Skip-eject system for injection molding machines

摘要

A skip-eject system for an injection molding machine includes an electronic camera for acquiring an actual image of an open mold after a part ejector has operated and a controller for comparing such actual image with an ideal image of the open mold with no part in the open mold. If a comparison of the actual image with the ideal image indicates that a part is no longer in the open mold, the controller outputs a close mold signal to close the mold and start injection molding of a new part. However, if the comparison indicates that the part is still in the open mold, the controller outputs an ejection signal to actuate the ejector to cycle again. This sequence continues until a comparison of an actual image of the open mold with the ideal image indicates that the part is no longer in the open mold. In an alternative implementation, the ejector continues to cycle until a comparison of an actual image of the open mold with the ideal image indicates the part has been ejected, whereupon the controller outputs a signal to stop the ejector cycling and to close the mold for injection molding a new part. Exceeding a threshold number of ejector cycles after the mold opens signals an alarm and stops the machinery.