JP2001001401A - Apparatus for manufacture of expanded diameter straw tube - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To continuously manufacture a great number of expanded diameter straw tubes while an amount of resin to be used is reduced, a sufficient buckling strength and a sufficient end part diameter are provided, and a manufacturing cost is reduced. SOLUTION: In this apparatus, an expanded-diameter part wherein a diameter is expanded toward an end part is provided to a cylindrical straw tube. In this case, this apparatus comprises a straw tube supply part 21 for continuously supplying the straw tube 1A, a straw tube conveying part 4 wherein a plurality of straw tubes 1A are continuously conveyed in a state in which the straw tube 1A is positioned in a direction crossing almost at right angles a conveying direction, and a diameter expansion working part 5 wherein an almost cone shape mold 3 to be made in a heated state is inserted into the straw tube 1A to expand the diameter.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an expanded straw pipe, and more particularly to a technique suitable for manufacturing an expanded straw pipe used for an insertion jig such as a tampon applicator. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A tampon used as a menstrual blood treatment product has a columnar absorbent made of fibers such as absorbent cotton, one end of which is rounded in a hemispherical shape, and the other end of which is drawn out after actual use. The string used has an elongated shape. Some tampons use an insertion aid such as an applicator for insertion.As the applicator, there are an outer cylinder containing an absorber, and an inner cylinder located behind the outer cylinder and provided to be able to be pushed inward. There are some that have shapes. One example of such a tampon is shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a tampon with an applicator. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes an absorber made of a nonwoven fabric or the like. The absorber 10 is housed in an outer cylinder 11, and a reduced diameter portion 11b having a reduced diameter is provided behind the outer cylinder 11. The inner cylinder 12 slides on the reduced diameter portion 11b. Packed as possible. Inner cylinder 12
In order to prevent the inner cylinder 12 from coming off from the outer cylinder 11 and to maintain the strength of the inner cylinder 12, flange portions 12a, 12a are provided at both ends of the inner cylinder 12. In this tampon, the absorber 10 is pushed out from the tip 11a of the outer cylinder 11 by pushing the inner cylinder 12 into the outer cylinder 11 with a finger during actual use.

With respect to the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12,
There has been a demand for compactness and weight reduction in order to improve the handling properties during carrying and use, and it has been required to maintain the strength in terms of safety as a medical device. Therefore, the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12
Is polyethylene, especially LDPE (low density poly)
It is manufactured by injection molding a resin such as ethylene). Here, regarding the outer cylinder 11, the absorber 10
No further reduction in weight is possible due to restrictions on the size of the device. Therefore, in conjunction with the requirement to reduce the manufacturing cost, the inner cylinder 12 is required to reduce the amount of resin to be used, and to further reduce the size and weight.

[0005]

However, the inner cylinder 1
If the wall thickness 12d of the inner cylinder is simply reduced in order to reduce the amount of resin used for forming the second cylinder 2, there is a problem that it is difficult to maintain the buckling strength of the inner cylinder 12. The inner cylinder 12
The form used as a medical device is required to withstand a force of 1 kgf or more. If the buckling strength is weaker than this, the inner cylinder 12 is deformed when the absorber 10 is pushed out. And the absorber 10 may not be able to be sufficiently extruded.

In order to reduce the amount of resin used to form the inner cylinder 12 and maintain its strength, the inner cylinder 1
It is conceivable that the outer diameter 12D of the second cylinder 2 is reduced, but in this case, the area of the inner cylinder 12 in contact with the absorber 10 is reduced, and the force for pushing the inner cylinder 12 into the outer cylinder 11 is reduced. And the end of the inner cylinder 12 on the outer cylinder 11 side is
There is a possibility that an inconvenience that the absorber 10 cannot be sufficiently extruded due to being entangled may occur. further,
Since the area of the end 12b of the inner cylinder 12 on the side opposite to the outer cylinder 11 is reduced, there is a possibility that the end 12b may be difficult to be pressed with a finger.

Further, in order to reduce the amount of resin used to form the inner cylinder 12 and maintain its strength, for example, in order to reduce the size and weight of the inner cylinder 12, for example,
It is conceivable that the outer diameter 12D of No. 2 is reduced and the diameter of the flange portion 12a is increased. Here, in order to reduce the amount of resin used effectively, the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 12 must be 4 mm.
In this case, it is necessary to set the diameter of the core mold used at the time of injection molding to 4 or less.
It must be set to about mm or less. In this state, the diameter of the core mold is thin and the strength is reduced and insufficient.
When a large number of inner cylinders are continuously manufactured, there is a possibility that the core mold is deformed, and the operability is too poor, so that there is a problem that it is practically impossible. Therefore, there is a need for a manufacturing apparatus capable of manufacturing an enlarged straw tube that solves the above-mentioned problems.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to achieve the following objects. To provide an apparatus for manufacturing an expanded straw tube. Reduce the amount of resin used. Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing an expanded straw tube having sufficient buckling strength. Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing an enlarged straw pipe having a sufficient end diameter. To reduce the manufacturing cost of the expanded straw tube. To be able to continuously manufacture large-diameter straw tubes in large quantities.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a large-diameter straw pipe having a cylindrical straw pipe provided with a large-diameter section that expands toward its end. A straw-tube supply unit for continuously supplying straw-tubes having the same diameter over the entire length and having the same diameter, and a plurality of straw-tubes arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction. A straw tube transporting section that continuously transports the straw pipe, and a diameter expanding section that expands the diameter by inserting a substantially conical mold that is in a heated state into the same diameter straw pipe,
The above problem has been solved by having an inspection unit for inspecting the shape of the formed enlarged-diameter portion and an elimination unit for excluding those judged to be defective in the inspection unit. Here, in the present invention, “substantially perpendicular” means that an angle is formed with respect to the transport direction within a range in which the mold can be inserted into the end of the straw pipe. In addition, continuous means that even if the movement of the straw tube itself is intermittent or intermittent, even if the number of production lines is averaged over a certain period of time as a production line, the expanded straw tube produced is This means that it can be taken out continuously as much as a continuously supplied straw tube of the same diameter.

[0010] The apparatus for manufacturing a widened straw tube according to the present invention forms a long tubular body (straw tube) made of a thermoplastic resin and supplies it by a straw tube supply unit. A mold whose diameter is increased from a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body (straw tube) to a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body (straw tube) from the distal end to the base end is formed by the above-mentioned method. Push in while heating at least one end,
An enlarged diameter portion having an inner diameter and an outer diameter that increase from the center toward the end is formed.

Here, the enlarged diameter straw tube of the present invention is provided with an enlarged diameter portion having an inner diameter and an outer diameter increased toward at least one end of a long tubular body (straw tube). Preferably, it is provided. Such an expanded straw tube is
Because it is provided with an enlarged diameter portion whose inner diameter and outer diameter are increased toward the end of the cylindrical body, and equivalent buckling strength,
Compared to a cylinder having an outer diameter equal to the maximum outer diameter of the enlarged portion, the amount of material used can be reduced. That is, even if the wall thickness of the enlarged diameter straw tube is made thick enough to obtain a desired buckling strength, the amount of material to be used is small because the outer diameter of the central portion is small. Therefore, weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved. Note that the enlarged diameter portions may be provided at both ends of the straw pipe.

[0012] It is preferable that the expanded straw tube to be manufactured is made of a thermoplastic resin, and more preferably, it is a monopolypropylene, a block copolymer polypropylene, or a high impact polypropylene HIPP (high impact polypropyl).
ene). The straw tube can be manufactured and supplied by extrusion. In the above-mentioned enlarged diameter straw pipe, it is preferable that a flange is provided at an enlarged end of the enlarged diameter portion. With such an enlarged straw tube, the strength of the end of the enlarged straw tube can be improved. In addition, compared to the case where the flange is not provided, the stress from the end of the enlarged straw tube generated when a force is applied from the end of the enlarged straw tube to the length direction of the enlarged straw tube is dispersed. It is easy to be done. Therefore, when this enlarged diameter straw tube is used, for example, as an inner tube of a tampon, the end of the enlarged diameter straw tube becomes difficult to sink into the absorber or the finger. further,
In the above-described enlarged straw pipe, it is preferable that the maximum outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion is 1.5 to 4 times the outer diameter of the central portion.

[0013] It is preferable that the straw tube conveying section of the present invention is a chain rider in which a plurality of conveying tables provided with grooves for mounting the straw tubes are connected in an endless track state.
The conveyed straw tube may be provided in a direction substantially the same as the drive shaft of the chain rider, or the conveyed straw tube may be provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft of the chain rider.

In the diameter-expanded portion of the present invention, a substantially conical mold inserted into the end of the straw tube of the same diameter in a heated state, and a mold inserted into the end of the straw tube of the same diameter. Means provided with mold driving means, cooling means for cooling the expanded straw tube, and fixing means for fixing the straw tube to the conveyor (straw tube conveying portion) of the chain rider when the mold is inserted. Can also be adopted. Here, the substantially conical shape means having an outer surface shape corresponding to the shape of the enlarged diameter portion in order to obtain the enlarged diameter portion of the call, a cone, a pyramid, a cone having a different apex angle. It also includes a combination of a body and a shape obtained by combining a cylindrical shape, a rectangular tube shape, and the like.

[0015] In addition, the state where the axis of the straw tube of the same diameter coincides with or does not coincide with the axis of the mold at the time of insertion, and the mold can be formed in an asymmetric shape in which the mold is not a target. The cross-sectional shape of the mold corresponding to the enlarged diameter portion is substantially circular,
It may be an elliptical, triangular, quadrangular or other square shape, or a combination thereof. This makes it possible to manufacture a widened straw tube that is difficult to manufacture by injection molding, and to manufacture a widened portion having various shapes and a widened straw tube having such a widened portion. Can be. The mold driving means can be driven to insert the mold in a state in which the axis of symmetry of the mold having a substantially conical shape is coincident with the axis of the straw tube in the transport state by the fixing means or the like, A plurality of dies can be driven simultaneously.

The mold according to the present invention is provided with a stepped portion which projects from the insertion portion formed as a conical inclined surface over the entire circumference thereof, and which comes into contact with the tip of the straw tube at the time of expanding the diameter to form a flange portion. When manufacturing the enlarged straw tube, it is desirable to form a flange at the end of the cylindrical body by using a mold having a step at the base end. Thus, a flange can be formed at the end of the tubular body, and the enlarged diameter portion and the flange can be manufactured in the same continuous process. Further, in the production of the flange part of the enlarged diameter straw pipe, the cylindrical body (straw pipe) is pushed into at least one end thereof until the step of the mold comes into contact with the cylindrical body (straw pipe). It is desirable to push in a distance of 0.1 to 0.2 times the length of the enlarged diameter portion. According to such a method for manufacturing an expanded straw tube, a flange having sufficient strength can be formed, and an expanded straw tube having excellent strength can be easily obtained.

[0017] The fixing means of the present invention comprises an abutting plate for fixing the straw tube so as not to move in the axial direction, a pressing plate for pressing the straw tube against the chain rider, A fixed drive unit for driving the plate unit. A cooling means for jetting cooling air,
A cooling air supply unit for supplying cooling air to the cooling nozzle. It is also possible to insert a cooling mold into the enlarged diameter portion.

Further, a video recognition device is employed as an inspection device of the inspection unit. The removing unit can be performed by, for example, a reciprocating operation of a rotary brush capable of reciprocating with respect to a chain rider and a jetting of air for removing.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the apparatus for manufacturing a diameter-enlarged straw pipe according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a diameter-enlarged straw tube in the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a diameter-enlarged processing section 5, and FIG. 3 is a side view (a) and a front view showing a mold 3. (B), FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged diameter processing section, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a processing step, FIG. 7 is a front sectional view showing an enlarged diameter straw pipe, and FIG. Is a front cross-sectional view showing the same diameter straw tube, FIG. 9 is a front view showing the mold 3, FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view for explaining a method for manufacturing the expanded straw tube, and FIG. 11 is a method for manufacturing the expanded straw tube. It is a front sectional view explaining. 1 to 10, reference numeral 1 denotes an enlarged diameter straw pipe (straw pipe), 1A denotes an equal diameter straw pipe (straw pipe), 2 denotes an apparatus for manufacturing an enlarged diameter straw pipe, and 3 denotes a mold.

An apparatus 2 for manufacturing an enlarged straw tube according to the present embodiment.
Is an apparatus for manufacturing a diameter-enlarged straw pipe 1 in which a diameter-enlarged portion 1b that expands toward an end is provided on a cylindrical straw pipe, and as shown in FIG. The same diameter straw pipe supply unit 21 that continuously supplies the diameter straw pipe (straw pipe) 1A, and a plurality of straw pipes 1 and 1A in a state where the straw pipes 1 and 1A are positioned in a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction. Tube transport unit 4 for continuously transporting
And a diameter expanding section 5 for inserting a substantially conical mold 3 in a heated state into the same diameter straw tube 1A to expand the diameter, and an inspection section 23 for inspecting the shape of the formed diameter expanding section 1b. And an elimination unit 2 for excluding those judged to be defective in the inspection unit 23
And 4.

As shown in FIG. 7, the expanded straw tube 1 manufactured in this embodiment is formed in a long and cylindrical shape, and has one end portion from the central portion 1a toward the end portion. The enlarged diameter portion 1b which is enlarged so that the inner diameter and the outer diameter are increased.
And a flange portion 1c forming an end face portion.
Further, in the enlarged straw tube 1, the maximum outer diameter D1 of the enlarged diameter portion 1b is 1.5 to 4 times the outer diameter D2 of the central portion 1a.

The material for forming the expanded straw tube 1 is a homopolypropylene, a block copolymer polypropylene, or a high impact polypropylene HIPP (high impregnated polypropylene).
Thermoplastic resins such as actpolypropylene), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and silicone resin are used. In particular, when this expanded straw tube 1 is used as the inner tube of a tampon, homopolypropylene, block copolymer polypropylene,
Impact-resistant polypropylene (HIPP) or the like is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the straw tube transport section (chain rider) 4 of the present embodiment has the same diameter as the straw tube 1A for mounting the straw tubes 1 and 1A. A plurality of transport tables 41 provided with grooves 42 having a corresponding width dimension are provided, and the plurality of transport tables 41, 41 are connected to a chain 43 in a state of being arranged in a row. Drive shaft 4 connected to
The chain rider is in an endless track state by being wound around 4, 45. The driving speeds of the driving shafts 44 and 45 can be controlled to an arbitrary state. The driving shafts 44 and 45 are continuously driven or batch-driven according to the number of the dies 3 and 3 provided on the die base 51A as described later. It can be driven intermittently so that it can be processed. Here, the transfer table 4
1 groove 42 is provided for each of the straw tubes 1 and 1A to be conveyed.
Is mounted, the drive shaft 44 of the chain rider 4,
45 are provided so as to be located in substantially the same direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, the same diameter straw pipe supply section 21 continuously manufactures the same diameter straw pipe (straw pipe) 1A having the same diameter over its entire length by extrusion molding, and the hopper. Store in 21a. Furthermore, the same-diameter straw pipe 1A is supplied in accordance with the moving speed of the chain rider 4 so that the same-diameter straw pipe (straw pipe) 1A can be placed in the groove 42 of each carrier 41.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, a plurality of substantially cone-shaped (conical) pieces inserted into the end of the straw tube 1A of the same diameter in a heated state, as shown in FIG. A mold driving means 51 for inserting the molds 3 and 3 into the end of the straw tube 1A having the same diameter, a cooling means 52 for cooling the straw tube 1 having an increased diameter, and a mold. Straw tube 1, 1A when 3 inserted
For the straw tube conveyor (chain rider) 4
And fixing means 53 for fixing to the fixing member 1.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the mold driving means 51 is located along the side of the chain rider 4 which is the diameter expanding processing position, and the axis of the straw pipes 1 and 1A in the transport state. Mold bases 51A, 51B, and 51C to which a plurality of molds 3 are attached along a plane orthogonal to. The mold substrates 51A, 51B and 51C are provided with a plurality of molds 3 and 3 having a conical top facing the chain rider 4 side.
At the same time as the intervals between the adjacent grooves 42 of the chain rider 4 are mounted, and inside the mold base 51A, a heater 54 as heating means for heating the plurality of molds 3, 3 is provided. Is provided. The mold bases 51A, 51B, and 51C have, for example, 4 to 20.
And preferably 16 molds 3 and 3 are provided and driven at the same time, and the number of straw tubes 1 and 1 corresponding to the number of molds 3 and 3 is expanded in one process. be able to.

The mold bases 51A, 51B and 51C are arranged such that the axes (symmetrical axes) of the conical molds 3 and 3 are simultaneously positioned along the axis of the straw tubes 1 and 1A mounted on the chain rider 4. The apparatus has a movement restricting means (not shown) so as to be able to reciprocate. These mold bases 51A, 51
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, B and 51C are also movable in the transport direction of the chain rider 4, and the mold base 51 is provided upstream of the mold base 51A for performing the diameter increasing process. The mold base 51C of the same shape is located, and after the diameter enlargement processing in the mold base 51A is completed, a preheating state for performing the next diameter enlargement processing is set, and the downstream side of the mold base 51A is not heated. The mold base 51C is located for cooling. The chain rider 4 of the mold base 51A is also provided.
As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a mold base 51A ′ to be cleaned can be located on the opposite side.

As shown in FIG. 1, as cooling means 52, cooling nozzles 52A, 52A for blowing cooling air to the straw tube 1 from which the mold 3 has been separated after the diameter has been increased.
And a cooling air supply section 52B for supplying cooling air to the cooling nozzles 52A, 52A. The cooling nozzles 52A, 52A are provided above and below the chain rider 4. Here, the cooling air may be pre-pressurized room temperature air. However, the cooling air may be pre-cooled or a coolant other than air may be supplied in the cooling air supply unit 52B. In this case, the cooling effect is reduced. It can be further improved.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, when the molds 3 and 3 come into contact with the straw tubes 1 and 1A in the step of expanding the diameter, as shown in FIGS. This plate portion 53A restricts movement in the axial direction, and at the same time, the straw tubes 1 and 1A
, And a fixed driving unit 53C that drives the pressing plate unit 53A and the pressing plate unit 53B. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the abutment plate portion 53A is formed in a flat plate shape so that the end of the straw tube 1A abuts and sets its position. It can move outward, that is, can reciprocate in the axial direction of the placed straw tube 1A, and is provided on the opposite side of the mold base 51A along the side of the chain rider 4. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the push plate portion 53 </ b> B faces the grooves 42, 42 in parallel with the transport surface formed by the transport tables 41, 41 of the chain rider 4, and , And can be approached to and separated from the chain rider 4, that is, can reciprocate up and down.

The mold 3 is made of a metal such as iron. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the insertion portion 31 has a diameter that increases from the distal end 3a toward the proximal end 3b and has a conical shape. A step portion 32 provided at the base end 3b of the insertion portion 31 and having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the base end 3b and projecting over the entire circumference from the insertion portion 31 having a conical slope. It consists of

The insertion portion 31 is, as shown in FIGS.
The tip 3a has the same diameter straw tube 1A as shown in FIG.
The diameter of the base end 3b is set to a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the straw tube 1A of the same diameter, and the diameter of the base end 3b is set to The diameter is set corresponding to the maximum outer diameter D1 set in the enlarged diameter portion 1b of the diameter straw tube 1.

When the mold 3 is inserted into the straw tube 1A, the end portion 1d of the straw tube 1A is inserted into the insertion portion 31.
It is sufficient that the flange portion 1C can be formed by deforming further outward from the slope of the insertion portion 31. For example, the boundary portion between the conical slope of the insertion portion 31 and the step portion 32 is smoothened, for example, on the base end 3b side. A curved portion may be provided to facilitate formation of the flange portion 1C. The mold 3 is provided with a heater 54 as a heating means.
Can be heated to 200 to 250 ° C. and maintained at this temperature.

The inspection unit 23 has, for example, an image recognition device as an inspection device for inspecting the shape of the formed enlarged diameter portion 1b and the entire length of the enlarged diameter straw tube 1 to check whether the specified size is satisfied. Is adopted. Excluding unit 24
Is a mechanism for removing the enlarged straw tube 1 determined to be defective in the inspection unit 23, for example, can be vertically reciprocated toward the chain rider 4, and rotates in a direction parallel to the axis of the straw tube 1 in the transport state. It is possible to adopt a mechanism for ejecting air in order to eliminate the rotating brush that performs the operation and the enlarged straw tube 1 that is determined to be defective.

The manufacturing process of the expanded straw tube 1 in the manufacturing apparatus of the expanded straw tube having such a structure will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 4, the manufacturing process of the expanded diameter straw tube 1 will be schematically described. As shown in FIG. 4, S1: supply the same diameter straw tube, S2: mount a chain rider, S3: fix the straw tube, S4: preheat the mold. , S5: mold insertion, S6: diameter expansion, S
7: flange formation, S8: mold release, S9: cooling, S10:
Inspection, S11: Exclusion process.

The manufacturing process of the expanded straw tube 1 will be described in more detail. [S1: same diameter straw pipe supply] same diameter straw pipe supply unit 2
1, the same diameter straw tube (straw tube) 1 having the same overall diameter as shown in FIG.
A is continuously manufactured with the same pipe length and the hopper 21a
Stockpile and supply.

[S2: Place Chain Rider] Next, this straw tube 1A of the same diameter is supplied according to the moving speed of the chain rider 4, and one straw tube is provided corresponding to the groove 42 of each carrier 41. Straw tube of same diameter (straw tube) 1A
While driving the chain rider 4,
The transfer tables 41, 41 on which the straw pipes 1A are placed are moved to the vicinity of the mold base 51A of the diameter-increasing processing section 5 and the fixing means 53.

[S3: Fixing the Straw Tube] In the diameter expanding section 5, the fixing plate drive 53C drives the abutment plate 53A and the pressing plate 53B to move them toward the transport tables 41, 41. As shown in (a), while restricting the position of the straw tube 1A placed on the transport tables 41, 41,
The straw tube 1A is brought into a fixed state.

[S4: Mold Preheating] During the above process, as shown in FIG. 4, the mold base 51C having the molds 3, 3 is previously heated by the heater 54 on the upstream side in the transport direction of the chain rider 4. While preheating to 200 to 250 ° C., it is moved to the position of the mold base 51A facing the plate 53A.

[S5: Inserting the mold] Simultaneously with the above [S3: Fixing the straw tube], the mold base 51A is moved toward the chain rider 4. Due to the operation of the mold base 51A, each mold 3, 3 comes into contact with the end 1d of the straw tube 1A, and moves to the position where the other end of the straw tube 1A comes into contact with the contact plate 53A. As a result, the fixed position of the straw tube 1A in the axial direction is restricted, and as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the contact plate portion 53A, the push plate portion 53B, and the transfer table 4A.
The straw tube 1A is fixed by 1, 41. Further, the mold base 51A is moved toward the chain rider 4, and as shown in FIG. 6 (b), each mold 3 is connected to the straw tube 1A1A.
Insert into the end of. At this time, the molds 3 and 3 are inserted such that the axis of the cone (the axis of symmetry), which is the outer shape thereof, moves along the axis of the straw tube 1A.

[S6: Expanding Diameter] The mold 3 is pushed into the end of the cylindrical body 1A shown in FIG. 9 to expand the diameter of the end 1d of the straw tube 1A shown in FIG. Here, the molds 3 and 3 are inserted so that the axis of the cone (the axis of symmetry), which is the outer shape thereof, moves along the axis of the straw tube 1A. First, as shown in FIG. 10, a step 32 of the mold 3 is attached to the end 1d of the cylindrical body 1A.
Is pushed until it comes into contact, to obtain a straw tube 1B having a trumpet-shaped enlarged portion 1b whose diameter is enlarged toward the end 1d. In this state, the diameter expansion may be ended, and the process may shift to the [S8: mold release] step.

[S7: Forming a Flange] Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the mold 3 is set at 0.1 to 0.2 of the length L2 of the enlarged diameter portion 1b of the enlarged straw tube 1 shown in FIG. By pushing twice, the end 1d is deformed along the curved surface portion in FIG. 3 and the step portion 32 continuous thereto, and the enlarged diameter portion 1b shown in FIG.
A flange 1c is formed at the end position of.

[S8: Detachment of Mold] Next, the mold driving means 51 moves the axis (symmetrical axis) of the cone of the outer shape of each of the molds 3 and 3 along the axis of the straw tube 1A. As shown in FIG. 6 (c), it is separated from the straw tube 1 as described above. At the same time, the fixed drive unit 53
The contact plate portion 53A is driven by C to separate from the transfer tables 41, 41. Further, the pressing plate portion 5 is fixed by the fixed driving portion 53C.
3B is driven to be separated from the transfer tables 41, 41,
The chain rider 4 can be driven.

[S9: Cooling] Mold base 51A, contact plate 5
3A, after the pressing plate portion 53B separates, the chain rider 4
To move the carriages 41, 41 on which the expanded straw tubes 1, 1 are mounted to the position of the cooling means 52. Here, including during the movement, the cooling nozzles 52A, 52A
Cooling air is blown out of the tube to cool the expanded diameter straw tube 1 from above and below. At this time, the mold base 51C on the downstream side in the transport direction of the chain rider 4 with respect to the mold base 51A is moved toward the chain rider 4, and the mold of the mold base 51C is enlarged for cooling. Can be inserted into and brought into contact with each other to promote cooling.

[S10: Inspection] When the cooling of the diameter-enlarged straw tube 1 is completed or sufficiently cooled, the chain rider 4 is driven and transported downstream. In the meantime, the shape of the enlarged diameter portion 1b and the entire length of the enlarged diameter straw tube 1 are inspected by the image recognition device of the inspection portion 23, and if the specified dimensions are not satisfied, the data is checked. Output to a control unit not shown.

[S11: Exclusion] Further, the chain rider 4 is driven to convey the expanded straw tubes 1 and 1 downstream. Here, based on the signal output by the inspection unit 23 in [S10: Inspection], the control unit (not shown) allows the control unit 41 on which the expanded straw tube 1 determined to be defective to be mounted to be mounted.
When the inspection unit 2 passes, the rotating brush of the exclusion unit 24 approaches the mounting table and air is ejected.
The expanded straw tube 1 determined to be defective in step 3 is eliminated.

The expanded straw tubes 1, 1 manufactured from the unillustrated take-out side are discharged, and the manufacturing process ends.

As described above, according to the apparatus 2 for manufacturing an enlarged straw pipe of the present embodiment, the same diameter straw pipe supply unit 21 for continuously supplying the same diameter straw pipe 1A having the same pipe diameter over the entire length is provided. In a state where the straw tubes 1 and 1A are positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction, the plurality of straw tubes 1 and 1
A straw tube transporting section 4 for continuously transporting A, and a diameter expanding section 5 for expanding the diameter by inserting a substantially conical mold 3 in a heated state into the same diameter straw pipe 1A. Enlarged part 1
By having an inspection unit 23 for inspecting the shape of b and an exclusion unit 24 for eliminating those judged to be defective in the inspection unit 23, the straw tube 1 of the same diameter made of a thermoplastic resin by extrusion molding can be used. The mold 3 formed, supplied and expanded in diameter from the distal end 3a to the proximal end 3b is pushed into at least one end 1d of the straw tube 1A while heating, and the inner and outer diameters increase toward the end. Expanded diameter part 1
b can be formed.

Therefore, it is possible to supply the enlarged straw tube 1 provided with the enlarged diameter portion 1b whose inner diameter and outer diameter are increased from the central portion 1a toward the end portion. As compared with a cylinder having an outer diameter equal to the maximum outer diameter D1 of the portion 1b, it is possible to provide an imaginary device capable of reducing the amount of material used. That is, even if the wall thickness D3 of the enlarged diameter straw tube 1 is made thick enough to obtain a desired buckling strength, the outer diameter D2 of the central portion 1a is small, so that a small amount of material is used. Therefore, weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

Further, since the enlarged straw tube 1 having the flange portion 1c at the end can be manufactured by the mold 3 having the step portion 32, the end portion of the enlarged straw tube 1 on the side where the flange portion 1c is provided can be manufactured. Can be improved in strength. At the same time, the diameter-increased portion 1b and the flange portion 1c can be manufactured in one step, so that the number of steps can be reduced. The stress from the end of the enlarged diameter straw tube 1 generated when a force is applied in the length direction of the enlarged diameter straw tube 1 is easily dispersed. Therefore, when this expanded-diameter straw tube 1 is used, for example, as an inner tube of a tampon, the end of the expanded-diameter straw tube 1 becomes difficult to sink into an absorber or a finger.

Further, the mold 3 is pushed into the end 1d of the cylindrical body 1A until the step 32 of the mold 3 comes into contact with the end 1d. By pushing in a distance of about 0.2 times, the flange portion 1c having sufficient strength can be formed, and the expanded straw tube 1 having excellent strength can be easily obtained.

In the present embodiment, the straw tube transport unit 4 is a chain rider, and the transport table 4
At the same time as the transport of the straw tubes 1 and 1A, the straw tubes 1 and 41 can be used for fixing the straw tubes 1 and 1A and for regulating the position thereof during the diameter expansion process by inserting the mold 3. Further, since the straw pipes 1 and 1A can be transported continuously, it is possible to reduce the working time of the manufacturing process.

Further, the diameter expanding section 5 of the present embodiment can simultaneously insert a plurality of dies 3 and 3 into the straw tubes 1A and 1A and simultaneously expand the diameter, thereby shortening the working time. And at the same time, the mold driving means 51
Is driven to insert the mold 3 in a state where the axis (symmetrical axis) of the mold 3 having a conical shape is coincident with the axis of the straw tubes 1 and 1A. In addition, by fixing the straw tube 1 at the time of insertion by the pressing plate portion 53B and the transfer table 41, the accuracy of the diameter expansion processing can be improved. Further, the cooling means 52 can shorten the cooling time and improve the working efficiency.

The enlarged diameter portion 1b and the flange portion 1c may be provided only at one end of the enlarged diameter straw tube 1 as described above. However, the enlarged diameter portion 1b and the flange portion 1c may be provided depending on the application. Are provided at both ends, the enlarged diameter portion 1b and the flange portion 1c are respectively provided, the enlarged diameter portion 1b is provided and the flange portion 1c is not provided, or the flange portion 1c is provided without the enlarged diameter portion 1b. In this case, another set of the fixing means 53 and the mold substrate 51A may be provided or the mold substrate 51 may be selected.
By providing another mold substrate at the position opposite to A, that is, at the position of the contact plate portion 53A, it is possible to manufacture according to each case.

In addition to the cone, the mold 3 may be formed by combining a pyramid, a cone having a different apex angle, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular tube shape, or the like, or a sectional shape of the mold 3. , An approximately circular shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, or a combination thereof. In this case, for example, it is possible to form an enlarged diameter portion 1b having a quadrangular cross-sectional shape, and to use this enlarged diameter straw tube 1 as an insertion jig used when mounting a semiconductor chip on a substrate. Further, the end portion side of the enlarged diameter portion 1b may be formed in a hexagonal column shape and used as a jig for attaching / detaching a precision hexagon wrench. In addition, it can be used for other insertion jigs and the like by taking advantage of the fact that it has a tube diameter of about 4φ and has a buckling strength that can withstand a load of 1 kgf or more.

In addition, when the axis of the straw tube 1A having the same diameter and the axis of the conical mold 3 (object axis) do not coincide with each other at the time of insertion, or by making the mold 3 an asymmetric shape, asymmetry or the like can be achieved. , Can be formed corresponding to the enlarged diameter portion 1b of another shape. These make it possible to manufacture the expanded straw tube 1 which is difficult to manufacture by injection molding, and furthermore, to the shape of the expanded diameter portion 1b which does not necessarily increase linearly from the center to the end. Correspondingly, it is possible to have the enlarged diameter portion 1b having various shapes.

Although the enlarged diameter straw tube 1 has a portion where the outer diameter and the inner diameter are constant, it may be composed of only the enlarged diameter portion 1b. In addition to the shape described above, the transfer tables 41, 41 grooves 42, 42 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the mold 3.

Further, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, a flange portion 1c as the expanded straw tube 1 is not limited to a shape in which the end surface of the expanded straw tube extends outward as shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the flange 1e may have a shape in which the end of the expanded straw tube is curled outward. In this case, the stepped portion 32 of the mold 3 has a curved shape. Can be.

Further, as described above, by manufacturing it into various shapes, the expanded diameter straw tube 1 can be used as a tampon applicator insertion jig as a female menstrual blood treatment product, or a two-stage type attached to a drinking paper container. Such as the inner straw of a telescopic straw and the end of a catheter.

[0060]

According to the apparatus for manufacturing an expanded straw tube of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) With the same diameter straw pipe supply section for continuously supplying the same diameter straw pipe (straw pipe) having the same pipe diameter over its entire length, and with the straw pipe positioned in a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction. A straw tube transporting section that continuously transports a plurality of straw pipes, and a diameter expanding section that inserts a substantially conical mold that is in a heated state into the same diameter straw pipe, and expands the diameter,
An inspection part for inspecting the shape of the formed enlarged diameter part, and an elimination part for excluding those judged to be defective in the inspection part, and the enlarged diameter processing part has a straw pipe end of the same diameter. A substantially conical mold inserted in a heated state into the mold, mold driving means for inserting the mold into the end of the straw tube of the same diameter, cooling means for cooling the enlarged straw tube, and mold insertion Sometimes, a fixing means is provided for fixing the straw pipe to the conveyor (straw pipe transport section) of the chain rider, and the mold projects from the conical slope over the entire circumference thereof, and the By providing a step where the tip of the pipe abuts to form a flange, a straw pipe made of a thermoplastic resin having the same diameter is formed and supplied by a straw pipe supply section. Smaller than the inner diameter of the straw tube of the same diameter from A mold expanded from a diameter to a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body is pressed into at least one end of the straw tube while heating, and the inner diameter and the outer diameter increase from the center to the end. The enlarged diameter portion can be formed. Accordingly, it is possible to manufacture a widened straw tube that is difficult to manufacture by injection molding, and it is possible to further have a widened portion having various shapes and such a widened portion. (2) By the above, the amount of resin to be used is reduced, a buckling strength is sufficient, and a manufacturing apparatus of an expanded straw pipe having a sufficient end diameter is provided, and a manufacturing cost of the expanded straw pipe is provided. Thus, it is possible to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an enlarged straw pipe capable of continuously manufacturing a large number of enlarged straw pipes in a large amount.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing an enlarged straw pipe according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a diameter-increasing processing section 5 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view (a) and a front view (b) showing a mold 3;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged diameter processing section.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a processing step.

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view showing an enlarged straw pipe.

FIG. 8 is a front sectional view showing the same diameter straw tube.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the mold 3;

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view for explaining a method of manufacturing an enlarged straw pipe.

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view for explaining the method of manufacturing the enlarged straw pipe.

FIG. 12 is a front sectional view showing another embodiment of the enlarged straw pipe.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing an example of a conventional tampon.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Expanded straw pipe (straw pipe) 1a ... Central part 1b ... Expanded diameter section 1c ... Flange section 1A ... Equal diameter straw pipe (straw pipe) 3 ... Mold 2 ... Expansion straw pipe manufacturing apparatus 4 .... Straw pipe Conveying section 5 ... Diameter processing section 21 ... Straw tube supply section 23 ... Inspection section 24 ... Excluding section 31 ... Insertion section 32 ... Step section 51 ... Mold driving means 52 ... Cooling means 53 ... Fixing means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Minoru Tokuyama, Inventor F-term (reference) 4-13 Sawa Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo Showa Denko Plastic Products Co., Ltd. 4F209 AA11 AG08 AG23 AH63 NA22 NB01 NJ15 NM12 NM16 NN02

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for manufacturing a straw-enlarged tube in which a cylindrical straw-tube is provided with a diameter-enlarging portion that expands toward an end thereof, comprising: a straw-tube supply unit for continuously supplying a straw tube; A straw tube transport unit that continuously transports a plurality of straw tubes in a state where the straw tubes are positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction, and a substantially conical mold that is heated is inserted into the straw tubes. And a diameter-expanding section for expanding the diameter of the straw. 2. An inspection unit for inspecting a shape of an enlarged-diameter portion of the straw tube, and an elimination unit for excluding a defect determined by the inspection unit from being defective. An apparatus for manufacturing the expanded straw pipe according to the above. 3. A substantially conical mold inserted into the end of the straw tube in a heated state and mold driving means for inserting the mold into the end of the straw tube are provided at the diameter-expanding portion. 3. The apparatus for manufacturing an enlarged straw pipe according to claim 1, wherein the straw pipe is formed. 4. The diameter-expanding portion is provided with fixing means for fixing a straw tube to a straw tube conveying portion when a mold is inserted. Equipment for manufacturing straw-extended straw pipes. 5. An apparatus for manufacturing an enlarged straw pipe according to claim 1, wherein said enlarged diameter processing section is provided with a cooling means for cooling the enlarged straw pipe. 6. The mold according to claim 1, wherein the mold is provided with a stepped portion projecting from the substantially conical insertion portion and forming a flange by abutting the tip of the straw tube at the time of diameter expansion. 6. The apparatus for manufacturing an expanded straw tube according to any one of items 1 to 5. 7. The mold driving device according to claim 1, wherein the mold driving means drives the shaft of the substantially conical mold so as to insert the mold in a state in which the axis of the mold coincides with the axis of the straw tube in a transported state. Item 7. An apparatus for manufacturing an expanded straw pipe according to any one of Items 3 to 6. 8. The apparatus for manufacturing a diameter-enlarged straw pipe according to claim 3, wherein said mold driving means drives a plurality of molds simultaneously.