Die closing unit for injection molding machine with molding die having multiple transfer sections

In an injection molding machine specially adapted for producing injection molded articles with insert parts, such as threaded studs, for example, by at least partially embedding the latter in the articles, and where the injection molding die includes for this purpose a special transfer section of which the machine carries at least two substantially identical ones, which sections are alternatingly removable from the open die for the placement of one or more insert parts into a removed transfer section, as another transfer section forms part of the closed injection molding die and an article is being injection molded therein;

• in said machine, a die closing unit and die transfer mechanism comprising in combination:
• a stationary die carrier mounted solidary with the base of the machine;
• a movable die carrier arranged at a vertical distance from the stationary die carrier, in vertical alignment therewith;
• means for guiding the movable die carrier for a vertical closing motion toward the stationary die carrier;
• means for forcibly moving the movable die carrier against the stationary die carrier, thereby closing the die;
• an injection molding die including, as parts thereof, a stationary die section attached to the stationary die carrier, and a movable die section engageable by the movable die carrier for closing against the stationary die section;
• the lower one of the two die sections being constituted, at least in part, by several substantially identical interchangeable transfer sections;
• a transfer platen adapted for carrying and horizontally moving the transfer sections of the die between a loading station located outside the path of the movable die carrier and a transfer station located in the immediate vicinity of the movable die carrier;
• and
• means for moving the transfer platen horizontally for alternating movement of the transfer sections between said loading and transfer stations;
• and wherein
• the transfer platen includes means for guiding each transfer section from a position in its transfer station to a position in an adjacent closing station defined by said lower die carrier, where the weight of the transfer section is no longer carried by the platen, but by the movable die carrier;
• said guide means being located outside the path of the movable die carrier and oriented for a movement of the transfer sections substantially perpendicular to its movement between said loading and transfer stations;
• and
• the die transfer mechansim further includes means associated with the closing station for moving a transfer section along its guide means between said transfer station and said closing station.