Molding machine

Abstract

A molding machine according to an embodiment comprises: a fixed die plate that holds a fixed mold; a link housing; a movable die plate that is provided between the link housing and the fixed die plate, is provided so as to be movable in a mold opening / closing direction, and holds the movable mold such that the movable mold faces the fixed mold; a toggle mechanism that is provided between the link housing and the movable die plate, has a crosshead and a plurality of links, and is capable of clamping the fixed mold and the movable mold; an electric cylinder that is fixed to the link housing, moves the crosshead in the mold opening / closing direction, and drives the toggle mechanism; a hydraulic cylinder that is fixed to the crosshead, moves the crosshead in the mold opening / closing direction, and drives the toggle mechanism; a tie bar; and an injection device.

Description

molding machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding machine equipped with a mold clamping device that is a combination of an electric type and a hydraulic type.

[0002] In a die-casting machine, which is an example of a molding machine, a molded product (die-cast product) is manufactured by, for example, using an injection device to fill a cavity in a mold that is clamped using a mold clamping device with molten metal.

[0003] For example, when an electric device such as an electric cylinder is used for the mold clamping device, there are problems such as high manufacturing equipment costs due to the expensive high-output motor.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, when a hydraulic device such as a hydraulic cylinder is used as a mold clamping device, there are problems such as a long manufacturing cycle time, deterioration of the manufacturing environment due to contamination of the hydraulic fluid, and large energy consumption.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a hybrid drive unit that combines a hydraulic drive unit and an electric drive unit. However, the hybrid drive unit in Patent Document 1 does not have an optimal structure for application to mold clamping in a molding machine.

[0006] Patent No. 5813100

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a molding machine that can realize low manufacturing equipment costs, short manufacturing cycle times, an improved manufacturing environment, and energy savings.

[0008] a link housing fixed onto the base; a movable die plate disposed between the link housing and the fixed die plate, movable in the mold opening / closing direction on the base, and capable of holding a movable die opposite the fixed die; a toggle mechanism disposed between the link housing and the movable die plate, having a crosshead and a plurality of links, some of whose ends are fixed to the link housing, and capable of clamping the fixed die and the movable die; an electric cylinder fixed to the link housing, which moves the crosshead in the mold opening / closing direction and drives the toggle mechanism; a hydraulic cylinder fixed to the crosshead, which moves the crosshead in the mold opening / closing direction and drives the toggle mechanism; tie bars, which can be fixed to the link housing and the fixed die plate and extend in the mold opening / closing direction; and an injection device that fills molten metal into a cavity formed by the fixed die and the movable die.

[0009] In the molding machine of the above aspect, it is preferable that the electric cylinder includes a rod extending in the mold opening / closing direction and movable in the mold opening / closing direction, a nut fixed to the rod, a screw shaft passing through the nut and insertable into the rod, and a motor for rotating the screw shaft, and that the hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder tube fixed to the crosshead and a piston provided in the cylinder tube, connected to the end of the rod on the crosshead side, and movable in the mold opening / closing direction.

[0010] In the molding machine of the above aspect, it is preferable to further include a stopper mechanism that can control the suppression and permission of movement of the rod in the mold opening direction.

[0011] In the molding machine of the above aspect, it is preferable that the stopper mechanism is provided on the opposite side of the link housing from the movable die plate.

[0012] In the molding machine of the above aspect, it is preferable that the rod has a flange provided on the outer periphery of the rod, and the stopper mechanism includes a stopper member that can be inserted into the flange in the mold opening direction, an actuator that moves the stopper member in a direction perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction, and a support member provided on the stopper member in the mold opening direction.

[0013] In the molding machine of the above aspect, it is preferable that the support member is fixed to the link housing.

[0014] In the molding machine of the above aspect, it is preferable that the distance over which the crosshead can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the electric cylinder is greater than the distance over which the crosshead can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the hydraulic cylinder.

[0015] In the molding machine of the above aspect, it is preferable that the distance over which the crosshead can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the electric cylinder is at least five times the distance over which the crosshead can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the hydraulic cylinder.

[0016] In the molding machine of the above aspect, the hydraulic cylinder is preferably a hydraulic cylinder.

[0017] In the molding machine of the above aspect, it is preferable that the molding machine further comprises an extrusion device that is provided between the link housing and the fixed die plate and extrudes a molded product produced by solidifying the molten metal from the movable die.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a molding machine equipped with a mold clamping device that can achieve low manufacturing equipment costs, short manufacturing cycle times, an improved manufacturing environment, and energy savings.

[0019] Schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a molding machine of an embodiment. Schematic side view of a clamping device of a molding machine of an embodiment. Schematic side view of a clamping device of a molding machine of an embodiment. Schematic cross-sectional view of a clamping device of a molding machine of an embodiment. Schematic cross-sectional view of a clamping device of a molding machine of an embodiment. Flow diagram of a molding operation of a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment. Explanatory diagram of a molding operation using a molding machine of an embodiment.

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] In this specification, hydraulic pressure will be used as an example of hydraulic pressure. For example, a hydraulic circuit will be used as an example of a hydraulic circuit. Instead of hydraulic pressure, for example, water pressure can be used. In addition, in this specification, hydraulic oil will be used as an example of a working fluid.

[0022] The molding machine of the embodiment is a die-casting machine. The die-casting machine 100 of the embodiment is a cold chamber type die-casting machine. The die-casting machine 100 of the embodiment is equipped with a combined electric and hydraulic clamping device.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a molding machine according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 is a side view including a partial cross-sectional view. Fig. 1 shows the initial state of the die-casting machine 100 before it starts operating. In this case, the initial state is a state in which the mold is fully open, i.e., a so-called mold open limit state.

[0024] 2 and 3 are schematic side views of a mold clamping device of a molding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 2 is a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction, and Fig. 3 is a side view seen from the mold opening / closing direction.

[0025] 4 and 5 are schematic cross-sectional views of the mold clamping device of the molding machine of the embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the rod of the mold clamping device in the forward limit state. Fig. 5 shows the rod of the mold clamping device in the backward limit state.

[0026] The die-casting machine 100 is a machine that produces die-cast products by injecting liquid metal (molten metal) into the interior of a mold (cavity Ca in FIG. 1 ) and solidifying the liquid metal within the mold. The metal is, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, a zinc alloy, or a magnesium alloy.

[0027] The die casting machine 100 includes a base 10, guide rails 11, a fixed die plate 12, a link housing 14, a movable die plate 16, tie bars 18, tie bar nuts 19, a fixed mold 20, a movable mold 22, a mold clamping device 24, an extrusion device 26, an injection device 28, and an input display device 30.

[0028] The extrusion device 26 includes a extrusion plate 26a, an extrusion cylinder 26b, an extrusion shaft 26c, an extrusion pin support plate 26d, and extrusion pins 26e.

[0029] The injection device 28 includes a sleeve 42, a plunger 44, an injection drive unit 46, and a position sensor 48. The plunger 44 includes a plunger tip 44a and a plunger rod 44b. The sleeve 42 is provided with an opening 42a.

[0030] The fixed die plate 12 is fixed on the base 10. A fixed mold 20 can be attached to the fixed die plate 12. The fixed die plate 12 can hold the fixed mold 20.

[0031] The link housing 14 is fixed onto the base 10. One end of some of the multiple links 32b included in the toggle mechanism 32 is fixed to the link housing 14.

[0032] The movable die plate 16 is provided between the link housing 14 and the fixed die plate 12. The movable die plate 16 is provided on the base 10 so as to be movable in the mold opening and closing directions. The mold opening and closing directions refer to both the mold opening direction and the mold closing direction shown in Fig. 1 and the like.

[0033] The movable die plate 16 moves in the mold opening and closing direction on guide rails 11 provided on the base 10. A movable die 22 can be attached to the movable die plate 16. The movable die plate 16 can hold the movable die 22.

[0034] The tie bars 18 extend in the mold opening / closing direction. For example, four tie bars 18 are provided.

[0035] The tie bars 18 can be fixed to the link housing 14 and the fixed die plate 12. The tie bars 18 are fixed to the link housing 14 and the fixed die plate 12 by, for example, tie bar nuts 19. The tie bars 18 pass through the movable die plate 16.

[0036] The tie bars 18 support the clamping force while the clamping force is applied to the fixed mold 20 and the movable mold 22 .

[0037] The mold clamping device 24 includes a toggle mechanism 32, an electric cylinder 34, a hydraulic cylinder 36 (hydraulic cylinder), and a stopper mechanism 38. The mold clamping device 24 is a combined electric and hydraulic mold clamping device. The mold clamping device 24 is a hybrid mold clamping device in which the toggle mechanism 32 is driven using two types of cylinders: the electric cylinder 34 and the hydraulic cylinder 36. The hydraulic cylinder 36 is an example of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0038] The toggle mechanism 32 is provided between the link housing 14 and the movable die plate 16. The toggle mechanism 32 moves the movable die plate 16 in the mold opening and closing direction. The toggle mechanism 32 enables the fixed mold 20 and the movable mold 22 to be clamped together.

[0039] The toggle mechanism 32 includes a crosshead 32a, a plurality of links 32b, and a plurality of link pins 32c. One end of some of the plurality of link pins 32c is fixed to the link housing 14. The link pin 32c connects, for example, two links 32b. The link pin 32c also connects the links 32b and the crosshead 32a.

[0040] The electric cylinder 34 is fixed to the link housing 14. For example, the electric cylinder 34 is fixed to the link housing 14 on the side opposite to the movable die plate 16.

[0041] The electric cylinder 34 moves the crosshead 32a in the mold opening / closing direction. The electric cylinder 34 drives the toggle mechanism 32. The electric cylinder 34 drives the toggle mechanism 32 by moving the crosshead 32a in the mold opening / closing direction.

[0042] 2, 3, or 4, the electric cylinder 34 includes an electric cylinder tube 34a, a rod 34b, a nut 34c, a screw shaft 34d, a motor 34e, a motor shaft 34f, a first pulley 34g, a second pulley 34h, and a belt 34i. The rod 34b has a flange 34bx.

[0043] Rotating the motor 34e rotates the second pulley 34h connected to the motor 34e by the motor shaft 34f. The rotation of the second pulley 34h rotates the first pulley 34g connected to the second pulley 34h by the belt 34i.

[0044] Rotation of the first pulley 34g rotates the threaded shaft 34d connected to the first pulley 34g. The threaded shaft 34d is provided inside the electric cylinder tube 34a. The threaded shaft 34d is provided so as to be insertable into the rod 34b.

[0045] The rod 34b extends in the mold opening / closing direction and passes through the link housing 14. At least a portion of the rod 34b is cylindrical.

[0046] A nut 34c is fixed to the rod 34b. A screw shaft 34d passes through the nut 34c. The threads of the screw shaft 34d mesh with the threads of the nut 34c. When the screw shaft 34d rotates, the rod 34b moves in the mold opening / closing direction.

[0047] The hydraulic cylinder 36 is fixed to the crosshead 32 a. For example, the hydraulic cylinder 36 is provided on the opposite side of the crosshead 32 a from the fixed die plate 12.

[0048] The hydraulic cylinder 36 drives the toggle mechanism 32. The hydraulic cylinder 36 drives the toggle mechanism 32 by moving the crosshead 32a in the mold opening / closing direction.

[0049] 2, 4, or 5, the hydraulic cylinder 36 includes a hydraulic cylinder tube 36a, a piston 36b, a head-side hydraulic oil hole 36c, and a rod-side hydraulic oil hole 36d. The hydraulic cylinder tube 36a is an example of a cylinder tube.

[0050] The hydraulic cylinder tube 36a is fixed to the crosshead 32a. At least a portion of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a has a cylindrical shape.

[0051] The piston 36b is provided in the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a. The piston 36b is connected to the end of the rod 34b on the crosshead 32a side. The piston 36b can move in the mold opening / closing direction within the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a using a hydraulic circuit (not shown).

[0052] The head-side hydraulic oil hole 36c communicates the inside and outside of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a. The head-side hydraulic oil hole 36c communicates the head-side chamber of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a and the outside.

[0053] The rod-side hydraulic oil hole 36d communicates the inside and outside of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a. The rod-side hydraulic oil hole 36d communicates the rod-side chamber of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a and the outside.

[0054] The area inside the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a on the crosshead 32a side of the piston 36b is referred to as a head-side chamber, and the area inside the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a on the rod 34b side of the piston 36b is referred to as a rod-side chamber.

[0055] Hydraulic oil can be supplied from a hydraulic circuit (not shown) to the head-side chamber of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a through the head-side hydraulic oil hole 36c. Hydraulic oil can also be discharged from the head-side chamber of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a to the hydraulic circuit (not shown) through the head-side hydraulic oil hole 36c.

[0056] Hydraulic oil can be supplied to the rod-side chamber of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a from a hydraulic circuit (not shown) through the rod-side hydraulic oil hole 36d. Hydraulic oil can also be discharged from the rod-side chamber of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a to the hydraulic circuit (not shown) through the rod-side hydraulic oil hole 36d.

[0057] In the die casting machine 100 of this embodiment, the distance over which the crosshead 32a can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the electric cylinder 34 is greater than the distance over which the crosshead 32a can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the hydraulic cylinder 36. The distance over which the crosshead 32a can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the electric cylinder 34 is, for example, five times or more the distance over which the crosshead 32a can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the hydraulic cylinder 36.

[0058] The stopper mechanism 38 is fixed to the link housing 14. The stopper mechanism 38 is provided on the side of the link housing 14 opposite the movable die plate 16. The stopper mechanism 38 is provided on the side of the link housing 14 opposite the crosshead 32a.

[0059] The stopper mechanism 38 can control whether the movement of the rod 34b in the mold opening direction is restricted or permitted. The stopper mechanism 38 has a function of controlling whether the movement of the rod 34b in the mold opening direction is restricted or permitted.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, or FIG. 4, the stopper mechanism 38 includes a stopper member 38a, an actuator 38b, and a support member 38c.

[0061] The stopper member 38a can be inserted into the flange 34bx of the rod 34b in the mold opening direction. The stopper member 38a can move in a direction perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction. The stopper member 38a is, for example, a plate-shaped member.

[0062] The actuator 38b moves the stopper member 38a in a direction perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction. The actuator 38b is, for example, an air cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0063] The support member 38c is fixed to the link housing 14. A portion of the support member 38c is provided in the mold opening direction of the stopper member 38a. The support member 38c suppresses the movement of the stopper member 38a in the mold opening direction, thereby suppressing the movement of the rod 34b in the mold opening direction.

[0064] The extrusion device 26 is provided between the link housing 14 and the fixed die plate 12. The extrusion device 26 is fixed to the movable die plate 16. The extrusion device 26 has the function of extruding the die-cast product, which is produced by solidifying the molten metal, from the movable die 22.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the extrusion device 26 includes a extrusion plate 26a, an extrusion cylinder 26b, an extrusion shaft 26c, an extrusion pin support plate 26d, and extrusion pins 26e.

[0066] The ejection plate 26a is moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the ejection cylinder 26b, which is, for example, an electric cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0067] The ejection shaft 26c has one end fixed to the ejection plate 26a and the other end fixed to the ejection pin support plate 26d. The ejection shaft 26c penetrates the movable die plate 16.

[0068] The ejector pins 26e have one end fixed to the ejector plate 26a. The ejector pins 26e push the die-cast product in the mold closing direction, thereby ejecting the die-cast product from the movable mold 22.

[0069] The injection device 28 has a function of injecting liquid metal (molten metal) into a cavity Ca inside the mold. The injection device 28 has a sleeve 42, a plunger 44, an injection drive unit 46, and a position sensor 48. The plunger 44 includes a plunger tip 44a and a plunger rod 44b. The sleeve 42 has an opening 42a.

[0070] The sleeve 42 communicates with the inside of the fixed mold 20. The sleeve 42 is, for example, a tubular member connected to the fixed mold 20. The sleeve 42 has, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0071] The plunger 44 slides inside the sleeve 42. A plunger tip 44a fixed to the tip of a plunger rod 44b slides back and forth inside the sleeve 42. As the plunger tip 44a slides forward inside the sleeve 42, the molten metal inside the sleeve 42 is filled into a cavity Ca formed by the fixed mold 20 and the movable mold 22.

[0072] The injection drive unit 46 has a function of driving the plunger 44 in the forward and backward directions. The injection drive unit 46 is, for example, a hydraulic type, an electric type, or a hybrid type that combines a hydraulic type and an electric type.

[0073] The position sensor 48 has a function of detecting the position of the plunger 44. The position sensor 48 is, for example, an optical or magnetic linear encoder. By differentiating the position of the plunger 44 detected by the position sensor 48, it is possible to detect the speed of the plunger 44.

[0074] The input display device 30 is provided, for example, on the fixed die plate 12. The input display device 30 receives, for example, input operations from an operator. The operator can use the input display device 30 to set molding conditions, etc. for the die-casting machine 100. The input display device 30 also displays, for example, the molding conditions, operating status, etc. of the die-casting machine 100 on a screen. The input display device 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0075] Next, the molding operation using the molding machine of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 18. Figure 6 is a flow chart of the molding operation of the molding machine of the embodiment. Figures 7 to 18 are explanatory diagrams of the molding operation using the molding machine of the embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6 , the molding operation of the die-casting machine 100 of this embodiment includes an initial state step (S01), a movable die plate advance step (S02), a rod fixing step (S03), a mold clamping start step (S04), an injection operation step (S05), a mold clamping end step (S06), a rod release step (S07), a movable die plate retreat step (S08), and an extrusion step (S09).

[0077] In the initial state step (S01), the die casting machine 100 is in an initial state (FIGS. 7 and 8). The initial state is a so-called die-open limit state. In the initial state, the crosshead 32a is located closest to the link housing 14.

[0078] 8, the stopper member 38a is maintained at a position separated from the rod 34b by the actuator 38b. The stopper mechanism 38 is in a state that allows the rod 34b to move in the mold opening direction.

[0079] In the initial state, the piston 36b of the hydraulic cylinder 36 is, for example, located closest to the crosshead 32a. In the initial state, the rod-side chamber is filled with hydraulic oil.

[0080] Next, in a movable die plate advancement step (S02), the movable die plate 16 is advanced in the mold closing direction (FIGS. 9 and 10). By advancing the movable die plate 16 in the mold closing direction, the movable die 22 and the fixed die 20 come into contact with each other.

[0081] The movable die plate 16 is moved by using the mold clamping device 24. The movable die plate 16 is moved by using a toggle mechanism 32. The toggle mechanism 32 is driven by using an electric cylinder 34. The toggle mechanism 32 is driven by moving a crosshead 32a in the mold closing direction by using the electric cylinder 34.

[0082] 10, rotation of the motor 34e rotates the second pulley 34h connected to the motor 34e by the motor shaft 34f. The rotation of the second pulley 34h rotates the first pulley 34g connected to the second pulley 34h by the belt 34i.

[0083] The rotation of the first pulley 34g rotates the screw shaft 34d connected to the first pulley 34g, and the rotation of the screw shaft 34d moves the rod 34b in the mold closing direction.

[0084] When the rod 34b moves in the mold closing direction, the crosshead 32a moves in the mold closing direction, and the toggle mechanism 32 extends in the mold closing direction. When the movable mold 22 and the fixed mold 20 come into contact with each other, the movement of the movable mold plate 16 using the electric cylinder 34 stops.

[0085] Next, in the rod fixing step (S03), the stopper mechanism 38 is used to restrain the movement of the rod 34b in the mold opening direction (FIG. 11). In the rod fixing step (S03), the stopper mechanism 38 is used to fix the rod 34b so that it does not move in the mold opening direction.

[0086] 11, an actuator 38b is used to move a stopper member 38a in a direction toward the rod 34b. The stopper member 38a is inserted into the flange 34bx of the rod 34b in the mold opening direction. The rod 34b is fixed so as not to move in the mold opening direction by the stopper member 38a and a support member 38c provided on the mold opening side of the stopper member 38a.

[0087] Next, in a mold clamping start step (S04), mold clamping is performed using the toggle mechanism 32 (FIG. 12). A mold clamping force is applied between the fixed mold 20 and the movable mold 22.

[0088] The movable die plate 16 is moved in the mold closing direction using a toggle mechanism 32, and clamps the movable die 22 and the fixed die 20. The movable die plate 16 is moved in the mold closing direction using a hydraulic cylinder 36. Clamping of the movable die 22 and the fixed die 20 is performed using the hydraulic cylinder 36.

[0089] 12, hydraulic oil is supplied to the head-side chamber of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a from a hydraulic circuit (not shown) through the head-side hydraulic oil hole 36c. The hydraulic oil in the rod-side chamber is discharged to the hydraulic circuit (not shown) through the rod-side hydraulic oil hole 36d.

[0090] When the crosshead 32a moves in the mold closing direction, the toggle mechanism 32 extends in the mold closing direction, thereby clamping the movable mold 22 and the fixed mold 20. The reaction force acting on the rod 34b is supported by the stopper mechanism 38.

[0091] Next, in an injection operation step (S05), an injection operation is performed using the injection device 28 ( FIG. 13 ). Specifically, for example, molten metal is supplied into the sleeve 42 from the opening 42a using a ladle or the like (not shown). Then, the plunger tip 44a is advanced within the sleeve 42 to fill the molten metal into the cavity Ca in the mold. The molten metal filled into the cavity Ca in the mold solidifies, producing the die-cast product 90.

[0092] Next, in a mold clamping completion step (S06), mold clamping is completed using the toggle mechanism 32 (FIG. 14). A state is reached where no mold clamping force is applied between the fixed mold 20 and the movable mold 22.

[0093] The movable die plate 16 is moved in the mold opening direction using the toggle mechanism 32, and the clamping of the movable die 22 and the fixed die 20 is completed. The movable die plate 16 is moved in the mold opening direction using the hydraulic cylinder 36. The clamping of the movable die 22 and the fixed die 20 is completed using the hydraulic cylinder 36.

[0094] 14, hydraulic oil is supplied to the rod-side chamber of the hydraulic cylinder tube 36a from a hydraulic circuit (not shown) through the rod-side hydraulic oil hole 36d. The hydraulic oil in the head-side chamber is discharged to the hydraulic circuit (not shown) through the head-side hydraulic oil hole 36c.

[0095] As the crosshead 32a moves in the mold opening direction, the toggle mechanism 32 contracts in the mold opening direction, and the clamping of the movable mold 22 and the fixed mold 20 is completed.

[0096] Next, in the rod releasing step (S07), the stopper mechanism 38 is used to allow the rod 34b to move in the mold opening direction (FIG. 15). In the rod releasing step (S07), the stopper mechanism 38 is used to allow the rod 34b to move in the mold opening direction.

[0097] 15, the actuator 38b is used to move the stopper member 38a in a direction away from the rod 34b. The stopper member 38a, which has been inserted in the mold opening direction of the flange 34bx of the rod 34b, moves away from the flange 34bx.

[0098] Next, in a movable die plate retraction step (S08), the movable die plate 16 is retracted in the mold opening direction (FIGS. 16 and 17). By retracting the movable die plate 16 in the mold opening direction, the movable die 22 and the fixed die 20, which had been in contact with each other, are separated from each other.

[0099] The movable die plate 16 is moved by using the mold clamping device 24. The movable die plate 16 is moved by using a toggle mechanism 32. The toggle mechanism 32 is driven by using an electric cylinder 34. The toggle mechanism 32 is driven by moving a crosshead 32a in the mold opening direction by using the electric cylinder 34.

[0100] 17, rotation of the motor 34e rotates the second pulley 34h connected to the motor 34e by the motor shaft 34f. The rotation of the second pulley 34h rotates the first pulley 34g connected to the second pulley 34h by the belt 34i.

[0101] Rotation of the first pulley 34g rotates the threaded shaft 34d connected to the first pulley 34g. Rotation of the threaded shaft 34d moves the rod 34b in the mold opening direction. At this time, the stopper mechanism 38 allows the rod 34b to move in the mold opening direction. Therefore, the flange 34bx can pass through the stopper mechanism 38 without coming into contact with the stopper member 38a.

[0102] When the rod 34b moves in the mold opening direction, the crosshead 32a moves in the mold opening direction and the toggle mechanism 32 contracts in the mold opening direction. For example, when the link housing 14 and the hydraulic cylinder 36 come into contact with each other, the movement of the movable die plate 16 in the mold opening direction using the electric cylinder 34 stops.

[0103] Next, in the ejection step (S09), the die-cast product 90 is ejected using the ejector device 26 (FIG. 18). Specifically, the ejector cylinder 26b is used to move the ejector plate 26a in the mold closing direction. By moving the ejector plate 26a in the mold closing direction, the ejector shaft 26c, ejector pin support plate 26d, and ejector pin 26e move in the mold closing direction.

[0104] The ejector pin 26e pushes the die-cast product 90 out of the movable mold 22. The die-cast product 90 pushed out of the movable mold 22 is picked up by, for example, a robot arm (not shown).

[0105] The above molding operation produces the die-cast product 90. To produce the next die-cast product, the above molding operation can be repeated.

[0106] The movable die plate retraction step (S08) and the push-out step (S09) may be performed in parallel to shorten the cycle time of the molding operation. The movable die plate retraction step (S08) uses the mold clamping device 24, and the push-out step (S09) uses the push-out device 26, which is separate from the mold clamping device 24. Therefore, the movable die plate retraction step (S08) and the push-out step (S09) can be performed in parallel.

[0107] Next, the operation and effects of the molding machine of the embodiment will be described.

[0108] In a die-casting machine, for example, a molded product (die-cast product) is manufactured by using an injection device to fill a cavity in a mold clamped by a mold clamping device. It is desirable for the die-casting machine to achieve reduced manufacturing equipment costs, short manufacturing cycle times, an improved manufacturing environment, and energy savings.

[0109] For example, when an electric device such as an electric cylinder is used for the mold clamping device, there are problems such as high manufacturing equipment costs and large energy consumption due to the expensive high-output motor.

[0110] Furthermore, when a hydraulic device such as a hydraulic cylinder is used as the mold clamping device, there are problems such as a long manufacturing cycle time, deterioration of the manufacturing environment due to contamination of the hydraulic fluid, and large energy consumption.

[0111] The mold clamping device 24 of the die casting machine 100 of this embodiment is a hybrid mold clamping device that combines electric and hydraulic systems. The mold clamping device 24 is a hybrid mold clamping device that drives the toggle mechanism 32 using two types of cylinders: an electric cylinder 34 and a hydraulic cylinder 36.

[0112] The mold clamping device 24 of the die casting machine 100 uses an electric cylinder 34 to move the movable die plate 16 until the movable mold 22 and the fixed mold 20 come into contact with each other. In other words, the electric cylinder 34 is used for operations that apply a small load to the mold clamping device 24.

[0113] Since the load on the mold clamping device 24 is small, an expensive high-power motor is not required. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of the manufacturing device. Furthermore, the electric cylinder 34 has a higher responsiveness than a hydraulic cylinder. Therefore, the time required to move the movable die plate 16 is shortened, and a short manufacturing cycle time can be achieved. Furthermore, since a high-power motor that consumes a lot of power is not required, it is possible to achieve energy savings.

[0114] The mold clamping device 24 of the die casting machine 100 uses a hydraulic cylinder 36 to clamp the movable mold 22 and the fixed mold 20. That is, the hydraulic cylinder 36 is used in operations that place a large load on the mold clamping device 24.

[0115] Since the distance over which the movable die plate 16 is moved using the hydraulic cylinder 36 is extremely short, the hydraulic cylinder 36 can be made smaller, and the amount of hydraulic oil required can be significantly reduced. This reduces hydraulic fluid contamination and improves the manufacturing environment. Furthermore, the hydraulic circuit that drives the hydraulic cylinder 36 can be made smaller, which contributes to energy savings.

[0116] As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a molding machine that can realize low manufacturing equipment costs, short manufacturing cycle times, an improved manufacturing environment, and energy savings.

[0117] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In the embodiments, parts of the molding machine and the like that are not directly necessary for the explanation of the present invention have been omitted, but necessary elements related to the molding machine and the like can be appropriately selected and used.

[0118] In the embodiment, a die-casting machine has been described as an example of a molding machine, but the present invention can also be applied to an injection molding machine or the like.

[0119] In addition, all molding machines that incorporate the elements of the present invention and that can be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are encompassed within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0120] 10 Base 11 Guide rail 12 Fixed die plate 14 Link housing 16 Movable die plate 18 Tie bar 19 Tie bar nut 20 Fixed die 22 Movable die 24 Mold clamping device 26 Ejector device 26a Ejector plate 26b Ejector cylinder 26c Ejector shaft 26d Ejector pin support plate 26e Ejector pin 28 Injection device 30 Input display device 32 Toggle mechanism 32a Crosshead 32b Link 32c Multiple link pins 34 Electric cylinder 34a Electric cylinder tube 34b Rod 34bx Flange 34c Nut 34d Screw shaft 34e Motor 34f Motor shaft 34g First pulley 34h Second pulley 34i Belt 36 Hydraulic cylinder (hydraulic cylinder) 36a Hydraulic cylinder tube (cylinder tube) 36b Piston 36c Head side hydraulic oil hole 36d Rod side hydraulic oil hole 38 Stopper mechanism 38a Stopper member 38b Actuator 38c Support member 42 Sleeve 42a Opening 44 Plunger 44a Plunger tip 44b Plunger rod 46 Injection drive unit 48 Position sensor 100 Die-casting machine (molding machine) Ca Cavity

Claims

a link housing fixed onto the base; a movable die plate provided between the link housing and the fixed die plate, movable on the base in a mold opening and closing direction, and capable of holding a movable die facing the fixed die; a toggle mechanism provided between the link housing and the movable die plate, having a crosshead and a plurality of links, one end of which is fixed to the link housing, and capable of clamping the fixed die and the movable die; an electric cylinder fixed to the link housing and moving the crosshead in the mold opening and closing direction to drive the toggle mechanism; a hydraulic cylinder fixed to the crosshead and moving the crosshead in the mold opening and closing direction to drive the toggle mechanism; tie bars fixable to the link housing and the fixed die plate and extending in the mold opening and closing direction; and an injection device for filling molten metal into a cavity formed by the fixed die and the movable die.

2. The molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric cylinder includes a rod extending in the mold opening / closing direction and movable in the mold opening / closing direction, a nut fixed to the rod, a screw shaft passing through the nut and insertable into the rod, and a motor for rotating the screw shaft, and the hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder tube fixed to the crosshead, and a piston provided within the cylinder tube, connected to the end of the rod on the crosshead side, and movable in the mold opening / closing direction.

3. A molding machine according to claim 2, further comprising a stopper mechanism capable of controlling the suppression and permission of movement of said rod in the mold opening direction.

4. The molding machine according to claim 3, wherein the stopper mechanism is provided on the opposite side of the link housing to the movable die plate.

5. A molding machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that the rod has a flange provided on the outer periphery of the rod, and the stopper mechanism includes a stopper member that can be inserted into the flange in the mold opening direction, an actuator that moves the stopper member in a direction perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction, and a support member provided on the stopper member in the mold opening direction.

6. The molding machine according to claim 5, wherein said support member is fixed to said link housing.

7. A molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance over which said crosshead can be moved in said mold opening / closing direction by said electric cylinder is greater than the distance over which said crosshead can be moved in said mold opening / closing direction by said hydraulic cylinder.

8. A molding machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the distance that the crosshead can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the electric cylinder is at least five times the distance that the crosshead can be moved in the mold opening / closing direction by the hydraulic cylinder.

9. The molding machine according to claim 1, wherein said hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder.

10. A molding machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an extrusion device disposed between said link housing and said fixed die plate for extruding a molded product produced by solidifying said molten metal from said movable die.

Images