Vertical Injection Molding Clamping Unit with Transverse Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping units for vertical injection-molding machines face issues with high operating height, complex and costly constructions, and reduced service life due to transverse movement of the force generating unit, leading to dynamic problems and vibration stress on sealing systems.
Innovation Solution
A clamping unit design where the force generating element is fastened to the displaceable platen, with a locking element on the fixed platen that controls the entry or passage of the force generating element, eliminating transverse movement and allowing optimal support and low operating height, using a hydraulic piston-cylinder system with a vertically aligned cylinder and piston, and a horizontally movable locking element for controlled clamping force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the force generating unit is moved transversely to the closing direction of the mold, then the mold can open and close without interference, but large masses are displaced causing mass forces and dynamic problems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the force generating unit transversely during mold operation, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the force generating unit fixed and moving the locking element transversely to enable or disable force application. This eliminates the need for complex control of large mass movements while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be movable in the transverse direction, allowing it to dynamically switch between blocking and non-blocking positions. This dynamic locking mechanism enables mold opening/closing operation while avoiding the dynamic problems associated with moving the entire force generating unit.
2Force
If the force generating unit is moved transversely to apply clamping force, then the mold can be clamped, but the movement time directly influences cycle time and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable in the transverse direction, allowing it to dynamically switch between blocking and non-blocking positions. This dynamic locking mechanism enables mold opening/closing operation while avoiding the dynamic problems associated with moving the entire force generating unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is positioned in advance to either block or allow the force generating unit's action. By pre-positioning the locking element in the appropriate state, the system avoids time-consuming movements during the critical molding cycle, thereby improving productivity.
3Speed
If the force generating unit is extended transversely, then the mold can open fully, but the support of the displaceable platen is restricted to the piston diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the force generating unit and the fixed platen. It provides a stable support interface on the fixed platen while allowing the force generating unit to maintain its vertical alignment, thereby supporting the displaceable platen over a larger area without restricting the opening stroke.
4Ease of operation
If the force generating unit performs transverse movement, then the mold can open and close, but vibrations occur harmful to sealing systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the force generating unit transversely during mold operation, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the force generating unit fixed and moving the locking element transversely to enable or disable force application. This eliminates the need for complex control of large mass movements while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be movable in the transverse direction, allowing it to dynamically switch between blocking and non-blocking positions. This dynamic locking mechanism enables mold opening/closing operation while avoiding the dynamic problems associated with moving the entire force generating unit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the machine construction, reduces operating height, minimizes platen deflection, and extends the service life of the hydraulic system by eliminating transverse accelerations and vibrations, enabling cost-effective production and efficient mold operation.
Implementation Method 1
a force generating element, which generates the clamping force, to be arranged between the one fixed platen and the displaceable platen
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping unit includes two fixed platens, kept at a distance by tie bars, a platen which can be displaced in relation to the fixed platens, part of an injection mold respectively being arranged on one of the fixed platens and on the displaceable platen, a force generating element to be arranged between the one fixed platen and the displaceable platen, and the tie bars being arranged in vertical alignment. The force generating element is fastened to the displaceable platen and that on the one fixed platen there is arranged a locking element which forms a stop for the force generating element on the one fixed platen or exposes an opening for at least part of the force generating element to enter or pass through the one fixed platen.