Method for operating an injection molding machine

Abstract

Method for operating an injection molding machine, the method comprising: a) Releasing a closing pressure, wherein the closing pressure holds together a first mold section and a second mold section, the first mold section being attached to a movable tool mounting plate and the second mold section being attached to a stationary tool mounting plate; b) Moving the movable tool mounting plate in an opening direction away from the stationary tool mounting plate in order to open the mold, wherein the movement step includes moving the movable tool mounting plate from a closed position of the mold to a trailing position axially spaced from the closed position of the mold; c) Moving the movable tool mounting plate in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction from the trailing position to a transfer position that lies axially between the closed position of the mold and the trailing position; d) Moving a removal device from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the removal device clears the first and second mold sections when it is in the retracted position, and the removal device extends between the first and second mold sections when it is in the extended position to receive articles from the first mold section when the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position; and e) Transfer of items from the first forming section to the removal device, wherein the items are received in a fixed engagement in the removal device when the removal device is in the extended position and the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The application generally relates to methods for moving and positioning tool mounting plates, removal devices and / or other components of an injection molding machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] US Patent 5,250,239 A (Herbst) discloses the detection of the mold opening movement and / or the handling device removal movement with respect to position and speed in order to control the opening and closing movement of an injection mold and the feeding and removal movement of a handling device for removing the molded part in a manner that is optimally coordinated without delay. If the speed is within a reference range, a release signal is generated that triggers the feeding movement of the gripping device or the closing movement of the mold.

[0003] US Patent 6,322,733 B1 (Herbst) discloses a method and a device for controlling the movement sequence of a first movable component of a plastic injection molding machine, the device having a first movement path that at least partially overlaps a second movement path of a second movable component of the plastic injection molding machine. The movement of the first movable component is initiated based on a release signal indicating the movement state of the second movable component.

[0004] US 6,325,955 B1 (Herbst) discloses a plastic injection molding machine comprising a mold with at least one movable mold section and a movable handling system. The handling system moves along a predetermined path and is guided between the mold sections when the mold is in an open operating position. The movable mold section has an end face facing the handling system and defines an interference contour with respect to the handling system when the latter moves along the path during the movement of the mold section. The handling system is designed to move past the interference contour after the movable mold section has left the path. The handling system is moved along a first segment of the path before moving past the interference contour and accelerated to a predetermined maximum speed.Consequently, the handling system reaches its maximum speed when it moves past the interference contour. Subsequently, the handling system is decelerated along a second section of its path, essentially until it comes to a standstill at a predetermined position between the mold sections. DE 198 47 740 C1 describes a method for controlling the motion sequence of a movable component of a plastic injection molding machine, and DE 41 10 948 A1 describes a method for removing injection-molded parts from an injection molding machine. SUMMARY

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for moving and positioning tool mounting plates, removal devices and / or other components of an injection molding machine.

[0006] According to some aspects of the teaching disclosed herein, a method for operating an injection molding machine comprises moving a movable mold mounting platen from a closed position to a part transfer position by moving it beyond the transfer position in an opening direction away from a stationary mold mounting platen into a trailing position; and subsequently moving the movable mold mounting platen back to the transfer position in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction. Moving a removal device towards a retracted position, in which the removal device extends between the mold sections supported by the stationary and the movable mold mounting platens, occurs while the movable mold mounting platen is moving between the trailing position and the transfer position before coming to a stop in the transfer position.When it is stationary in the transfer position, the transfer of the formed parts from a first forming section attached to the movable tool mounting plate into the holding engagement of a removal device extending between the tool mounting plates is terminated according to the procedure.

[0007] According to some aspects, a method for operating an injection molding machine comprises: (a) releasing a closing pressure that holds together a first mold section and a second mold section, the first mold section being attached to a moving mold mounting platen and the second mold section being attached to a stationary mold mounting platen. Furthermore, the method comprises (b) moving the moving mold mounting platen away from the stationary mold mounting platen in an opening direction to open the mold. This movement step includes moving the moving mold mounting platen from a closed position of the mold to a trailing position axially spaced from the closed position of the mold.Furthermore, the method comprises (c) moving the movable tool mounting plate in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction from the trailing position to a transfer position which lies axially between the closed position of the mold and the trailing position, and (d) moving a removal device from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the removal device clears the first and second mold sections when it is in the retracted position, and the removal device extends between the first and second mold sections when it is in the extended position to pick up items from the first mold section when the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position.The method also includes (e) transferring items from the first forming section to the removal device, wherein the items are received in a fixed engagement in the removal device when the removal device is in the extended position and the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position.

[0008] In some examples, the movable tool platen has a maximum opening speed during part of the movement in step (b), where step (b) includes decelerating the movable tool platen from the maximum opening speed to zero speed in the overrun position. In some examples, step (b) includes crossing the transfer position while moving in the opening direction toward the overrun position and initiating deceleration of the movable tool platen before it reaches the transfer position while moving in the opening direction. In some examples, step (b) includes moving the movable tool platen past the transfer position at a transfer position opening speed that is at least 50 percent of the maximum opening speed.

[0009] In some examples, the removal device passes through a work area as it moves between the extended and retracted positions, with step (b) comprising initiating the deceleration of the moving tool mounting plate before the first mold section clears the work area.

[0010] In some examples, at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate from the transfer position to the follow-up position in step (b) occurs simultaneously with at least part of the movement of the removal device between the first and the second forming section in step (d).

[0011] In some examples, at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate from the trailing position to the transfer position in step (c) occurs simultaneously with at least part of the movement of the removal device between the first and the second forming section in step (d).

[0012] In some examples, the removal device has a maximum feed rate during part of the movement in step (d), where step (d) includes initiating the deceleration of the removal device from the maximum feed rate to zero speed in the extended position during the movement of the movable tool mounting plate in step (c).

[0013] In some examples, the procedure also includes initiating the ejection of the formed parts from the first mold section before the movable tool mounting plate reaches the transfer position in step (c).

[0014] When the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position, the first and second mold sections are axially spaced apart from each other by a gap in some examples, with the removal device having an axial extension in the extended position between the first and second mold sections, the axial extension being at least 70 percent of the gap.

[0015] In some examples, the method also includes the following steps: (f) after step (e), moving the removal device from the extended position to the retracted position; (g) during step (f), moving the movable tool mounting plate in the opening direction from the transfer position to a pre-closing position axially spaced from the transfer position; and (h) after step (g), moving the movable tool mounting plate in the closing direction from the pre-closing position to the closed position of the mold, wherein at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate takes place in step (h) before the removal device releases the first and second mold sections during step (f).

[0016] In some examples, the pre-closing position is located axially between the transfer position and the trailing position.

[0017] In some examples, step (h) involves moving the movable tool platen past the transfer position at a transfer position closing speed, where the transfer position closing speed is generally equal to the maximum speed of the movable tool platen when moving from the pre-closing position to the transfer position in step (h). In some examples, step (h) involves accelerating the movable tool platen from zero speed in the pre-closing position to the transfer position closing speed in the transfer position.

[0018] According to some aspects, the method of operating an injection molding machine comprises: (a) moving a movable mold mounting plate in a closing direction towards a stationary mold mounting plate from a trailing position to a transfer position; and (b), when the movable mold mounting plate is in the transfer position, transferring the molded parts from a first mold section attached to the movable mold mounting plate into the holding engagement of a removal device extending between the mold mounting plates.

[0019] In some examples, the transfer position in step (b) is reached as a result of completing step (a). In some examples, after step (b), the movable tool platen is moved further in the closing direction into a closed position of the mold to form a subsequent set of parts. In some examples, prior to step (a), the movable tool platen is moved past the transfer position in an opening direction opposite to the closing direction at an opening speed of the transfer position.

[0020] According to some aspects, the method for operating an injection molding machine comprises: (a) releasing a closing pressure that holds together a first mold section and a second mold section, wherein the first mold section is attached to a movable mold mounting plate and the second mold section is attached to a stationary mold mounting plate. Furthermore, the method comprises (b) moving the movable mold mounting plate from a closed position of the mold to a transfer position in order to open the mold, wherein the transfer position is axially spaced from the closed position of the mold in an opening direction.The method further comprises (c) moving a removal device from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the removal device clears the first and second mold sections when in the retracted position, and extends between the first and second mold sections when in the extended position to pick up parts from the first mold section when the movable tool platen is in the transfer position. The method further comprises (d) transferring parts from the first mold section to the removal device, wherein the parts are picked up in a fixed engagement in the removal device when the removal device is in the extended position and the movable tool platen is in the transfer position.The method further comprises (e) after step (d), moving the removal device from the extended position to the retracted position; (f) during step (e), moving the movable tool mounting plate in the opening direction from the transfer position to a pre-closing position axially spaced from the transfer position; and (g) after step (f), moving the movable tool mounting plate in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction from the pre-closing position to the closed position of the mold, wherein at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate takes place in step (g) before the removal device releases the first and second mold sections during step (e).

[0021] In some examples, step (g) involves moving the movable tool platen past the transfer position at a transfer position closing speed, where the transfer position closing speed is generally equal to the maximum speed of the movable tool platen when it is moved from the pre-closing position to the transfer position in step (g). In some examples, step (g) involves accelerating the movable tool platen from zero speed in the pre-closing position to the transfer position closing speed in the transfer position.

[0022] According to some aspects, the method for operating an injection molding machine comprises: (a) moving a movable mold mounting plate in a closing direction into a closed position of the mold in order to close a mold; (b) after step (a), moving the movable mold mounting plate in an opening direction away from the stationary mold mounting plate; and (c) after step (b), moving the movable mold mounting plate in the closing direction towards a transfer position to transfer the molded parts from a mold section attached to the movable mold mounting plate into the holding engagement of a removal device extending between the mold mounting plates.

[0023] In some examples, step (b) involves moving the movable tool mounting plate from the closed position of the mold to a trailing position axially spaced from the closed position of the mold, and step (c) involves moving the movable tool mounting plate from the trailing position to a stop in the transfer position.

[0024] In some examples, step (b) involves moving the movable tool platen from the transfer position to a pre-closing position axially spaced from the transfer position, and step (c) involves moving the movable tool platen from the pre-closing position to the transfer position. The movable tool platen can reach the transfer position in step (c) at a closing speed of the transfer position. The closing speed of the transfer position is generally equal to the maximum speed of the movable tool platen while it is moving from the pre-closing position to the transfer position in step (c).

[0025] Further aspects and features of the present patent specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following description of the special examples in the patent specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings serve to illustrate the various examples of the parts, methods and devices of the present patent specification and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the teaching. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view, as seen from the operator's side, of an example of an injection molding machine shown in a state where the mold is open; Fig. 2A is a diagram showing the displacement and velocity of a tool mounting plate over time. Fig. 1. The injection molding machine shown illustrates an exemplary procedure; Fig. 2B is a diagram showing the corresponding displacement of a removal device of the in with respect to time. Fig. 1 injection molding machine shown according to the in Fig. The procedure shown in 2A illustrates the process; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. 3" illustrates the time shown; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. 4" depicted time; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. 5” illustrates the time shown; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. The time shown in the image on page 6 illustrates the point in time; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. The time shown in the image on page 7 illustrates the point in time; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. The time shown in the image on page 8 illustrates the point in time; Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. The time shown in the image on page 9 illustrates the point in time; Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. The time shown in the image at 10” illustrates the point in time; Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B at “ Fig. The time shown in 11” illustrates this; Fig. 12A is a diagram showing the displacement of a tool mounting plate over time in the Fig. 1. The injection molding machine shown illustrates an alternative exemplary process; Fig. 12B is a diagram showing the corresponding displacement of a withdrawal device of the in with respect to time. Fig. 1 injection molding machine shown according to the in Fig. The procedure shown in 12A illustrates the process; Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B at “ Fig. The time shown in the image on page 13 illustrates the point in time; Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B at “ Fig. The time shown in the image on page 14 illustrates this point in time; Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic representation showing the relative positions of the tool mounting plate and the removal device to the one shown in the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B at “ Fig. The time shown in the 15” illustration is shown; Fig. Figure 16 is a schematic representation similar to the Fig. 3 and shows an extended position in an optional alternative position relative to the working area of ​​the tool mounting plate; and Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic representation similar to the Fig. 16 and shows the removal device in alignment with a receiving device when the removal device is in an optional second retracted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following describes various devices or methods to illustrate an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention, and each claimed invention may relate to methods or devices that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to devices or methods that have all the features of a device or method described below, or to features common to several or all of the devices described below. It is possible that a device or method described below is not an embodiment of a claimed invention.An invention disclosed in connection with a device or method described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject of another protective document, e.g., a further patent application. The applicants, inventors, or proprietors do not intend to abandon, relinquish, or disclose such an invention to the public by its disclosure in this patent specification.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, an example of an injection molding machine 100 comprises a base 102 extending longitudinally along a generally horizontal machine axis 104. A movable mold mounting plate 106 is slidably supported by the base 102 to hold a first mold section 106a, and a stationary mold mounting plate 108 is attached to the base 102 to hold a second mold section 108a. The movable mold mounting plate 106 is movable towards and away from the stationary mold mounting plate 108 along the machine axis 104 to close and open a mold formed by the first and second mold sections 106a and 108a.

[0029] In the illustrated example, the movable tool mounting plate 106 can be positioned between at least one closed position of the form P0 ( Fig. 3), a trailing position P4 ( Fig. 6), which is axially spaced in an opening direction from the closed position of the form P0, and a transfer position P2 ( Fig. 9), which lies between the closed position of the mold P0 and the trailing position P4, are moved along the machine axis 104 to transfer formed parts from the first mold section 106a. When the movable tool mounting plate 106 is in the closed position of the mold P0, the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a abut each other, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, and the mold is closed. When the movable tool mounting plate 106 is in the transfer position P2, the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a are as shown in Fig. 9 shown, axially spaced apart from each other by a gap 109, the mold being open.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a plurality of tie bars 110 extend parallel to the machine axis 104 between the movable and the stationary tool mounting plates 106, 108. These tie bars exert a closing pressure on the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a when the mold is closed. An injection unit 112 is attached to the base 102, which injects resin or another molding material into the mold to form the parts.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the injection molding machine 100 includes a parts handling device 114 for handling the parts formed in the mold of the injection molding machine 100. The parts handling device 114 includes a removal device 116 for receiving the formed parts from the first mold section 106a and moving the formed parts to clear the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a. In the illustrated example, the removal device 116 is located along a generally horizontal removal device axis 118, which is generally perpendicular to the machine axis 104, between a retracted position D0 ( Fig. 3) and an extended transfer position D2 ( Fig. 9) movable. According to the illustrated example, the parts handling device 114 also includes a receiving device 119 for receiving the formed parts from the removal device 116. In the illustrated example, the receiving device 119 includes a rotating housing.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the removal device 116 frees the first and first and second mold sections 106a, 108a when it is in the retracted position D0, and extends between the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 9, when it is in the extended transfer position D2 to receive formed parts from the first mold section 106a, when the movable tool mounting plate 106 is in the transfer position P2. The removal device 116 has an axial extension 126 between the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a when it is in the extended transfer position D2, wherein the axial extension 126 is at least 70 percent of the space 109.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the removal device 116 traverses a working area 120 as it moves between the retracted and extended positions D0 and transfer position D2. In some examples, the working area 120 is at least partially bounded by outer edges of the formed parts that are recessed or projecting relative to the removal device 116. In the illustrated example, the movable tool mounting plate 106 and the first forming section 106a clear the working area 120 when the movable tool mounting plate 106 is in transfer position P2. In some examples, the formed parts may be recessed or projecting relative to the first forming section 106a, with the outer edges of these formed parts also clearing the working area 120 when the movable tool mounting plate 106 is in transfer position P2.

[0034] During operation, an analysis of an injection cycle can begin when the movable tool mounting plate is in the closed position of the mold P0. The movable tool mounting plate 106 is detachably locked to the tie bars 110, with closing pressure applied to the first and second mold sections 106a and 108a. While sufficient closing pressure is applied to the mold, resin is injected into the mold. After injection, the closing pressure, which closes the first and second mold sections 106a and 108a, is released. After the closing pressure is released, the movable tool mounting plate 106 is moved to the transfer position P2, and the removal device 116 is moved to the extended transfer position D2.When the movable tool mounting plate 106 is in the transfer position P2 and the removal device 116 is in the extended transfer position D2, the molded parts are removed from the first mold section 106a to be held in the removal device 116. The removal device 116 then releases the first and second mold sections 106a and 108a (e.g., along a mold section boundary line, schematically represented as boundary line D1), and the movable tool mounting plate 106 is moved back to the closed position of the mold P0 for a subsequent injection cycle.

[0035] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B graphically illustrates an exemplary method 200 for operating the injection molding machine 100 and coordinating the movement of the movable mold mounting plate 106 and the removal device 116. According to some examples, method 200 can help to reduce the cycle time and / or increase the positioning accuracy of the components of the injection molding machine 100. Fig. Figure 2A illustrates the displacement curve 202 and the velocity curve 204, respectively, of the movable tool mounting plate 106 with respect to time according to method 200. In the Fig. In example 2B, the displacement curve 206 illustrates the corresponding displacement of the extraction device 116 with respect to time according to method 200.

[0036] As further in the Fig. 2A and the Fig. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the movable tool mounting plate 106 is moved in the opening direction from the closed position of the mold P0 to the trailing position P4 after the closing pressure is released. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2A and 6 to 9, the movable tool mounting plate 106, after reaching the overrun position P4, is moved from the overrun position P4 to the transfer position P2 in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction. As shown in the Fig. As illustrated in Figures 2B and 3 to 9, the removal device 116 is moved from the retracted position D0 to the extended transfer position D2, whereby the formed parts from the first forming section 106a are transferred to the removal device 116. The formed parts are received in a holding engagement in the removal device 116 when the removal device 116 is in the extended position and the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position D2.

[0037] Moving the movable tool mounting plate 106 from the closed position of the mold P0 to the trailing position P4 allows the movable tool mounting plate 106 (and the first mold section 106a) to clear the working area 120 traversed by the removal device 116 more quickly than if the movable tool mounting plate 106 were moved directly (i.e., only in the opening direction) from the closed position of the mold P0 to a stop in the transfer position P2. Because the working area 120 is cleared more quickly, the removal device 116 can be extended more rapidly between the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a, and the molded parts can be transferred to the removal device 116 sooner, which in turn enables an overall reduction in the cycle time of the injection molding machine 100.Additionally or alternatively, by reaching the target positions from the same direction, the play in the actuator of the movable tool mounting plate can be compensated, which can help to increase the positioning accuracy of the movable tool mounting plate 106.

[0038] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2A and 4 to 6, the movable tool mounting plate 106 in the illustrated example has a maximum opening speed S4 during part of the movement in the opening direction into the overrun position P4 and is decelerated from the maximum opening speed S4 to zero speed S0 in the overrun position P4 during part of the movement in the opening direction into the overrun position P4 (in the illustrated example between times T2 and T6). The times T0, T8, T12 and T14, as shown in Fig. 2A are marked, respectively, in the Fig. 3, Fig. 7, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 is shown. Time T13 is in the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B specified and in Fig. 13 illustrates. Time points T17 and T18 are the end times in the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B and Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B.

[0039] As also shown in the example in Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the deceleration of the movable tool mounting plate 106 is initiated during its movement from the closed position of the mold P0 to the overrun position P4, before the movable tool mounting plate 106 reaches the transfer position P2. In the illustrated example, the deceleration of the movable tool mounting plate 106 is initiated during its movement from the closed position of the mold P0 towards the overrun position P4, before the first mold section 106a clears the working area 120. The deceleration of the movable tool mounting plate 106 during its movement from the closed position of the mold P0 to the overrun position P4 begins at time T2 in the illustrated example.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the movable tool mounting plate 106 is moved from the closed position of the mold P0 to the trailing position P4 at an opening speed S2 of the transfer position, passing over the transfer position P2, where the opening speed S2 of the transfer position is lower than the maximum opening speed S4. The opening speed S2 of the transfer position can be at least 50 percent of the maximum opening speed S4.

[0041] In some examples, the braking of the movable tool mounting plate 106 is initiated after the first mold section 106a (including molded parts protruding from it) has cleared the working area 120 and before the movable tool mounting plate 106 has reached the transfer position P2 while moving into the overrun position P4. In other examples, the braking of the movable tool mounting plate 106 is initiated when the movable tool mounting plate 106 reaches the transfer position P2.

[0042] As in the Fig. 2A and Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, in the illustrated example, at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate 106 in the opening direction from the transfer position P2 to the trailing position P4 (i.e., between times T4 and T6) occurs simultaneously with at least part of the movement of the removal device 116 between the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a in the direction of the extended transfer position D2. And in the illustrated example, at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate 106 in the closing direction from the trailing position P4 to the transfer position P2 (i.e., between times T6 and T10) occurs simultaneously with at least part of the movement of the removal device 116 between the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a in the direction of the extended transfer position D2.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the removal device 116 exhibits a maximum feed rate during part of its movement into the extended position. The maximum feed rate is shown in Fig. 2B is represented by the speed of the removal device 116, for example, at time T6. The removal device 116 is decelerated from its maximum feed speed to zero speed in the extended transfer position D2. In the illustrated example, the deceleration of the removal device 116 from its maximum feed speed to zero speed in the extended transfer position D2 is initiated while the movable tool mounting plate 106 is moved in the closing direction from the overrun position P4 to the transfer position P2.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the movable tool mounting plate 106 reaches the transfer position P2 from the trailing position P4 (at time T10 in the illustrated example) before the removal device 116 reaches the extended transfer position D2. In some examples, the movable tool mounting plate 106 and the removal device 116 can reach the transfer position P2 and the extended transfer position D2, respectively, within a time interval of less than 200 milliseconds. In some examples, the removal device 116 reaches the extended transfer position D2 before the movable tool mounting plate 106 reaches the transfer position P2 from the trailing position P4.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the ejection of the formed parts from the first mold section 106a begins in the illustrated example during the movement of the movable tool mounting plate 106 in the closing direction from the trailing position P4 to the transfer position P2. In the illustrated example, the ejection of the formed parts from the first mold section 106a begins before the movable tool mounting plate 106 reaches the transfer position P2 from the trailing position P4. In the illustrated example, the ejection of the formed parts from the first mold section 106a begins before the removal device 116 reaches the extended transfer position D2.To start the ejection of the formed parts, for example the ejection actuators of the first forming section 106a can be made ready for operation, so that the formed parts are ready, for example, for transfer into the holding engagement in the removal device 116 when the removal device 116 reaches the extended transfer position D2.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, in the illustrated example, the removal device 116 is moved from the extended transfer position D2 to the retracted position D0 after the formed parts have been transferred into the holding engagement of the removal device 116. After the removal device 116, as shown in Figure 10, is moved from the extended transfer position D2 to the retracted position D0, the parts are moved from the extended transfer position D2 to the retracted position D0. Fig. As shown in Figure 11, once the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a have been cleared (the removal device 116, for example, releases the boundary line D1 of the mold section), the movable tool mounting plate 106 is moved in the closing direction from the transfer position P2 to the closed position of the mold P0 for a subsequent injection cycle.

[0047] In the Fig. 12A and Fig. Figure 12B graphically illustrates an alternative exemplary method 300 for operating the injection molding machine 100 and coordinating the movement of the movable mold mounting platen 106 and the removal device 116. According to some examples, method 300 can help to reduce the cycle time and / or increase the positioning accuracy of the components of the injection molding machine 100. In the illustrated example, method 300 is similar to method 200, with the same features being designated by the same reference numerals. One important difference is that in method 300, after the molded parts have been transferred to the removal device 116, the time required by the removal device 116 to clear the mold area is used to bring the movable mold mounting platen 106 to a closing speed greater than zero at the transfer position P2.

[0048] As in Fig. Figure 12A illustrates the displacement curve 302, which shows the displacement of the movable tool mounting plate 106 with respect to time according to method 300. As shown in Fig. Figure 12B illustrates the displacement curve 306, which shows the corresponding displacement of the extraction device 116 with respect to time according to the method 300.

[0049] Method 300 may optionally include steps from Method 200. For example, Method 300 may optionally include moving the movable tool mounting plate 106 in the opening direction from the closed position of the mold P0 to the trailing position P4, and subsequently moving the movable tool mounting plate 106 in the closing direction from the trailing position P4 to the transfer position P2 to transfer the formed parts into the holding engagement of the removal device 116.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, in the illustrated example, after the formed parts have been transferred into the holding engagement of the removal device 116, the removal device 116 is moved from the extended transfer position D2 to the retracted position D0. Method 300 comprises moving the movable tool mounting plate 106 in the opening direction from the transfer position P2 to a pre-closing position P3 axially spaced from the transfer position P2, while the removal device 116 is moved in the direction of the retracted position D0. In the illustrated example, the pre-closing position P3 is located axially between the transfer position P2 and the trailing position P4.

[0051] As in the Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, in the illustrated example, the movable tool mounting plate 106, after reaching the pre-closing position P3, is moved in the closing direction from the pre-closing position P3 to the closed position of the mold P0. In the illustrated example, at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate 106 from the pre-closing position P3 to the closed position of the mold P0 occurs before the removal device 116 releases the first and second mold sections 106a, 108a, as it moves towards the retracted position D0.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the movable tool mounting plate 106 in the illustrated example is moved via the transfer position P2 during the movement from the pre-closing position P3 to the closed position of the mold P0 at a closing speed of the transfer position, wherein the closing speed of the transfer position is generally equal to a maximum speed of the movable tool mounting plate 106 when it is moved from the pre-closing position P3 to the transfer position P2. Fig. 12A is represented by the speed of the movable tool mounting plate 106, for example at time T15. In the example shown, the movable tool mounting plate 106 accelerates from zero speed in the pre-closing position P3 to the closing speed of the transfer position at transfer position P2.

[0053] In the Fig. 16 and Fig. Figure 17 shows an optional modification of method 200 or 300. In this example, the removal device 116 is in a retracted position D0. a(first retracted position) shown, in which it exposes the mold sections 106a, 108a, but optionally projects into the area that would normally be the working area of ​​the tool mounting plate defined by the movement of the movable tool mounting plate. In cases where – as in the example shown – the axial extent (mold height) of the first mold section 106a fixed to the movable tool mounting plate 106 is greater than the axial extent of the removal device, the abutting mold sections 106a, 108a limit the movement of the movable tool mounting plate in the closing direction, so that a space is formed into which the leading edge of the removal device 116 can project until the mold opens.By positioning the removal device 116, the retracted position D0 is closer to the working area of ​​the mold, which limits the stroke length between the retracted and extended positions of the removal device, thus reducing the time the removal device needs to reach the extended position.

[0054] The Fig. 16 and Fig. Figure 17 also shows the positioning of the removal device for engagement with the receiving device 119 when it is in the retracted position, in particular when it is in an optional second retracted position D0 b is located as shown in the example. The second retracted position D0 b is located along the removal device axis 118, further away from the mold sections 106a, 108a than the first inserted position D0 aDuring operation, after the molded parts (e.g., the preforms shown in the example) have been transferred from the first mold section 106a into the removal device 116, the removal device 116 can move to the second retracted position after the first retracted position. From the second retracted position, the removal device 116 and the receiving device 119 can be moved back together, so that the molded parts are released from the removal device 116 and received by the receiving device 119. The removal device 116 can then move to the first retracted position and wait until the mold opens.Optionally, the removal device can be accelerated from the second retracted position (or another position along the removal device axis 118, which is located at a greater distance from the boundary line D1 of the mold section) in the direction of the extended position, so that the removal device 116 can cross the boundary line D1 of the mold section at a speed as soon as the mold sections are open wide enough to accommodate the removal device 116 between them.

Claims

[1] Method for operating an injection molding machine, the method comprising: a) Releasing a closing pressure, wherein the closing pressure holds together a first mold section and a second mold section, the first mold section being attached to a movable tool mounting plate and the second mold section being attached to a stationary tool mounting plate; b) Moving the movable tool mounting plate in an opening direction away from the stationary tool mounting plate in order to open the mold, wherein the movement step includes moving the movable tool mounting plate from a closed position of the mold to a trailing position axially spaced from the closed position of the mold; c) Moving the movable tool mounting plate in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction from the trailing position to a transfer position that lies axially between the closed position of the mold and the trailing position; d) Moving a removal device from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the removal device clears the first and second mold sections when in the retracted position, and the removal device extends between the first and second mold sections when in the extended position to receive articles from the first mold section when the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position; and e) Transfer of items from the first forming section to the removal device, wherein the items are received in a fixed engagement in the removal device when the removal device is in the extended position and the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the movable tool mounting plate has a maximum opening speed in step (b), and step (b) includes decelerating the movable tool mounting plate from the maximum opening speed to zero speed in the overrun position. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein step (b) includes crossing the transfer position when moving in the opening direction towards the overrun position and initiating the braking of the movable tool mounting plate before reaching the transfer position by the movable tool mounting plate when moving in the opening direction. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein step (b) includes moving the movable tool mounting plate over the transfer position at an opening speed of the transfer position, wherein the opening speed of the transfer position is at least 50 percent of the maximum opening speed. [5] Method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the removal device passes through a working area as it moves between the extended and retracted positions, and step (b) includes initiating the braking of the movable tool mounting plate before the first forming section clears the working area. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate from the transfer position to the follow-up position in step (b) is carried out simultaneously with at least part of the movement of the removal device between the first and second forming section in step (d). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate from the trailing position to the transfer position in step (c) is carried out simultaneously with at least part of the movement of the removal device between the first and second forming section in step (d). [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the removal device has a maximum feed rate in step (d), and step (d) includes initiating a deceleration of the removal device from the maximum feed rate to zero speed in the extended position during the movement of the movable tool mounting plate in step (c). [9] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising initiating the ejection of the formed objects from the first forming section before the movable tool mounting plate reaches the transfer position in step (c). [10] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position, the first and second mold sections are axially spaced apart from each other by an intermediate space, and wherein the removal device has an axial extension between the first and second mold sections in the extended position, wherein the axial extension is at least 70 percent of the intermediate space. [11] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: f) after step (e) to move the removal device from the extended position to the retracted position; g) during step (f) moving the movable tool mounting plate in the opening direction from the transfer position to a pre-closing position axially spaced from the transfer position; and h) after step (g) moving the movable tool mounting plate in the closing direction from the pre-closing position to the closed position of the mold, wherein at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate takes place in step (h) before the removal device releases the first and second mold sections during step (f). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein the pre-closing position is axially located between the transfer position and the follow-through position. [13] Method according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein step (h) includes moving the movable tool mounting plate over the transfer position with a closing speed of the transfer position, wherein the closing speed of the transfer position is equal to a maximum speed of the movable tool mounting plate when it is moved from the pre-closing position to the transfer position in step (h). [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein step (h) includes accelerating the movable tool mounting plate from zero speed in the pre-closing position to the closing speed of the transfer position in the transfer position. [15] Method for operating an injection molding machine, the method comprising: a) Moving a movable tool mounting plate in a closing direction towards a stationary tool mounting plate from a trailing position to a transfer position; and b) when the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position, transfer of formed objects from a first forming section mounted on the movable tool mounting plate into a holding engagement on a removal device extending between the tool mounting plates. [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein the transfer position in step (b) is reached as a result of completing step (a). [17] Method according to one of claims 15 to 16, wherein after step (b) the movable tool mounting plate is further moved in the closing direction into a closed position of the mold to form a subsequent set of items. [18] Method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein prior to step (a) the movable tool mounting plate is moved in an opening direction transverse to the transfer position at an opening speed of the transfer position, wherein the opening direction is opposite to the closing direction. [19] Method for operating an injection molding machine, the method comprising: a) Releasing a closing pressure, wherein the closing pressure holds together a first mold section and a second mold section, the first mold section being attached to a movable tool mounting plate and the second mold section being attached to a stationary tool mounting plate; b) Moving the movable tool mounting plate from a closed position of the mold to a transfer position for opening the mold, wherein the transfer position is axially spaced from the closed position of the mold in an opening direction; c) Moving a removal device from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the removal device clears the first and second mold sections when it is in the retracted position, and the removal device extends between the first and second mold sections when it is in the extended position to receive articles from the first mold section when the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position; d) Transferring items from the first mold section to the removal device, wherein the items are received in a fixed engagement in the removal device when the removal device is in the extended position and the movable tool mounting plate is in the transfer position; e) after step (d) to move the removal device from the extended position to the retracted position; f) during step (e) moving the movable tool mounting plate in the opening direction from the transfer position to a pre-closing position axially spaced from the transfer position; and g) after step (f) moving the movable tool mounting plate in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction from the pre-closing position to the closed position of the mold, wherein at least part of the movement of the movable tool mounting plate takes place in step (g) before the removal device releases the first and second mold sections during step (e). [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein step (g) includes moving the movable tool mounting plate over the transfer position at a closing speed of the transfer position, wherein the closing speed of the transfer position is equal to a maximum speed of the movable tool mounting plate when it is moved from the pre-closing position to the transfer position in step (g). [21] Method according to claim 20, wherein step (g) includes accelerating the movable tool mounting plate from zero speed in the pre-closing position to the closing speed of the transfer position in the transfer position. [22] Method for operating an injection molding machine, the method comprising: a) Moving a movable tool mounting plate in a closing direction into a closed position of the mold in order to close a mold; b) after step (a) moving the movable tool mounting plate in an opening direction away from the stationary tool mounting plate; and c) after step (b) moving the movable tool mounting plate in the closing direction towards a transfer position, wherein the transfer position serves to transfer formed objects from a mold section held by the movable tool mounting plate into a holding engagement on a removal device extending between the tool mounting plates. [23] Method according to claim 22, wherein step (b) involves moving the movable tool mounting plate from the closed position of the mold to a trailing position axially spaced from the closed position of the mold, and step (c) involves moving the movable tool mounting plate from the trailing position to the transfer position. [24] Method according to claim 22, wherein step (b) includes moving the movable tool mounting plate from the transfer position to a pre-closing position axially spaced from the transfer position, and step (c) includes moving the movable tool mounting plate from the pre-closing position to the transfer position, wherein the movable tool mounting plate reaches the transfer position in step (c) at a closing speed of the transfer position, wherein the closing speed of the transfer position is equal to a maximum speed of the movable tool mounting plate during the movement from the pre-closing position to the transfer position in step (c).

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