. Then, for example, three or four carriages can be used, each of which is adjusted one station further with each cycle of the injection molding machine.

[0010] One or more motors are mounted on each of the carriages to cause individual movements. For example, there are injection molding machines where each carriage has its own motor to drive the carriage along the guide. In addition or alternatively, one or more motors can be fitted on the carriage, for example to adjust the holders for the partially or fully molded objects. The power supply to the motors and the control of the motors are via separate cables, namely power supply cables and signal cables. These cables lead to a stationary contact point, usually to sliding contacts, to create the transition from the moving to the stationary part. To ensure that the motors operate independently, each motor has its own set of sliding contacts to create the transition from the stationary to the moving section of the cable.

[0011] The object of the invention is to create an injection molding device which is more cost-effective and requires less maintenance.

[0012] This is achieved in an injection molding device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the motors are assigned moving lines for the power supply and / or at least one moving line for signaling, which are coupled to a stationary power source or a stationary control, in that at least one of the lines is led from one motor to another and in that the motors are coupled to the at least one line in terms of energy and / or signaling.

[0013] In the invention, several motors share common sliding contacts because they are attached to the same cable that moves with the carriage(s), so that the number of sliding contacts is reduced.

[0014] While in the prior art there is always a separate connection for each motor to the power source or control in order to supply each carriage directly from the power source and / or the control, the invention takes the opposite approach.

[0015] By coupling motors to a type of moving cable for the shared power and / or signal supply, the number of contact points (normally sliding contacts) can be reduced to a minimum. This eliminates many expensive, maintenance-intensive contact points. Multiple motors thus share the same sliding contact for power supply and / or signal supply. According to the invention, it is possible for multiple motors on a carriage to be coupled to the same power supply and / or signal line(s), or for motors from different carriages, if multiple carriages are provided, to be coupled to the power supply and / or signal lines, although mixed forms are also possible. These lines are not stationary, but are moved due to the moving carriages.

[0016] The term “at least a section of a mold block” can encompass various design variants. The following variants are not to be understood as exhaustive. Firstly, the entire mold block can be moved with or on the carriage. Furthermore, the mold block can have multiple sections, with one section containing a section of the partial cavity moving with the carriage. Another possibility is for the carriage to have a core extending into the cavity, which helps determine the shape of the cavity, i.e. the hollow space to be injected. This core, which also represents a section of the mold block, can be attached to the carriage either permanently or detachably, or it can be part of the article to be manufactured.An example of the latter case: When molding the plastic handle onto a screwdriver, the metal rod of the screwdriver becomes a core that is attached to the slide and extends into the cavity. After molding, the plastic handle and the metal rod are permanently connected, and the object is removed from the slide.

[0017] The object to be produced by the sled(s) is of course not the finished object from the outset, but may only be a preliminary or intermediate product.

[0018] The lines for the power supply and / or the at least one line for signaling can be routed from one carriage to another without the interposition of sliding contacts, so that motors of these carriages are coupled energetically and / or signal-wise to at least one line that moves along with them.

[0019] One embodiment of the invention provides for one or more motors to be moved on several carriages. Power supply and / or signal lines run directly from one carriage to another, without being connected to the power source or the controller in between. At least some of the motors of these carriages are connected to these power supply and / or signal lines for power and / or signaling purposes. The power supply and / or signal lines thus form a kind of ring line that extends across several carriages and is connected to the motors of different carriages.

[0020] However, a closed ring line is not required; rather, it is generally also possible to use power supply and / or signal lines that extend, so to speak, to the last motor supplied by these lines. This applies especially to signal lines. Alternatively, an open bus system is used, for example, a CAN bus, in which at least one signal line, designed as a signal supply line, runs via the contact point to one or more slides. Multiple motors receive their signals via this line without the need for a second signal line. This further reduces the number of required sliding contacts.

[0021] Preferably, the power supply lines (hereinafter also referred to as "power supply lines") and / or the at least one signaling line (hereinafter also referred to as "signal lines") run along all carriages, preferably both for power supply and signaling. This in turn means that only one dedicated contact point is required for the continuous signal line and the continuous power supply line, for example, two sliding contacts each (one contact for the beginning and one for the end of each line). When using an open bus system, one sliding contact is sufficient for the line supply, i.e., the transition from the controller to the moving part.

[0022] Ideally, not only all slides are connected to the same power and / or signal supply and / or signal lines, but also all motors of all slides. Of course, it might be useful, especially for the power supply, to provide two or more power supply lines for a large number of motors, for example, to divide the motors into two or three groups.

[0023] Furthermore, each carriage can carry a motor to move the carriage along the track.

[0024] The carriages each have at least one motor for adjusting the mold block relative to the carriage itself in order to adjust the brush body at least in one injection molding station.

[0025] These aforementioned motors for adjustment or movement can be connected to the same power supply line and / or the same signal line(s) for power and / or signaling purposes. However, it is also possible, for example, to connect only the motors for movement along the guide or only the motors for moving the brush bodies during processing to their own power supply and / or signal line, or, as mentioned, to form groups.

[0026] DC or AC motors can be used. In particular, at least some, and preferably all, of the motors are servo motors.

[0027] One embodiment of the invention provides AC servo motors with an integrated controller.

[0028] The guide preferably runs in a closed ring shape, although a circular path is not absolutely necessary here.

[0029] The injection molding device, for example, has a central guide block around which the guide rotates and from which the energy and signaling coupling of the movable lines to a central energy source or control system originates.

[0030] Preferably, only one central energy source and / or one central control is provided for all motors.

[0031] As already mentioned, the moving power supply lines and / or at least one signal line can originate from a stationary, central contact point.

[0032] In particular, all power supply lines and all signal lines originate from a contact point.

[0033] This contact point has, for example, sliding contacts for the transition from stationary contacts to moving contacts.

[0034] A contact point preferably consists of a set of sliding contacts for the power supply lines and / or a set of sliding contacts for the signal line or lines. This set of sliding contacts comprises at least two individual sliding contacts for the beginning and end of the power supply line, or at least one sliding contact (if only a non-continuous signal line is present) for the signal line.

[0035] In particular, a so-called hybrid cable leads to the individual motors or forms the movable ring line.

[0036] The stationary contact point should be positioned in the center of the rotating guide, i.e. in the center of the area enclosed by the guide, in order to have the smallest possible distances to all carriages during the rotation.

[0037] The power supply and / or signal lines run in a star shape from the center of the rotating guide to the individual slides.

[0038] The power supply lines and / or the at least one signal line running between the directly coupled carriages, i.e. the connecting lines between carriages that are directly connected in circuitry, preferably extend from one carriage first to the center and from there to the next carriage. Particularly when the carriages are moved largely independently of one another, the distance between the carriages varies greatly during their rotation. This causes problems with the routing of the lines, because the lines must be sufficiently long to compensate for the longest distance and sufficiently guided to have a defined position even when the carriages are at their closest distance. Furthermore, it is very detrimental to the service life of lines if they are constantly bent back and forth.The star-shaped routing of the cables towards the center ensures that the cables have sections that run in a V shape, with the center of the "V" also representing the center of the circumferential guide. If the carriages are spaced at different distances, the angle of the "V" would only become slightly smaller or larger, which places very little strain on the cables themselves. In addition, the shortest distance between the carriages and the center usually varies less than the distance between neighboring carriages, which makes the star-shaped arrangement advantageous. The "V" can also be formed by having plug contacts in the center to which connecting cable sections to the individual carriages are detachably coupled. The plug contacts also form cable sections because they couple one plug contact to another for a connecting cable section leading to the other carriage.

[0039] It is not absolutely necessary for the immediately consecutive carriages to be connected to the same line one after the other. It would also be entirely possible, for example, to connect the first carriage, then the third carriage, then the second carriage, and then again the fourth carriage. However, one embodiment of the invention provides for the power supply lines and / or the one or more signal lines running to the carriages to run from a guide to the center and from there to the immediately following carriage and then to the subsequent carriages.

[0040] The guide is preferably closed in a ring shape, but can deviate from a circular shape.

[0041] In particular, the cables are guided in so-called energy chains, such as those offered by Kabelschlepp®. This ensures that the cables are guided in a defined manner and are not bent beyond a minimum radius, regardless of the carriage position.

[0042] All motors are preferably freely programmable independently of one another. This allows the sections of the mold block or the mold blocks to be adjusted as required relative to the injection molding stations. Stops can be eliminated, at least in part. Furthermore, the unlimited adjustability means that the carriages do not have to be moved in and out of an injection molding station at the same time and / or the holders on the carriages do not have to be moved simultaneously. The complete independence of the movements makes it possible to optimize the individual movements for the specific processing purpose. However, this also means that, for example, one carriage can already be moved out of one station while the other carriage is still in a different injection molding station. This also makes it possible to reduce cycle times if the different injection molding stations have different cycle times.Furthermore, the position and number of stations can be provided and changed as required on sections of the guide, for example ejection station, loading station and pre-positioning before the first injection station.

[0043] The control system includes a bus system that allows the individual motors to be specifically controlled. This means that the control system is designed to output control data sets specific to the motors, which are received by the motors as assigned to them. Unassigned control data sets are passed through, so to speak, "ignored." The bus system can be an open (e.g., CAN bus system) or a closed bus system.

[0044] At least some servo motors may have an integrated controller, also called a driver. Such drivers are mounted directly on the motors or in close proximity to them and are preferably also coupled to encoders mounted on the motors. The drivers receive corresponding information from the central controller via the bus system and can then directly control the motor and adjust its power supply. The encoder then transmits the motor's position signals to the driver, which processes them and moves the motor into the appropriate position.

[0045] Instead of signal transmission via a cable, radio transmission can also be provided, which either forwards the signals for all motors of a carriage to the individual carriages, meaning that a central receiver is located on each carriage. Alternatively, each motor can have its own receiver, or groups of motors can have their own receiver, through which they then receive the control signals. Of course, in this context, it also makes sense to provide motors with an integrated driver, meaning that the driver is directly coupled to the receiver or has an integrated receiver.

[0046] The invention preferably provides for a single rotation direction for the carriages. Thus, there is no reversing operation. Prior art manufacturing devices with extra-long cables allow the carriage(s) to rotate several times until the cables are twisted to a tolerable degree. The device is then moved into the opposite rotational movement. This reversing operation requires increased complexity both in terms of control and mechanical requirements.

[0047] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the following drawings, to which reference is made.

[0048] The drawings show: - Fig. 1 an injection molding device in a schematic plan view; - Fig. 2 the upper end of the device of Fig. 1; - Fig. 3 a schematic plan view of the injection molding device according to Fig. 1, - Fig. 4 a schematic view of the circuits of the motors of the injection molding device according to the invention, - Fig. 5 a ring contact for another embodiment of the invention, and - Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the spraying device according to the invention.

[0049] The figures schematically show an injection molding device which has a guide block 10 along which several slides 12 can be adjusted in a circumferential manner.

[0050] Several injection molding stations 14, 16 are arranged around the guide block 10. When the carriages 12 are adjusted around the guide block 10, they move past the injection molding stations or through them. Mold housings 20, 22 are provided on two side surfaces of the guide block 10.

[0051] The guide block 10 is provided with one or more guides 26, whose function is to mount the slides 12 movably on the guide block 10. The guide 26 is intended, in particular, to ensure that the slides 12 are guided precisely and with as little tolerance as possible.

[0052] The guide 26 can, for example, be designed as a guide rail on which the carriages 12 are guided with rollers, rolling bearings or similar elements.

[0053] At the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a carriage 12 comprises two bearings 13 guided in guides 26, which are coupled to one another via a bridge 15.

[0054] To adjust each slide 12, a drive device 28 (see Fig. 2, which shows only the upper section of the guide block), with which each carriage can be moved individually around the guide block 10. The only limitation to the individual movement of the carriages is that no carriage can overtake another. Otherwise, each carriage can be moved individually and independently of the other carriages in terms of travel distance and travel speed.

[0055] The drive device 28 can be formed, for example, by a drive motor 29 on each carriage 12, which is coupled to a drive element, for example a drive wheel or a gear wheel 31, which in turn interacts with a corresponding counter element of the central guide block 10, for example a track or a rack 33 ( Fig. 2).

[0056] The drive device 28 can also be designed as a linear motor that is assigned to the carriage and adjusts it contactlessly relative to the guide block 10. The drive device 28 can also be formed by multiple belt drives with which the carriages can be adjusted individually. By appropriately assigning the belt drives to the injection molding stations, it is possible to get by with fewer belt drives than there are carriages, since for a minimized cycle time it is sufficient to adjust the carriages individually and independently of one another only in the area of ​​a few injection molding stations, for example in the area of ​​the injection station, while the carriages can be adjusted synchronously (and thus by means of the same belt drive) from a removal station to a loading station without this negatively affecting the cycle time.

[0057] The drive devices mentioned are merely examples and not an exhaustive list.

[0058] Preferably, at least one section of a mold block (including a core) is attached to each carriage 12 for injection molding part or all of the brush body 32. In the illustrated embodiment, several mold blocks 30, 32 are attached to the mold housings 20, 22 and the guide block 10 for each injection molding station. These mold blocks have partial cavities that complement each other to form cavities when the device is closed.

[0059] The tool housings are equipped with injection nozzles.

[0060] The mold housing 20 is positioned stationary, whereas the mold housing 22 and the guide block 10 can be linearly displaced in the direction of the arrow near the reference symbol 22. In Fig. Figure 1 shows the open position of the device. To close the device, the mold housing 22 and the guide block 10 are moved toward the mold housing 22 until the mold blocks 30, 32 on the mold housings 20, 22 and the guide block 10 contact each other to close the cavities. The mold blocks 30, 32 can be designed as replaceable parts. As mentioned, they each have open partial cavities 36, here various adjacent partial cavities 36 for toothbrush bodies.

[0061] When the device is closed, the liquid plastic can be injected into the closed cavities.

[0062] A portion of the mold blocks 32, here in the area of ​​the toothbrush heads, is formed by a type of elongated holder 40 that sits on or forms the bridge. The holder 40 forms a so-called head plate and has portions of the partial cavities 36 in the mold block 32, thus forming a movable portion of the mold block 32.

[0063] The section(s) 38 of the mold blocks 32 located on the guide block 10 has an elongated recess in the head region into which the holders 40 can be inserted in order to complete the partial cavities 36 on the guide block 10.

[0064] The holders 40 can be moved radially outwards relative to the guides relative to the bearings 13 via their own motors 129 (see arrows in Fig. 1). To enable lateral or radial movement of the holders 40 into the recess on the mold block section 38 located on the guide block 10, separate motors 129 are provided, with at least one separate motor responsible for this feed movement being moved along the carriage 12.

[0065] As an alternative to the lateral movement of the holders relative to the guide block 10, the mold block sections 38 located on the guide block 10 can also be mounted on the guide block 10 in a laterally movable manner, so that the holders 40 are rigidly mounted on the respective carriage 12.

[0066] The variant with laterally movable holders 40 is explained below.

[0067] The two carriages with their holders 40 have just moved into the right-hand station 14. Station 14 has two adjacent mold blocks 32, forming two rows of partial cavities. The holders have already been moved into the recesses of the mold block sections 38, completing the mold block 32.

[0068] After closing by the mold blocks 30 on the mold housing 22, the cavities are injected with a first component.

[0069] After cooling, the device moves apart. The motors 129 then also move the holders 40 outward, thereby pressing the molded brush bodies out of the partial cavities in the mold block 32.

[0070] The brush bodies are moved further with the carriages to station 16, where they are positioned in other partial cavities. Here, too, the respective holder complements the mold block sections 38 provided with partial cavities (not shown). In some places, the cavity is not filled by the inserted brush body, leaving a cavity for injecting another component.

[0071] After injection molding this component, the holder 40 will move the finished brush bodies to an ejection station 50 where the brush bodies will be removed from the holder 40.

[0072] The carriages 12 run irreversibly in one direction around the guide block.

[0073] Of course, additional stations can be provided. This could also include a filling station, for example, where pre-filled plates are inserted into the holders 40, which are then overmolded to form the brush body. Furthermore, the holder can also be provided with cores 51, which, for example, create cavities in the object being manufactured or become part of the object.

[0074] The motors 29 and, if present, 129 are electric motors, e.g. servo motors.

[0075] To adjust the carriage 12 along the guide 26 and the holder 40 on the carriage 12, a control 48 shown schematically here (see Fig. 3) which can be freely programmed in the desired manner.

[0076] Depending on the desired processing steps, the control 48 controls the speed and the steps at which the carriages 12 are adjusted along the guide 26 and when and how quickly the holders are moved laterally.

[0077] It is also possible to equip the injection molding machine "doubly," i.e., in one half, with a loading station, several injection molding stations, and an unloading station, and then in the second half, another loading station, several injection molding stations, and an unloading station. This allows the number of brushes produced per cycle to be doubled.

[0078] It is not necessary to pre-position the brush base bodies before each of the injection molding stations, but it is possible.

[0079] It can be seen that not all slides always need to be moved in the same direction relative to each other. Individual adjustment of the slides is necessary where it is advantageous for optimizing cycle times and pre-positioning. The slides 12 currently located in station 14 or 16 can also be adjusted synchronously at the same time.

[0080] Because the adjustment movements in one station do not have to occur simultaneously with those in a subsequent tamping station, but rather independently and decoupled from each other, the manufacturing process can be optimized. Individual changes to the movement sequences can be made without downtime of the device, i.e., without manual retooling, for example, to accommodate cycle times, add stations, etc.

[0081] Some or all of the motors 29, 129 may be DC or AC servo motors, in particular AC servo motors.

[0082] At least one power supply line 84 and at least one signal line 86 lead to each servomotor 29. The power supply is provided via a central energy source 70, and the signal supply is provided via the controller 48. A stationary, central contact point 72 is provided in the center of the circumferential guide 26, i.e., in the center of the guide block 10. This contact point 72 comprises a type of circular-cylindrical column with a few sliding contacts, via which the current flow and the signal flow to the individual motors 29, 129 occur.

[0083] To simplify the explanation, the Fig. 4 the sleds individualized with 12, 12', 12'', 12'''. In Fig. 4, for generalization, it is intended that four motors 29 to 329 are mounted on each carriage 12, 12', 12'', 12''', etc., each of which causes different movements. Of course, it is also possible to provide only one or two motors per carriage 12. The following description is therefore exemplary for the power and / or signal supply to one or more motors on the carriage 12.

[0084] A set of sliding contacts 74, 76 is provided for the power supply and a set of sliding contacts 78, 80 for the signal supply (see Fig. 4). Each set of sliding contacts has at least two movable contacts, mounted, for example, on a rotating slip ring 82, and corresponding stationary contacts provided on the column 72 and permanently connected to the power source 70 and the controller 48.

[0085] The sliding contacts 74, 76 are connected to the wires of the power supply line 84, which has a first section leading to a motor 29 of a carriage 12.

[0086] The power supply line 84, which has at least two wires (even more wires for AC motors), forms a ring line to which the motors are connected.

[0087] Optionally, and this is not to be understood as limiting, the power supply line can be led from the motor 29 to the motor 129 (if present) and (if present) subsequently to the motor 229 and then (if present) to the motor 329 of the carriage 12, so that all motors of the carriage 12 are coupled to the power supply line 84.

[0088] Alternatively, it would also be possible to provide a separate power supply line 84 for the motor 29 and a common power supply line for the lines 129, 229, 329 or to couple only the motors 129 or the motors 229 or the motors 329 to a common line.

[0089] However, there are also motors that are or must be controlled via more than two power lines and more than two signal lines. For these, a set of sliding contacts is provided for the power supply and a set of sliding contacts for the signal supply. In this case, the cables required for the power supply and signal supply of one motor are also used for the power supply and signal supply of some or all motors, so that no additional cables, and especially no sliding contacts, are required for other motors. Multi-core cables, such as hybrid cables, can also be used, so that several cables are combined into a single cable.

[0090] The signal line 86 is in the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 3 is designed such that it is guided from the associated sliding contact to the first motor 29 on the carriage 12 and then on this carriage to the second motor 129, etc. and from the carriage 12 back to the center and then directly to the motors 29, 129, 229, 329 of the second carriage 12', etc., until it is finally coupled again to the stationary part of the contact point via a sliding contact 80. With the signal line connection, a series connection of the motors is possible, but this is not absolutely necessary. Also shown for the signal line 86 is a type of ring line for the signal supply, to which the individual motors 29, etc. of the carriages are in turn coupled.

[0091] Irrespective of this, the power supply line 84 and the signal line 86 after the carriage 12 do not extend back to the sliding contacts, but only to the center of the guide block 10, in order to then run directly to the motors 29, 129, 229, 329 of the adjacent carriage 12' and from there to the motors of the again adjacent carriage 12'', etc. This means that all motors within a carriage and all motors of all carriages are connected to the same line 84 or 86, both in terms of the power supply and the signal supply.

[0092] However, it would also be possible to connect the drive motors of the carriages 12, 12', etc. to one line and, separately, the motors 129 to 329 of all carriages to a separate line with their own sliding contacts, again both as regards the power supply and the signal supply.

[0093] Furthermore, it would be possible to route the cable(s) directly from the single motor of one carriage to the single motor of another carriage, again without the need for an intermediate sliding contact.

[0094] From the last carriage 12''' the power supply and signal lines then run to the associated sliding contacts 76 and 80 respectively back to the column.

[0095] This results in a kind of star-shaped structure, seen in the direction of the axis of the ring 82, of the power supply lines 84 and signal lines 86. The signal cable is usually multi-core.

[0096] The controller 48 is designed with a bus system so that specific control data sets are output on the same line for the individual motors 29, 129, 229, 329, which are recognized by the motors as belonging to them.

[0097] All slides 12, 12', etc. are independently adjustable and freely programmable relative to the injection molding stations, resulting in variable distances between adjacent slides. However, the corresponding lines 84, 86 are hardly subjected to any stress; only the angle α changes (see Fig. 3) between the cables 84, 86 of adjacent carriages, which are guided as packages.

[0098] The distance between the stationary contact point, i.e. the center of the guide block 10, and the individual carriages is variable during one revolution of the carriage, since the guide 26 does not rotate in a circle, but essentially forms a rectangular path with rounded corners.

[0099] For stable guidance of the cables 84, 86 from the center to the slides, the cable sections from the center to the individual slides are each guided in energy supply chains 90, as shown in Fig. 3. These energy guide chains 90 compensate for the longitudinal displacement through a kind of rolling movement of the chain, thereby preventing kinking of the cables 84, 86. These energy guide chains 90 are attached on the one hand to the ring 82 and on the other hand to the guides.

[0100] While in the prior art a separate set of sliding contacts was provided for each motor, the invention is directed to the fact that several motors are supplied with energy and / or signals by the same set of sliding contacts.

[0101] As mentioned previously, the motors can be servo motors, especially with an integrated controller 99, 199, 299 or 399. The motors are also equipped with their own encoders 101, 201, 301, 401, which transmit the position of the motor shafts to the associated controller.

[0102] The signal lines 86 thus run to the controllers 99, 199, 299, 399 of the individual motors. These then control the respective electric motor, particularly in a path-controlled manner, by receiving position feedback from the encoders 101, 201, 301, 401. However, the higher-level control is still carried out via the central controller 48.

[0103] Fig. 5 shows a slightly modified version compared to Fig. 4, where functionally identical parts bear the same reference numerals, and only the differences are discussed. In this embodiment, the slip ring or a co-moving part carries, so to speak, integrated, co-moving ring conductors 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, each of which is assigned sliding contacts.

[0104] These ring lines are part of the power supply lines 84 and the signal lines 86. For example, the signal line 86, which leads to the motors on the carriage 12 and can also be multi-wire, is connected to the ring 82 via a plug contact.

[0105] The corresponding line section 86 to the motors of the carriage 12' is then also directly connected to the ring line 107. In terms of circuitry, this results in a line routing in which a line section 86 to a motor is fed back to the ring line 107 via a wire, and then coupled to the other line section 86 via the ring line 107, which then leads to the motors of the carriage 12'.

[0106] Here, too, the number of sliding contacts is significantly reduced compared to the state of the art. Here, too, several motors share the same sliding contact set.

[0107] The following applies to all embodiments shown: The lines for the power supply and / or the at least one line for signaling can be routed from one carriage to another without the interposition of sliding contacts, so that motors of these carriages are coupled energetically and / or signal-wise to at least one line that moves with them. If an open bus system is used, a single signal line 86 can be used, which then ends at the last motor 329 of the carriage 12''' without running back to the contact point. If more than one signal line 86 is required for control, these signal lines 86 end at the last motor 329 of the carriage 12'''.

[0108] The circuit of the drive motors described here is also applicable to the following embodiment, as shown on the left in Fig. 6. Here, only one motor 29 to 329 is provided on each carriage 12 to 12''', but these are connected in the same way as the motors 29 of the carriages 12 to 12''' in Fig. 4.

[0109] The view of the opened injection molding device in Fig. 6 shows a nozzle-side fixed mold block 32 and an ejection-side movable mold block 30. The Fig. 6 is a kind of exploded view, because the mold block 32 is actually shifted to the right, immediately close to the mold block 30.

[0110] The embodiment shown is an injection molding apparatus for the three-component injection molding of toothbrush bodies. This is merely an example, which also applies to the first embodiments above. A wide variety of articles made of more or fewer than three components can be injection molded, e.g., writing instruments, medical devices, razor blade holders, and the like.

[0111] On the inside, the mold housings 20, 22 carry mold blocks 30 and 32 with, for example, three groups of partial cavities arranged vertically one above the other, which, when the injection molding device is closed, form three groups of cavities which are arranged parallel to one another in each group, the longitudinal direction of the cavities being vertical in space in the example shown.

[0112] Each group of cavities forms an injection station for injecting one of the three components.

[0113] Outside the housings 20, 22 and immediately below or, as shown, above the uppermost injection station there is an ejection station 50 at which finished injection-molded articles are ejected when the injection molding device is closed.

[0114] The mold plates of the movable mold block 32 are divided; a lower portion 38 of the partial cavities is fixedly attached to the housing 20, and an upper portion is formed in a mold insert 116 supported by a holder 40.

[0115] The mold insert 116 can be inserted into a recess in section 38.

[0116] The holder 40, for example in the form of an elongated plate or bar, extends across the group of cavities and may, but need not, be releasably coupled at each of its outer ends to a drive system that moves the holder between the injection stations and the ejection station.

[0117] The mold blocks 30, 32 can be composed of individual parts or can be formed in one piece, just as the cavities and partial cavities or the division of the cavities into sections are determined by the objects to be manufactured.

[0118] The drive system of the injection molding device comprises individual motors, in particular servo motors 29 to 329, which ensure the further movement of the holders 40 with their mold inserts 116.

[0119] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, one servo motor is provided per injection station and per carriage 12 to 12''' and another one is provided for the ejection station.

[0120] The servo motors 29 to 329 are freely programmable and run along a closed path of motion, formed, for example, by guides 26 and 124b on two vertically spaced-apart guide plates 126a and 126b. However, this example of the guides should not be understood as limiting.

[0121] Each of the servo drives can be detachably or permanently coupled to one of the holders 40.

[0122] In Fig. 6, the servo motor 29 is attached to one of the holders 40 and moves it toward the recess 120 of the lowest injection station 14 to insert it there with the mold insert 116. At the same time, the servo motor 129 has moved one of the holders 40 to the next station to deposit it there, and at the same time, the servo drive 229 has moved one of the holders 40 from the middle injection station 16 to the upper injection station 18, while the servo drive 329 has moved one of the holders 40 from the upper injection station 18 to the ejection station 50.

[0123] Each holder 40 moves at least one corresponding mold insert 16, from which molded parts hang. In the illustrated embodiment, the molded parts are elongated, since toothbrush bodies are injection-molded, with their head portions seated in the partial cavities of the mold inserts 116 and suspended vertically from them.

[0124] The drive system with its servo motors is freely programmable to move the holders 40 with the mold inserts 116 between the injection stations 14 - 18 and the ejection station 50 so that the moldings injected with the first component in the lowest injection station 14 are transferred to the middle injection station 16, while the moldings injected with the first and second components in the middle injection station 16 are transferred to the upper injection station 18 to inject the third component there, and finally to transport the finished moldings from the upper injection station 18 to the ejection station 100.

[0125] When the holders 40 with their mold inserts 116 are indexed further, the moves backwards before indexing further (see arrows in Fig. 1) moves the moved mold block 30 forward again and into the plane of and adjacent to the mold inserts 116. Alternatively, the mold housing 20 can be stationary, and the mold housing 22 and the holders 40 are moved toward and away from the housing 20. After injection molding, the device moves upward again, with the molded articles moving out of the mold blocks 30, 32 but remaining in the cavities of the mold inserts 116 of the holders 40. The cycle then continues.

[0126] Further details on the injection process in the embodiment according to Fig. 6 is disclosed in WO 2012 / 130469 A, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

[0127] Even with Fig. No reversing operation is provided for motors 6. Motors 29 to 329 share a slip ring set.

[0128] The options for cables 84, 86 and the slip rings, which are based on the Fig. 1 to 5 are also applicable to Fig.6 can be realized.

Claims

[1] Injection molding device for injection molding plastic objects, in particular for injection molding brush bodies to be filled, with a guide (26) extending along a plurality of stations (14, 16 ...), including at least one injection molding station, and along which at least one carriage (12) can be moved successively through the stations (14, 16 ...), wherein the carriage(s) (12, 12'...) transport the object to be produced from station to station and, preferably, each have at least one section of a mold block (30) which is combined in the injection molding station with an associated mold block to form a cavity to be injected with plastic, wherein a total of a plurality of motors (29, 129, 229, 329) are assigned to the carriage(s) (12, 12'), which motors are seated on the carriage(s) (12, 12'), characterized bythat the motors (29, 129, 229, 329) are assigned co-moving lines for the power supply and / or at least one co-moving line for signaling (84, 86), which are coupled to a stationary power source (70) or a stationary controller (48), that at least one of the lines (84, 86) is guided from one motor (29, 129, 229, 329) to another, and that the motors (29, 129, 229, 329) are coupled to the at least one line (84, 86) in terms of energy and / or signaling. [2] Injection molding device according to claim 1, characterized by that the lines for the power supply and / or the at least one line for signaling (84, 86) are guided from one carriage (12, 12') to another without the interposition of sliding contacts and motors (29, 129, 229, 329) of these carriages (12, 12') are coupled energetically and / or signal-wise to at least one line (84, 86) which moves along. [3] Injection molding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that one or more motors (29, 129, 229, 329) are each mounted on a plurality of carriages (12, 12') and that the lines for the power supply and / or the at least one line for signaling (84, 86) are led directly from one to another carriage (12, 12') and motors (29, 129, 229, 329) of these carriages (12, 12') are coupled energetically and / or signal-wise to at least one line (84, 86) which is also moved. [4] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several carriages (12, 12') are provided and motors (29, 129, 229, 329) of all carriages (12, 12'...) are coupled energetically and / or signal-wise to at least one of the moving lines. [5] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat all motors (29, 129, 229, 329) of all carriages (12, 12'...) are energetically and / or signal-wise coupled to the at least one moving line. [6] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a motor (29) for moving the carriage (12,12'...) along the guide (26) is attached to each of the carriages (12,12'...). [7] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the carriage or carriages (12,12'...) have at least one motor (129, 229, 329) for adjusting the section of the mold block (30) relative to the carriage (12,12'...). [8] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide (26) runs in a closed ring shape. [9] Injection molding device according to claim 8, characterized by that the guide (26) rotates around a stationary guide block (10). [10] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the moving lines originate from a stationary, central contact point (72). [11] Injection molding device according to claim 10, characterized by that the contact point (72) has sliding contacts (74 - 84) for the transition from a stationary contact to a movable contact. [12] Injection molding device according to claim 11, characterized by that only one set of sliding contacts (74, 76) is provided for the co-moving lines for the power supply (84) and / or one set of sliding contacts (78, 80) is provided for the at least one co-moving line for the signaling (86). [13] Injection molding device according to claim 8 or 9 and additionally according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by that the stationary contact point (72) is provided in the center of the circumferential guide (26). [14] Injection molding device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by that the lines for the power supply and / or the at least one line for the signaling (84, 86) run in a star shape from and to the center of the circumferential guide (26). [15] Injection molding device according to claim 14, characterized by that the line or lines (84, 86) which run to the carriages (12, 12'...) run from one carriage (12, 12'...) first to the centre and from there to the following carriage (12, 12'...). [16] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide (26) is closed in a ring shape and deviates from a circular shape, in particular wherein the lines (84, 86) are guided in energy guide chains (90). [17] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that all motors (29, 129, 229, 329) are freely programmable independently of each other. [18] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the controller (48) has an open or closed bus system which is designed to output specific control data sets for the individual motors (29, 129, 229, 329). [19] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least some of the motors (29, 129, 229, 329) are servo motors. [20] Injection molding device according to claim 19, characterized by that at least some of the servo motors (29, 129, 229, 329) have an integrated controller. [21] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the signal transmission from the control (48) to the carriage(s) (12, 12'...), in particular directly to the individual motors (29, 129, 229, 329), is designed as a radio transmission. [22] Injection molding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one holder (40) is seated on at least some slides, which holder is movable and carries sections of partial cavities of a mold block (30) which are complemented by sections of the partial cavities of the mold block, the holder (40) transporting completely or partially injection-molded articles from one to a subsequent station (12 to 12''').

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