JP6077707B1 - Powder compression molding equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a technique that enables a product having an arbitrary target shape to be manufactured by compression molding of powder. A powder compression molding apparatus for producing a product having a target shape by pressing and molding a powdery or granular raw material into a mold divided into a first mold 30 and a second mold 32. A first feed unit 50 that sequentially feeds the first type of the first type in one direction along the first endless track 56, and a second that is arranged so as to contact the first endless track in order. A second feed unit 70 that continuously feeds in one direction along the endless track 92 is provided. In the adjacent region 74 where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, the first type and the second type are sent in the same direction, and one of the first type and one of the second types approaches each other. After that, the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to realize the final shape of the product. [Selection] 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 that enables a product having an arbitrary target shape to be produced by compression molding of a powder. It is.

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

  Specifically, this conventional example relates to a rotary drum type compression molding apparatus such as confectionery. The rotary drum type compression molding apparatus is structurally (a) a rotary drum that continuously rotates in one direction around one axis, and (b) a plurality of mold holes embedded in the rotary drum side by side in the 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 are provided.

  The rotary drum-type compression molding apparatus further includes: (d) a cam mechanism that interlocks the axial movement of the rams 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 previously filled in the mold hole from the outside of the rotary drum.

Japanese Patent No. 3366898

  However, in this conventional compression molding apparatus, there is a limit to the range of product shape variations that can be manufactured. This is because the portion of the product exposed from the mold cavity is compressed by the above-described pressing member, but the pressing member mainly flattens only the exposed portion of the product.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a powder compression molding apparatus capable of producing a product having an arbitrary target shape by powder compression molding.

In order to solve the problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a target shape is obtained by pressing a powdery or granular raw material into a mold divided into a first mold and a second mold. A powder compression molding apparatus for producing a product having
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
Including
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
At least one of the first and second feeding units supports the corresponding one of the first mold and the second mold in a state where its own position and / or posture can be changed by an external force. A powder compression molding apparatus including a flexible support is provided.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the powder for producing 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 A compression molding apparatus,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
Including
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
The first mold includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is slidably fitted in the fixed portion in the axial direction.
The first feed unit further includes a first compression mechanism that includes a first cam mechanism that interlocks the axial relative movement of the movable part with respect to the fixed part in the circumferential position change of the first mold on the first endless track. An apparatus is provided.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the powder for producing 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 A compression molding apparatus,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
Including
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
The second feeding unit further performs relative movement of the second type with respect to the first type in the first endless type of the first type in at least a region existing in the adjacent region of the second endless track. A powder compression molding apparatus including a second cam mechanism that is interlocked with a change in a circumferential position on a track is provided.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a powder for producing a product having a target shape by pressing a powdery or granular raw material into a mold divided into a first mold and a second mold. A compression molding apparatus,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
Including
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
The first endless orbit is a circular orbit;
The powder compression molding apparatus is provided in which the second endless track has a radius of curvature larger than the first endless track at least in the adjacent region.
The following aspects are obtained by the present invention. Each aspect is divided into sections, each section is given a number, and is described in a form that cites other section numbers as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that the present invention can employ and combinations thereof, and the technical features that can be employed by the present invention and combinations thereof are limited to the following embodiments. Should not be interpreted. That is, it should be construed that it is not impeded to appropriately extract and employ the technical features described in the present specification as technical features of the present invention although they are not described in the following embodiments.

  Further, describing each section in the form of quoting the numbers of the other sections does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each section from being separated from the technical features described in the other sections. It should not be construed as meaning, but it should be construed that the technical features described in each section can be appropriately made independent depending on the nature.

(1) A powder compression molding apparatus for producing 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,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
The powder compression molding apparatus further includes:
A powder compression molding apparatus including a pressing member that is positioned upstream from the adjacent region and that presses the raw material charged in advance into the first mold by contacting the opening of the first mold.

(2) At least one of the first and second feeding units can change the position and / or posture of the corresponding one of the first type and the second type by an external force. The powder compression molding apparatus according to item (1), including a flexible support portion that is supported in a state.

(3) The first mold includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is slidably fitted to the fixed portion in the axial direction.
The first feed unit further includes a first cam mechanism that interlocks the relative movement in the axial direction of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion in the circumferential direction of the first type on the first endless track (1). Or the powder compression molding apparatus as described in (2) term.

(4) The second feeding unit may further perform relative movement of the second type with respect to the first type in the region existing in at least the adjacent region of the second endless track. The powder compression molding apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), including a second cam mechanism that is interlocked with a change in a circumferential position on the first endless track.

(5) The first endless orbit is a circular orbit,
The first feed unit is
A rotating drum defining the first endless track;
A first drive system that continuously rotates the rotating drum in one direction,
The powder compression molding apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first mold moves together with the rotating drum.

(6) The first and second feeding units are relatively arranged so that the first and second endless tracks are circumscribed,
The second endless track is a non-circular track having a straight portion extending linearly from the first endless track at least in the adjacent region;
The second feed unit is
An endless transmission that defines the second endless track;
A second drive system for continuously rotating the endless transmission in one direction,
The powder compression molding apparatus according to item (5), wherein the second mold moves together with the endless transmission.

(7) As the first mold and the second mold are sent in one direction from the entry side to the straight portion to the exit side from the straight portion, the first die and the second die are mutually An approaching step of approaching, a compressing step of compressing the raw material in the first mold by the first mold and the second mold, and a retracting process of retracting the first mold and the second mold from each other in order The powder compression molding apparatus according to item (6) to be experienced.

(8) The straight portion includes an approach segment that allows the first mold and the second mold to experience the approach process, and the first mold and the second mold experience the compression process. The powder compression molding according to (7), further comprising a compression segment that enables the first mold and the second mold to sequentially undergo the retraction process so that the first mold and the second mold can experience the retraction process. apparatus.

(9) The compression segment has a compression start point at a position where the first endless track and the straight line portion of the second endless track are substantially circumscribed, and the first type is the first endless track. As the second mold is substantially in contact with the first endless orbit as it is sent from the compression start point to the exit side, the second infinite state is maintained while maintaining the compression state with the first mold. The powder compression molding apparatus according to item (8), wherein the powder compression molding apparatus has a shape that makes it possible to be sent along the path from the compression start point to the exit side.

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

(11) The powder compression molding apparatus according to the item (6), wherein the circumferential length of the rotating drum and the circumferential length of the endless transmission body substantially coincide with each other.

(12) The second mold has a tip, and the tip has a shape that fits into the first mold at the secondary processing position. The powder compression molding apparatus as described.

(13) In the first feeding unit,
An input position where the raw material should be input into the first mold;
A primary processing position that is downstream from the input position and upstream from the adjacent region, and in which primary processing is performed to temporarily compress the raw material input into the first mold;
The raw material that is located in the adjacent region and is filled in the first mold and subjected to the primary processing is additionally compressed by the first mold and the second mold, (1) to (12) where the second mold is filled with a part of the raw material, and thereby the secondary machining position at which the secondary machining for realizing the final shape of the product is performed. The powder compression molding apparatus according to any one of the items).

(14) The flexible support portion displaces at least one of the first and second feeding units from a neutral position when an external force is received from a counterpart mold, but when the external force is released, the neutral is released. The powder compression molding apparatus according to item (2), wherein the powder compression molding apparatus is configured to automatically restore the position.

(15) A powder compression molding apparatus for producing 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,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. A powder compression molding device configured to be realized.

(16) Further, in the step of continuously sending each of the first mold and the second mold, the movement of the first mold along the first endless track and the movement along the second endless track. The powder compression molding apparatus according to item (15), including a synchronization mechanism that synchronizes the movements of the second mold so that the phases of the first mold and the second mold coincide with each other.

(17) At least one of the first and second endless tracks is a movement in which the first type and the second type retreat from each other after the first type and the second type complete the compression operation. The powder compression molding apparatus according to item (15) or (16), including a retraction promoting mechanism for promoting

(18) Further, a pusher located upstream from the adjacent region and in contact with the opening of the first mold, thereby pressing the raw material charged into the first mold prior to the compression. The powder compression molding apparatus according to any one of (15) to (17), which includes a hardening member.

(19) A first feed unit used in combination with a second feed unit,
The first and second feeding units cooperate with each other to form a product having a target shape by pressing a powdery or granular raw material into a mold divided into a first mold and a second mold. Configure the powder compression molding equipment to manufacture,
The powder compression molding device is
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. A first feed unit configured to be realized.

(20) A second feed unit used in combination with the first feed unit,
The first and second feeding units cooperate with each other to form a product having a target shape by pressing a powdery or granular raw material into a mold divided into a first mold and a second mold. Configure the powder compression molding equipment to manufacture,
The powder compression molding device is
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. A second feed unit configured to be realized.

(21) A powder compression molding apparatus for producing a product having a target shape by pressing and molding a powdery or granular raw material into a mold,
The mold compresses the raw material in the first mold in contact with the first mold to be filled with the raw material first, thereby filling a part of the raw material And the second type
The powder compression molding device
The first mold is mounted in a posture that opens outward, and the first mold is a first feeding unit that continuously feeds the first mold in one direction along the first endless track, and a plurality of the first molds, Discretely mounted along the first endless track;
The second mold is mounted in a posture that opens outward, and the second mold is a second feeding unit that continuously feeds the second mold in one direction along the second endless track, and a plurality of the second molds, And discretely mounted along the second endless track,
The first and second feeding units are respectively located on two planes where the first and second endless tracks are circumscribed or inscribed on the same plane or intersect with each other so as to have one common intersection line. It is relatively arranged so that it is circumscribed or inscribed,
The first and second feeding units are operated so that the first mold and the second mold are fed in the same direction in adjacent regions where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other,
The first and second feeding units are configured so that any one of the first molds and any one of the second molds are brought into close engagement with each other in the adjacent region, and in this state, the first mold and the second feeding unit are previously placed in the first mold. A powder compression molding apparatus configured to compress the charged raw material by the first mold and the second mold to realize a final shape of the product.

  According to the present invention, a mold used for powder compression molding is divided into a first mold and a second mold, and as a result, the shape of a part of the product to be manufactured is reflected in the shape of the first mold. The shape of the remaining portion is reflected in the shape of the second mold.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, as long as the first mold and the second mold have a high degree of freedom in selecting their respective shapes, the range of variations of product shapes that can be manufactured by powder compression molding is expanded.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since both the first mold and the second mold are continuously fed along the respective endless tracks, the apparatus size is smaller than when a finite track is used or intermittent feed is performed. And improvement of product production efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an overall configuration of a powder compression molding apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a side view showing an example of a product manufactured by the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the exemplary product. FIGS. 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views showing temporal changes in behaviors of the first mold and the second mold in the compression process in the molding apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the main part of the first feed unit and the main part of the second feed unit in the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a part of the chain shown in FIG. 4 and a holder for the second mold supported by the chain, and FIG. 5B shows the holder, It is a fragmentary sectional side view which shows the 2nd cam mechanism for defining the movement path | route of the holder. FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing the main part of the rotating drum and the entire chain in the molding apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing the main part of the rotating drum and the main part of the chain in the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner, focusing on the behavior of the first mold and the second mold. is there. FIG. 8 shows the main part of the rotating drum, the main part of the first cam mechanism, and the main part of the second cam mechanism in the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the first type and the cam follower, and the second type and the cam follower. It is a side view which expands further and focuses schematically on each behavior. 9 (a) to 9 (j) are cross-sectional views showing the entire process of compression molding using the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in chronological order, focusing on the first mold and the second mold. .

  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 device>

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

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

  In FIG. 3, the mold 14 is shown in several cross-sectional views. The mold 14 is divided into a first mold 30 and a second mold 32. The 1st type | mold 30 is a part which should be initially filled with the raw material 12 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.

<Basic configuration of the first feed unit>

  As shown in FIG. 1, the molding apparatus 10 includes a first feeding unit 50. The first feeding unit 50 is designed to continuously send the plurality of first dies 30 in one direction along the first endless track 52. The plurality of first molds 30 are discretely arranged along the first endless track 52.

  In the present embodiment, the first endless track 52 is a circular track (or a track with a different shape). The first feed unit 50 includes a frame 54 and a rotating drum 56 that defines a first endless track 52. The rotating drum 56 has a pair of rotating shafts 60 that protrude 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 rotary drum 56 so as to be open outwardly and arranged at equal intervals (equal distance intervals and equal angle intervals) in the circumferential direction. Therefore, these first molds 30 rotate integrally with the rotating drum 56 around the same axis.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the plurality of first molds 30 are configured as a plurality of rows of first molds 30 arranged so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the rotary drum 56. However, instead of this, for example, it is possible to configure the first mold 30 as a single row arranged in only one row in the circumferential direction of the rotary drum 56.

  The first endless track 52 conceptually coincides with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 56, but precisely, any one first mold 30 moves with the rotation of the rotating drum 56 for one rotation. This means a trajectory 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 rotary drum 56. The belt 68 is wound around the rotary shaft 69 of the electric motor 64 and the pulley 66 of the rotary drum 56, thereby transmitting the rotational force of the electric motor 64 to the rotary drum 56, thereby driving the rotary drum 56. . As a result, one-way continuous rotation of the rotating drum 56 (counterclockwise continuous rotation in FIG. 1) is realized.

<Basic configuration of the second feed unit>

  As shown in FIG. 1, the molding apparatus 10 further includes a second feed unit 70. The second feeding unit 70 is designed to continuously send the plurality of second dies 32 in one direction along the second endless track 72. The plurality of second molds 32 are discretely arranged along the second endless track 72.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the second feed unit 70 includes a frame 90 and a chain 92 as an example of an endless transmission that defines a second endless track 72.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second endless track 72 extends linearly from the first endless track 52 (first infinite track) in an adjacent region 74 (also an opposing region) that is radially adjacent to the first endless track 52. It is a non-circular orbit having a straight portion (having a radius of curvature larger than the orbit 52) (which is a term meaning not only a perfect straight portion but also a substantially straight portion).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second endless track 72 generally has a planar shape (or another shape is possible) consisting of four sides connected to each other, and these four sides are enlarged in FIG. 6. As shown, there are a first vertical portion 82 having a straight portion 80, a second vertical portion 84, a first horizontal portion 86, and a second horizontal portion 88.

  The first vertical portion 80 and the second vertical portion 82 face each other, and the position of the first vertical portion 80 is closer to the rotary drum 56 than the second vertical portion 84. The first horizontal portion 84 and the second horizontal portion 86 face each other, and the position of the first horizontal portion 86 is above the second horizontal portion 88.

  In the present embodiment, the chain 92 defines a first vertical portion 82, a second vertical portion 84, a first horizontal portion 86, and a second horizontal portion 88, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the chain 92 has a plurality of rolling elements (for example, a roller 94) and a plurality of links (for example, a plurality of roller links 96 and a plurality of rollers). The pin links 98 are alternately connected to each other). The chain 92 can withstand a large tension as compared with other belts as endless transmissions, and has less slip from the support (a sprocket described later), and can perform a stable feeding operation at a more accurate speed.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of second dies 32 have an arrangement in which both the length direction and the width direction of the chain 92 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of second molds 32 are divided into a plurality of blocks each holding a plurality of second molds 32 arranged in a line in the width direction of the chain 92. The second row 32 in the horizontal row is held by the holder 100. The holder 100 holds a plurality of second molds 32 belonging to the corresponding block so as to be aligned horizontally in a row. As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of blocks are mounted on the chain 92 so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the length direction thereof.

  The second endless track 72 conceptually coincides with the track of the chain 92, but precisely, a reference plane that is offset outwardly from the outermost surface of the chain 92 (hereinafter referred to as “offset reference plane”). ) That is, when an arbitrary one of the second molds 32 is moved in accordance with the feeding of one round of the chain 92, the locus drawn by the representative point of the second mold 32 (for example, the center point of the tip surface) is drawn. means.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second feed unit 70 further includes a second drive system 102 that continuously rotates the chain 92 in one direction.

  The second drive system 102 includes a plurality of sprockets 104 around which a chain 92 is wound, and a gear transmission mechanism 106 (one gear or gear train) that connects one of the sprockets 104 and the rotating drum 56 to each other. , Not shown because it is well known). The plurality of sprockets 104 are arranged on the same plane in a side view.

  The rotation of the rotary drum 56 is transmitted to any one of the sprockets 104 through the gear transmission mechanism 106 at a speed ratio that does not vary. As a result, the chain 92 is driven to synchronize with the rotary drum 56.

  In the present embodiment, the rotating drum 56 can be considered as a drive source for the chain 92, or the electric motor 64 for the rotary drum 56 can also be considered as a drive source for the chain 92.

  Instead of this, for example, the second drive system 102, although not shown, transmits a plurality of sprockets 104, a second electric motor, and any one of the sprockets 104 and the second electric motor. With body. In this example, a drive source different from the electric motor 64 for the rotary drum 56 can be considered as the drive source of the chain 92.

<Relative positional relationship between rotating drum and chain>

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first and second feeding units 50 and 70 are relative to each other so that the first and second endless tracks 52 and 72 are circumscribed on the same plane. Is arranged. Instead, for example, the first and second endless tracks 52 and 72 are inscribed on the same plane, or are located on two planes that intersect with each other so as to have one common intersection line. The first and second feeding units 50 and 70 may be relatively arranged so as to be inscribed.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first and second feeding units 50 and 70 are linear portions 80 that are portions of the chain 92 that are closest to the rotating drum 56. The offset reference plane (second endless track 72) corresponding to is disposed so as to substantially circumscribe the portion of the outer circumference circle (first endless track 52) of the rotating drum 56 that is closest to the straight line portion 80.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second feed units 50 and 70 are arranged such that the offset reference surface of the linear portion 80 is substantially circularly positioned on the outer circumference of the rotary drum 56 at the position of the center point in the longitudinal direction. It is substantially circumscribed at the outermost end position (the position of the intersection of the outer circumference circle of the rotating drum 56 and the horizontal line passing through the center point of the outer circumference circle, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the leftmost end position). Arranged.

<Operation of the first and second feeding units>

  During the operation of the molding apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 1, the first and second feeding units 50 and 70 are continuously operated so that the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 are fed in the same direction in the adjacent region 74. Be made. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second feeding units 50 and 70 are configured such that any one of the first molds 30 and any one of the second molds 32 are close to each other and are engaged with each other as shown in FIG. 3. In this state, the raw material 12 previously charged in the first mold 30 is compressed by the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 to realize the final shape of the product 16.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of positions for performing a plurality of work processes are set in the first feeding unit 50. Their positions are as follows.

  Loading position P1: A position where the raw material 12 is charged into the first mold 30 from the hopper 34 (for example, a substantially uppermost position of the rotating drum 56).

  Primary processing position P2: Primary processing (pre-processing, temporary processing) that temporarily positions the raw material 12 that has been input into the first mold 30 and is positioned downstream of the input position P1 and upstream of the adjacent region 74. Position 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. The

  As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, in order to perform the primary processing, a compacting member 110 as a primary processing member is located downstream from the charging position P1 and upstream from the adjacent region 74. Is supported by the frame 90. In a side view, the relative position of the center point of the pressing member 110 with respect to the center line of the rotary drum 56 does not change during operation of the molding apparatus 10.

  Secondary processing position P3: The raw material 12 that is located in the adjacent region 74 and is filled in the first mold 30 in advance and subjected to the primary processing is additionally compressed by the second mold 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 with the raw material 12), thereby realizing the final shape of the product 16.

  Ejection position P4: Located on the downstream side of the secondary machining position, and after the second mold 32 is retracted from the first mold 30, the completed product 16 is ejected from the first mold 30 (see FIG. 1). In the example shown, the direction of gravity acting on the product 16 and the center line direction of the first mold 30 are the lowest end positions)

<Synchronization of rotating drum and chain>

  In the present embodiment, during operation of the molding apparatus 10, a plurality of rows of the first mold 30 attached to the rotary drum 56 in the first feed unit 50 and a plurality of rows of the first die 30 attached to the chain 92 in the second feed unit 70. It is essential for the second mold 32 to move in the same phase and in the same direction within the adjacent region 74.

  In order to realize such synchronous movement or synchronous interlocking, several measures are taken in the present embodiment.

1. Sharing the circumference of the rotating drum 56 and the circumference of the chain 92

  The circumferential length of the rotating drum 56 and the circumferential length of the chain 92 are made to coincide with each other. As a result, when the rotating drum 56 makes one rotation, the chain 92 is also moved once.

2. Sharing the pitch of the first mold 30 and the pitch of the second mold 32

  Due to the dimensional design of the molding apparatus 10, the pitch that is the circumferential center distance between the first dies 30 in the rotating drum 56 and the pitch that is the circumferential center distance of the second dies 32 in the chain 92 coincide with each other. The dimensions of the rotating drum 56 and the chain 92 are set.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, one corresponding second mold 32 is attached to the center position in the length direction of each link 94, 96 of the chain 92. As a result, the distance between the two second molds 32 adjacent to each other, that is, the pitch of the second mold 32 is equal to the pitch common to the plurality of links 94, 96 (the circumferential center distance between the rollers 94 adjacent to each other). ).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, pins (coaxial with a cam follower 152 described later) extending from both side surfaces of each holder 10 are linked to the links 94 and 96 as shown in FIG. Is connected to each of the links 94 and 96 so as to be rotatable around its pin 152. As a result, each holder 10 can swing in accordance with an external force with respect to the links 94 and 96 to which the holders 10 are connected.

3. Sharing the initial position of the first mold 30 and the initial position of the second mold 32

  No matter how many times the rotary drum 56 is rotating, the first mold 30 is always in the initial position so as to ensure that the first mold 30 is engaged with the same second mold 32 at the same position as the previous one. The position of the first mold 30 closest to the chain 92 among the plurality of first molds 30 of the certain rotating drum 56 is matched with the position of the second mold 32 of the chain 92 closest to the rotating drum 56 at the initial position. . As a result, the phase of the first mold 30 and the phase of the second mold 32 are matched with each other.

4). Sharing the peripheral speed of the first mold 30 and the peripheral speed of the second mold 32

  During the operation of the molding apparatus 10, the rotational speed of the rotary drum 56 and the feed speed of the chain 92 are synchronized so that the peripheral speed of the first mold 30 and the peripheral speed of the second mold 32 coincide with each other.

  In order to realize the synchronization accurately and stably, in this embodiment, as described above, the rotating drum 56 is connected to the sprocket 104 that supports the chain 92 via the gear transmission mechanism 106. The gear transmission mechanism 106 has less slip than other types of transmission mechanisms such as chains and belts and is resistant to changes in the working environment such as temperature, so that the synchronization can be performed more reliably and for a longer period of time. Realized.

<Process for powder compression molding>

  6 and 7 show a series of steps realized by the cooperation of the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 that stay in the adjacent region 74 temporarily and in a short time.

  Of the entire circumferential section of the rotating drum 56, in the section from the entry side where the first mold 30 enters the adjacent area 74 to the exit side where the first mold 30 exits from the adjacent area 74, the approaching process and the compression process And the evacuation step are executed in that order.

  First, in the approaching step, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, as the unidirectional rotation of the rotary drum 56 and the unidirectional feed of the chain 92, it corresponds to one of the first molds 30 in the adjacent region 74. The second mold 32 approaches each other in the horizontal direction while descending together. However, the first mold 30 approaches itself in the horizontal direction, whereas the second mold 32 does not substantially move in the horizontal direction.

  Next, the compression process, that is, the secondary machining is performed at the secondary machining position P3. In the compression step, as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 3 over time, the raw material 12 filled in the first mold 30 and subjected to the primary processing is additionally compressed by the second mold 32. Thereby, the final shape of the product 16 is realized. The compression process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Finally, in the retracting process, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, as the unidirectional rotation of the rotary drum 56 and the unidirectional feed of the chain 92, the adjacent region 74 corresponds to any of the first molds 30. The second mold 32 is separated from each other in the horizontal direction while being lowered together. The evacuation process will also be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

<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 order to perform more effective compression in the above-described compression process, the first mold 30 has a movable portion, and as a result, the volume of the internal space 120 of the first mold 30 is reduced only by the first mold 30. It is a form to get. However, it is also possible to implement the present invention in a form in which the first mold 30 does not have a movable part, and therefore the volume of the internal space 120 of the first mold 30 cannot be reduced by the first mold 30 alone. .

  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 unchanged) 112 and a movable portion (in the radial direction with respect to the rotating drum 56). 114 whose relative position is variable. The movable portion 114 is fitted to the fixed portion 112 so as to be slidable coaxially.

  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, so that the variable volume internal space 120 in the first mold 30 is obtained. Is defined. Of the internal space 120, the part defined by the movable part 114 has a shape reflecting the outer surface shape of the right hemisphere part 20 of the product 16, while the part defined by the fixed part 112 is the part of the product 16. It has a shape reflecting the outer surface shape of the annular protrusion 24.

  On the other hand, the second mold 32 has a concave tip portion 122, and the concave tip surface defines a volume-invariant internal space 124 in the second mold 32. The inner space 124 has a shape that reflects the outer shape of the left hemispherical portion 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 process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In the compression process, first, in the initial stage, as shown in FIG. 3A, the offset reference surface of the linear portion 80 of the chain 92 and the outer circumferential circle of the rotating drum 56 in the adjacent region 74 are substantially equal. At the circumscribing position, the concave tip portion 122 of the second die 32 is coaxially opposed to the cylindrical tip portion 116 of the first die 30 and comes into contact soon.

  At this time, the raw material 12 is filled in the internal space 120 of the first mold 30 in advance, but at this time, 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 portion 122 of the second mold 32 coaxially contacting the cylindrical tip portion 116 of the first die 30.

  Next, in the intermediate stage of the compression process, the fixing part 112 of the first mold 30 tends to move away from the second mold 32 in the horizontal direction as the rotating drum 56 rotates in one direction. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the second mold 32 moves forward to follow the portion 112 in a direction approaching the fixing portion 112 of the first mold 30 (as will be described later with reference to FIG. 7). The base straight line 162 approaches the rotating drum 56 in the horizontal direction).

  At this time, the concave tip portion 122 of the second die 32 is partially fitted into the cylindrical tip portion 116 of the fixing portion 112 of the first die 32. As a result, the cavity 126 is substantially sealed from the outside, thereby completing the definition of the cavity 126.

  Furthermore, in this intermediate stage, the first cam mechanism 140 described later advances in the first mold 30 in the direction in which the movable portion 114 approaches the fixed portion 112, thereby reducing the volume of the internal space 120, As a result, the volume of the cavity 126 is reduced. As a result, the air 128 in the internal space 124 of the second mold 32 is partially replaced with the raw material 12 and is discharged through the cylindrical gap 130 between the first mold 30 and the second mold 32.

  In this intermediate stage, the movable part 114 gradually approaches the fixed part 112 as the rotating drum 56 rotates in one direction by the first cam mechanism 140 described later. During this time, the second mold 32 is moved to the second cam described later. Due to the mechanism 150, the second mold 32 moves forward so as to follow the fixed portion 112 of the first mold 30, so that the second mold 32 apparently has a horizontal relative position with respect to the fixed portion 112 of the first mold 30. Is substantially maintained. In other words, the length (overlap length) of the portion of the second mold 32 fitted into the first mold 30 is maintained.

  Subsequently, in the final stage of the compression process (the maximum compression state of the cavity 126, the advance limit position of the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30), the second cam mechanism 150 described later shows the state shown in FIG. As described above, the second mold 32 is in a stopped state that does not approach the first mold 30 in the horizontal direction, but the movable portion 114 further advances in the first mold 30 by the first cam mechanism 140 described later. 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.

  Thereby, 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 in the outer surface shape of the product 16.

  The gap 130 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the fixed portion 112 of the first mold 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the second mold 32. The gap 130 has a size (radius) in which 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. Direction clearance dimension). That is, the gap 130 has selective permeability such that the air 128 is allowed to pass but the raw material 12 is not allowed to pass.

<First cam mechanism for displacing the first type movable portion relative to the fixed portion>

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

  The first cam mechanism 140 includes a cam follower (for example, a pin or roller) 142 that moves together with the movable portion 114, and 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. ). The positive cam 144 rotates integrally with the rotary drum 56.

  In FIG. 7, the movement in conjunction with the change in the rotation position of the rotary drum 56 at the radial position of the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 is changed to the change in the rotation position of the rotation drum 56 at the radial position of the cam follower 142. It is shown to be realized by linked movement.

  Specifically, the first mold 30 at the position R1 and the second mold 32 at the position Q1 corresponding to the position R1 first come into contact with each other.

  Next, at the position R2, the fixed part 112 of the first mold 30 is retracted, while the movable part 114 of the first mold 30 is slightly advanced, and at the position Q2 corresponding to the position R2, the second mold 32 is The first type 30 advances by an amount that compensates for the backward movement of the fixed portion 112.

  Further, at the position R3, the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 further advances a little, and at the position Q3 corresponding to the position R3, the second mold 32 compensates for the backward movement of the fixed portion 112 of the first mold 30. Just move forward.

  The linkage of the radial position of the cam follower 142 to 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 approaching segment 148 in which the radially outward lift amount L from the base circle 146 concentric with the rotating drum 56 increases as the rotational angle of the rotating drum 56 increases. Yes. Thanks to the presence of the approach segment 148, as shown in FIG. 3, as the compression process proceeds, the movable part 114 approaches the fixed part 112, and the degree of compression of the raw material 12 in the mold 14 increases. Realized.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the pressing member 110 is a rotating body or a non-rotating body (for example, a plate member) that extends in parallel to the rotating drum 56 while circumscribing the outer circumferential circle of the rotating drum 56. The position of the axis is fixed with respect to the first endless track 52. When the first mold 30 enters the working area of the pressing member 110, the pressing member 110 comes into contact with the front end surface of the first mold 30, so that the raw material 12 accumulated in the first mold 30 is piled up. Press to harden and almost flatten.

  This pressing is performed by temporarily moving the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 with respect to the fixed portion 112 each time any of the first molds 30 reaches the primary processing position P2 while the rotary drum 56 is rotating. By moving forward, it is possible to do more aggressively. Such temporary advancement of the movable portion 114 is also realized by the first cam mechanism 140.

  Although described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, in the discharging process, the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 is brought close to the fixed portion 112 and protrudes from the front end surface of the fixed portion 112, thereby The movable part 114 pushes out the product 16 from the first mold 30.

  The first cam mechanism 140 also realizes the radial movement of the movable portion 114 for the extrusion.

<Second cam mechanism for causing the second mold to follow the first mold retracted due to the rotation of the rotating drum>

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the compression process, during the operation of the chain 92, the second mold 32 is the longitudinal center point (position Q <b> 1 in FIG. 7) of the linear portion 80, and After reaching a contact position (position R1 in FIG. 8) that faces the position closest to the linear portion 80 of the chain 92 among the plurality of positions on the outer circumference circle, the fixed portion of the first mold 30 is reached. 112 is pulled down in a direction away from the second mold 32 in the horizontal direction while being lowered by one-way rotation of the rotary drum 56.

  Therefore, if the subsequent movement of the second mold 32 is realized as a vertically descending movement by the vertically extending vertical segment of the chain 92, the second mold 32 is moved in the radial direction as the chain 92 is fed. However, as a result of the first mold 30 being pulled in the radial direction as the rotary drum 56 rotates in one direction, the second mold 32 is relatively separated from the first mold 30. Due to the separation, the compressibility of the raw material 12 in the mold 14 is lowered.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second mold 32 is brought closer to the rotating drum 56 as the chain 92 is advanced. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the two-feed unit 70 includes a second cam mechanism 150.

  The second cam mechanism 150 includes a cam follower 152 that moves together with the second mold 32, and a positive cam 154 (for example, a front cam or a groove cam) as a cam that defines a movement path of the cam follower 152. The positive cam 154 is fixed to the frame 90 of the second feed unit 70.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cam follower 152 is formed as a pair of pins extending from the holder 100 in the left-right direction. The positive cam 154 is locally arranged in the straight portion 80 (82) facing the rotating drum 56 among the four straight portions 80 (82), 84, 86, 88 of the chain 92, and the straight line thereof. The portions 80 are respectively arranged at positions sandwiched from the left and right sides of the chain 92. FIG. 4 representatively shows only the positive cam 154 on one side.

  In FIG. 7, the movement of the second mold 32 in the horizontal position linked to the change in the feed position of the chain 92 is realized by the movement of the cam follower 152 in the horizontal position linked to the change in the feed position of the chain 92. It has been shown that. The horizontal position of the cam follower 152 is determined by the profile of the positive cam 154.

  Specifically, at the position Q1, the second mold 32 is a base straight line (a reference acquired by extending the approaching segment 160, which is a portion extending vertically on the upstream side of the adjacent region 74, of the straight portion 80 directly below). (Straight line) 162, and the second mold 32 first comes into contact with the second mold 32 at the position R1 corresponding to the position Q1.

  Next, at the position Q <b> 2, the second mold 32 moves forward by an amount that compensates for the backward movement of the fixing portion 112 of the first mold 30. Further, at the position Q 3, the second mold 32 moves forward by an amount that compensates for the backward movement of the fixing portion 112 of the first mold 30.

  The linkage of the cam follower 152 in the radial direction with respect to the change in the feed position of the chain 92 (the chain 92 and the rotary drum 56 are linked as described above, and consequently the change in the rotation angle of the rotary drum 56) is reliable. It is determined by the profile of the moving cam 154 (the shape of the line along which the cam groove extends).

  Specifically, the positive cam 154 is obtained by extending the approaching segment 160, which is a portion extending vertically on the upstream side of the adjacent region 74, in the linear portion 80 of the chain 92, and extending the approaching segment 160 directly below. And a compression segment 164 in which the horizontal outward lift amount L from the base straight line 162 rises as the feed of the chain 92 progresses.

  Thanks to the compression segment 164, as shown in FIG. 3, the first mold 30 and the second mold are used in the compression process even though the rotation angle of the rotary drum 56 is increased and the first mold 30 is retracted. The horizontal distance between the second mold 32 and the second mold 32 is prevented from being lowered due to the vertical drop motion of the second mold 32.

  As a result, the compression start point is a position where the outer circumferential circle of the rotating drum 56 and the linear portion 80 of the chain 92 are first substantially circumscribed, and the first mold 30 starts to compress along the outer circumferential circle of the rotating drum 56. As the second mold 32 is substantially in contact with the outer circumferential circle of the rotary drum 56 as it is sent from the point to the withdrawal side, the compression state with the first mold 30 is maintained, and the second mold 32 is moved from the compression start point to the withdrawal side. Sent.

  In short, as shown in FIG. 7, the straight portion 80 of the chain 92 includes an access segment 160 that allows the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 to undergo the access process, and the first mold 30 and A compression segment 164 that allows the second mold 32 to experience the compression process, and a retraction segment 166 that enables the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 to experience the retraction process, in turn. It has to line up.

<Second cam mechanism for quickly retracting the second mold from the first mold without biting the first mold or the surface of the product>

  In the retracting step, the translational movement in which the first mold 30 is drawn in the radial direction as the rotating drum 56 rotates, and the first mold 30 is counter-measured in FIG. 1 (the same rotational direction as the rotating drum 56). It performs a motion that is a combination of the self-rotating motion and the self-rotating motion.

  The translational motion invites the first mold 30 to retract from the second mold 32 and should not be excluded. However, the rotational motion is such that the center line of the first mold 30 is the center of the second mold 32. It should be eliminated or reduced to create a tendency to bend with respect to the line. The bending of the center line between the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 is not expected due to the surface of the first mold 30 itself or the outer surface of the product 16 placed in the first mold 30 being blocked by the tip surface of the second mold 32. Can cause problems.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, some measures are taken in order to eliminate the galling problem.

1. Loose fit between the first mold 30 and the second mold 32

  In the fitting state of the first mold 30 and the second mold 32, a cylindrical gap 130 exists between the inner peripheral surface of the fixing portion 112 of the first mold 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the second mold 32, and As described above, the gap 130 is maximized as long as the raw material 12 does not leak unexpectedly in relation to the powder size of the raw material 12. As a result, the ability of the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 to absorb the deviation between the center line of the first mold 30 and the center line of the second mold 32 is maximized.

2. Minimizing the length that the second mold 32 fits in the first mold 30

  In the fitting state of the first mold 30 and the second mold 32, the length (overlap length) that the tip of the second mold 32 fits into the tip of the first mold 30 is the raw material 12 as described above. Is minimized to the extent that does not leak unexpectedly. As a result, the ability of the first mold 30 and the second mold 32 to absorb the deviation between the center line of the first mold 30 and the center line of the second mold 32 is maximized.

3. Minimizing the protrusion height of the final product 16 from the rotating drum 56

  As shown in FIG. 3C, at the end of the compression process, the outermost part of the product 16 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 56 and is exposed. The protruding height usually tends to increase as the size of the product 16 increases. In addition, as the protruding height increases, the second mold 32 is more likely to be damaged by scraping the outer surface of the product 16 at the tip of the second mold 32 when the second mold 32 is retracted.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the mold 14 is designed so that the protruding height of the product 16 from the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 56 is minimized. In other words, the height of the protrusion is set so as not to cause the galling problem while maintaining the target shape of the product 16.

4). Flexible support of the second mold 32 by the second feed unit 70

  As shown in FIG. 5A, a set of second molds 32 arranged in a horizontal row is held together by one holder 100, and the holder 100 is connected to one link 94, 96 of a chain 92. Further, in the plane of the chain 92 (the same plane as the rotation plane of the rotary drum 56), the pin 92 is supported so as to be able to swing within a certain angle range around the pin 152. That is, the links 94 and 96 and the pin 152 constitute an example of the “flexible support portion”.

  Incidentally, the pin (also a cam follower) 152 is inserted into the positive cam 154 as shown in FIG. 5B, but the cam follower 152 can rotate with respect to the positive cam 154. Therefore, the presence of the second cam mechanism 150 does not hinder the swing function of the flexible support portion described above.

5. Quick return of the second mold 32 by the cam mechanism after completion of compression

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the retraction segment 166 of the chain 92, the second mold 32 moves from the position Q3 to the position Q5 via the position Q4. The path at that time is possible for the second mold 32. It is determined to retract from the first mold 30 in the horizontal direction at the highest possible speed. This is because the slower the retraction speed, the greater the amount of the rotational movement of the second mold 32 and the greater the distance between the center line of the second mold 32 and the center line of the first mold 30.

  For example, if the position Q3 (starting point of the retracting segment 166) and the position G5 (end point of the retracting segment 166) are known, the retracting segment 166 that performs such rapid retracting is determined with respect to the two positions Q3 and Q5. The position Q4 is determined so that the lift amount L from the base straight line 162 is minimized to the extent that the smooth sliding of the cam follower 152 is ensured.

  Thus, in this embodiment, after the 1st type | mold 30 and the 2nd type | mold 32 have completed the operation | movement of compression, the 2nd feed unit 70 is the motion which these 1st type | mold 30 and 2nd type | mold 32 retract | save mutually Has a retraction promoting mechanism (fast return mechanism).

<Overall compression molding process>

  In FIG. 9, the entire compression molding process using the molding apparatus 10 is shown in time series, focusing on the behaviors of the first mold 30 and the second mold 32.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9A, at the initial position set on the rotary drum 56, the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 located there is at the retracted end position (initial position).

  On the other hand, the second mold 32 is located on the upstream side of the straight part 80, for example, on the first horizontal part 86, and is away from the fixed part 112 of the first mold 30.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, a predetermined amount of the raw material 12 is charged from the hopper 34 into the first mold 30 located at the charging position P1 downstream from the initial position. At this time, in one example, the raw material 12 is accumulated in a pile in the first mold 30 beyond the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 56. Thereby, the charging step is executed.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9C, the raw material 12 accumulated in the first mold 30 located there is pressed from the compacting member 110 at the primary processing position P2 downstream from the charging position P1. It is compressed by force. As a result, the height at which the raw material 12 deposited in the first mold 30 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 56 becomes substantially zero. Thereby, the primary processing step is executed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9 (d), the first die 30 is moved forward by the advancement of the first die 30 accompanying the counterclockwise rotation of the rotary drum 56 at a position downstream of the primary processing position P2. Approach the mold 32.

  At this time, since the cam follower 152 of the second mold 32 is located in the portion of the positive cam 154 belonging to the approaching segment 160 in the straight portion 80, the second mold 32 has a substantially horizontal position of itself. It descends while being maintained. Thereby, the approach process is executed.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9 (e), the first mold 30 located there is substantially at the peak position on the outer circumference circle of the rotating drum 56 (the position closest to the linear portion 80, the rightmost position). In spite of further rotation of the rotating drum 56, the horizontal position is lowered while being maintained substantially.

  On the other hand, since the cam follower 152 of the second mold 32 is located in a portion of the positive cam 154 that belongs to the compression segment 164 in the straight portion 80, the second mold 32 is the first mold in the horizontal direction. While approaching 30, it descends. Eventually, the second mold 32 comes into contact with the first mold 30. Thereby, a contact process is performed among the said secondary processing processes.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9 (f), at the position where the first mold 30 exceeds the substantially peak position on the outer circumference circle of the rotating drum 56, the first mold 30 located there is further disposed on the rotating drum 56. As it turns, it now descends while moving backwards.

  On the other hand, since the cam follower 142 of the movable part 114 of the first mold 30 is located in a portion of the positive cam 144 belonging to the approaching segment 148 in the linear part 80, the movable part 114 approaches the fixed part 112. To do.

  Further, since the cam follower 152 of the second mold 32 is located in a portion of the positive cam 154 belonging to the compression segment 164 in the linear portion 80, the second mold 32 is connected to the first mold 30 that is moving backward. While moving forward to follow, descend.

  The raw material 12 in the cavity 126 is compressed by the joint of the second mold 32 that moves forward and the movable part 114 that moves forward as described above. Thereby, a compression process is performed among the said secondary processing processes.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9G, when the compression is completed, the fixed portion 112 and the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 retreat integrally as the rotary drum 56 rotates. At this time, the movable portion 114 does not approach the fixed portion 112 and the distance from the fixed portion 112 is maintained.

  On the other hand, since the cam follower 152 of the second mold 32 is located in a portion of the positive cam 154 belonging to the retracting segment 166 in the straight portion 80, the second mold 32 is the first mold being retracted. Retreats rapidly from 30 (returns quickly). Thereby, a retraction | saving process is performed among the said secondary processing processes.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9H, the second mold 32 is further retracted, and as a result, further retracts from the first mold 30.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9 (i), at the lowest end position of the rotary drum 56, the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 is left alone with the fixed portion 112 left by the operation of the first cam mechanism 140. Move forward with. As a result, the product 16 accommodated in the first mold 30 is pushed out by the movable portion 114. As a result, the product 16 is discharged from the first mold 30.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9 (j), the movable portion 114 of the first mold 30 is retracted independently by the operation of the first cam mechanism 140 at a position beyond the lowermost position of the rotating drum 56. Thereby, the movable part 114 is returned to the initial position.

  As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention was described in detail based on a drawing, this is an illustration, and it is various based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art including the mode described in the above-mentioned [Summary of invention] section. The present invention can be implemented in other forms that have been modified or improved.

  For example, according to the present invention, the first and second feeding units 50 and 70 detect, for example, the positions of the respective reference points (for example, the origin) of the rotary drum 56 and the chain 92 by sensors (for example, photointerruplers, proximity switches, When the reference point of the rotating drum 56 and the reference point of the chain 92 are not detected at the same time by the sensor, the sequencer or the computer issues a warning, It is possible to provide an interlock device that performs an emergency stop of the chain 92 or the like.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment applies this invention to the powder compression molding apparatus for manufacturing solid confectionery, for example, this invention is applied to the powder compression molding apparatus for manufacturing another solid food. be able to.

Claims (5)

A powder compression molding apparatus for producing 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,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
At least one of the first and second feeding units supports the corresponding one of the first mold and the second mold in a state where its own position and / or posture can be changed by an external force. A powder compression molding apparatus including a flexible support . A powder compression molding apparatus for producing 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,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
Including
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
The first mold includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is slidably fitted in the fixed portion in the axial direction.
The first feed unit further includes a first compression mechanism that includes a first cam mechanism that interlocks the axial relative movement of the movable part with respect to the fixed part in the circumferential position change of the first mold on the first endless track. apparatus. A powder compression molding apparatus for producing 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,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
Including
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
The second feeding unit further performs relative movement of the second type with respect to the first type in the first endless type of the first type in at least a region existing in the adjacent region of the second endless track. A powder compression molding apparatus including a second cam mechanism interlocked with a change in a circumferential position on a track . A powder compression molding apparatus for producing 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,
A first feed unit that sequentially sends a plurality of first types in one direction along a first endless track;
A second feed unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of second molds in one direction along a second endless track arranged so as to be in contact with the first endless track;
Including
The first and second feeding units feed the first mold and the second mold in the same direction in the adjacent region where the first and second endless tracks are adjacent to each other, and Any one of the second molds is brought close to each other and then engaged, and then the raw material previously put in the first mold is compressed by the first mold and the second mold to obtain a final shape of the product. Configured to achieve,
The first endless orbit is a circular orbit;
The powder compression molding apparatus, wherein the second endless track has a radius of curvature larger than the first endless track at least in the adjacent region . further,
5. The pressing device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing member that is positioned upstream from the adjacent region and presses the raw material charged in advance into the first mold by contacting the opening of the first mold. The powder compression molding apparatus of crab .

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