Mold-using device

Abstract

To provide a mold-using device, which can surely prevent a failure caused by a rail part for slidably moving a mold.SOLUTION: A sealing device as a mold-using device comprises a temporarily fixing stopper 871 configured to be automatically brought into a locked state of regulating the slide movement of an upper die from the back side of an upper side rail part 831 to the front side when the sealing device is in a state of reaching a position where the upper die slides from the front side to the back side by the upper side rail part 831 and comes into contact with an upper die receiving part 862, or a position immediately before the position. Since the slide movement of the upper die 31 from the back side to the front side is automatically regulated by the temporarily fixing stopper 871, it is possible to more reliably prevent a failure caused by the upper rail part 831 while sufficiently utilizing the advantage of the upper rail part 831.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mold-using device capable of performing processing using a detachable mold. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, die-using devices capable of performing various processes using dies such as upper and lower dies are widely known. For example, a sealing device is a die-using device for manufacturing a sealed pack having a container having a pocket for storing contents such as food and a lid film attached to the container so as to close the pocket. The sealing device uses an upper die (upper die chamber component) and a lower die (lower chamber component) to attach the lid film to the container as a work (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] Incidentally, a mold may be transferred to a mold-using device for mold replacement, maintenance, etc. In order to facilitate the transfer of the mold, a mold-using device has been proposed that has a plurality of bearings aligned along the direction in which the mold is carried in and out, and is equipped with a pair of rails that can support the mold from below (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.). With this device, the mold can be easily slid along the rails, and it is said that the mold can be transferred to the mold-using device manually. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-181330 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-104605 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the mold-using device according to the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, while the mold can be easily moved when sliding the mold on the rail portion, the mold is likely to move against the operator's will. Therefore, there is a risk of problems such as the mold becoming unstable when attaching or detaching the mold to or from the mold-using device.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a mold-using device that is equipped with a rail section that allows the mold to slide, while more reliably preventing problems caused by the provision of the rail section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The following describes each of the means suitable for achieving the above object. Note that, as necessary, the specific effects of the corresponding means will be added.

[0008] Means 1. A mold-using device capable of performing processing using a removable mold, a pair of rail portions extending from a front side corresponding to a receiving portion side of the mold toward a rear side opposite the front side and capable of supporting the mold in a slidable state; a receiving portion that can restrict further sliding movement of the mold from the front side to the back side by contacting the mold when the mold slides on the rail portion from the front side to the back side; a temporary stopper configured to automatically enter a locked state that can restrict the sliding movement of the mold from the back side to the front side on the rail portion when the mold slides from the front side to the back side on the rail portion and reaches a position where it contacts the receiving portion or a position just in front of that position.

[0009] According to the above-mentioned means 1, since the mold can be slid along the rail portion, the mold can be easily delivered to and from the mold-using device.

[0010] On the other hand, since the mold can slide on the rail portion, there is a risk of problems such as the mold becoming unstable when attaching or detaching the mold to or from the mold-using device.

[0011] In this regard, according to the above-mentioned Means 1, when the mold slides from the front side to the back side on the rail portion and reaches a position where it contacts the receiving portion or a position just in front of that position, the temporary stopper is automatically locked, and the sliding movement of the mold from the back side to the front side on the rail portion is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent problems caused by providing the rail portion while fully utilizing the advantages of providing the rail portion.

[0012] Means 2. The temporary stopper is configured to be capable of appearing and disappearing from the moving path of the mold on the rail portion, and to be switchable between the locked state in which it protrudes into the moving path and the unlocked state in which it retreats from the moving path, The mold usage device according to Means 1, further comprising a holding means capable of holding the temporary stopper in the unlocked state.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned means 2, when the mold is transferred from the mold-using device to, for example, a dolly, the temporary fixing stopper can be held in the unlocked state by the holding means without using hands, etc. Therefore, the workability (convenience) can be further improved.

[0014] Means 3. A stopper biasing means for applying a biasing force to the temporary stopper toward the movement path; a rod portion that is reciprocally movable along an extension direction of the rail portion; a rod biasing means for applying a biasing force to the rod portion in a direction approaching the temporary stopper; a moving force receiving portion that is capable of moving the rod portion in a direction away from the temporary stopper against a biasing force applied by the rod biasing means when a force is applied from the mold moving from the front side to the back side, The holding means is A first magnet provided on the temporary stopper; A second magnet provided in the rod portion, the first magnet in the temporary stopper is attached to the second magnet in the rod portion which is in a state close to the temporary stopper by the biasing force from the rod biasing means, so that the temporary stopper is held in the unlocked state, The mold usage device described in Means 2 is characterized in that a force is applied to the moving force receiving portion from the mold moving from the front side to the back side, and the rod portion moves in a direction away from the temporary stopper, causing the first magnet to move away from the second magnet, and the temporary stopper is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state by the biasing force from the stopper biasing means.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned means 3, when the mold is transferred from a cart to a mold-using device, for example, a force is applied from the mold moving on the rail section to the moving force receiving section, so that the first magnet separates from the second magnet, and the temporary stopper automatically switches from the unlocked state to the locked state, and thus the sliding movement of the mold from the back side to the front side on the rail section can be restricted. On the other hand, when the mold is transferred from a mold-using device to a cart, for example, the first magnet is attached to the second magnet, so that the temporary stopper can be held in the unlocked state (a state in which the sliding movement of the mold is permitted). Thus, according to the above-mentioned means 3, the sliding movement of the mold can be automatically restricted or maintained in a state in which the sliding movement of the mold is permitted, by a relatively simple configuration that does not use electric power. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the manufacturing cost, etc.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned means 3, for example, when the temporary stopper is in the unlocked state when the mold is transferred from the mold-using device to a dolly, the temporary stopper will automatically switch from the unlocked state to the locked state when the mold is next slid from the front side to the back side without any special operation or treatment. In other words, it is not necessary to perform any prior work on the temporary stopper so that the temporary stopper can be automatically switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. This makes it possible to further improve workability and safety.

[0017] Means 4. A lifting support part capable of moving up and down while supporting the mold; a clamping base capable of clamping and holding the mold between the raised lifting support part and the clamping base, The mold use device described in Means 1 is characterized in that the temporary stopper is configured to move up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the lifting support part.

[0018] According to the above-mentioned means 4, when the lift support part rises and the mold is sandwiched between the lift support part and the clamping base, the temporary stopper can be raised in accordance with the lift support part. Also, when the lift support part descends and the clamping of the mold by the lift support part and the clamping base is released, the temporary stopper can be lowered in accordance with the lift support part. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the mold from moving while it is being clamped or released. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent problems associated with the movement of the mold.

[0019] Means 5. The rail portion has an outer peripheral surface on which the die can be placed, and has a plurality of rollers that are rotatable around a rotation axis perpendicular to the extending direction of the rail portion along the extending direction of the rail portion, The mold-using device described in Means 4 is characterized in that the lifting support part is configured to be movable up and down between a lowered position in which the support surface supporting the mold is located below the uppermost part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller, and an elevated position in which the support surface is located above the uppermost part and clamps the mold between the clamping base part.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned means 5, the rollers provided on the rail section allow the mold to slide more smoothly on the rail section, which can reduce the workload involved in transferring the mold to the mold-using device and further improve the workability.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned Means 5, when the lift support part is placed in the lowered position, the support surface (the surface supporting the mold) of the lift support part is located below the uppermost part of the outer circumferential surface of the roller, so that the sliding movement of the mold is not hindered by the lift support part (support surface). On the other hand, when the lift support part is placed in the raised position, the support surface of the lift support part is located above the uppermost part of the outer circumferential surface of the roller. Therefore, the mold can be held in a more stable state by the support surface and the clamping base.

[0022] The technical matters related to the above means may be combined as appropriate. For example, the technical matters related to the above means 2 may be combined with the technical matters related to the above means 4. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealed pack. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tray sealer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sealing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a lift block and the like with the frame omitted. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view, partially cut away, of a lift block and the like. [Figure 8] 5 is a schematic partially cutaway perspective view taken along line JJ in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view, partially broken away, showing a lift block and the like in a raised state. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view, partially broken away, showing a lift block and the like in a lowered state. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic perspective view, partially broken away, showing a temporary stopper and the like in a locked state; FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic perspective view, partially broken away, showing a temporary stopper and the like in an unlocked state; FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing a connected sealing device, a bogie, etc. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a carriage. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an upper mold and the like being transferred from a carriage to a sealing device. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic partially cutaway plan view showing a state in which an upper die comes into contact with a switch plate when the upper die is transferred from the carriage to the sealing device. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a partially cutaway schematic plan view showing how the rod portion and the second magnet move as the switch plate is pressed by the upper die when the upper die is transferred from the carriage to the sealing device. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a schematic partially cutaway plan view showing a temporary stopper that switches to a locked state as the second magnet moves when the upper mold is transferred from the carriage to the sealing device. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view showing a lifting block and other components that rise while supporting an upper mold. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic front view showing a state in which an upper mold is clamped by a frame and a lifting block. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is a schematic partially cutaway plan view showing how the second magnet is positioned at a position where it can be switched to a locked state as the upper die returns to its original position; FIG. [Figure 22] 13 is a schematic perspective view, partially cut away, showing a temporary stopper and the like in an unlocked state in another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 23] 13 is a schematic plan view, partially cut away, showing a temporary stopper and the like in an unlocked state in another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 24]FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view, partially broken away, showing how the upper die comes into contact with the switch plate when the upper die is transferred from a cart or the like to a sealing device in another embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway schematic plan view showing how, in another embodiment, the switch plate is pressed by the upper die, causing the rod portion and the second magnet to move and the locking pin to come out of the groove portion. [Figure 26] 13 is a schematic partially cutaway plan view showing a temporary stopper that switches to a locked state as the second magnet moves in another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 27] 13 is a partially cutaway schematic plan view showing a temporary stopper and the like in an unlocked state when a second magnet is separated from a first magnet in another embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a sealed pack manufactured by the tray sealer of this embodiment will be described.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sealed pack 1 has a container 3 with one pocket portion 2, and a lid film 4 attached to the container 3 so as to cover the pocket portion 2. Note that in Figure 1 etc., the container 3 and the lid film 4 are shown thicker than they actually are.

[0026] Contents 5, such as food, are contained in the pocket portion 2. The container 3 and the lid film 4 are substantially non-breathable, and are capable of maintaining the contents 5 in a sealed state.

[0027] The container 3 is made of a thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene). The container 3 may have a multi-layer structure made of multiple types of thermoplastic resin materials. The container 3 is also formed with a flange portion 3a extending outward from the opening end of the pocket portion 2.

[0028] On the other hand, the cover film 4 is made of a thermoplastic resin compatible with the container 3 and is attached to the flange portion 3a. The cover film 4 may be made of a thin material having a sealant made of a thermoplastic resin compatible with the container 3 applied to its surface.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of the tray sealer 10 for manufacturing the sealed pack 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the tray sealer 10 includes a film device 11, a container supply device 12, a sealing device 60, and a carrying-out device 14. In this embodiment, the sealing device 60 corresponds to the "mold-using device."

[0030] The film device 11 is a device for supplying a strip-shaped lid film material 51 that is to be used for the lid film 4 to the sealing device 60, and for winding up scraps 52 of the lid film material 51 that remain after cutting.

[0031] The container supplying device 12 is a device for supplying containers 3 having contents 5 accommodated in the pocket portions 2 to the sealing device 60. In this embodiment, the container supplying device 12 supplies a plurality of (e.g., four) containers 3 to the sealing device 60 at one time.

[0032] The sealing device 60 is configured with a detachable upper die 31 and a lower die 32, and uses both dies 31, 32 to attach (weld) the lid film 4 to the flange portion 3a of the container 3. Note that the upper die 31 and the lower die 32 are shown in a simplified form in the drawings. The sealing device 60 has a function of cutting the lid film material 51 to obtain the lid film 4 when attaching the lid film 4 to the flange portion 3a. A more detailed configuration of the sealing device 60 will be described later.

[0033] Each of the upper die 31 and the lower die 32 weighs approximately 150 kg. In this embodiment, the upper die 31 is provided with a pair of pins 31a protruding from its upper surface (see FIG. 15). The pins 31a are used for positioning the upper die 31 relative to the sealing device 60.

[0034] The carrying-out device 14 is a device for removing the sealed pack 1 produced by the sealing device 60 from the sealing device 60 and transporting it to a predetermined downstream position.

[0035] Next, the sealing device 60 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the sealing device 60 includes a lower mold corresponding device 70 and an upper mold corresponding device 80. In the following, the side corresponding to the receiving portion of the upper mold 31 and the lower mold 32 (the lower right side in Fig. 4) will be referred to as the "near side", and the opposite side to the far side (the upper left side in Fig. 4) will be referred to as the "rear side". The "near side" can be referred to as the side where an operator is positioned when transferring the upper mold 31 and the lower mold 32 to the sealing device 60, for example.

[0036] First, the lower mold corresponding device 70 will be described. The lower mold corresponding device 70 is a device having a function related to the attachment of the lower mold 32 and a function of supporting the removed lower mold 32 so that it can slide. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the lower mold corresponding device 70 includes a lower rail portion 71, a lower mold side guide portion 72, and a lower mold receiving portion 73.

[0037] The lower rail portion 71 extends horizontally from the front side to the back side and is for supporting the lower die 32 in a slidable state. A pair of lower rail portions 71 are provided in parallel, and each lower rail portion 71 is provided with a plurality of rotatable lower die rollers 71a. The lower die 32 supported by the lower rail portion 71 is placed on the outer circumferential surface of each lower die roller 71a. The lower die rollers 71a rotate, allowing the lower die 32 to slide smoothly on the lower rail portion 71.

[0038] The lower mold side surface guide portions 72 are portions corresponding to the side surfaces of the lower mold 32 supported by the lower rail portions 71. A pair of lower mold side surface guide portions 72 are provided at positions sandwiching the lower mold 32 supported by the lower rail portions 71 on the left and right sides. Each lower mold side surface guide portion 72 has a role of guiding the sliding movement of the lower mold 32 on the lower rail portions 71.

[0039] The lower die receiving portion 73 comes into contact with the lower die 32 when the lower die 32 slides from the front side to the back side on the lower rail portion 71, thereby restricting further sliding movement of the lower die 32 from the front side to the back side. One lower die receiving portion 73 is provided for each lower die side guide portion 72, and is configured by a protrusion protruding from the back side inner surface of the lower die side guide portion 72.

[0040] Furthermore, the lower mold corresponding device 70 is provided with a holding mechanism (not shown) capable of holding the lower mold 32 in a state in which the lower mold 32 is lifted off the lower rail portion 71. The holding mechanism holds the lower mold 32 by clamping or screwing the lower mold 32. By holding the lower mold 32 with the holding mechanism, the lower mold 32 is attached to the lower mold corresponding device 70.

[0041] Next, a description will be given of the upper mold corresponding device 80. The upper mold corresponding device 80 is a device having a function related to the attachment of the upper mold 31, a function of supporting the removed upper mold 31 so that it can slide, and the like.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 4, 6 to 8, the upper-mold corresponding device 80 includes a frame 81, a guide shaft portion 82, a fixed block 83, a lifting spring 84, a cylinder 85, a lifting block 86, and a stopper mechanism 87. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the lifting block 86 etc. in a state in which the frame 81 is omitted, and Fig. 7 is a schematic partially cutaway side view of the lifting block 86 etc. Also, Fig. 8 is a schematic partially cutaway perspective view taken along line JJ in Fig. 4.

[0043] The frame 81 is a structure located above the upper die 31, and corresponds to the base of the upper die corresponding device 80. The frame 81 has a role of holding the upper die 31 by sandwiching the upper die 31 between itself and a lifting block 86. The lower surface of the frame 81 is provided with a hole (not shown) through which the pin portion 31a can be inserted. In this embodiment, the frame 81 constitutes the "sandwich base."

[0044] The guide shafts 82 support the fixed blocks 83 on the lower sides of the frame 81, and also have the role of guiding the lifting and lowering movement of the lifting blocks 86. The guide shafts 82 are columnar and extend vertically, with one on the front side and one on the back side corresponding to each fixed block 83. The upper end of each guide shaft 82 is fixed to the frame 81, and the lower end is fixed to the fixed block 83, connecting the frame 81 and the fixed block 83.

[0045] Each fixed block 83 is configured so as not to be displaced relative to the frame 81, and has a function of supporting the upper die 31 in a slidable state. The fixed block 83 has an upper rail portion 831 extending from the front side to the back side. A pair of upper rail portions 831 are provided in parallel, and each upper rail portion 831 is provided with a plurality of upper die rollers 831a. In this embodiment, the upper rail portion 831 constitutes the "rail portion", and the upper die rollers 831a constitute the "rollers".

[0046] The upper die rollers 831a are provided at intervals along the extension direction of the upper rail portion 831 and are rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the extension direction of the upper rail portion 831. The upper die 31 supported by the upper rail portion 831 is placed on the outer circumferential surface of each upper die roller 831a, and as a result, the upper die 31 can slide smoothly along the extension direction of the upper rail portion 831.

[0047] The lifting springs 84, together with the lifting block 86, serve to move upward the upper die 31 supported by the lifting block 86. The lifting springs 84 are interposed between the fixed block 83 and the lifting block 86, and a plurality of the lifting springs 84 (for example, five) are provided at intervals from the front side to the back side. Each lifting spring 84 is provided in a state of being compressed and deformed in the vertical direction, and applies an upward biasing force to the lifting block 86, thereby moving the lifting block 86 upward.

[0048] In this embodiment, the biasing force applied from the lifting spring 84 to the lifting block 86 is very large, and the lifting block 86 and the upper die 31 supported by the lifting block 86 can be maintained in an upward (lifted) state by only the biasing force from the lifting spring 84. As a result, even if the cylinder 85 malfunctions when the upper die 31 is attached to the sealing device 60, the upper die 31 can be prevented from moving downward, thereby making it possible to further improve safety.

[0049] The cylinder 85 is, for example, an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, and is a device for controlling the up and down movement of the lifting block 86. The cylinder 85 is operated by an operator or the like using an operating device (not shown).

[0050] A pair of cylinders 85 are provided on the back side of each lifting block 86 (the side opposite to the position where the upper die 31 is arranged), and these cylinders 85 are interposed between the frame 81 and the lifting block 86. The cylinders 85 apply a force to the lifting block 86 in a direction toward or away from the frame 81, thereby being able to move the lifting block 86 downward against the biasing force applied by the lifting springs 84, or to move the lifting block 86 upward in cooperation with the lifting springs 84 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0051] The lifting block 86 is a structure having a function of lifting the upper die 31 and sandwiching the upper die 31 between itself and the frame 81. A pair of lifting blocks 86 are provided in a positional relationship in which the upper die 31 is sandwiched between them, and a vertically extending slide hole 861 is provided on the front side and the back side of each lifting block 86. A guide shaft portion 82 is inserted into the slide hole 861, so that the lifting block 86 can move up and down while being guided by the guide shaft portion 82.

[0052] Further, an upper die receiving portion 862 that protrudes inward (toward the arrangement space of the upper die 31) is formed on the rear side of each lifting block 86. The upper die receiving portion 862 comes into contact with the upper die 31 when the upper die 31 slides from the front side to the rear side on the upper rail portion 831, thereby restricting further sliding movement of the upper die 31 from the front side to the rear side. In this embodiment, the upper die receiving portion 862 constitutes the "receiving portion."

[0053] Furthermore, a lifting support part 863 that protrudes inward (toward the arrangement space of the upper die 31) is provided at the bottom of each lifting block 86. The lifting support part 863 is a protrusion for lifting and supporting the width direction edge part of the upper die 31. A plurality of lifting support parts 863 are provided at intervals from the front side to the back side, and in a plan view, the upper die rollers 831a are positioned between the lifting support parts 863. That is, in a plan view, the lifting support parts 863 and the upper die rollers 831a are arranged in a line.

[0054] Furthermore, the lifting support part 863 can move up and down between a lowered position and an elevated position by the lifting block 86 moving up and down with the operation of the cylinder 85. The lowered position refers to a position where the upper surface of the lifting support part 863, i.e., the support surface 863a supporting the upper die 31, is located below the uppermost part of the outer circumferential surface of the upper die roller 831a, and in this embodiment, refers to a position when it is lowered to the maximum. The elevated position refers to a position where the support surface 863a is located above the uppermost part and sandwiches the upper die 31 between the frame 81.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the upper die 31 is delivered to the sealing device 60, the lifting support part 863 is disposed in a lowered position. On the other hand, when the upper die 31 is attached to the sealing device 60 (upper die corresponding device 80), the lifting support part 863 is disposed in an elevated position. The upper die 31 is sandwiched (clamped) and held between the lifting support part 863 and the frame 81, whereby the upper die 31 is attached to the sealing device 60.

[0056] When the upper die 31 is disposed at a position shifted toward the front or rear from the appropriate position, even if the lifting support part 863 is raised, the pin part 31a of the upper die 31 gets in the way, and the lifting support part 863 cannot be disposed at the raised position. Only when the upper die 31 is disposed at the appropriate position, can the pin part 31a be inserted into the hole part of the frame 81, and as a result, the upper die 31 can be sandwiched between the frame 81 and the lifting support part 863.

[0057] The stopper mechanism 87 is intended to prevent the upper die 31 from moving back toward the front side due to a reaction force applied from the upper die receiving portion 862, etc., when the upper die 31 is transferred to the sealing device 60. The stopper mechanism 87 is incorporated into one of the two lifting blocks 86, and moves up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the lifting block 86 (lifting support portion 863).

[0058] 11 and 12, the stopper mechanism 87 includes a temporary stopper 871, a stopper biasing spring 872, a rod portion 873, a rod biasing spring 874, a switch plate 875, and a pair of magnets 876. Note that Figures 11, 12, etc. show a portion of the lift block 86 cut away to show a portion of the stopper mechanism 87 located on the front side of the lift block 86 and a portion located on the rear side of the lift block 86. In this embodiment, the stopper biasing spring 872 constitutes the "stopper biasing means", and similarly, the rod biasing spring 874 constitutes the "rod biasing means", the switch plate 875 constitutes the "moving force receiving portion", and the pair of magnets 876 constitutes the "holding means".

[0059] The temporary stopper 871 comes into contact with the upper die 31, thereby restricting the sliding movement (return movement) of the upper die 31 from the front side to the back side. The temporary stopper 871 is configured to be capable of reciprocating movement in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the upper die 31 on the upper rail portion 831, and is capable of appearing and disappearing from the movement path of the upper die 31 on the upper rail portion 831. The temporary stopper 871 is capable of switching its state between a locked state (state in FIG. 11) in which it protrudes into the movement path of the upper die 31 and an unlocked state (state in FIG. 12) in which it retreats from the movement path as it reciprocates.

[0060] The locked state refers to a state in which the sliding movement of the upper die 31 from the back side to the front side on the upper rail portion 831 can be restricted. The unlocked state refers to a state in which the sliding movement of the upper die 31 on the upper rail portion 831 is permitted.

[0061] A first attachment pin 871a is formed to protrude from a portion of the temporary stopper 871 opposite to the moving path of the upper die 31. The first attachment pin 871a is a portion to which a stopper biasing spring 872 is attached.

[0062] The stopper biasing spring 872 is for applying a biasing force to the temporary stopper 871 toward the movement path of the upper die 31. One end of the stopper biasing spring 872 is attached to the first mounting pin 871a, and the other end is attached to a second mounting pin 864 provided on the lift block 86.

[0063] The rod portion 873 is a rod-shaped part whose tip portion is located on the temporary stopper 871 side and whose base end portion is attached to the switch plate 875. The rod portion 873 is capable of reciprocating movement along the direction in which the upper rail portion 831 extends (the longitudinal direction of the rod portion 873).

[0064] The rod biasing spring 874 is for applying a biasing force to the rod portion 873 in a direction approaching the temporary stopper 871. The rod biasing spring 874 is disposed in series with the rod portion 873, and is sandwiched between the rod portion 873 and the lifting block 86 in a compressed state.

[0065] The switch plate 875 is for moving the rod portion 873 in a direction away from the temporary stopper 871 against the biasing force applied by the rod biasing spring 874 when a force is applied from the upper die 31 moving from the front side to the back side. The switch plate 875 is provided on the back side of the lifting block 86 (see FIG. 6, etc.) and has a long plate shape extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement path of the upper die 31. One longitudinal end of the switch plate 875 protrudes into the movement path of the upper die 31, and the other longitudinal end of the switch plate 875 is attached to the base end of the rod portion 873.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the upper die 31 moves from the front side to the back side and is located just before the position where it contacts the upper die receiving portion 862, the upper die 31 comes into contact with the switch plate 875. In this state, as the upper die 31 further moves to the back side, the switch plate 875 is pushed further back than a predetermined normal position (a position where the switch plate 875 is located when no force is applied from the upper die 31), and as a result, the rod portion 873 moves in a direction away from the temporary stopper 871. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the upper die 31 reaches a position where it contacts the upper die receiving portion 862 or a position just before that position, the rod portion 873 moves in a direction away from the temporary stopper 871.

[0067] The pair of magnets 876 are for maintaining the temporary stopper 871 in an unlocked state. In this embodiment, the pair of magnets 876 are composed of a first magnet 876a (see FIG. 16 and the like) provided on a side surface of the temporary stopper 871 and a second magnet 876b provided at the tip end of the rod portion 873.

[0068] The first magnet 876a of the temporary stopper 871 is attached to the second magnet 876b of the rod portion 873 in a state where the rod portion 873 is ...

[0069] By configuring the stopper mechanism 87 as described above, the temporary fixing stopper 871 automatically enters a locked state when the upper mold 31 slides from the front side to the rear side on the upper rail portion 831 and reaches a position where it contacts the upper mold receiving portion 862 or a position just in front of that position.

[0070] Next, we will explain the operation of the stopper mechanism 87 when transferring the upper die 31 and the lower die 32 from a specified cart 100 (see Figure 14) capable of supporting the upper die 31 and the lower die 32 to the sealing device 60, and the operation of the lifting block 86, etc. when attaching the upper die 31 transferred to the sealing device 60 to the sealing device 60.

[0071] First, in order to allow the upper die 31 to slide on the upper rail portion 831, the temporary stopper 871 is set to an unlocked state and is retracted from the movement path of the upper die 31. In addition, the lift block 86 is lowered by the cylinder 85 against the biasing force from the lifting spring 84, and the lift support portion 863 is placed in the lowered position.

[0072] Then, the carriage 100 supporting the upper die 31 and the lower die 32 is connected to the sealing device 60 (see FIG. 13).

[0073] The carriage 100 includes a carriage-side upper rail portion 101 capable of supporting the upper die 31 in a slidable state, and a carriage-side lower rail portion 102 capable of supporting the lower die 32 in a slidable state (see FIG. 14). Both rail portions 101, 102 include rotatable carriage-side rollers 101a, 102a on which the upper die 31 and the lower die 32 are placed, and the carriage-side rollers 101a, 102a enable the upper die 31 and the lower die 32 to be smoothly slidably moved. When the carriage 100 is connected to the sealing device 60, the upper rail portion 831 and the carriage-side upper rail portion 101, and the lower rail portion 71 and the carriage-side lower rail portion 102 are arranged in series. Moreover, these rail portions 71, 101, 102, 831 are in a horizontal state.

[0074] After the carriage 100 is connected to the sealing device 60, the upper die 31 and the lower die 32 are slid from the carriage 100 side to the sealing device 60 side (see FIG. 15). The upper die 31 and the lower die 32 can be moved manually without using any special tools.

[0075] Then, when the upper die 31 moves to a position just before the position where it comes into contact with the upper die receiving portion 862, the upper die 31 comes into contact with the switch plate 875 (see FIG. 16). Then, when the upper die 31 moves further toward the rear, the switch plate 875 is pressed by the upper die 31, and the rod portion 873 and the second magnet 876b move in a direction away from the temporary stopper 871 (first magnet 876a) (see FIG. 17). As a result, the temporary stopper 871 protrudes into the movement path of the upper die 31 due to the biasing force from the stopper biasing spring 872, and as a result, the state is automatically switched from the unlocked state to the locked state (without the operator or the like performing any special operation for locking) (see FIG. 18).

[0076] After the temporary stopper 871 is switched to the locked state, the operation of the cylinder 85 is controlled to use the biasing force from the lifting spring 84 to move the lift block 86 (lift support portion 863) and the upper die 31 supported thereby upward (see FIG. 19). At this time, the temporary stopper 871 moves upward in accordance with the upward movement of the lift block 86 (lift support portion 863).

[0077] Then, by sandwiching the upper die 31 between the lifting block 86 (lifting support portion 863) and the frame 81, the upper die 31 is attached to the sealing device 60 (see FIG. 20). In this embodiment, not only the biasing force from the lifting spring 84 but also the pulling force from the cylinder 85 is applied to the upper die 31, so that the upper die 31 can be attached to the sealing device 60 in a very stable state.

[0078] On the other hand, the lower die 32 transferred to the sealing device 60 is attached to the sealing device 60 by the above-mentioned holding mechanism.

[0079] After the locked state is reached, the rod portion 873 and the second magnet 876b can return to a state in which they are close to the temporary stopper 871 due to the biasing force from the rod biasing portion 874 (see FIG. 21). Therefore, when the upper die 31 is moved from the sealing device 60 to the cart 100 or the like for replacement or maintenance of the upper die 31, the first magnet 876a can be attached to the second magnet 876b by, for example, pushing the temporary stopper 871 in a direction retracting from the movement path of the upper die 31, thereby switching from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0080] The upper die 31 can be removed from the sealing device 60 by moving the lift block 86 downward to release the upper die 31 from the clamping by the frame 81 and the lift support portion 863. When the lift block 86 moves downward, the temporary stopper 871 moves downward in accordance with the downward movement of the lift block 86 (lift support portion 863).

[0081] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the upper die 31 can be slid on the upper rail portion 831, so that the upper die 31 can be easily delivered to the sealing device 60. In particular, in this embodiment, the upper die rollers 831a provided on the upper rail portion 831 allow the upper die 31 to be slid on the upper rail portion 831 more smoothly. This makes it possible to further reduce the workload involved in delivering the upper die to the sealing device 60, and further improve workability.

[0082] In addition, when the upper die 31 slides from the front side to the back side on the upper rail portion 831 and reaches a position where it contacts the upper die receiving portion 862 or a position just in front of that position, the temporary stopper 871 is automatically locked. Therefore, the advantages of providing the upper rail portion 831 can be fully utilized, while the problems caused by providing the upper rail portion 831 can be more reliably prevented.

[0083] Furthermore, since the temporary stopper 871 can be held in an unlocked state by the pair of magnets 876, the workability (convenience) can be further improved.

[0084] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the stopper mechanism 87, which does not use electricity and has a relatively simple configuration, can automatically restrict the sliding movement of the upper die 31, or can maintain a state in which the sliding movement of the upper die 31 is permitted. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the manufacturing cost, etc.

[0085] In addition, for example, if the temporary stopper 871 is in the unlocked state when the mold is transferred from the sealing device 60 to the cart 100, the temporary stopper 871 will automatically switch from the unlocked state to the locked state when the upper mold 31 is next slid from the front side to the back side without any special operation or treatment. In other words, it is not necessary to perform any prior work on the temporary stopper 871, etc., so that the temporary stopper 871 can automatically switch from the unlocked state to the locked state. This makes it possible to further improve workability and safety.

[0086] Furthermore, when the lifting support parts 863 rise and the upper die 31 is sandwiched between the lifting support parts 863 and the frame 81, the temporary stopper 871 can be raised in accordance with the lifting support parts 863. Also, when the lifting support parts 863 descend and the upper die 31 is released from the clamping by the lifting support parts 863 and the frame 81, the temporary stopper 871 can be lowered in accordance with the lifting support parts 863. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the upper die 31 from moving while it is being clamped or released. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent problems associated with the movement of the upper die 31.

[0087] In addition, when the lift support 863 is placed in the lowered position, the support surface 863a of the lift support 863 is located below the uppermost part of the outer circumferential surface of the upper die roller 831a, so that the lift support 863 (support surface 863a) does not impede the sliding movement of the upper die 31. On the other hand, when the lift support 863 is placed in the raised position, the support surface 863a is located above the uppermost part of the outer circumferential surface of the upper die roller 831a. Therefore, the support surface 863a and the frame 81 can hold the upper die 31 in a more stable state.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows: Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0089] (a) In the above embodiment, the pair of magnets 876 is used as a means for holding the temporary stopper 871 in the unlocked state, but other means may be used. For example, the temporary stopper 871 may be configured to be held in the unlocked state by being engaged with the tip of the rod portion 873. In this configuration, for example, when the upper mold 31 comes into contact with the switch plate 875, the rod portion 873 may move in a direction away from the temporary stopper 871, thereby releasing the engagement of the temporary stopper 871 with the rod portion 873, and the temporary stopper 871 may be automatically switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0090] (b) Furthermore, as a means for holding the temporary stopper 871 in the unlocked state, a locking pin 871b and a locked portion 877 may be used in addition to a pair of magnets 876 (first magnets 876a, 876b) as shown in Figures 22 and 23. In other words, the holding means may include the locking pin 871b and the locked portion 877.

[0091] The locking pin 871b is capable of holding the temporary stopper 871 in an unlocked state by being locked to the locked portion 877, and is formed to protrude from the temporary stopper 871. The locked portion 877 is for locking the locking pin 871b, and has a groove portion 877a that opens toward the back side and in which the locking pin 871b can be placed. The first magnet 876a is attached to the second magnet 876b, and the locking pin 871b is locked to the locked portion 877, so that the temporary stopper 871 can be in an unlocked state. Therefore, by providing the locked portion 877 and the locking pin 871b, the unlocked state can be held more reliably than when the temporary stopper 871 is held in an unlocked state by only the pair of magnets 876.

[0092] Here, we will explain the operation of the stopper mechanism 87 having the locking pin 871b and the locked portion 877 when the upper mold 31 is transferred from the cart 100 or the like to the sealing device 60 (when the upper mold 31 is loaded), and when the upper mold 31 is transferred from the sealing device 60 to the cart 100 or the like (when the upper mold 31 is unloaded).

[0093] In this example, the base end portion of the temporary stopper 871 (the portion located on the opposite side to the moving path of the upper die 31) is an operated portion 871c exposed on the front surface of the lift block 86. By operating this operated portion 871c (for example, by hooking a finger on the operated portion 871c and moving it), the temporary stopper 871 can be slid.

[0094] When the upper die 31 is carried in, if the temporary stopper 871 is in a locked state, the temporary stopper 871 is first set to an unlocked state and the temporary stopper 871 is retracted from the movement path of the upper die 31. That is, the temporary stopper 871 is set to an unlocked state by sliding the temporary stopper 871 in a direction away from the movement path of the upper die 31 by operating the operated portion 871c, etc. At this time, the rod portion 873 is in a state approaching the temporary stopper 871 by the biasing force from the rod biasing spring 874, so that the first magnet 876a is attached to the second magnet 876b, and the locking pin 871b is locked to the locked portion 877, and the temporary stopper 871 is set to an unlocked state (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

[0095] Incidentally, the upper die 31 is carried out after the temporary stopper 871 is in an unlocked state, and therefore the temporary stopper 871 is usually in an unlocked state after the upper die 31 is carried out. Therefore, when the upper die 31 is carried in (which is carried out after the upper die 31 is carried out), the temporary stopper 871 is usually already in an unlocked state. Therefore, basically, it is not necessary to switch the temporary stopper 871 from a locked state to an unlocked state as described above.

[0096] Next, the upper die 31 is slid from the side of the carriage 100 to the side of the sealing device 60, so that the upper die 31 comes into contact with the switch plate 875 (see FIG. 24). Then, when the upper die 31 moves toward the rear, the switch plate 875 is pressed by the upper die 31, so that the rod portion 873 and the second magnet 876b move in a direction away from the temporary stopper 871 (the first magnet 876a). Then, when the rod portion 873 moves toward the rear with both magnets 876a and 876b attached, the locking pin 871b comes out of the groove portion 877a, and the locking of the locking pin 871b with respect to the locked portion 877 is released (see FIG. 25). Furthermore, when the upper die 31 moves further toward the rear, both magnets 876a and 876b move away from each other. As a result, the biasing force from the stopper biasing spring 872 causes the temporary stopper 871 to protrude into the movement path of the upper die 31, and the temporary stopper 871 switches from the unlocked state to the locked state (see FIG. 26).

[0097] In this example, the stroke amount (reciprocating range) of the rod portion 873 is set to be relatively large, so that the second magnet 876b can be pulled farther away from the temporary stopper 871 (first magnet 876a). Therefore, the temporary stopper 871 can be switched from the unlocked state to the locked state more reliably.

[0098] Next, the process of removing the upper die 31 will be described. When removing the upper die 31, first, the temporary stopper 871 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. That is, by operating the operated portion 871c or the like, the temporary stopper 871 is slid in a direction away from the moving path of the upper die 31, so that the locking pin 871b is placed in the groove portion 877a of the locked portion 877 (see FIG. 27). As a result, the locking pin 871b is locked to the locked portion 877, and the temporary stopper 871 is placed in the unlocked state, and this unlocked state is maintained.

[0099] When the upper die 31 is removed, the switch plate 875 is pushed to the rear by the upper die 31, and the rod portion 873 and the second magnet 876b are largely separated from the temporary stopper 871. Therefore, the temporary stopper 871 is unlocked by the locking pin 871b and the locked portion 877, not by the magnets 876a and 876b. Therefore, it can be said that the locking pin 871b and the locked portion 877 are for putting the temporary stopper 871 into the unlocked state even in a state in which the magnets 876a and 876b cannot be attached to each other, in a configuration in which the magnets 876a and 876b can be largely separated from each other so that the temporary stopper 871 can be switched from the unlocked state to the locked state more reliably.

[0100] After the temporary stopper 871 is set to the unlocked state, the upper die 31 is moved toward the front side, and the upper die 31 is carried out. As the upper die 31 moves toward the front side, the rod portion 873 and the second magnet 876b approach the temporary stopper 871 due to the biasing force from the rod biasing spring 874. Finally, both magnets 876a, 876b are attached to each other, and the unlocked state of the temporary stopper 871 is more reliably maintained.

[0101] (c) In the above embodiment, the temporary stopper 871 is configured to be able to move back and forth linearly, but the temporary stopper 871 may be configured to be able to move back and forth along an arc-shaped path (that is, to be able to pivot).

[0102] (d) In the above embodiment, the stopper mechanism 87 is provided for the upper mold 31, but it may also be provided for the lower mold 32. Of course, the stopper mechanism 87 may also be provided for both the upper mold 31 and the lower mold 32.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the stopper mechanism 87 is incorporated in only one of the lifting and lowering blocks 86, but the stopper mechanism 87 may be incorporated in each of the lifting and lowering blocks 86.

[0104] (e) The stopper mechanism 87 in the above embodiment is configured to automatically switch the temporary stopper 871 from an unlocked state to a locked state by using the moving force of the upper mold 31 without using electric power. In contrast, a stopper mechanism that automatically switches the temporary stopper from an unlocked state to a locked state by using electric power may be adopted. As such a stopper mechanism, for example, a mechanism including a position detection sensor capable of detecting the position of the upper mold 31 and a drive device (such as a solenoid) capable of causing the temporary stopper 871 to appear and disappear from the moving path of the upper mold 31 based on the detection result by the position inspection sensor can be mentioned.

[0105] (f) In the above embodiment, the upper die 31 is attached to the sealing device 60 by sandwiching the upper die 31 between the lifting support part 863 and the frame 81, but the method of attaching the upper die 31 to the sealing device 60 is not limited to this. Therefore, for example, the upper die 31 may be attached to the sealing device 60 by screwing or the like.

[0106] (g) In the above embodiment, the upper rail portion 831 is provided with the upper die rollers 831a, but the upper die 31 may be configured to be slidable on the upper rail portion 831 without providing the upper die rollers 831a. For example, the surface of the upper rail portion 831 that comes into contact with the upper die 31 may be made of a resin material with excellent sliding properties, thereby making the upper die 31 slidable.

[0107] (h) In the above embodiment, a sealing device 60 is given as an example of a “mold-using device”, however, the “mold-using device” may be any machine that performs various processing steps using an upper and lower mold, and is not limited to the sealing device 60. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 31...upper mold (mold), 60...sealing device (mold usage device), 81...frame (clamping base), 831...upper rail portion (rail portion), 831a...upper mold roller (roller), 862...upper mold receiving portion (receiving portion), 863...lifting support portion, 863a...support surface, 871...temporary stopper, 872...stopper biasing spring (stopper biasing means), 873...rod portion, 874...rod biasing spring (rod biasing means), 875...switch plate (moving force receiving portion), 876...pair of magnets (holding means), 876a...first magnet, 876b...second magnet.

Claims

1. A mold-using device capable of performing processing using a removable mold, a pair of rail portions extending from a front side corresponding to a receiving portion side of the mold toward a rear side opposite the front side and capable of supporting the mold in a slidable state; a receiving portion that can restrict further sliding movement of the mold from the front side to the back side by contacting the mold when the mold slides on the rail portion from the front side to the back side; a temporary stopper configured to automatically enter a locked state that can restrict the sliding movement of the mold from the back side to the front side on the rail portion when the mold slides from the front side to the back side on the rail portion and reaches a position where it contacts the receiving portion or a position just in front of that position.

2. the temporary stopper is configured to be capable of appearing and disappearing from a movement path of the mold on the rail portion and to be switchable between a locked state in which the temporary stopper protrudes toward the movement path and an unlocked state in which the temporary stopper retracts from the movement path, 2. The mold using device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding means capable of holding the temporary stopper in the unlocked state.

3. a stopper biasing means for applying a biasing force to the temporary stopper toward the movement path; a rod portion that is reciprocally movable along an extension direction of the rail portion; a rod biasing means for applying a biasing force to the rod portion in a direction approaching the temporary stopper; a moving force receiving portion that is capable of moving the rod portion in a direction away from the temporary stopper against a biasing force applied by the rod biasing means when a force is applied from the mold moving from the front side to the back side, The holding means is A first magnet provided on the temporary stopper; A second magnet provided in the rod portion, the first magnet in the temporary stopper is attached to the second magnet in the rod portion which is in a state close to the temporary stopper by the biasing force from the rod biasing means, so that the temporary stopper is held in the unlocked state, The mold usage device described in claim 2, characterized in that a force is applied to the moving force receiving portion from the mold moving from the front side to the back side, and the rod portion moves in a direction away from the temporary stopper, causing the first magnet to move away from the second magnet, and the temporary stopper is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state by the biasing force from the stopper biasing means.

4. a lifting support part that can move up and down while supporting the mold; a clamping base capable of clamping and holding the mold between the raised lifting support part and the clamping base, 2. The mold using device according to claim 1, wherein the temporary stopper is configured to move up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the lift support part.

5. the rail portion has an outer circumferential surface on which the die can be placed, and includes a plurality of rollers that are rotatable about rotation axes perpendicular to the extending direction of the rail portion along the extending direction of the rail portion, The mold using device described in claim 4, characterized in that the lifting support part is configured to be movable up and down between a lowered position in which the support surface supporting the mold is located below the uppermost part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller, and an elevated position in which the support surface is located above the uppermost part and clamps the mold between the clamping base part.

Images