Maintenance method for injection molding equipment, injection molding equipment, and injection molding machine

Abstract

To provide a method for maintenance of an injection unit that can be safely implemented.SOLUTION: The invention is for an injection unit (3) where a heating cylinder (18) is horizontal and swivels during maintenance. The injection unit (3) is provided with swivel means (47). A drive of the swivel means (47) is regulated while there is a swivel obstruction member within a swivel range (53) of the injection unit (3) that prevents the swivel of the injection unit (3). When swiveling the injection unit (3), removing the swivel obstruction member, resolving the prevention of swivel, or moving the injection unit (3) is performed as a pre-swivel process, and when a completion of the pre-swivel process is detected, releasing the regulation on a drive of the swivel means (47) and swiveling the injection unit (3) are performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance method for an injection device, the injection device, and an injection molding machine, in which a heating cylinder is horizontally disposed and is configured to be swung during maintenance.

Background Art

[0002] An injection molding machine is composed of a mold clamping device and an injection device. The injection device includes a heating cylinder, a screw accommodated in the heating cylinder, and a screw drive device that supports the heating cylinder and drives the screw. In many injection molding machines, the injection device is of a horizontal installation type. That is, the injection device is movably disposed on a bed, and the heating cylinder is arranged horizontally. An injection nozzle is provided at the tip of the heating cylinder, and when the injection device is advanced, the injection nozzle touches the mold clamped in the mold clamping device to enable injection. The injection device is configured to be horizontally swingable, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1. Maintenance such as replacement of the heating cylinder and the screw is performed by swinging the injection device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As mentioned earlier, maintenance of injection molding equipment is performed by rotating the equipment. When performing maintenance such as replacing the heating cylinder on such injection molding equipment, there appears to be room to improve safety. For example, it is necessary to check whether rotation is possible before rotating the injection molding equipment, but if this is not done, the heating cylinder or injection nozzle may hit the material. In addition, some models of injection molding equipment have a height that can be raised or lowered to adjust the height of the injection nozzle. In such injection molding equipment, if the heating cylinder is replaced or other maintenance is performed while the height is high, the worker will have to loosen or tighten bolts at a high position, which is difficult and poses a safety problem. In other words, there appears to be room to improve safety.

[0005] This disclosure provides a maintenance method for an injection molding device, an injection molding device, and an injection molding machine that enable safe maintenance of the injection molding device.

[0006] Other challenges and novel features will become apparent from the description and accompanying drawings in this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This disclosure relates to a maintenance method for an injection device comprising a horizontally mounted heating cylinder and a screw driven horizontally within the heating cylinder, which is designed to rotate horizontally during maintenance. This is a lifting device that raises and lowers the injection device. Rotating mechanism Equipped with The maintenance method relating to this disclosure is within the rotational range of the injection device. A component of a clamping device. While external components that interfere with the rotation of the injection device are present, such as rotation-obstructing members, the rotation mechanism is restricted and the rotation of the injection device is prohibited. When the injection device is to be rotated, Prior to turning, perform the prescribed pre-turning procedures to eliminate any obstacles to turning. , Pre-turn processing Once completion is detected, the restriction on the rotation mechanism's drive is released, allowing it to rotate. The pre-rotation process includes an injection unit retraction process, which is the movement of the injection unit away from the clamping device, and an injection unit descent process, which is the driving of a lifting device to lower the height of the injection unit, and the detection of the completion of the pre-rotation process includes the detection of the completion of the injection unit retraction process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure enables safe maintenance of injection equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view of an injection molding machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view of an injection molding machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing a maintenance method for the injection device according to the first embodiment, which is implemented in the injection molding machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a front view of an injection molding machine according to the first embodiment, showing the maintenance method for the injection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] This is a front view of an injection molding machine according to the first embodiment, showing the maintenance method for the injection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4C] This is a front view of an injection molding machine according to the first embodiment, showing the maintenance method for the injection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4D] This is a top view of an injection molding machine according to the first embodiment, showing the maintenance method for the injection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view of an injection molding machine according to the first embodiment, showing the maintenance method for the injection device according to the comparative example. [Figure 6A] This is a front view of an injection molding machine according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] This is a top view of an injection molding machine according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows a maintenance method for the injection device according to the second embodiment, which is implemented in the injection molding machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8A] This is a front view of an injection molding machine according to a second embodiment, showing the maintenance method for the injection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8B]This is a front view of the injection molding machine according to the second embodiment, in which the maintenance method for the injection device according to the second embodiment is implemented. [Figure 8C] This is a front view of the injection molding machine according to the second embodiment, in which the maintenance method for the injection device according to the second embodiment is implemented. [Figure 8D] This is a top view of the injection molding machine according to the second embodiment, in which the maintenance method for the injection device according to the second embodiment is implemented. [Figure 9A] This is a front view of the injection molding machine according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] This is a top view of the injection molding machine according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the maintenance method for the injection device implemented in the injection molding machine according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the maintenance method for the injection device implemented in the injection molding machine according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For clarity of description, the following descriptions and drawings are appropriately simplified. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as necessary. In addition, some portions are not hatched to avoid complicating the drawings.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Injection Molding Machine> As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes a mold clamping device 2, an injection device 3, and the like. As will be described in detail later, the mold clamping device 2 is a vertical type in which a mold platen is driven up and down to open and close the mold. On the other hand, the injection device 3 is a horizontally arranged type as will be described later. The injection molding machine 1 is provided with a control device 4 that controls these devices.

[0012] <Mold clamping device> In the first embodiment, the mold clamping device 2 comprises a fixed platen 9 fixed to the bed 7, an upper movable platen 10 located above the fixed platen 9, and a lower movable platen 11 located within the bed 7. In this embodiment, the upper movable platen 10 and the lower movable platen 11 are connected by four tie bars 12, 12, ... as shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 1, a toggle mechanism 14 is provided between the lower movable platen 11 and the fixed platen 9. An upper mold 15 is provided on the upper movable platen 10, and a lower mold 16 is provided on the lower movable platen 11. When the toggle mechanism 14 is driven, the upper mold 15 and the lower mold 16 are opened and closed.

[0013] <Injection device> The injection device 3 is of a horizontal type and is mounted relative to the bed 7. The injection device 3 comprises a horizontally mounted heating cylinder 18, a screw 19 inserted into the heating cylinder 18, and a screw drive device 21 that supports the heating cylinder 18 and drives the screw 19. An injection nozzle 23 is provided at the tip of the heating cylinder 18, which touches the molds 15 and 16 to inject the injection material.

[0014] The injection device 3 according to the first embodiment includes a nozzle touch device 25 for moving the injection device 3 and a lifting device 26 for adjusting the height of the injection device 3. The nozzle touch device 25 is configured to move the injection device 3 in a direction that brings it closer to the clamping device 2, i.e., in the forward direction, or in a direction that moves it away from the clamping device 2, i.e., in the backward direction. The nozzle touch device 25 includes a trolley 29 that is movably mounted on the bed 7 via a linear guide 28, and a trolley drive mechanism 31. The trolley drive mechanism 31 includes a ball screw 33 that is rotatably mounted within the bed 7, a ball nut 34 provided on the ball screw 33, and a moving servo motor 35 that rotates the ball screw 33. The ball nut 34 is connected to the trolley 29. Therefore, when the moving servo motor 35 is driven to rotate the ball screw 33, the trolley 29, and thus the injection device 3, moves forward and backward.

[0015] The lifting device 26 adjusts the height of the injection device 3, that is, the height of the injection nozzle 23, and includes a lifting platform 37 that moves up and down relative to the trolley 29, ball screw mechanisms 39, 39, ... connecting the trolley 29 and the lifting platform 37, and a lifting servo motor 40. The ball nuts 42, 42, ... of the ball screw mechanisms 39, 39, ... are connected to the lifting servo motor 40 via a timing belt 43. Therefore, when the lifting servo motor 40 is driven and the ball nuts 42, 42, ... are rotated, the lifting platform 37 moves up and down relative to the trolley 29.

[0016] The screw drive unit 21 is mounted on the lifting platform 37 so as to be able to rotate horizontally via a rotating shaft 45. The screw drive unit 21 is connected to the lifting platform 37 via a pivoting mechanism 47, as shown in Figure 2. The pivoting mechanism 47 consists of a ball screw 49, one end of which is rotatably supported by the screw drive unit 21, a ball nut 50 mounted on the lifting platform 37 and screwed onto the ball screw 49, and a pivoting servo motor 51 that rotates the ball screw 49. Therefore, when the pivoting servo motor 51 is driven to rotate the ball screw 49, the screw drive unit 21 rotates, that is, the injection device 3 rotates.

[0017] <Reverse detection sensor> The injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a retraction detection sensor 52. The injection device 3 is retracted by the nozzle touch device 25, and when it reaches the retracted position, it is detected by the retraction detection sensor 52.

[0018] <Maintenance method for injection molding equipment> In the injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment, maintenance of the heating cylinder 18, screw 19, etc., in the injection device 3 is performed by rotating the injection device 3. However, depending on the state of the injection device 3, an external member may be present in the rotation range 53 of the injection device 3, as shown in Figure 2. In the example shown in Figure 2, one tie bar 12 corresponds to that external member, and such an external member is referred to as a rotation obstruction member in this specification. If the machine rotates while a rotation obstruction member is within the rotation range 53, it may lead to undesirable unsafe situations such as the injection nozzle 23 or heating cylinder 18 colliding with and being damaged. The control device 4 of the injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment implements the injection device maintenance method according to the first embodiment. This method includes several processes performed in advance to ensure safe rotation, i.e., pre-rotation processing. Safety is ensured by performing inter-rotation processing and then rotating the injection device 3. This will be explained below. In the following explanation of the injection device maintenance method, Figures 1 and 2 will also be referred to as appropriate.

[0019] The operator displays the operation screen on the control device 4 by performing a predetermined operation and requests the start of maintenance on the injection device. The control device 4 receives the request and starts processing. The control device 4 executes step S01 as shown in Figure 3. In step S01, the height of the injection device 3 is checked. If the height of the injection device 3 is low (YES), the process proceeds to step S03. On the other hand, if the height of the injection device 3 is high (NO), the process proceeds to step S02. The height of the injection device 3 can be detected by an encoder provided in connection with the lifting servo motor 40 of the lifting device 26 (see Figure 1).

[0020] In step S02, the control device 4 lowers the injection device 3. That is, the lifting servo motor 40 in the lifting device 26 is driven to lower the lifting platform 37. Figure 4A shows the injection molding machine 1 with the lifting platform 37 lowered, resulting in a lower height for the injection device 3. Once the process in step S02 is complete, the process moves on to step S03.

[0021] The control device 4 executes step S03 to check the forward and backward position of the injection device 3. When the injection device 3 is in the reversed position, it is detected by the reverse detection sensor 52. If the injection device 3 is not in the reversed position in step S03 (NO), the process proceeds to step S04. On the other hand, if it is in the reversed position (YES), the process proceeds to step S05. The forward and backward position can also be detected by the encoder of the moving servo motor 35 (see Figure 1). In the first embodiment, the reverse detection sensor 52 is used to determine whether or not the device has reliably reached the reversed position.

[0022] In step S04, the control device 4 retracts the injection device 3. That is, it drives the servo motor 35 for moving the nozzle touch device 25 (see Figure 1) to retract the injection device 3. This state is shown in Figure 4B. When the injection device 3 is retracted, it is detected by the retraction detection sensor 52. When the injection device 3 is in the retracted position, the rotation obstruction member, i.e., the tie bar 12, as shown in Figure 2, is moved out of the rotation range 53. In other words, rotation is possible. However, in order to perform maintenance on the injection device 3 more safely, the control device 4 proceeds to step S05 and executes the process.

[0023] In step S05, the control device 4 checks the position of the screw 19. If the screw 19 is in the furthest forward position (YES), the process proceeds to step S07. On the other hand, if the screw 19 is not in the furthest forward position (NO), the process proceeds to step S06. In step S06, the control device 4 drives the screw drive device 21 (see Figure 1) to move the screw 19 to its furthest forward position. This state is shown in Figure 4C. The process then proceeds to step S07.

[0024] In step S07, the control device 4 drives the swivel mechanism 47 (see Figure 2), that is, it drives the swivel servo motor 51. As a result, the injection device 3 swivels, as shown in Figure 4D. The control device 4 then terminates the process. The height of the injection device 3 is reduced, and the screw 19 is housed inside the heating cylinder 18. Therefore, the operator can easily remove the heating cylinder 18 containing the screw 19 from the screw drive device 21, and maintenance can be performed safely.

[0025] [Comparative example of a configuration in which the injection device of an injection molding machine is equipped with a lifting device] The injection molding machine according to the first embodiment was described as having a configuration in which the injection device is equipped with a lifting device. In the maintenance method of the injection device according to the first embodiment, as described above, the control device 4 performs a series of pre-rotation processes and then rotates the injection device 3. In contrast, there are cases in which a process similar to the pre-rotation process is performed manually and then the injection device 3 is rotated. When the process is performed manually, necessary processes may be omitted, and even if the injection device 3 is rotated, there may be room for improvement in terms of safety when performing maintenance. Below, a maintenance method for an injection device according to a comparative example in which the injection device is equipped with a lifting device will be described.

[0026] The maintenance method for the injection device according to the comparative example is performed on the injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2). When the injection molding machine 1 is in the state shown in Figure 1, the operator operates the control device 4 to drive the nozzle touch device 25. That is, the operator drives the moving servo motor 35 to retract the injection device 3. This state is shown in Figure 5. At this time, the screw 19 is not in the forward position, and the height H of the injection device 3 is high. However, since the injection device 3 is in the retracted position, there is no possibility that the heating cylinder 18 or the injection nozzle 23 will hit rotation-obstructing members such as the tie bar 12 during the rotation of the injection device 3. In other words, rotation of the injection device 3 is possible. In the maintenance method for the injection device according to the comparative example, the injection device 3 is rotated in this state. After rotation, the heating cylinder 18 and screw 19 are replaced, etc.

[0027] As mentioned above, the height H of the injection device 3 is high. The heating cylinder 18 is fastened to the screw drive device 21 by bolts at its end, and in order to remove the heating cylinder 18, the operator needs to remove the bolts. However, since the height H of the injection device 3 is high, the height of the heating cylinder 18 is also high, so the bolts must be removed at a high position. This makes the work difficult and raises safety concerns. Furthermore, even after removing the heating cylinder 18, the screw 19 is not in its furthest forward position. This means that there is room for improvement in terms of safety, such as the possibility that the screw 19 may fall out of the heating cylinder 18 when it is removed.

[0028] [Second Embodiment] <Injection molding machine> A second embodiment will now be described. The injection molding machine 60 according to the second embodiment includes a mold clamping device 61, an injection device 62, etc., as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. The mold clamping device 61 is a horizontal type in which the mold plate is driven horizontally to open and close the mold, which differs from the first embodiment. On the other hand, the injection device 62 is a horizontal type, similar to the first embodiment. In the injection molding machine 60 according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the first embodiment and their descriptions are omitted, while components that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0029] <Mold clamping device> In the second embodiment, the mold clamping device 61 includes a fixed platen 64 fixed to the bed 7, a movable platen 65 slidably mounted on the bed 7, and a mold clamping housing 66 similarly slidably mounted on the bed 7. The fixed platen 64 and the mold clamping housing 66 are connected by four tie bars 68, 68, ..., and the movable platen 65 slides between the fixed platen 64 and the mold clamping housing 66. A toggle mechanism 70 is provided between the mold clamping housing 66 and the movable platen 65. The fixed platen 64 is provided with a fixed-side mold 72, and the movable platen 65 is provided with a movable-side mold 73. Therefore, when the toggle mechanism 70 is driven, the fixed-side mold 72 and the movable-side mold 73 are opened and closed.

[0030] <Injection device> The injection device 62 according to the second embodiment differs from the injection device 3 according to the first embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2) in two respects. The first difference is the nozzle touch device 75 that moves the injection device 62. The nozzle touch device 75 includes a trolley 29 that is movable on the bed 7 via a linear guide 28, similar to the first embodiment, but the trolley drive mechanism 77 that drives the trolley 29 is different. The trolley drive mechanism 77 consists of a ball screw mechanism 78 and a moving servo motor 80 that drives the ball screw mechanism 78. One end of the ball screw mechanism 78 is fixed to the stationary plate 64, and the moving servo motor 80 is provided on the screw drive device 21.

[0031] In the injection device 62 according to the second embodiment, the second difference is that there is no lifting device for raising or lowering the injection device 62. Therefore, the injection device 62 is not designed to move up or down in height. The injection device 62 according to the second embodiment is configured in the same way as the injection device 3 according to the first embodiment in other respects. The details of the similar configuration will not be explained.

[0032] <Maintenance method for injection molding equipment> A maintenance method for the injection device according to the second embodiment, performed in the injection molding machine 60 (see Figures 6A and 6B) according to the second embodiment, will now be described. The operator displays the operation screen on the control device 4 by performing a predetermined operation and requests the start of maintenance on the injection device. The control device 4 receives the request and starts processing. The control device 4 performs step S11 as shown in Figure 7. In step S11, the position of the screw 19 is checked. If the screw 19 is in the furthest forward position (YES), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the screw 19 is not in the furthest forward position (NO), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the control device 4 drives the screw drive device 21 (see Figure 6A) to move the screw 19 to the furthest forward position. This state is shown in Figure 8A. The process proceeds to step S13.

[0033] The control device 4 executes step S13 to check the forward and backward position of the injection device 62 (see Figure 6A). The forward and backward position of the injection device 62 is detected by the encoder of the movement servo motor 80. If the injection device 62 is in the maximum retraction position that can be moved by the movement servo motor 80 (YES), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it has not reached that retraction position (NO), the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control device 4 drives the movement servo motor 80 to move the injection device 62 to the maximum retraction position that can be moved. This state is shown in Figure 8B. The process proceeds to step S15.

[0034] In step S15, the control device 4 temporarily stops the process. Step S15 is performed manually by the operator. Specifically, the operator detaches the nozzle touch device 75 (see Figure 6A) from the stationary plate 64. In other words, the ball screw mechanism 78 is detached from the stationary plate 64. Once detached, the process proceeds to step S16. Step S16 is also performed manually by the operator. The operator pushes the injection device 62 in the backward direction to move it. When the injection device 62 reaches its furthest backward position, this is detected by the backward position detection sensor 52. The control device 4 detects that the injection device 62 has reached its furthest backward position. This state is shown in Figure 8C.

[0035] In the case of the injection molding machine 60 according to the second embodiment, the rotation of the injection device 62 is obstructed by the fixed platen 64 connected to the ball screw mechanism 78. This is because rotation is not possible as long as they are connected. In other words, the fixed platen 64 is the rotation obstruction member. Once the connection is released in steps S15 and S16, the rotation of the injection device 62 becomes possible.

[0036] The operator performs a predetermined operation on the control device 4 to restart the process. The control device 4 then executes step S17, which is to rotate the injection device 62 by driving the swivel mechanism 47, as shown in Figure 8D. The control device 4 completes the process. The operator then performs maintenance on the heating cylinder 18, screw 19, etc.

[0037] [Modification 1 of the first embodiment] The injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2) can be modified. Figure 9A shows an injection molding machine 1A according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. In the injection molding machine 1A according to Modification 1, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0038] The injection device 3A of the injection molding machine 1A according to Modification 1 differs from the first embodiment in its nozzle touch device 85. The nozzle touch device 85 of the injection device 3A according to Modification 1 consists of a piston cylinder unit 86 provided on the screw drive device 21 and a fixing member 88 provided on the bed 7 near the clamping device 2. The tip of the rod 87 of the piston cylinder unit 86 is connected to the fixing member 88, and the cylinder 89 is provided on the screw drive device 21. Therefore, when the piston cylinder unit 86 is driven, the injection device 3A moves back and forth. The tip of the rod 87 is connected to the fixing member 88 in a state that allows for vertical sliding. Therefore, when the lifting device 26 is driven to raise or lower the injection device 3A, the rod 87 also slides up and down relative to the fixing member 88.

[0039] In the injection device 3A according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment, the same maintenance method for the injection device can be implemented as in the injection device 3 according to the first embodiment described in Figure 3. However, in the injection device 3A according to Modification 1, the rotation is obstructed by the fixed member 88 connected to the piston cylinder unit 86. Therefore, in the pre-rotation processing, it is necessary to disconnect the piston cylinder unit 86 from the fixed member 88. The maintenance method for the injection device implemented in the injection device 3A according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment is as shown in Figure 10. The flowchart in Figure 10 differs from the flowchart in Figure 3 in the area indicated by the dashed line. Only this differing area will be explained.

[0040] After the control device 4 lowers the height of the injection device 3A in steps S01 and S02, it performs step S21. In step S21, the forward and backward position of the injection device 3A is checked. The piston cylinder unit 86 is equipped with a limit switch that detects the position of the rod 87, although this is not shown in Figure 9A. The forward and backward position of the injection device 3A is detected by this limit switch. If the injection device 3A is in the retracted position (YES), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it has not reached the retracted position (NO), the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the control device 4 drives the piston cylinder unit 86 to move the injection device 3A to the maximum retractable position. The process then proceeds to step S23.

[0041] In step S23, the control device 4 temporarily stops the process. Step S23 is performed manually by the operator. The operator disconnects the rod 87 of the piston cylinder unit 86 from the fixing member 88. After disconnection, proceed to step S24. Step S24 is also performed manually by the operator. The operator pushes the injection device 3A in the backward direction to move it. When the injection device 3A reaches its furthest retracted position, this is detected by the backward detection sensor 52. The control device 4 detects that the injection device 3A has reached its furthest retracted position. The operator performs a predetermined operation on the control device 4 to restart the process. Then the control device 4 executes step S05. Step S05 has already been explained, so the explanation is omitted.

[0042] [Modification 2 of the first embodiment] Figure 9B illustrates the injection molding machine 1B according to Modification 2 of the First Embodiment. In the injection molding machine 1B according to Modification 2, components similar to those in the injection molding machine 1 according to the First Embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0043] The injection device 3B according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in its rotation means 91. The rotation means 91 of the injection device 3B according to Modification 2 consists of a feed screw 92 rotatably connected to the screw drive device 21 and a nut portion 93 screwed onto the feed screw 92. The nut portion 93 is provided on the lifting platform 37. This rotation means 91 is driven manually. In other words, when the feed screw 92 is rotated manually, the injection device 3B rotates. The injection device 3B according to Modification 2 is also provided with a locking mechanism 95 that restricts rotation. When locked by the locking mechanism 95, the injection device 3B will not rotate even if the rotation means 91 is driven. On the other hand, if the locking mechanism 95 is released, the injection device 3B can be rotated by the rotation means 91.

[0044] In this modified example 2 of the first embodiment, the injection device 3B can also be maintained in the same way as the injection device maintenance method performed in the injection device 3 of the first embodiment described in Figure 3. The injection device maintenance method performed in the injection device 3B of the modified example 2 of the first embodiment is as shown in Figure 11. The flowchart in Figure 11 differs from the flowchart in Figure 3 in the area indicated by the dashed line. Only this differing area will be explained.

[0045] After the control device 4 moves the screw 19 in the injection device 3B to its furthest forward position in steps S05 and S06, it performs step S31. In step S31, the control device 4 releases the lock mechanism 95, that is, it allows the injection device 3B to rotate. At this time, the control device 4 may display a message on the screen indicating that the injection device 3B can now rotate. The control device 4 stops processing. In step S32, the operator manually drives the rotation means 91, that is, rotates the lead screw 92. The injection device 3B rotates.

[0046] <Other variations> The first and second embodiments can be further modified in various ways. For example, in the pre-treatment before rotation, a purge may be performed in the injection devices 3, 62, 3A, and 3B to discharge the injection material. Alternatively, in the pre-treatment before rotation, the heater provided in the heating cylinder 18 may be stopped and temporarily waited until the temperature of the heating cylinder 18 drops to a predetermined temperature. In this way, maintenance of the injection devices 3, 62, 3A, and 3B can be performed more safely.

[0047] The present invention has been described in detail above based on embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments already described, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The multiple examples described above can also be implemented in combination as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1 Injection molding machine 2 Mold clamping device 3. Injection device 4. Control device 7 beds 9 fixed plate 10 Upper movable plate 11 Lower movable plate 12 Tie bar 14 Toggle mechanism 15 Upper mold 16 Lower mold 18 Heating cylinder 19 Screw 21 Screw drive mechanism 23 Injection nozzle 25 Nozzle touch device 26 Lifting device 28 Linear guide 29 Bogie 31. Trolley drive mechanism 33. Ball screw 34 Ball nut 35 Servo motor for movement 37 Lifting platform 39 Ball screw mechanism 40 Lifting servo motor 42 Ball nut 43 Timing belt 45 Rotating shaft 47 Swivel mechanism 49 Ball screw 50 Ball nut 51 Swivel servo motor 52 Reverse detection sensor 53 Swivel range 60 Injection molding machine 61 Mold clamping device 62 Injection device 64 Fixed plate 65 Movable plate 66 Clamping housing 68 Tie bar 70 Toggle mechanism 72 Fixed mold 73 Movable mold 75 Nozzle touch device 77 Trolley drive mechanism 78 Ball screw mechanism 80 Servo motor for movement 85 Nozzle touch device 86 Piston cylinder unit 87 Rod 88 Fixing member 89 Cylinder 91 Swivel mechanism 92 Lead screw 93 Nut part 95 Locking mechanism

Claims

1. A heating cylinder is installed horizontally, An injection device comprising a screw driven horizontally within a heating cylinder, and configured to rotate horizontally during maintenance, wherein a maintenance method for maintaining the heating cylinder and the screw, The injection device comprises a lifting device for raising and lowering the injection device, and a swivel mechanism for rotating the injection device horizontally. As long as a member of the clamping device that obstructs rotation is present within the rotation range of the injection device and is in contact with or hinders the rotation of the injection device, the driving of the rotation means is restricted and the rotation of the injection device is prohibited. When rotating the injection device, a predetermined pre-rotation process is performed beforehand to eliminate any obstacles to rotation, and once the completion of the pre-rotation process is detected, the restriction on the drive of the rotation means is released to allow rotation. A method for maintaining an injection device, wherein the pre-rotation treatment includes an injection device retraction treatment, which is moving the injection device in a direction away from the clamping device, and an injection device descent treatment, which is driving the lifting device to lower the height of the injection device, and the detection of the completion of the pre-rotation treatment includes the detection of the completion of the injection device retraction treatment.

2. The method for maintaining an injection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pre-rotation treatment includes a screw advancement treatment in which the screw is advanced within the heating cylinder.

3. The method for maintaining an injection molding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping device consists of a vertical clamping device in which the mold plate is driven in the vertical direction to open and close the mold, and the rotation obstructing member is a tie bar.

4. The method for maintaining an injection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotating means is driven by an electric or hydraulic power source.

5. A heating cylinder is installed horizontally, A screw driven horizontally within the heating cylinder, A screw drive device is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the bed, supporting the heating cylinder and driving the screw, An injection device comprising a control device and mounted to be movable forward and backward relative to the bed, The injection device comprises a lifting device for raising and lowering the injection device, and a retraction detection sensor for detecting the completed retraction position relative to the bed. The screw drive device is provided with a pivoting mechanism, and the control device restricts the driving of the pivoting mechanism and prohibits the pivoting of the screw drive device when the screw drive device is pivoting, as long as there is a pivoting obstruction member, which is a component of the clamping device that comes into contact with the injection nozzle or obstructs the pivoting, within the pivoting range of the heating cylinder and the injection nozzle provided on the heating cylinder. The restriction on the drive of the pivoting means is released and pivoting is permitted when a predetermined pivoting pre-processing is performed in advance and the completion of the pivoting pre-processing is detected by the control device. The injection device comprises an injection device retraction process that retracts the injection device and an injection device descent process that drives the lifting device to lower the height of the injection device, and the detection of the completion of the retraction process includes detection by the retraction detection sensor.

6. The injection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pre-rotation treatment includes a screw advancement treatment in which the screw is advanced within the heating cylinder, and the screw advancement treatment is performed by the control device.

7. The injection device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the rotation of the injection device is driven by electric or hydraulic power according to a command from the control device.

8. Clamping device and An injection device that is mounted to be able to move forward and backward relative to the bed, It consists of a control device and, The injection device includes a heating cylinder that is installed horizontally, A screw driven horizontally within the heating cylinder, A screw drive device is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the bed, supporting the heating cylinder and driving the screw, A rotating means for rotating the injection device, A lifting device for raising and lowering the injection device, The system includes a retraction detection sensor that detects the completed retraction position relative to the bed, The control device restricts the driving of the rotation means and prohibits the rotation of the injection device while a rotation-obstructing member, which is a component of the clamping device that comes into contact with the injection device or obstructs its rotation, is present within the rotation range of the injection device. The restriction on the drive of the pivoting means is released and pivoting is permitted when a predetermined pivoting pre-processing is performed in advance and the completion of the pivoting pre-processing is detected by the control device. The pre-rotation process includes an injection device retraction process that retracts the injection device and an injection device descent process that drives the lifting device to lower the height of the injection device, and the detection of the completion of the pre-rotation process includes detection by the retraction detection sensor.

9. The injection molding machine according to claim 8, wherein the pre-rotation treatment includes a screw advancement treatment in which the screw is advanced within the heating cylinder, and the screw advancement treatment is performed by the control device.

10. The injection molding machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mold clamping device consists of a vertical mold clamping device in which the mold plate is driven in the vertical direction to open and close the mold, and the rotation obstructing member is a tie bar.

11. The injection molding machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the rotation of the injection device is driven by electric or hydraulic power according to a command from the control device.

Images