Corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus and molding machine

Abstract

To provide a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus capable of automatically performing a centering process.SOLUTION: A corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus comprises an extruder having a nozzle, a molding machine, and a control unit. The molding machine includes: a first transport path; a second transport path; a x-direction drive device that moves the first transport path and the second transport path respectively in a x-direction to bring them closer to and away from each other, and is displaceable to a x-direction reference position where the first transport path and the second transport path are arranged apart from each other; and a contact detection device that detects contact between the nozzle and at least one of the first transport path, a first split body, the second transport path, or a second split body, and provides a contact position. The control unit calculates relative position information of the first and second transport paths with respect to the nozzle in the x-direction based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device, and controls the x-direction drive device to align a x-direction center position with a central axis of the nozzle in the x-direction based on the relative position information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus and a forming machine for manufacturing a corrugated tube. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, corrugated tubes are formed using a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus that includes an extruder that extrudes a resin material and a molding machine that performs blow molding or vacuum molding using a plurality of dies provided on a pair of annular conveying means.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus. In the following paragraphs, the reference numerals of Patent Document 1 are shown in parentheses. The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus (1) includes an extruder (2) that receives a supply of thermoplastic resin material and extrudes the resin material, and a molding machine (3) that presses the extruded resin material with a plurality of dies (31) as a plurality of dies to form a corrugated tube (C). The extruder (2) includes a supply section (21) into which the resin material is input, a screw (22) that extends with a spiral pleat and is rotated by a motor to melt the resin material while sending it to the right, a cylinder (23) that houses the screw (22) and forms a passage for the resin material, a gear pump (24) that is provided on the right side, which is the outlet of the cylinder (23), and serves as a throttle section that adjusts the amount of resin material passing through, and a nozzle (25) that is provided on the right side, which is the outlet side of the gear pump (24), and extrudes the resin material to the right. The molding machine (3) is configured to include a pair of conveying means (32) arranged vertically in parallel, each having an opposing surface (32a) and including a plurality of carrier bases arranged in a ring shape, a roller (33) arranged inside the conveying means (32) and having a horizontal rotation axis, a pulley (34) arranged inside the conveying means (32) and having a horizontal rotation axis, and a plurality of dies (31) provided on each carrier base. The roller (33) is rotated by a motor to move the conveying means (32), and the pulley (34) is rotated according to the movement of the conveying means (32), so that the motor, the roller (33), and the pulley (34) function as a moving means. That is, in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus (1), a nozzle (25) arranged inside the die (31) discharges a resin material toward the inner surface of the die (31) to vacuum-form the corrugated tube (C). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-218028 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional corrugated tube manufacturing devices such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, the relative positions of the nozzle and the die must be adjusted so that the central axis of the nozzle is located at the center of the die. This adjustment must be performed accurately because misalignment between the nozzle and the die can cause problems such as variations in thickness or deviations in the corrugated tube. However, this adjustment is generally performed by a skilled craftsman through a manual centering process, which is extremely difficult and time-consuming.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus and a molding machine that enable the centering process to be performed accurately and automatically. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 is a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus, an extruder having a nozzle extending along a central axis and for ejecting a molten resin material; a molding machine which molds a corrugated tube by continuously feeding out a plurality of mold blocks and discharging a molten resin material from the inside of each of the mold blocks toward an inner surface of the mold blocks using the nozzle disposed at an injection position; A control unit that controls the extruder and the molding machine, The molding machine comprises: a first annular conveying path that holds a plurality of first divided bodies and conveys the plurality of first divided bodies continuously in a circumferential direction; a ring-shaped second conveying path arranged in parallel with the first conveying path on the same plane, holding a plurality of second divided bodies, and conveying the plurality of second divided bodies continuously in a circumferential direction, wherein at a molding processing position, the first divided body and the second divided body are combined with each other on adjacent processing straight paths of the first conveying path and the second conveying path to form the mold block; an x-direction drive device which moves the first transport path and the second transport path in the x-direction so as to approach and separate from each other, and which can be displaced between an x-direction reference position where the first transport path and the second transport path are disposed apart from each other and the molding position where the first transport path and the second transport path are joined in the x-direction so as to be able to send out the mold block, and an x-direction center position which positions the center of the mold block in the x-direction is determined midway between the first transport path and the second transport path in the x-direction; a contact detection device that detects contact between the first transport path or the first divided body, or the second transport path or the second divided body, and the nozzle, and provides a contact position; The control unit is characterized in that it calculates relative position information in the x-direction with respect to the nozzle of the first and second transport paths based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device, and controls the x-direction drive device to align the x-direction center position with the central axis of the nozzle in the x-direction based on the relative position information.

[0008] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2 is the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is a step of moving the first transport path from the x-direction reference position toward the nozzle along the x-direction by the x-direction drive device in a state in which the nozzle is disposed between the first divided body on the first transport path and the second divided body on the second transport path, and acquiring a first movement distance traveled by the first transport path until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means; a step of moving the second transport path from the x-direction reference position toward the nozzle along the x-direction by the x-direction drive device in a state in which the nozzle is disposed between the first divided body on the first transport path and the second divided body on the second transport path, and acquiring a second movement distance traveled by the second transport path until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means; acquiring x-direction correction information based on a difference between the first movement distance and the second movement distance, and aligning the x-direction center position and a central axis of the nozzle in the x-direction using the x-direction correction information; The present invention is characterized in that it is configured to execute a step of displacing the first conveying path and the second conveying path to the molding position while the x-direction center position is aligned with the central axis of the nozzle.

[0009] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 is the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forming machine further includes a z-direction driving device that vertically moves the first conveying path and the second conveying path simultaneously in a z-direction perpendicular to the same plane, the molding machine disposes the first conveying path and the second conveying path at a z-direction reference position so as to avoid interference with the nozzle when the first conveying path and the second conveying path are joined in the x-direction, and a z-direction center position for positioning the center of the mold block in the z direction is defined in the z direction between the first conveying path and the second conveying path; The control unit calculates second relative position information in the z direction with respect to the nozzle of the first and second transport paths based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device, and controls the z direction drive device to align the z direction center position with the central axis of the nozzle in the z direction based on the second relative position information.

[0010] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 is the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein after the step of aligning the x-direction center position with a central axis of the nozzle in the x-direction, a step of moving the first and second transport paths vertically upward along the z direction from the z direction reference position by the z direction drive device while the nozzle is disposed in the mold block between the first and second transport paths, and acquiring a third movement distance traveled by the first and second transport paths until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means; a step of moving the first and second transport paths vertically downward along the z direction from the z direction reference position by the z direction drive device while the nozzle is disposed in the mold block between the first and second transport paths, and acquiring a fourth movement distance traveled by the first and second transport paths until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means; acquiring z-direction correction information based on a difference between the third movement distance and the fourth movement distance, and aligning the z-direction center position and a central axis of the nozzle in the z direction using the z-direction correction information; The present invention is characterized in that the present invention is configured to execute the following:

[0011] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 is the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forming machine further includes a y-direction driving device that moves the first conveying path and the second conveying path in a y direction perpendicular to the x direction on the same plane, the first transport path and the second transport path are driven by the y-direction drive device to move forward or backward in a y-direction relative to the nozzle of the device; The first transport path and the second transport path are controlled so that the nozzle is positioned at a forward reference position corresponding to the ejection position.

[0012] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 6 is characterized in that in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 or 2, the contact detection device detects contact by measuring a current between the nozzle and the first conveying path or the second conveying path.

[0013] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus described in claim 7 is characterized in that, in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus described in claim 2, the first movement distance and the second movement distance are each measured multiple times, and an average value of the x-direction correction information is used for alignment.

[0014] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, the step of acquiring the first moving distance includes moving the first conveying path to the x-direction center position at a first speed, and moving the first conveying path from the x-direction center position until the contact detection device comes into contact at a second speed slower than the first speed.

[0015] The molding machine described in claim 9 is a molding machine for molding a corrugated tube by continuously feeding out a plurality of mold blocks and discharging a molten resin material from inside each of the mold blocks toward an inner surface of the mold blocks using a nozzle extending in an axial direction of the extruder, a first annular conveying path that holds the first divided bodies and conveys the first divided bodies continuously in a circumferential direction; a ring-shaped second conveying path that is arranged in parallel with the first conveying path on the same plane, holds the second divided bodies, and conveys the second divided bodies continuously in a circumferential direction, and at a molding processing position, the first divided bodies and the second divided bodies are combined on adjacent processing straight paths of the first conveying path and the second conveying path to form the mold block; an x-direction drive device which moves the first transport path and the second transport path in the x-direction so as to approach and separate from each other, and which can be displaced between an x-direction reference position where the first transport path and the second transport path are disposed apart from each other and the molding position where the first transport path and the second transport path are joined in the x-direction so as to be able to send out the mold block, and an x-direction center position which positions the center of the mold block in the x-direction is determined midway between the first transport path and the second transport path in the x-direction; a contact detection device that detects contact between the nozzle and at least one of the first divided body on the first transport path and the second divided body on the second transport path that move in an x ​​direction, and provides a contact position; The present invention is characterized by comprising an automatic centering mechanism that calculates relative position information in the x direction with respect to the nozzle of the first and second transport paths based on the contact position detected by the contact detection device, and controls the x direction drive device so as to align the x direction center position with the central axis of the nozzle in the x direction based on the relative position information. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, the first and second conveying paths are configured to be movable in the x direction by an x ​​direction drive device, and a contact detection device is provided that detects contact between the first conveying path or the first divided body or the second conveying path or the second divided body and the nozzle and provides the contact position. The control unit acquires the contact position provided by the contact detection device when the first and / or second conveying paths are moved in the x direction, calculates relative position information in the x direction of the first and second conveying paths (x direction center position) with respect to the nozzle (center axis position) based on the contact position, and makes it possible to align the x direction center position with the center axis of the nozzle in the x direction based on the relative position information. That is, the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to accurately and automatically perform the centering process in the x direction, thereby reducing the workload of the user.

[0017] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, the control unit moves the first conveying path toward the nozzle along the x direction, and obtains a first moving distance traveled until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means, and moves the second conveying path toward the nozzle along the x direction, and obtains a second moving distance traveled until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means. The x direction correction information is calculated based on the difference between the first moving distance and the second moving distance. Then, the x direction correction information is used to align the x direction center position and the central axis of the nozzle in the x direction. That is, by using the x direction correction information for information on the two contact positions of the first conveying path and the second conveying path, the x direction correction information can be obtained with higher accuracy, and as a result, the x direction center position and the central axis of the nozzle can be more accurately aligned in the x direction.

[0018] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the first conveying path and the second conveying path are configured to be movable in the z direction by a z-direction drive device. The control unit can align the z-direction center position and the central axis of the nozzle in the z direction by using second relative position information in the z direction of the first and second conveying paths with respect to the nozzle based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device when the first and second conveying paths are moved vertically upward and / or vertically downward. In other words, the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention can also automatically perform the centering process in the z direction, thereby reducing the workload of the user.

[0019] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 3, the control unit moves the first and second conveying paths vertically upward along the z direction from the z direction reference position, and obtains a third movement distance until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means, and on the other hand, moves the first and second conveying paths vertically downward along the z direction from the z direction reference position, and obtains a fourth movement distance until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means. Z direction correction information is obtained based on the difference between the third movement distance and the fourth movement distance. Then, the z direction correction information is used to align the z direction center position and the central axis of the nozzle in the z direction. That is, by using the z direction correction information for information on two contact positions, upper and lower in the z direction, it is possible to obtain z direction correction information with higher accuracy, and as a result, it is possible to align the z direction center position and the central axis of the nozzle more accurately in the z direction.

[0020] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus described in claim 5, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the first and second conveying paths can be driven from a retracted position to a forward reference position corresponding to the injection position by the y-direction driving device.

[0021] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the contact detection device can simply and reliably detect contact by measuring the current between the nozzle and the first conveying path or the second conveying path.

[0022] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus described in claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2, the first movement distance and the second movement distance are each obtained multiple times, and the average value of the x-direction correction information is used for alignment, thereby further improving the accuracy of alignment.

[0023] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2, in the step of acquiring the first moving distance, the first conveying path is moved at a relatively high first speed to a center position in the x direction where it does not come into contact with the nozzle, and then moved at a relatively low second speed to bring it into contact with the nozzle and acquire the contact position, thereby making it possible to further expedite the step of acquiring the first moving distance.

[0024] According to the molding machine of claim 9, the first and second conveying paths are configured to be movable in the x direction by an x ​​direction drive device, and a contact detection device is provided that detects contact between the first conveying path or the first divided body or the second conveying path or the second divided body and the nozzle and provides the contact position. The automatic centering mechanism acquires the contact position provided by the contact detection device when the first and / or second conveying paths are moved in the x direction, calculates relative position information in the x direction of the first and second conveying paths (x direction center position) with respect to the nozzle (center axis position) based on the contact position, and makes it possible to align the x direction center position with the center axis of the nozzle in the x direction based on the relative position information. That is, the molding machine of the present invention makes it possible to automatically perform the centering process in the x direction, thereby reducing the workload of the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view of a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention at a reference position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic plan view of a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention at a forming processing position. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 5. [Figure 7]FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 5 . [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of a centering process in the x direction in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a centering step in a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment, illustrating the origin position of the apparatus. FIG. [Figure 11] Schematic diagrams showing a centering process in a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment, in which (a) the first and second conveying paths are arranged at a horizontal reference position, a vertical reference position and an advance reference position, (b) the first conveying path is moved in the x direction toward the nozzle, (c) the first conveying path is moved in the x direction to the horizontal reference position, and (d) the second conveying path is moved in the x direction toward the nozzle. [Figure 12] (a) is a schematic diagram of the configurations of Figures 11(a) and (c) as viewed from the front, (b) is a schematic diagram of the configuration of Figure 11(b) as viewed from the front, and (c) is a schematic diagram of the configuration of Figure 11(d) as viewed from the front. [Figure 13] 1A is a schematic diagram showing a centering process in a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment, in which (a) the first and second conveying paths are returned to the horizontal reference position after the first and second moving distances are obtained, (b) the horizontal center position is moved in the x-direction to the central axis position of the nozzle using x-direction correction information, and (c) the state after the centering process in the x-direction is completed. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart of a centering process in the z direction in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] 1A is a schematic diagram showing a centering process in a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment, in which (a) shows the state after completion of the centering process in the x-direction, (b) shows the state in which the first and second conveying paths have been moved upward in the z-direction, and (c) shows the state in which the first and second conveying paths have been moved downward in the z-direction. [Figure 16]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a centering step in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of one embodiment, illustrating the configuration after the centering step in the z direction is completed. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a centering process (variant example) in one embodiment of a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus, in which (a) the first and second conveying paths are spaced apart from each other and in a vertical reference position, (b) the first and second conveying paths have been moved upward in the z direction, and (c) the first and second conveying paths have been moved downward in the z direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes of the figures referred to in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for explaining preferred shapes and dimensions, and the dimensional ratios do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios in the drawings. Furthermore, the up, down, left, and right directions in the present invention are merely concepts indicating relative positions, and it goes without saying that they can be applied by being interchanged.

[0027] A corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is adapted to manufacture a corrugated tube by supplying a thermoplastic resin material, melting the resin material at high heat, attaching the molten resin material to a mold, and vacuum forming the molded resin material. Hereinafter, the configuration of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention at a predetermined origin position. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 (without the frame of the extruder 110). FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 at a molding position. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. 5 (without the frame of the extruder 110). FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. 5. As shown in the figures, the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 is configured to be able to change its mechanical arrangement (relative position) between a predetermined origin position (machine origin or work origin) shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and a molding processing position where injection molding of a corrugated tube can be performed, shown in Figs. 5 to 8. Here, the left-right horizontal direction in front view is defined as the x direction (x axis), the left-right horizontal direction in side view is defined as the y direction (y axis), and the vertical up-down direction is defined as the z direction (z axis). That is, the x axis and the y axis are perpendicular to one horizontal plane, and the z axis extends perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the x direction and the y direction (xy plane) form a horizontal plane parallel to the ground, and the z direction forms a vertical direction, although this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 8, the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 includes an extruder 110 configured to inject a molten resin material, a molding machine 120 for vacuum molding the molten resin material injected from the extruder 110 into a mold, and a control unit (processor) for controlling the operation of the extruder 110 and the molding machine 120. The extruder 110 includes an extruder body to which a thermoplastic resin material is supplied, and a nozzle 111 extending from the extruder body along a central axis C0 and for injecting the molten resin material. The extruder body has a known structure, and its description is omitted. The molding machine 120 is configured to mold a corrugated tube by continuously feeding out a plurality of mold blocks 135 as a mold, and discharging the molten resin material from the inside of each mold block 135 toward the inner surface of the mold block 135 using the nozzle 111 arranged at the injection (discharge) position. The inner shape of each mold block 135 as a mold corresponds to the outer shape of the corrugated tube to be molded. Here, both the extruder 110 and the molding machine 120 are fixed to the ground, and their relative positions can be changed by mechanically driving components of the molding machine 120.

[0030] More specifically, the molding machine 130 comprises a base 131 placed on the ground, a movable table 134 movably installed on the base 131, a pair of a first conveying path 132 and a second conveying path 133 provided on the movable table 134, a horizontal (x-direction) drive device 136 that drives the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the x-direction, a vertical (z-direction) drive device 137 that drives the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the z-direction, a front-rear (y-direction) drive device 138 that drives the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the y-direction, and a contact detection device (not shown) that detects contact between the nozzle 111 and the first conveying path 132 (first divided body 135a) or the second conveying path 133 (second divided body 135b).

[0031] The first conveying path 132 is an annular conveyor rail that holds a plurality of first divided bodies 135a and continuously conveys the plurality of first divided bodies 135a in the circumferential direction. The first conveying path 132 has a U-shaped cross section with an open outer circumferential surface, and holds the plurality of first divided bodies 135a continuously throughout the entire circumferential direction. The first conveying path 132 has a first processed straight path 132a on the side facing the second conveying path 133. The first conveying path 132 also has a first conveying drive unit 132b that rotates and drives the plurality of first divided bodies 135a in the circumferential direction. The second conveying path 133 is an annular conveyor rail that is arranged in parallel with the first conveying path 132 on the same horizontal plane, holds a plurality of second divided bodies 135b, and continuously conveys the plurality of second divided bodies 135b in the circumferential direction. The second conveying path 133 has a U-shaped cross section with an open outer circumferential surface, and holds a plurality of second divided bodies 135b (the same number as the first divided bodies 135a) continuously throughout the entire circumferential direction inside. In other words, the second conveying path 133 has the same outer circumferential dimension shape as the first conveying path 132. The second conveying path 133 has a second processed straight path 133a on the side facing the first conveying path 132. The second conveying path 133 also has a second conveying drive unit 133b that drives the plurality of second divided bodies 135b to rotate in the circumferential direction. The first conveying drive unit 132b and the second conveying drive unit 133b are general power sources consisting of motors, gears, etc., and operate to rotate the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 synchronously.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when the molding machine 130 is at the origin position, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the x direction. The x direction positions (x coordinates) of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 at this time are set as horizontal (x direction) reference positions. When the molding machine 130 is at the origin position, the upstream ends of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are retracted in the y direction so as to be spaced apart from the tip of the nozzle 111. When the molding machine 130 is at the origin position, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are disposed at vertical (z direction) reference positions roughly aligned with the height position of the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 in the z direction position (z coordinate).

[0033] The horizontal drive device 136 is configured to move the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 individually in the x direction on the movable base 134. The control unit can control the moving distance and moving speed of the first transport path 132 and / or the second transport path 133 in the x direction. The vertical drive device 137 is configured to change the height of the upper surface of the base 131 to move the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 simultaneously in the z direction. The control unit can control the moving distance and moving speed of the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 in the z direction. The front-rear drive device 138 is configured to move the movable base 134 on the base 131 in the y direction to move the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 simultaneously in the y direction. The control unit can control the moving distance and moving speed of the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 in the y direction. The horizontal drive device 136, the vertical drive device 137, and the front-rear drive device 138 are general power sources consisting of a motor, a cylinder, gears, etc. The control unit appropriately drives the horizontal drive device 136 and the front-rear drive device 138 to displace the molding machine 130 from the origin position to the molding processing position.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, when the molding machine 130 is at the molding position, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are connected in the x direction. That is, the adjacent first processing straight path 132a and the second processing straight path 133a are combined in the x direction to form a closed linear molding space therein. In this molding space, the first divided body 135a and the second divided body 135b are combined to form a mold block 135 as a mold. On this adjacent processing straight path, the mold block 135 is sent from upstream to downstream in the y direction. As shown in FIG. 6, when the molding machine 130 is at the molding position, the nozzle 111 is disposed inside the mold block 135 in the molding space. In this way, the y direction position at which the nozzle 111 injects the resin into the mold block 135 is defined as the injection position.

[0035] The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 manufactures a corrugated tube by the following molding process. That is, with the molding machine 130 at the molding position and the nozzle 111 at the injection position, the extruder 110 is controlled to inject a molten resin material from the nozzle 111. When the nozzle 111 ejects the molten resin material onto the inner surface of the mold block 135 on the upstream side of the molding machine 130, a vacuum pump (not shown) is used to make the molten resin material adhere to the inner surface of the mold block 135 at a predetermined thickness. The molten resin material on the inner surface of the mold block 135 is cooled and solidified by a cooling means (not shown). Then, the mold block 135 to which the molten resin material has been sprayed is sent downstream, and the nozzle 111 similarly injects the molten resin material into the next mold block 135. By continuously performing the above steps, a corrugated tube is molded, and a corrugated tube product of a predetermined length can be taken out from the downstream side of the molding machine 130.

[0036] In this molding process, it is necessary to align the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 with the center position of the mold block 135 in the xz plane. If misalignment occurs, the thickness distribution in the circumferential direction of the corrugated tube will change, and the quality of the product may deteriorate. Therefore, before the molding process is performed, a centering process is performed to accurately align the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 with the center position of the mold block 135 in the xz plane. Conventionally, this centering process has been performed manually by craftsmen, but the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 (or molding machine 130) of the present invention is equipped with an automatic centering mechanism to eliminate the conventional manual process. Here, a horizontal (x-direction) center position C1 that positions the center of the mold block 135 in the x direction is determined midway between the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the x direction. On the other hand, a vertical (z-direction) center position C2 that positions the center of the mold block 135 in the z direction is determined between the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the z direction.

[0037] In the centering process by the automatic centering mechanism, a contact detection device is used. The contact detection device is configured to detect contact between the first conveying path 132 or the first divided body 135a or the second conveying path 133 or the second divided body 135b and the nozzle 111, and to provide the control unit with the contact position (coordinate information) in the x direction and the z direction. In particular, the contact detection device can detect contact between the inner surface of the first divided body 135a held in the first conveying path 132 or the inner surface of the second divided body 135b held in the second conveying path 133 and the outer surface of the nozzle 111, but may also detect contact with the first conveying path 132 or the second conveying path 133 in a state where no divided body is held. In this embodiment, the contact detection device is an ammeter that detects contact by measuring the current between the nozzle 111 and the first conveying path 132 or the second conveying path 133 when the nozzle 111 comes into contact with the nozzle 111. At this time, the nozzle 111, the first transport path 132, the second transport path 133 and the mold block 135 are made of conductive materials, the first ammeter is electrically connected between the nozzle 111 and the first transport path 132, and the second ammeter is electrically connected between the nozzle 111 and the first transport path 132. However, in the present invention, the contact detection device is not limited to the current detection means, and may be other contact detection means such as a pressure sensor.

[0038] The control unit then calculates first relative position information of the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 with respect to the nozzle 111 in the x direction based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device, and controls the horizontal drive device 136 to align the horizontal center position C1 and the central axis C0 of the nozzle in the x direction based on the obtained first relative position information. Furthermore, preferably after the centering step in the x direction, the control unit calculates second relative position information of the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 with respect to the nozzle 111 in the z direction based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device, and controls the vertical drive device 137 to align the vertical center position C2 and the central axis C0 of the nozzle in the z direction based on the second relative position information.

[0039] The centering step in the x direction by the automatic centering mechanism will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 13. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the centering step in the x direction in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100. Figs. 10 to 13 are schematic diagrams for explaining each step of the flowchart in Fig. 9.

[0040] First, in order to set the origin position, the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 (or the molding machine 130) sets a horizontal reference position (x-direction position of each conveying path) where the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are separated by a predetermined distance in the x-direction, sets a vertical reference position (z-direction position) where the heights of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are temporarily aligned with the height of the nozzle 111, and sets a forward reference position (y-direction position) where the nozzle 111 is disposed at the injection position and a retreat reference position (y-direction position) separated from the nozzle 111 (step S0). Then, the molding machine 130 is set as the origin position based on the horizontal reference position, the vertical reference position, and the retreat reference position. FIG. 10 shows the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 at the origin position. 10, dimension a indicates the distance between first transport path 132 (second transport path 133) and vertical center position C2, dimension b indicates the inner radius of mold block 135, and dimension c indicates the distance between the inner surface of mold block 135 and vertical center position C2. Here, the positional deviation in the x direction between central axis C0 of nozzle 111 and vertical center position C2 is indicated as Δx.

[0041] Next, the user inputs an instruction to start automatic centering via a control panel or the like. Then, the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 move to the vertical reference position, the horizontal reference position, and the forward reference position (step S1, see Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 12(a)). After the movement is completed, centering in the x direction starts, and the first transport path 132 moves in the x direction at a first speed toward the horizontal center position C1 (step S2A). Then, after the outer periphery of the first transport path 132 reaches the horizontal center position C1, the first transport path 132 moves in the x direction toward the nozzle 111 at a second speed (step S2B). Here, the second speed is slower than the first speed. When the inner surface of the first divided body 135a of the first transport path 132 comes into contact with the outer surface of the nozzle 111, the contact detection device detects the contact, and the first transport path 132 immediately stops (step S2C, see Figs. 11(b) and 12(b)). The control unit stores contact position information of the first transport path 132 in the x direction, and acquires (or measures) a first movement distance d1 (step S2D). The first movement distance d1 is the distance that the first transport path 132 moves in the x direction until the contact detection device detects the contact with the nozzle 111. Then, the first transport path 132 moves in the x direction to return to the horizontal reference position (step S3, see Figs. 11(c) and 12(a)).

[0042] Next, the second transport path 133 moves in the x direction at a first speed toward the horizontal center position C1 (step S4A). Then, after the outer periphery of the second transport path 133 reaches the horizontal center position C1, the second transport path 133 moves in the x direction toward the nozzle 111 at a second speed (step S4B). When the inner surface of the second divided body 135b of the second transport path 133 contacts the outer surface of the nozzle 111, the contact detection device detects the contact, and the second transport path 133 immediately stops (step S4C, see FIG. 11(d) and FIG. 12(c)). The control unit stores contact position information of the second transport path 133 in the x direction, and acquires (or measures) the second movement distance d2 (step S4D). The second movement distance d2 is the distance that the second transport path 133 moves in the x direction until the contact detection device detects the contact with the nozzle 111. Then, the second transport path 133 moves in the x direction and returns to the horizontal reference position (step S5, see FIG. 13(a)).

[0043] Next, the control unit acquires x-direction correction information (first relative position information) based on the difference between the first movement distance d1 and the second movement distance d2 (S6). Here, the greater the deviation Δx between the horizontal center position C1 and the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111, the greater the difference between the first movement distance d1 and the second movement distance d2. Also, depending on which of the first movement distance d1 and the second movement distance d2 is larger, it is possible to determine to which side in the x-direction the horizontal center position C1 is deviated. Then, the value of the deviation Δx as the x-direction correction information can be calculated by |d1-d2| / 2.

[0044] The process from step S2A to step S6 is repeated N times. The N pieces of x-direction correction information can be averaged and used as more accurate average x-direction correction information. In this embodiment, N is set to 2. Note that N may be 1. Then, if Δx is not 0 (i.e., if a deviation is detected), the x-direction correction information (if N>1, its average value) is used to simultaneously move the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the x direction to a position where Δx is 0, and the horizontal center position C1 and the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 are aligned in the x direction (step S7, see FIG. 13(b)). Finally, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 move in the x direction to the forming processing position (step S8, see FIG. 13(c)). On the other hand, if Δx calculated in step S6 is 0 (i.e., if a deviation is not detected), step S7 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S8. Through the above processes, the centering process in the x direction in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 is completed.

[0045] Next, the centering step in the z direction by the automatic centering mechanism will be specifically described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the centering step in the z direction in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100. Figs. 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams for explaining each step of the flowchart in Fig. 14. Note that in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the centering step in the z direction is automatically and continuously performed after the centering step in the x direction is completed, but the centering step in the x direction and the centering step in the z direction may be separated and the centering step in the z direction may be started by an instruction from a user.

[0046] In a state where the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 have moved in the x direction to the molding position, they are disposed at a vertical reference position in the z direction (step S10, see Fig. 13(c) and Fig. 15(a)). As shown in Fig. 15(a), the positional deviation in the z direction between the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 and the vertical center position C2 at the vertical reference positions of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 is indicated as Δz.

[0047] The first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133, which are connected to each other, simultaneously move vertically upward from the vertical reference position along the z direction at a third speed (step S11A). Here, the third speed is slower than the first speed. When the inner surface (lower surface) of the mold block 135 in the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 contacts the outer surface of the nozzle 111, the contact detection device detects the contact, and the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 immediately stop (step S11B, see FIG. 15(b)). The control unit stores contact position information of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the z direction, and acquires (or measures) a third moving distance d3 (step S11C). The third moving distance d3 is the distance that the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 move in the z direction from the vertical reference position until the contact with the nozzle 111 is detected by the contact detection device. Then, the first transport path 132 and the second transport path 133 move in the z direction and return to the vertical reference position (step S12, see FIG. 15(a)).

[0048] Next, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133, which are connected to each other, simultaneously move vertically downward from the vertical reference position along the z direction at a third speed (step S13A). When the inner surface (upper surface) of the mold block 135 in the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 contacts the outer surface of the nozzle 111, the contact detection device detects the contact, and the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 immediately stop (step S13B, see FIG. 15(c)). The control unit stores contact position information of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the z direction, and acquires (or measures) a fourth moving distance d4 (step S13C). The fourth moving distance d4 is the distance that the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 move in the z direction from the vertical reference position until the contact with the nozzle 111 is detected by the contact detection device.

[0049] Next, the control unit acquires z-direction correction information (second relative position information) based on the difference between the third movement distance d3 and the fourth movement distance d4 (S14). Here, the greater the deviation Δz between the vertical center position C2 and the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111, the greater the difference between the third movement distance d3 and the fourth movement distance d4. Also, depending on the magnitude of the third movement distance d3 and the fourth movement distance d4, it is possible to determine to which side in the z direction the vertical center position C2 is deviated. Then, the value of the deviation Δz as the z-direction correction information can be calculated by |d3-d4| / 2. Note that the order of steps S11A-C and steps 13A-C may be interchanged.

[0050] The process from step S11A to step S14 is repeated N times. The N pieces of z-direction correction information can be averaged and used as more accurate average z-direction correction information. In this embodiment, N is set to 2. Note that N may be 1. Then, if Δz is not 0 (i.e., if a deviation is detected), the z-direction correction information (if N>1, its average value) is used to simultaneously move the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the z direction to a position where Δz is 0, and the vertical center position C2 and the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 are aligned in the z direction (step S15, see FIG. 16). Through the above process, the centering process in both the x direction and the z direction in the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 is completed. On the other hand, if Δz calculated in step S14 is 0 (i.e., if a deviation is not detected), step S15 is skipped and the centering process in the x direction is completed. Therefore, the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 of this embodiment enables the user to perform an automatic centering process to accurately and quickly align the center position of the mold block 135 and the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 in the xz plane.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 17, the centering process in the z direction by the automatic centering mechanism may be performed in a state in which the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are spaced from each other. The first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 (see Fig. 17(a)) at the vertical reference position in the spaced state move vertically upward from the vertical reference position along the z direction at the third speed at the same time, and when the inner surface (lower surface) of the mold block 135 (in the spaced state) in the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 comes into contact with the outer surface of the nozzle 111, the contact detection device detects the contact, and the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 immediately stop (see Fig. 17(b)). The control unit stores contact position information in the z direction of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133, and acquires (or measures) the third moving distance d3. Then, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 move in the z direction and return to the vertical reference position (see FIG. 17(a)). Next, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133, which are separated from each other, move vertically downward from the vertical reference position along the z direction at the same time at a third speed, and when the inner surface (upper surface) of the mold block 135 (separated from each other) in the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 comes into contact with the outer surface of the nozzle 111, the contact detection device detects the contact, and the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 immediately stop (see FIG. 17(c)). The control unit stores the contact position information of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 in the z direction, and acquires (or measures) the fourth moving distance d4. The control unit can acquire z direction correction information (second relative position information) based on the difference between the third moving distance d3 and the fourth moving distance d4.

[0052] Hereinafter, the effects of the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 and the molding machine 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0053] According to the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus 100 and the molding machine 130 of this embodiment, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are configured to be movable in the x direction by the horizontal drive device 136, and a contact detection device is provided that detects contact between the first conveying path 132 or the first divided body 135a or the second conveying path 133 or the second divided body 135b and the nozzle 111 and provides the contact position. Then, the control unit (automatic centering mechanism) acquires the contact position provided by the contact detection device when the first conveying path 132 or the second conveying path 133 is moved horizontally, and calculates first relative position information in the x direction of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 (horizontal center position C1) with respect to the nozzle 111 (center axis C0 position) based on the contact position, and enables alignment of the horizontal center position C1 and the center axis C0 of the nozzle 111 in the x direction based on the first relative position information. Furthermore, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are configured to be movable in the z direction by a vertical drive device 137. The control unit (automatic centering mechanism) uses second relative position information in the z direction of the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 with respect to the nozzle 111 based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device when the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 are moved vertically upward and / or downward, thereby making it possible to align the vertical center position C2 with the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 in the z direction. In other words, the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to automatically perform centering steps in both the horizontal and vertical directions, thereby reducing the workload of the user.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Modifications of the present invention will be described below.

[0055] (1) The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, in the automatic centering step in the horizontal direction, both the first conveying path and the second conveying path are moved to obtain the first moving distance and the second moving distance, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by using other necessary information such as the radius of the nozzle, the relative position information of the first conveying path and the second conveying path in the x direction may be calculated based on the contact position of either the first conveying path or the second conveying path.

[0056] (2) The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, in the automatic centering process in the vertical direction, the combined first and second conveying paths are moved both upward and downward to obtain the third and fourth moving distances, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by using other necessary information such as the radius of the nozzle, the relative position information of the first and second conveying paths in the z direction may be calculated based on the contact position of either the upper or lower first and second conveying paths.

[0057] (3) The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the steps shown in FIG. 9 are performed in order in the horizontal automatic centering process, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, multiple steps may be performed simultaneously in order to speed up the process. For example, the movement of the first conveying path (steps S2A to D) and the movement of the second conveying path (steps S4A to D) may be performed simultaneously.

[0058] (4) The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, both the horizontal and vertical automatic centering steps are performed, but it is sufficient that the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is capable of at least the horizontal automatic centering step.

[0059] (5) The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the x and y directions form a horizontal plane, and the z direction forms a vertical direction. However, in the present invention, the first conveying path 132 and the second conveying path 133 may be arranged so as to be stacked vertically while maintaining the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 becomes top-bottom, the x direction becomes vertical, and the z and y directions form horizontal planes. Alternatively, in the present invention, the central axis C0 of the nozzle 111 may be arranged so as to be aligned along the vertical direction while maintaining the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the up-down direction in FIG. 1 becomes top-bottom, the y direction becomes vertical, and the x and z directions form horizontal planes.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications, and may be embodied in various forms within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 100 Corrugated tube manufacturing equipment 101 Injection position 110 Extruder 111 Nozzle 130 Molding machine 131 Base 132 First conveyor route 132a Machining straight path 132b Conveyor drive unit 133 Second Transport Path 133a Machining straight path 133b Transport drive unit 134 Movable platform 135 Mold Block 135a First division 135b Second division body 136 Horizontal drive unit (x-direction drive unit) 137 Vertical drive unit (z-direction drive unit) 138 Front and rear drive unit (y-direction drive unit) C0 center axis C1 Horizontal center position (x-direction center position) C2 Vertical center position (z-direction center position) d1 First moving distance d2 2nd movement distance d3 3rd movement distance d4 4th movement distance

Claims

1. A corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus comprising: an extruder having a nozzle extending along a central axis and for ejecting a molten resin material; a molding machine which molds a corrugated tube by continuously feeding out a plurality of mold blocks and discharging a molten resin material from the inside of each of the mold blocks toward an inner surface of the mold blocks using the nozzle disposed at an injection position; A control unit that controls the extruder and the molding machine, The molding machine comprises: a first annular conveying path that holds a plurality of first divided bodies and conveys the plurality of first divided bodies continuously in a circumferential direction; a ring-shaped second conveying path arranged in parallel with the first conveying path on the same plane, holding a plurality of second divided bodies, and conveying the plurality of second divided bodies continuously in a circumferential direction, wherein at a molding processing position, the first divided body and the second divided body are combined with each other on adjacent processing straight paths of the first conveying path and the second conveying path to form the mold block; an x-direction drive device which moves the first transport path and the second transport path in the x-direction so as to approach and separate from each other, and which can be displaced between an x-direction reference position where the first transport path and the second transport path are disposed apart from each other and the molding position where the first transport path and the second transport path are joined in the x-direction so that the mold block can be sent out, and an x-direction center position which positions the center of the mold block in the x-direction is determined midway between the first transport path and the second transport path in the x-direction; a contact detection device that detects contact between the first transport path or the first divided body, or the second transport path or the second divided body, and the nozzle, and provides a contact position; the control unit calculates relative position information of the first and second conveying paths in the x-direction with respect to the nozzle based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device, and controls the x-direction drive device to align the x-direction center position with the central axis of the nozzle in the x-direction based on the relative position information.

2. The control unit is a step of moving the first transport path from a reference position in the x direction toward the nozzle by the x-direction driving device in a state in which the nozzle is disposed between the first divided body on the first transport path and the second divided body on the second transport path, and acquiring a first moving distance traveled by the first transport path until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means; a step of moving the second transport path from a reference position in the x direction toward the nozzle by the x-direction driving device in a state in which the nozzle is disposed between the first divided body on the first transport path and the second divided body on the second transport path, and acquiring a second moving distance traveled by the second transport path until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means; acquiring x-direction correction information based on a difference between the first movement distance and the second movement distance, and aligning the x-direction center position and a central axis of the nozzle in the x-direction using the x-direction correction information; and displacing the first conveying path and the second conveying path to the forming position while the x-direction center position is aligned with a central axis of the nozzle.

3. The molding machine further includes a z-direction drive device that vertically moves the first conveying path and the second conveying path simultaneously in a z-direction perpendicular to the same plane, the molding machine disposes the first transport path and the second transport path at a z-direction reference position so as to avoid interference with the nozzle when the first transport path and the second transport path are joined in the x-direction, and a z-direction center position for positioning the center of the mold block in the z direction is defined in the z direction between the first transport path and the second transport path; The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit calculates second relative position information in the z direction of the first and second conveying paths with respect to the nozzle based on the contact position provided by the contact detection device, and controls the z direction driving device to align the z direction center position with the central axis of the nozzle in the z direction based on the second relative position information.

4. After the step of aligning the x-direction center position with the central axis of the nozzle in the x-direction, a step of moving the first and second transport paths vertically upward along the z direction from the z direction reference position by the z direction drive device while the nozzle is disposed in the mold block between the first and second transport paths, and acquiring a third movement distance traveled by the first and second transport paths until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means; a step of moving the first and second transport paths vertically downward along the z direction from the z direction reference position by the z direction drive device while the nozzle is disposed in the mold block between the first and second transport paths, and acquiring a fourth movement distance traveled by the first and second transport paths until contact with the nozzle is detected by the contact detection means; acquiring z-direction correction information based on a difference between the third movement distance and the fourth movement distance, and aligning the z-direction center position and a central axis of the nozzle in the z direction using the z-direction correction information; 4. The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus is configured to execute the steps of:

5. The molding machine further includes a y-direction drive device that moves the first conveying path and the second conveying path in a y direction perpendicular to the x direction on the same plane, the first transport path and the second transport path are driven by the y-direction drive device to advance or retreat in a y-direction relative to the nozzle of the device; 3. The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first conveying path and the second conveying path are controlled so that the nozzle is positioned at a forward reference position corresponding to the injection position.

6. 3. The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact detection device detects the contact by measuring a current between the nozzle and the first transport path or the second transport path.

7. 3. The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first movement distance and the second movement distance are each obtained a plurality of times, and an average value of the x-direction correction information is used for alignment.

8. 3. The corrugated tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the process of acquiring the first movement distance includes moving the first conveying path to the x-direction center position at a first speed, and moving the first conveying path from the x-direction center position until the contact detection device makes contact at a second speed slower than the first speed.

9. A molding machine for molding a corrugated tube by continuously feeding out a plurality of mold blocks and discharging a molten resin material from an inside of each of the mold blocks toward an inner surface of the mold blocks using a nozzle extending in an axial direction of the extruder, a first annular conveying path that holds the first divided bodies and conveys the first divided bodies continuously in a circumferential direction; a ring-shaped second conveying path arranged in parallel with the first conveying path on the same plane, holding the second divided bodies, and conveying the second divided bodies continuously in a circumferential direction, the first divided bodies and the second divided bodies being combined with each other on adjacent straight processing paths of the first conveying path and the second conveying path at a molding processing position to form the mold block; an x-direction drive device which moves the first transport path and the second transport path in the x-direction so as to approach and separate from each other, and which can be displaced between an x-direction reference position where the first transport path and the second transport path are disposed apart from each other and the molding position where the first transport path and the second transport path are joined in the x-direction so that the mold block can be sent out, and an x-direction center position which positions the center of the mold block in the x-direction is determined midway between the first transport path and the second transport path in the x-direction; a contact detection device that detects contact between the nozzle and at least one of the first divided body on the first transport path and the second divided body on the second transport path that move in an x ​​direction, and provides a contact position; and an automatic centering mechanism that calculates relative position information of the first and second conveying paths in the x direction with respect to the nozzle based on the contact position detected by the contact detection device, and controls the x-direction drive device based on the relative position information so as to align the x-direction center position with a central axis of the nozzle in the x direction.

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