JPH07195459A - Method and device for molding article - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently perform cooling and prevent intrusion of water to a hole hating water and a damage of a product by a method wherein a molded item is released from a mold, an early-set part is gripped, and the molded item is cooled by dipping a thick-wall part in water except the early-set part. CONSTITUTION:In a molded item 9 provided with an early-set part 2 having a hole and a thick-wall part 4, the molded item 9 is released from a mold after it is set to the extent that the early-set part 2 can endure gripping. The early-set part 2 is gripped. In the state that the set part is gripped, the molded item 9 is cooled by dipping the thick-wall part 4 in water except the set part. In the cooling, the early-set part 2 is disposed up and gripped with the center of gravity of the molded item 9 positioned down. In addition, after the molded item 9 is cooled by water, a water content adhering to the molded item is dried.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for molding a molded product, and more particularly to a method and a device for early cooling the molded product after cooling the molded product.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to improve the molding efficiency in an injection molding machine, it is necessary to shorten the molding cycle.
One of the effective measures to shorten the molding cycle is to shorten the cooling time of the molded product in the mold. Inevitably, the molded product is taken out of the mold at a high temperature and air-cooled or water-cooled outside the mold. This is known as post-cooling or external cooling.

For example, in the molding apparatus and method disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 3-58287, the molded product is slightly cooled in the mold of the injection molding machine and then taken out from the mold, and the vibration type pneumatic cooling device is used. The molded product is transferred onto the vibrating grid, and the molded product is air-cooled while being conveyed by the vibration of the grid and the air flow.

According to this method, the molded products interfere with each other (collide) with each other in the process of being transported, or interfere with the air flow transport device, so that the molded products are easily damaged. This is especially true for molded articles that are not suitable for air flow transport, such as rod-shaped or spherical molded articles. Further, since the airflow is applied to the lower part of the molded product and is cooled while being floated, uneven cooling may occur and the molded product may be deformed. Furthermore, air cooling is generally less efficient than water cooling.

An apparatus for cooling water is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-7428. This device drops the molded product taken out of the mold into the water tank as it is.

The molded product reaches the bottom surface of the water tank before it is completely cooled and may be damaged by the collision with the bottom surface or, in some cases, the wall surface of the water tank.

This device is also difficult to apply to a molded product having small holes because the entire molded product is immersed in the water tank. This is because water will also enter the small holes of the molded product. It takes special equipment and time to remove the water that has entered the small holes.

Particularly, it is an important problem for molded articles that dislike water. For example, if the whole molded product such as the handle (handle) of a toothbrush is soaked in water, water will get into the many small holes in the flocked part. If the water in the small holes of the flocked part is left as it is, bacteria will easily grow and it is not hygienic. Also, if water remains, it may cause dirt. A fairly large-scale equipment is required to completely remove the water in the large number of small holes. It is quite difficult to remove completely.

[0009]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a molding method and apparatus which perform efficient water cooling as post-cooling and prevent water from entering a portion having a hole that dislikes water.

In the method for molding a molded article according to the present invention, a molded article having an early solidified portion having a hole and a thick wall portion is taken out from a mold after the early solidified portion is solidified to such an extent that it can withstand gripping. The molded product is cooled by holding the early solidified portion and immersing the thick portion in water while holding the early solidified portion except the early solidified portion.

The apparatus for molding a molded article according to the present invention cools a molded article having an early solidification portion having a hole and a thick wall portion in a mold until the early solidification portion solidifies to such an extent that it can withstand gripping. Forming machine, a take-out device for taking out a molded product having the early solidified part solidified from a mold, a gripping device for gripping the early solidified part of the molded product taken out by the take-out device, and a molding held by the gripping device A water cooling device is provided for cooling the product by immersing the thick part in water except the early solidification part.

Here, the holes of the early solidification portion include both those penetrating the molded product and those having a bottom without penetrating.

Since the mold projects at the holed portion of the molded product, the mold tends to solidify early in the mold. The present invention utilizes such a property.

The early solidified portion solidified to the extent of being held is held, and the molded product is water-cooled in the held state.
Moreover, the thick wall portion except the gripped portion is immersed in water.

Since the early solidification portion having holes cannot be immersed in water, water does not enter the holes.

Since the molded product is water-cooled while being held, it does not interfere with the water tank or the like and is not scratched.

Since it is water cooling, uniform and efficient post-cooling can be performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the molded product is gripped with the premature solidification portion facing upward and the portion where the center of gravity is located facing downward. This prevents the molded product from being deformed by gravity during cooling.

If necessary, the molded product is cooled with water and then dried to remove the water adhering to the surface.

The present invention is applicable to both single-cavity molded products and multi-cavity molded products. It also applies to both cold runner types and hot runner types (including semi-hot runner types).

[0021]

【Example】

 Articles and products

In this embodiment, the product is a toothbrush handle.

An example of the molded product 9 is shown in FIGS. The molded product 9 is formed by injection molding using a multi-cavity mold (16-cavity mold). In the molded product 9, in addition to the 16 products 1, the parts formed corresponding to the spool, runner and gate of the die (these are referred to as spool corresponding part 6, runner corresponding part 7 and gate corresponding part 8, respectively, When these are collectively referred to as a runner corresponding part, etc.), they are integrally connected.

The handle 1 of the toothbrush, which is a product, has a bristle portion 2,
It is composed of a neck portion 3 and a handle portion 4.

The flocking part 2 is flat and has a large number of small holes 2a for flocking.
Has been opened. A large number of pins for forming the small holes 2a are formed in the cavity portion of the mold that forms the flocked portion 2. Therefore, the flocked part 2 is cooled earliest when it is in the mold. Therefore, the transplanted part 2 is called an early solidification part.

The handle 4 is slightly rounded and thick.
This handle 4 is the slowest to solidify. The handle portion 4 is connected to the hair transplant portion 2 via the neck portion 3. The neck 3 is thin and its cross section is substantially circular. In the portion of the handle portion 4 near the neck portion 3, there is a portion formed flat on both sides (this is a flat portion).
4a). Further, a hook hole 5 is formed at the end of the handle.

In the runner corresponding part, etc., the spool corresponding part 6 is connected to the runner corresponding part 7, and the runner corresponding part 7 is finally branched into 16 parts. The tip of the branched runner corresponding portion 7 is connected to the end of the handle 1 through a thin gate corresponding portion 8.

Overall configuration and operation of molding apparatus

FIG. 3 shows the overall construction of the molding apparatus. The molding equipment is roughly divided into an injection molding machine 10,
It is composed of a take-out robot 20 and a device group 50 for post-cooling.

The injection molding machine 10 itself is a known one. The thermoplastic resin material charged into the hopper 11 is heated and fluidized in a cylinder 12 having a screw, and is injected into the mold 13 from its nozzle. The mold 13 is held by a mold holding portion (platen) 14 and can be opened and closed by a mold opening / closing device 15.

In one molding cycle of the injection molding machine 10, injection, holding pressure, holding of the molded product in the mold, opening and closing of the mold,
There is a process of taking out molded products. The cooling time in the mold of the molded product corresponds to a part of the injection time, the time of the pressure holding process and the time of the holding process in the mold. The in-mold cooling time is set to be as short as possible in consideration of the following points.

The hair-implanted portion 2 of the product 1 is solidified so as not to be deformed when it is gripped and to be deformed by post-contraction.

Other parts of the product 1 (neck 3 and handle 4)
The surface layer of is solidified and can retain its shape without being deformed until after cooling.

The surface layer portion such as the runner corresponding portion is solidified, and the shape can be maintained until the runner corresponding portion is cut off.

The mold 13 is opened, and the molded product 9 released from the mold by the ejector is taken out from the mold by the take-out robot 20 and transferred to a place where a device group 50 for post-cooling is provided. . Device group 50 is a large frame (base)
It is provided above.

A transfer device 51 is provided at this location. The carrier device 51 includes sprockets 54A, 54B and 55A, 55B that are rotatably provided in upper and lower two stages at both ends, and two upper and lower endless sprocket wheels that are respectively sprocket 54A and 54B and 55A and 55B. Includes chains 52 and 53. The sprockets 54A and 54B are driven by a rotary drive device (not shown). With two upper and lower chains 52
53 and the gripping tool at regular intervals along the chain.
60 are provided. A transfer station S2, a cooling station S3, an air blow station S4, a drying station S5, and a discharge station S6 are arranged along the transfer path of the transfer device 51. Gate cut station S1 at a position slightly away from the transport path
Is provided.

The outline of the post-cooling operation of the molded product 9 is as follows.

The molded product taken out of the mold 13 is first carried to the gate cut station S1, where the gate corresponding portion 8 is cut. As will be described later, the molded product 9
Is held by the take-out robot 20 by clamping the spool-corresponding portion 6 and adsorbing the 16 handles 1 at each of two positions. Therefore, even when the gate-corresponding portion 8 is cut and separated into the 16 handles 1 and the runner-corresponding portion, both the 16 handles 1 and the runner-corresponding portion continue to be held.

The clamp of only the runner corresponding portion is released, the runner corresponding portion is dropped onto the shooter 41, and the container 42
Will be recovered in. Then, after being crushed by a crusher (not shown), it is reloaded into the hopper.

The 16 handles 1 are then carried by the take-out robot 20 to the position of the delivery station S2, and are transferred to the gripper 60 by 8 and gripped by the gripper 60. Handle 1
Among them, the flocked part 2 which is an early solidification part is gripped.

The eight handles 1 held by the holding tool 60 are carried to the cooling station S3 by the carrying device 51. A water tank 141 is provided in the cooling station S3, and the temperature-controlled water is stored in the water tank 141. The eight handles 1 are immersed in the water in the water tank 141 and cooled while being conveyed by the conveying device 51. The neck portion 3 and the handle portion 4 of the handle 1 except for the flocked portion 2 which is being held are put in water.

Since the flocked part 2 is already considerably cooled, it is not necessary to post-cool it with water. Also, the flocked part 2
Since a large number of small holes 2a are formed in the hole, if this part is immersed in water, water drops will enter the small holes 2a. It is difficult to remove the water that has entered the small holes 2a. From this point of view, it is preferable to grip the flocked part 2, and by gripping it,
This is very convenient because water cannot get into 2a.

The cooled handle 1 is then air blown.
It is sent to station S4. Here, the water droplets attached to the surface of the handle 1 and the water droplets that have entered the hook holes 5 are removed.

The eight handles 1 held by the holding tool 60 are further dried by being exposed to warm air at the drying station S5.

Finally, at the discharging station S6, the gripping by the gripping tool 60 is released, and the eight handles 1 drop onto the belt conveyor 212. The handle 1 is conveyed to the container 213 by the belt conveyor 212 and accumulated there.

Take-out robot

FIG. 4 shows the structure of the take-out robot 20 and its movement.

A column 22 is erected at a proper position on the injection molding machine 10. A horizontal support 23 is horizontally fixed to the upper end of the column 22 at one end thereof. The horizontal support 23 extends to a position directly above the transfer station S2. Rails 25 are fixed to the horizontal support 23 along the longitudinal direction thereof.

The movable body 24 is supported by the rail 25 of the horizontal support body 23 so as to be movable in its longitudinal direction. The movable body 24 is provided with a drive motor 28, and the rotational force of the drive motor 28 causes the movable body 24 to reciprocate along the rails 25 of the horizontal support body 23.

The moving body 24 extends horizontally in the direction orthogonal to the horizontal support body 23, and the rail 26 is fixed thereon. A traveling body 21 is supported on a moving body 24 so as to be movable along a rail 26. The traveling body 21 includes a motor 29, and the driving force of the motor 29 causes the traveling body 21 to reciprocate on the moving body 24.

The traveling body 21 is provided with an arm 27 extending downward so as to be vertically movable. A hand 30 is swingably attached to the lower end of the arm 27. The traveling body 21 is provided with a motor (not shown) for moving the arm 27 up and down. The arm 27 is further provided with a drive device (not shown) for moving the hand 30 between a vertical posture (shown by a solid line) and a horizontal posture (shown by a chain line).

The waiting position of the running body 21 is the mold of the injection molding machine 10.
13 above. In this standby position, the arm 27 is raised and the hand 30 is kept in a vertical posture.

When the mold 13 is opened, the arm 27 descends, the running body 21 slightly moves on the moving body 24, the hand 30 approaches the molded product 9, and then the mold 13 is released from the mold 13 by the ejector. The molded product 9 is held by the hand 30 by the clamp and the suction as described above.

After the running body 21 slightly moves on the moving body 24 and the molded article 9 separates from the mold parting surface, the arm 27
Is raised and the hand 30 is turned to a horizontal posture. In this state, the moving body 24 gate-cuts on the horizontal support 23.
Moving toward station S1, the moving body 21
The position directly above the cutting station S1 is reached.

The arm 27 descends and the gate is cut at the gate cutting station S1.

After the arm 27 moves up, the traveling body 21 further advances on the moving body 24 toward the tip thereof and reaches a position just above the shooter 41. Since the arm 27 descends and the clamps for the runner corresponding parts are released, the runner corresponding parts are released from the shooter 41.
Fall on. Instead of lowering the arm 21, the clamp may be released at a position directly above the shooter 41 to drop the runner corresponding part or the like.

The arm 27 ascends while adsorbing the 16 handles 1, and then the traveling body 21 returns on the moving body 24 toward the horizontal support 23. The moving body 24 advances on the horizontal support 23 toward the tip thereof, and reaches a position directly above the delivery station S2.

The arm 27 descends and, as will be described later, the turn table 113 of the transfer station S2.
Then, the handle 1 is passed from the hand 30.

The arm 27 is raised and the hand is again in the vertical posture. The moving body 24 returns to the standby position. Take-out robot 20
Will wait for the next molded article to be taken out.

Gate / cut device

The structures of the gate cutting device provided in the gate cutting station S1 and the hand 30 of the take-out robot 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

The hand 30 is attached to the support plate 33 by a plurality of rods 34. A shaft 36 is provided at the lower end of the arm 27 of the take-out robot 20. The shaft 36 is rotatably received by a bearing 35 fixed to the support plate 33. As a result, the hand 30 is swingably supported on the lower end of the arm 27, and is rotated about a shaft 36 between a vertical posture and a horizontal posture by a drive device (not shown) provided in the arm 27. Can move.

A gripping device 31 is provided at the center of the lower surface of the hand 30, by which the spool corresponding portion 6 of the molded product 9 is clamped. Two suction nozzles 32 are attached to the lower surface of the hand 30 for each handle. The suction nozzle 32 is connected to a suction device (not shown) through a suction pipe. The flocked portion 2 and the flat portion 4a of the handle 1 are sucked and held by the suction nozzles 32.

The gate cutting device 80 includes a total of eight gate cutting machines 90. The gate cut machines 90 are arranged in two rows and are provided on the gate cut table 81. Each gate cutting machine 90 has two blades 91. By these gate cutting machines 90, every other gate corresponding portion 8 of the molded product 9 held by the hand 30 is cut. In order to cut the 16 gate corresponding parts 8 by the eight gate cutting machines 90, the position of the hand 30 is slightly shifted, and the gate cutting operation is performed twice.

Inside the gate cutting machine 90, a gate cutting air cylinder (not shown) for driving the blade 91.
Is provided. Air supply pipe to this air cylinder
By supplying gate cut air from 84, the two blades move toward each other and the gate corresponding portion 8 is cut.

The gate cutting machine 90 is supported so as to be capable of reciprocating in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the two blades move, that is, in the axial direction of the gate corresponding portion 8 to be cut. To drive this reciprocating movement, an air cylinder 92 is provided in the gate cut machine 90, and air is supplied to the air cylinder 92 from an air supply pipe 85.

The support mechanism of the gate cutting machine 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

A base 82 is fixed on the gate cut table 81, and a support plate 86 for supporting the gate cut machine 90 is fixed on the base 82. The support plate 86 has a base portion 86A that is bent so as to slightly project upward in a portion located on the base 82.
The support plate 86 is fixed to the base 82 in the front and rear portions of the base portion 86A. The base 86A is slightly raised from the base 82. The part extending from the base 82 in one direction rises vertically (this part is called a vertical part 86B).

The base 86A of the support plate 86 has a gate
Two long holes 87 are formed long in the moving direction of the cutting machine 90. A screw 88 is loosely passed through the elongated hole 87 from the lower side to the upper side, and the screw 88 is screwed and fixed to the bottom surface of the gate cut machine 90. There is a slight gap between the head of the screw 88 and the bottom surface of the base 86A. This makes the gate
The cutting machine 90 is movably supported.

The air cylinder 92 provided in the gate cutting machine 90 extends in the moving direction of the gate cutting machine 90. Referring also to FIG. 9, the shaft 94 of the cylinder 92 is hollow, and one end thereof is connected to a plunger (piston) 93 slidably fitted in the cylinder 92. Cylinder 92
Inside the shaft 94, an air inlet / outlet 94a is opened. The other end of the shaft 94 exits from the cylinder 92, passes through a hole formed in the vertical portion 86B of the support plate 86, and is connected to the joint 85A of the air supply pipe 85. Between the vertical portion 86B and the joint 85A, there is a spring 89 wound around the shaft 94.
Is provided. One end of this spring 89 is fixed to the vertical portion 86B, and the other end is fixed to the joint 85A. The spring 89 mechanically connects the vertical portion 86B and the joint (supply pipe 85) and reinforces each other.

6 and 9 show the state where the gate cutting machine 90 is in the initial position. The hand 30 of the take-out robot 20 descends, and the gate corresponding portion 8 of the molded product 9 held there enters between the two blades 91.

When the compressed air is sent into the cylinder 92 through the air supply pipe 85 and the shaft 94, the air enters the space inside the cylinder 92 on the right side of the plunger 93 in FIG. 9 and pushes the plunger 93. Since the right end of the shaft 94 is connected to the air supply pipe 85 and also to the vertical portion 86B of the support plate 86 via the spring 89, it hardly moves. Therefore, the cylinder 92 moves to the right. This state is shown in FIG.

When the cylinder 92 moves to the right, the gate cutting machine 90 moves to the right. This state is shown in FIG. As a result, the blade 91 is brought close to the end of the handle 1. Blade 91 by supplying air to supply pipe 84
Moves, and the gate corresponding part 8 is disconnected. Since the blade 91 is brought close to the end of the handle 1 and the gate corresponding part 8 is cut at this end, the gate corresponding part 8 does not remain in the handle (product) 1 and a handle 1 having a cleanly cut end surface is obtained. To be

Since the air in the space on the left side of the plunger 93 in the cylinder 92 is compressed, the air cylinder 92
When the air in the space on the right side of the plunger 93 inside is exhausted by opening a solenoid valve (not shown) provided in the air supply pipe 85, the cylinder 92 is moved to the initial position by the force of the compressed air. Return. That is, the gate cut machine 90 returns to the initial position. An elastic body such as a spring may be used instead of the compressed air to return the cylinder 92 to the initial position.

Gate / cut device 80 and take-out robot 20
The movements for cutting the gate will be explained in a unified manner.

When the traveling body 21 of the take-out robot 20 reaches a position directly above the gate cut station S1, the arm
27 descends. Every other part of the molded product 9 the gate corresponding part 8 enters between the blades 91 of the gate cutting machine 90 in the initial position.

By supplying compressed air to the cylinder 92, the blade 91 of the gate cutting machine 90 is moved toward the handle 1. With the blade 91 hitting the end of the handle 1, the blade 91 is closed and the gate corresponding portion 8 is cut.

The gate cutting machine 90 is returned to the initial position with the blade 91 closed. Gate again with blade 91 closed
The cutting machine 90 is moved toward the handle 1 and then returned to the initial position again. This operation is repeated 2-3 times. This is for completely cutting the gate corresponding portion 8. 1 blade 91
It is possible that the gate corresponding portion 8 is not completely cut and is partially connected to the handle 1 only by being closed. By moving the gate-cutting machine 90 back and forth with the blade 91 closed, the part that is partially connected is completely cut.

After the blade 91 is opened, the arm 27 of the take-out robot 20 moves up. The moving body 24 of the take-out robot 20 moves slightly laterally, the arm 27 descends again, and the gate corresponding part 8 which has not been cut yet is set between the blades 91 of the gate cutting machine 90. The above cutting operation is repeated.

When the cutting of all the gate corresponding parts 8 is completed, the arm 27 rises and the running body 21 moves to a position directly above the shooter 41.

During the gate cutting operation, the gripping device 31 keeps the spool corresponding portion 6 clamped, and the suction nozzle maintains the suction of the handle 1. As described above, when the traveling body 21 reaches the position right above the shooter 41, the arm 27 descends and then the clamp of the spool corresponding portion 61 by the gripping device 31 is released.

Transport device and gripping tool

FIG. 11 shows a part of the transfer device 51, which includes a delivery station S2 to a cooling station S3.
Shows the part facing to.

12 to 14 show a part of the carrier and the handle 1.
It shows a gripping tool for gripping.

A mounting plate 71 is mounted between the upper and lower two chains 52 and 53 via a piece 72. This mounting plate
Bracket 73 is fixed on the surface of 71, and this bracket
A support plate 70 is swingably attached to 73 by a shaft 74. The grip 60 is fixed to the tip of the support plate 70. A large number of mounting plates 71 (that is, the support plate 70 and the gripper 60) are provided at regular intervals.

A roller 76 is rotatably provided on the back surface of the mounting plate 71. A support rail 56 is provided along the traveling path near the middle of the height of the traveling paths of the two upper and lower chains 52, 53. The roller 76 rolls on the support rail 56. As a result, the mounting plate 71, the support plate 70, and the gripping tool can be stably run.

Another roller 77 is rotatably provided at a substantially central portion of the support plate 70. The rollers 77 are partially projected on both sides of the support plate 70. On the other hand, the chain
Two rails 57 for changing the posture are provided outside the traveling paths of 52 and 53. The rollers 77 are sandwiched by these rails 57 from both sides thereof. The mutual positions and intervals of the two rails 57 and the positional relationship with the rail 56 are changed depending on the location of the transport path. As the roller 77 travels on the track regulated by these rails 57, the posture of the support plate 70 (hence the grip 60 and the eight handles 1 gripped by the grip 60) changes from the horizontal posture to the vertical posture. Or vice versa.

Support plate in the delivery station S2
70 is maintained in a horizontal position, and gradually tilts toward the cooling station S3, and becomes completely vertical in the cooling station S3. When it goes out of the water tank 140 of the cooling station S3, it tilts again and returns to the horizontal position. Air
At the blow station S4, the vertical position is restored again, the vertical position is passed through the drying station S5 and the discharging station S6, and then the horizontal position is changed to the delivery station S3.

The chains 52 and 53 are driven intermittently. It does not have to be periodic, such as always stopping for a certain period of time and moving for a certain period of time. At each of the stations, particularly the delivery station S2, the air blow station S4, and the discharge station S6, some operation is applied to the handle 1 held by the gripping tool 60 that is stopped. The pause time is set so that the time is met.

On the other hand, the operations in these stations S1 to S6 must be synchronized with the molding cycle in the injection molding machine 10. Sixteen patterns 1 are molded in one molding cycle, and eight of these patterns 1 are gripped by the gripping tool 60, and become targets of operation at each station. The movement and stop of the chains 52 and 53 (grasping tool 60) will be performed twice in one molding cycle. Details will be clarified in the description of the operation at the delivery station S2.

The grasping tool 60 includes an upper plate 61 and a lower plate 62. Lower plate
62 is fixed to the support plate 70.

With particular reference to FIG. 14, pins 64 are provided upright on the lower plate 62 at three locations, the center and both ends. On the other hand, a bearing 66 is provided on the lower surface of the upper plate 61 at a position corresponding to the pin 64, and a bearing holder 65 for protecting the bearing 66 is provided on the outer periphery of the bearing 66.
Is fixed. The pin 64 slidably passes through the inside of the bearing 66. A compression spring 67 is provided between the upper end of the pin 64 and the upper plate 61. Therefore, the upper plate 61 is the lower plate.
Can be opened and closed (moved in the axial direction of pin 64) with respect to 62,
It is normally closed by the force of the spring 67. The lower end of the central pin 64 is in the hole 70a formed in the support plate 70,
It does not project to the lower surface of the support plate 70.

A cushioning material 63 is attached to the inner surfaces of the upper plate 61 and the lower plate 62 between the pins 64. The cushioning material 63 is, for example, a rubber plate. As described above, the bristle portion 2 of the handle 1 is completely sandwiched between the cushioning members 63, so that the handle 1 is gripped.

At both ends of the lower plate 62, semicircular cutouts 62a are formed at positions outside the pins 64.

Delivery device and gripper release device

At the delivery station S2, the delivery device 10
0 and a gripper release device 120 are provided, which are depicted in FIG. The delivery device 100 is also shown in FIG. 16 and the gripper release device 120 is also shown in FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the delivery device 10
Two rails 102 are provided on the upper surface of the fixed base 101 of 0 in a direction orthogonal to the tangent line of the transport path. A movable base 103 is movably supported on the rails 102 along the rails 102.

The bracket 105 is attached to the fixed base 101 to
The cylinder 104 is fixed, and the tip of the rod 105a is
It is fixed to a bracket 106 that is fixed to the movable table 103. Therefore, the movable base 103 moves in the direction approaching the transport path and in the direction away from the transport path by driving the cylinder 104. These movements are called forward and backward, respectively.

Two guide cylinders 108 are erected on the movable base 103. A rod 109 is vertically movably received in these guide cylinders 108. Elevating table at the tip of rod 109
111 is fixed. The guide cylinder 108 and the rod 109 extend downward from an opening 101a formed in the fixed base 101.

On the lower surface of the center of the movable table 103,
Cylinder 110 is fixed. The air cylinder 110 passes through the opening 101a of the fixed base 101. Air cylinder
The upper end of the rod 110a of the 110 is fixed to the lift table 111. Therefore, when the air cylinder 110 is driven, the elevating table 111 moves up and down.

A rotary actuator 112 is provided at the center of the lifting platform 111.
The turntable 113 is rotatably supported and driven to rotate in a horizontal plane by 112.

The turntable 113 is a take-out robot.
It is formed in such a size that the 16 patterns 1 held by the 20 hands 30 can be received as they are. A positioning pin 114 for determining the position of the neck portion 3 of the handle 1 and the handle 1
A positioning plate 115 is provided on the turntable 113 for positioning the distal end of the. The positioning plate 115 is formed with a positioning notch 115a into which the end of the handle 1 is inserted.

Arms 116 are erected at the four corners of the lifting platform 111, and two transmission type photoelectric detectors 117 and 117 are provided on these arms 116.
118 are mounted at different heights. The optical path of the lower photoelectric detector 117 is set so as to be blocked by the handle 1 correctly placed on the turntable 113.
The output signal from the photoelectric detector 117 detects that the handle 1 is placed on the turntable 113. The optical path of the photoelectric detector 118 is set so that it is shielded by the handle located at a position higher than the normal position, as in the case where a part of the handle 1 is placed on the positioning plate 115. As a result, the presence of the pattern that is not properly placed on the turntable 113 is detected.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 17, at a position slightly apart from both ends of the gripping tool 60 stopped at the delivery station S2 along its extension, the pressing arm 122 is moved to the frame 12
It is swingably attached to 1 by a shaft 123. A claw 122a is attached to the tip of the holding arm 122 at a right angle. A semicircular cutout 122b is formed at the tip of the claw 122a.

The frame 121 also includes an air cylinder 125.
Is swingably attached at its base end via a bracket 126 and extends upward. On the other hand, a link 124 is fixed at a right angle to the center of the length of the presser arm 122. The tip of the link 124 and the tip of the rod 125a of the air cylinder 125 are pin-connected.

The rod 125a of the air cylinder 125 is normally in the retracted position (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 17). Gripper 60
When the rod reaches the delivery station S2, the rod 125a advances, and the holding arm 122 rotates 90 degrees and assumes a vertical posture. Therefore, the claw 122a hangs on both ends of the lower plate 62 of the gripper 60 from above and presses the lower plate 62 (state shown by the solid line in FIG. 15).

As described above, the semicircular cutouts 62a are formed at both ends 62 of the lower plate 62 of the grip 60. Nail 12
A semicircular cutout 122b is also formed in 2a. Claw 122a
Since the both ends of the lower plate 62 and the lower plate 62 overlap, these notches 122b
A circular hole is formed in the portion where 62a and 62a overlap.

At a position approximately midway between the positions of the cylinders 125, below the position through which the gripping tool 60 to be conveyed passes.
134 is fixed. Two rods 132 are supported on the support 134 so as to be vertically movable. Two rods 13
An elevating plate 131 is fixed to the upper end of 2. Support base 1
An air cylinder 133 is vertically fixed to the shaft 34, and a rod 133a of the air cylinder 133 is connected to the lifting plate 131. Therefore, the lift plate 131 is moved up and down by driving the cylinder 133. The lifting plate 131 is always in the lowered position.

Push-up bars 13 are provided on both ends of the lifting plate 131.
0 is set up. The push-up rod 130 works to push up the upper plate 61 of the gripper 60 through the hole formed by the notches 122b and 62a when the lift plate 131 is raised.

The overall operation of the delivery station S2 is as follows.

Grasping tool carried by chains 52, 53
When 60 reaches the delivery station S2, it stops (chain drive stops).

In the gripper releasing device 120, the rod 125a of the air cylinder 125 is projected, the holding arm 122 is rotated, and the pawls 122a press the both ends of the lower plate 62 of the gripper 60 from above.

After this, the rod 133a of the air cylinder 133
Moves up and the lifting plate 131 rises. As a result, the push-up bar 130 reaches the upper plate 61 of the gripping tool 60 through the hole, and pushes up the upper plate 61 against the force of the spring 67. Upper plate 61
Rises (the upper plate 61 opens), a gap is created between the upper and lower plates 61 and 62 (between the upper and lower cushioning members 63).

In the delivery device 100, the movable table 103 is in the retracted position and the turntable 113 is waiting in the raised position. While the upper plate 61 of the gripper 60 is being opened, the traveling body 21 of the take-out robot 20 arrives at a position directly above the turntable 113, its arm 27 descends, and the nozzle 32 causes it to move. By releasing the attraction of the handle 1, all 16 handles 1 are placed on the turntable 113.

Air cylinder for releasing grip 60
After the operation of 133 is completed, it is confirmed that the handle 1 is placed at the correct position on the turntable 113 based on the output signals from the photoelectric detectors 117 and 118. After this confirmation, the movable table 103 is moved forward by driving the air cylinder 104. As a result, the turntable 113 also moves forward, and the hair-implanted portions 2 of the eight handles 1 placed on the turntable 113 enter between the upper plate 61 and the lower plate 62 of the gripping tool 60 which is already open. Air cylinder 110 after turntable 113 stops
The turntable 113 (elevating table 111) is slightly lowered by driving the, so that the bristle portion 2 of the handle 1 is the cushioning material of the lower plate 62.
Placed on top of 63.

Air cylinder 133 of gripper release device 120
The rod 133a of 1 moves back and forth, the lifting plate 131 descends, and returns to its original position. As a result, the push-up rod 130 also descends, so that the upper plate 61 of the gripping tool 60 descends due to the force of the spring 67, and holds the tufted portion 2 of the handle 1 between it and the lower plate 62 (closing of the gripping tool 60). .

The rod 125a of the air cylinder 125 also retracts, and the holding arm 122 returns to its original position. I.e. nail 12
The pressing of the lower plate 62 by 2a is released.

In the delivery device 100, the air cylinder
The rod 110a of the 110 moves in and out, and the turntable 113 (elevation table 111) descends. Then, the turntable 113 (movable table 103) is retracted by driving the air cylinder 104. The turntable 113 is rotated 180 degrees by driving the rotary actuator 112. As a result, the remaining eight handles 1 on the turntable 113 are moved to a position near the travel path of the gripper 60. Further air cylinder 110
The turn table 113 (elevating platform 111) is lifted by the driving of the motor and stands by.

After the turntable 113 has completed the lowering and the presser arm 122 has returned to its original position, the eight handles 1
The gripping tool 60 (chains 52, 53) that grips is moved toward the cooling station S3.

At the delivery station S2, the next grip 60
Arrives. During this time, the turntable 113 has finished the lifting operation.

When the next gripping tool 60 arrives at the delivery station S2, the gripping tool releasing device 120 operates and the same gripping tool releasing operation as described above is performed, that is, the lower plate 62 is pressed by the claw 122a of the pressing arm 122. And the upper plate 61 is pushed up by the push-up rod 130. After that, the turntable 113 moves forward, and the remaining eight tufts 1 of the tufts 1 enter between the opened upper plate 61 and lower plate 62. Turntable
113 descends slightly. By the above-described returning operation of the gripper releasing device 120, the bristle portion 2 of the handle 1 is held between the upper plate 61 and the lower plate 62. Turntable 113 descends, retreats,
After performing a series of 180-degree reverse rotation operations, the gripper 60 moves, then rises and stands by. There is no handle 1 already on the turntable 113, and the next 16 handle 1 from the take-out robot 20 are waiting to be loaded.

The gripping tool 60 (chains 52, 53) will start moving toward the cooling station S3 when a certain time has elapsed after it stopped at the delivery station S2. This fixed time is set by the timer so that it is after the turntable 113 starts to retreat. The reason is as follows.

If the handle 1 gripped by the gripping tool 60 remains for a long time between the delivery station S2 and the cooling station S3, sink marks or the like may occur. Therefore, the handle 1 gripped by the gripper 60 needs to be transported to the cooling station S3 promptly. Even if the molding cycle of the injection molding machine 10 is long, or the next molded product does not come due to an abnormality of the injection molding machine 10 or the like, the handle 1 gripped by the gripping tool 60 is immediately moved to the cooling station S3. be able to.

The formation cycle of the injection molding machine 10, the movement of the take-out robot 20, the delivery of the 16 handles 1 at the delivery station S2 and the movement of the turntable, and the timing of the post-cooling at the cooling station S3,
FIG. 18 shows 16 molded products that are gripped by the gripping tool by dividing the pattern 1 into 8 patterns twice. In this figure, the first gripping tool grips eight handles 1 at the first time, and the second gripping tool grips the remaining eight handles 1 at the second time. The first gripping tool and the second gripping tool are two gripping tools mounted adjacent to the chains 52, 53.

The time T _t during which both the first gripping tool and the second gripping tool are moving (the time from the stop to the next stop) is the same. The time T _S2 during which the second gripping tool is stopped at the delivery station S2 is managed by the timer as described above, and is set to the minimum time required for delivery of the eight handles or a time close to this. The time T _S1 during which the first gripping tool is stopped at the delivery station S2 is equal to or more than the minimum time required to deliver eight handles in consideration of the molding cycle (and the time required for a series of operations of the take-out robot). Is set to. This time T _S1 is an adjustment time for synchronizing the molding cycle and the transfer of the handle. This is because this embodiment requires two delivery operations during one molding cycle. Needless to say, the upper limit is set for this time T _S1 . Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine or the like and the delivery operation at the delivery station S2 is stopped, the gripping tool starts to move when the upper limit time is exceeded.

The handle gripped by the gripping tool 60 at the delivery station S2 has started the post-cooling after almost one molding cycle.

Cooling device

19 to 22 show the cooling device 140 provided in the cooling station.

The cooling device 140 includes a water tank 141. Aquarium 141
Is long along the conveying path of the gripper 60. The handle 1 gripped by the gripping tool 60 transported by the transport device 51 advances to a position near one side wall of the water tank 141. As described above, part of the handle 4 and the neck 3 of the handle 1 is provided in the water in the water tank 141 (see FIG. 23).

The gripping tool 60 at the delivery station S2
The handle 1 gripped at a certain angle gradually inclines from the horizontal posture because the support plate 70 is regulated by the posture changing rail 77. The handle 1 enters the cooling water in the water tank 141 in an inclined posture, and is then changed to a vertical posture to be conveyed in the water tank 141 (intermittently conveyed). When the handle 1 is pulled up from the water tank 141 and comes out, it takes an inclined posture, and after it completely comes out of the water tank 141, it takes a horizontal posture.

The temperature of the handle 1, especially the handle portion 4, becomes close to room temperature, and is cooled to such an extent that the shrinkage of the resin due to cooling is almost completed. For example, molding cycle 20-40 seconds, water tank
The post-cooling time by 141 is about 90 to 150 seconds.

When post-cooling by water cooling is applied, a portion near the outer surface of the molded product (handle 1) is cooled rapidly. Therefore, in general, the shrinkage rate is smaller than that in the in-mold cooling. In addition, since the inside (particularly the center) is cooled after the outside is cooled, a small cavity may be formed in the center. This cavity does not generally reduce the quality of the molded part. Particularly, in the case of the handle of the toothbrush as in the embodiment, even if a cavity is formed inside the handle portion 4, there is no problem at all.

The temperature of the cooling water filled in the water tank 141 is always kept constant as follows. Aquarium 141 wall 14
A part of 2 (one side wall and an end wall on the side where the handle 1 enters) has one end of a cooling water supply pipe 144 opened (water supply port) to supply cooling water. Further, one end of a drain pipe 145 is opened (drain port) on the other side wall 142 of the water tank 141 (on the side where the handle 1 is transported).
Then, the cooling water is discharged. These supply pipes 144 and drain pipes
145 is connected to a temperature controller (not shown). The temperature controller collects the water whose temperature has risen by cooling the handle 1 through the drain pipe 145, lowers the temperature through the heat exchanger, and then returns the water into the water tank 141 through the supply pipe 144. With such a circulation system, the cooling water in the water tank 141 is always kept at a substantially constant temperature (for example, 20 ° C.). In Fig. 22, the water inlet and the water outlet are installed at the same height, but the water outlet on the side where the handle 1 runs (also the water inlet, if there is one) does not directly hit the handle 1 It may be installed nearby.

An overflow receiver 143 is provided around the water tank 141. The cooling water overflowing the overflow receiver 143 is discharged through the drain pipe 146. As a result, the water surface WF of the cooling water in the water tank 141 is always kept constant at the upper end position of the wall 142. By constantly supplying a fixed amount of cooling water and draining the overflowed water, it is possible to prevent corrosion of the water in the water tank 141.

It goes without saying that the temperature of the cooling water supplied from the temperature controller to the water tank 141 can be set arbitrarily. Aquarium
If necessary, the cooling water supplied to the 141 is filtered to remove fine impurities, or to be sterilized or sterilized.

A supply pipe 144 provided near the place where the handle 1 to be conveyed goes out of the water tank 141 extends into the water tank 141, and its tip portion 144A rises obliquely in the traveling direction of the handle 1. There is. The opening (water supply port) of the tip portion 144A is under water under the horizontal WF. The temperature-controlled cooling water supplied from the temperature controller is discharged from the water supply port of the tip portion 144A by the cooling water, and when the handle 1 is conveyed, the surface of the water near the point where the handle 1 tilts out of the water tank 141. A wave WA is generated at. Due to the ripples on the water surface, water drops are less likely to remain on the handle 1 coming out of the water tank 141. That is, the drainage is improved.

The experimental results are shown in FIG. Eight handles are held in one gripping tool. This is a result of visually confirming how many of the eight patterns coming out of the water tank the water droplets are attached. The presence or absence of water drops was examined by observing the handle immediately after it came out of the water tank.

Referring also to FIG. 23, A is the number of patterns in which water droplets are attached only to the hanging holes 5 (water droplets are not attached to areas other than the hanging holes). B is the number of patterns in which water droplets are attached to the flat portion 4a of the handle portion and water droplets are not attached to the other handle portions 4 (generally attached to the hook holes). C is the number of patterns in which water droplets were attached to the surface of the handle 4 (including 4a).

46 sets (8 pieces x 46) without generating waves
About (No.1 to No.46), 47 sets (8
An experiment was conducted for 47 × 47) (No.47 to No.93).

As is clear from FIG. 24, there is a clear difference between the case where no wave is generated (no wave) and the case where wave is generated (with wave). When the wave is not generated, the amount of C is overwhelmingly large, and it can be seen that water drops are attached to the entire handle 4. On the other hand, when a wave is generated, the amount of A is overwhelmingly large, and almost no water droplets are attached except for the hanging hole 5.

Whether the handle coming out of the water tank 141 has water drops or not is determined by the next air blow station S4.
And has a great influence on the drying station S5. The air blow station S4 is also required to remove water droplets adhering to the hanging holes 5, and therefore is necessary in any case. If almost no water droplets are attached to the areas other than the hanging holes 5, the drying station S5 is omitted, the length thereof is shortened, or the drying capacity is reduced (the temperature of warm air is lowered, or the temperature of warm air is decreased). Weaken the wind force).

Finally, it is shown that the bottom of the water tank 141 is provided with a drain port 147 for completely draining the water of the water tank 141.

Air blow device

At the air blow station S4,
As shown in FIG. 25, two air blowing devices 160 and 170 are arranged along the transport direction. The handle 1 gripped by the gripping tool 60 between the cooling station S3 and the air blow station S4 is changed to a vertical posture.
At these two air blowers 160 and 170, the two adjacent grippers 60 stop in a vertical position. While the gripper 60 is stopped, the first air blower 16
At 0, the water droplets attached to the entire handle 1 gripped by the gripper 60 are removed, and at the second air blower 170, the water droplets attached to the hook holes 5 of the handle 1 are removed. Be done.

An enclosure 173 is formed along the carrying direction so as to surround these air blowers 160, 170. Further, a gutter 174 for receiving water drops blown off from the handle 1 is provided at a position directly below the transport path.

Two first air blowing devices 160 are provided so as to face each other on both sides of the conveying path. Each air
The blowing device 160 is provided with a can 163 which is long and horizontally arranged in the carrying direction, and an air nozzle 161 is attached to the can 163. The air nozzle 161 has a slit 162 formed therein. The slit 162 is horizontal in the transport direction, and has a length capable of blowing air to all of the eight handles 1 held by the holding tool 60. A flexible air supply pipe 169 is connected to the end of the can 163.
The air supplied from the supply pipe 169 passes through the inside of the can 163 and is blown onto the eight handles 1 from the slits 162 of the nozzle 161. The inclination of the air nozzle 163 can be manually set arbitrarily. The air flow rate can also be adjusted with a control valve.

Referring to FIG. 26, a horizontal rail 166 is passed over and fixed to the upper ends of two columns 167. A guide tube 165 is fixed to the cross rail 166. 16 rods in guide tube 165
Each 4 is received slidably up and down. Rod 16
The lower end of 4 is fixed to the mounting member 163a of the can 163. An air cylinder 168 is vertically fixed to the cross rail 166.
The lower end of the rod 168a is fixed to the mounting member 163a. Therefore, the nozzle 161 moves up and down by the drive of the air cylinder 168.

The grasping tool 60 is the first air blowing device 160.
The nozzle 161 reciprocates up and down twice while it is stopped during the period. Air always blows out from the slit 162. Therefore, the eight handles 1 gripped by the gripper 60 are
The air blown from the slit 162 is blown from the top to the bottom on both sides, and the water droplets attached to the handle 1 are blown off. In order to improve the air blowing effect, an operation of bringing the nozzle 161 closer to the handle 1 may be added before the vertical movement of the nozzle 161.

Referring again to FIG. 25, the second air blowing device 170 is provided on one side of the conveying path and has eight fixed air nozzles 171. These air
The nozzles 171 are provided at positions facing the hanging holes 5 at the lower end of the handle 1 gripped by the gripping tool 60 that has stopped.

After the grasping tool 60 has stopped at the position of the air blowing device 170, air is blown out from the air nozzle 171 once for an appropriate time. As a result, the water droplets attached to the hanging holes 5 are blown off.

The blow air used in these air blow devices 160, 170 is preferably preliminarily filtered through a filter or the like in order to prevent dust contained in the air from adhering to the handle 1. To be done.

Drying device

The drying device 180 provided in the drying station S5 is shown in FIG. This drying device 180 evaporates the small water droplets not removed by the air blow station S4 by warm air drying. As mentioned above, this dryer 180 may not be needed or may be reduced in length.

The temperature of the hot air used can be adjusted appropriately according to the material of the molded product (handle) and the dry state. This is because if the temperature of the hot air is too high or the drying time is too long, the molded product will be deformed. For example, the temperature of warm air is
50 to 55 degrees C.

U-shaped inner walls 182A and 182B are formed along the conveying path of the handle 1 gripped by the gripping tool 60, and an outer wall 183 is formed outside these inner walls. These two walls
Warm air chambers 181A and 181B are formed by 182A, 182B and 183. The warm air chambers 181A and 181B are partitioned by a partition plate 184. In addition, the warm air chambers 181A and 181B are divided into separate chambers by the partition plate 185 in the transport direction, and are independent chambers.

A warm air supply pipe 188 is connected to one of the divided chambers 181A and 181B facing each other, and a warm air suction pipe 189 is connected to the other. These supply pipe 188 and suction pipe
And 189 are provided alternately in the carrying direction. Supply pipe 188
A filter 187 is provided inside the inner wall of the chamber to which is connected, and a large number of warm air outlets 186A are opened in the inner wall. On the inner wall of the room where the suction pipe 189 is connected, the warm air suction port 18
6B is open.

Therefore, the warm air supplied from the supply pipe 188 enters the chamber to which it is connected and is sucked out from the suction port 186A. Since the suction port 186B is formed in the inner wall opposite to the inner wall where the suction port 186A is formed, the warm air is discharged from the suction port 186B through the suction pipe 189. The discharged hot air passes through the air filter, is temperature-controlled by the hot air controller, and is then supplied again to the supply pipe.

The handle 1 grasped by the grasping tool 60 is conveyed through the space between the opposing inner walls 182A and 182B in a vertical posture (intermittent conveyance). During this conveyance process, small air droplets adhering to the surface of the handle 1 are removed by warm air. Handle 1
Since the passage through which is transported is almost surrounded by the inner walls 182A and 182B, the amount of warm air that escapes to the outside is small and the drying effect is enhanced.

Grasping tool release device

FIG. 28 shows a gripping tool releasing device 200 provided in the discharging station S6. The carried grasping tool stops at this station S6.

Two columns 20 are provided on both sides of the conveying path of the gripper 60.
4, 214 are set up. A device for pressing the support plate 70 is provided on the support column 204 which is erected on the side facing the gripping tool 60, and a device for pressing the upper plate 61 of the gripping tool 60 is provided on the support column 214 which is set up on the chain 52, 53 side. The respective devices are provided.

A support base 203 is fixed on the support column 204, and two rods 205 are movable on the support base 203 in the horizontal direction and in the axial direction parallel to each other in the direction toward the stopped holding tool 60. Supported by. A support plate 202 is fixed to the tip of the rod 205, and a holding plate 201 is fixed to the support plate 202. The holding plate 201 faces the root where the lower plate 62 of the supporting plate 70 is attached. A stopper 207 is attached to the end of the rod 205.

An air cylinder 206 is also horizontally fixed to the support base 203, and the tip of the rod 206a of the air cylinder 206 is attached to the support plate 20.
It is fixed at 2. The pressing plate 201 moves back and forth by driving the cylinder 206.

A support base 213 is also fixed on the support column 214, and two rods 215 are supported on the support base 213 in parallel and movable in the axial direction. The two rods 215 are oriented horizontally to the gripper 60 stopped at the discharge station S6. A support plate 212 is fixed to the tip of the rod 215, and push rods 211 are horizontally fixed to both ends of the support plate 212 in a direction toward both ends of the gripper 60. A stopper 217 is attached to the end of the rod 215.

An air cylinder 216 is also horizontally fixed to the support base 213, and the tip of a rod 216a of the air cylinder 216 is fixed to the support plate 21.
It is fixed at 2. Rod 216a is normally in the retracted position. When the gripper 60 stops, the cylinder 216 is driven and the rod 216a advances, as will be described later. As a result, the push rod 211 projects toward both ends of the gripper 60, and the lower plate
The upper plate 61 passes through circular notches 62a formed at both ends of 62.
Press.

The operation of the gripping tool releasing device 200 is as follows.

The grasping tool 60 stops when it reaches the discharge station S6 in the vertical posture. When the air cylinder 206 is driven and its rod 206a advances, the pressing plate 201
Presses the base of the support plate 70.

After that, the cylinder 216 is driven and its rod 216a advances. As a result, the push rod 211 advances and pushes both ends of the upper plate 61 of the gripping tool 60 against the force of the spring 67.
Then, the upper plate 61 moves in a direction away from the lower plate 62, and both plates 6
The space between the cushioning materials 63 attached to 1, 62 is opened.

Therefore, the 8 gripped by the gripping tool 60
The individual handles 1 drop all at once due to their own weight, opening the frame 22
Go through 0 and onto Shooter 211. After that, the handle 1 is transferred from the shooter 211 to the belt conveyor 212 and is conveyed to the container 213 by the belt conveyor 212 as described above.

At the discharge station S6, the eight handles 1 held by the stopped gripping tool 60 are detected 8 respectively.
Photoelectric detectors (not shown) are provided. These photoelectric detectors confirm that all of the handle 1 has been ejected.

When an abnormality occurs at the delivery station or the like,
If the transfer device is automatically stopped, the molded product (handle) at the drying station may be exposed to warm air for a long time and deform. In addition, when the molded product stays for a long time between the delivery station and the water tank, sink marks occur. Therefore, when the transfer device is stopped for, for example, two minutes or more, the delivery station and the molded article between the water tank and the delivery station are forcibly discharged. If the transport device is stopped for more than 20 minutes, for example, the articles in the drying station are forcibly ejected.

Features of Examples

A plurality of products are injection-molded at once using a multi-cavity mold. The product has an early solidification part and other parts. Cooling in the mold is performed until the early solidification portion solidifies to such an extent that it can withstand gripping, and at least the surface layer portion of the other portion (including the runner corresponding portion) solidifies to such an extent that deformation does not occur during transportation. After cooling inside the mold, the product and the runner corresponding parts connected to it are taken out from the mold. Since the cooling time inside the mold is set to the minimum time, the molding cycle in the molding machine can be shortened.

Holds both product and runner-corresponding parts (adsorption,
Clamp) and gate cut (removal of runner corresponding part)
It is carried out. Since the product and runner-corresponding part are solidified to the extent that they do not deform during transport, positioning for gate cutting can be performed appropriately (positioning cannot be performed properly if the runner-corresponding part is deformed). This allows easy and clean removal of the runner.

After the gate is cut, the early solidification portion is gripped to perform external cooling (post-cooling). Since a part of the product is gripped, the products do not interfere with each other or other devices during the cooling process, and the product is not damaged. Since the other parts of the product are solidified to the extent that they do not deform during transportation, they do not deform during the cooling process. Since a part of the product is gripped, the gripping means does not become complicated (the gripping means becomes complicated if the runner corresponding part or a plurality of parts of the product are gripped). There is no problem of uneven cooling or deformation. When the molded product (product) does not have an early solidification part, the molded product may be purposely provided with an early solidification part. This is particularly effective when there is an unnecessary portion (early solidification portion) that does not significantly affect the function, appearance, etc. of the product (for example, when the unnecessary portion is hidden). .

A water cooling section is used for post-cooling. If a product with small holes is cooled with water, water will enter the small holes and it will be difficult to remove it. The part with small holes tends to solidify early in the mold. Since the early solidification part with small holes is not gripped and this part is not put in the water tank, water does not enter the small holes.

The product is a toothbrush, and it holds the flocked part having a large number of small holes and cools the other parts with water. Therefore, water does not enter the large number of small holes. Especially, if the water in the small holes is left as it is, the bacteria will grow, so the water in the small holes must be removed. In addition, if water remains, it may cause dirt. No device is required to remove water in the small holes after post-cooling.

The product is gripped so that its center of gravity is located below. This can prevent the deformation. The product is the handle of the toothbrush, the early solidification part is the flocked part,
Cooling while keeping the product in a vertical position.

Waves are generated at the place where the product exits on the water surface in the water tank. The product coming out of the aquarium has little or no water droplets, or very few if any. The product is a handle of a toothbrush, and the handle is carried in a vertical posture in the water tank, and when it is taken out of the water tank, it is inclined.

After cooling with water, water drops on the product are removed and dried. The product is a handle of a toothbrush, and water droplets attached to the hanging holes are blown off by air blow.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a molded product and a product (handle of a toothbrush).

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a molded product and a product.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a molding apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a take-out robot and its operation.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an entire take-out robot hand and a gate cutting device.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing an initial position of the gate cutting machine.

7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing the gate cutting machine in the direction of the product.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cylinder in the gate cutting machine in the initial position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an air cylinder of the gate cutting machine which is moved toward the product.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of a carrying device and a gripping tool.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a support plate and a gripping tool attached to a chain.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a sprocket, a chain, a mounting plate, a support plate, and a gripping tool.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a gripping tool.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a delivery device and a gripping tool release device provided in the delivery station.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing a delivery device.

FIG. 17 is a front view showing a gripper releasing device.

FIG. 18 is a time chart showing the relationship among the molding cycle, the take-out robot operation, the delivery operation, and the post-cooling time point.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a cooling device.

20 is a view taken along line XX-XX in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a portion of the cooling device in which the corrugated water supply port is provided.

22 is a sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the handle.

FIG. 24 shows the experimental results comparing the presence or absence of water droplets with and without the corrugation.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing two types of first and second air blowing devices.

FIG. 26 is a front view showing a first air blowing device.

FIG. 27 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a drying device.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a gripper releasing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Product (toothbrush handle) 2 Flocking part 2a Small hole 4 Handle part 5 Hanging hole 6 Spool corresponding part 7 Runner corresponding part 8 Gate corresponding part 9 Molded product 10 Injection molding machine 13 Mold 20 Ejecting robot 21 Traveling body 27 Arm 30 Hand 51 Conveyor 52, 53 Chain 56 Support rail 57 Posture changing rail 60 Grip tool 61 Upper plate 62 Lower plate 62a Semi-circular cutout 63 Buffer material 64-pin 65 Bearing holder 66 Bearing 67 Compression spring 70 Support plate 71 Mounting plate 76 , 77 Roller 80 Gate cutting device 86 Support plate 90 Gate cutting device 91 Blade 92 Air cylinder 100 Delivery device 103 Moving platform 111 Lifting platform 113 Turn table 114 Positioning pin 115 Positioning plate 120 Holding device 122 Presser arm 122a Claw 122b Semi-circular cutout 130 Push-up rod 131 Lifting plate 140 Cooling device 141 Water tank 144A Water supply pipe tip for generating waves 160 First air blowing device 161 Ar nozzle 162 Slit 170 Second air blowing device 171 Air nozzle 180 Drying device 200 Grip release device 201 Holding plate 211 Push rod S1 Gate cutting station S2 Delivery station S3 Cooling station S4 Air blowing station S5 Drying Station S6 Ejection station

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A molded product having an early solidification portion having a hole and a thick wall portion is taken out from a mold after the early solidification portion is solidified to an extent capable of withstanding, and the early solidification portion is gripped,
A method for molding a molded product, wherein a molded product is cooled by immersing a thick part in water while holding the early solidified part, excluding the early solidified part. 2. The molding method according to claim 1, wherein the early solidification portion is gripped and cooled in a posture in which the center of gravity of the molded product is located downward with the early solidification portion facing upward. 3. The molding method according to claim 1, wherein the water adhering to the molded product is dried after cooling the molded product with water. 4. The molding method according to claim 1, wherein the molded product is a handle of a toothbrush, and the prematurely solidified portion is a flocked portion. 5. A molding machine for cooling a molded article having an early solidification portion having a hole and a thick wall portion in a mold until the early solidification portion is solidified to an extent capable of withstanding gripping, said early solidification portion. A take-out device for taking out the solidified molded product from the mold, a gripping device for gripping the early solidified part of the molded product taken out by the take-out device, and a molded product gripped by the gripping device for the early solidified part. Except for this, a water cooling device that cools the thick part by immersing it in water. 6. The molding apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a transport device that swingably supports the gripping device and transports the water in the water cooling device. 7. The molding apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a drying device for drying the moisture attached to the molded product cooled by the water cooling device. 8. The water cooling device comprises a water tank storing the cooling water and a device for generating a wave on a part of the water surface of the cooling water in the water tank, and the molded article has a water surface on which a wave is generated. The molding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the molding apparatus is pulled up from the mold.