Extrusion device, mold for extrusion molding, monitoring device, and program for extrusion device, method for manufacturing strand, and method for adjusting diameter of strand

Abstract

An extrusion device (100) includes a cylinder (120), a raw material supply port (121), a screw (130) built in the cylinder (120), a die (150) disposed at one end of the cylinder, and an adjustment mechanism (154). The raw material supply port (121) supplies a raw material including a resin into the cylinder (120). The screw (130) can melt the raw material by kneading. The die (150) has a plurality of through holes (152) for ejecting a strand composed of the melted resin supplied from the cylinder (120). The adjustment mechanism (154) individually adjusts an ejection amount of the strand ejected from each of the plurality of through holes (152).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to extrusion apparatus, extrusion die, monitoring device and monitoring procedure, method for manufacturing strands, and method for adjusting strand diameter, and more specifically, to a technique for uniformizing the diameter of molten resin (strands) ejected from the extrusion apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacture of thermoplastic resin molded articles, there are cases where granules formed from resin raw materials are used. As one method for molding granules, the strand cut method is known. JP Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-001649 (Patent Document 1) discloses a method for reducing the unevenness of the strand diameter in the strand cut method.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-001649 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which the diameter of the strands is uniform by making the length along the flow path different in the flow path width direction of the crown disposed between the die and the die holder in the extruder.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-001649 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the uniformity of the strand diameter is achieved by changing the shape of the flow path component through which the resin raw material passes. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for further uniformization of the strand diameter by making it possible to adjust the strand diameter even during the operation of the extrusion device.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of such a problem, and its purpose is to enable the adjustment of the strand diameter during the operation of an extrusion apparatus used for manufacturing thermoplastic resin molded articles, thereby achieving uniformity of the strand diameter.

[0009] The extrusion apparatus disclosed herein is configured to allow for individual adjustment of the amount of each strand ejected from a plurality of through holes using an adjustment mechanism.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the extrusion apparatus of this disclosure, the diameter of the strand can be adjusted during the operation of the extrusion apparatus by means of an adjustment mechanism, thereby achieving uniformity of the strand diameter. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the pellet manufacturing apparatus using the extrusion device of the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the mold of the extrusion device.

[0014] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Sectional view of line III-III in the diagram.

[0015] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view of line IV-IV in the diagram.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a monitoring device for an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a second example of the configuration of the monitoring device used to illustrate the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 7 Is Figure 6 Example of a display of a terminal device used in a monitoring system.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a monitoring program used in a monitoring device.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the automatic adjustment function of the strand diameter.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a functional block diagram of the strand diameter adjustment function in the control device.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed in the control device.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism in Modified Example 1.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism in Modified Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent reference numerals are used to label the same parts in the drawings, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0026] [Composition of a pellet manufacturing apparatus]

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of the pellet manufacturing apparatus 10 using the extrusion apparatus 100 of this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 1In addition to the extrusion unit 100, the pellet manufacturing apparatus 10 also includes a cooling tank 20 and a wire cutter 30. The pellet manufacturing apparatus 10 uses the cooling tank 20 to cool the molten resin 160 (hereinafter also referred to as "wire 160") extruded from the extrusion unit 100, and uses the wire cutter 30 to cut it to a predetermined length. Thus, pellets 50 are formed.

[0028] The extrusion apparatus 100 is a manufacturing apparatus for stranded wire 160. The extrusion apparatus 100 includes a drive unit 110, a cylinder 120, a feeder 140, and a die 150. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In the following explanation, the vertical direction will be defined as the Z-axis, the horizontal extension direction of the cylinder block 120 will be defined as the X-axis, and the direction orthogonal to the X-axis and Z-axis will be defined as the Y-axis.

[0029] The drive unit 110 is configured to include, for example, a motor and a reducer. The drive unit 110 is disposed in... Figure 1 One end of the cylinder 120 extends along the X-axis. The drive unit 110 rotates the screw 130 disposed inside the cylinder 120.

[0030] The cylinder 120 is a hollow cylindrical component that houses one or two screws 130. An inlet 121 (raw material supply port) is formed in the cylinder 120 for feeding raw material, granules supplied from the feeder 140, into the cylinder. Additionally, a heater 122 is disposed on the outer periphery of the cylinder 120 for heating the interior of the cylinder 120. The raw material fed into the cylinder 120 is melted and mixed using heat from the heater 122 and the rotation of the screws 130. Then, the molten raw material is conveyed to the end opposite the drive section 110 of the cylinder 120 by the rotation of the screws 130.

[0031] At the other end of the cylinder 120, a mold 150 is connected via a mold holder 155. For example, in Figure 2 As described later, a plurality of through holes 152 are formed in the mold 150 along the Y-axis direction. Molten resin conveyed by the screw 130 is extruded from these through holes 152 and ejected as rope-like strands 160. Figures 2-4 The composition of mold 150 is described in detail.

[0032] The strands 160 ejected from the mold 150 are guided into the coolant 21 stored in the cooling tank 20 for cooling and solidification. The cooled strands 160 are then sent to the strand cutting machine 30. In the strand cutting machine 30, the strands 160 are cut into specified lengths, thereby forming particles 50.

[0033] [Mold Composition]

[0034] Next, use Figures 2-4This section describes the detailed structure of mold 150. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the state in which the die holder 155 holds the die 150 in the extrusion apparatus 100. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view along line III-III. Additionally, Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view of line IV-IV in the diagram.

[0035] Reference Figures 2-4 The mold holder 155 has an inlet portion 156, an outlet portion 158, and a flow path portion 157 connecting the inlet portion 156 and the outlet portion 158. The inlet portion 156 is formed at the negative end of the X-axis in the mold holder 155. The inlet portion 156 is connected to the end of the cylinder body 120, and molten resin mixed and transferred by the screw 130 flows into the inlet portion 156.

[0036] An outlet 158 ​​is formed at the positive end of the X-axis in the mold holder 155. A mold 150 is connected to the outlet 158. Molten resin flowing into the inlet 156 is guided to the recess 153 of the mold 150 through the flow path 157.

[0037] Multiple through holes 152 are formed on the mold 150 along the Y-axis direction, connecting the recess 153 to the outside. Molten resin flowing into the recess 153 of the mold 150 through the mold holder 155 is extruded from the through holes 152 and sprayed out as rope-like strands 160.

[0038] Furthermore, in the mold 150 of this embodiment, an adjustment mechanism 154 is provided for each of the through holes 152 to adjust the diameter of the strand by changing the minimum cross-sectional area in the through hole 152. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In the example, the adjusting mechanism 154 is formed as a bolt component with a threaded mechanism. By manually rotating this bolt component, the amount of protrusion of the bolt component into the through hole 152 can be varied. That is, the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 152 refers to the cross-sectional area formed by the portion of the bolt component protruding into the through hole 152 and the inner surface of the through hole 152. In this way, since the amount of molten resin ejected per unit time from each through hole 152 can be adjusted using the adjusting mechanism 154, the strand diameter can be adjusted individually. Furthermore, in Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In the example, the axial portion of the bolt component corresponds to the "moving portion" in this disclosure.

[0039] Furthermore, the adjusting mechanism 154 can be any structure that includes a mechanism to change the amount of protrusion into the through hole 152, and is not limited to the bolt component described in the example above. Other examples of the adjusting mechanism 154 include, for instance, a pin, a sliding mechanism, or a cylinder. Alternatively, the adjusting mechanism 154 can be a flow regulating valve mounted in the through hole 152, or a balloon catheter, which is a mechanism that changes the flow path resistance.

[0040] In the aforementioned manufacturing process of granules using the so-called wire cutting method, if the diameters of the individual wires are uneven, the weight of each finished granule will be uneven. In the manufacturing process of thermoplastic resin molded products, if the granule weight is uneven, the metering accuracy of the resin raw material decreases, potentially hindering the operation of the injection molding machine. In the extrusion apparatus of this embodiment, by utilizing an adjustment mechanism provided in the die, the diameter of each wire can be individually adjusted as needed during the operation of the extrusion apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to achieve uniformity in the diameter of the wires ejected from the extrusion apparatus.

[0041] [Surveillance device]

[0042] Next, we will explain the monitoring device for detecting the strand diameter during the operation of the extrusion unit. By using the monitoring device to detect the strand diameter in real time during operation, for example, if the strand diameter changes due to variations in manufacturing conditions, adjustments can be made quickly, thus helping to prevent uneven strand diameter.

[0043] (Example 1: Taking pictures with a camera or webcam)

[0044] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a first example of a monitoring device applicable to the extrusion apparatus 100 in the embodiment. The monitoring device 60 in this first example includes an imaging device 200, a control device 300, and a display device 305. The imaging device 200 is, for example, a fixed CCD camera. The imaging device 200 is configured such that the strands 160 ejected from the die 150 enter the field of view. The image detected by the imaging device 200 is transmitted to the control device 300. Furthermore, the image captured by the imaging device 200 is not limited to still images, but can also be a moving image (video). Additionally, the imaging device 200 is not limited to any device capable of acquiring images; it can be, for example, an image sensor.

[0045] The control device 300 is typically a personal computer, with a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 and memory 302. The CPU 301 and memory 302 are connected to a shared bus 303. Various processing operations are performed by the CPU 301 executing programs stored in the memory 302. The control device 300 performs binarization processing on the images acquired from the imaging device 200 to calculate the diameter (width) of each strand 160. Alternatively, the control device 300 can be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a microcomputer, or a microcomputer board, etc.

[0046] The display device 305 is configured, for example, using a liquid crystal (LCD) panel or an organic EL (Electronic Luminescence) panel, to display images acquired by the imaging device 200 and the strand diameter calculated by the control device 300. Figure 5 In this example, an image of five strands 160 is displayed on the upper part of the display device 305. Additionally, the brightness difference within region 306 of the upper image is displayed graphically on the lower part of the display device 305. For example, the portion of the detected brightness difference above a threshold TH is detected as a strand, and the width of the strand 160 at the threshold TH is detected as the strand diameter. Furthermore, the deviation of the average value from each strand 160 and the overall standard deviation are numerically displayed on the display device 305. In addition to the deviation from the average value and the standard deviation, the ejection speed of each strand 160, the average and variance of the strand diameter, and a determination result indicating whether the unevenness is within a specified range can also be displayed.

[0047] Based on the deviation of the strand diameter from the average value, as well as the standard deviation or variance, displayed on the display device 305, the user judges the degree of unevenness of the strand diameter. If the degree of unevenness is large, the adjustment mechanism 154 of the mold 150 with a large deviation from the average value is adjusted to bring the unevenness of the strand diameter within a specified range.

[0048] By installing this monitoring device, users can easily detect the strand diameter during the operation of the extrusion unit, and thus, even if the unevenness of the strand diameter increases, the strand diameter can be quickly adjusted.

[0049] Furthermore, in the first example, the “shooting device 200”, “control device 300”, and “display device 305” correspond to the “shooting unit”, “detection unit”, and “output unit” in this disclosure, respectively.

[0050] (Example 2: Portable terminal)

[0051] Next, use Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The configuration of a second example of a monitoring device that can be applied to the extrusion apparatus 100 of the embodiment is described. Figure 6 The status of monitoring the strand 160 using the monitoring device 60A of Example 2 is shown. Additionally, Figure 7 This is an example of a display in the monitoring device 60A.

[0052] Reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In the second example, the monitoring device 60A is a portable terminal 250 with both shooting and display functions. The portable terminal 250 includes wearable devices such as tablets, smartphones, mobile phones, smartwatches, and smart glasses. A monitoring application is installed on the portable terminal 250. This monitoring application is executed using a CPU built into the portable terminal 250 or a CPU located in the cloud.

[0053] If the user executes the thread monitoring application on the portable terminal 250, the camera built into the portable terminal 250 will be activated. If the user configures the portable terminal 250 such that the thread 160 enters the camera's field of view, then... Figure 7 As shown, the portable terminal 250 displays the strands 160 captured by a camera on its display 251. If, in this state, the rectangular area 252 displayed on the display 251 is aligned with the image of the strands 160, the diameter of each strand 160 within the area 252 is displayed on the display 251. Furthermore, the portable terminal 250 can be configured to automatically detect molten resin 160 within the captured image, measure, and display the detected diameter of the molten resin 160.

[0054] Similar to the second example, by installing a monitoring application on a user's portable terminal, the strand diameter during operation can be detected without using a dedicated device like the one in the first example. Furthermore, by adjusting the adjustment mechanism as needed based on the detected strand diameter, the unevenness of the strand diameter can be reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, in the second example, the "camera", "CPU" and "display 251" mounted on the portable terminal 250 correspond to the "shooting unit", "detection unit" and "output unit" in this disclosure, respectively.

[0056] (Monitoring program)

[0057] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the monitoring program (application program) executed in the aforementioned monitoring devices 60, 60A. Figure 8 The flowchart shown utilizes the built-in Figure 5 The CPU 301 of the control device 300 in the middle, or Figure 6 The CPU of the portable terminal 250 is used to execute the commands.

[0058] Reference Figure 8 In step S10 (hereinafter referred to as S1), the CPU acquires an image of the extruded resin (strands) ejected from the mold 150 during the operation of the extrusion device 100, captured by an imaging device (camera). Next, in S20, the CPU processes the acquired image to calculate the strand diameter of each strand 160, and in S30, calculates a parameter (variance, standard deviation, etc.) or average value representing the unevenness of the strand diameter. Then, the CPU displays, on a display device, at least one of the strand diameters of each strand 160 or the unevenness parameter calculated in S40.

[0059] By performing this process, the user can easily detect the strand diameter and its unevenness during the operation of the extrusion unit. If the detected unevenness in the strand diameter is large, the user can adjust the adjustment mechanism 154 of the die 150 during the operation of the extrusion unit, thereby reducing the unevenness in the strand diameter and achieving uniformity in the strand diameter.

[0060] Furthermore, while the above example illustrates the process of processing images captured by an imaging device to detect the strand diameter, the strand diameter can also be detected using other methods. For instance, instead of an imaging device, non-contact sensors such as photoelectric sensors, spectrophotometers / optical interferometers, infrared thickness gauges, laser thickness gauges, ultrasonic thickness gauges, fluorescence X-ray thickness gauges, eddy current thickness gauges, electromagnetic thickness gauges, and resistive thickness gauges can be used to detect the strand diameter of each strand.

[0061] [Automatic Adjustment System]

[0062] The example above illustrates a scenario where the wire diameter is adjusted manually by the user. However, it is also possible to adjust the wire diameter by using... Figure 5 The first example shows a monitoring device that automatically adjusts the adjustment mechanism based on the detected strand diameter.

[0063] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a system with an automatic adjustment function for the diameter of the strands. Figure 9 In the system, besides Figure 5 In addition to the monitoring device 60 shown, an adjustment mechanism 154A is also provided on the mold 150. The adjustment mechanism 154A is included as part of... Figure 2 The adjustment mechanism 154 described herein includes a movable part 410 of the bolt component and a drive part (actuator) 400 for driving the movable part 410.

[0064] Mobile Unit 410 and Figure 2 Similarly, the bolt component is configured to protrude into the through hole 152 of the mold 150. The moving part 410 can be rotated like the bolt component. Figure 9 The configuration that moves in the direction of arrow AR1 can also be a configuration that moves linearly in the direction of arrow AR1, like a sliding mechanism. Alternatively, the adjusting mechanism 154 can be a valve installed at the outlet of the through hole 152 and capable of adjusting the amount of molten resin ejected by adjusting the opening degree.

[0065] The drive unit 400 is a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator, and may be constructed using a cylinder, motor, or ball screw, for example. The drive unit 400 drives the moving unit 410 based on signals from the control device 300.

[0066] Next, use Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 Explain the automatic adjustment function in the control device 300. Figure 10 This is a functional block diagram of the strand diameter adjustment function in the control device 300. (Refer to...) Figure 10 The control device 300 includes an image acquisition unit 310, an image processing unit 320, a strand diameter calculation unit 330, an unevenness determination unit 340, and a drive control unit 350.

[0067] The image acquisition unit 310 receives image data captured by the imaging device 200. The image processing unit 320 processes the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 310 to determine the strands 160 within the image data. The strand diameter calculation unit 330 calculates the strand diameter of each strand 160 from the image of the determined strands.

[0068] The unevenness determination unit 340 uses the calculated strand diameter data to perform calculations on the average value of the strand diameter or parameters representing unevenness (variance, standard deviation, etc.) to determine whether unevenness exists, and outputs the determination result to the drive control unit 350. The drive control unit 350 generates a drive control signal corresponding to each strand 160 based on the determination result from the unevenness determination unit 340, and controls the drive unit 400 according to the drive signal.

[0069] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the CPU 301 in the control device 300. Figure 11The flowchart shown executes a main routine that is not illustrated, under specified conditions. For example, the process can be executed at the start of the working time, or periodically at specified intervals. Alternatively, the process can be executed continuously during the operation of the extrusion unit 100, or only when an instruction is received from the user. Moreover, it can be executed in accordance with the device state, such as when the system starts up or when the device is ready to operate.

[0070] Reference Figure 11 CPU301 in S100 utilizes Figure 5 As explained, the image of the strands 160 ejected from the mold 150 is acquired by the imaging device 200. Furthermore, in S110, the CPU 301 processes the image acquired from the imaging device 200 and detects the strands 160 within the image data.

[0071] Next, the CPU301 calculates the diameter of each detected strand 160 (S120) and calculates parameters (variance, standard deviation, etc.) representing the non-uniformity of the calculated strand diameter (S130).

[0072] In S140, CPU301 determines whether the obtained standard deviation is greater than the specified threshold α. If the standard deviation is below the specified threshold α, that is, if the unevenness of the strand diameter is small (determined as no in S140), the subsequent steps S150 and S160 are skipped, and the process returns to the main program.

[0073] On the other hand, if the standard deviation exceeds the predetermined threshold α, that is, if the unevenness of the strand diameter is large (determined as such in S140), the process proceeds to S150, where the CPU 301 calculates the driving amount of the drive unit 400 corresponding to the through hole 152 with a large deviation from the average value. Subsequently, in S160, the CPU 301 drives the drive unit 400 by outputting a control command to the target drive unit, thereby adjusting the diameter of the strand ejected from the through hole 152 to be close to the average value.

[0074] Specifically, when the strand diameter is larger than average, the CPU 301 drives the drive unit 400 to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding through hole 152 in the mold 150. Conversely, when the strand diameter is smaller than average, the CPU 301 drives the drive unit 400 to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding through hole 152. In this way, in Figure 9 In the system shown, the stroke of the moving part 410 is adjusted by driving the drive part 400 based on image data of the strand 160 ejected from the mold 150, thereby reducing the unevenness of the strand diameter.

[0075] [Modifications of the regulating mechanism]

[0076] In the above embodiments, an example of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the strand diameter by changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole in the mold is described. In the following variations, examples of adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the strand diameter using a different method are described.

[0077] (Variation 1: Temperature Control)

[0078] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism 154A in Modified Example 1. In Modified Example 1, the configuration for adjusting the diameter of the strand 160 ejected from the mold 150 is explained.

[0079] Reference Figure 12 The regulating mechanism 154A of Modified Example 1 includes a blower 450 and / or a heater 460. The blower 450 and the heater 460 are configured for each through hole 152.

[0080] The blower 450 is controlled by a control signal from the control device 300, and regulates the temperature of the jet 160 by blowing hot or cold air relative to it. The blower 450 can be configured to switch between hot and cold air, or it can be configured to use only one of the two.

[0081] The heater 460 is installed, for example, at the nozzle portion of the through hole 152. The heater 460 is controlled by a control signal from the control device 300 to heat the ejected strand 160.

[0082] If the strand 160 is heated and its temperature increases, it softens, and thus the diameter of the strand is reduced by the winding effect of the strand cutter 30. Conversely, if the strand 160 is cooled, it hardens, and thus the diameter of the strand increases.

[0083] Furthermore, the heating / cooling mechanism of the wire 160 is not limited to Figure 12 The configuration shown, placed outside the nozzle, can be configured to heat or cool the main body of the mold 150 by being placed inside the mold 150. In this case, by locally heating or cooling the mold 150, the flow state (flow velocity, etc.) of the strands 160 inside the mold 150 is locally changed, thereby changing the diameter of the strands ejected from the desired through-hole.

[0084] Therefore, when the detected unevenness of the strand diameter is large, the strand is heated / cooled by a blower 450 and / or a heater 460 using control commands from the control device 300, thereby reducing the unevenness of the strand diameter.

[0085] In Modification 1, the "blower 450" and "heater 460" correspond to the "temperature control unit" in this disclosure.

[0086] (Variation Example 2: Tension Control)

[0087] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism 154B in Modified Example 2. In Modified Example 2, the configuration for adjusting the diameter of the strand 160 ejected from the mold 150 is explained.

[0088] Reference Figure 13 The adjusting mechanism 154B of variant example 2 includes a tensioner 470 for changing the tension applied to the strands 160 ejected from the mold 150. Figure 13 In the example shown, a tensioner 470 is configured for both ends of the strand 160 in the Y-axis direction among a plurality of strands 160 arranged along the Y-axis, but a configuration in which a tensioner 470 is provided for each strand 160 can be adopted.

[0089] Tensioner 470 is formed, for example, using a rod-shaped component capable of moving along the Y-axis. By moving tensioner 470 outward, the tension of strand 160 can be increased. Furthermore, the direction in which tension is applied using tensioner 470 does not have to be the Y-axis direction; for example, the strand 160 can be moved in the Z-axis direction to increase tension. Alternatively, tensioner 470 can be applied relative to all strands 160.

[0090] If the tension applied to the strand 160 is increased, the strand diameter decreases due to volume change. Typically, the molten resin ejected from the mold 150 has a parabolic velocity distribution with its apex at the center of the mold 150 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the molten resin is less likely to eject from the through-holes near the ends of the mold 150 in the Y-axis direction compared to the through-holes at the center. To eliminate this, a countermeasure is sometimes adopted that changes the flow path shape inside the mold 150 to facilitate the flow of molten resin towards the end side in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the strand diameter at the ends is more easily increased compared to the center in the Y-axis direction; therefore, by arranging the tensioner 470 at the end side in the Y-axis direction, the unevenness of the strand diameter can be reduced.

[0091] On the other hand, without changing the internal flow path shape of the mold 150, as described above, there is a tendency for the ejection volume in the central part to be greater and the strand diameter to be larger compared to the ends in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, by placing the tensioner 470 in the central part to increase the tension on the strands in the central part, the unevenness of the strand diameter can be reduced.

[0092] The “tensioner 470” in Modification 2 corresponds to the “tension adjustment unit” in this disclosure.

[0093] In addition, Figure 2 or Figure 5 Regarding the adjustment mechanism that changes the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 152 of the mold 150 and the adjustment mechanism that changes the temperature in Modified Example 1, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the adjustment mechanism is configured only in a portion of the through holes 152, rather than in relation to all strands.

[0094] As explained above, by incorporating an adjustment mechanism in the extrusion unit that allows for individual adjustment of the strand diameter ejected from the die, the strand diameter can be adjusted even during the operation of the extrusion unit. This enables the uniformity of the strand diameter. Furthermore, by installing a monitoring device using an imaging device or a displacement sensor, the strand diameter can be detected in real time during the operation of the extrusion unit. This allows for rapid adjustment even if the strand diameter changes during operation. Moreover, by employing an automatic control mechanism that uses strand diameter data detected by the monitoring device, the need for user-based adjustments is eliminated, further reducing the unevenness of the strand diameter.

[0095] The embodiments disclosed herein should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not as limiting.

[0096] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0097] 10 Particle manufacturing apparatus, 20 Cooling tank, 21 Coolant, 30 Wire cutting machine, 50 Particles, 60, 60A Monitoring device, 100 Extrusion unit, 110, 400 Drive unit, 120 Cylinder, 121 Inlet, 122, 460 Heater, 130 Screw, 140 Feeder, 150 Die, 152 Through hole, 153 Recess, 154, 154A, 154B Adjustment mechanism, 155 Die holder, 156 Inlet, 157 Flow path section, 158 outflow section, 160 strands, 200 imaging device, 250 portable terminal, 251 display, 252, 306, 307 areas, 300 control device, 301 CPU, 302 memory, 303 bus, 305 display device, 310 image acquisition section, 320 image processing section, 330 strand diameter calculation section, 340 unevenness determination section, 350 drive control section, 410 moving section, 450 blower, 470 tensioner.

Claims

1. An extrusion apparatus, characterized in that, have: Cylinder block; A raw material supply port is used to supply raw materials, including resin, into the cylinder. The screw, which is built into the cylinder, is capable of melting the raw materials through mixing; A mold, disposed at one end of the cylinder, has a plurality of through holes for ejecting strands of molten resin supplied from the cylinder; A monitoring device detects the diameter of the strand of the thread ejected from each of the plurality of through holes in the mold; as well as An adjustment mechanism that individually adjusts the ejection amount of each strand ejected from the plurality of through holes based on the strand diameter detected by the monitoring device. The adjustment mechanism includes a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the strand ejected from each of the plurality of through holes.

2. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism further includes a movable part disposed relative to each of the plurality of through holes and configured to protrude into the corresponding through hole. The cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole is adjusted by changing the amount of the protrusion of the moving part toward the corresponding through hole, thereby adjusting the amount of thread ejected from the through hole per unit time.

3. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving part includes a threaded mechanism that changes the amount of protrusion of the moving part toward the corresponding through hole by rotating the moving part.

4. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism also includes a drive unit for driving the moving part.

5. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive unit can be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric.

6. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism also includes a drive unit for driving the moving part.

7. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive unit can be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric.

8. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism also includes a tension adjustment section for adjusting the tension acting on the strands ejected from each through hole.

9. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control device that controls the adjustment mechanism based on the strand diameter detected by the monitoring device.

10. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control device controls the adjustment mechanism to reduce the detected unevenness of the strand diameter.

11. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The control device calculates the average value of the detected strand diameters. The control device controls the adjustment mechanism so that the difference between the diameter of each strand and the average value is within a specified range.

12. The extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring device includes: The imaging unit acquires images of the jets ejected from the plurality of through holes; The detection unit, based on the image acquired by the imaging unit, detects the diameter of the strands ejected from each through-hole; and The output section outputs the detected diameter of the strand.

13. A die for extrusion molding, characterized in that, have: The main body has an inlet for supplying the mixed molten resin, a plurality of through holes for ejecting strands of the supplied molten resin, and a flow path extending in the flow path direction from the inlet to the plurality of through holes. as well as An adjustment mechanism is provided that can individually adjust the ejection amount of each strand ejected from the plurality of through holes based on the strand diameter detected by a monitoring device that detects the strand diameter of each strand ejected from each of the plurality of through holes. The adjustment mechanism includes a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the strand ejected from each of the plurality of through holes.

14. A program product comprising a program, characterized in that, The program is used to cause the control device of the monitoring device of the extrusion apparatus of claim 9 to perform the following steps. The monitoring device includes a camera and a display device. The procedure includes: The step of using the imaging device to acquire images of the strands ejected from the plurality of through holes; The step of detecting the diameter of the strands ejected from each through-hole based on the images acquired by the imaging device; and The step of displaying the detected strand diameter on the display device.

15. A method for manufacturing stranded wire, characterized in that, The strands are formed from molten resin. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: (a) The step of supplying raw materials, including resin, into the cylinder; (b) The step of mixing and melting the raw materials using a screw built into the cylinder; (c) After step (b), a step of ejecting multiple strands of molten resin from multiple through holes in a mold disposed at one end of the cylinder body; (d) The step of measuring the diameter of the plurality of strands of wire ejected from the plurality of through holes in the mold by means of a monitoring device after step (c); and (e) The step of adjusting the amount of strand ejected from at least one of the plurality of through holes by adjusting the temperature of the strand ejected from each of the plurality of through holes according to the diameter of the plurality of strands measured by the monitoring device.

16. A method for adjusting the diameter of a strand, characterized in that, The strands are formed from molten resin. The method includes the following steps: (a) The step of measuring the diameter of multiple strands of wire ejected from multiple through holes formed in the die of the extrusion apparatus by means of a monitoring device; and (b) The step of adjusting the amount of strand ejected from at least one of the plurality of through holes by adjusting the temperature of the strand ejected from each of the plurality of through holes according to the diameter of the plurality of strands measured by the monitoring device.

Images