Method apparatus for ejector set-up
AssigneeUniloy Milacron USA Inc.
InventorAndrew K. Stirn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for control of an ejector mechanism of a molding machine. A procedure is executed without operator intervention for setting limits for controlling motion of movable members of mold assemblies, the movable members linked to ejector pins communicating with the mold cavity and used to assure molded articles are dislodged from a mold element. The procedure, typically associated with a “set-up” mode of control, operates an ejector mechanism with reduced force to drive the movable members to the extremes of travel thereof, senses a “stalled” condition at each extreme, and causes measured position of each extreme to be recorded. Position values intended for use in normal (program controlled) operation of the molding machine are derived from the recorded position values.
Claims18
A method for setting program controlled travel limits of an ejector mechanism of a molding machine, the ejector mechanism providing propulsion for movable members of a mold assembly, the movable members being connected to ejector pins effective to dislodge molded articles from a mold section, the method comprising:
- a) setting an ejector actuator control parameter to limit useable force produced by the actuator;
- b) driving the ejector actuator to advance the movable members toward an ejector forward extreme whereat advance is mechanically restrained;
- c) defining an ejector forward travel limit in response to detecting a first stalled condition of the ejector actuator associated with the ejector forward extreme;
- d) driving the ejector actuator to retract the movable members toward an ejector rearward extreme whereat retraction is mechanically restrained;
- e) defining an ejector rearward travel limit in response to detecting a second stalled condition of the ejector actuator associated with the ejector rearward extreme.
An apparatus for setting program controlled travel limits of an ejector mechanism of a molding machine, the ejector mechanism providing propulsion for movable members of a mold assembly, the movable members being linked to ejector pins, motion of the ejector pins effective to dislodge molded articles from a mold section, the apparatus comprising:
- a) an ejector actuator for operating the ejector mechanism to effect motion of the movable members;
- b) a position transducer for measuring position representative of position of the ejector pins;
- and
- c) a programmed controller for controlling the ejector mechanism, the controller setting an ejector actuator control parameter to limit useable force produced by the actuator, driving the ejector actuator to advance the movable members toward an ejector forward extreme whereat advance is mechanically restrained, defining a forward travel limit in response to detecting a first stalled condition of the ejector actuator associated with the ejector forward extreme, driving the ejector actuator to retract the movable members toward an ejector rearward extreme whereat retraction is mechanically restrained, and, defining a rearward travel limit in response to detecting a second stalled condition of the ejector actuator associated with the ejector rearward extreme.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.