United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,257,859 B1: K0da Et Al. (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 10, 2001
United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,257,859 B1: K0da Et Al. (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 10, 2001
(54) HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT OF AN INJECTION 5,756,019 5/1998 Nakazawa et al. .................. 425/149
MOLDING MACHINE 5,814,251 9/1998 Arai et al. ............................ 425/145
6,183,682 2/2001 Shimizu et al. ..................... 425/149
(75) Inventors: Toshiyasu Koda; Mamoru Miyagawa, FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
both of Nagano (JP)
6246800 6/1994 (JP).
(73) Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.,
Nagano-Ken (JP) * cited by examiner
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this Primary Examiner Tim Heitbrink
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 (57) ABSTRACT
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
A hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine includes
(21) Appl. No.: 09/488,541 a 4-port Servo valve having A, B, P, and Tports and adapted
to drive and control an injection cylinder. The A and B ports
(22) Filed: Jan. 21, 2000 are connected respectively to the front and rear oil chambers
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data of the injection cylinder. The P port is connected to a
hydraulic power unit. The Tport is connected to an oil tank
Jan. 25, 1999 (JP) ................................................... 11-15519 via a shutoff Valve for Selecting a regular mode or a
Jan. 25, 1999 (JP) ................................................... 11-15520 differential mode. The T port is connected to the rear oil
(51) Int. Cl." ..................................................... B29C 45/82 chamber via the logic valve. Alternatively, the rear oil
(52) U.S. Cl. .................. ... 425/145; 425/149 chamber is connected to a hydraulic power unit Side via the
(58) Field of Search ..................................... 425/145, 149, Servo valve; the front oil chamber is connected to an oil tank
425/150 via the shutoff valve; and the front oil chamber is connected
to the P port of the servo valve via the logic valve. The above
(56) References Cited configuration eliminates or simplifies an additional braking
circuit. Also, proper and accurate braking control can be
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS performed.
5,641,523 6/1997 Shioiri et al. ........................ 425/145
5,688,535 11/1997 Koda et al. .......................... 425/149 7 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
4. 2r M
M 2f 16 T2s /
a 244444 Zz (24 ZZ
5-3AAAAAAAC - A YS
"S
E.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz Aziz
2
U.S. Patent Jul. 10, 2001 Sheet 1 of 4 US 6,257,859 B1
FIG.1
4. 2r M
M 2f 6T12s /
3 || NA 77ZN
are cla??iff -
35E 5
8 6r
k
---
A
28 -----
i? D.III.
P
-- R Uis
2
m. m. m. m.
---.
h-27 L R
26
l, 25
3 3 3.
-5
23 22 24
U.S. Patent Jul. 10, 2001 Sheet 2 of 4 US 6,257,859 B1
FIG.2
/N -26s
V/ 35 NJECTION |S.
: \, YLINDER)
-- Y -
--- H
28 ------ ALTTX.
U.S. Patent Jul. 10, 2001 Sheet 3 of 4 US 6,257,859 B1
FIG.3
3. N A or 2f 162r 12s - M. ?y
N 6 24x114S
2-AAAAAAAA--
2ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz
5 3-Mzz/NSNs 2
21 A B
APIX
P||T
U.S. Patent Jul. 10, 2001 Sheet 4 of 4 US 6,257,859 B1
FIG.4
(PRIOR ART)
US 6,257,859 B1
1 2
HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT OF AN INJECTION eliminating or simplifying an additional braking circuit to
MOLDING MACHINE thereby reduce the number of components and manufactur
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ing cost thereof and capable of facilitating and Stabilizing
control.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hydraulic circuit of an Another object of the present invention is to provide a
injection molding machine having a differential mode in hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine capable of
which drain oil ejected from an injection cylinder during performing precise, accurate braking control to thereby
drastically improve molding quality.
injection is utilized as working fluid.
2. Description of the Relevant Art To achieve the above objects, the present invention pro
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 6 vides a hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine
(1994)-246800 discloses a conventional hydraulic circuit of permitting Selection of either a regular mode, in which all
an injection molding machine which permits Selection of drain oil ejected from a front oil chamber of an injection
either a regular mode or a differential mode. In the regular cylinder during injection is returned to an oil tank, or a
mode, all drain oil ejected from a front oil chamber of an 15
differential mode, in which all or a portion of the drain oil
injection cylinder during injection is returned to an oil tank. is Supplied to a rear oil chamber of the injection cylinder
during injection. The hydraulic circuit comprises a 4-port
In the differential mode, all or a portion of drain oil is servo valve having A, B, P, and T ports and adapted to drive
supplied to a rear oil chamber of the injection cylinder. FIG. and control the injection cylinder; a shutoff Valve for Select
4 Schematically shows a simplified block diagram of a ing the regular mode or the differential mode; and a logic
conventional hydraulic circuit 50 for the purpose of illus valve. The A and B ports of the servo valve are connected to
trating the principle of the hydraulic circuit 50. the front oil chamber and the rear oil chamber, respectively,
In FIG. 4, when a mode selector valve 51 is changed over of the injection cylinder. The P port of the servo valve is
to a right-side position marked with symbol R (hereinafter connected to a hydraulic power unit. The Tport of the servo
referred to as the R position), the regular mode is estab valve is connected to the oil tank via the shutoff valve. The
lished. Working fluid discharged from a hydraulic power 25
T port is also connected to the rear oil chamber of the
unit 52 during injection is Supplied via a main circuit 53 to injection cylinder via the logic valve.
a rear oil chamber 61r of an injection cylinder 61 of an When the shutoff valve is opened, the regular mode is
injection molding machine 60. All drain oil ejected from a
front oil chamber 61 f is returned to an oil tank 54 via the established, so that the T port of the servo valve communi
mode selector valve 51 set in the R position and the main cates with the oil tank via the shutoff valve. During injection
circuit 53. in the regular mode, working fluid from the hydraulic power
When the mode selector valve 51 is changed over to a unit is Supplied to the rear oil chamber of the injection
left-side position marked with symbol L (hereinafter cylinder of the injection molding machine via the Servo
referred to as the L position), a differential mode is estab valve. All drain oil ejected from the front oil chamber of the
lished. Working fluid discharged from the hydraulic power 35 injection cylinder is returned to the oil tank via the shutoff
unit 52 during injection is Supplied to the rear oil chamber valve. When the shutoff valve is closed, the differential
61r of the injection cylinder 61 via the main circuit 53. Drain mode is established. During injection in the differential
oil ejected from the front oil chamber 61f flows through the mode, working fluid from the hydraulic power unit is
mode selector valve 51 set in the L position and merges with Supplied to the rear oil chamber of the injection cylinder via
working fluid from the main circuit 53. The resultant mix 40 the servo valve. Drain oil ejected from the front oil chamber
ture is supplied to the rear oil chamber 61r of the injection flows through the logic valve and then merges with working
cylinder 61. In the differential mode, drain oil ejected from fluid from the hydraulic power unit. The resultant mixture is
the injection cylinder 61 is utilized as working fluid without Supplied to the rear oil chamber of the injection cylinder. At
being returned to the oil tank 54, thereby enabling injection the time of Stoppage of injection, a regular injection Stop
at a relatively high flow rate of working fluid without an 45 page is performed by means of the Servo Valve. Since drain
increase in the amount of working fluid Supplied from the oil ejected from the front oil chamber of the injection
hydraulic power unit 52, and thus implementing an increase cylinder is Supplied to the rear oil chamber via the Servo
in injection Speed, a reduction in the Size of an oil line, and Valve, which constitutes a meter-out circuit, the Servo valve
prevention of impact pressure. Serves also as a braking circuit.
However, in Spite of yielding of the above advantages 50 The present invention further provides a hydraulic circuit
through selection of the differential mode, the hydraulic of an injection molding machine permitting Selection of
circuit 50 having the differential mode yields the following either a regular mode, in which all drain oil ejected from a
disadvantage. Even when the Supply of working fluid from front oil chamber of an injection cylinder during injection is
the main circuit 53 is stopped, drain oil ejected from the returned to an oil tank, or a differential mode, in which all
front oil chamber 61f circulates directly to the rear oil 55 or a portion of the drain oil is Supplied to a rear oil chamber
chamber 61r due to inertia of a piston of the injection of the injection cylinder during injection. The hydraulic
cylinder 61. As a result, at the time of Stoppage of injection, circuit comprises a Servo Valve, a shutoff valve, and a logic
braking control cannot be performed precisely and accu valve. The rear oil chamber of the injection cylinder is
rately. For precise, accurate braking, the conventional connected to a hydraulic power unit Side via the Servo valve.
hydraulic circuit requires an additional braking circuit, 60 The front oil chamber of the injection cylinder is connected
to the oil tank via the shutoff valve. The front oil chamber
resulting in an increase in the number of components of the is connected to a Pport of the servo valve via the logic valve.
hydraulic circuit and an associated increase in manufactur
ing cost. Also, control becomes complicated and unstable. In the regular mode, the shutoff Valve is opened, So that
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
the front oil chamber of the injection cylinder communicates
65 with the oil tank via the shutoff valve, and a selector circuit
An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrau is changed over So as to close the logic Vale. Accordingly,
lic circuit of an injection molding machine capable of during injection, working fluid from the hydraulic power
US 6,257,859 B1
3 4
unit is Supplied to the rear oil chamber of the injection cylinder 2, and the B port of the servo valve 4 is connected
cylinder via the Servo valve, and all drain oil ejected from to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder 2. The P
the front oil chamber is returned to the oil tank. In the port of the Servo valve 4 is connected to the discharge Side
differential mode, the shutoff valve is closed, and the selec of a hydraulic power unit 5 via a logic valve 21. The
tor circuit is changed over So as to permit opening of the hydraulic power unit 5 includes a hydraulic pump 22, a
logic valve. Accordingly, during injection, working fluid pump motor 23 for driving the hydraulic pump 22, a filter 24
from the hydraulic power unit is Supplied to the rear oil connected to the Suction side of the hydraulic pump 22, a
chamber of the injection cylinder via the servo valve. Drain check valve 25 connected to the discharge side of the
oil ejected from the front oil chamber flows through the logic hydraulic pump 22, and an accumulator 26 connected to the
valve and then merges with working fluid from the hydraulic secondary side of the check valve 25. The logic valve 21 is
power unit. The resultant mixture is Supplied to the rear oil connected to the secondary side of the check valve 25
chamber of the injection cylinder via the servo valve. At the through a supply line 27. Reference numeral 28 denotes a
time of Stoppage of injection, a regular injection Stoppage is Selector valve. Through changing over of the Selector valve
performed by means of the servo valve. Since drain oil 28, the pilot port of the logic valve 21 is selectively
ejected from the front oil chamber of the injection cylinder 15 connected to the Supply line 27 or an oil tank 3. The filter 24
is Supplied to the rear oil chamber via the Servo valve, the is accommodated within the oil tank 3. The hydraulic pump
Servo valve Serves also as a braking circuit. 22 may be either a variable-delivery pump or a fixed
delivery pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The Tport of the servo valve 4 is connected to the oil tank
3 via a shutoff valve 6. When the shutoff valve 6 is opened,
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hydraulic circuit according the T port of the servo valve 4 communicates with the oil
to a first embodiment of the present invention; tank 3, thereby establishing a regular mode. When the
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hydraulic circuit according shutoff valve 6 is closed, the T port of the servo valve 4 is
to a modification of the first embodiment; shut off from the oil tank 3, thereby establishing a differ
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a hydraulic circuit according 25 ential mode. The T port of the servo valve 4 is connected to
to a Second embodiment of the present invention; and the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder 2 via the
FIG. 4 is a Schematic block diagram showing a simplified logic valve 7. The pilot port of the logic valve 7 is also
block diagram of a conventional hydraulic circuit for the connected to the rear oil chamber 2r. Thus is configured a
purpose of illustrating the principle of the hydraulic circuit. differential circuit 30. A relief valve 8 is installed in a line
extending between the front oil chamber 2f of the injection
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE cylinder 2 and the oil tank 3. Even when a Surge preSSure is
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS generated in drain oil ejected from the front oil chamber 2f,
the Surge pressure is relieved, since the drain oil is returned
Embodiments of the present invention will next be to the oil tank 3 via the relief valve 8.
described in detail with reference to the drawings. The 35 The operation of the hydraulic circuit 1 according to the
accompanying drawings are illustrative of the embodiments first embodiment will next be described. First, the shutoff
and are not meant to limit the Scope of the invention. In order valve 6 is opened; i.e., the shutoff valve 6 is set to a
to describe the invention clearly, detailed description of right-side position represented by Symbol R (hereinafter
known parts is omitted. referred to as the R position) in FIG. 1, thereby establishing
FIG. 1 shows a hydraulic circuit 1 of an injection molding 40 the regular mode. The T port of the servo valve 4 commu
machine M according to a first embodiment of the present nicates with the oil tank 3 via the shutoff valve 6 set in the
invention. R position. In an injection Step, first, the Selector valve 28 is
In FIG. 1, symbol Mi denotes an injection unit of the Set to a left-side position represented by Symbol L
injection molding machine M, while a mold-clamping unit (hereinafter referred to as the L position) in FIG. 1 (the
is omitted. The injection unit Mi includes an injection 45 selector valve 28 is also set to the L position in the
cylinder 2. The rear end of a heating cylinder 11 is connected differential mode). The pilot port of the logic valve 21
to the front end of the injection cylinder 2. An oil motor 12 communicates with the oil tank 3. Working fluid discharged
for rotating a Screw is connected to the rear end of the from the hydraulic power unit 5 flows through the logic
injection cylinder 2. An injection nozzle 13 is attached to the valve 21 and the servo valve 4 and is then supplied to the
front end of the heating cylinder 11. A hopper 14 is disposed 50 rear oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder 2. Notably, in
at a rear portion of the heating cylinder 11. The heating the hydraulic power unit 5, through operation of the hydrau
cylinder 11 accommodates an injection screw 15. The rear lic pump 22, pressure is accumulated in the accumulator 26.
end of the injection screw 15 is connected to the front end In the injection Step, the Servo valve 4 causes working fluid
of a rod portion 16r of a single-rod piston 16 accommodated to be supplied to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection
in the injection cylinder 2. The interior of the injection 55 cylinder 2. Such that the injection Screw 15 assumes a
cylinder 2 is divided into a front oil chamber 2f and a rear predetermined injection Speed. All drain oil ejected from the
oil chamber 2r by means of the piston 16. Adriving shaft 12S front oil chamber 2f is returned to the oil tank 3 via the servo
of the oil motor 12 is spline-connected to the rear end of the valve 4 and the shutoff valve 6 set in the R position.
piston 16. Thus, the injection screw 15 is caused to advance/ When the shutoff valve 6 is closed; i.e., when the shutoff
retreat by means of the injection cylinder 2 and is rotated by 60 valve 6 is set to a left-side position represented by symbol
means of the oil motor 12. L (hereinafter referred to as the L position) in FIG. 1, the
The hydraulic circuit 1 includes a 4-port servo valve 4. differential mode is established. The T port of the servo
The servo valve 4 drives and controls the injection cylinder valve 4 is shut off from the oil tank 3 by the shutoff valve
2 according to a received control Signal and performs Servo 6 Set in the L position. Accordingly, in the injection Step,
control with respect to the Speed, preSSure, and position of 65 working fluid discharged from the hydraulic power unit 5 is
the injection screw 15. The A port of the servo valve 4 is Supplied to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder
connected to the front oil chamber 2f of the injection 2 via the servo valve 4. Drain oil ejected from the front oil
US 6,257,859 B1
S 6
chamber 2f is Supplied to the primary Side of the logic valve that the preSSure of the primary Side thereof becomes equal
7. The pressure of the primary side of the logic valve 7 to or greater than the Sum of the pressure of the accumulator
increases with the amount of drain oil. Thus, when the 26 and a cracking preSSure, indicating that the injection
preSSure of the primary Side becomes equal to or greater than piston advances while high preSSure is maintained within the
the Sum of a cracking preSSure and the pressure of the 5 front oil chamber 2f of the injection cylinder 2. Therefore,
Secondary Side of the logic valve 7, the logic valve 7 opens, the modification is inferior to the first embodiment in terms
permitting the drain oil to pass through the logic valve 7. The of durability of packing.
drain oil merges with working fluid discharged from the As shown in FIG. 2, in the modification, a portion of the
servo valve 4. The resultant mixture is supplied to the rear
oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder 2. Thus, injection at hydraulic circuit 1S which is enclosed by an imaginary line
a relatively high flow rate of working fluid can be performed imaginary asline
is formed an injection manifold 35. AS represented by an
without an increase in the amount of working fluid Supplied attached to the 26S, the accumulator 26 can be directly
from the hydraulic power unit 5, thereby implementing an further reduction in the sizemanifold
injection 35, thereby enabling a
of an oil line which connects the
increase in injection Speed, a reduction in the size of an oil hydraulic power unit 5 and the injection manifold 35.
line, and prevention of impact pressure. 15
At the time of Stoppage of injection, a regular injection Next, FIG. 3 shows a hydraulic circuit 1 of an injection
molding
Stoppage is performed by means of the Servo valve 4. Since the present machine M according to a Second embodiment of
drain oil ejected from the front oil chamber 2f of the invention.
injection cylinder 2 is Supplied to the rear oil chamber 2r via In FIG. 3, symbol Mi denotes an injection unit of the
the servo valve 4, which constitutes a meter-out circuit, the 20 injection molding machine M, while a mold-clamping unit
Servo valve 4 Serves also as a braking circuit. Specifically, is omitted. The injection unit Mi includes an injection
the drain oil which is supplied from the front oil chamber 2f cylinder 2. The rear end of a heating cylinder 11 is connected
to the rear oil chamber 2r by means of the differential circuit to the front end of the injection cylinder 2. An oil motor 12
30 flows at a low flow rate because of throttling effected by for rotating a Screw is connected to the rear end of the
the Servo valve 4, thereby effecting Sufficient braking. Thus, 25 injection cylinder 2. An injection nozzle 13 is attached to the
there is no need for employing an additional braking circuit. front end of the heating cylinder 11. Ahopper 14 is disposed
Even when an additional braking circuit is to be employed, at a rear portion of the heating cylinder 11. The heating
the braking circuit can be simplified. Therefore, the number cylinder 11 accommodates an injection screw 15. The rear
of components of the hydraulic circuit 1 can be reduced with end of the injection screw 15 is connected to the front end
a resultant reduction in manufacturing cost. Also, control 30 of a rod portion 16r of a single-rod piston 16 accommodated
can be facilitated and Stabilized, and proper and accurate in the injection cylinder 2. The interior of the injection
braking control can be performed, thereby improving mold cylinder 2 is divided into a front oil chamber 2f and a rear
ing quality drastically. Even when a Surge pressure is oil chamber 2r by means of the piston 16. Adriving shaft 12S
generated during braking, the Surge pressure is relieved by of the oil motor 12 is spline-connected to the rear end of the
means of the relief valve 8. 35 piston 16. Thus, the injection screw 15 is caused to advance/
In transition from the injection Step to a pressure-holding retreat by means of the injection cylinder 2 and is rotated by
means of the oil motor 12.
step, the shutoff valve 6 is set to the R position. As a result,
the logic valve 7 communicates with the oil tank 3, and thus The hydraulic circuit 1 includes a 4-port servo valve 4.
the pressure of the primary side of the logic valve 7 becomes The servo valve 4 drives and controls the injection cylinder
lower than that of the Secondary Side. Therefore, the logic 40 2 according to a received control Signal and performs Servo
valve 7 closes, and the pressure of the front oil chamber 2f control with respect to the Speed, preSSure, and position of
of the injection cylinder 2 decreases, thereby maintaining the injection screw 15. The A port of the servo valve 4 is
high holding pressure. connected to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder
Next, a hydraulic circuit 1S according to a modification of 2, and the P port of the servo valve 4 is connected to the
the first embodiment will be described with reference to 45 discharge Side of a hydraulic power unit 5 via a logic valve
FIG. 2. In FIG. 1, the Tport of the servo valve 4 is connected 21. The hydraulic power unit 5 includes a hydraulic pump
to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder 2 via the 22, a pump motor 23 for driving the hydraulic pump 22, a
logic valve 7. By contrast, in the modification, the Tport of filter 24 connected to the Suction Side of the hydraulic pump
the servo valve 4 is connected to the Pport of the servo valve 22, a check valve 25 connected to the discharge Side of the
4 via the logic valve 7. Accordingly, in the differential mode, 50 hydraulic pump 22, and an accumulator 26 connected to the
drain oil which passes through the logic valve 7 merges with secondary side of the check valve 25. The logic valve 21 is
working fluid at the P port of the servo valve 4. The resultant connected to the secondary side of the check valve 25
mixture flows through the servo valve 4 and is then supplied through a supply line 27. The T port of the servo valve 4 is
to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder 2. The connected to an oil tank 3, and the B port of the servo valve
modification is basically similar to the first embodiment 55 4 is blocked. Reference numeral 28 denotes a selector valve.
shown in FIG. 1 in that the servo valve 4 serves also as a Through changing over of the Selector valve 28, the pilot
braking circuit. In the modification, drain oil which passes port of the logic valve 21 is Selectively connected to the
through the logic valve 7 is supplied to the P port of the servo supply line 27 or the oil tank 3. The filter 24 is accommo
valve 4, so that all working fluid to be supplied to the rear dated within the oil tank 3. The hydraulic pump 22 may be
oil chamber 2r undergoes flow control performed by the 60 either a variable-delivery pump or a fixed-delivery pump.
Servo Valve 4. Thus, braking performance is improved more The front oil chamber 2f of the injection cylinder 2 is
than is in the case of the first embodiment. However, in the connected to the oil tank 3 via a shutoff valve 6s and is
modification, Since the pressure of the accumulator 26 is connected to the P port of the servo valve 4 via a logic valve
always applied to the Pport of the servo valve 4, the pressure 7s. A selector circuit 8s is connected to the pilot port of the
of the accumulator 26 is applied to the Secondary Side and 65 logic valve 7s and permits the logic valve 7s to close in the
the pilot port of the logic valve 7. Accordingly, in the regular mode and to open in the differential mode. The
injection Step, the logic valve 7 opens under the condition Selector circuit 8s includes a selector valve 29 and a shuttle
US 6,257,859 B1
7 8
valve 30s. One inflow port of the shuttle valve 30s is logic valve 7S. The pressure of the primary Side of the logic
Selectively connected to the primary Side of the logic valve valve 7s increases with the amount of drain oil. Thus, when
7s or the oil tank 3. The other inflow port of the shuttle valve the pressure of the primary Side becomes equal to or greater
30s is connected to the secondary side of the logic valve 7s. than the Sum of a cracking pressure and the preSSure of the
The outflow port of the shuttle valve 30s is connected to the secondary side of the logic valve 7s, the logic valve 7s
pilot port of the logic valve 7s. opens, permitting the drain oil to pass through the logic
When the shutoff valve 6s is set to the R position (the valve 7S. The drain oil merges with working fluid discharged
shutoff valve 6s is opened) in FIG. 3, and the selector valve from the hydraulic power unit 5. The resultant mixture is
29 is set to an upper-side position represented by symbol U Supplied to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection cylinder
(hereinafter referred to as the U position) in FIG. 3, the 2. Thus, injection at a relatively high flow rate of working
regular mode is established. The front oil chamber 2f of the fluid can be performed without an increase in the amount of
injection cylinder 2 communicates with the oil tank 3. One working fluid supplied from the hydraulic power unit 5,
inflow port of the shuttle valve 30s is connected to the thereby implementing an increase in injection Speed, a
primary Side of the logic valve 7S. Thus, the pressure of a reduction in the size of an oil line, and prevention of impact
preSSure.
Spring chamber of the logic valve 7s increases, So that the 15
At the time of Stoppage of injection, a regular injection
logic valve 7s closes. As a result, no oil flows from the Stoppage is performed by means of the Servo valve 4. Since
primary side of the logic valve 7s to the secondary side. By drain oil ejected from the front oil chamber 2f of the
contrast, when the shutoff valve 6s is set to the L position injection cylinder 2 is Supplied to the rear oil chamber 2r via
(the shutoff valve 6s is closed), and the selector valve 29 is the Servo valve 4, which constitutes a meter-out circuit, the
Set to a lower-side position represented by Symbol D Servo valve 4 Serves also as a braking circuit. Thus, there is
(hereinafter referred to as the D position), the differential no need for employing an additional braking circuit. Even
mode is established. The front oil chamber 2f of the injection when an additional braking circuit is to be employed, the
cylinder 2 is shut off from the oil tank 3. One inflow port of braking circuit can be simplified. Therefore, the number of
the shuttle valve 30s is connected to the oil tank 3. Thus, the components of the hydraulic circuit 1 can be reduced with a
preSSure of the Spring chamber of the logic valve 7s 25 resultant reduction in manufacturing cost. Also, control can
decreases, So that the logic valve 7s opens. As a result, oil be facilitated and Stabilized, and proper and accurate braking
flows from the primary side of the logic valve 7s to the control can be performed, thereby improving molding qual
Secondary Side; i.e., a differential circuit 31 is formed. ity drastically. Notably, by setting the selector valve 29 to the
A relief valve 9 is installed in a line extending between the U position, the logic valve 7s closes as does in the regular
front oil chamber 2f of the injection cylinder 2 and the oil mode. As a result, the preSSure of the front oil chamber 2f
tank 3. Even when a Surge pressure is generated in drain oil increases, thereby rapidly decelerating the piston 16. Also,
ejected from the front oil chamber 2f, the Surge pressure is even when a high Surge pressure is generated during
relieved, since the drain oil is returned to the oil tank 3 via braking, the Surge pressure is relieved by means of the relief
the relief valve 9. A portion of the hydraulic circuit 1 which valve 9.
is enclosed by an imaginary line is formed as an injection 35 In transition from the injection Step to a preSSure-holding
manifold 32. AS represented by an imaginary line 26S, the step, the shutoff valve 6s is set to the R position, and the
accumulator 26 can be directly attached to the injection selector valve 29 is set to the Uposition. As a result, the front
manifold 32, thereby enabling a further reduction in the size oil chamber 2f communicates with the oil tank 3, and the
of an oil line which connects the hydraulic power unit 5 and primary Side or the Secondary Side, whichever higher in
the injection manifold 32. 40 preSSure, of the logic valve 7s is connected to the pilot port
The operation of the hydraulic circuit 1 according to the of the logic valve 7S. Therefore, the logic valve 7s closes,
second embodiment will next be described. In the regular and the pressure of the front oil chamber 2f of the injection
mode, as described above, the shutoff valve 6s is set to the cylinder 2 decreases, thereby maintaining high holding
R position (the shutoff valve 6s is opened), and the selector preSSure.
valve 29 is set to the U position. Thus, the logic valve 7s is 45 While the present invention has been described with
normally closed. In an injection Step, first, the Selector valve reference to the preferred embodiments, the present inven
28 is set to the L position (the selector valve 28 is also set tion is not limited thereto. Regarding Structural details,
to the L position in the differential mode). The pilot port of shape, components, among others, modifications and any
the logic valve 21 communicates with the oil tank 3. omission or addition may be possible as needed without
Working fluid discharged from the hydraulic power unit 5 50 departing from the Scope of the invention. For example, the
flows through the logic valve 21 and the servo valve 4 and relief valve 8 (9) is not necessarily installed. The above
is then Supplied to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection embodiments are described while mentioning that, in the
cylinder 2. Notably, in the hydraulic power unit 5, through differential mode, all drain oil is Supplied to the rear oil
operation of the hydraulic pump 22, pressure is accumulated chamber 2r of the injection cylinder 2. However, a portion
in the accumulator 26. In the injection Step, the Servo valve 55 of drain oil may be supplied to the rear oil chamber 2r. The
4 causes working fluid to be Supplied to the rear oil chamber term “connect' implies not only direct connection to a target
2r of the injection cylinder 2 such that the injection screw 15 region but also connection to an oil line connected to the
assumes a predetermined injection Speed. All drain oil target region or connection to another region to which the oil
ejected from the front oil chamber 2f is returned to the oil line is connected.
tank 3 via the shutoff valve 6s set in the R position. 60 What is claimed is:
In the differential mode, the shutoff valve 6s is set to the 1. A hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine
L position (the shutoff valve 6s is closed), and the selector permitting Selection of either a regular mode, in which all
Valve 29 is set to the D position. Accordingly, in the injection drain oil ejected from a front oil chamber of an injection
Step, working fluid discharged from the hydraulic power unit cylinder during injection is returned to an oil tank, or a
5 is supplied to the rear oil chamber 2r of the injection 65 differential mode, in which all or a portion of the drain oil
cylinder 2 via the servo valve 4. Drain oil ejected from the is Supplied to a rear oil chamber of Said injection cylinder
front oil chamber 2f is supplied to the primary side of the during injection, Said hydraulic circuit comprising:
US 6,257,859 B1
9 10
a 4-port Servo valve having A, B, P, and T ports and a logic valve, via which the T port of said servo valve is
adapted to drive and control Said injection cylinder, the connected to the P port of said servo valve.
A and B ports being connected to the front oil chamber 4. A hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine
and the rear oil chamber, respectively, of Said injection according to claim 3, wherein a relief valve is installed in a
cylinder, and the P port being connected to a hydraulic line extending between the front oil chamber and Said oil
power unit; tank.
a shutoff Valve for Selecting the regular mode or the 5. A hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine
differential mode, the T port of said servo valve being permitting Selection of either a regular mode, in which all
connected to Said oil tank Via Said shutoff Valve, and drain oil ejected from a front oil chamber of an injection
a logic valve, via which the T port of said servo valve is cylinder during injection is returned to an oil tank, or a
connected to the rear oil chamber of Said injection differential mode, in which all or a portion of the drain oil
cylinder. is Supplied to a rear oil chamber of Said injection cylinder
2. A hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine during injection, Said hydraulic circuit comprising:
according to claim 1, wherein a relief valve is installed in a 15
a servo valve, via which the rear oil chamber of Said
line extending between the front oil chamber and Said oil injection cylinder is connected to a hydraulic power
tank. unit,
3. A hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine a shutoff valve, via which the front oil chamber of Said
permitting Selection of either a regular mode, in which all injection cylinder is connected to Said oil tank, and
drain oil ejected from a front oil chamber of an injection a logic valve, via which the front oil chamber of said
cylinder during injection is returned to an oil tank, or a injection cylinder is connected to a Pport of Said Servo
differential mode, in which all or a portion of the drain oil valve.
is Supplied to a rear oil chamber of Said injection cylinder 6. A hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine
during injection, Said hydraulic circuit comprising: according to claim 5, wherein a Selector circuit is connected
a 4-port Servo valve having A, B, P, and T ports and 25 to a pilot port of Said logic valve and permits said logic valve
adapted to drive and control Said injection cylinder, the to be closed in the regular mode and to be opened in the
A and B ports being connected to the front oil chamber differential mode.
and the rear oil chamber, respectively, of Said injection 7. A hydraulic circuit of an injection molding machine
cylinder, and the P port being connected to a hydraulic according to claim 5, wherein a relief valve is installed in a
power unit; line extending between the front oil chamber and Said oil
a shutoff Valve for Selecting the regular mode or the tank.
differential mode, the T port of said servo valve being
connected to Said oil tank Via Said shutoff Valve, and