Hot runner exchange apparatus for use in an injection molding machine

Hot runner exchange apparatus utilized in a vertical injection molding machine comprising a metal mold opened and closed in a vertical direction, a mold clamping device, an injection device having a heating cylinder, a nozzle at a front end of said heating cylinder, said nozzle being directed in a horizontal direction, and a hot runner acting as a passage for supplying molten resin to said mold clamping device from said injection device, said hot runner exchange apparatus comprising:

• supporting means for supporting a plurality of hot runners in a juxtaposed state, in a groove formed in a stationary die plate;
• a shaft about which said supporting means is rotated;
• driving means for rotating said shaft;
• and
• means for reciprocating said hot runners for causing one of said hot runners to contact said metal mold.

Hot runner exchange apparatus utilized in a vertical injection molding machine comprising a metal mold opened and closed in a vertical direction, a mold clamping device, an injection device having a heating cylinder, a nozzle at a front end of said heating cylinder, said nozzle being directed in a horizontal direction, and a hot runner acting as a passage for supplying molten resin to said mold clamping device from said injection device, said hot runner exchange apparatus comprising:

• supporting means for supporting a plurality of hot runners in a juxtaposed state in a groove formed in a stationary die plate;
• driving means for reciprocating said supporting means in a perpendicular direction to an axis of said hot runner;
• and
• means for reciprocating said hot runners for causing one of said hot runners to contact said metal mold.

Hot runner exchange apparatus utilized in a vertical injection molding machine comprising a metal mold opened and closed in a vertical direction, a mold clamping device, an injection device having a heating cylinder, a nozzle at a front end of said heating cylinder, said nozzle being directed in a horizontal direction, and a hot runner acting as a passage for supplying molten resin to said mold clamping device from said injection device, said hot runner exchange apparatus comprising:

• hanging means for hanging said hot runner;
• means for moving said hanging means in a vertical direction comprising a cylinder having a piston rod movable in a vertical direction;
• and
• means for moving said hanging means in a horizontal direction.

Hot runner exchange apparatus utilized in a vertical injection molding machine comprising a metal mold opened and closed in a vertical direction, a mold clamping device, an injection device having a heating cylinder, a nozzle at a front end of said heating cylinder, said nozzle being directed in a horizontal direction, and a hot runner acting as a passage for supplying molten resin to said mold clamping device from said injection device, said hot runner exchange apparatus comprising:

• hanging means for hanging said hot runner;
• means for moving said hanging means in a vertical direction including a positioning cylinder for holding and fixing the position of one end of said hot runner, and an urging cylinder for holding the other end of said hot runner to urge an injection nozzle of said hot runner against said metal mold;
• and
• means for moving said hanging means in a horizontal direction.