Apparatus for replacing pattern and method for replacing pattern

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for replacing a pattern that facilitates the work of pattern replacement and improves the operation rate of a mold-making machine.SOLUTION: An apparatus for replacing a pattern comprises: an exchange device that is provided between a loading / unloading position to load / unload a carrier plate and a mold-making position arranged with a mold-making machine to make a mold using a flask, and that exchanges a carrier plate to be used on the mold-making machine; a collection-and-delivery device that is provided spaced apart in a transverse direction from the exchange device and extends in a direction intersecting with the exchange device, the collection-and-delivery device having a transport passage through which a plurality of carrier plates are to be transported; a repository that is provided adjacent to the collection-and-delivery device on the opposite side from the position where the exchange device is provided, and that stores carrier plates transported by the collection-and-delivery device; a first delivery device that performs delivery of carrier plates between the exchange device and the collection-and-delivery device; and second delivery devices that are respectively provided on the collection-and-delivery device facing the repository and that perform delivery of carrier plates between the repository and the collection-and-delivery device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pattern changing device and a pattern changing method for changing patterns and supplying them to a casting machine. [Background technology]

[0002] The pattern serves as the prototype for copying the shape of the casting into the mold, and must be replaced for each type of casting or for each predetermined production run. When used in mold making, the pattern is fixed to a flat plate, called a pattern plate, and handled as a single unit.

[0003] As described in Patent Document 1, the patterns are assembled together with pattern plates on a plurality of carrier plates arranged on a calibrant plate storage device, and are then transported from the calibrant plate storage device to a casting molding machine. Carrier plates for the upper mold and for the lower mold are provided exclusively for the respective carrier plates.

[0004] The carrier plates to be used for molding are selected when they are transferred from the carrier plate storage device to the mold making machine or by exchanging each carrier plate on the storage device. This exchange is performed while moving the carrier plates alternately.

[0005] Therefore, the inventors proposed the invention shown in Patent Document 1. The invention described in Patent Document 1 engages an upper die carrier plate and a lower die carrier plate with one moving body and moves them to any position among a plurality of standby positions and loading / unloading positions. This is advantageous in that it is possible to reduce the equipment cost and simplify the control and structure for driving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent application 2022-207215 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in conventional examples, only two sets of carrier plates can be held: one set (one for the upper frame and one for the lower frame) in the replacement device where the molding machine is located, and one set (one for the upper frame and one for the lower frame) in the carrier plate storage device.

[0008] As a result, while the storage device is exchanging the pattern surface plate for the next batch of molds, the currently scheduled batches may finish being molded, resulting in a waiting time. This is likely to occur with items with low production numbers in the recent trend of high-mix, low-volume production, and is a factor in lowering operating rates.

[0009] In addition, because the carrier plate storage device and the flask transporter that transports flasks to the mold making machine are installed close to each other, the pattern replacement work performed in the carrier plate storage device is limited to one side where the flask transporter is not located. Therefore, with large-sized carrier plates, it is sometimes difficult for workers to reach the opposite side, making the replacement work difficult.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and its object is to provide a pattern changing device and method that facilitates the pattern changing operation and improves the operating rate of a casting machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In accordance with the first aspect of the pattern exchange device of the present invention, a replacement device is provided between a loading / unloading position where carrier plates each having a pattern base mounted thereon are loaded and unloaded, and a molding position where a mold-making machine is disposed to perform mold making using a molding flask transported by a flask transporting device, and which replaces the carrier plates used in the mold-making machine.

[0012] A collection and delivery device is provided laterally spaced apart from the loading and unloading position of the exchange device and extends in a direction intersecting the exchange device positioned at the loading and unloading position, the collection and delivery device having a transport path along which a plurality of the carrier plates are transported, and a storage section provided in an even number adjacent to the opposite side of the position where the exchange device is provided of the collection and delivery device, which stores the carrier plates transported by the collection and delivery device at a position away from the transport path.

[0013] The collection and delivery device is provided with a first transfer device opposite the loading / unloading device, which transfers the carrier plates between the replacement device and the collection and delivery device, and a second transfer device opposite the storage section, which is provided on the collection and delivery device and transfers the carrier plates between the storage section and the collection and delivery device.

[0014] This allows the molding flask transport device and the transport path of the collection and delivery device to be positioned apart, so that work space for workers can be provided on both sides of the collection and delivery device or around the storage area, thereby improving work efficiency. In addition, by storing the required number of carrier plates in multiple storage sections, it is possible to prevent waiting times that occur when the planned number of molds currently being produced is completed while the model surface plate is being replaced, thereby improving operating rates.

[0015] According to the second aspect of the model exchange device of the present invention, in the model exchange device of the first aspect, the storage section is provided adjacent to the collection and delivery device, except for the position opposite to the position where the replacement device is provided and facing the loading and transport position. This allows auxiliary work on the model surface to be easily performed by pulling out the carrier plate toward the worker.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the model exchanging apparatus of the first aspect, the plurality of storage sections are provided with a predetermined distance between adjacent storage sections. This allows workers to stand on three sides of the carrier plate, making it easier to perform auxiliary work.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the pattern changing method of the present invention, a pattern changing method using the pattern changing device of the first aspect includes an exchanging step of moving the carrier plate used in the mold making machine from the molding position to the loading / unloading position by the exchanging device.

[0018] It also includes a first delivery process in which the first delivery device delivers the carrier plate, which has been moved to the loading / unloading position, to the collection and delivery device, a transport process in which the collection and delivery device transports the carrier plate on the transport path, and a second delivery process in which the second delivery device delivers the carrier plate from the collection and delivery device to the storage section.

[0019] This allows the molding flask transport device and the transport path of the collection and delivery device to be positioned apart, so that work space for workers can be provided on both sides of the collection and delivery device or around the storage area, thereby improving work efficiency. In addition, by storing the required number of carrier plates in multiple storage sections, it is possible to prevent waiting times that occur when the planned number of molds currently being produced is completed while the model surface plate is being replaced, thereby improving operating rates. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a first embodiment of a mold making line including a pattern exchange device of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a structural diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a roller and a roller support member of a collection and delivery device. [Figure 4] 10 is a structural diagram showing a cross-sectional view of rollers and roller support portions in the first and second delivery devices. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a view taken along arrows VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process of replacing a carrier plate. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process of replacing a carrier plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] (Embodiment) An embodiment of a mold making line MML that uses a model exchange device 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0022] In Figure 1, the horizontal direction extending from side to side is called the X-axis direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is called the Y-axis direction. If a tangible object has an imaginary center line, the side closer to the center line is called the "inside" and the side farther from the center line is called the "outside." When an object is being transported or moved, the starting point of the transport or movement is called the "upstream" or "rear," and the ending point of the transport or movement is called the "downstream" or "front."

[0023] In the present specification, the right side of the drawings will be referred to as the "right side (R)" and the left side of the drawings will be referred to as the "left side (L)". For example, corresponding to the left and right sides of Figure 1, the storage section on the right side is marked with R and the storage section on the left side is marked with L.

[0024] The mold making line MML in this embodiment is equipped with a flask transfer device CFC, a mold making machine MME, and a pattern exchange device 1. The model exchange device 1 includes a swapping device 2, a collection and delivery device 3, a first delivery device 4, a storage unit 5, and a second delivery device 6.

[0025] (Flask transport device) As shown in FIG. 1, the flask transport device CFC extends in the X-axis direction and transports empty flasks ECF to the mold making machine MME, and after molding, transports the flasks MCF containing the molds out. The flask transport device CFC is a well-known technology, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] (Mold making machine) The mold making machine MME makes a mold in the molding space formed by the loaded molding flask ECF and model plate MSP. The mold making machine MME is equipped with a molding sand supply device and a squeeze device, both of which are not shown. The mold making machine MME is a well-known technology, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0027] (Swapping device) The replacement device 2 moves a carrier plate CP used in the mold making machine MME on a horizontal rotational orbit from the loading / unloading position LUP to the molding position MP. It also moves another carrier plate CP used at the molding position MP on the horizontal rotational orbit to the loading / unloading position LUP. These movements are performed simultaneously to replace the carrier plate CP used in the mold making machine MME.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the replacement device 2 comprises a rotating shaft 21, a shaft support member 22 supported on the rotating shaft 21 so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane, and arm-shaped end holders 23 fixed to both ends of the shaft support member 22 in parallel and opposite directions.

[0029] Since the shunting device 2 is a known technology, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, Japanese Patent No. 6577321 describes the shunting device 2. A collection and delivery device 3, which will be described later, is provided adjacent to the shunting device 2 on the loading / unloading position LUP side.

[0030] (Collection and delivery equipment) The collection and delivery device 3 receives the carrier plate CP placed at the loading / unloading position LUP of the exchange device 2 via the first delivery device 4 described later, and transports it to a position adjacent to multiple storage sections 5 (four locations in this embodiment) that are distributed on the opposite side of the collection and delivery device 3 from the exchange device 2. In addition, the carrier plates CP stored in the storage unit 5 are transported to a position adjacent to the loading / unloading position LUP of the exchanger 2.

[0031] The carrier plates CP are delivered between the collection and delivery device 3 and the storage unit 5 by a second delivery device 6, which will be described later. 1 and 5, the collection and delivery device 3 includes a stand AM erected on a floor surface BF, a pair of roller support members 31 supported by the stand AM and extending in the X-axis direction, a plurality of rollers 32 provided between the roller support members 31, and a roller drive device 33 (see FIG. 3) that rotates and drives the rollers 32. The stand AM, roller support members 31, and rollers 32 form a conveying path CPT.

[0032] (roller support member) As shown in FIG. 3, the roller support member 31 is formed of, for example, a hollow iron member having a rectangular cross section, and is formed of a pair of elongated members extending in the X-axis direction. A plurality of rollers 32 are arranged in the X-axis direction inside a pair of roller support members 31 arranged in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 3, bearings BR are provided on the inner and outer surfaces of the roller support member 31.

[0033] (Laura) As shown in Figure 3, each roller 32 is provided at the end of a rotating shaft 32b extending in the Y-axis direction. The rotating shaft 32b has two shaft diameters: one on the side where the roller 32 is fixed and one that is smaller. A sprocket (driven sprocket DS) is fitted onto the stepped portion on the smaller shaft diameter side so that it cannot rotate relative to the other. A roller chain RC, which will be described later, is engaged with the driven sprocket DS. Each roller 32 has a roller body 32a formed in a short cylindrical shape and a flange 32c formed with a large diameter on the rotation shaft side. The roller body 32a supports the bottom edge of the carrier plate CP, and the flange 32c contacts the lower side of the carrier plate CP.

[0034] (roller chain) The roller chain RC is an endless track chain, and in this embodiment, the outer side of the circular chain engages with the driven sprocket DS. To prevent the roller chain RC from sagging due to gravity and coming off the sprocket, a sagging prevention guide (not shown) is provided between adjacent driven sprockets DS. Although the lower side of the double roller chain RC is not shown in Figure 3, it exists within the hollow portion of the roller support member 31, below the upper side of the roller chain RC. The roller chain RC is a well-known technology, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] The roller chain RC is engaged with a drive sprocket (not shown) provided on the output shaft of a drive motor (not shown). The drive motor is an electric motor capable of positioning control, and may be, for example, a stepping motor, an AC servo motor, etc. The drive rotation of the electric motor is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0036] The rollers 32 are formed into sets of a plurality of rollers 32 each corresponding to a driven sprocket DS that engages with one roller chain RC so that the rollers 32 rotate synchronously.

[0037] In this embodiment, three rollers 32 are provided in a set in front of the right first reservoir 51R, the right second reservoir 52R, the left first reservoir 51L, and the left second reservoir 52L. At a position opposite to the carry-in / carry-out position LUP and between the front of the first storage sections 51R, 51L and the front of the second storage sections 52R, 52L, five rollers 32 are arranged in pairs.

[0038] A drive motor (not shown) is provided for each set, and a plurality of driven sprockets DS are engaged with one roller chain RC for each set. The roller 32 can rotate forward and backward by the drive of a drive motor (not shown), the drive of which is controlled by a control device (not shown). The driven sprocket DS, the driving sprocket, the roller chain RC, and the driving motor constitute a roller driving device 33.

[0039] Position sensors (not shown) are provided at predetermined positions on the transport path CPT. Based on signals from these position sensors, the control device controls the driving of the drive motor to position the carrier plate CP at a predetermined position.

[0040] There are three types of carrier plates CP: upper die carrier plates UC and lower die carrier plates DC. In this embodiment, three types of carrier plates CP, namely, type A, type B, and type C, are used for exchange in the model exchange device 1. For example, they are expressed as type A upper die carrier plates AUC.

[0041] Here, the carrier plate CP and the model surface plate MSP will be briefly described. The upper and lower die carrier plates UC, DC are made of, for example, iron and formed into a rectangular cylinder, and are divided into an upper opening and a lower opening by a horizontally extending partition wall (not shown). The upper opening is provided with a pair of positioning pins (not shown) arranged diagonally across the partition wall, and the model surface plate MSP is precisely positioned by the positioning pins to fit into the upper opening.

[0042] The model surface plate MSP is fixed to the upper and lower die carrier plates UC, DC by, for example, bolts. The model surface plate MSP is made of, for example, iron and formed into a rectangular plate, with the model P fixed to its upper surface.

[0043] (First delivery device) The first delivery device 4 delivers the carrier plate CP that has been positioned at the loading / unloading position LUP by the replacement device 2 to the collection and delivery device 3. Conversely, the first delivery device 4 delivers the carrier plate CP that has been transported and positioned at a position adjacent to the loading / unloading position LUP by the collection and delivery device 3 to the replacement device 2.

[0044] The first delivery device 4 is divided into two parts: a first delivery A section 4A provided on the loading / unloading position LUP side of the exchange device 2, and a first delivery B section 4B provided on the collection and delivery device 3 side. The first transfer A section 4A is disposed in a trench TR provided in the floor surface BF, as shown in Fig. 2. The first transfer A section 4A includes a lifting plate 4a, a roller support section 41, a roller 42, a roller driving device 43 (see Fig. 4), and a lifting A mechanism 44A.

[0045] The lifting plate 4a is made of, for example, iron and formed into a rectangular plate, and is raised and lowered between a retracted position EP below the shaft support member 22 of the replacement device 2 and an upper end position REP above the shaft support member 22 by a lifting mechanism A 44A described later. A pair of roller support parts 41 extending in the Y-axis direction are provided at both ends of the lifting plate 4a in the X-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the roller support parts 41 are formed in the shape of strips from hollow steel members with rectangular cross sections, for example, and are integrally assembled to the lifting plate 4a. A plurality of rollers 42 (four pairs in this embodiment) are provided on the outer side surfaces of the roller support parts 41.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the roller 42 has a short cylindrical roller body 42a and a large-diameter flange 42c attached to the outer periphery of the roller body 42a on the side opposite the rotating shaft 42b. Similar to the roller 32 of the collection and delivery device 3, the rotating shaft 42b has two stepped shaft diameters: one on the side to which the roller body 42a is fixed and one that is smaller. A sprocket (driven sprocket DS) is fitted onto the stepped portion on the smaller shaft diameter side so that it cannot rotate relative to the roller body 42a. A roller chain RC, which will be described later, is engaged with the driven sprocket DS.

[0047] The rollers 42 are provided with a driven sprocket DS that engages with one roller chain RC so that the rollers 42 rotate synchronously, and for example, a set is formed of four rollers 42. The roller chain RC is set in the same manner as the collection and delivery device 3, and is driven by engaging with a drive sprocket (not shown) that can rotate forward and backward and is provided on the output shaft of a drive motor. The drive motor is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the lifting mechanism A 44A includes a hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa and a guide portion 44Ab. The guide portions 44Ab are provided at four locations around the hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa. The hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa includes a piston rod and a cylinder portion. The upper end of the piston rod is attached to the lower surface of the lifting plate 4a.

[0049] The hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa is connected to a hydraulic pump (not shown), and an electromagnetic switching valve is provided between the hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa and the hydraulic pump. The operation of the hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa is controlled by a control device (not shown) that drives the electromagnetic switching valve. The hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa and the guide portion 44Ab are arranged with their lower parts covered by a casing CS provided on a base BS.

[0050] The lifting / lowering A mechanism 44A is not limited to the hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa, and for example, an electric actuator may be used.

[0051] 8, the first transfer B section 4B is provided in the collection and delivery device 3 at a position opposite the loading / unloading position LUP, and moves the carrier plate CP from the first transfer A section 4A into the collection and delivery device 3. Also, the first transfer B section 4B moves the carrier plate CP inside the collection and delivery device 3 to the first transfer A section 4A. The first transfer B section 4B includes a lifting plate 4b, a roller support section 41, a roller 42, a roller driving device 43 (see FIG. 4), and a lifting B mechanism 44B.

[0052] The first transfer B section 4B differs from the first transfer A section 4A in the shape of the lift plate 4b, the lift B mechanism 44B that lifts and lowers the lift plate 4b, and the platform AM that supports the lift B mechanism 44B. The other configurations are similar and therefore will not be described.

[0053] The lifting plate 4b is made of, for example, iron and is formed in a rectangular shape with a width in the Y-axis direction that is shorter than that of the lifting plate 4a of the first transfer A portion 4A. The lifting / lowering B mechanism 44B has a narrow lifting range because it is only necessary to move the rollers 42 of the first delivery B section 4B from a position lower than the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3 to a position higher than the rollers 32. Therefore, the hydraulic cylinder portion 44Ba and the guide portion 44Bb are formed to have a short dimension in the height direction.

[0054] A pair of roller support parts 41 extending in the Y-axis direction are provided at both ends of the lifting plate 4b in the X-axis direction. The roller support parts 41 are formed, for example, from iron strip-shaped plate material with a rectangular cross section, and are integrated with the lifting plate 4b. A plurality of rollers 42 (four pairs in this embodiment) are provided on the outer side surfaces of the roller support parts 41.

[0055] (Storage section) The storage section 5 is capable of storing the carrier plates CP one by one. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage units 5 are provided at four locations on the opposite side of the collection and delivery device 3 from the carry-in / carry-out position LUP. The reservoir 5 has a right first reservoir 51R, a right second reservoir 52R, a left first reservoir 51L, and a left second reservoir 52L.

[0056] There is a predetermined gap between the opposing positions of the right-side first storage section 51R and the left-side first storage section 51L (loading / unloading position LUP), allowing workers to enter and easily work on the collection and delivery device 3. In addition, there is a predetermined gap between the right-side first storage section 51R and the right-side second storage section 52R, and between the left-side first storage section 51L and the left-side second storage section 52L, allowing workers to enter and work easily on the collection and delivery device 3.

[0057] The transfer of the carrier plates CP between each storage section 5 and the collection and delivery device 3 is performed by a second transfer device 6, as shown in FIG. The second delivery device 6 is divided into a second delivery section A 6A provided in the storage section 5 and a second delivery section B 6B provided in the collection and delivery device 3. A second delivery A section 6A is provided in each storage section 5. A second delivery B section 6B is provided in front of each storage section 5 of the collection and delivery device 3.

[0058] The second transfer A section 6A differs from the first transfer A section 4A in that it does not have a lifting mechanism. The other structures of the second transfer A section 6A and the second transfer B section 6B are similar to the structures of the first transfer B section 4B, so the same reference numerals are used and the description will be omitted.

[0059] On the opposite side of the loading / unloading position LUP of the collection and delivery device 3, a work deck WD on which a worker W works is provided (see Figure 6). The work deck WD is formed, for example, from checkered steel plate, and is provided at the same height as the lower end of the roller support member 31 of the collection and delivery device 3. A safety fence SG is provided at the end of the work deck WD on the collection and delivery device 3 side.

[0060] (Control device) The control device controls the operation of the drive motor that drives the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3 and the rollers 42 of the first and second delivery devices 4, 6. It also controls the electric motor that rotates the rotating shaft 21 in the exchange device 2. It also controls the height positions of the lifting A mechanism 44A and the lifting B mechanism 44B in the first and second delivery devices 4, 6. It also controls the squeeze operation of the mold making machine MME.

[0061] (Activated) The operation of the model exchange device 1 configured as above will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1, 6, 8, 9(A) to 9(F), and 10(A) to 10(F). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 9(A), a type A upper die carrier plate is positioned at the molding position and is used for molding by the mold making machine MME, and molding is completed.

[0062] At the carry-in / carry-out position LUP, the type A lower die carrier plate ADC is positioned by the replacement device 2. The left first storage section 51L stores B-type upper die carrier plates BUC, and the left second storage section 52L stores B-type lower die carrier plates BDC.

[0063] The right-side first storage section 51R stores C-type upper-die carrier plates CUC, and the right-side second storage section 52R stores C-type lower-die carrier plates CDC.

[0064] Next, as shown in Figure 9(B), the control device drives the flask transport device CFC to transport the molded flask MCF downstream by one pitch (the length of one flask), and at the same time transports an empty flask ECF to the molding position MP.

[0065] The control device rotates the replacement device 2 counterclockwise by 180 degrees, moves the A-type upper die carrier plate AUC to the carry-in / out position LUP, and moves the A-type lower die carrier plate ADC to the molding position MP (replacement process). Also, molding using the A-type lower die carrier plate ADC is started.

[0066] The control device moves the type B upper die carrier plate BUC from the left first storage section 51L to the front of the left first storage section 51L of the collection and delivery device 3 by the second delivery device 6.

[0067] 6, the hydraulic cylinder unit 44Ba is driven to adjust the height position of the rollers 42 of the second delivery B section 6B of the second delivery device 6 to match the height position of the rollers 42 of the second delivery A section 6A. This height position is higher than the height position of the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3.

[0068] Thereafter, the rollers 42 are rotated to move the B-type upper die carrier plate BUC to the second transfer B section 6B. Then, the height of the rollers 42 at the second transfer B section 6B is lowered, and the B-type upper die carrier plate BUC is transferred to the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3.

[0069] Next, the control device moves the type A upper die carrier plate AUC to the collection and delivery device 3, as shown in FIG. 9(C). At that time, as shown in Figure 8, the hydraulic cylinder device 44Aa is driven to raise the rollers 42 of the first transfer A section 4A, which were in the retracted position EP (see Figure 2), and receive the type A upper mold carrier plate AUC from the replacement device 2.

[0070] In addition, the hydraulic cylinder unit 44Ba is driven to align the rollers 42 of the first transfer B section 4B of the collection and delivery device 3 with the rollers 42 of the first transfer A section 4A at the same height position. This height position is higher than the height position of the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3.

[0071] Next, the control device drives the rollers 42 of the first transfer A section 4A and the rollers 42 of the first transfer B section 4B to move the A-type upper die carrier plate AUC to the collection and delivery device 3.

[0072] Next, the control device lowers the height position of the rollers 42 of the first transfer B section 4B, and transfers the A-type upper die carrier plate AUC to the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3 (first transfer step). Then, the rollers 42 of the first transfer section A 4A are lowered to the retracted position EP. In addition, molding is completed using the A-type lower die carrier plate ADC.

[0073] Next, as shown in Fig. 9(D), the control device moves the A-type upper die carrier plate AUC to the front of the right-side first reservoir 51R, and moves the B-type upper die carrier plate BUC to the front of the loading / unloading position LUP.

[0074] Next, the control device moves the type B upper die carrier plate BUC to the carry-in / carry-out position LUP, as shown in FIG. 9(E). At this time, the rollers 42 of the first transfer B section 4B are raised to a position higher than the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3, and the rollers 42 of the first transfer B section 4B receive the type B upper die carrier plate BUC. Also, the rollers 42 of the first transfer A section 4A are raised to the same height as the rollers 42 of the first transfer B section 4B.

[0075] Then, the rollers 42 of the first transfer A section 4A and the first transfer B section 4B are driven to move the B-type upper mold carrier plate BUC to the carry-in / carry-out position LUP. The rollers 42 of the first transfer A section 4A are lowered to the retracted position EP. At that time, the B-type upper mold carrier plate BUC is transferred to the replacement device 2.

[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 9(F), the control device rotates the exchanger 2 180 degrees clockwise to position the B-type upper mold carrier plate BUC at the molding position MP and moves the A-type lower mold carrier plate ADC to the loading / unloading position LUP. The molded flask MCF molded using the A-type lower mold carrier plate ADC is transported downstream by the flask transport device CFC. Molding using the B-type upper mold carrier plate BUC then begins.

[0077] The control device also drives the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3 to move the type A upper mold carrier plate AUC to the front of the left first storage section 51L (transportation process). Subsequently, the type A upper mold carrier plate AUC is moved to the left first storage section 51L and stored therein.

[0078] In this case, too, the rollers 42 of the second transfer B section 6B are raised to a position higher than the rollers 32 of the collection and delivery device 3 (the same height as the rollers 42 of the second transfer A section 6A), and the rollers 42 receive the type A upper mold carrier plate AUC. Then, the rollers 42 are driven to store the type A upper die carrier plates AUC in the left first storage section 51L (second delivery step).

[0079] In addition, the carrier plate for the lower die BDC of type B is moved to the collection and delivery device 3 from the left second storage section 52L.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figure 10(A), the control device moves the B-type lower die carrier plate BDC to the front of the left-side first storage section 51L. From the loading / unloading position LUP of the exchange device 2, the A-type lower die carrier plate ADC is moved to the collection and delivery device 3. Also, molding using the B-type upper die carrier plate BUC is completed.

[0081] Next, as shown in Fig. 10(B), the control device moves the A-type lower die carrier plate ADC to the front of the right-side first storage section 51R, and moves the B-type lower die carrier plate BDC to the front of the carry-in / carry-out position LUP.

[0082] Next, the control device moves the B-type lower die carrier plate BDC to the carry-in / carry-out position LUP, as shown in FIG. 10(C).

[0083] Next, as shown in Figure 10(D), the control device rotates the exchanging device 2 180 degrees counterclockwise and positions the B-type lower mold carrier plate BDC at the molding position MP. The molded flask MCF molded with the B-type upper mold carrier plate BUC is removed. Molding begins using the B-type lower mold carrier plate BDC. Also, A-type lower die carrier plates ADC are stored in the left second storage section 52L.

[0084] Next, the control device completes molding using the type B lower die carrier plate BDC, as shown in FIG. 10(E). Next, as shown in FIG. 10(F), the control device rotates the exchange device 2 clockwise by 180 degrees, positions the type B upper mold carrier plate BUC at the molding position MP, and starts molding. The molded flask MCF, which has been molded using the Type B lower mold carrier plate BDC, is transported downstream by the flask transport device CFC.

[0085] In this embodiment, the type C carrier plate is placed on standby, but the type C upper die carrier plate CUC and the type C lower die carrier plate CDC can be used as needed. This prevents delays in the mold making process due to delays in the pattern exchange.

[0086] As is clear from the above configuration, the pattern exchange device 1 of this embodiment is provided with an exchange device 2 that exchanges the carrier plates CP used in the mold making machine MME, which is located between a loading / unloading position LUP where carrier plates CP, each equipped with a pattern surface plate MSP, are loaded and unloaded, and a molding position MP where a mold making machine MME is located that performs mold making using flasks ECF, MCF transported by a flask transport device CFC.

[0087] The collection and delivery device 3 is provided laterally spaced apart from the loading / unloading position LUP of the exchange device 2 and extends in a direction intersecting the exchange device 2 positioned at the loading / unloading position LUP, and has a transport path CPT along which a plurality of carrier plates CP are transported, and a storage section 5 is provided at an even numbered location adjacent to the opposite side of the position where the exchange device 2 of the collection and delivery device 3 is provided, and stores the carrier plates CP transported by the collection and delivery device 3 at a position away from the transport path CPT.

[0088] Here, "horizontal direction" refers to, for example, the Y-axis direction in Figure 1. Generally, the length of the collection and delivery device 3 is shorter than that of the flask transport device CFC, and the device can be made more compact by removing the overlap with the exchange device 2 on the collection and delivery device 3 side and separating them.

[0089] The collection and delivery device 3 is provided with a first delivery device 4 opposite the loading / unloading position LUP, which delivers and receives carrier plates CP between the exchange device 2 and the collection and delivery device 3, and a second delivery device 6 opposite the storage section 5, which delivers and receives carrier plates CP between the storage section 5 and the collection and delivery device 3.

[0090] According to this, since the molding flask transport device CFC and the transport path CPT of the collection and delivery device 3 are positioned apart, work space for the worker W can be provided on both sides of the collection and delivery device 3 or around the storage section 5, thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, by storing the required number of carrier plates CP in multiple storage sections 5, it is possible to prevent situations where the scheduled number of molds currently being produced is completed while the carrier plates CP are being replaced with pattern base plates MSP, which results in waiting times, and improves the operating rate.

[0091] The storage unit 5 is provided adjacent to the collection and delivery device 3, except for the position opposite to the position where the exchange device 2 is provided and facing the carry-in / carry-out position LUP. This allows auxiliary work on the model surface to be easily performed by pulling out the carrier plate CP toward the worker W.

[0092] Furthermore, the plurality of storage sections 5 are provided such that adjacent storage sections 5 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. This allows the worker W to stand on three sides of the periphery of the carrier plate CP, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, and allows the worker W to easily perform auxiliary work.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the carrier plates CP are transported by a roller conveyor in the collection and delivery device 3, but this is not limiting. For example, a traverser that combines rails and a carriage that moves on the rails may also be used. Furthermore, although the storage units 5 are provided at four locations on the opposite side of the collection and delivery device 3 from the interchange device 2, this is not limiting. For example, storage units may be provided at both ends of the collection and delivery device in the same arrangement as the collection and delivery device. In this case, it is sufficient if there is space in which the carrier plates can be placed, and the storage units do not necessarily have to be dedicated storage units. Furthermore, the number of storage sections 5 is not limited to four, but may be, for example, six. Since there are carrier plates CP for the upper frame and for the lower frame, one for each is stored, so an even number of locations is desirable.

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments shown in the drawings, but can be modified appropriately within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1: Pattern exchange device, 2: Exchange device, 3: Collection and delivery device, 4: First delivery device, 5: Storage section, 6: Second delivery device, CFC: Flask transport device, CP: Carrier plate, ECF: Empty flask, LUP: Loading / unloading position, MCF: Molded flask, MME: Mold making machine, MP: Molding position, MSP: Pattern surface plate, P: Pattern.

Claims

1. a replacement device that is provided between a carry-in / carry-out position where carrier plates each having a pattern surface plate provided thereon are carried in and out, and a molding position where a mold-making machine that uses a molding flask transported by a flask transporting device is disposed, and that replaces the carrier plates used in the mold-making machine; a collection and delivery device that is provided laterally spaced apart from the loading and unloading position of the exchange device and extends in a direction intersecting the exchange device positioned at the loading and unloading position, the collection and delivery device having a transport path along which the plurality of carrier plates are transported; a storage unit provided at an even number of locations adjacent to the opposite side of the location where the replacement device is provided on the collection and delivery device, the storage unit storing the carrier plates transported by the collection and delivery device at a position away from the transport path; a first transfer device provided on the collection and delivery device opposite the carry-in / carry-out position, the first transfer device transferring the carrier plate between the replacement device and the collection and delivery device; a second delivery device provided in each of the collection and delivery devices opposite to the storage section, for delivering the carrier plate between the storage section and the collection and delivery device; Model exchange device.

2. The storage unit is provided adjacent to the collection and delivery device, except for a position opposite to the position where the exchange device is provided and facing the carry-in / carry-out position.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. The plurality of storage sections are provided with a predetermined distance between adjacent storage sections.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. A model exchange method using the device of claim 1, comprising: a replacement step of moving the carrier plate used in the mold making machine from the molding position to the carry-in / carry-out position by the replacement device; a first delivery step of delivering the carrier plate, which has been moved to the carry-in / carry-out position, to the collection and delivery device by the first delivery device; a conveying step of conveying the carrier plate on the conveying path by the collection and delivery device; a second delivery step of delivering the carrier plate from the collection and delivery device to the storage unit by the second delivery device; A model exchange method equipped with

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