Tool for maintaining screw of metal injection molding machine, and method for maintaining screw

Abstract

A screw maintenance tool (30) is provided with a tubular screw housing section (43) and a suspension section (40). The screw housing section (43) has pipe dividing members (34, 38) having a shape obtained by dividing the screw housing section (43) by a plane parallel to the cylinder axis of the screw housing section (43) or by a plane including the cylinder axis in the plane. The tube division members (34, 38) are disposed close to each other or joined to each other to form a screw housing section (43). The tube division members (34, 38) are disposed or separated from each other, and the inside of the screw housing section (43) is open.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a screw maintenance tool and a screw maintenance method for maintaining a screw of a metal injection molding machine that melts and injects metal as an injection material. Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, for example, a so-called metal injection molding machine that processes metals such as magnesium alloys as injection materials includes a clamping device provided on a base, and an injection device provided on the base. The injection device includes a heating cylinder, and a screw housed in the heating cylinder in a manner that can be driven in a rotational direction and an axial direction. When the metal injection material is supplied from a hopper to the heating cylinder, the screw is rotated while the heating cylinder is heated by a heater, and the metal injection material is melted and sent downstream by the screw, and a predetermined amount of molten metal is weighed out at the downstream portion of the heating cylinder. When the molten metal is injected into the mold that has been clamped by the clamping device, a molded product made of metal is obtained.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-033967 Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to melt the metal of the injection material, the metal injection molding machine generally heats the heating cylinder to a relatively high temperature (for example, 500°C). The screw driven in such a high-temperature heating cylinder is usually taken out of the heating cylinder periodically for maintenance such as cleaning. Here, the magnesium alloy, which is widely used as an injection material, has the property of burning violently if it comes into contact with the atmosphere at a high temperature. When magnesium alloy is used as an injection material, the screw taken out of the heating cylinder is adhered to the magnesium alloy, so it is desirable to cool the screw without contacting the atmosphere as much as possible. In contrast, after cooling, it is desirable to expose the screw for cleaning. Therefore, when performing maintenance such as cleaning, it is desirable to have a suitable tool that suppresses the exposure of the screw when the screw is taken out of the heating cylinder and cooled, and to expose the screw after the screw has cooled.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a screw maintenance tool for a metal injection molding machine that can minimize the contact of a screw with the atmosphere when the screw is removed and cooled and that can easily expose the screw after cooling.

[0008] Other issues and new features will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] In the present disclosure, a screw maintenance tool for maintaining a screw of a metal injection molding machine comprises: a tubular screw housing portion, in which a screw is inserted and housed; and a plurality of hanging portions, which are provided in the screw housing portion. The screw housing portion is configured to have a plurality of tube segmentation components, the plurality of tube segmentation components having a shape obtained by segmenting the screw housing portion using a plane parallel to the barrel axis of the screw housing portion or a plane containing the barrel axis in a plane, the plurality of tube segmentation components are arranged close to each other or combined to form a tubular screw housing portion, and at least a portion of the tube segmentation components are arranged separately or separated from each other so that the interior of the screw housing portion is open.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] In the present disclosure, the screw maintenance tool can suppress the contact of the screw with the atmosphere when the screw is taken out and cooled, and can easily expose the screw after cooling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a front view of the metal injection molding machine of this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2A It is a perspective view of the screw maintenance tool according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2B It is a perspective view of the screw maintenance tool according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart for explaining the screw maintenance method according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4A It is a top view showing a part of the metal injection molding machine of this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4B It is a front view of the screw maintenance tool according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4C It is a plan view of a part of the metal injection molding machine of this embodiment and the screw maintenance tool of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4D It is a plan view of a part of the metal injection molding machine of this embodiment and the screw maintenance tool of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4E It is a front view of the screw maintenance tool of the first embodiment in a state where the screw is inserted.

[0021] Figure 4F It is a front view of the screw maintenance tool of the first embodiment in a state where the screw is inserted.

[0022] Figure 4G It is a front view of the screw and the screw maintenance tool according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5A It is a front view of the screw maintenance tool of the comparative example in the state where the screw is inserted.

[0024] Figure 5B It is a front view of a screw and a screw maintenance tool of a comparative example.

[0025] Fig. 6A It is a perspective view of the screw maintenance tool according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6B It is a perspective view of a screw maintenance tool according to a third embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 7A It is a side cross-sectional view of a screw and a screw maintenance tool according to a fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7B It is a side cross-sectional view of a screw and a screw maintenance tool according to a fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a front view of a screw maintenance tool according to a modified example of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Below, the specific implementation mode will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is not limited to the following implementation mode. In order to make the description clear, the following description and drawings are appropriately simplified. In each of the drawings, the same elements are marked with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed. In addition, in order to avoid the drawings becoming complicated, there are parts where the hatching is omitted.

[0031] <Metal Injection Molding Machine>

[0032] The metal injection molding machine 1 of this embodiment, which is the subject of the screw maintenance method described later, is described. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a metal injection molding machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a mold clamping device 2 provided on a base B, and an injection device 3 provided on the base B so as to be slidable.

[0033] <Mold clamping device>

[0034] The mold clamping device 2 includes a fixed platen 5 fixed to a base B, a movable platen 6 slidably provided on the base B, and a mold clamping case 7 slidably provided on the base B. The fixed platen 5 and the mold clamping case 7 are connected by tie rods 9, 9, ..., and the movable platen 6 is penetrated by tie rods 9, 9, ... A mold clamping mechanism (that is, a toggle mechanism 10 in this embodiment) is provided between the movable platen 6 and the mold clamping case 7. A fixed side mold 12 is provided on the fixed platen 5, and a movable side mold 13 is provided on the movable platen 6. In the mold clamping device 2, when the toggle mechanism 10 is driven, the fixed side mold 12 and the movable side mold 13 are opened and closed.

[0035] <Injection device>

[0036] The injection device 3 melts the metal material and injects the metal material, and is constructed as follows. That is, the injection device 3 includes a heating cylinder 15, a screw 16 housed in the heating cylinder 15 in a manner that can be driven in the rotation direction and the axial direction, and a screw driving device 17 that drives the screw 16. A pedestal 18 is provided on the base B in a manner that can slide freely, and the screw driving device 17 is provided on the pedestal 18. Therefore, the injection device 3 as a whole approaches or moves away from the mold clamping device 2. In addition, the screw driving device 17 is connected to the pedestal 18 via a rotating shaft 19. Therefore, the injection device 3 can rotate horizontally around the rotating shaft 19. A hopper 21 and an injection nozzle 22 are provided on the heating cylinder 15.

[0037] [First embodiment]

[0038] <Screw maintenance tools>

[0039] The screw maintenance tool 30 of the first embodiment is composed of Figure 2A The screw maintenance tool 30 of the first embodiment includes a lower part 31 and an upper part 32. The lower part 31 includes a lower pipe dividing part 34 as a pipe dividing part, and lower connecting brackets 35, 35 mounted on the lower pipe dividing part 34, wherein the lower pipe dividing part 34 as a pipe dividing part has a shape obtained by dividing a metal cylindrical pipe using a plane parallel to its cylinder axis (specifically, a plane on which its cylinder axis exists) (so-called half-split shape). Bolt holes 36, 36... are formed in the lower connecting brackets 35, 35, respectively.

[0040] As described above, the upper member 32 also includes an upper pipe dividing member 38 as a pipe dividing member, which has a shape obtained by dividing a metal cylindrical pipe by a plane parallel to its cylinder axis (so-called a shape divided in half). The upper member 32 includes the upper pipe dividing member 38, upper connecting brackets 39, 39 mounted on the upper pipe dividing member 38, and eye bolts (i.e., hanging parts 40, 40) provided on the upper connecting brackets 39, 39. Bolts 42, 42, ... are provided on the upper connecting brackets 39, 39.

[0041] Make the lower part 31 and the upper part 32 like this Figure 2B That is, the upper connecting brackets 39, 39 are connected to the lower connecting brackets 35, 35, and the two are fastened by bolts 42, 42, ... Thus, a screw housing portion 43 having the shape of a metal cylindrical tube is formed by the lower tube dividing member 34 and the upper tube dividing member 38. As described later, the screw 16 (see Figure 1 ) is inserted and housed in the screw housing portion 43. Therefore, in order to insert the screw 16, the inner diameter of the screw housing portion 43 is slightly larger than the diameter of the screw 16.

[0042] <Screw maintenance method>

[0043] use Figure 3 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 is used to explain the screw maintenance method implemented by the screw maintenance tool 30 of the first embodiment. First, the injection device rotation step S01 is implemented. That is, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , the injection device 3 is rotated so that the top end (i.e., the downstream side) of the heating cylinder 15 is separated from the mold clamping device 2. In addition, before the rotation, the injection device 3 is retreated in the direction of separation from the mold clamping device 2 as required. After the rotation, the injection nozzle 22 (see FIG. 1 ) is moved to the injection nozzle 22. Figure 1 ) is removed from the heating cylinder 15.

[0044] Next, if Figure 3 The preparation step S02 is performed as shown. Figure 4B As shown, the lower part 31 and the upper part 32 of the screw maintenance tool 30 are combined and fastened by bolts 42, 42, and a tubular screw storage portion 43 is formed by the lower pipe dividing part 34 and the upper pipe dividing part 38. Then, hooks 45, 45 are hung on the hanging parts 40, 40 (i.e., eyebolts), and the screw maintenance tool 30 is hung by a crane (not shown). Then, the screw maintenance tool 30 is transported by the crane, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C As shown, the screw housing portion 43 is arranged on the downstream side of the heating cylinder 15 .

[0045] Next, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the screw removal step S03 is performed. Figure 4DAs shown, the push-out rods 47, 47 ... are inserted into the heating cylinder 15 from the upstream side of the heating cylinder 15, and the screw 16 is pushed out. Thus, the screw 16 is inserted into the screw housing 43 of the screw maintenance tool 30. The screw 16 is hot and has magnesium alloy and the like, which are easily combustible, attached thereto. However, the screw 16 pushed out from the heating cylinder 15 quickly enters the screw housing 43 and is prevented from contacting with the atmosphere. Thus, combustion is prevented.

[0046] After the screw 16 is completely inserted into and received in the screw receiving portion 43, Figure 3 The conveying step S04 is performed as shown. Figure 4E As shown in FIG. 1 , the screw maintenance tool 30 in which the screw 16 is placed is transported to a predetermined maintenance work area by a crane. The screw maintenance tool 30 in a state of being transported and placed in the maintenance work area is Figure 4F In this state, the implementation Figure 3 The cooling step S05 shown in the figure is that in a state where the screw 16 is housed in the screw housing portion 43, the screw 16 is waited for to be cooled while contact with the air is suppressed.

[0047] After the screw 16 is completely cooled, Figure 3 The screw removal step S06 is shown. Specifically, Figure 4G As shown, the bolts 42, 42 of the screw maintenance tool 30 are loosened. As a result, the upper part 32 can be separated from the lower part 31. That is, the lower pipe dividing part 34 is separated from the upper pipe dividing part 38, and the screw 16 is exposed. After that, the screw 16 is taken out by a crane or the like, and necessary maintenance such as cleaning is performed on the screw 16. According to the above steps, the maintenance of the screw 16 is completed.

[0048] [Comparative Example]

[0049] Reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B The screw maintenance tool 100 of the comparative example is described. The screw maintenance tool 100 of the comparative example includes a screw housing portion 101 formed of a metal pipe and eyebolts 102, 102 attached to the screw housing portion 101. Even the screw maintenance tool 100 of the comparative example can be used as in the example Figure 4C , Figure 4D As shown, the screw maintenance tool 100 is arranged on the downstream side of the heating cylinder 15, and the screw 16 is stored in the screw maintenance tool 100 so as not to be exposed to the atmosphere as much as possible. Figure 5A 2 shows a state in which the screw maintenance tool 100 of the comparative example in which the screw 16 is stored is suspended by a crane (not shown) having hooks 104 , 104 .

[0050] However, after the screw 16 cools down, a problem will occur when the screw 16 is taken out. The screw maintenance tool 100 of the comparative example does not open the screw housing 101. Therefore, the screw 16 needs to be pulled out from either end of the screw housing 101. Figure 5B As shown, the hook 104 is hung on only one eye bolt 102, and the screw maintenance tool 100 is hung by a crane. As a result, the screw 16 slides out of the screw storage portion 101 at an angle due to its own weight. In this way, the screw 16 can be taken out.

[0051] However, in this removal method, there is a possibility that the screw 16 accidentally falls to the ground or the removed screw 16 slides on the ground. In particular, the possibility of such a fall is high for a heavy screw 16. In addition, when the screw storage part 101 is tilted, a part of the magnesium alloy and the like attached to the screw 16 becomes powder and is dispersed in large quantities around the screw maintenance tool 100. As a result, it is difficult to improve the operability of the removal work. In contrast, when the screw maintenance tool 30 of the first embodiment (see Figure 3 A), the above-mentioned falling etc. will not occur, and the screw 16 can be safely removed. In addition, if the screw maintenance tool 30 is used, a part of the magnesium alloy etc. attached to the screw 16 will not be scattered around in large quantities.

[0052] [Second embodiment]

[0053] use Fig. 6A The screw maintenance tool 30A of the second embodiment is described. The screw maintenance tool 30A of the second embodiment is provided with a pair of pipe dividing parts 51, 51 in the same manner as the first embodiment. The pair of pipe dividing parts 51, 51 has a shape obtained by dividing a metal cylindrical pipe using a plane parallel to its cylinder axis (specifically, a plane on which the cylinder axis exists) (so-called a shape cut into two parts). The pair of pipe dividing parts 51, 51 are connected to each other by a plurality of hinge structures 52, 52, .... Two hanging parts 54, 54, ... are provided on each of the pair of pipe dividing parts 51, 51.

[0054] In the screw maintenance tool 30A of the second embodiment, if a hook not shown is hung on each hanging part 54, 54, ... and the screw maintenance tool 30A is hung by a crane not shown, the pair of pipe division members 51, 51 rotate around the hinge structure 52, 52, ... to close each other and be arranged close to each other. Thus, a screw storage part 43A having a metal cylindrical tube shape is formed. On the other hand, if the hanging parts 54, 54, ... are removed from the hook, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A The pair of pipe dividing members 51, 51 are opened and separated from each other. As a result, the interior of the screw housing portion 43A is opened.

[0055] When the screw 16 (see Figure 1 ) is used for maintenance, and the screw maintenance tool 30 (see Figure 2A , Figure 2B ) can be maintained in substantially the same manner as the screw maintenance method implemented in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, an injection device rotating step S01, a preparation step S02, ..., and a screw removing step S06 are performed.

[0056] However, when the screw maintenance tool 30A of the second embodiment (see Fig. 6A ), in the preparation step S02, a hook is hung on each hanging part 54, 54, ... and the screw maintenance tool 30A is hung by a crane to form a screw storage part 43A. In addition, a cooling step S05 is implemented in a state where the hook is not removed from the hanging part 54, 54, .... That is, the screw 16 is cooled while maintaining a pair of tube division components 51, 51 to form a tubular screw storage part 43A. Alternatively, the hanging parts 54, 54, ... may be fixed by using prescribed fasteners, etc., while maintaining a pair of tube division components 51, 51 to form a tubular screw storage part 43A. In the screw removal step S06, the hook is removed from the hanging parts 54, 54, .... Alternatively, the fasteners, etc. are removed. As a result, the screw 16 (refer to Figure 1 ) is exposed, and the screw 16 can be taken out.

[0057] [Third Embodiment]

[0058] Figure 6B The screw maintenance tool 30B of the third embodiment is shown. The screw maintenance tool 30B of the third embodiment includes: a two-piece pipe dividing component 56 having a shape obtained by dividing a metal cylindrical pipe using a first plane parallel to its cylinder axis (specifically, a plane on which the cylinder axis exists) (so-called a shape cut into two parts); and two four-piece pipe dividing components 57, 57 having a shape obtained by dividing another two-piece pipe dividing component using a second plane parallel to the cylinder axis and orthogonal to the first plane (specifically, a plane orthogonal to the plane and on which the cylinder axis exists) (so-called a shape cut into four parts). The four-piece pipe dividing components 57, 57 are connected to both ends of the two-piece pipe dividing component 56 in the circumferential direction via hinge structures 52, 52, ... respectively. The two four-piece pipe dividing components 57, 57 are provided with hanging parts 54, 54, ... respectively.

[0059] The screw maintenance tool 30B of the third embodiment is also similar to the screw maintenance tool 30A of the second embodiment (see Fig. 6A) Similarly, if a hook not shown is hung on each hanging part 54, 54, ... and the screw maintenance tool 30B is hung by a crane not shown, the two-piece pipe dividing part 56 and the four-piece pipe dividing parts 57, 57 are arranged close to each other to form the screw storage part 43B. In addition, if the hanging parts 54, 54, ... are removed from the hook, as shown in Figure 6B As shown, the two-piece pipe dividing member 56 and the four-piece pipe dividing members 57, 57 are arranged separately, and the interior of the screw storage portion 43B is open. The screw maintenance tool 30B of the third embodiment can also perform the screw maintenance method using the screw maintenance tool 30 of the first embodiment to perform the screw maintenance on the screw 16 (see Figure 1 ) for maintenance, so the instructions on the screw maintenance method are omitted.

[0060] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0061] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B The screw maintenance tool 30C of the fourth embodiment is shown. The screw maintenance tool 30C of the fourth embodiment includes a pair of pipe division components 60, 60, and the pair of pipe division components 60, 60 has a shape obtained by dividing a metal cylindrical pipe using a plane parallel to its cylinder axis (specifically, a plane on which the cylinder axis exists) (so-called a shape cut into two parts). The pair of pipe division components 60, 60 are connected to each other via hinge structures 52, 52, ..., and rotate around the hinge structures 52, 52, .... The screw maintenance tool 30C of the fourth embodiment is provided with operating rods 61, 61, ... on the pair of pipe division components 60, 60, respectively. The operating rods 61, 61, ... intersect with each other, and hanging parts 54, 54, ... are formed at the top ends of the operating rods 61, 61, ....

[0062] In the screw maintenance tool 30C of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 7A As shown, the hooks 45, 45 are hung on the hanging parts 54, 54, ... and the screw maintenance tool 30C is lifted upward by a crane not shown. Fig. 7A The intervals between the operation levers 61, 61, ... shown on the left and right sides of the drawing (ie, the intervals between the hanging parts 54, 54, ...) are narrowed. As a result, the pair of pipe division members 60, 60 are arranged close to each other to form the screw housing portion 43C. Fig. 7A FIG. 4 shows a state where the screw 16 is inserted and accommodated in the screw accommodation portion 43C. On the other hand, if the intervals between the left and right operating rods 61, 61, ... (i.e., the intervals between the hanging portions 54, 54, ...) are increased, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B As shown, a pair of pipe dividing members 60, 60 are arranged separately. Thereby, the inside of the pipe is opened, and the screw 16 can be taken out.

[0063] The screw maintenance tool 30C of the fourth embodiment is further provided with a locking device. Specifically, a locking rod 63 is rotatably supported on an operating rod 61, ... fixed to a pipe dividing member 60. A first protrusion 65 and a second protrusion 66 are formed on the locking rod 63. Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the locking lever 63 is lowered in the state where the pair of pipe division members 60, 60 are closed, the first protrusion 65 contacts the operating lever 61. As a result, the left and right operating levers 61, 61, ... become unable to be opened. That is, the pair of pipe division members 60, 60 remain in the closed state. On the other hand, Figure 7B As shown, when the lock lever 63 is lowered with the pair of pipe division members 60 and 60 separated, the second protrusion 66 contacts the operating lever 61. As a result, the left and right operating levers 61, 61, ... cannot be closed. That is, the pair of pipe division members 60 and 60 are maintained in an open state.

[0064] <Other Modifications>

[0065] The screw maintenance tools 30, 30A, ... of the first to fourth embodiments can be modified in various ways. For example, Figure 8 The screw maintenance tools 30' and 30' of the modified example of the first embodiment are shown. The screw maintenance tools 30' and 30' of this modified example are shorter in axial length than the screw maintenance tool 30 of the first embodiment, but their structure is similar to the screw maintenance tool 30 of the first embodiment (see Figure 2A , Figure 2B ) is the same. Therefore, the description of the structure of the screw maintenance tools 30', 30' is omitted. In this example, the screw storage parts 43 respectively provided in the screw maintenance tools 30', 30' are arranged continuously in the cylindrical axis direction, and the screw 16 is inserted and stored in the continuous cylindrical space formed by the plurality of screw storage parts 43.

[0066] There are other variations. In the screw maintenance tools 30, 30A, ... of the first to fourth embodiments, the hanging parts 54, 54, ... are arranged at two different locations in the cylindrical axis direction of the screw housing 43, 43A, ... However, the hanging parts 54, 54, ... may be arranged at three or four or more locations in the cylindrical axis direction of the screw housing 43, 43A, ....

[0067] The "combination" and "proximity arrangement" in the present disclosure are explained. In the present disclosure, when a tubular screw housing portion (screw housing portion 43, screw housing portion 43A, screw housing portion 43B, screw housing portion 43C) is formed, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B As shown, a plurality of pipe dividing components (lower pipe dividing component 34, upper pipe dividing component 38) can be "combined" in a manner that the gap between them is minimized as much as possible and they are closely attached to each other, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Fig. 7A As shown, a plurality of tube dividing components (tube dividing component 51, two-split tube dividing component 56, four-split tube dividing component 57, tube dividing component 60) may be arranged adjacent to each other in a "close configuration" in such a manner that a gap of a width that allows the screw 16 to not pass through may be created between them.

[0068] The "separation" and "separate arrangement" in the present disclosure are explained. In the present disclosure, when the interior of the tubular screw housing (screw housing 43, screw housing 43A, screw housing 43B, screw housing 43C) is opened, as shown in FIG. Figure 4G As shown, the plurality of pipe dividing parts (lower pipe dividing part 34, upper pipe dividing part 38) can be "separated" in a manner that they are not connected to each other by a hinge structure or the like but are located at distant positions, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 7B As shown, multiple pipe dividing components (pipe dividing component 51, two-division pipe dividing component 56, four-division pipe dividing component 57, pipe dividing component 60) can also be "separately configured" in a manner that they are located at distant positions while being connected to each other using the hinge structure 52.

[0069] The invention completed by the inventors of this application has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above-mentioned multiple examples can also be appropriately combined for implementation.

[0070] Here, the features of the screw maintenance tools 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30' and the screw maintenance method are briefly summarized in the following [1] to [9]. [1]

[0072] A screw maintenance tool (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30') for maintaining a screw (16) of a metal injection molding machine (1), comprising:

[0073] a tubular screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C), wherein the screw (16) is inserted into and housed in the screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C); and

[0074] A plurality of hanging parts (40, 54) are provided on the screw housing parts (43, 43A, 43B, 43C),

[0075] The screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) is constructed as follows:

[0076] A plurality of tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) are provided, wherein the plurality of tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) have a shape obtained by dividing the screw housing part (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) by a plane parallel to the barrel axis of the screw housing part (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) or by a plane including the barrel axis within the plane, wherein the plurality of tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) are arranged close to or combined with each other to form the tubular screw housing part (43, 43A, 43B, 43C), and at least a part of the tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) are arranged separately or separated from each other so that the interior of the screw housing part is open. [2]

[0078] The screw maintenance tool (30) for a metal injection molding machine according to the above-mentioned [1] further comprises a plurality of connecting brackets (35, 39) respectively provided on the plurality of the pipe dividing members (34, 38),

[0079] By combining the plurality of connecting brackets (35, 39), the plurality of pipe dividing components (34, 38) form the pipe-shaped screw housing portion (43).

[0080] The plurality of connection brackets (35, 39) provided on at least a portion of the pipe dividing members (34, 38) are respectively provided with the hanging portion (40). [3]

[0082] The screw maintenance tool (30A, 30B, 30C) for a metal injection molding machine according to the above-mentioned [1], wherein:

[0083] The plurality of pipe dividing components (51, 56, 57, 60) are connected to each other by a hinge structure (52). [4]

[0085] The screw maintenance tool (30A, 30B, 30C) for a metal injection molding machine according to the above-mentioned [3], wherein:

[0086] The hanging part (54) is provided on one of the pipe dividing parts (51, 56, 57, 60) and the other pipe dividing part (51, 56, 57, 60), respectively.

[0087] When the hanging portion (54) of one of the tube dividing components (51, 56, 57, 60) and the hanging portion (54) of another of the tube dividing components (51, 56, 57, 60) are hung on a predetermined external hook to hang the screw maintenance tool (30A, 30B, 30C), the plurality of tube dividing components (51, 56, 57, 60) form the tubular screw storage portion (43A, 43B, 43C). [5]

[0089] The screw maintenance tool (30C) for a metal injection molding machine according to the above-mentioned [4] further comprises a locking portion (63),

[0090] If the locking portion (63) is used to fix the hanging portion (54) of one of the tube dividing components (60) and the hanging portion (54) of another of the tube dividing components (60) so as not to move relative to each other, the state in which the plurality of tube dividing components (60) form the tubular screw housing portion (43C) is maintained. [6]

[0092] The screw maintenance tool (30A, 30C) for a metal injection molding machine according to the above-mentioned [1], wherein:

[0093] The screw housing portion (43A, 43C) has a pair of the tube dividing components (51, 60), and the pair of the tube dividing components (51, 60) has a shape obtained by dividing the screw housing portion (43A, 43C) by a plane including the cylinder axis in the plane.

[0094] The pair of pipe dividing parts (51, 60) are connected to each other by a hinge structure (52).

[0095] The hanging parts (54) are respectively provided on the pair of pipe dividing parts (51, 60),

[0096] The structure is such that if the interval between the hanging portion (54) of one of the tube dividing components (51, 60) and the hanging portion (54) of the other tube dividing component (51, 60) is enlarged, the interior of the screw housing portion (43A, 43C) is opened, and if the interval is reduced, the screw housing portion (43A, 43C) is formed into a tubular shape. [7]

[0098] The screw maintenance tool (30') for a metal injection molding machine according to the above [1] or [2], wherein the screw storage section (43) is provided in plurality.

[0099] The structure is such that the plurality of screw housing portions (43) are continuously arranged along the direction of the cylinder axis, and the screw (16) is housed in a continuous cylindrical space formed by the plurality of screw housing portions (43). [8]

[0101] A method for maintaining a screw of a metal injection molding machine, wherein a screw maintenance tool (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30') is used to maintain a screw (16) of a metal injection molding machine (1).

[0102] The screw maintenance tool (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30') comprises:

[0103] a tubular screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C), wherein the screw (16) is inserted into and housed in the screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C); and

[0104] A plurality of hanging parts (40, 54) are provided on the screw housing parts (43, 43A, 43B, 43C),

[0105] The screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) is constructed as follows:

[0106] A plurality of tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) are provided, wherein the plurality of tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) have a shape obtained by dividing the screw housing part (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) by a plane parallel to the barrel axis of the screw housing part (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) or a plane including the barrel axis within the plane, wherein the plurality of tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) are arranged close to or combined with each other to form the tubular screw housing part (43, 43A, 43B, 43C), and at least a part of the tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) are arranged separately or separated from each other so that the interior of the screw housing part (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) is open,

[0107] The screw maintenance method comprises the following steps:

[0108] A preparation step, in which the plurality of tube dividing parts (34, 38, 51, 56, 57, 60) form the tubular screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C), the hanging portion (40, 54) is hung on a predetermined external hook (45) to hang the screw maintenance tool (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30'), and the screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) is arranged on the downstream side of the heating cylinder (15) of the metal injection molding machine (1);

[0109] A screw removal process, inserting a push-out rod (47) from the upstream side of the heating cylinder (15) to push the screw (16) toward the downstream side, and inserting and storing the screw (16) in the screw storage portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C);

[0110] A transporting step of transporting the screw maintenance tool (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30') storing the screw (16) in the screw storage section (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) to a maintenance work area;

[0111] a cooling step of waiting for the screw (16) to cool down while the screw (16) is housed in the screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C); and

[0112] The screw taking-out step is to open the interior of the screw housing portion (43, 43A, 43B, 43C) and take out the screw (16). [9]

[0114] According to the screw maintenance method of the metal injection molding machine described in [8] above, there is also an injection device rotation step performed prior to the preparation step,

[0115] The injection device rotating step is a step of rotating the injection device (3) of the metal injection molding machine (1) to separate the downstream end of the heating cylinder (15) from the mold clamping device of the metal injection molding machine (1).

[0116] This application is based on the Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-157577) filed on September 30, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0117] Industrial Applicability

[0118] The screw maintenance tool and the screw maintenance method of the present invention can minimize the contact of the screw with the atmosphere when the screw is removed and cooled, and can easily expose the screw after cooling. The present invention having such effects can be used, for example, for the maintenance of the screw of a metal injection molding machine.

[0119] Description of Reference Numerals

[0120] 1 Metal Injection Molding Machine

[0121] 2 Clamping device

[0122] 3 Injection device

[0123] 5 Fixed plate

[0124] 6 Movable plate

[0125] 7. Mould shell

[0126] 9 Tie rod

[0127] 10. Toggle mechanism

[0128] 12 Fixed side mold

[0129] 13 Movable side mold

[0130] 15 Heating cylinder

[0131] 16 Screw

[0132] 17 Screw drive

[0133] 18 pedestals

[0134] 19 Rotation axis

[0135] 21 Hopper

[0136] 22 Injection nozzle

[0137] 30 Screw maintenance tools

[0138] 31 Lower part

[0139] 32 Upper part

[0140] 34 Lower side pipe dividing parts

[0141] 35 Lower connecting bracket

[0142] 36 Bolt Holes

[0143] 38 Upper side pipe splitter

[0144] 39 Upper connecting bracket

[0145] 40 Suspension

[0146] 42 Bolt

[0147] 43 Screw storage unit

[0148] 45 Hook

[0149] 51 Tube splitter

[0150] 52 hinge structure

[0151] 54 Suspension

[0152] 56 Two-piece split tube splitter

[0153] 57 Four-section pipe segmentation parts

[0154] 60 Tube splitter

[0155] 61 Joystick

[0156] 63 Locking lever

[0157] 65 first protrusion

[0158] 66 Second protrusion.

Claims

1. A screw maintenance tool for a metal injection molding machine, characterized in that: Used to maintain the screw of metal injection molding machine, with: a tubular screw housing portion, wherein the screw is inserted into and housed within the screw housing portion; and A plurality of hanging parts are arranged on the screw receiving part, The screw housing portion is configured as follows: It has a plurality of tube dividing parts, each of which has a shape obtained by dividing the screw housing portion using a plane parallel to the barrel axis of the screw housing portion or a plane containing the barrel axis within a plane. The plurality of tube dividing parts are arranged close to or combined with each other to form the tubular screw housing portion, and at least a portion of the tube dividing parts are arranged separately or separated from each other so that the interior of the screw housing portion is open.

2. The screw maintenance tool for a metal injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising a plurality of connecting brackets respectively provided on the plurality of pipe dividing members, By combining the plurality of connecting brackets, the plurality of tube dividing members form the tubular screw housing portion. The hanging portion is provided on each of the plurality of connection brackets provided on at least a part of the pipe dividing member.

3. The screw maintenance tool for a metal injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of pipe division components are connected to each other by a hinge structure.

4. The screw maintenance tool for a metal injection molding machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hanging part is provided on one of the pipe dividing components and the other pipe dividing component. When the hanging portion of the one pipe segment component and the hanging portion of the other pipe segment component are hung on a predetermined external hook to hang the screw maintenance tool, the plurality of pipe segments form the pipe-shaped screw housing portion.

5. The screw maintenance tool for a metal injection molding machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A locking portion is also provided. When the hanging portion of the one pipe segment component and the hanging portion of the other pipe segment component are fixed by the locking portion so as not to move relative to each other, the state in which the plurality of pipe segments form the pipe-shaped screw housing portion is maintained.

6. The screw maintenance tool for a metal injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The screw housing portion includes a pair of the tube dividing members, and the pair of the tube dividing members have a shape obtained by dividing the screw housing portion by a plane including the barrel axis in the plane. The pair of pipe division components are connected to each other by a hinge structure. The hanging parts are respectively provided on the pair of the pipe dividing parts. The structure is such that when the interval between the hanging portion of one of the tube division members and the hanging portion of the other tube division member is increased, the interior of the screw housing portion is opened, and when the interval is decreased, the screw housing portion is formed into a tubular shape.

7. The screw maintenance tool for a metal injection molding machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of the screw housing portions are provided, The plurality of screw housing portions are arranged continuously along the direction of the barrel axis, and the screw is housed in a continuous cylindrical space formed by the plurality of screw housing portions.

8. A screw maintenance method for a metal injection molding machine, characterized in that: Use the screw maintenance tool to maintain the screw of the metal injection molding machine. The screw maintenance tool comprises: a tubular screw housing portion, wherein the screw is inserted into and housed within the screw housing portion; and A plurality of hanging parts are arranged on the screw receiving part, The screw housing portion is configured as follows: A plurality of tube dividing parts are provided, each of which has a shape obtained by dividing the screw housing portion by a plane parallel to the barrel axis of the screw housing portion or a plane including the barrel axis in a plane, wherein the plurality of tube dividing parts are arranged close to or combined with each other to form the tubular screw housing portion, and at least a part of the tube dividing parts are arranged separately or separated from each other so that the interior of the screw housing portion is open. The screw maintenance method comprises the following steps: A preparation step, in which the plurality of tube segment components form the tubular screw housing portion, the hanging portion is hung on a predetermined external hook to hang the screw maintenance tool, and the screw housing portion is arranged on the downstream side of the heating cylinder of the metal injection molding machine; A screw removal step, inserting a push-out rod from the upstream side of the heating cylinder to push the screw toward the downstream side, and inserting and storing the screw in the screw storage portion; a transporting step of transporting the screw maintenance tool containing the screw in the screw housing to a maintenance work area; a cooling step of waiting for cooling of the screw while the screw is accommodated in the screw accommodation portion; and The screw taking-out step is to open the interior of the screw housing portion and take out the screw.

9. The screw maintenance method of a metal injection molding machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises an injection device rotating step performed prior to the preparation step. The injection device rotating step is a step of rotating the injection device of the metal injection molding machine to separate the downstream end of the heating cylinder from the mold clamping device of the metal injection molding machine.

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