Method for cooling electrical components in a plastics processing machine

In an electrically powered and electrically controlled plastics processing machine having a plurality of heat-producing electrical components, a method for cooling the electrical components comprising the steps of:

• (a) circulating a liquid coolant through a first circuit including a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coolant passageway for circulating the liquid coolant through an electric motor, the coolant passageway being positioned interiorly of the motor, thereby cooling the motor when it is in operation;
• (b) circulating the liquid coolant through a second circuit including a plate member having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and an interiorly positioned coolant passageway for circulating liquid coolant through the plate member, wherein at least one electrical component is mounted on a side of the plate member so that heat is transferred from the electrical component to the plate member, thereby cooling the electrical component when a circuit including the electrical component is energized;
• (c) controlling the flow of the liquid coolant so that it circulates through the first and second circuits concurrently;
• and
• (d) controlling the temperature of the liquid coolant by means including a heat exchanger connected with the coolant outlets of the first and second circuits so that the heat accumulated by the liquid coolant is transferred from the liquid coolant to a heat sink, after the liquid coolant passes through the motor and after the liquid coolant passes through the plate member.