Injection molding machine system, mold, and molding method for molded product

Abstract

To provide an injection molding machine system which has no risk of damaging a mold.SOLUTION: An injection molding machine system 1 includes an injection molding machine 2, a mold 4, heating means, and pressing means 6. The mold is composed of a fixed side mold 24 and a slide mold 25. When the slide mold is clamped at a first mold clamping position, one cavity for primary molding is formed from a slide side recess 30, and one cavity for primary molding is formed from a fixed side recess 40. A pair of primary molded articles are molded by injection molding. As for the primary molded article remaining in the slide side recess 30 and the primary molding article remaining in the fixes side recess 40 by mold-opening, joint end faces are melted by the heating means. When the slide mold is clamped at a second mold clamping position, a cavity for secondary molding is composed of the slide side recess 30 and the fixed side recess 40. When the pressing means 6 is driven, the primary molded article put in the slide side recess 30 is pressed against the primary molded article put in the fixed side recess 40, and the joint end faces are fused. Specifically, a molded article is obtained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection molding machine system that uses injection molding to produce two or more primary molded products, pairs the primary molded products, and melts and fuses their joining end faces to produce a molded product, as well as a mold and a method for producing the molded product. [Background technology]

[0002] A pair of primary molded products having joint end surfaces are molded by injection molding. The joint end surfaces of the pair of primary molded products are then melted and fused together to obtain a single molded product. Patent Document 1 describes an injection molding machine system that implements such a manufacturing method for a molded product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-155775 A

[0004] The injection molding machine system described in Patent Document 1 includes a so-called opposed twin-head injection molding machine and a heater consisting of a halogen heater or a carbon heater. The opposed twin-head injection molding machine includes a clamping device and two injection devices. The clamping device includes a fixed platen fixed to a bed, a movable platen that slides on the bed, and an intermediate platen that is rotatably provided between the fixed platen and the movable platen and slides on the bed. The fixed platen, intermediate platen, and movable platen are each provided with a mold, and when the molds are clamped, the mold on the fixed platen and the mold on the intermediate platen, and the mold on the intermediate platen and the mold on the movable platen are clamped, respectively. In other words, when multiple molds are clamped, cavities are formed at the parting lines on two surfaces. When resin is injected from the injection devices provided on the fixed platen and the movable platen, one primary molded product is molded between the fixed platen and the intermediate platen, and one primary molded product is molded between the movable platen and the intermediate platen.

[0005] The mold is opened, leaving one primary molded product in the fixed platen mold and the other primary molded product in the intermediate platen mold. The intermediate platen is rotated, i.e., inverted, so that the two primary molded products face each other. The amount of opening between the fixed platen and intermediate platen is reduced, and a heater is inserted non-contactingly between the two primary molded products and heated. The two primary molded products have joint end surfaces, which melt. The heater is retracted, and the fixed platen and intermediate platen are clamped together. The two primary molded products are then welded together at their joint end surfaces, and the molded product is obtained. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The injection molding machine system described in Patent Document 1 is excellent in that it can efficiently mold molded products. However, in order to reliably fuse two primary molded products together by clamping the mold, high dimensional accuracy is required for the primary molded products. This is because if the dimensions of the two primary molded products are smaller than the allowable range, the fusion will be insufficient even if the mold is clamped. On the other hand, if the dimensions of the two primary molded products are larger than the allowable range, when the mold is clamped after melting the joint end faces of the two primary molded products, some of the molten resin may leak into the parting line of the mold and damage the mold.

[0007] The present disclosure provides an injection molding machine system and a mold, and a method for molding a molded product, which can reliably fuse a pair of primary molded products to each other and which does not risk damaging the mold.

[0008] Other objects and novel features will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present disclosure is configured as an injection molding machine system including an injection molding machine, a mold, a heating means, and a pressing means. The mold is clamped at two or more clamping positions including a first and a second clamping position by sliding one mold half relative to the other mold half. At least one one-side recess provided with a pressing means is provided in one mold half, and at least one other-side recess is provided in the other mold half. This one-side recess is formed in a slide core, and the slide core is received in a core receiving hole formed in one of the die halves. When the mold is clamped at the first clamping position, at least one primary molding cavity is formed from the recess on one side, and at least one primary molding cavity is formed from the recess on the other side, so that two or more primary molded products are molded by injection molding. The heating means is for melting the joint end surfaces of the primary molded product placed in the recess on one side and the primary molded product placed in the recess on the other side while the mold is open. When the mold is clamped at the second clamping position, a secondary molding cavity is formed from the recess on one side and the recess on the other side. The pair of primary molded products placed in this secondary molding cavity and with their joint end surfaces melted are heated by the pressing means. By driving the slide core in a direction perpendicular to the parting line of the mold, The pieces are pressed together and fused to obtain a molded product. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure provides a larger tolerance for the dimensions of the mold, making it possible to reliably fuse a pair of primary molded products to obtain a molded product, without risking damage to the mold. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view showing an injection molding machine system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2B] 2B is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of the injection molding machine according to the first embodiment, a mold, and a pressing means along the line XX in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold used in carrying out a molding method for a molded product according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold used in carrying out a molding method for a molded product according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3C] 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold used in carrying out a molding method for a molded product according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3D] 1 is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means for carrying out a molding method for a molded product according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3E] 1 is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means for carrying out a molding method for a molded product according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3F] 1 is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means for carrying out a molding method for a molded product according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing a molding method for a molded product according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5B] 5B is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine according to a second embodiment, a mold, and a pressing means along the YY cross section in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] 10 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means for carrying out a molding method for a molded product according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6E] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6F]FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine, a mold, and a pressing means according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a fixed mold provided in an injection molding machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a rotational mold provided in an injection molding machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a rotational mold provided in an injection molding machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a top view showing an injection molding machine system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13 is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13 is a top cross-sectional view showing a part of an injection molding machine and a mold according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Specific embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In order to clarify the description, the following description and drawings are appropriately simplified. In each drawing, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as necessary. In addition, hatching is omitted in some parts to avoid cluttering the drawings.

[0013] [First embodiment] <Injection molding machine system> 1, an injection molding machine system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an injection molding machine 2, a heater device 3 which is a heating means provided adjacent to the injection molding machine 2, and a mold 4 provided in the injection molding machine 2. As will be described in detail later, the mold 4 is designed so that one mold half can slide relative to the other mold half to switch the clamping position. The mold 4 is provided with a pressing means 6 which is a characteristic mechanism in this embodiment.

[0014] <Injection molding machine> The injection molding machine 2 according to the first embodiment is made up of a mold clamping device 7 and an injection device 9, which are provided on a bed BD.

[0015] <Mold clamping device> The mold clamping device 7 includes a fixed platen 12 fixed on a bed BD, a mold clamping housing 13 provided slidably on the bed BD, and a movable platen 14 provided slidably on the bed BD between the fixed platen 12 and the mold clamping housing 13. The fixed platen 12 and the mold clamping housing 13 are connected by a plurality of tie bars 16, 16, ..., which pass through the movable platen 14. A toggle mechanism 18, which is a mold clamping mechanism, is provided between the mold clamping housing 13 and the movable platen 14. Therefore, when the toggle mechanism 18 is driven, the movable platen 14 is driven. Note that other mechanisms such as a mold clamping cylinder can also be used as the mold clamping mechanism.

[0016] <Injection device> The injection device 9 includes a heating cylinder 20 and a screw 21 inserted in the heating cylinder 20. An injection nozzle 22 is provided at the tip of the heating cylinder 20, and is in contact with a mold 4, which will be described in detail next, with a predetermined touch force.

[0017] <Mold> As shown in Fig. 2A, the mold 4 according to the first embodiment is composed of a fixed mold 24 provided on the fixed platen 12 and a sliding mold 25 provided on the movable platen 14. The sliding mold 25 is provided with a cylinder unit 26, i.e., a driving means, so that it slides linearly. That is, the sliding mold 25, i.e., one mold half, slides relative to the fixed mold 24, i.e., the other mold half. As a result, the mold 4 is clamped at each of the first and second clamping positions, as will be described later.

[0018] <Slide mold> A core storage hole 27 is formed in the slide mold 25, and a slide core 28 is inserted into this core storage hole 27. The slide core 28 is slid in a direction perpendicular to the parting line of the slide mold 25 by a pressing means 6 described next. A slide side recess 30 is formed in this slide core 28. A slide side protrusion 31 is formed in the slide mold 25 at a position separated from the slide core 28. These slide side recess 30 and slide side protrusion 31 are recesses and protrusions for forming different primary molding cavities, as described later. The slide side recess 30 is formed in the slide mold 25, i.e., one half of the mold, and is therefore referred to as a one side recess in this specification.

[0019] <Pressing means> The pressing means 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 2B, which is a top cross-sectional view of the mold 4 cut along the XX cross section in FIG. 2A. The pressing means 6 is composed of a slide member 33, a hydraulic cylinder 34 for driving the slide member 33, and a slide core 28. That is, the slide core 28 constitutes the slide mold 25 and also constitutes the pressing means 6. The slide member 33 is inserted into the core storage hole 27 through a hole 35 opened from the side of the slide mold 25, and slides along the bottom surface of the core storage hole 27. An inclined tapered surface 37 is formed on the bottom surface of the slide core 28, and an inclined tapered surface 38 is also formed on the slide member 33. These tapered surfaces 37, 38 are in smooth contact with each other. Therefore, when the slide member 33 is driven by the hydraulic cylinder 34, the slide core 28 is driven in a direction perpendicular to the parting line.

[0020] <Fixed side mold> As shown in FIG. 2A, the fixed side mold 24 has a fixed side recess 40 and a fixed side protrusion 41. As will be described later, when the slide mold 25 is set to the first mold clamping position and the mold 4 is clamped, one primary molding cavity is formed from the slide side recess 30 and the fixed side protrusion 41, and one primary molding cavity is formed from the fixed side recess 40 and the slide side protrusion 31. The fixed side recess 40 is formed in the fixed side mold 24, i.e., the other mold half, and is therefore referred to as the other side recess in this specification. The fixed side mold 24 is provided with a runner 42 through which the resin injected from the injection device 9 flows.

[0021] <Heater device> The heater device 3 according to the first embodiment is provided near the fixed platen 12, as shown in FIG. 1. The heater device 3 is composed of a heater 47 and a drive unit 48 that drives the heater 47 to slide back and forth. The heater 47 is a carbon heater or a halogen heater. The heater 47 is supplied with current from a power supply unit (not shown), and reaches 1000°C or higher in a few seconds after being energized. Therefore, it is possible to melt nearby resin in a non-contact manner in a short time. In other words, the heater device 3 according to this embodiment is not just a heating means but also a non-contact heating means.

[0022] <Molding method for molded products> A molding method for molding a molded product using an injection molding machine system 1 (see Figs. 1, 2A, and 2B) will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 4, an injection molding step S1 is performed. As shown in Fig. 3A, the cylinder unit 26 is driven to place the slide mold 25 in the first mold clamping position. Next, the mold clamping device 7 is driven to clamp the mold 4. When the mold is clamped, one primary molding cavity is formed from the slide side recess 30 and the fixed side protrusion 41, and another primary molding cavity is formed from the fixed side recess 40 and the slide side protrusion 31. Resin is injected from the injection device 9 to fill these primary molding cavities, and first and second primary molded products 50, 51, i.e., a pair of primary molded products 50, 51, are molded.

[0023] When the pair of primary molded products 50, 51 are cooled and solidified, a mold opening step S2 is performed as shown in Fig. 4. That is, the mold clamping device 7 is driven to open the mold 4. As shown in Fig. 3B, the first primary molded product 50 is left in the slide side recess 30, i.e., the recess on one side, and the second primary molded product 51 is left in the fixed side recess 40, i.e., the recess on the other side. The first and second primary molded products 50, 51 have joint end surfaces 50s, 51s, respectively.

[0024] Next, the melting step S3 is performed as shown in Fig. 4. First, as shown in Fig. 3C, the cylinder unit 26 is driven to slide the slide mold 25 to the second mold clamping position. Then, the first primary molded product 50 and the second primary molded product 51 face each other. That is, their respective joining end surfaces 50s and 51s face each other.

[0025] The clamping device 7 is driven to bring the joint end surfaces 50s, 51s of the pair of primary molded products 50, 51 close to each other as shown in FIG. 3D. The heater device 3 is driven to insert the heater 47 between the joint end surfaces 50s, 51s in a non-contact manner. The heater 47 is energized to melt the joint end surfaces 50s, 51s in a non-contact manner. Alternatively, the heater device 3 may be driven first to position the heater 3 between the joint end surfaces 50s, 51s, and then the clamping device 7 may be driven to bring the joint end surfaces 50s, 51s and the heater 47 close to each other. When the joint end surfaces 50s, 51s are melted by the heater 47, the drive unit 48 is driven to retract the heater 47.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the mold closing step S4 is performed. The mold is closed or clamped with the slide mold 25 in the second mold clamping position. Then, as shown in FIG. 3E, the slide side recess 30 of the slide mold 25, i.e., the recess on one side, and the fixed side recess 40 of the fixed side mold 24, i.e., the recess on the other side, form a secondary molding cavity. At this time, the pair of primary molded products 50, 51 are in a state in which their respective joining end faces 50s, 51s are slightly spaced apart in the secondary molding cavity. Because they are in a spaced apart state, the resin is not pushed out laterally from the molten joining end faces 50s, 51s and does not leak out to the parting line.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the press fusion step S5 is performed. As shown in FIG. 3E, the pressing means 6 is driven. That is, the hydraulic cylinder 34 is driven to press the slide member 33 into the core housing hole 27. Then, the slide core 28 is driven in the parting line direction by the action of the tapered surfaces 37, 38. This presses the pair of primary molded products 50, 51 against each other, and the joining end surfaces 50s, 51s are fused together. A molded product 53 is formed. Since the pressing means 6 presses the pair of primary molded products 50, 51, the pair of primary molded products 50, 51 can be reliably fused together. That is, the dimensional accuracy required for the primary molded products 50, 51 is relatively lenient, and stable molding can be achieved.

[0028] When the mold clamping device 7 is driven to open the mold 4, a molded product 53 is obtained as shown in Fig. 3F. At this time, the hydraulic cylinder 34 of the pressing means 6 is driven to slide the slide member 33 to its original position. Although not shown in the figure, the slide core 28 is provided with, for example, a spring or the like and is biased toward the back of the core storage hole 27. When the slide member 33 slides to its original position, the slide core 28 slides to the back of the core storage hole 27, in other words, in preparation for the next molding cycle. Thereafter, the molding cycle is repeated in the same manner.

[0029] [Second embodiment] <Injection molding machine system> The configuration of an injection molding machine system 1A according to the second embodiment is generally the same as that of the injection molding machine system according to the first embodiment, but differs from that of the first embodiment in terms of a mold 4. A mold 4A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5A.

[0030] <Mold> The mold 4A according to the second embodiment is also composed of a fixed side mold 24A and a slide mold 25A as shown in FIG. 5A. The members having the same functions as those of the mold 4 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) are denoted by the same numerals and letters. In the mold 4A according to the second embodiment, the slide mold 25A has first and second core storage holes 27A and 27a, into which the first and second slide cores 28A and 28a are respectively inserted. The first and second slide side recesses 30A and 30a are formed in the first and second slide cores 28A and 28a, respectively. The first and second slide side protrusions 31A and 31a are formed on both outer sides of the first and second slide cores 28A and 28a. On the other hand, the fixed side mold 24A has one fixed side protrusion 41 and first and second fixed side recesses 40A and 40a on both sides thereof.

[0031] Fig. 5B shows a top cross section of the mold 4A cut along the YY cross section in Fig. 5A. Of the first and second slide cores 28A and 28a, only the second slide core 28a is shown in Fig. 5B, but the slide mold 25A is provided with pressing means 6A and 6a corresponding to the first and second slide cores 28A and 28a, respectively, so that the first and second slide cores 28A and 28a are slid independently.

[0032] Incidentally, as will be described next, the mold 4A according to the second embodiment is also clamped at two different clamping positions. Regardless of which clamping position is used for clamping, one of the first and second slide-side protrusions 31A and 31a formed on the slide mold 25A will protrude to the side of the fixed mold 24A. Therefore, spaces 55 and 55 are provided on both sides of the fixed mold 24A so as not to interfere with the first and second slide-side protrusions 31A and 31a.

[0033] <Molding method for molded products> Using the injection molding machine system according to the second embodiment, a molding method that is a modification of the molding method according to the first embodiment can be carried out to efficiently mold molded products. This will be described.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6A, the mold 4A is clamped. Then, one primary molding cavity is formed from the first slide side recess 30A and the fixed side protrusion 41, and one from the first slide side protrusion 31A and the first fixed side recess 40A. That is, when viewed from the first slide side recess 30A, the fixed side protrusion 41, the first slide side protrusion 31A, and the first fixed side recess 40A, a primary molding cavity is formed, so that the mold is clamped at the first clamping position. Resin is injected from the injection device 9 to mold the first and second primary molded products 50A and 51A. That is, the injection molding process S1 (see FIG. 4) is performed. Note that a valve gate is adopted in the mold 4A according to the second embodiment, so that the cavity into which the resin is injected can be selected.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6B, the mold 4A is opened. That is, the mold opening step S2 (see FIG. 4) is performed. Then, the mold is opened with the first primary molded product 50A remaining in the first slide-side recess 30A, i.e., the recess on one side, and the second primary molded product 51A remaining in the first fixed-side recess 40A, i.e., the recess on the other side. The cylinder unit 26 is driven to slide the slide mold 25A. Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first primary molded product 50A and the second primary molded product 51A face each other through their respective joining end surfaces 50As, 51As.

[0036] Next, the melting step S3 (see FIG. 4) is performed. As shown in FIG. 6D, the mold clamping device 7 is driven to bring the joining end surfaces 50As, 51As of the first and second primary molded products 50A, 51A closer to each other. The heater device 3 is driven to melt the joining end surfaces 50As, 51As with the heater 47. Once the joining end surfaces 50As, 51As are melted, the drive unit 48 is driven to retract the heater 47.

[0037] The mold closing step S4 (see FIG. 4) is carried out. As shown in FIG. 6E, the mold clamping device 7 is driven to clamp the mold 4A. Then, the first slide side recess 30A and the first fixed side recess 40A form a secondary molding cavity. In other words, when viewed from the first slide side recess 30A and the first fixed side recess 40A, the secondary molding cavity is formed, and the mold is clamped at the second mold clamping position. In the secondary molding cavity, the first and second primary molded products 50A and 51A face each other with their respective joining end faces 50As and 51As slightly spaced apart.

[0038] The press fusion step S5 (see FIG. 4) is carried out. That is, as shown in FIG. 6F, the pressing means 6A is driven. That is, the slide member 33 is slid by the hydraulic cylinder 34. Then, the first slide core 28A slides, and the first and second primary molded products 50A, 51A are pressed against each other. The respective joining end surfaces 50As, 51As are fused to obtain the molded product 53A.

[0039] By the way, when the mold closing step S4 (see FIG. 4) is performed to clamp the mold 4A, the second slide side concave portion 30a and the fixed side convex portion 41, and the second slide side convex portion 31a and the second fixed side concave portion 40a form a primary molding cavity, as shown in FIG. 6E. In other words, when looking at the second slide side concave portion 30a, the fixed side convex portion 41, the second slide side convex portion 31a, and the second fixed side concave portion 40a, the primary molding cavity is formed, so the mold is clamped at the first mold clamping position. Resin is injected from the injection device 9 to mold the first and second primary molded products 50a and 51a. In this way, the injection molding step S1 can be performed in parallel with the pressing and fusing step S5.

[0040] When the mold 4A is opened, a molded product 53A is obtained, and the first and second primary molded products 50a and 51a remain in the second slide-side recess 30a and the second fixed-side recess 40a, respectively. Molding is performed in the same manner. In this way, in the molding method according to the second embodiment, the injection molding step S1 and the pressure fusion bonding step S5 can be performed substantially simultaneously, so molding can be performed efficiently.

[0041] [Third embodiment] <Injection molding machine system> The configuration of the injection molding machine system according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the injection molding machine system according to the second embodiment, and the injection molding process S1 and the press fusion process S5 are performed substantially simultaneously to efficiently mold a molded product. In the injection molding machine system according to the third embodiment, a mold is used in which one mold half slides rotationally relative to the other mold half. The mold 4B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B. Note that the members that perform the same functions as the mold 4 according to the first embodiment (see Figs. 2 and 3) and the mold 4A according to the second embodiment (Figs. 5A and 5B) will be described with the same reference numerals and letters.

[0042] <Mold> The mold 4B according to the third embodiment is composed of a fixed side mold 24B shown in FIG. 7A and a rotary mold 25B shown in FIG. 7B. FIG. 7A is a rear view of the fixed side mold 24B seen from the side opposite to the parting line, that is, the rear side. The fixed side mold 24B is circular, and has first and second fixed side recesses 40B, 40b, first and second fixed side protrusions 41B, 41b, and two spaces 55, 55 formed therein. The first and second fixed side recesses 40B, 40b, the first and second fixed side protrusions 41B, 41b, and the two spaces 55, 55 are equally spaced apart at 60 degrees from the center of the circle.

[0043] FIG. 7A shows the rotating mold 25B seen from the parting line. The rotating mold 25B is circular like the fixed mold 24B. The rotating mold 25B is designed to rotate and slide with the center of the circle as the center of rotation. In other words, it can be said to be a slide mold that rotates and slides. The rotating mold 25B has first and second core storage holes 27B, 27b, into which the first and second slide cores 28B, 28b are inserted to form the first and second slide side recesses 30B, 30b. The rotating mold 25B has first and second slide side protrusions 31B, 31b and two spaces 55, 55. The first and second slide side recesses 30B, 30b, the first and second slide side protrusions 31B, 31b, and the two spaces 55, 55 are arranged at equal intervals of 60 degrees from the center of the circle.

[0044] <Mold action> When the rotating mold 25B is in the rotation position shown in Fig. 7B and clamped with the fixed mold 24B, two primary molding cavities are formed, one from the first slide side recess 30B and the first fixed side protrusion 41B, and one from the first fixed side recess 40B and the first slide side protrusion 31B. Then, one secondary molding cavity is formed from the second slide side recess 30b and the second fixed side recess 40b. When resin is injected into the two primary molding cavities in the injection molding process S1 (see Fig. 4), two primary molded products are obtained.

[0045] The mold 4B is opened, and the rotary mold 25B is rotated 120 degrees as shown in FIG. 7C. When the mold 4B is clamped at this rotation position, a secondary molding cavity is formed from the first slide side recess 30B and the first fixed side recess 40B. Meanwhile, a total of two primary molding cavities are formed, one from the second slide side recess 30b and the second fixed side protrusion 41b, and one from the second fixed side recess 40b and the second slide side protrusion 31b. The press fusion step S5 (see FIG. 4) is performed in the secondary molding cavity, and the injection molding step S1 in which resin is injected into the two primary molding cavities is simultaneously performed, so that a molded product and a pair of primary molded products can be molded at the same time.

[0046] [Fourth embodiment] <Injection molding machine system> An injection molding machine system 1C according to the fourth embodiment is shown in Fig. 8. The injection molding machine system 1C according to the fourth embodiment is composed of a so-called twin-head injection molding machine 2C, two heater devices 3, 3, two sets of molds 4, 4, and pressing means 6, 6 provided on these two sets of molds 4, 4.

[0047] <Injection molding machine> An injection molding machine 2C according to the fourth embodiment is composed of a clamping device 7C provided on a bed BD and two injection devices 9C and 9c. The clamping device 7C has three platens. That is, the clamping device 7C has a fixed platen 12 fixed to the bed BD, a movable platen 58 slidable on the bed BD, and an intermediate platen 59 provided between the fixed platen 12C and the movable platen 58 and slidable on the bed BD. When a clamping mechanism (not shown) is driven, the fixed platen 12, the intermediate platen 59, and the movable platen 58 are clamped together. One of the two injection devices 9C and 9c is provided on the fixed platen 12, and the other is provided on the movable platen 58 side, and resin is injected from each of them.

[0048] <Mold> 8 and 9, in an injection molding machine 2C according to the fourth embodiment, one set of molds 4 is provided between a fixed platen 12 and an intermediate platen 59, and another set of molds 4 is provided between a movable platen 58 and an intermediate platen 59. These two sets of molds 4 are the same as the molds 4 described in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] In the fourth embodiment, two sets of molds 4, 4 are provided, and when the mold clamping unit 7A is clamped, the mold clamping force can be applied simultaneously, which is efficient. Furthermore, since injection molding can be performed by two injection units 9A, 9a and two heater units 3, 3 are provided, molded products can be efficiently produced.

[0050] [Fifth embodiment] <Injection molding machine system> 10 shows an injection molding machine system 1D according to the fifth embodiment. The injection molding machine 2 of this injection molding machine system 1D has the same configuration as the injection molding machine 2 in the first embodiment. The mold 4D provided in the injection molding machine 2 is a so-called stack mold. The injection molding machine system 1D according to the fifth embodiment is provided with two heater devices 3D, 3d.

[0051] <Mold> A mold 4D according to the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. The mold 4D includes a fixed-side mounting plate 62 attached to the fixed platen 12, a movable-side mounting plate 63 attached to the movable platen 14, and an intermediate plate 64. In the fifth embodiment, the mold 4D has a structure in which two sets of molds 4', 4' substantially equivalent to the mold 4 described as the first embodiment in FIG. 2 are provided. That is, the first set of molds 4' is provided between the fixed-side mounting plate 62 and the intermediate plate 64, the fixed-side mold 24 is attached to the fixed-side mounting plate 62, and the slide mold 25 is attached to the intermediate plate 64. The second set of molds 4' is provided between the intermediate plate 64 and the movable-side mounting plate 63, the fixed-side mold 24 is attached to the intermediate plate 64, and the slide mold 25 is attached to the movable-side mounting plate 63.

[0052] The fixed-side mounting plate 62 is provided with a plurality of guide rods 66, 66, and the intermediate plate 64 is provided so as to be able to slide freely by these guide rods 66, 66. In other words, the intermediate plate 64 is adapted to slide in the direction toward and away from the fixed-side mounting plate 62.

[0053] The mold 4D is provided with a rack and pinion mechanism 68. The rack and pinion mechanism 68 is composed of a pinion 69 rotatably provided on the intermediate plate 64, a first rack 71 fixed to the fixed side mounting plate 62, and a second rack 72 fixed to the movable side mounting plate 63. The first and second racks 71 and 72 are engaged with the pinion 69. Therefore, when the movable platen 14 is driven to slide the movable side mounting plate 63, the intermediate plate 64 slides in conjunction with the pinion 69. That is, the two sets of molds 4', 4' are opened and closed simultaneously. Therefore, the fifth embodiment can also efficiently mold molded products, similar to the fourth embodiment.

[0054] [Sixth embodiment] <Injection molding machine system> A part of an injection molding machine system 1E according to the sixth embodiment is shown in Fig. 12A. In the configuration of the injection molding machine system 1E according to the sixth embodiment, a mold 4E is partially modified and a pressing means 6E is modified compared to the configuration of the injection molding machine system 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figs. 1 and 2). In the mold 4E, a rod hole 74 is opened in the bottom surface of the core storage hole 27 in a slide mold 25E. The pressing means 6E is composed of a hydraulic cylinder 75 provided on the movable platen 14, and its piston rod 76 penetrates the movable platen 14.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 12A, when the slide mold 25E is at the first mold clamping position, the slide core 28 is in contact with the bottom surface of the core storage hole 27. When the mold is clamped in this state to perform the injection molding step S1 (see Fig. 4), the injection pressure acting on the slide core 28 can be received by the bottom surface of the core storage hole 27. When the slide mold 25E is placed at the second mold clamping position by driving the cylinder unit 26, the rod hole 74 is aligned with the piston rod 76 as shown in Fig. 12B. When the piston rod 76 is driven by the hydraulic cylinder 75, the slide core 30 can be driven. This allows the press fusion step S5 (Fig. 4) to be performed.

[0056] [Seventh embodiment] <Injection molding machine system> A part of the injection molding machine system 1F according to the seventh embodiment is shown in FIG. 13A. In the configuration of the injection molding machine system 1F according to the seventh embodiment, the pressing means 6F is deformed with respect to the configuration of the injection molding machine system 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), and the slide mold 25F of the mold 4F is also deformed accordingly. The slide core 28F constituting the pressing means 6F is formed with legs 78, 78, and is in contact with the bottom surface of the core storage hole 27. A spring 79 is provided between the slide core 28F and the core storage hole 27, and the slide core 28F is biased in the parting line direction. A hole with a tapered surface 81 is formed in the slide core 28F, and a slide member 33F with a tapered surface 82 is inserted into the hole.

[0057] When the hydraulic cylinder 34 of the pressing means 6F is driven to push in the slide member 33F, the state shown in Fig. 13A is reached. At this time, the legs 78, 78 of the slide core 28F are in contact with the bottom surface of the core receiving hole 27. Therefore, when the injection molding step S1 (see Fig. 4) is performed, the slide core 28F can withstand the injection pressure. On the other hand, when the hydraulic cylinder 34 is driven to move the slide member 33F backward, the slide core 28F is driven in the parting line direction by the action of the tapered surfaces 81, 82 and the biasing force of the spring 79, as shown in Fig. 13B. This allows the press fusion step S5 (see Fig. 4) to be performed.

[0058] <Other Modifications> The injection molding machine systems 1, 1A, ... and the molding method of the molded products according to the first to seventh embodiments can be modified in various ways. For example, in the injection molding machine system 1A according to the second embodiment (see Figs. 5A and 5B), the mold 4A can be modified to provide three or more slide cores 28A, 28a and form three or more slide side recesses 30A, 30a. In this case, three or more slide side convex portions 31A, 31a are provided, two or more fixed side convex portions 41 are provided, and three or more fixed side recesses 40A, 40a are provided. In this way, two or more molded products can be molded simultaneously in one molding cycle.

[0059] Also, for example, in the injection molding machine system 1C according to the fourth embodiment (see Figs. 8 and 9), it is possible to have four or more mold platens that are clamped together, and four or more sets of molds 4, 4, ... that are clamped simultaneously. Similarly, in the injection molding machine system 1D according to the fifth embodiment (see Figs. 10 and 11), it is possible to modify the mold 4D consisting of a stack mold so that three or more sets of molds 4', 4', ... are provided. In any modification, it is possible to increase the number of molded products that can be molded in one molding cycle.

[0060] In the second embodiment (see FIG. 5A), the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 8), and the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 10), two slide-side recesses 30A, 30, ... are provided, and two fixed-side recesses 40A, 40, ... are provided. These do not necessarily have to have the same shape. In other words, the shapes may be changed to form two different types of molded products.

[0061] The pressing means 6 can also be modified. For example, in the injection molding machine system 1E according to the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 12A), the pressing means 6E is configured from a hydraulic cylinder 75, and the slide core 28 is driven by a piston rod 76. This pressing means 6E may be configured from an ejector rod of an ejector device. That is, the slide core 28 is driven by the ejector rod. The rack and pinion mechanism 68 in the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 11) can also be modified. That is, the rack and pinion mechanism 68 can be replaced by another mechanism having an equivalent function. An example of the replacement means is a link mechanism.

[0062] The heating means can also be modified. The heating means has been described as being made up of the heater 47 that heats in a non-contact manner using infrared rays, but it is also possible to configure the heater from, for example, a heated metal plate or the like and heat by contact. In this case, the heater is brought into contact with the respective joining end surfaces 50s, 51s of the first and second primary molded products 50, 51 (see FIG. 3D) to directly melt them.

[0063] The molding method can also be modified. In the molding method according to the first embodiment, the melting step S3 has been described as being performed with the slide mold 25 at the second mold clamping position. However, the melting step S3 may be performed with the slide mold 25 at the first mold clamping position. The slide mold 25 may be moved to the second mold clamping position during the mold closing step S4.

[0064] Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiment, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment already described, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. The above-described examples may be implemented in appropriate combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Injection molding machine system 2 Injection molding machine 3 Heater device 4 Mold 6 Pressing means 7 Clamping device 9 Injection device 12 Fixed platen 13 Clamping housing 14 Movable platen 16 Tie bar 18 toggle mechanism 20 heating cylinder 21 screw 22 injection nozzle 24 Fixed side mold 25 Slide mold 26 Cylinder unit 27 Core storage hole 28 Slide core 30 Slide side recess 31 Slide side protrusion 33 Slide member 37 Tapered surface 38 Tapered surface 40 Fixed side concave portion 41 Fixed side convex portion 42 Runner 47 Heater 48 Drive unit 50 First primary molded product 51 Second primary molded product 50s joint end face 51s joint end face 53 Molded product 55 Space 58 Movable plate 59 Intermediate plate 62 Fixed side mounting plate 63 Movable side mounting plate 64 Intermediate plate 66 Guide rod 68 Rack and pinion mechanism 69 Pinion 71 1st rack 72 2nd rack 75 Hydraulic cylinder 76 Piston rod 78 Legs 79 Springs BD Bed

Claims

1. An injection molding machine; A mold provided in the injection molding machine; A heating means; A pressing means, The mold is configured so that one mold half is slid relatively to the other mold half and is clamped at two or more mold clamping positions including a first clamping position and a second clamping position, The one mold half is provided with at least one one-side recess in which the pressing means is provided, and the other mold half is provided with at least one other-side recess; the one-side recess is formed in a slide core, and the slide core is housed in a core housing hole formed in the one die half; When the mold is clamped at the first clamping position, at least one primary molding cavity is formed from the one-side recess, and at least one primary molding cavity is formed from the other-side recess, When the mold is closed or clamped at a second mold clamping position, a secondary molding cavity is formed from the one-side recess and the other-side recess, The primary molding cavity is for molding a primary molded product having a joining end surface by injection molding, the heating means is for melting the joining end surfaces of the primary molded product placed in the one-side recess and the primary molded product placed in the other-side recess, the pressing means drives the slide core in the secondary molding cavity in a direction perpendicular to a parting line of the mold to press the primary molded product which has been placed in the one-side recess and has the joining end surface melted, thereby fusing the primary molded product to the primary molded product which has been placed in the other-side recess and has the joining end surface melted.

2. 2. The injection molding system according to claim 1, wherein the heating means comprises a heater that irradiates infrared rays to melt the joining end faces in a non-contact manner.

3. 3. The injection molding machine system according to claim 1, wherein the one mold half is linearly slid relative to the other mold half and is clamped at two or more clamping positions including the first and second clamping positions depending on the sliding position.

4. 3. The injection molding machine system according to claim 1, wherein the one mold half is rotationally slid relative to the other mold half and is clamped at two or more clamping positions including the first and second clamping positions depending on a rotational position.

5. 5. The injection molding machine system according to claim 1, wherein the pressing means comprises a slide member that slides parallel to a parting line of the mold, a back surface of the slide core and a surface of the slide member are each formed into a tapered surface, and the tapered surfaces are in sliding contact with each other.

6. 5. The injection molding machine system according to claim 1, wherein the pressing means comprises an ejector rod, and the slide core is driven by the ejector rod.

7. The injection molding machine includes three or more mold plates that are clamped together, 7. The injection molding machine system according to claim 1, wherein the mold is provided for each of any two adjacent mold plates.

8. The injection molding machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mold is a stack mold clamped at parting lines on a plurality of surfaces, and the one mold half and the other mold half are provided on each of the parting lines on the plurality of surfaces that are aligned when the mold is clamped.

9. the injection molding machine system includes a control unit, and the control unit controls an injection molding process of sliding the one mold half relative to the other mold half to clamp the mold at the first clamping position and injecting into the primary molding cavity to mold two or more of the primary molded products; a melting step of opening the mold and melting the joining end surfaces of the primary molded product left in the one-side recess and the primary molded product left in the other-side recess by the heating means; a mold closing step of sliding the one mold half relative to the other mold half to the second clamping position and closing or clamping the mold to form the secondary molding cavity; and a press fusion process for pressing the pair of primary molded products placed in the secondary molding cavity together with the pressing means to fuse the joining end faces together to obtain a molded product.

10. 10. The injection molding machine system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured to carry out the pressure fusion process and the injection molding process in parallel and substantially simultaneously, and when the molded product is obtained from a pair of the primary molded products by the pressure fusion process, another pair of the primary molded products is molded by the injection molding process.

11. One mold half is slid relative to the other mold half to be clamped at two or more clamping positions including a first clamping position and a second clamping position; The one mold half is provided with at least one one-side recess provided with a pressing means, and the other mold half is provided with at least one other-side recess; the one-side recess is formed in a slide core, and the slide core is housed in a core housing hole formed in the one die half; when the one mold half and the other mold half are clamped at the first clamping position, at least one primary molding cavity is formed from the one-side recess, and at least one primary molding cavity is formed from the other-side recess, When the one mold half and the other mold half are clamped at a second clamping position, a secondary molding cavity is formed from the one-side recess and the other-side recess, the primary molding cavity is for molding a primary molded product having a joining end surface by injection molding, The pressing means is for driving the slide core in the secondary molding cavity in a direction perpendicular to the parting line of one of the mold halves to press the primary molded product placed in the one-side recess against the primary molded product placed in the other-side recess.

12. An injection molding machine; A mold provided in the injection molding machine; A heating means; A pressing means, The mold is configured so that one mold half is slid relatively to the other mold half and is clamped at two or more mold clamping positions including a first clamping position and a second clamping position, The one mold half is provided with at least one one-side recess in which the pressing means is provided, and the other mold half is provided with at least one other-side recess; the one-side recess is formed in a slide core, and the slide core is housed in a core housing hole formed in the one die half; When the mold is clamped at the first clamping position, at least one primary molding cavity is formed from the one-side recess, and at least one primary molding cavity is formed from the other-side recess, A molding method for molding a molded product in an injection molding machine system, wherein when the mold is clamped at a second clamping position, a secondary molding cavity is formed from the one-side recess and the other-side recess, The molding method includes an injection molding step of clamping the mold at the first clamping position and injecting resin into two or more of the primary molding cavities to mold two or more primary molded products having joint end surfaces; a mold opening process in which the mold is opened so that at least one of the primary molded products is left in the one-side recess and one of the primary molded products is left in the other-side recess; a melting step of melting the joining end surfaces of the two or more primary molded products by the heating means; a mold closing process in which the heating means is withdrawn, the mold is closed or clamped at the second mold clamping position, and one of the primary molded products placed in the one-side recess and the primary molded product placed in the other-side recess are aligned within the secondary molding cavity; and a press fusion step in which the slide core is driven by the pressing means in a direction perpendicular to a parting line of the mold to press the primary molded product placed in the one-side recess against the primary molded product placed in the other-side recess to fuse the joining end faces of each other and obtain a molded product.

Images