Injection molding apparatus and injection molding method

Abstract

This technology provides an improved flowability of plasticizers during injection molding. [Solution] The injection molding apparatus is an injection molding apparatus that injects a plasticizing material into a mold to perform injection molding of a molded product, and comprises a plasticizing section that plasticizes a material to generate a plasticizing material, a first flow path communicating with the plasticizing section through which the plasticizing material flows, a first nozzle section communicating with the first flow path to inject the plasticizing material, a first heater for heating the plasticizing material in the first flow path, a control section for controlling the injection of the plasticizing material, the first nozzle section being made of a metal material, and the control section comprising a first temperature control section electrically connected to the first heater and controlling the temperature of the first heater, and a second temperature control section electrically connected to the first nozzle section and controlling the temperature of the first nozzle section by supplying current to the first nozzle section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an injection molding apparatus and an injection molding method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an injection molding apparatus provided with a hot runner. This hot runner has a first heater disposed around the nozzle portion and a second heater disposed farther from the nozzle portion than the first heater.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When miniaturizing a hot runner, it becomes difficult to dispose a heater around a small member such as a nozzle portion. When a heater is not disposed around the nozzle portion, there is a problem that the nozzle portion cannot be sufficiently heated and the fluidity of the plasticized material at the time of injection decreases.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an injection molding apparatus is provided. This injection molding apparatus is an injection molding apparatus that injects a plasticizing material into a mold to perform injection molding of a molded product, and comprises a first hot runner having a plasticizing section that plasticizes a material to produce a plasticizing material, a first flow path communicating with the plasticizing section through which the plasticizing material flows, a first nozzle section communicating with the first flow path for injecting the plasticizing material, and a first heater for heating the plasticizing material in the first flow path, and a control unit for controlling the injection of the plasticizing material, wherein the first nozzle section is made of a metal material, and the control unit has a first temperature control unit electrically connected to the first heater for controlling the temperature of the first heater, and a second temperature control unit electrically connected to the first nozzle section for controlling the temperature of the first nozzle section by supplying an electric current to the first nozzle section.

[0006] A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides an injection molding method. This injection molding method is an injection molding method for performing injection molding of a molded product using an injection molding apparatus, wherein the injection molding apparatus comprises a first hot runner having a plasticizing section that plasticizes a material to produce a plasticizable material, a first flow path communicating with the plasticizing section and through which the plasticizable material flows, a first nozzle section communicating with the first flow path and injecting the plasticizable material, and a first heater for heating the plasticizable material in the first flow path, the first nozzle section being made of a metal material, and comprising a first step of controlling the temperature of the first heater and a second step of controlling the temperature of the first nozzle section by supplying an electric current to the first nozzle section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of an injection molding apparatus. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the injection unit and the clamping unit. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a flat screw. [Figure 4] This is a schematic plan view of the barrel. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the range AR in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the first control unit. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of the temperature control process. [Figure 8] This is a time chart illustrating the temperature control of the injection nozzle by the second temperature control unit. [Figure 9] This is a time chart illustrating the temperature control of the injection nozzle section by the second temperature control unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the hot runner control unit and the first control unit. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the temperature control process in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a time chart illustrating the temperature control of the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section by the second temperature control section in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A. First Embodiment: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus 10. Figure 1 shows arrows representing the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane. The Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions in Figure 1 and the X, Y, and Z directions in other figures point to the same directions. When specifying the direction, the positive direction, which is the direction pointed to by the arrow, is denoted as "+", and the negative direction, which is the direction opposite to the direction pointed to by the arrow, is denoted as "-", and both positive and negative signs are used in the direction notation.

[0009] The injection molding apparatus 10 comprises an injection unit 20, a clamping unit 30, and a first control unit 40. The injection molding apparatus 10 performs injection molding of a molded product using a mold 90 mounted on the clamping unit 30. In this embodiment, a metal mold 90 is mounted on the clamping unit 30. The mold 90 mounted on the clamping unit 30 is not limited to metal, but may be made of resin or ceramic. A metal mold 90 is called a mold. The mold 90 is also simply called a mold. The injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 are fixed on a base 11. The first control unit 40 is housed in the base 11.

[0010] A hopper 50 into which the material for the molded product is fed is connected to the injection unit 20. For example, a thermoplastic resin formed into pellets can be used as the material for the molded product. Examples of thermoplastic resins include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PC (polycarbonate), POM (polyacetal), PP (polypropylene), and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). In addition to thermoplastic resin, the material for the molded product may also contain metals or ceramics. The supply of material to the injection unit 20 is not limited to the hopper 50; for example, it may be done via a tube through which the material is pumped.

[0011] The injection unit 20 plasticizes at least a portion of the material supplied from the hopper 50 to produce a plasticized material, and injects the produced plasticized material into the mold 90. In this specification, "plasticization" is a concept that includes melting and refers to changing a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo a glass transition, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo a glass transition, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0012] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. The injection unit 20 comprises a plasticizing section 21, a suction and delivery section 22, and an injection section 23.

[0013] The plasticizing unit 21 plasticizes at least a part of the material supplied from the hopper 50 to generate a plasticized material. The plasticizing unit 21 includes a flat screw 110, a barrel 130, and a barrel heater 140.

[0014] The flat screw 110 is housed in a screw case 111. The flat screw 110 is a rotor or simply called a screw. The flat screw 110 is arranged such that its axis coincides with the axis AX of the inner flow path of the injection unit described later. The direction along the axis AX is the X direction. The flat screw 110 is rotationally driven within the screw case 111 about the axis AX by a drive motor 112. A through hole 131 penetrating the barrel 130 in the X direction is formed at the center of the barrel 130. The through hole 131 forms a part of the flow path through which the plasticized material flows. The axis of the through hole 131 coincides with the axis AX. An injection cylinder 151 described later is connected to the through hole 131. A check valve 132 is provided in the through hole 131 upstream of the injection cylinder 151. The barrel heater 140 is embedded in the barrel 130. The rotation of the flat screw 110 by the drive motor 112 and the heating by the barrel heater 140 are controlled by the first control unit 40.

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the flat screw 110. The flat screw 110 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a height in the direction along its central axis smaller than the diameter. On the groove forming surface 121 of the flat screw 110 facing the barrel 130, spiral grooves 123 are formed around the central portion 122. The groove 123 communicates with a material inlet 124 formed on the side surface of the flat screw 110. The material supplied from the hopper 50 is supplied to the groove 123 through the material inlet 124. The groove 123 is formed by being separated by ridge portions 125. Figure 3 shows an example where three grooves 123 are formed, but the number of grooves 123 may be one or two or more. Note that the groove 123 is not limited to a spiral shape, and may be a helical shape or an involute curve shape, or may be a shape extending in an arc from the central portion 122 toward the outer periphery.

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the barrel 130. The barrel 130 has a facing surface 133 facing the groove forming surface 121 of the flat screw 110. A communication hole 131 is formed at the center of the facing surface 133. On the facing surface 133, a plurality of guide grooves 134 are formed which are connected to the communication hole 131 and extend spirally from the communication hole 131 toward the outer periphery. The material supplied to the groove 123 of the flat screw 110 is plasticized between the flat screw 110 and the barrel 130 by the rotation of the flat screw 110 and the heating of the barrel heater 140, and flows along the groove 123 and the guide groove 134 by the rotation of the flat screw 110, and is guided to the central portion 122 of the flat screw 110. The material flowing into the central portion 122 flows out from the communication hole 131 provided at the center of the barrel 130 to the suction and delivery portion 22. Note that the barrel 130 may not be provided with the guide grooves 134. Also, the guide grooves 134 may not be connected to the communication hole 131.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the suction delivery unit 22 includes an injection cylinder 151, a plunger 152, and a plunger drive unit 153. Under the control of the first control unit 40, the suction delivery unit 22 controls the amount, speed, and pressure of plasticizing material injected from the injection unit 23. The injection cylinder 151 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the communication hole 131 of the barrel 130 and has a plunger 152 inside. The plunger 152 slides inside the injection cylinder 151 and pressurizes the plasticizing material inside the injection cylinder 151 to the injection unit 23. The plunger 152 is driven by a plunger drive unit 153, which is composed of a motor.

[0018] The injection unit 23 injects the plasticizing material, which has been pumped from the suction delivery unit 22, into the mold 90. The injection unit 23 is composed of an open-gate type hot runner and guides the plasticizing material to the mold 90 while it is heated. In this embodiment, the injection unit 23 is also called the first hot runner.

[0019] The molding die 90 consists of a fixed die 91 and a movable die 92. The movable die 92 is mounted on the clamping unit 30 so as to face the fixed die 91. The fixed die 91 is a die whose position is fixed during the clamping operation. The movable die 92 is a die that is moved relative to the fixed die 91 during the clamping operation. The movable die 92 is moved in the clamping direction relative to the fixed die 91 by the clamping unit 30. In this embodiment, the clamping direction is the -X direction.

[0020] The mold clamping unit 30 is equipped with a mold drive unit 171 and has the function of opening and closing the movable mold 92 and the fixed mold 91. Under the control of the first control unit 40, the mold clamping unit 30 rotates a ball screw 172 by driving the mold drive unit 171, which is composed of a motor, and moves the movable mold 92 coupled to the ball screw 172 relative to the fixed mold 91 to open and close the mold 90. When the mold 90 is clamped, the fixed mold 91 and the movable mold 92 come into contact, forming a cavity between the fixed mold 91 and the movable mold 92 that defines the shape of the molded product.

[0021] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the range AR in Figure 2. The fixed mold 91 has a hot runner mounting hole 93 that penetrates the fixed mold 91 in the X direction. The injection section 23 is located in the hot runner mounting hole 93. The hot runner mounting hole 93 is formed with an inner diameter that gradually decreases from the plasticizing section 21 side. In this embodiment, the plasticizing section 21 side is the -X direction side. The end 94 of the hot runner mounting hole 93 opposite to the plasticizing section 21 side is formed in a substantially conical shape with an inner diameter that gradually decreases. The tip side of the end 94 functions as a gate opening 95 into which the plasticizing material flows. The gate opening 95 is configured as a substantially circular hole. The gate opening 95 is configured as a so-called ring gate open gate structure, as will be described later. In this embodiment, the gate opening 95 is formed in direct connection with the cavity 99 of the molding die 90.

[0022] The injection unit 23 includes a main body 210, an injection nozzle 220, an injection heater 230, a heat insulation unit 240, a temperature detection unit 250, and a wiring unit 260. In this embodiment, the injection nozzle 220 is also referred to as the first nozzle, and the injection heater 230 is also referred to as the first heater.

[0023] The main body portion 210 has a substantially cylindrical external shape. On the inner circumferential surface of the end portion 210 on the gate opening 95 side, an internal thread (not shown) is formed.

[0024] An internal flow path 270 for the injection section is formed inside the main body 210, along the axis AX. The internal flow path 270 for the injection section is in communication with the communication hole 131. In other words, the internal flow path 270 for the injection section is in communication with the plasticizing section 21. Plasticizing material, which is pressurized from the suction delivery section 22, flows through the internal flow path 270 for the injection section. In this embodiment, the internal flow path 270 for the injection section is also referred to as the first flow path.

[0025] The injection nozzle section 220 communicates with the internal flow path 270 of the injection section and injects the plasticizing material. The injection nozzle section 220 is fixedly positioned at the end of the injection section 23 on the gate opening 95 side. The injection nozzle section 220 has a connecting section 221, a flange section 222, and a tip section 223. The connecting section 221 is located on the plasticizing section 21 side of the injection nozzle section 220 and has a substantially cylindrical external shape. A male thread (not shown) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting section 221. The injection nozzle section 220 is fixed to the main body section 210 by screwing this male thread into a female thread formed on the main body section 210. The flange section 222 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting section 221 and is connected to the connecting section 221. The end face of the flange section 222 on the plasticizing section 21 side abuts against the end face of the main body section 210 on the gate opening 95 side. The tip portion 223 is connected to the flange portion 222 and has a roughly conical external shape that protrudes toward the gate opening 95.

[0026] Inside the injection nozzle section 220, an internal nozzle channel 225 is formed along the axis AX and communicates with the internal injection channel 270. In this embodiment, the communication hole 131, the internal injection channel 270, and the internal nozzle channel 225 are collectively referred to as the channel. The internal nozzle channel 225 has the function of guiding the plasticizing material to the gate opening 95. The internal nozzle channel 225 is branched at a nozzle opening 224 formed at the tip 223 of the injection nozzle section 220. The nozzle opening 224 faces the end 94 of the hot runner mounting hole 93. In this embodiment, two nozzle openings 224 are formed at the tip 223, arranged at equal intervals from each other in the circumferential direction, but any number of nozzle openings 224, such as four, may be formed. With this structure, the internal nozzle channel 225 has a ring shape centered on the tip 223 when viewed along the axis AX between the tip 223 and the end 94. Therefore, the gate opening 95 is configured as an open gate structure, also known as a ring gate.

[0027] The main body 210 is made of aluminum. The injection nozzle 220 is made of SUS303. Preferably, the main body 210 and the injection nozzle 220 are made of materials with high thermal conductivity. The main body 210 may be made of a metal material other than aluminum. The injection nozzle 220 may be made of stainless steel other than SUS303, or of a metal material other than stainless steel such as aluminum.

[0028] The injection heater 230 heats the plasticizing material in the internal flow path 270 of the injection section. The injection heater 230 is composed of a coil heater embedded in the main body 210. The injection heater 230 is arranged around the main body 210 so as to surround it. The temperature of the injection heater 230 is controlled by the first temperature control unit, which will be described later. This heating maintains the molten state of the plasticizing material flowing through the internal flow path 270 of the injection section. Note that the injection heater 230 is not limited to a coil heater and may be composed of any heater such as a band heater.

[0029] The heat insulating section 240 is located in the gap between the main body section 210 and the injection nozzle section 220 and the hot runner mounting hole 93, on the side of the plasticizing section that is closer to the end 94. The heat insulating section 240 suppresses the transfer of heat from the injection section 23 to the fixed mold 91. In this embodiment, the heat insulating section 240 is formed of the same resin material as the plasticizing material, but it may be formed of any material with relatively low thermal conductivity, or it may be realized by space.

[0030] The temperature detection unit 250 is embedded in the main body 210. The temperature detection unit 250 detects the temperature of the injection heater 230. The temperature detection unit 250 is, for example, a thermocouple.

[0031] The wiring section 260 is connected to the side of the main body 210, which is located on the plasticizing section 21 side of the injection heater 230. The wiring section 260 is a cylindrical component. Inside the wiring section 260 are wires used to control the injection heater 230, wires used to control the temperature detection section 250, and wires for supplying current to the injection nozzle section 220.

[0032] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the first control unit 40. The first control unit 40 is composed of a computer comprising a processing unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a communication unit 430. The processing unit 410 comprises one or more processors. The processing unit 410 controls the operation of each part of the injection molding apparatus 10 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 420. The storage unit 420 is composed of a main memory device such as RAM and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive. Note that instead of being composed of a computer, the first control unit 40 may be realized by a configuration that combines multiple circuits to realize at least some of each function. An input device 440 such as a keyboard or mouse and a display device 450 such as a liquid crystal display are connected to the first control unit 40. Note that the input device 440 and the display device 450 may be integrated as a touch panel. In this embodiment, the first control unit 40 is also referred to as the control unit.

[0033] The processing unit 410 includes an injection control unit 411, a first temperature control unit 412, and a second temperature control unit 413. The injection control unit 411, the first temperature control unit 412, and the second temperature control unit 413 are implemented by the processing unit 410 executing a program stored in the storage unit 420. These may also be implemented by circuits.

[0034] The injection control unit 411 controls the injection molding of the molded product by controlling various parts of the injection molding apparatus 10, such as the drive motor 112, barrel heater 140, plunger drive unit 153, and mold drive unit 171.

[0035] The first temperature control unit 412 is electrically connected to the injection heater 230 and controls the temperature of the injection heater 230. Based on the set temperature of the injection heater 230 and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 250, the first temperature control unit 412 controls the temperature of the injection heater 230 so that the temperature of the injection heater 230 reaches the set temperature.

[0036] The second temperature control unit 413 is electrically connected to the injection nozzle unit 220 and controls the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 by supplying current to it. In this embodiment, a housing (not shown) that is connected to the injection nozzle unit 220 via other components and houses the injection unit 20 is grounded. Therefore, when current is supplied to the injection nozzle unit 220, current flows through the injection nozzle unit 220, causing the injection nozzle unit 220 to heat up. In this embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 is electrically connected to the injection nozzle unit 220 via the main body unit 210. Alternatively, the second temperature control unit 413 may be electrically connected directly to the injection nozzle unit 220 without going through the main body unit 210.

[0037] The second temperature control unit 413 controls the current supplied to the injection nozzle unit 220 by performing PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. The second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 by controlling the duty cycle in the PWM control. Specifically, the second temperature control unit 413 increases the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 by increasing the duty cycle and decreases the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 by decreasing the duty cycle. The second temperature control unit 413 may also control the current supplied to the injection nozzle unit 220 by performing control other than PWM control.

[0038] The second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 by executing a plurality of controls, including the first control and the second control. Here, the first control is a control that supplies current to the injection nozzle unit 220 so that the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 becomes a first temperature. The second control is a control that supplies current to the injection nozzle unit 220 so that the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 becomes a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature. In this embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 raises the duty cycle in the second control to be higher than the duty cycle in the first control, thereby raising the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 in the second control to be higher than the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 in the first control. In this specification, the state in which the first control is performed is also called the preheating state, and the state in which the second control is performed is also called the heating state.

[0039] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the temperature control process. The temperature control process is performed when the injection molding apparatus 10 performs injection molding of a molded product. Figure 8 is a time chart illustrating the temperature control of the injection nozzle section 220 by the second temperature control unit 413 during the temperature control process.

[0040] In step S10, the plasticizing unit 21 plasticizes the material to produce a plasticized material.

[0041] In step S20, the first temperature control unit 412 controls the temperature of the injection heater 230. Specifically, the first temperature control unit 412 controls the temperature of the injection heater 230 so that the temperature of the plasticizing material in the flow path 270 inside the injection unit exceeds the plasticizing temperature. Step S20 is also called the first step.

[0042] In step S30, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220. First, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the first control when it receives a timing signal from the injection control unit 411. Here, the timing signal is a signal transmitted from the injection control unit 411 when the mold clamping of the molding die 90 is started. In the time chart shown in Figure 8, the second temperature control unit 413 receives the timing signal at time T1 and performs the first control. The second temperature control unit 413 supplies current to the injection nozzle unit 220, for example, with a duty cycle of 10%. The second temperature control unit 413 counts the elapsed time from the time the timing signal was received. The second temperature control unit 413 executes the second control when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, which is the first hour. Here, the first hour is the time from the time the mold clamping is started until the time when the plunger 152 starts moving to pressurize the plasticizing material in the injection cylinder 151 to the injection unit 23. The first hour is stored in advance in the memory unit 420. The first time interval is, for example, about 3 to 5 seconds. That is, the second temperature control unit 413 performs the first control before the plasticizing material is injected from the injection nozzle unit 220. In the time chart shown in Figure 8, at time T2, the first time interval has elapsed from the time the timing signal was received.

[0043] The second temperature control unit 413 executes the second control at time T2. The second temperature control unit 413 supplies current to the injection nozzle unit 220, for example, with a duty cycle of 75%. Preferably, the second temperature control unit 413 supplies current to the injection nozzle unit 220 so that its temperature is approximately the same as that of the injection heater 230. The second temperature control unit 413 counts the elapsed time from the start of the second control. The second temperature control unit 413 executes the first control when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined second time. Here, the second time is the time from when the plunger 152 starts moving to pressurize the plasticizing material in the injection cylinder 151 to the injection unit 23 until the injection of the plasticizing material from the injection nozzle unit 220 is completed. The second time is stored in the memory unit 420 in advance. The second time is, for example, about 0.1 seconds to 1 second. In other words, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the second control when the plasticizing material is injected from the injection nozzle unit 220. In the time chart shown in Figure 8, at time T3, two hours have elapsed since the start of the second control.

[0044] The second temperature control unit 413 performs the first control at time T3. The second temperature control unit 413 supplies current to the injection nozzle unit 220 with a duty cycle of, for example, 10%. That is, the second temperature control unit 413 performs the first control after the plasticizing material has been injected from the injection nozzle unit 220. As described above, in step S30, the plasticizing material is injected into the mold 90. Step S30 is also called the second step.

[0045] In step S40, the injection control unit 411 controls the clamping unit 30 to open the mold 90. The molded product is removed from the mold 90 by being pushed out by the ejector pins.

[0046] In step S50, the second temperature control unit 413 determines whether or not it has received a stop signal from the injection control unit 411. If a stop signal is received, step S60 is executed. If a stop signal is not received, the process returns to step S30. The stop signal is sent from the injection control unit 411, for example, when all cycles of injection molding are completed.

[0047] If the process returns to step S30, injection molding of the molded product is performed again. Figure 8 shows the case when the process returns to step S30 and the second temperature control unit 413 receives a timing signal at time T4. In the example shown in Figure 8, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the first control from time T4 to time T5, the second control from time T5 to time T6, and the first control from time T6 to time T7.

[0048] In step S60, the second temperature control unit 413 stops supplying current to the injection nozzle unit 220. Specifically, the second temperature control unit 413 sets the duty cycle to 0%. In the time chart shown in Figure 8, the second temperature control unit 413 stops supplying current to the injection nozzle unit 220 at time T7. The injection control unit 411 also controls each part of the injection molding apparatus 10 to stop the injection molding of the molded product. The temperature control process is executed as described above.

[0049] According to the first embodiment described above, the injection molding apparatus 10 includes an injection unit 23 having an injection nozzle 220 made of a metal material, and the second temperature control unit 413 is electrically connected to the injection nozzle 220 and controls the temperature of the injection nozzle 220 by supplying current to the injection nozzle 220. In other words, the injection molding apparatus 10 includes a first hot runner having a first nozzle made of a metal material, and the second temperature control unit 413 is electrically connected to the first nozzle and controls the temperature of the first nozzle by supplying current to the first nozzle. Therefore, the first nozzle can be heated even if a heater is not placed around the first nozzle. Thus, the fluidity of the plasticizer during injection can be improved.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 by executing a plurality of controls, including a first control that supplies current to the injection nozzle unit 220 so that the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 becomes a first temperature, and a second control that supplies current to the injection nozzle unit 220 so that the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 becomes a second temperature higher than the first temperature. In other words, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the first nozzle unit by executing a plurality of controls, including a first control that supplies current to the first nozzle unit so that the temperature of the first nozzle unit becomes a first temperature, and a second control that supplies current to the first nozzle unit so that the temperature of the first nozzle unit becomes a second temperature higher than the first temperature. As a result, the temperature of the first nozzle unit can be controlled according to the plasticization temperature of the material. This makes it possible to improve the fluidity of the plasticizing material during injection, even when the material used for injection molding is changed.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the first control before the plasticizing material is injected from the injection nozzle 220, and executes the second control when the plasticizing material is injected from the injection nozzle 220. In other words, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the first control before the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle, and executes the second control when the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle. Therefore, before the plasticizing material is injected, the temperature of the first nozzle can be maintained at a temperature at which the plasticizing material can maintain its fluidity, and when the plasticizing material is injected, the temperature of the first nozzle can be further increased. Engineering plastics such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyimide undergo changes in material properties when continuously heated at high temperatures. In this embodiment, when using the above-mentioned engineering plastics and other materials in injection molding, changes in material properties can be suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the first control after the plasticizing material is injected from the injection nozzle unit 220. In other words, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the first control after the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle unit. Therefore, the temperature of the first nozzle unit can be maintained at the first temperature after the plasticizing material is injected. Consequently, when injection molding is performed repeatedly, the heating time of the first nozzle unit can be shortened, and the injection molding cycle can be shortened.

[0053] B. Second Embodiment: In the second embodiment, the content of the temperature control process differs from that of the first embodiment. The configuration of each part of the injection molding apparatus 10 in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0054] Figure 9 is a time chart illustrating the temperature control of the injection nozzle section 220 by the second temperature control unit 413 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, in step S30 of the temperature control process shown in Figure 7, the second temperature control unit 413 stops supplying current to the injection nozzle section 220 after the plasticizing material has been injected from the injection nozzle section 220. Specifically, the second temperature control unit 413 stops supplying current to the injection nozzle section 220 when two hours have elapsed since the start of the second control. In the example shown in Figure 9, the second temperature control unit 413 stops supplying current to the injection nozzle section 220 at times T3 and T6. In the second embodiment, since the supply of current to the injection nozzle section 220 is stopped in step S30, step S60 in Figure 7 is not executed.

[0055] According to the second embodiment described above, the second temperature control unit 413 stops supplying current to the injection nozzle unit 220 after the plasticizing material has been injected from the injection nozzle unit 220. In other words, the second temperature control unit 413 stops supplying current to the first nozzle unit after the plasticizing material has been injected from the first nozzle unit. As a result, the temperature of the first nozzle unit decreases after the injection of the plasticizing material. This makes it easier to cure the molded product.

[0056] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus 10c in the third embodiment. The injection molding apparatus 10c further comprises a hot runner unit 300 and a hot runner control unit 500. The hot runner control unit 500 is communicated with the hot runner unit 300 and the first control unit 40 via communication lines. In the third embodiment, the first control unit 40 and the hot runner control unit 500 are collectively referred to as the control unit.

[0057] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the hot runner control unit 500 and the first control unit 40. The hot runner control unit 500 comprises a processing unit 510, a storage unit 520, and a communication unit 530. The processing unit 510 is composed of one or more processors. The storage unit 520 is composed of a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The communication unit 530 is an interface for communication with the hot runner unit 300 and the first control unit 40.

[0058] The processing unit 510 includes a first temperature control unit 412 and a second temperature control unit 413. The first temperature control unit 412 and the second temperature control unit 413 are implemented by the processing unit 510 executing a program stored in the storage unit 520. These may also be implemented by circuits. In the third embodiment, the processing unit 410 of the first control unit 40 has an injection control unit 411 and does not have the first temperature control unit 412 and the second temperature control unit 413.

[0059] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the injection molding apparatus 10c in the third embodiment. Note that the clamping unit 30 is not shown in Figure 12. The configuration of each part of the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 in the third embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0060] Referring to Figure 12, the structure of the hot runner unit 300 and the mold 90c in the third embodiment will be described. The hot runner unit 300 is located between the injection unit 23 and the fixed mold 91c. The hot runner unit 300 includes a manifold 310, a manifold heater 320, a manifold temperature detection unit 330, a first injection unit 340, and a second injection unit 350.

[0061] A manifold flow path (not shown) is formed within the manifold 310. The starting end of the manifold flow path is connected to the gate opening 95 of the injection unit 23. The manifold flow path branches into two flow paths within the manifold 310. Each branched flow path is connected to a first flow path (described later) in the first injection unit 340 and a second flow path (described later) in the second injection unit 350, respectively. The plasticizing material in the manifold flow path is heated by a manifold heater 320 inserted into the manifold 310. The heating of the manifold 310 by the manifold heater 320 maintains the molten state of the plasticizing material in the manifold flow path. The temperature of the manifold heater 320 is controlled by a hot runner control unit 500. A manifold temperature detection unit 330 is inserted into the manifold 310 and detects the temperature of the manifold 310. The manifold temperature detection unit 330 is, for example, a thermocouple.

[0062] In the third embodiment, the fixed mold 91c has two hot runner mounting holes 93 that penetrate the fixed mold 91c in the X direction. Hereinafter, one of the hot runner mounting holes 93 will be referred to as the first hot runner mounting hole 93c, and the other hot runner mounting hole 93 will be referred to as the second hot runner mounting hole 93d. The first hot runner mounting hole 93c is where the first injection unit 340 is located, and the second hot runner mounting hole 93d is where the second injection unit 350 is located.

[0063] The configurations of the first injection section 340 and the second injection section 350 are the same as those of the injection section 23 of the injection unit 20. In the third embodiment, the first injection section 340 is called the first hot runner, and the second injection section 350 is called the second hot runner. Also in the third embodiment, the component of the first injection section 340 corresponding to the injection nozzle section 220 of the injection section 23 is called the first nozzle section, the component of the first injection section 340 corresponding to the injection heater 230 of the injection section 23 is called the first heater, and the component of the first injection section 340 corresponding to the internal flow path 270 of the injection section 23 is called the first flow path. In the third embodiment, the component of the second injection section 350 corresponding to the injection nozzle section 220 of the injection section 23 is called the second nozzle section, the component of the second injection section 350 corresponding to the injection heater 230 of the injection section 23 is called the second heater, and the component of the second injection section 350 corresponding to the internal flow path 270 of the injection section 23 is called the second flow path. In the third embodiment, the communication hole 131, the internal flow path 270 of the injection section, the internal flow path 225 of the nozzle section, the manifold flow path, the first flow path, and the second flow path are collectively referred to as the flow path. The first and second flow paths communicate with the plasticizing section 21, through which the plasticizing material injected from the injection section 23 flows.

[0064] Two cavities 99 are formed between the fixed mold 91c and the movable mold 92c. The first injection unit 340 and the second injection unit 350 each inject plasticizing material into different cavities 99.

[0065] In the third embodiment, the injection control unit 411 controls the temperature of the injection heater 230 of the injection unit 23 and further controls the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 by supplying current to the injection nozzle unit 220 of the injection unit 23. The injection control unit 411 controls the temperature of the injection heater 230 and the temperature of the injection nozzle unit 220 so that the molten state of the plasticizing material in the internal flow path 270 of the injection unit and the internal flow path 225 of the nozzle unit is maintained.

[0066] The first temperature control unit 412 is electrically connected to the first heater and controls the temperature of the first heater. Based on the set temperature of the first heater and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit of the first injection unit 340, the first temperature control unit 412 controls the temperature of the first heater so that the temperature of the first heater reaches the set temperature. The first temperature control unit 412 is also electrically connected to the second heater and controls the temperature of the second heater. Based on the set temperature of the second heater and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit of the second injection unit 350, the first temperature control unit 412 controls the temperature of the second heater so that the temperature of the second heater reaches the set temperature.

[0067] The second temperature control unit 413 is electrically connected to the first nozzle unit and controls the temperature of the first nozzle unit by supplying current to the first nozzle unit. The second temperature control unit 413 is also electrically connected to the second nozzle unit and controls the temperature of the second nozzle unit by supplying current to the second nozzle unit. Specifically, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the current supplied to the first nozzle unit and the second nozzle unit by performing PWM control individually for each of them. The second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the first nozzle unit and the temperature of the second nozzle unit individually by supplying current to the first nozzle unit and the second nozzle unit individually.

[0068] The second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the first nozzle by executing a plurality of controls, including the first and second controls. In this embodiment, the first control is a control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle becomes a first temperature. The second control is a control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle becomes a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature. The second temperature control unit 413 also controls the temperature of the second nozzle by executing a plurality of controls, including the third and fourth controls. The third control is a control that supplies current to the second nozzle so that the temperature of the second nozzle becomes a third temperature. The fourth control is a control that supplies current to the second nozzle so that the temperature of the second nozzle becomes a fourth temperature, which is higher than the third temperature. The second temperature control unit 413 raises the duty cycle in the fourth control higher than the duty cycle in the third control, thereby raising the temperature of the second nozzle in the fourth control higher than the temperature of the second nozzle in the third control. In this specification, the state in which the third control is performed is also referred to as the preheating state, and the state in which the fourth control is performed is also referred to as the heating state. In this embodiment, the third temperature is different from the first temperature, and the fourth temperature is different from the second temperature. That is, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section so that the temperatures of the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section are different. Note that the third temperature and the first temperature may be the same. Also, the fourth temperature and the second temperature may be the same.

[0069] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the temperature control process in the third embodiment. Note that parts that perform the same processing as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 14 is a time chart illustrating the temperature control of the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section by the second temperature control unit 413 in the third embodiment.

[0070] In step S21, the first temperature control unit 412 controls the temperatures of the first heater and the second heater. Specifically, the first temperature control unit 412 controls the temperatures of the first heater and the second heater so that the temperature of the plasticizing material in the first channel and the second channel exceeds the plasticizing temperature.

[0071] In step S31, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section. First, when the second temperature control unit 413 receives a timing signal from the injection control unit 411, it executes the first control and the third control. The second temperature control unit 413 controls the start timing of the first control in the first nozzle section and the start timing of the third control in the second nozzle section to be different. In the time chart shown in Figure 14, the second temperature control unit 413 receives the timing signal at time T11. The second temperature control unit 413 starts the third control at time T11. The second temperature control unit 413 starts the first control at time T12, after a predetermined time has elapsed from time T11. The predetermined time is a value determined according to the difference in temperature characteristics between the first injection section 340 and the second injection section 350, and the difference in the length of the manifold flow path between the gate opening 95 and each injection section 23, and is stored in the storage unit 520 in advance.

[0072] The second temperature control unit 413 executes the second and fourth controls when a first time has elapsed since the timing signal was received. The second temperature control unit 413 controls the start timing of the second control in the first nozzle section and the start timing of the fourth control in the second nozzle section to be different. In the time chart shown in Figure 14, at time T13, a first time has elapsed since the timing signal was received. The second temperature control unit 413 starts the fourth control at time T13. The second temperature control unit 413 starts the second control at time T14, after a predetermined time has elapsed from time T14. The predetermined time is a value determined according to the difference in temperature characteristics between the first injection section 340 and the second injection section 350, and the difference in the length of the manifold flow path between the gate opening 95 and each injection section 23, and is stored in the storage unit 520 in advance.

[0073] The second temperature control unit 413 executes the first and third controls when the sum of the first and second time periods has elapsed since the timing signal was received. In the time chart shown in Figure 14, at time T15, the sum of the first and second time periods has elapsed since the timing signal was received. At time T15, the second temperature control unit 413 starts the first and third controls.

[0074] In step S61, the second temperature control unit 413 stops supplying current to the first nozzle unit and the second nozzle unit.

[0075] According to the third embodiment described above, the injection molding apparatus 10 includes a first hot runner having a first nozzle portion made of a metal material, and a second hot runner having a second nozzle portion made of a metal material. The second temperature control unit 413 is electrically connected to the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion, and controls the temperature of the first nozzle portion and the temperature of the second nozzle portion individually by supplying current to the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion individually. Therefore, the temperature of the first nozzle portion and the temperature of the second nozzle portion can be controlled according to the difference in temperature characteristics between the first hot runner and the second hot runner, the difference in flow path length from the plasticizing portion 21 to each hot runner, and so on.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section so that the temperatures of the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section are different. Therefore, the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section can be controlled according to the difference in temperature characteristics between the first hot runner and the second hot runner, and the difference in flow path length from the plasticizing section 21 to each hot runner. For example, if the flow path length from the plasticizing section 21 to the first hot runner is longer than the flow path length from the plasticizing section 21 to the second hot runner, the temperature of the plasticizing material in the first hot runner tends to be lower than the temperature of the plasticizing material in the second hot runner. In such a case, by making the temperature of the first nozzle section higher than the temperature of the second nozzle section, the temperature of the plasticizing material in the first hot runner and the temperature of the plasticizing material in the second hot runner can be made to be about the same.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the second nozzle by executing a plurality of controls, including a third control that supplies current to the second nozzle so that the temperature of the second nozzle becomes a third temperature, and a fourth control that supplies current to the second nozzle so that the temperature of the second nozzle becomes a fourth temperature higher than the third temperature, and controls the start timing of the first control in the first nozzle and the start timing of the third control in the second nozzle, or the start timing of the second control in the first nozzle and the start timing of the fourth control in the second nozzle, so that they are different. As a result, the temperature of the first nozzle and the temperature of the second nozzle can be controlled according to the difference in temperature characteristics between the first hot runner and the second hot runner, or the difference in flow path length from the plasticizing section 21 to each hot runner.

[0078] D. Other embodiments: (D-1) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the second control when a first time has elapsed since the timing signal was received. In contrast, the second temperature control unit 413 may continue to execute the first control from the time the timing signal was received until the time the stop signal was received.

[0079] (D-2) In the above embodiment, the hot runner unit 300 has two hot runners, a first hot runner and a second hot runner. In contrast, the hot runner unit 300 may have three or more hot runners.

[0080] (D-3) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the first nozzle by executing a plurality of controls, including the first control and the second control. In contrast, the second temperature control unit 413 does not have to execute the first control and the second control.

[0081] (D-4) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 executes the first control before the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle and executes the second control when the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle. In contrast, the second temperature control unit 413 does not have to execute the first control before the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle. Also, the second temperature control unit 413 does not have to execute the second control when the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle.

[0082] (D-5) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 performs the first control after the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle. In contrast, the second temperature control unit 413 does not have to perform the first control after the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle.

[0083] (D-6) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section so that the temperatures of the first nozzle section and the temperatures of the second nozzle section are different. Alternatively, the second temperature control unit 413 may control the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section so that the temperatures of the first nozzle section and the temperatures of the second nozzle section are equal.

[0084] (D-7) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the start timing of the first control in the first nozzle section and the start timing of the third control in the second nozzle section, and the start timing of the second control in the first nozzle section and the start timing of the fourth control in the second nozzle section to be different. Alternatively, the second temperature control unit 413 may control the start timing of the first control in the first nozzle section and the start timing of the third control in the second nozzle section, and the start timing of the second control in the first nozzle section and the start timing of the fourth control in the second nozzle section to be simultaneous.

[0085] (D-8) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the temperature of the second nozzle by executing a plurality of controls, including the third control and the fourth control. In contrast, the second temperature control unit 413 does not have to execute the third control and the fourth control.

[0086] (D-9) In the third embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the start timing of the first control in the first nozzle section to be later than the start timing of the third control in the second nozzle section. Alternatively, the second temperature control unit 413 may control the start timing of the first control in the first nozzle section to be earlier than the start timing of the third control in the second nozzle section.

[0087] (D-10) In the third embodiment, the second temperature control unit 413 controls the start timing of the second control in the first nozzle section to be later than the start timing of the fourth control in the second nozzle section. Alternatively, the second temperature control unit 413 may control the start timing of the second control in the first nozzle section to be earlier than the start timing of the fourth control in the second nozzle section.

[0088] E. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms. The technical features in the embodiments described below that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0089] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an injection molding apparatus is provided. The injection molding apparatus is an injection molding apparatus that injects a plasticizing material into a mold to perform injection molding of a molded product, and comprises a first hot runner having a plasticizing section that plasticizes a material to produce a plasticizing material, a first flow path communicating with the plasticizing section through which the plasticizing material flows, a first nozzle section communicating with the first flow path for injecting the plasticizing material, and a first heater for heating the plasticizing material in the first flow path, and a control unit for controlling the injection of the plasticizing material, wherein the first nozzle section is made of a metal material, and the control unit has a first temperature control unit electrically connected to the first heater for controlling the temperature of the first heater, and a second temperature control unit electrically connected to the first nozzle section for controlling the temperature of the first nozzle section by supplying an electric current to the first nozzle section. With this configuration, the first nozzle can be heated even if a heater is not placed around it. Therefore, the fluidity of the plasticizer during injection can be improved.

[0090] (2) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit may control the temperature of the first nozzle by performing a plurality of controls, including a first control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle becomes a first temperature, and a second control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle becomes a second temperature higher than the first temperature. With this configuration, the temperature of the first nozzle can be controlled according to the plasticization temperature of the material. This makes it possible to improve the fluidity of the plasticizing material during injection, even when the material used for injection molding is changed.

[0091] (3) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit may execute the first control before the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle, and execute the second control when the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle. With this configuration, the temperature of the first nozzle can be maintained at a temperature that allows the plasticizing material to maintain its fluidity before the plasticizing material is injected, and the temperature of the first nozzle can be further increased when the plasticizing material is injected.

[0092] (4) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit may perform the first control after the plasticizing material has been injected from the first nozzle unit. With this configuration, the temperature of the first nozzle can be maintained at a first temperature after the plasticizing material is injected. Therefore, when injection molding is performed repeatedly, the heating time of the first nozzle can be shortened, and the injection molding cycle can be shortened.

[0093] (5) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit may stop supplying current to the first nozzle unit after the plasticizing material has been injected from the first nozzle unit. In this configuration, the temperature of the first nozzle decreases after the injection of the plasticizing material. This makes it easier to cure the molded product.

[0094] (6) In the above embodiment, the first hot runner further comprises a second flow channel communicating with the plasticizing section through which the plasticizing material flows, a second nozzle section communicating with the second flow channel for injecting the plasticizing material, and a second heater for heating the plasticizing material in the second flow channel, wherein the second nozzle section is made of a metal material, the first temperature control unit is electrically connected to the second heater and controls the temperature of the second heater, the second temperature control unit is electrically connected to the second nozzle section and controls the temperature of the second nozzle section by supplying current to the second nozzle section, and the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section may be controlled individually by supplying current to the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section separately. With this configuration, the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section can be controlled according to the difference in temperature characteristics between the first hot runner and the second hot runner, and the difference in flow path length from the plasticizing section to each hot runner.

[0095] (7) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit may control the temperature of the first nozzle and the temperature of the second nozzle so that the temperatures of the first nozzle and the second nozzle are different. With this configuration, the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section can be controlled according to the difference in temperature characteristics between the first hot runner and the second hot runner, and the difference in flow path length from the plasticizing section to each hot runner.

[0096] (8) In the above embodiment, the second temperature control unit controls the temperature of the first nozzle by executing a plurality of controls including a first control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle becomes a first temperature, and a second control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle becomes a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and controls the temperature of the second nozzle by executing a plurality of controls including a third control that supplies current to the second nozzle so that the temperature of the second nozzle becomes a third temperature, and a fourth control that supplies current to the second nozzle so that the temperature of the second nozzle becomes a fourth temperature higher than the third temperature, and the start timing of the first control in the first nozzle and the start timing of the third control in the second nozzle, or the start timing of the second control in the first nozzle and the start timing of the fourth control in the second nozzle, may be controlled to be different. With this configuration, the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section can be controlled according to the difference in temperature characteristics between the first hot runner and the second hot runner, and the difference in flow path length from the plasticizing section to each hot runner.

[0097] (9) According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, an injection molding method is provided. This injection molding method is an injection molding method for performing injection molding of a molded product using an injection molding apparatus, wherein the injection molding apparatus comprises a first hot runner having: a plasticizing section that plasticizes a material to produce a plasticizable material; a first flow path communicating with the plasticizing section and through which the plasticizable material flows; a first nozzle section communicating with the first flow path and injecting the plasticizable material; and a first heater that heats the plasticizable material in the first flow path, wherein the first nozzle section is made of a metal material, and comprises a first step of controlling the temperature of the first heater and a second step of controlling the temperature of the first nozzle section by supplying an electric current to the first nozzle section. With this configuration, the first nozzle can be heated even if a heater is not placed around it. Therefore, the fluidity of the plasticizer during injection can be improved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 10, 10c... Injection molding apparatus, 11... Base, 20... Injection unit, 21... Plasticizing section, 22... Suction and delivery section, 23... Injection section, 30... Clamping unit, 40... First control section, 50... Hopper, 90, 90c... Molding mold, 91, 91c... Fixed mold, 92, 92c... Movable mold, 93... Hot runner mounting hole, 93c... First hot runner mounting hole, 93d... Second hot runner mounting hole, 94... End section, 95... Gate 99...Cavity, 110...Flat screw, 111...Screw case, 112...Drive motor, 121...Groove forming surface, 122...Center part, 123...Groove, 124...Material input port, 125...Protruding part, 130...Barrel, 131...Communication hole, 132...Check valve, 133...Opposite surface, 134...Guide groove, 140...Barrel heater, 151...Injection cylinder, 152...Plunger, 153 ...plunger drive unit, 171...mold drive unit, 172...ball screw, 210...main body, 220...injection nozzle, 221...connection unit, 222...flange, 223...tip, 224...nozzle opening, 225...internal flow path in nozzle, 230...injection heater, 240...insulation unit, 250...temperature detection unit, 260...wiring unit, 270...internal flow path in injection unit, 300...hot runner unit, 310...manifold 320...Manifold heater, 330...Manifold temperature detection unit, 340...First injection unit, 350...Second injection unit, 410...Processing unit, 411...Injection control unit, 412...First temperature control unit, 413...Second temperature control unit, 420...Storage unit, 430...Communication unit, 440...Input device, 450...Display device, 500...Hot runner control unit, 510...Processing unit, 520...Storage unit, 530...Communication unit, AX...Axis

Claims

1. An injection molding apparatus that injects a plasticizing material into a mold to perform injection molding of a molded product, A plasticizing unit that plasticizes materials to produce plasticizable materials, A first channel is in communication with the plasticizing section and through which the plasticizing material flows, A first hot runner having a first nozzle section that communicates with the first flow path and injects the plasticizing material, and a first heater that heats the plasticizing material in the first flow path, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the injection of the plasticizing material, The first nozzle portion is made of a metal material, The control unit, A first temperature control unit is electrically connected to the first heater and controls the temperature of the first heater, The system includes a second temperature control unit which is electrically connected to the first nozzle unit and controls the temperature of the first nozzle unit by supplying current to the first nozzle unit, Injection molding equipment.

2. An injection molding apparatus according to claim 1, The second temperature control unit, A first control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle reaches a first temperature, A second control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle becomes a second temperature higher than the first temperature, The temperature of the first nozzle is controlled by performing multiple controls, including the following: Injection molding equipment.

3. An injection molding apparatus according to claim 2, The second temperature control unit, Before the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle, the first control is performed. The second control is executed when the plasticizing material is injected from the first nozzle. Injection molding equipment.

4. An injection molding apparatus according to claim 3, The second temperature control unit executes the first control after the plasticizing material has been injected from the first nozzle. Injection molding equipment.

5. An injection molding apparatus according to claim 3, The second temperature control unit stops supplying current to the first nozzle after the plasticizing material has been injected from the first nozzle. Injection molding equipment.

6. An injection molding apparatus according to claim 1, A second channel is in communication with the plasticizing section and through which the plasticizing material flows, The device further comprises a second hot runner having a second nozzle section that communicates with the second flow path and injects the plasticizing material, and a second heater that heats the plasticizing material in the second flow path, The aforementioned second nozzle portion is made of a metal material. The first temperature control unit is electrically connected to the second heater and controls the temperature of the second heater. The second temperature control unit, It is electrically connected to the second nozzle and controls the temperature of the second nozzle by supplying current to the second nozzle. By supplying current to the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section individually, the temperature of the first nozzle section and the temperature of the second nozzle section are controlled individually. Injection molding equipment.

7. An injection molding apparatus according to claim 6, The second temperature control unit controls the temperature of the first nozzle and the temperature of the second nozzle so that the temperatures of the first nozzle and the second nozzle are different. Injection molding equipment.

8. An injection molding apparatus according to claim 6, The second temperature control unit, A first control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle reaches a first temperature, A second control that supplies current to the first nozzle so that the temperature of the first nozzle becomes a second temperature higher than the first temperature, The temperature of the first nozzle is controlled by performing multiple controls, including the following: A third control that supplies current to the second nozzle so that the temperature of the second nozzle becomes the third temperature, A fourth control that supplies current to the second nozzle so that the temperature of the second nozzle becomes a fourth temperature higher than the third temperature, The temperature of the second nozzle is controlled by performing multiple controls, including the following: The start timing of the first control in the first nozzle section and the start timing of the third control in the second nozzle section, or the start timing of the second control in the first nozzle section and the start timing of the fourth control in the second nozzle section are controlled to be different. Injection molding equipment.

9. An injection molding method in which a molded product is injection molded using an injection molding apparatus, The injection molding apparatus is A plasticizing unit that plasticizes materials to produce plasticizable materials, A first channel is in communication with the plasticizing section and through which the plasticizing material flows, The first hot runner comprises a first nozzle section that communicates with the first flow path and injects the plasticizing material, and a first heater that heats the plasticizing material in the first flow path, The first nozzle portion is made of a metal material, A first step of controlling the temperature of the first heater, The system includes a second step of controlling the temperature of the first nozzle by supplying current to the first nozzle, Injection molding method.

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