JP2020015060A - Powder compression molding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a molding machine for producing a product having any target shape by compression molding of a powder, the machine having a simplified structure facilitating reducing a burden of maintenance.SOLUTION: A powder compression molding machine 10 comprises: a rotating drum 56 having multiple first molds 30 arranged on an outer peripheral surface thereof in both the generatrix direction and the circumferential direction; a motor 64 to continuously rotate the rotating drum in one direction; a holder 100 to hold second molds 32; a support unit 150 to support the holder movably in the radial direction and the tangential direction of the rotating drum relatively to the rotating drum; a first reciprocating linear actuator 159a to drive the holder in the tangential direction of the rotating drum; a second reciprocating linear actuator 159b to drive the holder in the radial direction of the rotating drum; and a controller 182 to control the actuators on the basis of signals from a sensor 180.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for producing a product by compression-molding a powdery or granular raw material, and particularly to a technology for enabling a product having an arbitrary target shape to be produced by compression-molding a powder. It is.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional example of a powder compression molding machine for manufacturing a product having a target shape by pressing a powdery or granular raw material into a mold and molding the material. This conventional example has been developed by the present applicant.

  Specifically, this conventional example relates to a rotary drum type compression molding machine for confectionery and the like. The rotary drum-type compression molding machine comprises, in configuration, (a) a rotary drum that continuously rotates in one direction around one axis, and (b) a plurality of mold holes buried in the rotary drum in a circumferential direction. (C) a plurality of rams (movable parts) fitted to the mold holes (fixed parts) so as to be movable in the axial direction.

  The rotary drum type compression molding machine further comprises: (d) a cam mechanism for interlocking the axial movement of the ram with a change in the rotational position of the rotary drum; and (e) a predetermined rotational position of the rotary drum. And a compacting member that contacts and compacts the powdery raw material pre-filled in the mold hole from outside the rotary drum.

  However, in this conventional compression molding machine, there is a limit to the range of variations in the shape of a product that can be manufactured. This is because the portion of the product that is exposed from the mold cavity is compressed by the compaction member, but the compaction member only planarizes the exposed portion of the product.

  Against this background, the present inventors have disclosed in Patent Document 2 an object of providing a powder compression molding machine capable of producing a product having an arbitrary target shape by powder compression molding. A powder compression molding machine was proposed.

  This powder compression molding machine is a powder compression molding machine that produces a product having a target shape by pressing and molding a powdery or granular raw material into a mold divided into a first mold and a second mold. . In this powder compression molding machine, a first feed unit for sequentially feeding a plurality of first dies in one direction along a first endless track, and a plurality of second dies sequentially contact the first endless track. And a second feed unit that continuously feeds in one direction along a second endless track arranged as described above.

  The first and second feed units feed both the first type and the second type in the same direction in the adjacent area where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to and engaged with each other, and thereafter, the raw material previously charged in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold so that the final shape of the product is obtained. It is configured to be realized.

Japanese Patent No. 3366898 Japanese Patent No. 6077707

  According to the study of the present inventors, in the latter compression molding machine, for example, the first feed unit is a rotating drum that defines a circular orbit, while rotating each first mold in absolute space. The second feed unit is an endless transmission that defines a non-circular endless track having a linear portion at least in the adjacent area. It has been found that, similarly to the first mold, each second mold may be designed to have one that continuously rotates in the circumferential direction while rotating on an absolute space.

  However, the present inventors have found that, in this design mode, the structure of the second feed unit in which the second type track is not a circular track is more likely to be more complicated than the first feed unit in which the first type track is a circular track, Also, since the number of parts tends to increase, it has been noticed that in this embodiment, much time and labor may be spent on maintenance and inspection of the compression molding machine.

  Against the background of such findings of the present inventors, the present invention is a powder compression molding machine capable of manufacturing a product having an arbitrary target shape by powder compression molding. It is an object of the present invention to provide a product that can easily reduce a burden for maintenance and inspection.

In order to solve the problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a powdery or granular material is pressed into a mold divided into a first mold and a second mold and molded to have a target shape. A powder compression molding machine for manufacturing products,
A rotating drum that rotates about one rotation axis and has an outer peripheral surface coaxial with the rotation axis, wherein a plurality of first dies are arranged on at least the peripheral direction in the generatrix direction and the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface. Have
A motor for continuously rotating the rotating drum in one direction,
A holder for holding at least one second mold;
A support unit for movably supporting the holder relative to the rotating drum in a direction generally parallel to a tangential direction of the rotating drum and a direction generally parallel to a radial direction of the rotating drum;
A reciprocating linear actuator that drives the holder intermittently and generally linearly at least in a direction generally parallel to the radial direction of the tangential direction and the radial direction;
A sensor for detecting a rotational position of the rotating drum,
And a controller for performing feedback control of the actuator based on an output signal from the sensor.

In one embodiment of the powder compression molding machine, the reciprocating linear actuator is
Driving the holder in the tangential direction, whereby the second mold is positioned at a molding start position on the rotating drum, and then the second mold is moved to one of the first molds on the rotating drum. And a first actuator that enables the actuator to move following the first mold while maintaining the engaged state;
A second actuator that drives the holder in the radial direction, thereby allowing the second mold to approach and engage any first mold on the rotating drum.

Another embodiment of this powder compression molding machine further comprises:
A first engaging portion provided on the holder in the same phase as the second mold;
A second engaging portion provided for each of the first molds in the same phase as that of the first mold, wherein when the second mold is approached in synchronization with any one of the first molds, And a part that mechanically engages with the engaging part.

  In another embodiment of the powder compression molding machine, the support unit supports the second mold in a swingable state.

  The following aspects are obtained by the present invention. Each mode is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and if necessary, is described in a form in which the numbers of other sections are cited. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and combinations thereof, and the technical features and the combinations thereof that can be adopted by the present invention are limited to the following aspects. Should not be interpreted as That is, it should be construed that it is not hampered that technical features not described in the following embodiments but described in the present specification are appropriately extracted and adopted as technical features of the present invention.

  Furthermore, listing each section in a form that quotes the number of the other section does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each section from being separated from and independent of the technical features described in the other sections. It is to be construed that the technical features described in the respective sections can be appropriately made independent according to their properties.

(1) A powder compression molding machine for manufacturing a product having a target shape by pressing and molding a powdery or granular material into a mold divided into a first mold and a second mold,
A rotating drum that rotates about one rotation axis and has an outer peripheral surface coaxial with the rotation axis, wherein a plurality of first dies are arranged on at least the peripheral direction in the generatrix direction and the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface. A rotating drum having
A motor for continuously rotating the rotating drum in one direction,
A holder for holding the second mold,
A support unit that supports the holder so as to be movable relative to the rotary drum, wherein the holder is a tangent to one bus line on an outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum in a side view of the powder compression molding machine. A tangential support feature for movably supporting a generally linear motion along a first motion reference line which is generally parallel to the holder and passing the holder through the generatrix in one radial direction of the rotating drum. A radial support feature for movably supporting a generally linear motion along a second motion reference line that is generally parallel to;
A first actuator for driving the holder along the first motion reference line;
A second actuator for driving the holder along the second movement reference line.

(2) The plurality of first molds are a plurality of first mold rows on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum, each of which extends in the generatrix direction and is arranged with a gap in the circumferential direction. Placed,
The second mold is a plurality of second molds, and the second molds are arranged on the holder such that one second mold row extends along a holder reference line;
The powder compression molding machine according to item (1), wherein the support unit supports the holder such that the holder reference line and the rotation axis are kept parallel to each other.

(3) The first actuator is driven to selectively position the holder at a molding start position that is one of both end positions of a range of movement along the first movement reference line (2). A powder compression molding machine according to the above item.

(4) the molding start position is located above a molding end position that is the other of the two end positions of the range of movement along the first movement reference line;
The first actuator is driven to selectively raise the holder to the molding start position against gravity.
The powder compression molding machine according to claim 3, wherein the first actuator allows the holder to descend to the molding end position according to gravity in a floating state.

(5) The second actuator selectively retreats the holder from the one of the first mold rows at the two end positions of the range of movement along the second movement reference line. The powder according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the powder is driven so as to be positioned at the retracted position and the engagement position where the second mold row engages with any one of the first mold rows. Compression molding machine.

(6)
A sensor for detecting a rotational position of the rotating drum,
A controller that feedback-controls the first actuator and the second actuator based on an output signal from the sensor, and positions the second actuator so that the holder is at the retracted position prior to one compression molding step; Then, the first actuator is driven so that the holder is located at the molding start position, and during the continuous rotation of the rotary drum, any one of the plurality of first mold rows is driven. At a timing that is a predetermined time before the time when it is expected that a synchronization state that coincides in phase with the one second mold row is established, the holder is advanced from the retracted position by the holder and the engagement is performed. Drive to reach a position, and then place the first actuator in a floating state allowing free movement of the holder. When one compression molding step is completed, the second actuator is driven so that the holder retreats from the engagement position and returns to the retracted position. Machine.

(7)
A first engaging portion provided on the holder in phase with the one second mold row;
A second engaging portion provided on the rotating drum in the same phase as each first mold row, wherein the one second mold row is brought into close proximity to any one of the first mold rows. Mechanically engages with the first engagement portion, thereby ensuring synchronization between any one of the first mold rows and the one second mold row, thereby reducing the displacement between the two. The powder compression molding machine according to any one of (2) to (6), including:

(8) The dimensional tolerance of the fitting of the first mold and the second mold is larger than the dimensional tolerance of the fitting of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The powder compression molding machine according to any one of the above.

(9) The powder compression molding machine according to any one of (2) to (8), wherein the holder supports each of the second dies in a swingable state.

(10) The powder compression molding machine according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the product has a generally spherical, asymmetric, or irregular shape.

(11) In the rotating drum,
A charging position where the raw material is to be charged into the first mold,
The primary processing for temporarily compressing the raw material charged into the first mold is performed on the downstream side of the charging position and on the upstream side of the adjacent area where the rotating drum and the holder are adjacent to each other. The primary processing position to be performed;
The raw material, which is located in the adjacent area and is filled in the first mold, which has been subjected to the primary processing, is additionally compressed by the first mold and the second mold; Thus, the second mold is filled with a part of the raw material, and thereby, the secondary processing position where the secondary processing for realizing the final shape of the product is performed is set as (1) to (10). A powder compression molding machine according to any one of the above items.

(12) A powder compression molding machine for manufacturing a product having a target shape by pressing and molding a powdery or granular raw material into a mold,
The mold is a first mold in which the raw material is to be filled first, and contacts the first mold to compress the raw material in the first mold, thereby filling a portion of the raw material. A second type to have,
The powder compression molding machine,
A plurality of the first dies arranged in a side view are mounted in a posture that opens outward, and the first dies are rotated along an infinite orbit and each first dies are rotated in an absolute space. A first feed unit that feeds continuously in the direction;
In a side view, only one second mold is mounted in a posture that opens outward, and the second mold is placed along a non-circular endless track (for example, generally having a quadrilateral shape, a trapezoidal shape) and a second shape. A second feed unit that sends the mold intermittently in one direction without the mold rotating on the absolute space,
The first and second feed units are respectively located on two planes where the circular endless track and the non-circular endless path circumscribe or inscribe on the same plane, or intersect so as to have one common intersection line. To be circumscribed or inscribed relative to each other,
The first and second feed units are operated such that the first type and the second type are fed in the same direction in an adjacent region where the circular endless track and the non-circular endless track are adjacent to each other,
The first and second feed units are arranged such that, in the adjacent area, any of the first molds and any of the second molds are brought into close proximity to each other, and in that state, the first and second feed units are previously inserted into the first mold. A powder compression molding machine configured to compress the input raw material by the first mold and the second mold to realize a final shape of the product.

  According to the invention, the second type of movement is a relatively simple combination of two types of individual movements along two axes that intersect each other, and each individual movement is also a complete linear movement or a quasi-linear movement. Is relatively simple.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the mechanism for realizing each of the two types of individual motions related to the second type and the mechanism for combining the individual motions are simplified, and as a result, the mechanism associated with the second type is simplified. This simplifies the structure, reduces the size, and reduces the number of parts, thereby facilitating maintenance and inspection work.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the two types of individual movements related to the second type are simplified, it is easy to increase the speed of each individual movement, thereby improving the production efficiency of the product. It will be easier.

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an overall configuration of a powder compression molding machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating an example of a product manufactured by the molding machine illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary product. FIGS. 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views showing changes over time of behaviors of the first mold and the second mold in the compression molding process in the molding machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a main part of a first feed unit and a main part of a second feed unit in the molding machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main part of the rotary drum and a main part of the holder in the molding machine shown in FIG. 1 together with a cycle diagram for explaining the behavior of the second mold, and the behavior of each of the first mold and the second mold. It is a side view which expands and pays attention and shows schematically. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the main part of the rotary drum, the main part of the holder, and the main part of the cam mechanism in the molding machine shown in FIG. 1, focusing on the behaviors of the first mold, its cam follower, and the second mold. It is a side view which expands and shows schematically.

  Hereinafter, a more specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Basic configuration of powder compression molding machine>

  FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the overall configuration of a powder compression molding machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as “molding machine”) 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The molding machine 10 is designed to roughly produce a product 16 having a target shape by pressing a powdery or granular raw material 12 into a mold 14 and molding.

<Mold structure>

  In FIG. 2, a product 16 (an example of which is a solid confectionery) is shown in FIG. 2 (a) which is a side view and FIG. 2 (b) which is a perspective view. The product 16 has a generally spherical shape, and specifically has a right hemispherical portion 20, a left hemispherical portion 22, and an annular protrusion 24 located therebetween.

  FIG. 3 shows the mold 14 in several cross-sectional views. The mold 14 is divided into a first mold 30 and a second mold 32. The first die 30 is a portion where the raw material 12 is to be filled first from the hopper 34 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the second mold 32 is a part that comes into contact with the first mold 30 and compresses the raw material 12 in the first mold 30, thereby filling a part of the raw material 12.

  The first mold 30 and the second mold 32 cooperate with each other to form a cavity 126 (filled with the raw material 12 to form the product 16) and generally form a hemisphere to form a portion of the cavity 126. An inner surface that forms a shape is formed in a first mold 30 and an inner surface that generally forms a hemisphere is formed in a second mold 32 to form the remainder.

  The first mold 30 has a cylindrical fixed part 112 and a movable part 114 that is slidably fitted thereto. On the other hand, the second mold 32 is generally formed of a single member having a solid cylindrical shape (a hollow cylindrical shape is also possible).

  Specifically, in the second mold 32, the base end and the tip (ends near the first mold 30) having different shapes are arranged coaxially. At its tip, the second mold 32 fits into the cavity in the first mold 320, i.e., the cavity in the fixed part 112, which has a uniform circular cross section.

  The base end of the second die 32 is a cylindrical portion having a uniform circular cross section, and has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the fixing portion 112 of the first die 30. On the other hand, the distal end of the second mold 32 is a tapered portion tapering from the base end as approaching the first mold 30.

  As a result, an annular gap 130 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the second die 32 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing portion 112 of the first die 30. The tapered portion functions to support the operation of the second mold 32 entering the first mold 30 even when they are not completely coaxial when the second mold 32 enters the first mold 30. Fulfill. That is, the tapered portion functions as a guide portion.

<Basic configuration of the first feed unit>

  As shown in FIG. 1, the molding machine 10 includes a first feed unit 50. The first feed unit 50 is designed to continuously feed a plurality of first dies 30 in one direction along a circular track 52. The plurality of first dies 30 are discretely arranged along the circular track 52 in side view. Specifically, in a side view, the plurality of first dies 30 are arranged at equal angular intervals with a gap therebetween along the circular endless track 52 (the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 56).

  In the present embodiment, the first feed unit 50 includes a frame 54 and a rotating drum 56 that defines the circular track 52. The rotating drum 56 has a pair of rotating shafts 60 protruding coaxially with the rotating drum 56 from both end plates 58 thereof. The rotating drum 56 is supported by the frame 54 via the pair of rotating shafts 60 so as to be rotatable around one rotation axis.

  The plurality of first dies 30 are embedded in the rotating drum 56 so as to be arranged at equal intervals (equal distance intervals and equal angle intervals) in the circumferential direction, with postures each opening outward. Therefore, the first dies 30 rotate integrally with the rotating drum 56 and around the same axis.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, a plurality of rows of the first dies 30 are arranged so that the plurality of first dies 30 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotary drum 56 as well as in the axial direction (general line direction). However, instead of this, for example, it is possible to configure as a single-row first die 30 arranged in only one row in the circumferential direction of the rotary drum 56.

  The circular endless track 52 conceptually coincides with the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 56, but more precisely, any one of the first dies 30 moves with one rotation of the rotary drum 56. This means a locus drawn by a representative point of the first mold 30 (for example, the center point of the tip surface).

  The first feed unit 50 further includes a first drive system 62 that continuously rotates the rotary drum 56 in one direction. The first drive system 62 includes an electric motor 64, a pulley 66, and a belt 68 as an example of an endless transmission.

  The pulley 66 rotates coaxially and integrally with the rotating drum 56. The belt 68 is wound around the rotating shaft 69 of the electric motor 64 and the pulley 66 of the rotating drum 56, thereby transmitting the rotating force of the electric motor 64 to the rotating drum 56, thereby driving the rotating drum 56. . As a result, one-way continuous rotation of the rotary drum 56 (continuous rotation in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1) is realized.

<Basic configuration of the second feed unit>

  As shown in FIG. 1, the molding machine 10 further includes a second feed unit 70. The second feed unit 70 intermittently feeds the plurality of second dies 32 in one direction along a quadrilateral non-circular endless track 72, thereby approaching and separating from the rotating drum 56 (radially, It is designed to selectively perform the horizontal rotation (in the horizontal direction) and the rotation with the rotating drum 56 (tangential direction, vertical direction).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the non-circular endless track 72 linearly extends from the circular endless track 52 in an adjacent area (also an opposing area) 74 that is radially adjacent to the circular endless track 52 (from the circular endless track 52). (Having a large radius of curvature) having a vertical straight portion B (a term meaning not only a perfect straight portion but also a substantially straight portion).

  The non-circular endless track 72 further includes a vertical linear portion D parallel to the vertical linear portion B and the second die 32 moving in the opposite direction, a horizontal linear portion A, and a parallel and parallel to the horizontal linear portion A. The second mold 32 has a horizontal straight portion C that moves in the opposite direction. The non-circular endless trajectory 72 is defined by the four straight portions A, B, C, and D.

  Comparing the behavior of the second mold 32 in the non-circular track 72 with the behavior of the first mold 30 in the circular track 70, the first mold 30 is arranged along the circular track 70 in side view and Each first mold 32 is continuously sent in one direction while rotating on the absolute space.

  On the other hand, the second mold 32 is intermittently sent in one direction along the non-circular infinite orbit 72 in a side view and without the second mold 32 rotating in absolute space. That is, the second mold 32 is sent along the non-circular endless track 72 while maintaining the same orientation and posture.

  Also, the circular track 70 is defined as a real track extending along the outer periphery of the rotating drum 56, whereas the non-circular track 72 does not have such a real track and is simply a second mold 32. Is merely defined as a locus (virtual track) drawn by the representative point (for example, mass point) of the second type 32.

<Holder>

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second feed unit 70 includes a holder 100. The holder 100 supports a plurality of second dies 32 in a horizontal row. The second dies 32 are arranged at equal intervals along the holder reference line of the holder 100 (the longitudinal axis of the holder 100).

  It is desirable that the holder 100 be lightweight and have high rigidity. The lighter the weight, the faster the holder 100 can move, and the better the followability to the rotary drum 56. The higher the rigidity, the more the axial position (distance from the strength support point) of the second mold 32 in the holder 100. This is because the compression force on the first mold 30 can be equally secured regardless of the type.

<Support unit>

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second feed unit 70 further includes a support unit 150. The support unit 150 maintains the posture in which the longitudinal axis of the holder 100 (more precisely, the holder reference line) and the rotational axis of the rotating drum 56, more precisely, the rotating drum 56 are parallel to each other. The holder 100 is configured to support the holder 100 so as to be movable relative to the rotary drum 56.

  Specifically, the support unit 150 holds the holder 100 with one tangent (for example, a bus bar located on the leftmost side in FIG. 5) on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 56 in a side view of the molding machine 10. (See FIG. 5).

  In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tangential direction support function is a function of supporting the holder 100 so as to be able to move up and down (vertical movement, ascending and descending). In order to realize this tangential support function, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the support unit 150 has a linear guide 151 that supports the holder 100 so as to be vertically movable. For example, the pin 152 of the holder 100 is connected to the slider 156 of the linear guide 151.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the pin 152 (or recess) of the holder 100 is pivotably connected to the slider 156, or as shown in FIG. If the pin 152 (or recess) of the holder 100 is pivotally connected to the slider 156 so that the second mold 32 can be pivoted to the slider 100 and the second mold 32 can be rotated in a vertical plane with respect to the rotating drum 56. , The swing function of the second mold 32 is realized. As a result, the first mold 30 changes its angle during movement along the circular endless track 70, while the second mold 32 changes its angle during movement along the non-circular endless track 72. In addition, the angle followability of the second mold 32 to the angle change of the first mold 30 is improved.

  The support unit 150 further moves the holder 100 in a radial direction of the rotating drum 56 and in a second movement reference that is generally parallel to the one passing through the generatrix (the reference horizontal line in the example shown in FIG. 5). It has a radial direction support function that supports linearly movable along a line.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the radial support function is a function of supporting the holder 100 so as to be able to move horizontally (forward / backward movement, forward / backward, approaching / separating from the rotating drum 56). In order to realize this radial support function, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the support unit 150 has a linear guide 154 that supports the holder 100 so as to be able to move horizontally. For example, the housing 158 of the linear guide 151 is connected to a slider (not shown) of the linear guide 154. The linear guide 154 is fixed to the frame 90 of the second feed unit 70 (see FIG. 1).

  As a result, the holder 100 can be vertically moved and horizontally moved relative to the rotating drum 56 that continuously rotates at a fixed position by a combination of the two linear guides 151 and 154 that intersect vertically and horizontally. However, the support unit 150 can employ any other configuration to achieve the same movement.

<Drive system>

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second feed unit 70 further includes a first actuator (for vertically driving the holder 100 along the first movement reference line, that is, in the example of FIG. Reciprocating linear actuator) 159a and a second actuator (reciprocating linear actuator) 159b for driving the holder 100 along the second movement reference line, that is, in the example of FIG. And The actuators 159a and 159b constitute a main part of the drive system of the second feed unit 70.

  The actuators 159a and 159b are, for example, an air cylinder driven by a pneumatic source 106, a hydraulic cylinder driven by a hydraulic source, a linear motor driven by a power source, or a rotary motor driven by a power source. And a motion converter (for example, converting a rotary motion into a linear motion like a ball screw). In other words, it is sufficient for each of the actuators 159a and 159b to be an actuator of a type that outputs a reciprocating linear motion regardless of the type of motion to be input. Is

  In one example, since the first actuator 159a only needs to generate a driving force in one direction, a single-acting air cylinder is sufficient, but it may be a double-acting air cylinder. In any case, the floating state of the air cylinder is realized as the telescopic state of the air cylinder. On the other hand, the second actuator 159b is a double-acting air cylinder because a driving force must be generated in both forward and reverse directions.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first actuator 159a selectively positions the holder 100 at a molding start position T1, which is one of both end positions of a range of movement along the first movement reference line (vertical direction). Driven to In the present embodiment, the molding start position T1 is located above the molding end position T3 which is the other of the two end positions of the range of movement along the first movement reference line (vertical direction). In the figure, “T2” indicates a molding intermediate position where the holder 100 is closest to the rotating drum 56.

  In the present embodiment, the first actuator 159a is driven to selectively raise the holder 100 to the molding start position T1 (for example, in the case of an air cylinder, the stroke end position which is the upper limit position) against the gravity. Is done. Further, when the first actuator 159a reaches the molding start position T1 and starts the compression molding, the first actuator 159a switches to the floating state. In the floating state, for example, when the first actuator 159a is an air cylinder, all the air chambers formed before and after the piston rod are in communication with the atmosphere. No pressure difference occurs between the two air chambers.

  In the floating state, the holder 100 can freely move up and down, and can descend by its own weight (according to gravity). As a result, as the compression molding proceeds, the holder 100 is lowered together with the rotating drum 56 in substantially the same direction at substantially the same speed while the second mold 32 is engaged with the first mold 30. When the compression molding is completed, the holder 100 returns to the molding end position T3 (for example, in the case of an air cylinder, the stroke end which is the lower limit position) by its own weight.

  The second actuator 159b selectively retreats the holder 100 from one of the first dies 30 at the two end positions in the range of movement along the second movement reference line (front-back direction). The retreat position (S1 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) (for example, in the case of an air cylinder, the stroke end which is the retreat limit position), and the engagement position where the second mold 32 engages with one of the first molds 30 (FIG. 5 (for example, in the case of an air cylinder, the stroke end which is a forward limit position). All three positions T1, T2, T3 of the holder 100 shown in FIG. 5 are also the engagement positions S2. In FIG. 5, the engagement position S2 is shown as a base straight line 162, and the base straight line 162 is separated from the tangent line in a direction away from the rotary drum 56.

  FIG. 5 shows a cycle diagram relating to the behavior of the second mold 32 in the leftmost portion.

  When one compression molding process is started, the second mold 32 experiences a forward stroke from the retreat position S1 at the top end level by the forward drive of the second actuator 159b, and moves to the engagement position. The process reaches S2. Thereby, the second mold 32 is engaged with and fitted into any one of the first molds 30 on the rotating rotary drum 56.

  Next, in a floating state of the first actuator 159a (a state in which the second mold 32 is allowed to move up and down), the second mold 32 descends so as to follow the rotating drum 56 and experiences a descending stroke. Meanwhile, the second mold 32 sequentially reaches the molding start position T1 (top end level), the molding intermediate position T2, and the molding end position T3 (bottom end level). Thus, one compression molding step is completed.

  Subsequently, the second mold 32 experiences a retreat stroke from the engagement position S2 at the bottom end level and reaches the retreat position S1 by driving the second actuator 159b in the reverse direction. Thereafter, the second mold 32 experiences an ascending stroke from the retreat position S1 at the bottom end level by driving the first actuator 159a (elevating the second mold 32 against gravity), and moves to the top end level. At the retreat position S1. Thereafter, the second mold 32 waits for the next compression molding process.

  In this embodiment, a first actuator 159a as a vertical (tangential) reciprocating linear actuator for linearly moving the holder 100 up and down, and a horizontal (radial) reciprocating linear actuator for linearly moving the holder 100 horizontally. And the second actuator 159b together form a drive system of the molding machine 10, that is, an example of the “reciprocating linear actuator”.

  On the other hand, in a modified example, it is possible to configure the drive system of the molding machine 10 without having a vertical reciprocating linear actuator.

  Specifically, the holder 100 is not disposed so as to be adjacent to the position where the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 56 is lowered, as in the present embodiment, but is disposed so as to be adjacent to the position where the outer surface is raised. Further, at the bottom end of the holder 100, the second mold 32 is engaged with any one of the first molds 30 on the rotary drum 56, and the holder 100 rises as the rotary drum 56 rotates, and the holder 100 is eventually Reach the top end. No vertical reciprocating linear actuator is required for the upward movement.

  After that, the holder 100 is retracted from the engagement position S2 to the retreat position S1 by the second actuator 159b, so that when the second mold 32 is separated from the first mold 30, the engagement between the holder 100 and the rotating drum 56 is established. Is canceled. Subsequently, the holder 100 is lowered by its own weight and is restored to the bottom end.

  In this modified example, the four-cycle movement of the holder 100, that is, the four-stroke circulating movement (see FIG. 5) uses the ascent of the holder 100 due to the rotation of the rotary drum 56 and the descent of the holder 100 due to its own weight. It can be realized without a linear actuator.

<Control system>

  The second feed unit 70 further includes a sensor (for example, an encoder, a resolver with an A / D converter, etc.) 180 for detecting the rotational position of the rotary drum 56, and first and second sensors based on output signals from the sensor 180. A controller 182 for feedback-controlling the actuators 159a and 159b.

  The second feed unit 70 further has a driver 184 for driving the first actuator 159a and a driver 186 for driving the second actuator 159b. The drivers 184 and 186 are connected to a power source (not shown), and are also connected to electric control units (for example, a solenoid of a valve, a coil of a motor, and the like) of the corresponding actuators 159a and 159b.

  Prior to one compression molding step, the controller 182 drives the second actuator 159b so that the holder 100 retreats to the retreat position S1 (in the examples of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, "C" is used). Shown). Then, the controller 182 drives the first actuator 159a so that the holder 100 moves up to the molding start position T1 (in the examples of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, indicated by "D").

  The controller 182 further establishes that during the continuous rotation of the rotary drum 56, a synchronous state is established in which any one of the plurality of first mold rows on the rotary drum 56 matches the phase of the second mold row on the holder 100 in phase. The second actuator 159b and the holder 100 are moved to the retreat position S1 at a timing before the predicted time (for example, a time for allowing the holder 100 to move from the retreat position S1 to the engagement position S2). To the engaging position S2 at a high speed (fired) (in the examples of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, indicated by “A”).

  Here, the timing at which the controller 182 starts driving the second actuator 159b so that the second actuator 159b emits the holder 100 from the retracted position S1 toward the rotary drum 56 will be described.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the rotation angle θ of each first mold 30 (for example, defined as the angle of the center line of each first mold 30 from the reference horizontal line) is 0, The rotating drum 56 and the holder 100 are positioned such that the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 face each other completely coaxially (so that the center line of the first mold 30 and the center line of the second mold 32 completely match). Assume a setting in which the relative positional relationship is set.

  In this setting, of the plurality of rotation positions of the rotary drum 56, the one directly facing the second die 32 at the molding intermediate position T2 is referred to as a first die center position, which is the leftmost position of the rotary drum 56. Located in.

  A position on the reciprocating side (leading side, reverse rotation direction, clockwise in the example of FIG. 5) of the rotary drum 56 by a predetermined first angle from the center position of the first mold is referred to as a position directly above the first mold. Further, the rotating drum 56 is fed out from the center position of the first mold by a predetermined second angle (which may be the same as or different from the first angle) (the trailing side, the normal rotation direction, the example in FIG. 5). In this case, the position counterclockwise) is referred to as a position immediately below the first mold.

  In this setting, when any one of the first dies 30 is located directly above the first dies, the second die 32 at the molding start position T1 engages with any one of the first dies 30. Thereafter, the engaged state is maintained, and when any of the first molds 30 is located at the first mold center position, the second mold 32 is located at the molding intermediate position T2. When any of the first dies 30 is located at the position immediately below the first dies, the second die 32 is located at the molding end position T3.

  On the other hand, based on the output signal from the sensor 180, the controller 182 turns the first mold 30 to be used next for compression molding out of the plurality of first molds 30 by a predetermined angle from the position immediately above the first mold. It detects whether or not it has reached the side position (firing start position).

  Here, the “predetermined angle” means that the estimated rotation time, which is expected to be required for the first mold 30 to reach the position immediately above the first mold from the firing start position by the rotation of the rotary drum 56, is equal to the second rotation time. By the driving of the actuator 159b, the sum of the predicted advance time, which is expected to take the holder 100 to advance from the retreat position S1 to reach the engagement position S2, and the response delay time of the entire system is substantially obtained. Set to match.

  The response delay time is, for example, the response delay time of the sensor 180 and the time required for the controller 182 to process the output signal from the sensor 180 (the delay time, but may be short enough to be ignored in practical use). ), The time required for the controller 182 to generate and output a command signal to be output to the second actuator 159b (a delay time, which may be negligible in practice) and the second actuator 159b. 159b (which may be practically negligible).

  When the controller 182 determines that the first die 30 to be used for the next compression molding has reached the firing start position, it drives the second actuator 159b (stroke A).

  After that, the controller 182 switches the first actuator 159a to a floating state (for example, when the air cylinder is an air cylinder, the first actuator 159a can be extended and contracted).

  Here, the timing at which the controller 182 switches the first actuator 159a to the floating state will be described.

  The controller 182 switches the first actuator 159a to a floating state at a predetermined timing.

  Here, regarding the “predetermined timing”, a force sensor attached to the second actuator 159b (not shown, but in the case of an air cylinder, a pressure sensor for an air chamber or an axial force sensor for a piston rod) Is detected) (when the stroke ends of the second actuator 159b), the controller 182 determines that the second mold 32 has begun to engage with any one of the first molds 30. Is an example of the “predetermined timing”.

  When the first actuator 159a is switched to the floating state, the holder 100 is allowed to drop by its own weight. On the other hand, before the first actuator 159a is switched to the floating state, as described later, the first engagement portion 200 engages with the second engagement portion 202, or after that, each second mold 32 is Engage with each first mold 30.

  Therefore, after the first engaging portion 200 engages with the second engaging portion 202, through the engaging portion, and thereafter, after each second mold 32 engages with each first mold 30, the engaging portion , The rotational force of the rotating drum 56 is transmitted to the holder 100. As a result, when the first actuator 159a is switched to the floating state in this engaged state, the holder 100 can rotate along with the rotary drum 56 (in the examples of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, " B ").)

  As shown in FIG. 4, strokes A and C are optionally realized by a second actuator 159b, while strokes B and D are optionally realized by a first actuator 159a.

  When one compression molding step is completed, the second mold 32 is at the molding end position T3. At this time, the controller 182 drives the second actuator 159b so that the holder 100 retreats from the engagement position S2 to the retreat position S1 at a high speed and is restored (stroke C).

  Specifically, the controller 182 determines that, based on an output signal from the sensor 180, for example, the rotation angle θ expected to be taken by the rotating drum 56 when the second mold 32 is at the molding end position T3 has been realized. If it is determined, the second actuator 159b is driven so that the holder 100 retreats from the engagement position S2 to the retreat position S1 at a high speed and is restored.

  The controller 182 further detects that the holder 100 has been restored from the engagement position S2 to the retracted position S1 (stroke end of the second actuator 159b) based on the feedback signal from the above-described force sensor of the second actuator 159b. In preparation for the start of the next compression molding step, the first actuator 159a is driven at a high speed so that the holder 100 reaches the molding start position T1 (stroke D).

  As described above, the total time required for each of the strokes A, B, C, and D is required for one compression molding, and the rotating drum 56 continuously rotates during the total time.

  Therefore, in order to sequentially use the plurality of first dies 30 on the rotary drum 56 for compression molding without leakage, the rotary drum 56 rotates by an angle pitch between two adjacent first dies 30 in the circumferential direction. It is necessary that the time required to perform the operation is longer than the total time.

<Guide mechanism that supports synchronization between rotating drum and holder>

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second feed unit 70 includes a first engaging portion 200 (for example, a pin or a convex portion) provided in the holder 100 in the same phase as the row of the second mold 32, and the rotating drum 56. And a second engaging portion 202 (for example, a hole or a concave portion) provided in the same phase as each first mold row.

  Both the first engaging portion 200 and the second engaging portion 202 may be installed at positions where the corresponding dies 32 and 30 are in phase.

  Here, with respect to the first engaging portion 200, “in phase” means that when the holder 100 is viewed in its own moving direction (in the example shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal direction), the first engaging portion 200 It means that it is sufficient to be located on the same plane as the plurality of second dies 32. Therefore, the first engagement portion 200 may extend from the holder reference line in the movement direction as shown in FIG. 4, or from a position deviated from the holder reference line in the movement direction, as shown in FIG. 4. Further, they may extend in the same direction.

  In addition, for the second engagement portion 202 for each first mold row, “in phase” means that it is sufficient to be located at a position having the same rotation angle as the corresponding first mold row. Therefore, the second engagement portion 202 may extend from the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 56 and from the one where the plurality of first dies 30 exist, or may extend from the position radially deviated from the outer peripheral surface. It may extend in the direction.

  Each of the second engagement portions 202 mechanically engages with the first engagement portion 200 when the row of the second mold 32 is brought close to any one of the plurality of rows of the first molds 30 in synchronization. . The engagement assures synchronization between the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 to be engaged with each other, thereby reducing the displacement between the two during the compression molding process.

  The distal end position of the first engaging portion 200 is closer to the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 56 than the distal end position of the second die 32. Therefore, the engagement between the first engagement part 200 and the second engagement part 202 is started before the engagement between the first mold 30 and the second mold 32. The dimensional tolerance of the fitting between the first engaging portion 200 and the second engaging portion 202 is smaller than the dimensional tolerance of the fitting between the first die 30 and the second die 32.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the combination of the first engagement portion 200 and the second engagement portion 202 causes the movement of the holder 100 to coincide with the regular relative position with respect to the rotating drum 56 (planned contact start position). As a result, the guide mechanism is configured to guide in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, thereby supporting that the engagement between the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 is started with a high degree of synchronization. I do.

<Relative positional relationship between rotating drum and holder>

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the first and second feed units 50 and 70 are configured such that the circular endless track 52 and the non-circular endless track 72 (more precisely, the tangents associated therewith). They are relatively arranged so as to circumscribe on the same plane. Alternatively, for example, the trajectories 52 and 72 may be inscribed on the same plane, or may be circumscribed or inscribed on two planes intersecting so as to have one common intersection. The first and second feed units 50 and 70 may be relatively arranged.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first and second feed units 50 and 70 connect the molding start position T1 and the molding end position T3 of the tangent line to a molding intermediate position (closest position). 1) At T2, the outer circumferential circle of the rotating drum 56 is positioned at the outermost end position (the position of the intersection of the outer circumferential circle of the rotating drum 56 and a horizontal line passing through the center point of the outer circumferential circle, and is an example shown in FIG. 1). At the leftmost end position), they are substantially circumscribed.

<Operation of the first and second feed units>

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of positions for performing a plurality of work steps are set in the first feed unit 50. The locations are as follows:

  Loading position P1: a position at which the raw material 12 is loaded into the first mold 30 from the hopper 34 (for example, a substantially uppermost position of the rotary drum 56).

  Primary processing position P2: Primary processing (pre-processing, temporary processing) which is located downstream of the input position P1 and upstream of the adjacent area 74 and temporarily compresses the raw material 12 input into the first mold 30. Where compression and temporary compaction are performed

  By the primary processing, the powdery raw material 12 adheres to the mold surface of the first mold 30, thereby preventing the raw material 12 from dropping from the mold surface of the first mold 30 by gravity in a subsequent process. You.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, in order to perform the primary processing, a compaction member 110 as a primary processing member is located downstream of the input position P1 and upstream of the adjacent area 74. Are supported by the frame 90. In side view, the relative position of the center point of the compacting member 110 with respect to the center line of the rotating drum 56 does not change during the operation of the molding machine 10.

  Secondary processing position P3: The raw material 12 that is located in the adjacent region 74 and is pre-filled in the first die 30 and that has been subjected to the primary processing is additionally compressed by the second die 32. Position where secondary processing is performed

  By the secondary processing, the inside of the second mold 32 is filled with a part of the raw material 12 (the original air 128 is replaced by the raw material 12), and thereby the final shape of the product 16 is realized.

  Discharge position P4: A position where the completed product 16 is discharged from the first die 30 after the second die 32 is retracted from the first die 30 and located downstream of the secondary processing position (see FIG. 1). In the example shown, the direction of the gravity acting on the product 16 and the center line direction of the first mold 30 coincide with each other at the lowermost position.

<Process for powder compression molding>

  FIG. 5 shows that a plurality of first dies 30 rotating continuously in one direction and a second die 32 intermittently rotating in one direction so as to move in the same direction in the adjacent region 74 are realized. A series of steps to be performed are shown.

  In the entire circumference section of the rotary drum 56, a section from an entrance side where the first mold 30 enters the adjacent area 74 to an exit side where the first mold 30 exits the adjacent area 74, that is, in the secondary processing position P <b> 3. The initial compression step (forming start position T1) shown in FIG. 3 (a), the middle compression step (forming intermediate position T2) shown in FIG. 3 (b), and the late compression step (forming And the end position T3) are executed in that order. The secondary processing is constituted by these three steps.

  Through all the steps, the second die 32 is theoretically maintained at the engagement position S2 (which is invariant with respect to the rotating drum 56), while the first die 30 is provided with a cam mechanism 140 described later. As a result, it relatively approaches the second mold 32. Accordingly, the raw material 12 is substantially compressed by the stationary second mold 32 and the first mold 30 approaching the second mold 32.

  Specifically, the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 is moved relatively by the cam mechanism 140 with respect to the rotary drum 56, and as a result, is relatively approached by the second mold 32. (In the figure, "forward").

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the fixed portion 112 of the first mold 30 (which rotates integrally with the rotary drum 56) moves from the initial compression process to the middle compression process. Until then, the rotary drum 56 is turned in to approach the second mold 32 (“forward” in the figure), while, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. Until the late compression step, the rotary drum 56 separates from the second mold 32 by being fed out (in the figure, “retreat”).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 5, as the one-way rotation of the rotating drum 56 and the lowering of the holder 100, any one of the first dies 30 and the corresponding second dies 32 are formed in the adjacent area 74. Approach each other in the horizontal direction (or in the radial direction of the rotating drum 56) while descending together.

  Also, in the initial compression step, the compression of the raw material 12 is started, then, in the middle compression step, the degree of compression increases, and finally, in the late compression step, the degree of compression reaches the target compression degree, The final shape of the product 16 is realized

<Configuration and operation of mold 14>

  The structure and operation of the mold 14 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In the above-described compression step, in order to perform more effective compression, the first mold 30 has the movable portion 114, and as a result, the volume of the internal space 120 of the first mold 30 can be reduced by only the first mold 30. It is in a format that can be performed. However, it is also possible to implement the present invention in a form in which the first mold 30 does not have the movable portion 114 and therefore the volume of the internal space 120 of the first mold 30 cannot be reduced only by the first mold 30. is there.

  In the present embodiment, specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first mold 30 includes a fixed portion (the relative position with respect to the rotating drum 56 is invariable) 112 and a movable portion (a radial direction with respect to the rotating drum 56). (The relative position is variable) 114. The movable portion 114 is coaxially slidably fitted to the fixed portion 112.

  A part of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical distal end portion 116 of the fixed portion 112 and the concave distal end surface of the concave distal end portion 118 of the movable portion 114 cooperate with each other to form a variable volume internal space 120 in the first mold 30. Is defined. Of the internal space 120, the portion defined by the movable portion 114 has a shape that reflects the outer shape of the right hemisphere 20 of the product 16, while the portion defined by the fixed portion 112 It has a shape that reflects the outer shape of the annular projection 24.

  In contrast, the second mold 32 has a concave tip 122, and the concave tip surface defines a volume-invariable internal space 124 in the second mold 32. The internal space 124 has a shape that reflects the outer shape of the left hemisphere 22 of the product 16. The internal space 124 is combined with the internal space 120 of the first mold 30 to form a variable volume cavity 126.

<Description of compression process>

  Here, the compression step will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In the compression step, first, in the initial stage, as shown in FIG. 3A, in the adjacent region 74, at a position that is the molding start position T1 in the vertical direction and the engagement position S2 in the horizontal direction, The concave tip 122 (the tapered portion) of the second mold 32 is not coaxial but tries to enter the cylindrical tip 116 of the first mold 30. However, the depth at which the second mold 32 enters the first mold 30 depends on the impact force of the holder 100 and the degree to which the second mold 32 collides with the first mold 30 (frictional force due to non-coaxiality). May be different.

  At this time, the raw material 12 is previously filled in the internal space 120 of the first mold 30, but at this time, the air 128 is present in the internal space 124 of the second mold 32 instead of the raw material 12. However, at this time, the cavity 126 is provisionally defined as a result of the concave tip 122 of the second mold 32 contacting the cylindrical tip 116 of the first mold 30 coaxially.

  Next, in the middle stage of the compression process, the second mold 32 linearly descends as the first mold 30 rotates in one direction (as a result of the engagement with the first mold 30 being maintained, The second die 32 is rotated by the first die 30), and as shown in FIG. 3B, the position of the second die 32 is held at the engagement position S1 (for example, at the stroke end). At this time, the coaxiality between the second mold 32 and the first mold 30 is improved, the one-side contact is gradually eliminated, and the driving force of the first actuator 159a is transmitted to the raw material 12 as a compressive force without waste.

  Further, in the middle stage, the movable mechanism 114 advances in the first mold 30 in the direction approaching the fixed part 112 by the cam mechanism 140, thereby reducing the volume of the internal space 120 and thus the cavity 126. Decrease the volume of As a result, the air 128 in the internal space 124 of the second mold 32 is partially replaced by the raw material 12 and discharged through the cylindrical gap 130 between the first mold 30 and the second mold 32.

  In the middle stage, as the cam mechanism 140 rotates the rotary drum 56 in one direction, the movable portion 114 gradually approaches the fixed portion 112, during which the second mold 32 may have almost reached the advance limit. Due to the high performance, the second mold 32 apparently substantially maintains the relative position of the first mold 30 in the horizontal direction with respect to the fixing portion 112. That is, the length (overlap length) of the portion of the second mold 32 fitted into the first mold 30 is maintained.

  Subsequently, in a later stage of the compression process (the maximum compression state of the cavity 126, the forward limit position of the movable portion 114 of the first die 30), the movable portion 114 of the first die 30 is moved by the cam mechanism 140. Go further. Thereby, the volume of the cavity 126 is further reduced, and as a result, the air 128 in the internal space 124 of the second mold 32 is completely replaced with the raw material 12.

  As a result, the cavity 126 is entirely filled with the raw material 12 and the raw material 12 is compressed. As a result, the inner surface shape of the cavity 126 is reflected on the outer surface shape of the product 16.

  The gap 130 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the fixed part 112 of the first die 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the second die 32. The size of the gap 130 is such that the air 128 in the cavity 126 can be discharged outside through the gap 130, but the raw material 12 in the cavity 126 is substantially prevented from leaking out through the gap 130 (radius). Direction clearance dimension). That is, the gap 130 has a selective passage property such that the air 128 passes but the raw material 12 does not pass.

<Cam mechanism for displacing the movable part relative to the fixed part in the first mold>

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the compression step, as described above, the movable portion 114 is caused to approach the fixed portion 112, and the relative radius of the movable portion 114 to the fixed portion 112, including the movement of the approach. In order to realize the directional movement, the first feed unit 50 includes a cam mechanism 140 as shown in FIG.

  The cam mechanism 140 includes a cam follower (for example, a pin or a roller) 142 that moves together with the movable portion 114, a positive cam 144 (for example, a front cam, a groove cam) as a cam that defines a movement path of the cam follower 142, Having. The positive cam 144 rotates integrally with the rotary drum 56.

  FIG. 5 shows that the movement of the movable portion 114 of the first die 30 in the radial direction in conjunction with the change of the rotational position of the rotary drum 56 is changed by the change of the rotational position of the rotary drum 56 in the radial position of the cam follower 142. This is shown to be realized by linked movement.

  Specifically, the first mold 30 at the position R1 first contacts the second mold 32 at the position Q1 corresponding to the position R1.

  Next, at the position R2, the fixed portion 112 of the first mold 30 retreats, while the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 slightly advances, and at the position Q2 corresponding to the position R2, the second mold 32 The fixed portion 112 of the first die 30 is advanced by an amount to compensate for the retreat.

  Further, at the position R3, the movable portion 114 of the first die 30 further advances slightly, and at the position Q3 corresponding to the position R3, the second die 32 compensates for the retreat of the fixed portion 112 of the first die 30. Just move forward.

  The interlocking of the radial position of the cam follower 142 with the change in the rotation angle of the rotary drum 56 is determined by the profile of the positive cam 144 (the shape of the line along which the cam groove extends).

  Specifically, the positive cam 144 has an approach segment 148 in which a radially outward lift L from a base circle 146 concentric with the rotary drum 56 increases as the rotation angle of the rotary drum 56 increases. I have. Due to the presence of the approach segment 148, as shown in FIG. 3, as the compression process proceeds, the movable portion 114 approaches the fixed portion 112, and the degree of compression of the raw material 12 in the mold 14 may increase. Is achieved.

  Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1, the compacting member 110 is a rotating body or a non-rotating body (for example, a plate member) extending in parallel with the rotating drum 56 while circumscribing the outer peripheral circle of the rotating drum 56, and rotating the compacting member 110. The position of the axis is fixed with respect to the circular endless track 52. When the first mold 30 enters the working area of the compacting member 110, the compacting member 110 comes into contact with the front end surface of the first mold 30, thereby disposing the raw material 12 piled up in the first mold 30. Compress and almost flatten.

  During the rotation of the rotary drum 56, the compacting is performed by temporarily moving the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 with respect to the fixed portion 112 every time the first mold 30 reaches the primary processing position P2. By moving forward, it is possible to perform more positively. Such a temporary advance of the movable portion 114 is also realized by the cam mechanism 140.

  In the present embodiment, in the discharging step, the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 is brought close to the fixed portion 112 and protrudes from the distal end surface of the fixed portion 112, whereby the movable portion 114 moves the product 16 to the first mold 30. Pushing out from is done. The radial movement of the movable portion 114 for the pushing is also realized by the cam mechanism 140.

  As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this is an exemplification, and various forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the embodiment described in the section of [Summary of the Invention]. The present invention can be implemented in other forms with modifications and improvements.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a powder compression molding machine for producing solid confectionery. For example, the invention is applied to a powder compression molding machine for producing other solid foods. be able to.

Claims (4)

A powder compression molding machine for manufacturing a product having a target shape by pressing and molding a powdery or granular material into a mold divided into a first mold and a second mold,
A rotating drum that rotates about one rotation axis and has an outer peripheral surface coaxial with the rotation axis, wherein a plurality of first dies are arranged on at least the peripheral direction in the generatrix direction and the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface. Have
A motor for continuously rotating the rotating drum in one direction,
A holder for holding at least one second mold;
A support unit for movably supporting the holder relative to the rotating drum in a direction generally parallel to a tangential direction of the rotating drum and a direction generally parallel to a radial direction of the rotating drum;
A reciprocating linear actuator that drives the holder intermittently and generally linearly at least in a direction generally parallel to the radial direction of the tangential direction and the radial direction;
A sensor for detecting a rotational position of the rotating drum,
A controller for performing feedback control of the actuator based on an output signal from the sensor. The reciprocating linear actuator,
Driving the holder in the tangential direction, whereby the second mold is positioned at a molding start position on the rotating drum, and then the second mold is moved to one of the first molds on the rotating drum. And a first actuator that enables the actuator to move following the first mold while maintaining the engaged state;
A second actuator that drives the holder in the radial direction, thereby allowing the second mold to approach and engage any first mold on the rotating drum. A powder compression molding machine according to item 1. further,
A first engaging portion provided on the holder in the same phase as the second mold;
A second engaging portion provided for each of the first molds in the same phase as that of the first mold, wherein when the second mold is approached in synchronization with any one of the first molds, The powder compression molding machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a member that mechanically engages with the engaging portion.   4. The powder compression molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the support unit supports the second mold in a swingable state. 5.

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