Patent Description:
In general, manufacturing process for injection molding machine is injection, cooling, and taking out molded parts, but injection molding machine does not move during cooling, so productivity is limited. According to <CIT>, it suggests manufacturing method for molded parts while switching between two dies (molds) for one injection molding machine. In <CIT>, as a method of moving two dies, first die transfer is done by one side of left and right of the injection molding machine, and second die transfer is placed on other side of the left and right of the injection molding machine, and runs on second transfer device independent from the first transfer device.

When moving die from injection position to cooling position, or cooling position to injection position, it is necessary to have an actuator that is able to move the weight of die itself, injected resin weight and the weight of linking unit between dies. On the other hand, cost reduction in manufacturing process is important, and if two actuators that can move dies are installed, cost of the actuator itself increases, and the space to install two actuators becomes necessary, thus the size of the equipment may increase.

In general dies are manufactured by metal such as steel, and is heavy goods weighing from few kilos to few tons. Also each dies are not exact same dimension, and load occurs from misalignment of dies when moving dies which are heavy goods. If multiple dies are linked to single transferring device, transferring device may breakdown quickly, and in worst case, problem may occur such as not being able to move dies by transferring device. <CIT> discloses a system having the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> shows an injection molding system having an injection molding machine for performing injection molding with a mold, and a conveying machine that moves the mold along a supporting plane to the injection molding machine. The conveying machine has a conveyance unit that is movable in the horizontal directions.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an injection molding system and a method for an injection molding to move multiple dies by transferring device using actuator, and that prevent cost increase or size increase to manufacturing device, and that provide stable production technology. The above object is solved by an injection molding system having the features of claim <NUM>. An alternative injection molding system is stated in claim <NUM>. A method for injection molding is stated in claim <NUM>. A method for manufacturing products using the injection molding system is stated in claim <NUM>. Further developments are stated in the dependent claims. According to aspects of the present disclosure, there is a configuration of two parts with slippage and a slot of base plate. By doing so, disperses load from misalignment to Z direction, Y direction of die, and prevents from giving excess load to actuator, and as well as preventing damage to actuator, it can prevent the high cost due to increase in cost by selecting larger actuator to handle loads. Also by setting to this configuration, it is unnecessary to require excessive position adjustment for table section or excessive position accuracy of side surface guide roller, bottom surface guide roller to the injection molding machine, makes it achievable to reduce cost by easing machine parts precision or reduce man-hour during assembly.

The present disclosure is directed to an injection molding system including an injection molding apparatus configured to perform injection molding with a first mold and a second mold, a linking unit configured to link between the first mold and the second mold, and an actuator connectable with the first mold and configured to move the first mold along a supporting plane into the injection molding apparatus. When the actuator moves the first mold, the linking unit is configured to transmit force from the first mold to the second mold and the second mold is moved by the first mold. The linking unit is configured to link between the first mold and the second mold so that the first mold is movable in a direction which intersects the supporting plane with respect to the second mold, or the second mold is movable in the direction with respect to the first mold.

Further features of aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings).

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate an injection molding machine according to an exemplary embodiment. The injection molding machine performs injection molding by injecting resin into die (mold). Also, not limited to resin, it is applicable to materials such as wax or metal. <FIG> illustrates the overall injection molding machine <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> illustrates conveyor apparatuses to be installed with the injection molding machine <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a drive unit 100A and dies A and B.

The injection molding system illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> includes a drive unit 100A, a table unit 100B (base frame) and a table unit 100C (base frame). The drive unit 100A moves the two linked dies A and T3. The table unit 100B guides the two linked dies, and the table unit 100C also guides the two linked dies. In this embodiment, the table unit 100B does not include a drive unit. The table unit 100B and the table unit 100C support two dies, and the two dies are moved along a supporting plane, which is a top panel of the table unit 100B and the table unit 100C.

By combining the drive unit 100A to the table unit 100B, one of the two dies can alternate moving to single injection position. In other words, the drive unit 100A moves the die A into the injection molding machine <NUM> and the other die B moves out of the injection molding machine <NUM> to the table unit 100B. An injection position is a position inside the injection molding machine <NUM>. That is, by moving dies with drive unit 100A, it can switch the die positioned to the injection position inside the injection molding machine <NUM>.

Details of the drive unit <NUM>00A to move the two linked dies is described with reference to <FIG>. The two dies A and B linked to drive unit 100A, mold A and mold B, is movable by drive of an actuator <NUM>.

First, by a movable slide <NUM> for the actuator <NUM>, die A that is linked to the slide <NUM>, a plate <NUM> and a plate <NUM> become movable. And the actuator <NUM> itself and the table units 100B and 100C do not move according to the movement of dies A and B, because the actuator <NUM> is fixed to the table 100B. The dies A and B are movable with respect to the actuator <NUM> and the table units 100B and 100C. Hereinafter, the actuator <NUM> and the table unit 100B are referred collectively as a cart, and the table unit 100C is also referred as a cart.

Also, the die B is linked to the die A by a linking unit <NUM>, and by movement of the die A also moves the die B along a moving direction of the die A. That is, if the die A moves in X axis positive direction in <FIG>, the die B also moves in X axis positive direction.

Also, the above mentioned configurations of the linking unit <NUM> and <NUM> will be later described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

Next, <FIG> explains about the movement of the die A and the die B. <FIG> is a side view of the injection molding machine <NUM>, the die A, the die B, the drive unit 100A, the table unit 100B, the table unit 100C, and the linking units <NUM> and <NUM>. In <FIG>, will explain possible positions of dies are illustrated as positions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The position <NUM> is an injection position of injection molding machine <NUM>, and when a die is in the position <NUM>, the injection molding machine <NUM> is able to inject resin into the die and to remove a molded part of the die. The positions <NUM> and <NUM> are cooling positions for cooling the dies A and B. By alternatingly moving the two dies into the injection position, and by enabling injection of resin, while one die is cooling, one die can have resin injected at the position <NUM>, while the other die is being cooled at the position <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate detail structures of the linking unit <NUM> (a connection point, a connection part, an actuator-mold connection part or a joint) and the linking unit <NUM> (a connection point, a connection part, a mold-mold connection part, or a joint). With reference to <FIG> and <FIG> the configuration of linking unit <NUM> and <NUM> are described.

<FIG> illustrates the linking unit <NUM> between the die A and the actuator <NUM>. The linking unit <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM> to be attached to the die A, four linking brackets <NUM>, and two shafts <NUM> fixed with the linking brackets <NUM>. The two shafts <NUM> includes a cam follower <NUM> on tips. As described above, the base plate <NUM> includes a slot and is fixed to the slider <NUM> on the actuator <NUM>. The cam follower <NUM> is inserted into the slot of the base plate, which makes the die A and the actuator <NUM> linked with each other.

Even when the dies or rollers (side surface guide roller <NUM>, bottom surface guide roller <NUM>) (wheel, rotation unit) are similar in shape, it does not mean the shape completely matches. Also, there are times different dies are used in molding. Therefore size and shape of die A and die B can be different, and a gap between rollers on width direction of die (Y axis direction), and the height of rollers below molds can also be different. Even more, it can be difficult to match a path of the die on the table unit 100B and a path of the die on the table unit 100C with a path of the die in the injection molding machine <NUM> if the table units 100B and 100C and the injection molding machine <NUM> are manufactured separately and then assembled. In order words, the positions of the carts on both sides of the injection molding machine and the position of the injection molding machine can be misaligned.

Even with a subtle difference in die shape and little difference in roller height, when heavy goods such as die A and die B move simultaneously, a large load is generated to the linking unit due to the misalignment. Specifically, regarding the linking unit, if moving direction of a die is X axis direction, load is generated in Y axis direction and Z axis direction. The load will be applied to the linking unit every time die moves, and the possibility of damage to the linking unit increases. Or unexpected load can be applied on the actuator and can cause damage.

This exemplary embodiment is related to the linking unit between two dies moving along by rollers' rotation, or between one die and the actuator fixed to the table unit 100B. When roller size or die size differs, even without precise accuracy to roller size or height between the cart and the injection molding machine can decrease some load by using the linking unit on this embodiment.

The following describes a situation when the dies A and B are moved in X axis direction, and when the center position of the actuator <NUM> in Y axis direction and the center position of the die A in Y axis direction are misaligned in Y axis direction. In other words, the following describes a situation when the center position of the die A in Y axis direction is misaligned against the center position of the actuator <NUM> in Y axis direction according to the movement of the die A or the die B. If the position of the die A and the position of the actuator <NUM> are misaligned in Y axis direction when the die A moves, due to the cam follower <NUM> with slippage of the linking bracket <NUM> moving along the inserted slot of base plate <NUM> in Y axis direction, this shift of the cam follower <NUM> in Y axis direction can absorb the load generated by the misalignment of the positions of the actuator <NUM> and the die A in Y axis direction. That is, according to the movement of the die A in Y axis direction, the cam follower <NUM> rotates, and it can reduce the load applied to the actuator <NUM> and the linking unit. Generally the larger the misalignment of the positions of the die A and the actuator <NUM> in Y axis direction becomes, the larger the load applied to the linking unit and the actuator <NUM> becomes. Therefore, by reducing the shift towards Y axis direction, it can reduce or eliminate the load.

Without the linking unit <NUM> mechanism, and if simply linked with a rigid connection part, the center position of the die A in axis direction misaligns to the center position of the actuator <NUM> in Y axis direction, the weight of die A and the load from amount of movement portion towards Yaxis direction applies to actuator <NUM> and linked section. Therefore the linked section warps towards Y axis direction, and additionally load is also applied to the actuator <NUM> in Y axis direction. By adopting the linking unit as illustrated in <FIG>, the cam follower <NUM> will be movable in Y axis direction against the base plate <NUM>, and load from die A to shift towards Y axis direction to be applied to the linking unit <NUM> and the actuator will be reduced or even eliminated.

Also, in <FIG>, the center position of the actuator <NUM> in Z axis direction is illustrated as Z10, and the center position of the die A in Z axis direction is illustrated as ZA. At this time, as illustrated in <FIG>, the origin of Z axis is at the surface of table unit 100B. Because the actuator <NUM> is fixed to table 100B, if center of Z axis direction for actuator <NUM> is Z10 (datum position), and the center of the die A in Z axis direction is ZA (datum position), the actuator <NUM> and the die A are not misaligned in Z axis direction.

The following describes a situation when the dies A, B are moved in X axis direction, and when center position of the die A in Z axis direction misaligns in Z axis direction from ZA. When the die A moves, and if the datum position of Z axis direction for the actuator <NUM> and the datum position of Z axis direction for the die A changes, in other words, when the center position of Z axis direction for the die A misaligns in Z axis direction, the cam follower <NUM> of the linking brackets <NUM> that is inserted into slot of the base plate <NUM>, will move along the slot in Z axis direction.

This cam follower's <NUM> shift in Z axis direction can absorb the load from misalignment to Z axis direction to be applied to the die A and the actuator <NUM>. The cam follower <NUM> has slippage, so it is movable along Z axis direction of the slot. From this, same as Y axis direction shift, load applied to the actuator <NUM> and the linking unit <NUM> can be reduced or even eliminated.

Without the linking unit <NUM> mechanism, and if the actuator <NUM> and the die A are simply linked with a rigid connection part which does not have a pair of parts (as illustrated in <FIG>) capable of shifting with respect to each other in both Y and Z direction, the center position of the die A in Z axis direction misaligns in Z axis direction from ZA, the weight of die A and the load from amount of movement portion towards Z axis direction applies to the actuator <NUM> and the linking unit <NUM>. Therefore, the linking unit <NUM> may warp towards Z axis direction, and additionally load is applied to the actuator <NUM> in Z axis direction. By adopting linking unit as illustrated in <FIG>, the cam follower <NUM> is movable in Z axis direction, and load from die A shifting towards Y axis direction to be applied to the linking unit <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> will be reduced or even eliminated.

As mentioned above, the linking unit <NUM> includes two cam followers <NUM> and a slot on the base plate <NUM>. By doing so, load from misalignment in both Z direction and Y direction to be applied to the die and actuator is reduced. Therefore, the configuration prevents applying excess load to the actuator <NUM>, and reduce the possibility of damage to the linking unit, moreover, reduce the load to the actuator <NUM>. As well as preventing damage to the actuator <NUM>, it can reduce the cost of the injection molding system by enabling the manufacturer to adopt a relatively smaller actuator, and the system does not need to have a larger actuator which is tolerant to loads in directions different from its operating direction. Also by adopting this configuration, the manufacturing processes of the injection molding system may not need excessive position adjustment procedures for table unit 100B or excessive procedures to increase position accuracy of side surface guide rollers <NUM>, bottom surface guide rollers <NUM> to the injection molding machine <NUM>, which reduces cost by simplifying the manufacturing processes.

The cam follower <NUM> is shaped with slippage, for example it can be a round shape without rotating mechanism or can be a square shape. Slippage here means, against the surface inside slotted hole, its movable with low friction coefficient. Here, the slot is not limited to the hole, and the base plate <NUM> can have a groove instead of the hole. Also, the linking unit <NUM> according to above exemplary embodiment has four linking brackets <NUM>, but the linking unit according to another exemplary embodiment can include a different number of the linking brackets with other shapes. Also, it is possible to use one or more shaft <NUM> and cam follower <NUM>. Again, as far as the cam follower <NUM> and the slot of the base plate <NUM> are engaged to transmit force from the actuator <NUM> to the die A and are movable with respect to each other in directions different from the direction of the force, the cam follower <NUM> and the base plate <NUM> can have different configurations. For example the base plate can include cam followers which are engaged with a slot formed on a part fixed to the linking brackets. Further, regarding the configuration of above mentioned linking unit <NUM>, view from XZ surface direction of <FIG> will be used.

<FIG> shows linking unit <NUM> for die A and actuator <NUM>. For actuator <NUM>, direct acting type actuator slide type is used, and placed below dies A, B in Z axis direction, and by overlapping movable range of dies A, B in X axis direction and overall length range of actuator <NUM>, it can make overall machine compact size. Also, using one driving source simplifies machine mechanism, and number of parts for machine could be less which makes the machine cost cheaper. Also, actuator <NUM> is installable outside injection molding machine <NUM>, the maintenance on actuator <NUM> is easily performed.

<FIG> are both depicting the linking actuator <NUM> and the linking unit <NUM>, but the distance of Z axis direction from linked position of the linking unit <NUM> side and actuator <NUM> side to the actuator <NUM> differs.

In <FIG>, the slider <NUM> is mounted on the actuator <NUM>, and the plate <NUM> with the slot is mounted on the slider <NUM>. On the other side, fixed section of die A has base plate <NUM>, linked plate <NUM> and shaft <NUM> is assembled, and cam follower which is rotating body is attached to the tip of shaft <NUM>, and then the cam follower <NUM> is inserted into the slot of plate <NUM>. By moving slider <NUM> of actuator <NUM> in X axis direction, die A moves.

It is easier to push when base plate <NUM> is mounted on negative side of Z axis direction from center of die A. Also it is easier to push when base plate is mounted close as possible to center of Y axis direction of die A. But the die separates to movable and stationary parts in the Y axis direction, if the movable and stationary parts are split in center of die, it cannot mount base plate <NUM> in the center of Y axis direction of die A. When mounting base plate <NUM> to stationary parts, will be better to mount close as possible to movable die in the Y axis direction.

By moving die A, moving force and stopping force of die A is necessary positive and negative direction of X axis, and die momentum from working point of cam follower <NUM> and plate <NUM> becomes load to actuator <NUM>. Reducing the load from the momentum is important to prevent breakdown of actuator <NUM>.

The length of momentum is the distance from when bottom edge of cam follower contacts the slot on plate <NUM> to the top surface of actuator, and is important to reduce this distance Za. In the configuration shown in <FIG>, it fastens slotted plate <NUM> to actuator <NUM> side, and by fastening cam follower to die A side to reduce distance Za. as much as possible, reduces the momentum and reduces the load to actuator <NUM>.

Next, <FIG> will explain when cam follower <NUM> is mounted on actuator <NUM> side, and slotted plate <NUM> is on die A side. To mount cam follower <NUM> to actuator <NUM> side, it will need to mount plate <NUM> to slider <NUM> for the cam follower <NUM>, and then mount the cam follower <NUM> to the plate <NUM>. Also, slotted plate <NUM> will be attached to the bottom tip of shaft <NUM>, and cam follower <NUM> is inserted, by actuator <NUM> moving to X axis direction, die A can move. Either configuration of <FIG> or configuration shown in <FIG>, it is applicable as the linking unit of this embodiment.

In the case of <FIG>, distance of momentum to actuator <NUM> becomes distance Zb, and this distance Zb is longer compared to distance Za from <FIG> for the portion of plate <NUM> which increases the momentum, and the load to actuator <NUM> is larger than the configuration of <FIG>.

In this exemplary embodiment, the dies A and B are linked with the similar pair of parts, to those adopted between the die A and the actuator, engaged with each other and movable with respect to each other in Y and Z directions (directions different than a moving direction of the dies A and B). A cam follower can be attached to a linking bracket to be attached to a die, and a slot can be formed on a linking bracket to be fixed to the other die, in order to enable both the engagement and the movability.

A linking unit <NUM> for die A and die B is illustrated in <FIG>. The linking unit <NUM> includes a linking bracket <NUM> with slot that is attached to die A and a linking bracket <NUM> that is attached to die B. Two cam followers <NUM> are connected to the tip of linking bracket <NUM>, and the die A and the die B is linked by inserting the cam follower <NUM> into the slot of the linking bracket <NUM>. The linking unit <NUM> includes <NUM> parts.

The linking unit <NUM> between the die A and the die B is similar to the linking unit <NUM>, and is movable towards the other part. The linking unit <NUM> also has a structure preventing the linking unit <NUM> from warping, which can be caused by misalignment occurring between the dies to either Y axis direction or Z axis direction, when the die moves in X-direction. Also, by the die A shifting to Y axis direction or Z axis direction, due to misalignment between the position of the die A and the die B, the linking bracket <NUM> shifts against linking bracket <NUM>.

One of the linking brackets' shifting may also cause a shift of the other linking bracket, but the amount of the shift of the other linking bracket can be at least reduced, compared to a configuration of a rigid connection between two dies.

When the die A and the die B are moving and if one of the positions of the die A and the die B shifts towards Y axis direction, the cam follower <NUM> of the linking bracket <NUM> inserted into the slot of the linking bracket <NUM> moves along the slot in Y axis direction, which can absorb the load generated from misalignment of the dies A and B applied to the die A and the die B in Y axis direction (<FIG>). Also if die A and die B move and the positions of the die A and the die B misaligns with each other in Z axis direction, the cam follower <NUM> of the linking bracket <NUM> inserted into the slot of the linking bracket <NUM> moves along the slot in Z axis direction, which can absorb the load generated from misalignment of the dies A and B applied to the die A and the die B in Z axis direction (<FIG>).

Moreover, the die A linked to the die B is also linked to the actuator <NUM>, load applied to the actuator <NUM> and the linking unit <NUM> generated from shifting of the die B towards Y axis direction or Z axis direction can also be reduced.

It may be good that the cam follower <NUM> has slippage, but for the above mentioned examples, the cam follower <NUM> can have a rotatable mechanism along Y axis or Z axis. Also, there is two cam followers illustrated in <FIG>, but the number of the cam follower is not limited to <NUM> and can be one, or <NUM> or more. Also, when the linking bracket <NUM> and the linking bracket <NUM> can be shifted with each other in Z direction, as long as the cam follower <NUM> is engaged with the slot. Further when the linking bracket <NUM> and the linking bracket <NUM> shifts in Z axis direction, it may be good that there is a gap between the lower surface of the linking bracket <NUM> and the upper surface of the linking bracket <NUM> (length 'X' illustrated in <FIG>) and it may be good that the gap is large enough to prevent the linking brackets <NUM> and <NUM> from hitting with each other.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an injection molding system with <NUM> dies, according to an exemplary embodiment. The injection molding system includes a System Controller <NUM> that controls the overall system, an actuator201 that moves a die A and a die B, and an injection molding machine <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> corresponds to the actuator <NUM> described above and illustrated in <FIG>, and the injection molding machine <NUM> corresponds to the injection molding machine <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a flow diagram of an operation process for the injection molding system, according to an exemplary embodiment. The operation process is described with reference to <FIG>. The flow diagram in <FIG> illustrates that the operation process starts when power is on for the injection molding machine <NUM> and when the die A is at position <NUM>, and the die B is at position <NUM>, but it is not limited to that condition. The position <NUM> and the position <NUM> are both illustrated in <FIG>.

In step S1, the System Controller <NUM> reads initial setting information, which may be entered by the operator. In the initial setting, for example, includes a cooling time for die or the number of molded parts to be generated with each of the dies. The cooling time can be entered by user, or, depending on the characteristic of the die and resin, the injection molding machine <NUM> or the system controller <NUM> can calculate the necessary cooling time based on previously entered information.

In step S2, the System Controller <NUM> controls the actuator <NUM> so that the die A moves to die injection position (position <NUM>) and the die B to cooling position (position <NUM>). The actuator <NUM> moves the die A from the position <NUM> to the position <NUM>, and moves the die B from the position <NUM> to the position <NUM>. For example, The actuator <NUM> first moves the die <NUM>. to the injection position, then the injection molding machine <NUM> injects resin into the die, then after injecting resin, the actuator <NUM> moves the die A out of the injection position, and simultaneously moves die B to the injection position. This way, while die A and resin is being cooled at the position <NUM>, the die B can have resin injected at the position <NUM>. At this time, the linking unit <NUM> for the die A and the actuator <NUM> and the linking unit <NUM> for the die A and the die B include the cam followers <NUM> and <NUM> with slippage and the plates (the base plate <NUM> and the linking bracket <NUM>) with slots, so the load from misalignment as mentioned above applied to the actuator <NUM>, the linking units and the dies can be reduced.

In step S3, the System Controller <NUM> determines if the injection to the die in the injection position is the first time for the die or not. If determined that injection to the mold in injection position is the first time, the process proceeds to S6, and if not, the process proceeds to S4.

In step S4, if the System Controller <NUM> determines in step S3 the injection to the die positioned at the injection position in step S2 is not the first time, (in other words, the process proceeds to S3 from S15 later described, ) the system controller <NUM> controls injection molding machine <NUM> to open the die. The die can be opened by the clamps appertain to platens of a stationary and a movable side of the injection molding machine <NUM> and fixing those platens with the die, and by moving the movable side platen backward (+Y direction) the die is opened. Also by opening the die, the injection molding machine <NUM> takes out the molded parts from the die, in the next S5 process.

In step S5, the System Controller <NUM> controls the injection molding machine <NUM> to take out the molded part out of the open die. As for molded parts, an auto hand attached to injection molding machine enters into the gap between a stationary side die (fixed mold, fix part or fix mold) and a movable side die (movable mold, move part or move mold) created by opening the die, then the auto hand holds the molded part by vacuum suction or grabbing the molded part, takes out, and places it on a specified table or on a belt conveyor. Specifically after die cooling process of the die A and the injected resin is completed at the position <NUM>, the die A is moved to the injection position (the position <NUM>), and the die is opened and the molded part is taken out, , the injection molding machine <NUM> can inject resin into the die A again. Further, after the cooling process of the die B and the injected resin has been completed, the die B is moved to the injection position, and the injection molding machine <NUM> takes out a molded part. This way, while one of the die and the resin injected in the die are being cooled, the injection molding machine <NUM> injects resin into the other. In other words, from after injecting resin into one of the die to the taking out molded parts, without leaving the die in the injection position to cool off the die and resin, the injection molding machine <NUM> can inject resin into die other die, so the injection molding system can efficiently complete the cycle of injecting resin into die, cooling, and taking out of the molded part.

In step S6, the System Controller <NUM> controls injection molding machine <NUM> to clamp the die, if in step S3 it is determined that the injection to the die positioned at the injection position in step S2 is the first time (in other words, the process proceeds to S3 directly from S2), or the process proceeds to S6 from S5. For clamping the die, the injection molding machine <NUM> closes platen on a movable side of injection molding machine <NUM>, then after the movable side die and stationary side die contact with each other, the clamping mechanism of injection molding machine <NUM> clamps the die.

In step S7, the System Controller <NUM> controls the injection molding machine <NUM> to make an injection nozzle into contact with the die to prepare for resin injection. Before moving forward the injection nozzle to the die, the system controller <NUM> confirms that the stationary side platen and the stationary side die are clamped together. After moving forward the injection nozzle, the system controller <NUM> confirms the contact between the injection nozzle and the stationary side die to check if the injection molding machine <NUM> is able to inject resin into die die.

In step S8, the System Controller <NUM> controls the injection molding machine <NUM> to inject resin in to the die and to keep pressure inside the die. Specifically, by following the molding conditions for the die A, which is previously saved on injection molding machine, the injection molding machine <NUM> performs the injection process of injecting resin from the injection nozzle, and then performs pressure holding process to keep pressure applied to the resin from injection nozzle.

In step S9, the System Controller <NUM> starts counting cooling time. The cooling time is counted by a timer circuit, and the system controller <NUM> checks if a predetermined period of cooling time passes, based on the molding condition for die A, which is previously saved on the injection molding machine. The cooling time is for example about <NUM> sec if the resin is ABS, thickness of the molded part is about <NUM> and the molded part is about the size of printer exterior parts, and about <NUM> sec if resin is PS, the thickness of the molded part is about <NUM> and the molded part is about the size of toner cartridge of a printer. But the cooling time varies depending on resin quality, temperature and shape.

In step S10, the System Controller <NUM> determines if an operation in the injection molding machine is completed or not. The operation ends, for example, when the number of the molded parts reaches the predetermined number set by user, or power is turned off for the injection molding system <NUM>. If a predetermined operation has been completed, then the process ends, and otherwise the process proceeds to S11.

In step S11, the System Controller <NUM> determines if the die A and the die B should be moved. Moving of the dies A and B will occur if a previously saved cooling time (hereinafter Tb_in) for the die B, during which the die B is cooled in the injection position is less than twice of previously saved cooling time (hereinafter Ta in) for the die A, during which the die A is cooled in the injection position, but the moving will not occur if Tb_in is twice or more of Ta in. Switching the die after injecting resin does not occur when Tb in is twice or more than Ta_in. On the other hand if that is not the case, the actuator <NUM> moves the die A to the position <NUM>, and moves the die B to the position <NUM>. If it is determined to move positions of dies A and B in S11, the process proceeds to S12. If not, the process proceeds to S16.

In step S12, the System Controller <NUM> controls the injection molding machine <NUM> to open up a little to make the die movable. In this step the injection molding machine <NUM> releases the clamps attained on platens of the stationary side and the movable side from dies, and by giving a small opening about <NUM>, for example, on the movable side platen to make the die movable. The amount of the small opening can be changeable to any of the conditions, as far as the die is movable.

In step S13, the System Controller <NUM> controls injection molding machine <NUM> to move back the injection nozzle about <NUM>, for example, to make the die movable. This step is to prevent damage to the die and the injection nozzle due to interference between the die and the injection nozzle while the dies are being changed. The amount of the injection nozzle's moving back can be set to any range as far as the interference between die and injection nozzle is avoided.

In step S14, the System Controller <NUM> controls the actuator <NUM> so that the die A moves to the injection position (position <NUM>) and the die B moves to the cooling position (position <NUM>), if the die B has been at the injection position since the previous steps S3. If the die A has been at the injection position, on the other hand, the actuator <NUM> moves the die A from the position <NUM> to the position <NUM>, and moves the die B from the position <NUM> to the position <NUM>. During the change of dies, because the linking unit <NUM> for the die A and the actuator <NUM> and, the linking unit <NUM> for the die A and the die B include parts with slippage and plates with slot, the load from misalignment as mentioned above to the actuator <NUM>, the linking units and the dies can be reduced.

In step S15, the System Controller <NUM> changes setting to the condition set for the die in the position <NUM>. The condition set for the die B, for example, applying to the die B is loaded from a memory of the system controller <NUM> or the injection molding machine <NUM>. If in step S14 the die in the position <NUM> is changed from the die A to the die B, the system controller <NUM> changes from the settings for the die A to the settings for the die B. The system controller <NUM> changes settings such as injection condition, holding pressure, and cooling condition.

In step S16, the System Controller <NUM> determines if the cooling time has elapsed or not, to check if the cooling process is completed or not. If it is determined that the cooling is completed, the process proceeds to S4, if not, the system controller <NUM> waits until cooling time elapses.

This way, the injection molding system according to the above exemplary embodiment makes it possible to move two dies with a single actuator stably. In details, as mentioned previously, the linking unit <NUM> between the actuator <NUM> and the die A, and the linking unit <NUM> between the die A and the die B have parts with slippage and plates with slots, so even if load occurs in Y axis direction and Z axis direction from die A and die B movement, those linking mechanism can reduce the load due to the misalignment between the linking unit <NUM>, the linking unit <NUM> and the actuator <NUM>.

The linking unit in this embodiment includes the linking unit between two dies, or the linking unit between die and drive unit and is connecting a component on one side and a component on the other side. When misalignment may occur between the two sides, the component on the one side moves with respect to the component on the other side in the direction of misalignment. At this time, if the linking unit is simply a rigid metal part, misalignment would cause the metal part to warp and load will be applied to both the components. But by introducing a linking unit that includes a pair of parts which are movable with respected to each other to prevents the linking unit from warping, and prevent the linking unit from transferring the load generated from the misalignment of the components. As a result, a possibility of bend/bending of the linking unit and a possibility of damage of the actuator from the bending would be decreased or not occur.

Also if the cooling time differs greatly between die A and die B, a cycle of the die A and a cycle of the die B are different, the injection process can be performed twice or more for the die A, while the die B is being cooled on the table 100C. For example, it is possible to inject three times, cooling, and take out the die B during one injection and cooling the die A. In this way, when one die is being cooled, the other die can be injected, can be cooled a molded part can be taken out, and the other die can be injected again. So even when cooling time differs, efficiency in utilizing the injection molding machine is increased.

For above mentioned embodiment, it is described that the two dies are linked, but it is not limited to this. The linking unit <NUM> between the actuator <NUM> and the die A itself is effective without the linking unit <NUM> linking the die A and the die B.

Also, the configuration for linking unit <NUM> is not only for two dies A and B, but it is effective even in a situation if three or more dies are moved by the actuator <NUM>. That is to say even if there were misalignment to cause load to apply to the actuator <NUM> in Y axis direction, Z axis direction in any of the dies, as long as linking unit linking between the actuator <NUM> and the die A is similar to above mentioned configuration of the linking unit <NUM>, the applied load to the dies or the actuator <NUM> is reduced. At this time, even if the linking unit between dies is not similar to above mentioned configuration of the linking unit <NUM> and is simply rigidly fixed the two dies with each other, the applied load to the actuator <NUM> can be reduced.

Also regarding the linking unit between dies, not limited to above mentioned embodiment, if three or more molds exist, the above mentioned linking unit <NUM> can link between two of the dies.

Moreover, in a case that multiple dies are on a slider on an actuator and on a table unit, one actuator will move the multiple dies, and the injection molding machine can inject and mold efficiently and at lower cost. The injection molding system can move dies left and right of the injection mold machine by inserting the slider into injection mold machine.

Once more, in a situation of opening a die to take out a molded part, a move part of the die moves to the movable platen side while a fix part of the die stays with the stationary platen side. Therefore, the injection molding machine can take out a molded part by making the slider under the fix part of the die.

However, when the die is separated near its center, it does not have to consider the misalignment between dies, but the slider mechanism needs other mechanism than the mechanism that moves the dies left and right. Therefore, more than the above mentioned embodiment, machine configuration may become complicated, or increase the number of parts and cost may become higher.

Even more, in above mentioned embodiment, it explained example of die moving on roller lined in X axis direction, but even if the roller is attached to mold itself, and when moves among flat surface of table, above mentioned linking unit is also effective.

Also, according to another embodiment, one more plate can be added between the two base plates of linking unit, and make it rotatable in XY plane, XZ plane against the base plate. By doing so, if one of the die shifts towards Y axis direction, a middle plate moves in XY plane with the other die and the base plate's contact point as an axis. Therefore the other die does not need to move in Y axis direction. The detail structures of the linking units are described later with reference to <FIG>.

Also, by using the linking unit according to the above embodiments, even without high accuracy for position accuracy between the dies or position accuracy for the transfer rollers, it can reduce load applied to linking unit or the actuator when moving, so it can reduce cost for parts and eliminate adj ustment process in the assembly process for high accuracy.

Again, the above mentioned embodiment describes the method of distributing loads generated from dies' misalignment, by the configuration of parts with slippage and plate with slot, but it is not limited to this. If the direction of multiple dies moves by the actuator is in X direction, it just needs to be a configuration that distributes load generated from misalignment to each die in Y axis direction and Z axis direction. For example, placing multiple mechanism of linear guided machine that will disperse load to Y axis direction and Z axis direction such as linear guide or shaft and bushing configuration. Apart from that, it can be a floating joint that can disperse load to Y axis direction, Z axis direction. Also, it can be established with bracket configuration such as <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the configuration of the linking unit <NUM> according to another embodiment. The linking unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the shaft <NUM>, the linking bracket <NUM>, the linking bracket <NUM>, and a linking bracket <NUM>.

In a case of <FIG>, the linking bracket <NUM> is connected with the actuator <NUM>, and the shaft (protruding portion) <NUM> is connected with the linking bracket <NUM>. A hole is formed in the linking bracket <NUM>, and the shaft <NUM> is inserted into the hole. One end of the linking bracket <NUM> is connected with the linking bracket <NUM> and the other end of the linking bracket <NUM> is connected with the mold A. With this configuration, the linking unit <NUM> (the linking bracket <NUM>) is connected with the mold A at a lower position in Z-direction, compared to the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>. Therefore, the linking unit <NUM> can transmit force from the actuator <NUM> to the mold A efficiently.

In a case of <FIG>, the linking bracket <NUM> and the linking bracket <NUM> are connected with the actuator <NUM> respectively, and the shaft <NUM> is connected with both the linking bracket <NUM> and the linking bracket <NUM>. A hole is formed in the linking bracket <NUM>, and the shaft <NUM> is inserted into the hole. The linking bracket <NUM> is connected with the mold A. The linking bracket <NUM> is located between the linking bracket <NUM> and the linking bracket <NUM>. With this configuration, if the mold A and the linking bracket <NUM> moves in Z-direction largely, it can prevent the linking bracket <NUM> from slipping out of the shaft <NUM>.

Note that the configuration illustrated in <FIG> may be adopted to not only the linking unit <NUM> but also the linking unit <NUM>.

As explained above, according to before mentioned embodiment, by adapting the above configuration, one side of part of linking unit against the other part in the direction of misalignment, is movable by restricting warp, so it can restrict the load due to misalignment. Restricting warp mentioned here, of course does not mean to make warping to zero, but means compared to not using above configuration, can reduce warping.

<FIG> is a top view of the linking unit <NUM>, the linking unit <NUM> and the molds A and B, and <FIG> is a side view of the linking unit <NUM>, the linking unit <NUM> and the molds A and B. <FIG> is a figure viewing the cross section A, shown in <FIG>, from the direction of the arrow, FIG. 10D is a figure viewing the cross section B, shown in <FIG>, from the direction of the arrow, and FIG. 10E is a figure showing the figure of the cross section C, shown in <FIG>, from the direction of the arrow respectively. In these figures, the floating joint 300a is fixated to the stationary mold 302a of the mold A, the linking bracket <NUM> is fixated to the stationary mold 302a of the mold A, and the floating joint 300b is fixated to the stationary mold 302b of the mold B. The stationary mold <NUM> here is a mold that does not move in the Y axis direction, and the movable mold <NUM> is the mold that moves in the Y axis direction inside the injection molding machine <NUM> when taking out the molded part.

Here, it is not always the case that the shapes of the molds and the rollers match perfectly due to individual variation. There are cases where molding is conducted using <NUM> molds of different shapes from each other. And, because it is difficult to align the positions of the table unit 100B or table unit 100C in respect to the injection molding machine <NUM>, it is also difficult to align the positions of the rollers included in each piece of equipment.

This type of negligible shape difference of the molds generates misalignment when moving the mold A or the mold B due to the differences in the roller positions or height. Concretely, a load occurring in the Y axis direction, the Z axis direction, the θY direction, and the θZ direction is generated to the linking unit <NUM> or the linking unit <NUM>. Especially, when performing the mold clamping motion with the injection molding machine <NUM>, a large load is generated in the θZ direction. Here, the mold clamping is the motion of pushing the movable mold <NUM> against the stationary mold <NUM>, and the motion of preparing to inject resin. In this exemplary embodiment, the floating joints 300a and 300b are installed to the linking unit <NUM> and the linking unit <NUM> respectively, considering this type of load.

Next, the details of the floating joints 300a and 300b will be explained. Because the configuration of the floating joints 300a and 300b are the same, it will be explained here taking the floating joint 300a as the embodiment. <FIG> is a top view of the floating joint 300a, <FIG> is a side view, and <FIG> shows a figure viewing the cross section D, shown in <FIG>, from the direction of the arrow.

First, as shown in <FIG>, the floating joint 300a is equipped with the pipe shaft 322b, which extends in the Z axis direction, and the pipe shaft 322a, which extends in the Y axis direction. The pipe shaft 322b is clamped in the Y axis direction by the <NUM> bolts 336b, and fixated against the block <NUM>. The pipe shaft 322a is clamped in the Z axis direction by the <NUM> bolts 336a, and fixated against the block <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> is fastened to the mold A, and the plate <NUM> is fastened to the linking bracket <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> here, the positioning pin <NUM> and the positioning pin <NUM> are installed in the mold A. Open up a precision hole for the positioning pin <NUM> in the center of the plate <NUM>, assemble the mold A and the plate <NUM> so this positioning pin <NUM> will fit into it, and rotate the plate <NUM> in the counter clockwise direction as shown in <FIG>. The plate <NUM> is fastened to the mold A with the <NUM> bolts <NUM>-<NUM> in the location where the plate <NUM> makes contact with the positioning pin <NUM>.

The pipe shaft 322b is held on both ends by the <NUM> holders 325b, which have the oil-free bushings 321b inserted, and is able to move by sliding along the Z axis direction. The pipe shaft 322a is held on both ends by the <NUM> holders 325a, which have the oil-free bushings 321a inserted, and is able to move by sliding along the Y axis direction. The <NUM> holders 325b are fixated on the plate <NUM>, and die <NUM> holders 325a are fixated on the plate <NUM>. Furthermore, to improve the slidability of the pipe shaft 322b, the lid 326b is assembled to the holder 325b to seal it, and grease 328b is applied to the inner surface of the lid 326b. In the same manner the lid 326a is assembled to the holder 325a to seal it, and grease 328a is applied to the inner surface of the lid 326a.

Furthermore, because the pipe shaft 322b is not fixated against the holder 325b, it is possible for each part that is fixated on the plate <NUM> to rotate with the pipe shaft 322b as the axis. In other words, it is possible to rotate with the Z axis as the center. In the same manner, because the pipe shaft 322a is not fixated against the holder 325a, it is possible for each part that is fixated on the plate <NUM> to rotate with the pipe shaft 322a as the axis. In other words, it is possible to rotate with the Y axis as the center.

<FIG> (<FIG> and <FIG>) is an enlarged view of the area <NUM> of <FIG>. There are <NUM> stop pins 324b assembled along the Y axis direction on the plate <NUM>. There is a gap installed between the stop pins 324b and the block <NUM>. The rotation (θZ), that takes the pipe shaft 322b as the center, is conducted in this gap, and the amount of rotation is controlled by the contacting of the stop pins 324b and the block <NUM>. Furthermore, the amount of parallel motion in the Y axis direction is controlled by the contacting of the side panels of the block <NUM> and the holder 325a. Even if the block <NUM> moved parallel in the Y axis direction, it is possible for the block <NUM> to contact the stop pins 324b, if it is within the range of the amount of motion.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of the area <NUM> of <FIG>. There are <NUM> stop pins 324a assembled along the Z axis direction on the plate <NUM>. There is a gap installed between the stop pins 324a and the block <NUM>. The rotation (θY), that takes the pipe shaft 322a as the center, is conducted in this gap, and the amount of rotation is controlled by the contacting of the stop pins 324a and the block <NUM>. Furthermore, the amount of parallel motion in the Z axis direction is controlled by the contacting of the side panels of the block <NUM> and the holder 325b. Even if the block <NUM> moved parallel in the Z axis direction, it is possible to for the block <NUM> to contact the stop pins 324a, if it is within the range of the amount of motion.

Next, the movement of the floating joint 300a will be explained in detail. <FIG> indicate the state when the parts on the mold A side have rotated with the Z axis as the center and when the parts on the mold A side have moved parallel to the Y axis direction. <FIG> indicate the state when the parts on the mold A side have rotated with the Y axis as the center and when the parts on the mold A side have moved parallel to the Z axis direction.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the Y axis direction of the mold A is misaligned in the +Y axis direction with respect to the center position in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is located at a side of the linking bracket <NUM>. When the positions of the mold A and the actuator <NUM> have misaligned in the Y axis direction during the movement of the mold A, the parts (the parts fixated to the plate <NUM>) on the mold A side, including the pipe shaft 322a and the block <NUM>, move in the +Y axis direction due to the fact that the pipe shaft 322a slides inside the holder 325a into which the oil-free bushing 321a has been inserted. With this, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment occurring in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the Y axis direction of the mold A is misaligned in the -Y axis direction with respect to the center position in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts on the mold A side including the pipe shaft 322a and the block <NUM> move in the Y axis direction due to the pipe shaft 322a sliding inside the holder 325a into which the oil-free bushing 321a has been inserted. With this, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

When the mold A has moved in the Y axis direction, it is ensured that the parts on the mold A side are able to move in the Y axis direction in respect to the parts on the actuator <NUM> side, via die pipe shaft 322a. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load to the actuator <NUM> and the linking unit <NUM>. The greater the misalignment occurring in the Y axis direction of the mold A and the actuator <NUM> is, the greater the load that is applied to the linking unit <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> becomes, but according to the configuration of this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to reduce or completely eliminate the load that is applied.

If the mechanism of the linking unit <NUM> is not there, and it is simply linked by a rod shaped component, depending on the misalignment of the center in the Y axis direction of the mold A in the Y axis direction against the center in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM>, the weight of the mold A and the load of the movement portion in the Y axis direction will be applied to the actuator <NUM> and the linking component. Therefore, the linking component will bend against the Y axis direction, and, in addition, the load in the Y axis direction will also be caused to be applied to the actuator <NUM>. According to the mechanism of the linking unit <NUM> of this exemplary embodiment, it becomes possible for the mold A to move in the Y axis direction against the actuator <NUM>, so the load to the linking unit <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> is reduced.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the θZ axis direction of the mold A has misaligned in the +θZ axis direction with respect to the center position in the θZ axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. If the positions of the mold A and the actuator <NUM> misaligned in the θZ axis direction during the mold clamping of the mold A, the parts (the parts fixated to the plate <NUM>) on the mold A side will rotate in the +θZ axis direction via the pipe shaft 322b. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the θZ axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the θZ axis direction of the mold A has misaligned in the -θZ axis direction with respect to the center position in the θZ axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts on the mold A side will rotate in the -θZ axis direction via the pipe shaft 322b. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the θZ axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

When the mold A has moved in the θZ axis direction, it is ensured that the parts on the mold A side can move in the θZ axis direction with respect to the parts on the actuator <NUM> side via the pipe shaft 322b. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load to the actuator <NUM> and the linking unit <NUM>. The greater the misalignment occurring in the θZ axis direction of the mold A and the actuator <NUM>, the greater the load that will be applied to the linking unit <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> will become, but according to the configuration of this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to reduce or completely eliminate the load that is applied.

If the mechanism of the linking unit <NUM> is not there, and it is simply linked by a rod shaped component, depending on the center in the θZ axis direction of the mold A having shifted in the θZ axis direction with respect to the center of the θZ axis direction of the actuator, the load of the movement portion in the θZ axis direction of the mold A due to mold clamping will be applied to the actuator <NUM> and the linking component. Consequently, the linking component bends in the θZ axis direction, and, in addition, the load in the θZ axis direction will also be caused to be applied to the actuator <NUM>. According to the linking unit <NUM> of this exemplary embodiment, it becomes possible for the mold A to move in the θZ axis direction against the actuator <NUM>, so the load to the linking unit <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> will be reduced.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the Y axis direction of the mold A has shifted in die +Y axis direction with respect to the center position in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM>, and when the center position in the θZ axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the + θZ axis direction of the mold A with respect to the center position in the θZ axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts on the mold A side which includes the pipe shaft 322a and the block <NUM> will move in the +Y axis direction due to the pipe shaft 322a sliding inside the holder 325a into which the oil-free bushing 321a has been inserted. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment that occurs in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A. Furthermore, the parts on the mold A side will rotate in the + θZ axis direction via the pipe shaft 322b. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment that occurs in the θZ axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

Using <FIG>. explanation is given concerning when the center position in the Y axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the -Y axis direction with respect to the center position in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM>, and when the center position in the θZ axis direction of the mold <NUM>. has shifted in the - θZ axis direction with respect to the center position in the θZ axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts on the mold A side including the pipe shaft 322a and the block <NUM> will move in the -Y axis direction due to the pipe shaft 322a sliding inside the holder 325a into which the oil-free bushing 321a has been inserted. As a result, it will become possible to absorb the load of the misalignment that occurs in the Y axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A. Furthermore, the parts on the mold A side will rotate in the - θZ axis direction via the pipe shaft 322b. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment that occurs in the θZ axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the Z axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the Z axis direction with respect to the center position in the Z axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts (parts fixated to the plate <NUM>) on the mold A side will move in the -Z axis direction due to the pipe shaft 322b sliding inside the holder 325b into which the oil-free bushing 321b has been inserted. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment that occurs in the Z axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the Z axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the +Z axis direction with respect to the center position in the Z axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts on the mold A side will move in the -Z axis direction due to the pipe shaft 322b sliding inside the holder 325b into which the oil-free bushing 321b has been inserted. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment that occurs in the Z axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the θY axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the +θY axis direction with respect to the center position in the θY axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts (parts fixated on the plate <NUM>) on the mold A side, which include the pipe shaft 322b and the block <NUM>, will move in the +θY axis direction via the pipe shaft 322a. As a result it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the θY axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the 8Y axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the -θY axis direction with respect to the center position in the -θY axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts on the mold A side including the pipe shaft 322b and the block <NUM> will rotate in the -θY axis direction via the pipe shaft 322a. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the θY axis direction of the actuator <NUM>.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the Z axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the -Z axis direction with respect to the center position in the Z axis direction of the actuator <NUM>, and when the center position in the in the θY axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the +θY axis direction with respect to the center position in the θY axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts on the mold A side will move in the -Z axis direction due to the pipe shaft 322b sliding inside of the holder 325b into which the oil-free bushing 321b has been inserted. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the Z axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and die mold A. Furthermore, the parts on the mold A side including the pipe shaft 322b and the block <NUM> will rotate in the +θY axis direction via the pipe shaft 322a. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the θY axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

Using <FIG>, explanation is given concerning when the center position in the Z axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the -Z axis direction with respect to the center position in the Z axis direction of the actuator <NUM>, and when the center position in the θY axis direction of the mold A has shifted in the - θZ axis direction with respect to the center position in the θY axis direction of the actuator <NUM>. In this case, the parts on the mold A side will move in the Z axis direction due to the pipe shaft 322b sliding inside the holder 325b into which the oil-free bushing 321b has been inserted. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the Z axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A. Furthermore, the parts on the mold A side including the pipe shaft 322b and the block <NUM> will rotate in the -θY axis direction via the pipe shaft 322a. As a result, it becomes possible to absorb the load of the misalignment in the θY axis direction of the actuator <NUM> and the mold A.

As described above, the configuration is such that the parts that fasten the pipe shafts 322a and 322b with the block <NUM> can slide in each of the Y axis, Z axis, θY axis, and θZ axis directions inside of the holders 325a and 325b into which the oil-free bushings <NUM>1a and 321b have been inserted. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the misalignment of the mold A and the actuator <NUM> in the Y axis, the Z axis, the θY axis, and the θZ axis direction respectively.

Claim 1:
An injection molding system comprising:
an injection molding apparatus (<NUM>) configured to perform injection molding with a mold (A);
an actuator (<NUM>) configured to move the mold (A) along a supporting plane into the injection molding apparatus (<NUM>); and
a linking unit (<NUM>),
wherein the linking unit (<NUM>) is configured to link between the mold (A) and the actuator (<NUM>) so that the mold (A) is movable in a first direction (Y) different from a second direction (X) along the supporting plane with respect to the actuator (<NUM>), and wherein the linking unit (<NUM>) includes a first linking member (<NUM>) connected with the mold (A) and a second linking member (<NUM>) connected with the actuator (<NUM>),
wherein a groove or a hole is formed in one of the first linking member (<NUM>) and the second linking member (<NUM>), and the other includes a protruding portion (<NUM>) which is inserted into the groove or the hole,
characterized in that
the protruding portion (<NUM>) protrudes in a third direction (Z) and is inserted into the groove or the hole in the third direction (Z), and
the protruding portion (<NUM>) is movable in the third direction (Z) along an inner wall of the groove or the hole.