Mold clamping unit for an injection molding machine

Abstract

Mold clamping unit with a stationary (2) and a movable mold mounting plate (3), wherein the movable mold mounting plate (3) can be moved towards and away from the stationary mold mounting plate (2) along the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit, and with a platform (6) with a work platform (8) accessible by an operator, wherein the work platform (8) has a stationary footboard (9) and several extensions (10a, 10b, 10c) arranged below the footboard (9) and movable relative to it, wherein the extensions (10a, 10b, 10c) can be moved orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit between a fully retracted end position and a fully extended end position, wherein the extensions (10a, 10b,10c) in the fully retracted end position below the footplate (9) and in the fully extended end position are at least partially within the travel path of the movable mold mounting plate (3), and wherein the platform (6) is arranged such that the movable mold mounting plate (3) can move freely past the stationary footplate (9), characterized in that the extensions (10a, 10b, 10c) are arranged parallel to each other in one plane and are movable independently of each other, and that on the side of the movable mold mounting plate (3) facing the stationary mold mounting plate (2), an auxiliary footplate (4) accessible by an operator is attached to the movable mold mounting plate (3), wherein the plane of the auxiliary footplate (4) is parallel to the plane of the stationary footplate (9) of the work platform (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mold clamping unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] On an injection molding machine, it is occasionally necessary for an operator to enter the area between the two mold mounting plates of the mold clamping unit. This is particularly relevant when work needs to be carried out on the mold halves mounted on the mold mounting plates, for example, for maintenance purposes.

[0003] To facilitate entry into the mold clamping unit, the use of permanently installed footboards is common. These must be positioned very low so that they do not collide with the approaching movable mold clamping plate and its pressure cushion.

[0004] Document JPS60-171316U discloses a platform with a work platform accessible to an operator. The platform is such that the accessible area of ​​the work platform is located above the lower columns. The work platform comprises a stationary footboard and an extension located below the footboard and movable relative to it. The extension can be moved orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit into the space between the mold mounting plates.

[0005] Document JP2020-025970A discloses a mold closing unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] A disadvantage of the aforementioned state of the art is that, depending on the position of the movable mold clamping surface, a more or less large free space remains in which there is no foothold for an operator.

[0007] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to provide additional footing options for an operator in a mold clamping unit with a stationary footboard along which the movable mold mounting plate can travel freely. In every position of the movable mold mounting plate, continuous walkable surfaces are available between the two mounting plates to serve as footing options for the operator. In particular, no gap should remain between the stationary footboard and the lower column closest to the stationary footboard, regardless of the position of the movable mold mounting plate, as such a gap would pose a fall hazard for the operator.

[0008] This problem is solved by a forming unit with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] A key concept of the present invention is that a platform with a work platform accessible to an operator is provided, wherein the work platform has a stationary footboard and several extensions arranged below the footboard and movable relative to it. According to the invention, the extensions are arranged parallel to each other in one plane and are movable independently of each other. In addition, an auxiliary footboard accessible to an operator is attached to the movable mold mounting plate on the side facing the stationary mounting plate, wherein the plane of the auxiliary footboard is parallel to the plane of the stationary footboard of the work platform.The extensions can be moved orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit between a fully retracted end position and a fully extended end position. In the fully retracted end position, the extensions are located below the footplate, and in the fully extended end position, they are at least partially within the travel path of the movable mold mounting plate. Furthermore, the platform is arranged such that the movable mold mounting plate can move freely past the stationary footplate. The interaction of the auxiliary footplate and the extensions ensures that, in every position of the movable mold mounting plate, an operator has a foothold that extends across the entire opening area of ​​both mold mounting plates. Regardless of the position of the movable mold mounting plate, there is therefore no gap where an operator cannot access the platform.Depending on the position of the movable mold mounting plate, one or more extensions can be extended.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the walkable surface of the auxiliary step can extend towards the stationary step to such an extent that it partially overlaps the surface of the stationary step. However, it is also possible to provide for no overlap, in which case a small gap would remain. Preferably, only such a horizontal gap should remain, which is less than 6 cm, and more preferably less than 3.5 cm. It is only necessary to ensure that this gap does not pose a danger to an operator.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the length LH of the auxiliary footplate, viewed longitudinally along the mold clamping unit, can be at least as long as the length LA of a single extension in that direction. This ensures that a foothold is available for an operator in every position of the movable mold mounting plate. If the opening is large enough, an extension can be extended to cover it. Depending on the position of the movable mold mounting plate, a residual opening may remain between an extension and the mounting plate that cannot be covered by an extension and would remain uncovered without the auxiliary footplate. Therefore, the correct length LH of the auxiliary footplate ensures that even this opening is covered. Thus, the correct interplay between the length LH of the auxiliary footplate and the length LA of the individual extensions is crucial.

[0012] Preferably, the auxiliary step can be attached to the movable mold mounting plate in such a way that it is located above the lower column on the side of the platform and can move freely past this column when the movable mold mounting plate is moved. The auxiliary step can have a plate and a surrounding stabilizing frame. The clear distance between the underside of the auxiliary step or the underside of the stabilizing frame and the top of the column over which the auxiliary step can move can be less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm. It is only necessary to ensure that the auxiliary step can move freely over the column. Furthermore, it must be taken into account that the extensions can move over the column.

[0013] Viewed longitudinally along the mold clamping unit, the stationary footplate can have two sections of different widths: a first section, which corresponds to a predetermined travel path of the movable mold mounting plate, and a second section, which lies outside this predetermined travel path. The second section can be wider than the first section and extend to the side of the stationary mold mounting plate facing the movable mounting plate. In plan view, the stationary footplate essentially has an L-shape, with the vertical leg of the L being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit and corresponding to the first section, and the horizontal leg of the L being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit and corresponding to the second section.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the auxiliary footboard and the fixed footboard can overlap in such a way that the clear distance between the underside of the auxiliary footboard and the top of the fixed footboard is in the range of 1 to 10 cm, preferably in the range of 1 to 2 cm.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the platform can have a height such that the walkable surface of the extensions is located within the vertical extent of the lower column, preferably between the center and the top of the column. The extensions can be extended so close to the column that virtually no clearance remains between an extended extension and the column. However, it is also possible for the vertical position of the extensions to be chosen such that they can be moved over the column into the space between the two mold mounting plates.

[0016] If necessary, an additional work platform accessible to an operator may be provided in the area between the lower columns, the position and design of this additional work platform being chosen in such a way that the movable mold mounting plate can be moved freely over the surface of this work platform.

[0017] The invention will now be described using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the Fig. Sections 1 to 6 will be described in more detail. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a mold clamping unit according to the invention from an oblique angle above in the open state and with the extensions retracted; Fig. 2 the mold clamping unit according to Fig. 1 with extensions extended; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a mold clamping unit according to the invention from an oblique angle above in the partially open state and with an extended extension; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the pedestal from a diagonal top; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the pedestal from a low angle; Fig. 6. Make a cut along line AA in the Fig. 1 with a view of the stationary mold mounting plate.

[0018] According to the Fig. A mold clamping unit according to the invention comprises a machine bed 1, a stationary mold mounting plate 2 mounted thereon, and a movable mold mounting plate 3 slidably mounted on the machine bed. An auxiliary footplate 4, which in this case is square and arranged above the lower column 5, is attached to the lower end of the movable mold mounting plate 3. A clear gap remains between the underside of the auxiliary footplate 4 and the top of the column 5, over which the auxiliary footplate can pass. This gap is typically less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm (see [reference]). Fig. 6) A platform 6 is arranged parallel to the lower column and is preferably bolted to the machine bed. The platform 6 has a work platform 8, which includes a stationary footboard 9 and several extensions 10a, 10b, 10c arranged below the footboard and movable relative to it (see Fig. 2). In the Fig. 1. These extensions are not visible because they are all located in the fully retracted end position below the stationary footboard 9 (see also Fig. 5) Therefore, a gap remains between the stationary footboard 9 and the column 5, which poses a hazard to an operator. In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the extensions 10a, 10b and 10c extended and in their fully extended end position (see also Fig. 4). This means that the one in the Fig. 1 recognizable free space covers. In the Fig. In position 3, the movable mold mounting plate 3 is in an intermediate position, and therefore only the extension 10c can be extended. The remaining clearance is covered by the auxiliary footplate 4. The hatched edges of the auxiliary footplate 4 and the extensions 10a, 10b, and 10c are painted or covered with a bright signal color. This is to make it easier for the operator to see when they are approaching the edge of the auxiliary footplate 4 or the edge of one of the extensions 10a to 10c. Viewed longitudinally along the mold clamping unit, the stationary footplate 9 has two sections of different lengths and widths: a first section 9a, which corresponds to a predefined travel path of the movable mold mounting plate, and a second section 9b, which lies outside this predefined travel path. The second section 9b is wider than the first section 9a.The movable mold mounting plate 3 can therefore only be moved close enough to the stationary mold mounting plate 2 that it touches section 9b of the stationary footplate 9. The second section 9b extends to the side of the stationary mold mounting plate 2 facing the movable mold mounting plate 3. Therefore, in every position of the movable mold mounting plate, it is ensured that an operator has a continuous walkable area.

[0019] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the platform 6 comprises a support frame 7 on which a work platform 8 is attached. The support frame 7 includes several vertical beams 7a, cross braces 7b, and foot sections 7c of the first size (wide foot section) and a foot section 7c' of the second size. Fastening elements 7f are located on the foot sections 7c, with which the platform 6 is attached to a platform support 12 (see Figure 5). Fig. 6) can be attached. At the upper end of the vertical supports 7a, the support frame 7 has a frame structure 7d. Two support frames 7e are provided at the ends of the frame structure 7d. The work platform 8 comprises a stationary platform 9 with a first section 9a and a second section 9b, as well as several extensions 10a, 10b, 10c. The two sections 9a and 9b can be formed in one or more parts. In the present embodiment, sections 9a and 9b, and thus the stationary platform 9 as a whole, are formed in multiple parts. Section 9a is formed by elements 9a_1 to 9a_8, and section 9b is formed by elements 9b_1 and 9b_2. The individual elements are assembled into a unit on the frame structure 7d in a suitable manner.The extensions 10a to 10c are slidably mounted on the underside of section 9a of the stationary footplate 9 and can be moved orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit by means of suitable linear drives 11. In the illustration of the . Fig. Figure 4 shows the extensions 10a to 10c in their fully extended end position. Fig. 5 the extensions 10a to 10c are in their fully retracted end position, in which they are completely covered by section 9a of the fixed footboard 9.

[0020] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a section along line AA in the Fig. 1 and with a view towards the stationary mold mounting plate 2. A platform support 12 is attached to the machine bed 1, which serves to receive the platform 6 according to the invention. In the Fig.Figure 6 shows the arrangement of the auxiliary footboard 4 and the work platform 8, or stationary footboard 9, in a vertical direction. The auxiliary footboard 4 comprises a platform 4a accessible to an operator and a surrounding stabilizing frame 4b. The stationary footboard 9 shows the element 9a_2 as a whole and the element 9b_1 behind it, insofar as it projects across the width of element 9a_2 into the space between the two mold mounting plates. The extension 10a is in the fully retracted position. The view of this extension 10a is obscured by the support frame 7e of the frame 7 in front of it. The narrow base section 7c' of the frame 7 and the wide base section 7c behind it with its fastening elements 7f are partially visible. There is a clear distance D1 between the underside of the auxiliary footboard 4 and the support frame 8.the underside of the surrounding frame 4b and the top of the column 5 that the auxiliary step 4 can traverse. This distance D1 is typically less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm. Furthermore, it can be seen how the walkable surface of the auxiliary step 4 extends towards the stationary step 9 to such an extent that this surface and the surface of the stationary step 9 partially overlap. A comparatively small clear distance D2 is sufficient between the underside of the auxiliary step 4 or the underside of the surrounding frame 4b and the top of the stationary step 9. It only needs to be ensured that the auxiliary step 4 does not come into contact with the top of the stationary step 9 when the movable mold mounting plate is being moved. Preferably, the clear distance between the underside of the auxiliary step 4 or the underside of the surrounding frame 4b and the stationary step 9 is less than 5 cm.the underside of the surrounding frame 4b and the top of the stationary footboard 9 in the range between 1 and 10 cm, preferably in the range between 1 and 2 cm. Reference symbol list 1 machine bed 2 Fixed mold mounting plates 3 Movable mold mounting plate 4 Auxiliary footboard 4a plate 4b Stabilizing frame 5th pillar 6 podium 7 frame 7a Vertical beams 7b Cross braces 7c Foot section, first size (wide foot section) 7c' Foot section of second size (narrow foot section) 7d frame construction 7e Support frame 7f Fasteners 8 work platform 9 Fixed stepping stone 9a First Section 9a_1 to 9a_8 Elements of the first section 9a 9b Second Section 9b_1 to 9b_2 Elements of the second section 9b 10a First movable extension 10b Second movable extension 10c Third movable extension 11 linear actuators 12 pedestal brackets QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JPS60-171316

[0004] JP 2020-025970

[0005]

Claims

[1] Mold clamping unit with a stationary (2) and a movable mold mounting plate (3), wherein the movable mold mounting plate (3) can be moved towards and away from the stationary mold mounting plate (2) along the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit, and with a platform (6) with a work platform (8) accessible by an operator, wherein the work platform (8) has a stationary footboard (9) and several extensions (10a, 10b, 10c) arranged below the footboard (9) and movable relative to it, wherein the extensions (10a, 10b, 10c) can be moved orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the mold clamping unit between a fully retracted end position and a fully extended end position, wherein the extensions (10a, 10b,10c) in the fully retracted end position below the footboard (9) and in the fully extended end position at least partially within the travel path of the movable mold mounting plate (3), and wherein the platform (6) is arranged such that the movable mold mounting plate (3) can move freely past the stationary footboard (9), , characterized by , that the extensions (10a, 10b, 10c) are arranged parallel to each other in a plane and are movable independently of each other, and that on the side of the movable mold mounting plate (3) facing the stationary mold mounting plate (2) an auxiliary footboard (4) accessible by an operator is attached to the movable mold mounting plate (3), wherein the plane of the auxiliary footboard (4) is parallel to the plane of the stationary footboard (9) of the work platform (8). [2] Mold clamping unit according to claim 1, characterized by, that the walkable surface of the auxiliary step (4) extends so far in the direction of the fixed step (9) that this surface and the surface of the fixed step (9) partially overlap or that only such a horizontal gap remains open which is less than 6 cm, preferably less than 3.5 cm. [3] Mold clamping unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the mold clamping unit, the length LH of the auxiliary footboard (4) is at least as large as the length LA of a single ejection (10a, 10b, 10c) in this direction. [4] Mold closing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the auxiliary step (4) is attached to the movable mold mounting plate (3) in such a way that it is located above the lower column (5) on the side of the platform (6) and can be moved freely past this column (5) when the movable mold mounting plate (3) is moved. [5] Mold closing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clear distance between the underside of the auxiliary step (4) or the surrounding stabilizing frame (4b) of the auxiliary step (4) and the top of the column (5) that can be traversed by the auxiliary step (4) is less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm. [6] Mold closing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the stationary footboard (9) viewed in the longitudinal direction of the mold clamping unit has two sections (9a, 9b) of different widths, namely a first section (9a) which is assigned to a predetermined travel path of the movable mold mounting plate (3) and a second section (9b) which lies outside this predetermined travel path, wherein the second section (9b) has a greater width than the first section (9b), and wherein the second section (9b) extends to the side of the stationary mold mounting plate (2) facing the movable mold mounting plate (3). [7] Mold closing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the auxiliary footboard (4) and the fixed footboard (9) overlap in such a way that the clear distance between the underside of the auxiliary footboard (4) and the top of the fixed footboard (9) is in the range between 1 and 10 cm, preferably in the range between 1 and 2 cm. [8] Mold closing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the platform (6) has a height such that the walkable surface of the extensions (10a, 10b, 10c) is located in the area of ​​the vertical extension of the lower column (5), preferably between the middle and the top of the column (5), or such that the extensions (10a, 10b, 10c) can be moved over the lower column (5) into the space between the two mold mounting plates (2, 3). [9] Mold clamping unit according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that in the area between the lower columns another work platform accessible to an operator is provided, wherein the position and design of this further work platform is chosen such that the movable mold mounting plate (3) can be moved freely over the surface of this work platform.

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