Injection molding machine

Abstract

To provide an injection molding machine that suppresses excessive temperature rise in a heat insulating cover that covers a cylinder.SOLUTION: An injection molding machine comprises a cylinder for kneading an injection material, a heat insulating cover that covers a side surface of the cylinder and has a first end and a second end, a heater that is arranged between the heat insulating cover and the cylinder and heats a first region of the cylinder, and a first heat pipe that thermally connects the first region and a second region different from the first region. The heat insulating cover has the first end and the second end through which the injection material passes, and the first region is a region closer to a center point between the first end and the second end than the second region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an injection molding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In a factory, an injection molding machine is used to mold a molded product whose base material is a plastic resin, etc. Patent Document 1 (JP 2016-112772 A) discloses a technique relating to a method for controlling the temperature of a heating cylinder.

[0003] The injection molding machine of Patent Document 1 has a heating cylinder that melts resin. The side of the heating cylinder in Patent Document 1 is covered with a heat insulating cover. A plurality of band heaters are arranged between the side of the heating cylinder and the heat insulating cover. In Patent Document 1, in addition to the plurality of band heaters, a heat pump circuit is provided between the side of the heating cylinder and the heat insulating cover. When the temperature of the heating cylinder becomes higher than a target temperature, the heat pump circuit cools the inside of the heat insulating cover using a cooling fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-112772 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the injection molding machine of Patent Document 1, the insulating cover can suppress a sudden drop in the temperature of the heated cylinder caused by exposure of the heated cylinder, which has been heated by a plurality of band heaters, to the outside air. In other words, the insulating cover keeps the heated cylinder warm by suppressing the heat inside the insulating cover from being easily released to the outside. However, inside the insulating cover, there may be areas where the temperature is difficult to decrease due to the suppression of heat release. In the areas inside the insulating cover where the temperature is difficult to decrease, there may be cases where the temperature becomes excessively high when the heater that heats the cylinder is turned on.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide an injection molding machine that prevents excessive temperature rise inside the insulating cover that covers the cylinder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An injection molding machine according to one embodiment includes a cylinder that kneads an injection material supplied from the outside and supplies the kneaded injection material to the outside, a heat insulating cover that covers a side surface of the cylinder and has a first end and a second end, a heater that is disposed between the heat insulating cover and the cylinder and heats a first region of the cylinder, and a first heat pipe that thermally connects the first region to a second region of the cylinder different from the first region. The first region is closer to the center point between the first end and the second end than the second region. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the injection molding machine of the present disclosure, excessive temperature rise can be suppressed inside the insulating cover that covers the cylinder. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an injection molding machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a heat insulating cover and a cylinder in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a heat sink and a heat pipe. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing the detected temperature of a temperature sensor and the duty ratio of a heater. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the detected temperature of the temperature sensor and the duty ratio of the heater. [Figure 6] The first example of control for cutting off thermal connection by a heat pipe is shown. [Figure 7] A second example of control for cutting off thermal connection by a heat pipe is shown. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a heat insulating cover and a cylinder in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 shows an example of control for cutting off thermal connection by a heat pipe in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a heat insulating cover and a cylinder in the third embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] <Overall configuration of injection molding machine> In the following, an injection molding machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an external view of the injection molding machine 100. The overall configuration of the injection molding machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0012] The injection molding machine 100 is placed on an XY plane. The direction perpendicular to the XY plane is the Z-axis direction. In the following, the positive direction of the Z axis in FIG. 1 may be referred to as the upper side or upward, and the negative direction as the lower side or downward. Note that although the injection molding machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is shown as a horizontal injection molding machine, the injection molding machine 100 of this embodiment is not limited to a horizontal type and may be a vertical injection molding machine.

[0013] The injection molding process performed by the injection molding machine 100 includes a mold closing process, an injection process, a pressure holding process, a mold opening process, a cooling process, an ejection process, and a plasticization process. The injection molding machine 100 repeatedly executes the above-mentioned cycle of injection molding processes. The injection molding machine 100 is capable of molding molded products of various shapes and materials, and performs injection molding processes according to the shape and type of material of the molded product.

[0014] The injection molding machine 100 includes a mold clamping unit 10 that clamps a mold, an injection unit 20 that melts and injects an injection material, and an operation panel 30. The mold clamping unit 10 is disposed on the negative side of the X-axis with respect to the injection unit 20.

[0015] <Mold clamping device> The clamping device 10 of this embodiment includes a fixed platen 12, a clamping housing 13, a movable platen 14, tie bars 15, a clamping mechanism 16, molds 17 and 18, a ball screw 19, servo motors 80C and 80D, and a bed 11. The bed 11 holds the fixed platen 12, the clamping housing 13, the movable platen 14, etc. Each of the clamping housing 13 and the movable platen 14 is configured to be slidable on the bed 11 in the X-axis direction.

[0016] The tie bars 15 are disposed between the fixed platen 12 and the clamping housing 13, and connect the fixed platen 12 and the clamping housing 13. The injection molding machine 100 in the first embodiment has four tie bars 15. Note that the number of tie bars 15 that the injection molding machine 100 has is not limited to four, and may be, for example, five or more.

[0017] The movable platen 14 is configured to be slidable in the X-axis direction between the fixed platen 12 and the clamping housing 13. The clamping mechanism 16 is provided between the clamping housing 13 and the movable platen 14. The clamping housing 13 in this embodiment is configured to include a toggle mechanism. The clamping mechanism 16 may be configured to include a direct pressure type clamping mechanism. The direct pressure type clamping mechanism refers to a clamping cylinder.

[0018] The servo motor 80C is provided in the mold clamping housing 13. The servo motor 80C drives the mold clamping mechanism 16 via a ball screw 19. The ball screw 19 converts the rotational motion from the servo motor 80C into linear motion to drive the mold clamping mechanism 16. The molds 17 and 18 are provided between the fixed platen 12 and the movable platen 14. The molds 17 and 18 are opened and closed by driving the mold clamping mechanism 16. That is, the mold 17 is a mold that is movable by the ball screw 19, and the mold 18 is a mold that is fixed by the fixed platen 12.

[0019] The process of transitioning from a state where the molds 17 and 18 are separated to a state where they are in close contact with each other is called a "mold closing process." Also, the process of transitioning from a state where the molds 17 and 18 are in close contact with each other to a state where they are separated from each other is called a "mold opening process." The servo motor 80C is a motor used in the mold closing process and the mold opening process.

[0020] After the mold opening process, the injection molding machine 100 performs a process called the "ejection process." The ejection process is a process in which the injection material that has been filled into the molds 17, 18 and then solidified is removed from the mold 17. Specifically, pins (not shown) and the like are ejected by the rotation of the servo motor 80D, and the molded product that is in close contact with the mold 17 is removed. The servo motor 80D provided in the movable platen 14 is the motor used in the ejection process.

[0021] <Injection device> The injection device 20 includes a cylinder 22, a drive mechanism 24, a hopper 25, an injection nozzle 26, a nozzle touch device 27, servo motors 80A and 80B, heaters Ht1 and Ht2, temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2, and a cooling device R1.

[0022] The cylinder 22 has a screw 23 therein for kneading the injection material. The cylinder 22 has a cylindrical appearance. More specifically, the cylinder 22 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface on the nozzle side and the hopper side. The cylinder 22 has a cavity therein for storing the screw 23 and the injection material.

[0023] Openings for conveying the injection material are formed on the bottom surfaces of the nozzle side and the hopper side of the cylinder 22. Hereinafter, the surface connecting the two bottom surfaces of the cylinder 22 will be referred to as the "side surface" of the cylinder 22. The side surface of the cylinder 22 corresponds to the curved surface of the cylindrical shape.

[0024] The shape of the cylinder 22 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a square prism or a triangular prism, so long as it is a column shape capable of housing the screw 23. The injection molding machine 100 uses the screw 23 to perform a process called a "plasticization process."

[0025] The plasticization process is a process of kneading the resin to be injected by heating the cylinder 22 by the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 and rotating the screw 23. The cylinder 22 is heated by the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 to a temperature of, for example, 180°C to 350°C to melt the injection material. The heaters Ht1 and Ht2 are band heaters that cover the side surface of the cylinder 22. In the first embodiment, the injection molding machine 100 has two heaters Ht1 and Ht2, but in a certain aspect, the injection molding machine 100 may have three or more heaters, for example, 10 to 30 heaters. In addition, the side surface of the cylinder 22 in the first embodiment is further covered by a heat insulating cover. In FIG. 1, the heat insulating cover is omitted for simplicity of explanation, and the structure of the cylinder 22 including the heat insulating cover will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0026] The servo motor 80B in the drive device 24 rotates the screw 23 with the X-axis direction as the central axis. That is, the servo motor 80B is a motor used in the plasticization process. The injection molding machine 100 performs a process called the "injection process" and a process called the "pressure holding process". The injection process is a process of injecting the resin plasticized by the plasticization process into the molds 17, 18. The pressure holding process is a process of applying pressure to hold the resin injected by the injection process in the molds 17, 18. The screw 23 slides in the negative direction of the X-axis by the drive of the servo motor 80A. As a result, the plasticized resin is injected into the molds 17, 18. The servo motor 80A is a motor used in the injection process or the pressure holding process.

[0027] The hopper 25 is provided on the positive side of the Z axis of the cylinder 22, and stores the injection material before plasticization. That is, the hopper 25 stores the injection material in a granular form before melting. The injection material stored in the hopper 25 is transported into the cylinder 22 by the drive of the screw 23. A cooling device R1 is disposed near the path along which the injection material passes from the hopper 25 to the cylinder 22.

[0028] The cooling device R1 cools the injection material being supplied from the hopper 25 into the cylinder 22. This makes it possible to prevent the injection molding machine 100 from melting the granular injection material stored in the hopper 25 due to heat generated by the heaters Ht1 and Ht2. If the injection material melts before reaching the cylinder 22, clogging may occur on the transport path of the injection material. That is, in the injection molding machine 100, during the injection molding process, the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 generate heat to heat the cylinder 22, while the cooling device R1 prevents the injection material in the hopper 25 from unintentionally melting. The cooling device R1 is, for example, a water-cooled device that circulates cooling water.

[0029] The control device 40 can adjust the output of the cooling device R1. A temperature sensor Sr4 that detects the temperature of the cooling water circulated by the cooling device R1 is shown in Fig. 1. The control device 40 obtains the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr4 and adjusts the output of the cooling device R1 according to the obtained temperature.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the heater Ht1 is a heater that heats a region near the center of the cylinder 22, and the heater Ht2 is a heater that heats a region of the cylinder 22 that is closer to the cooling device R1 than the heater Ht1.

[0031] The injection material in the cylinder 22 is transported from the end in the positive direction of the X-axis to the end in the negative direction by the rotation of the screw 23. That is, the injection material is first heated by the heater Ht2, and then heated by the heater Ht1. This causes the injection material to be kneaded. The temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 measure the temperatures of the areas heated by the heaters Ht1 and Ht2, respectively. The temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 are, for example, thermocouples.

[0032] The mixed injection material is transported to the injection nozzle 26 provided at the end of the cylinder 22 on the negative side of the X-axis. The nozzle touch device 27 slides the injection device 20 itself in the X-axis direction to bring the injection nozzle 26 into contact with the sprue bush of the mold 18. This causes the injection material to be injected into the mold 18.

[0033] The base 21 is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis of the bed 11, and holds the drive mechanism 24 and the like. The base 21 includes therein a control device 40 and a servo amplifier (not shown). The servo amplifier supplies power to the servo motors 80A to 80D. The control device 40 acquires the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2, and controls the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 based on the acquired detected temperatures.

[0034] <Operation panel> The operation panel 30 includes a display device 31 that displays information related to the injection molding process, and an input device 32 that accepts operations from a user. The operation panel 30 is electrically connected to the control device 40. In the example of FIG. 1, the operation panel 30 is provided on the negative side of the Y axis of the injection molding machine 100. In a certain aspect, the operation panel 30 may be provided separately from the injection molding machine 100, and may be located, for example, in a room different from the factory where the injection molding machine 100 is located.

[0035] The display device 31 is, for example, a display. The input device 32 is, for example, composed of a plurality of buttons. In one aspect, the display device 31 and the input device 32 may be integrally provided as a touch panel. The operation panel 30 may also include a microphone and a speaker, and may accept operations from the user by voice.

[0036] <Insulating cover and cylinder structure> Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the insulation cover C1 and the cylinder 22 in the first embodiment. Figure 2(A) is a cross-sectional view of the insulation cover C1 and the cylinder 22 when viewed from the negative side of the X-axis. Figure 2(B) is a diagram showing the insulation cover C1 and the cylinder 22 when viewed from the positive side of the Z-axis. The line II-II in Figure 2(B) indicates the position of the cross section shown in Figure 2(A).

[0037] The heat insulating cover C1 covers the cylinder 22 so that the side surface of the cylinder 22 and the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 are not exposed to the outside air. The heaters Ht1 and Ht2 and the heat sinks B1 and B2 are arranged between the heat insulating cover C1 and the cylinder 22. As shown in FIG. 2(A), the cross sections of the screw 23, the cylinder 22, the heaters Ht1 and Ht2, the heat sinks B1 and B2, and the heat insulating cover C1 all have a substantially circular shape and form a substantially concentric shape with the rotation axis Ax of the screw 23 as the center. Of the screw 23, the cylinder 22, the heaters Ht1 and Ht2, the heat sinks B1 and B2, and the heat insulating cover C1, the screw 23 is arranged on the innermost side, and the heat insulating cover C1 is arranged on the outermost side.

[0038] The heaters Ht1 and Ht2 heat the regions Rg1 and Rg2, respectively. A target temperature is set for each of the regions Rg1 and Rg2. The target temperature set for the region Rg1 and the target temperature set for the region Rg2 may be the same temperature or different temperatures.

[0039] 2(A), a recess U1 is formed on the negative side of the Y axis and the negative side of the Z axis in each cross section of the cylinder 22, the heater Ht2, the heat sink B2, and the heat insulating cover C1. A temperature sensor Sr2, which is a thermocouple, is inserted into the recess U1. Thus, the temperature sensor Sr2 detects the temperature of the area heated by the heater Ht2.

[0040] The heat insulating cover C1 prevents the heat generated by the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 from being released to the outside air. This reduces the power consumption of the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 required to melt the injection material in the injection molding machine 100, thereby achieving energy saving effects. The heat insulating cover C1 is formed, for example, using glass wool.

[0041] The heat insulating cover C1, which covers the side surface of the cylindrical cylinder 22, has a shape corresponding to the side surface of the cylindrical shape. The cylinder 22 has an end portion to which the injection material is supplied from the hopper 25 side, and an end portion that supplies the injection material to the injection nozzle 26. In other words, the inside of the cylinder 22 is communicated so that the injection material can pass through. The heat insulating cover C1 covers the side surface of the cylinder 22. The heat insulating cover C1 has an end portion P1 on the hopper 25 side, and an end portion P2 on the injection nozzle 26 side.

[0042] Since the insulating cover C1 has a shape corresponding to the side of the cylindrical shape, it has openings at the ends P1 and P2. Therefore, the heat inside the insulating cover C1 can be exchanged with an external device or the outside air through the openings at the ends P1 and P2. In other words, the heat inside the insulating cover C1 is released from the openings at the ends P1 and P2. In the example of FIG. 2, the insulating cover C1 covers the entire side of the cylinder 22, but in some aspects, the insulating cover C1 may cover only a part of the side of the cylinder 22. For example, the insulating cover C1 may cover half of the side of the cylinder 22 on the hopper 25 side, that is, the area from the center point Mp1 to the end P1 shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the center point between the end P1 and the end P2 is a position different from the position shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] The center point Mp1 between the end P1 and the end P2 inside the insulation cover C1 is a point where the distance X1 from the end P1 to the center point Mp1 is the same as the distance X2 from the end P2 to the center point Mp1. Compared to other positions in the insulation cover C1 other than the center point Mp1, the center point Mp1 has the longest minimum distance to the end P1 or the distance to the end P2. Therefore, the center point Mp1 is the point inside the insulation cover C1 where heat is least likely to be released. The region Rg1 including the center point Mp1 is more likely to overheat than other regions inside the insulation cover C1.

[0044] Therefore, in the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment, the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 shown in Fig. 2(B) are used to thermally connect the region Rg1 to the region Rg2 that is closer to the end P1 than the region Rg1, and transfer the heat of the region Rg1 to the region Rg2. More specifically, one end of the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 contacts the heat sink B1 arranged in the region Rg1, and the other end of the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 contacts the heat sink B2 arranged in the region Rg2.

[0045] When the temperature of the heat sink B1 is higher than that of the heat sink B2, the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 lower the temperature of the heat sink B1 and raise the temperature of the heat sink B2. A predetermined liquid is sealed inside the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 as a working fluid. The working fluid is heated by heat exchange with the heat sink B1 at one end of the heat pipes HR1 and HL1, and absorbs the latent heat of evaporation to cool the heat sink B1. The evaporated working fluid passes through a reduced pressure space or a vacuum space and moves to the other end of the heat pipes HR1 and HL1, exchanges heat with the heat sink B2 arranged on the other end side, releases the latent heat of evaporation, and condenses. After that, the condensed working fluid returns to the position where the working fluid evaporated through the inner wall formed with a capillary structure (wick), and circulates through the flow path inside the heat pipes HR1 and HL1. As a result, the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 can lower the temperature of the heat sink B1 and raise the temperature of the heat sink B2.

[0046] The heat pipes HR1 and HL1 in the first embodiment are configured to be able to temporarily cut off the thermal connection between the region Rg1 and the region Rg2. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 are provided with actuators AR1 and AL1 that change the arrangement of the heat pipes HR1 and HL1, respectively. That is, the actuators AR1 and AL1 move the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 themselves, respectively. The actuators AR1 and AL1 can change the state of the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 between a state in which the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 are in contact with both the heat sinks B1 and B2 and a state in which the heat sinks HR1 and HL1 are not in contact with at least one of the heat sinks B1 and B2. The control device 40 cuts off the thermal connection by the heat pipes HR1 and HL1 based on the fact that a predetermined condition described later is satisfied. The heat sinks B1 and B2 are heat sinks that increase the efficiency of heat dissipation, and are made of metals such as aluminum, iron, and copper that have high thermal conductivity.

[0047] Fig. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the heat sinks B1 and B2 and the heat pipes. In Fig. 3, in addition to the heat pipe HR1 shown in Fig. 2(B), the heat pipes HU1 and HD1 are shown. As shown in Fig. 2(B), the heat sinks B1 and B2 have a shape corresponding to the curved surface of a cylinder, similar to the heat insulating cover C1. The heat pipe HL1 shown in Fig. 2(B) is not shown in Fig. 3 because it is obstructed by the heat sink B1.

[0048] When viewed from the negative side of the X axis, the heat pipe HR1 is disposed on the negative side of the Y axis with respect to the screw 23, and the heat pipe HL1 is disposed on the positive side of the Y axis with respect to the screw 23. Also, when viewed from the negative side of the X axis, the heat pipe HU1 is disposed on the positive side of the Z axis with respect to the screw 23, and the heat pipe HD1 is disposed on the negative side of the Z axis with respect to the screw 23. Hereinafter, the heat pipes HR1, HL1, HD1, and HU1 may be collectively referred to as "heat pipe H1."

[0049] In the first embodiment, each of the heat pipes H1 has the same rod shape. Each of the heat pipes H1 is in contact with the heat sink B1 and the heat sink B2. In the first embodiment, the configuration in which four heat pipes H1 are provided is described, but the number of heat pipes H1 is not limited to four, and may be one, or five or more.

[0050] 2, in the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment, the region Rg1 where heat is difficult to be released and the region Rg2 where heat is easy to be released are thermally connected by the heat pipe H1 inside the heat insulating cover C1. That is, by including the heat pipe H1, the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment can lower the temperature of the region Rg1 close to the center point Mp1 where heat is least likely to be released, and can raise the temperature of the region Rg2 near the end P1 where heat is easier to be released than the region Rg1. This makes it possible to bring the temperatures of the regions heated by the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 inside the heat insulating cover C1 closer to the target temperatures set for each region, and the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment can suppress the occurrence of an excessive rise in temperature inside the heat insulating cover C1 covering the cylinder 22.

[0051] 2, the region Rg2 is closer to the cooling device R1 than the region Rg1. That is, the region Rg2 that exchanges heat with the heat pipe H1 via the heat sink B2 is closer to the cooling device R1 than the first region heated by the heater Ht1, so the region Rg2 can exchange heat with the cooling device R1 via the end P1. That is, the temperature of the region Rg2 may decrease due to the cooling of the cooling device R1.

[0052] In order to maintain the temperature of the region Rg2 high, it is possible to increase the watt density of the heater Ht2, but providing a heater with a high watt density may increase costs. Furthermore, providing a heater with a high watt density may also increase power consumption. In the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment, heat is transferred from the region Rg1 to the region Rg2 by the heat pipe H1, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the region Rg2 without providing a heater with a high watt density as the heater Ht2.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the region Rg1 is an example of a "first region" in the present disclosure. The region Rg2 is an example of a "second region" in the present disclosure. The heat pipe HR1 is an example of a "first heat pipe" in the present disclosure. The heat pipes HU1, HD1, and HL1 are an example of a "third heat pipe" in the present disclosure. The heat sink B1 is an example of a "first heat sink" in the present disclosure. The heat sink B2 is an example of a "second heat sink" in the present disclosure. The end P1 is an example of a "first end" in the present disclosure. The end P2 is an example of a "second end" in the present disclosure.

[0054] 2, the region Rg1 includes the center point Mp1, but if the region Rg1 is closer to the center point Mp1 than the region Rg2, the region Rg1 does not need to include the center point Mp1. In other words, the region Rg1 may be any region within the insulating cover C1 from which heat is less likely to be released than the region Rg2.

[0055] [Comparison of temperature changes] FIG. 4 is a first diagram showing the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 and the duty ratios of the heaters Ht1 and Ht2. The upper part of FIG. 4 shows a graph G1 showing the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2, and the lower part of FIG. 4 shows a graph G2 showing the duty ratios of the heaters Ht1 and Ht2. The graphs G1 and G2 share the horizontal time axis. The duty ratio is the ratio of the on-period to one cycle which is the sum of the on-period and off-period of the heater. The higher the duty ratio, the higher the heater temperature and the higher the power consumption. The lower the duty ratio, the lower the heater temperature and the lower the power consumption.

[0056] 2, the heater Ht1 is disposed at a position where it heats the region Rg1, and the heater Ht2 is disposed at a position where it heats the region Rg2. That is, the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 increase the temperatures of the regions Rg1 and Rg2, respectively. The temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 detect the temperatures of the regions Rg1 and Rg2, respectively.

[0057] As described above, the cylinder 22 can be heated by the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 to a temperature of, for example, 180° C. to 350° C. That is, the possible range of the target temperature of the cylinder 22 is, for example, 180° C. to 350° C. As described above, the target temperatures set for the cylinder 22 may be different for each of the regions Rg1 and Rg2 of the cylinder 22.

[0058] In the example of Fig. 4, 180°C is set as the target temperature of the cylinder 22. That is, a relatively low target temperature is set for the cylinder 22. Fig. 4 explains how the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment can suppress the occurrence of an excessive rise in temperature that occurs when a relatively low target temperature is set for the cylinder 22.

[0059] Lines T1 and T2 in graph G1 indicate the temperatures detected by temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2, respectively, in embodiment 1. Meanwhile, lines Tz1 and Tz2 indicate the temperatures detected by temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 in a comparative example. The comparative example is an injection molding machine having a configuration in which heat pipe H1 is removed from injection molding machine 100 in embodiment 1.

[0060] The control device 40 controls the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 based on the detected temperatures obtained from the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2. For example, the control device 40 controls the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 using PID control. This allows the control device 40 to determine the duty ratios of the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 according to the difference between the target temperature and the detected values ​​of the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2.

[0061] Instead of PID control, the control device 40 may increase the duty ratio of the heater Ht1 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 is lower than the target temperature, and may decrease the duty ratio of the heater Ht1 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 is higher than the target temperature. Similarly, the control device 40 may increase the duty ratio of the heater Ht2 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 is lower than the target temperature, and may decrease the duty ratio of the heater Ht2 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 is higher than the target temperature.

[0062] Lines D1 and D2 in graph G2 represent the duty ratios of heaters Ht1 and Ht2, respectively, in embodiment 1. On the other hand, lines Dz1 and Dz2 represent the duty ratios of heaters Ht1 and Ht2, respectively, in the comparative example.

[0063] Next, attention is paid to the lines Tz1 and Dz1 of the comparative example in Fig. 4. In the comparative example without the heat pipe H1, as the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 approach the target temperature, the control device 40 controls the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 to decrease their duty ratios. That is, when the target temperature is reached, the control device 40 decreases the duty ratio in order to maintain the target temperature.

[0064] After exceeding the target temperature, as shown by the line Tz1 of the graph G1, a large overshoot occurs in the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 of the comparative example, because, as described above, the region Rg1 heated by the heater Ht1 is a region from which heat is difficult to dissipate.

[0065] As the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 has greatly exceeded the target temperature, the control device 40 maintains the state in which the duty ratio of the heater Ht1 is 0%, as shown by the line Dz1. That is, no power is supplied to the heater Ht1. However, since the region Rg1 is an area in which heat is difficult to dissipate, in the comparative example, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 cannot be reduced to the target temperature, and the temperature remains higher than the target temperature. If the temperature remains higher than the target temperature, an excessive rise in temperature may occur within the insulating cover C1.

[0066] Next, attention is paid to lines T1 and D1 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment having the heat pipe H1, after the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 exceeds the target temperature, the overshoot on the line T1 is smaller than the overshoot on the line Tz1. This is because the heat of the region Rg1 is transferred to the region Rg2 by the heat pipe H1. As a result, in the first embodiment, the timing at which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 is controlled to the target temperature is earlier than in the comparative example, and it is possible to prevent the temperature from being maintained at a temperature higher than the target temperature.

[0067] Fig. 5 is a second diagram showing the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 and the duty ratios of the heaters Ht1 and Ht2. The upper part of Fig. 5 shows a graph G3 showing the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2, and the lower part of Fig. 5 shows a graph G4 showing the duty ratios of the heaters Ht1 and Ht2. The horizontal axis of the graphs G3 and G4 is the same as the time axis.

[0068] In the example of Fig. 5, 350°C is set as the target temperature of the cylinder 22. A relatively high target temperature is set for the cylinder 22. Fig. 5 explains how the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment can suppress the occurrence of a temperature deficiency that occurs when a relatively high target temperature is set for the cylinder 22.

[0069] Focus on the lines Tz2 and Dz2 of the comparative example in FIG. 5. In the comparative example without the heat pipe H1, the temperature of the region Rg2 may drop due to external factors such as the operation of the cooling device R1 or a change in the type of injection material. That is, the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 become lower than the target temperature. As a result, the control device 40 controls the duty ratios of the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 to increase. In the example of FIG. 5, as the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr2 shown by the line Tz2 decreases, the control device 40 keeps the duty ratio of the heater Ht2 increased to the maximum value (100%).

[0070] However, in the comparative example, external factors such as the operation of the cooling device R1 cause heat inside the insulating cover C1 to be released from the end P1, so the temperature of the area Rg2 close to the end P1 cannot be raised to the target temperature, and a state of insufficient temperature remains.

[0071] Next, attention is paid to lines T2 and D2 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment having the heat pipe H1, after the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 drops, it converges to the target temperature at an earlier timing, unlike the line Tz2. This is because the heat of the region Rg1 is transferred to the region Rg2 by the heat pipe H1. As a result, as shown by the line T2, in the first embodiment, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 is controlled to the target temperature earlier than in the comparative example, and it is possible to prevent the temperature insufficiency in the region Rg2 from being maintained.

[0072] <Control example 1> 2 to 5, a configuration has been described in which the heat pipe H1 is used to transfer heat from the region Rg1, from which heat is difficult to dissipate, to the region Rg2, from which heat is easily dissipated. However, it is possible that the temperature of the region Rg1 may be excessively decreased or the temperature of the region Rg2 may be excessively increased by the heat pipe H1. In Figs. 6 and 7, a process for cutting off the thermal connection by the heat pipe H1 is described in the case where the temperature of the region Rg1 is excessively decreased or the temperature of the region Rg2 is excessively increased.

[0073] Fig. 6 shows a first example of control for cutting off the thermal connection by the heat pipe H1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 is stored as a program in a storage device accessible to the control device 40. The control device 40 repeats the execution of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 while the injection molding process is being performed by the injection molding machine 100.

[0074] The control device 40 acquires the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr1 that detects the temperature of the region Rg1 (step S101). The control device 40 acquires the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr2 that detects the temperature of the region Rg2 (step S102). The control device 40 compares the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr1 acquired in step S101 with a first reference value, and compares the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr2 acquired in step S102 with a second reference value.

[0075] The first reference value is, for example, a lower limit temperature set in the region Rg1. The first reference value may be a temperature that is a predetermined temperature higher than the lower limit temperature set in the region Rg1. The second reference value is, for example, an upper limit temperature set in the region Rg2. The second reference value may be a predetermined temperature lower than the upper limit temperature set in the region Rg2. The heat pipe H1 is provided to transfer heat from the region Rg1 to the region Rg2, so the first reference value is a temperature higher than the second reference value.

[0076] The first reference value is a temperature at which there is a risk of heat shortage in the region Rg1. The second reference value is a temperature at which there is a risk of overheating in the region Rg2. The first reference value and the second reference value are determined according to the target temperature. The control device 40 determines whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 has fallen below the first reference value or whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 has exceeded the second reference value (step S103).

[0077] When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 falls below the first reference value or when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 exceeds the second reference value (YES in step S103), the control device 40 executes a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the region Rg1 and the region Rg2 by the heat pipe H1 (step S104). When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 does not fall below the first reference value and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 does not exceed the second reference value (NO in step S103), the control device 40 ends the process.

[0078] The thermal connection cut-off process by the heat pipe H1 in step S104 will be described below. The thermal connection cut-off process in step S104 is a process of driving the actuators AR1 and AL1 provided in the heat pipe H1 described above. By driving the actuators AR1 and AL1, the heat pipe H1 is put in a non-contact state with the heat sink B1 or the heat sink B2. This cuts off the thermal connection of the heat pipe H1. That is, the heat of the region Rg1 is not transferred to the region Rg2. This allows the injection molding machine 100 to cut off the thermal connection between the region Rg1 and the region Rg2 without causing a work burden on the user. The actuators AR1 and AL1 may stop the circulation of the working fluid in the heat pipe H1 by driving a switching device provided in a flow path in the heat pipe H1.

[0079] The thermal connection cut-off process in step S104 may be, for example, a process of informing the user that the heat pipe H1 should be removed. Specifically, the control device 40 uses the display device 31, a speaker (not shown), an indicator light, or the like to inform the user that the heat pipe H1 should be removed. In this way, the injection molding machine 100 can inform the outside that the placement of the heat pipe H1 may cause a temperature shortage in the region Rg1 and an excessive temperature rise in the region Rg2.

[0080] The thermal connection cut-off process in step S104 may be a process of cutting off the thermal connection by a cut-off circuit or a process of notifying the user that the heat pipe H1 should be removed, or both may be performed simultaneously. The temperature sensor Sr1 is an example of a "first temperature sensor" in the present disclosure. The temperature sensor Sr1 is an example of a "second temperature sensor" in the present disclosure.

[0081] <Control example 2> A control example in which the shutoff process is executed by comparing the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors Sr1 and Sr2 with the first reference value and the second reference value, respectively, has been described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 7 describes a control example in which the shutoff process is executed based on the power consumption of the cooling device R1.

[0082] As described above, the control device 40 can adjust the output of the cooling device R1, and adjusts the output of the cooling device R1 according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr4 that detects the temperature of the cooling water of the cooling device R1. That is, when the temperature of the cooling water rises, the control device 40 increases the output of the cooling device R1, and when the temperature of the cooling water drops, the control device 40 decreases the output of the cooling device R1. When the output of the cooling device R1 increases, the power consumed by the cooling device R1 increases.

[0083] Fig. 7 shows a second example of control for cutting off the thermal connection by the heat pipe H1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is stored as a program in a storage device accessible to the control device 40. The control device 40 repeats the execution of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 while the injection molding process is being performed by the injection molding machine 100.

[0084] The control device 40 acquires the power consumption of the cooling device R1 (step S201). That is, the control device 40 acquires the output of the cooling device R1. The output of the cooling device R1 is determined by the number of revolutions of a motor for circulating the cooling water, etc.

[0085] The control device 40 determines whether the power consumption of the cooling device R1 exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S202). If the power consumption exceeds the predetermined threshold (YES in step S202), the control device 40 executes a process of cutting off the thermal connection by the heat pipe H1, similar to step S104 described in Fig. 6 (step S203). If the power consumption does not exceed the predetermined threshold (NO in step S202), the control device 40 ends the process.

[0086] As a result, in the injection molding machine 100 of embodiment 1, if the temperature of region Rg2 rises excessively due to the heat pipe H1 and the power consumed by the cooling device R1 increases, a process for cutting off the thermal connection can be performed.

[0087] [Embodiment 2] The injection molding machine in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the structures of the heat insulating cover C1 and the cylinder 22 in the second embodiment. Note that in the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0088] Fig. 8(A) is a cross-sectional view of the insulation cover C1 and the cylinder 22 when viewed from the negative side of the X-axis in embodiment 2. Fig. 8(B) is a diagram showing the insulation cover C1 and the cylinder 22 when viewed from the positive side of the Z-axis in embodiment 2. The line II-II in Fig. 8(B) indicates the position of the cross section shown in Fig. 8(A).

[0089] In the second embodiment, in addition to the heat pipes HR1 and HL1, the heat pipes HR2 and HL2 are provided. Hereinafter, the heat pipes HR2 and HL2 are collectively referred to as "heat pipe H2." Note that the heat pipe H2 may include four heat pipes, similar to the heat pipe H1, or may include five or more heat pipes.

[0090] In the injection molding machine 100 of the second embodiment, the region Rg1 and the region Rg3, which is closer to the end P2 than the region Rg1, are thermally connected by using the heat pipe H2, and the heat of the region Rg1 is transferred to the region Rg3. The region Rg1 is closer to the center point Mp1 than the region Rg3. As shown in FIG. 8, the region Rg3 is closer to the injection nozzle 26 than the region Rg1. Therefore, the heat of the region Rg3 is easily released by heat exchange with the injection nozzle 26 through the end P2. A heat sink B3 and a heater Ht3 are arranged in the region Rg3. The injection molding machine 100 further includes a temperature sensor Sr3 that detects the temperature of the region Rg3.

[0091] 8, in the injection molding machine 100 of the second embodiment, the region Rg1 where heat is difficult to release and the region Rg3 where heat is easy to release are thermally connected by the heat pipe H2 inside the insulation cover C1. That is, by providing the heat pipe H2, the injection molding machine 100 of the second embodiment can lower the temperature of the region Rg1 including the center point Mp1 where heat is least likely to be released, and can raise the temperature of the region Rg3 near the end P2 where heat is easier to release than the region Rg1. This makes it possible to bring the temperatures of the regions heated by the heaters Ht1 to Ht3 inside the insulation cover C1 closer to the target temperatures set for each region, and the injection molding machine 100 of the second embodiment can suppress the occurrence of an excessive rise in temperature inside the insulation cover C1 covering the cylinder 22.

[0092] The heat pipe H2 is an example of a "second heat pipe" in the present disclosure. The region Rg3 is an example of a "third region" in the present disclosure.

[0093] 9 shows an example of control for cutting off the thermal connection by the heat pipes H1, H2 in embodiment 2. The control device 40 repeats the execution of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0094] The control device 40 acquires the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr1 that detects the temperature of the region Rg1 (step S301). The control device 40 acquires the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr2 that detects the temperature of the region Rg2 (step S302). The control device 40 acquires the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr3 that detects the temperature of the region Rg3 (step S303). The control device 40 compares the detected temperature of the temperature sensor Sr1 acquired in step S301 with a first reference value, similar to step S101 in FIG. 6.

[0095] The control device 40 judges whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 falls below the first reference value (step S304). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 falls below the first reference value (YES in step S304), the control device 40 executes a process of cutting off the thermal connection by the heat pipes H1 and H2 (step S305). This allows the injection molding machine 100 of the second embodiment to prevent the temperature insufficiency in the region Rg1. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr1 is not below the first reference value (NO in step S304), the control device 40 compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 acquired in step S302 with the second reference value. That is, the control device 40 judges whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 exceeds the second reference value (step S306). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 exceeds the second reference value (YES in step S306), the control device 40 executes a process to cut off the thermal connection by the heat pipe H1 (step S307). This allows the injection molding machine 100 of the second embodiment to suppress the occurrence of excessive temperature rise in the region Rg2. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr2 is not below the second reference value (NO in step S306), the control device 40 compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr3 obtained in step S303 with a third reference value.

[0096] The third reference value is, for example, the upper limit of the temperature set in the region Rg3. The third reference value may be a temperature that is a predetermined temperature lower than the upper limit of the temperature set in the region Rg3. Since the heat pipe H2 is provided to transfer heat from the region Rg1 to the region Rg3, the first reference value is a temperature higher than the third reference value.

[0097] The control device 40 judges whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr3 exceeds the third reference value (step S308). When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr3 exceeds the third reference value (YES in step S308), the control device 40 executes a process of cutting off the thermal connection by the heat pipe H2 (step S309). This allows the injection molding machine 100 of the second embodiment to suppress the occurrence of an excessive rise in temperature in the region Rg2. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sr3 is not below the third reference value (NO in step S308), the control device 40 ends the process. In this way, the control example described in FIG. 6 can also be applied to the configuration of the second embodiment by taking into account the detection value of the temperature sensor Sr3. Note that the control example described in FIG. 7 can be applied to the configuration of the second embodiment as is by using a flowchart similar to that of FIG. 7.

[0098] [Embodiment 3] The injection molding machine in the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the structures of the heat insulating cover C1 and the cylinder 22 in the third embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, the description of the same configuration as in the first and second embodiments will not be repeated.

[0099] Fig. 10(A) is a cross-sectional view of the insulation cover C1 and the cylinder 22 when viewed from the negative side of the X-axis in embodiment 3. Fig. 10(B) is a diagram showing the insulation cover C1 and the cylinder 22 when viewed from the positive side of the Z-axis in embodiment 3. The line II-II in Fig. 10(B) indicates the position of the cross section shown in Fig. 10(A).

[0100] In the injection molding machine 100 of the third embodiment, the position of the region Rg2 is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the region Rg2 is closer to the injection nozzle 26 than the region Rg1. Therefore, the heat of the region Rg2 is easily released through the end P2.

[0101] In the injection molding machine 100 of the third embodiment, the region Rg1 from which heat is difficult to be released and the region Rg2 from which heat is easily released are thermally connected by the heat pipe H1 inside the heat insulating cover C1. In other words, the injection molding machine 100 of the third embodiment includes the heat pipe H1, so that the temperature of the region Rg1 including the center point Mp1 from which heat is least likely to be released can be lowered, and the temperature of the region Rg2 near the end P2 from which heat is more easily released than the region Rg1 can be raised. This makes it possible to bring the temperatures of the regions heated by the heaters Ht1 and Ht2 inside the heat insulating cover C1 closer to the target temperatures set for each region, and the injection molding machine 100 of the third embodiment can suppress the occurrence of an excessive rise in temperature inside the heat insulating cover C1 covering the cylinder 22.

[0102] In the third embodiment, the heat pipe H1 is an example of a "first heat pipe" in the present disclosure. The region Rg1 is an example of a "first region" in the present disclosure. The region Rg2 is an example of a "second region" in the present disclosure.

[0103] [Note] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0104] (Item 1) The injection molding machine of the present disclosure includes a cylinder that kneads an injection material supplied from the outside and supplies the kneaded injection material to the outside, an insulating cover that covers a side of the cylinder and has a first end and a second end, a heater that is disposed between the insulating cover and the cylinder and heats a first region of the cylinder, and a first heat pipe that thermally connects the first region to a second region of the cylinder that is different from the first region, the first region being closer to the center point between the first end and the second end than the second region.

[0105] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the first aspect, it is possible to prevent excessive temperature rise inside the heat insulating cover that covers the cylinder. In other words, it is possible to transfer heat from the first region, where heat is likely to concentrate, to the second region, where heat is likely to be released, thereby preventing excessive temperature rise in the first region.

[0106] (2) The injection molding machine according to the first aspect further includes a cooling device that cools the injection material supplied to the cylinder, and the second region is closer to the cooling device than the first region.

[0107] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the second aspect, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a temperature deficiency in the second region where heat is likely to be released by the cooling device.

[0108] (Item 3) The injection molding machine according to item 1 further includes a nozzle that injects the mixed injection material into the mold, and the second region is closer to the nozzle than the first region.

[0109] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the third aspect, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of insufficient temperature in the second region where heat is likely to be released by the nozzle.

[0110] (Item 4) The injection molding machine according to item 2 further includes a nozzle that injects the mixed injection material into the mold, and a second heat pipe that thermally connects the third region and the first region within the insulating cover, the third region being closer to the nozzle than the first region, and the first region being closer to the center point than the third region.

[0111] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of insufficient temperature in the second region where heat is likely to be released by the cooling device and the third region where heat is likely to be released by the nozzle.

[0112] (Clause 5) The injection molding machine according to any one of clauses 1 to 4 further includes a first temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the first region, a second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the second region, and a control device connected to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, wherein the control device acquires the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor, acquires the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor, and when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor falls below a first reference value or when the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor exceeds a second reference value, executes a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region by the first heat pipe, wherein the first reference value is a temperature higher than the second reference value.

[0113] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the fifth aspect, when the temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor exceed a threshold value, it is possible to detect that the heat pipe should be shut off, and to execute the shutoff process.

[0114] (Item 6) The injection molding machine described in item 4 further includes a first temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the first region, a second temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the second region, a third temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the third region, and a control device connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor. The control device acquires the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor, acquires the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor, acquires the detected temperature of the third temperature sensor, and performs a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region by the first heat pipe and a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the third region by the second heat pipe when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor falls below a first reference value, performs a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region by the first heat pipe when the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor exceeds the second reference value, and performs a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the third region by the second heat pipe when the detected temperature of the third temperature sensor exceeds the third reference value, and the first reference value is a temperature higher than the second reference value and the third reference value.

[0115] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in paragraph 6, when the detected temperatures of the first to third temperature sensors exceed a threshold value, it is possible to detect that at least one of the two heat pipes should be shut off, and to execute the shut-off process.

[0116] (Clause 7) The injection molding machine according to clause 2 further includes a control device that acquires power consumption of the cooling device and adjusts the output of the cooling device, and when the power consumption of the cooling device exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control device executes a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first area and the second area via the first heat pipe.

[0117] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in paragraph 7, when the temperature of the second region rises excessively due to the heat pipe, the excessive temperature rise of the second region can be detected from the power consumption of the cooling device, and a process of cutting off the heat transfer by the heat pipe can be performed.

[0118] (Item 8) In the injection molding machine according to any one of items 5 to 7, the cutoff process is a process of notifying the user that the first heat pipe should be removed.

[0119] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the eighth aspect, it is possible to notify the user that the heat pipe should be removed.

[0120] (Item 9) The injection molding machine according to any one of items 5 to 7, further comprising an actuator for changing the position of the first heat pipe, and the cutting process involves changing the position of the first heat pipe by the actuator to cut off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region.

[0121] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the ninth aspect, the flow path of the heat pipe can be automatically blocked without imposing a workload on the user.

[0122] (Item 10) The injection molding machine according to any one of items 1 to 9 further includes a first heat sink arranged in the first region and a second heat sink arranged in the second region, and the first heat pipe is thermally connected to the first region via the first heat sink and is thermally connected to the second region via the second heat sink.

[0123] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the tenth aspect, by using a heat sink, efficient heat transfer between the first region and the second region can be promoted.

[0124] (Item 11) The injection molding machine according to any one of items 1 to 10 further includes a third heat pipe that thermally connects the first region and the second region.

[0125] According to the injection molding machine 100 described in the eleventh aspect, by using a plurality of heat pipes, efficient heat transfer between the first region and the second region can be promoted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10 mold clamping unit, 11 bed, 12 fixed platen, 13 mold clamping housing, 14 movable platen, 15 tie bar, 16 mold clamping mechanism, 17, 18 mold, 19 ball screw, 20 injection unit, 21 base, 22 cylinder, 23 screw, 24 drive mechanism, 25 hopper 26 injection nozzle, 27 nozzle touch device, 30 operation panel, 31 display device, 32 input device, 40 control device, 80A to 80D servo motor, 100 injection molding machine, AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2 actuator, Ax rotating shaft, B1 to B3 heat sink, C1 heat insulating cover, D1, D2, Dz1, Dz2, T1, T2, Tz1, Tz2 line, G1 to G4 graph, H1, H2, HD1, HL1, HL2, HR1, HR2, HU1 heat pipe, Ht1 to Ht3 heater, Mp1 center point, P1, P2 end, R1 cooling device, Rg1 to Rg3 area, Sr1 to Sr4 temperature sensor, U1 recess.

Claims

1. a cylinder that kneads an injection material supplied from the outside and supplies the kneaded injection material to the outside; an insulating cover covering a side surface of the cylinder and having a first end and a second end; a heater disposed between the insulating cover and the cylinder and configured to heat a first region of the cylinder; a first heat pipe that thermally connects the first region and a second region of the cylinder that is different from the first region; an injection molding machine, wherein the first region is closer to a center point between the first end and the second end than the second region;

2. The injection molding machine further includes a cooling device that cools the injection material supplied to the cylinder, The injection molding machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second region is closer to the cooling device than the first region.

3. Further provided is a nozzle for injecting the kneaded injection material into the mold; The injection molding machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second region is closer to the nozzle than the first region.

4. a nozzle for injecting the kneaded injection material into the mold; a second heat pipe that thermally connects a third region and the first region within the heat insulating cover, the third region is closer to the nozzle than the first region, The injection molding machine according to claim 2 , wherein the first region is closer to the center point than the third region.

5. a first temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the first region; a second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the second region; a control device connected to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor; The control device acquiring a detected temperature from the first temperature sensor; acquiring a detected temperature from the second temperature sensor; when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor falls below a first reference value or when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds a second reference value, a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region by the first heat pipe is performed; 4. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the first reference value is a temperature higher than the second reference value.

6. a first temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the first region; a second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the second region; a third temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the third region; a control device connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor; The control device acquiring a detected temperature from the first temperature sensor; acquiring a detected temperature from the second temperature sensor; acquiring a detected temperature from the third temperature sensor; When the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor falls below a first reference value, a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region by the first heat pipe and a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region by the second heat pipe are performed. performing a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the third region by a tap; When the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds a second reference value, a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region by the first heat pipe is performed; When the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor exceeds a third reference value, a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the third region by the second heat pipe is performed; The injection molding machine according to claim 4 , wherein the first reference value is a temperature higher than the second reference value and the third reference value.

7. a control device that acquires power consumption of the cooling device and adjusts the output of the cooling device; 3. The injection molding machine according to claim 2, wherein the control device executes a process of cutting off the thermal connection between the first region and the second region by the first heat pipe when the power consumption of the cooling device exceeds a predetermined threshold.

8. The injection molding machine according to claim 5 , wherein the shutoff process is a process of informing the user that the first heat pipe should be removed.

9. further comprising an actuator for changing the position of the first heat pipe; 6. The injection molding machine according to claim 5, wherein the disconnection process is a process in which the actuator changes the position of the first heat pipe to disconnect the thermal connection between the first region and the second region.

10. A first heat sink arranged at a position closer to the first region than the second region; a second heat sink disposed at a position closer to the second region than to the first region, The first heat pipe is thermally connected to the first region via the first heat sink; The injection molding machine according to claim 1 , wherein the injection molding machine is thermally connected to the second region via the second heat sink.

11. The injection molding machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a third heat pipe thermally connecting the first region and the second region.

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