Injection molding machine

Abstract

To provide a technique for reducing a time until stabilization of a temperature of a fixed platen or a movable platen.SOLUTION: An injection molding machine includes: a fixed platen to which a fixed mold is attached; a pair of support members supporting the fixed platen; a heat transfer member thermally connecting the pair of support members; a frame to which the heat transfer member is attached; and a restriction member provided between the heat transfer member and the frame to limit heat transfer from the heat transfer member to the frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection molding machine.

Background Art

[0002] The injection molding machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a clamping device for clamping a mold device. The clamping device has a fixed platen to which a fixed mold is attached and a fixed platen pedestal that supports the fixed platen. The fixed platen pedestal has a U-shaped shape when viewed in the mold opening and closing direction and is composed of a seat plate and a pair of columns. The pair of columns support both side portions of the fixed platen.

[0003] The injection molding machine described in Patent Document 2 includes a clamping device for clamping a mold device. The clamping device has a movable platen to which a movable mold is attached, a pair of support members that support the movable platen, and a base plate to which the lower ends of the pair of support members are fixed. A linear bearing is attached to the lower surface of the base plate, and the linear bearing travels on a guide rail on the machine table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The injection molding machine repeatedly performs an operation of manufacturing a molded product. The molded products manufactured from the start of the operation until the temperature of the injection molding machine stabilizes are discarded as defective products. The operation of manufacturing the molded products discarded as defective products is called a waste shot.

[0006] Conventionally, the heat of the mold device easily escapes to the frame of the injection molding machine, and the time until the temperature of the fixed platen or the movable platen stabilizes has been long.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a technique for shortening the time it takes for the temperature of a fixed platen or a movable platen to stabilize. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An injection molding machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a fixed platen to which a fixed mold is attached, a pair of support members that support the fixed platen, a heat transfer member that thermally connects the pair of support members, a frame to which the heat transfer member is attached, and a limiting member provided between the heat transfer member and the frame to limit the transfer of heat from the heat transfer member to the frame. The pair of support members are separate from the heat transfer member. The heat transfer member has a higher thermal conductivity than the pair of support members.

[0009] An injection molding machine according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a movable platen to which a movable mold is attached, a pair of support members that support the movable platen, a heat transfer member that thermally connects the pair of support members, a frame to which the heat transfer member is movably mounted, and a cooling unit that removes heat from the heat transfer member. The pair of support members are separate from the heat transfer member. The heat transfer member has a higher thermal conductivity than the pair of support members. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer from the heat transfer member to the frame is restricted by a limiting member. This prevents heat from the fixed mold from escaping to the frame of the injection molding machine, thereby shortening the time it takes for the temperature of the fixed platen to stabilize.

[0011] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the cooling unit removes heat from the heat transfer member. This prevents heat from the movable mold from escaping to the frame of the injection molding machine, thereby shortening the time it takes for the temperature of the movable platen to stabilize. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the state of an injection molding machine upon completion of mold opening according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows the state of an injection molding machine during mold clamping according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a fixed platen and its surrounding components. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a movable platen and its surrounding components. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0014] (injection molding machine) Figure 1 shows the state of an injection molding machine when the mold opening is complete according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows the state of the injection molding machine when the mold is clamped according to one embodiment. In this specification, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis direction and Y-axis direction represent the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction. When the mold clamping device 100 is horizontal, the X-axis direction is the mold opening and closing direction, and the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the injection molding machine 10. The negative side in the Y-axis direction is called the operating side, and the positive side in the Y-axis direction is called the non-operating side.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the injection molding machine 10 includes a clamping device 100 for opening and closing the mold device 800, an ejector device 200 for ejecting the molded product formed in the mold device 800, an injection device 300 for injecting molding material into the mold device 800, a moving device 400 for moving the injection device 300 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800, a control device 700 for controlling each component of the injection molding machine 10, and a frame 900 for supporting each component of the injection molding machine 10. The frame 900 includes a clamping device frame 910 for supporting the clamping device 100 and an injection device frame 920 for supporting the injection device 300. The clamping device frame 910 and the injection device frame 920 are each installed on the floor 2 via leveling adjusters 930. The control device 700 is located in the internal space of the injection device frame 920. The components of the injection molding machine 10 will be described below.

[0016] (Molding clamping device) In the description of the molding clamping device 100, the moving direction of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is defined as the front, and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 when the mold is opened (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is defined as the rear for the description.

[0017] The molding clamping device 100 performs mold closing, pressure boosting, mold clamping, pressure release, and mold opening of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 includes a fixed mold 810 and a movable mold 820.

[0018] The molding clamping device 100 is, for example, a horizontal type, and the mold opening / closing direction is a horizontal direction. The molding clamping device 100 has a fixed platen 110 to which the fixed mold 810 is attached, a movable platen 120 to which the movable mold 820 is attached, and a moving mechanism 102 that moves the movable platen 120 in the mold opening / closing direction with respect to the fixed platen 110.

[0019] The fixed platen 110 is fixed to the molding clamping device frame 910. The fixed mold 810 is attached to the opposing surface of the fixed platen 110 with respect to the movable platen 120.

[0020] The movable platen 120 is arranged to be movable in the mold opening / closing direction with respect to the molding clamping device frame 910. A guide 101 for guiding the movable platen 120 is laid on the molding clamping device frame 910. The movable mold 820 is attached to the opposing surface of the movable platen 120 with respect to the fixed platen 110.

[0021] The moving mechanism 102 performs mold closing, pressure increasing, mold clamping, depressurization, and mold opening of the mold device 800 by moving the movable platen 120 forward and backward relative to the fixed platen 110. The moving mechanism 102 includes a toggle support 130 positioned at a distance from the fixed platen 110, a tie bar 140 connecting the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130, a toggle mechanism 150 that moves the movable platen 120 in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the toggle support 130, a mold clamping motor 160 that operates the toggle mechanism 150, a motion conversion mechanism 170 that converts the rotational motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into linear motion, and a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 that adjusts the distance between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130.

[0022] The toggle support 130 is positioned at a distance from the fixed platen 110 and is mounted on the mold clamping device frame 910 so as to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction. The toggle support 130 may also be positioned so as to be movable along a guide laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. The guide for the toggle support 130 may be the same as the guide 101 for the movable platen 120.

[0023] In this embodiment, the fixed platen 110 is fixed to the clamping device frame 910, and the toggle support 130 is arranged to be movable relative to the clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction. However, the toggle support 130 may be fixed to the clamping device frame 910, and the fixed platen 110 may be arranged to be movable relative to the clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0024] The tie bars 140 connect the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 at a distance L in the mold opening and closing direction. Multiple tie bars 140 (for example, four) may be used. Multiple tie bars 140 are arranged parallel to the mold opening and closing direction and stretch in accordance with the clamping force. At least one tie bar 140 may be provided with a tie bar strain detector 141 that detects the strain of the tie bar 140. The tie bar strain detector 141 sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the tie bar strain detector 141 is used for detecting the clamping force, etc.

[0025] In this embodiment, a tie bar strain detector 141 is used as a clamping force detector to detect the clamping force, but the present invention is not limited to this. The clamping force detector is not limited to strain gauge type, but may be piezoelectric, capacitive, hydraulic, electromagnetic, etc., and its mounting position is not limited to the tie bar 140.

[0026] The toggle mechanism 150 is positioned between the movable platen 120 and the toggle support 130, and moves the movable platen 120 in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the toggle support 130. The toggle mechanism 150 has a crosshead 151 that moves in the mold opening and closing direction, and a pair of link groups that bend and extend as the crosshead 151 moves. Each of the link groups has a first link 152 and a second link 153 that are bendable and extendable connected by a pin or the like. The first link 152 is pivotably attached to the movable platen 120 by a pin or the like. The second link 153 is pivotably attached to the toggle support 130 by a pin or the like. The second link 153 is attached to the crosshead 151 via a third link 154. When the crosshead 151 moves forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130, the first link 152 and the second link 153 bend and extend, and the movable platen 120 moves forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130.

[0027] Furthermore, the configuration of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, each link group has five nodes, but it may also have four, and one end of the third link 154 may be connected to the node between the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0028] The clamping motor 160 is attached to the toggle support 130 and operates the toggle mechanism 150. The clamping motor 160 moves the crosshead 151 forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130, thereby bending and extending the first link 152 and the second link 153, and moving the movable platen 120 forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130. The clamping motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but it may also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt, pulley, or the like.

[0029] The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotational motion of the clamping motor 160 into the linear motion of the crosshead 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 includes a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. A ball or roller may be interposed between the screw shaft and the screw nut.

[0030] The mold clamping device 100 performs processes such as mold closing, pressure boosting, mold clamping, depressurization, and mold opening under the control of the control device 700.

[0031] In the mold closing process, the clamping motor 160 is driven to advance the crosshead 151 to the mold closing completion position at a set movement speed, thereby advancing the movable platen 120 and bringing the movable mold 820 into contact with the fixed mold 810. The position and movement speed of the crosshead 151 are detected using, for example, a clamping motor encoder 161. The clamping motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the clamping motor 160 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700.

[0032] Furthermore, the crosshead position detector for detecting the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the crosshead 151 are not limited to the clamping motor encoder 161, and general-purpose devices can be used. Similarly, the movable platen position detector for detecting the position of the movable platen 120 and the movable platen speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the clamping motor encoder 161, and general-purpose devices can be used.

[0033] In the boosting process, the clamping motor 160 is further driven to advance the crosshead 151 from the closed position to the clamping position, thereby generating clamping force.

[0034] In the clamping process, the clamping motor 160 is driven to maintain the position of the crosshead 151 in the clamping position. In the clamping process, the clamping force generated in the pressurization process is maintained. In the clamping process, a cavity space 801 (see Figure 2) is formed between the movable mold 820 and the fixed mold 810, and the injection unit 300 fills the cavity space 801 with liquid molding material. A molded product is obtained when the filled molding material solidifies.

[0035] The number of cavity spaces 801 may be one or more. In the latter case, multiple molded products can be obtained simultaneously. An insert material may be placed in part of the cavity space 801, and the molding material may be filled in the other part of the cavity space 801. A molded product in which the insert material and the molding material are integrated is obtained.

[0036] In the depressurization process, the clamping motor 160 is driven to retract the crosshead 151 from the clamping position to the mold opening start position, thereby retracting the movable platen 120 and reducing the clamping force. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position may be the same position.

[0037] In the mold opening process, the clamping motor 160 is driven to retract the crosshead 151 from the mold opening start position to the mold opening completion position at a set movement speed, thereby retracting the movable platen 120 and separating the movable mold 820 from the fixed mold 810. Subsequently, the ejector device 200 ejects the molded product from the movable mold 820.

[0038] The setting conditions for the mold closing process, the pressure boosting process, and the mold clamping process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151 (including the mold closing start position, movement speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold clamping position), and the mold clamping force in the mold closing process and the pressure boosting process are set together as a series of setting conditions. The mold closing start position, movement speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold clamping position are arranged in this order from rear to front and represent the start and end points of the section in which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. There may be no movement speed switching positions. The mold clamping position and the mold clamping force may be set individually or individually.

[0039] The setting conditions for the depressurization process and the mold opening process are set similarly. For example, the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151 in the depressurization process and the mold opening process (mold opening start position, movement speed switching position, and mold opening completion position) are set together as a series of setting conditions. The mold opening start position, movement speed switching position, and mold opening completion position are arranged in this order from front to back and represent the start and end points of the sections in which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. There may be no movement speed switching positions. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position may be the same position. Also, the mold opening completion position and the mold closing start position may be the same position.

[0040] Furthermore, instead of the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151, the movement speed and position of the movable platen 120 may be set. Also, instead of the position of the crosshead 151 (e.g., the clamping position) or the position of the movable platen 120, the clamping force may be set.

[0041] Incidentally, the toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the clamping motor 160 and transmits it to the movable platen 120. This amplification ratio is also called the toggle ratio. The toggle ratio changes depending on the angle θ between the first link 152 and the second link 153 (hereinafter also referred to as the "link angle θ"). The link angle θ can be determined from the position of the crosshead 151. The toggle ratio is maximized when the link angle θ is 180°.

[0042] If the thickness of the mold device 800 changes due to replacement of the mold device 800 or a change in the temperature of the mold device 800, the mold thickness is adjusted so that a predetermined clamping force is obtained during mold clamping. In mold thickness adjustment, for example, the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 is adjusted so that the link angle θ of the toggle mechanism 150 becomes a predetermined angle at the time of mold touch when the movable mold 820 touches the fixed mold 810.

[0043] The mold clamping device 100 has a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the mold thickness by adjusting the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130. The timing of the mold thickness adjustment is, for example, between the end of one molding cycle and the start of the next molding cycle. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 includes, for example, a screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end of the tie bar 140, a screw nut 182 that is rotatably and immovably held by the toggle support 130, and a mold thickness adjustment motor 183 that rotates the screw nut 182 that is screwed onto the screw shaft 181.

[0044] A screw shaft 181 and screw nut 182 are provided for each tie bar 140. The rotational driving force of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 may be transmitted to multiple screw nuts 182 via a rotational driving force transmission unit 185. Multiple screw nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously. It is also possible to rotate multiple screw nuts 182 individually by changing the transmission path of the rotational driving force transmission unit 185.

[0045] The rotational drive force transmission unit 185 is composed of, for example, gears. In this case, driven gears are formed on the outer circumference of each screw nut 182, a drive gear is attached to the output shaft of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183, and an intermediate gear that meshes with the multiple driven gears and the drive gear is rotatably held in the center of the toggle support 130. Note that the rotational drive force transmission unit 185 may be composed of a belt or pulley instead of gears.

[0046] The operation of the mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 is controlled by the control device 700. The control device 700 drives the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 to rotate the screw nut 182. As a result, the position of the toggle support 130 relative to the tie bar 140 is adjusted, and the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 is adjusted. Multiple mold thickness adjustment mechanisms may be used in combination.

[0047] The interval L is detected using the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184. The mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 detects the amount and direction of rotation of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 is used to monitor and control the position and interval L of the toggle support 130. Note that the toggle support position detector for detecting the position of the toggle support 130 and the interval detector for detecting the interval L are not limited to the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184, but general-purpose devices can be used.

[0048] The clamping device 100 may have a mold temperature controller that adjusts the temperature of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 has a flow path for a temperature-controlled medium inside it. The mold temperature controller adjusts the temperature of the mold device 800 by adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled medium supplied to the flow path of the mold device 800.

[0049] In this embodiment, the mold clamping device 100 is a horizontal type in which the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal, but it may also be a vertical type in which the mold opening and closing direction is vertical.

[0050] In this embodiment, the clamping device 100 has a clamping motor 160 as a drive unit, but a hydraulic cylinder may be used instead of the clamping motor 160. Furthermore, the clamping device 100 may have a linear motor for opening and closing the mold, and an electromagnet for clamping the mold.

[0051] (Ejector device) In describing the ejector device 200, similar to the description of the clamping device 100, the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is described as forward, and the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is open (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is described as backward.

[0052] The ejector device 200 is attached to the movable platen 120 and moves back and forth together with the movable platen 120. The ejector device 200 includes an ejector rod 210 that ejects the molded product from the mold device 800 and a drive mechanism 220 that moves the ejector rod 210 in the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 (in the X-axis direction).

[0053] The ejector rod 210 is positioned to move back and forth within a through-hole in the movable platen 120. The front end of the ejector rod 210 contacts the ejector plate 826 of the movable mold 820. The front end of the ejector rod 210 may or may not be connected to the ejector plate 826.

[0054] The drive mechanism 220 includes, for example, an ejector motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the ejector motor into the linear motion of the ejector rod 210. The motion conversion mechanism includes a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. A ball or roller may be interposed between the screw shaft and the screw nut.

[0055] The ejector device 200 performs the ejection process under the control of the control device 700. In the ejection process, the ejector rod 210 is advanced from the standby position to the ejection position at a set travel speed, thereby advancing the ejector plate 826 and ejecting the molded product. Subsequently, the ejector motor is driven to retract the ejector rod 210 at a set travel speed, retracting the ejector plate 826 back to its original standby position.

[0056] The position and speed of the ejector rod 210 are detected, for example, using an ejector motor encoder. The ejector motor encoder detects the rotation of the ejector motor and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. Note that the ejector rod position detector, which detects the position of the ejector rod 210, and the ejector rod speed detector, which detects the speed of the ejector rod 210, are not limited to ejector motor encoders, but general-purpose devices can be used.

[0057] (injection device) In the description of the injection device 300, unlike the descriptions of the clamping device 100 and the ejector device 200, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is described as forward, and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is described as backward.

[0058] The injection device 300 is mounted on a slide base 301, which is positioned to move back and forth relative to the injection device frame 920. The injection device 300 is positioned to move back and forth relative to the mold device 800. The injection device 300 touches the mold device 800 and fills the cavity space 801 within the mold device 800 with molding material. The injection device 300 includes, for example, a cylinder 310 for heating the molding material, a nozzle 320 provided at the front end of the cylinder 310, a screw 330 positioned within the cylinder 310 to move back and forth and to rotate, a metering motor 340 for rotating the screw 330, an injection motor 350 for moving the screw 330 back and forth, and a load detector 360 for detecting the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330.

[0059] Cylinder 310 heats the molding material supplied to its interior from the supply port 311. The molding material includes, for example, resin. The molding material is formed, for example, into pellets and supplied to the supply port 311 in a solid state. The supply port 311 is formed at the rear of cylinder 310. A cooler 312, such as a water-cooled cylinder, is provided on the outer circumference of the rear of cylinder 310. In front of the cooler 312, a first heater 313, such as a band heater, and a first temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer circumference of cylinder 310.

[0060] The cylinder 310 is divided into multiple zones along its axial direction (for example, the X-axis direction). A first heater 313 and a first temperature detector 314 are provided in each of the multiple zones. A set temperature is set for each of the multiple zones, and the control device 700 controls the first heater 313 so that the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0061] The nozzle 320 is located at the front end of the cylinder 310 and is pressed against the mold device 800. A second heater 323 and a second temperature detector 324 are provided on the outer circumference of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the second heater 323 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 reaches the set temperature.

[0062] The screw 330 is rotatably and reciprocally positioned within the cylinder 310. When the screw 330 is rotated, the molding material is fed forward along the helical groove of the screw 330. As the molding material is fed forward, it is gradually melted by the heat from the cylinder 310. As the liquid molding material is fed forward to the screw 330 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. Then, when the screw 330 is advanced, the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is injected from the nozzle 320 and filled into the mold device 800.

[0063] A backflow prevention ring 331 is mounted on the front of the screw 330 so as to be able to move back and forth, acting as a backflow prevention valve to prevent backflow of the molding material from the front to the rear of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is pushed forward.

[0064] When the screw 330 is advanced, the backflow prevention ring 331 is pushed backward by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330, and retracts relative to the screw 330 to a closed position (see Figure 2) that blocks the flow path of the molding material. This prevents the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 from flowing backward.

[0065] On the other hand, when the screw 330 is rotated, the backflow prevention ring 331 is pushed forward by the pressure of the molding material being sent forward along the helical groove of the screw 330, and moves relative to the screw 330 to an open position (see Figure 1) that opens the flow path of the molding material. As a result, the molding material is sent forward of the screw 330.

[0066] The backflow prevention ring 331 may be either a co-rotating type that rotates together with the screw 330, or a non-co-rotating type that does not rotate together with the screw 330.

[0067] Furthermore, the injection device 300 may have a drive source that moves the backflow prevention ring 331 back and forth between an open position and a closed position relative to the screw 330.

[0068] The metering motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source for rotating the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340; for example, a hydraulic pump or the like may also be used.

[0069] The injection motor 350 moves the screw 330 forward and backward. Between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330, there is a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the injection motor 350 into the linear motion of the screw 330. The motion conversion mechanism has, for example, a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. Balls or rollers may be provided between the screw shaft and the screw nut. The drive source for moving the screw 330 forward and backward is not limited to the injection motor 350, but may also be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder.

[0070] The load detector 360 detects the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The detected load is converted into pressure by the control device 700. The load detector 360 is installed in the load transmission path between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330 and detects the load acting on the load detector 360.

[0071] The load detector 360 sends a signal of the detected load to the control device 700. The load detected by the load detector 360 is converted into pressure acting between the screw 330 and the molding material, and is used for controlling and monitoring the pressure the screw 330 receives from the molding material, the back pressure on the screw 330, and the pressure acting from the screw 330 on the molding material.

[0072] Furthermore, the pressure detector used to detect the pressure of the molding material is not limited to the load detector 360, but a general-purpose one can be used. For example, a nozzle pressure sensor or an in-mold pressure sensor may be used. The nozzle pressure sensor is installed in the nozzle 320. The in-mold pressure sensor is installed inside the mold device 800.

[0073] The injection device 300 performs processes such as metering, filling, and holding pressure under the control of the control device 700. The filling and holding pressure processes may be collectively referred to as the injection process.

[0074] In the metering process, the metering motor 340 is driven to rotate the screw 330 at a set rotational speed, and the molding material is fed forward along the helical groove of the screw 330. As this occurs, the molding material is gradually melted. As the liquid molding material is fed forward by the screw 330 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. The rotational speed of the screw 330 is detected, for example, using a metering motor encoder 341. The metering motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the metering motor 340 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. Note that the screw rotational speed detector for detecting the rotational speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341, and a general-purpose one can be used.

[0075] In the weighing process, the injection motor 350 may be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330 in order to limit the rapid retraction of the screw 330. The back pressure on the screw 330 is detected, for example, using a load detector 360. The weighing process is completed when the screw 330 has retracted to the weighing completion position and a predetermined amount of molding material has accumulated in front of the screw 330.

[0076] The position and rotational speed of the screw 330 in the metering process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the metering start position, rotational speed switching position, and metering completion position are set. These positions are arranged in this order from front to back and represent the start and end points of the sections in which the rotational speed is set. The rotational speed is set for each section. There may be one or more rotational speed switching positions. The rotational speed switching positions may not be set. In addition, back pressure is set for each section.

[0077] In the filling process, the injection motor 350 is driven to advance the screw 330 at a set speed, filling the cavity space 801 in the mold device 800 with the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330. The position and speed of the screw 330 are detected, for example, using an injection motor encoder 351. The injection motor encoder 351 detects the rotation of the injection motor 350 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. When the position of the screw 330 reaches the set position, a switchover from the filling process to the holding pressure process (so-called V / P switching) occurs. The position at which the V / P switching occurs is also called the V / P switching position. The set speed of the screw 330 may be changed depending on the position and time of the screw 330.

[0078] The position and movement speed of the screw 330 during the filling process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the filling start position (also called the "injection start position"), the movement speed switching position, and the V / P switching position are set. These positions are arranged in this order from rear to front and represent the start and end points of the sections in which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. The movement speed switching positions may not be set at all.

[0079] For each section in which the movement speed of the screw 330 is set, an upper limit is set for the pressure of the screw 330. The pressure of the screw 330 is detected by the load sensor 360. If the pressure of the screw 330 is below the set pressure, the screw 330 moves forward at the set movement speed. On the other hand, if the pressure of the screw 330 exceeds the set pressure, for the purpose of protecting the mold, the screw 330 moves forward at a slower movement speed than the set movement speed so that the pressure of the screw 330 becomes below the set pressure.

[0080] Furthermore, during the filling process, after the screw 330 reaches the V / P switching position, the screw 330 may be temporarily stopped at the V / P switching position, and then the V / P switching may be performed. Immediately before the V / P switching, instead of stopping the screw 330, the screw 330 may be moved forward or backward at a slow speed. In addition, the screw position detector that detects the position of the screw 330 and the screw movement speed detector that detects the movement speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351, but general-purpose ones can be used.

[0081] In the holding pressure process, the injection motor 350 is driven to push the screw 330 forward, maintaining the pressure of the molding material at the front end of the screw 330 (hereinafter also referred to as "holding pressure") at a set pressure, and pushing the molding material remaining in the cylinder 310 toward the mold device 800. This allows for the replenishment of molding material lost due to cooling shrinkage within the mold device 800. The holding pressure is detected, for example, using a load detector 360. The set value of the holding pressure may be changed according to the elapsed time from the start of the holding pressure process. Multiple holding pressures and holding times for maintaining the holding pressure in the holding pressure process may be set, and may be set together as a series of setting conditions.

[0082] During the holding pressure process, the molding material in the cavity space 801 within the mold device 800 is gradually cooled, and upon completion of the holding pressure process, the entrance to the cavity space 801 is sealed with solidified molding material. This state is called a gate seal, and prevents backflow of molding material from the cavity space 801. After the holding pressure process, the cooling process begins. During the cooling process, the molding material in the cavity space 801 is solidified. To shorten the molding cycle time, a metering process may be performed during the cooling process.

[0083] In this embodiment, the injection device 300 is an in-line screw type, but a pre-plasticization type or the like may also be used. In a pre-plasticization injection device, the molding material molten in a plasticizing cylinder is supplied to the injection cylinder, and the molding material is injected from the injection cylinder into the mold device. In the plasticizing cylinder, a screw is arranged to be rotatable but unable to move back and forth, or a screw is arranged to be rotatable and able to move back and forth. On the other hand, a plunger is arranged to be able to move back and forth in the injection cylinder.

[0084] Furthermore, although the injection device 300 in this embodiment is a horizontal type with the axial direction of the cylinder 310 being horizontal, it may also be a vertical type with the axial direction of the cylinder 310 being vertical. The clamping device combined with the vertical injection device 300 may be vertical or horizontal. Similarly, the clamping device combined with the horizontal injection device 300 may be horizontal or vertical.

[0085] (Mobile device) In describing the moving device 400, similar to the description of the injection device 300, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is described as forward, and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is described as backward.

[0086] The moving device 400 moves the injection device 300 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800. The moving device 400 also presses the nozzle 320 against the mold device 800, generating nozzle touch pressure. The moving device 400 includes a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator, and the like.

[0087] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a bidirectional pump, and by switching the rotation direction of the motor 420, it can draw in working fluid (e.g., oil) from either the first port 411 or the second port 412 and discharge it from the other to generate hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pump 410 can also draw working fluid from a tank and discharge it from either the first port 411 or the second port 412.

[0088] Motor 420 operates the hydraulic pump 410. Motor 420 drives the hydraulic pump 410 with a rotational direction and rotational torque corresponding to the control signal from the control device 700. Motor 420 may be an electric motor or an electric servo motor.

[0089] The hydraulic cylinder 430 comprises a cylinder body 431, a piston 432, and a piston rod 433. The cylinder body 431 is fixed to the injection device 300. The piston 432 divides the inside of the cylinder body 431 into a front chamber 435 as a first chamber and a rear chamber 436 as a second chamber. The piston rod 433 is fixed to the fixed platen 110.

[0090] The front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via a first passage 401. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first passage 401, pushing the injection device 300 forward. As the injection device 300 moves forward, the nozzle 320 is pressed against the fixed mold 810. The front chamber 435 functions as a pressure chamber that generates nozzle touch pressure on the nozzle 320 by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 410.

[0091] Meanwhile, the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the second port 412 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the second passage 402. The working fluid discharged from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second passage 402, pushing the injection device 300 backward. As the injection device 300 is retracted, the nozzle 320 is separated from the fixed mold 810.

[0092] In this embodiment, the moving device 400 includes a hydraulic cylinder 430, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the hydraulic cylinder 430, an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into the linear motion of the injection device 300 may be used.

[0093] (Control device) The control device 700 is, for example, a computer and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a storage medium 702 such as memory, an input interface 703, and an output interface 704. The control device 700 performs various controls by having the CPU 701 execute a program stored in the storage medium 702. The control device 700 also receives signals from the outside through the input interface 703 and transmits signals to the outside through the output interface 704.

[0094] The control device 700 repeatedly manufactures molded products by repeatedly performing processes such as metering, mold closing, pressure increasing, mold clamping, filling, holding pressure, cooling, depressurization, mold opening, and ejection. A series of operations to obtain a molded product, such as the operations from the start of one metering process to the start of the next metering process, is also called a "shot" or "molding cycle." The time required for one shot is also called the "molding cycle time" or "cycle time."

[0095] A single molding cycle includes, for example, a weighing process, a mold closing process, a pressurizing process, a clamping process, a filling process, a holding pressure process, a cooling process, a depressurizing process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process, in this order. The order here refers to the order in which each process begins. The filling, holding pressure, and cooling processes take place during the clamping process. The start of the clamping process may coincide with the start of the filling process. The completion of the depressurizing process coincides with the start of the mold opening process.

[0096] Furthermore, multiple processes may be performed simultaneously in order to shorten the molding cycle time. For example, the metering process may be performed during the cooling process of the previous molding cycle, or during the mold clamping process. In this case, the mold closing process may be performed at the beginning of the molding cycle. The filling process may also be started during the mold closing process. The ejection process may also be started during the mold opening process. If an on-off valve is provided to open and close the flow path of the nozzle 320, the mold opening process may be started during the metering process. This is because even if the mold opening process is started during the metering process, if the on-off valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320, the molding material will not leak from the nozzle 320.

[0097] Furthermore, a single molding cycle may include steps other than the weighing step, mold closing step, pressurization step, mold clamping step, filling step, holding pressure step, cooling step, depressurization step, mold opening step, and ejection step.

[0098] For example, after the holding pressure process is completed and before the metering process begins, a pre-metering suck-back process may be performed in which the screw 330 is retracted to a preset metering start position. This reduces the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the metering process begins and prevents the screw 330 from retracting too quickly at the start of the metering process.

[0099] Furthermore, after the metering process is completed and before the filling process begins, a post-metering suck-back process may be performed in which the screw 330 is retracted to a preset filling start position (also called the "injection start position"). This reduces the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the filling process begins and prevents leakage of the molding material from the nozzle 320 before the filling process begins.

[0100] The control device 700 is connected to an operating device 750 that accepts user input operations and a display device 760 that displays a screen. The operating device 750 and the display device 760 may be integrated, for example, by a touch panel 770. The touch panel 770, as the display device 760, displays a screen under the control of the control device 700. The screen of the touch panel 770 may display information such as the settings of the injection molding machine 10 and the current status of the injection molding machine 10. The screen of the touch panel 770 may also display operation parts such as buttons and input fields that accept user input operations. The touch panel 770, as the operating device 750, detects user input operations on the screen and outputs a signal corresponding to the input operation to the control device 700. This allows, for example, the user to operate the operation parts provided on the screen while confirming the information displayed on the screen to set the injection molding machine 10 (including inputting setting values). Furthermore, by operating the operation parts provided on the screen, the user can make the injection molding machine 10 operate in accordance with the operation part. The operation of the injection molding machine 10 may also include the operation (including stopping) of, for example, the clamping device 100, the ejector device 200, the injection device 300, the moving device 400, etc. Furthermore, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 may also include switching the screens displayed on the touch panel 770, which serves as the display device 760.

[0101] Although the operating device 750 and display device 760 of this embodiment have been described as being integrated as a touch panel 770, they may be provided independently. Furthermore, multiple operating devices 750 may be provided. The operating device 750 and display device 760 are positioned on the operating side (negative Y-axis direction) of the clamping device 100 (more specifically, the fixed platen 110).

[0102] (Fixed platen and its surrounding components) Next, an example of a fixed platen 110 and its surrounding components will be described with reference to Figure 3. In Figure 3, the direction of heat transfer is indicated by thick arrows. Also, in Figure 3, for the sake of the drawing, a dot pattern hatching is applied to the limiting member 113. Hereafter, the direction perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction (X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) (Y-axis direction) will also be referred to as the left-right direction. In the description of the fixed platen 110 and its surrounding components, the positive Y-axis direction is the left direction, and the negative Y-axis direction is the right direction.

[0103] The injection molding machine 10 includes a fixed platen 110 to which a fixed mold 810 is attached, a pair of support members 111 that support the fixed platen 110, a heat transfer member 112 that is spaced apart from the fixed platen 110 and thermally connects the pair of support members 111, a clamping device frame 910 to which the heat transfer member 112 is attached, and a limiting member 113 that is provided between the heat transfer member 112 and the clamping device frame 910 and limits the transfer of heat from the heat transfer member 112 to the clamping device frame 910.

[0104] The fixed platen 110 has a mounting surface 110a to which the fixed mold 810 is attached. The mounting surface 110a has a rectangular shape. The fixed mold 810 is attached to the center of the mounting surface 110a. Tie bars 140 are attached to the four corners of the mounting surface 110a. The fixed platen 110 is formed by casting. The material of the fixed platen 110 is, for example, cast iron.

[0105] The pair of support members 111 are provided on the operating side and the non-operating side of the fixed platen 110, respectively, with a gap between them in the left-right direction, and support the fixed platen 110. The pair of support members 111 are formed by casting, just like the fixed platen 110. The material of the pair of support members 111 is, for example, cast iron. The heat from the fixed mold 810 is transferred to the pair of support members 111 via the fixed platen 110.

[0106] The pair of support members 111 serve as heat outlets in the fixed platen 110. Therefore, the pair of support members 111 support the vertical center of the fixed platen 110 in order to make the temperature distribution of the fixed platen 110 vertically symmetrical. By making the temperature distribution of the fixed platen 110 vertically symmetrical, the tilt of the fixed platen 110 can be suppressed.

[0107] Each of the pair of support members 111 has an inverted L-shape when viewed from the mold opening and closing direction, and has a horizontal portion 111a and a vertical portion 111b. The horizontal portion 111a protrudes to the left from the left side surface 110b of the fixed platen 110, or protrudes to the right from the right side surface 110c of the fixed platen 110. The vertical portion 111b extends vertically downward from the tip of the horizontal portion 111a. An air layer is formed between the vertical portion 111b and the fixed platen 110.

[0108] The shape of the pair of support members 111 is not particularly limited. For example, the pair of support members 111 may be columns that extend straight downward from the lower surface 110d of the fixed platen 110. Also, the clamping device frame 910 may be located above the fixed platen 110, and the fixed platen 110 may be suspended from the clamping device frame 910 by the pair of support members 111.

[0109] The fixed platen 110 and the pair of support members 111 may, for example, be made as a single unit. The fixed platen 110 and the pair of support members 111 are molded seamlessly, and no contact thermal resistance occurs. Contact thermal resistance is caused by the gap between contact surfaces. If no contact thermal resistance occurs on the left and right sides of the fixed platen 110, there will be no difference in contact thermal resistance between the left and right sides. Therefore, the temperature difference between the pair of support members 111 can be reduced. In this embodiment, the temperature difference between the pair of support members 111 refers to the temperature difference between the support member 111 on the operating side and the support member 111 on the non-operating side, which are provided on either side of the fixed platen 110.

[0110] Furthermore, the fixed platen 110 and the pair of support members 111 may be separate components and fastened together with bolts or the like, from the viewpoint of processability. In this case, a filler may be provided between the contact surfaces of the fixed platen 110 and the pair of support members 111 to fill the gap between the contact surfaces. The filler can reduce the contact thermal resistance and reduce the temperature difference between the pair of support members 111. The filler may be in the form of grease or a sheet. The material of the filler may be, for example, thermally conductive silicone. This is a composite material in which a thermally conductive substance is highly filled into silicone.

[0111] The heat transfer member 112 is provided at a distance from the fixed platen 110 and thermally connects a pair of support members 111. For example, the heat transfer member 112 connects the lower ends of the pair of support members 111. If a temperature difference occurs between the pair of support members 111, this temperature difference can be reduced in a short time. Furthermore, by reducing the temperature difference between the pair of support members 111, the temperature distribution of the fixed platen 110 can be made symmetrical.

[0112] The heat transfer member 112 is formed by casting, similar to the pair of support members 111. The material of the heat transfer member 112 is, for example, cast iron. The pair of support members 111 and the heat transfer member 112 may be, for example, a single unit. The pair of support members 111 and the heat transfer member 112 are formed seamlessly, and the operating-side support member 111, the non-operating-side support member 111, and the heat transfer member 112 are connected as a solid, so there is no contact thermal resistance. Therefore, if a temperature difference occurs between the operating-side support member 111 and the non-operating-side support member 111, that temperature difference can be reduced in a short time. This utilizes the thermal conductivity effect, which states that solids conduct heat easily.

[0113] Furthermore, the pair of support members 111 and the heat transfer member 112 may be separate components and fastened together with bolts or the like, from the viewpoint of processability. In this case, a filler may be provided between the contact surfaces of each of the pair of support members 111 and the heat transfer member 112 to fill the gap between the contact surfaces. The filler can reduce the contact thermal resistance. The filler may be in the form of grease or a sheet. The material of the filler may be, for example, thermally conductive silicone.

[0114] When the pair of support members 111 and the heat transfer member 112 are separate components, the heat transfer member 112 may have a higher thermal conductivity than the pair of support members 111. The heat transfer member 112 is made of, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy. The high thermal conductivity of the heat transfer member 112 allows the temperature difference between the operating support member 111 and the non-operating support member 111 to be reduced in a short time. This utilizes the thermal conductivity effect, which states that solids conduct heat easily.

[0115] The limiting member 113 is provided between the heat transfer member 112 and the clamping device frame 910, and restricts heat transfer from the heat transfer member 112 to the clamping device frame 910. The limiting member 113 prevents heat from the fixed mold 810 from escaping to the clamping device frame 910, thereby shortening the time it takes for the temperature of the fixed platen 110 to stabilize. It also reduces the number of discard shots.

[0116] The limiting member 113 has a lower thermal conductivity than at least the heat transfer member 112. Preferably, the limiting member 113 has a lower thermal conductivity than both the heat transfer member 112 and the clamping device frame 910. The limiting member 113 is, for example, a high-strength cement-based insulation board. High-strength cement-based insulation boards have excellent mechanical strength, thermal insulation properties, and machinability.

[0117] The limiting member 113 is provided, for example, only on a portion of the surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the heat transfer member 112 that faces the clamping device frame 910. The limiting member 113 is provided, for example, on the extension of the vertical portion 111b of each of the pair of support members 111. Alternatively, the limiting member 113 may be provided directly below the left-right center of the heat transfer member 112.

[0118] An air layer A is formed between the heat transfer member 112 and the clamping device frame 910. The air layer A is provided between adjacent restricting members 113. The air layer A has better thermal insulation properties than the restricting members 113 and can further restrict heat transfer from the heat transfer member 112 to the clamping device frame 910. Therefore, the time it takes for the temperature of the fixed platen 110 to stabilize can be shortened.

[0119] Although not shown in the diagram, the heat transfer member 112 may be provided with a cooling section that removes heat from the heat transfer member 112. The cooling section may include, for example, a heat sink. The heat sink may be either an air-cooled heat sink or a water-cooled heat sink. An air-cooled heat sink dissipates the heat removed from the heat transfer member 112 into the air. A water-cooled heat sink transports the heat removed from the heat transfer member 112 to the outside of the clamping device 100. The heat sink may be provided, for example, on the underside of the heat transfer member 112 and between adjacent limiting members 113.

[0120] The limiting member 113 may be provided over the entire surface (for example, the lower surface) of the heat transfer member 112 that faces the clamping device frame 910.

[0121] (Movable platen and its surrounding components) Next, an example of a movable platen 120 and its surrounding components will be described with reference to Figure 3. In Figure 3, the direction of heat transfer is indicated by thick arrows. Hereafter, the direction perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction (X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) (Y-axis direction) will also be referred to as the left-right direction. In the description of the movable platen 120 and its surrounding components, unlike the description of the fixed platen 110 and its surrounding components, the positive Y-axis direction is the right direction, and the negative Y-axis direction is the left direction.

[0122] The injection molding machine 10 includes a pair of guides 101 that guide the movable platen 120 in the mold opening and closing direction. The pair of guides 101 are fixed to the mold clamping device frame 910 via a pair of guide bases 104. Each of the pair of guide bases 104 has, for example, a rectangular frame cross-sectional shape and a hollow structure.

[0123] The injection molding machine 10 includes a pair of blocks 103 that travel along a pair of guides 101. Each of the blocks 103 has, though not shown, a ball or roller that contacts the guide 101 and a retainer that circulates the ball or roller. A movable platen 120 moves forward and backward together with the pair of blocks 103.

[0124] The injection molding machine 10 includes a movable platen 120 to which a movable mold 820 is attached, a pair of support members 121 that support the movable platen 120, a heat transfer member 122 that thermally connects the pair of support members 121, a clamping device frame 910 to which the heat transfer member 122 is movably mounted, and a cooling unit 124 that removes heat from the heat transfer member 122.

[0125] The movable platen 120 has a mounting surface 120a to which the movable mold 820 is attached. The mounting surface 120a has a rectangular shape. The movable mold 820 is attached to the center of the mounting surface 120a. Through holes 120e are formed at the four corners of the mounting surface 120a, and tie bars 140 are inserted through these through holes 120e. Notches may be formed instead of through holes 120e. The movable platen 120 is formed by casting. The material of the movable platen 120 is, for example, cast iron.

[0126] A pair of support members 121 are provided on the operating side and the non-operating side of the movable platen 120, respectively, spaced apart in the left-right direction, to support the movable platen 120. The pair of support members 121 are formed by casting, just like the movable platen 120. The material of the pair of support members 121 is, for example, cast iron. Heat from the movable mold 820 is transferred to the pair of support members 121 via the movable platen 120.

[0127] The pair of support members 121 serve as heat outlets for the movable platen 120. Therefore, the pair of support members 121 support the vertical center of the movable platen 120 in order to make the temperature distribution of the movable platen 120 vertically symmetrical. By making the temperature distribution of the movable platen 120 vertically symmetrical, the tilting of the movable platen 120 can be suppressed.

[0128] Each of the pair of support members 121 has an inverted L-shape when viewed from the mold opening and closing direction, and has a horizontal portion 121a and a vertical portion 121b. The horizontal portion 121a protrudes to the left from the left side surface 120b of the movable platen 120, or protrudes to the right from the right side surface 120c of the movable platen 120. The vertical portion 121b extends vertically downward from the tip of the horizontal portion 121a. An air layer is formed between the vertical portion 121b and the movable platen 120.

[0129] The shape of the pair of support members 121 is not particularly limited. For example, the pair of support members 121 may be columns that extend straight downward from the lower surface 120d of the movable platen 120. Also, the clamping device frame 910 may be located above the movable platen 120, and the movable platen 120 may be suspended from the clamping device frame 910 by the pair of support members 121.

[0130] The movable platen 120 and the pair of support members 121 may, for example, be a single unit. The movable platen 120 and the pair of support members 121 are molded seamlessly, and no contact thermal resistance occurs. Contact thermal resistance is caused by the gap between contact surfaces. If no contact thermal resistance occurs on the left and right sides of the movable platen 120, there will be no difference in contact thermal resistance between the left and right sides. Therefore, the temperature difference between the pair of support members 121 can be reduced. In this embodiment, the temperature difference between the pair of support members 121 refers to the temperature difference between the support member 121 on the operating side and the support member 121 on the non-operating side, which are provided on either side of the movable platen 120.

[0131] Furthermore, the movable platen 120 and the pair of support members 121 may be separate components and fastened together with bolts or the like, from the viewpoint of processability. In this case, a filler may be provided between the contact surfaces of the movable platen 120 and the pair of support members 121 to fill the gap between the contact surfaces. The filler can reduce the contact thermal resistance and reduce the temperature difference between the pair of support members 121. The filler may be in the form of grease or a sheet. The material of the filler may be, for example, thermally conductive silicone.

[0132] The heat transfer member 122 is provided at a distance from the movable platen 120 and thermally connects a pair of support members 121. For example, the heat transfer member 122 connects the lower ends of the pair of support members 121. If a temperature difference occurs between the pair of support members 121, this temperature difference can be reduced in a short time. Furthermore, by reducing the temperature difference between the support member 121 on the operating side and the support member 121 on the non-operating side, the temperature distribution of the movable platen 120 can be made symmetrical. This utilizes the thermal conductivity effect, which states that solids conduct heat easily.

[0133] The heat transfer member 122 is formed by casting, similar to the pair of support members 121. The material of the heat transfer member 122 is, for example, cast iron. The pair of support members 121 and the heat transfer member 122 may be, for example, a single unit. The pair of support members 121 and the heat transfer member 122 are formed seamlessly, and no contact thermal resistance occurs. Therefore, if a temperature difference occurs between the operating support member 121 and the non-operating support member 121, that temperature difference can be reduced in a short time. This utilizes the thermal conductivity effect, which states that solids conduct heat easily.

[0134] Furthermore, the pair of support members 121 and the heat transfer member 122 may be separate components and fastened together with bolts or the like, from the viewpoint of processability. In this case, a filler may be provided between the contact surfaces of each of the pair of support members 121 and the heat transfer member 122 to fill the gap between the contact surfaces. The filler can reduce the contact thermal resistance. The filler may be in the form of grease or a sheet. The material of the filler may be, for example, thermally conductive silicone.

[0135] If the pair of support members 121 and the heat transfer member 122 are separate components, the heat transfer member 122 may have a higher thermal conductivity than the pair of support members 121. The heat transfer member 122 is made of, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy. The high thermal conductivity of the heat transfer member 122 allows the temperature difference between the pair of support members 121 to be reduced in a short time.

[0136] The heat transfer member 122 is stretched across a pair of blocks 103. Each of the blocks 103 has a ball or roller that contacts the guide 101. The ball or roller reduces the contact area between the block 103 and the guide 101, thereby limiting the transfer of heat from the heat transfer member 122 to the clamping device frame 910.

[0137] The cooling unit 124 restricts heat transfer from the heat transfer member 122 to the clamping device frame 910 by removing heat from the heat transfer member 122. The cooling unit 124 prevents heat from the movable mold 820 from escaping to the clamping device frame 910, thereby shortening the time it takes for the temperature of the clamping device frame 910 to stabilize. As a result, the time it takes for the temperature of the movable platen 120 to stabilize can be shortened. In addition, the number of discarded shots can be reduced.

[0138] The cooling unit 124 includes, for example, a heat sink. The heat sink may be either an air-cooled heat sink or a water-cooled heat sink. An air-cooled heat sink dissipates the heat absorbed from the heat transfer member 122 into the air. A water-cooled heat sink transports the heat absorbed from the heat transfer member 122 to the outside of the clamping device 100. The heat sink is provided, for example, on the lower surface of the heat transfer member 122 and between a pair of adjacent guide bases 104. This allows for effective use of the space between the pair of guide bases 104. The heat sink does not need to interfere with surrounding members and may be provided on the top, front, or rear surface of the heat transfer member 122. Preferably, the heat sink is provided in the center of the heat transfer member 122 in the left-right direction in order to make the temperature distribution of the heat transfer member 122 symmetrical.

[0139] The cooling unit 124 may include a heat pipe. The heat pipe cools the heat transfer member 122 by heat exchange with the heat transfer member 122. The heat pipe may also transport the heat from the heat transfer member 122 to another member and heat that member by heat exchange. The cooling unit 124 may also include a heat storage unit that absorbs and stores the heat from the heat transfer member 122. The heat stored in the heat storage unit may be used to heat another member.

[0140] Although not shown in the figures, a limiting member may be provided between the heat transfer member 122 and the block 103 to restrict heat transfer from the heat transfer member 122 to the block 103. The limiting member has a thermal conductivity lower than that of the heat transfer member 122 at least. Preferably, the limiting member has a thermal conductivity lower than that of both the heat transfer member 122 and the block 103.

[0141] Although the injection molding machine according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations are possible within the scope described in the claims. These also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10 injection molding machine 110 Fixed Platen 111 Support member 112 Heat transfer components 113 Restricting member 120 Movable Platen 121 Support member 122 Heat transfer components 124 Cooling section 810 Fixed mold 820 movable mold 900 frames 910 type clamping device frame

Claims

1. A fixed platen to which a fixed mold is attached, A pair of support members that support the fixed platen, A heat transfer member that thermally connects the pair of support members, A frame to which the heat transfer member is attached, A limiting member is provided between the heat transfer member and the frame, and is used to restrict heat transfer from the heat transfer member to the frame. Equipped with, The pair of support members are separate from the heat transfer members. An injection molding machine wherein the heat transfer member has a higher thermal conductivity than the pair of support members.

2. The limiting member is provided only on a portion of the surface of the heat transfer member facing the frame, The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein an air layer is formed between the heat transfer member and the frame.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the fixed platen is integrated with the pair of support members.

4. An injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a filler is provided between the contact surfaces of each of the pair of support members and the heat transfer member to fill the gap between the contact surfaces.

5. A movable platen to which a movable mold is attached, A pair of support members that support the movable platen, A heat transfer member that thermally connects the pair of support members, A frame on which the heat transfer member is movably mounted, A cooling unit that removes heat from the heat transfer member, Equipped with, The pair of support members are separate from the heat transfer members. An injection molding machine wherein the heat transfer member has a higher thermal conductivity than the pair of support members.

6. The injection molding machine according to claim 5, wherein the movable platen is integrated with the pair of support members.

7. The injection molding machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a filler is provided between the contact surfaces of each of the pair of support members and the heat transfer member to fill the gap between the contact surfaces.

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