Injection molding machine for molding preforms

description

INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE FOR CASTING PREFORMS

The application relates to injection molding machines for forming and handling molded preforms, as well as to methods for their operation.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014 / 0374956A1 (Schad et al.) Discloses an injection molding machine having a base; a pair of platens carried by the base, the platens each supporting mold halves for forming a mold; and a parts handling device for holding and handling articles from the mold, the parts handling device being separated from the mold. The parts handling apparatus includes a take-out plate having at least one set of first cooling receptacles for receiving and holding a first set of molded objects from the mold, the first cooling receptacles conductively removing a first amount of thermal energy from the first molded objects; and an auxiliary cooling plate including at least one set of second cooling receptacles for receiving and holding the first set of items; wherein the second cooling receptacles conductively dissipate a second amount of thermal energy from the first molded articles.

US Pat. No. 5,773,049 (Kashiwa et al.) Discloses a two-layer foam injection molding machine for casting foam moldings in which a surface element consisting of a foam layer and a skin layer on the surface of the foam layer is incorporated into a body on a is laminated from a hard resin made core member. The two-layer foam injection molding machine mainly comprises a fixed platen fixed to a primary mold for molding (molding) the core member and provided with a primary injection unit for supplying the core member; a rotary plate arranged to be opened and closed to and from the fixed plate and having a pair of a first mold facing the primary mold and a second mold for molding the surface member facing a secondary mold and which has the same shape as the first shape such that they can be exchanged by rotating; a movable platen arranged to be opened and closed to and from the rotary platen, attached to the secondary mold and provided with a secondary injection unit; first mold clamping means for clamping the primary shape of the fixed platen and the first shape or the second shape of the rotary platen; second mold clamping means for clamping the secondary mold of the movable platen and the second mold or the first mold of the rotary platen; and mold opening means provided so as to separate the movable platen and the rotary platen to provide a space between the second mold or the first mold and the secondary mold which is held openably.

U.S. Patent No. 7,306,445 (Wobbe et al.) Discloses a mold clamping device of an injection molding machine for making plastic parts from two or more plastic parts. A central mold carrier element is arranged between two outer mold mounting plates, which has two or four opposing mold mounting areas arranged in pairs for fastening two or four mold halves and is equipped with a rotating device supported in a support frame. Each of the mold halves of the mold support member can be closed against the mold halves of the outer mold mounting plates by a drive mechanism and a compression molding unit. The outer mold mounting plates are interconnected by supports which extend through the support frame for the central mold support member. The support frame is fixedly connected to the machine frame, while the outer mold mounting plate is slidably supported on the machine frame.

From EP 1174242 A2, DE 10243130 B3, EP 1297940 A1, DE 19519586 A1, EP 0358104 A2, DE 1120014002134 T5 and CA 2607310 A1, various injection molding machines are known with outer mold halves that are attached to a stationary clamping1 / 28

AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office plate and a movable clamping plate are attached, the molded objects being held in the outer mold halves when the mold is opened.

From EP0947304 A2 a device for injecting preforms is known, which is a two-plate arrangement.

OVERVIEW

The following overview is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant's teaching, but not to define an invention. In general, one or more methods or devices related to injection molding are disclosed herein.

In some aspects, an injection molding machine includes (a) a machine base extending along a horizontal machine axis; (b) a stationary platen attached to the base for supporting a first cavity mold half; and (c) a movable platen carried by the base and slidable along the machine axis to and from the stationary platen. The movable platen is used to support a second cavity mold half.

The machine further includes (d) a central portion carried by the base axially between the stationary and movable platens. The middle section has a first middle section surface for supporting a first core mold half and a second middle section surface opposite the first middle section surface for supporting a second core mold half. The movable platen and the central section are displaceable along the machine axis between a mold-open position, in which the first cavity mold half is axially spaced from the first core mold half and the second cavity mold half is axially spaced from the second core mold half, and a mold-closed position in which the first cavity mold half engages the first core mold half, to define a set of first mold cavities for molding a set of first molded preforms, and the second cavity mold half engaging the second core mold half to define a set of second mold cavities for molding a set of second molded preforms.

The machine further includes (e) a first take-out plate on a non-operator side of the machine. In some examples, the first take-out plate is carried by the base. The first take-out platen is movable relative to the base between at least a first advanced position in which it extends between the first cavity mold half and the first core mold half when the movable platen and the central portion are in the mold-open position to transition the to facilitate the first preforms from the first core mold half into a holding engagement on the first removal plate, and a first retracted position, in which the first removal plate is free from the first cavity mold half and the first core mold half.

The machine further includes (f) a second take-out plate on the non-operator side of the machine. In some examples, the second take-out plate is carried by the base. The second take-out plate is movable relative to the base between at least a second advanced position in which it extends between the second cavity mold half and the second core mold half when the movable platen and the central portion are in the mold-open position, around the transition of the second preforms from the second core mold half into a retaining engagement on the second removal plate, and a second retracted position, in which the second removal plate is free from the second cavity mold half and the second core mold half.

In some examples, the first take-out plate translates along a horizontal first take-out plate axis between the first advanced and retracted positions, and the second take-out plate translates along a horizontal second take-out plate axis between the second advanced and retracted positions. The first and second removal plate axes are perpendicular to the machine axis.

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In some examples, the first take-out plate includes at least one set of first cooling tubes for holding and cooling the first preforms and at least one first internal fluid conduit for directing coolant to and from the first cooling tubes. The second take-out plate includes at least one set of second cooling tubes for holding and cooling the second preforms and at least one second internal fluid line for directing coolant to and from the second cooling tubes.

In some examples, the first takeout plate includes a set of first set A cooling tubes and a set of first set B cooling tubes, with the first takeout plate slidable to a first advanced set A position for aligning the first set A cooling tubes on first mold core pins of the first core mold half and a first advanced set B position for aligning the first set B cooling tubes with the first mold core pins. The first advanced Set A and Set B positions are offset from one another along the first pick axis.

In some examples, the second take-out plate includes a set of second set A cooling tubes and a set of second set B cooling tubes, and the second take-out plate is slidable to a second advanced set A position for aligning the second set A cooling tubes on second mold core pins of the second core mold half and a second advanced set B position for aligning the second set B cooling tubes with the second mold core pins. The second advanced set A and set B positions are offset from one another along the second pick axis.

In some examples, the machine further includes a transfer mask on the non-operator side of the machine that lies axially between the first and second removal plates. In some examples, the transfer mask is carried by the base. The transfer mask includes a first mask surface with a set of first transfer pins protruding therefrom for holding the first preforms, and a second mask surface opposite the first mask surface. The second mask surface has a set of second transfer pins protruding therefrom for holding the second preforms.

In some examples, the first removal plate, when it is in the first retracted position, can be displaced parallel to the machine axis in the direction of the transfer mask to a first mask transfer position in order to facilitate the transfer of the first preforms into the holding engagement on the first transfer pins . When the second removal plate is in the second retracted position, it is displaceable parallel to the machine axis in the direction of the transfer mask to a second mask transfer position in order to facilitate the transfer of the second preforms into the holding engagement on the second transfer pins.

In some examples, the transfer mask can be rotated about a horizontal mask axis largely perpendicular to the machine axis. The transfer mask is rotatable between a loading position in which the first mask surface is directed axially in the direction of the first extraction plate and the second mask surface is directed axially in the direction of the second extraction plate, a first unloading position in which the first mask surface is directed downwards, to release the first preforms from the mask, and a second unloading position in which the second mask surface is directed downwards, to detach the second preforms from the transfer mask.

In some aspects, a method of handling injection molded preforms includes (a) translating a first take-out plate perpendicular to a machine axis to a first advanced position between a first cavity mold half supported by a stationary platen and a first core mold half which is supported by a central mold section, and sliding a second take-out plate perpendicular to the machine axis to a second advanced position between a second cavity mold half carried by a movable platen and a second core mold half carried by the central mold portion opposite the first core mold half. The method further comprises (b), after step (a), submitting a sentence

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AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office cast first preforms from the first core mold half into the retaining engagement on the first removal plate, and transferring a set of cast second preforms from the second core mold half into the retaining engagement on the second removal plate. The method further includes (c), after step (b), moving the first extraction plate to a first retracted position free of the first cavity mold half and the first core mold half, and moving the second extraction plate to a second retracted position free of the second cavity mold half and the second core mold half.

In some examples, the method further comprises (d), after step (c), transferring the first and second preforms from the first and the second removal plate into the holding engagement on a transfer mask axially between the first and the second removal plate.

In some examples, the method further includes, after step (c) and before step (d), displacing each of the first and second removal plates parallel to the machine axis towards the transfer mask.

In some aspects, an injection molding machine for molding preforms comprises (a) a machine base extending along a horizontal machine axis; (b) a stationary platen attached to a platen support portion of the base for supporting a first cavity mold half; and (c) a movable platen carried by the platen support portion and axially spaced from the stationary platen. The movable platen is used to support a second cavity mold half.

The machine further includes (d) a central portion supported by the platen support portion axially between the stationary and movable platens. The central portion has a first central portion surface for supporting a first core mold half and a second central portion surface opposite the first central portion surface for supporting a second core mold half. The movable platen and the central section are displaceable along the machine axis between a mold-open position in which the first cavity mold half is axially spaced from the first core mold half and the second cavity mold half is axially spaced from the second core mold half, and a mold closed position , in which the first cavity mold half is engaged with the first core mold half, to define a set of first mold cavities for molding a set of first molded preforms, and the second cavity mold half engaging the second core mold half to define a set of second mold cavities for molding a set of second molded preforms.

The machine further comprises (e) a two-stage first injection unit carried by a first injection unit support portion of the base and positioned behind the stationary platen for injecting a first resin through the stationary platen into the first mold cavities. The first injection unit comprises a first plasticizing device for plasticizing the first resin and a first piston device, which is offset transversely to the first plasticizing device, in order to receive the first resin from the first plasticizing device and the first resin through a first nozzle of the second injection unit into the first mold cavities to press.

The machine further comprises (f) a two-stage second injection unit carried by a second injection unit support portion of the base and disposed axially behind the movable platen for injecting a second resin through the movable platen into the second mold cavities. The second injection unit comprises a second plasticizing device for plasticizing the second resin and a second piston device, which is offset transversely to the second plasticizing device, in order to receive the second resin from the second plasticizing device and the second resin through a second nozzle of the second injection unit into the second mold cavities to press. The second injection unit is displaceable along the machine axis between an advanced position of the injection unit, which corresponds to the mold-closed position of the movable platen, and a

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AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office retracted position of the injection unit, which corresponds to the mold-open position of the movable platen, to the displacement of the movable platen during the movement between the mold-open and the mold-closed position To take into account.

In some examples, the second nozzle is during machine operation (ie during the injection process and during the displacement of the movable platen and the central portion between the mold-open and the mold-closed positions and the displacement of the second injection unit between the advanced and the retracted position of the injection unit) in a fixed position with respect to the movable platen. In some examples, the machine includes at least one sprue engagement actuator coupled to the second injection unit for maintaining the second nozzle engaged with a sprue of the second cavity mold half during machine operation. In some examples, the sprue engagement actuator includes at least one hydraulic cylinder connected at one end to the movable platen and connected at an opposite end to the second piston device.

In some examples, the machine includes a lift assembly for translating the movable platen and center mold section between the mold open and closed positions and the second injection unit between the advanced and retracted positions of the injection unit.

In some examples, the lift assembly includes at least one mold lift actuator mounted on the base and coupled to the moveable platen to translate the moveable platen along the machine axis. In some examples, the die lift actuator (s) is / are mounted on the platen support section. In some examples, the lift assembly includes at least one injection unit lift actuator mounted on the base and coupled to the second injection unit to translate the second injection unit along the machine axis. In some examples, the unit injector lift actuator (s) is mounted on the second unit injector support portion. In some examples, the lift assembly includes both types of lift actuators, ie at least one mold lift actuator and at least one injection unit lift actuator.

In some examples, the unit injector stroke actuator is operable to translate the second unit injector along the machine axis for at least one unit injector stroke length. The injection unit stroke length is equal to a mold stroke length that the movable platen moves axially as it moves between the mold open and the mold closed positions. In some examples, the injection unit stroke actuator provides at least a portion of an injection unit stroke force required to slide the second injection unit through the injection unit stroke length, and the mold stroke actuator provides at least a portion of a mold stroke force required to move the movable platen and the To move the middle section between the mold-open and the mold-closed position. In some examples, a sum of the injection unit stroke force and the mold stroke force is provided by a combination of the mold stroke actuator and the injection unit stroke actuator.

In some examples, the unit injector actuator includes a ball screw mounted on the second unit injector support portion and driven by a unit injector lift drive.

In some examples, the at least one mold lift actuator includes a ball screw mounted on the base and coupled to the movable platen and driven by a mold lift drive. In some examples, the at least one mold lift actuator includes dual mold lift ball screws mounted parallel to each other and to the machine axis on the base.

In some examples, the first and second injection units are interchangeable.

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In some aspects, a method of operating an injection molding machine for casting preforms includes (a) plasticizing a first resin in a first plasticizer of a first two-stage injection unit carried behind a stationary platen, and plasticizing a second resin in a second Plasticizing device of a second two-stage injection unit carried behind a movable platen; and (b) forcing the first resin from a first shot pot, transversely offset from the first plasticizer, through the stationary platen and into a set of first mold cavities to form a set of first molded preforms. The first mold cavities are defined by a first cavity mold half carried by the stationary platen and a first core mold half carried by a central mold portion. The method further includes (c) forcing the second resin from a second shot pot, transversely offset from the second plasticizer, through the movable platen and into a set of second mold cavities to form a set of second molded preforms. The second mold cavities are defined by a second cavity mold half carried by the movable platen and a second core mold half carried by the central mold portion opposite the first core mold half.

In some examples, the method further includes, after step (c), (d), activating a mold lift actuator to provide at least a portion of a mold lift force required to translate the movable platen and the central portion away from the stationary platen to open the shape. In some examples, the method further includes, during step (d), (e), activating a unit injection actuator to provide at least a portion of a unit injection force required to displace the second unit injection away from the stationary platen to accommodate the displacement to take into account the moving platen.

Other aspects and features of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific examples of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings contained herein serve to illustrate various examples of objects, methods and devices of the present patent specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teaching in any way. In the drawings are:

<td>Figure 1</td><td>Fig. 3 is an operator side perspective view of an exemplary injection molding machine;</td>

<td>Figure 2A</td><td>Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of the machine of Figure 1 shown from the operator side in a mold open condition;</td>

<td>Figure 2B</td><td>Figure 2A is a schematic elevational view as in Figure 2A, but with the machine shown in a mold-closed condition;</td>

<td>Figure 3</td><td>Figure 3 is a side view of an exemplary molded preform being formed by a machine such as that of Figure 1;</td>

<td>Figure 3A Figure 3B</td><td>a plan view of the preform of Figure 3; Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of the preform of Figure 3A;</td>

<td>Figure 4</td><td>Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of the machine of Figure 1 shown from the non-operator side in the mold open condition;</td>

<td>Figure 5</td><td>a schematic plan view of the clamping and parts handling sections of the machine of FIG. 1, showing the removal plates of the parts handling sections in a retracted state and a transfer mask of the parts handling sections in a loading state;</td>

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<td>Figure 6</td><td>a schematic plan view like that of Figure 5, but showing the removal plates in an advanced state;</td>

<td>Figure 7</td><td>a schematic plan view like that of FIG. 5, but showing the removal plates in the mask-engaged state;</td>

<td>Figure 8</td><td>a schematic plan view like that of FIG. 5, but showing the transfer mask in a first unloading state;</td>

<td>Figure 9</td><td>Figure 8 is a schematic elevational view of the structure of Figure 8 as viewed from the non-operator side; and</td>

<td>Figure 10</td><td>a schematic plan view like that of Figure 5, but shows the removal plates in a further advanced state.</td>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various devices or methods are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. None of the embodiments described below limit any claimed invention, and each claimed invention may include methods or apparatus different from those described below. The claimed inventions are not restricted to devices or methods which have all features of one of the devices or methods described below, or to features which are common to several or all of the devices described below. It is possible that an apparatus or a method described below is not an embodiment of a claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below and not claimed in this document may be the subject of another property right, such as e.g. B. a continued patent application, which applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, deny or release such an invention by disclosure in this document.

In Figure 1, an example of an injection molding machine 100 is shown, which is set up for casting preforms that can be used as starting material for further processing, such as for a blow molding process for the production of beverage containers. In the example shown, the machine 100 comprises a machine base 102 which extends in the longitudinal direction along a largely horizontal machine axis 104. The base 102 comprises a first injection unit support section 102a, a second injection unit support section 102b which is axially spaced from the first injection unit support section 102a, and a platen support section 102c which is arranged axially between the first and second injection unit support sections 102a, 102b.

In the example shown, a stationary platen 106 is attached to the platen support portion 102c and supports a first cavity mold half 108a. A movable platen 110 is supported by the platen support portion 102c and is axially spaced from the stationary platen 106. The movable platen 110 supports a second cavity mold half 108b. A center portion 114 is supported axially between the stationary and movable platens 106, 110 by the platen support portion 102c. The middle section 114 has a first middle section surface 116a, which is directed towards the stationary platen 106 and carries a first core mold half 118a, as well as a second middle section surface 116b arranged opposite the first middle section surface 116a, which is directed towards the movable platen 110. The second central portion surface 116b carries a second core mold half 118b.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the machine 100 in the example shown comprises at least one mold stroke actuating element 120 for moving the movable platen 110 and the central section 114 along the machine axis 104 between a mold-open position (FIG. 2A) and a mold -Closed position (Figure 2B). In the example shown, around

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AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office, the mold lift actuator 120 includes at least one mold lift drive mechanism for effecting the displacement of the movable platen 110 and the central portion 114. In the example shown, the mold lift actuator 120 comprises a pair of laterally spaced mold lift drive mechanisms. In the example shown, each mold lift drive mechanism comprises a mold lift ball screw drive 121 which is mounted on the platen support section 102c and is driven by a mold lift drive 123.

In the example shown, when the movable platen 110 and the central portion 114 are in the mold-open position, the first cavity mold half 108a is axially spaced from the first core mold half 118a and the second cavity mold half 108b is axial from the second core mold half 118b spaced. As shown in Figure 2B, when the movable platen 110 and central portion 114 are in the mold closed position, the first cavity mold half 108a is engaged with the first core mold half 118a to provide a set of first mold cavities 122a for molding one Set of first cast preforms 124a to define (e.g. The molded preform 124 shown in Figure 3) and the second cavity mold half 108b engages the second core mold half 118b to define a set of second mold cavities 122b for forming a set of second molded preforms 124b (e.g., the molded preform shown in Figure 3 124). In the example shown, the mold 96 includes first mold cavities 122a and 96 second mold cavities 122b, for a total of 192 cavities.

An example of a cast preform 124 is shown in FIG. The first and second preforms 124a, 124b may be generally similar to the molded preform 124, with like reference numerals being used to identify like features. In the example shown, the first preforms 124a and the second preforms 124b are the same. In some examples, the first preforms 124a may have a different shape than the second preforms 124b.

In the example shown, the preform 124 has a generally elongated tubular body 126 that extends along a preform axis 128 between an open end 130a and an opposite closed end 130b of the preform 124. A threaded portion 132 for receiving a closure is provided adjacent the open end 130a. An annular flange 134 extending radially outward adjoins the threaded section 132, the threaded section 132 being located axially between the open end 130a and the flange 134. The preform 124 has an inner surface 136. Inner surface 136 includes a largely cylindrical inner wall portion 136a that extends along the axial extent of preform 124 (between open and closed ends 130a, 130b) and a largely concave inner end portion 136b at closed end 130b. The preform 124 has an outer surface 138 that is spaced from the inner surface 136. The outer surface 138 includes a largely cylindrical outer wall portion 138a that extends along the axial extent of the preform 124 and a convex outer end portion 138b at the closed end 130b. The distance between the inner and outer surfaces 136, 138 generally defines a parison wall thickness 139.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the first cavity mold half 108a in the example shown comprises a set of first recesses 140a for molding the outer surface 138 of the first preform 124a. The first core mold half 118a includes a set of first mold core pins 142a for insertion into the first recesses 140a to shape the inner surface 136 of the first preforms 124a. The second cavity mold half 108b includes a set of second recesses 140b for molding the outer surface 138 of the second preforms 124b. The second core mold half 118b includes a set of second mold core pins 142b for insertion into the second recesses 140b to shape the inner surface 136 of the second preforms 124b.

As shown in Figure 1, a plurality of tension rods 144 extends parallel to the machine axis 104 between the stationary and the movable platen 106, 110. The movable platen 110 can be releasably locked to the tension rods 144 to a

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To exert closing force on the mold halves 108a, 118a, 108b, 108b, 118b when the movable platen 110 and the central section 114 are in the mold-closed position (FIG. 2B).

As shown in Figure 2A, the machine 100 comprises a first injection unit 150a, which is supported by the first injection unit support section 102a behind (ie axially outside) the stationary platen 106 to a first melt through the stationary platen 106 in the first To inject mold cavities 122a. A second unit injection 150b is rearward (ie axially outside) of the movable platen 110 to inject a second melt through the movable platen 110 into the second mold cavities 122b. The second injection unit 150b is displaceable along the machine axis 104 in order to take into account the displacement of the movable platen 110 during the movement between the mold-open position and the mold-closed position.

In the example shown, the first injection unit 150a comprises a two-stage injection unit with a first plasticizing device 152a for plasticizing a first resin (also referred to as a first melt). The first plasticizing device 152a comprises a first plasticizing screw which is accommodated in a first plasticizing cylinder 154a. The first plasticizing screw is driven by a first rotary drive which is accommodated in a first drive housing 156a.

In the example shown, the first injection unit 150a further comprises a first piston device 158a with a first shot pot 160a for receiving the first resin from the first plasticizing device 152a. The first piston device 158a can force the first resin out of the first shot pot 160a and through a first unit injection nozzle 162a of the first unit injection 150a to inject the first resin into the first cavities 122a through a first hot runner 109a of the first cavity mold half 108a. In the example shown, the first piston device 158a is offset transversely to the first plasticizing device 152a. In the example shown, the first piston device 158a is located below the first plasticizing device 152a.

In the example shown, the first unit injection nozzle 162a is largely centered about the machine axis 104. In the example shown, the first shot pot 160a is largely centered around the machine axis 104.

In the example shown, the first plasticizing cylinder 154a extends along a first cylinder axis 164a. In the example shown, the first cylinder axis 164a is spaced vertically above the machine axis 104. In the example shown, the first cylinder axis 164a is largely parallel to the machine axis 104.

In the example shown, the machine 100 includes a first sprue engagement actuator 166a, which is coupled to the first injection unit 150a, to engage the first injection nozzle 162a with a first sprue 123a (FIG 2B) to hold the first cavity mold half 108a. In the example shown, the first sprue engagement actuator 166a includes at least one hydraulic cylinder connected at one end to the stationary platen 106 and at an opposite end to a first piston assembly housing 168a of the first piston assembly 158a.

In the example shown, the second injection unit 150b comprises a two-stage injection unit similar to the first injection unit 150a, similar features being identified by the same reference symbols with a suffix b.

In the example shown, the first and second injection units 150a, 150b are largely interchangeable. In the example shown, the first and the second injection unit have largely the same physical size. In the example shown, the first and second injection units 150a, 150b have largely the same engagement with the stationary and movable platen 106, 110. In the example shown, the first injection unit is 9/28

AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office 150a mountable either on the first injection unit support section 102a to inject resin through the stationary platen 106, or on the second injection unit support section 102b to inject resin through the movable platen 110, the second injection unit 150b can either be mounted on the first injection unit support section 102a, to inject resin through the stationary platen 106, or on the second injection unit support portion 102b to inject resin through the movable platen 110.

In the example shown, the second injection unit 150b comprises a second plasticizing device 152b for plasticizing a second resin (also referred to as a second melt). The second plasticizing device 152b comprises a second plasticizing screw housed in a second plasticizing cylinder 154b. The second plasticizing screw is driven by a second rotary drive which is accommodated in a second drive housing 156b.

In the example shown, the second injection unit 150b further comprises a second piston device 158b with a second shot pot 160b for receiving the second resin from the second plasticizing device 152b. The second piston device 158b can push the second resin out of the second shot pot 160b and through a second injection unit nozzle 162b of the second injection unit 150b to inject the second resin through a second hot runner 109b of the second cavity mold half 108b into the second mold cavities 122b. In the example shown, the second piston device 158b is offset transversely to the second plasticizing device 152b. In the example shown, the second piston device 158b is located below the second plasticizing device 152b.

In the example shown, the second unit injection nozzle 162b is largely centered about the machine axis 104. In the example shown, the second shot pot 160b is largely centered around the machine axis 104. In the example shown, the first and the second shot pot 160a, 160b are largely collinear.

In the example shown, the second plasticizing cylinder 154b extends along a second cylinder axis 164b. In the example shown, the second cylinder axis 164b is spaced vertically above the machine axis 104. In the example shown, the second cylinder axis 164b is largely parallel to the machine axis 104. In the example shown, the first and second plasticizing cylinders 154a, 154b are at a generally customary height. In the example shown, the first and second cylinder axes 164a, 164b are largely collinear.

In the example shown, the machine 100 comprises a second sprue engagement actuating element 166b, which is coupled to the second injection unit 150b in order to hold the second injection nozzle 162b in engagement with a second sprue 123b (Figure 2B) of the second cavity mold half 108b, while the second resin is injected into the second cavities 122b. In the example shown, the second sprue engagement actuator 166b includes a hydraulic cylinder connected at one end to the movable platen 110 and at an opposite end to a second piston assembly housing 168b of the second piston assembly 158b. In the example shown, the second injection unit 150b is held in a fixed position relative to the movable platen 110 so that it can be used during normal machine operation (ie during the injection and displacement of the movable platen 110 and the central section 114 between the mold-open position and the mold-closed position) against the movable platen 110 and to move with it.

In the example shown, the machine 100 comprises an injection unit lift actuating element 170 coupled to the second injection unit 150b in order to effect the displacement of the second injection unit 150b along the machine axis 104. As is shown in FIG. 2B, the injection unit stroke actuating element 170 in the example shown is able to effect the displacement of the second injection unit 150b over at least one injection unit stroke length 172. The injection unit stroke length 172 corresponds to a mold stroke length 174,

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AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office which moves the movable platen 110 axially during the movement between the mold-open position and the mold-closed position.

In the example shown, the mold lift actuator 120 provides at least a portion of a mold lift force required to move the movable platen 110 and the central portion 114 between the mold-open position and the mold-closed position, and Injection unit lift actuator 170 provides at least a portion of an injection unit lift force that is required to to move the second injection unit 150b over the injection unit stroke length 172. A sum of the mold stroke force and the injection unit stroke force (ie a total force required to move the movable platen 110 and the central portion 114 between the mold open position and the mold closed position and the second injection unit 150b over the injection unit stroke length 172) is determined by a combination of the mold stroke actuator 120 and the injection unit lift actuator 170 is provided. The provision of a second unit injection actuator that is separate from the mold lift actuator 120 can help reduce the load on the mold lift actuator 120 and can also help reduce the stresses placed on the movable platen 110 during movement between the mold-open -Position and the form-closed position are exercised to decrease.

In the example shown, the unit injection actuator 170 comprises at least one unit injection drive mechanism for causing the displacement of the second unit injection 150b over the unit injection stroke length 172. In the example shown, the unit injection actuator 170 comprises a single unit injection drive. In the example shown, the injection unit drive comprises an injection unit ball screw drive 176 which is mounted on the second injection unit support section 102b and is driven by an injection unit lift drive 178. The injection unit ball screw drive 176 extends parallel to the machine axis 104 over a ball screw drive length 180. The ball screw drive length 180 is at least equal to the mold stroke length 174. In the example shown, the ball screw length 180 is greater than the mold stroke length 174.

In some examples, the mold lift drive mechanisms and the injection unit drive mechanisms are each identical.

In some examples, the unit injection drive mechanism may include a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the second unit injection support portion 102b.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in the example shown, the second injection unit 150b is slidably supported on a sliding surface 182 which is mounted on the second injection unit support section 102b in order to facilitate the displacement of the second injection unit 150b over the injection unit stroke length 172. In the example shown, the sliding surface 182 extends parallel to the machine axis 104 over a sliding surface length 184. The sliding surface length 184 is at least equal to the mold stroke length 174. In the example shown, the sliding surface length 184 is greater than the mold stroke length 174. In the example shown, the sliding surface 182 comprises a pair of laterally spaced linear rails 186 which extend parallel to the machine axis 104.

In the example shown, the unit injection ball screw drive 176 is mounted laterally between the linear rails 186. In the example shown, the unit injector ball screw 176 is mounted on the second unit injector support portion 102b. In the example shown, the unit injector ball screw 176 is mounted generally below the second unit injector 150b. In the example shown, the injection unit ball screw drive 176 axially overlaps the second drive housing 156b of the second injection unit 150b.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the example shown, the machine 100 comprises a parts handling device 200 for interacting with the first and the second preform 124a, 124b. The parts handling device 200 can be used, for example, for unloading, transferring and / or cooling the preforms 124a, 124b. In the example shown, the machine 100 has an operator side 100a and one of the operator side 100a lateral / 28

AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office on the opposite non-operator page 100b. In the example shown is the

Parts handling device 200 on the non-operator side 100b of the machine 100.

As shown in Figure 4, the parts handling device 200 in the example shown comprises a first removal plate 202a, which is carried by the base 102 on the non-operator side 100b of the machine 100, and a second removal plate 202b, which is supported by the base 102 is carried on the non-operator side 100b of the machine 100 and is axially spaced from the first removal plate 202a.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first removal plate 202a is movable relative to the base 102 between a first retracted position (Figure 5) and at least one first advanced position (Figure 6) when the movable platen 110 and central portion 114 are in the mold open position. In the first advanced position, the first removal plate 202a extends between the first cavity mold half 108a and the first core mold half 118a in order to facilitate the transfer of the first preforms 124a from the first core mold half 118a into the holding engagement on the first removal plate 202a. In the first retracted position, the first takeout plate is free of the first cavity mold half 108a and the first core mold half 118a.

In the example shown, the second removal plate 202b is movable relative to the base 102 between a second retracted position (Figure 5) and at least one second advanced position (Figure 6) when the movable platen 110 and the central portion 114 are in the Form-open position. In the second advanced position, the second removal plate 202b extends between the second cavity mold half 108b and the second core mold half 118b in order to facilitate the transfer of the second preforms 124b from the second core mold half 118b into the holding engagement on the second removal plate 202b. In the second retracted position, the second take-out plate 202b is free of the second cavity mold half 108b and the second core mold half 118b.

In the example shown, the first removal plate 202a shifts along a horizontal first removal plate axis 204a between the first advanced and the first retracted position, and the second removal plate 202b shifts along a horizontal second removal plate axis 204b between the second advanced and the second retracted Position. In the example shown, the first and second removal plate axes 204a, 204b are perpendicular to the machine axis 104.

Optionally, the first removal plate 202a, when it is in the first advanced position, can be displaced parallel to the machine axis 104 in the direction of the first core mold half 118a in order to facilitate the transfer of the first preforms 124a to the first removal plate 202a. Optionally, the second removal plate 202b, when it is in the second advanced position, can be displaced parallel to the machine axis 104 in the direction of the second core mold half 118b in order to facilitate the transfer of the second preforms 124b to the second removal plate 202b.

As shown in FIG. 6, the middle section 114 can optionally have an ejection mechanism 210 (shown schematically in FIGS. 6 and 7) in order to transfer the first and second preforms 124a, 124b from the first and second core mold halves 118a, 118b to facilitate retention engagement on the first and second takeout plates 202a, 202b when the first and second takeout plates 202a, 202b are in the first and second advanced positions, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 7, the ejection mechanism 210 in the example shown comprises a first ejection device 212a in order to facilitate the ejection of the first preforms 124a from the first core mold half 118a and into the holding engagement on the first removal plate 202a. The first ejection device 212a comprises a first amplifier actuation element 214a for breaking the first preforms 124a out of engagement with the first mold core pins 142a and a first breakout actuation element 216a for pushing the first preforms 124a further in the direction of the first removal plate 202a in order to transfer the first preform

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AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office moldings 124a into the holding engagement on the first removal plate 202a. In the example shown, the first booster actuator 214a comprises a short stroke, high force actuator and the first breakaway actuator 216a comprises a

Long stroke actuator with low force.

In the example shown, the ejection mechanism 210 further comprises a second ejection device 212b to support the ejection of the second preforms 124b from the second core mold half 118b and into a retaining engagement on the second removal plate 202b. The second ejection device 212b comprises a second amplifier actuation element 214b for breaking the second preforms 124b out of engagement with the second mold core pins 142b and a second breakout actuation element 216b for pressing the second preforms 124b further in the direction of the second removal plate 202b in order to transfer the second preforms 124a to facilitate the holding engagement on the second removal plate 202a. In the example shown, the second booster operating element 214b comprises a short-stroke operating element with high force and the second breakaway operating element 216b comprises a long-stroke operating element with low force.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first removal plate 202a in the example shown comprises at least one set of first cooling tubes 206a for holding and cooling the first preforms 124a. The first takeout plate 202a further includes at least one first inner fluid conduit 208a for conducting coolant to and from the first cooling tubes 206a to facilitate cooling of the outer surface 138 of the first preforms 124a held in the first cooling tubes 206a. The second take-out plate includes at least one set of second cooling tubes 206b for holding and cooling the second preforms 124b. The second takeout plate 202b further includes at least one second inner fluid conduit 208b for conducting coolant to and from the second cooling tubes 206b to facilitate cooling of the outer surface 138 of the second preforms 124b held in the second cooling tubes 206b.

In the example shown, the parts handling device 200 further comprises a transfer form 220 which is supported by the base 102 on the non-operator side 100b of the machine 100. The transfer mask 220 is located axially between the first and second removal plates 202a, 202b. The transfer mask 220 includes a first mask surface 222a having a set of first transfer pins 224a protruding therefrom to hold the first preforms 124a and a second mask surface 222b opposite the first mask surface 222a. The second mask surface 222b has a set of second transfer pins 224b protruding therefrom for holding the second preforms 124b. In the example shown, the number of first transfer pins 224a is equal to the number of first cooling tubes 206a and the number of second transfer pins 224b is equal to the number of second cooling tubes 206b. In the example shown, the transfer mask 220 has at least one internal head part in connection with a suction source for sucking in ambient air through the first and second transfer pins 224a, 224b in order to cool, transfer and / or hold the first and second preforms 124a, 124b to facilitate.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the example shown, the first removal plate 202a can be displaced along the first removal plate axis 204a into a retracted position in which the first cooling tubes 206a are each aligned with corresponding first transfer pins 224a. In the example shown, the second removal plate 202b can be displaced along the second removal plate axis 204b into a second retracted position in which the second cooling tubes 206b are each aligned with corresponding second transfer pins 224b.

In the example shown, the first removal plate 202a, when it is in the first retracted position, can be displaced parallel to the machine axis 104 in the direction of the transfer mask 220 into a first mask transfer position in order to transfer at least one set of the first preforms 124a from the first removal plate 202a into the holding engagement on the first transfer pins 224a. When the second removal plate 202b is in the second retracted position, it is parallel to the machine axis 104 in the direction of the transfer mask 220 into a second mask transfer position

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AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office slidable in order to facilitate the transfer of at least one set of the second preforms 124b from the second removal plate 202b into the holding engagement on the second transfer pins 224b.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the transfer mask 220 in the example shown can be rotated about a horizontal mask axis 226 largely perpendicular to the machine axis 104. The transfer mask 220 can be rotated between a loading position (FIG. 7), a first unloading position (FIGS. 8 and 9) and a second unloading position. When the transfer mask 220 is in the loading position, as shown in FIG to facilitate the transfer of the preforms 124a, 124b from the first and second removal plates 202a, 202b to the transfer mask 220. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the transfer mask 220 is in the first unloading position, the first mask surface 222 a is directed downwards in order to detach the first preforms 124 a from the transfer mask 220. When the transfer mask 220 is in the second unloading position, the second mask surface 222b is directed downward in order to detach the second preforms 124b from the transfer mask 220.

As shown in Figure 9, one or more structures of the parts handling device 200 may be supported on a rail assembly 228 that is attached to a side wall 230 of the platen support portion 102c on the non-operator side 100b. In the example shown, the first removal plate 202a is supported on the rail arrangement 228. In the example shown, the second removal plate 202b is also supported on the rail arrangement 228. In the example shown, the transfer mask 220 is also supported on the rail arrangement 228. In the example shown, the rail assembly 228 includes a pair of vertically spaced linear rails 232 attached to the side wall 230 and extending parallel to the machine axis 104. In the example shown, the first and the second removal plate 202a, 202b are each displaceably supported by the rail arrangement 228 in order to facilitate the displacement of the first and the second removal plate 202a, 202b parallel to the machine axis 104.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the example shown, the amount of first cooling tubes 206a is greater than the amount of first mold cavities 122a. In the example shown, the first extraction plate 202a comprises a set of first set A cooling tubes 206a and a set of first set B cooling tubes 206a. In the example shown, the first extraction plate 202a further comprises a set of first set C-cooling tubes 206a. In the example shown, the first set A cooling tubes 206a, the first set B cooling tubes 206a and the first set C cooling tubes 206a are offset from one another along the first removal plate axis 204a. In the example shown, each set of first cooling tubes 206a comprises 96 cooling tubes, for a total of 288 first cooling tubes 206a.

In the example shown, the first removal plate 202a is slidable into a first advanced set A position (FIG. 6) for aligning the first set A cooling tubes 206a with the first mold core pins 142a in order to transfer the first preforms 124a in facilitate retention engagement with the first set A cooling tubes 206a, and a first advanced set B position (Figure 10) for aligning the first set B cooling tubes 206a with the first mandrel pins 142a, to facilitate the transfer of the first preforms 124a into holding engagement in the first set B cooling tubes 206a. In the example shown, the first removal plate 202a is further displaceable into a first advanced set C position (not shown) in order to align the first set C cooling tubes 206a with the first mold core pins 124a in order to transfer the first preforms 124a into the retention engagement in the first set of C cooling tubes 206a. In the example shown, the first advanced set A position, the first advanced set B position, and the first advanced set C position are offset from one another along the first take-out plate axis 204a.

In the example shown, the amount of the second cooling tubes 206b is greater than the amount of the second mold cavities 122b. In the example shown, the second removal plate comprises

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AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office

202b, a set of second set A cooling tubes 206b and a set of second set B cooling tubes 206b. In the example shown, the second extraction plate 202b further comprises a set of second set of C-cooling tubes 206b. The second set A cooling tubes 206b, the second set B cooling tubes 206b and the second set C cooling tubes 206b are offset from one another along the second removal plate axis 204b. In the example shown, each set of second cooling tubes 206b comprises 96 cooling tubes, for a total of 288 second cooling tubes 206b.

In the example shown, the second removal plate 202 is displaceable b into a second advanced set A position (FIG. 6) for aligning the second set A cooling tubes 206b with the second mold core pins 142b in order to transfer the second preforms 124b to facilitate retention engagement in the second set A cooling tubes 206b, and a second advanced set B position (Figure 10) for aligning the second set B cooling tubes 206b with the second mandrel pins 142b, to facilitate transferring the second preforms 124b into holding engagement in the second set B cooling tubes 206b. In the example shown, the second take-out plate 202b is further slidable to a second advanced set C position (not shown) to align the second set C cooling tubes 206b with the second mold core pins 142b for transferring the second preforms 124b into the To facilitate retention engagement in the second set of C cooling tubes 206b. In the example shown, the second advanced set A position, the second advanced set B position, and the second advanced set C position are offset from one another along the second take-out plate axis 204b.

In the example shown, the transfer mask 220 has three sets of first transfer pins 224a - first set A transfer pins 224a, first set B transfer pins 224a and first set C transfer pins 224a. When the first take-out plate 202a is in the first retracted position, the first Set-A, Set-B, and Set-C cooling tubes 206a are on top of the first Set-A, Set-B, and Set-C, respectively. Transfer pins 224a aligned. In the example shown, the transfer mask 220 has three sets of second transfer pins 224b - second set A transfer pins 224b, second set B transfer pins 224b, and second set C transfer pins 224b. When the second take-out plate 202b is in the second retracted position, the second Set-A, Set-B, and Set-C cooling tubes 206b are on the second Set-A, Set-B, and Set-C, respectively. Transfer pins 224b aligned.

In use, the first plasticizer 152a plasticizes the first resin and the second plasticizer 152b plasticizes the second resin. After plasticizing, the first resin is received in the first shot pot 160a and the second resin is received in the second shot pot 160b. When sufficient clamping load has been applied to the mold, the first resin from the first shot pot 160a is forced through the stationary platen 106 into the first mold cavities 122a to form a set of first set A preforms 124a, and the second resin is made from the second shot pot 160b is urged into second mold cavities 122b by movable platen 110 to mold a set of second set A preforms 124b.

After completion of the injection, the clamping load can be reduced. The mold lift actuator 120 is activated to provide at least a portion of a mold lift force required to push the movable platen 110 and center portion 114 away from the stationary platen 106 to open the mold, and the injection unit lift actuator 170 is activated to at least one Provide part of an injection unit stroke force that is required to push the second injection unit 150b away from the stationary platen 106 to accommodate the displacement of the movable platen 110. In the example shown, the mold lift actuator 120 and the injection unit lift actuator 170 work in unison to move the movable platen 110 and the second injection unit 150b synchronously. The force required to move the movable platen 110 and the second injection unit 150b in synchronism is provided by a combination of the mold lift actuator 120 and the injection unit lift actuator 170.

After opening the mold, the first take-out plate 202a is advanced into the first

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AT 523 705 B1 2021-11-15 Austrian patent office

Set A position is shifted and the second take-out plate 202b is advanced into the second one

Block A position shifted.

When the first removal plate 202a is in the first advanced set A position, the first set A preforms 124a are released from the first core mold half 118a and transferred into the holding engagement in the first cooling tubes 206a. More precisely, the first amplifier actuation element 214a breaks the first preforms 124a out of engagement with the first mold core pins 142a, and the first breakout actuation element 216a pushes the first preforms 124a further in the direction of the first removal plate 202a in order to transfer the first preforms 124a into the holding engagement to facilitate the first set of A cooling tubes 206a.

When the second take-out plate 202b is in the second advanced set A position, the second set A preforms 124b are released from the second core mold half 118b and transferred into holding engagement in the second set A cooling tubes 206b. More precisely, the second amplifier actuation element 214b breaks the second preforms 124b out of engagement with the second mold core pins 142b, and the second breakout actuation element 216b pushes the second preforms 124b further in the direction of the second removal plate 202b in order to transfer the second preforms 124b into the holding engagement the second set of A cooling tubes 206b.

After receiving the first and second set A preforms 124a, 124b, the first and second take-out plates 202a, 202b are brought to the first and second retracted positions, respectively.

After reaching the first and the second retracted position, the first and the second removal plate 202a, 202b are moved parallel to the machine axis 104 in the direction of the transfer mask 220 in the first and the second mask transfer position.

In the example shown, the first take-out plate 202a has three sets of first cooling tubes 206a, and the first set-A preforms 124a remain in the first set-A cooling tubes 206a until the first set-B and set-C -Cooling tubes 206a are loaded with corresponding sets of first preforms 124a. When the first take-out plate 202a is in the first mask transfer position, ambient air is drawn through the first transfer pins 224a to facilitate cooling of the interior surfaces of the first set A preforms 124a. The first take-out plate 202a separates from the transfer mask 220 by moving back to the first retracted position parallel to the machine axis 104 and carrying the first set of A preforms 124a with it before advancing into the first at appropriate points in the next two cycles Block B and Block C positions are moved.

The second take-out plate 202b has three sets of second cooling tubes 206b, and the second set A preforms 124b remain in the second set A cooling tubes 206b until the second set B and set C cooling tubes 206b and 206b are loaded with corresponding sets of second preforms 124b. When the second take-out plate 202b is in the second mask transfer position, ambient air is drawn through the second transfer pins 224b to facilitate cooling of the interior surfaces of the second set A preforms 124b. The second removal plate 202b releases itself from the transfer mask 220 by moving back into the second retracted position parallel to the machine axis 104 and carrying the second Set A preforms 124b with it before they are attached to suitable Set B and Set C cooling tubes is moved to the second advanced record B and record C positions in the next two cycles.

After the first set B and set C cooling tubes 206a have been loaded, the first removal plate 202a moves back into the first mask transfer position. Before being released from the transfer mask 220, the first set A preforms 124a are detached from the first set A cooling tubes 206a and transferred into the holding engagement on the first set A transfer pins 224a. The first removal plate 202a then detaches from the transfer mask 220, the first set of A cooling tubes 206a being empty and ready to receive the next set of first preforms 124a from the first core mold half 118a.

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After the second set B and set C cooling tubes 206b have been loaded, the second removal plate 202b moves back into the second mask transfer position. Before being released from the transfer mask 220, the second set A preforms 124b are detached from the second set A cooling tubes 206b and transferred to the second set A transfer pins 224b in the holding engagement. The second removal plate 202b then releases from the transfer mask 220, with the second set A cooling tubes 206b being empty and ready to receive the next set of second preforms 124b from the second core mold half 118b.