Manufacturing process for an injection molded part, injection molding machine and clamping plate of an injection molding machine

Abstract

Manufacturing process for a resulting injection-molded part (T3) in an injection molding machine, wherein a first mold half (7) and a second mold half (8) are arranged on a first mounting plate (2) of the injection molding machine via a first rotary table (6) arranged on the first mounting plate (2), and a third mold half (9) is arranged directly or via the first rotary table (6), wherein a fourth mold half (10) is arranged on a second mounting plate (3) of the injection molding machine directly or via a second rotary table (11) arranged on the second mounting plate (3), and a fifth mold half (12) and a sixth mold half (13) are arranged via the second rotary table (11), wherein a first to eighth step (S1 to S8) are carried out successively as part of the manufacturing process. - wherein in the first and fifth steps (S1, S5) the first and second mounting plates (2, 3) are moved towards each other until -- in the first step (S1) the first and fourth mold halves (7, 10) form a first injection mold, the second and fifth mold halves (8, 12) form a second injection mold, and the third and sixth mold halves (9, 13) form a third injection mold and -- in the fifth step (S5) the second and fourth mold halves (8, 10) form the first injection mold, the first and sixth mold halves (7, 13) form the second injection mold, and the third and fifth mold halves (9, 12) form the third injection mold, - where in the second and sixth steps (S2, S6) -- by injecting a first injectable material (K1) into the first injection mold a first provisional injection molded part (T1), -- by injecting a second injectable material (K2) into the second injection mold a second temporary injection molded part (T2) and -- by injecting a third injectable material (K3) into the third injection mold, the resulting injection molded part (T3) is produced, - wherein in the third and seventh steps (S3, S7) the first and second mounting plates (2, 3) are moved away from each other, so that the first, second and third injection molds are opened, - wherein the first temporary injection molded part (T1) is held in the first mold half (7) in the third step (S3) and in the second mold half (8) in the seventh step (S7), and the second temporary injection molded part (T2) is held in the fifth mold half (12) in the third step (S3) and in the sixth mold half (13) in the seventh step (S7), - wherein in the fourth and eighth steps (S4, S8) the two rotary tables (6, 11) are each rotated by 180° so that the first and second mold halves (7, 8) and the fifth and sixth mold halves (12, 13) exchange their positions, characterized in that in a central area of ​​the mounting plates (2, 3), which is equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates (2, 3), either the fourth mold half (10) or the third mold half (9) is arranged.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing process for a resulting injection-molded part in an injection molding machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The present invention further relates to an injection molding machine according to the preamble of claim 4.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a mounting plate of an injection molding machine according to the preamble of claim 8.

[0004] The aforementioned items are known, for example, from DE 10 2015 012 324 A1. In the known injection molding machine, three injection stations are arranged in a single parting line of the mold. First, a first layer is injected in a first injection station. This layer is then transported to a second injection station, where a second layer is injected. Finally, the first and second layers are transported to a third injection station, where a third and final layer is injected. In one possible embodiment of DE 10 2015 012 324 A1, one mold half of an injection mold is fixedly mounted on each of the two mounting plates, and two mold halves are arranged on a rotary table. The rotary tables serve to transport the first layer from the first to the second injection station, respectively.The first and second layers are transferred from the second to the third injection station. The rotary tables are rotated 180° to transport the layers. This causes the halves of the injection molds arranged on the respective rotary table to exchange their roles.

[0005] A similar design is known from JP 2010-179 511 A. The essential difference is that one of the two turntables is rotated into four or five different positions.

[0006] From DE 10 2011 117 267 A1, an injection molding machine is known which has a first and a second mounting plate. On the first mounting plate, one mold half of an injection mold is arranged centrally, with another mold half on either side of this mold half. On the second mounting plate, a sliding table is arranged which is laterally displaceable. Two further mold halves are arranged on the sliding table. Depending on the sliding table's position, one of the two mold halves arranged on the sliding table interacts with the mold half that is centrally located on the first mounting plate. The other of the two mold halves arranged on the sliding table interacts, depending on the sliding table's position, with either one or the other further mold half arranged on the first mounting plate.In the operation of this injection molding machine, an injection molded part is first produced using the two centrally arranged mold halves. The mold half with the injection molded part is then moved outwards, and finally the injection molded part is coated with a coating. In DE 10 2011 117 267 A1, the first injection mold is indeed arranged centrally. However, the two outer mold tools are operated alternately, not simultaneously, and are not injection molds.

[0007] US Patent 2013 / 0 122 137 A1 discloses an injection molding machine that has a rotary table shaped like a ring. The actual teaching of US Patent 2013 / 0 122 137 A1 deals with the guidance and mounting of the platen, but not with the rotary table. It is only mentioned in passing that one (1) injection mold can be mounted on the rotary table.

[0008] Injection molding machines are also generally known elsewhere. For example, DE 199 06 691 A1 discloses an injection molding machine that has a first and a second mounting platen, which can be moved towards and away from each other by means of a traversing device. In this injection molding machine, a rotary table is arranged on one of the two mounting plates. The rotary table is rotatable about an axis of rotation located in a central area of ​​the two mounting plates. Mold halves of injection molds are arranged on the rotary table at a radial distance from the axis of rotation. The mold halves interact with further mold halves that are arranged – directly and, in particular, not rotatably – on the other of the two mounting plates. The rotary table is rotated by 360° / n, where n is the number of mold halves on the rotary table and has a value of at least 3.

[0009] In injection molding, a challenge sometimes arises in applying the clamping force evenly across the mold halves during the injection molding process. To achieve this, the mold halves should be positioned in the central area of ​​the mounting plates, equidistant from the edges. This is easily accomplished if each mounting plate contains only a single mold half, and thus only one injection mold. However, if each mounting plate contains more than one mold half, and therefore more than one injection mold, the prior art dictates that all injection molds are positioned outside the central area. No injection mold is located in the central area.

[0010] In the teaching of DE 199 06 691 A1, several hydraulic cylinder units are provided for applying the clamping force, with one hydraulic cylinder unit arranged behind each injection mold. Guide rails are arranged around the mounting plates, by means of which the mounting plates are guided relative to each other during movement. An additional guide rail is also provided, which is arranged in the central area of ​​the two mounting plates.

[0011] The teaching of DE 199 06 691 A1 is initially very complex, as it requires several hydraulic cylinder units and an additional guide rail. Furthermore, the injection molding machine of DE 199 06 691 A1 – particularly due to the additional guide rail – is not universally applicable, but only in the manner described in DE 199 06 691 A1.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a means by which, even in an injection molding machine on whose mounting plates several mold halves are arranged, one of the mold halves can be positioned in the central area of ​​each of the two mounting plates, so that an injection mold can be formed in this central area. Furthermore, the associated injection molding machine should be universally applicable.

[0013] The problem is solved by a manufacturing process for a resulting injection-molded part with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the manufacturing process according to the invention are the subject of dependent claims 2 and 3.

[0014] According to the invention, a manufacturing process for a resulting injection-molded part in an injection molding machine is provided with the following features: First, the injection molding machine has various design features: - On a first mounting plate of the injection molding machine, a first mold half and a second mold half are arranged via a first rotary table located on the first mounting plate. - A third mold half is arranged on the first mounting plate, either directly or via the first rotary table. - Furthermore, a fourth mold half is arranged on a second mounting plate of the injection molding machine, either directly or via a second rotary table located on the second mounting plate. Finally, a fifth mold half and a sixth mold half are arranged on the second mounting plate above the second rotary table. In the manufacturing process according to the invention, a first to eighth step are carried out successively. - In the first and fifth steps, the first and second mounting plates are moved towards each other until -- in the first step, the first and fourth mold halves form a first injection mold, the second and fifth mold halves a second injection mold, and the third and sixth mold halves a third injection mold and -- in the fifth step, the second and fourth mold halves form the first injection mold, the first and sixth mold halves form the second injection mold, and the third and fifth mold halves form the third injection mold. - In the second and sixth steps, a first preliminary injection molded part is produced by injecting a first injection moldable material into the first injection mold, a second preliminary injection molded part is produced by injecting a second injection moldable material into the second injection mold, and the resulting injection molded part is produced by injecting a third injection moldable material into the third injection mold. In the third and seventh steps, the first and second mounting plates are moved away from each other, opening the first, second, and third injection molds. During this process, the first temporary injection molded part is held in the first mold half in the third step and in the second mold half in the seventh step. The second temporary injection molded part is held in the fifth mold half in the third step and in the sixth mold half in the seventh step. - In the fourth and eighth steps, the two turntables are rotated by 180° each, so that the first and second mold halves as well as the fifth and sixth mold halves swap their positions.

[0015] The first and fifth steps correspond to each other. The only difference is that in the fifth step, compared to the first step, the first and second halves of the form, as well as the fifth and sixth halves, have swapped their positions. The second and sixth steps, and the third and seventh steps, correspond to each other in the same way.As a result, by repeatedly executing the sequence of moving the mounting plates towards each other, injecting the three injection molded parts, moving the mounting plates away from each other and rotating the two rotary tables by 180° each, a first preliminary injection molded part is produced in the first injection mold, the first preliminary injection molded part is transported to the second injection mold, the first preliminary injection molded part is injected there to form the second preliminary injection molded part, the second preliminary injection molded part is transported to the third injection mold and the second preliminary injection molded part is injected there to form the resulting injection molded part.

[0016] The term "rotary plate" is used in a purely functional sense. Specifically, a rotary plate can be a machine element of an injection molding machine, i.e., a rotary plate in the narrower sense. Alternatively, a rotary plate can also be an index plate, i.e., a component of an injection mold that is rotatably mounted in a base body of the injection mold and itself has two mold halves. In any case, the axes of rotation of the rotary plate are oriented orthogonally to the plane of the respective mounting plate.

[0017] The resulting injection-molded part can always be held in the third mold half during the ramp-up of the injection molds. This configuration is preferred. Alternatively, the resulting injection-molded part can be held in the respective other mold half, i.e., alternately in the fifth and sixth mold halves. In any case, the resulting injection-molded part is removed from the corresponding mold half after the ramp-up of the injection molds. The first and second temporary injection-molded parts, on the other hand, are transported from the first to the second injection mold and from the second to the third injection mold, respectively, as the rotary tables rotate.

[0018] One of the two mounting plates is typically fixed to a base body of the injection molding machine, so that only the other mounting plate moves towards and away from each other. Preferably, the first mounting plate is the fixed mounting plate, and thus the second mounting plate is the moving mounting plate.

[0019] The mounting plates have a central area that is equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates. Preferably, one of the injection molds is arranged in the central area. The other two injection molds are arranged outside the central area.

[0020] Often, the first injection mold will be located in the central area. This configuration is particularly common when the highest pressure and / or the highest precision are required for the first injection molding process.

[0021] In this case, the fourth mold half, which need not be located on the second rotary table, is positioned in the central area. If the fourth mold half is located on the second rotary table, it must be point-symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation of the second rotary table, so that it has the same shape in both rotational positions of the second rotary table. Furthermore, the positioning of the first injection mold in the central area implies that the axis of rotation of the first rotary table is offset from the central area. The axis of rotation of the second rotary table can run through the central area. This is mandatory if the fourth mold half is located on the second rotary table.

[0022] Alternatively, the third injection mold can be located in the central area. This configuration is particularly suitable when the highest pressure and / or the highest precision are required for the third injection molding process.

[0023] In this case, the third mold half, which need not be located on the first rotary table, is positioned in the central area. If the third mold half is located on the first rotary table, it must be point-symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation of the first rotary table, so that it has the same shape in both rotational positions of the first rotary table. Furthermore, positioning the third injection mold in the central area implies that the axis of rotation of the second rotary table is offset from the central area. The axis of rotation of the first rotary table can run through the central area. If the third mold half is located on the first rotary table, this is mandatory.

[0024] The materials used for injection molding can be selected as needed. In some cases, they can all be the same. However, as a rule, the second injection material is different from both the first and third. The first and third injection materials can be the same or different from each other, depending on requirements.

[0025] The materials used for injection molding are typically plastics. These plastics can be thermosets, thermoplastics, or elastomers, depending on requirements. Alternatively, one or more of the materials can be injection molded as a foam, particularly polyurethane (PU) foam. Polyurethane can also be injection molded without foaming, if necessary.

[0026] The problem is further solved by an injection molding machine with the features of claim 4. Advantageous embodiments of the injection molding machine according to the invention are the subject of dependent claims 5 to 7.

[0027] According to the invention, an injection molding machine is created in which - the injection molding machine has a first and a second mounting plate which can be moved towards and away from each other by means of a moving device, - a first rotary table can be arranged on the first mounting plate and a second rotary table can be arranged on the second mounting plate, - two mold halves of injection molds can be arranged on each existing turntable, whereby the mold halves arranged on the turntables exchange their positions by rotating the respective turntable by 180°, - on each of the two mounting plates, in an area remaining outside the respective rotary table, another mold half of a respective injection mold can be arranged and - the arrangement of the mold halves on the rotary tables and the clamping plates is such that both before and after the rotary tables are rotated by 180° when the clamping plates are brought together -- the mold half arranged outside the first turntable on the first mounting plate and one of the two mold halves arranged on the second turntable form an injection mold, -- the mold half arranged outside the second turntable on the second mounting plate and one of the two mold halves arranged on the first turntable form another injection mold and -- each of the two halves of the mold arranged on the turntables also forms another injection mold.

[0028] Another essential feature is that in a central area of ​​the mounting plates, which is equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates, either the mold half located on the second mounting plate outside the second rotary table or the mold half located on the first mounting plate outside the first rotary table is arranged.

[0029] The operating principle and advantages of the injection molding machine according to the invention correspond to those of the manufacturing process according to the invention. The traversing device is generally designed as a hydraulic cylinder unit or as a group of several hydraulic cylinder units.

[0030] Some of the design features of the injection molding machine correspond to those of the manufacturing process. In particular, analogous to the manufacturing process, the first mounting plate is preferably fixed to a base body of the injection molding machine, while the second mounting plate is movable on the base body. In principle, however, the reverse configuration is also possible. Furthermore, as required, either the first or the third injection mold can be arranged in a central area of ​​the mounting plates, equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates.

[0031] Preferably, one of the rotary tables is detachably connected to the remaining area of ​​its mounting plate, such that in the detached state, this rotary table can rotate independently of the remaining area. In this state, when the corresponding rotary table is rotated, the remaining area of ​​the respective mounting plate either does not rotate along with it or—if it is rotatable—rotates independently of the respective rotary table. In the connected state, however, either this rotary table is not rotatable or the remaining area of ​​its mounting plate rotates along with this rotary table.

[0032] Preferably, one of the rotary tables is designed as a circular ring that surrounds the remaining area of ​​its mounting plate and whose axis of rotation lies in a central area of ​​the mounting plate, equidistant from the edges of the mounting plate. The axis of rotation of the other rotary table, however, lies outside the central area of ​​the mounting plate.

[0033] The problem is further solved by a mounting plate with the features of claim 8. An advantageous embodiment of the mounting plate according to the invention is the subject of dependent claim 9.

[0034] According to the invention, a mounting plate of an injection molding machine of the type mentioned above is designed in such a way that the rotary table is formed as a circular ring which surrounds the remaining area of ​​the mounting plate and whose axis of rotation runs in a central area of ​​the mounting plate which is equidistant from the edge of the mounting plate.

[0035] The mode of operation and the advantages of the clamping plate according to the invention correspond to those of the manufacturing process and the injection molding machine according to the invention. The advantageous embodiments of the clamping plate and their effect correspond to the advantageous embodiments of the injection molding machine described in detail above.

[0036] Further advantages and details will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. These show, in schematic principle representation: Fig. 1. An injection molding machine from the side, Fig. 2 the injection molding machine from Fig. 1 from one direction II in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a top view of a first clamping plate as seen from a second clamping plate, Fig. 4 the first and second mounting plates seen from above, Fig. 5. A top view of the second mounting plate as seen from the first mounting plate. Fig. 6 a flowchart, Fig. 7 the first and second clamping plates seen from above during approach, Fig. 8 the first and second mounting plates seen from above in the closed position, Fig. 9 the first and second mounting plates seen from above during loading, Fig. 10 The first and second mounting plates seen from above after turning turntables, Fig. 11 a top view of a first clamping plate as seen from a second clamping plate and Fig. 12 A top view of the second mounting plate as seen from the first mounting plate.

[0037] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. In Figure 2, an injection molding machine has a base body 1. The base body 1 is stationary on a surface, for example, the floor of a production hall. A first clamping plate 2 is arranged on the base body 1. In this case, the first clamping plate 2 is stationary on the base body 1. Therefore, it is never moved – viewed orthogonally to the plane of the first clamping plate 2.

[0038] Opposite the first clamping plate 2, a second clamping plate 3 is present. The second clamping plate 3 is generally congruent or at least substantially congruent with the first clamping plate 2. The plane of the second clamping plate 3 is oriented parallel to the plane of the first clamping plate 2. The second clamping plate 3 can be moved orthogonally to its plane. The associated traversing device (usually a hydraulic cylinder unit or a group of hydraulic cylinder units) is located in Fig. 1 is symbolized by an arrow 4. Using the traversing device, the second mounting plate 3 can thus be moved – in absolute terms – or, in relative terms, the mounting plates 2 and 3 can be moved towards and away from each other.

[0039] In connection with this embodiment, the present invention is explained below. In principle, the reverse embodiment is also possible, i.e., that the first mounting plate 2 is the movable mounting plate, while the second mounting plate 3 is fixedly arranged on the base body 1.

[0040] Typically, the first mounting plate 2 and the second mounting plate 3 are guided relative to each other by a plurality of guide rails 5. Usually, four guide rails 5 are present, surrounding the mounting plates 2, 3 in the form of a rectangle. However, neither the presence nor the arrangement of the guide rails 5 is mandatory and is of secondary importance within the scope of the present invention. In particular, the base body 1 typically extends far enough to also support the traversing device. It is therefore equally possible that the base body 1 comprises a different type of guide device (for example, guide rails of the type of a dovetail guide) in which the second mounting plate 3 is guided.

[0041] According to Fig. 3 - see also Fig. 4 - The first mounting plate 2 is a circular disk. While this is common, it is ultimately of minor importance. What is important, however, is that a first rotary table 6 is arranged, or at least can be arranged, on the first mounting plate 2. A first mold half 7 and a second mold half 8 are arranged on the first mounting plate 2 above the first rotary table 6. Furthermore, a third mold half 9 is arranged on the first mounting plate 2. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3 is arranged directly on the first mounting plate 2, i.e., in an area of ​​the first mounting plate 2 remaining outside the first rotary table 6. The axis of rotation 6' of the first rotary table 6 is arranged outside a central area of ​​the first mounting plate 2, which is equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates 2 and 3. In the illustration, this is where Fig. 3 the first half of the mold 7.

[0042] The first mold half 7 and the second mold half 8 are identical in construction. Furthermore, the first and second mold halves 7, 8 are arranged symmetrically on the first turntable 6 with respect to the axis of rotation 6' of the first turntable 6. By rotating the first turntable 6 by 180°, the first and second mold halves 7, 8 thus exchange their positions and therefore also their functions.

[0043] It is possible that the first rotary table 6 is a machine component of the injection molding machine itself. In this case, the first rotary table 6 is usually recessed into the first clamping plate 2, resulting in a level transition from the first rotary table 6 to the remaining area of ​​the first clamping plate 2. As can be seen in particular from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the first rotary table 6, together with the two mold halves 7 and 8, forms a single assembly. In this case, the first rotary table 6 is designed as a so-called index plate. There is typically a step between the first rotary table 6 (the index plate) and the first mounting plate 2.

[0044] According to Fig. 5 - see also Fig. 4 - The second mounting plate 3 is also a circular disk. While this is common, it is ultimately of minor importance.

[0045] A fourth mold half 10 is arranged on the second mounting plate 3. Furthermore, a fifth and a sixth mold half 12, 13 are arranged on the second mounting plate 3 via a second rotary table 11. The fourth mold half 10 is, in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 is arranged directly on the second mounting plate 3. The fourth mold half 10 is therefore arranged in an area of ​​the second mounting plate 3 that remains outside the second rotary table 11. As can be seen from the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the second turntable 11 is designed as a circular ring that surrounds the remaining area of ​​the second mounting plate 3.

[0046] The fifth mold half 12 and the sixth mold half 13 are identical in construction. Furthermore, the fifth and sixth mold halves 12, 13 are arranged symmetrically on the second turntable 11 with respect to the axis of rotation 11' of the second turntable 11. By rotating the second turntable 11 by 180°, the fifth and sixth mold halves 12, 13 thus exchange their positions and therefore also their functions. The axis of rotation 11' of the second turntable 11 runs in a central area of ​​the second mounting plate 3, which is equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates 2, 3.

[0047] It would be possible to design the second turntable 11 as a full circle, so that it also encompasses the remaining area of ​​the second mounting plate 3. However, this is only possible if the fourth mold half 10 is arranged exactly concentrically to the axis of rotation 11' of the second turntable 11 and is also point-symmetrical to the axis of rotation 11' of the second turntable 11, so that the fourth mold half 10 is exactly mapped onto itself again when the second turntable 11 is rotated by 180°.

[0048] The second rotary table 11 is generally a machine component of the injection molding machine itself. In exceptional cases, however, the second rotary table 11 can also be designed as a so-called index plate. Otherwise, the above statements regarding the first rotary table 6 apply analogously.

[0049] The following is related to Fig. Figure 6 and the further FIG explain the functioning of the injection molding machine according to the invention.

[0050] According to Fig. 6 will initially be S1 in a first step (see also Fig. 7) The first and second mounting plates 2, 3 are moved towards each other (or the second mounting plate 3 is moved towards the first mounting plate 2). This movement is carried out until one of the mold halves 7, 8, 9 arranged on the first mounting plate 2 and one of the mold halves 10, 12, 13 arranged on the second mounting plate 3 each form an injection mold. Specifically, in step S1, as shown in Fig. 8 - the first and fourth mold halves 7, 10 a first injection mold, - the second and fifth mold halves 8, 12 a second injection mold and - the third and sixth mold halves 9, 13 a third injection mold.

[0051] Then, in one step, S2 - see also Fig. 8 - Injectable materials K1 to K3 are injected into the injection molds. Specifically, a first injectable material K1 is injected into the first injection mold. This produces a first preliminary injection-molded part T1 in the first injection mold. Similarly, a second injectable material K2 is injected into the second injection mold, producing a second preliminary injection-molded part T2. Similarly, a third injectable material K3 is injected into the third injection mold, producing a resulting injection-molded part T3. The injectable materials K1 to K3 can be fed into the injection molds, for example, via conventional injection units 14 to 16 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) are supplied.

[0052] As a rule, the second injectable material K2 is a material that differs from both the first injectable material K1 and the third injectable material K3. However, in exceptional cases, they may be identical. The first and third injectable materials K1 and K3 can alternatively be the same or different from each other.

[0053] Methods for supplying the first injection moldable material K1 to the first injection mold and the second injection moldable material K2 to the second injection mold are generally known to experts. For example, the injection moldable materials K1 and K2 can be transferred via nozzles of hot runners. Supplying the third injection moldable material K3 to the third injection mold is completely straightforward, since the third mold half 9 is fixed in position on the first mounting plate 2.

[0054] Next, in a third step, S3 will be selected - see additional information. Fig. 9 - the second mounting plate 3 is moved away from the first mounting plate 2. This reopens the injection molds. When the injection molds are opened in the third step S3, the first temporary injection mold part T1 is held in the first mold half 7. The second temporary injection mold part T2 is held in the fifth mold half 12. The resulting injection mold part T3 can be held in the third mold half 9 or in the sixth mold half 13, as required. Holding it in the third mold half 9 is preferred.

[0055] In a fourth step S4, the two turntables 6 and 11 are each rotated by 180°. By rotating the first turntable 6 by 180°, the first and second mold halves 7 and 8 exchange their positions and thus their functions. Similarly, by rotating the second turntable 11 by 180°, the fifth and sixth mold halves 12 and 13 exchange their positions and thus their functions. Fig. Figure 10 shows the corresponding state after the two rotary tables 6 and 11 have been rotated. Furthermore, in step S4, the resulting injection-molded part T3 is removed from the mold half 9 and 13 in which it is held. If necessary, a base part (not shown) can be inserted into the second mold half 8 or into the fourth mold half 10. This insertion can be done manually, for example.

[0056] Following steps S1 to S4, further steps S5 to S8 are performed. Steps S5 to S8 essentially correspond to steps S1 to S4. In step S5, the injection molds are closed; in step S6, the injection molded parts T1 to T3 are injected; in step S7, the injection molds are opened; and in step S8, both rotary tables 6 and 11 are rotated 180° each, the resulting injection molded part T3 is removed, and, if necessary, the base part is inserted into the corresponding mold half 7, 8, or 10. The only difference is that, due to the rotation of the two rotary tables 6 and 11, - firstly, in step S5, the second and fourth mold halves 8, 10 form the first injection mold, the first and sixth mold halves 7, 13 form the second injection mold, and the third and fifth mold halves 9, 12 form the third injection mold and - secondly, in step S7 the first temporary injection molded part T1 is held in the second mold half 8 and the second temporary injection molded part T2 is held in the sixth mold half 13.

[0057] The rotation of the two rotary tables 6, 11 in step S8 can be carried out as required with the same direction of rotation as in step S4 or in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0058] Then the process returns to step S1, so that the sequence of steps S1 to S8 is executed cyclically over and over again.

[0059] The described procedure thus results in the following: - in a specific injection process (step S2 or S6) in the first injection mold, the first preliminary injection molded part T1 is produced, - during the subsequent rotation of the first rotary table 6 (step S4 or S8) the first preliminary injection molded part T1 is transported to the second injection mold, - in the subsequent injection process (step S6 or S2) in the second injection mold, starting from this first preliminary injection molded part T1, the second preliminary injection molded part T2 is produced, - during the subsequent rotation of the second rotary table 11 (step S8 or S4) the second temporary injection molded part T2 is transported to the third injection mold and - in the subsequent injection process (step S2 or S6) in the third injection mold, starting from the second preliminary injection molded part T2, the resulting injection molded part T3 is produced.

[0060] An exception applies only during the start-up phase, i.e., the initial execution of steps S1 to S8. Specifically, during the initial execution of step S2, the third injection mold does not yet contain a provisional second injection molded part T2, so a proper resulting injection molded part T3 cannot be produced during the initial execution of step S2. Similarly, during the initial execution of step S2, the second injection mold does not yet contain a provisional first injection molded part T1, so a proper second provisional injection molded part T2 cannot be produced during the initial execution of step S2. Consequently, although a second injection molded part T2 may be present in the third injection mold during the initial execution of step S6, this second injection molded part T2 will not be proper.During the initial execution of step S6, a properly produced injection-molded part T3 cannot be manufactured. This "problem" can be solved by injecting only the first injection-moldable material K1 into the first injection mold during the initial execution of step S2, and by injecting only the first injection-moldable material K1 into the first injection mold and the second injection-moldable material K2 into the second injection mold during the initial execution of step S6. Alternatively, this "problem" can be solved by rejecting the two injection-molded parts T3 produced during the initial execution of steps S1 to S8.

[0061] In the above-described configuration of the injection molding machine, and in particular of the two mounting plates 2, 3, the fourth mold half 10 is arranged in the central area of ​​the second mounting plate 3. In an alternative configuration, as shown in Fig. 11. It is possible to design the first rotary table 6 as a circular ring that surrounds the central area of ​​the first mounting plate 2. In this case, the third mold half 9 is arranged in the central area of ​​the first mounting plate 2. The axis of rotation 6' of the first rotary table 6 is also located in the central area of ​​the first mounting plate 2 in this case. Correspondingly, in this case, as shown in Fig. 12 the second turntable 11, which carries the fifth and sixth mold halves, is arranged offset on the second mounting plate 3 relative to the central area of ​​the second mounting plate 3.

[0062] Regardless of whether the design of the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 or the design of the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 is realized, however, one of the injection molds is formed by each -- the mold half (for example, the third mold half 9) arranged outside the first turntable 6 on the first mounting plate 2 and one of the two mold halves (for example, the sixth mold half 13) arranged on the second turntable 11 or -- the mold half (for example, the fourth mold half 10) arranged outside the second turntable 11 on the second mounting plate 3 and one of the two mold halves arranged on the first turntable 6 (for example, the first mold half 7).

[0063] Preferably, the rotary tables 6, 11 can also be connected to the remaining area of ​​their respective mounting plates 2, 3. In this case, however, the connection is detachable. In the detached state, the rotary tables 6, 11 can be rotated independently of the remaining areas of their respective mounting plates 2, 3, as explained above. In the connected state, independent rotation of the respective rotary table 6, 11 is not possible.

[0064] It is possible that after being connected to their respective mounting plates 2, 3, both rotary tables 6, 11 are not rotatable at all. This can be useful if the mold halves 7, 8 and 9 on the one hand and the mold halves 10, 12 and 13 on the other hand are each replaced by a single mold half, so that the injection molding machine is operated in a completely conventional manner, i.e., without rotating the rotary tables 6, 11 and thus without changing the relationship between the mold halves.

[0065] Alternatively, after being connected to their respective mounting plates 2, 3, the remaining area of ​​one of the two mounting plates 2, 3 rotates along with the respective turntable 6, 11 when the turntable is turned, while the corresponding turntable 6, 11 of the other mounting plate 2, 3 is not rotatable at all. Rotatability can be particularly useful for the turntable 6, 11 that is designed as an annular ring. This is explained below for the case where the second turntable 11 is designed as an annular ring.

[0066] In this case, two mold halves can be arranged on the first mounting plate 2, hereinafter referred to as mold halves A and B. Mold half A is generally arranged on the first mounting plate 2 such that it is partially located on the first rotary table 6 and partially on the remaining area of ​​the first mounting plate 2. Mold half B is either arranged in the same way as mold half A or arranged on the first mounting plate 2 such that it is entirely located on the remaining area of ​​the first mounting plate 2.

[0067] Furthermore, in this case, two mold halves can also be arranged on the second mounting plate 3, hereinafter referred to as mold halves C and D. Both mold halves C and D are arranged on the second mounting plate 3 such that they are partially on the second rotary table 11 and partially on the remaining area of ​​the second mounting plate 3.

[0068] The operation of the injection molding machine in this case is similar to that described above. Fig. 6 explained. The difference is essentially that - in step S1 only two injection molds are formed, one from mold halves A and C and one from mold halves B and D, - in step S2 only two injection materials are injected, namely one injection material per injection mold, - in step S3 only a provisional injection molded part is held, whereby, depending on the situation of the individual case, it can be determined in which mold half A to D the injection molded part is held, and - in step S4 only the second rotary table 11 is rotated by 180°, but this rotation is also connected with a rotation of the remaining area of ​​the second mounting plate 3 by 180°.

[0069] The same principles apply to steps S5 to S8.

[0070] The corresponding design and operation of the injection molding machine is generally known to experts.

[0071] The present invention offers many advantages. Within the operating mode according to the invention, in which three mold halves 7 to 10, 12, 13 are arranged on the mounting plates 2, 3 (directly or via the respective rotary table 6, 11), the available installation space on the mounting plates 2, 3 can be used efficiently, and the first or the third of the three injection molds can be formed in the central area of ​​the mounting plates 2, 3. However, the injection molding machine is not limited to this operating mode but can also be used with minor modifications if only two injection molds are to be formed, both of which are arranged outside the central area of ​​the mounting plates 2, 3, or if only a single injection mold is to be formed.

[0072] The above description serves solely to explain the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention, however, shall be determined exclusively by the accompanying claims. Reference symbol list 1 Basic body 2, 3 clamping plates 4 Arrow 5 guide rails 6, 11 turntables 6', 11' axes of rotation 7, 8, 9 mold halves 10, 12, 13 mold halves 14 to 16 spray units K1 to K3 sprayable materials S1 to S8 steps T1, T2 preliminary injection molded parts T3 resulting injection molded part

Claims

[1] Manufacturing process for a resulting injection-molded part (T3) in an injection molding machine, wherein a first mold half (7) and a second mold half (8) are arranged on a first mounting plate (2) of the injection molding machine via a first rotary table (6) arranged on the first mounting plate (2), and a third mold half (9) is arranged directly or via the first rotary table (6), wherein a fourth mold half (10) is arranged on a second mounting plate (3) of the injection molding machine directly or via a second rotary table (11) arranged on the second mounting plate (3), and a fifth mold half (12) and a sixth mold half (13) are arranged via the second rotary table (11), wherein a first to eighth step (S1 to S8) are carried out successively in the manufacturing process, - wherein in the first and fifth steps (S1, S5) the first and second mounting plates (2, 3) are moved towards each other until -- in the first step (S1) the first and fourth mold halves (7, 10) form a first injection mold, the second and fifth mold halves (8, 12) form a second injection mold, and the third and sixth mold halves (9, 13) form a third injection mold and -- in the fifth step (S5) the second and fourth mold halves (8, 10) form the first injection mold, the first and sixth mold halves (7, 13) form the second injection mold, and the third and fifth mold halves (9, 12) form the third injection mold, - where in the second and sixth steps (S2, S6) -- by injecting a first injectable material (K1) into the first injection mold a first provisional injection molded part (T1), -- by injecting a second injectable material (K2) into the second injection mold a second temporary injection molded part (T2) and -- by injecting a third injectable material (K3) into the third injection mold, the resulting injection molded part (T3) is produced, - wherein in the third and seventh steps (S3, S7) the first and second mounting plates (2, 3) are moved away from each other, so that the first, second and third injection molds are opened, - wherein the first temporary injection molded part (T1) is held in the first mold half (7) in the third step (S3) and in the second mold half (8) in the seventh step (S7), and the second temporary injection molded part (T2) is held in the fifth mold half (12) in the third step (S3) and in the sixth mold half (13) in the seventh step (S7), - in the fourth and eighth steps (S4, S8) the two turntables (6, 11) are each rotated by 180° so that the first and second mold halves (7, 8) and the fifth and sixth mold halves (12, 13) exchange their positions, characterized by, that in a central area of ​​the mounting plates (2, 3) which is equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates (2, 3), either the fourth mold half (10) or the third mold half (9) is arranged. [2] Manufacturing process according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first mounting plate (2) is fixedly arranged on a base body (1) of the injection molding machine and that only the second mounting plate (3) is moved to move the mounting plates (2, 3) towards and away from each other. [3] Manufacturing process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the second injectable material (K2) is an injectable material different from both the first and the third injectable material (K1, K3). [4] Injection molding machine, - wherein the injection molding machine has a first and a second mounting plate (2, 3) which can be moved towards and away from each other by means of a moving device, - wherein a first rotary table (6) can be arranged on the first mounting plate (2) and a second rotary table (11) is arranged on the second mounting plate (3), - wherein two mold halves (7, 8, 12, 13) of injection molds can be arranged on each existing rotary table (6, 11), wherein the mold halves (7, 8, 12, 13) arranged on the rotary tables (6, 11) exchange their positions by rotating the respective rotary table (6, 11) by 180°, - wherein on the two mounting plates (2, 3) in an area remaining outside the respective rotary table (6, 11) another mold half (9, 10) of a respective injection mold can be arranged and - wherein the arrangement of the mold halves (7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13) on the rotary tables (6, 11) and the mounting plates (2, 3) is such that both before and after the rotation of the rotary tables (6, 11) by 180° when the mounting plates (2, 3) are brought together -- the mold half (9) arranged outside the first rotary table (6) on the first mounting plate (2) and one of the two mold halves (12, 13) arranged on the second rotary table (11) form an injection mold, -- the mold half (10) arranged outside the second rotary table (11) on the second mounting plate (3) and one of the two mold halves (7, 8) arranged on the first rotary table (6) form another injection mold and -- each of the other mold halves (7, 8, 12, 13) arranged on the rotary tables (6, 11) also forms another injection mold, characterized by , that in a central area of ​​the mounting plates (2, 3), which is equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates (2, 3), either the mold half (10) arranged on the second mounting plate (3) outside the second rotary table (11) or the mold half (9) arranged on the first mounting plate (2) outside the first rotary table (6) is arranged. [5] Injection molding machine according to claim 4, characterized by , that the first mounting plate (2) is fixedly arranged on a base body (1) of the injection molding machine and the second mounting plate (3) is movably arranged on the base body (1). [6] Injection molding machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that one of the rotary tables (6, 11) can be detachably connected to the remaining area of ​​its mounting plate (2, 3), such that in the detached state this rotary table (6, 11) can be rotated independently of the remaining area and in the connected state either this rotary table (6, 11) cannot be rotated or the remaining area of ​​its mounting plate (2, 3) rotates with it when this rotary table (6, 11) is rotated. [7] Injection molding machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by, that one of the rotary tables (6, 11) is designed as a circular ring that surrounds the remaining area of ​​its mounting plate (2, 3) and whose axis of rotation (6', 11') runs in a central area of ​​the mounting plates (2, 3) that is equidistant from the edges of the mounting plates (2, 3), and an axis of rotation (6', 11') of the other of the rotary tables (6, 11) runs outside the central area of ​​the mounting plates (2, 3). [8] Mounting plate of an injection molding machine, wherein the mounting plate (2, 3) has a rotary table (6, 11) on which two mold halves (7, 8, 12, 13) of injection molds can be arranged, which exchange their positions by rotating the rotary table (6, 11) by 180°, wherein in a remaining area of ​​the mounting plate (2, 3) a further mold half (9, 10) of an injection mold can be arranged, characterized by, that the rotary table (6, 11) is designed as a circular ring that surrounds the remaining area of ​​the mounting plate (2, 3) and whose axis of rotation (6', 11') runs in a central area of ​​the mounting plate (2, 3) that is equidistant from the edge of the mounting plate (2, 3). [9] Mounting plate according to claim 8, characterized by , that the rotary table (6, 11) can be detachably connected to the remaining area of ​​the mounting plate (2, 3), such that in the detached state the rotary table (6, 11) can be rotated independently of the remaining area and in the connected state either the rotary table (6, 11) cannot be rotated or the remaining area of ​​the mounting plate (2, 3) rotates with the rotary table (6, 11).

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