Mold extraction mechanism and mold molding machine

Abstract

This technology provides an easy way to ensure accuracy in mold removal. [Solution] The mold extraction mechanism is positioned above upper and lower frames, which are fitted together and have molds formed inside them. It comprises an extrusion member that can move back and forth within the upper frame of the upper and lower frames, a mold extraction cylinder having a rod connected to the extrusion member and a cylinder body that drives the rod, a frame having a claw member connected to the cylinder body and connected to the lower frame of the upper and lower frames, a table positioned below the upper and lower frames that receives the upper and lower molds extruded by the extrusion member, and a mold receiving cylinder that moves the table up and down.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mold extraction mechanism and a moldless molding machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a molding machine for upper and lower molds without a mold frame. The molding machine has a molding station, a first core station, a second core station, and a mold extraction station. The molding machine has a pair of upper and lower frames each having a sand inlet in the side wall, a match plate, and upper and lower squeezing means. In the molding station, the molding machine defines two upper and lower molding spaces by the upper and lower frames, the match plate, and the upper and lower squeezing means. The molding machine rotates the upper and lower frames, the match plate, and the upper and lower squeezing means and moves them to the squeezing station, blows sand from the sand tank into the molding space, and squeezes it.

[0003] The molding machine returns the squeezed upper and lower frames to the molding station, separates the upper and lower frames from each other, and separates the match plate. Then, the molding machine moves the upper and lower frames to the mold extraction station via the first core station and the second core station. In the mold extraction station, the molding machine has a frame movement cylinder that brings the upper and lower frames close to each other, an extrusion member that can enter the upper frame, a mold extraction cylinder that moves the extrusion member up and down, a table that receives the upper and lower molds, and a mold receiving cylinder that moves the table up and down. The molding machine overlaps the upper and lower frames by bringing them close to each other with the frame movement cylinder. With the upper surface of the table in contact with the lower surface of the upper and lower molds, the molding machine inserts the extrusion member into the upper frame with the mold extraction cylinder to extract the upper and lower molds from the upper and lower frames, and receives the extracted upper and lower molds with the table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the molding machine described in Patent Document 1, the reaction force to the pressing of the mold removal cylinder must be received by the frame moving cylinder and the mold receiving cylinder. Therefore, if each cylinder is not properly controlled, there is a risk that the accuracy of mold removal cannot be ensured. Mold removal accuracy refers to the degree of precision in removing the upper and lower molds from the upper and lower frames, and higher accuracy indicates that defects such as mold deformation are suppressed. This disclosure provides a technology that can easily ensure the accuracy of mold removal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A mold extraction mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an extrusion member positioned above upper and lower frames, which are fitted together and have molds formed inside, and which can move back and forth within the upper frame of the upper and lower frames; a mold extraction cylinder having a rod connected to the extrusion member and a cylinder body for driving the rod; a frame having a claw member connected to the cylinder body and connected to the lower frame of the upper and lower frames; a table positioned below the upper and lower frames to receive the upper and lower molds extruded by the extrusion member; and a mold receiving cylinder for moving the table up and down.

[0007] A mold-removing machine relating to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises upper and lower frames in which molds are molded and fitted together, and a mold removal mechanism for removing the upper and lower molds from the upper and lower frames, wherein the mold removal mechanism comprises an extrusion member positioned above the upper and lower frames and movable in and out of the upper frame of the upper and lower frames, a mold removal cylinder having a rod connected to the extrusion member and a cylinder body for driving the rod, a frame having a claw member connected to the cylinder body and connected to the lower frame of the upper and lower frames, a table positioned below the upper and lower frames for receiving the upper and lower molds extruded by the extrusion member, and a mold receiving cylinder for moving the table up and down. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, accuracy in mold removal can be easily ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the casting frame unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine with the casting frame unit rotated. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top view illustrating an example of a molding machine station shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of the mold extraction mechanism. Figure 5(B) is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of the mold extraction mechanism. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of a mold extraction mechanism. Figure 6(B) is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of a mold extraction mechanism. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram illustrating the initial position of the claw member. Figure 7(B) is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection position of the claw member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Examples of embodiments of this disclosure] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description. The terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" are based on the illustrated state and are for convenience only. In the drawings, the X and Y directions are horizontal, and the Z direction is vertical. Hereafter, the Z direction will also be referred to as the up and down direction. Hereafter, in relation to members, "connection" means fixed, and "connection" means indirect or direct contact that is removable.

[0011] [Overview of the 3D printer] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine according to one embodiment. The molding machine 100 shown in Figure 1 (an example of a mold-removing molding machine) is a molding machine that molds an upper mold and a lower mold. The molding machine 100 comprises a mold unit 1, a rotating part 102, a pattern exchange part 103, a squeeze unit 104, and a mold exchange part 105. The mold unit 1 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The first position P1 is a working position set in the molding machine 100, where the model (pattern) is placed between the upper and lower molds. The second position P2 is a position in the molding machine 100 where sand is placed in the upper and lower molds and squeezing is performed.

[0012] The casting frame unit 1 shown in Figure 1 is located at a first position P1. The casting frame unit 1 comprises an upper frame 2 and a lower frame 3. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are brought into the first position P1 by the frame exchange unit 105. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are box-shaped frames with open upper and lower ends. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 move closer to each other and connect by gripping the pattern member 8 brought in by the pattern exchange unit 103. The pattern member 8 is a plate member on which a model can be placed. A model is placed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the pattern member 8. Hereinafter, the connected upper frame 2 and lower frame 3 will also be referred to as the upper and lower frame 23.

[0013] The rotating unit 102 rotates the casting frame unit 1, which includes the upper frame 2 and lower frame 3 with the pattern member 8 sandwiched between them, so that it is positioned on the same horizontal plane (XY plane). The casting frame unit 1 rotated by the rotating unit 102 moves to a second position P2 located above the first position P1 and is incorporated into the squeeze unit 104. At the second position P2, sand is filled into the upper and lower frames 23 incorporated into the squeeze unit 104. The sand filled into the upper and lower frames 23 is pressed by the squeeze unit 104, for example, along the X direction, so that an upper mold is formed in the upper frame 2 and a lower mold is formed in the lower frame 3 simultaneously. After that, the casting frame unit 1 is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1 by the rotating unit 102. At the first position P1, the upper frame 2A with the mold formed and the lower frame 3A with the mold formed are separated, and the pattern member 8 is removed from between the upper frame 2A and the lower frame 3A. Subsequently, after being moved away from the first position P1 by the frame exchange unit 105, the upper frame 2A and the lower frame 3A are aligned. The upper and lower molds (upper and lower molds) in their aligned state are removed from the upper frame 2A and the lower frame 3A and transported out of the device. In this way, the molding machine 100 molds upper and lower molds without a casting frame.

[0014] [Details of the casting frame unit] Figure 2 is a side view of the cast frame unit shown in Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 show the initial state in which the upper frame and lower frame are separated. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cast frame unit 1, which is rotatable by the rotating part 102, comprises an upper frame 2, a lower frame 3, a pair of frame guide members 4, a lower squeeze plate 7 (an example of a lower squeeze member), an upper ridge frame 15, and a lower ridge frame 16. The pair of frame guide members 4 are arranged along the Y direction.

[0015] At the first position P1, the upper frame 2 is positioned above the position into which the pattern member 8 is loaded, and between a pair of frame guide members 4 in the Y direction. The upper frame 2 is a box-shaped frame with open upper and lower ends, and has a space inside capable of accommodating a model placed on the upper surface of the pattern member 8. The lower end of the upper frame 2 can, for example, abut against the upper surface of the pattern member 8. A sand inlet 2a (an example of a first sand inlet) is provided in the side wall of the upper frame 2, penetrating from the outside to the internal space.

[0016] At the first position P1, the lower frame 3 is disposed below the position where the pattern member 8 is carried in and between a pair of frame guide members 4 in the Y direction. The lower frame 3 is a box-shaped frame body with openings at its upper and lower ends, and has a space inside that can accommodate a mold disposed on the lower surface of the pattern member 8. The upper end of the lower frame 3 can, for example, abut against the lower surface of the pattern member 8. A sand inlet 3a (an example of a second sand inlet) penetrating from the outside to the internal space is provided in the side wall portion of the lower frame 3.

[0017] The pair of frame guide members 4 are rod members that guide the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3, and extend in the vertical direction at the first position P1. Each of the pair of frame guide members 4 has, for example, a columnar shape. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are movably provided on the pair of frame guide members 4. For example, the upper frame 2 is movably provided on the pair of frame guide members 4 by a pair of upper frame connection portions 11. The lower frame 3 is movably provided on the pair of frame guide members 4 by a pair of lower frame connection portions 12. The pair of frame guide members 4 have a distal end portion connected to the lower squeeze plate 7 and a tip portion that engages with a wedge member described later.

[0018] The upper receiving frame 15 is a box-shaped frame body with openings at its upper and lower ends, and is disposed above the upper frame 2. The lower end of the upper receiving frame 15 can be connected to the upper end of the upper frame 2. The lower receiving frame 16 is a box-shaped frame body with openings at its upper and lower ends, and is disposed below the lower frame 3. The upper end of the lower receiving frame 16 can be connected to the lower end of the lower frame 3.

[0019] The upper mold frame 15 and the lower mold frame 16 are movable up and down by a pair of mold frame cylinders 17. The pair of mold frame cylinders 17 are arranged along the Y direction. For example, the main body of the mold frame cylinder is connected to the upper mold frame 15, and the rod of the mold frame cylinder is connected to the lower mold frame 16. By driving the pair of mold frame cylinders 17, the opening and closing of the upper mold frame 15 and the lower mold frame 16 (the opening and closing of the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3) are realized. As a specific example, the pair of mold frame cylinders 17 are driven and the upper mold frame 15 descends to a predetermined position. At this time, there is a gap of about several tens of millimeters between the upper mold frame 15 and the upper frame 2. Further, when the pair of mold frame cylinders 17 are driven and the lower mold frame 16 ascends, the lower frame 3 is placed on the upper end of the lower mold frame 16. When the lower mold frame 16 further ascends, the pattern member 8 is placed on the upper end of the lower frame 3 placed on the lower mold frame 16. Similarly, when the lower mold frame 16 further ascends, the upper frame 2 is placed on the upper end of the pattern member 8, and when the lower mold frame 16 further ascends, the upper mold frame 15 is placed on the upper end of the upper frame 2. Thus, the pair of mold frame cylinders 17 relatively move the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 along the pair of frame guide members 4 so that the pattern member 8 is clamped and released by the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3.

[0020] The lower squeeze plate 7 is a plate member that can enter and retreat into the lower frame 3 from the opening at the lower end of the lower frame 3. The lower squeeze plate 7 defines a lower molding space for molding the lower mold together with the lower frame 3 and the pattern member 8. The lower squeeze plate 7 is connected to the lower mold frame 16 and the pair of frame guide members 4. The lower mold frame 16 is connected with a mounting member connected to the pair of frame guide members 4 and a squeeze pedestal 19 that connects the mounting member and the lower squeeze plate 7 to each other. The mounting member has a plate shape and includes both ends connected to the pair of frame guide members 4. The squeeze pedestal 19 is located between the pair of frame guide members 4 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0021] A pair of unit guide members 5 are arranged along the Y direction. The pair of unit guide members 5 are rod members that guide the cast frame unit 1 and extend vertically at the first position P1. Each of the pair of unit guide members 5 is, for example, cylindrical. The lower mortar frame 16 of the cast frame unit 1 is movably mounted on the unit guide members 5. A pair of mortar frame cylinders 17 are connected to the pair of unit guide members 5 by an upper mortar frame 15. The cast frame unit 1 moves along the pair of unit guide members 5 by the driving force of a pair of adjustment cylinders 13. The pair of adjustment cylinders 13 may be hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders, or electric cylinders.

[0022] [Details of the rotating part] Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine in a state where the mold unit is rotated. As shown in Figure 3, the rotating part 102 is provided on a support column 22 erected on the base 21 of the molding machine 100. The support column 22 is positioned to the side of the first position P1 (positive X-axis direction). The rotating part 102 has a mounting frame 31, a pivot shaft 32, and a pair of rotation drive units 33. The pair of rotation drive units 33 are arranged along the Y direction. A pair of unit guide members 5 are connected to the mounting frame 31. As a result, the mounting frame 31 supports the mold unit 1. The mounting frame 31 is open so that the pattern member 8 can be transported in and out of the pattern exchange section 103 to the first position P1.

[0023] The pivot shaft 32 is a member provided on the support column 22 and extending in the Y direction. The pivot shaft 32 is provided on the support column 22 so as to be rotatable about an axis. The pair of pivot drive units 33 are the driving source for the rotation of the casting frame unit 1. The pair of pivot drive units 33 are, for example, cylinders having rods that are extendable and retractable in the axial direction. The ends of the pair of pivot drive units 33 are rotatably connected to the support column 22 about an axis extending in the Y direction, and the tips are rotatably connected to the mounting frame 31 about an axis extending in the Y direction. By extending the rods of each of the pair of pivot drive units 33 by the cylinder, an upward force (clockwise around the pivot shaft 32) is applied to the mounting frame 31, and the mounting frame 31 can be moved to the second position P2. Each rod of the pair of rotating drive units 33 is retracted by the cylinder, applying a downward force (counterclockwise around the pivot axis 32) to the mounting frame 31, thereby moving the mounting frame 31 to the first position P1. In this way, the rotating unit 102 can rotate the casting frame unit 1 together with the mounting frame 31. The rotating unit 102 rotates the casting frame unit 1 between the first position P1 where the pattern member 8 is placed and the second position P2 where squeezing takes place.

[0024] [Details of the pattern exchange section] As shown in Figure 1, the pattern exchange unit 103 is positioned to the side (positive X-axis direction) of the first position P1. The pattern exchange unit 103 loads and unloads the pattern member 8 between the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3. The pattern exchange unit 103 includes a transport base 41 having rails 42 and an actuator (not shown). The pattern member 8 reciprocates on the rails 42 by the actuator. When the pattern member 8 moves from the first position P1 to the third position P3, a lifter attached to the transport base 41 lifts the pattern member 8, and the transport base 41 rotates around a rotation axis extending in the Z direction, and the pattern member 8 is replaced.

[0025] [Details of the squeeze unit] The molding unit 1A shown in Figure 3 is constructed by positioning the cast frame unit 1 at the second position P2 and incorporating it into the squeeze unit 104. By incorporating it into the squeeze unit 104, the molding spaces of the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are formed. Subsequently, sand is supplied to each molding space of the upper and lower frames 23 and squeezed by the squeeze unit 104. The details are described below.

[0026] The squeeze unit 104 comprises a molding support section 51, an upper squeeze plate 6 (an example of an upper squeeze member), and a squeeze cylinder 60.

[0027] The molding support section 51 is a frame-shaped member fixed to the support column 22 and extending horizontally. The molding support section 51 has a space inside its frame capable of accommodating the mold unit 1. This space is open in the vertical direction. The squeeze cylinder 60 is guided along the X-axis by a rail (not shown). The squeeze cylinder 60 is positioned to be movable relative to the upper and lower frames 23.

[0028] The upper squeeze plate 6 is a plate member that can enter or retract into the upper mold frame 15 and upper frame 2 through openings at the upper ends of the upper mold frame 15 and upper frame 2. The upper squeeze plate 6, together with the upper frame 2 and pattern member 8, defines the upper molding space for forming the upper mold. The upper squeeze plate 6 is positioned so as to sandwich the upper and lower frames 23 between it and the lower squeeze plate 7. The upper squeeze plate 6 enters the upper frame 2 by the drive of the squeeze cylinder 60.

[0029] The squeeze cylinder 60 comprises a rod and a cylinder body. The upper squeeze plate 6 is fixed to the end of the rod via a squeeze base. The squeeze cylinder 60 may be a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder. The cylinder body is positioned on the rail described above via a mounting member. The rod of a moving cylinder 65 for moving the squeeze cylinder 60 along the X axis is connected to the mounting member. The moving cylinder 65 may be a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder. By extending the rod of the moving cylinder 65, the cylinder body approaches the upper frame 2. With the cylinder body of the squeeze cylinder 60 approaching the upper frame 2, the rod is extended. This causes the upper squeeze plate 6 to enter the opening in the upper frame 2. This defines the upper molding space for forming the upper mold.

[0030] The mounting member of the cylinder body of the squeeze cylinder 60 has a pair of openings into which the tips of a pair of frame guide members 4 can be inserted. The pair of openings penetrate along the X-axis. The diameter of the openings is larger than the diameter of the tips of the frame guide members 4. Therefore, the pair of frame guide members 4 can be inserted through the pair of openings in the mounting member of the cylinder body. The movement of the pair of frame guide members 4 inserted through the pair of openings in the negative X-axis direction is restricted by a guide fixing part provided on the mounting member. For example, a wedge member is engaged with the tip of each of the pair of frame guide members 4. By fixing the pair of frame guide members 4 inserted through the pair of openings to the mounting member in such a way that their movement in the negative X-axis direction is restricted, the relative position of the pair of frame guide members 4 between the lower squeeze plate 7 and the cylinder body of the squeeze cylinder 60 is fixed during squeezing. As a result, the movement of the cylinder body and the movement of the lower squeeze plate 7 are linked during squeezing. Furthermore, when the movement of the pair of frame guide members 4 in the negative X-axis direction is restricted, the lower squeeze plate 7 enters the lower frame 3 through the opening at the lower end of the lower frame 3 by the lower squeeze upper and lower cylinders 18. As a result, the lower squeeze plate 7, the lower frame 3, and the pattern member 8 define a lower molding space for forming the lower mold.

[0031] After the pair of frame guide members 4 are fixed to the cylinder body of the squeeze cylinder 60, sand is supplied to the respective molding spaces of the upper and lower frames 23. The sand tank 106 for supplying the sand will be described later. Squeezing is performed after each molding space is filled with sand. The squeeze cylinder 60 extends its rod in the negative X-axis direction, causing the upper squeeze plate 6 to enter the upper frame 2. Due to the reaction force of the pressure applied to the sand in the upper frame 2, the cylinder body moves in the positive X-axis direction, and in accordance with the movement of the cylinder body, the pair of frame guide members 4 are pulled in the positive X-axis direction, causing the lower squeeze plate 7 to enter the lower frame 3. In this way, squeezing is performed as the upper squeeze plate 6 and the lower squeeze plate 7 move toward the pattern member 8.

[0032] [Sand Tank Details] A sand tank 106 is positioned at the second position P2. The sand tank 106 has a tank body for storing sand and a first nozzle and a second nozzle for supplying sand from the tank body to the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3. The tank body is, for example, box-shaped and has a space inside that can store sand. The shape of the tank body is not limited to a box shape, and may be cylindrical, for example. The first nozzle and the second nozzle are continuous with the space inside the tank body and are provided at the lower end of the tank body. Compressed air is supplied to the storage tank. The lower end of the tank body is bifurcated, and each lower end is connected to the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The first nozzle and the second nozzle supply sand toward the sand inlet 2a of the upper frame 2 and the sand inlet 3a of the lower frame 3. As a result, the inside of the upper frame 2 and the inside of the lower frame 3 are filled with sand.

[0033] [Details of the frame replacement section] The frame exchange unit 105 is a device for transporting the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3. The frame exchange unit 105 moves the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 into one of several stations provided in the molding machine 100. A station is a position or area where a predetermined operation is performed. Figure 4 is a top view illustrating an example of a station in the molding machine 100. In Figure 4, the configuration of the molding machine 100 other than the frame exchange unit 105 is omitted.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the molding machine 100 is equipped with a total of four stations: a molding station including a first position P1, a first core station including a third position P3, a second core station including a fourth position P4, and an extraction station including a fifth position P5. Note that the molding machine 100 may have multiple stations and is not limited to four. For example, the molding machine 100 may have three stations, or five or more stations. The upper and lower frames 23 are provided in pairs, with the upper frame 2 and lower frame 3 corresponding to multiple stations. Here, four pairs of upper and lower frames 23 are provided. The frame exchange unit 105 intermittently rotates the four pairs of upper and lower frames 23 to move them within the four stations (clockwise in the figure).

[0035] The operation of the equipment at each station is outlined below. First, in the molding station including the first position P1, the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 move closer to each other and grip the pattern member 8 that has been brought in by the pattern exchange unit 103. Then, the mold unit 1 including the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3, in which the pattern member 8 is gripped, rotates to the second position P2 so that it is horizontal, and after squeezing, it rotates to the first position P1, the upper frame 2 in which the mold has been formed and the lower frame 3 in which the mold has been formed separate, and the pattern member 8 is extracted from between the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3. In this way, in the molding station, the upper and lower molds are formed within the upper and lower frames 23, and the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are separated.

[0036] Once the upper and lower molds are formed and separated, the upper and lower frames 23 move sequentially to the first and second core stations, which include the third position P3 and the fourth position P4. At the first and second core stations, the core is placed in at least one of the separated upper frame 2 and lower frame 3. Note that for some products, it is not necessary to place a core inside.

[0037] With the core in place and the upper and lower frames 23 separated, they move to the extraction station, which includes the fifth position P5. At the extraction station, the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are brought into close proximity and aligned, and the upper and lower molds are extracted from the upper and lower frames 23 by the mold extraction mechanism 120.

[0038] [Details of the mold removal mechanism] Figures 5(A) and 5(B), and 6(A) and 6(B) are side views illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of a mold extraction mechanism. The mold extraction mechanism 120 shown in Figures 5(A) to 6(B) is a device that aligns the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 and extracts the upper and lower molds from the aligned upper and lower frames 23. The mold extraction mechanism 120 comprises an extrusion member 121, a mold extraction cylinder 122, a frame 123, a table 124, and a mold receiving cylinder 125.

[0039] The extruded member 121 is positioned above the upper frame 2. The extruded member 121 is, for example, a plate member. The extruded member 121 is sized to be able to move back and forth within the upper frame 2.

[0040] The mold removal cylinder 122 has a rod 122a and a cylinder body 122b. The tip of the rod 122a is connected to the extrusion member 121. The cylinder body 122b is a device that drives the rod 122a. For example, the cylinder body 122b extends the rod 122a. As a result, the extrusion member 121 moves downward and enters the upper frame 2. The mold removal cylinder 122 may be a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder.

[0041] The frame 123 is a frame connected to the cylinder body 122b of the mold-removing cylinder 122. The frame 123 has an upper frame 123a, which is connected to the cylinder body 122b. The upper frame 123a is provided with a plurality of arms 123b that extend downward from the upper frame 123a. The plurality of arms 123b may be provided in four such arrangements, for example, to support the four corners of the lower surface of the lower frame 3. The tip of each arm is provided with a claw member 123c that connects to the lower frame 3.

[0042] The claw member 123c is configured to support the lower frame 3 at a predetermined timing. Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram illustrating the initial position of the claw member. Figure 7(B) is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection position of the claw member. Figures 7(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the lower frame 3 viewed from below. As shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), the multiple arms 123b are arranged at intervals that allow the lower frame 3 to pass between the arms. A claw member 123c is provided at the tip of each arm so as to be movable between an initial position and a connection position. For example, the claw member 123c has a rotation axis that extends in the direction of extension of the arm.

[0043] In the initial position shown in Figure 7(A), the claw member 123c is folded and does not connect to the lower frame 3, which moves in the vertical direction (Z direction). Therefore, for example, when raising the lower frame 3 to align it with the upper frame 2, the claw member 123c does not interfere with the lower frame 3. After the upper and lower frames 23 are aligned, in the connection position shown in Figure 7(B), the claw member 123c rotates 90 degrees and connects to the lower frame 3. In other words, the claw member 123c contacts the lower surface of the lower frame 3 and connects to the lower frame 3. In this way, the claw member 123c is configured to be movable, allowing it to support the lower frame 3 after it has been raised (passed over). The movement of the claw member 123c is achieved by a drive device (not shown). The drive device may be a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder.

[0044] The table 124 is a plate-shaped member positioned below the lower frame 3. The size of the top surface of the table 124 is larger than the opening at the lower end of the lower frame 3 when viewed from the vertical direction, but smaller than the outer edge of the lower end of the lower frame 3. This allows the table 124 to support the lower end of the lower frame 3 without contacting the entire lower end of the lower frame 3. The table 124 is used not only to support the lower frame 3, but also to receive the upper and lower molds (upper mold M1 and lower mold M2) extruded by the extrusion member 121.

[0045] The mold support cylinder 125 moves the table 124 up and down. The mold support cylinder 125 has a rod 125a and a cylinder body 125b. The tip of the rod 125a is connected to the table 124. The cylinder body 125b is a device that drives the rod 125a. For example, the cylinder body 125b extends the rod 125a. As a result, the table 124 moves upward. The mold support cylinder 125 may be a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder.

[0046] The operation of the mold extraction mechanism 120 at the extraction station will be described below. Figure 5(A) shows the upper and lower frames 23 in a separated state after being transported to the extraction station. The lower frame 3 is supported by the table 124. At this time, the claw member 123c is in its initial position and does not interfere with the lower frame 3. The table 124 is moved upward by the mold receiving cylinder 125. As a result, the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are aligned, as shown in Figure 5(B). In this way, the mold receiving cylinder 125 also functions as a frame moving cylinder that brings the upper and lower frames closer together.

[0047] Once the frame alignment is complete, the claw member 123c rotates horizontally and moves to the connection position, as shown in Figure 6(A). At the connection position, the claw member 123c is positioned below the lower end of the lower frame 3. The table 124 is maintained at a height that allows the claw member 123c to be positioned below the lower end of the lower frame 3. For example, the height of the table 124 is maintained so that a first gap G1 is provided between the claw member 123c at the connection position and the lower frame 3. The length of the claw member 123c is also set so that the claw member 123c does not interfere with the table 124 when it moves to the connection position. For example, the length of the claw member 123c is set so that a second gap G2 is provided between the claw member 123c at the connection position and the table 124. Furthermore, the second gap G2 is set to be shorter than the distance from the outer edge of the table 124 to the outer edge of the lower frame 3. This ensures that the tip of the claw member 123c reaches directly below the outer edge of the lower frame 3.

[0048] After the claw member 123c is positioned below the lower end of the lower frame 3, the load applied upward to the mold support cylinder 125 while applying back pressure is released. As a result, as shown in Figure 6(B), the table 124 moves downward due to the weight of the upper and lower frames 23, the upper mold M1 and the lower mold M2, eliminating the first gap G1 between the lower end of the lower frame 3 and the claw member 123c, and the lower frame 3 is placed on and supported by the claw member 123c. In other words, the upper and lower frames 23, the upper mold M1 and the lower mold M2 are transferred from the table 124 to the claw member 123c.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 6(B), when the mold removal cylinder 122 is driven, the extrusion member 121 presses down on the upper surface of the upper mold M1. At this time, frictional forces are generated between the upper mold M1 and the upper frame 2, and between the lower mold M2 and the lower frame 3, and a downward force is applied to the upper and lower frames 23. Since the relative position of the cylinder body 122b of the mold removal cylinder 122 and the upper and lower frames 23 is fixed by the claw member 123c of the frame 123, the force that moves the upper and lower frames 23 downward is reliably received by the frame 123. Therefore, the mold receiving cylinder 125 only needs to apply a force that is sufficient to receive the upper mold M1 and the lower mold M2. As a result, the upper mold M1 and the lower mold M2 are removed from the upper and lower frames 23, as shown in Figure 6(B). After that, due to the load of the mold removal cylinder 122, the table 124 descends in accordance with the extrusion of the mold removal cylinder 122 and stops at a predetermined position.

[0050] [Control Unit] The control unit 107 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, positioned in the negative X-axis direction of the first position P1. The control unit 107 is configured as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) as an example. The control unit 107 may also be configured as a normal computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), input devices such as a touch panel and keyboard, output devices such as a display, and auxiliary storage devices such as a hard disk. The control unit 107 is provided with an operation panel that can be operated by an operator. The control unit 107 controls the movement of each component of the molding machine 100, such as the movement of the upper frame 2 and lower frame 3, the transport of the pattern member 8, the rotation of the mold unit 1, and the squeezing by the upper squeeze plate 6 and lower squeeze plate 7.

[0051] [Summary of Embodiments] In the molding machine 100 and the mold extraction mechanism 120, the claw member 123c of the frame 123 is connected to the lower frame 3 of the upper and lower frames 23, thereby fixing the relative position between the cylinder body 122b of the mold extraction cylinder 122 and the upper and lower frames 23. When the rod 122a of the mold extraction cylinder 122 extends and the extrusion member 121 enters the upper frame 2 and presses the upper mold M1 from above, a force acts on the upper and lower frames 23 that moves downward due to friction between the upper and lower molds (upper mold M1 and lower mold M2) and the upper and lower frames 23. Since the relative position between the cylinder body 122b and the upper and lower frames 23 is fixed by the claw member 123c of the frame 123, the force that moves the upper and lower frames 23 downward is reliably absorbed by the frame 123. In this way, the mold receiving cylinder 125 does not need to adjust its force to receive the reaction force of the mold extraction cylinder 122. Furthermore, the cylinder body 122b of the mold extraction cylinder 122 and the upper and lower frames 23 are integrated by the frame 123, ensuring greater rigidity compared to when each part can move independently. Therefore, the mold extraction mechanism 120 can easily ensure accuracy in mold extraction. Moreover, since the mold receiving cylinder 125 also functions as a frame moving cylinder that brings the upper and lower frames closer together, there is no need to provide a separate frame moving cylinder, thus reducing costs.

[0052] [Differentiation] The embodiments described above are examples of molding machines according to the present disclosure. The molding machines according to the present disclosure are not limited to the molding machine 100 according to the embodiments, and may be modified, combined, or applied to other molding machines according to the embodiments without changing the gist of each claim. For example, the mold extraction mechanism 120 can also be used in a single-station molding machine. The molding machine 100 may not have a rotating part 102 and may be configured to apply a squeeze force from above downwards or from below upwards.

[0053] [Forms included in this disclosure] This disclosure includes the following forms: (Clause 1) A mold extraction mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an extrusion member positioned above upper and lower frames, which are fitted together and have molds formed inside, and which can move back and forth within the upper frame of the upper and lower frames; a mold extraction cylinder having a rod connected to the extrusion member and a cylinder body for driving the rod; a frame having a claw member connected to the cylinder body and connected to the lower frame of the upper and lower frames; a table positioned below the upper and lower frames to receive the upper and lower molds extruded by the extrusion member; and a mold receiving cylinder for moving the table up and down.

[0054] In this mold extraction mechanism, the relative position between the cylinder body of the mold extraction cylinder and the upper and lower frames is fixed by connecting the frame's claw member to the lower frame. When the rod of the mold extraction cylinder extends and the extrusion member enters the upper frame and presses the upper mold from above, a downward force acts on the upper and lower frames due to friction between the upper and lower molds and the upper and lower frames. Since the relative position between the cylinder body and the upper and lower frames is fixed by the frame's claw member, the downward force on the upper and lower frames is reliably absorbed by the frame. Thus, the mold receiving cylinder does not need to adjust its force to receive the reaction force of the mold extraction cylinder. Furthermore, the integration of the mold extraction cylinder body and the upper and lower frames by the frame ensures rigidity compared to when each can move individually. Therefore, the mold extraction mechanism can easily ensure accuracy in mold extraction.

[0055] (Article 2) In the mold extraction mechanism described in Clause 1, the frame has an upper part of the frame connected to the cylinder body and a plurality of arms extending downward from the upper part of the frame, the plurality of arms are arranged at intervals that allow the lower frame to pass between them, and the claw members are provided at the tip of each arm so as to be movable between an initial position and a connection position, and may be configured so as not to interfere with the lower frame in the initial position and to be connected to the lower frame in the connection position. The mold extraction mechanism can avoid the lower frame interfering with the claw members when the upper and lower frames are overlapped by positioning the claw members in the initial position, and can connect the claw members to the lower frame by positioning the claw members in the connection position after the upper and lower frames are overlapped.

[0056] (Article 3) In the mold extraction mechanism described in Clause 2, the top surface of the table is larger than the opening at the lower end of the lower frame when viewed from above, and smaller than the outer edge of the lower end of the lower frame. The height of the table is maintained such that a first gap is provided between the claw member at the connection position and the lower frame when the claw member is moved to the connection position. The claw member has a length such that a second gap is provided between the claw member at the connection position and the table, and the second gap may be shorter than the distance from the outer edge of the table to the outer edge of the lower end of the lower frame. With this configuration, the upper and lower frames, the upper mold, and the lower mold can be transferred from the table to the claw member.

[0057] (Article 4) A mold-removing machine relating to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises upper and lower frames in which molds are formed and fitted together, and a mold extraction mechanism for removing the upper and lower molds from the upper and lower frames. The mold extraction mechanism comprises an extrusion member positioned above the upper and lower frames and movable in and out of the upper frame, a mold extraction cylinder having a rod connected to the extrusion member and a cylinder body for driving the rod, a frame having a claw member connected to the cylinder body and connected to the lower frame, a table positioned below the upper and lower frames for receiving the upper and lower molds extruded by the extrusion member, and a mold receiving cylinder for moving the table up and down. This mold-removing machine achieves the same effect as the mold extraction mechanism described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 2...Upper frame, 3...Lower frame, 23...Upper and lower frames, 121...Extrusion member, 122...Mold removal cylinder, 122a...Rod, 122b...Cylinder body, 123...Frame, 124...Table, 125...Mold receiving cylinder, 100...Molding machine (an example of a mold removal machine).

Claims

1. An extrusion member is positioned above the upper and lower frames, which are fitted together with a mold formed inside, and which is movable back and forth within the upper frame of the upper and lower frames. A mold removal cylinder having a rod connected to the extrusion member and a cylinder body for driving the rod, A frame having a claw member connected to the cylinder body and connected to the lower frame of the upper and lower frames, A table positioned below the upper and lower frames to receive the upper and lower molds extruded by the extrusion member, A mold receiving cylinder that moves the aforementioned table up and down, A mold extraction mechanism equipped with this mechanism.

2. The frame comprises an upper part of the frame connected to the cylinder body, and a plurality of arms extending downward from the upper part of the frame. The plurality of arms are arranged at intervals that allow the lower frame to pass between them. The mold extraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the claw member is provided at the tip of each arm so as to be movable between an initial position and a connection position, is configured not to be connected to the lower frame in the initial position, and is configured to be connected to the lower frame in the connection position.

3. The upper surface of the table is larger than the opening at the lower end of the lower frame when viewed from above, and smaller than the outer edge of the lower end of the lower frame. The height of the table is maintained such that when the claw member is moved to the connection position, a first gap is provided between the claw member at the connection position and the lower frame. The claw member has a length such that a second gap is provided between the claw member located at the connection position and the table. The mold extraction mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the second gap is shorter than the distance from the outer edge of the table to the outer edge of the lower end of the lower frame.

4. The upper and lower frames are fitted together with a mold formed inside, A mold extraction mechanism for removing the upper and lower molds from the upper and lower frames, Equipped with, The aforementioned mold extraction mechanism is, An extrusion member positioned above the upper and lower frames and capable of moving back and forth within the upper frame of the upper and lower frames, A mold removal cylinder having a rod connected to the extrusion member and a cylinder body for driving the rod, A frame having a claw member connected to the cylinder body and connected to the lower frame of the upper and lower frames, A table positioned below the upper and lower frames to receive the upper and lower molds extruded by the extrusion member, A mold receiving cylinder that moves the aforementioned table up and down, A mold-making machine that has a mold-making mechanism.

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