Mold clamping unit frame and injection molding machine

Abstract

This mold clamping device frame for supporting a mold clamping device of an injection molding machine comprises a first fixing part, a second fixing part, a base, a first support part, and a second support part. The first fixing part has fixed thereto a generation source that generates a mold clamping force. A mold is fixed to the second fixing part. The base supports the first fixing part and the second fixing part. The first support part supports the base. The second support part supports the base at a location that is spaced away from the first support part in a mold clamping direction. The first support part and / or the second support part has multiple openings and a beam that partitions said openings.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mold clamping unit frame and an injection molding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] The clamping frame described in Patent Document 1 has a main body that is roughly H-shaped when viewed from the front, arranged in parallel front to back, and the two main bodies are integrally engaged at a horizontal intermediate portion, so that it is also roughly H-shaped when viewed from the side. First and second upper facing portions spaced apart from each other are provided at the upper portion of the main body. A fixed platen is held vertically in the first upper facing portion. Meanwhile, a clamping cylinder is held in the second upper facing portion. In addition, first and second lower facing portions spaced apart from each other are provided at the lower portion of the main body. Similar content is also disclosed in Patent Document 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-148806 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-058472 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, the mold clamping unit frame that supports the mold clamping unit would deform during mold clamping, and the parting surface (so-called parting line) that separates the fixed and movable molds that make up the mold unit would tilt. The deformation of the mold clamping unit frame that occurs during mold clamping is released when the mold clamping force is removed and the pressure is released, or when the mold is opened. In the process of the mold clamping unit frame returning to its original shape, the mold could tear off the molded product, resulting in a defective product.

[0005] In order to suppress deformation of the mold clamping unit frame, it is effective to increase the rigidity of the mold clamping unit frame, however, if the thickness of the mold clamping unit frame is increased in order to increase the rigidity of the mold clamping unit frame, the weight of the mold clamping unit frame will increase.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a technique for achieving both a lightweight and high rigidity mold clamping unit frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a clamping unit frame that supports a clamping unit of an injection molding machine. The clamping unit frame includes a first fixed portion to which a source that generates a clamping force by advancing a movable mold toward a fixed mold is fixed, a second fixed portion to which the fixed mold is fixed, a base that supports the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion, a first support portion that supports the base, and a second support portion that supports the base and is spaced apart from the first support portion in the clamping direction. The first support portion is provided behind a parting surface between the fixed mold and the movable mold during clamping. The second support portion is provided forward of the parting surface. The clamping unit frame satisfies the following (1) or (2). (1) The first support portion has a first opening, a second opening provided above the first opening, a third opening provided above the first opening and rearward of the second opening, a first beam provided between the first and second openings and inclined upward toward the rear, and a second beam provided between the first and third openings and inclined upward toward the front. (2) The second support portion has a fourth opening, a fifth opening provided above the fourth opening, a sixth opening provided above the fourth opening and forward of the fifth opening, a third beam provided between the fourth and fifth openings and inclined upward toward the front, and a fourth beam provided between the fourth and sixth openings and inclined upward toward the rear.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a clamping unit frame that supports a clamping unit of an injection molding machine. The clamping unit frame includes a first fixed portion to which a source that generates a clamping force by advancing a movable mold toward a fixed mold is fixed, a second fixed portion to which the fixed mold is fixed, a base that supports the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion, a first support portion that supports the base, and a second support portion that supports the base at a distance from the first support portion in the clamping direction. The first support portion is provided behind a dividing surface between the fixed mold and the movable mold during clamping. The second support portion is provided forward of the dividing surface. The clamping unit frame satisfies the following (3) or (4). (3) The first support portion has a first tapered portion whose dimension in the clamping direction narrows downwardly and a first opening provided in the first tapered portion, and the first tapered portion has a rear surface that slopes forwardly downwardly and a front surface that slopes backwardly downwardly. (4) The second support portion has a second tapered portion whose dimension in the mold clamping direction narrows downwardly, and a fourth opening provided in the second tapered portion, and the second tapered portion has a rear surface that slopes forward as it slopes downwardly, and a front surface that slopes backward as it slopes downwardly. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the support portion can be made lighter by providing a plurality of openings in the support portion. In addition, the openings can be divided into smaller portions by providing beams that divide the plurality of openings, and distortion of the openings can be suppressed, thereby increasing the rigidity of the support portion. Thus, it is possible to achieve both a lighter weight and higher rigidity.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the support portion includes a tapered portion that is perpendicular to the mold clamping direction and has a dimension in the mold clamping direction narrowing in a direction away from the base. By increasing the rigidity of the portion of the support portion close to the fixed portion that receives the mold clamping force, while reducing the weight of the portion far from the fixed portion, it is possible to achieve both weight reduction and high rigidity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing half of an injection molding machine according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a mold clamping unit frame according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a mold clamping unit frame according to a first modified example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a mold clamping unit frame according to a second modified example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a mold clamping unit frame according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description may be omitted. In this specification, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction represent the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction.

[0013] An injection molding machine 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Since the injection molding machine 1 has a structure symmetrical about the central plane in the Y-axis direction, Fig. 1 shows only half of the injection molding machine 1. The injection molding machine 1 includes a clamping device 2 that clamps a mold device 9, and a clamping device frame 3 that supports the clamping device 2. First, the clamping device 2 will be described.

[0014] The mold clamping unit 2 is, for example, a horizontal type in which the mold clamping direction is horizontal. When the mold clamping unit 2 is a horizontal type, the X-axis direction is the mold clamping direction and the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the injection molding machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to the horizontal type, and may be a vertical type in which the mold clamping direction is vertical.

[0015] The mold clamping device 2 performs mold closing, pressurization, mold clamping, depressurization, and mold opening of the mold device 9. The mold device 9 includes a fixed mold 91 and a movable mold 92. A mold closing direction (e.g., the positive direction of the X-axis) in which the movable mold 92 approaches the fixed mold 91 is also referred to as the forward direction, and a mold opening direction (e.g., the negative direction of the X-axis) in which the movable mold 92 moves away from the fixed mold 91 is also referred to as the backward direction.

[0016] The mold clamping device 2 has a fixed platen 21 to which a fixed mold 91 is attached, a movable platen 22 to which a movable mold 92 is attached, a generation source 23 that moves the movable platen 22 in the mold clamping direction relative to the fixed platen 21 to generate a mold clamping force, and a mounting plate 24 to which the generation source 23 is attached.

[0017] The fixed platen 21 is fixed to the mold clamping unit frame 3. A fixed mold 91 is attached to the surface of the fixed platen 21 facing the movable platen 22 (for example, the rear surface). A through hole 211 that penetrates the fixed platen 21 in the front-rear direction is formed in the center of the fixed platen 21. A nozzle of an injection unit (not shown) is inserted into the through hole 211 and touches the fixed mold 91.

[0018] The movable platen 22 is disposed so as to be movable in the clamping direction relative to the clamping unit frame 3. A guide (not shown) for guiding the movable platen 22 may be provided on the clamping unit frame 3. A movable mold 92 is attached to the surface of the movable platen 22 facing the fixed platen 21 (for example, the front surface).

[0019] The generation source 23 includes, for example, a hydraulic cylinder 231. The hydraulic cylinder 231 advances and retreats the movable platen 22 relative to the fixed platen 21 to perform mold closing, pressurization, mold clamping, depressurization, and mold opening of the mold device 9.

[0020] The hydraulic cylinder 231 includes, for example, a cylinder tube 232, a piston (not shown) provided inside the cylinder tube 232, and a piston rod 233 that moves together with the piston. The internal space of the cylinder tube 232 is divided into a front chamber and a rear chamber by the piston.

[0021] The piston rod 233 extends forward from the piston and protrudes forward from the cylinder tube 232. The rear end of the piston rod 233 is fixed to the piston, and the front end of the piston rod 233 is fixed to the movable platen 22. The front end of the piston rod 233 is fixed to the center of the rear surface of the movable platen 22, for example.

[0022] When the mold device 9 is closed and when pressure is increased, a hydraulic pump (not shown) supplies hydraulic pressure to the rear chamber of the cylinder tube 232. As a result, the piston is pushed forward, the front chamber is contracted, and oil is discharged from the front chamber. In addition, the piston rod 233 is advanced together with the piston, and the movable platen 22 is advanced.

[0023] On the other hand, when the mold assembly 9 is depressurized and the mold is opened, the hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic pressure to the front chamber of the cylinder tube 232. As a result, the piston is pushed backward, the rear chamber is contracted, and oil is discharged from the rear chamber. In addition, the piston rod 233 is moved backward together with the piston, and the movable platen 22 is moved backward.

[0024] The generating source 23 may have an electric motor and a toggle mechanism operated by the electric motor, instead of the hydraulic cylinder 231. The toggle mechanism amplifies the driving force of the electric motor and transmits it to the movable platen 22.

[0025] The toggle mechanism is disposed between the movable platen 22 and the mounting platen 24. The toggle mechanism has a crosshead that moves in the mold clamping direction, and a pair of link groups that bend and extend with the movement of the crosshead. Each of the pair of link groups has a first link and a second link that are connected by a pin or the like so as to be freely bendable and extendable.

[0026] The first link is attached to movable platen 22 by a pin or the like so as to be able to swing. The second link is attached to mounting platen 24 by a pin or the like so as to be able to swing. The second link is attached to the crosshead via a third link. The third link is attached to the second link by a pin or the like so as to be able to swing, and is also attached to the crosshead by a pin or the like so as to be able to swing.

[0027] When the electric motor is operated, the crosshead advances and retreats, the first link and the second link are bent and extended, and the movable platen 22 advances and retreats. When the first link and the second link are extended, a mold clamping force is generated with an amplification rate according to the angle between the first link and the second link.

[0028] The mold clamping device 2 performs a mold closing process, a pressure increase process, a mold clamping process, a pressure release process, a mold opening process, etc. under the control of a control device. The control device is, for example, a computer, and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage medium such as a memory. The control device performs various controls by causing the CPU to execute a program stored in the storage medium.

[0029] In the mold closing process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is driven to advance the movable platen 22 from the mold closing start position to the mold closing completion position at a set speed, and the movable mold 92 is brought into contact with the fixed mold 91. The position or moving speed of the movable platen 22 is detected by a position detector or a speed detector. Note that in the mold closing process, instead of controlling the forward moving speed of the movable platen 22, the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic cylinder 231 may be controlled.

[0030] In the pressure increasing process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is further driven to move the movable platen 22 further forward from the mold closing completion position to the mold clamping position, generating a mold clamping force. The mold clamping force is detected, for example, by a hydraulic pressure detector. The hydraulic pressure detector detects the hydraulic pressure in the rear chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 231 and transmits a signal corresponding to the detected hydraulic pressure to the control device.

[0031] In the mold clamping process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is driven to maintain the position of the movable platen 22 at the mold clamping position. In the mold clamping process, the mold clamping force generated in the pressure increase process is maintained. In the mold clamping process, a cavity space is formed between the movable mold 92 and the fixed mold 91, and the injection device fills the cavity space with liquid molding material from a nozzle. The filled molding material is solidified to obtain a molded product. The molding material contains resin.

[0032] The number of cavities may be one or more. In the latter case, multiple molded products are obtained at the same time. An insert material may be placed in one part of the cavity space, and the molding material may be filled in the other part of the cavity space. A molded product in which the insert material and the molding material are integrated is obtained.

[0033] In the depressurization process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is driven to move the movable platen 22 backward from the mold clamping position to the mold opening start position, thereby reducing the mold clamping force. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position may be the same position.

[0034] In the mold opening process, the hydraulic cylinder 231 is driven to move the movable platen 22 backward at a set speed from the mold opening start position to the mold opening completion position. As a result, the movable mold 92 is separated from the fixed mold 91. Thereafter, the molded product is ejected from the movable mold 92. Note that in the mold opening process, instead of controlling the backward speed of the movable platen 22, the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic cylinder 231 may be controlled.

[0035] Incidentally, when the generation source 23 generates a clamping force, a repulsive force is generated that is equal in magnitude to the clamping force but directed in the opposite direction, thereby balancing the stress. Unlike this embodiment, when there are tie bars connecting the fixed platen 21 and the mounting platen 24 at an interval, the mounting platen 24 can freely move forward and backward in the X-axis direction. The tie bars extend in response to the clamping force, and a repulsive force is generated by the elastic restoring force of the tie bars.

[0036] On the other hand, in the case where there are no tie bars as in this embodiment, both the fixed platen 21 and the mounting platen 24 are fixed to the mold clamping unit frame 3. Therefore, when the generation source 23 generates a mold clamping force, the mold clamping unit frame 3 is deformed. A repulsive force is generated by the elastic restoring force of the mold clamping unit frame 3, and the stress is balanced.

[0037] Conventionally, the mold clamping unit frame would deform during mold clamping, and the dividing surface (so-called parting line) that divides the fixed mold 91 and the movable mold 92 would tilt. The deformation of the mold clamping unit frame that occurs during mold clamping is released when the mold clamping force is removed and the pressure is released, or when the mold is opened. In the process in which the mold clamping unit frame returns to its original shape, the mold would tear off the molded product, resulting in defective products.

[0038] Next, a mold clamping unit frame 3 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The mold clamping unit frame 3 has a pair of vertical plates 30 (only one is shown in Figs. 1 and 2) spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The pair of vertical plates 30 may be connected by a beam extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0039] The vertical plate 30 includes a first fixed part 31 to which a generation source 23 that generates a mold clamping force is fixed, a second fixed part 32 to which a fixed mold 91 is fixed, a base 33 that supports the first fixed part 31 and the second fixed part 32, a first support part 34 that supports the base 33, and a second support part 35 that supports the base 33 at a distance from the first support part 34 in the mold clamping direction. In this embodiment, the first fixed part 31, the second fixed part 32, the base 33, the first support part 34, and the second support part 35 are integrally formed by casting or the like, but may be formed separately and welded.

[0040] The first fixed part 31 is, for example, a plate having a right-angled trapezoidal shape when viewed in the Y-axis direction. The first fixed part 31 has a vertical rear surface 311, a horizontal upper surface 312, and an inclined surface 313 that slopes downward toward the front. The front surface of the mounting plate 24 abuts against the rear surface 311 of the first fixed part 31, and the generation source 23 is attached to the mounting plate 24.

[0041] The second fixed part 32 is, for example, a plate having a right-angled trapezoidal shape when viewed in the Y-axis direction. The second fixed part 32 has a vertical rear surface 321, a horizontal upper surface 322, and an inclined surface 323 that slopes downward toward the front. The front surface of the fixed platen 21 abuts against the rear surface 321 of the second fixed part 32, and a fixed mold 91 is attached to the rear surface of the fixed platen 21.

[0042] The base 33 is a rectangular plate that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed in the Y-axis direction. The base 33 has, for example, a horizontal upper surface 331, a rear surface 332 that slopes downward toward the rear, and a vertical front surface 333. Note that, although the rear surface 332 is an inclined surface in this embodiment, it may be a vertical surface.

[0043] A first fixed portion 31 and a second fixed portion 32 are provided on an upper surface 331 of the base 33 with a gap therebetween in the X-axis direction. In addition, a movable platen 22 is placed on the upper surface 331 of the base 33 between the first fixed portion 31 and the second fixed portion 32 so as to be movable forward and backward in the X-axis direction. A guide (not shown) for guiding the movable platen 22 may be provided on the upper surface of the base 33.

[0044] The first support part 34 supports the base 33 from below. The first support part 34 is provided at one end (e.g., the rear end) of the base 33 in the X-axis direction. The first support part 34 is provided, for example, directly below the first fixed part 31. The first support part 34 and the second support part 35 are separated by the largest opening 36 when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0045] The first support portion 34 includes a first tapered portion 341 whose dimension in the mold clamping direction (e.g., dimension in the X-axis direction) narrows toward a first direction (e.g., negative Z-axis direction, i.e., downward) perpendicular to the mold clamping direction and away from the base 33. Therefore, compared to a case in which the first support portion 34 has a constant dimension in the X-axis direction from the upper end to the lower end, the portion of the first support portion 34 close to the first fixed portion 31 that receives the mold clamping force can be made highly rigid, and the portion far from the first fixed portion 31 can be made lighter. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both light weight and high rigidity.

[0046] The first tapered portion 341 has, for example, a rear surface 341a that slopes forward as it approaches downward, and a front surface 341b that slopes backward as it approaches downward. The dimension in the X-axis direction from the rear surface 341a to the front surface 341b narrows downward. Either the rear surface 341a or the front surface 341b may be a vertical surface instead of an inclined surface.

[0047] The first support portion 34 may include a first constant width portion 342 having a constant X-axis dimension between the first tapered portion 341 and the base 33. The first constant width portion 342 has a vertical rear surface 342a and a vertical front surface 342b. The dimension in the X-axis direction from the rear surface 342a to the front surface 342b is constant. In this specification, the term "constant X-axis dimension" means that when the maximum value of the X-axis dimension is 100%, the minimum value of the X-axis dimension is 95% or more.

[0048] If the first support portion 34 includes a first constant width portion 342 between the first tapered portion 341 and the base 33, the portion of the first support portion 34 that is closer to the first fixed portion 31 that receives the clamping force can be made more rigid than when the first support portion 34 includes only the first tapered portion 341.

[0049] The first support portion 34 has, for example, a plurality of (for example, three) openings 343A-343C and a plurality of (for example, three) beams 344A-344C. The openings 343A-343C are smaller than the opening 36 that separates the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. The number of beams does not have to be multiple, and may be one. When there is one beam, the number of openings is two.

[0050] Providing the openings 343A-343C in the first support portion 34 allows the weight of the first support portion 34 to be reduced. Also, providing the beams 344A-344C that divide the openings 343A-343C allows the openings 343A-343C to be subdivided, suppressing distortion of the openings 343A-343C and increasing the rigidity of the first support portion 34. This allows both a reduction in weight and an increase in rigidity. If there are multiple beams, the openings can be further subdivided, allowing for a further reduction in weight and an increase in rigidity.

[0051] The three beams 344A to 344C are combined, for example, in an inverted Y shape when viewed in the Y-axis direction. The beam 344A extends downward from the base 33. The beam 344B is inclined upward as it moves forward from the corner between the rear surface 342a of the first constant width portion 342 and the rear surface 341a of the first tapered portion 341. The beam 344C is inclined upward as it moves rearward from the corner between the front surface 342b of the first constant width portion 342 and the front surface 341b of the first tapered portion 341.

[0052] The three openings 343A to 343C are partitioned by three beams 344A to 344C. Of the three openings 343A to 343C, the largest opening 343A is formed at the lowest position. The largest opening 343A has, for example, a diamond shape when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0053] The second support part 35 supports the base 33 from below. The second support part 35 is provided at the other end (e.g., the front end) of the base 33 in the X-axis direction. The second support part 35 is provided, for example, directly below the second fixed part 32. The second support part 35 and the first support part 34 are separated by the largest opening 36 when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] The second support portion 35 includes a second tapered portion 351 whose dimension in the mold clamping direction (e.g., the X-axis dimension) narrows toward the first direction (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction, i.e., downward), for example. Therefore, compared to a case in which the second support portion 35 has a constant X-axis dimension from the upper end to the lower end, the portion of the second support portion 35 close to the second fixed portion 32 that receives the mold clamping force can be made highly rigid, and the portion far from the second fixed portion 32 can be made lighter. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both light weight and high rigidity.

[0055] The second tapered portion 351 has, for example, a rear surface 351a that slopes forward as it approaches downward, and a front surface 351b that slopes backward as it approaches downward. The dimension in the X-axis direction from the rear surface 351a to the front surface 351b narrows downward. Either the rear surface 351a or the front surface 351b may be a vertical surface instead of an inclined surface.

[0056] The second support portion 35 may include a second constant width portion 352 having a constant dimension in the X-axis direction between the second tapered portion 351 and the base 33. The second constant width portion 352 has a vertical rear surface 352a and a vertical front surface 352b. The dimension in the X-axis direction from the rear surface 352a to the front surface 352b is constant.

[0057] If the second support portion 35 includes a second constant width portion 352 between the second tapered portion 351 and the base 33, the portion of the second support portion 35 closer to the second fixed portion 32 that receives the clamping force can be made more rigid than when the second support portion 35 includes only the second tapered portion 351.

[0058] The second support portion 35 has, for example, a plurality of (for example, three) openings 353A-353C and a plurality of (for example, three) beams 354A-354C. The openings 353A-353C are smaller than the opening 36 that separates the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. The number of beams does not have to be multiple, and may be one. When there is one beam, the number of openings is two.

[0059] Providing the openings 353A-353C in the second support portion 35 allows the weight of the second support portion 35 to be reduced. Also, providing the beams 354A-354C that divide the openings 353A-353C allows the openings 353A-353C to be subdivided, suppressing distortion of the openings 353A-353C and increasing the rigidity of the second support portion 35. Thus, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in weight and an increase in rigidity. If there are multiple beams, the openings can be further subdivided, allowing for a reduction in weight and an increase in rigidity.

[0060] The three beams 354A to 354C are combined, for example, in an inverted Y shape when viewed in the Y-axis direction. The beam 354A extends downward from the base 33. The beam 354B is inclined upward as it approaches the front from the corner between the rear surface 352a of the second constant width portion 352 and the rear surface 351a of the second tapered portion 351. The beam 354C is inclined upward as it approaches the rear from the corner between the front surface 352b of the second constant width portion 352 and the front surface 351b of the second tapered portion 351.

[0061] The three openings 353A to 353C are partitioned by three beams 354A to 354C. Of the three openings 353A to 353C, the largest opening 353A is formed at the lowest position. The largest opening 353A has, for example, a diamond shape when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first support portion 34 includes the first tapered portion 341 and the second support portion 35 includes the second tapered portion 351, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the first support portion 34 includes the first tapered portion 341, the second support portion 35 may have a constant dimension in the X-axis direction from the upper end to the lower end. Also, when the second support portion 35 includes the second tapered portion 351, the first support portion 34 may have a constant dimension in the X-axis direction from the upper end to the lower end.

[0063] The vertical plate 30 may further include a connecting base 37 that connects the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. The connecting base 37, for example, connects the lower ends of the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 to each other, and prevents the lower ends from opening when the molds are clamped. The connecting base 37 has a rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction, for example, when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0064] Next, a mold clamping unit frame 3 according to a first modification will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The following mainly describes the differences between the first modification and the above embodiment. In the first modification, the first support portion 34 includes a first base portion 345 between the first tapered portion 341 and the base 33, the dimension in the mold clamping direction (e.g., the dimension in the X-axis direction) narrowing toward the first direction (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction, i.e., downward).

[0065] The first base portion 345 has, for example, a vertical rear surface 345a and a front surface 345b that slopes downward toward the rear. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the rear surface 345a of the first base portion 345 and the rear surface 341a of the first tapered portion 341 are connected in a broken line. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the front surface 345b of the first base portion 345 and the front surface 341b of the first tapered portion 341 are connected in a broken line.

[0066] The X-axis dimension of the first base portion 345 gradually narrows in the first direction compared to the X-axis dimension of the first tapered portion 341. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, a rear surface 345a of the first base portion 345 is less inclined to the vertical plane and forms a smaller angle with the vertical plane than a rear surface 341a of the first tapered portion 341. Also, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, a front surface 345b of the first base portion 345 is less inclined to the vertical plane and forms a smaller angle with the vertical plane than a front surface 341b of the first tapered portion 341.

[0067] As described above, the X-axis direction dimension of the first base portion 345 gradually narrows in the first direction compared to the X-axis direction dimension of the first tapered portion 341. Therefore, compared to a case in which the X-axis direction dimension narrows at a constant rate of change from the upper end to the lower end of the first support portion 34, the portion of the first support portion 34 close to the first fixed portion 31 that receives the clamping force can be made more rigid, and the portion farther from the first fixed portion 31 can be made lighter.

[0068] The second support portion 35 includes a second base portion 355 between the second tapered portion 351 and the base 33, whose dimension in the mold clamping direction (e.g., the X-axis dimension) narrows toward a first direction (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction, i.e., downward).

[0069] The second base portion 355 has, for example, a rear surface 355a that slopes downward toward the front and a vertical front surface 355b. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the rear surface 355a of the second base portion 355 and the rear surface 351a of the second tapered portion 351 are connected in a broken line. Also, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the front surface 355b of the second base portion 355 and the front surface 351b of the second tapered portion 351 are connected in a broken line.

[0070] The X-axis dimension of the second base portion 355 gradually narrows in the first direction compared to the X-axis dimension of the second tapered portion 351. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, a rear surface 355a of the second base portion 355 is less inclined to the vertical plane and forms a smaller angle with the vertical plane than a rear surface 351a of the second tapered portion 351. Also, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, a front surface 355b of the second base portion 355 is less inclined to the vertical plane and forms a smaller angle with the vertical plane than a front surface 351b of the second tapered portion 351.

[0071] As described above, the X-axis direction dimension of the second base portion 355 narrows more gradually in the first direction than the X-axis direction dimension of the second tapered portion 351. Therefore, compared to a case in which the X-axis direction dimension narrows at a constant rate of change from the upper end to the lower end of the second support portion 35, the portion of the second support portion 35 close to the first fixed portion 31 that receives the clamping force can be made more rigid, and the portion farther from the first fixed portion 31 can be made lighter.

[0072] In this modification, the first support portion 34 includes the first base portion 345 and the second support portion 35 includes the second base portion 355, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first support portion 34 may include the first base portion 345 and the second support portion 35 may include the second constant width portion 352. Moreover, the first support portion 34 may include the first constant width portion 342 and the second support portion 35 may include the second base portion 355.

[0073] Next, a mold clamping unit frame 3 according to a second modification will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The following mainly describes the differences between the second modification and the above embodiment. In the second modification, when viewed from a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to both the mold clamping direction and the first direction, the first tapered portion 341 has both end faces in the mold clamping direction (rear surface 341a and front surface 341b) curved and bulging outward. Only one of the rear surface 341a and the front surface 341b may be curved and bulging outward when viewed from the second direction. Compared to a case where both the rear surface 341a and the front surface 341b are straight when viewed from the second direction, the portion of the first tapered portion 341 close to the first fixed portion 31 that receives the mold clamping force can be made more rigid, and the portion far from the first fixed portion 31 can be made lighter.

[0074] Moreover, when viewed from the second direction, the second tapered portion 351 has both end faces in the mold clamping direction (rear surface 351a and front surface 351b) that are curved and bulge outward. Only one of the rear surface 351a and the front surface 351b may be curved and bulge outward when viewed from the second direction. Compared to a case in which both the rear surface 351a and the front surface 351b are straight when viewed from the second direction, the portion of the second tapered portion 351 that is close to the second fixed portion 32 that receives the mold clamping force can be made more rigid, and the portion farther from the second fixed portion 32 can be made lighter.

[0075] In this modification, both end faces or one end face in the mold clamping direction of the first tapered portion 341 and the second tapered portion 351 are curved when viewed in the Y-axis direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, both end faces or one end face in the mold clamping direction of only one of the first tapered portion 341 and the second tapered portion 351 may be curved.

[0076] Next, a mold clamping unit frame 3 according to a third modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The following mainly describes the differences between the third modified example and the above embodiment. In the third modified example, both the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 have a constant dimension in the X-axis direction from the upper end to the lower end. If at least one of the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 includes a plurality of openings and beams, it is possible to achieve both light weight and high rigidity.

[0077] The first support portion 34 has a plurality of (for example, four) openings 343A-343D and a plurality of (for example, four) beams 344A-344D. The openings 343D-343D are smaller than the opening 36 that separates the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. The number of beams does not have to be multiple, and may be one. When there is one beam, the number of openings is two.

[0078] Providing openings 343A-343D in first support portion 34 can reduce the weight of first support portion 34. Also, providing beams 344A-344D that separate openings 343A-343D can subdivide openings 343A-343D, suppress distortion of openings 343A-343D, and increase the rigidity of first support portion 34. If there are multiple beams, the openings can be further subdivided, resulting in further weight reduction and increased rigidity.

[0079] The four beams 344A to 344D are combined, for example, in an X shape when viewed in the Y-axis direction. Beam 344A is inclined downward as it moves forward from base 33. Beam 344B is inclined downward as it moves rearward from base 33. Beam 344C is continuously connected to beam 344A, and is inclined downward as it moves forward. Beam 344D is continuously connected to beam 344B, and is inclined downward as it moves rearward.

[0080] The four openings 343A to 343D are partitioned by four beams 344D to 344D. Two of the openings 343A and 343B are, for example, isosceles triangular when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and are arranged symmetrically in the up-down direction. The remaining two openings 343C and 343D are, for example, isosceles triangular when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and are arranged symmetrically in the front-to-back direction.

[0081] The second support portion 35 has a plurality of (for example, four) openings 353A-353D and a plurality of (for example, four) beams 354A-354D. The openings 353D-353D are smaller than the opening 36 that separates the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. The number of beams does not have to be multiple, and may be one. When there is one beam, the number of openings is two.

[0082] Providing openings 353A-353D in second support portion 35 allows for weight reduction of second support portion 35. Also, providing beams 354A-354D that divide openings 353A-353D allows openings 353A-353D to be subdivided, suppressing distortion of openings 353A-353D and increasing rigidity of second support portion 35. If there are multiple beams, the openings can be further subdivided, allowing for further weight reduction and increased rigidity.

[0083] The four beams 354A to 354D are combined, for example, in an X shape when viewed in the Y-axis direction. Beam 354A is inclined downward as it moves forward from base 33. Beam 354B is inclined downward as it moves rearward from base 33. Beam 354C is continuously connected to beam 354A, and is inclined downward as it moves forward. Beam 354D is continuously connected to beam 354B, and is inclined downward as it moves rearward.

[0084] The four openings 353A to 353D are partitioned by four beams 354D to 354D. The two openings 353A and 353B are, for example, isosceles triangular when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and are arranged symmetrically in the up-down direction. The remaining two openings 353C and 353D are, for example, isosceles triangular when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and are arranged symmetrically in the front-to-back direction.

[0085] In the third modified example, both the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35 include a plurality of openings and beams, but only one of them may include a plurality of openings and beams.

[0086] Although the embodiment of the mold clamping unit frame and the injection molding machine according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations are possible within the scope of the claims. These naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0087] This application claims priority based on Patent Application No. 2021-055957 and Patent Application No. 2021-055974, filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 29, 2021, and the entire contents of Patent Application No. 2021-055957 and Patent Application No. 2021-055974 are incorporated by reference into this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 injection molding machine 2 Mold clamping device 3 Clamping unit frame 31 1st fixed part 32 Second fixed part 33 Foundation 34 1st support part 341 First Taper 343A~343C opening 344A~344C Beam 35 Second support part 351 2nd Taper 353A~353C opening 354A~354C Beam

Claims

1. A mold clamping unit frame for supporting a mold clamping unit of an injection molding machine, a first fixed portion to which a source for generating a mold clamping force by advancing the movable mold toward the fixed mold is fixed; A second fixed portion to which the fixed mold is fixed; A base supporting the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion; A first support portion that supports the base; A second support portion that supports the base at a distance from the first support portion in the mold clamping direction; Equipped with the first support portion is provided behind a parting surface between the fixed mold and the movable mold during mold clamping, The second support portion is provided forward of the dividing surface, A mold clamping unit frame that satisfies the following (1) or (2). (1) The first support portion has a first opening, a second opening provided above the first opening, a third opening provided above the first opening and rearward of the second opening, a first beam provided between the first opening and the second opening and inclined upward as it approaches the rear, and a second beam provided between the first opening and the third opening and inclined upward as it approaches the front. (2) The second support portion has a fourth opening, a fifth opening provided above the fourth opening, a sixth opening provided above the fourth opening and forward of the fifth opening, a third beam provided between the fourth opening and the fifth opening and inclined upward as it approaches the front, and a fourth beam provided between the fourth opening and the sixth opening and inclined upward as it approaches the rear.

2. The first support portion has the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, the first beam, and the second beam; The mold clamping unit frame according to claim 1 , wherein a size of the first opening is larger than sizes of the second opening and the third opening.

3. The second support portion has the fourth opening, the fifth opening, the sixth opening, the third beam, and the fourth beam, The mold clamping unit frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a size of the fourth opening is larger than sizes of the fifth opening and the sixth opening.

4. A mold clamping unit frame for supporting a mold clamping unit of an injection molding machine, a first fixed portion to which a source for generating a mold clamping force by advancing the movable mold toward the fixed mold is fixed; A second fixed portion to which the fixed mold is fixed; A base supporting the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion; A first support portion that supports the base; A second support portion that supports the base at a distance from the first support portion in the mold clamping direction; Equipped with the first support portion is provided behind a parting surface between the fixed mold and the movable mold during mold clamping, The second support portion is provided forward of the dividing surface, A mold clamping unit frame that satisfies the following (3) or (4). (3) The first support portion has a first tapered portion whose dimension in the mold clamping direction narrows downward, and a first opening provided in the first tapered portion, and the first tapered portion has a rear surface that slopes forward as it slopes downward, and a front surface that slopes backward as it slopes downward. (4) The second support portion has a second tapered portion whose dimension in the mold clamping direction narrows downwardly, and a fourth opening provided in the second tapered portion, and the second tapered portion has a rear surface that slopes forward as it slopes downwardly, and a front surface that slopes backward as it slopes downwardly.

5. The first support portion has the first tapered portion and the first opening, and the first tapered portion has the rear surface and the front surface; 5. The mold clamping unit frame according to claim 4, wherein the first support portion has a first constant width portion between the first tapered portion and the base, the first constant width portion having a constant dimension in the mold clamping direction, and a second opening provided in the first constant width portion.

6. The second support portion has the second tapered portion and the fourth opening, and the second tapered portion has the rear surface and the front surface; 6. The mold clamping unit frame according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second support portion has a second constant width portion between the second tapered portion and the base, the second constant width portion having a constant dimension in the mold clamping direction, and a fifth opening provided in the second constant width portion.

7. A mold clamping unit frame for supporting a mold clamping unit of an injection molding machine, a first fixed portion to which a source for generating a mold clamping force by advancing the movable mold toward the fixed mold is fixed; A second fixed portion to which the fixed mold is fixed; A base supporting the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion; A first support portion that supports the base; A second support portion that supports the base at a distance from the first support portion in the mold clamping direction; Equipped with the first support portion is provided behind a parting surface between the fixed mold and the movable mold during mold clamping, The second support portion is provided forward of the dividing surface, A mold clamping unit frame that satisfies the following (5) or (6). (5) The first support portion has a first tapered portion whose dimension in the mold clamping direction narrows downward, a first opening provided in the first tapered portion, a second opening provided above the first opening, a third opening provided above the first opening and rearward of the second opening, a first beam provided between the first opening and the second opening and inclined upward as it approaches the rear, and a second beam provided between the first opening and the third opening and inclined upward as it approaches the front, and the first tapered portion has a rear surface that inclines forward as it approaches downward and a front surface that inclines rearward as it approaches downward. (6) The second support portion has a second tapered portion whose dimension in the mold clamping direction narrows downward, a fourth opening provided in the second tapered portion, a fifth opening provided above the fourth opening, a sixth opening provided above the fourth opening and forward of the fifth opening, a third beam provided between the fourth opening and the fifth opening and inclined upward as it approaches the front, and a fourth beam provided between the fourth opening and the sixth opening and inclined upward as it approaches the rear, and the second tapered portion has a rear surface that inclines forward as it approaches downward and inclined backward as it approaches downward.

8. A mold clamping unit frame according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a mold clamping unit supported by the mold clamping unit frame; An injection molding machine comprising:

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