CONTROL DEVICE FOR AN INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE AND INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE

Abstract

Control device (700) for an injection molding machine (10), comprising an ejector rod (210) of an ejector unit (200) which is installed on a movable plate (120), wherein the movable plate (120) comprises a mounting part (510) of movable mold (820) to which a movable mold (820) of a mold unit (800) is attached, moving forward and backward, wherein the control device (700) is configured to set several operating modes, including a first operating mode used for exchanging the molding unit (800), and a second operating mode in which injection molding is performed, and the control device (700) controls the return movement of the ejector rod (210) such that the ejector rod (210) waits in the first operating mode at a first return movement position (BP1) in which a tip of the ejector rod (210) coincides with a front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510) or in which a tip of the ejector rod (210) is on a rear side of the front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510) (820), and controls the return movement of the ejector rod (210) such that the ejector rod (210) waits in the second operating mode at a second return movement position (BP2) in which the tip of the ejector rod (210) is on a front side of the front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for an injection molding machine and an injection molding machine. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] JP 2011-136 512 A discloses an ejector control unit for controlling an ejector unit for ejecting and removing a molded product formed by an injection molding machine. The ejector control unit detects and stores the position of the ejector after mold closing and controls the operation of the servo motor for the ejector according to the stored ejector retraction end position (retraction position).

[0003] The injection molding machine typically adjusts the ejector rod's retraction position so that the ejector rod protrudes from the front end face (punch face) of the moving platen towards the stationary platen side. This reduces the ejector rod's travel distance during the injection molding cycle.

[0004] JP 2019-177535 A discloses an injection molding machine with an ejector rod and a control device for controlling the forward and reverse movement of the ejector rod. US 5658600 A discloses an injection molding machine with a device for vibration machining. JP H05-154847 A discloses an injection molding machine with an ejector rod. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] However, there is a risk that the ejector rod and the mold unit will interfere with each other during the process of removing the mold unit from the mold closing / clamping unit (stationary plate, moving plate) if the retraction position set in the ejector unit protrudes beyond the front end surface.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a technique by which various operations of an injection molding machine can be carried out advantageously by arranging the ejector rod in a suitable position.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control device is provided that controls the operation of an injection molding machine, which moves an ejector rod of an ejector unit forwards and backwards. The control device is configured to set several operating modes, including a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in which the injection molding machine operates. The control device sets a first retraction position, into which the ejector rod retracts and waits in the first operating mode, and a second retraction position, into which the ejector rod retracts and waits in the second operating mode, at different positions from each other.

[0008] According to one aspect, various operations of an injection molding machine can be carried out in a favorable way by arranging the ejector rod in a suitable position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram representing a state of an injection molding machine according to an embodiment when mold opening is complete; Fig. 2 is a diagram that represents a state of an injection molding machine according to an embodiment at the time of mold closing / clamping; Fig. 3 is a diagram that shows an example of elements of a control device as functional blocks; Fig. 4 is a diagram that illustrates an example of a process of a mold cycle; Fig. Figure 5 is a side section view showing a mold closing / clamping unit, an ejector unit and a mold unit in an enlarged view; Fig. 6A is a diagram representing a screen displayed on a display device; Fig. 6B is a diagram that represents an actuation button for selecting multiple operating modes; Fig. 7A is a diagram illustrating the process of removing the mold unit; Fig. 7B is a diagram that illustrates the Fig. 7A represents the following process; Fig. 7C is a diagram that shows the Fig. 7B represents the following process; Fig. 7D is a diagram that illustrates the Fig. 7C represents the following process; Fig. 8A is a diagram representing a state in which the ejector rod is positioned in the first retraction position in preparation mode; Fig. 8B is a diagram that illustrates the exchange work of replacing the mold unit in the preparation mode; Fig. 9A is a diagram representing a state in which the ejector rod is positioned in the second retraction position in injection molding mode; Fig. 9B is a diagram representing a state in which the ejector rod is moved in an injection molding mode; and Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart that illustrates an actuation procedure for guiding the position of the ejector rod according to the operating mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same elements may be designated with the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. (Injection molding machine)

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 represents the state of the injection molding machine according to one embodiment at the time of completion of mold opening. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the state of the injection molding machine according to the embodiment at the time of mold closing / clamping. In this description, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis and Y-axis directions represent the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction. When a mold closing / clamping unit 100 is horizontal, the X-axis direction is the mold opening and closing direction, and the Y-axis direction is the width direction of an injection molding machine 10. The negative side in the Y-axis direction is referred to as the "operating side," and the positive side in the Y-axis direction is referred to as the "non-operating side."

[0011] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the injection molding machine 10 comprises the mold clamping unit 100, which opens and closes a mold unit 800; an ejector unit 200, which ejects the molded product formed by the mold unit 800; an injection unit 300, which injects the molding material into the mold unit 800; a motion unit 400, which moves the injection unit 300 forward and backward relative to the mold unit 800; a control device 700, which controls each element of the injection molding machine 10; and a frame 900, which supports each element of the injection molding machine 10. The frame 900 comprises a mold clamping unit frame 910, which supports the mold clamping unit 100, and an injection unit frame 920, which supports the injection unit 300. The form-closing / clamping unit frame 910 and the injection unit frame 920 are each installed on a floor 2 via a leveling device 930.The control device 700 is located inside the injection unit frame 920. Each element of the injection molding machine 10 is described below. (Form-fit / clamping unit)

[0012] In explaining the mold closing / clamping unit 100, the direction of movement of a movable plate 120 when the mold is closed (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is referred to as forward, and the direction of movement of the movable plate 120 when the mold is open (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is referred to as backward.

[0013] The mold closing / clamping unit 100 closes, pressurizes (increases the pressure), clamps, releases the pressure, and opens the mold unit 800. The mold unit 800 comprises a stationary mold 810 and a movable mold 820.

[0014] The mold closing / clamping unit 100, for example, is of a horizontal type, and the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal. The mold closing / clamping unit 100 has a stationary plate 110 to which the stationary mold 810 is attached, the movable plate 120 to which the movable mold 820 is attached, and a movement mechanism 102 for moving the movable plate 120 in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the stationary plate 110.

[0015] The stationary plate 110 is attached to the form-closing / clamping unit frame 910. The stationary form 810 is mounted on the side of the stationary plate 110 facing the movable plate 120.

[0016] The movable plate 120 is arranged to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the mold closing / clamping unit frame 910. A guide 101 is placed on the mold closing / clamping unit frame 910 to guide the movable plate 120. The movable mold 820 is attached to the surface of the movable plate 120 that faces the stationary plate 110.

[0017] The movement mechanism 102 moves the movable plate 120 forwards and backwards relative to the stationary plate 110 in order to close, pre-tension (increase the pressure), clamp, relieve pressure and open the molding unit 800. The motion mechanism 102 comprises a toggle lever carrier 130 spaced apart from the stationary plate 110, a column 140 connecting the stationary plate 110 and the toggle lever carrier 130, a toggle lever mechanism 150 moving the movable plate 120 in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the toggle lever carrier 130, a mold closing / clamping motor 160 initiating the operation of the toggle lever mechanism 150, a motion adjustment mechanism 170 converting the rotary motion of the mold closing / clamping motor 160 into a linear motion, and a mold space adjustment mechanism 180 adjusting the distance between the stationary plate 110 and the toggle lever carrier 130.

[0018] The toggle lever carrier 130 is spaced apart from the stationary plate 110 and is mounted on the mold closing / clamping unit frame 910 to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction. It should be noted that the toggle lever carrier 130 can be arranged to be movable along a guide provided on the mold closing / clamping unit frame 910. The guide for the toggle lever carrier 130 can be the same as the guide 101 for the movable plate 120.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the stationary plate 110 is attached to the mold closing / clamping unit frame 910 and the toggle lever carrier 130 is arranged in relation to the mold closing / clamping unit frame 910 to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction, but the toggle lever carrier 130 can be attached to the mold closing / clamping unit frame 910 and the stationary plate 110 can be arranged in relation to the mold closing / clamping unit frame 910 to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0020] The column 140 connects the stationary plate 110 and the toggle lever support 130 at a distance L in the mold opening and closing direction. Several columns 140 (e.g., 4) can be used. The multiple columns 140 are arranged parallel to the mold opening and closing direction and extend according to the mold closing / clamping force.

[0021] At least one column 140 can be equipped with a column deformation detector 141, which detects the deformation of the column 140. The column deformation detector 141 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the column deformation detector 141 is used for the deformation of the mold closing / clamping force, etc.

[0022] Although the column deformation detector 141 is used in the present embodiment as a form-closing / clamping force detector for detecting the form-closing / clamping force, the present invention is not limited to this. The form-closing / clamping force detector is not limited to one type of deformation measurement, but can be of a piezoelectric type, a capacitive type, a hydraulic type, an electromagnetic type, etc., and its mounting position is not limited to the column 140.

[0023] The toggle mechanism 150 is arranged between the movable plate 120 and the toggle support 130 to move the movable plate 120 relative to the toggle support 130 in the mold opening and closing direction. The toggle mechanism 150 comprises a crosshead 151, which moves in the mold opening and closing direction, and a pair of link groups that flex and extend with the movement of the crosshead 151. The pair of link groups comprises a first link 152 and a second link 153, which are pivotally connected by a pin or the like. The first link 152 is pivotally attached to the movable plate 120 by a pin or the like. The second link 153 is pivotally attached to the toggle support 130 by a pin or the like. The second connecting link 153 is attached to the crosshead 151 via a third connecting link 154.When the crosshead 151 is moved forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130, the first connecting link 152 and the second connecting link 153 are extended and retracted, and the movable plate 120 moves forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130.

[0024] The configuration of the toggle lever mechanism 150 is not based on the one in Fig. 1 and Fig. The configuration shown is limited to 2. Fig. 1 and Fig. For example, if the number of nodes in each link group is 5, the number of nodes may be 4, and one end of the third link 154 may be connected to the node between the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0025] The form-closing / clamping motor 160 is attached to the toggle lever carrier 130 to cause the toggle lever mechanism 150 to operate. The form-closing / clamping motor 160 extends and retracts the first connecting link 152 and the second connecting link 153 by moving the crosshead 151 forward and backward relative to the toggle lever carrier 130, and moves the movable plate 120 forward and backward relative to the toggle lever carrier 130. The form-closing / clamping motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but can also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt, pulley, etc.

[0026] The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotary motion of the form-closing / clamping motor 160 into a linear motion of the crosshead 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 comprises a spindle shaft and a spindle nut that is screwed into the spindle shaft. A ball or roller can be inserted between the spindle shaft and the spindle nut.

[0027] The mold closing / clamping unit 100 performs a mold closing process, a pressure intensification process, a mold clamping process, a pressure relief process and a mold opening process under the control of the control device 700.

[0028] In the mold closing process, the mold closing / clamping motor 160 is driven to move the crosshead 151 at a specific speed to the position in which the mold is closed. This, in turn, moves the movable plate 120, causing the movable mold 820 to contact the stationary mold 810. The position and speed of movement of the crosshead 151 are detected, for example, using a mold closing / clamping motor encoder 161. The mold closing / clamping motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the mold closing / clamping motor 160 and sends a signal indicating the result of the detection to the control device 700.

[0029] The crosshead position detector for detecting the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead motion velocity detector for detecting the motion velocity of the crosshead 151 are not limited to the form-closing / clamping motor encoder 161; general detectors can be used. Similarly, the moving plate position detector for detecting the position of the moving plate 120 and the moving plate motion velocity detector for detecting the motion velocity of the moving plate 120 are not limited to the form-closing / clamping motor encoder 161, and general detectors can be used.

[0030] During the pressure intensification process, the mold closing / clamping force is generated by further driving the mold closing / clamping motor 160 to move the crosshead 151 further forward from the mold closing / clamping position into the mold closing / clamping position.

[0031] During the mold closing / clamping process, the mold closing / clamping motor 160 is driven to maintain the position of the crosshead 151 in the mold closing / clamping position. The mold closing / clamping force generated in the pressure intensification process is maintained during the mold closing / clamping process. During the mold closing / clamping process, a cavity 801 (see Fig. 2) formed between the movable mold 820 and the stationary mold 810, and the injection unit 300 fills the cavity 801 with a liquid molding material. The introduced molding material solidifies, resulting in a molded product.

[0032] The number of cavities 801 can be one or more. In the latter case, several molded products are obtained simultaneously. A casting material can be placed in one part of the cavity space 801, and the other part can be filled with a molding material. A molded product can be obtained that integrates the casting material and the molding material.

[0033] During the pressure relief process, the mold closing / clamping motor 160 is driven to retract the crosshead 151 from the mold closing / clamping position to the mold opening start position, thereby retracting the movable platen 120 and reducing the mold closing / clamping force. The mold opening start position and the mold closing end position can be the same.

[0034] During the mold opening process, the mold closing / clamping motor 160 is driven to move the crosshead 151 at a specific speed from the mold opening start position to the mold opening closing position, thereby retracting the moving platen 120 and separating the moving mold 820 from the stationary mold 810. Subsequently, the ejector unit 200 ejects the molded product from the moving mold 820.

[0035] The setting conditions for the mold closing process, the pressure intensification process, and the mold closing / clamping process are set collectively as a set of setting conditions. For example, the movement speed and position (including the mold closing start position, the movement speed change position, the mold closing end position, and the mold closing / clamping position) of the crosshead 151 and the mold closing / clamping force during the mold closing process and the pressure intensification process are set collectively as a set of setting conditions. The mold closing start position, the movement speed change position, the mold closing end position, and the mold closing / clamping position are arranged in the specified order from back to front and represent the start and end points of the section in which the movement speed is set.A movement speed is set for each section. The movement speed switching position can be one or more. It is possible that the movement speed switching position is not set. Only one setting may be set, either for the mold closing / clamping position or the mold closing / clamping force.

[0036] Setting conditions for the pressure release process and the mold opening process are set in a similar manner. For example, the movement speed and position (the mold opening start position, the movement speed change position, and the mold opening end position) of the crosshead 151 are collectively set as a set of setting conditions for both the pressure release and mold opening processes. The mold opening start position, the movement speed change position, and the mold opening end position are arranged in the specified order from the front to the back and represent the start and end points of the section in which the movement speed is set. A movement speed is set for each section. The movement speed change position can be one or more positions. It is possible that the movement speed change position is not set.The mold opening start position and the mold closing end position can be the same position. The mold opening end position and the mold closing start position can be the same position.

[0037] Instead of the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151, the movement speed and position of the moving plate 120 can also be set. Instead of the position of the crosshead (e.g., form-closing / clamping position) or the position of the moving plate, the form-closing / clamping force can also be set.

[0038] The toggle lever mechanism 150 amplifies the drive force of the form-closing / clamping motor 160 and transmits this drive force to the movable plate 120. This amplification factor is also referred to as the "toggle lever factor." The toggle lever factor varies depending on the angle θ (hereinafter also referred to as the "link angle θ") formed by the first link 152 and the second link 153. The link angle θ is determined by the position of the crosshead 151. The toggle lever factor is greatest when the link angle θ is 180 degrees.

[0039] If the thickness of the mold unit 800 changes due to its replacement or a change in temperature, the mold space is adjusted so that a predetermined mold closing / clamping force is achieved at the time of mold closing / clamping. During mold space adjustment, the distance L between the stationary plate 110 and the toggle lever support 130 is adjusted so that, for example, at the time of mold contact, when the movable mold 820 contacts the stationary mold 810, the link angle θ of the toggle lever mechanism 150 becomes a predetermined angle.

[0040] The mold clamping unit 100 includes a mold space adjustment mechanism 180. The mold space adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the distance L between the stationary plate 110 and the toggle lever support 130 to adjust the mold space. The mold space adjustment is performed, for example, between the end of one molding cycle and the start of the next. The mold space adjustment mechanism 180 includes, for example, a spindle shaft 181 formed at the rear end of the column 140, a spindle nut 182 which is rotatably but not reciprocally moved by the toggle lever support 130, and a mold space adjustment motor 183 for rotating the spindle nut 182 which is screwed onto the spindle shaft 181.

[0041] The spindle shaft 181 and the spindle nut 182 are provided for each column 140. The rotary drive force of the mold space adjustment motor 183 can be transmitted to several spindle nuts 182 via a rotary drive force transmission part 185. Several spindle nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously. By changing the transmission path of the rotary drive force transmission part 185, it is also possible to rotate each of the several spindle nuts 182 individually.

[0042] The rotary drive power transmission part 185 is configured with gears, for example. In this case, a driven gear is formed on the outer circumference of each spindle nut 182, a driving gear is mounted on the output shaft of the mold space adjustment motor 183, and several driven gears and an intermediate gear that engages with a driving gear are rotatably held in the center of the toggle lever carrier 130. The rotary drive power transmission part 185 can be configured with a belt, a pulley, or the like instead of a gear.

[0043] The operation of the mold cavity adjustment mechanism 180 is controlled by the control device 700. The control device 700 drives the mold cavity adjustment motor 183 to rotate the spindle nut 182. This adjusts the position of the toggle lever carrier 130 relative to the column 140 and the distance L between the stationary plate 110 and the toggle lever carrier 130. Several mold cavity adjustment mechanisms can be used in combination.

[0044] The distance L is detected using a mold space adjustment motor encoder 184. The mold space adjustment motor encoder 184 detects the amount and direction of rotation of the mold adjustment motor 183 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the mold space adjustment motor encoder 184 is used to monitor and control the position and distance L of the toggle lever carrier 130. It should be noted that the toggle lever carrier position detector for detecting the position of the toggle lever carrier 130 and the distance detector for detecting the distance L are not limited to the mold space adjustment motor encoder 184, and general-purpose detectors can be used.

[0045] The mold clamping unit 100 can be equipped with a mold temperature control to adjust the temperature of the mold unit 800. Inside the mold unit 800 is a flow path for a temperature control medium. The mold temperature control adjusts the temperature of the mold unit 800 by setting the temperature of a temperature control medium supplied to the flow path of the mold unit 800.

[0046] The mold closing / clamping unit 100 of the present embodiment is of a horizontal type with the mold opening and closing direction in the horizontal direction, but the mold closing / clamping unit 100 can be of a vertical type with the mold opening and closing direction in the vertical direction.

[0047] The mold closing / clamping unit 100 of the present embodiment comprises the mold closing / clamping motor 160 as a drive unit, but the mold closing / clamping unit 100 can have a hydraulic cylinder instead of the mold closing / clamping motor 160. The mold closing / clamping unit 100 can include a linear motor for opening and closing the mold and an electromagnet for closing / clamping the mold. (Ejector unit)

[0048] In the description of the ejector unit 200, as in the description of the mold closing / clamping unit 100, the direction of movement of the moving plate 120 when the mold is closed (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is referred to as forward and the direction of movement of the moving plate 120 when the mold is open (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is referred to as backward.

[0049] The ejector unit 200 is attached to the movable plate 120 and moves back and forth together with the movable plate 120. The ejector unit 200 has an ejector rod 210, which ejects the molded product from the molding unit 800, and a drive mechanism 220, which moves the ejector rod 210 in the direction of movement (X-axis direction) of the movable plate 120.

[0050] The ejector rod 210 is arranged to be relatively movable with the movable plate 120. The front end of the ejector rod 210 is in contact with a forward-moving / reverse-moving structural part 825 of the movable mold 820.

[0051] The drive mechanism 220, for example, comprises an ejector motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotary motion of the ejector motor into a linear motion of the ejector rod 210. The motion conversion mechanism comprises a spindle shaft and a spindle nut that is screwed into the spindle shaft. A ball or roller can be inserted between the spindle shaft and the spindle nut.

[0052] The ejector unit 200 performs the ejection process under the control of the control device 700. During the ejection process, the ejector rod 210 is moved forward from the retraction position to the ejection position at a set speed to advance the ejector plate 826 and eject the molded product. Subsequently, the ejector motor is driven to retract the ejector rod 210 at a set speed, and the ejector plate 826 is retracted to its original retraction position.

[0053] The position and speed of movement of the ejector rod 210 are detected, for example, using an ejector motor encoder. The ejector motor encoder detects the rotation of the ejector motor and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The ejector rod position detector for detecting the position of the ejector rod 210 and the ejector rod speed detector for detecting the speed of movement of the ejector rod 210 are not limited to an ejector motor encoder; general detectors can be used. (Injection unit)

[0054] In the description of the injection unit 300, in contrast to the description of the mold closing / clamping unit 100 and the description of the ejector unit 200, the direction of movement of a screw 330 during filling (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is described as forward and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (for example, the positive X-axis direction) as backward.

[0055] The injection unit 300 is installed on a sliding base 301, and the sliding base 301 is arranged to be movable forwards and backwards relative to the injection unit frame 920. The injection unit 300 is arranged to be movable forwards and backwards relative to the molding unit 800. The injection unit 300 contacts the molding unit 800 and fills the cavity 801 in the molding unit 800 with the molding material. The injection unit 300 comprises, for example, the cylinder 310, which heats the molding material, a nozzle 320, which is provided at the front end of the cylinder 310, the screw 330, which is arranged in the cylinder 310 to be movable and rotatable forwards and backwards, a metering motor 340, which rotates the screw 330, an injection motor 350, which makes the screw 330 movable forwards and backwards, and a load detector 360, which detects the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330.

[0056] The cylinder 310 heats the molding material, which is fed inwards through a feed port 311. The molding material comprises, for example, resin. The molding material is formed, for example, in the form of a pellet and is fed to the feed port 311 in a solid state. The feed port 311 is located on the rear of the cylinder 310. A cooler 312, for example, a water-cooling cylinder, is provided on the outer circumference at the rear of the cylinder 310. Upstream of the cooler 312, the outer circumference of the cylinder 310 is equipped with a first heater 313, such as a belt heater, and a first temperature detector 314.

[0057] The cylinder 310 is divided into several zones along its axial direction (e.g., X-axis direction). Each of these zones is equipped with a first heater 313 and a first temperature detector 314. A set temperature is maintained in each zone, and the control device 700 controls the first heater 313 so that the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0058] The nozzle 320 is located at the front end of the cylinder 310 and is pressed against the molding unit 800. A second heater 323 and a second temperature detector 324 are provided on the outer circumference of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the second heater 323 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 becomes the set temperature.

[0059] The screw 330 is arranged to be rotatable and move forwards and backwards within the cylinder 310. As the screw 330 is rotated, the molding material is conveyed forwards along the helical groove of the screw 330. The molding material is gradually melted by the heat of the cylinder 310 as it is conveyed forwards. When the liquid molding material has been conveyed to the front of the screw 330 and accumulated at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. When the screw 330 is then moved forwards, the liquid molding material that has accumulated in front of the screw 330 is injected from the nozzle 320 and filled into the molding unit 800.

[0060] A non-return valve ring 331 is attached to the front of the screw 330 to act as a non-return valve, movable forwards and backwards to prevent the backflow of the molding material from the front to the back of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is pushed forwards.

[0061] When the screw 330 is moved forward, the non-return ring 331 is pushed back by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330 and retracts into a locking position relative to the screw 330 (see Fig. 2), which blocks the flow path of the molding material. This prevents the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 from flowing back.

[0062] On the other hand, when the screw 330 is rotated, the non-return valve ring 331 is pushed forward by the pressure of the molding material, which is conveyed forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330, and is moved forward relative to the screw 330 to an open position (see Fig. 1), which opens the flow path of the molding material. This conveys the molding material to the front of the screw 330.

[0063] The backflow prevention ring 331 can either be a rotating type that rotates together with the screw 330, or a non-rotating type that does not rotate with the screw 330.

[0064] The injection unit 300 can contain a drive source that moves the non-return ring 331 forward and backward between the open and closed positions relative to the screw 330.

[0065] The metering motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source for the rotation of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340, but can, for example, be a hydraulic pump.

[0066] An injection motor 350 moves the screw 330 forwards and backwards. A motion conversion mechanism or the like is provided between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330 to convert the rotary motion of the injection motor 350 into the linear motion of the screw 330. The motion conversion mechanism includes, for example, a spindle shaft and a spindle nut that is screwed into the spindle shaft. A ball, roller, or the like may be provided between the spindle shaft and the spindle nut. The drive source for the forward and reverse movement of the screw 330 is not limited to the injection motor 350, but can, for example, be a hydraulic cylinder.

[0067] The load detector 360 detects the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The detected load is converted into pressure by the control device 700. The load detector 360 is positioned in the load transmission path between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330 to detect the load acting upon it.

[0068] The load detector 360 sends a signal of the detected load to the control device 700. The load detected by the load detector 360 is converted into the pressure acting between the screw 330 and the molding material and is used to control and monitor the pressure that the screw 330 receives from the molding material, the back pressure against the screw 330, the pressure that the screw 330 exerts on the molding material, and the like.

[0069] The pressure detector for detecting the pressure of the mold material is not limited to the 360 ​​load detector; a general-purpose pressure detector can be used. For example, a nozzle pressure sensor or a mold cavity pressure sensor can be used. A nozzle pressure sensor is installed in the 320 nozzle. The mold cavity pressure sensor is installed inside the 800 mold unit.

[0070] The injection unit 300 performs a dosing process, a filling process, a pressure maintenance process, etc., under the control of the control device 700. The filling process and the pressure maintenance process can be collectively referred to as "the injection process".

[0071] In the metering process, the metering motor 340 is driven to rotate the screw 330 at a set speed and convey the molding material forward along the helical groove of the screw 330. This gradually melts the molding material. When the liquid molding material has been conveyed in front of the screw 330 and accumulated at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. The rotational speed of the screw 330 is detected, for example, using a metering motor encoder 341. The metering motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the metering motor 340 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The screw rotational speed detector for detecting the rotational speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341, and general detectors can be used.

[0072] During the metering process, the injection motor 350 can exert a set back pressure on the screw 330 to limit its sudden retraction. This back pressure is detected, for example, using the load detector 360. The metering process is complete when the screw 330 has retracted to the metering end position and a predetermined amount of molding material has accumulated in front of the screw 330.

[0073] The position and rotational speed of the screw 330 during the metering process are set together as a series of parameters. For example, a metering start position, a rotational speed switching position, and a metering end position are set. These positions are arranged in the specified order from front to back and represent the start and end points of a section for which the rotational speed is set. A rotational speed is set for each section. One or more rotational speed switching positions can be provided. The rotational speed switching position does not have to be set. Back pressure is also set for each section.

[0074] During the filling process, the injection motor 350 is driven to move the screw 330 forward at a set speed, and the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is filled into the cavity 801 in the molding unit 800. The position and speed of the screw 330 are detected, for example, using an injection motor encoder 351. The injection motor encoder 351 detects the rotation of the injection motor 350 and sends a signal indicating the result of the detection to the control device 700. When the screw 330 reaches the set position, a switchover (referred to as V / P switching) from the filling process to the pressure holding process is performed. The position at which the V / P switching is performed is referred to as the "V / P switching position". The set movement speed of the screw 330 can be adjusted according to the position of the screw 330, the time, etc.will be changed.

[0075] The position and speed of screw 330 during the filling process are set together as a series of parameters. For example, a filling start position (also referred to as the "injection start position"), a speed switching position, and a V / P switching position are set. These positions are arranged in the specified order from back to front and represent the start and end points of the section where the speed is set. A speed is set for each section. The speed switching position can be one or more positions. It is possible that the speed switching position is not set.

[0076] For each section where the screw 330's travel speed is set, an upper limit for the screw 330's pressure is defined. The screw 330's pressure is detected by the load detector 360. If the screw 330's pressure is less than or equal to the set pressure, the screw 330 moves forward at the set travel speed. Conversely, to protect the mold, if the screw 330's pressure exceeds the set pressure, the screw 330 moves forward at a lower speed than the set travel speed, ensuring that the screw 330's pressure remains less than or equal to the set pressure.

[0077] Once the screw 330 reaches the V / P switching position during the filling process, it can be temporarily stopped at this position before the V / P switching can be performed. Instead of stopping the screw 330, it can be moved slowly forward or backward immediately before the V / P switching. Furthermore, the screw position detector and the screw speed detector are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351; general-purpose detectors can also be used.

[0078] During the pressure holding process, the injection motor 350 is driven to push the screw 330 forward, thereby maintaining the pressure of the molding material at the front end of the screw 330 (hereinafter also referred to as "holding pressure") at a set pressure and pushing the remaining molding material in the cylinder 310 towards the molding unit 800. The amount of molding material lost due to cooling and shrinkage in the molding unit 800 can be replenished. The holding pressure is detected, for example, using the load detector 360. The set value of the holding pressure can be changed according to the time elapsed since the start of the pressure holding process, etc. The holding pressure during the pressure holding process and the time to maintain the holding pressure can each be set to multiple values ​​and can be set together as a set of setting conditions.

[0079] During the pressure holding process, the molding material in cavity 801 within the molding unit 800 is gradually cooled. Upon completion of the pressure holding process, the inlet of cavity 801 is blocked by the solidified molding material. This condition is referred to as a "gate seal" and prevents backflow of the molding material from cavity 801. Following the pressure holding process, a cooling process is initiated. During the cooling process, the molding material in cavity 801 solidifies. The metering process can be performed during the cooling process to shorten the molding cycle time.

[0080] The injection unit 300 of the present embodiment is an inline screw system, but a pre-plasticizing system or the like can be used. The injection unit of the pre-plasticizing system feeds the molding material, melted in the plasticizing cylinder, to an injection cylinder, and the injection cylinder injects the molding material into a molding unit. A screw is arranged rotatably within the plasticizing cylinder and is not movable back and forth, or the screw is arranged to be rotatable and movable back and forth. Conversely, a piston is arranged in the injection cylinder to be movable back and forth.

[0081] Furthermore, the injection unit 300 of the present embodiment is of a horizontal type, in which the axial direction of the cylinder 310 is horizontal, but can also be of a vertical type, in which the axial direction of the cylinder 310 is vertical. The mold clamping unit combined with the vertical injection unit 300 can be either vertical or horizontal. Likewise, the mold clamping unit combined with the horizontal injection unit 300 can be either horizontal or vertical. (Movement unit)

[0082] In the description of the motion unit 400, as in the description of the injection unit 300, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is referred to as "forward" and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is referred to as "backward".

[0083] The motion unit 400 moves the injection unit 300 forwards and backwards relative to the molding unit 800. The motion unit 400 also presses the nozzle 320 against the molding unit 800 to generate nozzle contact pressure. The motion unit 400 comprises a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator, etc.

[0084] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a reversible pump, and by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor 420, hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil) is drawn in from either the first port 411 or the second port 412 and discharged from the other port to generate hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pump 410 can also draw hydraulic fluid from a tank and discharge it from either the first port 411 or the second port 412.

[0085] Motor 420 operates hydraulic pump 410. Motor 420 drives hydraulic pump 410 in one direction of rotation and with a torque corresponding to a control signal from control device 700. Motor 420 can be an electric motor or an electric servo motor.

[0086] The hydraulic cylinder 430 comprises a cylinder body 431, a piston 432, and a piston rod 433. The cylinder body 431 is attached to the injection unit 300. The piston 432 divides the interior of the cylinder body 431 into a front chamber 435 (first chamber) and a rear chamber 436 (second chamber). The piston rod 433 is attached to the stationary plate 110.

[0087] The front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via a first flow path 401. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first flow path 401, and the injection unit 300 is pushed forward. As the injection unit 300 is pushed forward, the nozzle 320 is pressed against the stationary form 810. The front chamber 435 acts as a pressure chamber, generating the nozzle contact pressure of the nozzle 320 through the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied by the hydraulic pump 410.

[0088] On the other hand, the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the second port 412 of the hydraulic pump 410 via a second flow path 402. When the hydraulic fluid discharged from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second flow path 402, the injection unit 300 is pushed backward.

[0089] The injection unit 300 is withdrawn and the nozzle 320 is separated from the stationary form 810.

[0090] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the motion unit 400 comprises the hydraulic cylinder 430, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead of the hydraulic cylinder 430, for example, an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotary motion of the electric motor into the linear motion of the injection unit 300 can be used. (Control device)

[0091] The control device 700, for example, is configured by a computer and includes, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a storage medium 702 (such as memory), an input interface 703, and an output interface 704. The control device 700 performs various control operations by instructing the CPU 701 to execute a program stored in the storage medium 702. Furthermore, the control device 700 receives a signal from the outside via the input interface 703 and sends a signal to the outside via the output interface 704.

[0092] The control device 700 repeatedly produces a molded product by repeating the dosing process, the mold closing process, the pressure intensification process, the mold closing / clamping process, the filling process, the pressure holding process, the cooling process, the pressure release process, the mold opening process, and the ejection process (see also Fig. 4) The sequence of operations required to produce a molded product, for example, from the start of one dosing process to the start of the next, is called a "shot" or a "mold cycle." The time required for a shot is also referred to as the "mold cycle time" or the "cycle time."

[0093] A mold cycle, for example, comprises, in the specified order, a dosing process, a mold closing process, a pressure intensification process, a mold clamping / closing process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, a cooling process, a pressure release process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process. This sequence is the order in which each process starts. The filling process, the pressure holding process, and the cooling process are performed during the mold clamping process. The start of the mold clamping / closing process may coincide with the start of the filling process. The completion of the pressure release process coincides with the start of the mold opening process.

[0094] To shorten the mold cycle time, several processes can be performed simultaneously. For example, the dosing process can be carried out during the cooling process of the preceding mold cycle or during the mold closing / clamping process. In this case, the mold closing process can be initiated at the start of the mold cycle. The filling process can also be initiated during the mold closing process. The ejection process can also be initiated during the mold opening process. If a valve is provided to open and close the flow path of nozzle 320, the mold opening process can be initiated during the dosing process. This is because, if the mold opening process is initiated during the dosing process, the mold material will not exit nozzle 320 when the valve closes the flow path.

[0095] It should be noted that a single mold cycle may also include processes other than the dosing process, the mold closing process, the pressure intensification process, the mold closing / clamping process, the filling process, the pressure holding process, the cooling process, the pressure relief process, the mold opening process, and the ejection process.

[0096] For example, after the pressure holding process is complete and before the dosing process starts, a pre-dosing retraction process can be performed in which the screw 330 is retracted to a preset dosing start position. This relieves the pressure of the molding material that has accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the start of the dosing process and prevents the screw 330 from retracting suddenly at the start of the dosing process.

[0097] After the dosing process is complete and before the filling process begins, a post-dosing retraction process can be performed, in which the screw 330 is retracted to a preset filling start position (also referred to as "the injection start position"). This reduces the pressure of the molding material that has accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the filling process begins and prevents the molding material from exiting the nozzle 320 before the filling process starts.

[0098] The control device 700 is connected to an actuating device 750, which receives user input, and a display device 760, which displays a screen. The actuating device 750 and the display device 760 are configured, for example, by a touch panel 770 and can be integrated. The touch panel 770, like the display device 760, displays a screen under the control of the control device 700. Information such as the settings and current status of the injection molding machine 10 can be displayed on the touch panel 770 screen. Furthermore, the touch panel 770 screen can display an actuating element, such as a button or an input field, to receive user input.The touch panel 770, acting as the actuator 750, detects user input on the screen and sends a corresponding signal to the control device 700. Thus, the user can, for example, while confirming information displayed on the screen, actuate the on-screen actuator to adjust settings on the injection molding machine 10 (including entering settings), etc. When the user acts on the on-screen actuator, the corresponding operation of the injection molding machine 10 can be performed. This operation could, for example, involve actuating (including stopping) the mold clamping unit 100, the ejector unit 200, the injection unit 300, the motion unit 400, etc.Furthermore, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 can, for example, be switching the screen displayed on the touch panel 770 as the display device 760.

[0099] The actuating device 750 and the display device 760 of the present embodiment are described as being integrated into the touch panel 770, but these devices can be provided independently of one another. Furthermore, several actuating devices 750 can be provided. The actuating device 750 and the display device 760 are arranged on the actuation side (negative Y-axis direction) of the form-closing / clamping unit 100 (more specifically, the stationary plate 110). (Details of the control device)

[0100] Next, an example of elements of the control device 700 will be given with reference to Fig. 3 described. It should be noted that the in Fig. The three functional blocks shown are conceptual and do not necessarily have to be physically constructed as depicted. All or some of the functional blocks can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated into any number of units. All or some of the processing functions performed by the functional blocks can be implemented by a program executed by a CPU or by hardware according to wired logic.

[0101] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control device 700 comprises, for example, a form-closing / clamping control unit 711, an ejector control unit 712, an injection control unit 713, a metering control unit 714, a display control unit 715, and an input acquisition unit 716. The form-closing / clamping control unit 711 controls the form-closing / clamping unit 100 and executes the input signal in Figure 3. Fig. The injection control unit 713 controls the injection drive source of the injection unit 300 and performs an injection process. The injection drive source is, for example, the injection motor 350, but it could also be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The injection process includes a filling process and a pressure holding process. The injection process takes place during the mold closing / clamping process. The metering control unit 714 controls the metering drive source of the injection unit 300 and performs a metering process. The metering drive source is, for example, the metering motor 340, but it could also be a hydraulic pump or the like. The metering process is performed during the cooling process.

[0102] The filling process is a process of controlling the injection drive source so that the actual speed of movement of the injection element, located inside cylinder 310, reaches a set value. The filling process involves filling the molding unit 800 with liquid molding material (e.g., resin) that has accumulated in front of the injection element by moving the injection element forward. The injection element is, for example, the screw 330, but it could also be a plunger piston.

[0103] The movement speed of the injection element is detected using a velocity detector. The velocity detector is, for example, an injection motor encoder 351. During the filling process, the pressure exerted by the injection element on the mold material increases as the injection element moves forward. The filling process may include stopping or retracting the injection element immediately before the pressure holding process.

[0104] The pressure maintenance process is the process of controlling the injection drive source so that the actual pressure exerted by the injection element on the mold material becomes a set value. The pressure maintenance process replenishes the insufficient amount of mold material due to cooling shrinkage in the mold unit 800 by pushing the injection element forward. Pressure is detected using a pressure detector such as the 360 ​​load detector. A nozzle pressure sensor or an in-mold pressure sensor can be used as the pressure detector.

[0105] The ejection process is a process of extracting the molded product 20 from the mold unit 800. When the ejector control unit 712 detects the end of the mold opening process, it moves the ejector rod 210 forward to press the ejector plate 826. This causes several ejector pins 827, attached to the ejector plate 826, to push the molded product 20 out of the moving mold 820.

[0106] Next, the configuration of the ejector unit 200 for carrying out this ejection process and adjacent elements (the movable plate 120, the movable mold 820) will be described with reference to Fig. 5 described in more detail.

[0107] The ejector unit 200 is installed on the movable plate 120. The movable plate 120 includes, for example, a mounting part 510 of the movable mold, to which the movable mold 820 is attached, and a first tie-link mounting part 520, to which the first tie link 152 (see Fig. 1) the toggle lever mechanism 150 is pivotably mounted. The movable plate 120 also includes a load transfer element 530 to transfer a load (e.g., a form-closing / clamping force and a reaction force thereof) between the fastening element 510 of the movable mold and the first connecting element fastening element 520.

[0108] The fastening part 510 of the movable mold has a square shape when viewed in the mold opening / closing direction, and a notch or through-hole for accommodating the column 140 is formed at four corners. An ejector rod space 512 for penetrating the fastening part 510 of the movable mold in the mold opening / closing direction is formed within the fastening part 510 of the movable mold. The ejector rod space 512 is located in the center of the fastening part 510 of the movable mold when viewed in the mold opening / closing direction. The ejector rod space 512 is formed by a front end face 511 of the fastening part 510 of the movable mold to the interior of the load transfer part 530.

[0109] The mounting part 510 of the movable mold is provided with a locking mechanism 540 for attaching the movable mold 820 to the movable plate 120. For example, the locking mechanism 540 can be configured by several structures projecting from the front end face 511 of the mounting part 510 of the movable mold and connected to the lateral circumferential surface of the movable mold 820. Although not shown, the locking mechanism 540 is also provided on the stationary plate 110 for attaching the stationary mold 810.

[0110] The first tie-link fastening element 520 is provided at four corners of the rear end face of the load-transfer element 530. The first tie-link fastening element 520 comprises several (four) tie-link fastening plates 521, which are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions. A first tie-link pin hole, penetrating in the Y-axis direction, is formed in the several tie-link fastening plates 521. Each first tie 152 is pivotably connected to each tie-link fastening plate 521.

[0111] The load transfer part 530, when viewed in the mold opening / closing direction, is shaped in a rectangular frame form. The load transfer part 530 holds the ejector unit 200 securely on its inner side and rear end face.

[0112] The movable mold 820 is attached to the movable plate 120 and moves forwards and backwards together with the movable plate 120. The movable mold 820 is provided with a mold housing part 821, which is attached to the movable plate 120, and with a forwards and backwards moving structural part 825, which is arranged to move forwards and backwards within the mold housing part 821. The mold housing part 821 has a movable mounting plate 822, which is attached to the movable plate 120, a spacer block 823, which is attached to the movable mounting plate 822, and a movable plate 824, which is attached to the spacer block 823.

[0113] The movable mounting plate 822 has an ejector rod hole 822a that penetrates the movable mounting plate 822 in the mold opening / closing direction. The inner diameter of the ejector rod hole 822a is larger than the outer diameter of the ejector rod 210. The movable mold 820 is installed on the movable plate 120 so that the ejector rod 210 can move without contacting the inner wall that forms the ejector rod hole 822a.

[0114] The spacer block 823, when viewed in the mold opening / closing direction, is shaped in a rectangular frame form. The spacer block 823 forms a space 821s between the movable mounting plate 822 and the movable plate 824. A portion of the forward- and backward-moving structural part 825 (such as the ejector plate 826) is arranged in this space 821s to move forward and backward.

[0115] In a mold-closing / clamping state, the movable plate 824 forms the cavity 801 with the stationary mold 810. The molded product 20, which has solidified after injection into the cavity 801, moves back with the movable plate 824 at the time of mold opening and is then ejected from the movable plate 824.

[0116] The mold housing part 821 has several guide pins 829 extending in the X-axis direction in the space 821s (between the movable mounting plate 822 and the movable plate 824). Each guide pin 829 directs the forward / backward movement of the forward and backward moving structural part 825.

[0117] The forward and backward moving structural part 825 includes, for example, a plate-shaped ejector plate 826 located perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction and several ejector pins 827 projecting forward from the ejector plate 826.

[0118] The ejector plate 826 is arranged in the space 821s, with each guide pin 829 inserted in the direction of the plate thickness. The ejector plate 826 is pushed away from the movable plate 824 by a return spring 828, which is mounted on the outside of each guide pin 829.

[0119] The ejector pins 827 are each arranged in several pin holes that penetrate the movable plate 824 in the mold opening / closing direction. Each ejector pin 827 moves forward together with the ejector plate 826 and moves backward with it. When the ejector plate 826 is in contact with the movable mounting plate 822, the front end face of each ejector pin 827 is flush with the front end face of the movable plate 824. Each ejector pin 827 contacts the molded product 20 at the time of injection molding.

[0120] As described above, the ejector unit 200 comprises the ejector rod 210 and the drive mechanism 220 for moving the ejector rod 210. The ejector rod 210 moves forward and backward in the mold opening / closing direction (X-axis direction) within the ejector rod chamber 512 of the mounting part 510 of the moving mold, within the ejector rod hole 822a, and within the chamber 821s of the mold housing part 821. As the ejector rod 210 moves forward, the forward / backward moving structural part 825 pushes relative to the mold housing part 821, causing the forward / backward moving structural part 825 to move forward and eject the molded product 20. When the ejector rod 210 moves back, the ejector plate 826 and each ejector pin 827 move back integrally due to the preload of the return spring 828 of the forward and backward moving structural part 825.

[0121] The drive mechanism 220 of the ejector unit 200 is attached to the load transfer part 530 of the movable plate 120 via a mounting plate (not shown). The drive mechanism 220 can, as described above, have a configuration with an ejector motor and a motion conversion mechanism, but is not limited to this, and can also have a cylinder mechanism based, for example, on pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. The ejector unit 200 can also have an ejector crosshead (not shown) or the like between the ejector rod 210 and the drive mechanism 220, which guides the forward and backward movement of the ejector rod 210 in the X-axis direction.

[0122] Back to Fig. 3. The display control unit 715 of the control device 700 transmits information relating to injection molding to a display screen before the start of injection molding, at each stage during injection molding, after the end of injection molding, and the like, and causes the display device 760 to display the information. Several display screens are prepared, and the display control unit 715 allows switching between the screen displays and overlapping displays.

[0123] The input acquisition unit 716 of the control device 700 acquires information about the operating contents of the operating device 750 operated by the user, based on the screen displayed on the display device 760. For example, if the injection molding settings are changed by the user, the input acquisition unit 716 saves the settings to the storage medium 702.

[0124] The control device 700 of the injection molding machine 10 according to the present embodiment has several operating modes for the proper execution of the injection molding of the molded product 20, the preparation for injection molding, and the like. When the control device 700 starts, the display control unit 715 shows a display screen 761 (see Fig. 6A) on the display device 760, from which the user can select the several operating modes. The user operates the actuator 750 based on the display screen 761 and selects a suitable operating mode from the several operating modes.

[0125] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6A, an actuation field image part 762 is displayed on the display screen 761, which is shown on the display device 760, to show several actuation buttons. The control device 700 causes various operations to be carried out in the injection molding machine 10 based on a touch operation by the user with respect to the actuation buttons or a pressure operation of the pointer displayed on the display screen 761 (mouse click, etc.). The actuation buttons are not limited to those displayed on the screen 761, but can also be physical buttons, etc.

[0126] The control panel section 762 comprises a preparation mode button 763, an off button 764, a semi-automatic mode button 765, a manual mode button 766, and a fully automatic mode button 767 as operating buttons for setting multiple operating modes. In addition, the control panel section 762 includes a mold closing operating button 768a and a mold opening operating button 768b for actuating the opening and closing of the mold closing / clamping unit 100, as well as a return movement operating button 769a and a forward movement operating button 769b for moving the ejector rod 210 forward and backward.

[0127] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the preparation mode button 763, the off button 764, the semi-automatic mode button 765, the manual mode button 766, and the fully automatic mode button 767 are arranged in an approximate X shape centered around the off button 764. Each of the preparation mode button 763, the off button 764, the semi-automatic mode button 765, the manual mode button 766, and the fully automatic mode button 767 is marked with symbols, pictograms, letters, and the like to indicate the respective operating mode for easy selection by the user.

[0128] The preparation mode button 763 causes the injection molding machine 10 to execute the preparation mode according to the user's action. The preparation mode is a mode (an example of the first operating mode; hereafter sometimes referred to as the preparation mode) used during the exchange operations (removal and insertion operations) of the mold unit 800. In this preparation mode, the control device 700 limits the drive of the mold clamping motor 160 of the mold clamping unit 100. For example, the mold clamping control part 711 of the control device 700 limits the operation of the mold clamping motor 160 in preparation mode to a lower speed and torque than the operation of the mold clamping motor 160 in injection molding mode (semi-automatic mode, fully automatic mode).In preparation mode, the mold clamping control unit 711 can set a limit value, such as a speed limit, a torque limit, and a stroke limit for the mold clamping motor 160. Naturally, these limits are lower than the limits set in injection molding mode.

[0129] Furthermore, in preparation mode, only the operation of the mold closing / clamping motor 160, the mold space adjustment motor 183, and the drive mechanism 220 (ejector motor) are permitted, while the operation of the metering motor 340, the injection motor 350, etc., is prevented (locked). Consequently, the injection molding machine 10 cannot operate the injection unit 300, and injection molding cannot be performed. To shorten the transition time from preparation mode to injection molding mode, the first heater 313 and the second heater 323 of the nozzle 320 can also be operated in preparation mode.

[0130] Alternatively, the preparation mode can also be used for purposes other than replacing the mold unit 800. For example, a scenario in which the preparation mode is used for purposes other than replacing the mold unit 800 could include confirming the working stroke of the ejector unit 200 with the mold unit 800 installed, confirming the working stroke in the mold opening / closing direction (confirming the opening amount for a 3-plate mold, etc.), and so on. When confirming the working stroke of the ejector unit 200, the drive mechanism 220 can be operated at a lower speed than in injection molding mode to confirm the ejection amount of the ejector unit 200, and so forth. Furthermore, the injection molding machine 10 can be put into preparation mode for trial operation when a maintenance person or similar confirms operation after replacing the components.This means that there is a risk of breakage if the injection molding machine 10 is moved at high speed in a state where the assembly of the components is poor, and therefore the assembly of the components can be properly confirmed by first operating it at a low speed in preparation mode.

[0131] On the other hand, the off button 764 is a button that is pressed during the preparation for operation or at the end of operation of the injection molding machine 10. For example, if the user presses the off button 764, the operation of all devices except one predetermined device (for example, the first heater 313 and the second heater 323 of the nozzle 320) is prevented (locked).

[0132] The injection molding machine 10 has an automatic mode that automatically performs the molding cycle (dosing process, mold closing process, pressure intensification process, mold closing / clamping process, filling process, pressure holding process, cooling process, pressure release process, mold opening process, and ejection process) based on control by the control device 700. The automatic mode is an example of the second operating mode. The automatic mode according to the present embodiment includes a semi-automatic mode, in which injection molding is performed automatically for only one cycle, and a fully automatic mode, in which injection molding is performed continuously according to a molding program. The injection molding machine 10 may have only one of the semi-automatic and fully automatic modes as the automatic mode.

[0133] The semi-automatic mode button 765 is a button that is pressed when selecting the semi-automatic mode. The user uses the semi-automatic mode (as described above, an example of the second operating mode), for example, when confirming the molding program, when test-molding the molded product 20, when stopping continuous operation, etc.

[0134] The manual mode button 766 is a button that is pressed when the user operates each device of the injection molding machine 10. For example, the user operates each of the mold closing / clamping motor 160, the metering motor 340, the injection motor 350, and the ejector unit 200 by pressing each actuation button on the actuation panel 762 and confirming the actuation of each device.

[0135] The fully automatic mode button 767 is a button that is pressed when the fully automatic mode is selected. This means that the user uses the fully automatic mode (as described above, an example of the second operating mode) when repeating the work to produce the molded product 20 by performing each injection molding process sequentially.

[0136] The control device 700 (see Fig. 3) Allows, prevents, or restricts the operation of each device according to the operating mode selected by the user from among the several operating modes. For example, when the preparation mode is set, the control device 700 prevents the operation of the injection unit 300 by the injection control unit 713 and the metering control unit 714 and restricts the operation of the mold closing / clamping unit 100 by the mold closing / clamping control unit 711.

[0137] The exchange work of the mold unit 800 is performed in the state where the preparation mode is set, that is, the operation of the mold clamping unit 100 is restricted (the mold clamping motor 160 is reduced in rotational speed and torque). Next, exchange work (removal work) of the mold unit 800 in the injection molding machine 10 is performed with reference to Fig. 7A to 7D described.

[0138] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, when removing the mold unit 800, the user first closes the stationary mold 810 and the movable mold 820 of the mold unit 800 by pressing the mold closing actuation button 768a of the actuation panel part 762. The mold closing / clamping control part 711 moves the movable mold 820 forward at a low speed and with low torque to cause the movable mold 820 to touch the stationary mold 810, as the preparation mode has been previously set. In addition to driving the mold closing / clamping motor 160, the movement of the movable mold 820 can also drive the mold space adjustment motor 183.

[0139] The stationary mold 810 and the movable mold 820 are then integrated in a state of contact (positive locking) between the stationary mold 810 and the movable mold 820 using a connecting unit (not shown) installed outside of the stationary mold 810 and the movable mold 820. A clamping device or the like can be used as the connecting unit to secure the mold unit 800.

[0140] Furthermore, during removal work of the forming unit 800, as in Fig. Figure 7B shows a crane 890 used to support the mold unit 800, which is to be removed from the mold clamping unit 100. A wire 891 is attached to the crane 890 for suspending the mold unit 800 from above. The user attaches the mold unit 800, in which the stationary mold 810 and the movable mold 820 are integrated by the connecting unit, to the wire 891 so that the mold unit 800 can be suspended and supported by the crane 890.

[0141] In the state in which the mold unit 800 is attached by the crane 890, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7C, the user releases the locking mechanism 540, which locks the mold unit 800 to the mold clamping unit 100. As a result, the mold unit 800 can be separated from the mold clamping unit 100.

[0142] The user then first presses the mold opening actuation button 768b of the actuation panel part 762 to open (slightly open) the stationary mold 810 and the movable mold 820 of the molding unit 800. This separates the movable mold 820, suspended from the crane 890, from the movable plate 120. The user then moves the molding unit 800 to another location by moving it in a free position using the crane 890.

[0143] Furthermore, when attaching another mold unit 800 to the mold clamping / closing unit 100, the reverse process is performed compared to the removal process described above (the description of the specific process is omitted). Thus, the injection molding machine 10 can attach another movable mold 820 to the movable platen 120 while another stationary mold 810 is attached to the stationary platen 110.

[0144] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the exchange operation of the mold unit 800 described above considers a condition in which the tip of the ejector rod 210 of the ejector unit 200 protrudes from the front end face 511 of the movable plate 120 (the mounting part 510 of the movable mold). For example, when the mold unit 800 is removed from the movable plate 120 in a mold in which the mold unit 800 is suspended by the crane 890, the mold unit 800 may move up and down slightly due to the expansion of the wire 891 or the like. Because of such displacement of the mold unit 800, the mold unit 800 may collide with the ejector rod 210 protruding from the front end face 511, and the ejector unit 200 may be damaged.

[0145] Therefore, the injection molding machine 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 9A shows that the ejector rod 210 enters a return position in several mutually distinct (two) positions according to several operating modes. The first return position is BP1, in which the tip of the ejector rod 210 is further away from the side of the stationary plate 110, relative to the tip of the ejector rod 210 in the injection molding mode. Specifically, in the first return position BP1 according to the present embodiment, the tip of the ejector rod 210 is set towards the rear side (side with negative X-axis direction) of the front end face 511 of the moving plate 120.The second retraction position is BP2, in which the tip of the ejector rod 210 projects further towards the side of the stationary plate 110, relative to the tip of the ejector rod 210 in the first retraction position BP1. Specifically, in the second retraction position BP2, according to the present embodiment, the tip of the ejector rod 210 is set further forward (towards the positive X-axis) relative to the front end face 511 of the movable plate 120. It should be noted that both the first retraction position BP1 and the second retraction position BP2 are set further towards the side of the positive X-axis (the side of the stationary plate 110) relative to the mechanical retraction limiting position of the ejector rod 210, and the ejector unit 200 may have a separate retraction limiting position for the ejector rod 210.

[0146] In preparation mode, the ejector rod 210 is in the first retraction position BP1. If, for example, the negative X-axis direction is expressed as - and the positive X-axis direction as + with respect to the front end face 511, the distance D1 from the front end face 511 to the tip of the ejector rod 210 in the first retraction position BP1 can be set to a range of approximately 0 mm to -30 mm. Therefore, the first retraction position BP1 can be a position in which the tip of the ejector rod 210 coincides with the front end face 511. Thus, when the preparation mode is set for performing the exchange operation of the mold unit 800, the tip of the ejector rod 210 does not protrude from the front end face 511 of the moving plate 120. Even if the mold unit 800 moves vertically during the exchange operation, contact with the ejector rod 210 can be avoided.

[0147] The control device 700 can control the movement of the ejector rod 210 into the first return position BP1 according to the preparation mode selected by the user. However, the preparation mode is applied to a different operation than the operation of replacing the mold unit 800, as described above. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ejector rod 210, which is in the second return position BP2, is set to move into the first return position BP1 based on the user's actuation of the return actuation button 769a in preparation mode.

[0148] When the user selects preparation mode, the control device 700 moves the ejector rod 210 to the first return position BP1. For example, the control device 700 prevents the opening / closing movement of the mold clamping unit 100 when the ejector rod 210 is in the second return position BP2 in preparation mode. This prevents the exchange operation of the mold unit 800, allowing the user to perform the operation of moving the ejector rod 210 to the first return position BP1 before the mold clamping unit 100 closes the mold.

[0149] When the control device 700 detects that the ejector rod 210 is in the first return position BP1 due to the user's actuation of the return movement actuation button 769a, the control device 700 allows the opening / closing movement of the mold clamping unit 100. As a result, the injection molding machine 10 can perform the exchange operation of the mold unit 800 in a state in which the tip of the ejector rod 210 is guaranteed not to protrude from the front end face 511 of the moving plate 120.

[0150] On the other hand, in automatic mode (semi-automatic mode, fully automatic mode) and in the manual mode described above, as in Fig. Figure 9A shows the ejector rod 210 in the second retraction position BP2. The second retraction position BP2 (the distance D2 between the front end face 511 of the movable plate 120 and the tip of the ejector rod 210) can be set at a suitable position according to the thickness of the movable mounting plate 822, the idle travel distance between the ejector rod 210 and the ejector plate 826, and the like.

[0151] Therefore, when the injection molding mode for injection molding the molded product 20 is set, the tip of the ejector rod 210 is positioned sufficiently close to the ejector plate 826. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9B, the working distance of the ejector rod 210 is reduced during injection molding, and therefore the injection molding machine 10 can shorten the cycle of the entire injection molding process, including the ejection process. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the impact when the ejector rod 210 contacts the ejector plate 826.

[0152] When the ejector rod is in the first return position BP1, the control device 700 can control the movement of the ejector rod 210 to the second return position BP2, depending on whether the user selects a semi-automatic, fully automatic, or manual mode. However, in semi-automatic, fully automatic, and manual modes, there is an additional step, such as confirming the operation of the device. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ejector rod 210, which is in the first return position BP1, is set to move to the second return position BP2 based on the user's actuation of the forward movement actuation button 769b.

[0153] When the user selects semi-automatic, fully automatic, or manual mode, the control device 700 can control the ejector rod 210 to move into the second return position BP2. For example, the control device 700 can stop the injection molding operation if the ejector rod 210 is in the first return position BP1 in semi-automatic, fully automatic, manual, or similar modes. The user can then perform an operation to move the ejector rod 210 to the second return position BP2.

[0154] When the control device 700 detects that the ejector rod 210 is in the second return position BP2 due to the user's actuation of the forward movement actuation button 769b, injection molding is permitted. As a result, injection molding can be carried out stably in a state where the tip of the ejector rod 210 is close to the ejector plate 826. It should be noted that the control device 700 can be configured to operate in semi-automatic, fully automatic, and manual modes by positioning the ejector rod 210 in the first return position BP1 when there is almost no idle travel distance.

[0155] The injection molding machine 10 according to the present embodiment is essentially formed as described above, and a control method for changing the return movement position of the ejector rod 210 is described below with reference to Fig. 10 described.

[0156] During operation of the injection molding machine 10, the control device 700 detects a user-selected operating mode from among several preset operating modes (preparation mode, off mode, semi-automatic mode, manual mode, fully automatic mode). For example, the control device 700 determines whether the preparation mode has been selected by the user (step S1). If the preparation mode is selected (step S1: YES), it proceeds to step S2, and if the preparation mode is not selected (step S1: NO), it proceeds to step S5.

[0157] In step S2, the control device 700 determines whether the current position of the ejector rod 210 is in the first return position BP1. If the ejector rod 210 is in the first return position BP1 (step S2: YES), the process proceeds to step S3, and if the ejector rod 210 is not in the first return position BP1 (step S2: NO), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0158] In step S3, the control device 700 allows the opening and closing movement of the mold closing / clamping unit 100 based on the ejector rod 210 being in the first return position BP1. Thus, the control device 700 actuates the mold closing / clamping unit 100 based on the user's actuation of the mold closing actuation button 768a. Consequently, the user can reliably perform the mold exchange operation of the mold unit 800 after the stationary mold 810 and the moving mold 820 are closed (see also Fig. 7A to 7D).

[0159] On the other hand, in step S4, the control device 700 prevents (locks) the opening / closing movement of the mold closing / clamping unit 100 based on the fact that the ejector rod 210 is in the second return position BP2. Consequently, even if the mold closing actuation button 768a is pressed, the user cannot perform the exchange operation without closing the mold unit 800. Therefore, the user can be instructed to first perform the operation of moving the ejector rod 210 to the first return position BP1. At this point, the control device 700 can send a message via the display device 760, a loudspeaker, or the like, requesting that the ejector rod 210 be moved to the first return position BP1.If the same processing sequence is carried out while the ejector rod 210 is moved into the first return movement position BP1, the exchange work of the molding unit 800 can be successfully carried out in step S3.

[0160] In cases other than the preparation mode in step S1 (step S1: NO), it is often more advantageous for the ejector rod 210 to be in the second return position BP2. Therefore, in step S5, the control device 700 determines whether the position of the ejector rod 210 is in the second return position BP2. If the ejector rod 210 is in the second return position BP2 (step S5: YES), the process continues with step S6, and if the ejector rod 210 is not in the second return position BP2 (step S5: NO), the process continues with step S7.

[0161] In step S6, the control device 700 allows the injection molding operation by the injection molding machine 10 on the basis that the ejector rod 210 is in the second return movement position BP2. Therefore, the injection molding machine 10 can perform the injection molding to produce a molded product.

[0162] On the other hand, in step S7, the control device 700 prevents (locks) the injection molding operation based on the fact that the ejector rod 210 is in the first return position BP1. Consequently, the user moves the ejector rod 210 to the second return position BP2. If the same processing sequence is carried out while the ejector rod 210 is moved to the second return position BP2, the injection molding can be successfully carried out in step S6.

[0163] As described above, the injection molding machine 10 and the control device 700, according to the present embodiment, can successfully perform various operations of the injection molding machine 10 by positioning the ejector rod 210 in a suitable position in each of several operating modes. As a result, the injection molding machine 10 can achieve improved operating efficiency, avoid breakage of components, etc. Specifically, in the injection molding mode (second operating mode), the ejector rod 210 is positioned in the second return position BP2. Consequently, the injection molding machine 10 can shorten the idle travel distance of the ejector rod 210, improve the efficiency of the ejection process of the molded part 20, and reduce the impact on the ejector plate 826 or the molded part 20. Conversely, in the preparation mode (first operating mode), the ejector rod 210 is positioned in the first return position BP1.Thus, the injection molding machine 10 can perform the exchange work of the molding unit 800 stably by avoiding the collision between the ejector rod 210 and the molding unit 800.

[0164] It should be noted that the injection molding machine 10 and the control device 700 according to the present embodiment are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. For example, the second return-movement position BP2 can be any position in which the tip of the ejector rod 210 projects further towards the side of the stationary plate 110 relative to the tip of the ejector rod 210 that is positioned in the preparation mode in the first return-movement position BP1, and the second return-movement position BP2 can be positioned further in a rearward direction relative to the front end face 511.Alternatively, the first return position BP1 can be any position in which the tip of the ejector rod 210 is further away from the stationary plate 110 relative to the tip of the ejector rod 210 which is positioned in the second return position BP2 in injection molding mode, and the first return position BP1 can extend slightly beyond the front end face 511.

[0165] The control device 700 can also be configured to automatically move the ejector rod 210 to the first return position BP1 when it receives an operating instruction to actuate the mold closing / clamping unit 100, while the ejector rod 210 is in the second return position BP2 in preparation mode. For example, as described above, the user performs an actuation to press the mold closing actuation button 768a when performing exchange work on the mold unit 800 in preparation mode. When the ejector rod 210 is in the second retraction position BP2, the control device 700, based on the actuation of the mold closing actuation button 768a, automatically moves the ejector rod 210 back to the first return position BP1.Even if the user forgets to move the ejector rod 210 into the first return position BP1, the ejector rod 210 can thus be easily positioned in the first return position BP1 when the mold closing / clamping unit 100 is actuated for the exchange work of the mold unit 800.

[0166] In preparation mode, the control device 700 can move the ejector rod 210 to the first return position BP1 by pressing the return movement actuation button 769a, and then return the ejector rod 210 to the second return position BP2 by another actuation. For example, if the control device 700 detects the action of pressing the return movement actuation button 769a twice continuously (double-click) via the actuation device 750, the control device 700 performs a process of returning the ejector rod 210 from the first return position BP1 to the second return position BP2. Thus, by positioning the ejector rod 210 in the second return position BP2, even in preparation mode, the operating time of the ejector rod 210 in work that is not the exchange work of the mold unit 800 can be shortened.

[0167] Furthermore, in injection molding mode or manual mode, the control device 700 can move the ejector rod 210 to the second retraction position BP2 by pressing the forward movement actuation button 769b, and then return the ejector rod 210 to the first retraction position BP1 by another actuation. Thus, the ejector rod 210 can be positioned in the first retraction position BP1 in injection molding mode or manual mode to perform various operations. That is, by having the aforementioned functions, the injection molding machine 10 can easily change the position of the ejector rod 210 at the user's discretion.

[0168] The control device 700 and the injection molding machine 10 according to the embodiment disclosed herein are exemplary in every respect and are not limiting. Embodiments can be modified and improved in various ways without deviating from the scope and main purpose of the appended claims. The items described in the above embodiments can have different configurations, provided the items are identical, and can be combined, provided the items are identical.

Claims

[1] Control device (700) for an injection molding machine (10), which includes an ejector rod (210) of an ejector unit (200) which is installed on a movable plate (120), wherein the movable plate (120) comprises a mounting part (510) of movable form (820) to which a movable form (820) of a mold unit (800) is attached, and moves forward and backward, wherein the control device (700) is configured to set several operating modes, including a first operating mode used for exchanging the molding unit (800), and a second operating mode in which injection molding is performed, and the control device (700) controls the return movement of the ejector rod (210) such that the ejector rod (210) waits in the first operating mode at a first return movement position (BP1) in which a tip of the ejector rod (210) coincides with a front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510) or in which a tip of the ejector rod (210) is on a rear side of the front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510) (820), and controls the return movement of the ejector rod (210) such that the ejector rod (210) waits in the second operating mode at a second return movement position (BP2) in which the tip of the ejector rod (210) is on a front side of the front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510). [2] Control device (700) according to claim 1, wherein in the second return position (BP2) the tip of the ejector rod (210) projects further towards a stationary plate (110) relative to the tip of the ejector rod (210) which is arranged in the first return position (BP1) in the first operating mode. [3] Control device (700) according to claim 1, wherein in the first return movement position (BP1) the tip of the ejector rod (210) is further away from a stationary plate (110) relative to the tip of the ejector rod (210) which is arranged in the second return movement position (BP2) in the second operating mode. [4] Control device (700) according to claim 1, wherein in the first operating mode a form-closing / clamping motor (160) of a form-closing / clamping unit (100) is limited, and In the first return movement position (BP1), the tip of the ejector rod (210) is further away from a stationary plate (110) relative to the tip of the ejector rod (210) that is positioned in the second return movement position (BP1) in the second operating mode. [5] Control device (700) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control device (700) automatically moves the ejector rod (210) into the first return position (BP1) when an actuation instruction to actuate a form closing / clamping unit (100) is received when the first operating mode is implemented. [6] Control device (700) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (700) prevents an opening and closing movement by a form closing / clamping unit (100) when the ejector rod (210) is not in the first return movement position (BP1) in the first operating mode. [7] Control device (700) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (700) positions the ejector rod (210) in the second return position (BP2) when an actuation instruction different from an actuation instruction to return the ejector rod (210) is received in the first operating mode. [8] Control device (700) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (700) moves the ejector rod (210) from the second return position (BP2) to the first return position (BP1) when the ejector rod (210) is in the second return position (BP2) when the first operating mode is selected. [9] Control device (700) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (700) prevents injection molding when the ejector rod (210) is in the first return movement position (BP1) when the second operating mode is selected. [10] Control device (700) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (700) allows injection molding after the ejector rod (210) moves from the first return position (BP1) to the second return position (BP2) when the ejector rod (210) is in the return position (BP1) when the second operating mode is selected. [11] Injection molding machine (10), comprising: a molding unit (800) comprising a movable mold (820); a movable plate comprising a fastening part (510) of movable shape (820) to which the movable shape (820) is attached; an ejector unit (200) installed on the movable plate (120) and comprising an ejector rod (210), wherein the ejector unit (200) is configured to move the ejector rod (210) forward and backward; and a control device (700) is configured to control the actuation of the ejector rod (210), wherein the control device is configured to set several operating modes, including a first operating mode used for exchanging the mold unit (800) and a second operating mode in which injection molding is performed, and the control device (700) controls the return movement of the ejector rod (210) such that the ejector rod (210) waits in the first operating mode at a first return movement position (BP1) in which a tip of the ejector rod (210) coincides with a front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510) (820) or in which a tip of the ejector rod (210) is on a rear side of the front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510), and controls the return movement of the ejector rod (210) such that the ejector rod (210) waits in the second operating mode at a second return movement position (BP2) in which the tip of the ejector rod (210) is on a front side of the front end face (511) of the movable-shaped fastening part (510).

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