09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, nozzles, hot runners, machine nozzles, sprue bushings, manifolds, heaters, proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers, valve controllers, and heated injection moulding tool halfs; Electronic nozzle-regulating apparatus for hot nozzle systems; Electronic actuator-regulating apparatus for actuated hot nozzle systems; Hot forming machines for plastic materials, parts and fittings therefor; Spray nozzles being parts of machines; Injection moulding machines and moulds (machine parts) for injection moulding; Plastic and resin injection moulding machines; Plastics moulding machines; Plastic processing machines; Injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines; Control mechanisms for machines, namely for hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines; Hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, mainly consisting of sealing needles, pistons, cylinders, nozzles, hot runner distributors, feed bushes; Injector die halves for mechanical injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines; Replacement parts [machine parts] for hot runner systems and nozzles for plastic injection moulding machines; Nozzles (parts of machines) for plastic injection moulding machines; Parts and fittings for plastic moulding machines and plastic injection moulding machines, namely nozzles, control apparatus, regulators and distributors; Valves [parts of machines]; Clack valves [machine parts]; Thermic lances [machine parts]; Moulds for processing plastics; Machine tools and power tools; Motors and engines and propulsion mechanisms, other than for land vehicles; Machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles).
(2) Parts of plastic injection moulding machines, namely, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines; Injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, transducers, encoders, proximity sensors; Monitoring apparatus for counting cycles, recording and analysing process data, triggering warning signals, stopping plastic injection moulding machines, providing of maintenance information, process optimisation and tracking the activity of plastic injection moulding machines and moulds; Electronic monitoring apparatus for counting cycles, recording and analysing process data, triggering warning signals, stopping plastic injection moulding machines, providing of maintenance information, process optimisation and tracking the activity of injection moulding machines and moulds; Electronic temperature-regulating apparatus for hot nozzle systems; Electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines; Electronic control apparatus for nozzle assemblies of injection moulding machines and moulds, namely for valve gated nozzle assemblies; Heat regulating apparatus; Temperature control apparatus; Sensors; Computer hardware; Computer software; Database management computer software; Application software for mobile phones; Data processing apparatus; Data processing programs; Measuring, signalling, checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments, especially with sensors in injection moulding machines, as well as for automatic measuring-data-acquisition; electronic instructional manuals for sale with injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, nozzles, hot runners, machine nozzles, sprue bushings, manifolds, heaters, transducers, proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers, encoders, proximity sensors, hot half assemblies, valve controllers. (1) Installation, maintenance and repair of hot pressing machines, injection moulding machines, plastic and resin injection moulding machines, plastic moulding machines, plastic processing machines and parts and fittings therefor; Installation, maintenance and repair of injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines, hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, motors and engines and parts and fittings therefor; Installation, maintenance and repair of couplings and machine transmission components, regulating units, electronic control units, electronic control systems, electronic temperature regulating apparatus for hot runner systems, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines, heat control apparatus and temperature control apparatus and parts and fittings therefor.
(2) Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of hot pressing machines for plastics, injection moulding machines, plastic and resin injection moulding machines, plastic moulding machines, plastic processing machines and parts and fittings therefor; Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines, hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, motors and engines and parts and fittings therefor; Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of couplings and machine transmission components, regulating units, electronic control units, electronic control systems, electronic temperature regulating apparatus for hot runner systems, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines, heat control apparatus, temperature control apparatus and parts and fittings therefor; Technical project studies; Services in the field of engineering consultancy, testing and technical support in connection with the construction, operation and process optimisation of hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines, parts and fittings therefor and regulators for hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines; Cloud computing; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable software applications for using cloud computing networks, and for access thereto; Rental of operating software for using cloud computing networks and for access thereto.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, nozzles, hot runners, machine nozzles, sprue bushings, manifolds, heaters, proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers, valve controllers, and heated injection moulding tool halfs; Electronic nozzle-regulating apparatus for hot nozzle systems; Electronic actuator-regulating apparatus for actuated hot nozzle systems; Hot forming machines for plastic materials, parts and fittings therefor; Spray nozzles being parts of machines; Injection moulding machines and moulds (machine parts) for injection moulding; Plastic and resin injection moulding machines; Plastics moulding machines; Plastic processing machines; Injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines; Control mechanisms for machines, namely for hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines; Hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, mainly consisting of sealing needles, pistons, cylinders, nozzles, hot runner distributors, feed bushes; Injector die halves for mechanical injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines; Nozzles (parts of machines) for plastic injection moulding machines; Parts and fittings for plastic moulding machines and plastic injection moulding machines, namely nozzles, control apparatus, regulators and distributors; Moulds for processing plastics; Machine tools and power tools; Motors and engines and propulsion mechanisms, other than for land vehicles; Machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles).; Replacement parts (machine parts) for hot runner systems and nozzles for plastic injection moulding machines; Valves (parts of machines); Thermic lances (machine parts); Clack valves (machine parts) Parts of plastic injection moulding machines, namely, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines; Injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, transducers, encoders, proximity sensors; Monitoring apparatus for counting cycles, recording and analysing process data, triggering warning signals, stopping plastic injection moulding machines, providing of maintenance information, process optimisation and tracking the activity of plastic injection moulding machines and moulds; Electronic monitoring apparatus for counting cycles, recording and analysing process data, triggering warning signals, stopping plastic injection moulding machines, providing of maintenance information, process optimisation and tracking the activity of injection moulding machines and moulds; Electronic temperature-regulating apparatus for hot nozzle systems; Electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines; Electronic control apparatus for nozzle assemblies of injection moulding machines and moulds, namely for valve gated nozzle assemblies; Heat regulating apparatus; Temperature control apparatus; Sensors; Computer hardware; Computer software; Database management computer software; Application software for mobile phones; Data processing apparatus; Data processing programs; Measuring, signalling, checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments, especially with sensors in injection moulding machines, as well as for automatic measuring-data-acquisition; electronic instructional manuals for sale with injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, nozzles, hot runners, machine nozzles, sprue bushings, manifolds, heaters, transducers, proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers, encoders, proximity sensors, hot half assemblies, valve controllers. Installation, maintenance and repair of hot pressing machines, injection moulding machines, plastic and resin injection moulding machines, plastic moulding machines, plastic processing machines and parts and fittings therefor; Installation, maintenance and repair of injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines, hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, motors and engines and parts and fittings therefor; Installation, maintenance and repair of couplings and machine transmission components, regulating units, electronic control units, electronic control systems, electronic temperature regulating apparatus for hot runner systems, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines, heat control apparatus and temperature control apparatus and parts and fittings therefor. Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of hot pressing machines for plastics, injection moulding machines, plastic and resin injection moulding machines, plastic moulding machines, plastic processing machines and parts and fittings therefor; Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines, hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, motors and engines and parts and fittings therefor; Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of couplings and machine transmission components, regulating units, electronic control units, electronic control systems, electronic temperature regulating apparatus for hot runner systems, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines, heat control apparatus, temperature control apparatus and parts and fittings therefor; Technical project studies; Services in the field of engineering consultancy, testing and technical support in connection with the construction, operation and process optimisation of hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines, parts and fittings therefor and regulators for hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines; Cloud computing; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable software applications for using cloud computing networks, and for access thereto; Rental of operating software for using cloud computing networks and for access thereto.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, nozzles, hot runners, machine nozzles, sprue bushings, manifolds, heaters, proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers, valve controllers, and heated injection moulding tool halfs; Electronic nozzle-regulating apparatus for hot nozzle systems; Electronic actuator-regulating apparatus for actuated hot nozzle systems; Hot forming machines for plastic materials, parts and fittings therefor; Spray nozzles being parts of machines; Injection moulding machines and moulds (machine parts) for injection moulding; Plastic and resin injection moulding machines; Plastics moulding machines; Plastic processing machines; Injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines; Control mechanisms for machines, namely for hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines; Hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, mainly consisting of sealing needles, pistons, cylinders, nozzles, hot runner distributors, feed bushes; Injector die halves for mechanical injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines; Replacement parts [machine parts] for hot runner systems and nozzles for plastic injection moulding machines; Nozzles (parts of machines) for plastic injection moulding machines; Parts and fittings for plastic moulding machines and plastic injection moulding machines, namely nozzles, control apparatus, regulators and distributors; Valves [parts of machines]; Clack valves [machine parts]; Thermic lances [machine parts]; Moulds for processing plastics; Machine tools and power tools; Motors and engines and propulsion mechanisms, other than for land vehicles; Machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles). Parts of plastic injection moulding machines, namely, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines; Injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, transducers, encoders, proximity sensors; Monitoring apparatus for counting cycles, recording and analysing process data, triggering warning signals, stopping plastic injection moulding machines, providing of maintenance information, process optimisation and tracking the activity of plastic injection moulding machines and moulds; Electronic monitoring apparatus for counting cycles, recording and analysing process data, triggering warning signals, stopping plastic injection moulding machines, providing of maintenance information, process optimisation and tracking the activity of injection moulding machines and moulds; Electronic temperature-regulating apparatus for hot nozzle systems; Electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines; Electronic control apparatus for nozzle assemblies of injection moulding machines and moulds, namely for valve gated nozzle assemblies; Heat regulating apparatus; Temperature control apparatus; Sensors; Computer hardware; Computer software; Database management computer software; Application software for mobile phones; Data processing apparatus; Data processing programs; Measuring, signalling, checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments, especially with sensors in injection moulding machines, as well as for automatic measuring-data-acquisition; electronic instructional manuals for sale with injection plastic molding machine parts, namely, nozzles, hot runners, machine nozzles, sprue bushings, manifolds, heaters, transducers, proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers, encoders, proximity sensors, hot half assemblies, valve controllers. Installation, maintenance and repair of hot pressing machines, injection moulding machines, plastic and resin injection moulding machines, plastic moulding machines, plastic processing machines and parts and fittings therefor; Installation, maintenance and repair of injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines, hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, motors and engines and parts and fittings therefor; Installation, maintenance and repair of couplings and machine transmission components, regulating units, electronic control units, electronic control systems, electronic temperature regulating apparatus for hot runner systems, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines, heat control apparatus and temperature control apparatus and parts and fittings therefor. Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of hot pressing machines for plastics, injection moulding machines, plastic and resin injection moulding machines, plastic moulding machines, plastic processing machines and parts and fittings therefor; Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of injection moulding and hot runner tools for use in injection moulding machines, hot runner systems for injection moulding tools for injection moulding machines, motors and engines and parts and fittings therefor; Technical consultancy, design, research and development in the field of couplings and machine transmission components, regulating units, electronic control units, electronic control systems, electronic temperature regulating apparatus for hot runner systems, electronic control apparatus for injection moulding machines, heat control apparatus, temperature control apparatus and parts and fittings therefor; Technical project studies; Services in the field of engineering consultancy, testing and technical support in connection with the construction, operation and process optimisation of hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines, parts and fittings therefor and regulators for hot runner systems for plastic injection moulding machines; Cloud computing; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable software applications for using cloud computing networks, and for access thereto; Rental of operating software for using cloud computing networks and for access thereto.
A resiliently compressible spring or cushion in an injection molding system that has:
(a) an upstream surface that engages against a complementary surface of a component of the system that transmits force between the cushion or spring and one or the other of a mount and a drive device interconnected to a valve pin ,
(b) a downstream surface that engages against a complementary surface of a component of the system that transmits force between the cushion or spring and a valve pin.
wherein the cushion or spring resiliently compresses under an upstream force (UF) exerted in response to engagement of a distal tip end of the valve pin with a gate surface.
The present disclosure relates to a fluidically driven actuator arrangement (10, 110, 210, 310) comprising a piston (16) and a valve pin (28) being drivable along a reciprocal path of axial travel having an adjustable stroke length that extends between a downstream gate closed position and an adjustable final upstream gate open position. The actuator arrangement (10, 110, 210, 310) comprises a counteracting means (30, 130, 230, 330) configured to apply a counteracting force to the piston (16) that counteracts an upstream movement force applied to the piston (16). The adjustable final upstream gate open position is defined by a position where the counteracting force equals the upstream movement force and is thus adjustable by selectively setting the pressurization of the arrangement.
An injection molding apparatus (10) comprising:
one or more valves each comprised of a valve pin (1040, 1041, 1042) adapted to be driven upstream and downstream through a downstream channel (1006) that has a downstream channel portion (1006ds) that has a control surface (1008),
the control surface (1008) forming a channel or restriction gap (CG, 1006rg),
the valve pin (1041) being controllably drivable upstream and downstream through the channel or restriction gap (CG, 1006rg) at a single selected rate of upstream acceleration up to a selected reduced upstream velocity that is less than a maximum velocity at which the valve pin (1041) is drivable,
the size or configuration of the channel or restriction gap (CG, 1006rg) and the single selected rate of upstream acceleration being selected in combination with each other to control flow of injection fluid (18) through the channel gap (CG, 1006rg).
holding or controllably driving the valve pin associated with the first one of the two or more nozzles in or to one or more reduced flow axial upstream positions that are partially closed.
An injection molding apparatus (10), comprising: a top clamp plate (800); a heatable manifold (40); a downstream channel (1040c, 1041 c), a valve pin (1040, 1041, 1042), an actuator (940, 941, 942) mounted to one or the other or both of the top clamp plate and the heatable manifold, the actuator having: a pin driver (85, 940ld, 940r, 941r, 942r), a drive device (940dr, 941dr, 942dr), a pin coupler (80) and a spring (74) disposed between a proximal end (340) of the valve pin and the pin driver.
a sensor adapted to sense a property of the injection fluid upstream and away from a gate, the sensed property being used in a program to controllably position the control surface relative to the complementary surface.
An injection molding apparatus comprising:
a cooling device disposed between the heated manifold and the housing adapted to substantially isolate or insulate at least the electrical drive from communication with heat emanating from the heated manifold or to heat sink or absorb heat communicated or communicable to the electrical drive from the heated manifold or both.
An injection molding apparatus (10) comprising: a heatable manifold (40) arranged to receive molten injection fluid (18); one or more nozzles (20, 22, 24); a flow channel (19, 42, 44, 46) arranged to deliver the molten injection fluid to a gate (32, 34, 36) of a mold cavity (30); an electrical drive (940d, 941 d, 942d) adapted to receive and distribute electrical energy in controllably varied amounts during an injection cycle; a valve pin (1040, 1041, 1042); an actuator (940, 941, 942) coupled to the valve pin, the actuator having: a driver (940dr, 941 dr, 942dr), arranged to receive the controllably varied electrical energy from the electrical drive, an actuator housing (940h, 941 h, 942h); a source of heat absorptive fluid (260, 125f); and at least one channel (25, 33, 125) formed in or proximate one or the other or both of the actuator housing (940h, 941 h, 942h) and the drive mount (940ds, 941 ds) wherein the heat absorptive fluid absorbs heat from one or the other or both of the actuator housing and the drive mount.
A resiliently compressible spring or cushion (500) in an injection molding system that has: (a) an upstream surface (500us) that engages against a complementary surface (300bs, 52ds) of a component of the system that transmits force between the cushion or spring (500) and one or the other of a mount (200) and a drive device (40) interconnected to a valve pin (50), (b) a downstream surface (500ds) that engages against a complementary surface (20us, 51 us) of a component of the system that transmits force between the cushion or spring (500) and a valve pin (50). wherein the cushion or spring (500) resiliently compresses under an upstream force (UF) exerted in response to engagement of a distal tip end (52) of the valve pin (50) with a gate surface (107).
A wireless communication device programmed to display the synchronized control of and accept user input in real time relevant to a pre-configured synchronization of valve pin positioning during injection molding, enabling the user to monitor and communicate changes to such control via a sync controller that communicates with the plurality of electric actuator assemblies that are inaccessible during such molding processes and wherein such pre-configured synchronization may need to be re-configured based on real time variations in the delivery of molten plastic material from the barrel screw of the IMM to the actuator assemblies and associated gates of the mold cavity.
a controller including an algorithm that controllably limits rotation of a shaft (12) or output rotation device (16, 430, 500) during the course of an entire injection cycle to selectable angular positions that create a moment arm that extends between selected a selected minimum moment arm and a selected maximum moment arm, the selectable angular positions being between 70 degrees above and 70 degrees below an angular position that corresponds to the selected maximum moment arm.
A method of performing an injection molding cycle in an injection molding apparatus (10) comprising: controlling an actuator (941, 942) to drive an interconnected valve pin (1041, 1042) having a distal axial portion (1041 d1) having a selected distal configuration (1041cs) upstream and downstream through a fluid flow channel (1006), configuring a selected distal configuration (1041cs) of a valve pin (1041, 1042) and a selected control surface configuration of a control surface (1008) to interact with each other along a select path of upstream travel (1006dsl) of the valve pin beginning from a gate closed position (GC), controllably driving the actuator (941, 942) to drive the distal axial portion (1041 d1) beginning from the gate closed, zero velocity position (GC) at a single selected rate of upstream acceleration (900) through the select path of upstream travel (1006dsl).
An injection molding apparatus (10) comprising: one or more valves each comprised of a valve pin (1040, 1041, 1042) adapted to be driven upstream and downstream through a downstream channel (1006) that has a downstream channel portion (1006ds) that has a control surface (1008), the control surface (1008) forming a channel or restriction gap (CG, 1006rg), the valve pin (1041) being controllably drivable upstream and downstream through the channel or restriction gap (CG, 1006rg) at a single selected rate of upstream acceleration up to a selected reduced upstream velocity that is less than a maximum velocity at which the valve pin (1041) is drivable, the size or configuration of the channel or restriction gap (CG, 1006rg) and the single selected rate of upstream acceleration being selected in combination with each other to control flow of injection fluid (18) through the channel gap (CG, 1006rg).
d) fourth controllably operating the actuator to drive the valve pin, during the injection cycle, downstream beginning from the second selected position (53) to be moved to a third closed position (54).
An injection molding apparatus (10a) comprising: one or more first downstream channels (166, 166a, 166b) and associated first gates (34, 34a, 34b) that deliver injection fluid (18) to a first cavity (300a) of a mold system (302, 303) and to one or more second downstream channels (168, 168a, 168b) and associated second gates (32, 32a, 32b) that deliver injection fluid to a second cavity (300b) of the mold system (302, 303), the mold system being clamped together under a selected force, the apparatus including a first upstream valve (118) that enables and disables flow of the injection fluid to the first gates (34, 34a, 34b) and a second upstream valve (108) that enables and disables flow of the injection fluid to the one or more second gates (32, 32a, 32b), the apparatus including a control system (20) adapted to open or enable flow of the injection fluid (18) to the one or more first gates (34, 34a, 34b) at a first selected time and to further instruct the second upstream valve (108) to open or enable flow of the injection fluid (18) to the one or more second gates (32, 32a, 32b) at a second selected time that is delayed relative to the first selected time during the course of an injection cycle.
an electric actuator comprising an electric motor comprised of a motor housing that houses a drive shaft having a drive gear and a drive axis, a transmission comprised of a transmission gear having a gear axis, the drive gear, the transmission gear and the valve pin being drivably interconnected and arranged such that the drive axis and the gear axis are non-coaxially mounted or disposed relative to each other and the valve pin is drivable linearly along the pin axis, wherein one or the other of the motor housing or the transmission housing are removably attached to a top clamping or mounting plate that is mounted upstream of the manifold and fixedly interconnected to a mold.
the actuator (1000) being interconnected to the valve pin (80) in an arrangement wherein movement of the linear drive member (150, 154, 158) along the first linear path of travel (L1) drives the valve pin (80) along the second linear path of travel (L2).
Injection molding apparatus (1) comprising: an actuator (14, 940, 941, 942) comprising a rotor (940r, 941 r, 942 r) controllably rotatable by electric power, the actuator (14, 940, 941, 942) being interconnected to a controller (16) that generates drive signals (DC), an electrical drive device (940d, 941 d, 942d) comprising an interface that receives the drive signals (DC) and controllably distributes electrical energy or power in controllably varied amounts according to the drive signals (DC) to a driver (940dr, 941dr, 942dr) that drives the rotor (940r, 941r, 942r), a valve pin (1040, 1041, 1042) having an axis (X) and a control surface (43, 45, 102m) drivable upstream and downstream through a downstream feed channel (17, 19, 160, 940c, 941c, 942c) the downstream feed channel having a complementary surface (47, 103s) adapted to interface with the control surface (43, 45, 102m) upstream and away from the gate.
the controller automatically adjusting time of instruction to open the gates on a subsequent injection cycle by an adjustment time equal to any delay in time between the predetermined open gate target time and the actual open gate time.
wherein the system forms a first one or more parts or objects, the user inspecting or measuring the first one or more parts or objects and manually adjusts the predetermined open gate target time.
An injection molding apparatus (10) comprising: an actuator (940, 941, 942) comprised of a rotor (940r, 941r, 942r) having a drive axis (Y) and a driver (940dr, 941dr, 942dr) receiving electrical energy or power from an electrical drive (940d, 941d, 942d), the electrical drive (940d, 941d, 942d) comprising an interface that receives and controllably distributes electrical energy or power in controllably varied amounts to the driver (940dr, 941dr, 942dr), the actuator including a housing (940h, 941h, 942h) within, on or to which the electrical drive (940d, 941d, 942d) is mounted, the housing (940h, 941h, 942h) being mounted in proximity or disposition relative to the heated manifold (40) such that one or the other or both of the housing (940h, 941 h, 942h) and the electrical drive (940d, 941d, 942d) are in substantial heat communication or contact with the heated manifold (40).
An injection molding apparatus (5) comprising an injection molding machine (IMM), a heated manifold (60) that receives injection fluid (9) and distributes the injection fluid through a fluid distribution channel (120), a mold (70) having a cavity (80) and one or more valves (50) having a valve pin (100) the one or more valves (50) being comprised of: an electrically driven actuator (200), a controller including an algorithm that controllably limits rotation of a shaft (12) or output rotation device (16, 430, 500) during the course of an entire injection cycle to selectable angular positions that create a moment arm that extends between selected a selected minimum moment arm and a selected maximum moment arm, the selectable angular positions being between 70 degrees above and 70 degrees below an angular position that corresponds to the selected maximum moment arm.
A heating apparatus (5) in an injection molding apparatus (1000) comprising: a heatable sleeve or jacket (10) comprised of a sheet (14) of highly heat conductive metal material, formable into a heating cylinder (14c) having a central channel (16) receiving a selected nozzle (40), a stabilization ring or cylinder (20) adapted to receive a selected longitudinal portion (DL) of the downstream or distal end (14de) of the heating cylinder (14c) and to engage or mate an inner circumferential surface (20is) with an outer surface (14os) of the heating cylinder.
An injection molding system (1000) comprising: an actuator (5) having a housing (20) comprised of radial (20r, 20ri, 20ro, 20roa, 20rob, 20roc, 20rod) and axial walls (20a, 20ai, 20aue, 20ade) that form an enclosed chamber (45) containing a heat conductive chamber fluid (CF), a rotor and driver driven by electrical energy and supported within the chamber by the radial and axial walls, wherein one or more of the radial and axial walls comprise a heat conductive material that has an inner surface disposed in heat conductive contact with the heat conductive fluid (CF) contained within the enclosed chamber, an actuator tube or channel (25) disposed within the one or more of the radial and axial walls, a source (260) of heat absorptive fluid (25f) sealably interconnected to the actuator tube or channel (25).
An injection molding apparatus (5) comprising a clamp plate (80), a heated manifold (20), an actuator (10) interconnected to a valve pin (17) drivable along an axis (A), a mold (300) and a cooling device (500) that cools the actuator,
the actuator (10) comprising a thermally conductive housing body (12) that is mounted in direct heat or thermally conductive contact with one or more insulators (60, 50) that are in turn mounted in direct heat conductive contact or communication with the manifold (20),
s) for making thermally conductive contact with the clamp plate (80),
s) of the arm (502).
e) or the proportional directional control valve (V, V1, V2) to move in a direction that operates to either begin an injection cycle and to end an injection cycle.
An injection molding apparatus (5) comprising an injection molding machine (15), one or more upstream channels (19bfc, 40dfc) and one or more nozzle channels (42a), wherein a spring, coil, wire, rod or cylinder (800) configured in the form or shape of a spiral or helix is disposed within and extending axially through one or more of the upstream channels and the nozzle channel, the spring, coil, wire, rod or cylinder being adapted to guide flow of injection fluid flowing downstream through the channels in a disrupted or discontinuous manner.
a valve pin driven by an actuator, the valve pin extending axially through at least a portion of the channel length of the fluid flow channel, the fluid flow channel and the valve pin being configured or adapted such that the valve pin is movable axially upstream and downstream between an upstream position where the downstream flow of the injection fluid is restricted by a bulbous protrusion (B) of the pin being axially aligned (AL) with the throat (T) of the channel, an intermediate position where downstream flow of injection fluid is unrestricted (WG) and a fully downstream position where downstream flow of injection fluid is stopped at both the gate and at the throat.
F16B 13/00 - Dowels or other devices fastened in walls or the like by inserting them in holes made therein for that purpose
F16K 11/06 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves
F15B 13/044 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor operated by electrically-controlled means, e.g. solenoids, torque-motors
F15B 21/08 - Servomotor systems incorporating electrically- operated control means
F15B 13/04 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
40.
Injection molding flow control apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for performing an injection molding cycle comprising drivably interconnecting a valve pin to an electric motor actuator and controllably operating the electric motor to drive the valve pin at one or more reduced rates of upstream or downstream travel based on either detection of the position of the pin or actuator or on a preselected length of time at which to drive the valve pin.
Injection molding apparatuses and methods wherein a valve pin is controllably driven upstream and downstream along an axis between a first closed position where the tip end of the valve pin obstructs the gate to prevent the injection fluid from flowing into the cavity, a full open position and one or more intermediate positions,
wherein the valve pin is drivable to be disposed or held in a selected intermediate position for a selected period of time during the course of an injection cycle where the tip end of the valve pin restricts flow of injection fluid through the gate to the mold cavity.
Injection molding apparatuses and methods wherein a valve pin is controllably driven upstream and downstream along an axis between a first closed position where the tip end of the valve pin obstructs the gate to prevent the injection fluid from flowing into the cavity, a full open position and one or more intermediate positions, wherein the valve pin is drivable to be disposed or held in a selected intermediate position for a selected period of time during the course of an injection cycle where the tip end of the valve pin restricts flow of injection fluid through the gate to the mold cavity.
An injection molding apparatus (5) comprising an electrically driven actuator (200) having a driven rotatable rotor drivably rotatably interconnected to an output shaft (12) or to an output rotation device (16, 430, 500) that is rotatably driven around an output rotation axis (12a, R3a) and a cam device or surface (600) that is eccentrically disposed or mounted off center a selected distance (ED) from the output rotation axis (12a, R3a) in an arrangement such that when the shaft (12) or rotation device (16, 430, 500) is rotatably driven, the cam member or surface (600) is eccentrically rotatably driven around the output rotation axis (12a, R3a).
An apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of mold material to a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising: an injection molding machine and a manifold; an actuator interconnected to a valve pin having a tip end; a valve system in fluid communication with the actuator to drive the actuator at one or more rates of travel, the valve system having a start position, one or more intermediate drive rate positions and a high drive rate position, the start position holding the valve pin in a gate closed position; a controller that instructs the valve system to move from the start position to the one or more intermediate drive rate positions and to remain in the one or more intermediate drive rate positions for one or more corresponding predetermined amounts of time.
An apparatus and method for establishing triggers for the opening of one or multiple gates to a mold cavity of an injection molding system, followed by a sequence of predetermined valve pin movements over the course on an injection cycle. In one embodiment, the invention provides a graphical user interface and control system enabling a user to select from and arrange a plurality of virtual icons into a user-defined virtual sequence that define associated triggering events and actuator controlled pin movements over the course of an injection cycle. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method allows the system operator to view a simulated profile of such triggers and movements and to compare the simulated profile to an actual profile to access differences and make adjustments to the triggers and sequencing more quickly and efficiently. This is particularly useful in sequential molding systems where multiple gates need to be programmed and adjusted to compensate for variations from a predetermined sequence.
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
G09G 5/00 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
G06F 3/048 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
G06F 3/04817 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
G06F 3/0481 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/04886 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G05B 19/05 - Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
G06F 8/35 - Creation or generation of source code model driven
G05B 19/045 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using logic state machines, consisting only of a memory or a programmable logic device containing the logic for the controlled machine and in which the state of its outputs is dependent on the state of its inputs or part of its own output states, e.g. binary decision controllers, finite state controllers
G05B 19/10 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using selector switches
G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
G05B 19/23 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by positioning or contouring control systems, e.g. to control position from one programmed point to another or to control movement along a programmed continuous path using an incremental digital measuring device for point-to-point control
G05B 19/409 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panelNumerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters
B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor
the clamp plate, the mold, the manifold, the actuator and the heat transmitter being assemblable together in an arrangement wherein the spring loadable interconnection is loaded urging the distal end surface of the distal arm or member into compressed engagement with the clamp plate.
Apparatus and method for detecting a position of an actuator piston driving a valve pin in an injection molding system. The apparatus includes an actuator housing having a body portion, surrounding an axial bore, of a substantially non-magnetic and/or magnetically permeable material, a piston, movable within the axial bore for driving a valve pin, the piston including a magnetic member generating a magnetic field such that axial movement of the piston in the bore modifies the magnetic field according to the position of the piston relative to a detection position, and a magnetic field detector attached to an exterior surface of the body portion at the detection position for detecting the magnetic field associated with the position of the piston and generating an output signal determined by the piston position.
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
G05B 19/402 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for positioning, e.g. centring a tool relative to a hole in the workpiece, additional detection means to correct position
48.
INJECTION MOLDING FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD
An actuator assembly (20a, 940, 941, 942) comprising a piston (40p) interconnected to a valve pin (1040, 1041, 1042), the piston (40p) being driven by drive fluid (DF) controlled by a restriction valve (600), a pressure sensor (603e, 603ec) adapted to sense pressure of the drive fluid (14) disposed within an upstream drive chamber (30u) or within an upstream drive fluid channel (704) connecting the drive chamber (30u) and the restriction valve (600), the pressure sensor (603e, 603ec) sending and a controller (16) receiving a signal indicative of the sensed pressure, the controller (16) operating to execute a display (1300) of a visually recognizable format corresponding to the sensed pressure or an algorithm to control movement of the piston (40p).
a controller that controls movement of the actuator according to instructions that instruct the actuator to drive the valve pin upstream at one or more selected intermediate velocities in response to receipt by the controller of a signal from the position sensor that the valve pin is disposed in the one or more intermediate upstream gate open positions.
System and method for monitoring system parameters from multiple independent controllers that monitor and control an injection process is a plurality of IMSs, including:
establishing a common graphical user interface (common GUI) for viewing system parameters of a tool based injection molding system (IMS), the IMS including a plurality of different local controllers that control different tool based system functions of the IMS and one common graphical user interface (local GUI) with GUI routines specific to the local controllers for set up and monitoring of the respective tool based system function of the respective local controllers.
B29C 45/77 - Measuring, controlling or regulating of velocity or pressure of moulding material
B29C 45/78 - Measuring, controlling or regulating of temperature
B29C 45/80 - Measuring, controlling or regulating of relative position of mould parts
G06F 3/04817 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G05B 19/409 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panelNumerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters
B29K 105/00 - Condition, form or state of moulded material
G06F 3/04845 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
System and method for monitoring system parameters from multiple independent controllers that monitor and control an injection process. In one embodiment the method includes steps of: establishing a common graphical user interface (common GUI) for viewing system parameters of a tool based injection molding system (IMS), the IMS including a plurality of different local controllers that control different tool based system functions of the IMS and one common graphical user interface (local GUI) with GUI routines specific to the local controllers for set up and monitoring of the respective tool based system function of the respective local controllers; providing set up parameters, to each of the local controllers, for establishing the injection molding processes receiving, from each of the local controllers, data indicating a local state of the respective tool based system function; propagating to the common GUI one or more common views of the set up parameters and received local states of the various tool based system functions, the common views comprising a common set of graphical routines for set up and monitoring of the tool based system functions of the IMS and for providing input to one or more of the local controllers.
G05B 19/409 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panelNumerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters
52.
Adjusted cavity injection fluid pressures in injection molding system
An injection molding apparatus comprising a clamp plate, a heated manifold, an actuator, a mold and a cooling device,
wherein the cooling device comprises:
a heat transmitter comprising a distal arm or member and a proximal base or member, the distal arm or member being mounted by a spring loadable interconnection or engagement to or with the proximal base or member,
the clamp plate, the mold, the manifold, the actuator and the heat transmitter being assemblable together in an arrangement wherein the spring loadable interconnection is loaded urging the distal end surface of the distal arm or member into compressed engagement with the clamp plate.
wherein the valve pin is drivable to be disposed or held in a selected intermediate position for a selected period of time during the course of an injection cycle where the tip end of the valve pin restricts flow of injection fluid through the gate to the mold cavity.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Injection molding equipment, namely, actuators, actuator
mounts, and actuator cooling devices. Position sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors,
controllers, and computer software for controlling operation
of actuators.
An assembly (200) for routing an injection fluid (23) to a mold cavity (80) comprising: a distal nozzle tip (210) comprising a distal projection (220), a mold (310a, 310b) having a cavity entrance aperture (300) having an inner circumferential surface (300ics), the distal nozzle tip (210) being mounted such that the distal projection (220) is disposed in a stationary position wherein an outer circumferential surface (220ocs) is disposed adjacent the inner circumferential surface (300ics) forming a gap (Z) having a width sufficient to enable air or gas to flow upstream (AU1) through the gap (Z) upon downstream movement (D) of the distal end (90de) of the valve pin (90) through the central bore (230) of the distal projection (220).
An injection molding system (5) comprised of: a valve (10) comprising an actuator (1000) that includes a linear drive member (150, 154, 158) adapted to travel along a first linear path of travel (L1), a valve pin (80) adapted to travel linearly upstream and downstream within the flow passage (15) between pin upstream (81) and pin downstream (82) positions along a second linear path of travel (L2) that is non-coaxial relative to the first linear path of travel (L1), the actuator (1000) being interconnected to the valve pin (80) in an arrangement wherein movement of the linear drive member (150, 154, 158) along the first linear path of travel (L1) drives the valve pin (80) along the second linear path of travel (L2).
An injection molding system including a nozzle member (18) or a valve pin (80) having a tip end (21 ) wherein the nozzle member (18) or valve pin (80) is adapted to be controllably rotatable around a longitudinal rotation axis (A) to enable an exit aperture (20) of the nozzle or the tip end of the pin to interface with a cavity entrance aperture (30) to controllably vary or adjust size (SP1, SP2) of the cross sectional area (CA) of a gate aperture (50) according to degree of rotation (R) of the nozzle or valve pin around the rotation axis (A).
e) or the proportional directional control valve (V, V1, V2) to move in a direction that operates to either begin an injection cycle and to end an injection cycle.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
Injection molding system having a flow control apparatus and method that controls the movement and/or rate of movement of a valve pin over the course of an injection cycle to cause the pin to move to one or select positions and/or to control the rate of movement of the pin over the course of the injection cycle. In one embodiment the method includes steps of: a) first controllably operating the actuator to drive the valve pin upstream beginning from the first closed position (50) to be moved to and held in a first selected position (51 ) for a first selected period of time during the course of an injection cycle, the first selected position (51 ) being the full open position; b) second controllably operating the actuator to drive the valve pin, during the injection cycle, downstream beginning from the first selected position (51 ) to be moved to and held in a second closed position (52) for a second selected period of time; c) third controllably operating the actuator to drive the valve pin, during the injection cycle, upstream beginning from the second closed position (52) to be moved to and held in a second selected position (53) for a third selected period of time, the second selected position being an intermediate position or the full open position; and d) fourth controllably operating the actuator to drive the valve pin, during the injection cycle, downstream beginning from the second selected position (53) to be moved to a third closed position (54).
d) fourth controllably operating the actuator to drive the valve pin, during the injection cycle, downstream beginning from the second selected position (53) to be moved to a third closed position (54).
An injection molding apparatus (10) comprised of a heated manifold (40) mounted to a stationary platen (80) that includes a mounting recess (80re) configured to receive and mount the manifold (40), an upstream end (100u) of first and second nozzles (60, 62) communicating with nozzle feed passages or ports (60fp, 62fp) formed in or at a communication position (1000) disposed along an expansion axis (Α') or longitudinal length (ML) of the manifold (40), selected such that the communication position (1000) remains generally stationary or unchanged in position relative to a position of the gates (100g, 102g) of complementary molds upon expansion (TEX) of the manifold (40) along an expansion axis (Α') on heating of the manifold (40) to operating temperature.
An injection molding apparatus (7) comprised of a first arm (90) having a first arm flow channel (90c) pivotably and fluid sealably interconnected (90p) at an upstream end to the outlet port (30o) of an inlet tube (30) connected to an injection molding machine barrel (12) and a second arm (100) having a second arm flow channel (100c) that is pivotably and fluid sealably interconnected (200p) to the first arm flow channel (90c) and pivotably and fluid seably interconnected (100p) to a master fluid distribution channel (40c) of a fluid distribution manifold (40), wherein the first and second arms (90, 100) articulate around the pivotable interconnections (90p, 200p, 100p) between a collapsed or closed position and one or more open or extended positions that follow travel of the manifold (40) and the first and second mold assemblies (50a, 50b, 60a, 60b) between the open and closed mold positions.
An apparatus and method for establishing triggers for the opening of one or multiple gates to a mold cavity of an injection molding system, followed by a sequence of predetermined valve pin movements over the course on an injection cycle. In one embodiment, the invention provides a graphical user interface and control system enabling a user to select from and arrange a plurality of virtual icons into a user-defined virtual sequence that define associated triggering events and actuator controlled pin movements over the course of an injection cycle. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method allows the system operator to view a simulated profile of such triggers and movements and to compare the simulated profile to an actual profile to access differences and make adjustments to the triggers and sequencing more quickly and efficiently. This is particularly useful in sequential molding systems where multiple gates need to be programmed and adjusted to compensate for variations from a predetermined sequence.
An injection molding apparatus comprising a valve (50) comprised of: an actuator (200) having a rotor (12) interconnected to a distal end (22) of an elongated shaft (20) adapted to drivably transmit rotational motion (R1) of the rotor to rotational motion (R2) of the shaft (20), the shaft (20) being interconnected at a proximal end (24) to a converter (40) adapted to transmit rotational motion (R2) of the shaft (20) directly to driven linear motion (A) of a valve pin (100), the shaft (20) having a length or configuration (LC) selected such that the actuator (200) is mountable on the apparatus in a position or disposition that is isolated or insulated from significant or substantial exposure to or transmission of heat from a heated manifold (60).
An apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid mold material comprising:
a manifold, a valve pin having a pin axis, a pin connector and a stem, the valve pin being drivable into and out of open and closed positions relative to the gate,
an electric actuator comprising an electric motor comprised of a motor housing that houses a drive shaft having a drive gear and a drive axis, a transmission comprised of a transmission gear having a gear axis, the drive gear, the transmission gear and the valve pin being drivably interconnected and arranged such that the drive axis and the gear axis are non-coaxially mounted or disposed relative to each other and the valve pin is drivable linearly along the pin axis, wherein one or the other of the motor housing or the transmission housing are removably attached to a top clamping or mounting plate that is mounted upstream of the manifold and fixedly interconnected to a mold.
the shaft having a length or configuration selected such that the actuator is mountable on the apparatus in a position or disposition that is isolated or insulated from significant or substantial exposure to or transmission of heat from a heated manifold.
B29C 45/17 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations
B05B 1/30 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Injection molding equipment, namely, actuators, actuator mounts, and actuator cooling devices Position sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, controllers, and computer software for controlling operation of actuators
holding or controllably driving the valve pin associated with the first one of the two or more nozzles in or to one or more reduced flow axial upstream positions that are partially closed.
An injection molding apparatus (5) comprising: an actuator (10) comprising a rotor (60) driven by a drive device (174) that consumes electrical energy (187) that generates heat, a thermal conductor (500) comprised of a thermally conductive material, a clamp plate (80) being mounted in thermal communication with the thermal conductor, a conductive surface (500s) of the thermal conductor being urged into contact with the clamp plate (80) under a spring force (SF) exerted between the actuator (10) and the thermal conductor (500), the heat (197) generated by the electrical energy (187) being conducted from the actuator housing (12) to the clamp plate (80).
A method of performing an injection cycle having a duration comprising: beginning the injection cycle with the valve pins associated with two or more nozzles (n1, n2, n3, n4, n5, 22, 24, 20) in a gate closed position (GC), selecting a first one (n1, 22) of the two or more nozzles (n1, n2, n3, n4, n5, 22, 24, 20) and controllably driving its associated valve pin (1040) from the gate closed position to a selected first axial upstream position, upon downstream flow of the injection fluid through a cavity the preselected distance (FFU, FFD), controllably driving the valve pin (1041, 1042) associated with the other of the two or more nozzles to a selected second axial position upstream ((COP, COP2, COP3), holding or controllably driving the valve pin (1040) associated with the first one of the two or more nozzles in or to one or more reduced flow axial upstream positions (COP, COP2) that are partially closed.
An injection molding apparatus comprising an injection machine, a manifold, a mold, a clamp plate, an actuator interconnected to a valve pin and an external actuator controller, the actuator controller comprising a controller housing adapted to control upstream flow of drive fluid from an upstream actuator drive chamber such that the rate of travel of the drive piston is selectively adjustable to a first rate of travel or velocity over a first course of travel from a gate closed position to a predetermined position of upstream travel and such that the rate of travel of the drive piston beyond the predetermined intermediate upstream position occurs at a second rate of travel or velocity that is higher than the first rate of travel or velocity.
F15B 15/14 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
s) of the thermal conductor being urged into contact with the clamp plate (80) under a spring force (SF) exerted between the actuator (10) and the thermal conductor (500), the heat (197) generated by the electrical energy (187) being conducted from the actuator housing (12) to the clamp plate (80).
wherein the system forms a first one or more parts or objects, the user inspecting or measuring the first one or more parts or objects and manually adjusts the predetermined open gate target time.
An injection molding system (10) comprising: a first selected valve (22C), one or more downstream valves (22A, 22B, 22D, 22E), delivering a fluid to a mold cavity, at least one fluid property sensor (50A, 50B, 50D, 50E) that detects a flow front of fluid material (4) flowing downstream through the mold cavity at a trigger location within the cavity disposed between the first gate (24C) and at least one selected downstream gate (24A, 24B, 24D, 24E), a controller (60) instructing an actuator (30A, 30B, 30D, 30E) associated with the downstream gates (24A, 24B, 24D, 24E) to open the gates at a predetermined open gate target time (X) on a first injection cycle, each valve associated with a position sensor that detects opening of a gate at an actual open gate time (A) to the controller, the controller automatically adjusting time of instruction to open the gates on a subsequent injection cycle by an adjustment time equal to any delay in time (Y) between the predetermined open gate target time (X) and the actual open gate time (A), wherein the system forms a first one or more parts or objects, the user inspecting or measuring the first one or more parts or objects and manually adjusts (Q) the predetermined open gate target time (X), the controller instructing the one or more valve pins (26A, 26B, 26D, 26E) on the subsequent injection cycle to open at an overall adjusted instruction time (X") that includes or accounts for the automatic adjusted instruction time (Χ') and the manual adjustment (Q).
the controller automatically adjusting time of instruction to open the gates on a subsequent injection cycle by an adjustment time equal to any delay in time between the predetermined open gate target time and the actual open gate time.
An injection molding system (1 0) comprising: a first selected valve (22C), one or more downstream valves (22A, 22B, 22D, 22E), delivering a fluid to a mold cavity, at least one fluid property sensor (50A, 50B, 50D, 50E) that detects a flow front of fluid material (4) flowing downstream through the mold cavity at a trigger location within the cavity disposed between the first gate (24C) and at least one selected downstream gate (24A, 24B, 24D, 24E), a controller (60) instructing an actuator (30A, 30B, 30D, 30E) associated with the downstream gates (24A, 24B, 24D, 24E) to open the gates at a predetermined open gate target time (X) on a first injection cycle, each valve associated with a position sensor that detects opening of a gate at an actual open gate time (A) to the controller, the controller automatically adjusting time of instruction to open the gates on a subsequent injection cycle by an adjustment time equal to any delay in time (Y) between the predetermined open gate target time (X) and the actual open gate time (A).
An injection molding apparatus (100) comprising: a rotor (240, 252, 2202), interconnected to a distal end (DE) of one or more elongated cables (237, 237, 248, 249, 2206) in an arrangement such that the one or more elongated cables are controllably rotatably drivable (R, R2, R3) via controlled driven rotation (R) of the rotor around the rotor axis, wherein the one or more elongated cables (237, 237, 248, 249) have a cable axis (CA) and are flexibly bendable along at least a portion of their axis (CA) into a curved or curvilinear configuration (CF), a rotary to linear motion converter (228, 230, 300, 700, 800, 1200, 1201, 2208) interconnected to the rotor and an upstream end of the valve pin (216, 218, 301, 501, 708, 808, 1222).
An injection molding apparatus (10) comprising a signal converter (1500) interconnected to a machine controller (MC) of an injection molding machine (IMM) that generates standardized signals (VPS), the signal converter (1500) receiving and converting the standardized signals (VS) to a command signal (MOPCS, PDCVS) that is compatible with a signal receptor or interface of an electrically powered actuator (940e, 941 e, 942e) or a signal receptor, interface or driver of a proportional directional control valve (V, V1, V2) that drives a fluid driven actuator (940p, 941 p, 942p) to respectively operate the electrically powered actuator (940e, 941 e, 942e) or the proportional directional control valve (V, V1, V2) to move in a direction that operates to either begin an injection cycle and to end an injection cycle.
Apparatus and method for detecting a position of an actuator piston driving a valve pin in an injection molding system. The apparatus includes an actuator housing having a body portion, surrounding an axial bore, of a substantially non-magnetic and/or magnetically permeable material, a piston, movable within the axial bore for driving a valve pin, the piston including a magnetic member generating a magnetic field such that axial movement of the piston in the bore modifies the magnetic field according to the position of the piston relative to a detection position, and a magnetic field detector attached to an exterior surface of the body portion at the detection position for detecting the magnetic field associated with the position of the piston and generating an output signal determined by the piston position.
G01B 7/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
G05B 19/402 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for positioning, e.g. centring a tool relative to a hole in the workpiece, additional detection means to correct position
An apparatus for detecting position of an actuator piston (60) and an interconnected valve pin (80) comprising: an actuator (10), a magnetic member (70) generating a magnetic field (72), a sensor (20) comprised of: a free floating body (24) comprised of one or more selected materials that are attracted to the magnetic field (72) and are electrically conductive, a guide (25) or a sensor housing (22) having one or more electrically conductive surfaces (21 is, 160, 170), first (50u) and second 50d) electrical contacts forming first circuit (220) and second circuit (210) electrical circuits with the free floating body and electrically conductive surfaces.
a controller that controls movement of the actuator according to instructions that instruct the actuator to drive the valve pin upstream at one or more selected intermediate velocities in response to receipt by the controller of a signal from the position sensor that the valve pin is disposed in the one or more intermediate upstream gate open positions.
An apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of mold material to a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising: an injection molding machine and a manifold; an actuator interconnected to a valve pin having a tip end; a valve system in fluid communication with the actuator to drive the actuator at one or more rates of travel, the valve system having a start position, one or more intermediate drive rate positions and a high drive rate position, the start position holding the valve pin in a gate closed position; a controller that instructs the valve system to move from the start position to the one or more intermediate drive rate positions and to remain in the one or more intermediate drive rate positions for one or more corresponding predetermined amounts of time.
An injection molding system (10) and method of use where the system (10) is comprised of an injection molding machine (40), a heated manifold (50), a plurality of nozzles (1 n, 2n, 3n, 4n) each having a respective gate (1 g, 2g, 3g, 4g) communicating with one or more cavities (20), each nozzle having a valve comprised of an actuator (1 a, 2a, 3a, 4a) and a corresponding valve pin (1 p, 2p, 3p, 4p), wherein the method establishes pack or fill pressures comprising: injecting injection fluid (1153) on a first injection cycle, forming a first one or more parts or objects, inspecting or measuring the first one or more parts or objects, determining an updated pack or fill pressure, injecting injection fluid (1153) on a successive injection cycle where the pack and fill pressures are adjusted to match the updated pack or fill pressures.
An injection molding system (10) and method of use, where the system (10) comprises an injection molding machine (40), a controller (16) for controlling pack or fill pressures of an injection fluid (1153) injected during the pack and fill phases and a recorder, whereas the controller (16) includes instructions that control drive of actuators (1a, 2a, 3a, 4a) to effect an increase or decrease in fill and pack pressures of the injection fluid.
wherein the valve pin is drivable to be disposed or held in a selected intermediate position for a selected period of time during the course of an injection cycle where the tip end of the valve pin restricts flow of injection fluid through the gate to the mold cavity.
An injection molding apparatus comprising a manifold, an actuator having a piston that divides an enclosed actuator housing into upstream and downstream actuator drive chambers, the piston having an internal piston chamber and a piston bore that communicates flow of the drive fluid between one of the upstream or downstream actuator drive chambers and the internal piston chamber, a flow rate controller adapted to enable flow of drive fluid between one of the upstream or downstream actuator drive chambers and a source of drive fluid at a first low rate of flow over a selected first portion of the stroke length of the piston and at a second high rate of flow over a selected second portion of the stroke length of the piston.
F15B 15/14 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
An injection molding system that includes: a sequential multi- valve gated mold, a controller issuing commands to actuators to drive valve pins to open and close an associated gate, a position sensor associated with each valve pin, an actuator associated with each valve pin, a sensor circuit that includes a processor for processing an input signal to determine output data comprising an opening time and an opening speed of the valve pins, an electronic display receiving the output data and generating a visual numeric display of the opening time and opening speed for each valve pin.
the clamp plate, the mold, the manifold, the actuator and the heat transmitter being assemblable together in an arrangement wherein the spring loadable interconnection is loaded urging the distal end surface of the distal arm or member into compressed engagement with the clamp plate.
An injection molding apparatus including an actuator interconnected to a rod or valve pin having a smooth continuous cylindrical outer surface and one or more discontinuous or relieved or relieved portions formed as discontinuities in the cylindrical outer surface and adapted to be disposed within a fluid flow channel, the one or more discontinuous or relieved portions being configured and arranged along the axial length of the pin or rod such that the flow of injection fluid over or past the one or more discontinuous or relieved portions is modified to flow at substantially different rates or velocities or in substantially different flow patterns relative to rate or velocity or pattern of flow of injection fluid over or past the smooth continuous cylindrical outer surface.
the clamp plate, the mold, the manifold, the actuator and the heat transmitter being assemblable together in an arrangement wherein the spring loadable interconnection is loaded urging the distal end surface of the distal arm or member into compressed engagement with the clamp plate.
An injection molding apparatus (100) including an actuator (55) interconnected to a rod or valve pin (10, 12, 16, 18, 22, 120) having a smooth continuous cylindrical outer surface (OS) and one or more discontinuous or relieved or relieved portions (10a, 12a, 12b, 16a, 1 6b, 18a, 1 8b, 18c, 22a) formed as discontinuities in the cylindrical outer surface and adapted to be disposed within a fluid flow channel (200), the one or more discontinuous or relieved portions (10a, 12a, 12b, 1 6a, 1 6b, 18a, 18b, 18c, 22a) being configured and arranged along the axial length (L) of the pin or rod such that the flow of injection fluid over or past the one or more discontinuous or relieved portions is modified to flow at substantially different rates or velocities or in substantially different flow patterns relative to rate or velocity or pattern of flow of injection fluid over or past the smooth continuous cylindrical outer surface (OS).
An injection molding apparatus comprising an injection machine, a manifold, a mold, a clamp plate, an actuator interconnected to a valve pin and an external actuator controller, the actuator controller comprising a controller housing adapted to control upstream flow of drive fluid from an upstream actuator drive chamber such that the rate of travel of the drive piston is selectively adjustable to a first rate of travel or velocity over a first course of travel from a gate closed position to a predetermined position of upstream travel and such that the rate of travel of the drive piston 56 beyond the predetermined intermediate upstream position occurs at a second rate of travel or velocity that is higher than the first rate of travel or velocity.
F15B 15/14 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
94.
Injection molding flow control apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for performing an injection molding cycle comprising drivably interconnecting a valve pin to an electric motor actuator and controllably operating the electric motor to drive the valve pin at one or more reduced rates of upstream or downstream travel based on either detection of the position of the pin or actuator or on a preselected length of time at which to drive the valve pin.
an electric actuator comprising an electric motor comprised of a motor housing that houses a drive shaft having a drive gear and a drive axis, a transmission comprised of a transmission gear having a gear axis, the drive gear, the transmission gear and the valve pin being drivably interconnected and arranged such that the drive axis and the gear axis are non-coaxially mounted or disposed relative to each other and the valve pin is drivable linearly along the pin axis, wherein one or the other of the motor housing or the transmission housing are removably attached to a top clamping or mounting plate that is mounted upstream of the manifold and fixedly interconnected to a mold.
the clamp plate, the mold, the manifold, the actuator and the heat transmitter being assemblable together in an arrangement wherein the spring loadable interconnection is loaded urging the distal end surface of the distal arm or member into compressed engagement with the clamp plate.
the controller comparing a standard amount of elapsed time with a calculated amount of elapsed time and adjusting the velocity or position of each of the actuators such that the amount of time elapsed approaches or matches the standard amount of elapsed time.
Apparatus and method for detecting a position of an actuator piston driving a valve pin in an injection molding system. The apparatus includes an actuator housing having a body portion, surrounding an axial bore, of a substantially non-magnetic and/or magnetically permeable material, a piston, movable within the axial bore for driving a valve pin, the piston including a magnetic member generating a magnetic field such that axial movement of the piston in the bore modifies the magnetic field according to the position of the piston relative to a detection position, and a magnetic field detector attached to an exterior surface of the body portion at the detection position for detecting the magnetic field associated with the position of the piston and generating an output signal determined by the piston position.
G01B 7/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
G05B 19/402 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for positioning, e.g. centring a tool relative to a hole in the workpiece, additional detection means to correct position
An injection molding apparatus (5) comprising a clamp plate (80), a heated manifold (20), an actuator (10), a mold (300) and a cooling device (500), wherein the cooling device (500) comprises: a heat transmitter comprising a distal arm or member (502) and a proximal base or member (504), the distal arm or member or member (502) being mounted by a spring loadable interconnection or engagement (506) to or with the proximal base or member (504), the clamp plate, the mold (300), the manifold, the actuator and the heat transmitter being assemblage together in an arrangement wherein the spring loadable interconnection (506) is loaded urging the distal end surface (502a) of the distal arm or member (502) into compressed engagement with the clamp plate (80, 80a).
An injection molding apparatus (5) comprising a clamp plate (80), a heated manifold (20), an actuator (10), a mold (300) and a cooling device (500), wherein the cooling device (500) comprises: a heat transmitter comprising a distal arm or member (502) and a proximal base or member (504), the distal arm or member or member (502) being mounted by a spring loadable interconnection or engagement (506) to or with the proximal base or member (504), the clamp plate, the mold (300), the manifold, the actuator and the heat transmitter being assemblage together in an arrangement wherein the spring loadable interconnection (506) is loaded urging the distal end surface (502a) of the distal arm or member (502) into compressed engagement with the clamp plate (80, 80a), the interconnection (506) having an amount or degree of mass that renders the spring (506) substantially non-heat conductive between the proximal (504) and distal (502) members.
