EP1330346A1

EP1330346A1 - Device for injection moulding

Info

Publication number: EP1330346A1
Application number: EP01949482A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Werner Bodmer; Rainer Armbruster
Original assignee: Foboha GmbH
Current assignee: Foboha GmbH
Priority date: 2000-07-12
Filing date: 2001-07-10
Publication date: 2003-07-30
Also published as: WO2002004186A1; US20030175375A1; CN1440326A; CA2415622A1; JP2004502569A; AU2001270624A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the injection moulding of materials. Said device comprises an injection moulding machine (40) and at least one mould (20, 21) which can be actively connected thereto. The injection moulding machine comprises a standardised interface element (1) which can be actively connected to a corresponding interface element (1) pertaining to more than one mould (20, 21). Means such as substances, energy, and information are exchanged with the at least one mould (20, 21) via the interface part (1).

Description

INJECTION MOLDING DEVICE

The invention is in the field of casting technology, in particular in the field of injection molding technology for plastics according to the preamble of the independent claim.

Devices for injection molding plastics are known from the prior art. These consist of an injection mold (henceforth mold) and an injection molding machine on which the mold is attached. A different, more or less complicated shape is required for each part to be manufactured.

The injection molding machines are usually designed so that they can be used for different shapes. However, a lengthy procedure is required to change a form. The shapes must be positioned and aligned. This is followed by a time-consuming setting of the parameters, which as a rule requires a considerable waste of time and material.

In today's manufacturing processes, flexibility and quick responsiveness are particularly important. Especially in manufacturing processes where a wide variety of parts are manufactured, it is therefore disadvantageous if a lot of resources are lost when changing a mold. It is the object of the invention disclosed here to show a device which brings about a considerable simplification of a manufacturing process, which allows more flexible production, saves resources and enables cost advantages.

The object is achieved by the device defined in the patent claims.

The invention disclosed here is based inter alia on on intelligent interfaces between molds and injection molding machines (e.g. transition module from mold to injection molding machine). By standardizing interfaces for the transfer of media such as cooling liquids (water, gas, oil), hydraulics, electrical and mechanical energy, as well as information and signals, it is possible to coordinate molds and injection molding machines in such a way that a change in one core - placement process is possible in a very short time. The interfaces are defined in such a way that they can be suitably combined for several forms.

A preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a device for injection molding materials. This consists, for example, of an injection molding machine and one or more molds which can be operatively connected to it. The injection molding machine has a standardized interface part that can be operatively connected to a corresponding standardized interface part of one or more shapes. This standardized interface part is used to exchange one or means such as media, energy, information between the injection molding machine and a mold.

The forms used preferably have means for storing information and. These are, for example, microprocessors, memory units, etc. These are advantageously integrated in one form and contain relevant data - o -

with regard to the shape, a manufacturing process, the materials used, etc. These storage means are connected to the injection molding machine and, if necessary, other devices via defined interfaces. The interfaces are designed in such a way that they can be used in a variety of ways. It is therefore possible e.g. to construct several forms for an existing machine with a defined interface. The shapes have a corresponding interface.

The forms include means of storing information. All relevant data is stored on these during the manufacturing process. These are determined mathematically or by means of tests beforehand or during the production process. This data is not fixed, but can be changed if necessary, such that e.g. certain experience values are taken into account. If a change in the manufacturing process is required during production, the relevant data is updated as required, the interfaces between the mold and the injection molding machine are disconnected, the mold is removed from the injection molding machine and replaced by another, which also has an interface that can be connected to the system.

The interfaces for the transfer of media advantageously have self-sealing couplings. These are designed in such a way that the interfaces can be separated and connected without significant loss of media.

When a mold is inserted into an injection molding machine, the interfaces between the mold and the machine are operatively connected. From the means for storing data, for example, all relevant data are transferred to the injection molding machine in such a way that it adapts optimally to the shape. For example, volume flows of the coolant, the temperature of the heating elements, the closing pressure of the machine, cycle times, injection parameters, etc. are transferred. If required, the means for storing data can also or alternatively consist of a microprocessor which, for example the values of sensors are monitored or manipulated variables are operated. The relevant data are advantageously transmitted as digital signals. A corresponding device can also be used to secure the production process, for example by monitoring and executing safety functions. For example, it is possible to monitor service parameters that determine when a form of maintenance is required (e.g. number of cycles, etc.). More than one interface can be used in a machine.

The invention disclosed here is particularly suitable for turning forms, such as those e.g. can be used for multi-component injection molding. In the case of a floor turning device in particular, the possibility is used to halve machine locking forces in normal single and multi-component floor operation. In two-component floor operation compared to conventional production, the closing force pressures are distributed centrally and not off-center like in conventional ones. This results in an improved quality, less tension and the possibilities of different temperature feeds such. B. warm - top, cold - bottom, no mixing temperatures; general significant quality improvement. Another possibility is assembly injection molding.

For example, one part is manufactured on one floor, transported to the second, the assembly is carried out by the turning device and by closing the machine. An additional option is a cube technique with four or more sides (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Parts are ejected during a injection cycle and sorted, for example, by cavity. In particular, there is the possibility of first station - first material, fourth station - removal, automatically via ejection and vacuum extraction or robots. Another possibility to use the floor turning system as a blow molding version, one station - preform rotation 180 ° C, blowing or fourth station - injection mold, first station, second station blowing, third station preform, fourth station blowing, so that the capacity can be doubled. The invention disclosed here offers, inter alia, the possibility of inserting a mold after production until it is ready for production. All relevant data (machine data, peripheral data, i.e. mold temperature control units, hot runner temperatures, air, hydraulics, limit switches, etc.) will advantageously be stored in a chip, a database set up, the information stored in the database, and in another form, the form will be constructed in this way. design according to the modular specifications so that a chip can be provided when the mold is finished. Tool recognition takes place, for example, by means of a coding system in the form of a chip or coding plug for transmission from the tool to the turning system and machine All parameters can be set automatically in the turning device, ie the mold change will take place in a relatively short time, since all parameters are connected and set when the mold is inserted in the turning system.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows schematically a standardized interface part,

FIG. 2 schematically shows an injection molding machine with a mold,

Figure 3 schematically shows an injection molding machine two forms.

Figure 1 shows an example of a standardized interface 1 (interface part). This interface part 1 serves, among other things. for an exchange of media and data between a mold 20 and an injection molding machine 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The interface part 1 has a standardized arrangement of interaction means 2 and positioning means 3. Interaction means 2 serve among other things. for establishing an operative connection between a mold 20 and an injection molding machine 40. They consist here of self-sealing couplings 4 which are arranged in such a way that they are fitted with corresponding counterparts, e.g. correspond to several forms.

In addition to the couplings 4, electrical connections, here in the form of plug connections 5, can also be seen. These plug connections 5 are also arranged in such a way that they correspond to corresponding counterparts on more than one mold or machine. The plug connections serve for energy supply and for data exchange between means for storing and / or processing data, sensor means, etc. in a mold and an injection molding machine. If necessary, they serve to identify a shape. The interaction means 2 are arranged and designed, for example, on the side of an injection molding machine in such a way that not all connections have to come into contact with every form that can be operatively connected. Depending on the form currently connected, certain means of interaction may not be in operation temporarily. An appropriate arrangement guarantees a maximum of flexibility.

The interface part 1 also has means 6 for the transmission of mechanical energy. The embodiment shown here is three circular surfaces which are movably arranged by means of an actuator (not shown in detail). These means 6 interact with corresponding counterparts and transmit mechanical energy between the injection molding machine 40 and the mold 20. Other active connection means for transmitting mechanical energy (e.g. in the form of shaft couplings) can be implemented accordingly.

The positioning means 3 are designed here as cylindrical pins with a groove. The positioning means 3 serve on the one hand to position a mold 20 relative to an injection molding machine 40, and also to position the corresponding interaction means 2 of two interfaces 1. The positioning means 3 also serve to detachably hold a mold in an injection molding machine.

The interface part 1 can for example also be designed as an independent module and have interaction means 2 which e.g. are attached to a base plate.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an injection molding machine 40 with a three-part turning mold 20. The mold 20 here consists of a first side part 20.1, a second Side part 20.2 and a middle part 20.3. The middle part 20.3 is arranged between the two side parts 20.1, 20.2 and corresponds to them in the closed state. The middle part 20.3 is mounted here on a lower 41 and on an upper cross member 42 so as to be rotatable about an axis 43 such that, for example, injection molded parts can be produced from several components. The lower cross member 41 is slidably mounted along two lower bars 44 and the upper cross bar 42 is slidable along two upper bars 45. The cross members 41, 42 are preferably moved by means of a hydraulic drive (not shown in detail). The cross members 41, 42 can be locked relative to the bars 44, 45. In order to Removing the shape 20, in particular the middle part 20.3, to simplify the cross members 41, 42 can be moved independently of one another (cf. FIG. 3).

Interfaces 1 (interface parts) are arranged between the side parts 20.1, 20.2 and the injection molding machine 40 in the sense of the description of FIG. 1, which ensure an operative connection between the side parts 20.1, 20.2 and the injection molding machine. The central part 20.3 of the form 20 is also operatively connected to at least one of the cross members 41, 42 via at least one interface 1 in the sense of the description of FIG. 1. The interface parts serve inter alia for the exchange of media (not shown in more detail) between the mold 20 and the injection molding machine. At least one of the molded parts 20.1, 20.2, 20.3 here has means for storing information 25. These means are preferably an integrated circuit which, if necessary, can also be coupled to a microprocessor. The means for storing information 25 is connected to the injection molding machine 40 via an interface 1, so that an exchange of data is possible. The means for storing information 25 informs the injection molding machine, for example, about the state of the mold 20, provides parameters or relevant data about the current process, previous processes, etc. The interface part 1 is designed such that it can alternatively be operatively connected to several tools , The means for storing information 25 is firmly integrated here, for example, as a module in the form 20. In particular when transferring media to the middle part 20.3 of the mold 20, it is necessary to bridge a rotational movement. The media transfer is therefore preferably carried out coaxially via sealing connections. Additional means for storing information can be integrated in other parts if required. Information can also be exchanged between the injection molding machine 40 and the mold 20 in other ways, for example by radio.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the injection molding machine 40 according to FIG. 2. A first mold 20 consisting of the two side parts 20.1, 20.2 and the middle part 20.3 can be seen, and a second mold 21 consisting of the two side parts 21.1, 21.2 and the middle part 21.3 , A situation can be seen shortly before the mold 20 is replaced by the mold 21. For this purpose, the upper crossmember 42 is displaced along the upper spars 45 relative to the lower crossmember 41 such that the middle part 20.3 can be removed. The interfaces 1, which operatively connects the cross member 42 to the middle part 20.3, are designed in this way, respectively. ordered that a corresponding relative movement is permissible. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging and designing the interaction means accordingly.

The first and second molds 20, 21 have interfaces 1 according to the description of FIG. 1 at suitable locations, which can be operatively connected to corresponding interfaces of the injection molding machine 40. It is not necessary for the mold 20 to use the same interaction means of the interface 1 of the injection molding machine 40 as the mold 21, although these are arranged in the same interface 1. The form 20 has a means for storing information 25 in the first side part 20.1. In contrast to this, the form 21 has means for storing and processing information 26 in the middle part 21.3 and in the side parts 21.1, 21.2. The means for storing and processing information 26 are integrated into the interfaces 1 in the interaction means 2 with the Injection molding machine 40 and / or other devices connected. The means for storing and processing information can, if required, also be used to control separate display means, etc., which are attached, for example, to one of the parts 20.1, 20.2, 20.3 of the mold 20.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

Device for the injection molding of materials, consisting of an injection molding machine (40) and at least one mold (20, 21) that can be operatively connected to it, characterized in that the injection molding machine (40) has a standardized joint part (1) which is associated with a corresponding standardized interface part (1 ) of more than one form (20, 21) can be operatively connected and via which one or more means such as media, energy, information with the at least one form (20, 21) are exchanged.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one joint part (1) has interaction means (2).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one interface part (1) has positioning means (3) for positioning and / or fastening at least one part (20.1, 20.2, 20.3) of a mold (20).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the form (20, 21) has means (25, 26) for storing and / or processing information.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part (20.3) of a mold (20) is arranged rotatably about an axis (43).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the injection molding machine (40) has two crossbeams (41, 42) which are each arranged displaceably along a spar (44, 45).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the traverses (44, 45) can be moved independently of one another.

8. Interface part (1) for use in a device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has interaction means (2) by means of which one or more means such as media, energy, information can be exchanged.

9. Interface part (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the interface part (1) is designed as a module.

10. Form (20, 21) for use in a device according to claim 1, characterized in that the form (20, 21) has means (25, 26) for storing and / or means for processing information.