JPH0839601A - Molding method and apparatus using plurality of molds - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a uniform and highly accurate molded product by achieving the smooth flow of a system without generating stagantion in molds in molding a molded product by using a plurality of molds. CONSTITUTION:An injection molding machine 7 is provided and a heating device 6 is also provided separately therefrom and, after molds (a)-(n) are preheated by the heating device 6, the molds (a)-(n) are successively transferred to to the injection molding machine 7 to perform injection molding. In this molding method using a plurality of the molds (a)-(n), a detection means detecting the presence of the molds (a)-(n) is provided to at least one of the heating device 6, the injection molding machine 7 and the mold transfer passage 1 between them.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a molding technique, and in particular, molding is performed by sequentially transferring a plurality of molds to respective steps of a temperature raising step, an injection molding step, a cooling step and a molded product unloading step. The present invention relates to a molding method and a molding device useful for molding a product.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In injection molding of plastics and the like,
In the process of cooling and curing the resin injected and molded from the injection molding machine on the spot, taking out the cured molding resin and performing the next resin injection, the injection molding machine takes the next resin until the resin is cured. Therefore, there are problems that the use efficiency is low and the resin in the outlet passage of the injection molding machine is hardened. Therefore, a plurality of molds are prepared, and the mold in which the resin is injected by the injection molding machine is moved to another place and cooled there, while the injection molding machine immediately transfers the resin to the next (another) mold. A molding system for injection has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-17 / 1983).
See Japanese Patent No. 3635).

Among such molding systems, the present applicant has provided an injection molding machine and a plurality of presses, and a mold filled with a resin injected and filled by the injection molding machine.
(Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-8901).
No. 9). In addition, the applicant uses a guide and a traverser (hereinafter, referred to as a traverse device) that moves on the guide to transfer the mold from the injection molding process to one of a plurality of presses arranged along the guide along the guide. Also, there has been proposed a molding system (see, for example, FIG. 6 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-89019) configured to be transferred from the press to the next step.

[0004]

However, in the case of the molding system configured to transfer the mold by using the traverse device as described above, the mold is moved from the injection molding process to a predetermined location along the guide of the traverse device. (Hereinafter, referred to as a base point), and from the base point to each press.

In order to operate the system smoothly without causing stagnation in the molds, it is necessary to regularly send each mold to the next step at regular intervals.

However, in the system configured as described above, since the distance between the base point and each press machine is different, the time required for the mold to be transferred from the base point to each press machine depends on each press machine. On the other hand, since the mold of each press machine is transferred to the next step at regular intervals as described above, the pressurizing and cooling time in each press machine varies.

Also, when the dies are transferred from the respective presses to the next step, the time required for the dies to be transferred from the respective presses to the next step depends on the respective presses. In addition, the process time in the next process varies.

To cope with this, if the pressurizing / cooling time in each press machine and the process time in the next step are made constant, the mold is transferred to the next step with a delay, so that the mold is moved at regular intervals. Can not be sent regularly, and the flow of the mold will be stagnant. To cope with this, it is necessary to control the temperature of each mold in order to guarantee the accuracy of the molded product. However, if control is performed for each mold in this way, the process will be performed depending on the temperature characteristics of each mold. There is a problem that the length of time is shortened, the smooth flow of the system is hindered, and the productivity is lowered.

In the case of pressurizing / cooling using a plurality of dies as described above, even if the pressing / cooling time in each press machine is constant, the temperature characteristics of the respective dies are different, so that the uniformity is obtained. Cooling cannot be performed, and the accuracy of the molded product varies. In order to cope with this and guarantee the accuracy of the molded product, it is necessary to perform temperature control for each mold, but if such control for each mold is performed, the temperature characteristics of each mold may cause a difference. There is a problem that the length of the process time is shortened, the smooth flow of the system is hindered, and the productivity is lowered.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when a molded article is formed using a plurality of dies, a smooth flow of the system is achieved without causing stagnation in the dies. Further, it is an object to obtain a uniform and highly accurate molded product.

[0011]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, an injection molding machine and a temperature raising device provided separately from the injection molding machine are provided. In a molding method using a plurality of molds, the mold is transferred to the injection molding machine after the temperature of the mold is raised, and the injection molding is performed. There is provided a molding method using a plurality of molds, characterized in that detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the mold is provided in at least one of the mold transfer paths.

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a plurality of molds are prepared, each mold is heated in advance and then transferred to an injection molding machine, and different molds are used. In a molding method using a plurality of molds, which sometimes perform individual injection molding, the temperature rising, the transfer of each mold to the injection molding machine from the temperature rising, and the injection molding Apparatus, a method for molding using a plurality of molds, the method being performed after detecting the presence of each mold in at least one of the injection molding machine and a mold transfer path between them. Will be provided.

In one aspect of the present invention, each of the molds injected with the molding material by the injection molding machine is cooled, the molded product is taken out from the mold, and then the mold is heated again. It is transferred to an injection molding machine and injection molding is performed on the mold.

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, an injection molding machine, a temperature raising device, and a die transferring means are provided, and the temperature raising device preheats a plurality of dies, respectively. In a molding apparatus using a plurality of molds, wherein the molds are transferred to the injection molding machine by the mold transfer means, the temperature raising device, the injection molding machine, and the mold transfer means. A molding device using a plurality of molds, wherein at least one of the paths from the temperature raising device to the injection molding machine is provided with detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the molds, Will be provided.

As a technical idea related to the present invention,
There are the following.

In a method of forming a molded product by sequentially transferring a plurality of molds to a temperature raising process, an injection molding process, a cooling process and a molded product unloading process, the molds, for example, the metal molds in a heated condition and a cooled condition are used. Input the information about the mold and control the speed of the transfer means for transferring the mold according to the information, or make the mold stand by without transferring the mold, and compare this mold information with the predetermined information. In order to control the transfer of the molds by the judging means, there are provided a transferring means for transferring the respective molds between the respective steps, and a judging means for judging either the speed for transferring the molds or the transfer waiting time. A molding method having a plurality of molds, wherein the transfer of the molds is controlled by the determining means.

First time measuring means for measuring the temperature rise time of the mold in the temperature raising step in order to solve the staying of the mold due to the length of the temperature rise time of the die in the temperature raising step, The comparison operation of the first comparison means includes a control means for setting a predetermined temperature rising time depending on a molded product and a first comparison means for comparing the signal of the measuring means and the signal from the control means. A molding method having a plurality of molds, characterized in that the transfer of the molds is controlled by a waiting time or by a transfer speed.

In order to prevent the mold from staying due to the temperature rising time of the mold during the transfer of the mold from the heating process to the injection molding process, the mold is moved from the heating process to the injection molding process. A time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time during and after the transfer, a temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the mold during or after transferring the mold from the temperature raising step to the injection molding step, and The comparison means has a control means for setting a predetermined temperature rise time of the mold from the temperature raising step to the injection molding step, and a comparing means for comparing the signals from the time measuring means and the control means. A molding method having a plurality of molds, characterized in that the control by the waiting time of the mold or the control by the transfer speed of the mold is selected based on the comparison result of 1.

In order to prevent the molds from accumulating due to the difference in cooling speed of the molds housed in the plurality of coolers and cooled in the cooling process, a traverser for transferring the molds from the cooler to the take-out process, and a cooling device. A time measuring means for measuring the cooling time of the mold in the step, a control means for setting a predetermined cooling time of the mold in the cooling step, and a comparison for comparing the signal of the time measuring means with the signal of the control means. And a molding method having a plurality of molds, characterized in that waiting time control of the traverser or control by speed of the traverser is selected based on the comparison result of the comparison means. A first transfer means for sending the mold to a predetermined position in the cooling step, and a traverser for receiving the mold from the first transfer means and transferring the mold to the cooler in the cooling step. And means for driving the traverser,
A plurality of means for detecting whether or not a mold is present in the first transfer means and the traverser, and a control means for driving the drive means based on a signal from the detection means. A molding device having a mold.

In the cooling process, the molds housed in the plurality of coolers may not be cooled at the set cooling speed depending on the reflux conditions. To solve this problem, a plurality of molds are installed in the injection molding machine. Inserted in and ejected, then taken out, the molds are sequentially transferred to a cooling process equipped with a plurality of coolers, and the molds cooled by each cooler are taken out from the coolers and transferred to a molded product take-out process A method for supplying a cooling medium to each cooling machine, a means for detecting a temperature of a mold set in each cooling machine, and a cooling time of the mold set in each cooling machine. Means, a means for storing a predetermined cooling time and cooling temperature of the mold, and a control means for switching the cooling temperature of the cooling medium, and the temperature of each mold of each cooling machine and each mold. The mold cooling time from the storage means Set cooling compared time and the cooling temperature, the molding method having a plurality of molds, characterized in that it has to switch the temperature of the cooling medium to each mold based on the comparison result.

In a configuration in which a plurality of molding machines are provided in the cooling step, and the molds are housed in each molding machine and cooled, the traverser has been cooled so that the cooled molds can be successively carried out from the molding machine. In order to cope with this, it is necessary to insert a plurality of molds into the injection molding machine, inject the resin, and then remove the molds, and to cool the molds with a plurality of coolers. A molding device for sequentially transferring to a molded product taking out step, and means for detecting the cooling temperature of each cooling machine,
A means for measuring a cooling time of a mold provided in each of the coolers, a means for storing a cooling curve indicating a temperature corresponding to a cooling time corresponding to a molded product to be injection-molded, and a mold from the plurality of coolers. Means for performing control for taking out, wherein the control means inputs information of the storage means, a signal of a cooling time and a cooling temperature of a mold in each of the cooling machines, and terminates cooling of the plurality of cooling machines. Means for extracting a mold to be extracted and outputting an extraction signal; and traversing means for transferring the mold between the cooling step and the molded article removing step, the means for controlling a traverser for transferring the mold. And a traverse means having a plurality of dies, wherein the control means receives the extraction signal from the take-out control means and moves the traverser to a position of a cooler in which the dies which have been cooled are stored.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a molding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The overall construction of the molding system 25 of this embodiment comprises four steps of A: temperature raising step, B: injection molding step, C: pressurizing and cooling step, and D: molded product unloading step.
Between the injection molding step B and the injection molding step B are connected by a mold transfer path 1 using a roller, and between the injection molding step B and the pressure cooling step C a mold transfer path 5 using a roller and the NC traverse device 2 In addition, the press traverse process C and the molded product take-out process D are connected by the NC traverse device 2. Furthermore, N
The traverse device controller 22 is connected to the C traverse device 2, and the traverse device controller 22 is connected to the central control panel 17. The central control panel 17 is also connected to other devices of the main molding system (wiring is omitted).

Next, each device of the main molding system 25 will be described.

Since the temperature raising step A requires a longer time than the injection molding step B, the two temperature raising devices 6 are used.
Is provided, and while the temperature of the mold is being raised in one apparatus, the temperature of the other mold can be similarly raised in the other apparatus. A direction changer 23 using a roller is provided in front of each of the temperature raising devices 6, and after the mold is carried in, the direction changer 23 is rotated 90 degrees to carry out the mold, thereby removing the molded product. The mold sent from 15 can be sent into the heating device 6, and the mold in the heating device 6 can be sent to the injection molding machine 7. The direction changer 23
The roller is rotatable by a built-in drive source.
A transfer path 24 using a roller is connected between the molded product take-out device 15 and the direction changer 23, between the direction changer 23 and the temperature raising device 6, and between the direction changers 23. It is rotatable by a drive source built in.

In such a temperature raising device 6, after the mold is carried into the furnace of the device, a temperature sensor (not shown) is connected to the mold and the mold is moved by a heater plate (not shown). Be heated. After being heated to a predetermined temperature, the temperature sensor is detached, and the mold is carried out of the furnace.

In this embodiment, in the temperature raising step A, the die cooled to 80 ° C. in the pressure cooling step C (described later) is set to 100 ° C. in 60 seconds.

The temperature raising step A and the injection molding step B are connected to the mold transfer path 1 by a 90-degree reversing device 3a, and an elevator 26 is provided at a portion of the mold transfer path 1 which is bent at a right angle on the way. Has been. The mold transfer path 1 is configured to be rotated by a drive source containing rollers arranged in the mold transfer direction, and the mold is placed on the rollers and moved in the transfer direction.

The mold transferred from the direction changer 23 to the elevator 26 via the mold transfer path 1 is changed in direction only by 90 degrees without changing the direction of the mold, and the mold is oriented in that direction. It is possible to proceed to the 90-degree inverting device 3a as it is.

The 90-degree reversing device 3a reverses the mold by 90 degrees in order to cope with the injection molding machine 7 in which the injection section 7a is provided in the lateral direction and to make the runner section of the mold lateral. After passing through this 90-degree reversing device 3a, the mold is transferred to the mold standby position 4 in front of the injection molding machine 7, and at this mold standby position 4, the mold temperature is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown). To be measured. The mold, which has been heated to 100 ° C. in the heating step A, is further heated by heat conduction in the mold, and when the mold temperature reaches a predetermined molding temperature of 120 ° C., it is carried into the injection molding machine 7. And perform injection molding.

In the present embodiment, the set time from the end of the temperature raising step A to the raising of the molding temperature to 120 ° C. at the standby place 4 in front of the injection molding machine 7 is 120 seconds.

In the injection molding step B, when the mold is carried into the injection molding machine 7, the die set of the molding machine 7 is clamped, and the resin at 220 ° C. is injected into the mold and then the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time. Then, after the die set is opened, the die is carried out and sent to the 90 ° reversing device 3b. The injection molding machine 7 is provided with a temperature controller 8 for adjusting the temperature of the mold to a temperature required for injection filling.

In this embodiment, after the mold is carried into the injection molding machine 7, it takes 60 hours to carry it out of the injection molding machine 7 and reach the NC traverse device 2 (point of a base point 13 described later). It is supposed to be in seconds.

The 90-degree reversing device 3b is used in the rear of the injection molding machine 7, and the runner portion of the mold after injection is returned upward.

In the injection molding process B, the mold flows with the runners lying down by the 90-degree reversing devices 3a and 3b. In the pressure cooling process C, the take-out process D, and the temperature raising process A, the mold is runners. It flows with the part up. In the case where the injection molding machine is configured so that the injection is performed in the downward direction, or when the die is in the pressure cooling step C, the ejection step D, and the temperature raising step A, the runner portion is in the lateral direction. If processed, the 90 ° reversing devices 3a, 3b are not required.
The mold transfer path 5 is used to transfer the mold that has passed through the 90-degree reversing device 3b to NC.
Like the mold transfer path 1, which is provided for transferring to the base point 13 of the traverse device 2 (the point where the NC traverse device 2 receives the mold), the rollers arranged in the transfer direction are rotated by a built-in drive source. Then, the die placed on the roller can be moved.

The NC traverse device 2 is 2 in this embodiment.
Book guide rail 9 and traverser 1 moving on it
It is composed of 0s. The traverser 10 includes a pair of left and right input conveyors 11 and an output conveyor 12. The loading conveyor 11 is operated by a built-in drive source, and the mold can be taken in from below in FIG. 1 and placed in the conveyor, and can be sent out upward. It is used when transferring to each press machine 18. The take-out conveyor 12 is operated by a built-in drive source, and it is possible to take in the dies from above in FIG. 1, place them in the conveyor, and send them out downward. It is used when transferring to the molded product removal device 15.

In this embodiment, the NC traverse device 2 is used to move the mold from the base point 13 to each press unit 1
8 is set to be 30 seconds, and the time required to reach the molded product removal device 15 from each press unit 18 is set to be 30 seconds.

The pressure cooling process includes eight press units 18
(No. I to No. VIII). The press units 18 (No. I to No. VIII) are arranged in parallel on the rail 9 of the NC traverse device 2. Further, each press unit has a rail 9 so that when the traverser 10 moves and comes in front of each press unit 18, a mold can be exchanged between the traverser 10 and the transfer path 14 of each press unit 18. It is provided at a predetermined distance. The transfer path 14 is operated by a built-in drive source and can transfer a mold placed on the transfer path 14. The press unit 18 has a pair of upper and lower re-press cooling die sets, and in each of the die sets, pipelines for flowing a refrigerant are pipelines 62a and 62b of the cooling medium supply means.
(Not shown). Then, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the pipeline of each die set is adjusted by the fixed-side temperature controller 19 and the movable-side temperature controller 20 based on instructions from the central control panel 17 and the traverse device controller 22. . When the mold is inserted into a pair of upper and lower re-press cooling die sets, a temperature sensor is connected to the molds, and the upper and lower die sets move relative to each other to bring the molds into pressure contact with each other. The mold is cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the pipeline.
Cooling of the mold is performed with control such as changing the flow velocity or temperature of the refrigerant in the pipeline so as to obtain a predetermined temperature gradient.
As a result, the shrinkage strain and internal stress strain that occur when the molded product is cooled can be suppressed to a minimum.

In the main pressure cooling step C, the mold is cooled from 120 ° C. to 80 ° C. while being measured by the temperature sensor.

When the mold is cooled to a predetermined temperature, the temperature sensor is removed, the die set is relatively opened, and the mold is transferred to the take-out conveyor 12 of the traverser 10 through the transfer path 14.

In this embodiment, the time required for the pressurizing and cooling step C, that is, the time required for the mold to be carried into the transfer passage 14 of the press unit 18 and thereafter to finish cooling and to leave the transfer passage 14 is 480 seconds. Is set.

In the present embodiment, the molded product take-out step D is as shown in FIG.
In the lower part of the right end of the NC traverse device 2 in, the molded product take-out device 15 and the stocker 21 are installed on the right side of the device 15 at that position. When the traverser 10 moves and comes in front of the molded product removal device 15, the removal conveyor 12 of the traverser 10 and the molded product removal device 15
The take-out device 15 is provided at a predetermined distance from the rail 9 so that the mold can be transferred to and from the transfer path 16. When the mold is mounted on the molded product take-out device 15 via the transfer path 16 by the traverser 10, the opening prevention mechanism provided on the mold is released, the mold is opened, and the molded product is protruded by the protruding rod. The molded product is ejected and ejected, and the molded product is stored in the stocker 21. The mold from which the molded product has been removed is clamped, locked, and transferred to the temperature raising step A (not shown).

In this embodiment, the time required for the take-out step D,
That is, the time required for the mold to be carried into the transfer path 16 of the take-out device 15 and for the mold from which the molded product has been taken out to move to the temperature raising step A is set to 60 seconds.

In this embodiment, the molded product which has been pressed and cooled in the press unit 18 and completed in molding is not taken out on the press unit, but concentrated by the molded product take-out device 15 provided at another position as described above. Do it. When the take-out device is provided on the press unit 18, the structure of the press unit becomes complicated and large, and the take-out device must be provided for each press unit 18. I
~ No. There is a problem that the occupied area of VIII becomes large and the management of the extraction process becomes complicated, but in the present embodiment, the above problem is solved by performing the extraction work at one place.

The traverse device control unit 22 commands the operation of the NC traverse device 2 according to a fixed program, and the traverse device control unit 22 controls the NC traverse device 2 under the command of the central control panel 17. Then
The standby and speed adjustment of the traverser 10 can be performed.

The central control board 17 is connected to each device of the main molding system 25 via a control unit of each device (not shown), and controls the main molding system 25 as a whole.

In this system 25, in order to detect whether or not the mold flowing through the system is at a predetermined position,
A sensor is provided at the predetermined position. That is, the base point of the transfer path 5, the loading conveyor 11 and the unloading conveyor 12 of the traverser 10, the parts of the press units 18 (No. I to No. VIII) to which the molds are attached, the molded product unloading device 15 A micro switch or the like is provided in a portion or the like in which the mold is mounted so that it can detect whether or not the mold is in a predetermined position.

Next, the arrangement and flow of molds in the molding system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. However, this is the case where the mold is controlled so as to be transferred at the set time in each step.

FIG. 2 is a time chart of the mold, where the horizontal axis shows the time as 1 minute = 1 time, and the position of the mold in the molding system as the time advances. In the present embodiment, one minute, which is the time required for the injection molding process and the transfer of the mold to the base point, is set as a basic time, and each mold is injected so that the resin is injected into the mold every minute in the injection molding process. Is flowed into the system with a one minute delay. In the present embodiment, a total of 3 minutes is required for the temperature raising step and the die transfer to the injection molding machine, and 1 minute is required for the injection molding step and the die transfer to the base point. It takes 0.5 minutes to transfer the mold, 8 minutes to the pressure cooling step, 0.5 minutes to transfer the mold to the unloading device 15 in the NC traverse device 2, and 1 minute to the unloading step. Therefore, 14 minutes in total is the time required for the mold to make one cycle, and therefore 14 ÷ 1 = 14 molds are required in the system. FIG. 1 shows the positions of the fourteen dies a to n at the time 14. As shown in FIG. 2, when the time advances from this state to the point of time 15, the dies a to n advance, for example, the die a is located at the position of the die n, and the die n is positioned at the position of the die f. The mold f returns to the position of the mold e. When the time further reaches time point 16, for example, the mold a moves from the position of the mold n to the position of the press unit VII.

By the way, in an actual molding system, if the molds are transferred in accordance with the above-mentioned time chart, the mold temperature varies due to the difference in the temperature characteristics of each mold, and the mold condition is out of the range. , High precision molding cannot be expected. Also, if a method of cooling the mold temperature to the target value and increasing the temperature is adopted, high-precision molding can be performed.However, excess or deficiency occurs in each process time, and the smooth flow of the system is obstructed.
It significantly deteriorates mass productivity. Therefore, in the present embodiment, cooling and temperature increase in the process are not completed until the mold temperature reaches the target value in each process, and therefore, the set time in each process may be exceeded or insufficient. The time error is controlled by controlling the die transfer by the NC traverse device 2 by the waiting time or by the transfer speed so as to prevent the die transfer in the entire system from accumulating.

As described above, the condition judgment as to whether the die transfer is controlled by the waiting time or the transfer speed is performed in the following three cases.

First, in the temperature raising step A, whether or not the die temperature rises from 80 ° C. to a target value of 100 ° C. is excessive or insufficient with respect to the set time of 60 seconds. . If the temperature increase time is longer than the set time adjustment by expediting (shown this time caused the delay time T _h), the transfer rate of the mold from the base point 13 to the press units 18 (indicated by V _BP) I do. When the temperature rise time is shorter than the set time, the mold transferred by the NC traverse device 2 waits for the waiting time (T
₍ Indicated by ₁ ).

Second, when the mold is transferred from the temperature raising step A to the injection molding step, that is, when the die is carried out from the temperature raising step A and reaches the standby place 4 in front of the injection molding machine 7. The temperature rise time for the mold temperature to rise to the target value of 120 ° C in the set time 120
Whether excess or deficiency occurs in seconds. In this case as well, similarly to the above, from the base point 13 to each press unit 1
The excess and deficiency of the set time can be adjusted by controlling the transfer waiting time of the mold up to 8 and the transfer speed control (the delay time generated in this case is indicated by T _n , and the transfer waiting time is indicated by T ₁ ).

Thirdly, in the pressurizing and cooling step C, whether or not there is an excess or deficiency with respect to the set time of 480 seconds until the mold temperature reaches the target value of 80 ° C. from 120 ° C. If the set time is exceeded (the delay time generated at this time is indicated by T _p ), the molded product removal device 15
Until the transport speed of the mold (indicated by V _PT) adjusted by the control, and if you have insufficient set time, the transported mold product removal apparatus 15 waiting in front in the traverse device controller 22 ( T ₂ shown in) is adjusted by providing the.

Next, N of the molding system according to the present embodiment.
The operation of the C traversing apparatus will be described with reference to the system diagram of FIG. 1 and the block diagrams of FIGS. 3 to 5 using FIGS.

Central control panel for operating this system
17 stores various initial setting values. In FIG.
Press unit 18 (No.I to No.VIII) and base
Transfer time T between points 13_BPSetting (B1), Trava
Of the transfer speed V of the laser unit 10 (B2),
Transfer time T from the take-off device 18 to the take-out device 15_PTSetting (B
3), the distance between each press unit and the base point 13
L_xSetting (B4), each press unit and unloading device
Distance L_yIs set (B5) and the menu of the central control panel 17 is set.
The set values B1 to B5 are recorded in Molly M. Also note
Lee M has a set time in a temperature raising step described later.
(T₁), Set time between temperature rise and injection molding process
(T ₂), The set time (t₃) Is written
Remembered

First, in the mold transfer control flowchart of the temperature raising step A shown in FIG. 6, the emptied mold from which the molded product was taken out in the molded product taking out step D was carried into the temperature raising device 6 (Sal). After that, the temperature sensor is connected (Sa2) to start the temperature rise while measuring the mold temperature, and at the same time, start the temperature rise time measurement (Sa3, 4, 5). As for the mold temperature, a signal from the temperature sensor is read by the temperature measuring means 40.
The temperature rise time is measured by the first time measuring means T ₁ . Heated is conducted until the mold reaches the target value 100 ℃ (Sa6), this point has reached the target value to exit the heating off Atsushi Nobori time measuring timer (Sa7), time by time measuring means T ₁ Is output, and the temperature sensor is released from the mold (Sa8). At this time, in the central control panel 17, the measured temperature rising time (called the measured temperature rising time,
The same applies hereinafter) and the set heating time (the set heating time t ₁ ,
Hereinafter the same) compared with that made by the first comparison means 42 (Sa9), when the measured time T ₁ is shorter than the set time t _1, the waiting time control of the traverser 10 in the step shown in FIG. 9 is performed ( Hereinafter, it will be described later). If the measured temperature rise time is longer than or equal to the set temperature rise time, the delay time T _h calculated by subtracting the set temperature rise time from the measured temperature rise time is calculated by the first calculating means 43 (Sa10), and the central value is calculated. control panel 17 the delay time T _h is recorded in the (Sa11), thereafter, the speed control of the press unit 18 to the traverser 10 from the base point 13 in the step shown in FIG. 10 is performed (hereinafter, to be described later).

Next, in the flowchart of transfer control of the mold between the temperature increasing step A and the injection molding step shown in FIG. 7, after the temperature increase of the mold in the temperature increasing step A is completed (Sb1), the injection from the temperature increasing step A is performed. Second time measurement of die transfer process between molding processes
Start of the time measuring means T ₂ (Sb2), transferring the mold to an injection molding machine 7 before waiting area 4 (Sb3). Thereafter, at the standby place 4, a temperature sensor is connected to the mold (Sb4), and the temperature of the mold is measured by the second temperature measuring means 44. The mold that has gone out of the temperature raising step A is further heated by the heat conduction in the mold before reaching the standby place 4 in front of the injection molding machine 7. Then, by measuring the temperature of the mold, when the mold temperature reaches between the lower molding temperature limit and the upper molding temperature limit (Sb5), molding preparation from the central control panel 17 is performed based on the measurement signal of the second temperature measuring means 44. completion signal is issued (Sb6) and second time measuring means T ₂ is OFF
Is performed (Sb7). Then, the mold temperature sensor is removed from the mold (Sb8). At this time, the central control panel 17
, The measurement time (T ₂ ) of the second time measurement means T ₂
Is compared with the set time (t ₂ ) by the second comparing means 46 (Sb9). When the measurement time (T ₂ ) is shorter than the set time (t ₂ ), the waiting time control of the traverser 10 is performed in the process shown in FIG. 9 (to be described later). When the measured time is longer than or equal to the set time, the second calculation means 48 calculates the delay time T _i obtained by subtracting the set time from the measured time (Sb1).
0). The central control panel 17 the delay time recording T _i is made (Sb11), thereafter, the speed control of the traverser 10 to the pressing unit 18 is performed from the base point 13 at step shown in FIG. 10 (hereinafter, to be described later ).

Further, in the control flow chart in the pressurizing and cooling step shown in FIG. 8, a temperature sensor is connected to the mold carried into the press unit 18 (Sc1) (S).
After c2), the third temperature measuring means 50 starts operating to start the pressurizing and cooling step (Sc3). Then, at the same time, the measurement of the time required for the cooling process is started by the third time measuring means 52 (Sc4). The cooling is performed while controlling with a predetermined temperature gradient (Sc5), and when the mold temperature reaches a temperature lower than the target temperature of 80 ° C. (Sc6), the cooling is terminated by the measurement signal of the third temperature measuring means 50. , Third
The time measuring means 52 is turned off (Sc7), and the temperature sensor is removed from the mold (Sc8). At this time, in the central control panel 17, a comparison between the measurement time of the third time measuring means 52 and the set time (t ₃ ) stored in the central control panel 17 is made by the third comparing means 54 (Sc9). ,
When the measurement time is shorter than the set time, the waiting time control of the traverser 10 is performed in the process shown in FIG.
See below). If the measurement time is longer than or equal to the set time, the third calculation means 56 calculates the delay time T _P in the cooling process in which the set time is subtracted from the measurement time (Sc10). This delay time T _P is recorded (Sc11), and thereafter, in the process shown in FIG.
Speed control of 0 is performed (described below).

In the process shown in FIG. 9, first, the traverser 10 is
After unloading the mold to the unloader 15, the base point 1
Returning to 3, the conveyor 11 stops in a state where the charging conveyor 11 coincides with the transfer path 5. Then, according to a command from the traverse device control unit 22 or the like, the sensor S
_{By 1} it is confirmed whether or not there is a mold in the take-out conveyor 12 (S01) and a confirmation signal S ₁ is output. Then, the sensor -S ₂ provided in the charging conveyor 11 checks whether the mold in the charging conveyor 11 there is (S02) and outputs a confirmation signal S _2, gold pre-feed conveyor advances further to S03 whether mold is present is confirmed by the sensor S ₃ on the mold transfer path 5, and outputs a confirmation signal S _3. When it is confirmed that the mold is present on the transfer path 5, the signals of the sensors S ₁ , S ₂ , and S ₃ shown in FIG. 4 are input to the discrimination logic circuit a1, and the conveyor is operated by the signal from the circuit a1. The input conveyor 11 is operated by the output of the means 60 (S04), and the mold is placed in the input conveyor 11.

Then, it is confirmed by the sensor S ₂ that there is a mold in the feeding conveyor (S05), and then the traverser 10 reaches the press unit No. Is selected by the press unit selection means 58 (S06).

Press machines (I to VIII) in the pressure cooling step C
Are provided with pipes 62a and 62b through which a cooling medium flows.
The cooling medium is supplied via the.

Setting (curve) information indicating the cooling temperature according to the resin material of the molded product, the shape, and the finishing accuracy is input to the memory M in the central control panel 17.

For each press machine, measure the cooling temperature of the mold.
Sensor D₁~ D₈And insert each mold into each press machine
Means P for measuring cooling time after starting pressurized cooling₁
~ P ₈Is provided. The sensor D₁~ D₈Belief
No. and measuring means P₁~ P₈Signal to the central control panel 17
Input to each memory. In the central control panel 17
Preset and enter information on temperature and cooling time from each mold
The input setting information is sent to the comparison means 64 in the central control panel 17.
Therefore, a comparison is made, and the comparison signal of the comparison
Is sent to the temperature adjusting means 66 which adjusts the temperature.

Then, in the temperature adjusting means 66, the comparing means 6
The temperature of the medium supplied to each press is adjusted by the signal of (4).

The central control board 17 is provided with a discriminating means 68 for discriminating the die for which pressurization and cooling is completed by inputting the cooling time and cooling temperature information of each die from each press.

The discriminating means 68, as shown in FIG. 5, has the information (CP ₁ , CP _2, ... CP ₈ ) from each press machine.
When the comparison signal n ₁ ~n ₈ when entered to the comparison means information CP ₀ as the criteria entered in the memory (n ₁ ~n _8), information from the press has reached a value indicating the cooling end Is output, and the presence or absence of the comparison signal is detected by the detection means 70 to determine which mold has completed the pressurizing and cooling operation. The central control panel 17 inputs a detection signal 70a of the detection means 70 to the traverse device control section 22.

The traverse device control section 22 receives the signal of the detection signal 70a and drives the driving means 72 of the traverser 10 at the base point 13 to operate the traverser 10.

The end signals m _{1 to} m ₈ are output from the end signal generating means 74 to the press containing the dies having completed the pressurizing / cooling action in response to the outputs of the comparison signals n _{1 to} n ₈ .

The traverser 10 is driven by the driving means 72, and stops by accommodating the mold output by the end signal generating means. At this stop position, traverser 1
0 stands by (S07 / S08). This waiting time T
_1, in the first waiting time calculating means B9 of the central control panel _{17, T 1 = T BP -L} x / V made by calculation (Fig. 3, B9) (S09), the waiting time T ₁ is traversed It is input to the apparatus control unit 22, to wait a traverser 10 only waiting time T ₁ by a command of the traverse device controller 22 (S10).

After waiting for a predetermined time, the take-out conveyor 12
Is operated to move the mold from the press unit 18 to the take-out conveyor 12 (S12).

Then, it is confirmed that there is a die in the take-out conveyor 12 (S13), and then the feeding conveyor 11 of the traverser 10 is moved to the press unit 18 where the die is taken out.
The traverser 10 is slightly moved so as to coincide with the transfer path 14 (S14, S15).

Then, the loading conveyor 11 is operated (S16) to send the mold into the press unit 18, and the presence of the mold in the press unit 18 is confirmed by a sensor (S17). Next, depending on whether or not the measurement time is equal to the set time in this cooling process, the central control panel 17 gives an instruction as to whether to reach the process shown in FIG. 11 or the process shown in FIG. 12 (S18). That is, when the delay time T _p due to the above calculation does not occur in the cooling process, the process shown in FIG. 11 is reached, and when the delay time T _p occurs, the process shown in FIG. 12 is reached.

In the process shown in FIG. 10, when the traverser 10 returns to the base point, whether there is a mold in the take-out conveyor 12 (S41), whether there is a mold in the feeding conveyor 11 (S42), the feeding conveyor 11 Is there a mold in front (S4
3) is determined, the process goes to S44, the loading conveyor 11 is operated, and the mold is placed in the loading conveyor (S45).

Then, as in the case of the waiting time control, the traverser 10 reaches the press unit No. to be reached next. Is selected (S46).

Then, the press unit No. And at the same time, the speed of the traverser 10 is set to
(S47). The transfer speed V _BP of the traverser 10 is V _BP = L _x / (T _BP −T _h −T _i ) in the first speed calculating means B11 of the central control panel 17 (FIG. 3, B1).
The transfer speed V _BP is input to the traverse device control unit 22 and the traverser 10 is transferred according to a command from the traverse device control unit 22.

The traverser 10 moves to the selected press unit at the commanded speed (S48), and the take-out conveyor 12 stops in a state where it coincides with the transfer path 14 of the press unit 18 (S49). 12 operates to move the mold from the press unit 18 to the take-out conveyor 12 (S51), and then the traverser 10 is slightly moved so that the feeding conveyor 11 is aligned with the transfer path 14 (S52, S53). The mold of is moved to the press unit (S54, S55). Next, the central control panel 17 instructs whether to reach the step shown in FIG. 11 or the step shown in FIG. 12 depending on whether or not the measurement time is equal to the set time in the pressurizing / cooling step (S56). That is, when the delay time T _P due to the above calculation does not occur in the cooling process, the process shown in FIG. 11 is reached, and when the delay time T _P occurs, the process shown in FIG. 12 is reached.

In the process shown in FIG. 11, when it is confirmed that there is a mold in the press unit 18, the traverser 10 is moved to the molded product take-out device 15, and the take-out conveyor 1
2 is stopped in a state where it coincides with the transfer path 16 of the molded product removal device 15 (S19, 20).

At that position, the traverser 10 is kept waiting for a predetermined time in accordance with a command from the traverse device controller 22 (S22). This waiting time T ₂ is determined by the central control panel 17.
In the second waiting time computation unit B10 _{of, T 2 = T PT -L y} / V is performed by the calculation (FIG. 3, B10) (S21), the waiting time T ₂ is input to the traverse device controller 22 In response to a command from the traverse device control unit 22, the traverser 10 is made to wait for a waiting time T ₂ before the molded product take-out device 15 (S2).
3).

After waiting for a predetermined time, the take-out conveyor 12
Is operated to move the mold from the take-out conveyor 12 to the molded product take-out device 15 (S24).

Then, after confirming that there is a mold in the molded product take-out device 15 (S25), the traverser 10 is sent to the base point 13, and the traverser 10 is stopped in a state where the feeding conveyor 11 matches the transfer path 5. Allow (S26, S
27). Next, when the measured temperature rise time is equal to the set temperature rise time in the temperature rise process and the measured time is equal to the set time in the mold transfer process from the temperature rise process to the injection molding process, the process shown in FIG. 9 is reached. , Otherwise, FIG.
(S)
28).

In the process shown in FIG. 12, the transfer speed V _PT from the press unit 18 of the traverser 10 to the molded product take-out device 15 is set by the second speed calculating means B12 of the central control board 17 as V _PT = _{L y / (T PT -T P} ) ( Fig. 3, B1
2) (S57), the transfer speed V _PT is input to the traverse device controller 22, and the traverser 10 is transferred from the press unit 18 to the molded product take-out device 15 according to a command from the traverse device controller 22. It is transported in a V _PT. At the commanded speed, the traverser 10 moves to the take-out device 15 (S58), and the take-out conveyor 12 stops in a state where it coincides with the transfer path 16 of the take-out device 15 (S5).
9) After confirming that the unloading device 15 is not in operation, the unloading conveyor 12 is operated at the same time as stopping, and the mold is transferred from the unloading conveyor 12 to the unloading device 15 (S60, 61).

The traverser 10 in which both the feeding conveyor 11 and the unloading conveyor 12 are emptied returns to the base point 13 (S62), and the feeding conveyor 11 stops in a state where it coincides with the base point 13 (S63). Next, in the heating process, the measured heating time is equal to the set heating time, and
If the measurement time is equal to the set time in the mold transfer process from the temperature increasing process to the injection molding process, the process reaches the process shown in FIG. 9; otherwise, the central control panel 17 determines whether the process reaches the process shown in FIG. A command is issued (S64).

In the above embodiments, the traverse device is composed of rails and traversers. However, the traverse device does not have rails and moves the traverser on a flat road surface using a guide device or the like. Various other formats are possible. Further, the traverser device can be used not only for linear movement of the die but also for arranging the press units in various shapes such as an arc and moving the die along the shape.

Further, in the above embodiment, the temperature raising device is a heating system using a heater plate, but the temperature raising device may be of various types other than a constant temperature bath.

The above embodiment has the following effects.

In a method for forming a molded product by sequentially transferring a plurality of molds to a temperature raising process, an injection molding process, a cooling process and a molded product unloading process, the molds, for example, the metal molds in a heated condition and a cooled condition are used. Input the information about the mold and control the speed of the transfer means for transferring the mold according to the information, or make the mold stand by without transferring the mold, and compare this mold information with the predetermined information. In order to control the transfer of the molds by the determining means, the above-described embodiment determines the transfer means for transferring each mold between the steps and the determination of the speed or the transfer waiting time for transferring the molds. A discriminating means for performing is provided, and the transfer of the mold is controlled by the discriminating means.

Therefore, the system can be operated smoothly without causing stagnation in a plurality of molds flowing through the system after the mold temperature is surely controlled in each process, and the accuracy can be guaranteed by stabilizing the molding conditions. , Productivity can be secured.

In the molding system having a plurality of molds as in the above embodiment, the temperature characteristic difference between the molds is eliminated by raising the temperature of each mold to the set temperature in the temperature raising step. Be done. In order to solve the stagnation of the mold in the molding system at this time, in the above-described embodiment, the first time measuring means for measuring the temperature rising time of the mold in the temperature raising step, and the temperature rising predetermined by the molded product. It has a control means for setting a time and a first comparison means for comparing the signal of the measuring means with the signal from the control means, and transfers the mold based on the comparison operation of the first comparison means. Since the control based on the waiting time or the control based on the transfer speed is selected, the difference in the temperature rising time between the molds is eliminated, and the molds do not stay in the molding system.

Therefore, by raising the temperature while measuring the temperature of each die as described above, it is possible to surely raise the temperature of the die to a set temperature, and to perform uniform and highly accurate molding by a plurality of dies. Therefore, the mold can be transferred according to the process time set in the molding system, and the molding system can be operated smoothly.

Further, in order to prevent the mold from staying due to the temperature rise time of the mold during the transfer of the mold from the temperature raising step to the injection molding step, the above-mentioned embodiment is A temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the mold during or after the mold is transferred to the injection molding process, and a predetermined temperature rising time of the mold from the temperature rising process to the injection molding process are set. Control means and comparing means for comparing the signals from the time measuring means and the controlling means are provided, and control by the waiting time of the mold based on the comparison result of the comparing means, or by the transfer speed of the mold Since the control is selected, the mold heated to a uniform set temperature can be transferred to the injection molding process, and the mold does not stay in the molding system.

Therefore, each mold can be injection-molded under a uniform temperature condition, so that it is possible to mold a highly-accurate molded product with no variation, and moreover, there is no stagnation in the transfer of the mold and the molding system. The smooth flow of can be realized.

Further, in order to prevent the die from accumulating due to the difference in the cooling speed of the die housed in a plurality of coolers in the cooling step and cooled, the above-mentioned embodiment takes out the die from the cooler. , A time measuring means for measuring the cooling time of the mold in the cooling step, a control means for setting a predetermined cooling time of the mold in the cooling step, a signal of the time measuring means and the control. It is set in the cooling step because it has a comparing means for comparing the signals of the means and the waiting time control of the traverser or the control by the speed of the traverser is selected based on the comparison result of the comparing means. The excess or deficiency of the cooling time with respect to the cooling time can be adjusted by the waiting time control or speed control of the traverser.

Therefore, in the cooling step, since the cooling can be performed on time set, it is possible to perform highly accurate molding without variation, and moreover, in the molding system, the respective molds do not stay and the molding system does not stay. The smooth flow of can be maintained.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first transfer means for sending the mold from the injection molding step to the predetermined position in the cooling step, and the cooling in the cooling step by receiving the mold from the first transfer means. A traverser for transferring a die to the machine, a means for driving the traverser, a means for detecting whether or not a die exists in the first transfer means and the traverser, and based on a signal from the detecting means Since it has a control means for driving the driving means, it is possible to surely load the metal mold without double-molding the metal mold on the traverser, so that the metal mold is dropped or damaged. Can be prevented, the transfer from the injection molding process to the cooling process can be reliably performed, and the reliability of the molding system is improved.

Further, in the cooling step, the molds housed in the plurality of coolers may not be cooled at the set cooling speed depending on the reflux conditions, but the above embodiment is
A means for supplying a cooling medium to each cooling machine, a means for detecting the temperature of the mold set in each cooling machine, a means for measuring the cooling time of the mold set in each cooling machine, and a predetermined And a control means for switching the cooling temperature of the cooling medium, the temperature of each mold of each cooling machine and the cooling time of each mold are described above. The cooling time and the cooling temperature set by the storage means are compared, and the temperature of the cooling medium to each mold is switched based on the comparison result. It is cooled to the set temperature.

Therefore, the difference in the cooling rate of each mold in the cooling step is eliminated, and the smooth flow of the molding system is secured.

Further, regarding the means for transferring a plurality of molds from the cooling step to the molded product take-out step, in the above-mentioned embodiment, means for detecting the cooling temperature of each cooling machine and the molds provided for each cooling machine. Means for measuring the cooling time, a means for storing a cooling curve showing a temperature corresponding to the cooling time according to a molded product to be injection-molded, and a means for performing control for taking out the mold from the plurality of coolers. Then, the control means inputs the information of the storage means and the cooling time and cooling temperature signals of the molds in the respective cooling machines, extracts the molds for which the cooling of the plurality of cooling machines is finished, and outputs the extracted signals. An output means, a traverse means for transferring the mold between the cooling step and the molded product removing step, the traverse means having a means for controlling a traverser for transferring the mold; and the control means, Take-out control It is configured to have a plurality of molds for moving the traverser in the position of the housing and the cooler the cooling end a mold receiving the extracted signal from stage.

Therefore, since the cooling can be performed under the optimum conditions according to the cooling curve corresponding to the cooling time according to the molded product, it is possible to obtain a highly accurate molded product which is free from defects in the molded product and has no variation. It is possible to perform mixed flow molding according to the molded product. Furthermore, after cooling is completed, the one that has been cooled the fastest according to the actual cooling state can be carried out of the molding machine and transferred to the molded product removal process, so that there is no time loss and overcooling is prevented. And a smooth flow of the molding system can be secured.

Therefore, the mold temperature can be reliably controlled in each process, and the system can be operated smoothly without causing stagnation in a plurality of molds flowing through the system, and accuracy can be guaranteed by stabilizing molding conditions. , Productivity can be secured.

[0102]

As described above, the present invention is effective for achieving a smooth flow of the system without causing stagnation in a plurality of dies, and for obtaining a uniform and highly accurate molded product. .

Particularly, in the present invention, since at least one of the temperature raising device, the injection molding machine, and the die transfer path between them is provided with the detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the die, At least one of a temperature raising device, the injection molding machine, and a mold transfer path therebetween, for transferring each of the molds to the injection molding machine from the time of the temperature rise, and the injection molding.
It can be performed after detecting the presence of each of the above-mentioned molds, the flow of the molds in the system can be grasped, and the waiting time of the molds can be confirmed according to a preset mold time chart. Can be adjusted and the transfer speed can be adjusted. Based on this, smooth and efficient operation of the system can be realized, and the above-mentioned effectiveness can be exhibited.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a molding system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time chart of a mold in the molding system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram relating to control of a central control panel and a traverse device shown in FIG. 1.

4 is a block diagram relating to the conveyor operating means of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a traverser driving unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a transfer operation of a mold of the molding system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a mold transfer operation of the molding system shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transfer operation of a mold of the molding system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a mold transfer operation of the molding system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a mold transfer operation of the molding system shown in FIG. 1.

11 is a flowchart showing a transfer operation of a mold of the molding system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a mold transfer operation of the molding system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A Temperature rising process B Injection molding process C Cooling process D Mold ejection process 2 NC traverse device 4 Waiting place before injection molding machine of mold 6 Temperature raising device 7 Injection molding machine 9 Guide rail 10 Traverser 11 Loading conveyor 12 Ejecting conveyor 13 Base point 15 Molded product take-out device 17 Central control panel 18 Press unit 22 Traverse device control part a to n Mold

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An injection molding machine, and a temperature raising device provided separately from the injection molding machine. After the temperature of the mold is raised by the temperature raising device in advance, the mold is transferred to the injection molding machine. In the molding method using a plurality of molds for performing injection molding, the presence or absence of the mold is detected in at least one of the temperature raising device, the injection molding machine, and the mold transfer path between them. A molding method using a plurality of molds, characterized in that detection means is provided. 2. A plurality of molds prepared by preparing a plurality of molds, heating each mold in advance, and then transferring the molds to an injection molding machine, and performing injection molding individually for each mold at different times. In the molding method using, a device for increasing the temperature, the transfer of each mold to the injection molding machine from the time of the temperature increase, and the injection molding,
A molding method using a plurality of molds, which is performed after detecting the presence of each mold in at least one of the injection molding machine and a mold transfer path between them. 3. A mold, which has been injected with a molding material by the injection molding machine, is cooled, a molded product is taken out from the mold, and then the temperature of the mold is raised again and transferred to the injection molding machine. Then, the molding method using a plurality of molds according to claim 2, wherein injection molding is performed on the molds. 4. An injection molding machine, a temperature raising device, and a die transfer means, wherein the temperature raising device preheats a plurality of dies, respectively, and then the die transfer means moves the dies. In a molding apparatus using a plurality of molds, which is configured to be transferred to the injection molding machine, the temperature rising device, the injection molding machine, and the mold transfer means from the temperature rising device to the injection molding machine. A molding device using a plurality of molds, wherein at least one of the paths is provided with detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the mold.