ASSEMBLY DEVICE FOR MOLDED TOOL PARTS OF AN INJECTION MOLDING TOOL, INJECTION MOLDING TOOL AND INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly device for mold components of an injection mold according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to an injection mold and an injection molding machine.

[0002] Injection molding is a very common process used for the largely fully automated production of plastic parts. It is used for both mass-produced items and technical plastic components. Plastic parts of varying sizes can be manufactured using this method, for example, components of watch movements or parts of car bodies. In most cases, no further processing of the manufactured plastic parts is required. Injection molding involves plasticizing a plastic material, usually in powder or granular form, and transferring it under high pressure into the mold cavity of an injection mold. The plasticized material injected into the mold cavity solidifies there through cooling and / or cross-linking, so that it can then be demolded.The steps required to manufacture an injection-molded plastic part are usually fully automated, forming a cycle with corresponding cycle times, during which the periodically occurring manufacturing process takes place.

[0003] A standard injection molding machine typically consists of two main components. First, there is an injection unit with a unit that prepares the plastic granules and injects them under pressure into an injection mold. Second, there is a clamping unit that opens and closes the injection mold. The clamping unit usually consists of three plates arranged vertically on a machine frame. A fixed mounting plate supports the first part of the injection mold (nozzle side) and has a through-hole through which a nozzle of the injection unit can pass and connect to the injection mold. The second plate is a movable mounting plate, also called the clamping plate. A second part of the injection mold (ejector side) is mounted on this plate.The movable closing plate can be moved mechanically and / or hydraulically towards and away from the fixed mold mounting plate to open or close the injection mold. The third plate is an end plate. It has a supporting function. A toggle lever and / or a hydraulic cylinder is typically located between the fixed end plate and the movable closing plate to execute the movement of the closing plate along its axis.

[0004] For many injection molding applications, it is advantageous if one half of the injection mold is rotatable relative to the other half. This allows, for example, the injection of a plastic melt from two injection units positioned opposite each other along the axis into the injection mold. The rotatable injection mold half has first mold cavities on its two axially opposite sides. These cavities interact with corresponding second mold cavities on a mold half attached to the fixed mold platen or on another mold half attached to the movable clamping platen. This enables the production of plastic parts from different colored plastic melts or from different plastics, so-called two-component plastic parts.In the case of a single injection unit, a rotatable half of the injection mold offers the advantage of a faster cycle time. After an initial injection cycle, the rotatable mold half can be rotated, allowing the previously injected plastic parts to cool and be ejected while a second injection cycle is already underway.

[0005] Injection molding machines are already known in the art that feature a prismatically shaped, rotatable mold carrier arranged between two mold mounting plates: a stationary mold mounting plate and a closing plate that is axially displaceable relative to it. The prismatic mold carrier has at least four faces and is rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to a plane defined by linear guides along which the closing plate can be moved. First mold components are arranged on the prismatic mold carrier and interact with second mold components mounted on the stationary mold mounting plate and the translationally displaceable mold mounting plate or closing plate, respectively. The prismatic mold carrier can include various functional units.Thus, on the two sides of the tool carrier opposite the mold mounting plates for the second mold parts, first mold parts can be mounted, which, in the closed state, serve to receive the injected plastic compound. After a 90° rotation relative to the mold mounting plates, an ejection function of the rotatable tool carrier can be activated, while simultaneously, plastic molten metal is injected into the closed mold parts on the two sides of the tool carrier opposite the mold mounting plates.

[0006] An injection molding machine with a prismatic mold carrier arranged in a C-shaped configuration is known from WO2007 / 055607 A2. This configuration is not suitable for high loads. EP 1 306 185 A1 discloses a rotary device for a horizontal injection molding machine, wherein mounting plates for mold components are arranged on a frame. This configuration is inflexible and requires long changeover times.

[0007] Injection molds must withstand high closing pressures and significant internal pressures during injection molding. Long service lives are also required, during which the molds are opened and closed countless times throughout their lifespan. For this reason, injection molds are designed to be extremely robust. Each mold component can weigh several tons. Handling and assembling these components is a complex and costly process. Furthermore, the first and second mold components must be precisely aligned to ensure the required accuracy within manufacturing tolerances and the uniformity of the injection-molded plastic parts.Therefore, inserting, replacing or converting the injection mold requires considerable adjustment effort in known state-of-the-art injection molding machines, and especially in those with rotatable mold carriers, which is time-consuming and costly.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantage of long setup and changeover times and costs when inserting, removing, or replacing injection molds, as well as to reduce the effort required for adjusting the mold components relative to one another. The handling of the mold components and their assembly in an injection molding machine should be simplified.

[0009] The solution to the aforementioned and further problems consists of an assembly device for mold components of an injection mold, which has the features specified in claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention proposes an assembly device for mold components of an injection mold, comprising a mounting plate that can be inserted into an injection molding machine and on which a tool carrier for receiving first mold components can be mounted. The mounting plate is arranged on a mounting frame, which has a guide system for translational displacement of the mounting plate along a longitudinal extension of the mounting frame. Furthermore, the mounting frame has a support device for a second mold component that can be arranged in a stationary position and corresponds to at least one of the first mold components.

[0011] Because the mounting frame is already equipped with a guide system for the translational displacement of the mounting plate for the tool holder and includes a support device for a second mold component, the first mold components arranged on the tool holder and the support device can be pre-adjusted before the mounting fixture is inserted into the injection molding machine. The guide system is an integral part of the mounting fixture. Therefore, when adjusting the first and second mold components relative to each other, there is no need to consider the guide elements and displacement devices of the injection molding machine. The machine bed or the guide elements of the injection molding machine then only serve to support the underside of the mounting frame of the mounting fixture.The first and second mold components, mounted on the mold carrier and support device, can thus be adjusted completely independently of the injection molding machine. The mold components, aligned relative to each other, are mounted on the mold carrier. The assembly device can be inserted into or removed from the injection molding machine without disassembling or assembling any structural components (neither on the standard injection molding machine nor on the assembly device). This allows the use of standard, universally applicable injection molding machines that also work with other injection molds. Accordingly, modifications or specializations to the injection molding machines are unnecessary. After inserting the assembly device, the effort required for final adjustment of the mold components can be minimized.The effort is generally limited to a one-time adaptation of the injection mold to the injection molding machine to compensate for the varying tolerances between different injection molding machines. This reduces setup and changeover times on the injection molding machine, along with the associated costs and production downtime. The mounting frame with the mold components typically requires no more setup effort in the injection molding machine than any other injection mold. The mounting frame is usually a single piece, but can also be multi-part.

[0012] One embodiment of the mounting device can provide that the mounting frame is equipped with support elements on its underside, facing away from the mounting plate. These support elements serve to brace the frame against the machine bed of the injection molding machine. They can be arranged on both longitudinal sides of the underside of the mounting frame and serve to compensate for unevenness in the machine bed of the injection molding machine or in guide elements mounted there, such as guide rails or similar components. Larger irregularities can be easily compensated for by inserting support elements of varying thicknesses. The support elements can, for example, be leveling plates made of high-quality steel. They can also be hardened.

[0013] To ensure precise alignment of the mounting frame with respect to a machine axis of the injection molding machine, a further embodiment of the mounting device may provide that the mounting frame has an end face at one of its longitudinal ends, which is designed for a detachable connection to a fixed mold mounting plate of an injection molding machine. For example, a connecting plate may be mounted on the end face of the mounting frame, projecting beyond a top surface of the mounting frame and detachably connected to the mold mounting plate, in particular by screwing.

[0014] In another embodiment of the assembly device, the guide system of the mounting frame has two guide rails running parallel to its longitudinal extent, arranged on the upper side of the mounting frame, as well as an adjustment device for the mounting plate. The mounting frame has its own guide rails for moving the mounting plate along its longitudinal extent. The guide elements provided in the injection molding machine, such as guide rails, do not, however, serve a guiding function for the assembly device. They serve solely to support and stabilize the mounting frame that carries the mounting plate.To reposition the mounting plate along the longitudinal extent of the mounting frame, adjustment devices not arranged on the injection molding machine are used; instead, the mounting device has its own adjustment device, which can be operated essentially independently of the adjustment devices of the injection molding machine.

[0015] In one embodiment of the mounting device according to the invention, the mounting plate itself can be mounted on a sliding plate. The sliding plate is supported by guide rails on the top of the mounting frame. The mounting plate, together with the sliding plate, can be moved longitudinally along the mounting frame. In a mounting device used in an injection molding machine, the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame runs essentially parallel to the machine axis of the injection molding machine. By mounting the mounting plate on the sliding plate, the fastening function for the mold carrier and the adjustment function are decoupled from each other. The sliding plate is solely responsible for translational movement. The mounting plate, on the other hand, serves to fasten the mold carrier and can be designed to allow further degrees of freedom of movement for the mold carrier, in particular rotational movements.

[0016] In another embodiment of the mounting device, the mounting plate can be mounted on a rotary unit that passes through the sliding plate. The mounting plate and any tool holder mounted on it are then rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the top of the sliding plate. The top of the sliding plate runs essentially parallel to a plane defined by the guide system, in particular guide rails, along which the translational displacement of the sliding plate takes place. In a mounting device used in an injection molding machine, the translational displacement of the sliding plate occurs parallel to the direction of the machine axis of the injection molding machine. The machine axis typically runs horizontally. The axis of rotation of the mounting plate then extends perpendicular to it in a vertical direction.

[0017] In one embodiment of the mounting device, which features a sliding plate arranged on a mounting frame and a mounting plate rotatably mounted opposite it, the rotating unit comprises a high-pole electric motor with a stator and a rotor. Preferably, the high-pole electric motor is designed as a so-called torque motor. The rotor is fixedly connected to the mounting plate. The torque motor can be of an internal rotor design, in which case the rotor rotates within the stator. Both the rotor and the stator can be designed as hollow cylinders. The torque M of a torque motor, for a given force F, depends on the radius according to the mathematical relationship M = F × r.Although an external rotor torque motor can generate greater torque than an electric motor of the same size with an internal rotor, the motor's size is sufficient to rotate tool carriers with mold components weighing up to approximately 10 tons at adequate speed. It should be noted that even with this high weight, support for the tool carrier, or the mold components mounted on it, such as bearings or crossbeams on the side opposite its attachment to the mounting plate, is unnecessary and therefore omitted. A torque motor is a brushless permanent magnet DC motor and is therefore wear-free. The maximum achievable torque of a torque motor can also be influenced by changing its axial height.This means that an increase in engine torque can be achieved simply by replacing the part, without any further modifications to the mounting device.

[0018] In principle, the rotation of the mounting plate could also be achieved, for example, via a toothed ring connected to the mounting plate and rotatable via a pinion engaging with the toothed ring, which could be driven, for instance, by a hydraulic actuator. However, such a mechanical drive does not offer the same high positioning accuracy as a torque motor, particularly due to the backlash of the meshing teeth. Therefore, a mechanical drive requires indexing pins to fix the mounting plate in the desired position once it has been reached.

[0019] Another variant of the mounting device can incorporate a first absolute encoder, preferably a rotary angle sensor, to monitor the rotational movement of the electric motor. The rotary angle sensor allows for very precise monitoring and control of the mounting plate's rotational movement. Mechanical locking elements, such as indexing pins or similar devices, between the sliding plate and the mounting plate are no longer necessary. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to monitor the position of such indexing pins—whether retracted and locked or retracted and released. This simplifies the control of the mounting plate's rotational movement and any tool holder mounted on it. It also reduces the cycle time for manufacturing the injection-molded parts.

[0020] In another embodiment of the assembly device, the support structure for the stationary second mold part can be designed as a carrier slide that rests on guide rails on the top of the mounting frame and can be moved translationally between the mounting plate and a connecting device arranged on the mounting frame to a stationary mold clamping plate of an injection molding machine. A nozzle plate, which constitutes the second mold part, is typically mounted on the carrier slide. The translationally movable carrier slide facilitates the adjustment of the second mold part relative to the first mold part, which is mounted on a tool carrier mounted on the mounting plate.In this way, a first mold component mounted on the tool carrier can be precisely aligned with the second mold component, or nozzle plate, before the assembly device, with the tool carrier and the first mold component mounted on it, as well as with the carrier slide and the second mold component mounted on it, is even inserted into the injection molding machine. After the assembly device is inserted into the injection molding machine and the support plate is attached to the stationary mold platen of the injection molding machine, the assembly slide is moved towards the stationary mold platen until the nozzle platen or the second mold component rests against the stationary mold platen and can be securely bolted to it. By attaching the assembly frame to the stationary mold platen, it is already precisely aligned with the machine axis of the injection molding machine.Since the first and second mold components have already been aligned with each other before the assembly fixture is inserted into the injection molding machine, no further adjustment is necessary. It is only required to position and align the translationally movable mold mounting plate, or closing plate, with its optional second mold component mounted on it, onto the tool carrier, which is mounted on the translationally movable and optionally rotatable mold carrier and has a first mold component mounted on it. The second mold component is adjusted on the translationally movable mold mounting plate. In this respect, this adjustment does not differ from the adjustment of injection molds with one mold component on the stationary mold mounting plate and one on the closing plate.

[0021] The translational displacement of the sliding plate along the guide rails on the top of the mounting frame can, for example, be achieved hydraulically. Another embodiment of the mounting device according to the invention can provide that the adjustment device for the translationally adjustable sliding plate includes a linear motor. The rotor and stator of the linear motor are not in contact with each other. This makes the linear motor virtually wear-free.

[0022] One embodiment of the assembly device can incorporate a second absolute sensor, for example, based on a Hall effect sensor, which monitors the translational displacement of the sliding plate. By monitoring and absolutely measuring the translational displacement of the sliding plate, the translational displacement of the sliding plate and the rotation of the mounting plate supported on it can be performed simultaneously. Crucially, the distance between the first mold component and the second mold components, which are located on the stationary and, if applicable, also on the translationally movable mold mounting plate, must be large enough to prevent any unwanted contact between the first and second mold components during rotation.A zero point determination, necessary for recording the absolute translational displacement values ​​of the sliding plate, can be achieved, for example, by moving the sliding plate in the direction of the stationary mold mounting plate after inserting and securing the mounting device to the stationary mold mounting plate until the first and second mold tool parts are closed. The position of the sliding plate recorded during this process is defined as the zero position from which the absolute displacement values ​​can be measured. Additionally, a sensor can be arranged on the sliding plate to detect the exact position of the translationally movable mold mounting plate. The absolute measured values ​​recorded by this sensor can also be referenced to the defined zero position of the sliding plate.With such an equipped mounting device, synchronized translational displacements and rotations of the mounting plate with a loaded tool carrier mounted on it are possible. Rotations of a loaded tool carrier by 90° can be performed, for example, in approximately 0.7 to 0.8 seconds. Rotations of 180° can be accomplished, for example, in approximately 1.2 seconds; this is the case with a tool carrier weighing up to approximately 10 tons when loaded with the first mold components.

[0023] In an assembly tool equipped with an internal rotor torque motor for rotation, the rotor can be hollow and cylindrical, preferably with a centrally located feedthrough for supply lines for media and electrical power, as well as for control lines. This arrangement of the supply and control lines results in a very space-saving design that is also particularly easy to handle. The supply and control lines can be fed in from the underside or the top of the assembly tool. This allows the longitudinal and broad sides of the tool to remain freely accessible.The installation is designed to accommodate at least one pair of first supply lines for the supply and removal of cooling water, at least one pair of second supply lines for the supply and removal of hydraulic oil, at least one supply line for the supply of compressed air, at least one supply line for electrical energy and at least one control line.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the bushing is designed as a rotary bushing. The rotary bushing allows an unlimited number of rotations and no limitation of the direction of rotation, since both the insertion part and the outlet part, to which the supply lines and the at least one control line are rigidly connected, are stationary.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, an injection mold is proposed comprising a first mold part and at least one second mold part, which, in the closed state, define at least one mold cavity. The second mold part can be mounted on a stationary mold mounting plate of an injection molding machine. Here, the first mold part is attached to a mold carrier, which is mounted on a mounting plate of an assembly device according to one of the embodiments described above. The second mold part can be attached to a support device on the assembly device described above. An injection mold designed in this way can be adjusted before being inserted into an injection molding machine. The adjustment effort after insertion is significantly reduced and, accordingly, requires considerably less time and investment.The injection mold can be used in standard injection molding machines with guide bars as well as in standard tie-bar-less injection molding machines. It can be used in single-component injection molding machines as well as in two- or multi-component injection molding machines.

[0026] In one embodiment, the injection mold can include a prismatically shaped mold carrier that is rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to a displacement plane. Such injection molds are also known as cube molds. The special feature of the proposed cube mold is that it has its own translational and rotational adjustment mechanism and is only partially dependent on an adjustment mechanism of the injection molding machine, for example, for adjusting the translationally movable mold mounting plate. In one embodiment of such an injection mold, the mold carrier has at least four side faces that run parallel to its axis of rotation and are oriented perpendicular to each other. Initial mold components can be mounted on at least two opposing side faces of the mold carrier.In another embodiment, all four side surfaces can be fitted with mold components and additional parts, such as ejectors, capping devices that close injection-molded closures when open, etc. With the proposed injection mold, the top surface of the mold carrier facing away from the mounting plate is also freely available due to the absence of necessary support elements such as bearings. Components required for the translational movement and rotation of the mold carrier mounted on the assembly fixture can be accommodated there.

[0027] An injection mold mounted on a mounting device according to the embodiments described above can be moved both translationally and rotationally simultaneously. This allows the cycle time to be reduced.

[0028] In one embodiment of the injection mold, at least one valve block for the supply, discharge, and distribution of a hydraulic medium, a coolant, and compressed air is arranged within and / or on the upper surface of the prismatically shaped mold carrier opposite the mounting plate. This allows the injection mold to operate largely autonomously from the hydraulic, coolant, and pneumatic distributors provided on the injection molding machine. This design proves particularly advantageous for cube molds mounted on a translationally movable and rotatable mounting plate, which is designed for rotary motion by an internal rotor torque motor. A rotary feedthrough for supply lines for gaseous and liquid media and electrical power, as well as for control lines, can then be arranged in the central free area of ​​the hollow cylindrical rotor.This includes at least one pair of primary supply lines for the supply and removal of cooling water, at least one pair of secondary supply lines for the supply and removal of hydraulic oil, at least one supply line for compressed air, at least one supply line for electrical energy and at least one control line.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, an injection molding machine with a mounting device for an injection mold according to one of the embodiment variants described above is proposed, wherein the injection molding machine has a mold mounting plate that can be moved translationally. The translational movement of the mounting plate is essentially parallel to the translational movement of the mold mounting plate.

[0030] This means that the direction of displacement of the translationally movable mold mounting plate and the direction of translational displacement of the mounting plate are essentially parallel. Since the longitudinal extent of the injection mold and the longitudinal extent of the injection molding machine are essentially parallel to each other, the injection mold can be inserted into the injection molding machine from above or from the side without at least partial disassembly of the injection mold. Inserting, removing, or replacing injection molds is thus simplified and requires less time and capital investment than with conventionally equipped injection molding machines. This applies in particular to injection molding machines equipped with an injection mold according to one of the embodiments described above. The components of the injection mold arranged on the proposed mounting device exhibit very high inherent rigidity.Regardless of the tool weight, no additional support, such as extra stiles, is required to prevent tipping.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, at least one plasticizing unit for plasticizing a typically powdered or granulated plastic material and transferring it under high pressure into a mold cavity formed by the first mold part mounted on the translationally movable mold platen and the second mold part arranged on the mold carrier is rigidly connected to the translationally movable mold platen. This allows the first mold part to be rigidly connected to the plasticizing unit. Multiple plasticizing units can also be connected to the translationally movable mold platen. This allows injection-molded parts to be produced in two or more components. The plasticizing unit can be arranged at any angle to the longitudinal axis of the injection molding machine.Typically, one longitudinal axis of the plasticizing unit will lie in or parallel to a plane that is perpendicular to a plane defined by the guide system of the injection molding machine.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the translationally movable mold mounting plate can be moved from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa, by a predetermined first distance. The mounting plate can be moved from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa, by a second distance. Here, the first distance is essentially twice as large as the second distance. Since the first and second distances are covered within essentially the same time window, the traverse speed of the mounting plate is approximately half that of the translationally movable mold mounting plate.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the translational displacement and a rotational movement of the mounting plate begin essentially simultaneously. This saves cycle time, as the translational and rotational movements can be carried out within essentially the same time window.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, an injection molding machine is proposed with a mold mounting plate that can be moved translationally along guide rails and a stationary mounting plate, together with an injection mold according to one of the preceding embodiments. The injection mold rests on the guide rails and is detachably connected to the stationary mounting plate. Once the injection mold has been adapted to the standard injection molding machine, no further adjustments are necessary after a mold change. The use of the machine's guide system as a support for the proposed injection mold ensures high repeatability when inserting the proposed injection mold into the injection molding machine.In particular, resting the proposed injection mold on the guide system of the injection molding machine and attaching it to the stationary mold mounting plate can prevent stresses in the injection mold.

[0035] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the schematic drawings, which are not to scale. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an injection molding machine with a cube mold; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a cube mold mounted on a mounting device; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an injection molding machine with a prismatic mold carrier without mold components; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a prismatic mold carrier mounted on a proposed mounting device; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a mounting device inserted into an injection molding machine; and Fig. 6 a mounting device without a sliding plate and mounting plate.

[0036] In the illustrations, identical objects are each labeled with the same reference symbols.

[0037] In Fig. 1 The injection molding machine 100 is a commercially available injection molding machine with an injection mold, which, according to the present embodiment, is designed as a cube mold. The machine has a horizontal design with a machine frame on which an injection unit 60 with a plasticizing unit 61 including the associated injection unit 62 and a clamping unit 70 are arranged. The clamping unit 70 consists of a stationary mold mounting plate 71 on the injection unit side, a translationally displaceable mold mounting plate 72 opposite the stationary mold mounting plate 71, which is also referred to as the clamping plate, and a support plate 73 against which the translationally displaceable mold mounting plate 72, or clamping plate, is supported during its translational displacement along a first direction S.A hydraulically actuated toggle lever (not shown) is arranged between the support plate 73 and the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72. The illustration of at least one plasticizing unit rigidly connected to the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72 is also omitted. An injection mold is arranged between the stationary mold mounting plate 71 and the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72, which is located in... Fig. 1 The movable mold mounting plate 72 is shown in the closed position. The injection mold shown as an example, which is designed as a cube mold, consists of two first mold parts 10, 10*, each mounted on opposite longitudinal sides of a prismatic mold carrier 15, and two second mold parts 20 and 20* corresponding to the first mold parts 10, 10*, which are mounted on the stationary mold mounting plate 71 and on the movable mold mounting plate 72, respectively. The first and second mold parts 10, 10*, 20, 20* each define at least one mold cavity, which is not shown in detail.

[0038] In the plasticizing unit 61, a plastic material, usually in powder or granular form, is converted into a flowable state. The flowable plastic material is then injected under high pressure via the injection unit 60 into the mold cavity (not shown), which is bounded by the second mold part 20, mounted on the stationary mold plate 71, and the adjacent first mold part 10, which is mounted on the side of the prismatic mold carrier 15 facing the stationary mold plate 71. To open the mold cavity, the first 10, 10* and the second mold parts 20, 20* are moved apart in the longitudinal direction of the injection molding machine 100, indicated by the double arrow S. In doing so, both the translationally movable mold plate 72 and the prismatic mold carrier 15 are also moved translationally.The movable mold mounting plate 72 is moved translationally to such an extent that the mold cavities, which are bounded by the second mold part 20* mounted on the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72 and the first mold part 10* mounted on the prismatic tool carrier, are also opened. In the open or separated state of the stationary mold mounting plate 71, the prismatic tool carrier 15, and the movable mold mounting plate 72, the prismatic tool carrier 15 is rotated about its axis of rotation R, which is essentially perpendicular to a plane defined by a guide system (not shown) for the translational displacement of the closing plate 72. After a rotation, for example, by 180°, the first mold part 10, which initially faced the stationary mold mounting plate 71, comes to be adjacent to the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72.to the second mold part 20* mounted there. The first mold part 10*, located on the opposite side of the prismatic tool carrier 15, is then opposite the stationary mold mounting plate 71 and the second mold part 20 mounted there. During operation, the first and second mold parts 10, 10*, 20, 20* are periodically opened and closed to close and open the mold cavities of the injection mold 1 that they define. The direction of the translational opening and closing movement is along the longitudinal direction S, which corresponds to the machine's longitudinal direction. The displacement movement of the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72 and the prismatic tool carrier 15, as well as its rotational movement, the plasticizer 61, and the injection unit 62, are controlled by a controller 90.The injection molding machine 100 shown as an example is designed for the production of one- or multi-component plastic parts and essentially corresponds to today's standard. The fixed mold mounting plate 71 on the injection unit side has an opening for the injection unit 62 to feed plasticized plastic into the cavity via the second mold part.

[0039] Fig. 2 schematically shows an arrangement of first and second form tool parts 10, 10*, 20, 20*, which form a cube tool according to Fig. 1 The tool holder 15 has first forming tool parts 10, 10* on two opposite sides and is rotatably mounted on a mounting device designated with the reference numeral 5. The rotation of the tool holder 15 about the axis of rotation R is Fig. 2 This is indicated by the rotated position of the tool carrier 15. Second mold parts 20, 20* are arranged on both sides of the tool carrier 15, which is equipped with the first mold parts 10, 10*. The second mold part 20* on the left side of the tool carrier 15 is in Fig. 2 This corresponds to the translationally movable mold mounting plate (reference numeral 72 in Fig. 1 ) mounted second mold part. The assembly device 5 comprises an assembly frame 40 with a top surface 41. A guide system is arranged on the top surface 41 of the assembly frame 40, comprising two guide rails 43, 44 that run parallel to each other and parallel to a longitudinal extension of the assembly frame 40. A sliding plate 50 is mounted on the guide rails 43, 44 and can be moved translationally along the guide rails 43, 44. This allows the prismatic tool carrier 15, equipped with the first mold parts 10, 10*, to be moved translationally between the two second mold parts 20, 20*. Within an injection molding machine, the direction of translational movement of the sliding plate 50 corresponds to the longitudinal movement direction (reference numeral S in Fig. 1 ).

[0040] A second mold part 20, located on the right side of the assembly device 5, rests on a support device 45 and is stationary relative to the translationally displaceable tool carrier 15. The arrangement of the rotatably mounted tool carrier 15, equipped with the first mold parts 10, 10*, and the second mold part 20, mounted on the support device 45, allows for very simple adjustment of the mold parts 10, 20 relative to each other. This adjustment can be carried out outside the injection molding machine.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the in Fig. 1 The illustration shows the prismatic tool carrier 15 within the injection molding machine 100. Only the stationary mold mounting plate 71, the prismatic tool carrier 15, and the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72 are shown. For clarity, the mold components and the fixed support plate are not shown. The prismatic tool carrier 15 is arranged on the mounting device 5, which in turn rests on the machine bed or on parallel rails 101, 102 extending longitudinally along the injection molding machine 100. The parallel rails 101, 102 serve to control the movement of the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72. In addition, known injection molding machines are provided with two upper and two lower guide rails 103, 104, which can be used to guide the movable mold mounting plate 72.In known prior art injection molding machines with cube molds, the upper guide rails 104 typically also serve to support the cube mold, which can weigh several tons. In contrast to prior art injection molding machines, in the proposed injection molding machine 100, the lower and upper rails 103, 104 do not provide support for the prismatic mold carrier 15. The mold carrier is mounted on the assembly fixture and is free of any further support. This allows the assembly fixture 5 with the prismatic mold carrier 15 to be easily inserted into the injection molding machine 100 and, if necessary, removed again. The assembly fixture 5 rests only on the machine bed or on the rails 101, 102 of the injection molding machine and is not bolted or connected to the machine bed. This prevents the assembly fixture 5 from becoming jammed.

[0042] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a prismatic tool carrier 15 arranged on the mounting device 5. The mounting device 5 comprises a mounting frame 40 with a top surface 41. A guide system is arranged on the top surface 41 of the mounting frame 40, comprising two guide rails 43, 44 that run parallel to each other and along the longitudinal extension of the mounting frame 40. A sliding plate 50 is mounted on the guide rails 43, 44 and can be moved translationally along the guide rails 43, 44. A mounting plate 55 is rotatably mounted on the sliding plate 50. The prismatic tool carrier 15 is arranged on the mounting plate 55 and can be screwed to it. Support elements 46, 47 can be arranged on a bottom surface 42 of the mounting frame 40. The support elements 46, 47 serve to support the mounting frame 40 against the machine bed of the injection molding machine.The support elements 46, 47 can be arranged on the longitudinal sides of the underside 42 of the mounting frame 40 and serve to compensate for unevenness of the machine bed of the injection molding machine or of guide elements arranged thereon, such as guide rails or similar. Larger unevenness is easily compensated for by a corresponding arrangement of support elements 46, 47 of different heights. A connecting plate 48 is arranged at one end of the mounting frame 40, which is used to attach the mounting device 5 to the stationary mold mounting plate (reference numeral 71 in . ). Fig. 1 ) serves. After the mounting device 5 is attached to the stationary mold mounting plate, the mounting device is aligned with the machine axis of the injection molding machine.

[0043] Fig. 4 The figure further shows that a valve block 17 for electrical and pneumatic supply, as well as for the necessary electronics, is mounted on a top surface 16 of the prismatic tool carrier 15. The cylinders 18 indicated at the corners of the top surface 16 are, for example, hydraulic valves. The lines 19 projecting beyond a bottom surface 42 of the mounting frame 40 symbolize supply and return lines for hydraulic fluid and coolant, usually water, lines for the supply of compressed air, and lines for the electrical supply and the necessary electronics. By arranging all these supply lines 19 on the prismatic tool carrier 15, it is largely independent of the supply system of the injection molding machine. This allows for a simpler and standardized design of the cube mold.

[0044] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section of an assembly device 5 arranged in an injection molding machine. For clarity, the prismatic tool carrier mounted on the assembly device 5 is not shown. The mounting frame 40 of the assembly device 5 rests on the two parallel rails 101, 102 on the machine bed of the injection molding machine. The parallel rails 101, 102 serve to control the movement of the translationally movable mold mounting plate 72. Prior art injection molding machines each have two upper and lower guide rails 103, 104, which can guide the movable mold mounting plate 72. In prior art injection molding machines with cube molds, the upper guide rails 104 also typically serve to support the cube mold, which can weigh several tons.In contrast to prior art injection molding machines, in the injection molding machine 100 according to the invention, the lower and upper tie bars 103, 104 do not provide support for the prismatic mold carrier. The guide rails 43, 44 on the top of the mounting frame 40 run longitudinally along the mounting frame 40 and allow translational displacement of the sliding plate 50 mounted thereon. The mounting plate 55 is rotatably mounted on the sliding plate 50. The mold carrier (reference numeral 15 in . . Fig. 2 ) is mounted on the mounting plate 55.

[0045] For controlled rotation of the mounting plate 55, an electric drive 56, in particular a so-called torque motor, is provided, which passes through the sliding plate 50. The torque motor preferably has an internal rotor design. The internal rotor of the high-pole electric motor 56 is rotationally fixed to the mounting plate 55. The internal rotor design of the torque motor allows for a hollow cylindrical form of both the stator and the rotor. This leaves a central passage, indicated by reference numeral 57. The central passage 57 provides space for the supply lines 19 to the prismatic tool holder (reference numeral 15 in ) arranged on the mounting plate 55. Fig. 4 To monitor the rotational movement of the electric motor 56, a first absolute sensor, preferably a rotary angle sensor, can be provided. For the translational displacement of the sliding plate 50, a linear motor 51 can be provided, for example. The primary part of the linear motor can be connected to the sliding plate 50, while the secondary part is arranged on the mounting frame 40. Here, too, a second absolute sensor, such as a Hall sensor or a glass scale, can be provided to detect the position.

[0046] Fig. 6 The illustration shows the mounting device 5 without the sliding plate and without the mounting plate. The guide rails on the top of the mounting frame 40 are also omitted. The electric rotary drive 56, designed as an internal rotor torque motor, is clearly visible for the rotatably mounted mounting plate (not shown). The illustration shows that the stator and rotor of the electric drive 56 are each cylindrical and arranged concentrically. The central feedthrough 57 in the rotor is occupied by a centrally arranged rotary feedthrough 58 for supply lines 19 for media and electrical power, as well as for control lines.This includes at least one pair of primary supply lines for the supply and removal of cooling water, at least one pair of secondary supply lines for the supply and removal of hydraulic oil, at least one supply line for compressed air, at least one supply line for electrical energy and at least one control line.

[0047] An injection mold mounted on a proposed assembly device allows for the pre-adjustment of the first and second mold components outside of an injection molding machine. The assembly device has its own translational displacement system and an independent rotary drive, enabling the injection mold to be operated largely independently of the injection molding machine's drives. The injection molding machine's drive system is only required for positioning the clamping plate or the translationally displaceable mold mounting plate onto the injection mold. By mounting the essential components of the injection mold on an assembly device according to the invention, the effort required for adjusting the injection mold itself and in relation to the injection molding machine components can be reduced. This, in turn, shortens the setup and changeover times of the injection molding machine.The components of the injection mold arranged on the proposed assembly device exhibit very high inherent rigidity. An upper counter-support, such as additional tie bars (…), is not required. Fig. 2 ) or bearings to prevent tipping can be omitted regardless of the tool weight.

[0048] The invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of an injection molding machine and an exemplary embodiment of an injection mold. It is understood that the illustrated embodiment may also include modifications that are apparent to a person skilled in the art with knowledge of the invention. The exemplary embodiment of the invention is therefore not to be considered limiting. Rather, the scope of protection of the claimed invention is defined by the features specified in the claims.

Claims

1. An assembly appliance (5) for mould tool parts of an injection moulding tool, with an assembly plate (55) which can be inserted into an injection moulding machine (100) and on which a tool carrier (15) for receiving first mould tool parts (10, 10*) can be assembled, characterised in that the assembly plate (55) is arranged on an assembly frame (40) which comprises a guide system for a translatory displacement of the assembly plate (55) along a longitudinal extension of the assembly frame (40) and which comprises a support device (45) for a second mould tool part which can be arranged in a stationary manner and corresponds to at least one of the first mould tool parts (10, 10*) for the pre-adjustment of the first mould tool and the second mould tool part (10, 10*, 20).

2. An assembly appliance (5) according to claim 1, characterised in that the assembly frame (40) comprises a lower side which is away from the assembly plate (55), and that support elements (46, 47) which serve for the support with respect to the machine bed of the injection moulding machine are assembled on the longitudinal sides of the assembly frame (40) on its lower side (42).

3. An assembly appliance (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the assembly frame (40) on its one longitudinal end comprising a face side which is designed for a releasable connection to a fixed mould clamping plate (71) of an injection moulding machine (100).

4. An assembly appliance (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide system of the assembly frame (40) comprises two guide rails (43, 44) which run parallel to the longitudinal extension of the assembly frame (40) and which are arranged on an upper side of the assembly frame (40), and an adjustment appliance for the assembly plate (55).

5. An assembly appliance (5) according to claim 4, characterised in that the assembly plate (55) is mounted on a displacement plate (50) which is supported on the guide rails (43, 44) and is translatorily displaceable together with the assembly plate (55).

6. A assembly appliance (5) according to claim 5, characterised in that the assembly plate (55) is assembled on a rotation unit which passes through the displacement plate (50) and is rotatable about a rotation axis (R) which runs perpendicularly to the upper side of the displacement plate (50).

7. An assembly appliance (5) according to claim 6, characterised in that the rotation unit is a multi-pole electric motor which comprises a stator and a rotor, preferably a torque motor with an internal rotor construction manner, wherein the rotor is connected to the assembly plate (55) in a rotationally fixed manner.

8. An assembly appliance (5) according to claim 7, characterised in that a first absolute sensor, preferably a rotation angle sensor is provided for monitoring the rotation movement of the electric motor.

9. An assembly appliance (5) according to one of the claims 4 to 8, characterised in that the support device (45) for the second mould tool part is designed as a carrier slide which is supported on the guide rails (43, 44) and between the assembly plate (55) and a connection device which is arranged on the assembly frame (40) is translatorily displaceable with respect to a stationary mould clamping plate (72) of an injection moulding machine (100).

10. An assembly appliance (5) according to one of the claims 5 to 9, characterised in that the adjustment appliance for the translatorily displaceable displacement plate (50) is a linear motor (51).

11. An assembly appliance (5) according to claim 10, characterised in that a second absolute sensor is provided for the monitoring of the translatory displacement of the displacement plate (50).

12. An assembly appliance (5) according to one of the claims 7 to 11, characterised in that the torque motor is designed in an internal rotor construction manner and comprises a rotor which is designed in the shape of a hollow cylinder and which is with a preferably centrally arranged feed-through (57) for the supply conduits / leads for media and electrical energy, as well as for control leads.

13. An assembly appliance (5) according to claim 12, characterised in that at least one pair of first supply conduits (19) for the feed and discharge of cooling water, at least one pair of second supply conduits for the feed and discharge of hydraulic oil, at least one supply conduit (19) for compressed air, at least one supply lead (19) for electrical energy and at least one control lead are provided.

14. An assembly appliance (5) according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the feed-through (57) is a rotation feed-through.

15. An injection moulding tool (5) comprising an assembly appliance (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, with a first mould tool part (10, 10*) and at least one second mould tool part (20) which in the closed state delimit at least one mould cavity, wherein the second mould tool part (20) can be assembled on a stationary mould clamping plate (71) of an injection moulding machine, characterised in that the first mould tool part (10, 10*) is assembled on a tool carrier (15) which is assembled on an assembly plate (55) and the second mould tool part (20) is assembled on a support device (40) of an assembly appliance (5) according to one of the claims 1 to 14.

16. An injection moulding tool according to claim 15, characterised in that the tool carrier () is designed in a prismatic manner and is rotatable in a predefined manner about a rotation axis () which runs perpendicularly to a displacement plane.

17. An injection moulding tool according to claim 16, characterised in that the tool carrier (15) comprises at least 4 side surfaces which run parallel to its rotation axis (R) and first mould tool parts (10, 10*) are assembled at least on two side surfaces which lie opposite one another.

18. An injection moulding tool according to claim 17, characterised in that the tool carrier (15) is translatorily and rotationally displaceable essentially simultaneously.

19. An injection moulding tool according to one of the claims 16 to 18, characterised in that at least one valve block for the feed, discharge and distribution of a hydraulic medium, a cooling fluid and compressed air is arranged within and / or on an upper side of the prismatically designed tool carrier (15) which lies opposite the assembly plate (50).

20. An injection moulding tool (100) with an assembly appliance (5) for an injection moulding tool according to one of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the injection moulding machine (100) comprises a translatorily displaceable mould clamping plate (72), characterised in that assembly plate (50) is designed for a translatory displacement which is essentially parallel to the translatory displacement of the mould clamping plate (72).

21. An injection moulding machine according to claim 20, characterised in that the translatorily displaceable mould clamping plate (72) can be displaced from a closed position into an open position, and vice versa, by a predefined first distance, that the assembly plate (50) can be displaced from a closed position into an open position, and vice versa, by a second distance, wherein the first distance is essentially twice as large as the second distance.

22. An injection moulding machine according to 20 or 21, characterised in that the assembly plate (55) is designed for a rotatory movement, wherein the translatory displacement and the rotatory movement of the assembly plate (55) can be effected essentially simultaneously.

23. An injection moulding machine with an injection moulding tool according to one of the claims 15 to 19, wherein the injection moulding machine comprises a mould clamping plate (71) which is translatorily displaceable along guide rails (43, 44), and a stationary mould clamping plate (71), characterised in that the injection moulding tool lies on the guide rails (43, 44) and is releasably connected to the stationary mould clamping plate (71).