US 2002/0119212 A1 · INJECTION UNIT

Abstract

The invention relates broadly to injection molding machines and more particularly to a novel combination of a barrel and carriage assembly for use in an injection unit of an injection molding machine. Barrels are conventionally mounted at an end in a carriage of an injection unit. Axial carriage force is directed along the entire length of the barrel which requires a thick barrel wall to withstand the axial carriage force. In addition, installation of the barrel in a conventional carriage is difficult and time consuming, and prone to alignment errors. A barrel and carriage assembly is disclosed having a first complimentary couplers and a second complimentary couplers. The first couplers interlock to secure the barrel intermediate the ends of the barrel to a carriage. The second couplers retain an end of the barrel in the carriage preventing rotation of the barrel during operation.

Claims36

Dependent claims

An injection unit for use in an injection molding machine comprising:

a barrel,
a first barrel coupler, and
a carriage,
said carriage including a cradle member, a mounting surface and a first carriage coupler,
said barrel having a first portion,
said barrel having a discharge end and an opening;
said barrel having a lengthwise axial bore extending between said discharge end and said opening for receiving a reciprocating screw,
said first barrel coupler disposed on said first portion of said barrel,
said cradle member having a lengthwise axial opening for receiving said barrel,
said mounting surface for mounting said carriage to said injection unit,
said first carriage coupler aligned with said lengthwise axial opening,
wherein said first carriage coupler and said first barrel coupler secure said barrel to said carriage.

9 more elements

An injection molding machine comprising:

a clamp unit,
an injection unit,
a barrel,
a screw,
a first barrel coupler
a carriage,
said carriage including a cradle member, a mounting surface and a first carriage coupler,
said clamp unit for receiving a mold, said clamp unit operable between an open position, a closed position, and a clamped position,
said injection unit for creating a shot of material for injection into said mold,
said barrel having a first portion,
said barrel having a discharge end and an opening;
said barrel having a lengthwise axial bore extending between said discharge end and said screw disposed in said lengthwise axial bore of said barrel, said screw rotatable and reciprocatable in said lengthwise axial bore of said barrel,
said first barrel coupler disposed on said first portion of said barrel,
said cradle member having a lengthwise axial opening for receiving said barrel,
said mounting surface for mounting said carriage to said injection unit,
said first carriage coupler aligned with said lengthwise axial opening,
wherein said first carriage coupler and said first barrel coupler secure said barrel to said carriage.

14 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Injection unit

Life of this patent

Injection unit

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36