Weatherstrip mold device and weatherstrip manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a mold apparatus of a weather strip which can improve removal working efficiency of a weather strip from a metal mold.SOLUTION: A mold apparatus has a center core 26 provided at the central position in a width direction of a core die 14, and a pair of side cores 27, 28 vertically slidably provided for both sides of one side face of the center core. The center core has: a center core body 33 which molds a hollow part inside a hollow seal part; and a center plate 34 which forms a center slit in a mounting base part. Both side cores comprise: side core bodies 36, 37 which mold a hollow part inside the hollow seal part; and side plates 38, 39 which form side slits on a side part of the center slit, and are equipped with a first slide mechanism which slidably moves both side cores after molding from an elevated position same as the center core in molding to a downward direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a die apparatus for forming a molded portion of a weatherstrip and a method for manufacturing a weatherstrip using the die apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional mold device for forming a molded portion of a weather strip is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] This weatherstrip mold device has a core mold that forms the molded portion of the weatherstrip, and this core mold has a center core for forming a hollow portion approximately in the center of the upper corner portion of the molded portion, and a pair of side cores arranged on either side of the center core for forming hollow portions that are continuous with the central hollow portion.

[0004] The center core has a center core body and a center extension plate that extends integrally from the center core body.

[0005] Each side core has two side core bodies and a pair of side extension plates extending integrally from each side core body. The side extension plates are connected to each other in a substantially U-shape by a connecting portion. The side extension plates are slidable in the vertical direction by a predetermined stroke amount between the inner upper intermediate die and the inner lower intermediate die.

[0006] The center core body and each side core body are provided in the center of the space surrounded by each mold. These molding surfaces and the outer surfaces of the center core body and each side core body form a cavity for molding the molded portion.

[0007] Then, for the weatherstrip molded by the die device, first, the upper die, the outer upper middle die, and the outer lower middle die are separated from the lower die, and then each side core is slid upward together with the weatherstrip relative to the inner upper middle die and the inner lower middle die. As a result, the weatherstrip is separated from the inner upper middle die and the inner lower middle die, and the center core body in the hollow portion is automatically removed from the center slit.

[0008] Thereafter, the molded portions of the weatherstrip are removed from both side core bodies via the side slits by an operator pulling the weatherstrip in the left-right direction.

[0009] Furthermore, since the core mold is divided into a center core and two side cores, each slit formed at the base end of the weatherstrip is short, eliminating the need to close and glue the slits. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4140522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] In the prior art described in the above publication, to remove the weatherstrip, as mentioned above, first the upper die, outer upper middle die, and outer lower middle die are separated from the lower die, and then both side cores, together with the weatherstrip, are slid upward relative to the inner upper middle die and inner lower middle die to remove the weatherstrip.

[0012] For this reason, at the beginning of the removal process, both sides of the molded part of the weatherstrip (the joints with the extrusion parts) are lifted up by both side cores, so that the central part is automatically removed from the center core body and the center slit, but both sides remain in each side core. Therefore, after that, the worker must remove both sides of the molded part by pulling them diagonally to the lower left and lower right separately from the two side cores.

[0013] Therefore, the number of steps required to remove the weather strip from the molding die increases and the work becomes complicated, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of the removal work. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the weatherstrip is removed by the worker by pulling both sides of the molded portion diagonally to the lower left or lower right. Depending on the pulling force, there is a risk that the base end of the weatherstrip will tear from the left or right edge of each slit.

[0014] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional technical problems, and aims to provide a weatherstrip mold device and a weatherstrip manufacturing method which can improve the efficiency of removing weatherstrips from a mold and prevent tearing at the edges of the slit holes at the base end during removal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The invention described in claim 1 of the present application is a mold device for molding a molded portion of a weather strip having an attachment base portion to be attached to a vehicle body or a door and a hollow seal portion protruding from the attachment base, The die device is a lower mold, an upper mold provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the lower mold, and a core mold disposed between the lower mold and the upper mold and provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the lower mold, The core mold is a center core provided at a central position in a width direction of the core die and having a center core body for forming a hollow portion inside the hollow seal portion located at a central portion in a longitudinal direction of the molded portion, and a center plate extending from the center core body and forming a center slit in the mounting base; a pair of side core bodies arranged on both sides of the center core body and forming a hollow portion inside the hollow seal portion located at both longitudinal ends of the molded portion, and a pair of side plates extending from each side core body and forming side slits on the sides of the center slit, the side core being formed separately from the center core, The present invention is characterized in that, after the weatherstrip has been molded, with the upper die and core die opened relative to the lower die, a first slide mechanism is provided which slides both side cores of the core die downward from the same elevated position as the center core during molding, thereby allowing each side core body to slip out of each side slit formed by each side plate. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is not necessary to close and glue each slit formed in the mounting base of the weather strip. In addition, the efficiency of removing the weather strip from the mold can be improved, and the occurrence of tearing at the edge of the slit hole in the mounting base during removal can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a weather strip used in the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a molded portion of the weather strip. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a weatherstrip die device according to the present invention; [Diagram 5]1 is a perspective view showing the state in which the mold dies are assembled with the injection mold positioned above the mold device. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2A is a plan view showing a state in which the mold apparatus of this embodiment is clamped, and FIG. 2B is a left side view of the same mold apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the mold apparatus in an open state, and FIG. 2B is a left side view of the mold apparatus. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the mold device of the present embodiment is clamped. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a core die used in the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the center core of the core die used in the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a rear view of both side cores of the core die used in the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a center core and both side cores of a core die used in the present embodiment assembled together. [Figure 13] 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a center core and both side cores used in the present embodiment are positioned by a positioning mechanism. FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a plan view showing a state in which a center core and both side cores used in the present embodiment are positioned by a positioning mechanism. FIG. [Figure 15] 11 is a front view showing a state in which both side cores are pressed downward relative to the center core. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a weatherstrip mold device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of a weather strip used in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the mold molding portion shown in FIG. 1 viewed from below, FIG. 4 is an exploded oblique view of a mold device used in this embodiment, FIG. 5 is an oblique view showing the assembled state of the mold devices with the injection mold positioned above, FIG. 6(a) is a plan view showing the mold device of this embodiment in a clamped state, and FIG. 6(b) is a left side view of the mold device, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the mold device of this embodiment in a clamped state, and FIG. 8(a) is a plan view showing the mold device in an open state, and FIG. 8(b) is a left side view of the mold device.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a door weather strip (hereinafter referred to as weather strip) 1 is arranged in a closed loop around the outer periphery of the front door of an automobile vehicle to seal between the front door and an opening in the vehicle body.

[0021] This weatherstrip 1 is made of a rubber material such as ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer rubber (EPDM) or olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPO), and as shown in Fig. 1, it comprises extrusion molded parts 2 and 3 and molded parts 4 and 5. The extrusion molded parts 2 and 3 are formed in a substantially straight line by an extrusion molding machine (not shown). On the other hand, the molded parts 4 and 5 are bent in a curved line by a mold molding die device 11 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 in order to connect the terminal parts of the adjacent extrusion molded parts 2 and 3.

[0022] 2(b) and 3, the extrusion molded parts 2, 3 have a mounting base 6 to be attached to a door sash of an automobile door (not shown), a hollow seal part 7 protruding from the mounting base 6 toward the vehicle body, and a seal part 8 having a V-shaped cross section extending from a base end part of the hollow seal part 7 on the mounting base 6 side. A first seal lip 8a protrudes from the mounting base 6 on the opposite side to the hollow seal part 7, and a second seal lip 8b protrudes between the first seal lip 8a and the seal part 8.

[0023] 2(a), the molded portions 4, 5 have a basic structure with substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the extrusion molded portions 2, 3, and include a mounting base 6 to be attached to the door sash, a hollow seal portion 7 protruding from the mounting base 6 toward the vehicle body, and a seal portion 8 with a V-shaped cross section and seal lips 8a, 8b extending from a base end portion of the hollow seal portion 7 on the mounting base 6 side. Furthermore, the mounting base 6 has a plurality of slits formed therethrough at substantially the center in the width direction for removing a center core body 33 and side core bodies 36, 37, which will be described later.

[0024] 3, each slit has a center slit 9 located approximately in the center of the molded portions 4, 5 in the longitudinal direction, and two side slits 10, 10 located on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the center slit 9. The center slit 9 and both side slits 10, 10 are formed to be elongated with a constant width along the longitudinal direction of the weatherstrip 1.

[0025] As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the mold device 11 that molds the molded portions 4, 5 of the weather strip 1 comprises a fixed lower mold 12, a movable mold 13 which is an upper mold that is openably and closably mounted on the top of the lower mold 12, a core mold 14 that is arranged on the top surface of the lower mold 12 and faces the movable mold 13 from the front-to-rear direction, and an injection mold 15 of an injection molding machine (not shown) that is arranged on top of the movable mold 13 and injects molten resin material into a cavity (described later) formed by each of the molds.

[0026] In the following, of the molded parts 4 and 5, for convenience of explanation, only the molded part 4 on one side will be explained.

[0027] 4, a first cavity-forming recess 16 is formed in a half shape at a predetermined position on the upper surface, forming a part of a cavity for forming the molded portion 4 of the weatherstrip 1, in an arc-shaped curved shape along the width direction of the lower die 12. This first cavity-forming recess 16 has a lower central recess 16a at approximately the center in the longitudinal direction for forming the molded portion 4, and lower side recesses 16b, 16b at both longitudinal ends of the lower central recess 16a on which the terminal portions 2a, 3a of the extrusions 2, 3 are placed and held.

[0028] The lower die 12 is provided with an opening position regulating mechanism (not shown) for regulating the maximum rotation position when the core die 14 is opened via a pivot mechanism (to be described later).

[0029] Although not specifically shown, the pivot mechanism has a pair of left and right support parts erected on the upper surface of the lower die 12, a spindle inserted into a support hole formed through the upper end of the support part, and an insertion hole formed through the width direction of a protruding piece (not shown) that protrudes downward from approximately the center position of the lower end of a center core 26 (described later) of the core die 14, and into which the spindle is slidably inserted. As a result, the core die 14 is supported so as to be able to open and close while rotating with respect to the lower die 12, around the spindle of the pivot mechanism inserted into the protruding piece of the center core 26 as a fulcrum. The protruding piece of the center core 26 is also configured as a part of an opening position regulating mechanism.

[0030] 4 to 8, the movable die 13 is provided on the upper surface of the lower die 12 so as to be horizontally slidable (openable and closable) toward the core die 14, and at the front end on the core die 14 side, a second cavity-forming recess 22 is formed in a circular arc shape along the width direction of the movable die 13. The second cavity-forming recess 22 has an upper central recess 22a, which is located approximately in the center in the longitudinal direction and forms the molded portion 4, and upper both side recesses 22b, 22b located at both longitudinal ends of the upper central recess 22a and held from above the terminal portions 2a, 3a of the extrusion molded portions 2, 3.

[0031] The movable die 13 has two sliding pins (not shown) protruding from each of both sides, one at the front and one at the rear, and these four sliding pins are provided so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction (opening / closing direction) on the upper surfaces of a pair of left and right slide rails (not shown) fixed to the upper surface of the lower die 12. The movable die 13 is adapted so that the maximum forward movement position during die clamping is restricted by the sliding pins engaging with two front and rear engagement grooves formed at predetermined front and rear positions on the upper end surfaces of the slide rails.

[0032] In this embodiment, the movable mold 13 is manually slid in the forward and backward directions (mold clamping and demolding directions), but it is also possible to automatically slide it using, for example, an electric or hydraulic cylinder.

[0033] Figure 9 is an exploded oblique view of the core mold used in this embodiment, Figure 10 is a rear view of the center core of the core mold used in this embodiment, Figure 11 is a rear view of both side cores of the core mold used in this embodiment, Figure 12 is an oblique view showing the state in which the center core and both side cores of the core mold used in this embodiment are assembled, Figure 13 is an oblique view showing the state in which the center core and both side cores used in this embodiment are positioned by the positioning mechanism, and Figure 14 is a plan view showing the state in which the center core and both side cores used in this embodiment are positioned by the positioning mechanism.

[0034] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, the core die 14 has a lower middle die 24, an upper middle die 25, a center core 26 sandwiched between the lower middle die 24 and the upper middle die 25, and a pair of side cores 27, 28 arranged on both the left and right sides of the center core 26 in a sandwiched state between the upper and lower middle die 24, 25 and arranged so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.

[0035] The lower intermediate die 24 and the upper intermediate die 25 are each formed into a substantially house-shaped outer shape using a thick iron-based metal plate, and are joined together by a plurality of (four in this embodiment) shoulder bolts 29. Each shoulder bolt 29 has a cylindrical head 29a with a hexagonal groove formed therein, a shaft 29b extending from one end of the head 29a, and a male thread 29c integrally provided at the tip of the shaft 29b and having a smaller outer diameter than the shaft 29b. A step surface 29d is formed between the shaft 29b and the male thread 29c due to the difference in their outer diameters.

[0036] 9, the lower intermediate die 24 has four female threaded holes 24a at the left, right, top and bottom positions on both sides, into which the male threaded portions 29c of the shoulder bolts 29 are screwed and fastened. In addition, the lower intermediate die 24 has a third cavity-forming recess 30 at the tip portion on the movable die 13 side, which molds a part of the hollow seal portion 7 side of the mounting base 6 of the weatherstrip 1.

[0037] Furthermore, the lower intermediate die 24 is formed with a pair of first slide grooves 31, which are fitting portions, on the lower side of one side surface on the side of each of the side cores 27 and 28 and at a position outside the pair of female screw holes 24a on the lower side. Each of the first slide grooves 31 is formed in an elliptical shape that is long in the vertical direction, and they constitute a part of the first slide mechanism.

[0038] 9, the upper intermediate die 25 has four bolt insertion holes 25a, into which the shafts 29b of the shoulder bolts 29 are inserted, formed at positions corresponding to the female threaded holes 24a of the lower intermediate die 24 on both sides. Similarly, the upper intermediate die 25 has a fourth cavity-forming recess 32, which molds a part of the mounting base 6 of the weatherstrip 1 opposite to the hollow seal portion 7, formed at its tip on the movable die 13 side.

[0039] The above-mentioned protruding piece (not shown) is formed in a generally L-shape, with its upper end fixed by a bolt in a groove at the center of the width direction of the lower part of the center core 26, and its lower end bent at an angle toward the stopper protruding part. This protruding piece also functions as an abutting part that restricts the maximum opening position when the core die 14 is rotated to the maximum relative to the lower die 12 via the pivot mechanism and opens the die. That is, when the core die 14 is opened, the tip edge of this protruding piece abuts against one side of the stopper protruding part, thereby restricting the further opening position of the core die 14, and the maximum opening angle θ is set to about 110°. This protruding piece and the stopper protruding part constitute an opening position restriction mechanism.

[0040] The center core 26 is for forming the hollow portion 7a of the hollow seal portion 7 at the corner portion located at the center of the molded portion 4. The pair of side cores 27, 28 are for forming the hollow portions 7a of the hollow seal portions 7 on both sides that are continuous with the central hollow seal portion 7.

[0041] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the center core 26 is disposed between the lower intermediate die 24 and the upper intermediate die 25, and has a center core body 33 and a center plate 34 extending integrally from the lower part of the center core body 33.

[0042] 10, the center core 26 has four first bolt slide holes 26a formed through both sides in the width direction, which are slide holes into which the shoulder bolts 29 are inserted. Each of the first bolt slide holes 26a is formed as an elongated hole that is long in the vertical direction, and the upper middle die 25 and the lower middle die 24 are vertically slidable relative to the center core 26 via each of the first bolt slide holes 26a and each of the shoulder bolts 29. The maximum upward movement position of the upper and lower middle dies 24, 25 is restricted when each of the shoulder bolts 29 abuts against the upper end edges of each of the first bolt slide holes 26a, and the maximum downward movement position is restricted when each of the shoulder bolts 29 abuts against the lower end edges of each of the first bolt slide holes 26a.

[0043] Furthermore, a pair of left and right second slide grooves 35 serving as fitting portions are formed in the center core 26 at positions outside the first bolt sliding holes 26a on the upper side of one side surface on the side cores 27, 28 side. Each of the second slide grooves 35 is formed in a rectangular hole shape that is long in the vertical direction, and constitutes a part of the first slide mechanism.

[0044] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the center core body 33 is fixed integrally to the tip end of the center plate 34, extends along the longitudinal direction of the weather strip 1 in the molded portion 4, and has a cross-sectional shape that forms the cross-sectional shape of the hollow portion 7a of the hollow seal portion 7.

[0045] The center plate 34 is formed as a long, thin plate of uniform thickness. It is inserted into a retaining hole with a rectangular cross section formed in the center of the width of the center core body 33 and is fixed to the center core body 33 by bolts or the like (not shown).

[0046] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, each side core 27, 28 is arranged along both sides of one side surface of the center core 26 facing the lower middle die 24 and is provided between the center core 26 and the lower middle die 24 via each shoulder bolt 29 so as to be able to slide up and down. Each side core 27, 28 has two side core bodies 36, 37 and side plates 38, 39 extending integrally from the lower part of each side core body 36, 37.

[0047] Further, each side core 27, 28 has four second bolt sliding holes 27a, 28a formed therethrough on both sides in the width direction, into which the shoulder bolts 29 are inserted. Each of the second bolt sliding holes 27a, 28a is formed as an elongated hole that is vertically long, and the upper and lower intermediate molds 24, 25 and both side cores 27, 28 can slide vertically relative to each other via the second bolt sliding holes 27a, 28a and the shoulder bolts 29. In other words, both side cores 27, 28 can slide vertically independently of the upper intermediate mold 25 and the lower intermediate mold 24.

[0048] The shoulder bolts 29, the first bolt sliding holes 26a of the center core 26, and the second bolt sliding holes 27a, 28a of the side cores 27, 28 constitute a second slide mechanism.

[0049] The maximum upward movement position of both side cores 27, 28 is restricted when the lower edges 27b, 28b of the second bolt sliding holes 27a, 28a abut against each shoulder bolt 29, and the maximum downward movement position is restricted when the shoulder bolts 29 abut against the upper edges 27c, 28c of the second bolt sliding holes 27a, 28a.

[0050] As shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the side cores 27, 28 are provided with a pair of upper, lower, left and right fitting portions, that is, first slide protrusions 40, 40 and second slide protrusions 41, 41, on both side surfaces of the center core 26 side and the lower intermediate die 24 side, and at positions outside the second bolt sliding holes 27a, 28a. Each of the first and second slide protrusions 40, 41 is formed in an elliptical shape that is long in the vertical direction. Each of the first slide protrusions 40, 40 protrudes toward the center core 26 and is slidably fitted into each of the second slide grooves 35, 35. Meanwhile, each of the second slide protrusions 41, 41 protrudes toward the lower intermediate die 24 and is slidably fitted into the first slide grooves 31, 31.

[0051] Therefore, each side core 27, 28 is provided so as to be vertically slidable relative to the lower intermediate die 24 and the center core 26, and in an elevated position where the first and second slide protrusions 40, 41 abut against the upper edges of the first and second slide grooves 31, 35, each side core body 36, 37 is at the same height as the center core body 33. Also, each side core 27, 28 is configured so that in a lowered position where the slide protrusions 40, 41 abut against the lower edges 31b, 35b of the slide grooves 31, 35, each side core body 36, 37 is restricted to a position slid down by about 20 mm from the center core body 33.

[0052] In other words, the side cores 27, 28 are capable of sliding up and down by approximately 20 mm relative to the center core 26 via the slide grooves 31, 35 and the slide protrusions 40, 41.

[0053] Therefore, when the core die 14 rotates in the closing direction via the pivot mechanism during die clamping, which will be described later, each side core body 36, 37 reaches a maximum raised position at the same height as the center core body 33 via a push-up mechanism, which will be described later, and when the die is opened, it descends and is able to slide downward by approximately 20 mm from the center core body 33. The first and second slide grooves 31, 35 and the first and second slide protrusions 40, 41 constitute a first slide mechanism.

[0054] The first slide mechanism is configured so that the side cores 27, 28 are manually slid downward, but are automatically pushed up by a push-up mechanism (to be described later) when they are slid upward.

[0055] Each side core body 36, 37 is fixed integrally to the tip portion of each side plate 38, 39, extends along the longitudinal direction of the weather strip 1 in the molded portion 4, and has a cross-sectional shape that forms the cross-sectional shape of the hollow portion 7a inside the hollow seal portion 7 on both sides.

[0056] Each side plate 38, 39 is formed as a long, thin plate of uniform thickness, inserted into a retaining hole formed in the center of the width of each side core 27, 28, and fixed to each side core 27, 28 by a bolt or the like not shown.

[0057] Although not specifically shown, the push-up mechanism has a pair of left and right guide pieces provided on both sides in the width direction of the upper surface of the lower mold 12, and a pair of left and right engaging protrusions protruding from both sides of the lower part of the lower intermediate mold 24 and engaging with each of the guide pieces.

[0058] Each of the guide pieces has a generally U-shaped guide groove formed in its upper portion. One side surface of each of the guide grooves, which faces the support part of the pivot mechanism, is formed to be inclined downward toward the front to the bottom surface, and the other side surface, which faces the one side surface, rises generally vertically.

[0059] Each of the engaging protrusions is formed in the shape of a cylindrical pin, and is guided and slid along the inclination angle of the inclined surface while abutting against one side surface of each guide groove from a predetermined angle position when core die 14 is tilted forward. Then, core die 14 is configured so that as each engaging protrusion is guided and moved along its respective side surface, the entire core die 14 is pushed forward (towards movable die 13) by the inclined surface of this side surface, and reaches its maximum raised position when the engaging protrusion reaches the bottom surface.

[0060] At this time, each side core 27, 28 moves upward relative to the center core 26 as the upper intermediate die 25 and the lower intermediate die 24 move upward with the four shoulder bolts 29 abutting against the upper end edges of the second bolt sliding holes 27a, 28a.

[0061] Furthermore, when the core die 14 is rotated in the opening direction via the pivot mechanism during die opening, the engaging projections move along the inclined surfaces on one side of each guide groove, causing the core die 14 to rise, and the upper and lower core die 24, 25 move downward by their own weight relative to the center core 26 via the shoulder bolts 29. At this time, the side cores 27, 28 do not move downward and are held at the same height as the center core 26. Thereafter, the side cores 27, 28 are manually moved downward relative to the center core 26 via the first slide mechanism and the shoulder bolts 29.

[0062] That is, when the molds are closed, the upper and lower middle dies 24, 25 and the side cores 27, 28 start to slide gradually upward by the push-up mechanism, and are held at the maximum raised position when the molds are closed. That is, when the molds are closed, the upper and lower middle dies 24, 25 and the side cores 27, 28 are automatically moved upward by the push-up mechanism, and the upper edges of the slide protrusions 40, 41 abut against the upper edges 31a, 35a of the first and second slide grooves 31, 35 of the first slide mechanism to restrict the maximum raised position, and the upper end faces of the side core bodies 36, 37 are set to be at the same height as the upper end face of the center core body 33.

[0063] Positioning mechanisms are provided between both longitudinal outer surfaces of the center core body 33 and the opposing surfaces of each of the side core bodies 36, 37. As shown in Figures 9, 13 and 14, these positioning mechanisms have a pair of positioning protrusions 46, 46 protruding from both outer surfaces of the center core body 33, and positioning recesses 47, 48 formed on the opposing surfaces of each of the side cores 27, 28 that face both outer surfaces of the center core body 33 and that fit into the positioning protrusions 46, 46 and are slidable up and down.

[0064] Each of the positioning protrusions 46, 46 is provided extending in the up-down direction at the center in the width direction of both outer side surfaces of the center core body 33, and has a substantially trapezoidal cross section. Each of the positioning recesses 47, 48 is provided extending in the up-down direction at the center in the width direction of each opposing surface of each of the side core bodies 36, 37, and has a substantially trapezoidal cross section corresponding to the cross section of the positioning protrusions 46, 46. Each of the positioning recesses 47, 48 fits into the positioning protrusions 46, 46 from below as the side core bodies 36, 37 move upward, and when the side cores 27, 28 reach their maximum raised positions via the first slide mechanism, the center core body 33 and the side core bodies 36, 37 are positioned in the width direction (see Figs. 13 and 14). Furthermore, the positioning convex portions 46, 46 and the positioning concave portions 47, 48 are always engaged with each other without coming apart, not only while the side cores 27, 28 are sliding up and down relative to the center core 26, but also when the side cores 17, 28 are in their maximum lowered or raised positions.

[0065] [Method of manufacturing weatherstrip using the die device of this embodiment] A method for manufacturing the molded portion 4 of the weatherstrip 1 using the mold apparatus configured as above will now be described.

[0066] To carry out molding, first, as shown in FIG. 5, casting mold 15 is raised in advance from the upper surfaces of lower mold 12 and movable mold 13 to a predetermined height by a predetermined elevator. Next, the movable die 13 is manually moved horizontally relative to the lower die 12 toward the first cavity forming recess 16 of the lower die 12 by sliding the sliding pins on the slide rails, and is positioned and held there.

[0067] Next, the core die 14 is opened via the pivot mechanism. That is, the upper end side is lifted upward around the lower end (the support shaft of the pivot mechanism) of the center core 26 of the core die 14 to open the die. In this open die state, the terminal portions 2a, 3a of the extrusion molded portions 2, 3 of the weatherstrip 1 are fitted and set by a predetermined length into the longitudinal ends of the side core bodies 36, 37 of the first cavity forming recess 16 of the lower die 12 on the sides not facing the center core 26.

[0068] Next, the core die 14, in which the side cores 27, 28 are at the same height relative to the center core 26, is tilted toward the lower die 12 via the pivot mechanism, while the center core body 33 and each side core body 36, 37 are set in a predetermined position between the first cavity-forming recess 16 of the lower die 12 and the second cavity-forming recess 22 of the movable die 13, and the die is clamped (see Figures 6a and b). As a result, the extrusion molding sections 2, 3 are attached and fixed to the die device, and cavities are formed between the two cavity-forming recesses 16, 22 and between them and the third cavity-forming recess 30 and fourth cavity-forming recess 32 of the core die 14. At this time, the tip end of the center plate 34 and the tip ends of the side plates 38, 39 are also positioned within the cavities (FIG. 7).

[0069] Thereafter, the injection mold 15 is moved down to a predetermined position on the upper surface of the lower mold 12 and the movable mold 13, and plasticized EPDM rubber or the like is injected from the injection molding machine through the injection mold 15 and gate 15a to fill the cavity. Next, the EPDM rubber is vulcanized and solidified, thereby completing the molding operation of the molded portion 4.

[0070] Next, the operation of removing the molded weather strip 1 will be described.

[0071] First, the injection mold 15 is raised, and then the movable mold 13 is moved back to a predetermined position in a direction away from the lower mold 12 (mold opening direction) via a slide rail not shown, as shown in Figures 8(a) and (b).

[0072] Thereafter, the front ends of the upper and lower middle dies 24, 25 together with the molded weather strip 1 are lifted by hand, and the entire core die 14 rotates about the axis of the pivot mechanism from the lower die 12, rising up and opening the die.

[0073] At this time, the maximum opening angle of the core die 14 is restricted by the tip edge of the protruding piece abutting against one side surface of the stopper protruding portion. In other words, the tip edge of the protruding piece abuts against the stopper protruding portion and the movable die 13 is restricted from opening any further to a maximum opening angle θ of approximately 110°.

[0074] Furthermore, when the core die 14 is rotated to the maximum open position in this manner, the upper intermediate die 25 and the lower intermediate die 24 move downward by their own weight relative to the center core 26 via the shoulder bolts 29. In this state, the molded weather strip 1 is attached to the center core body 33 of the center core 26 and the side core bodies 36, 37 of the side cores 27, 28. Therefore, not only the center core 26 but also the side cores 27, 28 do not move downward and are held at the same height as the center core 26.

[0075] FIG. 15 is a front view showing a state in which both side cores are pressed downward relative to the center core.

[0076] Next, both side cores 27, 28 are manually slid downward together with the weatherstrip 1 relative to the center core 26 via the first slide mechanism as shown by the white arrows in Fig. 13. Then, the weatherstrip 1 is automatically removed as both side core bodies 36, 37 slip out of the side slits 10, 10 formed by both side plates 38, 39 with the central portion 4a of the molded portion 4 supported by the center core body 33 of the center core 26 as shown in Fig. 15.

[0077] That is, the molded portion 4 has both longitudinal ends 4b, 4b automatically detached from the side cores 27, 28 and set in a free state, while the central portion 4a is left in the center core body 33.

[0078] Therefore, when the worker then holds the central portion 4a of the molded portion 4 of the weather strip 1 in his / her hand and lifts it almost vertically upward, the central portion 4a can be easily removed from the center core body 33 through the center slit 9.

[0079] Next, when remolding the molded portion 4 of the weatherstrip 1, first, as described above, the terminal portions of the extrusion molded portions 2, 3 are fitted and set by a predetermined length into the longitudinal ends of the side core bodies 36, 37 of the first cavity forming recess 16 of the lower die 12. Thereafter, the core die 14, which is in the open state, is tilted forward relative to the lower die 12 via the pivot mechanism.

[0080] Then, the push-up mechanism automatically pushes the upper and lower middle dies 24, 25 upward by about 20 mm relative to the center core 26 via the second slide mechanism. At the same time, both side core bodies 36, 37 also slide together with the upper and lower middle dies 24, 25 by about 20 mm via the first slide mechanism, that is, to the height position of the center core body 33 of the center core 26.

[0081] At this time, when both side core bodies 36, 37 slide to below the center core body 33, from here, with the positioning concave portions 47, 48 of the positioning mechanism fitting into the positioning convex portions 46, 46, each side core body 36, 37 moves upward while being positioned left and right relative to the center core body 33. Thereafter, the maximum upward movement of both side core bodies 36, 37 is restricted by the first slide mechanism, and the upper end faces of both side core bodies 36, 37 become flush with the upper end face of the center core body 33.

[0082] Therefore, at this point, the side core bodies 36, 37 are positioned in the width direction W with respect to the center core body 33 by the positioning mechanism. In other words, both side surfaces of both side core bodies 36, 37 are positioned in the same plane with both side surfaces of the center core body 33 without misalignment in the width direction W.

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, the core die 14 is divided into the center core 26 and the two side cores 27, 28, so that the longitudinal length of each of the slits 9, 10, 10 in the mounting base 6 of the weather strip 1 is sufficiently short, and the spaces between each of the slits 9, 10, 10 are closed. This eliminates the need to close and glue the slits after molding. In addition, it is no longer necessary to take into account deformations for closing the slits during design. As a result, the number of work steps and the number of design steps can be significantly reduced, improving the efficiency of these work steps and reducing costs.

[0084] In particular, as described above, after the weatherstrip 1 is molded, the movable die 13 and the core die 14 are opened relative to the lower die 12, and the side cores 27, 28 are slid downward relative to the center core 26. As a result, the side cores 27, 28 automatically separate from both longitudinal ends 4b, 4b of the molded portion 4 of the weatherstrip 1 via the side plates 38, 39 and the side slits 10, 10. At the same time, the center core 26 comes into a state of supporting the central portion 4a of the molded portion 4 in the longitudinal direction.

[0085] Therefore, the worker can then simply and easily remove the weatherstrip 1 by holding the central portion 4a of the molded portion 4 and pulling it vertically upward. In other words, the final removal work of the weatherstrip 1 is performed simply by lifting the central portion 4a of the molded portion 4, which makes the removal work extremely easy and improves the efficiency of the removal work.

[0086] In other words, in this embodiment, unlike the conventional technology, at the beginning of the removal operation, the both ends 4b, 4b of the molded portion 4 of the weather strip 1 are not lifted upward by the both side cores 27, 28, but rather, the both side cores 27, 28 are slid downward to remove the both ends 4b, 4b of the molded portion 4 from the both side cores 27, 28, and finally the central portion 4a of the molded portion 4 is removed from the center core 26, making this removal operation extremely easy and improving the efficiency of the removal operation.

[0087] Moreover, the final removal is achieved by simply pulling up the central portion 4a of the molded portion 4 in a nearly vertical direction rather than diagonally upwards. This means that the center plate 34 of the center core 26 can be pulled up smoothly without getting caught on the edge of the center slit 9, and therefore no cracks or cuts will occur on the edge of the center slit 9.

[0088] Furthermore, when the weatherstrip 1 is remolded, when the side cores 27, 28, which are in a lower position relative to the fixed center core 26, are moved upward via the first slide mechanism, the side core bodies 36, 37 are slidably guided along both side surfaces of the center core body 33 by the positioning mechanism, as described above, and the center core body 33 and both side core bodies 36, 37 are positioned in the width direction W. This enables stable sliding movement of the side cores 27, 28 relative to the center core 26, and since the center core body 33 and each side core body 36, 37 are positioned in the width direction W, the positioning accuracy of the center core 26 and both side cores 27, 28 is improved.

[0089] Since the positioning mechanism is composed of positioning protrusions 46, 46 provided on the center core 26 and positioning recesses 47, 48 provided on each side core 27, 28, the structure is simplified, manufacturing work is facilitated, and costs can be reduced.

[0090] Furthermore, since the maximum upper position of both side cores 27, 28 relative to the center core 26 can be mechanically regulated by the first slide mechanism, there is no need to use electronic devices such as sensors, which also reduces the manufacturing costs of the mold apparatus.

[0091] In addition, after molding, when removing the weatherstrip 1, the maximum opening angle θ of the movable die 13 relative to the lower die 12 is set to approximately 110°, which allows the worker to remove the weatherstrip 1 from the center core body 33 without changing his / her posture, making the removal operation easier.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment. For example, while the positioning mechanism is applied to an embodiment in which the side cores 27, 28 slide up and down relative to the center core 26, it is also possible to apply the positioning mechanism to an embodiment in which the center core 26 slides up and down relative to the side cores 27, 28.

[0093] As a moving means for sliding the side cores 27, 28 downward via the first slide mechanism, a hydraulic or electric actuator may be used instead of a manual means.

[0094] In this embodiment, the weather strip 1 is attached to a door, but it may also be attached to a vehicle body.

[0095] Furthermore, each of the first slide grooves 31 and each of the second slide grooves 35 of the first slide mechanism can be formed as a through hole. Furthermore, it is also possible to make the first slide groove 31 a protrusion and make the first and second slide protrusions 40, 41 slide grooves or slide holes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1…Weather strip 2·3…Extrusion molding section 4·5…Mold forming part 6…Mounting base 7…Hollow seal part 7a...Hollow part 9…Center slit 10...Side slit 11...Molding equipment 12…Lower mold 13…Movable mold (upper mold) 15…Injection mold 16…First cavity forming recess 22...Second cavity forming recess 24…lower medium size 25…Upper medium size 26…Center core 26a…First bolt sliding hole (second slide mechanism) 27·28…Side core 27a·28a…Second bolt sliding hole (second slide mechanism) 29... Shoulder bolt (connecting member, second slide mechanism) 30...Third cavity forming recess 31...First slide groove (fitting portion, first slide mechanism) 32...Fourth cavity forming recess 33…Center core body 34…Center plate 35...Second slide groove (second slide mechanism) 36·37…Side core body 38·39…Side plate 40·41…First slide protrusion (fitting portion, first slide mechanism) 46...Positioning protrusion (positioning mechanism) 47·48…Positioning recess (positioning mechanism) θ…Maximum angle

Claims

1. A mold device for molding a molded portion of a weather strip having an attachment base portion to be attached to a vehicle body or a door and a hollow seal portion protruding from the attachment base, The die device is a lower mold, an upper mold provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the lower mold, and a core mold disposed between the lower mold and the upper mold and provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the lower mold, The core mold is a center core including a center core body provided at a central position in a width direction of the core die and forming a hollow portion inside the hollow seal portion located at a central portion in a longitudinal direction of the molded portion, and a center plate extending from the center core body and forming a center slit in the mounting base; a pair of side cores that are separated from the center core, the pair of side core bodies being disposed on both sides of the center core body and forming a hollow portion inside the hollow seal portion located at both longitudinal ends of the molded portion, and a pair of side plates extending from each side core body and forming side slits on the sides of the center slit; Equipped with a first slide mechanism which, after the weatherstrip has been molded, opens the upper die and the core die relative to the lower die, slides both side cores of the core die downward from the same elevated position as the center core during molding, thereby allowing each side core body to come out of each side slit formed by each side plate.

2. In the weather strip mold device according to claim 1, A weatherstrip mold device characterized in that the first slide mechanism has a pair of left and right first slide fitting portions formed extending along the vertical direction on either the center core or the side core, and a pair of left and right first slide fitting portions provided on the other of the center core or the side core, each fitting into the fitting portions and movable in the vertical direction along the fitting portions.

3. The weather strip mold device according to claim 2, The first slide mechanism is characterized in that the upper edges of the fitting portions for each first slide abut against the upper edges of the fitting portions to regulate the maximum raised positions of the two side cores, and the heights of the center core body and both side core bodies are made the same or almost the same at the maximum raised position of the side cores.

4. The weather strip mold device according to claim 1, A weatherstrip mold device characterized in that a positioning mechanism is provided between both longitudinal end faces of the center core body and each opposing end face of each side core body that faces both end faces of the center core body, the positioning mechanism positioning the center core body and both side core bodies in the width direction at the maximum raised position of both side core bodies when the both side cores slide upward relative to the center core via the first slide mechanism.

5. The weather strip mold device according to claim 4, The positioning mechanism has a pair of positioning protrusions or positioning recesses provided on both end faces of the center core body, and a positioning recess or positioning protrusion provided on each opposing end face of each side core body, which slidably fits into each positioning protrusion or positioning recess.

6. The weather strip mold device according to claim 1, The core die has an upper center die and a lower center die arranged to sandwich the center core and both side cores from both sides, The upper and lower middle dies are connected by a connecting member with the center core and both side cores sandwiched therebetween, and the connecting member is slidably inserted into a sliding hole that is long in the vertical direction and formed through the center core and both side cores, respectively, and is provided to be slidable in the same direction as the sliding direction of each of the side cores, A weather strip mold device characterized in that the two side cores are slidably arranged relative to the upper middle mold and the lower middle mold via the sliding holes formed on both side portions and the connecting members inserted into the sliding holes.

7. A method for manufacturing a weather strip using the weather strip mold device according to claim 1, a step of opening the upper die and the core die from the lower die after molding the weather strip; a step of sliding the side cores downward from their molding positions relative to the center core after the upper die and the core die are opened relative to the lower die, thereby allowing each side core body to come out from each side slit formed by each side plate; thereafter, a step of pulling upward a molded portion of the weatherstrip left behind on the center core body of the center core, and causing the center core body to slip out of a center slit formed by the center plate, thereby removing the weatherstrip from the center core; A method for manufacturing a weather strip, comprising the steps of:

Images