JPH09216253A - Automatic replacing machine and automatic replacing method for stamper - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic replacing machine and an automatic replacing method for, a stamper of high working efficiency for carrying out speedily the replacing work for a stamper without forming soils, marks and the like on the stamper by replacing automatically a used stamper replaced by another stamper for the purpose of protecting the stamper from being brought into contact with a worker. SOLUTION: A clamp for fixing a stamper 7 to a mold is released by loosening automatically a clamp chuck for the stamper of a clamping mechanism 40 before the removal of the stamper 7, and the clamping of the clamp chuck of the stamper 7 is carried out through the clamping mechanism 40 after the replacement of the stamper.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic stamper changer and an automatic changer method for automatically changing a stamper (master) in an injection molding apparatus for injection-molding a disk-shaped recording medium such as an optical disk. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a disc substrate made of a synthetic resin material such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin having a light-transmitting property is used to enhance an information signal such as a music signal or an image signal by using a laser beam having an extremely small spot. Record to density,
Further, there are optical discs for reading the recorded information signal. In this optical disc, a reflective film made of a metal thin film such as aluminum is formed on a transparent substrate on which a concavo-convex pattern such as pits and grooves indicating information signals is formed, and the reflective film is protected from moisture and oxygen in the atmosphere. A protective film for doing so is formed on the reflective film. To play back the information recorded on this optical disc,
Irradiate the uneven pattern with laser light from the transparent substrate side,
Information is detected by the difference in reflectance between the incident light and the returned light.

By the way, in the above optical disc, a stamper in which a predetermined information signal is recorded in advance as a minute concave-convex pattern (corresponding to pits or grooves) is set in a mold provided in an injection molding machine, and the stamper is set in the mold. It is formed by injecting a resin material such as heat-melted polycarbonate. Then, after forming an aluminum reflection film by sputtering or the like on the surface of the formed disk substrate that serves as a signal recording surface, a protective film is formed thereon. Further, in manufacturing an optical disk, after manufacturing a predetermined number of optical disks on which a certain information signal is recorded, a step of sequentially manufacturing optical disks on which another information signal is recorded is taken. Therefore, at the stage where the optical disc on which a certain information signal is recorded is manufactured,
It is necessary to replace the stamper in order to manufacture an optical disc on which the following information signal is recorded.

Until now, most stamper replacements have been performed manually. As the work procedure, at the same time as the order is completed, the worker inserts a rod-shaped jig into the center hole of the stamper set in the mold, takes out the stamper from the mold, and uses a new jig with the same jig. The method of attaching to the mold is adopted.

[0005]

However, in the replacement of the stamper performed manually by the worker, the fingertip may accidentally touch the information recording surface of the stamper when replacing the stamper. As a result, the information recording surface of the stamper becomes dirty or scratched. When the stamper becomes defective, all the optical disks formed by this stamper become defective and accurate reading of the reproduction signal cannot be performed, resulting in a decrease in yield and a decrease in reliability.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in order to avoid the operator from contacting the stamper, the operator must manually replace the used stamper with another stamper. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic stamper changer and an automatic changer with high work efficiency, which enables quick stamper replacement work without causing stains or scratches on the stamper by automatically replacing the stamper. Further, other objects will be clarified sequentially in the contents described below.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention is characterized by taking the following technical means in order to achieve the above object.
That is, as a structure for replacing the stamper,
A fixed mold, a movable mold which is face-pressed with the fixed mold to form a disc molding cavity, and a donut-shaped disc-shaped information transfer stamper is arranged on the crimping surface; Means for releasably clamping the peripheral portion on the crimping surface, switchable between an outer peripheral side position of the movable mold and an outer peripheral side position of the fixed mold, and the outer periphery of the movable mold An outer peripheral clamp ring that is disposed at a side position to clamp the outer peripheral portion of the stamper that is disposed on the crimping surface, and a fixed mold side engaging portion that is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the outer peripheral clamp ring, An engaging rod that has a threaded portion on its outer periphery and is formed on the outer peripheral clamp ring so as to face the movable mold, and the engaging portion for the fixed mold side so that it can be engaged and disengaged. A first ring lock means formed on the mold side, a rotating body provided with a screw hole into which a threaded portion of the engaging rod is screwed and inserted, and a drive for rotating the rotating body in forward and backward directions. Means for controlling the operations of the first ring lock means and the second ring lock means, and the second ring lock means formed on the movable mold side. When the rotating body is rotated in the forward direction via the driving means in a state where the screw portion of the connecting rod is screwed into the screw hole of the rotating body, the outer peripheral clamp ring is integrally crimped with the rod. The stamper is pressed against the front surface side to press the stamper, and when the stamper is rotated in the opposite direction, the tightening of the stamper is loosened to release the screw engagement. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to automatically clamp and release the stamper by the outer peripheral clamp ring that presses and holds the outer peripheral portion of the stamper set on the crimping surface of the movable mold. As a result, it becomes possible to automatically replace the used stamper with another stamper without requiring the operator's hand. Therefore, the stamper can be replaced smoothly without causing stains or scratches on the stamper, and an automatic stamper changer with high work efficiency can be realized.

As another structure for exchanging another stamper, a fixed mold and a disk-molding cavity are formed by face-to-face compression bonding with the fixed mold, and a storage recess is formed in the center of the fixed mold. A movable mold in which a stamper for information transfer in the shape of a donut-shaped disc is arranged
An inner peripheral clamp having a holding portion for clamping the inner peripheral portion of the stamper on the crimping surface at one end side and a screw portion at the other end side so as to be insertable into and removable from the storage recess of the movable mold. A cylinder, a position on the outer peripheral side of the movable mold and a position on the outer peripheral side of the fixed mold can be switched and arranged, and are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the movable mold and arranged on the crimping surface. The outer peripheral pressing ring for clamping the outer peripheral portion of the stamper, the fixed mold side engaging portion formed on the outer peripheral portion of the outer peripheral clamp ring, and the outer peripheral clamp ring having a screw portion on the outer periphery. An engaging rod formed to face the movable mold,
First ring lock means formed on the fixed mold side so as to be engageable with and disengageable from the fixed mold side engaging part, and a screw into which a screw part of the engaging rod is screwed and inserted in the center. Second ring lock means formed on the movable mold side having a rotating body having a hole and a driving means for rotating the rotating body in two directions, the stamper and the inner circumference. A stamper holding means capable of integrally holding the clamp cylinder, and the stamper holding means can be moved and switched between a first set position within a moving locus of the movable mold and a second set position outside the moving locus. Means and a control means for controlling each means in time series, and the rotation is performed via the drive means in a state where the screw portion of the engagement rod is screwed into the screw hole of the rotating body. When the body is rotated in the positive direction, And the outer peripheral retainer is pressed against the crimping surface side integrally with the blade to retain the stamper, and when rotated in the opposite direction, the tightening of the stamper is loosened to enable the screwing to be released, and the stamper holding means is The used stamper and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder can be received and held at the first set position, and the new stamper and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder can be transferred to the movable mold side, and at the second set position. The used stamper can be replaced with the new stamper. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to automatically and smoothly replace the used stamper set on the pressure-bonded surface of the movable mold with another stamper. This makes it possible to automatically replace the used stamper with another stamper without the need for the operator's hand. Therefore, the stamper can be replaced smoothly without causing stains or scratches on the stamper, and an automatic stamper changer with high work efficiency can be realized.

As a method for exchanging the stamper, a clamp for fixing the stamper to the mold is automatically loosened and the clamp chuck of the clamp tightening mechanism for the clamper is released before the stamper is removed. After the replacement of the stamper, the clamp chuck is tightened via the lamp tightening mechanism. According to this method, the stamper can be clamped and released automatically. This makes it possible to automatically replace the used stamper with another stamper without the need for the operator's hand. Therefore, the stamper can be replaced smoothly without causing stains or scratches on the stamper, and an automatic stamper changer with high work efficiency can be realized.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
10 to 12 are diagrams schematically showing an overall configuration of an injection molding apparatus for manufacturing an optical disc by injection molding.
0 is its front view, FIG. 11 is its side view, and FIG. 12 is its top view.

In FIGS. 10 to 12, the injection molding apparatus 1 includes an injection molding section 2. The injection molding section 2 is provided with a molding die 3 including a movable die and a fixed die, and a stamper supply / discharge means 4 for exchanging a stamper installed in the molding die 3. ing.
Then, the resin material supply unit 5 is provided in the disk molding cavity formed by the movable mold of the molding mold 3 and the fixed mold being face-bonded to each other.
The disc substrate is molded by feeding in a more molten polycarbonate resin or the like.

FIG. 1 shows the essential structure of the injection molding section 2. The molding die 3 is a fixed die 3A fixed to the injection molding section 2 and a contact / separation part from the fixed die 3A. The movable mold 3B to be operated has a two-part structure, and when they are pressure-bonded to each other, the cavity is formed inside. Further, a stamper 7 having an uneven pattern in which an information signal is recorded is formed on the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 on one main surface 6 (hereinafter, referred to as “compression bonding surface 6”) of a movable mold 3B forming a cavity. It is detachably attached to the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22.

The stamper supplying / discharging means 4 molds a predetermined number of stampers 7 on which a certain information signal is recorded, then takes out the used stampers 7 from the movable mold 3B, or another information to be molded next. It serves to attach a new stamper 7 on which a signal is recorded to the movable mold 3B.

More specifically, the fixed mold 3A is detachably fixed to the frame 10 of the injection molding part 2, and the ring holder part 11 for holding the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 at the outer peripheral position. Is provided.

The movable mold 3B is removably mounted on the movable platen 12 which is moved in the left-right direction (direction in which the fixed mold 3A is brought into contact with and separated from the fixed mold 3A). The movable platen 12
Is reciprocally moved by the drive cylinder 13, and the moved amount is sequentially detected by a movement amount detection sensor (not shown) provided in the drive cylinder 13, and the signal is input to the control unit 14. Furthermore, in the movable mold 3B,
A rotating body 15 and a drive mechanism 16 for driving the rotating body 15 are provided, and a ring tightening mechanism 40 for holding the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 is provided at a position on the outer periphery of the pressure bonding surface 6 side. It is provided.

The rotating body 15 is the pressure-bonded surface 6 of the movable mold 3B.
It is rotatably mounted in a hole 18 which is a storage recess formed in the center of the disk, and a disk portion 20 provided with a crown gear 19 is integrally formed in a flange shape at one end side.
The movement in the direction of contact with the fixed mold 3A is caused by the disc portion 2
0 is regulated by contacting the inner surface of the hollow portion 21,
Movement in a direction away from the fixed mold 3A is restricted by contact with a worm gear 25, which will be described later, that is meshed with the crown gear 19. In addition, a recess 23 for receiving the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is formed on the other end side (the side facing the fixed mold 3A) of the rotating body 15, and is formed in a cup shape as a whole and further inside. A female screw 24 is provided on the back side of the.

The drive mechanism 16 includes the worm gear 25 meshed with the crown gear 19, and a shaft 26 having the worm gear 25 attached to the tip thereof so as to be integrally rotatable.
It is composed of a motor 27 or the like for driving the shaft 26, which is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions, and the rotating shaft of the motor 27 and the shaft 26 are integrally rotatably connected via a coupling 28. There is. The shaft 26 is rotatably attached to the movable mold 3B via a bearing 29. Reference numeral 30 is a manual knob mounted on the shaft 26. When the manual knob 30 is manually rotated, the shaft 26 can be rotated without being driven by the motor 27. Then, in the drive mechanism 16, when the motor 27 is rotated, the shaft 26 is rotated together with the worm gear 25, and the rotating body 15 is rotated through the crown gear 19 meshed with the worm gear 25. There is. The rotation direction depends on the rotation direction of the motor 27.

The ring tightening mechanism 40 is provided in a cavity 42 having an opening 41 in the crimping surface 6 of the movable mold 3B, as shown in detail in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 9. And a disk-shaped screw member 43, and a drive mechanism 44 for rotating the screw member 43 in two directions. It should be noted that the above-mentioned hollow portions 42 are provided at positions separated by approximately 90 degrees along the circumference of the movable mold 3B, one for each, for a total of four. Among the members constituting the ring tightening mechanism 40, the screw member 43 is arranged so that the axial center of the screw member 43 coincides with that of the opening 41, and the engagement hole 45 having an internal thread on the inner surface thereof is formed at the center thereof. Formed on the other side (crimp surface 6
A crown gear 46 is formed on a surface opposite to the surface). The drive mechanism 44 has a shaft 47 that is rotated by a motor (not shown) that is rotated in both forward and reverse directions, and a worm gear 48 that rotates integrally with the shaft 47.
Is engaged with the crown gear 46. When the worm gear 48 is rotated by the motor, the screw member 43
Rotates in the direction corresponding to the rotation. The drive of the motor that rotates the worm gear 48 is controlled by the control unit 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, the stamper 7 has a donut-shaped disk shape having a hole 31 (hereinafter referred to as "center hole 31") at the center thereof, and a predetermined information signal is minute. It is recorded as an uneven pattern.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the ring holder portion 11 on the fixed die 3A side and the outer diameter of the ring holder portion 17 on the movable die 3B side. It is formed in a ring shape, is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the stamper 7 in the middle portion of the inner circumference, and is arranged on the crimping surface 6 of the movable mold 3B as shown in detail in FIG. The outer peripheral portion of the stamper 7 thus pressed is pressed (clamped) on the crimping surface 6 thereof.
The small-diameter ring portion 9a forming a pressing surface (clamping surface) that can be formed is integrally formed. On the other hand, a ring groove 9b is formed on the outer periphery as an engaging portion for a fixed mold. In addition, one surface (surface facing the movable mold 3B)
On the side, four engaging rods 49, each having an external thread formed on the outer periphery to be screwed into the engaging hole 45 of the screw member 43, are attached at intervals of about 90 degrees corresponding to the openings 41 on the movable mold 3B. Has been. The outer peripheral clamp ring 9 is moved from the position (see FIG. 7) arranged on the movable mold 3B to the position (see FIG. 4) mounted on the fixed mold 3A by the movement of the movable mold 3B. It can be moved. On the contrary,
On the side of the fixed mold 3A, a plunger 32 as a ring lock means is arranged corresponding to the ring groove 9b.
It should be noted that four plungers 32 are also arranged, one at a position separated by about 90 degrees along the circumference, and a total of four plungers 32 are operated by a command from the control unit 14.

The inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is formed in such a size that it can be received in the recess 23 of the rotating body 15, and the female screw 24 inside the rotating body 15 is formed on the outer periphery of the tip portion inserted into the recess 23. A male screw 34 that can be screwed with is formed. Further, the peripheral surface 22a on the other end side (hereinafter referred to as "tapered surface 22a") is formed as a tapered surface whose outer diameter gradually increases from the tip end side to the other end side, and the minimum outer diameter is The stamper 7 is formed to have a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the center hole 31 and a maximum outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the center hole 31. Therefore, when the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is inserted into the center hole 31 of the stamper 7 from the tip end side, the taper surface 22a can be smoothly inserted, but the taper surface 22a part is partially inserted. When inserted, the outer circumference of the tapered surface 22a is brought into contact with the inner surface of the center hole 31 to prevent further insertion, and at the same time, the inner circumference clamp cylinder 22 and the stamper 7 are automatically centered. Further, the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is inserted into the recess 23 and chucked by the mechanical chuck portion 38 of the stamper supply / discharge means 4 which will be described later to stop the rotation of the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22. When 15 is rotated, female screw 24 and male screw 3
4 are screwed together and screwed together, whereby the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is drawn into the recess 23. On the other hand, when the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is likewise stopped from rotating and the rotary body 15 is rotated in the reverse direction with the screw tightened, the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is fed out from the recess 23. .

The stamper supplying / discharging means 4 includes an arm mechanism 36 which is reciprocally rotated by an arm driving section 35, and a stamper holding section 3 attached to the rotating tip of the arm mechanism 36.
7 and a mechanical chuck portion 38 and an air chuck portion 39 attached to the stamper holding portion 37. Then, the mechanical chuck portion 38 releasably holds (chucks) the end portion (the portion where the tapered surface 22a is not affected by clamping the stamper 7) of the inner clamp cylinder 22 where the tapered surface 22a is provided, The air chuck portion 39 has a structure in which the stamper 7 mounted on the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is vacuum chucked and releasably held. Further, the stamper supply / discharge means 4 is
The arm mechanism 36 is rotated by the drive of the arm driving unit 35, and the mechanical chuck 38 of the stamper holding unit 37 is substantially aligned with the center of the movable mold 3B within the movement locus of the movable mold 3B. The first moving position is selectively switched between the first setting position (see FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9) and the second setting position outside the movement locus of the movable mold 3B. The drive of the arm drive unit 35 is controlled by the control unit 14.

4 to 9 are views showing the operation of replacing the stamper 7. Therefore, the operation of the injection molding unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 will be sequentially described below with reference to the operation diagrams of FIGS. 4 to 9. In addition, here, the state in which the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is already chucked by the mechanical chuck portion 38 at the second set position will be described.

First, at the second set position, the used stamper 7 is removed by means (not shown), a new stamper 7 is mounted on the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22, and this stamper 7 is vacuumed by the air chuck portion 39. Adsorbed and retained. That is, the inner clamp cylinder 22 and the stamper 7 are integrally held by the stamper holding portion 37. At this time, the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 is arranged on the ring holder portion 11 of the fixed mold 3A, and the ring groove 9
The rod 32a of the plunger 32 is engaged with b and held immovably.

Subsequently, the arm driving section 35 is driven and the arm mechanism 36 rotates. Then, the stamper holding portion 3
7 is moved to the first set position together with the inner clamp cylinder 22 and the stamper 7 (see FIG. 4).

Next, the drive cylinder 13 is driven and the movable platen 12 moves to the fixed mold 3A side together with the movable mold 3B. Then, along with this movement, the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 arranged at the first set position is moved to the movable mold 3
It enters into the recess 23 of the rotating body 15 on the B side. Further, the motor 27 of the drive mechanism 16 is rotated, and the driving force of the motor 27 rotates the rotating body 15 via the coupling 28, the shaft 26, the worm gear 25, and the crown gear 19. Then, when the male screw 34 of the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is moved to a position where it can mesh with the female screw 24 of the rotating body 15, the male screw 34 and the female screw 24 are screwed together, and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is placed in the recess 23. While being pulled in, the movable mold 3B is further moved. Also, the inner clamp cylinder 2
Just before 2 is completely drawn into the recess 23, the holding of the air chuck portion 39 to the stamper 7 is released, and then the drive of the drive cylinder 13 and the drive of the motor 27 in the drive mechanism 16 are temporarily stopped (see FIG. 5). ). Here, since the inner clamp cylinder 22 is completely retracted into the recess 23 and the setting is completed, the chucking of the air chuck portion 39 to the stamper 7 is released. When the clamp cylinder 22 is further drawn into the recess 23 and the tapered surface 22a is strongly pressed against the inner surface of the center hole 31, the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is automatically aligned. Then, in a state where the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is completely retracted into the recess 23, the inner peripheral side of the stamper 7 is the pressure-bonding surface 6 of the movable mold 3B.
It is pressed down by and is in close contact. Further, the movement amount of the movable platen 12 can be known by the control unit 14 by inputting a signal from the movement amount detection sensor obtained by driving the drive cylinder 13 to the control unit 14, and based on this signal. The time series control of each part is performed.

Subsequently, the arm drive section 35 is driven to rotate the arm mechanism 36, and the stamper holding section 37 is moved to the second position while the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 and the stamper 7 are not held.
It is moved to the set position of and stops at that position.

Then, the drive cylinder 13 is driven again, and the movable platen 12 moves together with the movable mold 3B into the fixed mold 3.
Move to A side. Further, when moved by a predetermined amount, the engaging rod 49 is inserted into the opening 41 of the movable mold 3B, and when further moved, the tip of the engaging rod 49 becomes a female screw in the engaging hole 45 of the screw member 43. bump into. At the same time (or immediately before), the drive mechanism 44 of the ring tightening mechanism 40 rotates in the forward direction, and this rotation is transmitted to the screw member 43 via the worm gear 48 and the crown gear 46, and the screw member 43 moves in the forward direction. Is rotated. Then, this screw member 43
By the rotation of, the movable platen 12 is further moved to the fixed mold 3A side together with the movable mold 3B while the engagement rod 49 is drawn into the engagement hole 45. Then, at the final position, as shown in FIG. 6, the movable mold 3B is brought into contact with the fixed mold 3A, and the ring holder portion 17 enters the outer peripheral clamp ring 9. At the same time, movable mold 3B and fixed mold 3A
A cavity is formed between the
The rotation of the screw member 43 causes the engagement rod 49 to move the movable mold 3
The outer peripheral portion of the stamper 7 is pressed into the crimping surface 6 of the movable mold 3B by the small-diameter ring portion 9a of the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 when it is drawn into B. Further, the drive of the drive cylinder 13 is also stopped. This allows the stamper 7
Is held in a state in which the outer peripheral portion side is pressed against the crimping surface by the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 and the inner peripheral portion side is pressed against the crimping surface 6 by the inner peripheral clamp tube 22, and is held until then, and the ring groove 9b. The rod 32a of the plunger 32 that has been engaged with is disengaged. As a result, the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 is fixed to the fixed mold 3A.
From this side, the movable mold 3B is switched and fixed. FIG. 6 shows this state.

Subsequently, the drive cylinder 13 is driven again, and the movable mold 3B is moved to a position for injection molding in a direction away from the fixed mold 3A. Then, the outer peripheral clamp ring 9 moves together with the movable mold 3B while pressing the stamper 7. FIG. 7 shows this state. Until the stamper 7 needs to be replaced, the drive cylinder 13 is driven while the stamper 7 is still attached to the movable mold 3B.
The operation in which B is brought into contact with and separated from the fixed mold 3A is repeated. Also,
At the time of contact and separation, the melted polycarbonate resin is fed from the resin material supply unit 5 into the cavity formed between them to form the optical disc.

When the stamper 7 is to be replaced to manufacture an optical disk on which another information signal is recorded after the manufacture of a predetermined number of optical disks, the drive cylinder 13 is driven to move the movable mold 3B. Move the movable platen 12 until is in contact with the fixed mold 3A,
The ring holder portion 11 on the side of the fixed mold 3A is put in the outer peripheral clamp ring 9. Next, in this state, the rod 32a of the plunger 32 is engaged with the ring groove 9b and the drive mechanism 44 of the ring tightening mechanism 40 is rotated in the opposite direction, and this rotation is performed by the worm gear 4
8, transmitted to the screw member 43 via the crown gear 46,
The screw member 43 is rotated in the opposite direction. At the same time, the drive cylinder 13 is driven to move the movable platen 12
Is returned together with the movable mold 3B in a direction away from the fixed mold 3A. Then, the engagement rod 4 is rotated by the rotation of the screw member 43.
9 is pushed out from the inside of the engaging hole 45, and the ring tightening mechanism 40
While being loosened, the movable platen 2 and the movable mold 3B move in a direction away from the fixed mold 3A. In this move,
The outer peripheral clamp ring 9 is left behind on the fixed mold 3A side. Then, the movable mold 3B is larger than the position for injection molding, and is moved until a space where the stamper holding portion 37 can be arranged is secured.

Next, the arm driving section 35 is driven to rotate the arm mechanism 36, and the stamper holding section 37 is moved to the first set position.

The drive cylinder 13 is driven to move the movable platen 12 together with the movable mold 3B to the fixed mold 3A side, and the chucked part of the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is stopped at a position corresponding to the mechanical chuck part 38. . Next, the mechanical chuck part 38 chucks the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22, and the air chuck part 39 holds the stamper 7 by vacuum suction (see FIG. 8). Subsequently, the motor 27 of the drive mechanism 16 is rotated in the negative direction,
Drive force of coupling 28, shaft 26, worm gear 2
5. Rotate the rotating body 15 in the negative direction via the crown gear 19. Thereby, the male screw 34 of the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is
And the female screw 24 of the rotating body 15 is released, and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is pushed out from the recess 23. Then, the drive cylinder 13 is driven in a form interlocking with this, the movable platen 12 is also moved in the direction away from the fixed mold 3A, and the screw engagement between the male screw 34 and the female screw 24 is completely released.
Then, the stamper 7 and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 remain in the stamper holding portion 37, and the movable mold 3B and the movable platen 12 are
Only moves in a direction away from the fixed mold 3A and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 is completely pulled out from the inside of the recess 23 of the rotating body 15 and the driving of the drive cylinder 13 is stopped (see FIG. 9). .

Subsequently, the arm driving portion 35 is driven to rotate the arm mechanism 36, and the stamper holding portion 37 is moved to the second set position together with the inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22 and the stamper 7. Then, at this second set position, the vacuum suction of the air chuck portion 39 is released and replaced with the stamper 7 in which another information signal is recorded, and again carried to the first set position in the same manner. And set. If the inner clamp cylinder 22 needs to be replaced, the inner clamp cylinder 22 is replaced at the second set position.

Therefore, in the structure of this embodiment, the used stamper 7 set on the crimping surface 6 of the movable mold 3B and another stamper 7 can be automatically replaced, so that the used stamper can be replaced. The work of exchanging 7 for another stamper 7 can be exchanged without the operator's hand. As a result, the stamper 7 can be replaced smoothly without causing stains or scratches on the stamper 7, and an automatic stamper changer with high work efficiency can be realized.

[0035]

As is apparent from the above description, in the present invention, the work of exchanging a used stamper for another stamper can be automatically performed without requiring the operator's hand. As a result, the stamper can be replaced smoothly without causing stains or scratches on the stamper, and an automatic stamper changer with high work efficiency can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of an injection molding unit in an injection molding apparatus shown as an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer peripheral clamp ring used in the apparatus of the present embodiment and its peripheral structure.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a stamper and an inner peripheral clamp cylinder used in the apparatus of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a state diagram of a stamper replacement operation in the apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a state diagram of a stamper replacement operation in the apparatus of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a state diagram of a stamper replacement operation in the apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a state diagram of a stamper replacement operation in the apparatus of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a stamper replacement operation state diagram in the apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a state diagram of a stamper replacement operation in the apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an injection molding apparatus shown as an example of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an injection molding apparatus shown as an example of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an injection molding apparatus shown as an example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Injection molding part 3 Molding mold 3A Fixed mold 3B Movable mold 4 Stamper supplying / discharging means 6 Crimping surface 9 Outer peripheral clamp ring 9b, 9c Ring groove 11 Ring holder part 14 Control part 15 Rotating body 16 Driving mechanism 17 Ring holder Part 19 Crown gear 22 Inner peripheral clamp cylinder 22a Tapered surface 27 Motor 32 Plunger 33 Plunger 37 Stamper holding part 40 Ring tightening mechanism 44 Drive mechanism 49 Engaging rod

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A fixed mold, and a movable mold which is face-bonded with the fixed mold to form a disk molding cavity and has a donut-shaped disk-shaped information transfer stamper arranged on the crimping surface. A means for releasably clamping an inner peripheral portion of the stamper on the crimping surface, and a switchable arrangement between an outer peripheral side position of the movable mold and an outer peripheral side position of the fixed mold, and An outer peripheral clamp ring which is arranged at a position on the outer peripheral side of the movable mold and clamps the outer peripheral part of the stamper arranged on the crimping surface, and for a fixed mold side formed on the outer peripheral part of the outer peripheral clamp ring. An engaging portion, an engaging rod having a threaded portion on the outer periphery and formed on the outer peripheral clamp ring so as to face the movable mold, and engages and disengages with the fixed mold side engaging portion. A first ring lock means that is formed on the side of the fixed mold so that the threaded hole into which the threaded portion of the engagement rod is screwed and inserted is provided in the center; Second ring lock means formed on the movable mold side and having drive means for rotating in the direction, and means for controlling the operations of the first ring lock means and the second ring lock means. When the rotating body is rotated in the forward direction via the drive means in a state where the threaded portion of the engaging rod is screwed into the screw hole of the rotating body, the outer circumference is integrated with the rod. An automatic stamper changer characterized in that a clamp ring is pressed against the crimping surface side to clamp the stamper, and when rotated in the opposite direction, the tightening of the stamper is loosened so that the screwing can be released. 2. A groove formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral clamp ring is used as the first engaging portion, and the first ring lock means is configured to be engageable / disengageable in the groove. The stamper automatic changer according to claim 1, further comprising a rod to be withdrawn. 3. The rotary screw portion is formed in a disc shape and has a crown gear on one surface side, and the drive means is a worm gear screwed to the crown gear and the worm gear in two directions. The stamper automatic changer according to claim 1, further comprising a motor for rotating the stamper. 4. The stamper exchanging machine according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for measuring a position where the movable mold is opened and stopped for exchanging the stamper and outputting a signal. 5. A fixed mold, and a disk-shaped cavity that is face-pressed with the fixed mold to form a disk-forming cavity, has a storage recess at the center, and has a donut-shaped disk-shaped crimping surface for information transfer. A movable die in which a stamper is arranged, a clamp portion for clamping an inner peripheral portion of the stamper on the crimping surface on one end side, and a screw portion on the other end side, and the accommodating recess of the movable die. An inner peripheral clamp cylinder that can be inserted into and removed from the center, a position that can be switched between an outer peripheral side position of the movable mold and an outer peripheral side position of the fixed mold, and an outer peripheral position of the movable mold. An outer peripheral clamp ring arranged to clamp the outer peripheral portion of the stamper arranged on the crimping surface, and a fixed mold side engaging portion formed in the outer peripheral portion of the outer peripheral clamp ring, An engaging rod having a threaded portion on the circumference and formed on the outer peripheral clamp ring so as to face the movable mold, and the fixed mold that is engageable with and disengageable from the fixed mold side engaging part. A first ring lock means formed on the mold side, a rotating body having a screw hole into which a threaded portion of the engaging rod is screwed and inserted, and a rotating body for rotating the rotating body in forward and backward directions. Second ring lock means formed on the movable mold side and having drive means; stamper holding means capable of integrally holding the stamper and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder; and the stamper holding means A means for switching between a first set position within a movement locus of the movable mold and a second set position outside the movement locus, and a control means for controlling each means in time series, The threaded part of the engaging rod is When the rotating body is rotated in the forward direction via the driving means in a state of being screwed into the screw hole of the rotating body, the outer peripheral clamp ring is pressed together with the rod toward the crimping surface side and the stamper. Clamped, and when rotated in the opposite direction, the tightening of the stamper is loosened to enable the screwing to be released, and the stamper holding means is provided with the used stamper and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder at the first setting position. And a new stamper and the inner peripheral clamp cylinder can be delivered to the movable mold side, and the used stamper can be replaced with the new stamper at the second set position. Automatic stamper changer. 6. A groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral clamp ring is used as the first engaging portion, and the first ring lock means is configured to be engageable / disengageable in the groove. The stamper automatic changer according to claim 5, further comprising a rod to be withdrawn. 7. The rotary screw portion is formed in a disc shape and has a crown gear on one surface side, and the drive means is a worm gear screwed to the crown gear and the worm gear in two directions, forward and reverse. The stamper automatic changer according to claim 5, further comprising a motor for rotating the stamper. 8. The stamper exchanging machine according to claim 5, further comprising a sensor for measuring a position where the movable mold is opened and stopped for exchanging the stamper and outputting a signal. 9. A clamp for fixing a stamper to a mold is automatically released by releasing a clamp chuck of the clamp tightening mechanism with respect to the clamper before the stamper is removed, and the lamp tightening mechanism is secured after the stamper is replaced. The stamper automatic replacement method is characterized in that the clamp chuck is tightened via the clamp chuck.