Vertical clamping device, vertical injection molding machine, and maintenance method for vertical clamping device

Abstract

To maintain the smooth rotation of turntables on clamping devices and injection molding machines over extended periods.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment, a vertical clamping device 20 comprises a fixed plate 22, a turntable stacked on the fixed plate 22, and a plate 40 provided between the fixed plate 22 and the turntable to rotatably support the turntable. Lubricant is supplied to an upper surface 40a of the plate 40, which faces the underside of the turntable, from the side of the plate 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mold clamping device and an injection molding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Injection molding machines are known that include a clamping device to which a mold is attached and an injection device that supplies molding material to the mold attached to the clamping device. A vertical injection molding machine is known as an example of an injection molding machine.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a vertical injection molding machine equipped with a turntable on which a mold is attached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-124025 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Mold clamping devices and injection molding machines equipped with a movable plate member such as a turntable are required to be able to maintain smooth operation of the movable plate member for a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a vertical clamping device according to one embodiment has a fixed platen, a movable plate member that is stacked on the fixed platen, and a plate that movably supports the movable plate member relative to the fixed platen, and a lubricant is supplied from the side of the plate to the upper surface of the plate that faces the lower surface of the movable plate member.

[0007] A vertical mold clamping device according to another embodiment has a fixed platen, a movable plate member that is stacked on the fixed platen, and a plate that supports the movable plate member so that it can move relative to the fixed platen, and compressed air is sprayed toward the plate from the lower surface of the movable plate member that faces the upper surface of the plate.

[0008] In one embodiment of a maintenance method for a vertical mold clamping unit, compressed air is supplied to a plate disposed between a fixed platen and a movable plate member and movably supporting the movable plate member to clean the surface of the plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a mold clamping device and an injection molding machine are realized in which smooth operation of a movable plate member is maintained for a long period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically showing an operation side of a vertical injection molding machine according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a mold clamping device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the main part of the mold clamping device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view showing the upper surface of a fixed platen of a mold clamping unit according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the plates in one embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing another plate in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a fixed platen and a turntable of a mold clamping unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of a mold clamping device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10A] 10 is an explanatory view showing the forward position of the slide plate shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 10B] 10 is an explanatory view showing the retracted position of the slide plate shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings used to describe the embodiments, the same reference numerals will be used for identical or substantially identical configurations and elements. Furthermore, as a general rule, once a configuration or element has been described, it will not be described again.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) <Outline of vertical injection molding machine> 1 is a plan view schematically showing the operation side of a vertical injection molding machine 1 according to this embodiment. The vertical injection molding machine 1 has an injection unit 10, a vertical mold clamping unit 20, and a controller 30. In the following description, the vertical injection molding machine 1 may be abbreviated as "injection molding machine 1," and the vertical mold clamping unit 20 may be abbreviated as "mold clamping unit 20."

[0013] The injection unit 10 is disposed above the mold clamping unit 20, and the controller 30 is disposed to the side of the mold clamping unit 20. The controller 30 comprehensively controls the injection unit 10 and the mold clamping unit 20, causing them to perform various operations.

[0014] For example, the controller 30 causes the injection device 10 to measure and inject molding materials, etc. The controller 30 also causes the mold clamping device 20 to open and close the mold, clamp the mold, etc.

[0015] A plurality of molds of the same or different types can be attached to the mold clamping device 20. For this reason, the injection molding machine 1 equipped with the mold clamping device 20 is particularly suitable for multi-material molding and insert molding. However, molding performed using the injection molding machine 1 is not limited to multi-material molding and insert molding.

[0016] <Injection device> The injection device 10 has a heating cylinder 11. A screw driven by a drive mechanism 12 is provided inside the heating cylinder 11. The injection device 10 further has an elevation mechanism that moves at least the heating cylinder 11, the screw, and the drive mechanism 12 up and down integrally.

[0017] Raw materials such as resin pellets are supplied to the heating cylinder 11. The heating cylinder 11 heats and melts the supplied raw materials. The drive mechanism 12 rotates the screw and kneads the molten raw materials (molten resin). Furthermore, the drive mechanism 12 moves the screw in the axial direction to inject the molten resin from the heating cylinder 11.

[0018] More specifically, the drive mechanism 12 pushes down the screw, thereby causing the molten resin to be injected from a nozzle provided at the tip (lower end) of the heating cylinder 11.

[0019] <Mold clamping device> The mold clamping unit 20 has a housing 21, a fixed platen 22, a movable platen member 23, and a movable platen 24. The fixed platen 22 is fixed to the housing 21, and the movable platen member 23 is placed on top of the fixed platen 22.

[0020] The movable plate member 23 in this embodiment is a turntable that is movable (rotatable) relative to the fixed platen 22.

[0021] The movable platen 24 is disposed above the fixed platen 22 and the turntable 23. More specifically, the movable platen 24 is disposed above the turntable 23, which is placed on top of the fixed platen 22, and faces the turntable 23.

[0022] Although not shown in Fig. 1, a movable platen 25 separate from the movable platen 24 is provided below the fixed platen 22 (Figs. 2 and 3). Therefore, in the following description, the movable platen 24 may be referred to as the "upper movable platen 24" and the movable platen 25 as the "lower movable platen 25" to distinguish them from each other. Furthermore, a toggle-type mold clamping mechanism is provided between the fixed platen 22 and the lower movable platen 25.

[0023] <Top movable plate, tie bar> 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main parts of the mold clamping device 20. Note that the turntable 23 shown in Fig. 2 is omitted in Fig. 3. The upper movable platen 24 is supported so as to be able to rise and fall, and is movable up and down.

[0024] From another perspective, the upper movable platen 24 is movable in a direction approaching the fixed platen 22 (mold closing direction) and in a direction moving away from the fixed platen 22 (mold opening direction).

[0025] Three tie bars 26 extend vertically through the fixed platen 22. The upper part of each tie bar 26 is connected to the upper movable platen 24, and the lower part of each tie bar 26 is connected to the lower movable platen 25. From another perspective, the upper movable platen 24 and the lower movable platen 25 are connected by the three tie bars 26.

[0026] The upper movable platen 24 is driven up and down by a ball screw type mold opening and closing mechanism. At this time, tie bars 26 guide the movement (up and down) of the upper movable platen 24. The mold opening and closing mechanism is controlled by a controller 30 shown in Fig. 1. The controller 30 controls, for example, the operation timing, rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation angle, etc. of the servo motors that constitute the mold opening and closing mechanism.

[0027] <Turntable> 2 and 3 again. The turntable 23 serving as a movable plate member is a metal disk. The turntable 23 is rotatably supported and rotates relative to the fixed platen 22. The turntable 23 is also sometimes called a "rotary table."

[0028] The central tie bar 26 passes through not only the fixed platen 22 but also the turntable 23. More specifically, the central tie bar 26 passes through the center of the turntable 23. The turntable 23 rotates around the tie bar 26, which passes through its center, as its rotation axis.

[0029] The turntable 23 is rotated around a tie bar 26 by a rotation drive mechanism including a motor, pulleys, a belt, etc. The rotation angle of the turntable 23 is not particularly limited, but the turntable 23 in this embodiment can rotate ±180 degrees.

[0030] The upper movable platen 24 is provided with an insertion hole 27 into which the heating cylinder 11 of the injection unit 10 is inserted.

[0031] <Mold> A plurality of molds can be attached to the mold clamping unit 20. In this embodiment, two lower molds B1 and B2 are attached to the upper surface 23a of the turntable 23. The two lower molds B1 and B2 are attached at positions that are 180 degrees apart in the rotation direction of the turntable 23. On the other hand, one upper mold A (FIG. 1) is attached to the upper movable platen 24.

[0032] As described above, the turntable 23 can rotate ±180 degrees. Therefore, by rotating the turntable 23, the lower mold B1 or the lower mold B2 can be selectively made to face the upper mold A.

[0033] From another perspective, by rotating the turntable 23 by 180 degrees, it is possible to switch the lower mold facing the upper mold A. In other words, by rotating the turntable 23 by 180 degrees, it is possible to change the combination of the upper and lower molds.

[0034] Here, the position of the turntable 23 when the lower mold B1 faces the upper mold A is defined as the "reference rotation position." However, this definition is merely for the convenience of explanation.

[0035] As described above, the lower mold B1 and the lower mold B2 are attached at positions that are 180 degrees apart on the turntable 23. Therefore, when the turntable 23 is at the reference rotation position, the lower mold B1 is positioned on the anti-operation side and faces the upper mold A, and the lower mold B2 is positioned on the operation side.

[0036] Thereafter, when the turntable 23 rotates +180 degrees or -180 degrees relative to the reference rotation position, the lower mold B2 is positioned on the anti-operation side, instead of the lower mold B1, and faces the upper mold A, and the lower mold B1 is positioned on the operation side.

[0037] However, the number of lower molds attached to the turntable 23 may be one or may be three or more. For example, in another embodiment, four lower molds are attached to the turntable 23. In this case, the lower mold facing the upper mold A is changed every time the turntable 23 rotates 90 degrees.

[0038] Furthermore, when a plurality of lower molds are attached to the turntable 23, the plurality of lower molds may be the same type or different types. For example, a plurality of lower molds having different cavity shapes may be attached to the turntable 23.

[0039] In either case, the mold combination is changed by rotating the turntable 23. From another perspective, in order to change the mold combination, it is necessary to rotate the turntable 23. Therefore, it is desirable that the turntable 23 always rotate smoothly.

[0040] The upper mold A may be attached directly to the upper movable platen 24, or may be held by a clamper provided on the upper movable platen 24. When a clamper is provided on the upper movable platen 24, the clamper is also controlled by the controller 30.

[0041] The temperature of at least one of the upper mold A and the lower molds B1, B2 may be adjusted. More specifically, a temperature adjustment device that supplies a heat medium to at least one of the upper mold A and the lower molds B1, B2 may be provided. The temperature adjustment device, for example, maintains the temperature of the upper mold A or the lower molds B1, B2 at a temperature suitable for molding.

[0042] <Plate> Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the upper surface 22a of the fixed platen 22. A plurality of plates 40 are provided between the fixed platen 22 and the turntable 23. The turntable 23 is supported by the plurality of plates 40 so as to be movable (rotatable) relative to the fixed platen 22.

[0043] Each plate 40 is a metal plate having a generally rectangular planar shape, and is generally called a “wear plate” or a “slide plate.” In this embodiment, four plates 40 are provided on the fixed platen 22.

[0044] The four plates 40 are placed on a pedestal 28 formed in an area facing the upper movable platen 24 of the fixed platen 22. More specifically, two plates 41 are arranged side by side in front of the pedestal 28 (operation side), and the other two plates 42 are arranged side by side in the back of the pedestal 28 (anti-operation side). For convenience, the pedestal 28 is not shown in FIG. 4.

[0045] Fig. 6A is an enlarged perspective view showing plate 41, and Fig. 6B is an enlarged perspective view showing plate 42. However, all plates 40 have the same or substantially the same shape.

[0046] Through holes 43 are provided at the four corners of the plate 40. Each plate 40 is fixed to the fixed plate 22 by a bolt (not shown) that is passed through the through hole 43.

[0047] The upper surface 40a of the plate 40, which faces the lower surface 23b of the turntable 23, is a support surface that rotatably supports the turntable 23. From another perspective, the turntable 23 slides on the upper surface 40a of the plate 40.

[0048] Therefore, in order to smoothly rotate the turntable 23, a lubricant (grease) is supplied to the upper surface 40a of the plate 40 from the side of the plate 40. In addition, grooves 44 capable of holding the supplied lubricant are formed in the upper surface 40a of the plate 40.

[0049] <Piping> 5, the mold clamping unit 20 includes a plurality of pipes 50 that form flow paths for supplying a lubricant to each plate 40. Each pipe 50 is a flexible resin tube.

[0050] In this embodiment, one pipe 50 is provided for one plate 40. That is, the mold clamping unit 20 has a total of four pipes 50. However, two or more pipes 50 may be provided for one plate 40.

[0051] As described above, the plate 40 interposed between the fixed platen 22 and the turntable 23 is placed on the pedestal 28 formed on the upper surface 22a of the fixed platen 22. As a result, a gap 51 (FIG. 4) exists between the upper surface 22a of the fixed platen 22 and the lower surface 23b of the turntable 23, which face each other.

[0052] Each pipe 50 passes through a gap 51 between the fixed platen 22 and the turntable 23 and reaches the corresponding plate 40. In other words, at least a portion of each pipe 50 is routed in the gap 51.

[0053] One end (base end) of each pipe 50 joins around the turntable 23. As a result, the lubricant is supplied to each pipe 50 via the joining section 52. From another perspective, the lubricant pumped to the joining section 52 by the pump is distributed to each pipe 50 at the joining section 52.

[0054] 6A and 6B, the other end (tip side) of each pipe 50 is inserted from the side of the plate 40 into a groove 44 formed in the upper surface 40a of the plate 40. In other words, the tip portion of each pipe 50 crosses the side surface 40c of the plate 40 and enters the groove 44 provided in the plate 40.

[0055] More specifically, the tip of the pipe 50 that supplies lubricant to the plate 41 crosses the side surface 40c of the plate 41 on the operation side and enters the groove 44. On the other hand, the tip of the pipe 50 that supplies lubricant to the plate 42 crosses the side surface 40c of the plate 42 on the non-operation side and enters the groove 44.

[0056] From another perspective, the tip of the pipe 50 that supplies lubricant to the plate 41 crosses the front surface of the plate 41 and enters the groove 44. The tip of the pipe 50 that supplies lubricant to the plate 42 crosses the back surface of the plate 42 and enters the groove 44.

[0057] The lubricant is supplied to the grooves 44 formed in the upper surface 40a of the plate 40 through the flow paths formed by the respective pipes 50. The lubricant supplied to the grooves 44 is retained within the grooves 44.

[0058] Furthermore, some of the lubricant supplied to the grooves 44 overflows from the grooves 44 and spreads onto the upper surface 40a of the plate 40. As a result, the frictional resistance between the plate 40 and the turntable 23 is reduced, allowing the turntable 23 to rotate smoothly.

[0059] Furthermore, by supplying (replenishing) lubricant to the grooves 44 periodically or as needed, the smooth rotation of the turntable 23 can be maintained.

[0060] However, even if a necessary and sufficient amount of lubricant is supplied, it is not possible to completely prevent wear of the plate 40 and the turntable 23. As a result, the turntable 23 and the plate 40 wear as the turntable 23 rotates, generating metal powder.

[0061] However, in the present embodiment, the pipe 50 is introduced from the side (front or rear) of the plate 40 into the groove 44 provided in the upper surface 40a of the plate 40. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the pipe 50 is introduced from below the plate 40 into the groove 44 provided in the upper surface 40a of the plate 40, the intrusion of metal powder into the pipe 50 is prevented or suppressed.

[0062] The intrusion of metal powder into the pipe 50 can also be prevented or suppressed by supplying lubricant from the side (right or left) of the plate 40. From another perspective, the "side" of the plate 40 does not include the bottom, but does include the front, rear, right, and left.

[0063] Therefore, in another embodiment, the tip of the pipe 50 crosses the right or left side of the plate 40 and enters the groove 44 .

[0064] As described above, in this embodiment, clogging of the lubricant supply port and flow path is prevented or suppressed. As a result, smooth rotation of the turntable 23 is maintained for a long period of time. From another perspective, the frequency of maintenance of the mold clamping unit 20 is reduced, and the effort and time required for maintenance can also be reduced.

[0065] (Embodiment 2) Next, another embodiment of an injection molding machine will be described. However, the injection molding machine according to this embodiment is a vertical injection molding machine having the same basic structure as the injection molding machine 1 according to embodiment 1. Therefore, a description of the same or substantially the same configuration as the injection molding machine 1 according to embodiment 1 will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a plan view showing fixed platen 22 and turntable 23 of mold clamping unit 20 constituting the injection molding machine according to the present embodiment. Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 7, and Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 7.

[0067] As in the first embodiment, a plurality of plates 40 are provided on the fixed platen 22. More specifically, two plates 41 and two plates 42 are fixed to the fixed platen 22. Furthermore, the turntable 23 is supported by the plates 41 and 42 fixed to the fixed platen 22 so as to be movable (rotatable) relative to the fixed platen 22.

[0068] <Plate> Grooves are provided in each plate 40. However, the plates 40 of this embodiment have more grooves than the plates 40 of the first embodiment.

[0069] More specifically, in the present embodiment, a groove 45 is provided on the upper surface 40a of the plate 40 in addition to the groove 44. The groove 45 is provided in the center of the plate 40 in the width direction, and extends in the long side direction (length direction) of the plate 40.

[0070] Furthermore, the groove 45 intersects (is perpendicular to) the groove 44 at the center in the longitudinal direction of the groove 44. In other words, the groove 45 bisects the groove 44.

[0071] In the following description, the grooves 44 may be referred to as "vertical grooves 44" and the grooves 45 may be referred to as "lateral grooves 45." However, this distinction is made merely for the convenience of the description.

[0072] A lubricant is supplied to at least one of the longitudinal grooves 44 and the lateral grooves 45 of each plate 40. The lubricant is supplied periodically or as needed.

[0073] The lubricant may be supplied to the longitudinal grooves 44 and the lateral grooves 45 from the side of the plate 40 as in the first embodiment, or from below the plate 40.

[0074] In this embodiment, lubricant is supplied from below the plate 40. Although not shown in the figure, the plate 40 is provided with a grease supply hole that communicates with one end of the lateral groove 45. One end (upper end / outlet) of the grease supply hole opens to the bottom surface of the lateral groove 45, and the other end (lower end / inlet) of the grease supply hole opens to the lower surface of the plate 40.

[0075] Furthermore, the fixed platen 22 is provided with a grease supply passage that penetrates the fixed platen 22 and communicates with the inlet of the grease supply hole. The lubricant is sent to the grease supply passage by a pump or the like. The lubricant sent to the grease supply passage flows into the lateral groove 45 from the outlet of the grease supply hole. The lubricant that flows into the lateral groove 45 flows into the longitudinal groove 44 via the lateral groove 45.

[0076] As a result, the lubricant is supplied to and held in the lateral grooves 45 and the longitudinal grooves 44. Furthermore, some of the lubricant overflows from the lateral grooves 45 and the longitudinal grooves 44 and spreads onto the upper surface 40a of the plate 40.

[0077] However, the grease supply hole provided in the plate 40 may be connected to the vertical groove 44 or may be connected to the vertical groove 44 and the horizontal groove 45.

[0078] <Injection port, supply port, flow path> Injection ports 61a, 61b, 62a, and 62b through which compressed air is discharged are provided on a lower surface 23b of the turntable 23. In addition, supply ports 63a and 63b through which compressed air is introduced are provided on an outer peripheral surface 23c of the turntable 23.

[0079] Furthermore, inside the turntable 23, a flow path 64a that connects the supply port 63a to the injection ports 61a and 61b, and a flow path 64b that connects the supply port 63b to the injection ports 62a and 62b are provided.

[0080] From another perspective, inside the turntable 23, a through-hole (tunnel) is formed that connects the inlet provided on the outer circumferential surface 23c with the outlet provided on the lower surface 23b.

[0081] Therefore, when compressed air is introduced (supplied) to the supply ports 63a and 63b, the compressed air is discharged (jetted) from the lower surface 23b of the turntable 23, which faces the upper surface 40a of the plate 40. More specifically, the compressed air is jetted from the respective jet ports 61a, 61b, 62a, and 62b provided in the lower surface 23b of the turntable 23.

[0082] The injection ports 61a, 61b, 62a, and 62b are provided at positions facing the upper surface 40a of the plate 40 when the turntable 23 is at the rotation reference position. Therefore, when compressed air is introduced into the supply ports 63a and 63b after the turntable 23 is at the rotation reference position, the compressed air is injected toward the upper surface 40a of each plate 40. In other words, compressed air is supplied to each plate 40.

[0083] More specifically, when the turntable 23 is positioned at the rotation reference position, the injection port 61a faces the center or approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of the lateral groove 45 of one plate 41. Furthermore, when the turntable 23 is positioned at the rotation reference position, the injection port 61b faces the center or approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of the lateral groove 45 of the other plate 41.

[0084] When the turntable 23 is positioned at the rotation reference position, the injection port 62a faces the center or approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of the lateral groove 45 of one plate 42. When the turntable 23 is positioned at the rotation reference position, the injection port 62b faces the center or approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of the lateral groove 45 of the other plate 42.

[0085] Therefore, when compressed air is supplied to the supply ports 63a and 63b after the turntable 23 is positioned at the rotation reference position, the compressed air is jetted toward the center or approximately the center of the lateral grooves 45 of each plate 40.

[0086] As a result, metal powder, old lubricant, and the like that have accumulated in the lateral grooves 45 and the longitudinal grooves 44 are expelled around the plate 40. In other words, the lateral grooves 45 and the longitudinal grooves 44 of the plate 40 are cleaned. That is, the surface of the plate 40 is purified.

[0087] Thereafter, by supplying new lubricant to the cleaned lateral grooves 45 and longitudinal grooves 44, the support state of the turntable 23 is restored to its initial good state. From another perspective, by supplying new lubricant to the cleaned lateral grooves 45 and longitudinal grooves 44, the lubrication state of the plate 40 is restored to its initial good state.

[0088] Therefore, by periodically performing the above-described maintenance method for the mold clamping device 20 (cleaning the plate 40 using compressed air and greasing the plate 40), smooth rotation of the turntable 23 can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0089] For example, by performing the above-described maintenance method once every few months, it is possible to maintain smooth rotation of the turntable 23 for a long period of time. In addition, by performing the above-described maintenance method every time the number of moldings (number of shots) reaches a specified number of times, it is possible to maintain smooth rotation of the turntable 23 for a long period of time.

[0090] Regardless of the criteria for determining the timing of maintenance, a message or the like notifying that the time for maintenance has arrived may be displayed on a monitor provided in the controller 30.

[0091] The above-described maintenance method does not require lifting or removing the turntable 23. In other words, the above-described maintenance method allows maintenance of the mold clamping unit 20 to be performed easily in a short time.

[0092] Compressed air can be introduced into the supply ports 63a and 63b by inserting the nozzle of a compressed air supply source (for example, an air gun) into the supply ports 63a and 63b. Compressed air can also be introduced into the supply ports 63a and 63b by connecting a compressed air supply source (for example, an air compressor) to the supply ports 63a and 63b.

[0093] The compressed air supply source may be temporarily inserted or connected to the supply ports 63 a, 63 b when performing the maintenance method, or may be permanently inserted or connected to the supply ports 63 a, 63 b. In the latter case, the mold clamping unit 20 can be automatically maintained periodically.

[0094] (Embodiment 3) Another embodiment of the injection molding machine will be described. However, the injection molding machine according to this embodiment is a vertical injection molding machine having the same basic structure as the injection molding machine 1 according to embodiment 1. Therefore, a description of the same or substantially the same configuration as the injection molding machine 1 according to embodiment 1 will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0095] <Mold clamping device> 9 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the mold clamping unit 20 that constitutes the injection molding machine according to this embodiment. The mold clamping unit 20 has a fixed platen 22, a movable plate member 73, and an upper movable platen 24. The fixed platen 22 is fixed to a housing or frame (not shown), and the movable plate member 73 is placed on top of the fixed platen 22.

[0096] The movable plate member 73 in this embodiment is a slide plate that is movable (linearly movable) relative to the fixed platen 22.

[0097] <Slide plate> The slide plate 73 has a different operational mode from the turntable 23, but has substantially the same function. Specifically, a lower mold is attached to the slide plate 73, just like the turntable 23. More specifically, the lower mold is attached to an upper surface 73a of the slide plate 73.

[0098] The slide plate 73 reciprocates between the position shown in FIG. 10A (advanced position) and the position shown in FIG. 10B (retracted position).

[0099] When the slide plate 73 moves from the retracted position (Figure 10B) to the advanced position (Figure 10A), the lower mold B attached to the slide plate 73 is inserted under the upper movable platen 24 and faces the upper mold attached to the upper movable platen 24.

[0100] On the other hand, when the slide plate 73 moves from the forward position (FIG. 10A) to the backward position (FIG. 10B), the lower mold B attached to the slide plate 73 is pulled out from under the upper movable platen 24.

[0101] Therefore, like the turntable 23, it is desirable that the slide plate 73 always move smoothly (linearly).

[0102] <Plate> Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 9. The slide plate 73 is supported by a plurality of plates 40 provided on the upper surface 22a of the fixed platen 22 so as to be reciprocatable (slidable).

[0103] 10B, four plates 40 are provided on the upper surface 22a of the fixed platen 22. Furthermore, a lubricant (grease) is supplied from the side of the plate 40 to the upper surface 40a of the plate 40 that faces the lower surface 73b of the slide plate 73.

[0104] As in the first embodiment, the lubricant is supplied to the grooves 44 of each plate 40 through piping. At least a portion of the piping that supplies the lubricant to the plates 40 is routed in the gap 51 (FIG. 11) between the fixed platen 22 and the slide plate 73.

[0105] <Injection port, supply port, flow path> A plurality of jet ports 61 through which compressed air is discharged are provided on a lower surface 73b of the slide plate 73. In addition, a supply port 63 through which compressed air is introduced is provided on an outer peripheral surface 73c of the slide plate 73. Furthermore, a flow path 64 connecting the supply port 63 and the jet ports 61 is provided inside the slide plate 73.

[0106] Each injection port 61 is provided at a position facing the upper surface 40a of a given plate 40 when the slide plate 73 is in the advanced position. Therefore, when compressed air is introduced into the supply port 63 with the slide plate 73 in the advanced position, the compressed air is injected toward the upper surface 40a of each plate 40. In other words, compressed air is supplied to each plate 40.

[0107] As a result, metal powder, old lubricant, and the like that have accumulated in the grooves 44 are expelled around the plate 40. In other words, the grooves 44 of the plate 40 are cleaned. That is, the surface of the plate 40 is purified.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the number, arrangement, and shape of the plates can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the number, arrangement, and shape of the grooves provided in the plates can be changed as appropriate.

[0109] When the number of plates or grooves is changed, it is preferable to appropriately change the number and arrangement of pipes, injection ports, supply ports, and flow paths.

[0110] It is not essential that the jet nozzles face the plate when the turntable is in the rotation reference position, and similarly, it is not essential that the jet nozzles face the plate when the slide plate is in the forward position.

[0111] Even if the injection port is provided at a position different from that described above, the injection port can be made to face the plate by rotating the turntable or linearly moving the slide plate.

[0112] The piping forming the lubricant flow path is not limited to a resin tube, and can be replaced with other tubular members having a length and flexibility that does not interfere with the rotation of the turntable or the linear motion of the slide plate.

[0113] It is also possible to use a rotary joint to connect the piping, thereby shortening the piping length and adopting a structure that does not impede the operation of the turntable or slide plate.

[0114] The compressed air flow path may be formed by a tube or pipe embedded in the turntable or slide plate. A ripple or connector may be provided at the supply port to connect a hose extending from the compressed air supply source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1…Vertical injection molding machine (injection molding machine) 11...Heating cylinder 12...Drive mechanism 20…Vertical mold clamping device (mold clamping device) 21...Case 22…Fixed plate 22a…Top surface 23...Turntable 23a…Top surface 23b…Bottom surface 23c...Outer surface 24…Movable plate (upper movable plate) 25…Movable plate (lower movable plate) 26...Taiba 27...insertion hole 28...Pedestal 30...Controller 40, 41, 42...Plates 40a…Top surface 40c…side 43...Through hole 44... Groove (vertical groove) 45... Groove (horizontal groove) 50...Plumbing 51...Gap 52...Confluence 61,61a,61b,62a,62b...Injection port 63,63a,63b…supply port 64, 64a, 64b...flow path 73...Slide plate 73a…Top surface 73b…Bottom surface 73c…Outer surface

Claims

1. Vertical clamping units, including: Fixed plate; a movable plate member that is placed on the fixed platen and to which a lower mold is attached; a movable platen to which the upper mold is attached; and a plate provided between the fixed platen and the movable plate member, which supports the movable plate member movably relative to the fixed platen; Here, a lubricant is supplied from the side of the plate to the upper surface of the plate that faces the lower surface of the movable plate member.

2. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 1, A vertical mold clamping device, wherein a groove capable of holding the lubricant is formed on the upper surface of the plate.

3. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 2, The lubricant supply system further includes a pipe that forms a flow path for the lubricant. One end of the pipe crosses the side surface of the plate and enters the groove.

4. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 3, At least a portion of the piping is routed in a gap between the fixed platen and the movable plate member.

5. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 1, The vertical clamping device, wherein the movable plate member is a turntable that rotates relative to the fixed platen.

6. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 1, The vertical mold clamping device, wherein the movable plate member is a slide plate that moves linearly relative to the fixed platen.

7. Vertical injection molding machines, including: a vertical clamping unit to which the mold is attached; and an injection device that injects a molding material into the mold attached to the vertical mold clamping device; wherein the vertical clamping device has a fixed platen, a movable plate member, a movable platen, and a plate; a lower mold is attached to the movable platen, and an upper mold is attached to the movable platen; the plate is provided between the fixed platen and the movable plate member and supports the movable plate member movably relative to the fixed platen; A lubricant is supplied from the side of the plate to the upper surface of the plate that faces the lower surface of the movable plate member.

8. Vertical clamping units, including: Fixed plate; a movable plate member that is placed on the fixed platen and to which a lower mold is attached; a movable platen to which the upper mold is attached; and a plate provided between the fixed platen and the movable plate member, which supports the movable plate member movably relative to the fixed platen; Here, compressed air is jetted toward the plate from the lower surface of the movable plate member that faces the upper surface of the plate.

9. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 8, a groove capable of holding a lubricant is formed on the upper surface of the plate; The compressed air is injected toward the groove.

10. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 8, an injection port through which the compressed air is discharged is provided on the lower surface of the movable plate member; a supply port through which the compressed air is introduced is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the movable plate member; A flow path connecting the supply port and the injection port is provided inside the movable plate member.

11. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 8, The vertical clamping device, wherein the movable plate member is a turntable that rotates relative to the fixed platen.

12. The vertical mold clamping device according to claim 8, The vertical mold clamping device, wherein the movable plate member is a slide plate that moves linearly relative to the fixed platen.

13. Vertical injection molding machines, including: a vertical clamping unit to which the mold is attached; and an injection device that injects a molding material into the mold attached to the vertical mold clamping device; wherein the vertical clamping device has a fixed platen, a movable plate member, a movable platen, and a plate; a lower mold is attached to the movable platen, and an upper mold is attached to the movable platen; the plate is provided between the fixed platen and the movable plate member and supports the movable plate member movably relative to the fixed platen; Compressed air is jetted from the lower surface of the movable plate member, which faces the upper surface of the plate, toward the plate.

14. A maintenance method for a vertical mold clamping unit including a fixed platen, a movable plate member placed on the fixed platen, and a plate provided between the fixed platen and the movable plate member to movably support the movable plate member, comprising: A maintenance method for a vertical mold clamping unit, comprising: supplying compressed air to the plate through a flow path provided inside the movable plate member to clean the surface of the plate.

15. The maintenance method for a vertical mold clamping unit according to claim 14, A maintenance method for a vertical mold clamping device, comprising: injecting compressed air toward the plate from a lower surface of the movable plate member that faces the upper surface of the plate.

16. The maintenance method for a vertical mold clamping unit according to claim 15, A maintenance method for a vertical mold clamping device, comprising injecting the compressed air toward a groove formed on the upper surface of the plate and capable of holding a lubricant.

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