Injection molding machine

Abstract

To provide an injection molding machine that can supply a desired amount of lubricant to a support member with high accuracy when lubricant is supplied to a lubricant chamber via a supply path.SOLUTION: An injection molding machine includes: a cylindrical member; a rotating body whose at least one end is housed inside the cylindrical member and which is rotatably provided with respect to the cylindrical member; a support member that is provided between the cylindrical member and the rotating body and rotatably supports the rotating body; a lubricant chamber that is formed between the cylindrical member and the rotating body and contains lubricant that lubricates the support member; a sealing member that seals the lubricant chamber; and a supply path that supplies the lubricant to the lubricant chamber. The support member is disposed on the supply path, and the rotating body is formed with an outflow path through which the lubricant flows out from the lubricant chamber to a side opposite to the support member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed that can improve the durability of a support member such as a bearing that supports the rotation of a rotating body used in an injection molding machine. For example, the injection molding machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a first drive unit, a first rotating body that is rotated by driving the first drive unit and has a cylindrical portion, a second drive unit, and a second rotating body having one end housed in the cylindrical portion, rotatably disposed with respect to the first rotating body, and rotated by driving the second drive unit. Further, the injection molding machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a support member that supports the second rotating body with respect to the first rotating body, a lubricant chamber that houses a lubricant for lubricating the support member, a lubricant supply path for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant chamber, and a sealing member that seals the lubricant chamber. According to the injection molding machine described in Patent Document 1, since the lubricant is supplied to the lubricant chamber and the lubricant chamber is sealed, even when centrifugal force is applied to the lubricant in the lubricant chamber as the first and second rotating bodies are rotated, the support member can be sufficiently lubricated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When supplying lubricant to the lubricant chamber for the first time via the lubricant supply channel, it is desirable that the desired amount of lubricant be supplied to the support member with high accuracy. Furthermore, when supplying lubricant to the lubricant chamber via the lubricant supply channel to replace the lubricant already present in the lubricant chamber with new lubricant, it is desirable that the desired amount of lubricant be supplied to the support member with high accuracy, and that the lubricant already present in the support member be replaced with new lubricant. The present invention aims to provide an injection molding machine that can reliably supply a desired amount of lubricant to a support member when supplying lubricant to a lubricant chamber via a supply channel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention, completed with this objective in mind, is an injection molding machine comprising: a cylindrical member; a rotating body having at least one end housed inside the cylindrical member and rotatably mounted relative to the cylindrical member; a support member provided between the cylindrical member and the rotating body to rotatably support the rotating body; a lubricant chamber formed between the cylindrical member and the rotating body for containing a lubricant to lubricate the support member; a sealing member for sealing the lubricant chamber; and a supply passage for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant chamber, wherein the support member is positioned on the supply passage, and the rotating body has an outlet passage formed therein for the lubricant to flow out of the lubricant chamber on the side opposite to the support member. Here, the outflow passage may have a radial flow path extending inward from the lubricant chamber in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotating body, and an axial flow path communicating with the radial flow path and extending in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating body. Furthermore, the position in the radial flow path in the rotational axis direction is between the support member and the sealing member, and the axial flow path may be formed inside the sealing member in the rotational radial direction. Furthermore, the rotating body may have a columnar member and an annular member fitted around the outer circumference of the columnar member, and the outflow passage may be formed in the annular member. Furthermore, the annular member has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion, the support member is fitted onto the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion, and the lubricant chamber may be formed between the support member, the cylindrical member, the second cylindrical portion, and the sealing member. Furthermore, the annular member may further have a third cylindrical portion having an outer diameter less than or equal to the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion, and the sealing member may be provided between the third cylindrical portion and the cylindrical portion to seal the gap between the annular member and the cylindrical portion. Furthermore, the outflow passage has a radial flow path extending inward from the lubricant chamber in the radial direction of the rotating body, and an axial flow path communicating with the radial flow path and extending in the direction of the rotating body's axis of rotation, wherein the radial flow path is formed in the second cylindrical portion, and the axial flow path may be formed in the second cylindrical portion and the third cylindrical portion. Furthermore, through holes are formed in the second cylindrical portion and the third cylindrical portion, penetrating in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body so as to reach the support member from the end face opposite to the first cylindrical portion, and the outflow passage may be formed in the circumferential direction in a portion where the through holes are not formed. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outflow channel may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the through-hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, when supplying lubricant to the lubricant chamber via a supply passage, a desired amount of lubricant can be supplied to the support member with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of an injection molding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a drive unit. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of part III in Figure 2. [Figure 4](a) is an example of a view of the annular flange member from the front. (b) is an example of a cross-section of the IVb-IVb section of (a). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an injection molding machine 1 according to an embodiment. The injection molding machine 1 comprises a mold clamping device (not shown), an injection device 2 for injecting molten resin, a supply device 3 for supplying molding material to the injection device 2, a control device 4 for controlling the entire device, an operation unit 5 for receiving user input, and a display unit 6 for displaying operation reception screens and images. In the following description, the side of the injection device 2 that injects molten resin is referred to as the front, and the side opposite to the injection side is referred to as the rear.

[0009] The injection molding machine 1 repeatedly manufactures molded products in a cycle consisting of a mold closing process, a mold clamping process, an injection (filling) process, a holding pressure process, a cooling process, a metering process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process. The mold closing process is the process of closing the mold device, which consists of a fixed mold and a movable mold. The mold clamping process is the process of tightening the mold device. The injection process is the process of pouring molten resin into the mold device. The holding pressure process is the process of applying pressure to the poured resin. The cooling process is the process of solidifying the resin in the mold device after the holding pressure process. The metering process is the process of metering the molten resin for the next molded product. The mold opening process is the process of opening the mold device. The ejection process is the process of ejecting the molded product from the mold device after the mold opening process. Note that, in order to shorten the molding cycle, the metering process may be performed while the cooling process is taking place.

[0010] (Injection device 2) The injection device 2 includes a heating cylinder 11 for heating the resin used as the molding material, and a nozzle 13 disposed at the front end of the heating cylinder 11. The injection device 2 also includes a screw 12 that is rotatable and can move back and forth in the direction of the rotation axis disposed within the heating cylinder 11, heaters h11, h12, and h13 for heating the heating cylinder 11, and a drive device 60 disposed at the rear of the heating cylinder 11. In the following description, with respect to the radial direction of rotation of the screw 12, the side of the screw 12 toward the center of rotation may be referred to as the "inside," and the side away from the center of rotation axis may be referred to as the "outside."

[0011] The screw 12 has a screw body 14 and an injection part 15 disposed in front of the screw body 14, and is connected to the drive device 60 via a shaft at its rear end. The screw body 14 has a flight part 16 and a pressure member 17 detachably disposed to the front end of the flight part 16. The flight part 16 has a rod-shaped main body part 16a and a helical flight 16b formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the main body part 16a, and a helical screw groove 18 is formed along the flight 16b.

[0012] The injection unit 15 includes a head portion 15a with a conical portion at its tip, a rod portion 15b formed adjacent to the rear side of the head portion 15a, a check ring 15c disposed around the rod portion 15b, and a seal ring 15d attached to the front end of the pressure member 17. During the metering process, as the screw 12 retracts, the check ring 15c is moved forward relative to the rod portion 15b and separated from the seal ring 15d, so that resin is sent from the rear to the front of the injection unit 15. Also, during the injection process, as the screw 12 moves forward, the check ring 15c is moved backward relative to the rod portion 15b and brought into contact with the seal ring 15d, so that backflow of resin is prevented.

[0013] At the rear part of the heating cylinder 11, a resin supply port 19 as a molding material supply port is formed. The resin supply port 19 is formed at a location facing the rear end portion of the screw groove 18 in a state where the screw 12 is positioned at the foremost side within the heating cylinder 11. A supply device 3 for supplying resin into the heating cylinder 11 is attached to the resin supply port 19.

[0014] (Drive device 60) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the drive device 60. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4(a) is an example of a view of the annular flange member 89 seen from the front. FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the IVb-IVb portion in FIG. 4(a). The drive device 60 is a device for rotating and advancing / retreating the screw 12 within the heating cylinder 11.

[0015] The drive device 60 includes a metering motor 22 as a drive source for rotating the screw 12 within the heating cylinder 11, and an injection motor 100 as a drive source for moving the screw 12 in the rotational axis direction within the heating cylinder 11. Further, the drive device 60 includes a ball screw 83 as a motion conversion mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the injection motor 100 into the linear motion of the screw 12 between the injection motor 100 and the screw 12.

[0016] The drive device 60 includes a cylindrical front injection support 21 disposed on the front side for supporting the metering motor 22, and a cylindrical rear injection support 62 disposed on the rear side for supporting the injection motor 100. Further, the drive device 60 has a rod 63 for connecting the front injection support 21 and the rear injection support 62. A predetermined distance is maintained between the front injection support 21 and the rear injection support 62 by the rod 63.

[0017] The drive unit 60 is connected to the rear end of the screw 12 and includes a rotatable and slidable rotating sliding member 68. The rotating sliding member 68 has a disc-shaped connecting body 64 and a cylindrical support body 65 which is integrated with the connecting body 64 by bolts 64a and rotatably supports a rotating body 88, which will be described later. The connecting body 64 is connected to the rear end of the screw 12 via a coupler 59 fixed to the connecting body 64 by bolts 64b. Male splines 67 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support body 65. The size of the support body 65 in the direction of rotation is set to be greater than or equal to the travel distance of the screw 12 in the direction of rotation.

[0018] The metering motor 22 comprises an annular front annular body 20 fixed to the rear end of the forward injection support 21, a cylindrical sleeve 23 fixed to the front annular body 20, and an annular rear annular body 24 fixed to the rear end of the sleeve 23. The metering motor 22 also includes a stator 25 mounted on the inside of the sleeve 23 in the radial direction of rotation, a cylindrical rotor 26 provided on the inside of the stator 25 in the radial direction of rotation, and a spline nut 27 fixed to the rear end of the rotor 26, for example, with a bolt.

[0019] The stator 25 has a core 25a attached to the sleeve 23 and a coil 25b wound around the core 25a. The rotor 26 has a cylindrical body 29 provided to cover the outer circumferential surface of the rotating sliding member 68, and a magnet 28 attached to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 29 at a location corresponding to the stator 25. A bearing b1 is provided between the cylindrical body 29 and the front annular body 20, and a bearing b2 is provided between the cylindrical body 29 and the rear annular body 24. A seal 30 is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 29 and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting body 64 of the rotating sliding member 68. The rotor 26 is rotatable around the same axis as the rotation axis of the rotating sliding member 68 and functions as the output shaft of the metering motor 22.

[0020] The spline nut 27 has a female spline formed on its inner circumferential surface, into which a male spline 67 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support 65 of the rotating sliding member 68 is fitted. The spline nut 27 transmits the rotation generated by the metering motor 22 to the rotating sliding member 68 while allowing relative movement of the rotating sliding member 68 in the rotation axis direction. Therefore, when the rotor 26 is rotated by driving the metering motor 22, the rotation is transmitted to the rotating sliding member 68 via the spline nut 27, causing the rotating sliding member 68 to rotate and the screw 12 to rotate.

[0021] The metering motor 22, configured as described above, is controlled to a first drive state in which the rotating sliding member 68 is rotated during the metering process, and to a second drive state in which the rotation transmitted to the rotating sliding member 68 is restrained during the injection process.

[0022] The injection motor 100 comprises a case 91 fixed to the rear injection support 62, a stator 92 mounted on the inside of the case 91 in the radial direction of rotation, a rotor 93 provided on the inside of the stator 92 in the radial direction of rotation, and a cylindrical output shaft 94 attached to the rotor 93.

[0023] The case 91 includes an annular front annular body 91a fixed to the rear injection support 62, a cylindrical sleeve 91b fixed to the front annular body 91a, an annular rear annular body 91c fixed to the rear end of the sleeve 91b, and a rear plate 91d covering the rear opening of the rear annular body 91c. A bearing b5 is provided between the output shaft 94 of the injection motor 100 and the front annular body 91a, and a bearing b6 is provided between the output shaft 94 and the rear annular body 91c.

[0024] Furthermore, the drive unit 60 includes a sleeve 95 having a cylindrical portion 951 that extends in the direction of the rotation axis inward from the radial direction of rotation of the output shaft 94 of the injection motor 100, and a closing portion 952 that closes the rear opening of the cylindrical portion 951. A female spline 95a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 951. The sleeve 95 is fixed to the rear end of the output shaft 94, for example, with a bolt. Furthermore, the drive unit 60 is equipped with an encoder 111 attached to the closing portion 952 of the sleeve 95 for detecting the rotational speed of the injection motor 100.

[0025] The ball screw 83 is positioned behind the forward injection support 21 and has a ball screw shaft 81 and a ball nut 82 that are screwed together. The ball nut 82 is fixed to the rear ejection support 62, for example, with a bolt.

[0026] The ball screw shaft 81 has a cylindrical shaft portion 84 at its front end and a cylindrical spline portion 87 at its rear end, on which a male spline 87a is formed on its outer circumference. The ball screw shaft 81 also has a cylindrical threaded portion 85 with a larger diameter than the shaft portion 84 and a connecting portion 86 that connects the threaded portion 85 and the spline portion 87. The shaft portion 84, threaded portion 85, connecting portion 86, and spline portion 87 are formed in order from the front to the rear.

[0027] The male spline 87a of the spline portion 87 and the female spline 95a formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 951 of the sleeve 95 are fitted together. An annular flange member 89 is fitted into the stepped portion between the shaft portion 84 and the threaded portion 85. A bearing b7 is provided between the shaft portion 84 and the support 65 of the rotating sliding member 68, and a bearing b8 is provided between the annular flange member 89 and the support 65.

[0028] The annular flange member 89 has a first cylindrical portion 89a provided on the front side, a second cylindrical portion 89b provided behind the first cylindrical portion 89a and having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 89a, and a third cylindrical portion 89c provided behind the second cylindrical portion 89b and having an outer diameter less than or equal to the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 89b. The annular flange member 89 also has multiple outlets 125 and outflow passages 126 (two in Figure 4) formed therein. The annular flange member 89 also has multiple through holes 89d (two in Figure 4) that penetrate the second cylindrical portion 89b and the third cylindrical portion 89c in the direction of the rotation axis. The through holes 89d are formed in the circumferential direction in areas where the outlets 125 and outflow passages 126 are not formed. The bearing b8 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 89a. As a result, the annular flange member 89, together with the support 65 of the rotating sliding member 68, positions the bearing b8 in the radial and axial directions of rotation. The through hole 89d is used to remove the bearing b8, which is fitted onto the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 89a, from the annular flange member 89.

[0029] A male thread is formed at the front end of the shaft portion 84, and a bearing nut 80 is tightened to the male thread. The bearing nut 80, together with a projection 90 that protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner circumferential surface of the front portion of the support 65 of the rotating sliding member 68, positions the bearing b7 in the rotational axis direction.

[0030] The ball screw shaft 81 and the annular flange member 89 are supported by bearings b7 and b8 so as to be rotatable as an integral part of the rotating sliding member 68. Hereinafter, the ball screw shaft 81 and the annular flange member 89 may be referred to as the "rotating body 88". The rear end of the shaft portion 84 of the ball screw shaft 81 is rotatably supported by a ball nut 82.

[0031] When the rotation generated by driving the injection motor 100 is transmitted to the ball screw shaft 81 via the sleeve 95 and spline portion 87, the ball screw shaft 81 is moved in the rotational direction while rotating, because the threaded portion 85 and the ball nut 82 are screwed together. The motion components of the ball screw shaft 81 consist of a linear motion component that moves (advances and retreats) the ball screw shaft 81 in the rotational direction, and a rotational motion component that rotates the ball screw shaft 81. The linear motion component and the rotational motion component are transmitted to the rotating sliding member 68 via bearings b7 and b8 arranged in the rotational direction.

[0032] Furthermore, in injection processes and the like, where the rotating sliding member 68 is moved in the rotational axis direction without rotating, the metering motor 22 is controlled to a second drive state, i.e., a rotationally restrained state, and the injection motor 100 is controlled to a drive state. This restrains the rotation transmitted to the rotating sliding member 68, allowing it to move in the rotational axis direction without rotating. As a result, linear motion is transmitted to the screw 12 integrally attached to the rotating sliding member 68, allowing the screw 12 to move forward (to the left in Figure 1).

[0033] (Drive method) First, during the weighing process, the control device 4 performs the weighing process and controls the weighing motor 22 to a first drive state. At this time, the rotation generated by the rotor 26 is transmitted to the screw 12 via the spline nut 27 and the rotating sliding member 68, causing the screw 12 to rotate in the forward direction. The control device 4 performs feedback control based on the detection signal obtained by the encoder (not shown) which detects the rotational speed of the weighing motor 22.

[0034] As a result, the molding material supplied from the supply device 3 is advanced within the screw groove 18 of the screw 12, causing the screw 12 to retract (move to the right in Figure 1), and the molten resin is stored in front of the head portion 15a. At this time, the retraction force generated in the screw 12 causes the rotating sliding member 68 to move relative to the spline nut 27 and retract. In addition, as the rotating sliding member 68 retracts, the ball screw shaft 81 also rotates and retracts. The control device 4 drives the injection motor 100 and applies back pressure to the screw 12 while the screw 12 is retracting.

[0035] Furthermore, during the injection process, the control device 4 performs the injection process and drives the injection motor 100. At this time, the rotation generated in the output shaft 94 is transmitted to the ball screw shaft 81 via the sleeve 95 and spline section 87, and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion by the ball screw 83. As a result, the ball screw shaft 81 is moved forward while rotating. The control device 4 also controls the metering motor 22 to a second drive state and generates a restraining force by controlling the rotational speed of the rotor 26 to 0 [rpm]. This restraining force is then transmitted to the rotating sliding member 68 via the spline nut 27, and the rotation transmitted to the rotating sliding member 68 via the ball screw shaft 81 is restrained. As a result, the screw 12, which is integrally attached to the rotating sliding member 68, is moved forward without rotating.

[0036] In this case, the control device 4 performs feedback control based on the detection signal obtained by the encoder 111, which indicates the rotational speed of the injection motor 100. The control device 4 also acquires a detection signal obtained by a load cell (not shown) that indicates the injection force, and performs switching control between filling and holding pressure. Furthermore, the control device 4 performs feedback control based on the detection signal of the rotational speed of the metering motor 22.

[0037] In this way, when the screw 12 is advanced, the molten resin stored in front of the head portion 15a is injected from the nozzle 13 and fills the cavity space of the mold device (not shown).

[0038] (lubrication mechanism) The mechanism for supplying lubricants such as grease to bearings b7 and b8 will be described below. As shown in Figure 3, a recess 64c is formed in the center of the rear end face of the connecting body 64 of the rotating sliding member 68 in the radial direction, recessed from the end face. A bearing nut 80 is housed in the recess 64c. A first lubricant chamber 117 for housing lubricant is formed between the connecting body 64, the bearing nut 80, and the bearing b7.

[0039] Furthermore, a second lubricant chamber 119 for containing lubricant is formed between the support 65 of the rotating sliding member 68, the shaft portion 84 of the ball screw shaft 81, the annular flange member 89, the bearing b7, and the bearing b8.

[0040] Furthermore, an oil seal 122 is provided between the support 65 of the rotating sliding member 68 and the third cylindrical portion 89c of the annular flange member 89, behind the bearing b8. A third lubricant chamber 120 for containing lubricant is formed between the support 65, the annular flange member 89, the bearing b8, and the oil seal 122.

[0041] Furthermore, a lubricant supply port 115 for supplying lubricant is formed on the front end face of the connecting body 64 of the rotating sliding member 68. The lubricant supply port 115 and the first lubricant chamber 117 are connected by a lubricant supply passage 118.

[0042] An outlet 125 for discharging lubricant is formed on the rear end face of the annular flange member 89. The annular flange member 89 also has an outflow passage 126 connecting the outlet 125 to the third lubricant chamber 120. The outflow passage 126 has an axial flow path 127 extending forward from the outlet 125 in the direction of rotation, and a radial flow path 128 extending inward in the radial direction of rotation (in other words, toward the center of rotation) from the third lubricant chamber 120. The radial position of the outlet 125 is outside the outer circumferential surface of the threaded portion 85 in the radial direction. The radial position of the radial flow path 128 is between the bearing b8 and the oil seal 122.

[0043] In the configuration described above, when lubricant is first supplied to bearings b7 and b8, a lubricant supply device (e.g., a grease gun) is inserted into the forward injection support 21 through a screw 12 maintenance window (not shown) formed in the forward injection support 21, and lubricant is supplied to the lubricant supply port 115 via the grease nipple 123. The lubricant supplied to the lubricant supply port 115 reaches the first lubricant chamber 117 via the lubricant supply passage 118, as shown by the arrows in Figure 3. A portion of the lubricant that reaches the first lubricant chamber 117 passes through the inside of bearing b7 to reach the second lubricant chamber 119, as shown by the arrows in Figure 3. A portion of the lubricant that reaches the second lubricant chamber 119 passes through the inside of bearing b8 to reach the third lubricant chamber 120, as shown by the arrows in Figure 3. In this way, the flow path from the lubricant supply passage 118 to the third lubricant chamber 120 functions as a supply passage 121 that supplies lubricant to the third lubricant chamber 120. The operator recognizes that the first lubricant chamber 117, the second lubricant chamber 119, and the third lubricant chamber 120 have been filled with lubricant by supplying a predetermined amount of lubricant from the lubricant supply device. As a result, lubricant is also supplied to bearings b7 and b8.

[0044] Even when replacing the lubricant already present in bearings b7 and b8 with new lubricant, a lubricant supply device is inserted into the forward injection support 21 through a window (not shown) formed in the forward injection support 21, and lubricant is supplied to the lubricant supply port 115 via the grease nipple 123. The lubricant supplied to the lubricant supply port 115 reaches the first lubricant chamber 117 via the lubricant supply passage 118, and attempts to reach the second lubricant chamber 119 by passing through the inside of bearing b7. As a result, the lubricant already present in bearing b7 flows out from inside bearing b7 and reaches the second lubricant chamber 119. Subsequently, some of the lubricant that reaches the second lubricant chamber 119 attempts to reach the third lubricant chamber 120 by passing through the inside of bearing b8. As a result, the lubricant already present in bearing b8 flows out from inside bearing b8 and reaches the third lubricant chamber 120. Subsequently, some of the lubricant that reaches the third lubricant chamber 120 flows out through the outlet passage 126 and out the outlet 125. In other words, the lubricant supply port 115 is the inlet for supplying lubricant, and the outlet 125 is the outlet for lubricant. When an operator supplies the predetermined amount of lubricant from the lubricant supply device, the first lubricant chamber 117, the second lubricant chamber 119, and the third lubricant chamber 120 are filled with new lubricant, replacing the lubricant that was present in them. As a result, new lubricant is supplied to bearings b7 and b8, replacing the lubricant that was present in them.

[0045] Since the first lubricant chamber 117 and the second lubricant chamber 119 are sealed, even if centrifugal force is applied to the lubricant in the first lubricant chamber 117 and the second lubricant chamber 119 as the rotating sliding member 68, ball screw shaft 81, etc. rotate, the bearings b7 and b8 can be sufficiently lubricated. As a result, premature wear of bearings b7 and b8 can be suppressed, and the durability of the drive unit 60 can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, since an oil seal 122 is provided on the rear side of the third lubricant chamber 120, even if centrifugal force is applied to the lubricant in the third lubricant chamber 120 as the rotating sliding member 68, rotating body 88 (ball screw shaft 81 and annular flange member 89), etc. rotate, the lubricant can be prevented from leaking out of the third lubricant chamber 120. Also, when the rotation of the rotating sliding member 68, rotating body 88, etc. stops, some of the lubricant in the third lubricant chamber 120 goes to the radial flow path 128 and axial flow path 127, but as the rotating body 88, etc. rotate again, centrifugal force is applied to the lubricant in the outflow passage 126 and it returns to the third lubricant chamber 120. As a result, the outflow of lubricant from the outlet 125 is suppressed.

[0047] Here, as shown in Figure 4, it can be illustrated that multiple outlets 125 and outflow passages 126 are formed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the multiple outlets 125 and outflow passages 126 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. This makes it easier for the lubricant present in bearing b8 to be replaced with new lubricant without bias in the circumferential direction.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the number of outlets 125 and outflow passages 126 can be exemplified as two. This is because if there are many outlets 125 and outflow passages 126, when the rotation of the rotating body 88 etc. stops, some of the lubricant in the third lubricant chamber 120 is more likely to reach the radial flow path 128 and the axial flow path 127.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the cross-sectional area S126 when the outflow passage 126 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the direction of lubricant flow is smaller than the cross-sectional area S89d when the through hole 89d is cut by a plane perpendicular to the direction of rotation axis. By reducing the cross-sectional area S126 of the outflow passage 126, when the rotation of the rotating body 88 etc. stops, it is possible to make it difficult for some of the lubricant in the third lubricant chamber 120 to reach the radial flow path 128 or the axial flow path 127.

[0050] The injection molding machine 1 configured as described above includes a support 65 (an example of a cylindrical member) for a rotating sliding member 68, and a rotating body 88 (a ball screw shaft 81 and an annular flange member 89) which has at least one end housed inside the support 65 and is rotatably mounted relative to the support 65. The injection molding machine 1 also includes a bearing b8 (an example of a support member) that supports the rotating body 88 relative to the support 65, and a third lubricant chamber 120 (an example of a lubricant chamber) formed between the support 65 and the rotating body 88, which contains a lubricant for lubricating the bearing b8. The injection molding machine 1 also includes an oil seal 122 (an example of a sealing member) that seals the third lubricant chamber 120, and a supply passage 121 that supplies lubricant to the third lubricant chamber 120. The bearing b8 is positioned on the supply passage 121, and the rotating body 88 has an outlet passage 126 that allows lubricant to flow out from the third lubricant chamber 120 to the side opposite the bearing b8.

[0051] Thus, since the bearing b8 is positioned on the supply passage 121 that supplies lubricant to the third lubricant chamber 120, lubricant can be supplied to the bearing b8 with high accuracy by supplying lubricant to the third lubricant chamber 120. In addition, the rotating body 88 has an outlet passage 126 that allows lubricant to flow out from the third lubricant chamber 120 to the side opposite the bearing b8, so by supplying lubricant to the third lubricant chamber 120, the lubricant already present in the bearing b8 can be replaced with new lubricant with high accuracy.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, since bearing b7 is positioned on the supply passage 121 that supplies lubricant to the third lubricant chamber 120, lubricant can be supplied to bearing b7 with high accuracy by supplying lubricant to the third lubricant chamber 120. Also, since bearing b7 is positioned upstream of bearing b8 on the supply passage 121, lubricant can be supplied to the third lubricant chamber 120, thereby replacing the lubricant already present in bearing b7 with new lubricant with high accuracy.

[0053] The outlet passage 126 has a radial passage 128 extending inward in the radial direction from the third lubricant chamber 120, and an axial passage 127 that communicates with the radial passage 128 and extends in the direction of the rotation axis. In other words, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 3, the radial passage 128 and the axial passage 127 intersect at a right angle, and the radial passage 128 and the axial passage 127 are L-shaped. This makes it possible to suppress the flow of lubricant from the third lubricant chamber 120 to the outlet passage 126 and to promote the flow of lubricant from the outlet passage 126 to the third lubricant chamber 120 when the rotating body 88 is rotating, thereby suppressing the outflow of lubricant from the outlet 125.

[0054] Furthermore, after supplying lubricant to the first lubricant chamber 117, the second lubricant chamber 119, and the third lubricant chamber 120 via the lubricant supply port 115 and supply passage 121 using a lubricant supply device, the outlet 125 may be blocked, for example, with a plug (not shown).

[0055] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the radial channel 128 is formed from the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 89b to the axial channel 127, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The radial channel 128 may also be a hole that penetrates the second cylindrical portion 89b in the radial direction.

[0056] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the axial flow path 127 is formed from the outlet 125 to the radial flow path 128, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The axial flow path 127 may also be a hole that penetrates the second cylindrical portion 89b and the third cylindrical portion 89c in the direction of rotation. For example, if the bearing b8 is a thrust self-aligning roller bearing, the annular member fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 89a closes the front opening of the axial flow path 127 that penetrates the second cylindrical portion 89b in the direction of rotation. Note that closing the front opening of the axial flow path 127 means that, for the purpose of lubricating the bearings b7 and b8, the amount of lubricant flowing out from the opening is negligible, and does not mean that the opening is completely closed to prevent lubricant from flowing out.

[0057] Furthermore, the shape of the axial channel 127 may be the same as the through hole 89d used to remove the bearing b8 from the annular flange member 89. In other words, it may be possible to remove the bearing b8 using the axial channel 127 in the same way as removing the bearing b8 using the through hole 89d. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the radial channel 128 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the axial channel 127, it is possible to suppress the flow of lubricant into the axial channel 127. However, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the radial channel 128 is too small, the pressure loss will be too large, and lubricants such as grease will not be able to flow out. Therefore, it is necessary to have a size that does not block the lubrication process, and it is preferable to have a cross-sectional area that can generate sufficient pressure loss while suppressing the flow of lubricant into the axial channel 127. Note that the magnitude of the pressure loss depends not only on the cross-sectional area but also on the cross-sectional shape, but considering the convenience of manufacturing, the cross-sectional shape will be circular or rectangular. Therefore, although the focus here is on the cross-sectional area, the pressure loss may also be controlled by changing the cross-sectional shape.

[0058] Furthermore, the position of the radial flow path 128 in the rotational axis direction is between the bearing b8 and the oil seal 122, and the axial flow path 127 is formed inside the oil seal 122 in the rotational radial direction. This allows lubricant to flow out from the third lubricant chamber 120, which is sealed by the oil seal 122, to the rear side of the third lubricant chamber 120, which is the opposite side from the front side where the lubricant supply port 115 is provided.

[0059] The rotating body 88 has a ball screw shaft 81 (an example of a columnar member) and an annular flange member 89 (an example of an annular member) fitted around the outer circumference of the ball screw shaft 81, and the outflow passage 126 is formed in the annular flange member 89. This makes it possible to form an outflow passage 126 that allows lubricant to flow out to the rear side of the third lubricant chamber 120. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1…Injection molding machine, 2…Injection device, 11…Heating cylinder, 12…Screw, 22…Measuring motor, 60…Drive device, 65…Support, 68…Rotating sliding member, 81…Ball screw shaft, 83…Ball screw, 88…Rotating body, 89…Annular flange member, 89a…First cylindrical part, 89b…Second cylindrical part, 89c…Third cylindrical part, 89d…Through hole, 100…Injection motor, 117…First lubricant chamber, 119…Second lubricant chamber, 120…Third lubricant chamber, 121…Supply passage, 122…Oil seal, 125…Outlet, 126…Outlet passage, 127…Axial passage, 128…Radial passage, b7, b8…Bearings

Claims

1. A cylindrical member and A rotating body is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the cylindrical member, with at least one end housed inside the cylindrical member, A support member provided between the cylindrical member and the rotating body to rotatably support the rotating body, A lubricant chamber is formed between the cylindrical member and the rotating body, and contains a lubricant for lubricating the support member, A sealing member that seals the lubricant chamber, A supply passage for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant chamber, Equipped with, The support member is positioned on the supply path, and the rotating body has an outlet passage formed therein that allows the lubricant to flow out from the lubricant chamber to the side opposite to the support member. The outflow passage has a radial flow path extending inward from the lubricant chamber in the radial direction of rotation of the rotating body, The position of the rotating body in the rotational axis direction in the radial flow path is between the support member and the sealing member. Injection molding machine.

2. The outflow passage communicates with the radial flow path and has an axial flow path that extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body. The axial flow path is formed on the inside of the sealing member in the radial direction of rotation. The injection molding machine according to claim 1.

3. A cylindrical member and A rotating body is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the cylindrical member, with at least one end housed inside the cylindrical member, A support member provided between the cylindrical member and the rotating body to rotatably support the rotating body, A lubricant chamber is formed between the cylindrical member and the rotating body, and contains a lubricant for lubricating the support member, A sealing member that seals the lubricant chamber, A supply passage for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant chamber, Equipped with, The support member is positioned on the supply path, and the rotating body has an outlet passage formed therein that allows the lubricant to flow out from the lubricant chamber to the side opposite to the support member. The rotating body comprises a columnar member and an annular member fitted onto the outer circumference of the columnar member. The outflow passage is formed in the annular member. Injection molding machine.

4. The annular member has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion. The support member is fitted onto the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion. The lubricant chamber is formed between the support member, the cylindrical member, the second cylindrical portion, and the sealing member. The injection molding machine according to claim 3.

5. The annular member further has a third cylindrical portion having an outer diameter less than or equal to the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion, The sealing member is provided between the third cylindrical portion and the cylindrical member so as to seal the gap between the annular member and the cylindrical member. The injection molding machine according to claim 4.

6. The outflow passage has a radial flow path extending inward from the lubricant chamber in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotating body, and an axial flow path communicating with the radial flow path and extending in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating body. The radial flow path is formed in the second cylindrical portion, and the axial flow path is formed in the second cylindrical portion and the third cylindrical portion. The injection molding machine according to claim 5.

7. The second cylindrical portion and the third cylindrical portion are formed with through holes that penetrate in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body so as to reach the support member from the end face opposite to the first cylindrical portion. The aforementioned outflow passage is formed in the circumferential direction in a portion where the through hole is not formed. The injection molding machine according to claim 5.

8. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outflow channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the through-hole. The injection molding machine according to claim 7.

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