Injection molding machine

Abstract

The present disclosure is an injection molding machine comprising frames, a support mechanism, and a coupling structure that couples a peripheral device and the frames. A first opening is formed in a lower frame from among the frames. The support mechanism includes a mount part, a shaft part, and a fixation member. A second opening is formed in a first coupling part provided in the coupling structure. The first coupling part is fixed to the lower frame by the fixation member in a state in which the shaft part penetrates the second opening.

Description

injection molding machine

[0001] The present disclosure relates to injection molding machines.

[0002] Injection molding machines may be connected to peripheral devices, such as a robot that removes molded products from the mold, a robot that inserts parts into the mold, or an additional injection unit for multi-material molding.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-203484 discloses an injection molding system including an injection molding machine and a robot that removes molded products from a mold. In this injection molding system, the injection molding machine is mounted on a frame (machine stand), and the robot is mounted on a platform. The robot's platform is fixed to the frame of the injection molding machine.

[0004] It is desired to easily connect the frame of an injection molding machine to peripheral devices.

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure comprises a frame, a support mechanism that supports the frame, and a connecting structure that connects the frame to peripheral devices arranged around the frame, wherein a first opening that penetrates the lower frame in a direction along the vertical direction is formed in a lower frame of the frame, and the support mechanism has a mount portion that is installed on an installation surface, an axis portion that penetrates the first opening, and a fixing member that is provided on the axis portion, and a first connecting portion provided in the connecting structure has a second opening, and the first connecting portion is fixed to the lower frame by the fixing member with the axis portion passing through the second opening.

[0006] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an injection molding machine. FIG. 2 is a view in which peripheral devices of FIG. 1 are omitted. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion including one support mechanism. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view showing a portion of an injection molding machine of Modified Example 1. FIG. 6 is a view showing a connecting structure of Modified Example 2. FIG. 7 is a view showing a first connecting section of Modified Example 3. FIG. 8 is a view showing a first connecting section of Modified Example 4. FIG. 9A is a top view showing a portion of an injection molding machine of Modified Example 5, and FIG. 9B is a side view showing a portion of an injection molding machine of Modified Example 5.

[0007] When a peripheral device is to be fixed to the frame of an injection molding machine that is not configured to allow connection of the peripheral device, for example, tapping is performed on the frame of the injection molding machine. Tapping is time-consuming. Therefore, there is a demand for a method of connecting the frame of the injection molding machine to the peripheral device without tapping the frame of the injection molding machine.

[0008] Fig. 1 is an external view showing an injection molding machine 10. Fig. 2 is a view omitting a peripheral device 100 from Fig. 1. The injection molding machine 10 includes a mold clamping device 12, an injection device 14, a frame 16, a plurality of support mechanisms 18, and a connecting structure 20.

[0009] A peripheral device 100 is installed on the side of the injection molding machine 10. The peripheral device 100 has a robot 102 and a stand 104 on which the robot 102 is installed. The robot 102 may be a robot that removes a molded product from a mold, or a robot that inserts an insert part into a mold. Alternatively, instead of the robot 102, an injection machine that injects molding resin in a direction different from the injection direction of the injection device 14 may be used.

[0010] The mold clamping unit 12 is a unit that opens and closes the mold and applies a mold clamping force to the mold in a closed state. The injection unit 14 is a unit that injects molding resin into the mold in a closed state. The injection unit 14 injects molding resin in a direction along the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16. The mold clamping unit 12 and the injection unit 14 are covered by a protective cover 120. An opening / closing door 122 is provided on the side of the protective cover 120. When the opening / closing door 122 is open, the peripheral device 100 can access the inside of the protective cover 120.

[0011] The frame 16 is a member for installing the mold clamping unit 12, the injection unit 14, and the protective cover 120. The frame 16 has a lower frame 160, a top plate 162, and a plurality of support frames 164. The plurality of support frames 164 extend along the up-down direction DR of the frame 16. One end of each of the plurality of support frames 164 is connected to the lower frame 160. The other end of each of the plurality of support frames 164 is connected to the top plate 162. The mold clamping unit 12, the injection unit 14, and the protective cover 120 are installed on the top plate 162.

[0012] The lower frame 160 has a first frame portion PT1, a second frame portion PT2, a third frame portion PT3, and a fourth frame portion PT4. The first frame portion PT1 and the second frame portion PT2 all extend along the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16. The first frame portion PT1 and the second frame portion PT2 face each other in the width direction D2 of the frame 16. The third frame portion PT3 and the fourth frame portion PT4 all extend along the width direction D2 of the frame 16. The third frame portion PT3 and the fourth frame portion PT4 face each other in the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16.

[0013] The multiple support mechanisms 18 are mechanisms that support the frame 16. The multiple support mechanisms 18 are fixed to the lower frame 160 at intervals. The multiple support mechanisms 18 may have vibration-damping members that absorb vibrations generated in the mold clamping unit 12, the injection unit 14, etc.

[0014] The connecting structure 20 is a structure that connects the frame 16 and the peripheral device 100. The connecting structure 20 is fixed to the lower frame 160 together with a plurality of support mechanisms 18. For example, the connecting structure 20 is fixed to the first frame portion PT1 together with two support mechanisms 18, but is not limited to this.

[0015] 2, the connecting structure 20 has two first connecting portions 200, a second connecting portion 202, and two third connecting portions 204. Each of the two first connecting portions 200, the second connecting portion 202, and the two third connecting portions 204 is separable and can be assembled on-site or the like.

[0016] The first connecting portion 200 is a portion that is fixed to the lower frame 160 together with the support mechanism 18. The first connecting portion 200 protrudes laterally from the lower frame 160. The first connecting portion 200 extends in a direction along the width direction D2 of the frame 16. The shape of the first connecting portion 200 is plate-like, but is not limited to this.

[0017] The second connecting portion 202 is attached to the two first connecting portions 200. The second connecting portion 202 is fixed to each of the two first connecting portions 200 by fixing members (fastening members) such as bolts. The second connecting portion 202 is located below the two first connecting portions 200. The second connecting portion 202 extends in a direction along the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16. The length dimension of the second connecting portion 202 is longer than the length dimension of the first connecting portion 200. To reduce the weight of the second connecting portion 202, the second connecting portion 202 may be formed of a lightweight material such as aluminum. Alternatively, the mass per unit volume of the second connecting portion 202 may be smaller than the mass per unit volume of the first connecting portion 200. The shape of the second connecting portion 202 is rod-shaped, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] Grooves 206 are formed on the surface of the second connecting portion 202 along the direction in which the second connecting portion 202 extends. The number of grooves 206 is not limited to one. For example, the second connecting portion 202 may have a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and grooves 206 may be formed on each of the four side surfaces.

[0019] The third connecting portion 204 is a portion that connects the base 104 of the peripheral device 100 and the second connecting portion 202. One end of the third connecting portion 204 is fixed to the second connecting portion 202 by a fixing member such as a bolt. The other end of the third connecting portion 204 is fixed to the base 104 of the peripheral device 100 by a fixing member such as a bolt. The third connecting portion 204 extends in a direction along the width direction D2 of the frame 16. The shape of the third connecting portion 204 is, but is not limited to, a rod shape.

[0020] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion including one support mechanism 18. Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, only a portion of the lower frame 160, a portion of the support mechanism 18, and a first connecting portion 200 of the connecting structure 20 are shown in cross section. The support mechanism 18 has a mount portion 180, a shaft portion 182, and a fixing member (fastening member) 184.

[0021] The mount 180 is a base of the frame 16. The mount 180 is installed on an installation surface IF (FIG. 4) such as the ground or floor. The mount 180 is located between the installation surface IF and the lower frame 160.

[0022] The shaft portion 182 is a portion extending upward from the mount portion 180. The shaft portion 182 may be detachable from the mount portion 180. The shaft portion 182 may be the shaft portion of a bolt. The shaft portion 182 passes through a first opening 166 ( FIG. 4 ), which is an opening formed in the lower frame 160. The first opening 166 is provided for fixing the support mechanism 18 to the lower frame 160. The first opening 166 passes through the lower frame 160 in a direction along the up-down direction DR of the frame 16. The first opening 166 may be a hole (through-hole). Alternatively, the first opening 166 may be a notch (cutout) extending from a side surface along the width direction D2 of the frame 16.

[0023] The fixing member 184 is a portion provided on the shaft portion 182. The fixing member 184 is located above the lower frame 160. The fixing member 184 may be a lock nut that screws onto the shaft portion 182. The fixing member 184 may also be the head of a bolt. The head may be a hexagonal head. In other words, the fixing member 184 may be separate from the shaft portion 182, or may be formed integrally with the shaft portion 182. The support mechanism 18 is fixed to the lower frame 160 by the fixing member 184 provided on the shaft portion 182 that passes through the first opening 166.

[0024] The support mechanism 18 may be capable of adjusting the height of the frame 16. For example, the support mechanism 18 may be provided with an elevation unit 186 between the mount unit 180 and the lower frame 160, which is capable of moving up and down in response to rotation of a shaft unit 182. In this case, the shaft unit 182 may be used to fix the support mechanism 18 to the lower frame 160. The shaft unit 182 may also be used to adjust the height of the support mechanism 18 relative to the frame 16.

[0025] The first connecting portion 200 of the connecting structure 20 is disposed between the lower frame 160 and the fixing member 184. The first connecting portion 200 has a second opening 208 and an attachment portion 210. The second opening 208 is an opening formed to allow the shaft portion 182 of the support mechanism 18 to be inserted therethrough. In this embodiment, the second opening 208 is formed as a circular hole penetrating the first connecting portion 200 in the thickness direction. The attachment portion 210 is a portion to which the second connecting portion 202 and the like are attached. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 210 has an opening for inserting a fixing member such as a bolt. The fixing member inserted into this opening is attached to a hole such as a screw hole formed in the second connecting portion 202, thereby attaching the second connecting portion 202 to the first connecting portion 200. Note that the second connecting portion 202 may also be attached to the attachment portion 210 by welding or the like. In this case, no opening is formed in the attachment portion 210.

[0026] As described above, the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with the connecting structure 20 that connects the peripheral device 100 and the frame 16. The connecting structure 20 has the first connecting portion 200. The first connecting portion 200 is fixed to the lower frame 160 of the frame 16 together with the support mechanism 18.

[0027] That is, the shaft 182 of the support mechanism 18 passes through the first opening 166 formed in the lower frame 160 and the second opening 208 formed in the first connecting portion 200. In this state, the first connecting portion 200 is fixed to the lower frame 160 by the fixing member 184. This allows the connecting structure 20 to be fixed to the lower frame 160 without having to process the frame 16 to fix the connecting structure 20. As a result, in this embodiment, the frame 16 and the peripheral device 100 can be connected more easily than if processing the frame 16 was performed.

[0028] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the first connecting part 200 is disposed between the lower frame 160 and the fixing member 184. This allows the first connecting part 200 and the support mechanism 18 to be fixed to the lower frame 160 by the single fixing member 184.

[0029] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the connecting structure 20 has a second connecting portion 202 that extends in a direction along the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16. This second connecting portion 202 is connected to the first connecting portion 200. As a result, in this embodiment, the peripheral device 100 can be arranged more freely along the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16 than in the case where the peripheral device 100 is directly connected to the first connecting portion 200.

[0030] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the second connecting part 202 is attached to the lower part of the first connecting part 200. This allows the second connecting part 202 to be attached to the first connecting part 200 without restricting the arrangement of the components of the injection molding machine 10 arranged on the frame 16. Note that the second connecting part 202 may also be attached to the upper part of the first connecting part 200.

[0031] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, a groove 206 is formed on the surface of the second connecting part 202 along the direction in which the second connecting part 202 extends. This allows the second connecting part 202 to be attached to the first connecting part 200 parallel to the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16 using the groove 206 as a marker. Note that the first connecting part 200 may be provided with a fitting part that fits into the groove 206. In this case, the second connecting part 202 can be moved in the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16 while maintaining a state parallel to the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16.

[0032] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the first connecting part 200 is provided on each of the two support mechanisms 18 provided on the lower frame 160. This allows the peripheral device 100 to be connected to the frame 16 more stably than when there is only one first connecting part 200.

[0033] The above embodiment may be modified as follows. In the following modifications, explanations that overlap with the embodiment will be omitted. In addition, in the drawings used in the following modifications, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those described in the embodiment.

[0034] (Modification 1) Figure 5 is a diagram showing a portion of the injection molding machine 10 of Modification 1. The viewpoint of Figure 5 is the same as that of Figure 3. In this modification, two fixing members 184 are provided on the shaft portion 182. Of the two fixing members 184, a first fixing member 184A is disposed between the lower frame 160 and the first connecting portion 200. Of the two fixing members 184, a second fixing member 184B is disposed above the first connecting portion 200.

[0035] The support mechanism 18 is fixed to the lower frame 160 by a first fixing member 184A. The connecting structure 20 is fixed to the lower frame 160 by a second fixing member 184B.

[0036] That is, in this modification, the support mechanism 18 and the connecting structure 20 are fixed to the lower frame 160 by separate fixing members 184. This modification is useful when the support mechanism 18 is provided with a lifting unit 186 that can move up and down in response to the rotation of the shaft unit 182.

[0037] That is, when the connecting structure 20 and the support mechanism 18 are fixed to the lower frame 160 by one fixing member 184, the shaft portion 182 may rotate unintentionally. In this case, the lifting portion 186 rises or falls in response to the unintentional rotation of the shaft portion 182, thereby changing the height of the frame 16.

[0038] In contrast, in this modification, the support mechanism 18 and the connecting structure 20 are fixed to the lower frame 160 by separate fixing members 184 (first fixing member 184A and second fixing member 184B). Therefore, when the support mechanism 18 is fixed by the first fixing member 184A, the connecting structure 20 can be fixed by the second fixing member 184B. As a result, it is possible to prevent the height of the frame 16 from unintentionally changing due to the fixing of the connecting structure 20.

[0039] (Modification 2) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a connecting structure 20 according to Modification 2. Note that the third connecting portion 204 of the connecting structure 20 is omitted in Fig. 6. In this modification, the first connecting portion 200 and the second connecting portion 202 of the connecting structure 20 are integrally formed. Therefore, it is not necessary to form an opening such as a hole in the first connecting portion 200 for attaching the second connecting portion 202. Therefore, the strength of the first connecting portion 200 can be improved.

[0040] The shape of the second connecting portion 202 in this modification is different from the shape of the second connecting portion 202 in the embodiment, but may be the same. Also, the groove 206 is not formed in the second connecting portion 202 in this modification, but the groove 206 may be formed.

[0041] In this modification, the first connecting portion 200 may be fixed to the lower frame 160 with the second connecting portion 202 positioned higher than the first connecting portion 200. Alternatively, the first connecting portion 200 may be fixed to the lower frame 160 with the second connecting portion 202 positioned lower than the first connecting portion 200.

[0042] (Variation 3) Figure 7 is a diagram showing the first connecting portion 200 of Variation 3. In this variation, the second opening 208 formed in the first connecting portion 200 is an elongated hole. The elongated hole extends in the direction in which the first connecting portion 200 extends. In this variation, the position at which the shaft portion 182 of the support mechanism 18 penetrates the second opening 208 can be adjusted in the direction in which the first connecting portion 200 extends. As a result, the distance between the frame 16 and the peripheral device 100 can be adjusted.

[0043] 8 is a diagram showing the first connecting portion 200 of Modification 4. In this modification, the second opening 208 formed in the first connecting portion 200 is a notch. The notch extends from one end of the first connecting portion 200 in the extension direction along the extension direction of the first connecting portion 200. In this modification, as in Modification 3 above, the distance between the frame 16 and the peripheral device 100 can be adjusted.

[0044] (Modification 5) Fig. 9A is a top view showing a part of the injection molding machine 10 of Modification 5. Fig. 9B is a side view showing a part of the injection molding machine 10 of Modification 5. In this modification, the two third connecting portions 204 of the connecting structure 20 are not provided.

[0045] One end of each of the two first connecting portions 200 in the direction along the width direction D2 of the frame 16 is fixed to the lower frame 160 together with the support mechanism 18, as in the embodiment.

[0046] The other ends of the two first connecting parts 200 in the direction along the width direction D2 of the frame 16 are supported by a support mechanism 18. A shaft portion 182 of this support mechanism 18 passes through an attachment portion 210 formed on the first connecting part 200. The first connecting part 200 is fixed to the shaft portion 182 by a fixing member 184 arranged on the upper side of the first connecting part 200 and a fixing member 184 arranged on the lower side of the first connecting part 200.

[0047] The second connecting portion 202 is placed on the two first connecting portions 200. The second connecting portion 202 may be fixed to the first connecting portion 200 by a fixing member such as a bolt. The second connecting portion 202 extends in a direction along the longitudinal direction D1 of the frame 16, as in the embodiment. Note that, although the groove 206 is not formed in the second connecting portion 202 in this modified example, the groove 206 may be formed.

[0048] In this way, even if two third connecting portions 204 are not provided, the connecting structure 20 can be fixed to the lower frame 160 without performing any processing on the frame 16 to fix the connecting structure 20.

[0049] (Variation 6) Although not shown, the second connecting portion 202 and the two third connecting portions 204 of the connecting structure 20 do not have to be provided. In other words, the connecting structure 20 may have only the first connecting portion 200. In this case, the base 104 of the peripheral device 100 is fixed to the first connecting portion 200 by a fixing member such as a bolt inserted into the mounting portion 210 of the first connecting portion 200.

[0050] (Variation 7) Although not shown, the connecting structure 20 may be fixed to the lower frame 160 together with three or more support mechanisms 18. In this case, the number of first connecting parts 200 provided corresponds to the number of support mechanisms 18. Alternatively, the connecting structure 20 may be fixed to the lower frame 160 together with one support mechanism 18. In this case, the number of first connecting parts 200 provided corresponds to the number of support mechanisms 18.

[0051] (Modification 8) The above modifications 1 to 7 may be combined as appropriate within a range that does not cause contradiction.

[0052] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0053] (Supplementary Note 1) The present disclosure relates to an injection molding machine (10), comprising: a frame (16); a support mechanism (18) that supports the frame; and a connecting structure (20) that connects the frame to a peripheral device (100) arranged around the frame, wherein a lower frame (160) of the frame is formed with a first opening (166) that penetrates the lower frame in a direction along a vertical direction (DR), and the support mechanism has a mount (180) that is installed on an installation surface (IF), a shaft (182) that penetrates the first opening, and a fixing member (184) that is provided on the shaft, and a first connecting portion (200) provided in the connecting structure is formed with a second opening (208), and the first connecting portion is fixed to the lower frame by the fixing member with the shaft penetrating the second opening.

[0054] (Supplementary Note 2) In the injection molding machine according to Supplementary Note 1, the first connecting portion may be disposed between the lower frame and the fixing member.

[0055] (Appendix 3) In the injection molding machine described in Appendix 1, two fixing members may be provided on the shaft portion, a first fixing member (184A) of the two fixing members may be arranged between the lower frame and the first connecting portion, a second fixing member (184B) of the two fixing members may be arranged above the first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion may be fixed by the second fixing member.

[0056] (Supplementary Note 4) In the injection molding machine described in Supplementary Note 1, the connecting structure may further include a second connecting portion (202) attached to the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion may extend in a direction along the longitudinal direction (D1) of the frame.

[0057] (Appendix 5) In the injection molding machine described in Appendix 4, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may be separate members, and a groove (206) may be formed on a surface of the second connecting portion along a direction in which the second connecting portion extends.

[0058] (Supplementary Note 6) In the injection molding machine according to Supplementary Note 1, the second opening may be an elongated hole or a notch.

[0059] (Supplementary Note 7) In the injection molding machine described in Supplementary Note 1, the lower frame may be formed with a plurality of the first openings, and the support mechanism and the first connecting portion may be provided for each of the plurality of first openings.

[0060] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0061] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10... injection molding machine 12... mold clamping device 14... injection device 16... frame 18... support mechanism 20... connecting structure 100... peripheral device 160... lower frame 166... ​​first opening 180... mount portion 182... shaft portion 184... fixing member 184A... first fixing member 184B... second fixing member 200... first connecting portion 202... second connecting portion 204... third connecting portion 206... groove 208... second opening IF... installation surface

Claims

1. An injection molding machine comprising a frame, a support mechanism for supporting the frame, and a connection structure for connecting a peripheral device arranged around the frame and the frame. A first opening penetrating the lower frame of the frame in a direction along the vertical direction is formed in the lower frame. The support mechanism has a mount portion installed on an installation surface, a shaft portion penetrating the first opening, and a fixing member provided on the shaft portion. A second opening is formed in a first connection portion provided in the connection structure. The first connection portion is fixed to the lower frame by the fixing member with the shaft portion penetrating the second opening.

2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the first connection portion is arranged between the lower frame and the fixing member.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein two fixing members are provided on the shaft portion. A first fixing member of the two fixing members is arranged between the lower frame and the first connection portion. A second fixing member of the two fixing members is arranged above the first connection portion. The first connection portion is fixed by the second fixing member.

4. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the connection structure further comprises a second connection portion attached to the first connection portion, and the second connection portion extends in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the frame.

5. The injection molding machine according to claim 4, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are separate members, and a groove is formed on the surface of the second connection portion along the direction in which the second connection portion extends.

6. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the second opening is a long hole or a notch.

7. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the first openings are formed in the lower frame, and the support mechanism and the first connection portion are provided for each of the plurality of first openings.

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