Actuator for a molding system
View Patent ↗An actuator ( 100 ) for a molding system ( 900 ) is disclosed. The actuator ( 100 ) includes a linear actuator ( 102 ). The linear actuator ( 102 ) is configured to move a payload ( 160 ) relative to a support structure ( 170 ). The linear actuator ( 102 ) is connectable to the support structure ( 170 ) and the payload ( 160 ). The actuator ( 100 ) also includes a first compensator ( 104 ). The first compensator ( 104 ) is configured to compensate for a relative misalignment between the linear actuator ( 102 ) and the payload ( 160 ). The actuator ( 100 ) further includes a second compensator ( 106 ). The second compensator ( 106 ) is configured to compensate for a relative misalignment between the linear actuator ( 102 ) and the support structure ( 170 ).
1. An actuator ( 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 A, 400 B) for a molding system ( 900 , 950 ), the actuator ( 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 A, 400 B) comprising:
a linear actuator ( 102 , 202 , 302 , 402 A, 402 B) configured to move a payload ( 160 , 360 , 460 ) relative to a support structure ( 170 , 370 , 470 ), the linear actuator ( 102 , 202 , 302 , 402 ) being connectable to the support structure ( 170 , 370 , 470 ) and the payload ( 160 , 360 , 460 );
a first compensator ( 104 , 204 , 304 , 404 A, 404 B) configured to compensate for relative misalignment between the linear actuator ( 102 , 202 , 302 , 402 A, 402 B) and the payload ( 160 , 360 , 460 ), the first compensator connects the linear actuator to the payload, the first compensator includes a first universal joint configured to connect the linear actuator to the payload; and
a second compensator ( 106 , 206 , 306 , 406 A, 406 B) configured to compensate for relative misalignment between the linear actuator ( 102 , 202 , 302 , 402 A, 402 B) and the support structure ( 170 , 370 , 470 ), the second compensator includes a second universal joint configured to connect the linear actuator to the support structure.
2. The actuator ( 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 A, 400 B) of claim 1 , wherein the first compensator ( 104 , 204 , 304 , 404 A, 404 B) includes:
a first joint, whereby the payload ( 160 , 360 , 460 ) is pivotally connected to the linear actuator ( 102 , 202 , 302 , 402 A, 402 B).
3. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the first compensator includes:
a first bendable connector configured to connect the linear actuator to the payload.
4. The actuator ( 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 A, 400 B) of claim 1 ,
whereby the support structure ( 170 , 370 , 470 ) is pivotally connected to the linear actuator ( 102 , 202 , 302 , 402 A, 402 B).
5. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the second compensator includes:
a second bendable connector configured to connect the linear actuator to the support structure.
6. The actuator ( 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 A, 400 B) of claim 1 , wherein the linear actuator ( 102 , 202 , 302 , 402 A, 402 B) includes:
a threaded member ( 108 , 308 , 408 A, 408 B) configured to rotate about an operational axis (A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 ); and
a threaded collar ( 110 , 310 , 410 A, 410 B) configured to engage with the threaded member ( 108 , 308 , 408 A, 408 B) such that the threaded member ( 108 , 308 , 408 A, 408 B) causes the threaded collar ( 110 , 310 , 410 A, 410 B) to move along the operational axis (A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 ) when the threaded member ( 108 , 308 , 408 A, 408 B) rotates about the operational axis (A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 ).
7. The actuator ( 100 , 200 ) of claim 1 , wherein the support structure ( 170 ) includes:
a first platen ( 132 );
a third platen ( 136 );
tie bars ( 138 ) extending between the first platen ( 132 ) and the third platen ( 136 ); and
a clamp cylinder ( 144 ) associated with the third platen ( 136 ).
8. The actuator ( 100 , 200 ) of claim 7 , wherein the payload ( 160 ) includes:
a second platen ( 134 ) movable between the first platen ( 132 ) and the third platen ( 136 );
a clamp column ( 142 ) connected to the second platen ( 134 ) and the linear actuator ( 102 , 202 ); and
a movable mold portion ( 124 ) associated with the second platen ( 134 ).
9. The actuator ( 300 ) of claim 1 , wherein the support structure ( 370 ) includes:
a stationary platen ( 332 ); and
tie bars ( 338 ) extending between the stationary platen ( 332 ) and a movable platen ( 334 ).
10. The actuator ( 300 ) of claim 9 , wherein the payload ( 360 ) includes:
the movable platen ( 334 ) slidably movable relative to the tie bars ( 338 ); and
a movable mold portion ( 124 ) associated with the movable platen ( 334 ).
11. The actuator ( 400 A, 400 B) of claim 1 , wherein the support structure ( 470 ) includes:
an injection rear housing ( 812 ).
12. The actuator ( 400 A, 400 B) of claim 11 , wherein the payload ( 460 ) includes:
an injection front housing ( 810 );
a screw drive ( 808 ) connected to the injection front housing ( 810 ); and
a feed screw ( 806 ) operatively connected to the screw drive ( 808 ).