Information management method for resin molded products, manufacturing method for resin containers, information management device for resin molded products, and blow molding device

Abstract

This information management method for a resin molded product in a molding device for intermittently producing resin molded products includes: a step (S100) for classifying the resin molded products into molded product groups for each molding cycle; a step (S110) for acquiring an information group for each of the molded product groups; and a step (S120) for recording the acquired information groups in association with the molded product groups.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for managing information on resin molded products, a method for manufacturing a resin container, an information management device for resin molded products, and a blow molding device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a blow molding machine for resin containers that includes at least a blow molding section, a heating section, and a conveying path for conveying preforms heated in the heating section to the blow molding section. Patent Document 2 discloses an injection blow molding device that includes a control section that controls the execution of one cycle of operation in each of the operating sections in accordance with a normal operation program and an end program that stops the operation of the device when an abnormality is detected, and an abnormality detection sensor that is provided in each of the operating sections and used to execute the end program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 066749 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-127236 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, molding methods have been proposed that enable the successful production of resin preforms and resin containers even when the injection molding time is shortened, making it possible to perform even higher speed molding (high-cycle molding) with injection molding and blow molding equipment. Under high-speed molding, the moving parts of the molding equipment are also driven at high speeds, so these parts must operate with greater precision. If the molding equipment stops due to malfunction or damage to the moving parts, the resin molded products will no longer meet the appropriate molding conditions and will be discarded. Therefore, improvements were needed to stabilize the mechanical operation of the molding equipment and the molding process, even under high-speed molding.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a method for managing information on resin molded products, a method for manufacturing resin containers, an information management device for resin molded products, and a blow molding device that can improve the mechanical operation of the molding device and the stability of the molding process by classifying and managing information on resin molded products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information management method for a resin molded product according to one aspect of the present invention includes: 1. A method for managing information on resin molded products in a molding device that intermittently manufactures resin molded products, comprising: a step of classifying the resin molded products into molded product groups for each molding cycle; acquiring a group of information for each group of molded products; a step of recording the acquired information group in association with the molded product group; The present invention relates to a method for managing information on a resin molded product, including:

[0007] An information management device for a resin molded product according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: 1. A resin molding information management device in a molding device that intermittently manufactures resin moldings, comprising: a sorting unit that sorts the resin molded products into molded product groups for each molding cycle; an acquisition unit that acquires information groups for each of the molded product groups; and an information group recording unit that records the information group acquired by the acquisition unit in association with the molded product group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for managing information on resin molded products, a method for manufacturing resin containers, an information management device for resin molded products, and a blow molding device, which can improve the mechanical operation of the molding device and the stability of the molding process by classifying and managing information on resin molded products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a blow molding apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a blow molding apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an information management device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sensor disposed in a transport section. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the display unit displays elements relating to an information group of a preform group. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of an information management method. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific flow of an information management method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0011] For the sake of convenience, the following will be used in the description of this embodiment: "left-right direction," "front-rear direction," and "up-down direction." These directions are relative directions set for the blow molding apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, the "up-down direction" refers to a direction that includes the "upward direction" and the "downward direction." The "front-rear direction" refers to a direction that includes the "forward direction" and the "rearward direction." The "left-right direction" refers to a direction that includes the "leftward direction" and the "rightward direction."

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the overall appearance of a blow molding apparatus 1 for resin containers according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the overall appearance of the blow molding apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The blow molding apparatus 1 includes an injection molding section 100 that molds resin preforms 10, a blow molding section 500 that blow-moldes the preforms 10 to form containers 20, and a conveying section 300 that conveys the preforms 10 molded in the injection molding section 100 to the blow molding section 500 (FIG. 1). The blow molding apparatus 1 is a hot parison type (1.5 stage type) blow molding apparatus that blow-moldes N preforms 10 that are injection-molded simultaneously in n batches, M preforms at a time.

[0013] The blow molding apparatus 1 includes a removal device 150 that removes the preforms 10 from the injection molding section 100, a preform transfer device 220 that transfers the preforms 10 from the removal device 150, and a first reversal section (post-cooling section) 200 that sends the preforms 10 from the preform transfer device 220 to a conveying section 300 (FIG. 2). The blow molding apparatus 1 also includes a second reversal section 400 that sends the preforms 10 from the conveying section 300 to the blow molding section 500 (FIG. 2). The blow molding apparatus 1 also includes an information management device 600 for the preforms (an example of a resin molded product), and an input / output device 700 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0014] The injection molding unit 100 is configured to simultaneously injection-mold N preforms 10 in n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2) rows parallel to the left-right direction, with M (M=N / n: M is a natural number) preforms in each row. The injection molding unit 100 includes an injection device 110 that injects resin, an injection core mold 120, an injection neck mold (not shown), an injection cavity mold 130, and a mold clamping mechanism that clamps the preforms along four tie bars 140. As shown in FIG. 1, the number of preforms N simultaneously injection-molded in the injection molding unit 100 may be, for example, up to 24 (3 rows × 8). If the preform diameter is large, four preforms may be arranged in each row, for a total of N = 12 in three rows. Alternatively, the number of preforms N simultaneously injection-molded in the injection molding unit 100 may be, for example, up to 36 (3 rows × 12) (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0015] The take-out device 150 is configured to take out N preforms 10 molded in the injection molding section 100. The take-out device 150 is configured to be able to horizontally move N (e.g., 3 rows x 8) holding members 152 (e.g., pots) between a receiving position P1 below the injection core mold 120 and a delivery position P2 outside the space surrounded by the tie bars 140.

[0016] The preform transfer device 220 transfers N preforms 10 held by the three rows of holding members 152 of the take-out device 150 located at the delivery position P2 shown in Fig. 2 to the first reversal section 200. The preform transfer device 220 has a preform holder 222, a first transfer mechanism 224 that raises and lowers the preform holder 222 in the vertical direction, and a second transfer mechanism 226 that horizontally moves the preform holder 222 and the first transfer mechanism 224 in the front-to-rear direction. The first and second transfer mechanisms 224, 226 are driven by, for example, air cylinders or servo motors.

[0017] The first inversion unit 200 is a site for post-cooling (additional cooling) the preforms 10, and is configured to invert the upright preforms 10 molded in the injection molding unit 100 into an inverted position with the necks facing downward, and deliver them to the conveying unit 300. The first inversion unit 200 is equipped with a first inversion member 210. The first inversion member 210 has N first inversion pots 212 and N second inversion pots 214 arranged opposite the first inversion pots 212. The first inversion pots 212 and the second inversion pots 214 (first inversion member 210) are configured to be intermittently inverted 180° around their axes. The first inversion member 210 is configured to be liftable by a ball screw or the like driven by a drive source 216 (e.g., a servo motor). The first inversion pots 212 and the second inversion pots 214 are configured to cool the preforms 10 contained therein.

[0018] The conveying section 300 is configured to convey preforms 10 conveyed from the injection molding section 100 via the first reversing section 200 to the conveying section 300, to the blow molding section 500. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing one embodiment of the conveying section 300. The conveying section 300 includes a plurality of first conveying members 310 configured to support the preforms 10. M first conveying members 310 are connected by connecting members to form a set of first conveying members 310. The connecting members of the set of first conveying members 310 are configured to be driven by a first conveying drive section 320 and a second conveying drive section 330, which will be described later. In FIG. 3, the position of the leading first conveying member 310 (or preform 10) in the set of first conveying members 310 is marked with a double circle to distinguish it from the other seven. Each first conveying member 310 is configured to be rotatable about its axis. Note that the first conveying members 310 may not be connected. In this case, each first conveying member 310 is provided with a member that meshes with a continuous / intermittent driving member such as a sprocket.

[0019] The conveying unit 300 has a loop-shaped conveying path formed by guide rails and the like, and is configured to circulate and convey a first conveying member 310 along the conveying path. The conveying unit 300 has a first conveying drive unit 320 consisting of multiple sprockets 320a, 320b, 320c, and 320d that continuously drives the first conveying member 310, and a second conveying drive unit 330 consisting of sprockets 330a, 330b, and 330c that intermittently drives the first conveying member 310. In the first conveying drive unit 320, sprocket 320d, sprocket 320c, sprocket 320b, and sprocket 320a are arranged in this order from the upstream side. In the second conveying drive unit 330, sprocket 330a, sprocket 330b, and sprocket 330c are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0020] The region where the first conveying member 310 is continuously driven by the first conveying drive unit 320 is the continuous conveying region T1, and the region where the first conveying member 310 is intermittently driven by the second conveying drive unit 330 is the intermittent conveying region T2. ​​The continuous conveying region T1 is located upstream of the intermittent conveying region T2 in the conveying unit 300. The continuous conveying region T1 is provided with a heating unit 360 that heats the preforms 10 to a temperature suitable for blow molding. The heating unit 360 is disposed on a path extending from sprockets 320c, 320b, and 320a in the continuous conveying region T1. The heating unit 360 can be configured by arranging heaters, such as quartz heaters and reflecting mirrors, on both sides of the conveying unit 300 in the continuous conveying region T1, in multiple stages spaced apart in the conveying direction (vertical direction). Air may be blown out from the back of the heater within the heating unit 360.

[0021] The transport section 300 also includes a parallel drive device 370 located below the first reversing section 200, which drives a set of first transport members 310 in parallel, a number of which is (n+1) or more (e.g., four (four rows)) (FIG. 2). The parallel drive device 370 is configured by attaching both ends of multiple transport rails to two chains 374 that are stretched over two sprockets 372a, 372b at each end in the front and rear directions. When one of the sprockets 372a, 372b rotates by one step, the transport rails are moved by one step. The leading row of the set of first transport members 310 arranged on the parallel drive device 370 is configured to be pushed leftward by a carry-out device (not shown) formed, for example, by an air cylinder. As a result, the set of first transport members 310 carrying preforms 10 sequentially engage with the continuously driven sprocket 320d and are continuously transported. The parallel drive device 370 transports one set of first transport members 310 leftward and then moves another set of first transport members 310 forward by one step. The rearmost row of the parallel drive device 370 is configured to receive the set of first transport members 310 that does not carry preforms 10 and is sent from the sprocket 330c.

[0022] The leading first conveying member 310 of the set of first conveying members 310 in the leading row is carried out by the carry-out device and meshed with the most upstream sprocket 320d, and a continuous conveying force is applied from sprocket 320d to the set of first conveying members 310. As a driving force is applied to each set of first conveying members 310 meshed with the four continuously driving sprockets 320a, 320b, 320c, and 320d present in the continuous conveying region T1, another set of first conveying members 310 not meshed with the continuously driving sprockets further upstream is pushed, and multiple sets of first conveying members 310 are continuously conveyed along the conveying direction in the continuous conveying region T1.

[0023] The second reversing unit 400 is disposed between sprockets 330a and 330b in the intermittent conveying region T2 of the conveying unit 300 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The second reversing unit 400 includes a second reversing member (not shown) that reverses the preforms 10 conveyed by the conveying unit 300 to the position of the second reversing unit 400 from an inverted state to an upright state and delivers them to the blow molding unit 500. The set of first conveying members 310 is intermittently driven by the second conveying drive unit 330 so that the set of first conveying members 310 stops at the position of the second reversing unit 400 for a predetermined time.

[0024] The blow molding unit 500 is configured to stretch M preforms 10 with blown air to mold a resin container 20. The blow molding unit 500 is equipped with a split mold, a blow cavity mold that can be opened and closed in the left-right direction and defines the shape of the body of the container 20, a bottom mold that can be raised and lowered and defines the bottom of the container 20, and a second conveying member 530 for conveying the preforms 10 and the container 20 in the front-to-rear direction. In addition to these, the blow molding unit 500 may also be equipped with a stretching rod, a blow core mold, a neck mold, etc. When a stretching rod is provided, the resin container 20 is molded by biaxial stretching using blown air and driving the vertical axis of the stretching rod.

[0025] The second conveying member 530 is a chuck member that grips and intermittently conveys M preforms 10 or containers 20 by their neck portions. The second conveying member 530 has a holding arm that grips the neck portions of the preforms 10 or containers 20. The second conveying member 530 has an integral carry-in section 534 and an unloading section 536, and is configured to be driven to reciprocate in the front-to-rear direction. This reciprocating drive is achieved, for example, by a servo motor. By this reciprocating drive, the carry-in section 534 reciprocates between the preform receiving position B1 and the blow molding position B2, and the unloading section 536 reciprocates between the blow molding position B2 and the removal position B3. The holding arms are driven to open and close in the left-to-right direction as a unit by the driving force of, for example, an air cylinder. In addition, the row pitch (distance between each preform) of each holding arm of the loading section 534 is configured to be convertible from a narrow pitch at the preform receiving position B1 to a wide pitch at the blow molding position B2 when moving from the preform receiving position B1 to the blow molding position B2.

[0026] The information management device 600 is a device that manages elements related to the preforms 10. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information management device 600 according to this embodiment. The information management device 600 includes a processor 610, a main memory 630, a storage 650, and an interface 670. The storage 650 stores a program for managing information about the preforms 10 in the blow molding apparatus 1. Examples of the storage 650 include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a nonvolatile memory. The processor 610 reads the program from the storage 650, loads it into the main memory 630, and executes processing in accordance with the program. The processor 610 also allocates a storage area in the main memory 630 or the storage 650 in accordance with the program. By executing the program, the processor 610 functions as a classification unit 612, an acquisition unit 614, an information group recording unit 616, a determination unit 618, and a transfer instruction unit 620. These functional units may be collectively referred to as a control unit.

[0027] The sorting unit 612 sorts the preforms 10 into preform groups (an example of a molded product group) for each injection molding cycle. Specifically, the sorting unit 612 is configured to sort the preforms molded in the injection molding unit 100 into groups for each injection molding cycle (groups of N preforms) and for each blow molding cycle among the preforms molded in one injection molding cycle (groups of M preforms). In other words, the sorting unit 612 sorts the preform groups in a relationship of variables [x, y] based on the injection molding batch number x and the row number y in the batch number x. The sorting unit 612 also assigns a position (station number) within the blow molding machine to each preform group sorted in a relationship of variables [x, y].

[0028] The acquisition unit 614 is configured to acquire a group of information for each preform group. The group of information includes at least information regarding the preform group's current position within the blow molding machine and the molded product status. The group of information may also include at least the injection molding cycle number (variable x), the blow molding cycle number (variable y) within the injection molding cycle number, the preform group's current position within the blow molding machine, and information regarding the molded product status. The information regarding the molded product status includes at least whether the preforms 10 are on the first conveying member 310, whether the preforms 10 were molded by non-standard injection molding, whether the preforms 10 passed through the first reversing pot 212 or the second reversing pot 214 (an example of information regarding the cooling member through which the preforms 10 passed), the temperature of the preforms 10 before heating in the heating section 360, the temperature of the preforms 10 after heating in the heating section 360, the orientation of the preforms 10 placed on the first conveying member 310, and the number of preforms 10 placed on the first conveying member 310.

[0029] Here, "non-conventional injection molding" (also referred to as "intermittent injection molding") refers to the injection molding of preforms to partially maintain the operating state of the blow molding apparatus 1. "Non-conventional injection molding" refers to an operation to reduce preform waste by reducing the number of injection moldings of preforms 10 compared to normal operation, for example, when partially maintaining the operation of the injection molding unit 100, the conveying unit 300, and / or the heating unit 360 during maintenance work on the blow molding unit 500. To mass-produce containers without molding defects, the heating unit 360 must be maintained within a predetermined temperature range so that the preforms 10 can be heated at a constant temperature. If the heating unit 360 is stopped, it takes a considerable amount of time to restore the temperature within the predetermined range, and readjustment is also required to take into account the amount of heat absorbed by the preforms 10. Therefore, the heating unit 360 must be kept operating. Furthermore, the molten resin in the injection unit 110 must be periodically discharged because it deteriorates due to the heat of the barrel heater. However, in this case, since it is necessary to continue molding the preform 10 that is not blow molded, the function of the non-normal injection molding described above becomes effective.

[0030] In contrast, injection molding during normal operation (automatic operation for a long period of time (e.g., one hour or more) performed after molding adjustment) corresponds to "normal injection molding," and unless otherwise specified, the embodiments will be described based on injection molding during normal operation. Furthermore, in a blow molding apparatus 1 equipped with the injection molding unit 100, non-normal injection molding is a preform molding operation that does not involve blow molding, while normal injection molding can also be said to be a preform molding operation that involves blow molding. Note that non-normal injection molding is performed once every several cycles of normal injection molding, or after a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed that is equal to or longer than the molding cycle time of normal injection molding.

[0031] The injection molding cycle number (variable x) and the blow molding cycle number (variable y) in the injection molding cycle number are information output from the sorting unit 612. The current position of the preform group within the blow molding apparatus is information output from the sorting unit 612. Information set to be automatically output when the preforms are transported onto the first transport member 310 includes whether or not the preforms 10 are on the first transport member 310, whether the preforms 10 were molded by non-conventional injection molding, and whether the preforms 10 passed through the first reversing pot 212 or the second reversing pot 214. The temperature of the preforms 10 before heating in the heating unit 360, the temperature of the preforms 10 after heating in the heating unit 360, the posture of the preforms 10, and the number of preforms 10 are information detected by sensors arranged in the blow molding apparatus 1.

[0032] Here, the sensors arranged in the blow molding apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing four sensors 615a, 615b, 615c, and 615d arranged in the conveying section 300. Note that the number of first conveying members 310 in the set of first conveying members 310 in the conveying section 300 shown in Figure 5 is different from Figures 1 and 3. Note that in Figure 5, the position of the leading first conveying member 310 (or preform 10) in the set of first conveying members 310 is marked with a black circle to distinguish it from the other seven.

[0033] Sensor 615a detects the posture of the preforms 10, specifically, whether the preforms 10 are floating above the first conveying member 310. Sensor 615b detects the temperature of the preforms 10 before they enter the heating section 360. Sensors 615a and 615b are positioned near sprocket 320c to detect information about the preforms 10 (floating and temperature before heating). Sensor 615c detects the temperature of the preforms 10 after they leave the heating section 360. Sensor 615c is positioned near sprocket 320a to detect information about the preforms 10 (temperature after heating). Sensor 615d detects the number of preforms 10 before they are conveyed to the second reversing section 400. Sensor 615d is positioned near sprocket 330a to detect information (number) about the preforms 10.

[0034] The information group recording unit 616 is configured to link the information group acquired by the acquisition unit 614 to the preform group and record it in the storage 650. The determination unit 618 determines whether blow molding is possible based on information regarding the molded product condition. Specifically, the determination unit 618 outputs a determination result that blow molding is possible if the preforms 10 were not molded by non-standard injection molding, there is no lifting of the preforms 10, the temperature of each preform included in one preform group is within a specified range, and the number of preforms exceeds a specified number. This determination result may be recorded in the storage 650. If the determination result output by the determination unit 618 indicates that blow molding is possible, the transfer instruction unit 620 outputs an instruction to the second reversal unit 400 of the blow molding apparatus 1 to transfer the preforms 10 from the conveying unit 300 to the blow molding unit 500.

[0035] The input / output device 700 includes a display unit 710 and an input unit 720. The input unit 720 is composed of input devices such as buttons and a keyboard for inputting control instructions for the blow molding apparatus 1. The display unit 710 is composed of a display device such as a display for outputting operating information for the blow molding apparatus 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of how the display unit 710 displays elements related to an information group of a preform group, and is an example of a screen on which log information during molding using the above-described information management device 600 or information management method can be confirmed. 6, the display unit 710 displays the injection molding cycle number and the blow molding cycle number (ID Shot.Row) in the injection molding cycle number, the current position of the preform group in the blow molding apparatus 1 (Station No.), whether or not the preforms 10 are on the first conveying member 310 (Preform exist, OK is present and NG is not), the temperature of the preforms 10 before heating in the heating section 360 (Before reheating), the posture of the preforms (Floating), the temperature of the preforms 10 after heating in the heating section 360 (After reheating), whether or not the temperature of the preforms 10 is within a specified range (Blow temperature, if OK is present and NG is not present), the number of preforms 10 on the first conveying member 310 (Preform counter), the determination result of whether blow molding is possible (Preform Transfer, OK is possible and NG is not possible), and whether or not the preforms 10 have been molded by non-normal injection molding (Intermittency preform The display unit 710 also displays in a table format whether the preform 10 passed through the first inverting pot 212 or the second inverting pot 214 (Cooling Block, 0 is the first inverting pot 212 (the upper pot in the initial state) and 1 is the second inverting pot 214). Also, in FIG. 6, the display unit 710 displays a plan view of the conveying unit 300 below the table, and also displays the position of the preform group in the plan view (Station No.). Note that while FIG. 6 shows an example for explaining the determination that blow molding is not possible, in reality, not many NG determinations are displayed in a short period of operation, as shown in FIG. 6.FIG. 6 also shows a mode in which information written in info[x,y] of the preform group [x,y] described below is displayed each time the information is written, and blank spaces are displayed as the steps proceed.

[0036] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a resin container using the blow molding apparatus 1 equipped with the information management device 600 according to this embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing a resin container includes the steps of injection molding a preform 10 in the injection molding section 100, transporting the preform 10 molded in the injection molding section 100 to the blow molding section 500, heating the preform 10 while transporting it to the blow molding section 500, and blow molding the transported preform 10 in the blow molding section 500 into a container 20.

[0037] The process of injection molding the preform 10 is a process of molding N preforms by injecting molten resin into the space formed by clamping the injection core mold 120, injection neck mold, and injection cavity mold 130 of the injection molding section 100 (Figure 2).

[0038] The process of transporting the preforms 10 molded in the injection molding section 100 to the blow molding section 500 includes a first transport process, a first transfer process, a second transport process, and a second transfer process. The first transport process is a process in which the preforms 10 are removed from the injection molding section 100 by the removal device 150, and then the preforms are transferred from the removal device 150 to the first reversal section 200 by the preform transfer device 220 (FIG. 2). The first transfer process is a process in which the first reversal section 200 reverses the preforms 10 from an upright state to an inverted state and delivers them to the transport section 300 (FIG. 2).

[0039] The second transport step is a step of transporting the preforms 10 in the transport section 300 to the second reversing section 400 (FIG. 1). In the second transport step, the set of first transport members 310 in the front row of the parallel drive device 370 is transported leftward by the carry-out device, and the preforms 10 are transported to the second reversing section 400 via the continuous transport region T1 and the intermittent transport region T2 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0040] The second transfer step is a step in which the second reversing unit 400 inverts the preforms 10 from an inverted state to a standing state and transfers them to the second conveying member 530 of the blow molding unit 500 (FIG. 2). Here, the second transfer step is performed when it is determined that blow molding is possible using the information management method described below, and is not performed when it is not determined that blow molding is possible. If the second transfer step is not performed, the preforms 10 that have not been transferred on the first conveying member 310 are removed from the first conveying member 310 by the sprocket 330c (FIG. 2). The first conveying member 310 without preforms 10 is sent to the parallel drive device 370 by the sprocket 330c (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0041] The step of heating the preforms 10 is a step of heating the preforms 10 by the heating section 360 provided in the continuous transport region T1 of the transport section 300 while the preforms 10 are being transported.

[0042] The process of blow-molding the preform 10 into the container 20 involves transporting the preform 10 from the preform receiving position B1 to the blow molding position B2 by the second transport member 530, clamping the blow cavity mold and the bottom mold, and blowing air into the preform 10 to mold the container 20. Through these processes, the container 20 is manufactured.

[0043] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the information management method for preforms 10. As shown in Fig. 7, the preform information management method by the information management device 600 of this embodiment includes step S100 in which the sorting unit 612 classifies the preforms into preform groups for each molding cycle, step S110 in which the acquisition unit 614 acquires an information group for each preform group, step S120 in which the information group recording unit 616 records the information group acquired by the acquisition unit 614 in association with the preform group, and step S130 in which the possibility of blow molding is determined based on information regarding the molded product state (preform group state). The information group and the information regarding the molded product state are as described above.

[0044] Here, a specific embodiment of the preform information management method by the information management device 600 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a specific flow of the preform information management method by the information management device 600 of this embodiment.

[0045] First, when automatic operation of the blow molding apparatus 1 is started (step S200), the sorting unit 612 sorts the preforms into preform groups [x, y] based on the injection molding batch number x and the row number y for the batch number x (step S210). Next, the sorting unit 612 assigns the current position (station number) of the preform group [x, y] within the blow molding apparatus 1 to the information info[x, y] of the sorted preform group [x, y] (step S220). Note that the position (station number) within the blow molding apparatus 1 of the information info[x, y] of the preform group [x, y] is rewritten every time the first conveying member 310 is sent out from the parallel drive device 370.

[0046] Next, the acquiring unit 614 and the information group recording unit 616 cooperate to write information indicating the presence of preforms into the information info[x,y] of the preform group [x,y] when the first reversing member 210 holds the preform group with batch number x and the preform group is inserted into the first conveying member 310 (step S230). Note that when information is written into the information info[x,y], the information may be added and displayed on the display unit 710 each time (or the information of the information info[x,y] may be displayed all at once on the display unit 710 during steps S290 and S295, which will be described later). At this time, the acquiring unit 614 and the information group recording unit 616 cooperate to write whether the preforms 10 were molded by non-conventional injection molding into the information info[x,y] of the preform group [x,y] (step S232). At this time, whether the preforms 10 passed through the first reversing pot 212 or the second reversing pot 214 (information on the cooling block through which the preforms 10 passed) is written to the information info[x,y] of the preform group [x,y] (step S234). The information written in steps S230, S232, and S234 may be displayed on the display unit 710 as information on whether the preforms 10 are on the first transport block 310 (Preform exist), whether the preforms 10 were molded by non-conventional injection molding (Intermittency preform exist), and whether the preforms 10 passed through the first reversing pot 212 or the second reversing pot 214 (Cooling Block) (FIG. 6).

[0047] Next, the acquiring unit 614 and the information group recording unit 616 cooperate to evaluate the temperature of the preforms in the preform group [x, y] moving from Station No. 5 to Station No. 6 based on the information output from the sensor 615b (FIG. 5), and write the temperature information before heating into the information info[x, y] of the preform group [x, y] (step S240). The information written in step S240 may be displayed on the display unit 710 as information on the temperature of the preforms 10 before heating in the heating unit 360 (before reheating) (FIG. 6).

[0048] Next, the acquiring unit 614 and the information group recording unit 616 cooperate to evaluate the floating of preforms in the preform group [x, y] moving from Station No. 5 to Station No. 6 based on the information output from the sensor 615a (FIG. 5), and write information on the presence or absence of floating into the information info[x, y] of the preform group [x, y] (step S250). The information written in step S250 may be displayed on the display unit 710 as information on the attitude (floating) of the preforms (FIG. 6).

[0049] Next, the acquisition unit 614 and the information group recording unit 616 cooperate to evaluate the temperature of the preforms in the preform group [x, y] moving from Station No. 13 to Station No. 14 based on the information output from the sensor 615c (FIG. 5), and write the post-heating temperature information in the information info[x, y] for the preform group [x, y] (step S260). The information written in step S260 may be displayed on the display unit 710 as information on the temperature of the preforms 10 after heating in the heating unit 360 (after reheating) (FIG. 6). At this time, the determination unit 618 may determine whether the post-heating temperature recorded in the information info[x, y] for the preform group [x, y] is within a specified range, and display on the display unit 710 whether the temperature of the preforms 10 is within the specified range (blow temperature) (FIG. 6).

[0050] Next, the acquisition unit 614 and the information group recording unit 616 cooperate to evaluate the number of preforms in the preform group [x, y] moving from Station No. 14 to Station No. 15 (the number of preforms on the first conveying member 310) based on the information output from the sensor 615d (FIG. 5), and write information on the number of preforms into information info[x, y] of the preform group [x, y] (step S270). The information written in step S270 may be displayed on the display unit 710 as information on the number of preforms 10 (preform counter) (FIG. 6).

[0051] Next, the determination unit 618 determines whether the information info[x,y] for the preform group [x,y] moved to Station No. 15 includes the following information: preforms are present; the preforms are not molded by non-conventional injection molding; there is no preform lift; the temperature of each preform is within a specified range; and the number of preforms exceeds a specified number (Step S280). If the determination unit 618 has all the information (Step S280: Yes), it outputs a determination result that blow molding is possible. In response to this output, the transfer instruction unit 620 outputs a transfer instruction to the second reversal unit 400 of the blow molding apparatus 1. Through this process, the preform group [x,y] is transported to the blow molding process (Step S290). If the determination unit 618 does not have all the information (Step S280: No), it does not output a determination result that blow molding is possible. As a result, the preform group [x,y] is discharged from the machine without being transported to the blow molding process (Step S295). Through this series of processes, information about the preform 10 is managed to manufacture the container 20. The result of the determination in step S280 may be displayed on the display unit 710 as information about the determination result (preform transfer) as to whether blow molding is possible (FIG. 6).

[0052] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination result is output that the preforms at ID shot, row 4.0 to 4.2, where Preform exist is indicated as NG and Intermittency preform exist is indicated as NG, are not suitable for blow molding. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination result is output that the preform at ID shot, row 2.2, where Floating is indicated as NG, is not suitable for blow molding. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination result is output that the preform at ID shot, row 1.2, where Blow temperature is indicated as NG, is not suitable for blow molding. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination result is output that the preform at ID shot, row 1.2, where Blow temperature is indicated as NG, is not suitable for blow molding (Preform transfer: NG). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination result is output that the preform at ID shot, row 1.1, where Preform counter is indicated as 11, is not suitable for blow molding (Preform transfer: NG).

[0053] For example, a 1.5-step machine has multiple moving parts that operate simultaneously and transfer molded products to the next process. Improper transfer of molded products can cause malfunctions or damage to the moving parts, resulting in a shutdown of the molding machine. Furthermore, in a 1-1.5-step molding machine, appropriate molding conditions are determined by taking into account the heat retained in the molded product from injection molding. If the molding machine shuts down, the molded product will no longer meet the appropriate molding conditions and will be discarded and wasted. Furthermore, moving parts operated at high speeds are subject to increased wear. Transferring molded products to the next process without the appropriate molding conditions results in unnecessary operation of the moving parts in the next process, shortening their component lifespan. Furthermore, high-speed molding makes it difficult to determine appropriate molding conditions for each process, making it difficult to consistently produce high-quality final molded products. It also makes it difficult to determine which molding conditions are adversely affecting the molded product. Therefore, improvements were needed to stabilize the mechanical operation and molding process of the molding machine, even under high-speed molding.

[0054] According to the information management method of this embodiment, by classifying preforms 10 for each injection molding cycle and recording information about preforms 10 linked to the classified preform groups, it becomes possible to optimize the mechanical operation of blow molding apparatus 1 and determine whether molding conditions are appropriate, thereby improving the mechanical operation and molding process stability of blow molding apparatus 1. This information management method is particularly useful for 1.5-step blow molding apparatuses that simultaneously mold a large number of preforms and have a large number of transfer sections.

[0055] Furthermore, by linking and managing a group of information including at least the current position of the preform group within the blow molding apparatus 1 and information regarding the state of the molded product for each preform group, it is possible to grasp information about the preforms 10 being transported within the blow molding apparatus 1. Furthermore, when linking and managing a group of information including at least the injection molding cycle number, the blow molding cycle number within the injection molding cycle number, the current position of the preform group within the blow molding apparatus 1, and information regarding the state of the molded product for each preform group, it is possible to grasp information about the preforms 10 being transported within the blow molding apparatus 1 in more detail. Furthermore, by displaying this group of information on the display unit 710, it is possible to visualize information about the preforms 10 being transported within the blow molding apparatus.

[0056] Furthermore, by linking and recording and managing information regarding the state of the molded product, including at least whether or not the preforms 10 are on the first conveying member 310, the temperature of the preforms 10 before heating in the heating section 360, the temperature of the preforms 10 after heating in the heating section 360, the posture of the preforms 10, and the number of preforms 10, it is possible to grasp information regarding the preforms 10 being conveyed within the blow molding apparatus 1 more specifically.

[0057] Furthermore, whether or not blow molding is possible is determined comprehensively based on factors such as whether or not the preforms 10 are on the first conveying member 310, the temperature of the preforms 10 after heating (after temperature control), the posture of the preforms 10, and the number of preforms 10, and by transferring preforms 10 that meet the appropriate blow molding conditions to the blow molding section 500, unnecessary operation of the moving parts of the blow molding section 500 (reversal section, blow conveying section, etc.) can be reduced, thereby extending the life of the parts. Also, energy savings can be achieved by not performing unnecessary blow molding.

[0058] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be freely modified, improved, etc. The material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.

[0059] For example, in the above embodiment, various functional units are implemented in a processor of a single device, but the various functional units may be distributed across processors of multiple devices via a local network or the Internet. Also, in the above embodiment, the display unit 710 and the input unit 720 are described as separate units, but they may be configured as a single functional unit capable of inputting and displaying data using a touch panel or the like. Furthermore, the blow molding apparatus 1 in which the information management method for resin molded products of the present disclosure is implemented may be a hot parison type (single-stage type) apparatus in which preforms are intermittently transported to each molding station by a turntable at predetermined angles (for example, 120° or 90°). In this case, the first transport member 310 is a neck mold, and the transport section 300 is a turntable to which the neck mold is fixed.

[0060] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2020-123155) filed on July 17, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1: blow molding apparatus, 10: preform, 20: container, 100: injection molding section, 200: first reversing section, 300: conveying section, 310: first conveying member, 360: heating section, 400: second reversing section, 500: blow molding section, 600: information management device, 612: classification section, 614: acquisition section, 616: information group recording section, 618: judgment section, 700: input / output device

Claims

1. 1. A method for managing information on resin molded products in a molding device that intermittently manufactures resin molded products, comprising: a step of classifying the resin molded products into molded product groups for each molding cycle; acquiring a group of information for each group of molded products; a step of recording the acquired information group in association with the molded product group; Including, the molding apparatus is a blow molding apparatus including an injection molding unit that injection-moldes a bottomed resin preform, and a blow molding unit that blow-moldes the preform molded in the injection molding unit to manufacture a resin container, The method for managing information on resin molded products, wherein the group of information includes at least information on the current position of the group of molded products within the blow molding device and information on the state of the molded products.

2. the classifying step is a step of classifying the preforms molded in the injection molding unit into groups of molded products for each injection molding cycle and for each blow molding cycle among the preforms molded in one injection molding cycle, 2. The method for managing information on resin molded products according to claim 1, wherein the group of information includes at least an injection molding cycle number, a blow molding cycle number within the injection molding cycle number, the current position of the group of molded products within the blow molding device, and information on the state of the molded products.

3. the blow molding apparatus includes a conveying member that conveys preforms from the injection molding unit to the blow molding unit, and a heating unit that heats the preforms while conveying them to the blow molding unit, The information about the state of the molded product includes at least whether or not the preform is on the conveying member, whether or not the preform is molded by non-normal injection molding for partially maintaining the operating state of the blow molding apparatus, information about the cooling member through which the preform passed, the temperature of the preform before heating in the heating section, the temperature of the preform after heating in the heating section, the posture of the preform, and the number of the preforms; the temperature of the preform before heating in the heating section, the temperature of the preform after heating in the heating section, the attitude of the preform, and the number of the preforms are a group of information detected by a sensor disposed in the blow molding apparatus; and determining whether or not blow molding is possible based on the information about the state of the molded product. The method for managing information on a resin molded product according to claim 2.

4. A method for manufacturing a resin container using a blow molding device including: an injection molding unit that injection-moldes a bottomed resin preform; a blow molding unit that blow-moldes the preform molded in the injection molding unit to manufacture a resin container; a conveying member that conveys the preform from the injection molding unit to the blow molding unit; and a heating unit that heats the preform while conveying it to the blow molding unit, a step of determining whether or not blow molding is possible using the information management method for resin molded products according to claim 3, A method for manufacturing a resin container, wherein if the result of the judgment on whether or not blow molding is possible indicates that blow molding is possible, the preform is transferred from the conveying member to the blow molding section and a resin container is blow molded.

5. 1. A resin molding information management device in a molding device that intermittently manufactures resin moldings, comprising: a sorting unit that sorts the resin molded products into molded product groups for each molding cycle; an acquisition unit that acquires information groups for each of the molded product groups; an information group recording unit that records the information group acquired by the acquisition unit in association with the molded article group; Including, the molding apparatus is a blow molding apparatus including an injection molding unit that injection-moldes a bottomed resin preform, and a blow molding unit that blow-moldes the preform molded in the injection molding unit to manufacture a resin container, An information management device for resin molded products, wherein the group of information includes at least information regarding the current position of the group of molded products within the blow molding device and information regarding the state of the molded products.

6. the classification unit classifies the preforms molded in the injection molding unit into molded product groups for each injection molding cycle and for each blow molding cycle among the preforms molded in one injection molding cycle; 6. The information management device for resin molded products according to claim 5, wherein the group of information includes at least an injection molding cycle number, a blow molding cycle number within the injection molding cycle number, the current position of the group of molded products within the blow molding device, and information regarding the state of the molded products.

7. the blow molding apparatus includes a conveying member that conveys preforms from the injection molding unit to the blow molding unit, and a heating unit that heats the preforms while conveying them to the blow molding unit, The information about the state of the molded product includes at least whether or not the preform is on the conveying member, whether or not the preform is molded by non-normal injection molding for partially maintaining the operating state of the blow molding apparatus, information about the cooling member through which the preform passed, the temperature of the preform before heating in the heating section, the temperature of the preform after heating in the heating section, the posture of the preform, and the number of the preforms; the temperature of the preform before heating in the heating section, the temperature of the preform after heating in the heating section, the attitude of the preform, and the number of the preforms are a group of information detected by a sensor disposed in the blow molding apparatus; a determination unit that determines whether or not blow molding is possible based on the information about the state of the molded product, The information management device for resin molded products according to claim 6.

8. 10. A blow molding apparatus comprising: an injection molding section that injection-moldes a bottomed resin preform; a blow molding section that blow-moldes the preform molded in the injection molding section to manufacture a resin container; a transport member that transports the preform from the injection molding section to the blow molding section; a heating section that heats the preform while transporting it to the blow molding section; and the information management device for resin molded products according to claim 7, A blow molding apparatus that, when the judgment result of the judgment unit of the information management device as to whether or not blow molding is possible indicates that blow molding is possible, transfers the preform from the conveying member to the blow molding unit and blow-molds a resin container.

9. The blow molding apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a display unit configured to be able to display elements relating to the information group.

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