Energy efficient extruder drive
AssigneeHusky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
InventorRobert D. Schad
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An energy efficient drive system is provided for use on typical injection molding machines whereby a single electric motor drives both the extruder screw and a hydraulic motor that continuously charges a hydraulic accumulator during the extrusion process. During the injection cycle, the charge in the accumulator is directed to stroke the extruder screw and inject melt into the mold cavities. Another embodiment utilizes a similar arrangement on the clamp mechanism of the injection molding machine whereby the charge in the accumulator is directed to hold the mold closed during the injection cycle.
Claims11
An injection molding machine with an improved drive system including an injection unit comprising:
- a feed screw within a barrel having an inlet and an outlet;
- a hydraulic motor selectably in communication with at least one hydraulic accumulator via at least one hydraulic valve;
- a rotational drive unit simultaneously,
- rotating said feed screw for the plastisizing and conveying of material within said barrel from said inlet to said outlet,
- and powering said hydraulic motor for storage of energy in said accumulator;
- a hydraulic piston in selectable communication with said accumulator via said hydraulic valve, said piston in communication with said feed screw wherein pressure and flow from said accumulator causes translation of said piston which translates said feed screw and injects material through said outlet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.