relay box

Abstract

A relay box capable of reducing the risk of disconnection of a sensor cable of a relay connection is provided. The relay box, which relays a sensor cable connected at one end to a sensor provided on a mold and a relay cable connected at one end to an amplifier provided outside the mold, has a first connector connected to the other end of the relay cable, a second connector connected to the other end of the sensor cable, a relay portion electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector, and a detachable member detachable with respect to the relay portion, and is installed on the mold in such a manner that the second connector is not exposed from the mold when the detachable member is detached from the relay portion, and is installed on the mold in such a manner that the second connector is not exposed from the detachable member when the detachable member is installed on the relay portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a relay box. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, in Patent Literature 1, a relay member is disclosed, which relays a sensor cable and a relay cable, one end of the sensor cable being connected to a sensor of pressure or the like which is detachably provided in a die of an injection molding machine, one end of the relay cable being connected to an information processing device which processes a detection signal from the sensor.

[0003]

Prior Art Documents

[0004]

Patent Literature

[0005]

Patent Literature 1

[0006]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the relay member of Patent Literature 1, a part of the sensor cable which is relayed by the relay member is exposed from the die to the outside, and the exposed part is caught on the injection molding machine or an operator or the like, so there is a risk that the sensor cable will be broken.

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a relay box which can reduce the risk that a sensor cable relayed will be broken.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The present relay box, which relays a sensor cable connected at one end to a sensor provided on a die and a relay cable connected at one end to an amplifier provided outside the die, has a first connector connected to the other end of the relay cable, a second connector connected to the other end of the sensor cable, a relay portion electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector, and a detachable member which can be detached with respect to the relay portion, and in a case where the detachable member is detached from the relay portion, is mounted on the die in a manner that the second connector is not exposed from the die, and in a case where the detachable member is mounted on the relay portion, is mounted on the die in a manner that the second connector is not exposed from the detachable member.

[0011]

Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present application, a relay box which can reduce the risk that a sensor cable relayed will be broken can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1is a diagram showing an example of exposure of a sensor cable in a relay member according to a comparative example.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram of an injection molding machine in which a relay box embedding mold according to an embodiment is embedded.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram of an injection molding machine on which a relay box outer package according to an embodiment is mounted.

[0016] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a mold in an injection molding machine.

[0017] Figure 5 is a front view of a state in which a disassembling member of a relay box according to an embodiment is not attached.

[0018] Figure 6 is a plan view of a state in which a disassembling member of a relay box according to an embodiment is not attached.

[0019] Figure 7 is a side view of a state in which a disassembling member of a relay box according to an embodiment is not attached.

[0020] Figure 8 is a front view of a relay box from which a protection member is detached.

[0021] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of embedding of a relay box according to an embodiment into a mold.

[0022] Figure 10 is a front view of a state in which a disassembling member of a relay box according to an embodiment is attached.

[0023] Figure 11 is a plan view of a state in which a disassembling member of a relay box according to an embodiment is attached.

[0024] Figure 12 is a side view of a state in which a disassembling member of a relay box according to an embodiment is attached.

[0025] Figure 13 is a back view of a state in which a disassembling member of a relay box according to an embodiment is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be appropriately omitted.

[0027] The following embodiment examples illustrate a relay box for embodying the technical idea of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application to the following embodiment. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangement, and the like of the constituent components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present application to the following, but are for illustration. In addition, the size or positional relationship of the components shown in the drawings is exaggerated in order to make the description clear.

[0028] The relay box according to the embodiment is a box-shaped electrical wiring member that relays a sensor cable having one end connected to a sensor provided on a mold and a relay cable having one end connected to an amplifier provided outside the mold.

[0029] Such a relay box or the like, when installed on a mold, has a part of the sensor cable relayed by the member exposed to the outside of the mold, and the exposed part can get caught on an injection molding machine or a worker or the like, which can cause the sensor cable to break. In addition, the term "exposed" means that the sensor cable is exposed in a state in which it can get caught on an external element such as an injection molding machine or a worker. Furthermore, the term "not exposed" means that the sensor cable is not exposed.

[0030] Figure 1 is a view illustrating a state in which the relay member 100X according to the comparative example is installed on a mold. As shown in Figure 1 the relay member 100X is installed on the upper surface of the mold 50X in the vertical direction. One end of the sensor cable CX is connected to a sensor provided on the mold 50X, and the other end is connected to the relay member 100X. A part of the sensor cable CX is exposed to the outside of the mold 50X. This exposed part can get caught on an injection molding machine or a worker or the like when the mold is removed from or attached to the injection molding machine.

[0031] The relay box 100 according to the embodiment has a first connector connected to the other end of the relay cable, a second connector connected to the other end of the sensor cable, a relay portion electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector, and a removable member that can be removed from the relay portion. In addition, the relay box 100 is installed on a mold in such a manner that the second connector is not exposed (not exposed) from the mold when the removable member is removed from the relay portion, and is installed on the mold in such a manner that the second connector is not exposed from the removable member when the removable member is installed on the relay portion.

[0032] For example, in a case where the mold is larger than the relay box 100 and the relay box 100 is embedded in the mold, the relay box 100 is embedded in the mold in a state where the dismounting member is detached from the relay portion, in a manner that the second connector does not protrude from the mold. On the other hand, in a case where the mold is smaller than the relay box 100 and the relay box 100 cannot be embedded in the mold, the relay box 100 is externally connected to the mold in a state where the dismounting member is attached to the relay portion, in a manner that the second connector does not protrude from the dismounting member.

[0033] According to this structure, even in a case where the relay box 100 is attached to any mold, since the second connector is not protruding, it is possible to connect the sensor cable to the second connector without the sensor cable being exposed, and the relay box 100 can reduce the risk of the sensor cable being broken.

[0034] Hereinafter, the relay box 100 will be described in detail. In the drawings shown below, although the directions are sometimes indicated by the X axis and the Y axis, the X direction along the X axis indicates the direction of movement of the movable side mold included in the mold, and the Y direction along the Y axis indicates the vertical direction.

[0035] In addition, the direction in which the arrow points in the X direction is marked as the +X direction, the opposite direction of the +X direction is marked as the -X direction, the direction in which the arrow points in the Y direction is marked as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction of the +Y direction is marked as the -Y direction. However, these do not limit the orientation of the relay box when it is used, and the orientation of the relay box is arbitrary.

[0036] (Configuration of injection molding machine)

[0037] Figure 2 is a side view of an injection molding machine in which the relay box 100 according to the embodiment is embedded in the mold. The injection molding machine 1 has an injection unit 30 supported in a state of being placed on a base 10, a mold 50 detachably provided on the injection molding machine 1, and a mold clamping unit 80. A pressure detection device 20 having force sensors S1 to S4 (see Figure 4 ) and an amplifier 90 is connected to the injection molding machine 1 through the relay box 100. The relay box 100 is embedded in a movable side mold 58 that is a part of the mold 50 in a state where an exterior cover that is an example of a dismounting member is detached.

[0038] The injection unit 30 has a drive portion 31 using a hydraulic motor, a hopper 32, a cylinder 33, and the like. The injection unit 30 heats the material supplied from the hopper 32 by the cylinder 33, and drives the cylinder 33 by the drive portion 31 to inject the material from a nozzle at the front end of the cylinder 33 into a cavity CT (see Figure 4) and fills the heated material (hereinafter also referred to as "heated material"). In addition, the use of a hydraulic motor in the injection unit 30 is an example, and an electric motor can be used instead of the hydraulic motor. In this case, the following description applies equally.

[0039] The mold 50 discharges the heated material injected from the cylinder 33 of the injection unit 30 after the heated material is molded in the cavity CT.

[0040] The mold clamping unit 80 is a mechanism portion such as a toggle type or a straight type that applies a pressure for opening and closing the mold 50 or maintaining the mold 50 in a closed state against a pressure of the heated material filled in the cavity CT.

[0041] In the pressure detecting device 20, the amplifier 90 (amplifier) is connected to the load cells S1 to S4 via the relay cable 90a, the relay box 100, and the sensor cables C1 to C4 to receive detection signals obtained by the load cells S1 to S4. The sensor cables C1 to C4 are not exposed to the outside because they are connected to the relay box 100 embedded in the movable side mold 58 inside the movable side mold 58.

[0042] In addition, the amplifier 90 is also connected to the personal computer 99 (information processing device). The amplifier 90 is disposed inside or outside the base 10 in consideration of the connectivity with the load cells S1 to S4 using the sensor cables C1 to C4.

[0043] The amplifier 90 amplifies the detection signals obtained by the load cells S1 to S4 input through the sensor cables C1 to C4, the relay box 100, and the relay cable 90a, and outputs the amplified signals to the personal computer 99.

[0044] The personal computer 99 performs a prescribed process based on the internal pressure information of the cavity CT obtained from the amplified signals obtained by the amplifier 90. In the prescribed process, there are included a process of determining whether an abnormality in the internal pressure of the cavity CT has occurred, a process of controlling the internal pressure of the cavity CT according to the determination result, and the like. In addition, the amplifier 90 can also have at least a part of the processing functions implemented by the personal computer 99. In addition, the connection between the amplifier 90 and the personal computer 99 is not limited to wired connection, and can be wirelessly connected by a method such as close proximity wireless communication.

[0045] Here, if the relay box 100 is embedded in the mold, it is possible to ensure a state in which the sensor cables C1 to C4 are not exposed, and it is possible to reduce the protruding portions in the mold, simplify the structure of the mold, and therefore it is preferable that the relay box 100 be embedded in the mold as much as possible.

[0046] However, if the space in which the relay box 100 is to be embedded is limited in a small mold or the like for a small product, the relay box 100 cannot be embedded in the mold in some cases. In this case, the relay box 100 is externally attached to the mold 50 in a state in which the external cover is attached. Figure 3 is a side view of an injection molding machine in which the relay box 100 is externally attached to the mold 50. In addition, the structure of the injection molding machine 1 is the same as that shown in Figure 2 .

[0047] As shown in Figure 3 , the relay box 100 is externally attached to the upper surface of the movable side mold 58 in a state in which the external cover 150 is attached. The sensor cables C1 to C4 are connected to the relay box 100 on the inner side of the external cover 150. Therefore, even in this structure, the sensor cables C1 to C4 are not exposed to the outside.

[0048] (Structure of mold)

[0049] Figure 4 is a view illustrating the structure of the mold 50 in the injection molding machine 1, and is a sectional view of the mold 50 cut by a plane (XY plane) including the central axis of the movable side mold 58 in Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0050] As shown in Figure 4 , the mold 50 has a fixed side mounting plate 52, a fixed side mold 53, a movable side mounting plate 54, a spacer block 55, and a movable side mold 58. The fixed side mold 53 is attached to the fixed side mounting plate 52, and the movable side mold 58 is attached to the movable side mounting plate 54 via the spacer block 55.

[0051] On the fixed side mold 53, a curved recess 53a for forming a cavity CT is formed between the movable side mold 58, and a guide hole 53b is formed. On the movable side mold 58, a protrusion 58a for forming the cavity CT is formed between the fixed side mold 53, and a guide pin 58b is provided at a position of the fixed side mold 53 opposite the guide hole 53b.

[0052] At a position that is a central portion of the movable side mold 58 and becomes the center of the cavity CT, a ejector pin 59 is supported so as to be movable in the length direction in a state of penetrating the center of the protrusion 58a.

[0053] The front end portion of the ejector pin 59 abuts against a product 65 shaped in correspondence with the shape of the cavity CT, thereby ejecting the product 65. The rear end portion of the ejector pin 59 is integrally attached to an ejector plate 57.

[0054] On the mold 50, a plurality of cavities CT are formed between the fixed-side mold 53 and the movable-side mold 58, and force sensors S1 to S4 are respectively integrally installed on the end faces of the rear end portions of the ejector rods 59 corresponding to the respective cavities CT. That is, the force sensors S1 to S4 correspond to each of the four cavities CT.

[0055] The force sensors S1 to S4 detect a load acting on each of the force sensors S1 to S4 via the ejector rods 59 in accordance with the internal pressure of the cavities CT. The force sensors S1 to S4 output the detection signals to the amplifier 90 via the sensor cables C1 to C4, the relay box 100, and the relay cable 90a.

[0056] The pressure detection device 20 detects the internal pressure of the cavities CT by converting the detection signals obtained by the force sensors S1 to S4 into pressure information by the personal computer 99. The internal pressure of the cavities CT is, for example, the filling pressure of the heated material filled into the cavities CT by the injection unit 30.

[0057] On the ejector plate 57, the ejector rods 56 are installed on the movable-side mounting plate 54 side, and the return pins 60 are installed on the movable-side mold 58 side. The ejector rods 56 are installed on the ejector plate 57 in a state of penetrating the movable-side mounting plate 54. The return pins 60 have springs installed thereon for returning the ejector plate 57 to the original position.

[0058] The clamping unit 80 (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) has a hydraulic cylinder inside a frame thereof, and has four tie rods 81 that link the four corners of the frame and the four corners of the fixed-side mounting plate 52 and the movable-side mounting plate 54. The ejector rods 56 of the mold 50 are connected to the hydraulic cylinder of the clamping unit 80.

[0059] Structure of the relay box 100

[0060] ((State in which the exterior cover 150 is removed))

[0061] Figures 5 to 8 is a view of the relay box 100 with the exterior cover 150 removed. Figure 5 is a front view of the relay box 100 viewed from the +X direction, Figure 6 is a plan view of the relay box 100 viewed from the +Y direction, Figure 7 is a side view of the relay box 100 viewed from the orthogonal direction of the X direction and the Y direction, Figure 8 is a front view of the relay box 100 in a state in which the protection member is removed.

[0062] As shown in Figures 5 to 8 , the relay box 100 has a box-side D-sub connector 110, box-side round connectors M1 to M4, a relay portion 120, and a protection member 130.

[0063] The enclosure-side Dsub connector 110 is an example of the first connector that connects to the other end of the relay cable 90a. One end of the relay cable 90a is connected to an amplifier 90 located outside the mold 50.

[0064] The enclosure-side Dsub connector 110 is connected to the relay cable 90a by inserting the male cable-side Dsub connector at the other end of the relay cable 90a into the female enclosure-side Dsub connector 110. However, the cable-side Dsub connector can also be female, and the enclosure-side Dsub connector 110 can be male. Furthermore, the first connector is not limited to a Dsub connector; connectors of various shapes can be used. However, since the area around the mold 50 is at a high temperature, a Dsub connector is more suitable from a heat resistance perspective.

[0065] Each of the circular connectors M1 to M4 on the box side is an example of a second connector, which is connected in pairs to the other end of each of the sensor cables C1 to C4. One end of each of the sensor cables C1 to C4 is connected to the force sensors S1 to S4 mounted on the mold 50.

[0066] By inserting the male cable-side circular connector at the other end of the sensor cables C1 to C4 into the female enclosure-side circular connectors M1 to M4, the enclosure-side circular connectors M1 to M4 are connected to the sensor cables C1 to C4. However, the cable-side circular connector can also be a female connector, and the enclosure-side circular connectors M1 to M4 can be male connectors. Furthermore, the second connector is not limited to a circular connector; connectors of various shapes can be used. However, as mentioned above, since the area around the mold 50 becomes hot, a connector with high heat resistance is preferred.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown, the relay unit 120 includes an upper panel 121, a lower panel 122, upper screws 123a and 123b, lower screws 124a and 124b, spacer sleeves 125a and 125b, support members 127a and 127b, and a connecting cable 128. The relay unit 120 is a structure that electrically connects the enclosure-side Dsub connector 110 and the enclosure-side circular connectors M1 to M4 respectively.

[0068] Each support component 127a and 127b has internal threads at both ends. The upper panel 121 is opposite to one end of the support components 127a and 127b and is fixed to the support components 127a and 127b by upper screws 123a and 123b. The lower panel 122 is opposite to the other end of the support components 127a and 127b and is fixed to the support components 127a and 127b by lower screws 124a and 124b.

[0069] On the top plate 121, a box-side Dsub connector 110 is provided on the side opposite to the side facing the support members 127a and 127b. Additionally, mounting holes 126a and 126b, serving as through holes, are formed on the top plate 121 (see reference). Figure 6 On the lower plate 122, the box-side circular connectors M1 to M4 are disposed on the side opposite to the side facing the support members 127a and 127b.

[0070] Spacer sleeves 125a and 125b are provided to prevent the cable-side Dsub connector connected to the enclosure-side Dsub connector 110 from detaching. Each of spacer sleeves 125a and 125b has an internal thread formed at its end. The external thread is secured to the spacer sleeves 125a and 125b by the cable-side Dsub connector connected to the enclosure-side Dsub connector 110. This allows for a more secure connection between the cable-side Dsub connector and the enclosure-side Dsub connector 110.

[0071] The connecting cable 128 includes multiple wiring cables that connect in pairs to multiple signal pins in the enclosure-side Dsub connector 110 and multiple signal pins in the enclosure-side circular connectors M1 to M4. The enclosure-side Dsub connector 110 and the enclosure-side circular connectors M1 to M4 are electrically connected via the connecting cable 128.

[0072] In this embodiment, the enclosure-side Dsub connector 110 has 16 signal pins. Additionally, each of the enclosure-side circular connectors M1 to M4 has 4 signal pins, and the entire set of enclosure-side circular connectors M1 to M4 has 16 signal pins. However, the number of signal pins is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the type and specifications of the sensor.

[0073] The protective component 130 is made of a metal plate or a metal material such as aluminum, and is disposed between the upper panel 121 and the lower panel 122, covering the periphery of the repeater 120. The protective component 130 is a component that protects the repeater 120, and in particular prevents breakage of the connecting cable 128.

[0074] Figure 9 This is an example of a relay box 100 with its outer cover 150 removed being embedded in the mold 50.

[0075] like Figure 9 As shown, an insert hole 581 and a countersunk hole 582 are formed on the movable side mold 58 of the mold 50. The countersunk hole 582 is formed near the entrance of the insert hole 581 around the insert hole 581, and has multiple internal threads at the bottom to correspond to the mounting holes 126a and 126b in the relay box 100.

[0076] The relay box 100 is fixed to the movable side mold 58 by fastening the fixing screws 140a and 140b to the internal threads at the bottoms of the counterbores 582 via the mounting holes 126a and 126b in a state of being inserted into the insertion hole 581.

[0077] In other words, in a case where the exterior cover 150 is detached from the relay portion 120, the relay box 100 is mounted to the mold 50 via the relay portion 120. In addition, the mounting holes 126a and 126b in the relay portion 120 are used to mount the relay box 100 to the mold 50 in a case where the exterior cover 150 is detached from the relay portion 120.

[0078] A space for arranging the sensor cables C1 to C4 is provided below (-Y direction side) of the relay box 100 inserted into the insertion hole 581. In this space, the cable side D-sub connectors N1 to N4 are connected to the box side D-sub connectors M1 to M4 in pairs.

[0079] The sensor cables C1 to C4 are connected to each of the cable side D-sub connectors N1 to N4 in pairs. A plurality of through holes 583 are formed in the bottom of the insertion hole 581 corresponding to the sensor cables C1 to C4. The sensor cables C1 to C4 are connected to the load cell sensors S1 to S4 via the through holes 583. The labels T1 to T4 are plates that display information of the type, attribute, and the like of each of the sensor cables C1 to C4.

[0080] The sensor cables C1 to C4 have a length sufficient to accommodate mounting to various molds, and Figure 9 In the example shown, the excess portions of the sensor cables C1 to C4 are tied in a ring shape. The insertion hole 581 is formed to a size capable of accommodating the labels T1 to T4 or the sensor cables C1 to C4 tied in a ring shape, and the like.

[0081] In the relay box 100, in a case where the exterior cover 150 is detached, the box side D-sub connectors 110 become a state of being exposed from the mold 50. On the other hand, the box side D-sub connectors M1 to M4 are accommodated within the insertion hole 581, and thus become a state of not being exposed from the mold 50. The sensor cables C1 to C4 connected to the box side D-sub connectors M1 to M4 are also accommodated within the insertion hole 581, and thus become a state of not being exposed from the mold 50.

[0082] ((State of mounting the exterior cover 150)

[0083] Figures 10 to 13 is a drawing illustrating the relay box 100 with the exterior cover 150 mounted. Figure 10 is a front view of the relay box 100 viewed from the +X direction, Figure 11 is a plan view of the relay box 100 viewed from the +Y direction, Figure 12is a side view of the relay case 100 viewed from the orthogonal direction of the X direction and the Y direction, Figure 13 is a back view of the relay case 100 viewed from the -X direction.

[0084] As shown in Figures 10 to 13 , the relay case 100 has an outer cover 150.

[0085] The outer cover 150 is an example of a detachable member that is detachable with respect to the relay portion 120, and is a case-shaped member that is open on the -X direction side and the -Y direction side. However, the -X direction side can not necessarily be open. The outer cover 150 is composed of a metal material such as a metal plate or aluminum.

[0086] On the upper surface (+Y direction side surface) of the outer cover 150, through holes are formed at positions corresponding to the mounting holes 126a and 126b of the relay case 100, respectively. Upper cover screws 151a and 151b are inserted from the upper surface side so as to pass through the through holes and the mounting holes 126a and 126b, and the upper cover screws 151a and 151b are fastened with pairs of upper nuts 155a and 155b, respectively, whereby the outer cover 150 is mounted on the relay portion 120. In addition, by detaching the upper cover screws 151a and 151b, the outer cover 150 is detached from the relay portion 120.

[0087] On both side surfaces of the outer cover 150, side plates 156a and 156b are provided, respectively. Transverse screws 152a and 152b are inserted so as to pass through the outer cover 150 and through holes formed on each of the side plates 156a and 156b. The transverse screws 152a and 152b are fastened with pairs of transverse nuts 157a and 157b, respectively, whereby the side plates 156a and 156b are mounted on the outer cover 150.

[0088] On the bottom of the outer cover 150, bottom plates 153a and 153b are formed. On each of the bottom plates 153a and 153b, cover mounting holes 154a and 154b (see Figure 11 ) serving as through holes are formed. The relay case 100 on which the outer cover 150 is mounted is mounted on the upper surface 584 of the movable side mold 58 via the cover mounting holes 154a and 154b.

[0089] In other words, when the outer cover 150 is mounted on the relay portion 120, the relay case 100 is mounted on the mold 50 via the outer cover 150. In addition, the mounting holes 126a and 126b in the relay portion 120 serve to mount the outer cover 150 on the relay portion 120 in the case where the outer cover 150 is mounted on the relay portion 120.

[0090] In the relay box 100, in a case where the outer cover 150 is attached, the box side Dsub connector 110 becomes a state of being exposed from the outer cover 150. On the other hand, the box side round connectors M1 to M4 become a state of not being exposed from the outer cover 150 since they are housed in the outer cover 150. The sensor cables C1 to C4 connected to the box side round connectors M1 to M4 also become a state of not being exposed from the outer cover 150 since they are housed in the outer cover 150.

[0091] (Action effects of the relay box 100)

[0092] As explained above, the relay box 100 includes the box side Dsub connector 110 (the 1st connector) connected to the other end of the relay cable 90a and the box side round connectors M1 to M4 (the 2nd connector) connected to the other ends of the sensor cables C1 to C4. The relay box 100 has the relay part 120 electrically connecting the box side Dsub connector 110 and the box side round connectors M1 to M4 and the outer cover 150 (the detachable member) detachable with respect to the relay part 120.

[0093] In a case where the outer cover 150 is detached from the relay part 120, the relay box 100 is attached to the mold in a manner that the box side round connectors M1 to M4 are not exposed from the mold 50. In addition, in a case where the outer cover 150 is attached to the relay part 120, the relay box 100 is attached to the mold 50 in a manner that the box side round connectors M1 to M4 are not exposed from the outer cover 150.

[0094] In a case where the mold 50 is larger than the relay box 100 and the relay box 100 is embedded in the mold 50, the relay box 100 is embedded in the mold 50 so that the box side round connectors M1 to M4 are not exposed from the mold 50 in a state where the outer cover 150 is detached from the relay part 120. On the other hand, in a case where the mold 50 is smaller than the relay box 100 and the relay box 100 cannot be embedded in the mold 50, the relay box 100 is externally attached to the mold 50 so that the box side round connectors M1 to M4 are not exposed from the outer cover 150 in a state where the outer cover 150 is attached to the relay part 120.

[0095] With this structure, even in a case where the relay box 100 is attached to any mold, the box side round connectors M1 to M4 are not exposed, and thus it is possible to connect the sensor cables C1 to C4 to the box side round connectors M1 to M4 without exposing the sensor cables C1 to C4. As a result, it is possible to provide a relay box which can prevent the sensor cables C1 to C4 of the relay connection from being caught by a molding machine or an operator, etc., and can reduce the risk of disconnection of the sensor cables C1 to C4.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the structure of the relay box 100 is the same in the case of embedding in the mold 50 and the case of externalizing, except for the presence or absence of the external cover 150. Thus, it is possible to reduce the cost involved in the relay box, since a dedicated relay box is not prepared for each different size of mold. Since the relay box 100 can be switched between the state in which it can be embedded in the mold 50 and the state in which it can be externalized, simply by attaching and detaching the external cover 150, the work of mounting the relay box 100 on the mold 50 also becomes easy.

[0097] In the case where the external cover 150 is detached from the relay portion 120, the relay box 100 is mounted on the mold 50 in such a manner that the box-side D-sub connector 110 is exposed from the mold 50. On the other hand, if the external cover 150 is not detached from the relay portion 120, the box-side D-sub connector 110 is mounted to the mold 50 so that the box-side D-sub connector 150 is exposed from the external cover. According to this structure, even in the case where the relay box 100 is mounted on any mold, it is possible to connect the amplifier 90 (amplifier) provided outside the mold 50 and the relay box 100 via the relay cable 90a.

[0098] In the case where the external cover 150 is detached from the relay portion 120, the relay box 100 is mounted on the mold 50 via the relay portion 120. On the other hand, in the case where the external cover 150 is mounted on the relay portion 120, it is mounted on the mold 50 via the external cover 150. Thus, except for the presence or absence of the external cover 150, the structure of the relay box 100 is common in the case of embedding in the mold 50 and the case of externalizing, and it is possible to mount the relay box 100 on any mold.

[0099] The relay box 100 also has a protection member 130 that protects the relay portion 120. By covering the periphery of the connection cord 128 in the relay portion 120 with the protection member 130, it is possible to reduce the risk of disconnection of the connection cord 128 due to application of external force or the like to the connection cord 128.

[0100] The relay portion 120 includes mounting holes 126a and 126b, which are used to mount the external cover 150 on the relay portion 120 in the case where the external cover 150 is mounted on the relay portion 120. In addition, the mounting holes 126a and 126b are used to mount the relay box 100 on the mold 50 in the case where the external cover 150 is detached from the relay portion 120. According to this structure, except for the presence or absence of the external cover 150, the structure of the relay box 100 is common in the case of embedding in the mold 50 and the case of externalizing, and it is possible to mount the relay box 100 on any mold.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the load cell S1 to S4 is exemplified as the sensor, but the sensor is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor can be a strain gauge or the like pressure sensor that detects pressure, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the mold 50, or the like. Also, the above embodiment exemplifies a case where the number of each of the sensor, the sensor cable, the first connector, and the second connector is four, but the number is not limited to four and can be arbitrary. In this case, the same advantageous effects as the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the structure in which the relay box 100 is attached to the movable-side mold 58 of the mold 50 is exemplified, but is not limited thereto. As long as each of the sensor cables C1 to C4 and the relay cable 90a can be connected to the relay box 100, the relay box 100 can be attached to any one of the movable-side mold 58 or the fixed-side mold 53 or the like. Also, the relay box 100 can be attached in any posture. In these cases, the same advantageous effects as the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0103] The above describes the embodiment, but the present application is not limited to the above embodiment specifically disclosed and can be variously modified or changed without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0104] The numerals, the number of items, and the like used in the description of the embodiment are exemplified for specifically describing the technology of the present application, and the present application is not limited to the exemplified numerals. Also, the connection relationship between the constituent elements is exemplified for specifically describing the technology of the present application, and is not limited to the connection relationship that realizes the function of the present application.

[0105] This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 175,644 filed on April 16, 2021, to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-094579 filed on June 4, 2021, to the Japan Patent Office, including the entire contents of these U.S. Provisional Patent Application and Japanese Patent Application.

[0106]

Explanation of Symbols

[0107] 1... injection molding machine, 20... pressure detecting device, 50... mold, 52... fixed side mounting plate, 53... fixed side mold, 54... movable side mounting plate, 581... insertion hole, 582... counterbore, 583... through hole, 584... upper surface, 58... movable side mold, 90... amplifier, 90a... relay cable, 99... personal computer, 100... relay box, 110... box side Dsub connector (example of 1st connector), 120... relay section, 121... upper panel, 122... lower panel, 123a, 123b... upper screw, 124a, 124b... lower screw, 125a, 125b... spacer sleeve, 127a, 127b... support member, 128... connecting cord, 130... protection member, 150... outer cover (example of dismounting member), 151a, 151b... upper cover screw, 152a, 152b... cross screw, 153a, 153b... bottom plate, 154a, 154b... cover mounting hole, 155a, 155b... upper nut, 156a, 156b... side plate, 157a, 157b... cross nut, S1-S4... force sensor (example of sensor), C1-C4... sensor cable, CT... cavity, M1-M4... box side round connector, N1-N4... cable side round connector.

Claims

1. A relay box that relays a sensor cable having one end connected to a sensor provided on a mold and a relay cable having one end connected to an amplifier provided outside the mold, having: a first connector connected to the other end of the relay cable; a second connector connected to the other end of the sensor cable; a relay portion electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector; and a detachable member that is detachable with respect to the relay portion, in a case where the detachable member is detached from the relay portion, is mounted on the mold in a manner that the second connector does not protrude from the mold, in a case where the detachable member is mounted on the relay portion, is mounted on the mold in a manner that the second connector does not protrude from the detachable member.

2. The relay box according to claim 1, wherein, in a case where the detachable member is detached from the relay portion, is mounted on the mold in a manner that the first connector protrudes from the mold, in a case where the detachable member is not detached from the relay portion, is mounted on the mold in a manner that the first connector protrudes from the detachable member.

3. The relay box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a case where the detachable member is detached from the relay portion, is mounted on the mold via the relay portion.

4. The relay box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in a case where the detachable member is mounted on the relay portion, is mounted on the mold via the detachable member.

5. The relay box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, further has a protection member that protects the relay portion.

6. The relay box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the relay portion includes a mounting hole, in a case where the detachable member is mounted on the relay portion, the mounting hole is used to mount the detachable member on the relay portion, in a case where the detachable member is detached from the relay portion, the mounting hole is used to mount the relay box on the mold. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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