Patent ID: 7176648

Claim:
Injection molding machine energy management control apparatus for controlling at least one of (i) a first electrically-driven prime mover configured to drive at least a first molding machine device, and (ii) a second electrically-driven prime mover configured to drive at least a second molding machine device, said control apparatus comprising: a common DC link configured to provide DC energy to the first electrically-driven prime mover and to the second electrically-driven prime mover; a slave axis configured to supply energy to and absorb energy from said common DC link; a non-electrical energy accumulation structure coupled to said slave axis and configured to supply energy to, and absorb energy from, said common DC link; and a machine controller configured to (i) communicate with the first electrically-driven prime mover, the second electrically-driven prime mover, said common DC link, and said slave axis, (ii) cause said slave axis to supply energy to said common DC link in response to input from at least one of the first electrically-driven prime mover and the second electrically-driven prime mover, and (iii) cause said slave axis to absorb energy from said common DC link in response to input from at least one of the first electrically-driven prime mover and the second electrically-driven prime mover.