JP2610252B2 - Combination of a block of solid thermoplastic material and a mechanism for forming the block with means for cutting the block - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a block of solid thermoplastic material by pressing the block with a thumb of a user's hand against the melted thermoplastic material. The invention relates to the shape of a block of solid thermoplastic material dispensed in such an apparatus and to a method of making said block.

[Background of the Invention]

For dispensing molten thermoplastic material from a block of solid thermoplastic material pressed into the device by the user's hand, such as in prior art devices described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,204,828 and 3,298,572. A device is known.

Generally, the aforementioned apparatus includes a barrel member having an internal melting chamber communicating with the outlet opening through a nozzle, and one end fixed to the barrel member and having a through opening, the opening being the melting chamber opposite the nozzle. And a sleeve communicating with the end of the sleeve. The sleeve is adapted to receive a block of elongate solid thermoplastic material, the block having one end protruding through the sleeve and the other end protruding through the sleeve to fit tightly into a through opening in the sleeve. Combine. Means are provided for heating the barrel member to melt the end portion of the block therein, and the device allows the user to grip the handle with the fingers of one hand while using the sleeve with the thumb of the hand. And a handle positioned to allow the molten thermoplastic material to be extruded from said melt chamber through a nozzle through pressing the block into the melt chamber.

Although the device works effectively and has great flexibility in regulating the amount of thermoplastic material flowing through the device, it blocks the user's block of second thermoplastic material from the block in the sleeve. Problems can arise after the edges are aligned and after pressing the outer edge of the second block. The user needs to hold the second block in place, thereby using another hand that is needed elsewhere, such as when dealing with an object that is applying a molten thermoplastic material. . The user may release the pressure on the second block required to stop the flow of molten thermoplastic without holding the second block in place, or the leading end of the second block may If pressure is applied in a direction other than the axial direction along the second block before entering the sleeve, the second block may fall off or be released from the block already in the sleeve, Inconvenient,
It is cumbersome and wastes user time.

The apparatus for dispensing molten thermoplastic material described in inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,287 and incorporated herein by reference is intended to be used, inter alia, before the second block enters the outer end of the sleeve. Even retains and properly positions the second block of solid thermoplastic material at the end of the block of solid thermoplastic material already interposed within the sleeve and melt chamber of a device of the type described above, so that another user Provide a means to free up your hands for other tasks.

However, the device holds a maximum of three blocks of thermoplastic material, and when using the device continuously, it is necessary to frequently load the block into the device.

Inventor's U.S. Patent Application No. 570,245 describes a magazine assembly for use in the apparatus described in inventor's U.S. Patent No. 4,552,287. The magazine assembly retains and properly positions the lowermost block of thermoplastic material in end-to-end alignment with the block of thermoplastic material within the sleeve, while the lowermost block passes through the sleeve through the melt chamber. The user's thumb can be used to push in and hold a stack of thermoplastic material blocks, usually above the lowest block. The stack of stacks is dropped by reciprocating a thumb-actuated slide, which provides both means for pressing the lowest block and support means for the block stack above the lowest block, causing the stack of blocks to fall onto the sleeve. The next lowermost block can be positioned to align with the rest of the extruded thermoplastic block. The operation of the magazine assembly is simple and holds a relatively large amount of thermoplastic material, but is bulkier than desired, requiring the loading of a plurality of relatively small thermoplastic blocks.

[Disclosure of the Invention]

The present invention is a novel shape other than a cylindrical thermoplastic block for blocks of solid thermoplastic which can be more easily melted and dispensed by a dispenser of the type described above, and actuated by the thumb of the user's hand. And a feed mechanism for use in a dispenser of the type described above, which cooperates with said novel block shape and which allows a very compact but extremely long block of the new shape to be easily fed into the dispenser and to minimize the loading time. A simple and efficient manufacturing apparatus and method for making new blocks.

According to the present invention, there is provided a generally cylindrical portion having a coaxial relationship having equal axial and diametric dimensions, wherein the portion having a rectangular cross-section having an orthogonal dimension equal to the diametric dimension of the cylindrical portion. A block of solid thermoplastic material having the cylindrical portions spaced apart in the axial direction, a frame including a handle positioned so that a user can grasp the handle with fingers of one hand, and mounted on the frame. An internal melting chamber communicating with an outlet opening penetrating the nozzle, one end of which is fixed to the barrel member, a through-opening is provided, and the end of the melting chamber opposite to the outlet opening communicates with the through-opening. A sleeve adapted to protrude the block to receive a block of solid thermoplastic material, with one end of the block in the melting chamber, and to heat the barrel member to melt the end of the block therein. Of the type including a means for, and is provided novel feeding mechanism used for the device for dispensing the molten thermoplastic material. The feed mechanism is mounted to the frame at the end of the sleeve opposite the melt chamber and is aligned with a through opening in the sleeve to form a channel for guiding a block of solid thermoplastic material; A top surface positioned adjacent the side and adapted to receive an end portion of a user's thumb, having a notch open on the opposite side to the top surface, the sleeve from a retracted position spaced from the sleeve. A sliding member mounted on the frame for movement along a path generally aligned with the melting chamber from an advanced position closer to and from the advanced position to the retracted position. The notch is accessible to the user's thumb gripping the handle portion so that the slide member can be manually reciprocated between the retracted position and the advanced position by the user. Driving means carried on the sliding member,
Engaging the cylindrical portion of the block and advancing the block of thermoplastic material toward the melt chamber during movement of the slide member from a retracted position to an advanced position during movement of the slide member; and The sliding member moves around the cylindrical portion and along the thermoplastic block while moving from the advanced position to the retracted position. Means are also provided for aligning the block of thermoplastic with the passage for proper engagement with the drive.

While the aforementioned feed mechanism is extremely compact, it has a thermal shape having the aforementioned novel shape which can be significantly longer than commercially available cylindrical blocks (e.g., 5.08 cm-2 inches to 360 cm-12 feet long). A plastic block can be delivered, so that the time spent loading the device is minimized.

Thermoplastic blocks of the above-mentioned shape are extremely flexible compared to cylindrical ones, so that they can be coils (for example coils of 50 cm diameter) for storage. Also, for the same output of molten thermoplastic, sending the said new shaped thermoplastic block requires less force than sending a cylindrical thermoplastic block to the device. The obvious reason is that the space around the block between the cylindrical parts provides a container of molten thermoplastic, which can press the solid thermoplastic into more direct contact with the heated barrel member. It is.

The new shape thermoplastic block comprises two chain-like structures, each comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected block-shaped molds, which, when faced, form a cavity having the shape of a block therebetween. Means for moving a block along the chain-like structure face-to-face along a straight track portion to move each of said chain-like structures around a separate track; and Thus, it can be easily formed in a mechanism including means for injecting a molten thermoplastic material into one end of a space formed between the molds. Also, means may be provided for cutting the block to a predetermined length as the block emerges from the mold.

The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same members are given the same reference numerals in several drawings.

(Description of the preferred embodiment)

Referring to the drawings, in FIG. 1 to FIG.
Shown is a dispensing device for a molten thermoplastic material, generally indicated at 10, which device 10 is in U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,287, column 2, incorporated herein by reference. Explanation will be made using the same reference numbers from line 55 to column 8, line 4.

Dispensing device, similar to the conventional dispensing device for thermoplastic materials
10 is a frame 12 consisting of two parts and said frame 12
And a barrel member 14 having an internal melting chamber 16 communicating through an outlet opening 19 through the nozzle 21 and a discharge passage 17 through the valve assembly 18, and one end of the barrel member.
14 is provided with a cylindrical through-opening 22 fixed to
And a sleeve 20 communicating with the end of the melting chamber 16 opposite the discharge passage 17. The sleeve 20 has a small diameter even if the diameter of the block 24 is on the side of the large tolerance range, one end of the block 24 is in the melting chamber 16 and the block 24 projects through the opening 22 of the sleeve 20. The cylindrical block 24 of solid thermoplastic material is received in the cylindrical opening 22 so as to fit with a suitable gap. Means are provided in the apparatus 10 for heating the barrel member 14, which melts the end portion of the block 24 therein. The frame 12 is gripped by the user with the fingers of one hand while applying pressure with the thumb of the hand through the sleeve 20 and into the melting chamber 16.
And a handle 26 positioned to extrude the molten thermoplastic material from the melting chamber 16 through the valve assembly 18 and the nozzle 21.

Unlike known prior art devices, the device 10 includes a bracket assembly at the end of the sleeve 20 opposite the barrel member 14.
The bracket member 28 further receives and retains the second block 24 of solid thermoplastic material in an end-to-end relationship with the block 24 of thermoplastic material in the sleeve 20 for one-way use. Means for exerting a force on the end of the block 24 opposite the sleeve 20 by the thumb of the person to press the second block 24 through the sleeve 20 and into the melting chamber 16.

As shown, the bracket assembly 28 protrudes toward the handle 26 at a distance from the outer end of the sleeve 20 and on either side of the extension of the axis of the sleeve 20 toward the handle 26 (FIG. 5). An oppositely spaced gripping portion 30 is included. The gripping portion 30 engages around a top surface of the two portions of the frame 12 to facilitate holding the two portions of the frame 12 together, and an outer surface of the gripping portion 30 of the frame 12. Are resiliently pressed against each other by spring means consisting of a spring steel channel-like member 29 having opposing arcuate projections 27 which are resiliently pressed against. The ends of the gripping portions 30 are spaced a distance less than the diameter of the thermoplastic cylindrical block 24, said distance being such that the blocks 24 grip away from each other against the repression of the protruding portion 27. The distance is sufficient to cause the holding portion 30 to resiliently move and to be pushed laterally enough to move the block 24 therebetween. Also, the gripping portion 30 fits and engages the cylindrical side of the block 24 of thermoplastic material and the block in the sleeve 20.
The block 24 is retained in alignment with the block 24 while allowing the sliding movement of the block 24 and the movement of the user's thumb between the gripping portions 30 to move the second block 24 to the sleeve 20. It has opposing concave inner surfaces.

The device also abuts the end of the outermost block 24 of thermoplastic material opposite the melt chamber 16 and is positioned between the block 24 and the user's thumb to transfer force therebetween. A pressure plate 32. The pressure plate 32 is slidably mounted at one edge in a track 34 formed between portions of the frame 12 and has an elongated sliding portion 33 (second portion) adapted to move the pressure plate 32 with the block 24. ) And pass between the gripping portions 30 so that the pressure plate 32 applies a force to the pressure plate 32 in the longitudinal direction of the block 24 while blocking the pressure plate 32.
It can be used to push the 24 completely into the sleeve 20 and protects the user's thumb from contacting the thermoplastic block 24 as well as the molten thermoplastic material that can be extruded from the outer end of the sleeve 20 (in case of abnormal conditions). The pressure plate 32 includes:
It includes two wing portions 35, one each projecting from the distant side, said wing portions 35 being positioned under the gripping portion 30 when the pressure plate 32 is used to press the block 24 against the sleeve 20. After the previous block 24 has been pushed into the sleeve 20, any of the wings 35 will release the pressure plate 32 from the sleeve 20 and allow a new block 24 of thermoplastic material to be positioned between the gripping portions 30. I do.

The two parts of the frame 12 are, for example, Zytel ER 50-NC10 (Dupont, Zy) commercially available from EI DuPont Denuma Company of Wilmington, Del.
tel FR50−NC10 from EIDupont deNemours, Wilmingto
molded from a suitable high temperature resistant polymeric material (such as n, Delaware). Both parts of the frame 12 have a barrel member 14
A generally radially outwardly projecting post 36 is formed spaced apart from the horizontal surface where the major side of the frame 12 and the nozzle 21 of the device 10 are located. Means may be provided and the post 36 is adapted to receive an end portion of a generally U-shaped wire 31 (FIG. 5) to further separate the device 10 from the surface as desired. Socket 37.

The sleeve 20, especially after the thermoplastic melted in the sleeve 20 is cooled and heated again by the device 10,
It is made of a rigid, heat-resistant polymeric material (eg, Teflon) made by an extrusion process to provide fine, longitudinally extending flaws on the polished inner surface that facilitate the movement of the thermoplastic material through 20.

The sleeve 20 is connected to the barrel member 14 by a metal obstruction ring 38 which is heated by means for heating the barrel member 14, said obstruction ring 38 blocking the block 24 and the sleeve 20.
Means for limiting extrusion of the molten thermoplastic material between the inner surfaces of the two. The input obstruction ring 38 is a generally cylindrical member having an axially radially outwardly protruding rib 39 located at one end in a cylindrical socket at the end of the barrel member 14, and In between, a sealing strip 40 is provided on the obstruction ring 38 to seal therebetween. An end portion 41 of the obstruction ring 38 opposite to the barrel member 14 is press-fitted into a cut-down region inside the sleeve 20. The cylindrical inner surface of the obstruction ring 38 is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve 20 (sleeve 20).
The obstacle ring 38 is designed to always receive the block 24 with a small gap even if the diameter of the block 24 is the upper limit of its tolerance. (E.g., a tolerance of up to 0.025 cm), or receive a block 24 with a gap of approximately 0.050 cm in diameter with a lower limit of tolerance. Surprisingly, the diameter of the block 24, which provides a slight interference fit for the obstruction ring 38, also melts sufficiently around the heated obstruction ring 38, so that it can be easily pressed into the melting chamber 16 and the aforementioned slight Block 24 of thermoplastic material having a diameter that provides a tight or loose fit
Block 24 and obstruction ring 38 to fit tightly enough with 38
No significant amount of molten polymer material is extruded from the melt chamber 16 and between the block 24 and the sleeve 20 toward the outer end of the sleeve 20.

The device 10 also includes three metallic (preferably brass) cooling flanges on the outer circumference of the sleeve 20, which provide a predetermined temperature zone in the sleeve 20, and provide a predetermined temperature zone between the obstruction ring 38 and the sleeve 20. Two closely spaced temperature regulating flanges 45 at the end of the sleeve 20 adjacent to the obstruction ring 38 for cooling and regulating the temperature of the molten thermoplastic in the region, and the molten thermoplastic material. Even if the heating device operates for an extended period of time while not being dispensed from the device 10, the sleeve 20 is cooled and the thermoplastic material is
A cooling flange 48 that is generally concentric over the length of the sleeve 20 to prevent melting through the area spanning 20.

Barrel member 14 is made of a suitable metal (eg, aluminum). The melt chamber 16 in the barrel 14 taps toward the valve assembly 18 and melts the polymeric material into the valve assembly.
A generally frusto-conical inner surface for directing through 18 to the discharge passage 17 and a frusto-conical inner surface which engages and melts the block 24 of thermoplastic material as it is extruded into the melting chamber 16 Providing another heated contact surface, 4
Ribs 42 spaced at equal intervals and projecting radially inward
And is formed by An electrical heating element 43 for heating both the barrel member 14 and the obstruction ring 38 is located below the melting chamber 16 in the socket 44 of the barrel member 14 and is thermostated.
When the temperature at the thermostat 46 of the barrel member 14 exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature (for example, 200 ° C.), the heating element which is not normally supplied with power through the cord 47 and the thermostat 46 is fixed to the channel below the heating element 43. Release 43.

The valve assembly 18 between the barrel member 14 and the nozzle 21 applies a predetermined amount of force (e.g., 0.9 to 1.8 kilograms) to a block 24 of thermoplastic material by hand to melt the molten thermoplastic material in the melt chamber 16. Restrict from flowing out of the nozzle 21. Valve assembly 18
Is a poppet valve type and includes a valve body 49 fixed between the barrel member 14 and the nozzle 21, the valve body 49 being a nozzle.
A discharge passage communicating between the melting chamber 16 and the opening 19 via 21
Form 17. The discharge passage 17 passing through the valve body 49 is a valve head.
The head is normally closed by 50, and the head is a valve seat at the end of the valve body 49 adjacent to the nozzle 21 by a spring 52 compressed between a flange of the valve body 49 and a piercing holding disk 54 fixed to a valve rod 53. The disc 54 is attached to the valve body 49 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The pressure from the molten thermoplastic material between the melting chamber 16 and the discharge passage 17, which is generated by the pressure applied manually to the block 24 of thermoplastic material, causes the valve seat to move from the valve head 50 against the elastic pressure of the spring 52. Moved, allowing the molten thermoplastic material to pass through the valve head 50 and exit through the nozzle 21. However, when the user releases the pressure, the valve head 50 returns to the valve seat again by the action of the spring 52, and the molten thermoplastic material in the melting chamber 16 and the discharge passage 17 is further discharged.
Keep away from the 21.

To use the dispensing device 10, the user must first use an electrical cord.
47 to the power supply, so that barrel member 14 and obstruction ring
38 are heated by the heating element 43. Next, the user places a block 24 of thermoplastic material through the sleeve 20 into the opening 22, grasps the handle 26 with one hand and uses the thumb to press the pressure plate.
The block 24 is sleeved by pressing the block 32 and sliding the pressure plate along the track 34 to engage the block 24.
It is pushed through 20 and obstruction member 38 and into the melting chamber of barrel member 14, where the end of block 24 melts by contacting the inside surface of barrel member 14 including inwardly projecting ribs 42. Although the inner surface of the sleeve 20 is loosely fitted around the block 24 even if the diameter of the block 24 is at the upper limit of the tolerance, the inner diameter of the cylindrical inner surface of the obstruction ring 38 is slightly smaller than the inside of the sleeve 20, and Provides a slight interference fit or a very tight fit to the block 24, depending on whether the diameter is at the upper or lower tolerance limit. In the case of an interference fit, the obstruction ring 38 melts the thermoplastic block 24 so that it can pass easily enough. And in each case, the obstruction ring 38 restricts the thermoplastic material from being pushed back out of the melting chamber 16 between the block 24 and the obstruction ring 38, and thus between the block 24 and the inner surface of the sleeve 20. The pressure of the molten thermoplastic material in the melt chamber 16 generated by manually applying pressure to the pressure plate 32 and the block 24 causes the valve head 50 to move from the valve seat against the elastic pressure of the spring 52. Sufficient, molten thermoplastic can flow around the head 50 and through the outlet opening 19 of the nozzle 21. When the hand pressure on the pressure plate 32 is released, the head 50 returns to the valve seat again by the action of the spring 52, stopping the molten material from flowing through the nozzle 21 and allowing air to flow to the melting chamber 16
Limiting oxidation of the molten thermoplastic in the valve assembly 18 by limiting the amount of molten thermoplastic therein. nozzle
If the heating element 43 is in operation for a long time while the molten thermoplastic material is not dispensed via 21, the heat is stored and the cooling effect of the cooling flange 48 (at least at the periphery of the block) is obtained. May melt to about the midpoint of the sleeve 20 whose melting is limited. next,
If the power is removed and the molten material cools and solidifies, and is then reconnected to the power supply and heats the heating element 43, the thermoplastic material in the valve assembly 18 will be the first heat to be melted. A portion of the plastic material, the valve assembly 18 may act as a relief valve for the pressure generated in the barrel member 14 as the remaining thermoplastic in the barrel member 14 melts. . The smooth, longitudinal, finely grooved inner surface of the sleeve 20 is slackened by hitting the block 24 from the sleeve 20, pushing the block through the obstruction ring 38 and into the melting chamber and re-melting the thermoplastic material. From the nozzle 21.

When the outer end of the block 24 of thermoplastic material reaches the outer end of the sleeve 20, the user manually retracts the pressure plate 32 along the track 34 via one of the knobs 35, and the new thermoplastic material is removed. Holds block 24 and grips bracket 28
The new block 24 can be held in proper alignment with the sleeve 20 at that point, and the user can again use the pressure plate 32 to remove the new block 24 from the melting chamber 16. Can be pushed into.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, according to the present invention,
A dispensing device for molten thermoplastic is shown. The apparatus 60 has the same structure as the apparatus 10 except that the channel 29 and the pressure plate 32 of the apparatus 10 are replaced by a manual feed assembly 62, which is the most common in FIG. It is adapted to deliver a block 64 of a solid thermoplastic material of the shape shown. Devices of the device 60 having the same structure as that of the device 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals with an “a” added.

Blocks 64 of solid thermoplastic material (shown in FIG. 6) (eg, about 0.38 cm and 1.5 cm respectively)
Includes a plurality of coaxially generally cylindrical portions 66 having equal predetermined axial dimensions and diameters, said generally cylindrical portions 66 having a rectangular cross section (preferably as shown). Are equally axially spaced across the block 64 by portions 68 of the same dimensions and facing in the same direction, the corresponding diagonal dimensions of which are approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical portion 66. Is aligned with the periphery of the cylindrical portion 66 and has an axial dimension significantly less than the axial dimension of the cylindrical portion 66 (eg, about 0.25 cm). The alternating cylindrical portion 66 and rectangular portion 68 uniformly separate the arcuate portions of the cylindrical portion 66 protruding from each of the four sides of the block 64 formed by the aligned peripheral surfaces of the rectangular portion 68. The block 64 that is placed and protruded is made. The aforementioned protruding arcuate portions provide a flat pushing surface portion between the roots of adjacent teeth and provide equally spaced opposing arcuate teeth along both sides of the block 64; The protruding portions of these teeth or cylindrical portions 66 resemble the teeth of a rack, and the feed mechanism is aligned with the blocks 64 as described in more detail below.
62 can be driven. In addition, the cylindrical portion
The space between the 66 protruding parts is the distribution device as described above.
Provide a container for receiving molten material to facilitate melting of the block within 60.

As with the dispensing device 10, the dispensing device 60 includes a two-part frame 12a and a valve assembly 18a mounted between the parts of the frame 12a and through a discharge passage through an outlet opening through a nozzle 21a. A barrel member 14a having an internal melting chamber that communicates with
And a sleeve 20a communicating the end of the melting chamber opposite to the discharge passage and the through-opening. In the sleeve 20a, the diameter of the block 64 is at the upper limit of the tolerance, one end of the block 64 is in the melting chamber, and the block 64 is the sleeve 20.
Even if they protrude through the opening in a, they are slightly squeezed to receive the solid thermoplastic block 64 in the cylindrical through opening. Block
Means for heating the barrel member to melt the end portion of 64 are provided in dispensing device 60. The frame 12a allows the user to grasp the handle 26a with the fingers of one hand while applying pressure with the thumb of the hand to push the block 64 through the sleeve 20a into the melt chamber to release the molten thermoplastic material into the valve assembly 18a.
And a handle 26a positioned to push through the nozzle 21a.

Unlike device 10, device 60 includes a feed assembly 62 at the end of sleeve 20a opposite barrel member 14a,
The feed assembly 62 receives and retains a block 64 of solid thermoplastic material, while allowing the user's thumb to apply a force on the block 64 to push the block toward the melt chamber and into the sleeve 20a. including.

As shown, the feed assembly 61 is (1) removably secured to the frame 12a and is a block of solid thermoplastic material.
A passage 7 for guiding the 64 in alignment with the through opening of the sleeve 20a
Means for forming 6 or walls 74; and (2) a cylindrical concave upper surface 80 adapted to support the block 64 and being released through the opposite side of said upper surface 80 to release the user's thumb 83 A projection 82 forming a recess 82 adapted to receive the end of the sleeve 20a, from a retracted position spaced from the sleeve 20a to an advanced position closer to the sleeve 20a along a path generally aligned with the melting chamber. , And the wall to move to the retracted position
(3) a slide member 78 attached to the slide 74 for allowing the user to manually reciprocate between the retracted position and the advanced position by inserting a user's finger 83 gripping the handle 26a into the recess;
The block 64 is pivotally attached to the slide member 78 and engages the cylindrical portion 66 of the block 64 of thermoplastic material during movement of the slide member 78.
From the retracted position to the advanced position, and the sliding member 78
Drive means including a drive member 84 which moves around the cylindrical portion 64 and along the block 64 of thermoplastic material during the movement of; and (4) a sprocket wheel 86 rotatably mounted on said wall 74. To align the block of thermoplastic material 64 in the passage 76 with the drive member 84 for engagement and to reduce friction to facilitate retention of the block 64 in the passage 76 before the drive means engages the block. Means for providing.

Block 64 at a position aligned with the through opening of sleeve 20a
Each wall 74 forming a passage 76 for receiving the
Has opposed generally arcuate portions 88 (FIG. 8) cut down along the inner surface to receive the support structure 30a and the periphery of frame 12a, and horizontal reinforcement of frame 12a 90 through slits for receiving webs at right angles
(FIG. 7) at the end adjacent the sleeve 20a. The wall is an end wall portion interlocking at a bottom edge.
92 (FIG. 7) at the end opposite the sleeve 20a,
And longitudinally opposed contacting top wall portions 94 held together by a U-shaped spring metal channel 96.
The channel 96 fits around the top wall 94 and
Hold 74 in place around the adjacent portion of gripping portion 30a and frame 12a. The inner surface of the arc-shaped portion 88 of the wall 74 is a gripping portion
Passage 7 having an inlet through end wall portion 92 with the inner surface of 30a
Form 6.

The wall 74 also includes a longitudinally extending spaced projection 98 opposed along an edge opposite the top wall portion 94, the projection 98 engaging the projection 98 between a retracted and advanced position. It has opposed longitudinally extending grooves for receiving the sliding member 78 for reciprocating the sliding member 78 along.

The drive member 84 is elongate and has a plurality of, i.e., three, teeth 102 projecting from one side near the first end and adapted to engage between the cylindrical portions 66 of the block 64; So that its longitudinal direction is generally parallel to the passage 76,
And the teeth 102 are located in grooves of a sliding member 78 extending in the axial direction of the passage 76 adjacent to the sleeve 20a. The driving member 84 is the first
A second end, opposite the end of the slide member, is attached to the slide member 78 by a pivot pin 100 extending transversely to the passage 76;
(1) An engaging position (FIG. 9) in which the teeth 102 engage between the cylindrical portions 66 of the block 64 located in the passage 76 (the driving member 84 opposite to the passage 76 with respect to this engaging position). The driving member 84 is resiliently pressed by the coil spring 104 between the projections 106 and 107 respectively protruding from the side of the driving member 84 and the sliding member 78).
02 is released from block 64 in passage 76 (tenth position
Figure (cylindrical part of block 64 for this release position)
The camming action of the inclined rear surface of the tooth 102 with respect to 66 and / or the drive member 84 can pivot by moving the slide member 78 toward the retracted position with the user's thumb against the protrusion 106). To be pivoted at.

Further, means are provided for regulating pivoting of the drive member 84 from the engaged position to the pivoted position when the user presses the sliding member 78 to move it to its advanced position.
The opening of the drive member 84 that receives the pivot pin 100 is
The drive member 84 is elongated in a direction parallel to 6 so that, in its engaged position, (1) between the locking pin 108 and the slide member 78 passing through the drive member 84 in the normal position where the drive member 84 is resiliently pressed. (2) locking position where locking pin 108 engages a lateral groove along the forward facing surface of sliding member 78 (FIG. 9); In this position, the passage 76 is moved to and from a locking position where the force transmitted from the sliding member 78 to the driving member 84 to push the block 64 into the sleeve 20a can move against the elastic pressure of the spring 104. It can move axially and longitudinally relative to the slide member 78 to which the drive member 84 is attached.

Align the block of thermoplastic material 64 in the passageway 76 with the teeth of the drive member 84 so that the block 64 is
A sprocket wheel 86 is provided on the side of the passage opposite the drive member 84 and in the passage 76 to provide a means of providing sufficient friction to hold the block 64 in the passage 76 prior to engagement with 84. Pin 11 extending laterally of passage 76 adjacent the entrance
It is rotatably attached to 0. The sprocket engages between the projecting portions of the cylindrical portion 66 of the block and engages and contacts the corresponding plane of the rectangular portion 68 between the cylindrical portions with the teeth and axis of the sprocket 86. An axially extending and spaced parallel tooth tip for orienting the corresponding opposing plane of the rectangular portion 68 to be parallel to the tooth 102 of the drive member 84 by being oriented parallel to it. With multiple teeth.

To use the dispensing device 60, the user first connects the electrical cord 47a to a power source so that the barrel member 14a and the obstruction ring are heated by the heating element. After ensuring that the slide member 78 is in the retracted position, the user inserts one end of a block of thermoplastic material 64 into the open inlet end of the feed assembly 62, which feed assembly 62 The block 64 is oriented in the passage 76 by engaging the teeth along the corresponding side of the rectangular portion 68 of the block. Next, the user grips the handle 26a with one hand, puts the thumb on the recess 82 of the sliding member 78, moves the sliding member 78 with the thumb, and moves the tooth 102 of the driving member into the cylindrical shape of the block 64. Part 66
To push the block 64 toward the sleeve 20a and into the melting chamber of the barrel member 14a, where the end portion of the block 64 contacts the inner surface of the barrel member 14a and is melted. As the sliding member 78 moves from the retracted position toward the advanced position, the force applied via the driving member 84 causes the driving member 84 to slide longitudinally against the spring 104 spring pressure to lock the pin 108. Engages the lateral slot in the leading surface of the slide member 78 to prevent the drive member 84 from moving toward the release position.

After the slide member 78 has fully moved to the advanced position, the user places his thumb on the drive member 84 projecting into the recess 82 of the slide member 78.
The sliding member 78 can be retracted by hand along the periphery of the block 64 by hooking it on the projection 106. The driving member 84 is slid by moving a thumb on the projection.
Movement relative to 78, the locking pin 108 is disengaged from the groove of the sliding member 78, and the driving member 84 is pivoted so that the teeth 102
6. Disengage engagement with the perimeter of block 64 in 6. At that point, the user again operates the slide member 78 with the thumb to engage the teeth 102 with the new position of the block 64 and continue to push the block into the sleeve 20a and the melt chamber.
The teeth 102 are preferably disposed at an angle of about 89 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the drive member 84 so that the leading edge facilitates release of the teeth 102 from the block 64.

Referring to FIGS. 11 through 16, there is shown a method and apparatus 120 according to the present invention for making the thermoplastic block 64 shown in FIG.

As shown, the apparatus 120 includes first and second chain-like structures 122 and 123, each including a plurality of block-shaped molds. The mold 124 (FIGS. 15 and 16)
Each have a parallel end face 125, a side face 126 disposed at right angles to the end face 125, and an elongated, centrally disposed cavity 128 open through said face 126 and end face 125. The space 128 is
It has a shape corresponding to one half of the block, divided along a plane passing through the axis of the block 64 and two opposing corners of the rectangular portion 68. First chain-like structure 12
The second mold 124 is attached to one another near the end face 125 by laterally locating a circular pivot plate 130 pivotally attached to the mold 124 by shoulder bolts 131 to form the mold 124 in the second chain-like structure 123. Are attached to each other near the end face 125 by laterally disposing a semi-circular pivot plate 132 pivotally attached to the mold 124 by shoulder bolts 133. The pivot plate 132 has a semi-circular recess 134 on the side adjacent to the surface 126 of the mold 124, which receives a portion of the circular pivot plate 130 and between the chain-like structures 122 and 123. Adjacent mold 124 aligns mold cavity 128 between mold faces 126 and
Face-to-face contact and open end 128 of an end face 125 of an adjacent mold 124 along each of the chain-like structures 122 and 123 through the end face 125 aligned between the adjacent molds 124. Parts to allow longitudinal alignment.

The two chain-like structures 122 and 123 each have a pair of sprockets 135, 136 rotatable about a vertical axis.
And 137,138 are disposed about and extend between them, with each pair of sprockets 135,136 and 137,138 contacting the surface 126 of the mold 124 and supporting the support 148.
(FIG. 14), the lower surface is slidably supported by the lower surface so that the adjacent lengths of the chain-like structures 122 and 123 correspond to the linear track portions.
It is spaced and located for exercise along 139. In the straight track section 139, the mold 124
Surfaces 126 are held in contact with each other by two rows of rolls 140 spaced to engage the surface of mold 124 opposite 126. Sprockets 135, 136, 137 and 138 have semi-circular cutouts 141 which, as shown in FIG. 11, receive pivotal plates 130 or 132 tightly into the circular portion and accommodate chain-like structures 122 and 123. Synchronously operated and roller chain 142, sprockets 143, 144, 145 and 14
6 and the chain-like structures 122 and 123 are driven via the variable speed reduction drive 147. Sprockets 135 and 137
Are spaced and spaced from the entry end of a straight track section 139 formed by rollers 140 (FIG. 12) so that surface 126 of mold 124 is spaced (eg, about 2.5 cm) at the nip of sprockets 135 and 137. Place, mold 124,
A short distance (e.g., about 18 cm) between the circumference of the sprockets 135 and 137 and the straight track section 139 along the generally parallel but converged track section. Sprocket 136
And 138 are spaced apart from each other and spaced from the exit end of the straight track section 139 so that the mold 124 is sprocketed from said exit end along a generally parallel but expanded track section. Having moved a short distance (eg, about 30 cm) to the circumference of 136 and 138 (FIG. 13), the face 126 of the mold 124 is spaced apart from each other about the sprockets 136 and 138 (eg, 3.8 cm). As a result, the circular plates 130 and 132 come in contact with the
The circular plate 130 can be moved in proper alignment to engage and disengage the recess 134 in the plate 132 in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface 126 of the mold 124 before or after engagement along 39. To do. The engagement or disengagement of the aforementioned circular plate into the recess 134 is not so simple if the block deviates from the mutual contact of the surfaces 126 around the sprockets 135, 137, 136, 138. Before the mold 124 begins to separate from each other around the sprockets 136 and 138, the mold 124 is sufficiently separated in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface 126 to bond the newly formed block 64. The protruding portion of the cylindrical portion 66 is disengaged from the cavity 128 of the mold 124.

The molten polymeric material is fed from a source, such as an extruder (not shown), via an elongated tube 150 to a cavity facing the surface 126 along the straight track portion 139, where the tube 150 is exposed. The perimeter is square and sized and oriented to just fit into the void between the portions of the mold 124 which form the portion 68 of the thermoplastic material block 64 (FIG. 14) having a square cross-section. . Mold 124 is straight track part 1
As it moves along 39, it cools and solidifies. The continuously formed thermoplastic block 64 is removed from between the molds 124 as it separates and cuts the bonded, continuously formed block 64 to a predetermined length, FIGS. 17, 18 and It is put into the device 160 shown in FIG. 19 via the guide tube 153.

17 to 19, a method and apparatus 160 according to the present invention for cutting a continuously formed block 64 of thermoplastic material made by the apparatus 120 into a predetermined length.
Are shown.

As shown, the cutting device 160 includes first and second chain-like structures 162 and 163, each including a plurality of block-shaped support members 164. Each of the support members 164 has an end surface 165, a surface 166 between the side surfaces or end surfaces 165, and an elongated centrally-located half opening through the surface 166 and the end surface 165 for receiving half of the block 64. Cylindrical recess
167. The support members 164 in the first chain-like structure 162 are mutually attached adjacent to the end face 165 by laterally disposing a circular pivot plate 170 pivotally attached to the support members 164 by shoulder bolts 171. The support member 164 in the second chain-like structure 163 is a shoulder bolt 173.
Semicircular pivot plate 1 pivotally attached to the support member 164 by
72 are attached to each other adjacent to the end face 165 by being laterally disposed. The pivot plate 172 has a semi-circular recess 174 on the side adjacent the surface 166 of the support member 164,
The recess receives a portion of the circular pivot plate 170 and an adjacent support member 164 between the chain-like structures 162 and 163.
However, the recesses 167 are aligned between the support members 164 and the surfaces 166 are in face-to-face contact so that longitudinal alignment can be achieved.

Two chain-like structures 162 and 163 are respectively disposed around and extend between the paired sprockets 175,176 and 177,178, and each pair of sprockets
Sprockets 175,176 paired with 175,176 and 177,178
And 177,178 adjacent lengths of chain-like structures 162 and 163 are spaced and positioned to move in face-to-face contact with surface 166. Sprockets 175,176,17
7 and 178 have a semi-circular notch 180 which is shaped to closely receive the circular portion of the pivot plate 170 or 172 to bring the chain-like structures 162 and 163 into a synchronized relationship and to provide a chain-like structure. The bodies 162, 163 are connected to the sprockets 175, 177 by a connection (not shown) driven by the driving device 147.
Or, when two of 176,178 rotate, chain-like structures 162 and 163 are coupled to chain-like structures 122 and 12 of device 120.
Drive so that it can be driven in synchronization with 3. Thus, the paired sprockets 175,176 and 177,178
From the beginning of the straight cut trajectory section between sprockets 175 and 177 located to receive block 64 from device 120,
Sprockets 176 and 1 from which cut blocks 64 are discharged
The portion of the chain-like structures 162 and 163 along the straight-line cutting path portion to the end of the straight-line cutting track portion between
Provides a means of moving each of the chain-like structures 162 and 163 about a separate trajectory.

The support member is adapted to move laterally relative to the recess 174 between a retracted position spaced from the recess 174 and a cut portion extending across the recess 174 of the support member 164 along the cutting track portion. A plurality of knives 182 are mounted on the support member 164 of the first chain-like structure 162 between the fixed edge guides 183.

The knife 182 is moved from the retracted position to an engagement position along a cutting track for cutting the block 64 to a predetermined length, and the knife 182 is moved to a retracted position along a portion of the track separated from the cutting track portion. Means for returning are provided. Second
The support member 164 of the chain-like structure 163 of the frame member 18
The roller 185 is supported on a side opposite to the recess 174 by a plurality of rollers 185 rotatably mounted on the roller. Circular cam 1
88 is mounted for rotation about an axis parallel and spaced from the axis and is driven by means (not shown) in an eccentric orbit so that knife 182 follows the cutting orbit. As the knife passes through the cam 188
To press each knife from the retracted position to the engaged position. The aforementioned movement of the knife cuts the block 64, and the block is ejected between the chain-like structures 162 and 163 as it is separated around the sprockets 176 and 178.
Support member carrying knife 182 around sprocket 176
As the 164 moves, the support member 164 returns the knife 182 to the retracted position by gravity along a portion of the track of the first chain-like structure 162 spaced from the cutting track portion.
Knife 182 may be removed from certain of support members 164 as desired to provide blocks 64 of various lengths.

The invention has been described with reference to an embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structures described herein, but should be limited by the structures described by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. For example, although some flexibility may be lost, the thermoplastic blocks available with the device provide a parallel flat ramp between the roots of adjacent teeth, along only two opposing sides, It may have equally spaced opposing arcuate locking teeth.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the dispensing device described in the inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,287, and FIG. 2 is a view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 1 partially broken away to show details. FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a barrel member, a sleeve and an obstacle ring therebetween in the dispensing device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is viewed substantially along line 4-4 in FIG. FIG. 5 is an end view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a block of solid thermoplastic material having a shape according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is of the type shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a side view of a dispensing device similar to the device shown in FIG. 1 except that it includes another manual feed mechanism according to the present invention for feeding a block of solid thermoplastic material, FIG. 8 at line 8-8 in FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the line, for pushing a block of solid thermoplastic material into the dispensing device. FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial view of the sliding member and the driving means in the dispensing device shown in FIG. 7, which is used; FIG. 10 is the sliding device shown in FIG. 9 retracted along the block of solid thermoplastic material in the dispensing device; FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of the moving member and drive means, FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of the mechanism according to the invention for making a block of thermoplastic material having the shape of the block shown in FIG. 6, FIGS. 12 and 13. Is an enlarged fragmentary view of the inlet end and outlet end of the mechanism shown in FIG. 11 with parts broken away and removed to show details; FIG. 14 is generally along line 14-14 in FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken generally along line 15-15 of FIG. 13, and FIG. 16 is included in the mechanism shown in FIGS. 11 to 16. Detailed view of one end face of a plurality of molds. Fig. 17 is a thermoplastic material made by the mechanism shown in Figs. 11 to 16. FIG. 18 is a plan view of a mechanism according to the present invention for cutting material blocks, FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is generally along line 19-19 of FIG. It is the fragmentary sectional view seen. In the figure, 10, 60 dispensing device 12a frame, 14a barrel member 16 melting chamber, 20a sleeve 21a nozzle, 24, 64 block 26a handle 62 feed assembly Three-dimensional, 66 ... arc-shaped part 74 ... wall, 76 ... passage 78 ... sliding member, 80 ... top surface 82 ... recess, 84 ... sliding member 86 ... sprocket wheel 102 ... teeth, 104 ... Spring 106,107 ... Protrusion 120 ... Block manufacturing device 122,123 ... Chain-like structure 124 ... Mold, 125 ... End face 126 ... Side, 128 ... Vacancy 139 ... Straight track 150,153 ... Tube 160: Cutting device 162, 163: Chain-like structure 164: Support member, 165: End surface 166: Side surface, 167: Recess 182: Knife

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A generally cylindrical block (64) of solid thermoplastic material including uniformly spaced arcuate portions (66) along opposite sides of the block. A block (64) of solid thermoplastic material characterized in that a flat block surface portion (68) is between the roots of adjacent said arcuate portions. 2. The block of claim 1 wherein said arcuate portion has a predetermined uniform axial and diametric dimension and is substantially equal to said diametric dimension. A solid portion provided by a generally cylindrical portion of said block (64) uniformly spaced axially along said block (64) by a rectangular portion (68) having diagonal dimensions. Blocks of thermoplastic material (6
Four). 3. A block (64) of solid thermoplastic material according to claim 2, wherein said rectangular portion (68) is square in cross section. 4. A combination of a mechanism (120) for forming a block (64) of solid thermoplastic material and a means for cutting the block, wherein the mechanism for forming the block comprises a side surface (126) and a side surface (126). An end face (125) arranged generally at right angles to said face, and recessed from said side face, with the end opening through said end face (125) and the block (64) to be formed being oriented along its axis. A plurality of molds (124) each including a space (128) having a shape approximately half that of the divided block; and attaching the mold (124) to each structure (122, 123). With the mold (124) in contact with the end surface (125) of the adjacent mold (124) along the linear track portion (139) from the start point to the end point of the linear track portion (139), the other structure ( 122,123) And two means (122, 123) each including means for moving along a separate trajectory, and synchronously moving the mold (124) along the linear trajectory portion (139), Means (150) for moving around the tracks of the individual structures (122,123); and means (150) for injecting the molten thermoplastic material into the space between the molds (124) at the start of the linear track section (139). And means (153) for peeling off a block (64) of solid thermoplastic material from between the molds at the end of the straight track portion (139), wherein the means for cutting the block comprises: ), The end face (16
5), and the block (6) which is open through the end face (165) and is provided from the mating face (166) and is to be cut.
A plurality of adjacent support members (164), each including a recess (167) adapted to receive about half of 4), and interconnecting said adjacent support members (164); ) And the conforming surface (166) of the adjacent support member (164) is arranged at an angle of 180 degrees or more as measured from outside the support member (164). First and second chain-like structures (162, 163) each including means for pivoting between the first and second positions, and a straight line from the starting point of the cutting track portion positioned to receive the block (64). The chain-like structure (162, 163) is moved around the individual tracks, with the part of the chain-like structure (162, 163) moving in a relationship in which the matching surfaces (166) are brought together along the straight track part to the end of the cutting track part. (162,
Means for moving each of the recesses (167); a retracted position spaced from the recess (167); and the recess (167) of the support member (164) having a mating surface (166) facing therealong along the cutting track portion. A plurality of knives (182) mounted on a support member (164) of said first chain-like member (162) for movement in a direction transverse to said recess (167) between and with a cutting position extending across the same. Moving the knife (182) from the retracted position to the cutting position along the cutting trajectory, and moving the knife (182) to the retracted position along a portion of the trajectory spaced from the cutting trajectory. A combination of a mechanism for forming a block and a means for cutting the block, including a returning means.