Powder molding press system

Abstract

Provided are a powder molding press system and a powder suction device that can efficiently suck the powder leaking onto the upper surface of the die. 【Solution means】The powder molding press system includes a die 11 having an opening 21 formed in the upper surface 11a of the die, a feeder cup 14 disposed on the upper surface 11a of the die and moving in the moving direction along the upper surface 11a of the die, and when moving to the forward side, supplying the powder 26 from the opening 21 to the cavity 24, and when moving to the backward side, separating from the opening 21, a cup moving part 15 that moves the feeder cup 14 in the moving direction, a nozzle 31 to which a second member 42 is attached to the outer surface 14c facing the forward side in the feeder cup 14, and a suction part 35 that sucks the air between the first member 41 and the second member 42.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder molding press system and a powder suction device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a powder molding press system, for example, a feeder cup is arranged so as to be movable forward and backward along the upper surface of a die, and powder is filled from the feeder cup into the cavity (opening) of the die. According to the powder molding press system, for example, the feeder cup containing the raw material powder is advanced to fill the cavity of the die. After filling the powder into the die, the feeder cup is retracted. After retracting the feeder cup, the powder in the cavity is press-molded (compression-molded) into a molded body.

[0003] Here, when the feeder cup moves forward and backward on the upper surface of the die, a small amount of powder leaks from the gap between the upper surface of the die and the feeder cup and accumulates on the upper surface of the die. The accumulated powder adheres to the surface of the molded body when the molded body is transferred from the die. In addition, the leaked powder has an adverse effect on the surrounding environment of the powder molding press device.

[0004] As a countermeasure against this, a powder molding press system in which powder suction means capable of recovering powder is integrally incorporated is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, as a powder molding press system in which powder suction means is integrally incorporated, there is one in which a suction chamber is integrally provided around the entire periphery of the lower surface of the feeder cup, and the suction chamber is connected to a vacuum pump via a switching valve. According to this powder molding press system, by switching the switching valve on, the powder leaked onto the upper surface of the die is sucked into the inside of the suction chamber by the vacuum pump. The sucked powder is recovered through the switching valve. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the powder leaked from the feeder cup onto the upper surface of the die from accumulating on the upper surface of the die.

[0005] The present invention is a powder molding press system Regarding the item to do.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the powder molding press system of Patent Document 1 sucks powder into a suction chamber provided integrally around the entire circumference of the lower surface of the feeder cup. The powder molding press system of Patent Document 2 sucks powder into the space between an outer box and an inner box provided integrally with the feeder cup. For this reason, it is difficult to efficiently suck the powder leaking onto the upper surface of the die.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and aims to provide a powder molding press system that can efficiently suck the powder leaking onto the upper surface of the die. Propose the item for use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. (1)Aspect 1 of the present invention includes a die with an opening formed on its upper surface, a recess that opens downward and is formed to accommodate powder and is disposed on the upper surface, and moves in a moving direction along the upper surface. When it moves to the first side in the moving direction, it supplies the powder in the recess into the opening of the die. When it moves to the second side in the moving direction, it has a receiving portion that moves away from the opening, a receiving moving portion that moves the receiving portion in the moving direction, a first member, and a second member disposed spaced apart from the first member to the second side in the moving direction. A nozzle is attached to the outer surface of the receiving portion facing the first side in the moving direction, and a suction portion that sucks air between the first member and the second member. It is a powder molding press system.

[0010] Here, the receiving portion moves in the moving direction along the upper surface of the die and fills the powder accommodated in the recess from the opening of the die. At this time, the powder is overwhelmingly likely to leak to the first side in the moving direction with respect to the receiving portion. Therefore, in the present invention, by attaching the second member of the nozzle to the outer surface of the receiving portion facing the first side, the nozzle is attached to the outer surface of the receiving portion facing the first side. Thus, the suction force can be concentrated on the first side of the receiving portion. Thereby, the powder leaking to the upper surface of the die on the first side of the receiving portion can be efficiently sucked by the nozzle.

[0011] Also, the powder is less likely to leak to the side in the moving direction with respect to the receiving portion on the upper surface of the die. Therefore, suction can be made unnecessary on the side in the moving direction with respect to the receiving portion where the powder is less likely to leak. Thereby, the suction amount by the nozzle can be reduced, and the power required for sucking the powder can be reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, the nozzle is attached to the outer surface of the receiving portion facing the first side. Thus, the width of the nozzle can be made wider than the width of the receiving portion. Thereby, the powder leaking to the first side of the receiving portion can be surely sucked by the nozzle.

[0013] (2)Aspect 2 of the present invention may be the powder molding press system according to (1), wherein the lower end of the first member is spaced above the upper surface.

[0014] In the present invention, the lower end of the first member is spaced above the upper surface of the die. Therefore, the lower end opening of the nozzle can be floated above the upper surface of the die. As a result, by sucking air from the lower end opening of the nozzle, the powder that has leaked to the first side of the accommodating portion can be sucked into the nozzle together with the air.

[0015] (3)Aspect 3 of the present invention includes a first duct having its first end connected to the first member and the second member respectively, a second duct having its first end connected to the suction portion, a connection state in which the second end of the second duct is connected to the second end of the first duct, and a separation state in which the second end of the second duct moves relative to the second end of the first duct and the second end of the second duct is separated. The powder molding press system according to (1) or (2) may further include a duct moving portion that relatively moves the second end of the second duct, and a control portion that controls the accommodating moving portion and the duct moving portion. When the control portion moves the accommodating portion to the first side in the moving direction by the accommodating moving portion, the duct moving portion makes the second duct in the connected state. When the control portion moves the accommodating portion to the second side in the moving direction by the accommodating moving portion, the duct moving portion makes the second duct in the separated state.

[0016] Here, as a comparative example of the powder molding press system, a configuration is conceivable in which a switching valve is provided between the second end of the first duct and the second end of the second duct, and the second end of the first duct and the second end of the second duct are switched between a connected state and a separated state by the switching valve. For example, when switching to the connected state with the switching valve, the spool of the switching valve is slid to form a powder flow path by the spool inside the switching valve. Therefore, the powder sucked by the nozzle passes through the flow path of the switching valve and is sucked. For this reason, it is conceivable that the powder sucked by the nozzle enters between the spool and the valve body and damages the switching valve. It is also conceivable that the powder sucked by the nozzle clogs the flow path of the switching valve.

[0017] Therefore, the second end of the second duct is moved between a connected state in which it is connected to the second end of the first duct and a separated state in which it is separated from the second end of the first duct. Specifically, when the housing part is moved to the first side in the moving direction, it is moved to the connected state in which the second end of the second duct is connected to the second end of the first duct. Thus, the powder sucked by the nozzle can be sucked from the second end of the first duct through the second end of the second duct into the second duct. As a result, there is no risk of the powder sucked by the nozzle damaging the second end of the first duct and the second end of the second duct. Further, there is no risk of the powder sucked by the nozzle clogging the second end of the first duct and the second end of the second duct.

[0018] Also, when the housing part is moved to the second side in the moving direction, it is moved to the separated state in which the second end of the second duct is separated from the second end of the first duct. Thus, the second end of the second duct can be opened to the atmosphere. That is, dust (including powder) in the atmosphere can be sucked from the second end of the second duct. Thereby, the surrounding environment of the powder molding press system can be suitably improved.

[0019] (4) Aspect 4 of the present invention may be the powder molding press system according to (3), including a first flange provided at the second end of the first duct and a second flange provided at the second end of the second duct.

[0020] In this invention, a first flange is provided at the second end of the first duct, and a second flange is provided at the second end of the second duct. The first flange can be provided perpendicular to the axis of the first duct. The second flange can be provided perpendicular to the axis of the second duct. Thus, in the connected state, by connecting the second flange to the first flange, a large connection area can be ensured. Thereby, in the connected state, the second end of the second duct can be reliably connected to the second end of the first duct. Therefore, the powder sucked by the nozzle can be satisfactorily sucked from the second end of the first duct through the second end of the second duct into the second duct.

[0021] Also, it is possible to provide the first flange on the radially outer side of the first duct. It is possible to provide the second flange on the radially outer side of the second duct. Thus, at the second end of the first duct and the second end of the second duct, each space can be kept the same size as the space of the first duct and the second duct. Thereby, the powder sucked by the nozzle can be satisfactorily sucked from the second end of the first duct through the second end of the second duct into the second duct.

[0022] (5) Aspect 5 of the present invention is a powder suction device attached to a powder molding press device including a die having an opening formed on an upper surface, a recess formed below the opening and accommodating powder, and disposed on the upper surface, moving in a moving direction along the upper surface, and when moving to the first side in the moving direction, supplying the powder in the recess into the opening of the die, and when moving to the second side in the moving direction, a storage portion spaced apart from the opening, and a storage moving portion moving the storage portion in the moving direction, the powder suction device having a first member and a second member disposed spaced apart from the first member to the second side in the moving direction, the second member being a nozzle attached to an outer surface facing the first side in the moving direction in the storage portion, and a suction portion for sucking air between the first member and the second member.

[0023] In this invention, by attaching the nozzle to the outer surface facing the first side of the storage portion in the powder suction device, similarly to the powder molding press system, the suction force can be concentrated on the first side of the storage portion. Thereby, the powder leaking onto the upper surface of the die on the first side of the storage portion can be efficiently sucked by the nozzle. Also, by concentrating the suction force on the first side of the storage portion, the suction amount by the nozzle can be reduced, and the power required for powder suction can be reduced. Further, the width of the nozzle can be made wider than the width of the storage portion, and the powder leaking to the first side of the storage portion can be surely sucked by the nozzle.

[0024] Also, the powder suction device is provided with a nozzle, and the nozzle is attached to the outer surface of the second member of the nozzle facing the first side of the housing portion. The housing portion is provided in the powder molding press device. Therefore, it becomes possible to retrofit a nozzle (that is, a powder suction device) to an existing powder molding press device. As a result, the applications of the powder suction device can be expanded.

Effects of the Invention

[0025] In the powder molding press system and the powder suction device of the present invention, the powder leaking onto the upper surface of the die can be efficiently sucked.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a powder molding press system and a powder suction device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the powder molding press system 1 includes a powder molding press device 2 and a powder suction device 3. The powder molding press device 2 is a commonly used device that presses (compresses) powder into a molded body. The powder molding press device 2 includes, for example, a die 11, a lower punch 12, an upper punch 13, a feeder cup (accommodation part) 14, a cup moving part (accommodation moving part) 15, and a control part 16.

[0028] The die 11 is fixed, for example, to a die plate (not shown). The die 11 has an opening 21 and a molding space 22. The opening 21 is formed on the upper surface 11a of the die 11. The molding space 22 communicates with the opening 21 and is formed inside the die 11. The molding space 22 penetrates from the upper surface 11a of the die 11 to the lower surface 11b of the die 11. Hereinafter, the upper surface 11a of the die 11 may be referred to as the "die upper surface 11a". Also, a table plate 17 is fixed to the die plate (not shown). The upper surface 17a of the table plate 17 is disposed slightly above the die upper surface 11a. Hereinafter, the upper surface 17a of the table plate 17 may be referred to as the "plate upper surface 17a".

[0029] A lower punch 12 is provided below the die 11. The upper end of the lower punch 12 is fitted into the lower part of the molding space 22. A cavity 24 is formed by the molding space 22 and the lower punch 12. The lower punch 12 is supported so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction along the molding space 22. An upper punch 13 is provided above the die 11. The upper punch 13 is supported so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction so as to be fitted into the molding space 22.

[0030] A recess 14d that opens downward is formed in the bottom 14a of the feeder cup 14. The feeder cup 14 is formed in a box shape that opens downward. The powder described later is accommodated in the recess 14d. The bottom 14a of the feeder cup 14 is disposed on the die upper surface 11a and the plate upper surface 17a. Further, the feeder cup 14 is connected to a powder supply device via a supply duct (not shown in both figures). For example, a hopper or the like is used as the powder supply device not shown. The supply duct not shown has flexibility. At the position where the feeder cup 14 is disposed on the plate upper surface 17a, the raw material powder 26 is accommodated in the feeder cup 14 from the powder supply device through a supply pipe. The powder 26 is, for example, a powder such as metal or ceramic.

[0031] The feeder cup 14 is provided so as to be movable in the moving direction of the forward side (first side) and the backward side (second side) along the die upper surface 11a and the plate upper surface 17a in a state where the bottom 14a is disposed on the die upper surface 11a and the plate upper surface 17a. On the drawing, the forward side is indicated by an arrow A and the backward side is indicated by an arrow B. The feeder cup 14 has a front wall 14b on the forward side. The front wall 14b has an outer surface 14c facing the forward side in the moving direction in the feeder cup 14. The front wall 14b and the outer surface 14c of the feeder cup 14 will be described in detail later.

[0032] The cup moving part 15 is connected to the feeder cup 14. The cup moving part 15 is constituted by, for example, an air cylinder or the like. The cup moving part 15 moves the feeder cup 14 forward and backward in the moving direction indicated by the arrow A - B along the die upper surface 11a and the plate upper surface 17a in a state where the powder 26 is accommodated in the feeder cup 14.

[0033] Specifically, in a state where the powder 26 is accommodated in the recess 14d of the feeder cup 14, the cup moving part 15 moves forward as indicated by arrow A so as to place the feeder cup 14 at the opening 21 of the die 11. When the feeder cup 14 moves to the opening 21, the powder 26 in the recess 14d is filled (supplied) from the opening 21 of the die 11 into the cavity 24. After the feeder cup 14 fills the cavity 24 with the powder 26 from the opening 21, the cup moving part 15 moves backward as indicated by arrow B so as to separate the feeder cup 14 from the opening 21 of the die 11. The feeder cup 14 is placed on the upper surface 17a of the plate.

[0034] With the feeder cup 14 placed on the upper surface 17a of the plate, the upper punch 13 is lowered. By lowering the upper punch 13, the powder 26 filled in the cavity 24 is press-molded into a molded body. After the molded body is press-molded, the lower punch 12 pushes up the molded body from the cavity 24. The pushed-up molded body is transferred from the die 11.

[0035] The control unit 16 controls a powder supply device (not shown) and the cup moving part 15. Specifically, in a state where the powder 26 is accommodated in the recess 14d of the feeder cup 14, the control unit 16 controls the cup moving part 15 so that the feeder cup 14 moves forward and backward. Furthermore, the control unit 16 controls the movement of the upper punch 13 and the lower punch 12 so as to press-mold the powder 26 filled in the cavity 24 into a molded body.

[0036] Note that the control unit 16 may include a press control unit that controls the powder molding press device 2 and a suction control unit that controls the powder suction device 3.

[0037] The powder suction device 3 is attached to the powder molding press device 2. The powder suction device 3 is a device that collects the powder 26 from the upper surface 11a of the die. The powder suction device 3 includes a nozzle 31, a first duct 32, a second duct 33, a duct moving part 34, a suction part 35, and the control unit 16. Incidentally, the first duct unit may be configured to include a first duct 32 and a first flange 48 (to be described later). Similarly, the second duct unit may be configured to include a second duct 33 and a second flange 52 (to be described later). In this case, the powder suction device 3 includes a nozzle 31, a first duct unit, a second duct unit, a duct moving unit 34, a suction unit 35, and a control unit 16.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the nozzle 31 is attached to the outer surface 14c on the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14. The nozzle 31 includes a first member 41, a second member 42, and two side members (reference numerals omitted). The first member 41 is disposed spaced forward from the outer surface 14c of the front wall 14b in the moving direction. The second member 42 is disposed spaced rearward from the first member 41 in the moving direction. The two side members are respectively connected to an end portion in the width direction (to be described later) of the first member 41 and an end portion in the width direction of the second member 42. The nozzle 31 is formed in a rectangular tube shape. The nozzle 31 is attached (fixed) to the front wall 14b by a fastening member (a bolt in the embodiment) 45 from the forward side. Thus, the second member 42 is attached in a state of being in contact with the outer surface 14c of the front wall 14b.

[0039] In this state, the nozzle 31 is vertically fixed along, for example, the outer surface 14c of the front wall 14b and is formed in a square shape when viewed from the front. By fixing the nozzle 31 to the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14, it is possible to move the nozzle 31 together with the feeder cup 14. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a moving portion of the nozzle 31 for moving the nozzle 31. Incidentally, in the embodiment, a bolt is described as an example of the fastening member 45, but the fastening member 45 is not limited to a bolt.

[0040] A nozzle opening (lower end opening) 43 is provided at the lower end of the nozzle 31. The nozzle opening 43 is opened downward in a rectangular shape at the lower end of the nozzle 31 by the lower end of the first member 41, the lower end of the second member 42, and the lower ends of the two side members. The nozzle opening 43 is formed in an elongated shape along the front wall 14b such that, for example, along a horizontal plane and in a direction (hereinafter referred to as the width direction) orthogonal to the moving direction of the feeder cup 14, the width W is wider than that of the front wall 14b. That is, the nozzle opening 43 protrudes from the front wall 14b toward both sides.

[0041] Also, the lower end of the first member 41 is disposed above the front wall 14b (i.e., the bottom 14a of the feeder cup 14). Therefore, the lower end of the first member 41 is disposed spaced upward from the die upper surface 11a and the plate upper surface 17a. In other words, the nozzle opening 43 is disposed in a state of floating upward with respect to the die upper surface 11a and the plate upper surface 17a. A first duct 32 is connected to the nozzle 31.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first duct 32 includes a first duct main body 47 and a first flange 48. The first duct main body 47 has, for example, its first end 47a (i.e., the first end 47a of the first duct 32) connected to the center in the width direction at the upper end portions 41a of the first member 41 and 42a of the second member 42. The first duct main body 47 has flexibility. In the embodiment, an example in which one first duct main body 47 is provided will be described, but the first duct main body 47 may be provided in a plurality of pieces such as two pieces. By dividing the first duct main body 47 into a plurality of pieces such as two pieces, for example, in a state where the suction amount of the powder 26 is ensured, the first duct main body 47 can be disposed without interfering with the powder molding press apparatus 2.

[0043] The first flange 48 is provided at the second end 47b in the first duct body 47. The first flange 48 has a diameter that expands radially outward with respect to the second end 47b. Hereinafter, the second end 47b of the first duct body 47 may be referred to as "the second end 47b of the first duct 32". The lower end 48a of the first flange 48 is fixed to the powder molding press device 2. A sealing material 49 is provided on the first flange 48. In the embodiment, a gasket (rubber cushion) is used as the sealing material 49, but the sealing material 49 is not limited to a gasket.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the second duct 33 includes a second duct body 51 and a second flange 52. The first end 51a of the second duct body 51 (that is, the first end 51a of the second duct 33) is connected to the suction part 35. The suction part 35 will be described later. The second flange 52 is provided at the second end 51b in the second duct body 51. The second flange 52 has a diameter that expands radially outward with respect to the second end 51b. Hereinafter, the second end 51b of the second duct body 51 may be referred to as "the second end 51b of the second duct 33". The second flange 52 is formed so as to be able to contact (abut) the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48. A duct moving part 34 is connected to the second flange 52.

[0045] For the duct moving part 34, for example, an air cylinder is used. Hereinafter, the duct moving part 34 will be described as the air cylinder 34. The cylinder body 55 of the air cylinder 34 is fixed to the powder molding press device 2 via a cylinder bracket (not shown). The rod 56 of the air cylinder 34 is attached to the lower end of the second flange 52. Therefore, by advancing and retracting (expanding and contracting) the rod 56 of the air cylinder 34, the second flange 52 can be linearly moved.

[0046] As a result, the duct moving part 34 can relatively move the second flange 52 (that is, the second end part 51b of the second duct 33) between a connected state and a separated state. The connected state is a state where the second flange 52 is connected to the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48 (that is, the second end part 47b of the first duct 32).

[0047] When the second flange 52 is connected to the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48, the second end part 51b of the second duct 33 communicates with the second end part 47b of the first duct 32. A powder passage 53 is formed by the second end part 51b of the second duct 33 and the second end part 47b of the first duct 32. Therefore, the suction part 35 described later is connected to the nozzle 31 through the powder passage 53. The powder passage 53 is a passage through which the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle passes. Here, the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48 and the second flange 52 are located on the outer side in the radial direction of the powder passage 53. Therefore, the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48 and the second flange 52 are arranged at positions non-contact with the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle.

[0048] The separated state is a state where the second flange 52 relatively moves away from the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48 and the second flange 52 is separated from the sealing material 49. When the second flange 52 is separated from the sealing material 49, the second end part 51b of the second duct 33 opens to the atmosphere. Therefore, the suction part 35 described later is disconnected from the nozzle 31. The air cylinder 34 is controlled to advance and retreat by a control part 16 described later. Therefore, the second flange 52 is switched between a connected state and a separated state by the control part 16 described later.

[0049] In the embodiment, an example will be described in which the second flange 52 is linearly moved by using the air cylinder 34 as the duct moving part 34 to switch the second flange 52 between a connected state and a separated state. However, the duct moving part 34 is not limited to the air cylinder 34. As another example, for example, a motor may be used for the duct moving part 34 to rotate and move the second flange 52 to switch the second flange 52 between a connected state and a separated state.

[0050] The suction part 35 is connected to the first end part 51a of the second duct main body 51. For example, a vacuum pump is used for the suction part 35. The suction part 35 is switched on and off, for example, by a control part 16 described later. When switched on and when the second flange 52 is in the connected state, the suction part 35 sucks the air inside the nozzle 31 (between the first member 41 and the second member 42). Also, when switched on and when the second flange 52 is in the separated state, the suction part 35 sucks the air in the atmosphere from the second end part 51b of the second duct 33.

[0051] The control part 16 is shared with the control part 16 provided in the powder molding press device 2. The control part 16 controls the on - off of the suction part 35 and controls the switching between the connected state and the separated state of the duct moving part 34. Specifically, when starting the process of press - molding the powder 26 into a molded body by the powder molding press system 1, the control part 16 switches the suction part 35 on. Also, when ending the process of press - molding the powder 26 into a molded body by the powder molding press system 1, the control part 16 switches the suction part 35 off.

[0052] Furthermore, when the control part 16 moves the feeder cup 14 to the forward side by the cup moving part 15, the duct moving part 34 makes the second flange 52 in the connected state. Thus, the second end part 51b of the second duct 33 can be connected to the second end part 47b of the first duct 32. Also, when the control part 16 moves the feeder cup 14 to the backward side by the cup moving part 15, the duct moving part 34 makes the second flange 52 in the separated state. Thus, the second end part 51b of the second duct 33 can be separated from the second end part 47b of the first duct 32.

[0053] Here, the nozzle 31, the first duct 32, the second duct 33, the duct moving part 34, and the suction part 35 provided in the powder suction device 3 are separately configured as separate members with respect to the powder molding press device 2. Further, the nozzle 31, the first duct 32, the second duct 33, the duct moving part 34, and the suction part 35 are attached to the outside of the powder molding press device 2. Therefore, the powder suction device 3 can be retrofitted to, for example, an existing powder molding press device 2.

[0054] Next, a method of sucking and collecting powder with the powder suction device 3 in the process of press-molding a molded body with the powder molding press system 1 will be described based on FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the feeder cup 14 is arranged at a position retracted in the direction of arrow B from the upper surface 17a of the plate. At this position, the powder 26 is accommodated in the feeder cup 14 from a powder supply device (not shown). In a state where the powder 26 is accommodated in the feeder cup 14, the air cylinder 34 is operated by the control unit 16 to keep the second flange 52 in a connected state. Therefore, the second flange 52 is connected to the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48. Further, in this state, the control unit 16 switches the suction part 35 on.

[0055] Here, the nozzle opening 43 is arranged in a state of floating upward and separated from the upper surface 11a of the die and the upper surface 17a of the plate. Therefore, by switching the suction part 35 on, air is sucked into the nozzle 31 from the gap between the upper surface 17a of the plate and the nozzle opening 43 as shown by arrow C. In this state, the feeder cup 14 is moved forward toward the upper surface 11a of the die from the upper surface 17a of the plate as shown by arrow A.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14 is arranged on the upper surface 11a of the die. In this state, the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14 is arranged at the rear part 21a of the opening 21. The feeder cup 14 has an open bottom 14a. Therefore, the powder 26 is filled from the bottom 14a of the feeder cup 14 to the front wall 24a of the cavity 24 as shown by arrow D at the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14.

[0057] Here, a nozzle 31 is attached to the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14. Therefore, in a state where the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14 is disposed on the upper die surface 11a, the nozzle opening 43 is disposed on the side of the front wall 24a of the cavity 24. As a result, a part of the powder 26 that has moved to the front wall 24a of the cavity 24 is sucked into the nozzle 31 as indicated by an arrow E together with the air sucked from the nozzle opening 43. While a part of the powder 26 is sucked from the nozzle opening 43 into the nozzle 31, the feeder cup 14 moves forward as indicated by an arrow A.

[0058] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the nozzle opening 43 is formed wider in width W than the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14 and protrudes in both directions from the front wall 14b in the width direction. Therefore, a part of the powder 26 can be efficiently and reliably sucked from the nozzle opening 43 into the nozzle 31. The powder 26 sucked into the nozzle 31 is collected by a suction unit 35 through a first duct 32 and a second duct 33 and recovered to a recovery unit (not shown).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, by continuously moving the feeder cup 14 forward as indicated by an arrow A, the entire area of the feeder cup 14 is disposed on the upper die surface 11a. Therefore, the feeder cup 14 is disposed over the entire area of the opening 21. In this state, it is preferable to shake (oscillate) the feeder cup 14 in the moving direction (i.e., the arrow A - B direction). By shaking the feeder cup 14, the powder 26 is filled from the bottom 14a of the feeder cup 14 over the entire area of the cavity 24.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, after the powder 26 is filled over the entire area of the cavity 24, the shaking of the feeder cup 14 is stopped. Also, the control unit 16 operates the air cylinder 34 to switch the second flange 52 to a separated state. Therefore, the suction unit 35 is separated from the nozzle 31. As a result, the suction of air into the nozzle 31 from the gap between the upper die surface 11a and the nozzle opening 43 is stopped. Here, by switching the second flange 52 to the separated state, the second end 51b of the second duct 33 is opened to the atmosphere. Thus, dust in the atmosphere (including the powder 26) can be sucked from the second end 51b of the second duct 33 as indicated by the arrow F.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the feeder cup 14 is moved backward as indicated by the arrow B from the upper die surface 11a toward the upper plate surface 17a. The upper surface 26a of the powder 26 filled in the cavity 24 is flattened along the upper die surface 11a by the bottom 14a of the feeder cup 14. In a state where the feeder cup 14 has moved to the upper plate surface 17a on the backward side, the upper punch 13 (see FIG. 1) is lowered to press-mold the powder 26 into a molded body in the cavity 24. After the molded body is press-molded, the molded body is pushed up by the lower punch 12. The pushed-up molded body is transferred (released) from the die 11. Hereinafter, when the steps described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 to 7 are repeated to sequentially press-mold the powder 26 into a molded body by the powder molding press system 1, the powder 26 can be sucked and recovered by the powder suction device 3.

[0062] As described above, according to the powder molding press system 1 of the embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the feeder cup 14 moves in the moving direction along the upper die surface 11a and fills the cavity 24 with the powder 26 accommodated in the feeder cup 14 through the opening 21 of the die 11. At this time, the powder 26 is overwhelmingly likely to leak to the forward side in the moving direction with respect to the feeder cup 14. Therefore, the nozzle 31 is attached along the outer surface 14c of the front wall 14b of the feeder cup 14. Thus, the suction force can be concentrated on the forward side of the feeder cup 14. Thereby, the powder 26 that has leaked to the upper die surface 11a on the forward side of the feeder cup 14 can be efficiently sucked by the nozzle 31.

[0063] Also, the powder 26 is less likely to leak laterally in the moving direction with respect to the feeder cup 14 on the upper die surface 11a. Therefore, suction can be made unnecessary laterally in the moving direction with respect to the feeder cup 14 where the powder 26 is less likely to leak. As a result, the suction amount by the nozzle 31 can be reduced, and the power required for suction of the powder 26 can be decreased.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the nozzle 31 was attached to the outer surface 14c of the feeder cup 14. Therefore, the width of the nozzle 31 can be made wider than the width of the feeder cup 14. As a result, the powder 26 that has leaked to the forward side of the feeder cup 14 can be surely sucked by the nozzle 31.

[0065] Also, the nozzle opening 43 can be floated above the upper die surface 11a. As a result, by sucking air from the nozzle opening 43, the powder 26 that has leaked to the forward side of the feeder cup 14 can be sucked into the inside of the nozzle 31 together with the air.

[0066] Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, as a comparative example of the powder molding press system, for example, a configuration in which a switching valve (not shown) is provided between the second end 47b of the first duct 32 and the second end 51b of the second duct 33 can be considered. According to the powder molding press system of the comparative example, the second end 47b of the first duct 32 and the second end 51b of the second duct 33 are switched between a connected state and a separated state by the switching valve. For example, when switching to the connected state with the switching valve, the spool of the switching valve is slid to form a powder flow path by the spool inside the switching valve. Therefore, the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31 passes through the flow path of the switching valve and is sucked. For this reason, it is conceivable that the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31 enters between the spool and the valve body and damages the switching valve. Also, it is conceivable that the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31 clogs the flow path of the switching valve.

[0067] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 6, in the powder molding press system 1 of the embodiment, the second flange 52 is moved so as to be switched between a connected state and a separated state. Specifically, when the feeder cup 14 is moved forward in the moving direction, the second flange 52 is moved to a connected state in which it is connected to the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48. Thus, the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31 can be sucked into the second duct 33 through the second end 47b of the first duct 32 and the second end 51b of the second duct 33.

[0068] Here, by connecting the second flange 52 to the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48, a powder passage 53 is formed by the second end 47b of the first duct 32 and the second end 51b of the second duct 33. The sealing material 49 of the first flange 48 and the second flange 52 are located on the radially outer side of the powder passage 53. Therefore, the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48 and the second flange 52 are arranged at positions non-contact with the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31. Thereby, there is no possibility that the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31 damages the second end 47b of the first duct 32 and the second end 51b of the second duct 33 (i.e., the powder passage 53). Also, there is no possibility that the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31 clogs the powder passage 53.

[0069] Furthermore, when the feeder cup 14 is moved backward in the moving direction, the second flange 52 is moved to a separated state in which it is separated from the first flange 48. Thus, the second end 51b of the second duct 33 can be opened to the atmosphere. That is, dust in the atmosphere (including the powder 26) can be sucked from the second end 51b of the second duct 33. Thereby, the surrounding environment of the powder molding press system 1 can be suitably improved.

[0070] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a first flange 48 was provided at the second end portion 47b of the first duct 32, and a second flange 52 was provided at the second end portion 51b of the second duct 33. The first flange 48 can be provided perpendicular to the axis of the first duct 32. The second flange 52 can be provided perpendicular to the axis of the second duct 33. Therefore, in the connected state, by connecting the second flange 52 to the sealing material 49 of the first flange 48, a large connection area can be ensured. Thereby, in the connected state, the second end portion 51b of the second duct 33 can be reliably connected to the second end portion 47b of the first duct 32. Therefore, the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31 can be satisfactorily sucked from the second end portion 47b of the first duct 32 through the second end portion 51b (powder passage 53) of the second duct 33 into the second duct 33.

[0071] Also, the first flange 48 can be provided on the radially outer side at the second end portion 47b of the first duct 32. The second flange 52 can be provided on the radially outer side at the second end portion 51b of the second duct 33. Therefore, at the second end portion 47b of the first duct 32 and the second end portion 51b of the second duct 33, the powder passage 53 can be kept the same size as the space of the first duct 32 and the second duct 33. Thereby, the powder 26 sucked by the nozzle 31 can be satisfactorily sucked from the second end portion 47b of the first duct 32 through the second end portion 51b (that is, the powder passage 53) of the second duct 33 into the second duct 33.

[0072] Also, as described above, according to the powder suction device 3 of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the nozzle 31 was attached to the outer surface 14c of the front wall 14b in the feeder cup 14. Therefore, the powder suction device 3 can concentrate the suction force on the forward side of the feeder cup 14, similar to the powder molding press system 1. Thereby, the powder 26 that has leaked onto the upper surface 11a of the die 11 on the forward side of the feeder cup 14 can be efficiently sucked by the nozzle 31. Also, by concentrating the suction force on the forward side of the feeder cup 14, the suction amount by the nozzle 31 can be reduced, and the power required for sucking the powder 26 can be decreased. Further, the width W of the nozzle 31 can be made wider than the width of the feeder cup 14, and the powder 26 leaking to the forward side of the feeder cup 14 can be surely sucked by the nozzle 31.

[0073] Also, the nozzle 31 was attached to the outer surface 14c of the front wall 14b in the feeder cup 14. The feeder cup 14 is provided in the powder molding press apparatus 2. Therefore, it becomes possible to retroactively attach the nozzle 31 (that is, the powder suction device 3) to the existing powder molding press apparatus 2. Thereby, the use of the powder suction device 3 can be expanded.

[0074] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes configuration changes, combinations, deletions, etc. within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the respective configurations shown in each embodiment can be used in appropriate combination.

Explanation of Signs

[0075] 1 Powder molding press system 2 Powder molding press apparatus 3 Powder suction device 11 Die 11a Upper surface of die (upper surface of the die) 14 Feeder cup (accommodating portion) 14b Front wall 14c Outer surface 14d Recess 15 Cup moving portion (accommodating moving portion) 16 Control unit 21 Opening (opening of the die) 24 Cavity (inside the opening) 26 Powder 31 Nozzle 32 First duct 33 Second duct 34 Duct moving portion 35 Suction portion 41 First member 42 Second member 43 Nozzle opening (lower end opening) 47 First duct body 47a First end of the first duct 47b Second end of the first duct 48 First flange 51 Second duct body 51a First end of the second duct 51b Second end of the second duct 52 Second flange

Claims

1. a die having an opening formed on an upper surface thereof; a container portion that is open downward and has a recess for accommodating powder, is disposed on the upper surface, and moves in a moving direction along the upper surface, and when it moves to a first side in the moving direction, supplies the powder in the recess into the opening of the die, and when it moves to a second side in the moving direction, moves away from the opening; A housing movement unit that moves the housing unit in the movement direction; a nozzle including a first member and a second member disposed at a distance from the first member to the second side in the moving direction, the second member being attached to an outer surface of the housing portion facing the first side in the moving direction; a suction section that sucks air between the first member and the second member; a first duct having a first end connected to the first member and a first end connected to the second member; a second duct having a first end connected to the suction portion; a duct movement unit that moves the second end of the second duct relatively between a connected state in which the second end of the second duct is connected to the second end of the first duct and a separated state in which the second end of the second duct moves relatively from the second end of the first duct to separate the second end of the second duct; A control unit that controls the housing movement unit and the duct movement unit; Equipped with The control unit, when the storage movement unit moves the storage unit to the first side in the movement direction, causes the duct movement unit to put the second duct in the connected state, and when the storage movement unit moves the storage unit to the second side in the movement direction, causes the duct movement unit to put the second duct in the separated state.

2. The powder molding press system of claim 1 , wherein a lower end of the first member is spaced above the upper surface.

3. a first flange provided at the second end of the first duct; a second flange provided at the second end of the second duct; The powder molding press system of claim 1 , comprising:

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