Support structure for an injection molding machine, and injection molding machine comprising such a support structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a support structure (20) for an injection molding machine, having a machine stand (10) which is designed to support at least one mold closing unit (F) of the injection molding machine. The support structure (20) comprises at least one support mechanism (30) which has a substantially perpendicular face that can be mounted on the machine stand (10) of the injection molding machine and on which other components (40, 90) of the injection molding machine can be releasably secured and supported. The upper end of the substantially perpendicular face of the support mechanism (30) can be form-fittingly and / or force-fittingly connected to the upper end of the machine stand (10), and the lower end of the substantially perpendicular face can be supported against the lower end of the machine stand (10) and / or can be form-fittingly connected to the lower end of the machine stand (10). The invention additionally relates to an injection molding machine which has a corresponding support structure (20) and to a method for assembling an injection molding machine comprising a corresponding support structure.

Description

[0001] Support structure for an injection molding machine and injection molding machine with such a support structure

[0002] Description

[0003] Reference to related applications

[0004] The present application relates to and claims priority from German patent application 10 2024 101 087.8, filed on January 15, 2024, the disclosure content of which is hereby expressly incorporated in its entirety into the subject matter of the present application.

[0005] Field of the invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a support structure for an injection molding machine according to claim 1, an injection molding machine with at least one corresponding support structure according to claim 13 and a method for assembling an injection molding machine with at least one corresponding support structure according to claim 14.

[0007] When reference is made to "components" of an injection molding machine in this documentation, these are components that are typically attached to or located within the machine frame of an injection molding machine, such as, but not limited to, control cabinets, containers, hydraulic units, and motor units. In this case, they can be detachably attached and supported to the machine frame for structural optimization.

[0008] State of the art

[0009] Injection molding machines, especially those used to process plastics and other plasticizable materials such as powdered or ceramic materials, require an electrical supply, regardless of their drive technology (hydraulic, electric, or hybrid), which must be housed in a protective housing (control cabinet). The systems commonly available on the market can be divided into three groups. In the first group of systems, control cabinets are arranged in a row on the outside of the machine frame of the injection molding machine, and in particular on its injection molding unit. The length of the injection molding unit is utilized, and the control cabinets are arranged on the outside of the machine frame. The advantage of this solution is that the control cabinet design is independent of the center of the machine and thus of size- or performance-dependent gradations.A further advantage lies in the easy expansion of the number of control cabinets, depending on the options. As soon as the arrangement of control cabinets becomes the length-determining element of the injection molding unit, systems can be found on the market in which the control cabinets are arranged one above the other in the rear area of ​​the injection molding unit, which significantly limits accessibility to the injection molding unit. Examples of this group are described in DE 38 11 298 C1 and DE 42 36 147 C1.

[0010] In a second group of systems, the space beneath the injection molding unit is used to integrate electrical components. This solution is suitable when the electrical equipment is subject to only minor variations, thus requiring largely identical space for the electrical components. This approach has clear advantages in terms of space requirements and accessibility to the injection molding unit, but has weaknesses regarding cable routing and accessibility for servicing.

[0011] What both groups have in common is that the control cabinets utilize the space defined by the machine's structural design, either externally or internally on the length-determining machine frame. The control cabinets and their mountings are not used as structural elements for the technical design of the machine frame.

[0012] In special cases, isolated solutions belonging to a third group are still known, in which the control cabinets do not have a fixed connection to the injection molding machine, but are placed as a separate unit next to the injection molding machine, with supply lines connecting the injection molding machine and the control cabinet. An example of this group can be found in EP 0 995 248 B1.

[0013] What all groups have in common is that the machine stand extends essentially over the entire length of the injection molding machine, which makes assembly and handling of the entire injection molding machine, in particular the assembly of the control cabinets and the laying of the electrical and other media cables, more difficult, the weight of the injection molding machine is high, the costs of the injection molding machine are high due to the long machine stand and adjustment of the injection molding unit to the nozzle center is made more difficult by manufacturing tolerances of the machine stand.

[0014] WO 2008 / 031574 A1 discloses a method and an injection molding machine with a modular design. At least the mold-locking side and the injection unit side are designed modularly. At the core are standardized assembly and coupling interfaces, via which a mold-locking module, a unit module, and a drive module are connected. The three modules can be freely selected from corresponding mold-locking module, unit module, and drive module series.

[0015] DE 904 463 B discloses an injection molding device for thermoformable plastics or for metals or metal alloys, in which the entire injection device is designed as a separate, replaceable unit that can be releasably connected to a press that closes the mold halves of a mold-closing unit. The injection device is arranged on a prismatic support, which is mounted with a vertical side on a machine support of the mold-closing unit by means of a screw connection, and is vertically displaceable. The lower end of the support is connected to a spindle arranged on the machine support for vertical displacement of the support.

[0016] The two latter documents have in common a modular design of the injection molding machine, in which at least the mold closing side and the injection unit side can be detachably connected to each other.

[0017] Description of the invention

[0018] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a support structure for an injection molding machine, an injection molding machine with a corresponding support structure, and a method for assembling an injection molding machine with at least one corresponding support structure, in which the weight of the injection molding machine is reduced and the assembly of the injection molding machine is facilitated. This object is achieved with a support structure according to the features of patent claim 1. The support structure has at least one support structure that can be arranged on the machine stand of the injection molding machine, to which further components of the injection molding machine can be detachably fastened and supported. The support structure can be arranged with its essentially vertical side on the machine stand.In this case, it can be connected with an upper end of its essentially vertical side in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner to an upper end of the machine stand and with a lower end of its essentially vertical side can be supported against a lower end of the machine stand and / or can be connected with the lower end of the machine stand in a form-fitting manner. The solution to the problem is also achieved by an injection molding machine with at least one corresponding support structure according to claim 13. The method according to claim 14 for assembling an injection molding machine also solves the stated problem. In this case, firstly at least one corresponding prefabricated support structure is arranged on the machine stand and then at least one prefabricated injection molding unit is arranged on the machine stand and the at least one support structure.

[0019] The components, including but not limited to control cabinets, and the associated connecting elements are integrated into the machine as structural elements to optimize the length of the machine. In the simplest case, a truss-like, possibly self-supporting, supporting structure arranged centrally on the machine stand - several supporting structures can also be provided, for example, next to one another - enables the accommodation of at least one component and, if necessary, also the assumption of support functions. This is why the supporting machine stand can be dispensed with in this area and replaced by the supporting structure. The compact and weight-saving, self-stiffening design of the supporting structure and the associated component(s) increases the structural rigidity and stability between the components.A positive and / or non-positive two-stage connection technology by hanging and / or screwing advantageously enables the support structure, i.e. the load-bearing structure and the at least one component connected to it - such as a control cabinet - to be easily joined to the machine stand. In contrast to the prior art, the unit consisting of the support structure and component, e.g. as a control cabinet unit, takes on a load-bearing function, whereby the machine stand in its classic form can be significantly shortened. Advantageously, the support structure can be easily hooked onto the bottom of the machine stand and flanged to the top so that the forces are transmitted to the base of the machine stand. The support structure can be assembled quickly and can be prefabricated and subjected to a functional test at the manufacturer's plant.

[0020] The structural combination of supporting structure and components also advantageously facilitates the integration of electrical components and their associated cables, as well as other fluid media lines and connections, during the assembly process. The preferably compact, cube-shaped arrangement proves advantageous in further manufacturing process steps such as electrical functional testing and internal logistics. The support structure is designed so that the unit can always be transported with its center of gravity in the same position.

[0021] Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent patent claims. The features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and details from the figures, thereby demonstrating further embodiments of the invention.

[0022] The support structure is preferably designed such that the connection at the upper end of the machine stand is formed by at least one vertically preloaded screw connection and / or by at least one vertical engagement element. In a purely form-fitting design, this advantageously results in the support structure being connected to the machine stand by simply hanging it in place. The support structure is held in position by its own weight and the weight of the components arranged on it and / or on it, such as the injection molding unit and control cabinet. If the connection is designed as a form-fitting and / or force-fitting design, e.g. in the form of an adjustable hook, as is the case for suspending kitchen wall units, it can also advantageously be fixed to the machine stand by clamping the hook.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, which advantageously improves the structural stability of the support structure, at least one control cabinet of the injection molding machine and / or a control cabinet of a peripheral device of the injection molding machine is detachably attached to the at least one supporting structure as one of the components. The control cabinets and the associated connecting elements are integrated into the machine as structural elements for length optimization. The compact, self-stiffening design of the supporting structure and the connected control cabinet(s) increases the structural rigidity and stability between the components. This structural combination of supporting structure and control cabinet(s) advantageously enables the introduction of the electrical components and associated cables directly into the control cabinet, as well as other fluid media lines and media connections, for example, during the assembly process.The compact cube-shaped arrangement proves to be positive in further production process steps such as electrical functional testing, especially of the control cabinet, as well as in internal logistics.

[0024] To advantageously improve the stiffening of the supporting structure, at least one supporting structure is a prismatic structure with the shape of a prism with at least three sides. This allows the stability of the structural unit created with the components to be increased in a weight-saving manner.

[0025] To maximize the space-saving use of the installation space, at least one control cabinet is detachably attached to a base and / or top surface of the prismatic supporting structure. This results in a compact control cabinet unit that is advantageously easy to assemble and transport.

[0026] If necessary, the supporting structure can also be mounted cantilevered on the machine stand, preferably after it has been connected to the machine stand. This advantageously shortens the machine stand and eliminates the need for additional supports, thus reducing costs.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one supporting structure is configured to support at least one injection molding unit on at least one support on a substantially horizontal side. The supporting structure thus advantageously allows for the accommodation of at least one component, such as a control cabinet, as well as for the performance of support functions, which is why the supporting machine stand can be dispensed with in this area.

[0028] In an embodiment that advantageously improves the structural stability of the support structure, it is particularly preferred that at least one control cabinet is attached to the base surface of the prismatic supporting structure and at least one control cabinet is attached to the top surface of the prismatic supporting structure, with the control cabinets facing each other with their rear sides. The compact, self-stiffening design of the supporting structure and the connected control cabinet(s) increases the structural rigidity and stability between the components. This structural combination of the supporting structure and the control cabinet(s) advantageously enables the integration of electrical components and the associated cables, as well as other fluid media lines and media connections, during the assembly process.In further production process steps such as electrical functional testing as well as in internal logistics, the compact, preferably cube-shaped arrangement proves to be positive.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the support structure, which advantageously improves the mobility and adjustability of the injection molding unit, the support consists of a preferably vertically adjustable roller bearing. In particular, the stability of the injection molding unit is advantageously further increased if the support is preferably arranged at a rear end of the essentially horizontal side of the prismatic supporting structure facing away from the machine frame. The adjustable roller bearing as a support for the injection molding unit on the supporting structure serves, for example, in conjunction with a roller bearing for the injection molding unit on the machine frame that is adjustable on both sides as a 3-point bearing. This advantageously eliminates all manufacturing tolerances of the machine frame and the support structure, and the injection molding unit can be ideally adjusted to the nozzle center.

[0030] In a further embodiment, which advantageously improves the assembly of the support structure, the at least one control cabinet and the machine stand have media transitions for electrical and other media that are adapted to one another and can preferably be connected to one another in a plug-in manner.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the support structure that further improves the structural stability of the support structure, either only one support structure arranged centrally on the machine frame or at least two support structures arranged at a distance from one another on the machine frame are provided. Furthermore, the use of two or more support structures to further increase structural rigidity and stability within an injection molding machine between the machine frame, the at least one control cabinet, and one or more injection molding units is possible. The support structure(s) can also be designed as self-supporting.

[0032] Preferably, the position and / or height of the injection molding unit relative to the machine stand and the at least one support structure can be adjusted by at least one adjustable bearing so that an advantageous precise adjustment to the injection opening can be carried out.

[0033] The features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and by details from the figures, whereby further embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0034] Short description of the characters

[0035] The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. Shown are:

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of part of a machine stand and a support structure,

[0037] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of Fig. 1 rotated by 90°,

[0038] Fig. 3 is a perspective, partially sectioned view of a support structure and part of a machine stand connected thereto,

[0039] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a support structure with a control cabinet and part of a machine stand connected thereto,

[0040] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a support structure with two control cabinets and part of a machine stand connected thereto,

[0041] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the support structure according to Fig. 5 with the injection molding unit supported thereon,

[0042] Fig. 7 is a representation according to Fig. 6 with covers placed on the control cabinets.

[0043] Description of preferred embodiments

[0044] The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the inventive concept to a specific arrangement. Before describing the invention in detail, it should be pointed out that it is not limited to the specific components of the device and the specific method steps, since these components and methods can vary. The terms used herein are intended to describe particular embodiments only and are not used in a limiting sense. Furthermore, when the singular or indefinite article is used in the description or claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] Figs. 1 to 7 show part of an injection molding machine, such as an injection molding machine for processing plastics and other plasticizable materials, such as powdered or ceramic materials. The structure of such an injection molding machine is known to those skilled in the art, so it will only be discussed to the extent necessary for understanding the invention.

[0046] Of this injection molding machine, the figures show in particular a part of the machine frame 10, on which a mold carrier 130, in the exemplary embodiment a stationary mold carrier 130, is arranged. The machine frame 10, together with a supporting structure 30, which will be discussed in more detail below, forms a supporting structure designed to support a mold clamping unit F, of which only the stationary mold carrier 130 is shown in the figures, and an injection molding unit 90.

[0047] In the injection molding unit 90, material is plasticized, homogenized, and then injected into a mold cavity of an injection mold (not shown in the drawing), which is generally housed in the mold clamping unit F between a stationary mold carrier 130 and a movable mold carrier. These parts of the injection molding machine are used to cyclically produce injection-molded parts. Of the mold clamping unit F, which is known to those skilled in the art, only the stationary mold carrier 130 is visible in the figures.

[0048] The use of a supporting structure 30—possibly also a self-supporting one—in conjunction with the machine base 10 creates the structural prerequisites for arranging components on the supporting structure that were previously arranged inside or outside the machine base 10. Such "components" are components such as, but not limited to, control cabinets, containers, hydraulic units, and motor units. They can be detachably attached to and supported on the machine base 10 to structurally optimize the machine base 10, particularly to utilize existing space in the machine base 10 and thus minimize the space required in the vicinity of the injection molding machine.

[0049] In the following, the invention will be explained using a control cabinet or several control cabinets as one such component. However, a configuration with other components is also possible.

[0050] Regardless of their drive technology (hydraulic, electric, or hybrid), injection molding machines require an electrical supply, which must be housed in a protective enclosure (control cabinet). These control cabinets are currently mounted appropriately on the machine frame or assigned to the machine, as explained above. Such a component can also include the control and / or electrical supply of peripheral devices such as robots, material dryers, molded part removal devices, conveyors, and the like.

[0051] Deviating from the classic longitudinal structure of control cabinets on plastic injection molding machines, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, an electrical supply unit, arranged in a control cabinet 40 or in several control cabinets 40, is connected to at least one supporting structure 30 to form a support structure 20, so that a compact unit consisting of the control cabinet and supporting structure components is created, which increases the structural rigidity and stability and further enables advantageous handling in the production and assembly process.

[0052] The at least one supporting structure 30 performs crucial functions in this combination. It is designed so that the at least one control cabinet 40, including its contents, can be connected to a machine stand 10 without additional support.

[0053] A further possible function of the at least one supporting structure 30 is a support function for at least one horizontally arranged injection molding unit 90 (Figs. 6, 7), which is possible by means of at least one support 50 - preferably on a substantially horizontal side - on an upper part of the at least one supporting structure 30. This means that part of the weight of the at least one injection molding unit 90 can be absorbed by the at least one support 50, advantageously in particular in the form of a rotatably mounted roller 60, which is very particularly advantageously arranged at a rear end of the at least one supporting structure 30, remote from the mold closing unit F. Thus, part of the weight of the injection molding unit 90 and the weight of the at least one control cabinet 40 can be introduced into the torsion-resistant machine stand 10 by means of the supporting structure 30.

[0054] The at least one supporting structure 30 can be arranged with its substantially vertical side on the machine stand. The supporting structure 30 can be positively and / or non-positively connected with an upper end of its substantially vertical side to an upper end of the machine stand 10, and can be supported with a lower end of its substantially vertical side against a lower end of the machine stand 10 and / or positively connected to the lower end of the machine stand 10.

[0055] The resulting positive and / or non-positive two-stage connection technology by hanging and / or screwing advantageously enables the support structure 20, i.e. the support structure 30 and the at least one component connected to it - such as a control cabinet 40 - to be easily joined to the machine stand 10. The unit consisting of the support structure 30 and the component, e.g. as a control cabinet unit, assumes a load-bearing function, whereby the machine stand 10 can be significantly shortened in its classic form. Advantageously, the support structure 30 can thus preferably be easily hooked onto the bottom of the machine stand 10 and flanged on at the top, so that the forces are introduced into the base of the machine stand. The support structure can be assembled quickly and can be prefabricated and subjected to a functional test at the manufacturer's plant.

[0056] It is particularly advantageous for the structural stability of the support structure 20 if the at least one supporting structure 30 has the shape of a substantially at least three-sided prism, wherein the at least one control cabinet 40 is preferably detachably attached to a base and / or top surface of the prismatic supporting structure 30. The at least one support 50 for the at least one injection molding unit 90 is arranged on a substantially horizontal side of the prismatic supporting structure 30, wherein the at least one supporting structure 30 can be arranged on the machine stand 10 with a substantially vertical side of the prismatic supporting structure 30. Figs. 3 and 4 show this prismatic structure.It is optimal for the structural stability of the support structure 20 if at least one control cabinet 40 is fastened to the base surface of the prismatic support structure 30 and at least one control cabinet 40 is fastened to the top surface of the prismatic support structure 30, with the control cabinets 40 facing each other with their rear sides, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 5 to 7. To reduce weight, the at least one support structure 30 can also have a recess 80 in a base surface and / or top surface and / or side surface. This recess 80 can advantageously also be used for cable routing or media feedthrough.

[0057] According to the figures, the supporting structure 30 can, but need not, be arranged cantilevered on the machine stand 30 after its connection to the machine stand 30.

[0058] For example, using a simple suspension technique at a lower end of the machine stand 10, shown in Fig. 3 in section A, the at least one supporting structure 30 is connected to the machine stand 10 with at least one, for example, vertically prestressed screw connection 100 at an upper end of the machine stand 10. This creates a precisely positioned, positive and / or non-positive coupling of the machine stand 10 and the supporting structure 30. Instead of the at least one screw connection 100, a positive or alternatively positive and non-positive connection can also be used. Thus, instead of the at least one screw connection 100, at least one engagement element, similar to the suspension technique described above, can be provided at the upper end of the essentially vertical side of the prismatic supporting structure 30, which can be connected to the upper side of the machine stand 10 at an upper end. This can, for example,engage in a recess on the top side of the machine stand 10 and secure the supporting structure 30 to the machine stand 10 in a form-fitting manner. In addition, the engagement element can be clamped to the recess, for example, if it is designed in the form of an adjustable hook.

[0059] The unit comprising at least one control cabinet 40, at least one supporting structure 30 and, if applicable, rear support 50 for at least one injection molding unit enables the shortening of the machine base 10 due to the combination of functions in one assembly, which is then - as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 4 - supplemented or extended by the supporting structure 30 to the extent necessary for the respective required functions (accommodating components, supporting the injection molding unit 90). Thus, through this arrangement of the components, the machine base 10 and thus also the machine length can be reduced and at the same time accessibility to the injection molding unit 90 and to the components and thus operating comfort can be improved. In addition to the resource-saving material savings, the shortening of the machine base 10 leads to manufacturing and logistical advantages.

[0060] The at least one supporting structure 30 and the at least one control cabinet 40 are joined geometrically in a unique manner. The positive coupling of the support structure 20 with the machine stand 10 ensures a reproducible connection of the components and the machine stand 10, which is preferably bent from sheet metal, despite production-related deviations, without complex mechanical processing.

[0061] The at least one support 50, which is designed in particular as a vertically adjustable roller bearing 60, on the at least one possibly also self-supporting supporting structure 30 offers optimal and aligned alignment of the at least one injection molding unit 90 regardless of the dimensional accuracy of the machine stand 10. Such a support is shown in detail in Fig. 4 in section B. The roller bearing 60 can preferably be supported via a height adjustment 65. This at least one rear support 50 integrated in the at least one supporting structure 30 forms, with at least one bearing roller 120 adjustable on both sides for support on the machine stand 10, a very good three-point adjustment option. In principle, more than one bearing roller 120 can also be provided, e.g. on the left and right of the machine stand.

[0062] The pre-assembled unit comprising support structure 30 and at least one control cabinet 40 can be completely tested after assembly, i.e., during the machine assembly, a tested unit can be provided as a module for further completion. Such a module can, if required, also be provided as a spare part - and / or retrofitted - during the later life of the machine and added to the machine stand 10. A quick and secure connection can be ensured via matched and thus ideal media transitions 70 for cables and other media or via plug-in connections (plug & play) between control cabinet 40 and machine stand 10, but not only for this purpose, which also ensures quick assembly of the support structure 20 and thus in particular of the at least one control cabinet 40. By means of the connection shown in Fig.7, which is arranged on the top side of the at least one control cabinet 40, advantageously further improves the structural rigidity and stability of the connection between the machine stand 10 and the support structure 20 and provides additional protection for the at least one control cabinet 40 against contamination and damage of any kind, such as mechanical or chemical damage.

[0063] In summary, the following statements and their advantages come into play:

[0064] • The at least one control cabinet 40 and the at least one supporting structure 30 can form a cubic unit, which increases the structural rigidity and stability of the support structure 20 and further enables advantageous handling in the production and assembly process;

[0065] • Easy handling with fastening points in the center of gravity of the supporting structure 30 is possible via at least one supporting structure 30;

[0066] • The support structure 20 including components can be fully inspected before being fed into the machine assembly;

[0067] • The at least one supporting structure 30 is designed in such a way that it can transfer the weight of the components, such as electrical components, into the machine stand 10 without support on the floor;

[0068] • The at least one supporting structure 30 enables a secure and reproducible coupling with the machine stand 10 via a simple suspension technique with vertical prestressing;

[0069] • The at least one supporting structure 30 can, as a second function, include at least one support 50, in particular roller bearing 60, of the at least one injection molding unit 90 and thus at least partially also transmits the weight forces of the at least one injection molding unit 90 into the machine stand 10;

[0070] • The at least one support 50, in particular roller bearing 60, on at least one supporting structure 30 is vertically adjustable and thus, in conjunction with the at least one roller bearing 120 of the machine stand 10 that is adjustable on both sides, provides secure alignment of the at least one injection molding unit 90. Complex mechanical processing of the "base" on which the injection molding unit 90 is placed can thus be dispensed with;

[0071] • The 3-point alignment by means of the supports on the machine stand 10 and the supporting structure 30 enables optimal (aligned) adjustment of at least one injection molding unit 90, regardless of the dimensional accuracy of the machine stand 10; • By taking over supporting structure functions in the overall machine, the actual machine stand 10 can be shortened (material savings / resource conservation);

[0072] • The simple suspension technology and the use of plug contacts for all media transitions (electrics, fluids) can form the basis for a simple plug & play coupling between the machine stand 10 and the support structure 20, in particular the at least one control cabinet 40;

[0073] • The cube-shaped arrangement of control cabinet 40 and support structure 30 minimizes the machine width and improves accessibility to the injection molding unit 90.

[0074] The structural rigidity and stability within the injection molding machine between the machine frame 10, at least one control cabinet 40, and the injection molding unit 90 is thus significantly improved by using the support structure 20 according to the invention. A further improvement can be achieved with increased load requirements by using more than one support structure 30 to connect the at least one component, such as a control cabinet 40, to the machine frame 10 and to support the injection molding unit 90. These could, for example, be arranged spaced apart from one another on the machine frame 10, with at least one component being arranged on the support structures 30, and between the support structures 30, for example, a bridge structure and / or a component such as a control cabinet 40 with an incorporated bridge structure being arranged.This control cabinet 40, arranged between the supporting structures 30, and / or the components of a drive unit would then be accessible, for example, via the front of the injection molding machine. In such a configuration, a support 50 for the at least one injection molding unit 90 could be arranged either directly on the bridge structure or on the control cabinet 40 with the bridge structure.

[0075] In addition to the already described advantages of the support structure 20 according to the invention in relation to its structural rigidity and stability, a further advantage is the improved ease of assembly of the injection molding machine and in particular of the at least one control cabinet 40 including the media transitions 70 between the support structure 20 and the machine stand 10. When assembling an injection molding machine with a prefabricated machine stand 10, at least one prefabricated mold closing unit F supported on the machine stand 10 and at least one prefabricated injection molding unit 90 supported at least partially on the machine stand 10, at least one corresponding prefabricated support structure 20 is successively arranged on the machine stand 10 and then the at least one injection molding unit 90 is arranged on the machine stand 10 and the at least one support structure 20.

[0076] The position and / or height of the injection molding unit 90 can be adjusted relative to the machine stand 10 and the at least one support structure 20 by at least one adjustable bearing. These bearings can be designed, for example, as roller bearings 60 and 120. Other bearings designed as adjustment mechanisms, such as threaded adjustments or lever adjustments, are known to those skilled in the art.

[0077] It is to be understood that this description is susceptible to various modifications, changes and adaptations which come within the range of equivalents to the appended claims.

[0078] List of reference symbols

[0079] 10 machine stands

[0080] 20 support structure

[0081] 30 Structure

[0082] 40 control cabinet

[0083] 50 Support of the injection molding unit

[0084] 60 Vertically adjustable roller bearings

[0085] 65 height adjustment

[0086] 70 Media transition / pluggable media transition

[0087] 80 recess

[0088] 90 injection molding unit

[0089] 100 screw connection

[0090] 110 Cover

[0091] 120 roller bearings adjustable on both sides

[0092] 130 stationary mold carrier

[0093] F mold clamping unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. A support structure (20) for an injection molding machine, comprising a machine stand (10) which is designed to support at least one mold closing unit (F) of the injection molding machine, wherein the support structure (20) has at least one support structure (30) which can be arranged on the machine stand (10) of the injection molding machine and on which at least one further component (40, 90) of the injection molding machine can be detachably fastened and supported, wherein the at least one support structure (30) can be arranged with its substantially vertical side on the machine stand (10), characterized in thatthat the at least one supporting structure (30) can be connected with an upper end of its substantially vertical side to an upper end of the machine stand (10) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and can be supported with a lower end of its substantially vertical side against a lower end of the machine stand (10) and / or can be connected with the lower end of the machine stand (10) in a form-fitting manner.

2. Support structure (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection at the upper end of the machine stand (10) is formed by at least one vertically prestressed screw connection (100) and / or by at least one vertical engagement element, 3. Support structure (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one control cabinet (40) of the injection molding machine and / or at least one control cabinet of a peripheral device of the injection molding machine is detachably fastened to the at least one supporting structure (30) as a component.

4. Support structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one supporting structure (30) is a prismatic supporting structure having the shape of an at least three-sided prism.

5. Support structure (20) according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that the at least one switch cabinet (40) is detachably attached to a base and / or cover surface of the prismatic support structure (40).

6. Support structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (30) is arranged cantilevered on the machine stand (30) after its connection to the machine stand (30).

7. Support structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one supporting structure (30) is designed to support at least one injection molding unit (90) on at least one support (50) on a substantially horizontal side.

8. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that a plurality of switch cabinets (40) are provided, wherein at least one switch cabinet (40) is fastened to the base surface of the prismatic support structure (30) and at least one switch cabinet (40) is fastened to the top surface of the prismatic support structure (30), wherein the switch cabinets (40) are opposite one another with their rear sides.

9. Support structure (20) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the support (50) is arranged at a rear end of the substantially horizontal side of the prismatic supporting structure (30) facing away from the machine stand (10) and / or is vertically adjustable.

10. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the at least one control cabinet (40) and the machine stand (10) have media transitions (70) for electrical and other media which are adapted to one another, which media transitions (70) can preferably be connected to one another in a plug-in manner.

11. Support structure (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (20) has only one supporting structure (30) arranged centrally on the machine stand (10) or at least two supporting structures (30) arranged spaced apart from one another on the machine stand (10).

12. Injection molding machine comprising a machine stand (10) which is designed to support at least one mold closing unit (F) of the injection molding machine, characterized in that the injection molding machine has at least one support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for assembling an injection molding machine comprising a prefabricated machine stand (10), at least one prefabricated mold closing unit (F) which can be supported on the machine stand (10), and at least one prefabricated injection molding unit (90) which can be supported at least partially on the machine stand (10), characterized in that subsequently, at least one prefabricated support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 11 is arranged on the machine stand (10) and then the at least one injection molding unit (90) is arranged on the machine stand (10) and the at least one support structure (20).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the position and / or height of the injection molding unit (90) relative to the machine stand (10) and the at least one support structure (20) can be adjusted by at least one adjustable bearing.

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