JP2018034344A - Liquid coloring agent supply control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid coloring agent supply control device by which a desired color can be stably obtained.SOLUTION: A liquid coloring agent supply control device 10 for controlling a supply amount of a liquid coloring agent comprises: screen display means 13; input means 14; data storage means 12 which stores data, which is required for calculation of a supply amount of the liquid coloring agent such as color data concerning the liquid coloring agent and a raw resin which is mixed with the liquid coloring agent and so on; and control means 11. In this liquid coloring agent supply control device 10, the control means 11 has liquid coloring agent supply amount calculation means 11a with calculates an addition amount of the liquid coloring agent based on color data of a sample compact, and a liquid coloring agent supply condition calculation means 11b which calculates an addition condition of a liquid coloring agent from the liquid coloring agent feeder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid colorant supply control device used for supply control of a liquid colorant supplied from a liquid colorant supply device, and in particular, molding that forms a molded body having a desired color by kneading a liquid colorant into a raw material resin. The present invention relates to a liquid colorant supply control system for a liquid colorant supply device applied to a machine.

  In the molding of plastic materials having various shapes and various shades, master batches and resin compounds are used so as not to cause color unevenness and to obtain a desired color stably. Since these raw materials are already colored in the resin, it can be melted and injected into a desired mold, or a plastic product can be produced by extruding the molten resin from a nozzle having a predetermined shape.

  However, it is suitable when manufacturing a large amount of the same color product, but when manufacturing a small amount of products with abundant color alignment, the masterbatch and resin compound should be prepared in advance. Therefore, the unit price is high for a small amount of demand, and the raw material cannot be procured immediately. In addition, since a large amount of a new color masterbatch is used for the color change operation of the molding machine, the color change is difficult. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-143960 (Patent Document 1) describes a technique for efficiently changing the color by devising the operation of the molding machine.

JP 2012-143960 A

In contrast to these conventional techniques, it would be convenient if a technique could be used that would allow easy color change and easy procurement of raw materials. For example, instead of using a masterbatch or resin compound, a colorless or white raw material resin is prepared, and if a technique for kneading and injecting a desired liquid colorant is used, color change is easy and even for a small lot. Yes.
However, unlike the case where a desired color is given in advance, an appropriate amount of liquid colorant is mixed each time depending on the desired amount of product, so the color may vary from lot to lot. There is a problem that it is difficult to stably obtain.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to address such problems, and provides a technique for stably obtaining a colored molded product having a desired hue, and easily reproduces a target hue. The technology which can be done is provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.
[1] A liquid colorant supply control apparatus for controlling the amount of liquid colorant supplied, such as screen display means, input means, and liquid color such as color data of liquid colorant and raw resin mixed with this liquid colorant Liquid colorant supply comprising a data storage means for storing data necessary for calculating the supply amount of the agent and a control means, wherein the control means calculates the addition amount of the liquid colorant based on the color data of the sample molding A liquid colorant supply control device comprising an amount calculation unit and a liquid colorant supply condition calculation unit for calculating an addition condition of the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device.
[2] When the liquid colorant supply condition calculation means calculates the addition condition of the liquid colorant, the liquid colorant supply condition is calculated according to the processing conditions of the molding machine that forms the colored molded body by adding the liquid colorant together with the raw material resin. It is the said liquid colorant supply control apparatus to perform.
[3] The data storage means includes supply amount data per unit time of the liquid colorant supply device and supply amount data per unit time of the raw material resin, and the liquid colorant supply condition calculation means includes liquid coloration. The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of the above, which calculates the addition condition of the liquid colorant by taking into consideration supply amount data per unit time of the agent supply device and supply amount data per unit time of the raw material resin. .

[4] Any one of the above, wherein the liquid colorant supply condition calculation means calculates the addition condition of the liquid colorant in consideration of the supply timing of the liquid colorant to the molding machine relative to the supply timing of the raw resin to the molding machine This is a melt discharge device for liquid colorants.
[5] Supplying the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device to the molding machine, and supplying the liquid colorant, which is used when producing a colored molded body made of a kneaded product of the raw material resin and the liquid colorant. Liquid colorant supply control device that controls the amount of liquid colorant, necessary for calculating the amount of liquid colorant supplied, such as screen display means, input means, color data of liquid colorant and raw material resin mixed with this liquid colorant A liquid colorant having a liquid colorant supply amount calculating means for calculating the addition amount of the liquid colorant based on the color data of the sample molded body. It is a supply control device.
[6] In the liquid colorant supply control device, the control unit includes a liquid colorant supply condition calculation unit that calculates a liquid colorant addition condition from the liquid colorant supply device.
[7] The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of the above, wherein the liquid colorant supply amount calculation means regards the obtained additive-molded product as a sample molded product and recalculates the addition amount of the liquid colorant.

[8] The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of the above, which controls the liquid colorant supply device.
[9] The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of the above, capable of taking control data from the molding machine.
[10] The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of the above, which controls the molding machine.
[11] The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of the above, which controls a supply amount of the liquid colorant in the liquid colorant supply device including a dispenser.
[12] Any one of the above for controlling the supply amount of the liquid colorant in the liquid colorant supply device comprising a liquid colorant storage tank and a barrel for storing a predetermined amount of the liquid colorant flowing from the liquid colorant storage tank This is a liquid colorant supply control device.
[13] The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of the above, which controls a supply amount of the liquid colorant in a liquid colorant supply device including a tube pump or a screw pump.

  According to the liquid colorant supply control device of the present invention, it is possible to stably obtain a colored molded body having a desired hue, and to easily reproduce a target hue.

It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between a liquid colorant supply control apparatus and its peripheral device. It is a block diagram showing a liquid colorant supply control apparatus. It is a block diagram showing the data storage means of a liquid colorant supply control apparatus. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows one embodiment of a liquid coloring agent supply apparatus. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows another embodiment of a liquid coloring agent supply apparatus. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows another embodiment of a liquid coloring agent supply apparatus. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows another embodiment of a liquid coloring agent supply apparatus. It is a schematic diagram explaining arrangement | positioning of the liquid colorant discharge pipe to a molding machine. It is a schematic diagram explaining another arrangement | positioning of the liquid colorant discharge pipe to a molding machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process of calculating | requiring the addition amount of a liquid coloring agent. It is a flowchart which shows the process of calculating | requiring the correction addition amount of a liquid colorant. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the process which calculates | requires the correction addition amount of a liquid colorant. It is a flowchart which shows the process of calculating | requiring the addition conditions of a liquid coloring agent. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows one embodiment of the supply timing of raw material resin and a liquid coloring agent. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows another embodiment of the supply timing of raw material resin and a liquid colorant. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows another embodiment of the supply timing of raw material resin and a liquid colorant. It is a block diagram which shows the aspect which provided the colorimeter.

The present invention will be described in more detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. In addition, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure, apparatus, operation | movement, effect, etc. which are common in some embodiment.
As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the liquid colorant supply control device 10 of the present invention is used by being attached to a liquid colorant supply device D for supplying a liquid colorant. It is used together with a molding machine F that kneads a liquid colorant in a resin to form a molded body having a desired color. The liquid colorant supply device D and the molding machine F constitute a liquid colorant-compatible melting / discharging device DF.

<Liquid Colorant Supply Control Device 10>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an embodiment of the liquid colorant supply control device 10. As shown in this figure, the liquid colorant supply control apparatus 10 can be constituted by a stand-alone computer including a control means 11, a data storage means 12, a screen display means 13, and an input means 14. However, it may be a client terminal type computer connected to a web server through the Internet or a dedicated computer attached as a part of the liquid colorant supply device.

The control means 11 is constituted by a CPU or the like, and performs predetermined arithmetic processing using data registered in advance in the data storage means 12 or data input from the input means 14 based on a computer program. This control means includes a liquid colorant supply amount calculation unit 11a for calculating the liquid colorant addition amount and a liquid colorant supply condition calculation unit 11b for calculating the liquid colorant addition condition. .
The data storage means 12 is composed of an external storage device such as a hard disk, which is also a recording medium, and as shown in FIG. A program 12b is stored.
The database 12a includes a liquid colorant data table 12a1 including data relating to the liquid colorant, a raw material resin data table 12a2 including data relating to the raw material resin, a sample molded body data table 12a3 including data relating to the sample molded body, and liquid coloring. It has a liquid colorant supply device data table 12a4 comprising data relating to the agent supply device, a molding machine data table 12a5 comprising data relating to the molding machine, and another data table 12a6.

The liquid colorant data table 12a1 stores the color data of the liquid colorant and the like. For example, the type and name of each liquid colorant, the absorption coefficient K, the scattering coefficient S, the predetermined wavelength and the reflectance at that wavelength. Alternatively, the transmittance, the predetermined temperature, and the viscosity at that temperature are stored.
The raw material resin data table 12a2 stores the color data of the raw material resin data. For example, the type and name of the raw material resin, the absorption coefficient K and the scattering coefficient S, the predetermined wavelength and the reflectance or transmittance at that wavelength. The predetermined temperature and the viscosity at that temperature are stored.
The sample compact data table 12a3 stores the color data of the sample compact as a production sample. For example, the name of the sample compact, the absorption coefficient K, the scattering coefficient S, the predetermined wavelength and the reflection at that wavelength. The rate and color value are stored.

The liquid colorant supply device data table 12a4 stores device specification data of the liquid colorant supply device 10 and the like. For example, the type and name of the liquid colorant supply device 10 and the type of the liquid colorant supply device are stored. Corresponding data such as the number of revolutions of the motor and the liquid colorant discharge amount per unit time are stored.
In the molding machine data table 12a5, device specification data of the molding machine 30 and the like are stored. For example, the type and name of the molding machine, and the amount of resin added to the molding machine per unit time (processing amount), Residence time and processing temperature are stored.
The other data table 12a6 stores the operating environment temperature and other data.

The screen display means 13 is an input screen for an operator to input necessary data, a monitor for displaying an output screen such as calculation output, etc., and may function as an input means 14 having a touch panel function. .
The input means 14 is a data input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel for an operator to input various data.

  The liquid colorant supply control device 10 having such a configuration is connected to a liquid colorant supply device D, which will be described below, and controls the supply of the liquid colorant discharged from the liquid colorant supply device D to the molding machine F.

<Liquid Colorant Supply Device D>
Next, the liquid colorant supply device D connecting the liquid colorant supply control device 10 will be described. The liquid colorant supply device D is used by being attached to a molding machine F such as an injection molding machine or an extrusion molding machine. When a molded body is mainly molded using a raw material resin that is not colored, The liquid colorant to be mixed is supplied. Examples of the liquid colorant supply device D include various types described below.

Screw pump type [Fig. 4] :
FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a liquid colorant supply device of screw pump type D1. As shown in this figure, the liquid colorant supply device D1 includes a liquid colorant storage tank 22, a screw pump 23 that is a delivery pump, a flow meter 24, a valve 25, and a controller 26.

The liquid colorant storage tank 22 is a container for storing a liquid colorant (liquid color) L having a predetermined color prepared in advance. Pouch containers and bottle containers can be used. The liquid colorant to be stored may be a toned liquid colorant having a desired color, but four liquid colors of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan should be provided in separate liquid colorant storage tanks 22. It is also possible to store liquid colorants of other colors.
An apparatus similar to the liquid colorant storage tank 22 can be provided as a cleaning liquid storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid. It is easy to change colors, but providing such a cleaning liquid storage tank is effective for large-scale cleaning.

  The screw pump 23 is a pump that sends the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant storage tank 22 to the molding machine F through the delivery line t1, and a geared stepping motor or an AC motor can be used as the pump motor of the screw pump 23. . The screw pump 23 is preferable because the liquid can be stably fed without depending on the viscosity of the liquid colorant, the type of the content, the property of the liquid, or air mixing. Moreover, it is also preferable in that dripping can be prevented by rotating the screw in the opposite direction immediately before stopping the discharge. However, since it is difficult to accurately control the delivery amount, it is preferable to use the flow meter 24 together. The flow meter 24 is preferably a Coriolis flow meter so that a predetermined delivery amount can be measured in terms of weight even if air is mixed.

  The valve 25 opens and closes the delivery line t1, and when the liquid colorant is not supplied to the molding machine, the liquid colorant can be maintained in a sealed state by closing the delivery line t1. The valve 25 can be a valve using a direct acting electromagnetic valve, and a three-way valve can be used in addition to a general two-way valve. In the case of using a three-way valve, by preparing a circulation path for returning from the valve 25 to the liquid colorant storage tank 22 (not shown), it is not discharged to the molding machine F side, and liquid coloring is performed in this closed pipe path. The agent can be circulated. When the liquid colorant is a liquid that is easily separated, separation of the liquid colorant can be prevented by circulating the liquid colorant using a circulation path. When it is desired to eliminate the need for cleaning the valve 25, it is preferable to employ a pinch valve.

  The controller 26 receives the control signal from the liquid colorant supply control device 10 and controls the amount of liquid colorant delivered. This controller 26 is connected to the screw pump 23, the flow meter 24, and the valve 25 by wire t3 or wirelessly, and controls the operation and output (rotation speed, etc.) of the screw pump 23 and the opening / closing control of the valve 25, and adopts a closed loop. Execute the flow rate monitoring. When a plurality of liquid colorant storage tanks 22 are provided for each color, the liquid colorant storage tanks 22 are also connected to each other, and the liquid colorant storage tanks 22 of a desired color are opened for a predetermined time by a signal from the controller 26. By doing so, the liquid coloring agent after toning can also be discharged to the molding machine F. However, the controller 26 can be omitted by substituting the liquid colorant supply control device 10 for all of its functions.

Tube pump type D2 [Fig. 5] :
FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a liquid colorant supply device that is a tube pump type D2. As shown in this figure, the liquid colorant supply device D2 includes a liquid colorant storage tank 22, a tube pump 27 serving as a delivery pump, a valve 25, and a controller 26. Here, the liquid colorant storage tank 22, the valve 25, and the controller 26 are the same as those described for the screw pump type D1.

  The tube pump 27 is preferable in that the delivery amount can be accurately controlled without using the flow meter 24. That is, according to the tube pump 27, the flow rate of the liquid colorant can be adjusted by controlling the rotation speed. Moreover, if the tube pump 27 is used, it has the advantage that color change is easy by replacing | exchanging the whole tube.

Barrel type D3 [FIG. 6] :
FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a liquid colorant supply device as the barrel type D3. As shown in this figure, the barrel-type liquid colorant supply device D3 includes a liquid colorant storage tank 22, a barrel 28, and an air pulse controller 30. The air pulse controller 30 and the liquid colorant storage tank 22 and the air pulse controller 30 and the barrel 28 are connected by an air circulation pipe t2.

  The barrel 28 is for temporarily storing a liquid colorant having a desired liquid amount such as a discharge amount for one shot from the liquid colorant storage tank 22. In other words, the liquid colorant stored in the barrel 28 is a predetermined amount of liquid colorant such as one shot. A liquid colorant filling nozzle 28a is provided at the barrel side end of the delivery line t1 that communicates between the barrel 28 and the liquid colorant storage tank 22, and is opened to release the barrel 28 from the liquid colorant storage tank 22. It is possible to inject liquid colorant. The barrel 28 also has a discharge port 28b for discharging the liquid colorant to the molding machine F.

  The air pulse controller 30 receives a control signal from the liquid colorant supply control device 10 and sends or sucks compressed air through the air circulation pipe t2, and supplies the compressed color air from the liquid colorant storage tank 12 to the barrel 34. A predetermined amount of the liquid colorant can be supplied, and the liquid colorant can be sent from the barrel 34 to the molding machine F side. However, the air pulse controller 26 can be omitted by substituting the liquid colorant supply controller 10 for all of its functions.

Dispenser type D4 [Fig. 7] :
FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a liquid colorant supply device as the dispenser type D4. As shown in this figure, the dispenser-type liquid colorant supply device D4 includes a liquid colorant storage tank 22, a valve 25, a controller 26, a barrel 28, and a dispenser 29.

The barrel 28 is for taking out and storing a necessary amount of the liquid colorant that is actually ejected to the molding machine F from the liquid colorant storage tank 22 and supplying the liquid colorant to the dispenser 29.
A three-way valve is used as the valve 25, and the liquid colorant flows from the liquid colorant storage tank 22 into the barrel 28 and the liquid colorant flows from the barrel 28 into the dispenser 29.
The dispenser 29 ejects a predetermined amount of the liquid colorant with compressed air, and can discharge liquid droplets to a separated target location, so that the liquid color can be colored from a position away from the raw material resin inlet of the molding machine. It is preferable in that an agent can be injected. If the dispenser 29 is provided for each color of the liquid colorant, different color liquids are mixed after the liquid colorant is discharged from the dispenser 29. Therefore, a plurality of liquid colorants are mixed in one dispenser 29. This eliminates the need to inject liquid colorant, reduces wasted liquid colorant, prevents color mixing in the liquid colorant supply device D4, and saves cleaning.

<Molding machine F>
The molding machine F provided with the liquid colorant supply device D will be described.
The molding machine F can be a general molding machine such as an injection molding machine, an extrusion molding machine, a blow molding machine, a vacuum molding machine, or a pressure molding machine that melts and discharges a colored masterbatch or resin compound. . The apparatus is not limited to these apparatuses as long as the apparatus has a function of melting and discharging the raw material resin, and the specific type and shape are not limited. Further, it may be a molding machine that can already inject a liquid colorant.

  In the general molding machine F, as shown in FIG. 8, since the raw material resin inlet Fa is exposed to the outside, the liquid colorant is injected from the liquid colorant supply device D through the inlet Fa. be able to. In addition, since the liquid colorant is injected through the charging port Fa on the upstream side of the melting process of the raw material resin, the raw material resin and the liquid colorant can be sufficiently mixed.

  The tip Db of the discharge pipe Da that is provided in the liquid colorant supply device D and discharges the liquid colorant is preferably installed at the center of the charging port Fa. As shown in FIG. 8, an opening is provided in the hopper receiver 105, which is a connection portion with the hopper 104 attached to the charging port Fa, and the liquid colorant discharge pipe Da is inserted, and the discharge pipe Da is inserted in the center of the hopper receiver 105. The tip Db is arranged. By arranging in the center of the inlet Fa, reliable contact with the raw material resin can be achieved.

As shown in FIG. 9, the discharge pipe Da of the liquid colorant supply device can be inserted along the side wall from the opening of the hopper 104, and the tip Db of the discharge pipe Da can be arranged at the center of the hopper receiver 105. According to such a method, the liquid colorant supply device D can be attached more simply by disposing the discharge pipe Da in the hopper 104.
In the case of the liquid colorant supply device D of the dispenser type D4, the liquid colorant can be directly ejected from the tip of the dispenser 29 toward the center of the inlet Fa without providing such a discharge pipe Da.

<Operation procedure 1: [FIG. 10]>
Next, according to the operator's operation procedure for the liquid colorant supply control device 10, the operation of the liquid colorant supply control device 10 and the liquid colorant for obtaining a decorative molded body with a desired coloration from the raw material resin The procedure for obtaining the amount of addition will be described in order with reference to FIG.

  First, when the operator presses the main switch of the liquid colorant supply control device 10 to start the main program, the control unit 11 inputs color data of the sample molding, raw material resin data, liquid colorant data, and the like. Is displayed on the monitor which is the screen display means 13 (S1).

1. Input of additive molding data (sample molding data) :
A sample molded body having the same color as that of the additive-molded molded body (finished product) to be produced is prepared in advance, and an input operation for fetching data relating to the sample molded body into the data storage means 12 is performed. This is because the type and addition amount of the liquid colorant to be mixed with the raw material resin cannot be determined unless the target color data of the molded article exists.

Various methods can be employed for this input operation.
For example, a method in which a color difference meter or a densitometer is connected to the liquid colorant supply control device 10 and the color data of the sample molded body read through these colorimeters is taken into the data storage means 12 or the color of the sample molded body. When the operator manually inputs data from the input means 14 or when there is no actual sample molded body, desired color data to be imaged as a sample molded body, that is, color sample number, color value, spectral reflectance, spectral For example, a method in which the operator manually inputs the transmittance from the input means 14 may be used. As another example, there may be mentioned a method in which various color samples are displayed on the screen display means 13 and an operator selects a desired color from among them.
The operator also inputs the total amount of finished products actually manufactured together with the color data of the sample molded body as the number of finished products, the weight per unit, and the like (S2).

2. Selection of raw materials :
2-1. Selection of raw resin :
For selection of the raw material resin, the operator selects a desired raw material resin from the types and names of the raw material resins prepared in advance using a pull-down menu or the like shown on the screen display means 13. Thereby, the control means 11 accesses the raw material resin data table 12a2 and reads predetermined data corresponding to the selected raw material resin.
In the raw material resin data table 12a2, various data relating to various raw material resins are registered and stored in advance (S3).

2-2. Selection of liquid colorant :
The liquid colorant is selected in the same manner as the selection of the raw resin data. That is, the operator selects a desired liquid colorant from the types and names of the liquid colorants prepared in advance from the pull-down menu or the like, and the control means 11 accesses the liquid colorant data table 12a1 to select the selected liquid colorant. Predetermined data corresponding to the colorant is read.
In the liquid colorant data table 12a1, various data relating to various liquid colorants are registered and stored in advance (S4).

2-3. Enter other data :
Necessary data such as the temperature of the liquid colorant is appropriately registered and stored in the data storage means. The temperature of the liquid colorant at the time of operation is directly taken into the data storage means 12 from a thermometer provided in the liquid colorant storage tank 22 in advance, or the temperature of the liquid colorant is read from the thermometer and the operator manually inputs from the input means 14. By inputting by input, it is stored in the data storage means (S5).

3. Calculation of liquid colorant supply :
When the data input and data selection regarding the sample molded body, the raw material resin, the liquid colorant, and other necessary data are completed, this is stored in the data storage means 12, and the control means 11 as the liquid colorant supply amount calculation means 11a receives the data. The necessary data including these input data is read from the storage means 12 and a computer program is executed, and the blending ratio of the liquid colorant and the raw resin for forming a sample molded body from the selected liquid colorant and the raw resin is determined. Calculate and determine the amount of liquid colorant added. Calculations of blending amounts of liquid colorants and raw materials are based on Duncan's color mixing theory, Kubelka-Munk theory, Lambert-Bale theory, improved methods, and correction methods for color misregistration. Known techniques can be used, and these are incorporated into a computer program. These calculation results can be displayed on the screen display means 13 (S6).

  Based on the addition amount of the liquid colorant thus obtained, the liquid colorant supply device D is operated to supply the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device D to the molding machine F. On the other hand, a predetermined raw material resin is supplied to the molding machine F, mixed and kneaded with the liquid colorant, and then the obtained colored resin is molded to obtain a desired colored molded body.

<Operation procedure 2: [FIG. 11]>
4). Recalculation of liquid colorant supply :
When the color tone and colorimetric value of the obtained additive molded product are different from the target by more than the set value, the addition amount of the liquid colorant is corrected again based on the color data of the additive additive molded product. Can do. This procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the screen display means 13 displays an input screen for inputting the color data relating to the additive molded product obtained through the operation procedure 1 (S7), the operator inputs the color data obtained by measuring the additive molded product. The data is input through the means 14 and registered in the data storage means 12. Alternatively, a colorimeter may be attached to the molding machine F, and the colorimetric data from the colorimeter may be directly stored in the data storage unit 12 (S8).

When the data registration is completed, the control means 11 as the liquid colorant supply amount calculation means 11a reads necessary data including these input data from the data storage means 12, executes a computer program, and determines the amount of liquid colorant added. Calculate and determine again (S9).
The computer program at this time is a correction program for reducing the difference in hue, and the above-mentioned known method can be used. However, the execution of this correction program may be instructed by an operator, or the previous computer The program itself may be built and executed.

  The operator operates the injection molding machine F and the liquid colorant supply device D in accordance with the correction amount of the obtained liquid colorant, and manufactures a target color molded article. If it is not close to the target shade of the colored molded body, a desired colored molded body can be obtained by repeating recalculation of the correction supply amount of the liquid colorant and reproduction of the colored molded body.

  In the above procedure, the color data of the additive-molded product is measured, but the color mixture of the fluid raw material resin and the liquid colorant before molding may be measured, or the additive-molding In addition to the body, a color measurement plate or the like may be formed at the time of molding the additive-molded body, and the plate may be subjected to color measurement.

  The feedback procedure to recalculate using the color data of this additive molding can be used during the execution of the next lot after the end of one lot, and the color data of the additive molding sampled during the execution of one lot It can also be sequentially reflected in the supply amount of the liquid colorant.

<Modification of Operation Procedure 2: [FIG. 12]>
Some of the above procedures can also be performed automatically. This procedure will be described with reference to FIG.
The process of measuring the color of the obtained additive-molded product can be performed by the colorimeter C described later, and the color data can be registered in the data storage unit 12 through the control unit 11 (S10). The liquid colorant supply amount calculating means 11a determines whether or not the color data is within a predetermined color difference range compared to the color data of the sample molded body (S11). In other words, if it is within the predetermined color difference range, it is completed there, but if it is not within the predetermined color difference range, the liquid colorant addition amount is recalculated based on the color data of the obtained color-added molded product. The addition amount is corrected (S12). Based on this correction, a colored molded body is manufactured, and the process returns to the original step to perform colorimetry of the obtained colored molded body (S10).
By automating such a process, the supply amount of the liquid colorant added at any time during the production of the additive-molded article can be recalculated and changed.

<Operation procedure 3: [FIG. 13]>
Next, when the supply conditions for discharging the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device D in consideration of the state of the molding machine F are obtained, in other words, the supply of the liquid colorant corresponds to the supply of the raw material resin. The case where it is made to explain is demonstrated. In this case, in addition to the process of determining the supply amount of the liquid colorant shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, the following procedure shown in FIG.

  Following the calculation of the supply amount of the liquid colorant, the control unit 11 displays an input screen for inputting data on the molding machine F and the liquid colorant supply device D on the monitor which is the screen display unit 13 (S13).

5. Device selection :
5-1. Selection of molding machine :
When the operator selects a desired molding machine from the type and name of the molding machine registered in advance from the pull-down menu or the like shown on the screen display means 13, the control means 11 accesses the molding machine data table 12a5. The data corresponding to the selected molding machine, for example, the processing amount of the raw material resin per unit time is read. However, if the molding machine to be used is specified in advance, the molding machine data registered in advance without the selection and acquisition by the operator can be applied. In the molding machine data table 12a5, various data relating to various molding machines are registered and stored in advance (S14).

5-2. Selection of liquid colorant supply device :
When the operator selects a desired liquid colorant supply device from the liquid colorant supply devices prepared in advance by using a pull-down menu or the like shown on the screen display means 13, the control means 11 causes the liquid colorant supply device data table 12a4. To read the data corresponding to the selected liquid colorant supply device. However, if the liquid colorant supply device to be used in advance is specified, the liquid colorant supply device data registered in advance can be applied without selective acquisition by the operator. In the liquid colorant supply device data table 12a4, various data relating to various liquid colorant supply devices are registered and stored in advance (S15).

  The liquid colorant supply device data to be stored and registered differs depending on the type of the liquid colorant supply device D. For example, since the liquid colorant supply device of the screw pump type D1 delivers the liquid colorant by the operation of the screw pump 23, the size (capacity) of the screw pump 23, the thickness of the delivery line, and the unit time of the screw The number of rotations, the delivery amount per unit time from the delivery pipeline, etc. are important data.

  In the liquid colorant supply device of the tube pump type D2, since the liquid colorant is delivered by the operation of the tube pump 27, the size (capacity) of the tube pump 27, the thickness of the delivery line (tube), the unit time of the roller The number of rotations per unit and the amount of delivery per unit time from the delivery pipeline are important data.

  In the barrel type D3 liquid colorant supply device, the liquid colorant is stored in the barrel 28, and the liquid colorant is delivered by opening and closing the discharge port 28b of the barrel 28. The discharge amount per unit time when the discharge port 28b is opened (depending on the temperature-viscosity of the liquid colorant), the number of times the discharge port 28b is opened and closed, the delivery amount per unit time from the delivery line, etc. are important data. It becomes.

  Also, the liquid colorant supply device of the dispenser type D4 ejects the liquid colorant from the dispenser 29, and therefore has a one-shot discharge amount (depending on the temperature-viscosity of the liquid colorant), discharge interval, compressed air capability, and the like. It becomes important data.

6). Selection of liquid colorant supply timing in accordance with the supply of raw resin :
The supply of the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device D is preferably performed in some manner with respect to the timing at which the raw material resin is supplied to the molding machine F. There are several types of supply timing.

As shown in FIG. 14, the simultaneous timing, which is the first technique, is substantially the same as the start of supply of raw material resin (As) and the start of supply of liquid colorant (Bs), and the end of supply of raw material resin (Ae). ) And the end of the supply of the liquid colorant (Be) are almost the same. That is, when the supply of the raw material resin is started (As), the supply of the liquid colorant is started (Bs). When the supply of the raw material resin is ended (Ae), the supply of the liquid colorant is also completed simultaneously ( Be).
It is preferable that the supply rate ratio (supply rate per unit time) from the start (As, Bs) to the end (Ae, Be) of the raw material resin and the liquid colorant is constant. FIG. 8 shows a case where the supply rate of the raw material resin is constant at α and the supply rate of the liquid colorant is constant at β.

By supplying the raw material resin and the liquid colorant at the same timing, the liquid colorant is mixed with the raw material resin from the start to the end of the supply of the raw material resin. Is easy to keep constant and less biased. At this time, if the supply rates of the raw material resin and the liquid colorant are constant, the filling ratio of the liquid colorant to the raw material resin is always constant, so that the color can be further stabilized. The supply timing according to this embodiment can be preferably used in injection molding or extrusion molding, but can be preferably used in the case of extrusion molding.
Note that FIG. 8 shows a case where the raw material resin and the liquid colorant are intermittently supplied, but in the case of continuous molding, within one unit of the start (As) and end (Ae) of the supply of the raw material resin It is sufficient to regard this as a series of continuous moldings. The same applies to other examples described later.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the same-rate timing as the second method is almost the same as the start of supply of raw material resin (As) and the start of supply of liquid colorant (Bs), but the end of supply of raw material resin The liquid colorant supply end (Be) is earlier than (Ae), and the liquid colorant supply time ends with a constant time shorter than the constant resin supply time. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the deformation ratio ratio that is the third method is the start of the supply of the liquid colorant within the time of the start of supply of the raw material resin (As) and the end of supply of the raw material resin (Ae) Bs) and the end of the supply of the liquid colorant (Be) are finished. That is, even if the start of supply of the liquid colorant (Bs) is delayed from the start of supply of the raw material resin (As), the supply of the liquid colorant is ended (Be) before the end of supply of the raw material resin (Ae). Is.

  From these first to third methods, an optimal method can be selected as appropriate in consideration of the properties of the molding machine F and raw materials. However, instead of selecting these methods each time an operation is performed, any one of the methods can be always applied. Such supply timing data can be stored in the other data table 12a6 (S16).

7). Calculation of liquid colorant supply conditions :
When the selection relating to the molding machine F, the liquid colorant supply device D and the supply timing is finished, the control means 11 as the liquid colorant supply time calculation means reads the necessary data from the data storage means 12 and executes the necessary computer program. The addition condition of the liquid colorant for forming an actual molded body is calculated from the selected molding machine and the liquid colorant supply device. The liquid colorant is added according to the liquid colorant to be applied according to the ratio of the liquid colorant to the raw material resin calculated in advance, considering the selected molding machine and the total amount of finished products (amount of raw materials used). The number of discharges, discharge amount, discharge timing, etc. of the liquid colorant in accordance with the agent supply device are calculated (S17).

  In this way, by considering the characteristics of the molding machine F and the liquid colorant supply device D, by controlling the supply of the raw material resin and the liquid colorant, a colored molded body having the same hue as the sample molded body prepared in advance can be obtained. Can be manufactured.

<Operation example>
Next, a procedure for obtaining the addition amount of the liquid colorant for obtaining the decorative molded body will be described based on a specific example.
A. Calculation of the amount of liquid colorant added :
An injection molding machine is prepared as the molding machine F, and any one of the above types as the liquid colorant supply device D is prepared for each color such as yellow, magenta, cyan, black, orange, green, purple, and the liquid colorant. A personal computer is prepared for the supply control device 10. In addition, a sample molded body that is formed from the same raw material resin and liquid colorant as the color molded body to be produced and has the same shape and color is prepared in advance. If preparation of the sample molded body is not in time, etc., and preparation is not possible, as an alternative to the sample molded body, the actual raw material resin and liquid colorant, regardless of the color chart, color sample, or shape with the target shade Prepare the sample board obtained from

  The operator measures color values such as tristimulus values and Munsell values of the sample molded body or its substitute with a color difference meter or densitometer, and inputs the values from the input means 14 of the liquid colorant supply control device 10 to obtain data. Register in the storage unit 12. The liquid colorant supply amount calculating means 11a includes data relating to the sample molded body and the like, color data relating to the liquid colorant for each of the yellow, magenta, cyan and black colors registered in advance in the data storage means 12, raw material resin The amount of liquid colorant added (supply amount) for each color is calculated according to the CCM program stored as a computer program using the color data relating to the color and other data.

  The operator operates the injection molding machine F to input the raw material resin into the injection molding machine F and to operate the injection molding machine F. Further, the liquid colorant supply device D is operated to supply the required amount of the liquid colorant obtained from the liquid colorant supply control device 10 to the injection molding machine F. Then, the raw material resin and the liquid colorant are mixed and kneaded, and taken out into a desired mold to produce a target colored molded body. The obtained colored molded body is measured for verification.

  When the color shade and colorimetric value of the obtained additive-molded product are greatly different from the target by a set value or more, the liquid colorant supply amount calculation means 11a re-calculates the CCM based on the color value of the additive-molded product. Execute the program and calculate the required correction amount of the liquid colorant for each color.

  After that, according to the correction amount of the obtained liquid colorant, the operator supplies the correction amount of the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device D to the injection molding machine F as described above. The liquid colorant supply device D is operated to produce a target colored molded article. Such recalculation and reproduction of the colored molded body are repeated until the target colored molded body is manufactured. In this way, a color molded product closer to the target or a target color molded product can be obtained.

B. Calculation of supply conditions for liquid colorant :
Next, after determining the supply amount of the liquid colorant, a specific example of determining supply conditions for discharging the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device D in consideration of the processing state of the raw material resin by the molding machine F Will be described. Here, a case will be described in which 10 kg of colorless and transparent pellets as a raw material resin are charged into an injection molding machine F over 10 minutes and processed to produce a colored molded body.

B-1 Example :
Assuming that the liquid colorant supply amount already calculated is 3a2 kg, and calculating the liquid colorant discharge conditions at the same rate when the screw pump type D1 is selected as the liquid colorant supply device D, the liquid colorant supply condition calculation The means outputs the following result.
The rotation speed of the screw pump is a1, the discharge time is 2 minutes of operation time, and the number of discharges is a2 kg of discharge amount per time, with an interval of 1 minute. Repeat three times. The discharge start of the liquid colorant is matched with the start of the charging of the raw material resin.
By discharging the liquid colorant according to this result, all 3a2 kg of the liquid colorant is charged into the molding machine 8 minutes after the raw material is charged.

Example B-2 :
When the tube pump type D2 is selected as the liquid colorant supply device D, assuming that the liquid colorant supply amount already calculated is b1 for the yellow liquid colorant, b2 for the magenta liquid colorant, and b3 for the cyan liquid colorant. When the liquid colorant discharge conditions are calculated at the same time, the liquid colorant supply condition calculation means outputs the following results.
When the rotation speed of the tube pump roller for supplying the yellow liquid colorant is b4 and the operation time (discharge time) is 10 minutes, b1 kg of the yellow liquid colorant is discharged during this 10 minutes, and the magenta liquid colorant is When the rotation speed of the tube pump roller to be supplied is b5 and the operation time is 10 minutes, b2 kg of the magenta liquid colorant is discharged during this 10 minutes, and the rotation speed of the tube pump roller to supply the cyan liquid colorant Is set to b6, and the operation time is set to 10 minutes, so that b3 kg of cyan liquid colorant is discharged in this 10 minutes. The discharge start of the liquid colorant is matched with the start of the charging of the raw material resin.
By discharging the liquid colorant according to this result, the injection of the entire amount of the liquid colorant is completed simultaneously with the completion of the addition of the raw material resin 10 minutes after the raw material is charged.

Example B-3 :
When the liquid colorant supply amount already calculated is 2c1 for the yellow liquid colorant, 2c2 for the magenta liquid colorant, and 2c3 for the cyan liquid colorant, the barrel type D3 is selected as the liquid colorant supply device D. When the liquid colorant discharge conditions are calculated at the same deformation timing, the liquid colorant supply condition calculation means outputs the following result.
The opening time (discharge time) per barrel of the barrel for supplying the yellow liquid colorant is 2 minutes, the discharge amount per time is c1 kg, and after an interval of 2 minutes, it is opened for another 2 minutes. This is performed 2 minutes after the raw material resin is charged (the number of discharges is 2). The opening time of the barrel for supplying the magenta liquid colorant is 1.5 minutes, the discharge amount per time is c2 kg, and after an interval of 2.5 minutes, the barrel is further opened for 1.5 minutes. This is performed 1.5 minutes after charging the raw material resin (the number of discharges is 2). Further, the opening time per barrel of the barrel for supplying the cyan liquid colorant is set to 2 minutes, the discharge amount per time is set to c3 kg, and after an interval of 2 minutes, it is further opened for 2 minutes. This is performed 3 minutes after the introduction of the raw material resin (the number of discharges is 2).
By discharging the liquid colorant according to this result, injection of the liquid colorant is completed from the start to the completion of the charging of the raw material resin.

Example B-4 :
Assuming that the liquid colorant supply amount already calculated is 1000 g, the liquid colorant supply condition calculation means when calculating the discharge condition of the liquid colorant when the dispenser type D4 is selected as the liquid colorant supply device D is calculated at the same timing. Produces the following result:
The amount of ejection per one time from the dispenser is 10 g, and the time of one cycle (total during ejection and pause) until the next ejection opportunity is 0.1 minute. That is, it takes 0.1 minute from the start of one ejection to the start of the next ejection. Then, 100 ejections (the number of ejections is 100) are performed.

By ejecting the liquid colorant in accordance with this result, the start of charging the raw material resin and the start of pouring of the liquid colorant can be performed simultaneously, and the end of charging of the raw material resin and the end of pouring of the liquid colorant can be matched.
Since the dispenser repeats the ejection and the pause, the end timing of charging the raw material resin and the liquid colorant is not exactly the same, but the simultaneous timing method is applied to match the end timing.

Example B-5 (modification of example B-4) :
In the case of Example 4 described above, when the temperature of the liquid colorant increases due to a change in the environmental temperature or the like, and the viscosity of the liquid colorant decreases accordingly, the ejection amount per one time by the dispenser decreases. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature-viscosity data of the liquid colorant and the liquid colorant ejection amount data from the dispenser for each temperature are obtained in advance and the number of ejections and the ejection interval of the dispenser corresponding to the temperature change are changed. .
In addition, the said Example 1- Example 4 is an example, Comprising: For example, it can change suitably, such as selecting dispenser type D4 and implementing the same rate timing.

<Control of Molding Machine F by Liquid Colorant Supply Control Device 10>
As described above, in order to match the supply timing of the liquid colorant with the supply timing of the raw material resin, the liquid colorant supply control device 10 is linked not only to the liquid colorant supply device D but also to the molding machine F. A control device is preferred.
Specifically, when supply of raw material resin to the molding machine F is started, such as when a switch for operating the molding machine F is pressed, the control means 11 of the liquid colorant supply control device 10 receives the signal and the liquid coloring is performed. The liquid colorant can be sent out from the agent supply device D, or the molding machine F can be operated via the input means 14 of the liquid colorant supply control device 10.

  The supply amount of the raw material resin per unit time to the molding machine F may be measured by providing a raw material resin carry-in amount detection device separate from the molding machine F. Detecting the amount of raw material resin carried in when the control means 11 cannot control the supply start or supply amount of the raw material resin by using a switch or a control mechanism provided in the existing molding machine F and using a signal generated therefrom. By using the apparatus, it is possible to independently acquire data relating to the supply of the raw material resin.

  As this raw material resin carry-in amount detection device, a raw material resin is accommodated, and a starting and ending operation of taking out the raw material resin from the accommodating portion can be operated. It can be set as the aspect installed in an upstream.

<Colorimeter: [Fig. 17]>
The molding machine F can be provided with a colorimeter C as shown in FIG.
The colorimeter C is provided adjacent to the molding machine F while maintaining the principle of the existing color difference meter and densitometer, and the added color molding is automatically guided to the colorimeter C by a conveyor. Can be kept. If such a colorimeter C is provided and interlocked with the liquid colorant supply control device 10 so that the color data of the produced additive-molded product can be automatically registered in the data storage means 12, the operator can add color. The input of the color data of the molded body can be omitted, and the recalculation of the corrected supply amount of the liquid colorant can be automated.

  The above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such a form. The configuration, shape, material, and the like of each device can be changed or replaced without departing from the spirit of the present invention. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Liquid colorant supply control apparatus 11 Control means 12 Data storage means 12a Database 12a1 Liquid colorant data table 12a2 Raw material resin data table 12a3 Sample molding data table 12a4 Liquid colorant supply apparatus data table 12a5 Molding machine data table 12b Computer program 13 Screen display means 14 Input means D, D1, D2, D3, D4 Liquid colorant supply device 22 Liquid colorant storage tank 23 Screw pump (delivery pump)
24 Flow meter 25 Valve 26 Controller 27 Tube pump (delivery pump)
28 Barrel 28a Liquid Colorant Filling Nozzle 28b Discharge Port 29 Dispenser 30 Air Pulse Controller L Liquid Colorant (Liquid Color)
t1 delivery pipe t2 air distribution pipe t3 wired Da discharge pipe Db tip of liquid colorant discharge pipe F molding machine Fa inlet 104 hopper 105 hopper receiver DF liquid colorant compatible melt discharge apparatus C colorimeter

Claims (13)

A liquid colorant supply control device for controlling a supply amount of a liquid colorant,
Screen display means, input means, data storage means for storing data necessary for calculating the supply amount of the liquid colorant, such as color data of the liquid colorant and the raw material resin mixed with the liquid colorant, and control means Prepared,
Liquid colorant supply amount calculating means for calculating the addition amount of the liquid colorant based on the color data of the sample molded body, and a liquid colorant for calculating the addition condition of the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device A liquid colorant supply control device comprising: supply condition calculation means;   The liquid colorant supply condition calculation means performs calculation according to processing conditions of a molding machine that forms a colored molded body by adding the liquid colorant together with a raw material resin when calculating the addition condition of the liquid colorant. The liquid colorant supply control device according to 1. The data storage means has supply amount data per unit time of the liquid colorant supply device, and supply amount data per unit time of the raw material resin,
The liquid colorant supply condition calculation means calculates the addition condition of the liquid colorant by taking into account supply amount data per unit time of the liquid colorant supply device and supply amount data per unit time of the raw resin. Item 3. The liquid colorant supply control device according to Item 1 or Item 2.   The liquid colorant supply condition calculating means calculates the addition condition of the liquid colorant taking into account the supply timing of the liquid colorant to the molding machine relative to the supply timing of the raw resin to the molding machine. The liquid colorant-compatible melt discharge apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The liquid colorant is supplied from the liquid colorant supply device to the molding machine, and used to produce a colored molded body made of a kneaded product of the raw material resin and the liquid colorant. The supply amount of the liquid colorant is controlled. A liquid colorant supply control device,
Screen display means, input means, data storage means for storing data necessary for calculating the supply amount of the liquid colorant, such as color data of the liquid colorant and the raw material resin mixed with the liquid colorant, and control means Prepared,
A liquid colorant supply control device, wherein the control means includes a liquid colorant supply amount calculation means for calculating the amount of liquid colorant added based on the color data of the sample molded body.   6. The liquid colorant supply control device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit includes a liquid colorant supply condition calculation unit that calculates the addition condition of the liquid colorant from the liquid colorant supply device.   The liquid colorant supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid colorant supply amount calculating means recalculates the addition amount of the liquid colorant by taking the obtained colored molded body as a sample molded body. Control device.   The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which controls the liquid colorant supply device.   9. The liquid colorant supply control device according to claim 1, wherein control data from a molding machine can be taken in.   The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which controls a molding machine.   The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which controls a supply amount of the liquid colorant in a liquid colorant supply device including a dispenser.   A liquid colorant storage tank and a barrel for storing a predetermined amount of liquid colorant flowing from the liquid colorant storage tank, the liquid colorant supply amount in a liquid colorant supply device is controlled. The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of 10. The liquid colorant supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which controls a supply amount of the liquid colorant in a liquid colorant supply device including a tube pump or a screw pump.

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