Apparatus and method for manufacturing button badges

Abstract

The can components that make up the can badge are securely fitted into the recesses of the lower mold. [Solution] The can badge manufacturing apparatus 1 comprises a first lower mold 63 having a recess 63a into which a front member 4 is fitted, a front member supply unit 40 that stores the front member 4 and supplies the stored front member 4 toward the first lower mold 63, a rotational movement unit 60 that moves the first lower mold 63 to a basic position P1, a crimping position P2, and an intermediate position P3, and a control unit 90 that controls the front member supply unit 40 and the rotational movement unit 60. The control unit 90 supplies the front member 4 from the front member supply unit 40 when the first lower mold 63 is in the basic position P1 (S12), and then moves the first lower mold 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that the first lower mold 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3 and stops (S13).

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a can badge manufacturing device and a method executed by a control unit of the can badge manufacturing device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a can badge manufacturing device that manufactures a can badge by overlapping a sheet on which an image is printed on a front member and caulking the front member and a back member (for example, Patent Document 1). This can badge manufacturing device includes a lower mold having a recess into which the front member is inserted, and a front member supply unit that supplies the front member. The front member supply unit includes a front member stocker that stacks and stores the front members in the vertical direction, a pusher that pushes out the front member located at the bottom in the front member stocker toward the lower mold, and a front member slope that guides the front member pushed out by the pusher toward the lower mold.

[0003] The can badge manufacturing device further includes a second lower mold having a second recess into which the back member is inserted, and a back member supply unit that supplies the back member. The back member supply unit includes a back member stocker that stacks and stores the back members in the vertical direction, a second pusher that pushes out the back member located at the bottom in the back member stocker toward the second lower mold, and a back member slope that guides the back member pushed out by the second pusher toward the second lower mold.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above-described button badge manufacturing apparatus, the front component, extruded by the pusher, usually fits into the recess of the lower die via the slope of the front component. However, due to variations in the manufacturing of the front component, there are variations in the amount of movement of the front component extruded by the pusher, and in some cases the front component may not fit into the recess of the lower die. In this case, the front component and the back component cannot be properly crimped, and the manufactured button badge becomes a defective product.

[0006] Furthermore, the backing material pushed out by the second pusher usually fits into the second recess of the second lower mold via the backing material slope. However, due to manufacturing variations in the backing material, there are variations in the amount of movement of the backing material pushed out by the second pusher, so the backing material may not fit into the second recess of the second lower mold. In this case, the front material and the backing material cannot be properly crimped, and the resulting button badge will be a defective product.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a means for reliably fitting the can component constituting the can badge into the recess of the lower mold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The button badge manufacturing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises: a lower mold having a recess into which a button member, which is one of the front member and back member of a button badge, is fitted; a supply unit that stores the button member and supplies the stored button member toward the lower mold; a moving unit that moves the lower mold to a basic position, a crimping position, and other positions different from the basic position and the crimping position; and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the moving unit, wherein the control unit has the supply unit supply the button member when the lower mold is in the basic position, and then moves the lower mold toward the moving unit so that the lower mold moves from the basic position to the other position and stops.

[0009] According to the above-described button badge manufacturing apparatus, by moving the lower mold between its basic position and other positions, the lower mold and the button members supplied toward the lower mold are shaken, ensuring that any button members that are not fitted into the recesses of the lower mold are securely fitted into the recesses of the lower mold.

[0010] (2) The control unit may move the lower mold to the moving unit such that after the lower mold moves from the basic position to the other position, it returns from the intermediate position to the basic position.

[0011] (3) The can badge making apparatus further comprises a stopper, and the moving part comprises a drive unit and a moving member that is driven by the drive unit and moves together with the lower mold, and the moving member may collide with the stopper when the lower mold is in at least one of the basic position and the other position.

[0012] (4) The can member is the front member, and the can badge manufacturing apparatus further comprises a transport unit for transporting a sheet to be placed on the front member, and the control unit may move the lower mold to the moving unit so that the lower mold returns to the basic position before the sheet transported by the transport unit reaches above the basic position.

[0013] (5) The control unit may move the lower die to the moving part such that when the lower die moves between the basic position and the other position, it moves at a faster speed than when it moves between the basic position and the crimping position.

[0014] (6) The movable part is capable of moving the lower mold between the basic position and the crimping position, and the other position may be located between the basic position and the crimping position.

[0015] (7) The other positions mentioned above may be any position that is closer to the basic position than the basic position.

[0016] (8) A method disclosed herein is a method performed by the control unit of a button badge manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a lower mold having a recess into which a button member, which is one of the front and back members of a button badge, is fitted; a supply unit for accumulating the button member and supplying the accumulated button member toward the lower mold; a moving unit for moving the lower mold to a basic position, a crimping position, and other positions different from the basic position and the crimping position; and a control unit, the method comprising: when the lower mold is in the basic position, supplying the button member accumulated in the supply unit toward the lower mold; and after the button member has been supplied, moving the lower mold to the moving unit so that the lower mold moves from the basic position to the other position and stops. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this disclosure, the can component constituting the can badge can be reliably fitted into the recess of the lower mold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 with the outer casing 2 removed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view of the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 with the outer casing 2 removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a perspective view of a button badge 3 produced by the button badge manufacturing device 1, Figure 5(B) is a perspective view of the front member 4 of the button badge 3, Figure 5(C) is a perspective view of the back member 5 of the button badge 3, and Figure 5(D) is a cross-sectional view of the button badge 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top view of the rotating movement section 60 of the button badge manufacturing device 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) shows the transparent film 6 before cutting, and Figure 7(B) shows the white sheet 7 before cutting. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the front member supply section 40 and the first lower die 63 of the can badge manufacturing apparatus 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the front member supply section 40 and the first lower die 63. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the back member supply section 50 and the second lower die 64 of the can badge manufacturing apparatus 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control section 90 of the can badge manufacturing apparatus 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(A) is a view showing the state when the first lower die 63 is located at the basic position P1, FIG. 12(B) is a view showing the state after the first lower die 63 has moved to the intermediate position P3, FIG. 12(C) is a view showing the state after the first lower die 63 has returned to the basic position P1, and FIG. 12(D) is a view showing the state after the first lower die 63 has moved to the caulking position P2. [Figure 13] FIG. 13(A) is a view showing the state when the first lower die 63 is located at the basic position P1 in the can badge manufacturing apparatus according to the modified example, FIG. 13(B) is a view showing the state after the first lower die 63 has moved to the intermediate position P3, FIG. 13(C) is a view showing the stopper 69 located at the retracted position, and FIG. 13(D) is a view showing the stopper 69 located at the contact position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control section 90 of the can badge manufacturing apparatus according to the modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15(A) is a view showing the state when the second lower die 64 is located at the basic position P1 in the can badge manufacturing apparatus according to the modified example, FIG. 15(B) is a view showing the state after the second lower die 64 has moved to the second intermediate position P4, FIG. 15(C) is a view showing the state after the second lower die 64 has returned to the basic position P1, and FIG. 15(D) is a view showing the state after the second lower die 64 has moved to the caulking position P2. [Figure 16] FIG. 16(A) is a view showing the state after the first lower die 63 has moved to the folding position P5 in the can badge manufacturing apparatus according to the modified example, and FIG. 16(B) is a view showing the state after the first lower die 63 has moved to the folding position P5 in the can badge manufacturing apparatus according to another modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The following describes a button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. It goes without saying that the embodiments described below are merely examples of this disclosure, and the embodiments can be modified as appropriate without altering the gist of this disclosure.

[0020] [Overview of Button Badge Manufacturing Device 1] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 comprises a printing unit 10, a transport unit 20, a cutting unit 30, a front material supply unit 40, a back material supply unit 50, a rotating and moving unit 60, a crimping unit 70, a removal unit 80, a CPU 91, a storage unit 92, and a communication unit 93. In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the state in which the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 is installed for use. The front-to-back direction is defined with the side where the transport unit 20 is located as the front. Furthermore, the left-to-right direction is defined when viewing the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 from the front.

[0021] [Composition of Can Badge 3] The button badge 3 produced by the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 has the disc shape shown in Figure 5(A). The button badge 3 is manufactured by crimping a metal front member 4 shown in Figure 5(B) and a metal back member 5 shown in Figure 5(C). The materials of the front member 4 and back member 5 are magnetic materials such as tin-plated steel sheets. The button badge 3 has the cross-sectional structure shown in Figure 5(D). In the button badge 3, the surface of the front member 4 is covered with a transparent film 6 and a white sheet 7. The periphery of the transparent film 6 and the white sheet 7 is sandwiched between the periphery of the crimped front member 4 and back member 5. The white sheet 7 is, for example, plain white paper.

[0022] When the button badge 3 is viewed from the front, the front component 4 is not visible, and the image printed on the transparent film 6 covering the front component 4 is visible. However, in areas where the image is not printed, the white sheet 7 is visible through the transparent film 6. The back component 5 may be provided with a through hole (not shown) into which the fastener (such as a hook pin or safety pin) of the button badge 3 is inserted.

[0023] The button badge 3 is manufactured in the button badge manufacturing device 1 by printing an image onto a transparent film 6, and then stacking the transparent film 6 with the printed image, the white sheet 7, the front member 4, and the back member 5 in order and crimping them together.

[0024] [Printing Unit 10] The printing unit 10 has a printing section 11 and a tray 12 (see Figures 1 and 4). Transparent film 6 and white sheets 7 are alternately accumulated in the tray 12 before the image is printed. The transparent film 6 and white sheets 7 accumulated in the tray 12 are rectangular in shape. The printing unit 10 may also have a tray for accumulating the transparent film 6 and another tray for accumulating the white sheets 7.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the printing unit 10 is connected to an external device 100 for communication. The printing unit 11 receives an image to be printed on the transparent film 6 (hereinafter referred to as the print image) from the external device 100. The printing unit 11 is supplied with the transparent film 6 accumulated in the tray 12. The printing unit 11 prints the print image received from the external device 100 onto the back surface of the supplied transparent film 6, with the image reversed horizontally. The transparent film 6 with the printed image is discharged to the outside of the printing unit 10. The printing unit 11 is also supplied with a white sheet 7 accumulated in the tray 12. The printing unit 11 does not print an image on the supplied white sheet 7, but discharges it to the outside of the printing unit 10 as is.

[0026] [Conveying section 20] The transport unit 20 is positioned on the front of the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, covering the paper discharge port from which the transparent film 6 and white sheet 7 are discharged from the printing unit 10 (see Figures 1 and 2). The transport unit 20 includes a transport motor 21 (see Figure 4), multiple rollers (not shown), multiple sensors (not shown), and the like. The transport unit 20 transports the transparent film 6 and white sheet 7 discharged from the printing unit 10 upward and backward, bringing the leading edges of the transparent film 6 and white sheet 7 above the basic position P1 of the rotating movement unit 60. The transport unit 20 configured in this way transports the transparent film 6 and white sheet 7 to be placed on the surface member 4.

[0027] [Rotating movement unit 60] As shown in Figure 6, the rotating movement unit 60 includes a rotating movement motor 61, a rotary table 62, a first lower mold 63, a second lower mold 64, a stopper 65, and a rotating shaft 66. The rotating movement motor 61 generates the driving force to rotate the rotary table 62. The rotary table 62 has a generally circular shape in plan view. The first lower mold 63 and the second lower mold 64 are placed on the upper surface of the rotary table 62. The rotating shaft 66 is the axis of rotation of the rotary table 62. The rotating shaft 66 extends in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, with respect to the rotating movement unit 60, clockwise rotation when viewed from above will be referred to as "clockwise," and counterclockwise rotation when viewed from above will be referred to as "counterclockwise."

[0028] A gear 67 is formed on half of the outer circumferential surface of the rotary table 62. The gear 67 meshes with a gear (not shown) attached to the rotation shaft of the rotary motor 61. The rotary table 62 receives driving force from the rotary motor 61 through the gear 67 and rotates around the rotation shaft 66. The first lower mold 63 and the second lower mold 64 rotate together with the rotary table 62 around the rotation shaft 66 and move between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2. The rotary table 62 is driven by the rotary motor 61 and rotates together with the first lower mold 63 and the second lower mold 64.

[0029] The first lower mold 63 has a recess 63a into which the front member 4 is fitted (see Figure 8). The shape of the recess 63a follows the outer diameter of the front member 4. The second lower mold 64 has a recess 64a into which the back member 5 is fitted (see Figure 10). The shape of the recess 64a follows the outer diameter of the back member 5. The basic position P1 is the position in which the front member 4 is fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63, and is also the position in which the back member 5 is fitted into the recess 64a of the second lower mold 64. The crimping position P2 is a position that is point-symmetric to the basic position P1 with respect to the rotation axis 66. The crimping position P2 is the position in which the crimping portion 70 performs crimping on the front member 4 and the back member 5. When the first lower mold 63 is in the basic position P1, the second lower mold 64 is in the crimping position P2. When the first lower die 63 is in the crimping position P2, the second lower die 64 is in the base position P1.

[0030] The rotary table 62 has a semicircular guide groove 68 near its outer circumference. The guide groove 68 is formed clockwise from a position facing the rotation axis 66 across the first lower die 63 to a position facing the rotation axis 66 across the second lower die 64. A stopper 65 extending in the vertical direction is inserted into the guide groove 68. The stopper 65 is fixed in the guide groove 68 at the position closest to the crimping position P2.

[0031] When the rotary table 62 rotates counterclockwise and the end of the guide groove 68 closest to the second lower die 64 collides with the stopper 65, the rotary table 62 stops. At this time, the first lower die 63 is in the basic position P1 and the second lower die 64 is in the crimping position P2 (see Figure 12(A)). When the rotary table 62 rotates clockwise and the end of the guide groove 68 closest to the first lower die 63 collides with the stopper 65, the rotary table 62 stops. At this time, the first lower die 63 is in the crimping position P2 and the second lower die 64 is in the basic position P1 (see Figure 12(D)). The stopper 65 has the function of restricting the rotation range of the rotary table 62.

[0032] The amount of rotation of the rotary table 62 is adjusted, for example, by pre-determining the drive current of the rotary movement motor 61. Alternatively, the amount of rotation of the rotary table 62 may be adjusted by detecting the amount of rotation of the rotary movement motor 61 or the rotational position of the rotary table 62 and controlling the drive current of the rotary movement motor 61 according to the detection result. The rotary movement unit 60 configured in this way is capable of moving the first lower mold 63 and the second lower mold 64 between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2.

[0033] Furthermore, as will be described later, the rotational movement unit 60 moves the first lower die 63 from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3 according to the control from the control unit 90 (see Figure 12). The intermediate position P3 is a different position from the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2, and is located between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2. The rotational movement unit 60 moves the first lower die 63 to the basic position P1, the crimping position P2, and the intermediate position P3.

[0034] [Cutting section 30] The cutting unit 30 cuts the transparent film 6 and white sheet 7, which have been transported by the transport unit 20, to match the shape of the button badge 3. As shown in Figure 7(A), the transparent film 6 before cutting has pre-formed cutting lines 6c that define the circular portion 6a that matches the shape of the button badge 3, and cutting lines 6d that connect the cutting lines 6c to one side of the transparent film 6. By cutting along the cutting lines 6c and 6d, the transparent film 6 is cut into a circular portion 6a and a peripheral portion 6b. As shown in Figure 7(B), the white sheet 7 before cutting also has similar pre-formed cutting lines 7c and 7d. By cutting along the cutting lines 7c and 7d, the white sheet 7 is cut into a circular portion 7a and a peripheral portion 7b that matches the shape of the button badge 3.

[0035] The cutting unit 30 includes a cutting motor 31, a holding arm 32, a holding head 33, and a collection box 34 (see Figures 3 and 4). The cutting motor 31 generates a driving force that rotates the holding arm 32. The holding arm 32 rotates around a rotation axis (not shown) in response to the driving force from the cutting motor 31. The holding head 33 is connected to the tip of the holding arm 32. The holding head 33 moves between a standby position and a pressing position as the holding arm 32 rotates. The standby position is a position where the holding head 33 does not contact the transparent film 6 and the white sheet 7 on the first lower die 63 when it is in the basic position P1. The pressing position is a position where the holding head 33 contacts the circular portion 6a of the transparent film 6 or the circular portion 7a of the white sheet 7 on the first lower die 63 when it is in the basic position P1.

[0036] When the pressing head 33 is in contact with the circular portion 6a of the transparent film 6 at the pressing position, the transport unit 20 transports the transparent film 6 toward the collection box 34, thereby cutting the transparent film 6 along the cut lines 6c and 6d. As a result, the circular portion 6a remains on the first lower die 63, and the peripheral portion 6b is collected in the collection box 34.

[0037] When the pressing head 33 is in contact with the circular portion 7a of the white sheet 7 at the pressing position, the transport unit 20 transports the white sheet 7 toward the collection box 34, thereby cutting the white sheet 7 along the cut lines 7c and 7d. As a result, the circular portion 7a remains on the first lower die 63, and the peripheral portion 7b is collected in the collection box 34.

[0038] [Front member supply section 40] The surface member supply unit 40 is located to the right rear of the basic position P1 (see Figure 3). As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the surface member supply unit 40 includes a surface member supply motor 41, a surface member stocker 42, a surface member slope 43, and a surface member pusher 44. The surface member supply unit 40 stores surface members 4 and supplies the stored surface members 4 toward the first lower mold 63.

[0039] The surface member supply motor 41 generates a driving force to move the surface member pusher 44. The surface member stocker 42 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The inner shape of the horizontal cross-section of the surface member stocker 42 conforms to the outer shape of the surface member 4. The surface member stocker 42 stacks and stores the surface members 4 in the vertical direction. The lowest surface member 4 among the surface members 4 stored in the surface member stocker 42 is located on the surface member slope 43.

[0040] The surface member slope 43 is an inclined path extending in the direction D1 shown in Figure 8. The surface member slope 43 has a guide surface that guides the surface member 4 toward the first lower mold 63 located at the basic position P1. There is a gap between the lower end of the surface member stocker 42 and the guide surface of the surface member slope 43, through which only one surface member 4 can pass. The surface member pusher 44 is a flat plate-shaped member extending in the direction D1. A rack gear 45 is formed on one longitudinal side of the surface member pusher 44 (the front side in Figure 8). The rack gear 45 meshes with a pinion gear 46 provided on the rotating shaft of the surface member supply motor 41. The surface member pusher 44 receives driving force from the surface member supply motor 41 and reciprocates in the direction D1 on the guide surface of the surface member slope 43. The amount of movement of the surface member pusher 44 is adjusted by, for example, pre-determining the drive current of the surface member supply motor 41, or by detecting the amount of rotation of the surface member supply motor 41 or the position of the surface member pusher 44 and controlling the drive current of the surface member supply motor 41 according to the detection result.

[0041] The surface member pusher 44 contacts the lowest surface member 4 among those stored in the surface member stocker 42, causing the surface member 4 to slide in the D1 direction on the guide surface of the surface member slope 43. The surface member 4 then fits into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63, which is located at the basic position P1. Figure 9 shows the surface member 4 before it slides on the guide surface of the surface member slope 43 and is fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63. Through the above operations, the surface member supply unit 40 supplies the surface members 4 one by one toward the first lower mold 63.

[0042] [Back material supply section 50] The backing material supply unit 50 is located to the left rear of the basic position P1 (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 10, the backing material supply unit 50 includes a backing material supply motor 51, a backing material stocker 52, a backing material slope 53, and a backing material pusher 54. The backing material supply unit 50 stores the backing material 5 and supplies the stored backing material 5 toward the second lower mold 64.

[0043] The backing member supply motor 51 generates a driving force to move the backing member pusher 54. The backing member stocker 52 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The inner shape of the horizontal cross-section of the backing member stocker 52 conforms to the outer shape of the backing member 5. The backing member stocker 52 stacks and stores the backing members 5 in the vertical direction. The lowest backing member 5 among the backing members 5 stored in the backing member stocker 52 is located on the backing member slope 53.

[0044] The back member slope 53 is an inclined path extending in the direction D2 shown in Figure 10. The back member slope 53 has a guide surface that guides the back member 5 toward the second lower mold 64 located at the basic position P1. There is a gap between the lower end of the back member stocker 52 and the guide surface of the back member slope 53 that allows only one back member 5 to pass through. The back member pusher 54 is a flat plate-shaped member extending in the direction D2. A rack gear 55 is formed on one longitudinal side of the back member pusher 54 (the far side in Figure 10). The rack gear 55 meshes with a pinion gear (not shown) provided on the rotating shaft of the back member supply motor 51. The back member pusher 54 receives driving force from the back member supply motor 51 and reciprocates in the direction D2 on the guide surface of the back member slope 53. The amount of movement of the back member pusher 54 is adjusted in the same way as the amount of movement of the front member pusher 44.

[0045] The backing member pusher 54 contacts the lowest backing member 5 among those accumulated in the backing member stocker 52, and slides the backing member 5 in the D2 direction on the guide surface of the backing member slope 53. The backing member 5 fits into the recess 64a of the second lower mold 64 located at the basic position P1. Through the above operation, the backing member supply unit 50 supplies the backing members 5 one by one toward the second lower mold 64.

[0046] [Crimped section 70] The crimping section 70 performs the crimping process at the crimping position P2. The crimping section 70 includes a crimping motor 71, a lifting device 72, and an upper die (not shown) (see Figures 3 and 4). The upper die is connected to the lower end of the lifting device 72. The crimping motor 71 generates a driving force to operate the lifting device 72. The lifting device 72 receives the driving force from the crimping motor 71 and moves the upper die in the vertical direction.

[0047] Before the crimping process, the upper die is in a raised position. When the first lower die 63, in which the front member 4 is fitted into the recess 63a, is at the crimping position P2, the upper die descends until it reaches the first lower die 63. At this time, the front member 4, which was fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63, separates from the first lower die 63 and is held by the upper die. Next, the upper die rises while holding the front member 4. Next, the rotary table 62 rotates, and when the second lower die 64, in which the back member 5 is fitted into the recess 64a, is at the crimping position P2, the upper die descends until it reaches the second lower die 64. At this time, the crimping process is performed between the front member 4 held by the upper die and the back member 5 fitted into the recess 64a of the second lower die 64, and the button badge 3 is completed. The completed button badge 3 is placed on the second lower die 64. After that, the upper die rises.

[0048] [Removal section 80] The extraction unit 80 performs the extraction process of the can badge 3 at the basic position P1. The extraction unit 80 has an extraction motor 81, an extraction arm 82, an extraction head 83, a base 84, and a finished product storage box 85 (see Figures 3 and 4). The extraction motor 81 generates a driving force to rotate the extraction arm 82. The extraction arm 82 rotates around a rotation axis (not shown) in response to the driving force from the extraction motor 81. The extraction head 83 is made of a magnetic material and is connected to the tip of the extraction arm 82. The extraction head 83 reciprocates between the retrieval position and the extraction position as the extraction arm 82 rotates. The base 84 is provided at the retrieval position. The base 84 has an upper surface and a groove. The upper surface of the base 84 is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the finished product storage box 85. The groove of the base 84 has an opening shape that can accommodate only the tip portion of the extraction arm 82, including the extraction head 83. The groove has a depth such that the removal head 83 housed in the groove cannot magnetically attract the can badge 3 on the seat 84.

[0049] When the retrieval head 83 is in the retrieval position, it approaches the second lower mold 64, which is in the basic position P1, and magnetically attracts the can badge 3 placed on the second lower mold 64. As the retrieval arm 82 rotates while the retrieval head 83 is still magnetically attracting the can badge 3, the retrieval head 83 moves to the retrieval position. In the retrieval position, the tip portion of the retrieval arm 82, including the retrieval head 83, is housed in the groove of the base portion 84. The can badge 3 comes into contact with the upper surface of the base portion 84 and cannot enter the groove, so it separates from the retrieval head 83. The can badge 3, having separated from the retrieval head 83, slides down the upper surface of the base portion 84 and is collected in the finished product storage box 85.

[0050] [Control Unit 90] As shown in Figure 4, the transport unit 20, cutting unit 30, front member supply unit 40, back member supply unit 50, rotational movement unit 60, crimping unit 70, and removal unit 80 are controlled by a control unit 90 which includes a CPU 91 and a storage unit 92. The storage unit 92 is a memory such as ROM or RAM. The storage unit 92 stores programs executed by the CPU 91 and data used by the CPU 91. The CPU 91 controls the operation of each part of the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 92. The communication unit 93 is a communication interface circuit for communication between the control unit 90 and an external device 100.

[0051] [Operation of the control unit 90] When the control unit 90 receives a button badge manufacturing instruction from the external device 100, it performs the operation shown in Figure 11. First, the control unit 90 controls the rotary movement unit 60 to move the first lower die 63 to the basic position P1 (S11). In S11, the control unit 90 controls the rotary movement motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 counterclockwise so that the first lower die 63 is in the basic position P1 and the second lower die 64 is in the crimping position P2 (see Figure 12(A)). At this time, the end of the guide groove 68 closest to the second lower die 64 collides with the stopper 65, and the rotary table 62 comes to a sudden stop. Note that if the first lower die 63 is in the basic position P1 in the initial state, the control unit 90 does not need to perform S11.

[0052] Next, the control unit 90 causes the surface member supply unit 40 to supply the surface member 4 toward the first lower mold 63 (S12). In S12, the control unit 90 drives the surface member supply motor 41 to move the surface member pusher 44 along the surface member slope 43. The surface member supply unit 40 supplies the surface member 4 toward the first lower mold 63 located at the basic position P1, and the supplied surface member 4 fits into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63.

[0053] Next, the control unit 90 moves the first lower mold 63 to the intermediate position P3 (S13). In S13, the control unit 90 drives the rotary motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 clockwise so that the first lower mold 63 is positioned at the intermediate position P3 and stops at the intermediate position P3 (see Figure 12(B)). The intermediate position P3 is a position between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2, and is a position rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle θ1 from the basic position P1 around the rotation axis 66. The angle θ1 is, for example, an angle in the range of 15° to 20°. As the control unit 90 executes S13, the first lower mold 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3 and stops temporarily at the intermediate position P3.

[0054] The intermediate position P3 can be any position between the base position P1 and the crimping position P2. However, it is preferable that the intermediate position P3 is closer to the base position P1 than to the crimping position P2. In particular, it is preferable that the intermediate position P3 is not too far from the base position P1. Furthermore, high precision is not required for the intermediate position P3. For example, it is not a problem if the intermediate position P3 in the actual machine differs slightly from the intermediate position in the design, and it is not a problem if the intermediate position P3 in the actual machine fluctuates slightly.

[0055] When designing the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, the maximum amount of protrusion of the front member 4 that does not fit into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63 is predicted. It is preferable that the distance between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3 is greater than or equal to the predicted maximum amount of protrusion. With this configuration, the rotary table 62 rotates by at least the maximum amount of protrusion of the front member 4. Therefore, the protruding portion of the front member 4 is reliably fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63.

[0056] Furthermore, when designing the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, the maximum overhang angle (angle around the rotation axis 66) of the front member 4 that does not fit into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63 is predicted. It is preferable that the rotation angle between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3 around the rotation axis 66 is greater than or equal to the predicted maximum overhang angle. With this configuration, the rotary table 62 rotates by at least the maximum overhang angle of the front member 4. Therefore, the overhang portion of the front member 4 is reliably fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63.

[0057] Next, the control unit 90 moves the first lower die 63 to the basic position P1 (S14). In S14, the control unit 90 drives the rotary motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 counterclockwise so that the first lower die 63 returns to the basic position P1 and the second lower die 64 returns to the crimping position P2 (see Figure 12(C)). At this time, the end of the guide groove 68 closest to the second lower die 64 collides with the stopper 65, and the rotary table 62 comes to a sudden stop.

[0058] Next, the control unit 90 transports and cuts the white sheet 7 (S15). In S15, the control unit 90 drives the transport motor 21 to transport the white sheet 7 discharged from the printing unit 10 to the transport unit 20 above the first lower die 63 located at the basic position P1. Note that no image is printed on the white sheet 7 being transported. Subsequently, the control unit 90 drives the cutting motor 31 to bring the holding head 33 into contact with the circular portion 7a of the white sheet 7, and then drives the transport motor 21 to transport the white sheet 7 towards the collection box 34. As a result, the white sheet 7 is cut into a circular portion 7a and a peripheral portion 7b, with the circular portion 7a remaining on the first lower die 63 located at the basic position P1.

[0059] Next, the control unit 90 transports and cuts the transparent film 6 (S16). In S16, the control unit 90 drives the transport motor 21 to transport the transparent film 6 discharged from the printing unit 10 to the transport unit 20 above the first lower die 63 located at the basic position P1. The image is printed on the transparent film 6 being transported. Subsequently, the control unit 90 drives the cutting motor 31 to bring the holding head 33 into contact with the circular portion 6a of the transparent film 6, and then drives the transport motor 21 to transport the transparent film 6 toward the collection box 34. As a result, the transparent film 6 is cut into a circular portion 6a and a peripheral portion 6b, with the circular portion 6a remaining on the first lower die 63 located at the basic position P1. At this point, the circular portion 6a of the transparent film 6 and the circular portion 7a of the white sheet 7 are stacked on top of the surface member 4 fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63, from top to bottom.

[0060] Next, the control unit 90 moves the first lower die 63 to the crimping position P2 and the second lower die 64 to the base position P1 (S17). In S17, the control unit 90 drives the rotary motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 clockwise so that the first lower die 63 is in the crimping position P2 and the second lower die 64 is in the base position P1 (see Figure 12(D)). At this time, the end of the guide groove 68 closest to the first lower die 63 collides with the stopper 65, and the rotary table 62 comes to a sudden stop.

[0061] Next, the control unit 90 causes the surface member 4 to be held in the upper die of the crimping section 70 (S18). In S18, the control unit 90 drives the crimping motor 71 to lower the upper die until it reaches the first lower die 63. As a result, the surface member 4 is held in the upper die of the crimping section 70 with the transparent film 6 and the white sheet 7 stacked on top of each other.

[0062] Next, the control unit 90 causes the backing member supply unit 50 to supply the backing member 5 toward the second lower mold 64 (S19). In S19, the control unit 90 drives the backing member supply motor 51 to move the backing member pusher 54 along the backing member slope 53. The backing member supply unit 50 supplies the backing member 5 toward the second lower mold 64 located at the basic position P1, and the supplied backing member 5 is fitted into the recess 64a of the second lower mold 64. The control unit 90 may execute S18 and S19 in reverse order, or S18 and S19 in parallel.

[0063] Next, the control unit 90 moves the second lower die 64 to the crimping position P2 (S20). In S20, the control unit 90 drives the rotary motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 counterclockwise so that the first lower die 63 is in the basic position P1 and the second lower die 64 is in the crimping position P2. At this time, the end of the guide groove 68 closest to the second lower die 64 collides with the stopper 65, and the rotary table 62 comes to a sudden stop. The operation performed by the control unit 90 in S20 is the same as the operation performed by the control unit 90 in S11.

[0064] Next, the control unit 90 causes the crimping unit 70 to perform the crimping process (S21). In S21, the control unit 90 drives the crimping motor 71 to lower the upper die until it reaches the second lower die 64. As a result, the front member 4 and the back member 5 are crimped together with the transparent film 6 and the white sheet 7 laminated on top of the front member 4, and the button badge 3 is completed. The button badge 3 is placed on the second lower die 64 located at the crimping position P2.

[0065] Next, the control unit 90 moves the second lower die 64 to the base position P1 (S22). In S22, the control unit 90 drives the rotary motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 clockwise so that the first lower die 63 is in the crimping position P2 and the second lower die 64 is in the base position P1. At this time, the end of the guide groove 68 closest to the first lower die 63 collides with the stopper 65, and the rotary table 62 comes to a sudden stop. The operation performed by the control unit 90 in S22 is the same as the operation performed by the control unit 90 in S17.

[0066] Next, the control unit 90 causes the extraction unit 80 to perform the extraction process (S23). In S23, the control unit 90 drives the extraction motor 81 to bring the extraction head 83 closer to the button badge 3 and magnetically attaches the button badge 3 to the extraction head 83. Subsequently, the control unit 90 drives the extraction motor 81 to bring the extraction head 83 closer to the finished product storage box 85 and collects the button badge 3 into the finished product storage box 85. By performing the operations shown in Figure 11, the control unit 90 completes one button badge 3.

[0067] For the sake of explanation, the control unit 90 executes S14 and then S15, that is, it transports the white sheet 7 after the first lower mold 63 has returned to its basic position P1. However, the control unit 90 can start transporting the white sheet 7 at an earlier timing. In order to correctly place the white sheet 7 on the surface member 4 fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63, the first lower mold 63 needs to return to its basic position P1 before the white sheet 7 reaches above the basic position P1. Therefore, the control unit 90 moves the first lower mold 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that the first lower mold 63 returns to its basic position P1 before the white sheet 7 transported by the transport unit 20 reaches above the basic position P1.

[0068] Figures 12(A) to 12(D) illustrate how the first lower mold 63 and the front member 4 rotate when the control unit 90 performs the operations shown in Figure 12. When the control unit 90 executes S11 and S12, the rotary table 62 enters the state shown in Figure 12(A). At this time, the first lower mold 63 and the front member 4 are in the basic position P1.

[0069] As the control unit 90 executes S13, the rotary table 62 rotates clockwise by an angle θ1 to the state shown in Figure 12(B). The first lower mold 63 and the front member 4 move from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3, and the second lower mold 64 moves from the crimping position P2 to a position symmetric to the intermediate position P3 with respect to the rotation axis 66.

[0070] When the control unit 90 executes S14, the rotary table 62 rotates counterclockwise by an angle θ1, reaching the state shown in Figure 12(C). The first lower mold 63 and the front member 4 return from the intermediate position P3 to the basic position P1, and the second lower mold 64 returns from a position symmetrical to the intermediate position P3 with respect to the rotation axis 66 to the crimping position P2.

[0071] When the control unit 90 executes S17, the rotary table 62 rotates 180° clockwise to the state shown in Figure 12(D). The first lower die 63 and the front member 4 move from the basic position P1 to the crimping position P2, and the second lower die 64 moves from the crimping position P2 to the basic position P1.

[0072] In this manner, the first lower die 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3, returns from the intermediate position P3 to the basic position P1, and then moves from the basic position P1 to the crimping position P2. When the control unit 90 moves the first lower die 63 between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2, it drives the rotary movement motor 61 in a predetermined manner to rotate the rotary table 62 at a predetermined speed. The moving speed of the first lower die 63 at this time is denoted as V1. When the control unit 90 moves the first lower die 63 between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3, it drives the rotary movement motor 61 in a different manner to rotate the rotary table 62 at a different speed. The moving speed of the first lower die 63 at this time is denoted as V2. It is preferable for the control unit 90 to move the first lower die 63 in the rotary movement unit 60 such that the moving speed V2 is faster than the moving speed V1. The reason for this is that the movement of the first lower mold 63 between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3 is essentially unnecessary if the surface member 4 is always fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63, and therefore it is desirable to complete this movement as quickly as possible. However, depending on the configuration of the button badge manufacturing device, the movement speed V2 may be slower than the movement speed V1, and the movement speeds V1 and V2 of the two parts may be the same.

[0073] The front member 4, pushed out by the front member pusher 44, usually fits into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63 via the front member slope 43. However, due to manufacturing variations in the front member 4, there are variations in the amount of movement of the front member 4 pushed out by the front member pusher 44. As a result, the front member 4 may not fit into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63. In this case, unless special measures are taken, the front member 4 and the back member 5 cannot be properly crimped, and the manufactured can badge 3 will be a defective product.

[0074] To solve this problem, in the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, the control unit 90 supplies the front material 4 from the front material supply unit 40 when the first lower mold 63 is in the basic position P1, and then moves the first lower mold 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that the first lower mold 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3 and stops, and then moves from the intermediate position P3 to the basic position P1 and stops.

[0075] When the first lower mold 63 begins to move from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3, the first lower mold 63 shakes, and the surface member 4 supplied to the first lower mold 63 also shakes. Similarly, when the first lower mold 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3 and stops, the first lower mold 63 shakes, and the surface member 4 supplied to the first lower mold 63 also shakes. In particular, when the first lower mold 63 moves from the intermediate position P3 to the basic position P1 and stops, the first lower mold 63 shakes, and the surface member 4 supplied to the first lower mold 63 also shakes. This allows the surface member 4 that is not fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63 to be fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63. Therefore, a good quality can badge 3 can be manufactured using the surface member 4 fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63.

[0076] In the above description, the front member 4 is an example of a can member. The white sheet 7 is an example of a sheet. The front member supply unit 40 is an example of a supply unit. The rotating movement unit 60 is an example of a movement unit. The first lower mold 63 is an example of a lower mold. The intermediate position P3 is an example of another position. The rotating movement motor 61 is an example of a drive unit. The rotary table 62 is an example of a movement member.

[0077] [Effects of the Embodiment] As shown above, the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 comprises a first lower mold 63 (lower mold), a surface material supply unit 40 (supply unit), a rotational movement unit 60 (movement unit), and a control unit 90 that controls the surface material supply unit 40 and the rotational movement unit 60. The control unit 90 causes the surface material supply unit 40 to supply the surface material 4 when the first lower mold 63 is in the basic position P1 (S12). Subsequently, the control unit 90 moves the first lower mold 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that the first lower mold 63 moves from the basic position P1 to an intermediate position P3 that is different from the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2 and stops there (S13).

[0078] In this way, the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 moves the first lower die 63 between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3. Therefore, the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 shakes the first lower die 63 and the surface member 4 supplied toward the first lower die 63, and any surface member 4 that is not fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63 can be fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 90 moves the first lower mold 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that after the first lower mold 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3, it returns from the intermediate position P3 to the basic position P1 (S14). As a result, the first lower mold 63 and the surface member 4 supplied toward the first lower mold 63 can be shaken when the first lower mold 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3 and when the first lower mold 63 returns from the intermediate position P3 to the basic position P1. Consequently, surface members 4 that are not fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63 can be fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63.

[0080] Furthermore, the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 is further equipped with a stopper 65, and the rotating movement unit 60 is equipped with a rotating movement motor 61 (drive unit) and a rotating table 62 (moving member). The rotating table 62 collides with the stopper 65 when the first lower die 63 is in the basic position P1. By causing the rotating table 62 to collide with the stopper 65 in this way, the inertial force generated by the collision can be applied to the first lower die 63 and the surface member 4 supplied toward the first lower die 63. Therefore, surface members 4 that are not fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63 can be fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63.

[0081] Furthermore, the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 is further equipped with a transport unit 20. The control unit 90 moves the first lower die 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that the first lower die 63 returns to the basic position P1 before the white sheet 7 (sheet) transported by the transport unit 20 reaches above the basic position P1. By returning the first lower die 63 to the basic position P1 before the white sheet 7 reaches above the basic position P1, the sheet can be placed on the surface member 4 which is fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 90 moves the first lower die 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that when the first lower die 63 moves between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3, it moves at a faster speed than when it moves between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2. Because the first lower die 63 moves at a faster speed between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3 in this way, the first lower die 63 and the surface member 4 supplied toward the first lower die 63 can be shaken more violently. Therefore, surface members 4 that are not fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63 can be fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63.

[0083] Furthermore, the rotating movement unit 60 can move the first lower die 63 between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2, and the intermediate position P3 is located between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2. Therefore, the surface member 4 that is not fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63 can be fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower die 63 without expanding the range of movement of the first lower die 63.

[0084] Furthermore, the intermediate position P3 is closer to the basic position P1 than to the crimping position P2. Therefore, by moving the first lower mold 63 a short distance from the basic position P1, the surface member 4 that is not fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63 can be fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63 in a short time.

[0085] Furthermore, the above description discloses a method executed by the control unit 90 of the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, comprising the steps of: (S12) supplying the surface material 4 accumulated in the surface material supply unit 40 toward the first lower mold 63 when the first lower mold 63 is in the basic position P1; and (S13) moving the first lower mold 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that the first lower mold 63 moves from the basic position P1 to an intermediate position P3 different from the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2 and stops there.

[0086] [Differentiation] Various modifications can be made to the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. In the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, the rotary table 62 collides with the stopper 65 and stops at the position where the first lower die 63 is in the basic position P1 and at the position where the first lower die 63 is in the crimping position P2. The button badge manufacturing apparatus according to the modification may further include a stopper that moves vertically in order to stop the rotary table 62 at the position where the first lower die 63 is in the intermediate position P3.

[0087] The stopper 69 shown in Figure 13 is inserted into the guide groove 68 of the rotary table 62. The horizontal position of the stopper 69 is rotated counterclockwise by an angle (180°-θ2) around the rotation axis 66 from the position of the stopper 65 (see Figure 13(B)). The stopper 69 is connected to a lifting mechanism (not shown), and moves up and down between a retracted position and a contact position by the action of the lifting mechanism. The retracted position is lower than the rotary table 62 and is a position where there is no possibility of contact with the rotary table 62 (see Figure 13(C)). The contact position is higher than the retracted position and is a position where there is a possibility of contact with the rotary table 62 (see Figure 13(D)).

[0088] Except in S13, the control unit 90 moves the stopper 69 to the retracted position (Figure 13(C)). At this time, the stopper 69 does not come into contact with the rotary table 62 and does not hinder the rotation of the rotary table 62 (see Figure 13(A)). When the control unit 90 moves the first lower die 63 to the intermediate position P3 in S13, it drives the lifting mechanism to raise the stopper 69 to the contact position (Figure 13(D)). At this time, the end of the guide groove 68 closest to the first lower die 63 collides with the stopper 69, and the rotary table 62 stops (Figure 13(B)). The rotary table 62 comes into contact with the stopper 69 located in the contact position and stops at the intermediate position P3.

[0089] The button badge making apparatus may be equipped with either one of the stoppers 65 or 69, or with both stoppers 65 and 69. The rotary table 62 may collide with the stopper 65 or the stopper 69 and stop when the first lower die 63 moves to at least one of the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3.

[0090] In the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, the control unit 90 moves the first lower mold 63 between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3 in order to fit the front member 4 into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63. In the modified button badge manufacturing apparatus, the control unit 90 may also move the second lower mold 64 between the basic position P1 and the second intermediate position P4 (an example of an intermediate position) in order to fit the back member 5 (an example of a button member) into the recess 64a of the second lower mold 64 (an example of a lower mold). In this case, the control unit 90 performs the operation shown in Figure 14. The flowchart shown in Figure 14 is the flowchart shown in Figure 11 with S31 and S32 added.

[0091] In S19, the control unit 90 causes the backing material supply unit 50 (an example of a supply unit) to supply the backing material toward the second lower mold 64. In Figure 15(A), the backing material 5 is fitted into the recess 64a of the second lower mold 64, which is located at the basic position P1. Next, the control unit 90 moves the second lower mold 64 to the second intermediate position P4 (S31). In S31, the control unit 90 drives the rotary movement motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 counterclockwise so that the second lower mold 64 is located at the second intermediate position P4 (see Figure 15(B)). The second intermediate position P4 is a position between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2, and is a position rotated by a predetermined angle θ2 counterclockwise from the basic position P1 around the rotation axis 66. The angle θ2 may be the same as or different from the angle θ1. When the control unit 90 executes S31, the second lower mold 64 moves from the basic position P1 to the second intermediate position P4 and stops temporarily at the second intermediate position P4.

[0092] Next, the control unit 90 moves the second lower die 64 to the base position P1 (S32). In S32, the control unit 90 drives the rotary motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 clockwise so that the first lower die 63 returns to the crimping position P2 and the second lower die 64 returns to the base position P1 (see Figure 15(C)). Next, in S20, the control unit 90 moves the second lower die 64 to the crimping position (see Figure 15(D)).

[0093] With this type of button badge manufacturing apparatus, by moving the second lower die 64 between the basic position P1 and the second intermediate position P4, the second lower die 64 and the backing material 5 supplied toward the second lower die 64 are shaken, and any backing material 5 that is not fitted into the recess 64a of the second lower die 64 can be fitted into the recess 64a of the second lower die 64.

[0094] In the modified button badge manufacturing apparatus, the control unit 90 may move the second lower mold 64 between the basic position P1 and the second intermediate position P4 without moving the first lower mold 63 between the basic position P1 and the intermediate position P3. In the button badge manufacturing apparatus, the control unit 90 only needs to move the lower mold having a recess into which the can member, which is one of the front member 4 and back member 5 of the button badge 3, fits between the basic position and the intermediate position.

[0095] In the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, the control unit 90 moves the first lower die 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that the first lower die 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the intermediate position P3 and then back to the basic position P1. The intermediate position P3 is a position rotated clockwise by an angle θ1 from the basic position P1 around the rotation axis 66. Clockwise is the direction of rotation when the first lower die 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the crimping position P2.

[0096] In the modified can badge manufacturing apparatus, the control unit 90 may move the first lower die 63 to the rotational movement unit 60 so that the first lower die 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the folding position P5 and then back to the basic position P1 (see Figure 16). The folding position P5 is the angle obtained by rotating counterclockwise from the basic position P1 by a predetermined angle θ3 around the rotation axis 66. Counterclockwise is the opposite direction of rotation when the first lower die 63 moves from the basic position P1 to the crimping position P2. The angle θ3 may be the same as or different from the angle θ1. The folding position P5 is just one example of another position.

[0097] In the modified example shown in Figure 16(A), the rotary table 621 has a guide groove 681 that is longer than that of the rotary table 62 described above. The guide groove 681 is formed clockwise from a position facing the rotation axis 66 across the first lower mold 63 to a position facing the rotation axis 66 across the second lower mold 64. The range in which the guide groove 681 is formed is (180+θ3) / 360 of the whole. In addition, a gear (not shown) that meshes with a gear attached to the rotation axis of the rotary moving motor 61 is formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the rotary table 621 for a distance of (180+θ3) / 360 or more. When the rotary table 62 rotates counterclockwise and the end of the guide groove 688 closest to the second lower mold 64 collides with the stopper 65, the rotary table 62 stops. At this time, the first lower mold 63 is in the folded position P5. The rotating movement unit 60 is capable of moving the first lower mold 63 between the basic position P1 and the crimping position P2, and is also capable of moving the first lower mold 63 between the basic position P1 and the folding position P5.

[0098] In this modified example, after performing steps S11 and S12 shown in Figure 11, the control unit 90 drives the rotary motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 62 counterclockwise so that the first lower mold 63 is in the folded position P5 and stops at the folded position P5. Next, the control unit 90 drives the rotary motor 61 to rotate the rotary table 621 clockwise so that the first lower mold 63 returns to the basic position P1. After that, the control unit 90 performs the operations from S15 onward shown in Figure 11.

[0099] In the modified example shown in Figure 16(B), the rotary table 622 has a circular shape in plan view and does not have guide grooves. A gear (not shown) that meshes with a gear attached to the rotation shaft of the rotary movement motor 61 is formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the rotary table 622 at (180+θ3) / 360 or more. The rotary movement unit 60 does not have a stopper, and the rotation range of the rotary table 622 is not restricted by a stopper. The rotary table 622 can rotate within the range in which the gear is formed on the outer peripheral side surface. In this modified example as well, the control unit 90 performs the same operation as in the modified example shown in Figure 16(A).

[0100] The modified button badge manufacturing apparatus shown in Figures 16(A) and 16(B) can also shake the first lower mold 63 and the surface member 4 supplied toward the first lower mold 63, similar to the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1. Therefore, the surface member 4 that is not fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63 can be fitted into the recess 63a of the first lower mold 63.

[0101] The button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a rotational movement unit 60 as a moving unit that rotates the first lower die 63 and the second lower die 64 between a basic position P1 and a crimping position P2. A modified button badge manufacturing apparatus may include a linear movement unit that linearly moves the first lower die 63 and the second lower die 64 between the basic position P1, the crimping position P2, and other positions. Alternatively, a modified button badge manufacturing apparatus may include a movement unit that moves the first lower die 63 and the second lower die 64 between the basic position P1, the crimping position P2, and other positions along other paths. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Button badge making machine 3. Pin badge 4. Surface material (can material) 5. Backing material (can material) 6. Transparent film 7. White sheet (sheet) 20. Transport Section 40...Front member supply section (supply section) 50...Back material supply unit (supply unit) 60...Rotating moving part (moving part) 61. Rotary motor (drive unit) 62, 621, 662... Rotary tables (moving components) 63...Type 1 Lower Type (Lower Type) 64...Second lower type (lower type) 63a, 64a... recessed 65, 69... Stopper 90... Control Unit P1...Basic position P2... Crimping position P3...Intermediate position (other position) P4...Second intermediate position (other position) P5...Folding point (other position)

Claims

1. A lower mold having a recess into which one of the front and back components of a button badge is fitted, A supply unit that stores the above-mentioned can components and supplies the stored can components toward the lower mold, A moving part that moves the above lower mold between a basic position, a crimping position, and other positions different from the basic position and the crimping position, The system comprises a control unit that controls the supply unit and the moving unit, The control unit, when the lower mold is in the basic position, supplies the can material from the supply unit, and then moves the lower mold to the moving unit so that the lower mold moves from the basic position to another position and stops.

2. The can badge manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the lower mold to the moving unit so that the lower mold moves from the basic position to another position and then returns from the other position to the basic position.

3. Equipped with an additional stopper, The above-mentioned movable part comprises a drive unit and a movable member that is driven by the drive unit and moves together with the lower mold. The can badge manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the moving member collides with the stopper when the lower mold is in at least one of the basic position and the other position.

4. The above can component is the above surface component, The system further includes a conveying unit for transporting the sheet that is placed on top of the above surface member, The can badge manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit moves the lower mold to the moving unit so that the lower mold returns to the basic position before the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit reaches above the basic position.

5. The can badge manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the lower mold to the moving part such that when the lower mold moves between the basic position and the other position, it moves at a faster speed than when it moves between the basic position and the crimping position.

6. The above-mentioned movable part is capable of moving the above-mentioned lower mold between the above-mentioned basic position and the above-mentioned crimping position. The can badge manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned other positions are located between the above-mentioned basic position and the above-mentioned crimping position.

7. The can badge manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other position is the position closer to the basic position among the basic position and the crimping position.

8. A method performed by the control unit of a button badge manufacturing apparatus comprising: a lower mold having a recess into which a button member, which is one of the front and back members of a button badge, is fitted; a supply unit for accumulating the button members and supplying the accumulated button members toward the lower mold; a moving unit for moving the lower mold to a basic position, a crimping position, and other positions different from the basic position and the crimping position; and a control unit, When the lower mold is in the basic position, the step of supplying the can material accumulated in the supply unit toward the lower mold, A method comprising the step of moving the lower mold to the moving part after the can member has been supplied, such that the lower mold moves from the basic position to the other position and stops.

Images