CA2607310A1 - A robot for an injection molding system - Google Patents
A robot for an injection molding system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2607310A1 CA2607310A1 CA 2607310 CA2607310A CA2607310A1 CA 2607310 A1 CA2607310 A1 CA 2607310A1 CA 2607310 CA2607310 CA 2607310 CA 2607310 A CA2607310 A CA 2607310A CA 2607310 A1 CA2607310 A1 CA 2607310A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- platen
- support member
- mounting
- interface
- robot
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/40—Removing or ejecting moulded articles
- B29C45/42—Removing or ejecting moulded articles using means movable from outside the mould between mould parts, e.g. robots
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/25—Solid
- B29K2105/253—Preform
Abstract
According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a robot and first platen of an injection molding system. The robot includes a support member and a drive structure arranged on the support member. A tool receiver is associated with the drive structure, the tool receiver configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool. The drive structure configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver, and with it the end-of-arm tool, between a plurality of operational positions. The robot also includes a first and a second platen mounting interface defined on the support member, the first and second platen mounting interfaces configured to cooperate, in use, with a first and a second support member mounting interface, respectively, defined on the first platen in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member to the first platen in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations.
Description
A ROBOT FOR AN INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to, but is not limited to, molding systems, and more specifically the present invention relates to, but is not limited to, a robot for an injection molding system, a first platen for the injection molding system, the injection molding system and a method of configuring the robot on the first platen of the injection molding system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Molding is a process by virtue of which a molded article can be formed from molding material by using a molding system. Various molded articles can be formed by using the molding process, such as an injection molding process. One example of a molded article that can be formed, for example, from polyethelene terephalate (PET) material is a preform that is capable of being subsequently blown into a beverage container, such as, a bottle and the like.
As an illustration, injection molding of PET material involves heating the PET
material (ex. PET
pellets, PEN powder, PLA, etc.) to a homogeneous molten state and injecting, under pressure, the so-melted PET material into a molding cavity defined, at least in part, by a female cavity piece and a male core piece mounted respectively on a cavity plate and a core plate of the mold. The cavity plate and the core plate are urged together and are held together by clamp force, the clamp force being sufficient enough to keep the cavity and the core pieces together against the pressure of the injected PET material. The molding cavity has a shape that substantially corresponds to a final cold-state shape of the molded article to be molded. The so-injected PET material is then cooled to a temperature sufficient to enable ejection of the so-formed molded article from the mold. When cooled, the molded article shrinks inside of the molding cavity and, as such, when the cavity and core plates are urged apart, the molded article tends to remain associated with the core piece. Accordingly, by urging the core plate away from the cavity plate, the molded article can be demolded, i.e. ejected off of the core piece. Ejection structures are known to assist in removing the molded articles from the core halves. Examples of the ejection structures include stripper plates, ejector pins, etc.
One consideration for economical operation of the molding system is cycle time or, in other words, time that elapses between a point in time when the cavity and core halves are closed and the molded articles are formed and a subsequent point in time when they are opened and the molded articles are removed. As one will appreciate, the shorter the cycle time, the higher the number of molded articles that can be produced in a particular mold in a given time. One attempt to minimize the cycle time is a so-called "post-mold cooling" process. Generally speaking, the post-mold cooling process involves removing the molded articles from the mold once they are sufficiently cooled to enable ejection of the molded articles without causing significant deformation to the molded articles during its transfer to an auxiliary cooling structure. Post mold cooling then occurs independently (but in parallel) to the injection cycle of the molding system.
An example of the auxiliary cooling structure is disclosed in a commonly owned US patent 7,104,780 issued to Domodossola et al. on September 12, 2006. More specifically, Domodossola et al. discloses a platen-mounted, post-mold cooling apparatus for handling molded articles in an injection molding system having a fixed platen, a movable platen, a core half, and a cavity half. The post-mold cooling apparatus includes a take-off device for removal of molded articles from either the core half or the cavity half. The take-off device includes a platen mounted robot, the robot including an end-of-arm tool depending therefrom. The post-mold cooling apparatus also includes a treatment device coupled to the movable platen that is configured to cool the molded articles carried by the take-off device. In operation, the robot positions the end-of-arm tool between the mold core half and cavity half to extract the just molded articles from the mold's core half whereafter the end-of-arm tool is moved linearly outboard of the mold halves. A subsequent movement of the movable platen to close the mold in the next molding cycle causes the treatment device's pins to engage the molded articles in molded article carriers arranged on the end-of-arm tool. When the movable platen opens again, the molded articles are extracted from the molded article carriers by the treatment device pins. When the movable platen is fully open, the treatment device is rotated to eject the cooled parts from the machine.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, to effect a retrieval of a molded article from a mold with an end-of-arm tool coupled to a platen mounted robot it is generally necessary that the mold open wide enough so that the end-of-arm tool is able to safely enter and exit between the core and the cavity halves of the mold without striking them. In addition, the amount of clearance provided between the end-of-arm tool and one of the core and cavity halves from which the molded article is to be received is minimized to the extent possible such that the molded article may be reliably transferred therebetween. To this end, the position to which the mold opens and the position of the take-off device relative to the mold core and cavity halves is carefully established when a molding system is first configured. Due to various business considerations, an entity operating the molding system may choose to routinely re-configure the molding system, for example, to change the shape and/or size of the preform to be produced. For example, the entity operating the molding system may choose to change molding cavities (for example, by exchanging mold cavity inserts, etc.) to produce preforms having a larger length or a smaller length. Adjustments to the position of the end-of-arm tool relative to the core and cavity halves may be implemented, for example, by means of inserting, or removing, spacer blocks between the end-of-arm tool and the robot.
Undesireably, the foregoing practice requires the machine operator to maintain an inventory of spacers.
Alternatively, the end-of-arm tool may be positioned at an extended reach from a mold mounting face of a first platen of the injection molding system from which the robot is mounted, thereby ensuring a suitable clearance to one of the mold core or cavity halves mounted to the mold mounting face, and thereafter the operator need only select a mold open distance that provides for the required clearance to the other of the mold core and cavity halves that is mounted to a mold mounting face of a second platen of the injection molding system. While the foregoing practice provides for flexibility and ease of adjustment it does come at the price of increased mold stroke which contributes to a longer molding cycle time. That is, the mold stroke must be longer than might otherwise be required but for the end-of-arm tool being positioned at the extended reach.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, it is typical that an injection molding system that includes a robot with a end-of-arm tool would also have a service main for supplying the end-of-arm tool, amongst other things, with a connection to source and sink of a working fluid such as, for example, compressed air and vacuum, respectively. Accordingly, it is typical to have pressure tanks associated with the injection molding system to maintain the working fluid at a requisite pressure.
Undesirably, the pressure tanks are both space consuming and expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a robot is provided for an injection molding system. The robot includes a support member and a drive structure arranged on the support member.
A tool receiver is associated with the drive structure, the tool receiver configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool. The drive structure configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver, and with it the end-of-arm tool, between a plurality of operational positions. The robot also includes a first platen mounting interface defined on the support member, the first platen mounting interface configured to cooperate, in use, with a first support member mounting interface defined on the first platen in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member to the first platen in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. The robot further includes a second platen mounting interface defined on the support member, the second platen mounting interface is configured to cooperate, in use, with a second support member interface defined on the first platen in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member to the first platen in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to, but is not limited to, molding systems, and more specifically the present invention relates to, but is not limited to, a robot for an injection molding system, a first platen for the injection molding system, the injection molding system and a method of configuring the robot on the first platen of the injection molding system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Molding is a process by virtue of which a molded article can be formed from molding material by using a molding system. Various molded articles can be formed by using the molding process, such as an injection molding process. One example of a molded article that can be formed, for example, from polyethelene terephalate (PET) material is a preform that is capable of being subsequently blown into a beverage container, such as, a bottle and the like.
As an illustration, injection molding of PET material involves heating the PET
material (ex. PET
pellets, PEN powder, PLA, etc.) to a homogeneous molten state and injecting, under pressure, the so-melted PET material into a molding cavity defined, at least in part, by a female cavity piece and a male core piece mounted respectively on a cavity plate and a core plate of the mold. The cavity plate and the core plate are urged together and are held together by clamp force, the clamp force being sufficient enough to keep the cavity and the core pieces together against the pressure of the injected PET material. The molding cavity has a shape that substantially corresponds to a final cold-state shape of the molded article to be molded. The so-injected PET material is then cooled to a temperature sufficient to enable ejection of the so-formed molded article from the mold. When cooled, the molded article shrinks inside of the molding cavity and, as such, when the cavity and core plates are urged apart, the molded article tends to remain associated with the core piece. Accordingly, by urging the core plate away from the cavity plate, the molded article can be demolded, i.e. ejected off of the core piece. Ejection structures are known to assist in removing the molded articles from the core halves. Examples of the ejection structures include stripper plates, ejector pins, etc.
One consideration for economical operation of the molding system is cycle time or, in other words, time that elapses between a point in time when the cavity and core halves are closed and the molded articles are formed and a subsequent point in time when they are opened and the molded articles are removed. As one will appreciate, the shorter the cycle time, the higher the number of molded articles that can be produced in a particular mold in a given time. One attempt to minimize the cycle time is a so-called "post-mold cooling" process. Generally speaking, the post-mold cooling process involves removing the molded articles from the mold once they are sufficiently cooled to enable ejection of the molded articles without causing significant deformation to the molded articles during its transfer to an auxiliary cooling structure. Post mold cooling then occurs independently (but in parallel) to the injection cycle of the molding system.
An example of the auxiliary cooling structure is disclosed in a commonly owned US patent 7,104,780 issued to Domodossola et al. on September 12, 2006. More specifically, Domodossola et al. discloses a platen-mounted, post-mold cooling apparatus for handling molded articles in an injection molding system having a fixed platen, a movable platen, a core half, and a cavity half. The post-mold cooling apparatus includes a take-off device for removal of molded articles from either the core half or the cavity half. The take-off device includes a platen mounted robot, the robot including an end-of-arm tool depending therefrom. The post-mold cooling apparatus also includes a treatment device coupled to the movable platen that is configured to cool the molded articles carried by the take-off device. In operation, the robot positions the end-of-arm tool between the mold core half and cavity half to extract the just molded articles from the mold's core half whereafter the end-of-arm tool is moved linearly outboard of the mold halves. A subsequent movement of the movable platen to close the mold in the next molding cycle causes the treatment device's pins to engage the molded articles in molded article carriers arranged on the end-of-arm tool. When the movable platen opens again, the molded articles are extracted from the molded article carriers by the treatment device pins. When the movable platen is fully open, the treatment device is rotated to eject the cooled parts from the machine.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, to effect a retrieval of a molded article from a mold with an end-of-arm tool coupled to a platen mounted robot it is generally necessary that the mold open wide enough so that the end-of-arm tool is able to safely enter and exit between the core and the cavity halves of the mold without striking them. In addition, the amount of clearance provided between the end-of-arm tool and one of the core and cavity halves from which the molded article is to be received is minimized to the extent possible such that the molded article may be reliably transferred therebetween. To this end, the position to which the mold opens and the position of the take-off device relative to the mold core and cavity halves is carefully established when a molding system is first configured. Due to various business considerations, an entity operating the molding system may choose to routinely re-configure the molding system, for example, to change the shape and/or size of the preform to be produced. For example, the entity operating the molding system may choose to change molding cavities (for example, by exchanging mold cavity inserts, etc.) to produce preforms having a larger length or a smaller length. Adjustments to the position of the end-of-arm tool relative to the core and cavity halves may be implemented, for example, by means of inserting, or removing, spacer blocks between the end-of-arm tool and the robot.
Undesireably, the foregoing practice requires the machine operator to maintain an inventory of spacers.
Alternatively, the end-of-arm tool may be positioned at an extended reach from a mold mounting face of a first platen of the injection molding system from which the robot is mounted, thereby ensuring a suitable clearance to one of the mold core or cavity halves mounted to the mold mounting face, and thereafter the operator need only select a mold open distance that provides for the required clearance to the other of the mold core and cavity halves that is mounted to a mold mounting face of a second platen of the injection molding system. While the foregoing practice provides for flexibility and ease of adjustment it does come at the price of increased mold stroke which contributes to a longer molding cycle time. That is, the mold stroke must be longer than might otherwise be required but for the end-of-arm tool being positioned at the extended reach.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, it is typical that an injection molding system that includes a robot with a end-of-arm tool would also have a service main for supplying the end-of-arm tool, amongst other things, with a connection to source and sink of a working fluid such as, for example, compressed air and vacuum, respectively. Accordingly, it is typical to have pressure tanks associated with the injection molding system to maintain the working fluid at a requisite pressure.
Undesirably, the pressure tanks are both space consuming and expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a robot is provided for an injection molding system. The robot includes a support member and a drive structure arranged on the support member.
A tool receiver is associated with the drive structure, the tool receiver configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool. The drive structure configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver, and with it the end-of-arm tool, between a plurality of operational positions. The robot also includes a first platen mounting interface defined on the support member, the first platen mounting interface configured to cooperate, in use, with a first support member mounting interface defined on the first platen in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member to the first platen in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. The robot further includes a second platen mounting interface defined on the support member, the second platen mounting interface is configured to cooperate, in use, with a second support member interface defined on the first platen in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member to the first platen in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a first platen is provided for an injection molding system. The first platen includes a platen base configured for coupling, in use, with a robot.
The robot includes a support member and a drive structure arranged on the support member. The robot also includes a tool receiver associated with the drive structure, the tool receiver configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool. The drive structure configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver, and with it the end-of-arm tool between a plurality of operational positions. The first platen also includes a first support member mounting interface defined on the platen base, the first support member mounting interface is configured to cooperate, in use, with a first platen mounting interface defined on the support member in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member to the platen base in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. The first platen further includes a second support member interface defined on the platen base, the second support member interface is configured to cooperate, in use, with a second platen mounting interface defined on the support member in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member to the platen base in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, an injection molding system is provided that includes a first platen and a robot adjustably couplable thereto, the robot and first platen configured in accordance with the foregoing aspects of the present invention.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention a method is provided for configuring a robot on a first platen of a injection molding system. The method includes the steps of adjustably coupling a first platen mounting interface, the first platen mounting interface defined on a support member of the robot, with a first support member mounting interface, the first support member mounting interface defined on the first platen, in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member to the first platen in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. The method further including adjustably coupling a second platen mounting interface, the second platen mounting interface defined on the support member, with a second support member interface, the second support member interface defined on the first platen, in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member to the first platen in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
A technical effect, amongst others, of the aspects of the present invention may include increased ease and efficiency with which a position of a platen mounted robot may be adjusted with respect to a first platen upon which it is mounted. Another technical effect of the aspects of the present invention may include increased operating efficiency, and hence decreased molding cycle time, of an injection molding system operating a robot with a end-of-arm tool owing to a shorter mold opening requirement. It should be expressly understood that not all of the technical effects, in their entirety, need be realized in each and every embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the embodiments of the present invention (including alternatives and/or variations thereof) may be obtained with reference to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments along with the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a molding system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a first perspective view of a portion of a molding system according to a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a second perspective view of the portion of the molding system of Figure 2;
Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of a portion of an injection base of the molding system of Figure 2 that includes a service main; Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a partial section through the portion of an injection base of Figure 4 revealing pressure tanks formed in the injection base.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale and are may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the exemplary embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) With reference to Figure 1, there is depicted a schematic representation of a molding system 100 that has been configured in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. For illustration purposes only, it shall be assumed that the molding system 100 comprises an injection molding system for processing molding material, such as, PET for example.
However, it should be understood that in alternative non-limiting embodiments, the molding system 100 may comprise other types of molding systems, such as, but not limited to, compression molding systems, metal molding systems and the like. It should be further understood that embodiments of the present invention are applicable to the molding system 100 incorporating any multicavitation mold, including PET molds, thinwall articles molds, closures molds and the like.
Within the non-limiting embodiment of Figure 1, the molding system 100 comprises a first platen 102 and a second platen 104. The molding system 100 further comprises an injection unit 106 for plasticizing and injection of molding material. In operation, the second platen 104 is moved towards and away from the first platen 102 by means of stroke cylinders (not shown) or any other suitable means. Clamp force (also referred to as closure or mold closure tonnage) can be developed within the molding system 100, for example, by using tie bars 108, 110 and a tie-bar clamping mechanism 112, as well as (typically) an associated hydraulic system (not depicted) that is usually associated with the tie-bar clamping mechanism 112. It will be appreciated that clamp tonnage can be generated using alternative means, such as, for example, using a toggle-clamp arrangement (not depicted) or the like.
A first mold half 114 of a mold can be associated with the first platen 102 and a second mold half 116 of the mold can be associated with the second platen 104. In the specific non-limiting embodiment of Figure 1, the first mold half 114 comprises one or more mold cavities 118. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the one or more mold cavities 118 may be formed by using suitable mold inserts or any other suitable means. As such, the first mold half 114 can be generally thought of as a "mold cavity half'. The second mold half 116 comprises one or more mold cores 120 complementary to the one or more mold cavities 118. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the one or more mold cores 120 may be formed by using suitable mold inserts or any other suitable means. As such, the second mold half 116 can be generally thought of as a "mold core half'.
The first mold half 114 can be coupled to the first platen 102 by any suitable means, such as a suitable fastener (not depicted) or the like. The second mold half 116 can be coupled to the second platen 104 by any suitable means, such as a suitable fastener (not depicted) or the like. It should be understood that in an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the position of the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 can be reversed and, as such, the first mold half 114 can be associated with the second platen 104 and the second mold half 116 can be associated with the first platen 102.
Figure 1 depicts the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 in a so-called "mold open position" where the second platen 104 is positioned generally away from the first platen 102 and, accordingly, the first mold half 114 is positioned generally away from the second mold half 116. For example, in the mold open position, a molded article (not depicted) can be removed from the first mold half 114 and/or the second mold half 116. In a so-called "mold closed position" (not depicted), the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 are urged together (by means of movement of the second platen 104 towards the first platen 102) and cooperate to define (at least in part) a molding cavity (not depicted) into which the molten plastic (or other suitable molding material) can be injected, as is known to those of skill in the art. It should be appreciated that one of the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 can be associated with a number of additional mold elements, such as for example, one or more leader pins (not depicted) and one or more leader bushings (not depicted), the one or more leader pins cooperating with one more leader bushings to assist in alignment of the first mold half 114 with the second mold half 116 in the mold closed position, as is known to those of skill in the art.
The molding system 100 further comprises a robot 122 operatively coupled to the first platen 102.
The means by which the robot 122 can be operatively coupled to the first platen 102 will be described in detail later. The robot 122 comprises a support member 124, an actuating arm 126 coupled to the support member 124 and an end-of-arm tool 127 coupled to the actuating arm 126. The end-of-arm tool 127 includes a take-off plate 128 with a plurality of molded article carriers 130 coupled thereto.
Generally speaking, the purpose of the plurality of molded article carriers 130 is to receive molded articles from the one or more mold cores 120 (or the one or more mold cavities 118) and/or to implement post mold cooling of the molded articles. In the specific non-limiting example being illustrated herein, the plurality of molded article carriers 130 comprises a plurality of water-cooled tubes, or cooling tubes, for receiving a plurality of molded preforms.
However, it should be expressly understood that the plurality of molded article carriers 130 may have other configurations. The exact number of the plurality of molded article carriers 130 is not particularly limited. For example, if a three-position post mold cooling cycle is to be implemented and if the molding system 100 comprises 72 instances of the one or more mold cavities 118 (for example, 12 rows of 6), the take-off plate 128 can comprise 216 instances of the plurality of molded article carriers 130 (i.e. twelve rows of 18).
Other configurations are, of course, also possible and are only limited by business considerations of an entity managing the molding system 100. The robot 122 further includes a drive structure 160 arranged on the support member. A tool receiver 162 is associated with the drive structure 160, the tool receiver 162 is configured to receive the end-of-arm tool 127. The drive structure 160 is configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver 162, and with it the end-of-arm tool 127, between a plurality of operational positions including "an inboard position" wherein the end-of-arm tool 127 is positioned between the first and second mold halves for receiving molded articles and an "outboard position" wherein the end-of-arm-tool 127 is positioned beside the first and second mold halves.
The robot includes a support member and a drive structure arranged on the support member. The robot also includes a tool receiver associated with the drive structure, the tool receiver configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool. The drive structure configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver, and with it the end-of-arm tool between a plurality of operational positions. The first platen also includes a first support member mounting interface defined on the platen base, the first support member mounting interface is configured to cooperate, in use, with a first platen mounting interface defined on the support member in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member to the platen base in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. The first platen further includes a second support member interface defined on the platen base, the second support member interface is configured to cooperate, in use, with a second platen mounting interface defined on the support member in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member to the platen base in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, an injection molding system is provided that includes a first platen and a robot adjustably couplable thereto, the robot and first platen configured in accordance with the foregoing aspects of the present invention.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention a method is provided for configuring a robot on a first platen of a injection molding system. The method includes the steps of adjustably coupling a first platen mounting interface, the first platen mounting interface defined on a support member of the robot, with a first support member mounting interface, the first support member mounting interface defined on the first platen, in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member to the first platen in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. The method further including adjustably coupling a second platen mounting interface, the second platen mounting interface defined on the support member, with a second support member interface, the second support member interface defined on the first platen, in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member to the first platen in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
A technical effect, amongst others, of the aspects of the present invention may include increased ease and efficiency with which a position of a platen mounted robot may be adjusted with respect to a first platen upon which it is mounted. Another technical effect of the aspects of the present invention may include increased operating efficiency, and hence decreased molding cycle time, of an injection molding system operating a robot with a end-of-arm tool owing to a shorter mold opening requirement. It should be expressly understood that not all of the technical effects, in their entirety, need be realized in each and every embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the embodiments of the present invention (including alternatives and/or variations thereof) may be obtained with reference to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments along with the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a molding system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a first perspective view of a portion of a molding system according to a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a second perspective view of the portion of the molding system of Figure 2;
Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of a portion of an injection base of the molding system of Figure 2 that includes a service main; Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a partial section through the portion of an injection base of Figure 4 revealing pressure tanks formed in the injection base.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale and are may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the exemplary embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) With reference to Figure 1, there is depicted a schematic representation of a molding system 100 that has been configured in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. For illustration purposes only, it shall be assumed that the molding system 100 comprises an injection molding system for processing molding material, such as, PET for example.
However, it should be understood that in alternative non-limiting embodiments, the molding system 100 may comprise other types of molding systems, such as, but not limited to, compression molding systems, metal molding systems and the like. It should be further understood that embodiments of the present invention are applicable to the molding system 100 incorporating any multicavitation mold, including PET molds, thinwall articles molds, closures molds and the like.
Within the non-limiting embodiment of Figure 1, the molding system 100 comprises a first platen 102 and a second platen 104. The molding system 100 further comprises an injection unit 106 for plasticizing and injection of molding material. In operation, the second platen 104 is moved towards and away from the first platen 102 by means of stroke cylinders (not shown) or any other suitable means. Clamp force (also referred to as closure or mold closure tonnage) can be developed within the molding system 100, for example, by using tie bars 108, 110 and a tie-bar clamping mechanism 112, as well as (typically) an associated hydraulic system (not depicted) that is usually associated with the tie-bar clamping mechanism 112. It will be appreciated that clamp tonnage can be generated using alternative means, such as, for example, using a toggle-clamp arrangement (not depicted) or the like.
A first mold half 114 of a mold can be associated with the first platen 102 and a second mold half 116 of the mold can be associated with the second platen 104. In the specific non-limiting embodiment of Figure 1, the first mold half 114 comprises one or more mold cavities 118. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the one or more mold cavities 118 may be formed by using suitable mold inserts or any other suitable means. As such, the first mold half 114 can be generally thought of as a "mold cavity half'. The second mold half 116 comprises one or more mold cores 120 complementary to the one or more mold cavities 118. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the one or more mold cores 120 may be formed by using suitable mold inserts or any other suitable means. As such, the second mold half 116 can be generally thought of as a "mold core half'.
The first mold half 114 can be coupled to the first platen 102 by any suitable means, such as a suitable fastener (not depicted) or the like. The second mold half 116 can be coupled to the second platen 104 by any suitable means, such as a suitable fastener (not depicted) or the like. It should be understood that in an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the position of the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 can be reversed and, as such, the first mold half 114 can be associated with the second platen 104 and the second mold half 116 can be associated with the first platen 102.
Figure 1 depicts the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 in a so-called "mold open position" where the second platen 104 is positioned generally away from the first platen 102 and, accordingly, the first mold half 114 is positioned generally away from the second mold half 116. For example, in the mold open position, a molded article (not depicted) can be removed from the first mold half 114 and/or the second mold half 116. In a so-called "mold closed position" (not depicted), the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 are urged together (by means of movement of the second platen 104 towards the first platen 102) and cooperate to define (at least in part) a molding cavity (not depicted) into which the molten plastic (or other suitable molding material) can be injected, as is known to those of skill in the art. It should be appreciated that one of the first mold half 114 and the second mold half 116 can be associated with a number of additional mold elements, such as for example, one or more leader pins (not depicted) and one or more leader bushings (not depicted), the one or more leader pins cooperating with one more leader bushings to assist in alignment of the first mold half 114 with the second mold half 116 in the mold closed position, as is known to those of skill in the art.
The molding system 100 further comprises a robot 122 operatively coupled to the first platen 102.
The means by which the robot 122 can be operatively coupled to the first platen 102 will be described in detail later. The robot 122 comprises a support member 124, an actuating arm 126 coupled to the support member 124 and an end-of-arm tool 127 coupled to the actuating arm 126. The end-of-arm tool 127 includes a take-off plate 128 with a plurality of molded article carriers 130 coupled thereto.
Generally speaking, the purpose of the plurality of molded article carriers 130 is to receive molded articles from the one or more mold cores 120 (or the one or more mold cavities 118) and/or to implement post mold cooling of the molded articles. In the specific non-limiting example being illustrated herein, the plurality of molded article carriers 130 comprises a plurality of water-cooled tubes, or cooling tubes, for receiving a plurality of molded preforms.
However, it should be expressly understood that the plurality of molded article carriers 130 may have other configurations. The exact number of the plurality of molded article carriers 130 is not particularly limited. For example, if a three-position post mold cooling cycle is to be implemented and if the molding system 100 comprises 72 instances of the one or more mold cavities 118 (for example, 12 rows of 6), the take-off plate 128 can comprise 216 instances of the plurality of molded article carriers 130 (i.e. twelve rows of 18).
Other configurations are, of course, also possible and are only limited by business considerations of an entity managing the molding system 100. The robot 122 further includes a drive structure 160 arranged on the support member. A tool receiver 162 is associated with the drive structure 160, the tool receiver 162 is configured to receive the end-of-arm tool 127. The drive structure 160 is configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver 162, and with it the end-of-arm tool 127, between a plurality of operational positions including "an inboard position" wherein the end-of-arm tool 127 is positioned between the first and second mold halves for receiving molded articles and an "outboard position" wherein the end-of-arm-tool 127 is positioned beside the first and second mold halves.
The molding system 100 further comprises a treatment device 132 operatively coupled to the second platen 104. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate how the treatment device 132 can be operatively coupled to the second platen 104 and, as such, it will not be described here in any detail.
The treatment device 132 comprises a mounting structure 134 used for coupling the treatment device 132 to the second platen 104. The treatment device 132 further comprises a plenum 129 coupled to the mounting structure 134. Coupled to the plenum 129 is a plurality of treatment pins 133. The number of instances of the plurality of treatment pins 133 generally, but not necessarily, corresponds to the number of instances of the plurality of molded article carriers 130.
Generally speaking, the purpose of the plenum 129 is to supply services (such as, for example, vacuum and/or air stream) to the plurality of treatment pins 133. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plenum 129 can further comprise a rotating mechanism (not separately depicted in Figure 1) that rotates the plenum 129 relative to the second platen 104 to dislodge molded articles disposed on at least some of the plurality of treatment pins 133. Accordingly, the purpose of the plurality of treatment pins 133 can include some or all o (i) engaging molded articles received in the plurality of molded article carriers 130 and to provide air to cool the molded articles from within; (ii) to remove the molded articles from the plurality of molded article carriers 130; and (iii) to eject the molded articles onto a conveyor belt or onto any other suitable means. It should be noted that some of the plurality of treatment pins 130 may perform some or all of the functions recited above. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, certain occurrences of the plurality of treatment pins 133 may exclusively execute a cooling function, while others may exclusively execute an ejection function. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, all instances of the plurality of treatment pins 133 may perform both the cooling and the ejection functions.
Naturally, the molding system 100 may comprise a number of additional components, such as a hot runner (not depicted) associated, for example, with the first mold half 114.
Furthermore, the molding system 100 may optionally or additionally comprise auxiliary equipment (not depicted), such as dehumidifiers, heaters and the like. All this equipment is known to those of skill in the art and, as such, will not be discussed at any length here. It should be expressly understood that the molding system 100 may have other configurations and the description presented above has been provided as an example only and is not intended to be limiting in any form. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the molding system 100 can have other configurations with more or fewer components.
The treatment device 132 comprises a mounting structure 134 used for coupling the treatment device 132 to the second platen 104. The treatment device 132 further comprises a plenum 129 coupled to the mounting structure 134. Coupled to the plenum 129 is a plurality of treatment pins 133. The number of instances of the plurality of treatment pins 133 generally, but not necessarily, corresponds to the number of instances of the plurality of molded article carriers 130.
Generally speaking, the purpose of the plenum 129 is to supply services (such as, for example, vacuum and/or air stream) to the plurality of treatment pins 133. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plenum 129 can further comprise a rotating mechanism (not separately depicted in Figure 1) that rotates the plenum 129 relative to the second platen 104 to dislodge molded articles disposed on at least some of the plurality of treatment pins 133. Accordingly, the purpose of the plurality of treatment pins 133 can include some or all o (i) engaging molded articles received in the plurality of molded article carriers 130 and to provide air to cool the molded articles from within; (ii) to remove the molded articles from the plurality of molded article carriers 130; and (iii) to eject the molded articles onto a conveyor belt or onto any other suitable means. It should be noted that some of the plurality of treatment pins 130 may perform some or all of the functions recited above. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, certain occurrences of the plurality of treatment pins 133 may exclusively execute a cooling function, while others may exclusively execute an ejection function. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, all instances of the plurality of treatment pins 133 may perform both the cooling and the ejection functions.
Naturally, the molding system 100 may comprise a number of additional components, such as a hot runner (not depicted) associated, for example, with the first mold half 114.
Furthermore, the molding system 100 may optionally or additionally comprise auxiliary equipment (not depicted), such as dehumidifiers, heaters and the like. All this equipment is known to those of skill in the art and, as such, will not be discussed at any length here. It should be expressly understood that the molding system 100 may have other configurations and the description presented above has been provided as an example only and is not intended to be limiting in any form. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the molding system 100 can have other configurations with more or fewer components.
The means by which the robot 122 can be operatively coupled to the first platen 102 will now be described in greater detail. A first platen mounting interface 142 is defined on the support member 124. The first platen mounting interface 142 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a first support member mounting interface 152 defined on the first platen 102, or more specifically on a platen base 103 that forms a base structure of the first platen 102. Optionally, the first platen mounting interface 142 may cooperate, in use, with another, or alternate, first support member mounting interface 152' that is also defined on the first platen 102, or more specifically on the platen base 103. In the non-limiting embodiment the foregoing pair, that is plurality, of first support member mounting interfaces 152, 152' are spaced apart in a direction of a longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system. The longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system corresponds to the direction along which one or both of the the first and second platens move for opening or closing of the mold. In a further non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the first platen 102 may include yet further instances of the first support member mounting interfaces 152, 152'. The plurality of first support member mounting interfaces 152, 152' provide a first subset of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 124 to the first platen 102 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. A technical effect of providing the foregoing is a built-in flexibility for reconfiguring the position of the robot 122 along the longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 100.
In more detail, a first platen retaining structure 146 is defined on the first platen mounting interface 142. The first platen retaining structure 146 is configured to be associated, in use, with one of a first support member retaining structure 156 defined on each of the first support member mounting interface 152, 152' for connecting the support member 124 to the first platen 102 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations. A fastener (not shown) may be used to link the first platen retaining structure 146 to the first support member retaining structure 156.
As shown, a plurality of the first platen retaining structures 146 are defined on the first platen mounting interface 142 and a plurality of the first support member retaining structure 156 are defined on each of the first support member mounting interface 152, 152'. The plurality of first platen retaining structures 146 and the plurality of the first support member retaining structures 156 are spaced apart in a direction of a lateral axis Z of the injection molding system. The lateral axis Z of the injection molding system is a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system. The lateral axis Z is the axis along which the end-of-arm tool 127 is repositioned by the drive structure 160 of the robot 122. The plurality of first platen retaining structures 146 and the plurality of the first support member retaining structures 156 provide for a second subset of the first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 124 to the first platen 102 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. A technical effect of providing the foregoing is a built-in flexibility for reconfiguring the position of the robot 122 along the lateral axis Z of the injection molding system 100.
In the non-limiting embodiment, a platen alignment structure 144 is defined on the first platen mounting interface 142, the platen alignment structure 144 is configured to be associated, in use, with one of a support member alignment structure 154, 154' defined on each of the first support member mounting interface 152, 152'. The platen alignment structure 144 is configured as a tongue (not shown) that is configured to cooperate, in use, with one of the support member alignment structures 154, 154' that are each configured as a groove. The tongue is associated with a bottom surface of the support member 124 and the groove is associated with a top surface of the platen base 103.
Alternatively, in another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the platen alignment structure 144 may be configured as a groove and the support member alignment structures 154, 154' may be each configured as a tongue. Likewise, in a further non-limiting embodiment, not shown, a plurality of the platen alignment structures 144 may be defined on the first platen mounting interface 142, and/or a plurality of the support member alignment structures 154, 154' may be defined on the first support member mounting interface 152, 152'.
With reference to Figures 2 and 3, there is depicted a portion of a molding system 200 that has been configured in accordance with a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The portion of the injection molding system 200 shown includes a machine base 207 upon which a first platen 202 is supported and a robot 222 depending from the first platen 202.
The means by which the robot 222 is be operatively coupled to the first platen 202 will now be described in greater detail. A
first platen mounting interface 242 is defined on the support member 224. The first platen mounting interface 242 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a first support member mounting interface 252 defined on the first platen 202, or more specifically on a platen base 203 that forms a base structure of the first platen 202, in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. A
technical effect of providing the foregoing is a built-in flexibility for reconfiguring the position of the robot 122 along the longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 200.
A first platen retaining structure 246 is defined on the first platen mounting interface 242. The first platen retaining structure 246 is configured to be associated, in use, with one of a first support member retaining structure 256 defined on the first support member mounting interface 252 for connecting the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations. A fastener (not shown) may be used to link the first platen retaining structure 246 to the first support member retaining structure 256. As shown, plurality of the first platen retaining structures 246 are defined on the first platen mounting interface 242 and a plurality of the first support member retaining structure 256 are defined on the first support member mounting interface 252. The plurality of first platen retaining structures 246 and the plurality of the first support member retaining structures 256 are spaced apart in a direction of a longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 200. The longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 200 corresponds to the direction along which one or both of the the first platen 202 and second platen (not shown) move for opening or closing of a mold (not shown). The plurality of first platen retaining structures 246 and the plurality of the first support member retaining structures 256 provide for a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. In addition, to the foregoing, a platen alignment structure 244 is defined on the first platen mounting interface 242, the platen alignment structure 244 is configured to be associated, in use, with one of a support member alignment structure 254 defined on the first support member mounting interface 252. As shown, the platen alignment structure 244 is configured as a tongue, or outwardly projecting member, that is associated with an upper portion of the support member 224. The platen alignment structure 244 is configured to cooperate, in use, with the support member alignment structure 254 that is configured as a groove associated with a side of the platen base 203 of the first platen 202. The groove is associated with the non-operator side of the platen base 203, but may, alternatively be formed, for example, on the operator side thereof. The tongue and groove structures of the first platen alignment structure 244 and the support member alignment structure 254, respectively, are aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 200. Alternatively, in another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the platen alignment structure 244 may be configured as a groove and the support member alignment structure 254 may be each configured as a tongue.
The means by which the robot 222 is be operatively coupled to the first platen 202 also includes a second platen mounting interface 272 defined on the support member 224, the second platen mounting interface 272 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a second support member interface 282 defined on the first platen 202 in any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
The second platen mounting interface 272 is defined on a structural member 275 that is associated with a lower portion of the support member 224. The support member interface 282 defined on an elongate boss 281 associated with a side of the platen base 203 of the first platen 202. The elongate boss 281 is associated with the non-operator side of the platen base 203, but may, alternatively be formed, for example, on the operator side thereof. The first support member mounting interface 252 is arranged above the second support member interface 282. A second platen retaining structure 276 is defined on the second platen mounting interface 272. The second platen retaining structure 276 is configured to be associated, in use, with a second support member retaining structure 286 defined on the second support member interface 282 to assist with the connecting of the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations. As shown, a plurality of the second platen retaining structure 276 are defined on the second platen mounting interface 272 and a plurality of the second support member retaining structure 286 defined on the second support member interface 282. The second platen mounting interface 272 and the second support member interface 282 do not include complementary alignment structures but instead rely on the alignment provided by the platen alignment structure 244 of the first platen mounting interface 242 in cooperation with the support member alignment structure 254 defined on the first support member mounting interface 252. That is not to say that in yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, not shown, that the second platen mounting interface 272 and the second support member interface 282 may also include complementary alignment structures.
With reference to Figure 3, the robot 222 also includes an end-of-arm tool interface 264 defined on the tool receiver 262. The end-of-arm tool interface 264 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a tool receiver interface (not shown) defined on the end-of-arm tool 127 (Figure 1) for releasably connecting the end-of-arm tool 127 with the tool receiver 262. A first service conduit is configured in the tool receiver 262 for connecting, in use, a service, for example a source or sink of a working fluid, with the end-of-arm tool 127. A service portal 266 of the first service conduit is defined on the end-of-arm tool interface 264, the service portal 266 configured to cooperate, in use, with a complementary service portal (not shown) defined on the tool receiver interface (not shown). A first tool retaining structure 268 is defined on the end-of-arm tool interface 264, the first tool retaining structure 268 is configured to be associated, in use, with a second tool retaining structure defined on the tool receiver interface to connect the end-of-arm tool 127 with the tool receiver 264. A first tool alignment structure 269 is defined on the end-of-arm tool interface 264, the first tool alignment structure 269 configured to be associated, in use, with a second tool alignment structure defined on the tool receiver interface to align the end-of-arm tool 127 with the tool receiver 264.
Referring back to Figure 2, the robot 222 further includes a robot service structure 280 that is configured for extensibly connecting, in use, the first service conduit in the tool receiver 262 with a service main 211 (shown more clearly in Figure 4) associated with the machine base 207. The robot service structure 280 includes a service frame 290, a track support 300, and a service track 320. The service frame 290 configured to be mounted, in use, to a machine base 207 of the injection molding system 200. The track support 300 is configured to support a first portion of the service track 321. A
second portion of the service track coupled to the tool receiver 262. A track support mounting interface 291 is defined on the service frame 290. The track support mounting interface 291 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a service frame mounting interface 301 defined on the track support 300 in any one of plurality of track support interface configurations for mounting the track support 300 to the service frame 290 in any one of a plurality of track support mounting configurations. A flexible conduit 310 is supported in the track support 300, the flexible conduit 310 coupling, in use, the first service conduit in the tool receiver 262 with the service main 211 associated with the machine base 207. A track support retaining structure 292 is defined on the track support mounting interface 291, the first track support retaining structure 292 is configured to be associated, in use, with a service frame retaining structure 302 defined on the service frame mounting interface 301 for connecting the track support 300 to the service frame 290 in the any one of the plurality of track support mounting configurations. The track support retaining structure 292 in accordance with this non-limiting embodiment is one of a slot or a bore, and the service frame retaining structure 302 is the other one of the slot or the bore, and a fastener connecting, in use, the track support retaining structure 292 with the service frame retaining structure 302. The robot service structure 280 further includes a control valve 320 disposed between the flexible conduit 310 and the service main 211.
Referring back to Figure 3, the drive structure 260 of this non-limiting embodiment includes, amongst other things, a guide structure 261, a motor 265, and a transmission 263. The guide structure 261 is coupled to the support member 224, the guide structure 261 configured for guiding, in use, the tool receiver 262 between the plurality of operational positions as previously defined with respect to the operation of the robot 122 of Figure 1. The motor 265 is coupled to the support member 124, 224.
The transmission 263, such as, for example, a belt and pulley arrangement, is coupled to the support member 224, and operatively connects the motor 265 with the tool receiver 262.
The transmission 263 is configured for driving, in use, the tool receiver 262 between the plurality of operational positions.
Lastly, the robot 222 includes a detection apparatus 330 that is configured to detect the presence of molded article arranded in the end-of-arm tool 127. The detection apparatus is configured as generally described in in a commonly owned US patent 6,315,543 issued to Lausenhammer et al. on November 13, 2001. The detection apparatus includes a first operative structure 331 coupled to the support member 224, and a second operative structure 332 coupled to the service frame 290.
A method of configuring a robot 122, 222 on the first platen 102, 202 of the injection molding system 100, 200 includes the steps of adjustably coupling the first platen mounting interface 142, 242 with the first support member mounting interface 152, 152', 252 in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 124, 224 to the first platen 102, 202 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. The method further including the step of aligning the platen alignment structure 144, 244 with a support member alignment structure 154, 154', 254 and coupling the first platen retaining structure 146, 246 with the first support member retaining structure 156, 256 for connecting the support member 124, 224 to the first platen 102, 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
In the case of the further non-limiting embodiment involving the injection molding system 200 of Figures 2 and 3, the method further including the step of adjustably coupling the second platen mounting interface 272 with the second support member interface 282 in any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
The foregoing including the coupling of the second platen retaining structure 276 with a second support member retaining structure 286. The method further including adjustably coupling the track support mounting interface 291 with the service frame mounting interface 301 in any one of plurality of track support interface configurations for mounting the track support 300 to the service frame 290 in any one of a plurality of track support mounting configurations. The foregoing including the coupling of the track support retaining structure 292 with the service frame retaining structure 302 for connecting the track support 300 to the service frame 290 in the any one of the plurality of track support mounting configurations.
The method may further include connecting a control valve 320 between the flexible conduit 310 and a service main 211 associated with the machine base 207.
With reference to Figure 4 an enlarged view of a portion of the machine base 207 is depicted, as outlined in Figure 2, that has been configured in accordance with another aspect of the present invention within the non-limiting embodiment of the injection molding system 200. It should be noted that the control valve 320 (shown in Figure 2) has been omitted in the enlarged view of Figure 4. With further reference to Figure 5 a partial section view through the portion of the machine base 207 is depicted that reveals a first and second pressure tank configured therein. The machine base 207 includes a base structure 209 and the first pressure tank 340 defined by the base structure 209. The first pressure tank 340 configured to provide, in use, one of a source of, or a sink for, a working fluid at a first pressure that is sustained, at least in part, at one of above or below ambient pressure, the first pressure tank 340 being in fluid communication with a service main 211 associated with the injection molding system 200. A second pressure tank 350 is also defined by the base structure 209. The second pressure tank 350 is configured to provide, in use, one of a source of, or a sink for, the working fluid at a second pressure that is sustained, at least in part, at one of above or below ambient pressure, the second pressure tank 350 being in fluid communication with the service main 211. In the present non-limiting embodiment, for providing sources of both high and low vacuum to the end-of-arm tool 127, the first pressure tank 340 and the second pressure tank 350 may be configured for operating, in use, with the first pressure and the second pressure being unequal and below the ambient pressure.
With reference to Figure 5, the base structure 209 of the non-limiting embodiment is a weldment of a plurality of base members 220. The plurality of base members 220 includes, amongst others, a first base member 221, a second base member 222, a third base member 224, a fourth base member 226, a fifth base member 228, a sixth base member 230, a seventh base member 232, an eigth base member 234, a ninth base member 236, a tenth base member 238, and an eleventh base member 229 (Figure 4). The first pressure tank 340 is formed by the weldment of a first group of selected members of the plurality of base members 220, including the fourth base member 226, the fifth base member 228, the sixth base member 230, the eigth base member 234, the ninth base member 236, and the eleventh base member 229 (Figure 4). A second service conduit 344 is associated with the base structure 209.
A first portal 345 of the second service conduit 344 is arranged inside the first pressure tank 340 and a second portal 346 of the second service conduit 344 is arranged outside the first pressure tank 340 in an enclosure 240 for connection, in use, to a working fluid pressure actuator. The working fluid pressure actuator may include, for example, a vacuum pump, compressor, and the like.
Likewise, the second pressure tank 350 is formed by the weldment of a second group of selected members of the plurality of base members 220, including the fourth base member 226, the sixth base member 230, the eigth base member 234, the ninth base member 236, the tenth base member 238, and the eleventh base member 229 (Figure 4). A third service conduit 354 is associated with the base structure 209. A first portal 355 of the third service conduit 354 is arranged inside the second pressure tank 350 and a second portal 346 of the third service conduit 344 is arranged outside the second pressure tank 350 in the enclosure 240 for connection, in use, to a working fluid pressure actuator.
With reference to Figure 4, the service main 211 is defined on the base structure 209 and includes a fourth service conduit 342 that passes through the eleventh base member 229 adjacent the first pressure tank 340 for connecting a service structure interface 219 defined on an outside surface of the eleventh base member 229 with the first pressure tank 340 defined, at least in part, by an inside surface of the eleventh base member 229. The service main also includes a fifth service conduit 352 that passes through the eleventh base member 229 adjacent the second pressure tank 350 for connecting the service structure interface 219 with the second pressure tank 350. The service structure interface 219 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a service main interface (not shown) associated with the robot service structure 280 of the robot 222. The service structure interface 219 further includes a first retaining structure 215 configured to be associated, in use, with a second retaining structure defined by the service main interface. The robot service structure 280 includes the control valve 320, the service main interface (not shown) defined on the control valve 320.
The description of the embodiments of the present inventions provides examples of the present invention, and these examples do not limit the scope of the present invention.
It is to be expressly understood that the scope of the present invention is limited by the claims only. The concepts described above may be adapted for specific conditions and/or functions, and may be further extended to a variety of other applications that are within the scope of the present invention. Having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that modifications and enhancements are possible without departing from the concepts as described.
Therefore, what is to be protected by way of letters patent are limited only by the scope of the following claims:
In more detail, a first platen retaining structure 146 is defined on the first platen mounting interface 142. The first platen retaining structure 146 is configured to be associated, in use, with one of a first support member retaining structure 156 defined on each of the first support member mounting interface 152, 152' for connecting the support member 124 to the first platen 102 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations. A fastener (not shown) may be used to link the first platen retaining structure 146 to the first support member retaining structure 156.
As shown, a plurality of the first platen retaining structures 146 are defined on the first platen mounting interface 142 and a plurality of the first support member retaining structure 156 are defined on each of the first support member mounting interface 152, 152'. The plurality of first platen retaining structures 146 and the plurality of the first support member retaining structures 156 are spaced apart in a direction of a lateral axis Z of the injection molding system. The lateral axis Z of the injection molding system is a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system. The lateral axis Z is the axis along which the end-of-arm tool 127 is repositioned by the drive structure 160 of the robot 122. The plurality of first platen retaining structures 146 and the plurality of the first support member retaining structures 156 provide for a second subset of the first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 124 to the first platen 102 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. A technical effect of providing the foregoing is a built-in flexibility for reconfiguring the position of the robot 122 along the lateral axis Z of the injection molding system 100.
In the non-limiting embodiment, a platen alignment structure 144 is defined on the first platen mounting interface 142, the platen alignment structure 144 is configured to be associated, in use, with one of a support member alignment structure 154, 154' defined on each of the first support member mounting interface 152, 152'. The platen alignment structure 144 is configured as a tongue (not shown) that is configured to cooperate, in use, with one of the support member alignment structures 154, 154' that are each configured as a groove. The tongue is associated with a bottom surface of the support member 124 and the groove is associated with a top surface of the platen base 103.
Alternatively, in another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the platen alignment structure 144 may be configured as a groove and the support member alignment structures 154, 154' may be each configured as a tongue. Likewise, in a further non-limiting embodiment, not shown, a plurality of the platen alignment structures 144 may be defined on the first platen mounting interface 142, and/or a plurality of the support member alignment structures 154, 154' may be defined on the first support member mounting interface 152, 152'.
With reference to Figures 2 and 3, there is depicted a portion of a molding system 200 that has been configured in accordance with a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The portion of the injection molding system 200 shown includes a machine base 207 upon which a first platen 202 is supported and a robot 222 depending from the first platen 202.
The means by which the robot 222 is be operatively coupled to the first platen 202 will now be described in greater detail. A
first platen mounting interface 242 is defined on the support member 224. The first platen mounting interface 242 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a first support member mounting interface 252 defined on the first platen 202, or more specifically on a platen base 203 that forms a base structure of the first platen 202, in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. A
technical effect of providing the foregoing is a built-in flexibility for reconfiguring the position of the robot 122 along the longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 200.
A first platen retaining structure 246 is defined on the first platen mounting interface 242. The first platen retaining structure 246 is configured to be associated, in use, with one of a first support member retaining structure 256 defined on the first support member mounting interface 252 for connecting the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations. A fastener (not shown) may be used to link the first platen retaining structure 246 to the first support member retaining structure 256. As shown, plurality of the first platen retaining structures 246 are defined on the first platen mounting interface 242 and a plurality of the first support member retaining structure 256 are defined on the first support member mounting interface 252. The plurality of first platen retaining structures 246 and the plurality of the first support member retaining structures 256 are spaced apart in a direction of a longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 200. The longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 200 corresponds to the direction along which one or both of the the first platen 202 and second platen (not shown) move for opening or closing of a mold (not shown). The plurality of first platen retaining structures 246 and the plurality of the first support member retaining structures 256 provide for a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. In addition, to the foregoing, a platen alignment structure 244 is defined on the first platen mounting interface 242, the platen alignment structure 244 is configured to be associated, in use, with one of a support member alignment structure 254 defined on the first support member mounting interface 252. As shown, the platen alignment structure 244 is configured as a tongue, or outwardly projecting member, that is associated with an upper portion of the support member 224. The platen alignment structure 244 is configured to cooperate, in use, with the support member alignment structure 254 that is configured as a groove associated with a side of the platen base 203 of the first platen 202. The groove is associated with the non-operator side of the platen base 203, but may, alternatively be formed, for example, on the operator side thereof. The tongue and groove structures of the first platen alignment structure 244 and the support member alignment structure 254, respectively, are aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the injection molding system 200. Alternatively, in another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the platen alignment structure 244 may be configured as a groove and the support member alignment structure 254 may be each configured as a tongue.
The means by which the robot 222 is be operatively coupled to the first platen 202 also includes a second platen mounting interface 272 defined on the support member 224, the second platen mounting interface 272 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a second support member interface 282 defined on the first platen 202 in any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
The second platen mounting interface 272 is defined on a structural member 275 that is associated with a lower portion of the support member 224. The support member interface 282 defined on an elongate boss 281 associated with a side of the platen base 203 of the first platen 202. The elongate boss 281 is associated with the non-operator side of the platen base 203, but may, alternatively be formed, for example, on the operator side thereof. The first support member mounting interface 252 is arranged above the second support member interface 282. A second platen retaining structure 276 is defined on the second platen mounting interface 272. The second platen retaining structure 276 is configured to be associated, in use, with a second support member retaining structure 286 defined on the second support member interface 282 to assist with the connecting of the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations. As shown, a plurality of the second platen retaining structure 276 are defined on the second platen mounting interface 272 and a plurality of the second support member retaining structure 286 defined on the second support member interface 282. The second platen mounting interface 272 and the second support member interface 282 do not include complementary alignment structures but instead rely on the alignment provided by the platen alignment structure 244 of the first platen mounting interface 242 in cooperation with the support member alignment structure 254 defined on the first support member mounting interface 252. That is not to say that in yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, not shown, that the second platen mounting interface 272 and the second support member interface 282 may also include complementary alignment structures.
With reference to Figure 3, the robot 222 also includes an end-of-arm tool interface 264 defined on the tool receiver 262. The end-of-arm tool interface 264 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a tool receiver interface (not shown) defined on the end-of-arm tool 127 (Figure 1) for releasably connecting the end-of-arm tool 127 with the tool receiver 262. A first service conduit is configured in the tool receiver 262 for connecting, in use, a service, for example a source or sink of a working fluid, with the end-of-arm tool 127. A service portal 266 of the first service conduit is defined on the end-of-arm tool interface 264, the service portal 266 configured to cooperate, in use, with a complementary service portal (not shown) defined on the tool receiver interface (not shown). A first tool retaining structure 268 is defined on the end-of-arm tool interface 264, the first tool retaining structure 268 is configured to be associated, in use, with a second tool retaining structure defined on the tool receiver interface to connect the end-of-arm tool 127 with the tool receiver 264. A first tool alignment structure 269 is defined on the end-of-arm tool interface 264, the first tool alignment structure 269 configured to be associated, in use, with a second tool alignment structure defined on the tool receiver interface to align the end-of-arm tool 127 with the tool receiver 264.
Referring back to Figure 2, the robot 222 further includes a robot service structure 280 that is configured for extensibly connecting, in use, the first service conduit in the tool receiver 262 with a service main 211 (shown more clearly in Figure 4) associated with the machine base 207. The robot service structure 280 includes a service frame 290, a track support 300, and a service track 320. The service frame 290 configured to be mounted, in use, to a machine base 207 of the injection molding system 200. The track support 300 is configured to support a first portion of the service track 321. A
second portion of the service track coupled to the tool receiver 262. A track support mounting interface 291 is defined on the service frame 290. The track support mounting interface 291 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a service frame mounting interface 301 defined on the track support 300 in any one of plurality of track support interface configurations for mounting the track support 300 to the service frame 290 in any one of a plurality of track support mounting configurations. A flexible conduit 310 is supported in the track support 300, the flexible conduit 310 coupling, in use, the first service conduit in the tool receiver 262 with the service main 211 associated with the machine base 207. A track support retaining structure 292 is defined on the track support mounting interface 291, the first track support retaining structure 292 is configured to be associated, in use, with a service frame retaining structure 302 defined on the service frame mounting interface 301 for connecting the track support 300 to the service frame 290 in the any one of the plurality of track support mounting configurations. The track support retaining structure 292 in accordance with this non-limiting embodiment is one of a slot or a bore, and the service frame retaining structure 302 is the other one of the slot or the bore, and a fastener connecting, in use, the track support retaining structure 292 with the service frame retaining structure 302. The robot service structure 280 further includes a control valve 320 disposed between the flexible conduit 310 and the service main 211.
Referring back to Figure 3, the drive structure 260 of this non-limiting embodiment includes, amongst other things, a guide structure 261, a motor 265, and a transmission 263. The guide structure 261 is coupled to the support member 224, the guide structure 261 configured for guiding, in use, the tool receiver 262 between the plurality of operational positions as previously defined with respect to the operation of the robot 122 of Figure 1. The motor 265 is coupled to the support member 124, 224.
The transmission 263, such as, for example, a belt and pulley arrangement, is coupled to the support member 224, and operatively connects the motor 265 with the tool receiver 262.
The transmission 263 is configured for driving, in use, the tool receiver 262 between the plurality of operational positions.
Lastly, the robot 222 includes a detection apparatus 330 that is configured to detect the presence of molded article arranded in the end-of-arm tool 127. The detection apparatus is configured as generally described in in a commonly owned US patent 6,315,543 issued to Lausenhammer et al. on November 13, 2001. The detection apparatus includes a first operative structure 331 coupled to the support member 224, and a second operative structure 332 coupled to the service frame 290.
A method of configuring a robot 122, 222 on the first platen 102, 202 of the injection molding system 100, 200 includes the steps of adjustably coupling the first platen mounting interface 142, 242 with the first support member mounting interface 152, 152', 252 in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member 124, 224 to the first platen 102, 202 in any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations. The method further including the step of aligning the platen alignment structure 144, 244 with a support member alignment structure 154, 154', 254 and coupling the first platen retaining structure 146, 246 with the first support member retaining structure 156, 256 for connecting the support member 124, 224 to the first platen 102, 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
In the case of the further non-limiting embodiment involving the injection molding system 200 of Figures 2 and 3, the method further including the step of adjustably coupling the second platen mounting interface 272 with the second support member interface 282 in any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member 224 to the first platen 202 in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
The foregoing including the coupling of the second platen retaining structure 276 with a second support member retaining structure 286. The method further including adjustably coupling the track support mounting interface 291 with the service frame mounting interface 301 in any one of plurality of track support interface configurations for mounting the track support 300 to the service frame 290 in any one of a plurality of track support mounting configurations. The foregoing including the coupling of the track support retaining structure 292 with the service frame retaining structure 302 for connecting the track support 300 to the service frame 290 in the any one of the plurality of track support mounting configurations.
The method may further include connecting a control valve 320 between the flexible conduit 310 and a service main 211 associated with the machine base 207.
With reference to Figure 4 an enlarged view of a portion of the machine base 207 is depicted, as outlined in Figure 2, that has been configured in accordance with another aspect of the present invention within the non-limiting embodiment of the injection molding system 200. It should be noted that the control valve 320 (shown in Figure 2) has been omitted in the enlarged view of Figure 4. With further reference to Figure 5 a partial section view through the portion of the machine base 207 is depicted that reveals a first and second pressure tank configured therein. The machine base 207 includes a base structure 209 and the first pressure tank 340 defined by the base structure 209. The first pressure tank 340 configured to provide, in use, one of a source of, or a sink for, a working fluid at a first pressure that is sustained, at least in part, at one of above or below ambient pressure, the first pressure tank 340 being in fluid communication with a service main 211 associated with the injection molding system 200. A second pressure tank 350 is also defined by the base structure 209. The second pressure tank 350 is configured to provide, in use, one of a source of, or a sink for, the working fluid at a second pressure that is sustained, at least in part, at one of above or below ambient pressure, the second pressure tank 350 being in fluid communication with the service main 211. In the present non-limiting embodiment, for providing sources of both high and low vacuum to the end-of-arm tool 127, the first pressure tank 340 and the second pressure tank 350 may be configured for operating, in use, with the first pressure and the second pressure being unequal and below the ambient pressure.
With reference to Figure 5, the base structure 209 of the non-limiting embodiment is a weldment of a plurality of base members 220. The plurality of base members 220 includes, amongst others, a first base member 221, a second base member 222, a third base member 224, a fourth base member 226, a fifth base member 228, a sixth base member 230, a seventh base member 232, an eigth base member 234, a ninth base member 236, a tenth base member 238, and an eleventh base member 229 (Figure 4). The first pressure tank 340 is formed by the weldment of a first group of selected members of the plurality of base members 220, including the fourth base member 226, the fifth base member 228, the sixth base member 230, the eigth base member 234, the ninth base member 236, and the eleventh base member 229 (Figure 4). A second service conduit 344 is associated with the base structure 209.
A first portal 345 of the second service conduit 344 is arranged inside the first pressure tank 340 and a second portal 346 of the second service conduit 344 is arranged outside the first pressure tank 340 in an enclosure 240 for connection, in use, to a working fluid pressure actuator. The working fluid pressure actuator may include, for example, a vacuum pump, compressor, and the like.
Likewise, the second pressure tank 350 is formed by the weldment of a second group of selected members of the plurality of base members 220, including the fourth base member 226, the sixth base member 230, the eigth base member 234, the ninth base member 236, the tenth base member 238, and the eleventh base member 229 (Figure 4). A third service conduit 354 is associated with the base structure 209. A first portal 355 of the third service conduit 354 is arranged inside the second pressure tank 350 and a second portal 346 of the third service conduit 344 is arranged outside the second pressure tank 350 in the enclosure 240 for connection, in use, to a working fluid pressure actuator.
With reference to Figure 4, the service main 211 is defined on the base structure 209 and includes a fourth service conduit 342 that passes through the eleventh base member 229 adjacent the first pressure tank 340 for connecting a service structure interface 219 defined on an outside surface of the eleventh base member 229 with the first pressure tank 340 defined, at least in part, by an inside surface of the eleventh base member 229. The service main also includes a fifth service conduit 352 that passes through the eleventh base member 229 adjacent the second pressure tank 350 for connecting the service structure interface 219 with the second pressure tank 350. The service structure interface 219 is configured to cooperate, in use, with a service main interface (not shown) associated with the robot service structure 280 of the robot 222. The service structure interface 219 further includes a first retaining structure 215 configured to be associated, in use, with a second retaining structure defined by the service main interface. The robot service structure 280 includes the control valve 320, the service main interface (not shown) defined on the control valve 320.
The description of the embodiments of the present inventions provides examples of the present invention, and these examples do not limit the scope of the present invention.
It is to be expressly understood that the scope of the present invention is limited by the claims only. The concepts described above may be adapted for specific conditions and/or functions, and may be further extended to a variety of other applications that are within the scope of the present invention. Having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that modifications and enhancements are possible without departing from the concepts as described.
Therefore, what is to be protected by way of letters patent are limited only by the scope of the following claims:
Claims (24)
1. A robot (122, 222) for an injection molding system (100, 200), the robot (122, 222) comprising:
a support member (124, 224);
a drive structure (160, 260) arranged on the support member (124, 224);
a tool receiver (162, 262) associated with the drive structure (160, 260), the tool receiver (162, 262) configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool (127);
the drive structure (160, 260) configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver (162, 262), and with it the end-of-arm tool (127) between a plurality of operational positions;
a first platen mounting interface (142, 242) defined on the support member (124, 224), the first platen mounting interface (142, 242) configured to cooperate, in use, with a first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) defined on a first platen (102, 202) in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member (124, 224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations;
a second platen mounting interface (272) defined on the support member (224), the second platen mounting interface (272) configured to cooperate, in use, with a second support member interface (282) defined on the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member (224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
a support member (124, 224);
a drive structure (160, 260) arranged on the support member (124, 224);
a tool receiver (162, 262) associated with the drive structure (160, 260), the tool receiver (162, 262) configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool (127);
the drive structure (160, 260) configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver (162, 262), and with it the end-of-arm tool (127) between a plurality of operational positions;
a first platen mounting interface (142, 242) defined on the support member (124, 224), the first platen mounting interface (142, 242) configured to cooperate, in use, with a first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) defined on a first platen (102, 202) in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member (124, 224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations;
a second platen mounting interface (272) defined on the support member (224), the second platen mounting interface (272) configured to cooperate, in use, with a second support member interface (282) defined on the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member (224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
2. The robot (122, 222) of claim 1, wherein:
a first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) configured to be associated, in use, with a first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) for connecting the support member (124, 224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
a first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) configured to be associated, in use, with a first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) for connecting the support member (124, 224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
3. The robot (122, 222) of claim 2, wherein:
a plurality of the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the plurality of the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) configured to be associated, in use, with a plurality of the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252).
a plurality of the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the plurality of the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) configured to be associated, in use, with a plurality of the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252).
4. The robot (122, 222) of claim 1, wherein:
a platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the platen alignment structure (144, 244) configured to be associated, in use, with a support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252).
a platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the platen alignment structure (144, 244) configured to be associated, in use, with a support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252).
5. The robot (122, 222) of claim 4, wherein:
a plurality of the platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the plurality of the platen alignment structure (144, 244) configured to be associated, in use, with a plurality of the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252).
a plurality of the platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the plurality of the platen alignment structure (144, 244) configured to be associated, in use, with a plurality of the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252).
6. The robot (122, 222) of claim 4, wherein:
the platen alignment structure (144, 244) is one of a tongue or a groove, and wherein the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) is the other one of the tongue or the groove.
the platen alignment structure (144, 244) is one of a tongue or a groove, and wherein the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) is the other one of the tongue or the groove.
7. The robot (122, 222) of claim 1, wherein:
the first platen mounting interface (142, 242) is associated with an upper portion of the support member (224) and the second platen mounting interface (272) is associated with an lower portion of the support member (224).
the first platen mounting interface (142, 242) is associated with an upper portion of the support member (224) and the second platen mounting interface (272) is associated with an lower portion of the support member (224).
8. The robot (122, 222) of claim 1, further comprising:
a robot service structure (280) that is configured for extensibly connecting, in use, a first service conduit in the too] receiver (162, 262) with a service main (211) associated with a machine base (207).
a robot service structure (280) that is configured for extensibly connecting, in use, a first service conduit in the too] receiver (162, 262) with a service main (211) associated with a machine base (207).
9. The robot (122, 222) of claim 8, wherein:
the robot service structure (280) includes:
a service frame (290) configured to be mounted, in use, to the machine base (207) of the injection molding system (100, 200);
a track support (300);
a service track (320);
the track support (300) configured to support a first portion of the service track (320), a second portion of the service track coupled to the tool receiver (262);
a track support mounting interface (291) defined on the service frame (290), the track support mounting interface (291) configured to cooperate, in use, with a service frame mounting interface (301) defined on the track support (300) in the any one of plurality of track support interface configurations for mounting the track support (300) to the service frame (290) in the any one of a plurality of track support mounting configurations;
a flexible conduit (310) supported in the track support (300), the flexible conduit (310) coupling, in use, the first service conduit in the tool receiver (162, 262) with the service main (211) associated with the machine base (207).
the robot service structure (280) includes:
a service frame (290) configured to be mounted, in use, to the machine base (207) of the injection molding system (100, 200);
a track support (300);
a service track (320);
the track support (300) configured to support a first portion of the service track (320), a second portion of the service track coupled to the tool receiver (262);
a track support mounting interface (291) defined on the service frame (290), the track support mounting interface (291) configured to cooperate, in use, with a service frame mounting interface (301) defined on the track support (300) in the any one of plurality of track support interface configurations for mounting the track support (300) to the service frame (290) in the any one of a plurality of track support mounting configurations;
a flexible conduit (310) supported in the track support (300), the flexible conduit (310) coupling, in use, the first service conduit in the tool receiver (162, 262) with the service main (211) associated with the machine base (207).
10. The robot (122, 222) of claim 9, wherein:
a track support retaining structure (292) defined on the track support mounting interface (291), the track support retaining structure (292) configured to be associated, in use, with a service frame retaining structure (302) defined on the service frame mounting interface (301) for connecting the track support (300) to the service frame (290) in the any one of the plurality of track support mounting configurations.
a track support retaining structure (292) defined on the track support mounting interface (291), the track support retaining structure (292) configured to be associated, in use, with a service frame retaining structure (302) defined on the service frame mounting interface (301) for connecting the track support (300) to the service frame (290) in the any one of the plurality of track support mounting configurations.
11. The robot (122, 222) of claim 10, wherein:
the track support retaining structure (292) is one of a slot or a bore, and the service frame retaining structure (302) is the other one of the slot or the bore, and a fastener connecting, in use, the track support retaining structure (292) with the service frame retaining structure (302).
the track support retaining structure (292) is one of a slot or a bore, and the service frame retaining structure (302) is the other one of the slot or the bore, and a fastener connecting, in use, the track support retaining structure (292) with the service frame retaining structure (302).
12. The robot (122, 222) of claim 1, wherein:
the drive structure (160, 260) further includes:
a guide structure (261) coupled to the support member (124, 224), the guide structure (261) configured for guiding, in use, the tool receiver (162, 262) between the plurality of operational positions;
a motor (265) coupled to the support member (124, 224);
a transmission (263) coupled to the support member (124, 224), the transmission (263) operatively connected to the motor (265) and with the tool receiver (162, 262), the transmission (263) configured for driving, in use, the tool receiver (162, 262) between the plurality of operational positions.
the drive structure (160, 260) further includes:
a guide structure (261) coupled to the support member (124, 224), the guide structure (261) configured for guiding, in use, the tool receiver (162, 262) between the plurality of operational positions;
a motor (265) coupled to the support member (124, 224);
a transmission (263) coupled to the support member (124, 224), the transmission (263) operatively connected to the motor (265) and with the tool receiver (162, 262), the transmission (263) configured for driving, in use, the tool receiver (162, 262) between the plurality of operational positions.
13. A first platen (102, 202) for an injection molding system (100, 200), the first platen (102, 202) comprising:
a platen base (103, 203) configured for coupling, in use, with a robot (122, 222);
the robot (122, 222) including:
a support member (124, 224);
a drive structure (160, 260) arranged on the support member (124, 224);
a tool receiver (162, 262) associated with the drive structure (160, 260), the tool receiver (162, 262) configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool (127);
the drive structure (160, 260) configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver (162, 262), and with it the end-of-arm tool (127) between a plurality of operational positions;
a first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) defined on the platen base (103, 203), the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) configured to cooperate, in use, with a first platen mounting interface (142, 242) defined on the support member (124, 224) in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member (124, 224) to the platen base (103, 203) in the any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations; and a second support member interface (282) defined on the platen base (103, 203), the second support member interface (282) configured to cooperate, in use, with a second platen mounting interface (272) defined on the support member (224) in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member (224) to the platen base (103, 203) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
a platen base (103, 203) configured for coupling, in use, with a robot (122, 222);
the robot (122, 222) including:
a support member (124, 224);
a drive structure (160, 260) arranged on the support member (124, 224);
a tool receiver (162, 262) associated with the drive structure (160, 260), the tool receiver (162, 262) configured to receive, in use, an end-of-arm tool (127);
the drive structure (160, 260) configured to reposition, in use, the tool receiver (162, 262), and with it the end-of-arm tool (127) between a plurality of operational positions;
a first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) defined on the platen base (103, 203), the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) configured to cooperate, in use, with a first platen mounting interface (142, 242) defined on the support member (124, 224) in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member (124, 224) to the platen base (103, 203) in the any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations; and a second support member interface (282) defined on the platen base (103, 203), the second support member interface (282) configured to cooperate, in use, with a second platen mounting interface (272) defined on the support member (224) in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member (224) to the platen base (103, 203) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
14. The first platen (102, 202) of claim 13, wherein:
a first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) configured to be associated, in use, with a first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242) for connecting the support member (124, 224) to the platen base (103, 203) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
a first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) configured to be associated, in use, with a first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242) for connecting the support member (124, 224) to the platen base (103, 203) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
15. The first platen (102, 202) of claim 14, wherein:
a plurality of the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), the plurality of the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) configured to be associated, in use, with a plurality of the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242).
a plurality of the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), the plurality of the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) configured to be associated, in use, with a plurality of the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242).
16. The first platen (102, 202) of claim 13, wherein:
a support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the platen base (103, 203), the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) configured to be associated, in use, with a platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242).
a support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the platen base (103, 203), the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) configured to be associated, in use, with a platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242).
17. The first platen (102, 202) of claim 16, wherein:
a plurality of the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), the plurality of the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) configured to be associated, in use, with a plurality of the platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242).
a plurality of the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), the plurality of the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) configured to be associated, in use, with a plurality of the platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242).
18. The first platen (102, 202) of claim 17, wherein:
the platen alignment structure (144, 244) is one of a tongue or a groove, and wherein the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) is the other one of the tongue or the groove.
the platen alignment structure (144, 244) is one of a tongue or a groove, and wherein the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) is the other one of the tongue or the groove.
19. The first platen (102, 202) of claim 13, wherein:
the first support member mounting interface (252) and the second support member interface (282) are associated with a side of the platen base (203).
the first support member mounting interface (252) and the second support member interface (282) are associated with a side of the platen base (203).
20. The first platen (102, 202) of claim 19, wherein:
the first support member mounting interface (252) is arranged above the second support member interface (282).
the first support member mounting interface (252) is arranged above the second support member interface (282).
21. An injection molding system (100, 200), comprising:
a first platen (102, 202) and a robot (122, 222) adjustably couplable thereto, the robot (122, 222) and the first platen (102, 202) configured in accordance with one of claims 1 to 20.
a first platen (102, 202) and a robot (122, 222) adjustably couplable thereto, the robot (122, 222) and the first platen (102, 202) configured in accordance with one of claims 1 to 20.
22. A method of configuring a robot (122, 222) on a first platen (102, 202) of a injection molding system (100, 200), the method comprising the steps of:
adjustably coupling a first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the first platen mounting interface (142, 242) defined on a support member (124, 224) of the robot (122, 222), with a first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) defined on the first platen (102, 202), in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member (124, 224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations;
adjustably coupling a second platen mounting interface (272), the second platen mounting interface (272) defined on the support member (224), with a second support member interface (282), the second support member interface (282) defined on the first platen (102, 202), in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member (224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
adjustably coupling a first platen mounting interface (142, 242), the first platen mounting interface (142, 242) defined on a support member (124, 224) of the robot (122, 222), with a first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252) defined on the first platen (102, 202), in any one of a first plurality of interface configurations for mounting the support member (124, 224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of a plurality of robot mounting configurations;
adjustably coupling a second platen mounting interface (272), the second platen mounting interface (272) defined on the support member (224), with a second support member interface (282), the second support member interface (282) defined on the first platen (102, 202), in the any one of a second plurality of interface configurations to assist with the mounting of the support member (224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein:
aligning a platen alignment structure (144, 244), the platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), with a support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254), the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252); and coupling a first platen retaining structure (146, 246), the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), with a first support member retaining structure (156, 256), the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), for connecting the support member (124, 224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
aligning a platen alignment structure (144, 244), the platen alignment structure (144, 244) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), with a support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254), the support member alignment structure (154, 154', 254) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252); and coupling a first platen retaining structure (146, 246), the first platen retaining structure (146, 246) defined on the first platen mounting interface (142, 242), with a first support member retaining structure (156, 256), the first support member retaining structure (156, 256) defined on the first support member mounting interface (152, 152', 252), for connecting the support member (124, 224) to the first platen (102, 202) in the any one of the plurality of robot mounting configurations.
24. The method of claim 22, further comprising:
adjustably coupling a track support mounting interface (291), the track support mounting interface (291) defined on a service frame (290) connected to a machine base (207) of the injection molding system (100, 200), with a service frame mounting interface (301), the service frame mounting interface (301) defined on a track support (300) configured to support a first portion of a service track (320), in the any one of plurality of track support interface configurations for mounting the track support (300) to the service frame (290) in the any one of a plurality of track support mounting configurations.
adjustably coupling a track support mounting interface (291), the track support mounting interface (291) defined on a service frame (290) connected to a machine base (207) of the injection molding system (100, 200), with a service frame mounting interface (301), the service frame mounting interface (301) defined on a track support (300) configured to support a first portion of a service track (320), in the any one of plurality of track support interface configurations for mounting the track support (300) to the service frame (290) in the any one of a plurality of track support mounting configurations.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2607310 CA2607310A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2007-10-23 | A robot for an injection molding system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2607310 CA2607310A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2007-10-23 | A robot for an injection molding system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2607310A1 true CA2607310A1 (en) | 2009-04-23 |
Family
ID=40580700
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2607310 Abandoned CA2607310A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2007-10-23 | A robot for an injection molding system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2607310A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2014138943A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. | Moving apparatus for an injection molding machine |
| AT523705B1 (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2021-11-15 | Niigon Machines Ltd | Injection molding machine for casting preforms |
| US11559932B2 (en) | 2016-06-07 | 2023-01-24 | Niigon Machines Ltd. | Injection molding machine with part-handling apparatus |
-
2007
- 2007-10-23 CA CA 2607310 patent/CA2607310A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2014138943A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. | Moving apparatus for an injection molding machine |
| CN105073374B (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2016-11-30 | 赫斯基注塑系统有限公司 | Mobile device for injection machine |
| US9789638B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-10-17 | Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. | Moving apparatus for an injection molding machine |
| US11559932B2 (en) | 2016-06-07 | 2023-01-24 | Niigon Machines Ltd. | Injection molding machine with part-handling apparatus |
| AT523705B1 (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2021-11-15 | Niigon Machines Ltd | Injection molding machine for casting preforms |
| AT523705A1 (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2021-11-15 | Niigon Machines Ltd | Injection molding machine for casting preforms |
| US11235501B2 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2022-02-01 | Niigon Machines Ltd. | Injection molding machine for molding preforms |
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