Manufacturing equipment, manufacturing systems, and methods for manufacturing articles

Abstract

To improve the quality of manufactured articles.SOLUTION: The manufacturing device includes a feed port to which molten resin is fed, a first resin flow path including a first storage section capable of storing molten resin and connecting the feed port and the first projectile outlet, a second resin flow path including a second storage section capable of storing molten resin and connecting the feed port and the second projectile outlet, a first storage plunger movable to change the capacity of the first storage section to eject molten resin stored in the first storage section from the first ejection outlet by moving the plunger so that the capacity of the first storage section decreases, and the second plunger is movable to change the capacity of the second storage section and to eject molten resin stored in the second storage section from the second storage section by moving the plunger so that the capacity of the second storage section decreases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the manufacture of articles.

Background Art

[0002] Injection molding apparatuses that can manufacture articles by molding a plurality of molded products in a single injection operation or by molding a plurality of molded products on a workpiece are generally known. In order to mold a plurality of molded products simultaneously, a plurality of cavities corresponding to the shape of the molded products are defined in the mold, and molten resin is injected into the plurality of cavities at once. If the plurality of cavities have the same shape as each other, a plurality of molded products having the same shape as each other can be manufactured, and if the plurality of cavities have different shapes from each other, a plurality of molded products having different shapes from each other can be manufactured. Also, molded products are manufactured by injecting molten resin from a plurality of injection ports into one cavity. In any case, molten resin is injected from a plurality of injection ports. When injecting molten resin from a plurality of injection ports, it is necessary to control the amount of molten resin injected from each injection port.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an injection molding apparatus in which a valve pin is provided at an injection port connected to each cavity. In the injection molding apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the amount of molten resin injected into each cavity is controlled by controlling the timing of opening and closing of the injection port by the valve pin in accordance with the capacity (volume) of each cavity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Each valve pin is configured to be driven by a drive mechanism including an electric motor or an air cylinder. As described in Patent Document 1, if the amount of resin supplied to each cavity and the resin pressure are to be controlled by the opening and closing timing of each injection port, errors such as time lags in the opening and closing timing of each injection port may occur. Such errors can cause variations in the amount of resin injected into each cavity or differences in resin pressure in each cavity, which can affect the quality of the molded product. Similarly, even when molten resin is injected into a single cavity from multiple injection ports, this can affect the quality of the molded product.

[0006] The present invention aims to improve the quality of manufactured articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises a defining section that defines a supply port for supplying molten resin, a first resin channel including a first storage section capable of storing molten resin and connecting the supply port and a first injection port, and a second resin channel including a second storage section capable of storing molten resin and connecting the supply port and a second injection port; a first plunger that is movable to change the capacity of the first storage section and injects the molten resin stored in the first storage section from the first injection port by moving in such a way that the capacity of the first storage section decreases; and a second plunger that is movable to change the capacity of the second storage section and injects the molten resin stored in the second storage section from the second injection port by moving in such a way that the capacity of the second storage section decreases. A manufacturing apparatus comprising: the first resin flow path includes a first partial flow path connecting the supply port and the first storage section; a second partial flow path connecting the first storage section and the first injection port; a first intermediate flow path connecting the first partial flow path and the first storage section and the first storage section and the second partial flow path; and a connecting flow path connecting the first partial flow path and the second partial flow path; the second resin flow path includes a third partial flow path connecting the supply port and the second storage section; a fourth partial flow path connecting the second storage section and the second injection port; and a second intermediate flow path connecting the third partial flow path and the second storage section and the second storage section and the fourth partial flow path; and the first plunger moves such that the capacity of the first storage section decreases, thereby discharging the molten resin stored in the first storage section from the first injection port via the first intermediate flow path and the second partial flow path. The injection mechanism includes a valve member provided in the connecting channel and the second partial channel, which is movable in the direction of the flow path of the second partial channel. The first partial channel and the first intermediate channel are connected to the connecting channel, and the valve member includes a first valve portion which opens and closes the first injection port when the valve member moves in the direction of the flow path, and a second valve portion which opens the resin outlet of the first partial channel so that the first partial channel communicates with the first intermediate channel when the first valve portion moves to a position that closes the first injection port, and closes the resin outlet of the first partial channel when the first valve portion moves to a position that opens the first injection port. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a supply port for supplying molten resin, a storage section capable of storing molten resin, a first partial flow path connecting the supply port and the storage section, a second partial flow path connecting the storage section and the injection port, a relay flow path connecting the first partial flow path and the storage section and the storage section and the second partial flow path, and a connecting flow path connecting the first partial flow path and the second partial flow path, which defines a resin flow path connecting the supply port and the injection port, and a plunger that is movable to change the capacity of the storage section and moves to decrease the capacity of the storage section to inject the molten resin stored in the storage section from the injection port. The device comprises a valve member provided in the connecting channel and the second partial channel so as to be movable in the flow direction of the second partial channel, wherein the first partial channel and the relay channel are connected to the connecting channel, and the valve member has a first valve portion that opens and closes the injection port when the valve member moves in the flow direction, and a second valve portion that opens the resin outlet of the first partial channel so as to communicate with the relay channel when the first valve portion moves to a position that closes the injection port, and closes the resin outlet of the first partial channel when the first valve portion moves to a position that opens the injection port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the quality of the manufactured articles is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) and (b) are plan views of the injection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of two resin channels according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a portion of a valve pin according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6](a) is a cross-sectional view of the second valve portion and its vicinity. (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second valve portion and its vicinity along the VIB-VIB line. [Figure 7] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the second valve portion and its vicinity. (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second valve portion and its vicinity along the VIIB-VIIB line. [Figure 8] It is a longitudinal sectional view of an injection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a longitudinal sectional view of an injection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a longitudinal sectional view of an injection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a longitudinal sectional view of an injection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a longitudinal sectional view of an injection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory view of an article according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory view of an article according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of a manufacturing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory view of an article according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a plan view of a main part of a manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a plan view of a main part of a manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a plan view of a main part of a manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is an explanatory view of two resin flow paths of a manufacturing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure can be applied to an injection molding apparatus that injects molten resin into a mold to form an article, or an injection molding apparatus in which a workpiece such as a molded part or a metal part is set in the apparatus and molten resin is injected into the workpiece to form an article. For example, an article can also be manufactured by insert molding, outsert molding, or two-color molding. Hereinafter, outsert molding will be described as an example.

[0012] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a manufacturing apparatus 1000 according to the first embodiment. The manufacturing apparatus 1000 is, for example, a small injection molding apparatus and can be used in an article production line. For molding small molded parts, a pre-plunger type injection molding apparatus is suitable as a small injection molding apparatus. Hereinafter, the case where the manufacturing apparatus 1000 is a pre-plunger type injection molding apparatus will be described. In a pre-plunger type injection molding apparatus, molten resin is stored in a cylinder that defines a storage portion, thereby measuring the amount of molten resin to be injected into the cavity.

[0013] The manufacturing apparatus 1000 of the first embodiment is used to manufacture an article by outsert molding a molded product at each of a plurality of locations of the workpiece 13. The article manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 1000 may be an intermediate product or a final product.

[0014] The manufacturing apparatus 1000 includes an injection unit 100, a holding member 30 that holds the workpiece 13, and a control device 200 that controls the injection unit 100. The control device 200 is an example of a control unit and is configured by, for example, one or more computers.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the injection unit 100 according to the first embodiment. The injection unit 100 includes a resin supply unit 46, a plasticizing unit 49, a defining unit 52, and an injection unit 40. The resin supply unit 46 is, for example, a hopper. A pellet-shaped resin material is, for example, input into the resin supply unit 46. The resin material is, for example, a thermoplastic resin. The resin material input into the resin supply unit 46 is supplied to the plasticizing unit 49.

[0016] The plasticizing section 49 is connected to a supply port S1 into which molten resin is supplied. The plasticizing section 49 includes a hollow cylindrical cylinder 47, a screw 50 positioned inside the cylinder 47, and a heater 51 positioned on the outer circumference of the cylinder 47. Resin material is supplied into the cylinder 47 from the resin supply section 46. When the cylinder 47 is heated by the heater 51, the resin material supplied into the cylinder 47 is heated. As the resin material is heated, it is plasticized and melted, and then transported to the defining section 52 by the screw 50. The defining section 52 is composed of multiple members that define multiple resin flow paths. The resin melted by the plasticizing section 49, i.e., the molten resin, is supplied to each resin flow path. The direction in which the resin flows in a flow path is called the flow path direction. Typically, the flow path direction of a certain flow path coincides with the longitudinal direction of that flow path. . style If the channel is cylindrical, the direction of the channel will coincide with the axial direction of the cylinder.

[0017] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are plan views of the injection unit 100 according to the first embodiment. In each of Figures 3(a) and 3(b), a portion of the injection unit 100 is shown in cross-section. In the first embodiment, as an example of multiple resin flow paths, the defining section 52 defines three resin flow paths 521, 522, and 523 through which molten resin flows from a supply port S1 connected to a single plasticizer 49 to three injection ports G1, G2, and G3. resin The number of flow channels is not limited to three; it may be two, four, or more.

[0018] The resin channel 521 is an example of a first resin channel, and is a resin channel connecting the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected to the injection port G1. The resin channel 522 is an example of a second resin channel, and is a resin channel connecting the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected to the injection port G2. The resin channel 523 is an example of a third resin channel, and is a resin channel connecting the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected to the injection port G3. In the first embodiment, a main channel 52a shared by multiple resin channels 521, 522, and 523 is defined by the defining section 52. The main channel 52a is connected to the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected.

[0019] Each of the injection ports G1, G2, and G3 is a gate from which molten resin is injected. Injection port G1 is an example of the first injection port. Injection port G2 is an example of the second injection port. Injection port G3 is an example of the third injection port. Injection port G1 is connected to cavity CV1. Injection port G2 is connected to cavity CV2. Injection port G3 is connected to cavity CV3. Cavity CV1 is an example of the first cavity. Cavity CV2 is an example of the second cavity. Cavity CV3 is an example of the third cavity. Molten resin injected from injection port G1 fills cavity CV1, molten resin injected from injection port G2 fills cavity CV2, and molten resin injected from injection port G3 fills cavity CV3. The entire molding section 52 is heated by a heater. Each cavity CV1, CV2, and CV3 is defined, for example, by the mold and the workpiece 13.

[0020] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the two resin channels 521 and 522 according to the first embodiment. Note that the resin channel 523 is not shown in Figure 4.

[0021] The resin flow path 521 includes a storage section 58, a partial flow path 52x, a partial flow path 52e, and a partial flow path 52h. The storage section 58 is an example of a first storage section and is a space capable of storing molten resin supplied from the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected. The partial flow path 52x is an example of a first partial flow path and connects the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected to the storage section 58. The partial flow path 52x includes a main flow path 52a and a branch flow path 52b. The branch flow path 52b is an example of a first branch flow path and branches off from the main flow path 52a. The partial flow path 52e is an example of a first intermediate flow path and connects the branch flow path 52b of the partial flow path 52x to the storage section 58 and connects the storage section 58 to the partial flow path 52h. The partial flow path 52h is an example of a second partial flow path and connects the partial flow path 52e to the injection port G1. In other words, the partial flow path 52h connects the storage section 58 and the injection port G1.

[0022] The resin flow path 522 includes a storage section 59, a partial flow path 52y, a partial flow path 52f, and a partial flow path 52i. The storage section 59 is an example of a second storage section and is a space capable of storing molten resin supplied from the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected. The partial flow path 52y is an example of a third partial flow path and connects the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected to the storage section 59. The partial flow path 52y includes a main flow path 52a and a branched flow path 52c. The branched flow path 52c is an example of a second branched flow path and branches off from the main flow path 52a. The partial flow path 52f is an example of a second intermediate flow path and connects the branched flow path 52c of the partial flow path 52y to the storage section 59 and connects the storage section 59 to the partial flow path 52i. The partial flow path 52i is an example of a fourth partial flow path and connects the partial flow path 52f to the injection port G2. In other words, the partial flow path 52i connects the storage section 59 and the injection port G2.

[0023] The resin flow path 523 includes a storage section 60, a sub-flow path including a main flow path 52a and a branch flow path 52d, a sub-flow path 52g, and a sub-flow path 52j. The storage section 60 is an example of a third storage section and is a space capable of storing molten resin supplied from the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected. The sub-flow path including the main flow path 52a and the branch flow path 52d is an example of a fifth sub-flow path and connects the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected to the storage section 60. The branch flow path 52d is an example of a third branch flow path and branches off from the main flow path 52a. The sub-flow path 52g is an example of a third intermediate flow path and connects the branch flow path 52d to the storage section 60 and the storage section 60 to the sub-flow path 52j. The sub-flow path 52j is an example of a sixth sub-flow path and connects the sub-flow path 52g to the injection port G3. In other words, the partial flow path 52j connects the storage section 60 and the injection port G3.

[0024] Thus, a main flow path 52a, shared by three resin flow paths 521, 522, and 523, is defined inside the defining section 52. In addition, three branch flow paths 52b, 52c, and 52d, branching off from the main flow path 52a, are defined inside the defining section 52. Each of the branch flow paths 52b, 52c, and 52d is defined by a bend so that it is not directly connected to the main flow path 52a. This prevents molten resin from concentrating in some of the branch flow paths, that is, prevents the resin pressure in some of the branch flow paths from becoming too high.

[0025] Furthermore, the branch channels 52b, 52c, and 52d have different lengths. That is, as shown in Figure 4, the total length L1 of the subchannels 52x and 52e is different from the total length L2 of the subchannels 52y and 52f.

[0026] The length of the partial channel 52e is longer than its diameter. The partial channel 52e is defined such that its cross-sectional area gradually widens toward the storage section 58. The length of the partial channel 52f is longer than its diameter. The partial channel 52f is defined such that its cross-sectional area gradually widens toward the storage section 59. The length of the partial channel 52g is longer than its diameter. The partial channel 52g is defined such that its cross-sectional area gradually widens toward the storage section 60. This allows molten resin to be smoothly stored in each of the storage sections 58, 59, and 60.

[0027] Furthermore, the partial flow path 52e may be defined such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path continuously widens toward the storage section 58. Also, the partial flow path 52f may be defined such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path continuously widens toward the storage section 59. Also, the partial flow path 52g may be defined such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path continuously widens toward the storage section 60.

[0028] The injection unit 40 includes plungers 55, 56, and 57, a drive unit 70, valve pins 61, 62, and 63, and a drive device (not shown) that drives the valve pins 61, 62, and 63.

[0029] The plunger 55 is an example of a first plunger and is positioned in the cylinder of the defining section 52 so as to be movable to change the volume of the reservoir 58. By moving the plunger 55 to decrease the volume of the reservoir 58, the molten resin stored in the reservoir 58 can be injected from the outlet G1 into the cavity CV1 via the partial flow channels 52e and 52h.

[0030] The plunger 56 is an example of a second plunger and is positioned in the cylinder of the defining section 52 so as to be movable to change the volume of the reservoir 59. By moving the plunger 56 to decrease the volume of the reservoir 59, the molten resin stored in the reservoir 59 can be injected from the outlet G2 into the cavity CV2 via the partial flow channels 52f and 52i.

[0031] Plunger 57 is an example of a third plunger and is positioned in the cylinder of the defining section 52 so as to be movable to change the volume of the reservoir 60. By moving plunger 57 to decrease the volume of the reservoir 60, the molten resin stored in the reservoir 60 can be injected from the outlet G3 into the cavity CV3 via the partial flow channels 52g and 52j.

[0032] In this way, molten resin can be supplied from one plasticizing unit 49, i.e., one supply port S1, to multiple resin channels 521, 522, 523, and to multiple cavities CV1, CV2, CV3. The resin channel 521 has a storage section 58, the resin channel 522 has a storage section 59, and the resin channel 523 has a storage section 60. A plunger 55 is placed in the storage section 58, a plunger 56 in the storage section 59, and a plunger 57 in the storage section 60. As a result, an amount of molten resin corresponding to the capacity of each cavity CV1, CV2, CV3 can be stored in the respective storage sections 58, 59, and 60, and then injected into each cavity CV1, CV2, CV3 by the respective plungers 55, 56, and 57. This makes it possible to manufacture molded products in each cavity CV1, CV2, CV3 with high precision, and improves the quality of each molded product. In the first embodiment, multiple molded products formed on the workpiece 13 can be manufactured with high precision, thereby improving the quality of the manufactured articles. In addition, in the first embodiment, the resin channels 521, 522, and 523 are configured so that molten resin is supplied from one plasticizer 49 to the storage sections 58, 59, and 60. As a result, there is no need to provide multiple plasticizers corresponding to multiple storage sections 58, 59, and 60, and the manufacturing apparatus 1000, i.e., the injection unit 100, can be made smaller.

[0033] The drive unit 70 is configured to drive the plungers 55, 56, and 57 individually. In the first embodiment, the drive unit 70 includes a drive mechanism 71 capable of driving plunger 55, a drive mechanism 72 capable of driving plunger 56, and a drive mechanism 73 capable of driving plunger 57. The drive mechanisms 71, 72, and 73 can operate independently of each other. The drive unit 70, i.e., each drive mechanism 71, 72, and 73, operates under the control of the control device 200. Each drive mechanism 71, 72, and 73 is configured to include, for example, an electric mechanism such as a motor, or a pneumatic mechanism such as an air cylinder.

[0034] The drive mechanism 71 has a pressing member 711 that can contact and separate from the plunger 55. The pressing member 711 can press the plunger 55 so that the capacity of the storage section 58 decreases. The drive mechanism 72 has a pressing member 712 that can contact and separate from the plunger 56. The pressing member 712 can press the plunger 56 so that the capacity of the storage section 59 decreases. The drive mechanism 73 has a pressing member 713 that can contact and separate from the plunger 57. The pressing member 713 can press the plunger 57 so that the capacity of the storage section 60 decreases. The pressing member 711 is an example of a first pressing member. The pressing member 712 is an example of a second pressing member. The pressing member 713 is an example of a third pressing member.

[0035] Valve pins 61, 62, and 63 are valve members whose tips are valves (gate valves) that open and close the injection ports G1, G2, and G3, respectively. As shown in Figure 1, valve pin 61 is a rod-shaped member extending in the axial direction Z1. Valve pin 62 is a rod-shaped member extending in the axial direction Z2. Valve pin 63 is a rod-shaped member extending in the axial direction Z3. In the first embodiment, the axial directions Z1, Z2, and Z3 are parallel to each other, but they may intersect each other.

[0036] The tip of valve pin 61 in the axial direction Z1 is a valve portion 61a that closes and opens the injection port G1 by moving in the axial direction Z1. The tip of valve pin 62 in the axial direction Z2 is a valve portion 62a that closes and opens the injection port G2 by moving in the axial direction Z2. The tip of valve pin 63 in the axial direction Z3 is a valve portion that closes and opens the injection port G3 by moving in the axial direction Z3. Each valve pin 61, 62, and 63 is driven in the respective axial directions Z1, Z2, and Z3 by a drive device (not shown). The drive device (not shown) includes, for example, an electric mechanism such as a motor, or a pneumatic mechanism such as an air cylinder.

[0037] Valve pin 61 is provided in partial flow path 52h, valve pin 62 is provided in partial flow path 52i, and valve pin 63 is provided in partial flow path 52j. The tip of partial flow path 52h in the axial direction Z1 is the injection port G1. The tip of partial flow path 52i in the axial direction Z2 is the injection port G2. The tip of partial flow path 52j in the axial direction Z3 is the injection port G3.

[0038] Partial flow path 52h is a flow path used to supply molten resin from the storage section 58 to the cavity CV1. Partial flow path 52i is a flow path used to supply molten resin from the storage section 59 to the cavity CV2. Partial flow path 52j is a flow path used to supply molten resin from the storage section 60 to the cavity CV3. The injection unit 100 has a heater 41 shown in Figure 1, which is arranged along the partial flow path 52h, a heater 42 shown in Figure 1, which is arranged along the partial flow path 52i, and a heater 43 shown in Figure 1, which is arranged along the partial flow path 52j. Heater 41 is an example of a first heater, heater 42 is an example of a second heater, and heater 43 is an example of a third heater. Heater 41 is arranged on the outer circumference of a cylindrical protruding member 91 that defines the partial flow path 52h in the defining section 52. The heater 42 is positioned on the outer circumference of a cylindrical protruding member 92 that defines a partial flow path 52i in the defining section 52. The heater 43 is positioned on the outer circumference of a cylindrical protruding member 93 that defines a partial flow path 52j in the defining section 52.

[0039] The height positions at the injection outlets G1, G2, and G3, i.e., the lengths of the partial flow channels 52h, 52i, and 52j, are set according to the positions of the cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3, i.e., the positions in the workpiece 13 where the molded product is to be formed. For this reason, the partial flow channels 52h, 52i, and 52j can be set to different lengths from each other. Thus, the lengths of each heater 41, 42, and 43 are set according to the lengths of each partial flow channel 52h, 52i, and 52j.

[0040] In the example of the first embodiment, the partial flow path 52h is longer than the partial flow path 52i. Therefore, the heater 41 is set to be longer than the heater 42. In the first embodiment, the length of the partial flow path 52h is the length of the partial flow path 52h in the axial direction Z1, and the length of the partial flow path 52i is the length of the partial flow path 52i in the axial direction Z2. Also in the first embodiment, the length of the heater 41 is the length of the heater 41 in the axial direction Z1, and the length of the heater 42 is the length of the heater 42 in the axial direction Z2. If the length of the partial flow path 52h is L11 and the length of the partial flow path 52i is L12, then L11 > L12. Also, if the length of the heater 41 is L21 and the length of the heater 42 is L22, then L21 > L22.

[0041] The molten resin flowing through the respective sub-flow channels 52h, 52i, and 52j and supplied to the respective cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3 is well maintained at a predetermined temperature by the respective heaters 41, 42, and 43, thereby maintaining a good molten state.

[0042] Valve pin 61 includes a valve section 61b that opens and closes the resin outlet of the partial flow path 52x, i.e., the resin outlet 81 of the branched flow path 52b. Valve pin 62 includes a valve section 62b that opens and closes the resin outlet of the partial flow path 52y, i.e., the resin outlet 82 of the branched flow path 52c. The valve section 62b has the same configuration as valve section 61b. Although not shown in the illustration, valve pin 63 has a valve section with the same configuration as valve sections 61b and 62b that opens and closes the resin outlet 83 of the branched flow path 52d.

[0043] Since the configuration of the valve portion 62b of valve pin 62 and the valve portion of valve pin 63 is the same as the configuration of the valve portion 61b of valve pin 61, the valve portion 61b will be described below. Here, the valve portion 61a of valve pin 61 is an example of a first valve portion, and the valve portion 61b of valve pin 61 is an example of a second valve portion.

[0044] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the valve pin 61 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the valve portion 61b and its vicinity in Figure 2. Figure 6(a) shows the state in which the valve portion 61a of the valve pin 61 has moved to the closed position P1, which closes the injection port G1. Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the valve portion 61b and its vicinity along the line VIB-VIB in Figure 6(a). Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the valve portion 61b and its vicinity in Figure 2. Figure 7(a) shows the state in which the valve portion 61a of the valve pin 61 has moved to the open position P2, which opens the injection port G1. Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the valve portion 61b and its vicinity along the line VIIB-VIIB in Figure 7(a).

[0045] The defining portion 52 has an inner circumferential surface 155 that defines a hole H1 extending in the axial direction Z1. The inner circumferential surface 155 also defines a connecting passage 52k and a partial passage 52h. The connecting passage 52k is a passage for connecting the partial passage 52x and the partial passage 52h. The valve pin 61 is inserted through the hole H1 defined by the inner circumferential surface 155 and is movable in the axial direction Z1 along the inner circumferential surface 155. Therefore, the valve portion 61b, which is part of the valve pin 61, is slidable in the axial direction Z1 within the hole H1 defined by the inner circumferential surface 155.

[0046] A portion of the hole H1 is a partial channel 52h and a connecting channel 52k. In addition, the branch channel 52b and the partial channel 52e of the partial channel 52x are intersectingly connected to the hole H1, i.e., the connecting channel 52k. In the first embodiment, the branch channel 52b and the partial channel 52e are orthogonally connected to the hole H1, i.e., the connecting channel 52k. A resin outlet 81 for the partial channel 52x, i.e., the resin outlet 81 for the branch channel 52b, is formed on the inner circumferential surface 155.

[0047] The valve pin 61, i.e., the valve portions 61a and 61b, are slidable in the axial direction Z1 in the direction Z11 away from the injection port G1 and in the direction Z12 towards the injection port G1. Direction Z12 is opposite to direction Z11. By sliding the valve pin 61 in the axial direction Z1, the valve portion 61a can move between a closed position P1 that closes the injection port G1 and an open position P2 that opens the injection port G1. The valve portion 61a moves from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 by sliding in the direction Z11. Also, the valve portion 61a moves from the open position P2 to the closed position P1 by sliding in the direction Z12.

[0048] The valve pin 61 has a cylindrical portion 161 extending in the axial direction Z1 and a cylindrical portion 162 extending in the axial direction Z1. The valve portion 61b is provided between the cylindrical portion 161 and the cylindrical portion 162. The cylindrical portion 161 is positioned on the side of the injection port G1 relative to the cylindrical portion 162 and the valve portion 61b, and as the valve pin 61 moves in the axial direction Z1, the tip of the cylindrical portion 161 in the axial direction Z1 opens and closes the injection port G1. That is, the tip of the cylindrical portion 161 in the axial direction Z1 becomes the valve portion 61a that opens and closes the injection port G1.

[0049] The cylindrical portion 162 has a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 161. The cylindrical portion 162 is fitted into the inner circumferential surface 155 of the defining portion 52 so as to be slidable in the axial direction Z1. That is, the outer circumferential surface 1621 of the cylindrical portion 162 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 155 of the defining portion 52.

[0050] The cylindrical portion 161 is positioned so as not to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 155 of the defining portion 52, and the space sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface 155 of the defining portion 52 and the outer circumferential surface 1611 of the cylindrical portion 161 becomes the partial flow channel 52h.

[0051] The valve portion 61b has a cylindrical portion 163 with the same diameter as the cylindrical portion 162, and a cylindrical portion 164 with a smaller diameter than the cylindrical portions 162 and 163. The cylindrical portions 163 and 164 are positioned between the cylindrical portion 161 and the cylindrical portion 162. The outer circumferential surface 1631 of the cylindrical portion 163 is a cylindrical surface and is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 155 of the defining portion 52 in a manner that allows it to slide in the axial direction Z1.

[0052] The cylindrical portion 164 is positioned between the cylindrical portions 163 and 162. Therefore, a ring-shaped groove is defined between the cylindrical portions 162 and 163, and a ring-shaped space R1 corresponding to the ring-shaped groove is defined between the cylindrical portion 164 and the inner circumferential surface 155 of the defining portion 52. The cylindrical portion 163 has a groove portion 1632 that extends in the axial direction Z1 to connect space R1 and the partial flow path 52h. A space R2 connected to space R1 and the partial flow path 52h is defined between the groove portion 1632 and the inner circumferential surface 155 of the defining portion 52. The connecting flow path 52k is formed including these spaces R1 and R2. Note that the cylindrical portions 161 to 164 of the valve pin 61 may be solid or hollow.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6(a), when the valve portion 61a of the valve pin 61 moves to the closed position P1, the outer surface 1631 moves to a position that opens the resin outlet 81 of the branched passage 52b. As a result, the partial passage 52x is connected to the partial passages 52e and 52h via the connecting passage 52k. At this time, since the injection outlet G1 is closed by the valve portion 61a of the valve pin 61, the molten resin M1 that has flowed through the branched passage 52b of the partial passage 52x flows into the storage section 58 via the connecting passage 52k and the partial passage 52e, and is stored in the storage section 58.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(a), when the valve portion 61a of the valve pin 61 moves to the open position P2, the space R1, i.e., the connecting channel 52k, shifts in direction Z11 relative to the resin outlet 81, and the outer surface 1631 moves to a position that closes the resin outlet 81 of the branch channel 52b. At this time, since the injection port G1 is open, by moving the plunger 55 so that the capacity of the storage section 58 decreases, the molten resin M1 stored in the storage section 58 is injected from the injection port G1 via the partial channel 52e and the partial channel 52h.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the branched passage 52b, which is opened and closed by the valve portion 61b, is connected to the hole H1, i.e., the connecting passage 52k, intersecting it. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface 1631 of the valve portion 61b receives the pressure of the molten resin M1 remaining in the branched passage 52b from a direction intersecting the axial direction Z1, rather than from the axial direction Z1. The axial direction Z1 is the driving direction of the valve pin 61. In the example of Figure 7(a), the outer circumferential surface 1631 of the valve portion 61b receives the pressure of the molten resin M1 remaining in the branched passage 52b from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z1.

[0056] Therefore, the valve pin 61, i.e., the valve portion 61b, is prevented from moving axially Z1, specifically in direction Z12, due to the pressure of the molten resin M1 remaining in the branched passage 52b. As a result, the valve portion 61a is held with high precision in the open position P2 that opens the injection port G1, and leakage of molten resin M1 from the branched passage 52b to the partial passage 52h is prevented at the valve portion 61b.

[0057] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface 1631 is a cylindrical surface that extends straight in the axial direction Z1. Therefore, it can be easily manufactured with high precision. The inner circumferential surface 155 that defines the hole H1 is also a cylindrical surface that extends straight in the axial direction Z1. Therefore, it can be easily manufactured with high precision. As a result, leakage of molten resin between the branched channel 52b and the partial channels 52e and 52h through the gap between the outer circumferential surface 1631 and the inner circumferential surface 155 can be effectively reduced.

[0058] As a result of the above configuration of the valve section 61b, the variation in the amount of molten resin injected from the injection port G1 into the cavity CV1 relative to the volume of the cavity CV1 is reduced, and the quality of the molded product, i.e., the article, is improved.

[0059] In the manufacturing apparatus 1000 of the first embodiment, the metering process, injection process, and cooling process are repeated to sequentially manufacture articles. In these processes, the operation of plungers 56 and 57 is substantially the same as the operation of plunger 55, and the operation of valve pins 62 and 63 is substantially the same as the operation of valve pin 61. For this reason, the operation of plunger 55 and valve pin 61 will be described below, and the operation of plungers 56 and 57 and valve pins 62 and 63 will not be described.

[0060] Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection unit 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 shows the state after the metering process has been completed.

[0061] Here, before the start of the metering process, the control device 200 drives and controls the valve pin 61 to move the valve section 61a to the closed position P1 and the valve section 61b to the open position. As a result, the valve section 61a closes the injection port G1 and the valve section 61b opens the resin outlet 81 of the branched passage 52b. A connecting passage 52k (Figure 6(a)) that connects the branched passage 52b to the partial passage 52e is formed by the valve section 61b. Then, in the metering process, the molten resin M1 injected from the plasticizer 49 passes through the main passage 52a, the branched passage 52b, the connecting passage 52k, and the partial passage 52e to fill the storage section 58.

[0062] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection unit 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 illustrates the state when the injection process is started. After the filling of the storage section 58 with molten resin M1 is completed, that is, after the metering process is completed, as shown in Figure 9, the control device 200 drives the valve pin 61 to move the valve section 61a to the open position P2 and the valve section 61b to the closed position. As a result, the valve section 61a opens the injection port G1 and the valve section 61b closes the resin outlet 81 of the branched passage 52b.

[0063] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection unit 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 shows the state after the injection process has been completed. In the injection process, the control device 200 controls the drive mechanism 71 to push the molten resin M1 filled in the storage section 58 out onto the plunger 55. That is, the control device 200 drives the plunger 55 to move it so that the capacity of the storage section 58 decreases. By moving the plunger 55 in this way, the molten resin M1 stored in the storage section 58 is injected from the injection port G1 into the cavity CV1 via the partial flow channels 52e and 52h.

[0064] At this time, the valve section 61b closes the branch channel 52b, preventing the molten resin M1 from flowing back into the branch channel 52b, i.e., the plasticizing section 49. Therefore, the molten resin M1 that has been filled into the storage section 58 and measured to a predetermined amount can be stably injected from the injection port G1.

[0065] Furthermore, the partial flow path 52e has a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually widens toward the plunger 55, that is, the cross-sectional area gradually narrows as it approaches the injection port G1. In this way, compared to the case where the flow path narrows abruptly, the driving force when driving the plunger 55 is efficiently transmitted to the molten resin M1, and the pressure loss of the molten resin M1 from the partial flow path 52e to the injection port G1 is reduced. Therefore, the molten resin M1 can be injected into the cavity CV1 at the desired pressure.

[0066] After the injection process is completed, a metering process to measure the molten resin for the next injection is performed in parallel with a cooling process to cool the molten resin M1 injected into the cavity CV1.

[0067] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection unit 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 shows the state when the metering process is started. As shown in Figure 11, the control device 200 drives the valve pin 61 to move the valve section 61a to the closed position P1 and the valve section 61b to the open position. As a result, the valve section 61a closes the injection port G1 and the valve section 61b opens the resin outlet 81 of the branched passage 52b. The connecting passage 52k, which connects the branched passage 52b to the partial passage 52e, is formed by the valve section 61b. The control device 200 also controls the drive mechanism 71 to retract the pressing member 711 to a position separated from the plunger 55.

[0068] Then, in the metering process, the control device 200 rotates the screw 50 of the plasticizing section 49. As a result, molten resin is injected from the plasticizing section 49. The molten resin M1 injected from the plasticizing section 49 passes through the main channel 52a, the branch channel 52b, the connecting channel 52k, and the partial channel 52e to fill the storage section 58. At this time, the plunger 55 is pressed by the molten resin M1 supplied to the storage section 58 and moves in a direction toward the pressing member 711.

[0069] Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection unit 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 illustrates the state after the metering process has been completed. As shown in Figure 12, the plunger 55 is pressed by the molten resin M1 and retracts to contact the pressing member 711. That is, when the molten resin M1 in the storage section 58 reaches a predetermined volume, the plunger 55 comes into contact with the pressing member 711. The predetermined volume is the same as the volume of the cavity CV1. When the control device 200 detects that the plunger 55 has come into contact with the pressing member 711, it stops the rotation of the screw 50 of the plasticizer section 49 to complete the metering process.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the plunger 55 is separated from the pressing member 711 of the drive mechanism 71. Therefore, it is not necessary to forcibly retract the plunger 55 in the metering process. That is, the plunger 55 retracts due to the pressing force of the molten resin M1. If the plunger is forcibly retracted, the volume of the reservoir will rapidly expand, causing a sudden pressure change in the molten resin in the reservoir, which may cause deterioration of the molten resin in the reservoir or entrapment of air. Molded products made from molten resin subjected to a sudden pressure change may have voids or silver spots. Ri There is a risk of molding defects such as scratches occurring.

[0071] In contrast, in the first embodiment, since the plunger 55 and the drive mechanism 71 are separated, after the pressing member 711 of the drive mechanism 71 is retracted, the plunger 55 can retract while being pushed back by the molten resin M1. This reduces the occurrence of sudden pressure changes in the molten resin M1 in the storage section 58. Therefore, deterioration of the molten resin M1 and entrapment of air can be reduced, and high-quality molded products can be manufactured. Furthermore, it is preferable that either or both of the contact portion of the plunger 55 and the contact portion of the pressing member 711 are spherical. This allows the plunger 55 to correct the tilt of the pressing member 711 and move forward even if the pressing member 711 is slightly tilted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the plunger 55 getting caught on the inner wall of the cylinder, i.e., galling.

[0072] While it is preferable that the plunger 55 and the drive mechanism 71 are separated, the design is not limited to this, and the plunger 55 and the drive mechanism 71 may be connected. Furthermore, the plunger 55 may have a head portion that contacts the molten resin and a shaft portion separated from the head portion, with the shaft portion connected to the drive mechanism 71.

[0073] Furthermore, the configuration and operation of the components related to the resin flow path 522, and the configuration and operation of the components related to the resin flow path 523, are the same as those of the components related to the resin flow path 521. The components related to the resin flow path 521 are the valve pin 61, the plunger 55, and the drive mechanism 71. The components related to the resin flow path 522 are the valve pin 62, the plunger 56, and the drive mechanism 72. The components related to the resin flow path 523 are the valve pin 63, the plunger 57, and the drive mechanism 73. Therefore, molten resin is stably injected from the injection ports G1, G2, and G3.

[0074] Since the plungers 55, 56, and 57 are driven independently by the drive unit 70, their positions can be controlled individually, and the capacities of the storage units 58, 59, and 60 can be adjusted individually. As a result, the amount of resin injected can be adjusted for each injection port G1, G2, and G3. In addition, the plungers 55, 56, and 57 can stably inject molten resin without being affected by each other's injection operations.

[0075] Furthermore, the valve pins 61, 62, and 63 effectively prevent backflow of molten resin into the plasticizing section 49. In addition, the interaction between the opening and closing timings of the valve pins 61, 62, and 63 can be reduced, allowing for the injection of a stable amount of molten resin.

[0076] Here, as shown in Figure 4, a pressure sensor 64 used to detect the resin pressure in the partial flow path 52e is provided in the partial flow path 52e, and a pressure sensor 65 used to detect the resin pressure in the partial flow path 52f is provided in the partial flow path 52f. Pressure sensor 64 is an example of a first pressure sensor. Pressure sensor 65 is an example of a second pressure sensor. In addition, a pressure sensor (not shown) used to detect the resin pressure in the partial flow path 52g is provided in the partial flow path 52g. The pressure sensor (not shown) is an example of a third pressure sensor. It is preferable to place these pressure sensors in locations with a small cross-sectional area in the flow path.

[0077] The control device 200 controls the drive of the plunger 55 by the drive unit 70 based on the pressure value obtained from the detection of the pressure sensor 64. Similarly, the control device 200 controls the drive of the plunger 56 by the drive unit 70 based on the pressure value obtained from the detection of the pressure sensor 65. Similarly, the control device 200 controls the drive of the plunger 57 by the drive unit 70 based on the pressure value obtained from the detection of a pressure sensor (not shown).

[0078] In the first embodiment, the lengths of the branched channels 52b, 52c, and 52d are different. For example, the lengths L1 and L2 shown in Figure 4 are different. Therefore, the timing at which the molten resin is filled into each storage section 58, 59, and 60 is also different. Thus, according to the first embodiment, by measuring the pressure near the storage sections 58, 59, and 60, it is possible to set injection conditions according to the pressure value. In addition, by measuring the injection pressure during injection by each plunger 55, 56, and 57, the driving conditions of each plunger 55, 56, and 57 can be set so that the injection pressures are the same. In the first embodiment, the plungers 55, 56, and 57 and the driving mechanisms 71, 72, and 73 are arranged in accordance with the injection ports G1, G2, and G3, so the driving conditions of the plungers 55, 56, and 57 can be set independently of each other. Thus, the injection state of the molten resin injected from the injection ports G1, G2, and G3 can be matched.

[0079] In the first embodiment, molds 21, 22, and 23 are brought into contact with the resin-molded workpiece 13, thereby defining cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3 between the molds 21, 22, and 23 and the workpiece 13. Mold 21 is an example of a first mold. Mold 22 is an example of a second mold. Mold 23 is an example of a third mold. By injecting molten resin into each of the cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3, three molded parts are outsert-molded onto the workpiece 13 to manufacture an article.

[0080] Figures 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams of article 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 13 is a plan view of article 10, and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of article 10. In the first embodiment, article 10 is manufactured by outsert molding resin molded members 14, 15, and 16 onto a workpiece 13. That is, article 10 is manufactured by adding members 14, 15, and 16 to the workpiece 13. Member 14 is a molded product formed in cavity CV1, member 15 is a molded product formed in cavity CV2, and member 16 is a molded product formed in cavity CV3. Members 14, 15, and 16 are, for example, sealing members for sealing powder.

[0081] Component 14 has a different volume from components 15 and 16. Therefore, the cavity CV1 of the mold 21 used to mold component 14 has a different volume (capacity) from the cavity CV2 of the mold 22 used to mold component 15. Similarly, the cavity CV1 of the mold 21 used to mold component 14 has a different volume (capacity) from the cavity CV3 of the mold 23 used to mold component 16.

[0082] The resin material used for molding is preferably a resin that is suitable for sealing members and can be molded by injection molding, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer resin is preferred.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the plungers 55, 56, and 57 are independent and their positions can be controlled, and the volumes of the storage sections 58, 59, and 60 can be individually changed. That is, the amount of resin stored in the storage sections 58, 59, and 60 can be individually adjusted. As a result, molten resin can be stably injected at each injection port G1, G2, and G3, and the quality of the article 10 can be improved.

[0084] A brief explanation will be given of the manufacturing method for outsert molding components 14, 15, and 16 onto workpiece 13. First, workpiece 13 is attached to the holding member 30 shown in Figure 1. The molds 21, 22, and 23 shown in Figure 8 are placed on the holding member 30.

[0085] A transport platform (not shown) on which the holding member 30 is placed is movable in the mold clamping direction and the mold opening direction. Mold clamping is performed when the transport platform moves in the mold clamping direction. Mold clamping connects the injection ports G1, G2, and G3 to the cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3.

[0086] After mold clamping, during the injection process, the control device 200 moves the valve pins 61, 62, and 63 to open the injection ports G1, G2, and G3. The control device 200 then moves the plungers 55, 56, and 57 so that the capacity of the reservoirs 58, 59, and 60 decreases. As a result, the molten resin filling the reservoirs 58, 59, and 60 is injected from the injection ports G1, G2, and G3 into the cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3.

[0087] In the metering process, the control device 200 moves the valve pins 61, 62, and 63 to close the injection ports G1, G2, and G3. The control device 200 also retracts the pressing members 711, 712, and 713 by a predetermined stroke to match the volume of the cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3. When molten resin is supplied from the plasticizer 49 to the storage sections 58, 59, and 60, the plungers 55, 56, and 57 are pressed by the molten resin and retract. When the storage sections 58, 59, and 60 reach the same volume as the cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3, the plungers 55, 56, and 57 come into contact with the pressing members 711, 712, and 713. This completes the metering of the molten resin to be injected in the next injection process.

[0088] In parallel with the metering process, a cooling process is performed to cool and solidify the molten resin injected into cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3 after the injection process. During the metering process, the injection ports G1, G2, and G3 are closed, and by opening the mold in this state, the article 10, composed of parts 14, 15, and 16 formed on the workpiece 13, is removed. By repeating the above operations, articles 10 are manufactured sequentially and efficiently. Furthermore, since molten resin can be stably injected into cavities CV1, CV2, and CV3, the quality of the manufactured articles 10 is improved.

[0089] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. In the second embodiment, the explanation of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the manufacturing system 2000 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a case in which the manufacturing system 2000 comprises multiple manufacturing devices will be described.

[0090] The manufacturing system 2000 comprises the manufacturing apparatus 1000 described in the first embodiment, manufacturing apparatus 1000A, and manufacturing apparatus 1000B. Manufacturing apparatus 1000A, like manufacturing apparatus 1000, has a plurality of resin channels and a plurality of plungers corresponding to a plurality of storage sections. For example, manufacturing apparatus 1000A has two resin channels and one plunger corresponding to two storage sections. Each of the two resin channels includes an injection port. Manufacturing apparatus 1000B has one resin channel and one plunger corresponding to one storage section. That is, the manufacturing system 2000 of the second embodiment comprises two manufacturing apparatuses, each having a plurality of plungers.

[0091] Manufacturing apparatus 1000A includes a resin supply unit 46A, a plasticizing unit 49A, a defining unit 552A, and a drive unit 70A. Manufacturing apparatus 1000B includes a resin supply unit 46B, a plasticizing unit 49B, a defining unit 552B, and a drive unit 70B. The drive unit 70A can drive two plungers included in manufacturing apparatus 1000A individually or in conjunction. The drive unit 70B can drive one plunger included in manufacturing apparatus 1000B.

[0092] Although not shown in the diagram, the manufacturing system 2000 includes a control device corresponding to the manufacturing apparatus 1000, a control device corresponding to the manufacturing apparatus 1000A, and a control device corresponding to the manufacturing apparatus 1000B, and these control devices constitute a control system. The control system may consist of multiple computers or a single computer.

[0093] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of article 10A according to the second embodiment. Figure 16 is a plan view of article 10A. Members 14, 15, and 16 are molded by manufacturing apparatus 1000, member 17 is molded by manufacturing apparatus 1000A, and member 18 is molded by manufacturing apparatus 1000B. Member 17 is a long member and is formed in manufacturing apparatus 1000A by filling a cavity to which multiple injection nozzles are connected with molten resin. Members 17 and 18 can be molded from different resin materials than members 14, 15, and 16.

[0094] In addition, with the manufacturing apparatus 1000A, when molding the component 17, the stroke amounts of multiple plungers can be appropriately set according to the shape of the component 17 and the flow characteristics of the resin, making it possible to stably inject molten resin. As a result, the quality of the manufactured article 10A is improved.

[0095] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment will now be described. In the third embodiment, the same matters as in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted from the explanation. Figure 17 is a plan view of the main parts of the manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0096] The manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment includes plungers 155C, 156C, and 157C that inject resin branched into three at the defining section 52 from the plasticizing section 49, and a drive unit 70C. The drive unit 70C has a drive mechanism 171C that drives the plungers 155C and 157C in conjunction, and a drive mechanism 172C that drives the plunger 156C independently of the plungers 155C and 157C. Both plungers 155C and 157C are driven by the drive mechanism 171C.

[0097] If the volumes of the two cavities into which molten resin is injected by the two plungers 155C and 157C are equivalent, then the two plungers 155C and 157C can be driven by a single drive mechanism 171C.

[0098] In the example of the third embodiment, the volume of the cavity into which molten resin is injected by plunger 156C is different from the volumes of the two cavities into which molten resin is injected by the two plungers 155C and 157C. In such a case, the plunger 156C may be driven by a drive mechanism 172C separate from the drive mechanism 171C.

[0099] In this way, the strokes of each plunger 155C, 156C, and 157C can be appropriately set considering the shape of the molded product to be molded and the flow characteristics of the molten resin. Then, the molten resin filled in the reservoirs corresponding to each plunger 155C and 157C can be stably injected with a constant stroke.

[0100] If it is necessary to create a difference in the injection volume between plunger 155C and plunger 157C, this can be adjusted by placing a spacer between plunger 155C or plunger 157C and the drive mechanism 171C. For example, if a spacer is placed between plunger 155C and plunger 157C during measurement, and then the spacer is removed during injection, a difference in the injection volume between plunger 155C and plunger 157C can be created. Alternatively, for example, if a spacer is not placed between plunger 157C and plunger 157C during measurement, and then a spacer is placed between plunger 155C and plunger 157C during injection, a difference in the injection volume between plunger 155C and plunger 157C can be created.

[0101] [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment will now be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same matters as in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted from the explanation. Figure 18 is a plan view of the main parts of the manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0102] The manufacturing apparatus of the fourth embodiment includes plungers 155D, 156D, 157D, and 158D that inject resin branched into four at the defining section 52 from the plasticizing section 49, and a drive unit 70D. The drive unit 70D has a drive mechanism 171D that drives plungers 155D and 157D in conjunction, and a drive mechanism 172D that drives plungers 156D and 158D in conjunction. The drive mechanism 171D drives plungers 155D and 157D independently of plungers 156D and 158D. The drive mechanism 172D drives plungers 156D and 158D independently of plungers 155D and 157D. Plungers 155D and 157D are both driven by the drive mechanism 171D, and plungers 156D and 158D are both driven by the drive mechanism 172D.

[0103] If the volumes of the two cavities into which molten resin is injected by the two plungers 155D and 157D are equivalent, then the two plungers 155D and 157D can be driven by a single drive mechanism 171D.

[0104] If the volumes of the two cavities into which molten resin is injected by the two plungers 156D and 158D are equivalent, then the two plungers 156D and 158D can be driven by a single drive mechanism 172D.

[0105] In the example of the fourth embodiment, the volumes of the two cavities into which molten resin is injected by plungers 156D and 158D are different from the volumes of the two cavities into which molten resin is injected by plungers 155D and 157D. In such a case, the plungers 156D and 158D can be driven by a drive mechanism 172D separate from the drive mechanism 171D.

[0106] In this way, the strokes of each plunger 155D, 156D, 157D, and 158D can be appropriately set considering the shape of the molded product to be molded and the flow characteristics of the molten resin. Then, the molten resin filled in the reservoirs corresponding to each plunger 155D and 157D can be stably injected with a constant stroke. Similarly, the molten resin filled in the reservoirs corresponding to each plunger 156D and 158D can be stably injected with a constant stroke.

[0107] If it is necessary to create a difference in injection volume between plunger 155D and plunger 157D, this can be adjusted by placing a spacer between plunger 155D or plunger 157D and the drive mechanism 171D.

[0108] Similarly, if it is necessary to create a difference in injection volume between plunger 156D and plunger 158D, this can be adjusted by placing a spacer between plunger 156D or plunger 158D and the drive mechanism 172D.

[0109] [Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will now be described. In the fifth embodiment, the same matters as in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted from the explanation. Figure 19 is a plan view of the main parts of the manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

[0110] The manufacturing apparatus of the fifth embodiment comprises plungers 155E, 156E, and 157E that inject resin branched into three parts in the molding section from the plasticizing section, and a drive unit 70E. The drive unit 70E is a drive mechanism that drives the plungers 155E, 156E, and 157E in conjunction. The plungers 155E, 156E, and 157E are all driven by the drive unit 70E.

[0111] If the volumes of the three cavities into which molten resin is injected by the three plungers 155E to 157E are equal, then the three plungers 155E to 157E can be driven in conjunction with a single drive unit 70E.

[0112] In this way, the stroke of each plunger 155E to 157E can be appropriately set considering the shape of the molded product to be molded and the flow characteristics of the molten resin. Then, the molten resin filled in the reservoir corresponding to each plunger 155E to 157E can be stably injected with a constant stroke.

[0113] Furthermore, if it is necessary to create a difference in injection volume between plungers 155E and 157E, this can be adjusted by placing a spacer between any of the plungers and the drive unit 70E.

[0114] [Sixth Embodiment] A sixth embodiment will now be described. In the sixth embodiment, the explanation of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram of two resin flow paths 521F and 522F of the manufacturing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the configuration of the resin flow paths is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0115] The manufacturing apparatus of the sixth embodiment includes a plasticizing section 49, a defining section that defines two resin flow paths 521F and 522F, and two plungers 55F and 56F. These resin flow paths 521F and 522F do not share a main flow path and are configured to branch directly from the supply port S1 to which the plasticizing section 49 is connected.

[0116] The resin channel 521F is an example of a first resin channel connecting the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected and the injection port G1. The resin channel 522F is an example of a second resin channel connecting the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected and the injection port G2. Similar to the first embodiment, the injection port G1 is connected to the cavity CV1 and the injection port G2 is connected to the cavity CV2. The plunger 55F is an example of a first plunger. The plunger 56F is an example of a second plunger.

[0117] The resin flow path 521F includes a storage section 58F, a partial flow path 531F, and a partial flow path 532F. The storage section 58F is an example of a first storage section and is a space capable of storing molten resin supplied from the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected. The partial flow path 531F is an example of a first partial flow path and is a flow path connecting the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected to the storage section 58F. The partial flow path 532F is an example of a second partial flow path and is a flow path connecting the storage section 58F to the injection port G1.

[0118] The resin flow path 522F includes a storage section 59F, a partial flow path 533F, and a partial flow path 534F. The storage section 59F is an example of a second storage section and is a space capable of storing molten resin supplied from the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected. The partial flow path 533F is an example of a third partial flow path and is a flow path connecting the supply port S1 to which the plasticizer 49 is connected to the storage section 59F. The partial flow path 534F is an example of a fourth partial flow path and is a flow path connecting the storage section 59F to the injection port G2.

[0119] The plunger 55F is movable to change the volume of the reservoir 58F. By moving the plunger 55F so that the volume of the reservoir 58F decreases, the molten resin stored in the reservoir 58 is injected from the outlet G1 to the cavity CV1 via the partial flow path 532F.

[0120] The plunger 56F is movable to change the volume of the reservoir 59F. By moving the plunger 56F so that the volume of the reservoir 59F decreases, the molten resin stored in the reservoir 59 is injected from the outlet G2 to the cavity CV2 via the partial flow path 534F.

[0121] Even with the resin flow channels 521F and 522F configured as described above, molten resin can be stably injected into each injection port G1 and G2, similar to the first embodiment, thereby improving the quality of the manufactured articles.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and many modifications are possible within the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferred effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments.

[0123] For example, in a manufacturing apparatus, multiple injection ports may be configured to connect to multiple cavities, or multiple injection ports may be configured to connect to a single cavity. The multiple cavities may be defined by a single mold, or by multiple molds. In addition, each of the multiple cavities, or one cavity, may be partially defined by a workpiece. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] G1... Injection port (first injection port), G2... Injection port (second injection port), S1... Supply port, 52... Demarcation section, 55... Plunger (first plunger), 56... Plunger (second plunger), 58... Storage section (first storage section), 59... Storage section (second storage section), 521... Resin flow path (first resin flow path), 522... Resin flow path (second resin flow path), 1000... Manufacturing equipment

Claims

1. A supply port into which molten resin is supplied, A defining section comprising a first resin channel connecting the supply port and the first injection port, which includes a first storage section capable of storing molten resin, and a second resin channel connecting the supply port and the second injection port, A first plunger is movable to change the capacity of the first storage section, and moves in such a way that the capacity of the first storage section decreases, thereby injecting the molten resin stored in the first storage section from the first injection port. A manufacturing apparatus comprising: a second plunger which is movable to change the capacity of the second storage section, and which moves in such a way that the capacity of the second storage section decreases, thereby injecting the molten resin stored in the second storage section from the second injection port, The first resin flow path includes a first partial flow path connecting the supply port and the first storage section, a second partial flow path connecting the first storage section and the first injection port, a first relay flow path connecting the first partial flow path and the first storage section, and the first storage section and the second partial flow path, and a connecting flow path connecting the first partial flow path and the second partial flow path. The second resin flow path includes a third partial flow path connecting the supply port and the second storage section, a fourth partial flow path connecting the second storage section and the second injection port, and a second relay flow path connecting the third partial flow path and the second storage section, and connecting the second storage section and the fourth partial flow path. The first plunger moves such that the capacity of the first storage section decreases, thereby injecting the molten resin stored in the first storage section through the first relay channel and the second partial channel from the first injection port. The second plunger moves such that the capacity of the second storage section decreases, thereby injecting the molten resin stored in the second storage section through the second relay channel and the fourth partial channel from the second injection port. The connecting channel and the second partial channel are provided with a valve member that is movable in the flow direction of the second partial channel, The first partial flow path and the first relay flow path are connected to the connecting flow path, The valve member is The valve member moves in the direction of the flow path to open and close the first injection port, and The device includes a first valve that, when the first valve is moved to a position that closes the first injection port, opens the resin outlet of the first partial flow path so that the first partial flow path communicates with the first relay flow path, and a second valve that, when the first valve is moved to a position that opens the first injection port, closes the resin outlet of the first partial flow path. A manufacturing apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The first relay channel is defined such that its cross-sectional area widens toward the first storage section. The second relay channel is defined such that its cross-sectional area widens toward the second storage section. The manufacturing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The second valve portion has an outer surface that is slidable in the flow direction, contacts the inner surface of the defining portion, and opens and closes the resin outlet of the first partial flow path by moving in the flow direction. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A drive unit capable of individually driving the first plunger and the second plunger, A first pressure sensor used to detect the resin pressure in the first relay channel, A second pressure sensor used to detect the resin pressure in the second relay channel, The system includes a control unit that controls the drive of the first plunger by the drive unit based on the pressure value detected by the first pressure sensor, and controls the drive of the second plunger by the drive unit based on the pressure value detected by the second pressure sensor. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The total length of the first partial channel and the first intermediate channel is different from the total length of the third partial channel and the second intermediate channel. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A first heater arranged along the second partial flow path, A second heater arranged along the fourth partial flow path, The second partial channel is longer than the fourth partial channel. The first heater is longer than the second heater. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Each of the first partial flow path and the third partial flow path is connected to the main flow path shared by the first resin flow path and the second resin flow path, which is connected to the supply port. The first partial flow path includes a first branch flow path that branches off from the main flow path so as not to be connected in a straight line to the main flow path. The third partial flow path includes a second branch flow path that branches off from the main flow path so as not to be connected in a straight line to the main flow path. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The device includes a drive unit capable of individually driving the first plunger and the second plunger. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The device includes a drive unit capable of driving the first plunger and the second plunger in conjunction with each other. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The defining section includes a third storage section capable of storing molten resin, and defines a third resin flow path connecting the supply port and the third injection port. The third plunger is movable to change the capacity of the third storage section, and moves in such a way that the capacity of the third storage section decreases, thereby injecting the molten resin stored in the third storage section from the third injection port. The device includes a drive unit capable of driving the first plunger and the third plunger in conjunction with each other. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aforementioned drive unit is A first pressing member that is movable away from the first plunger and capable of pressing the first plunger so as to reduce the capacity of the first storage section, The device includes a second pressing member that is movable away from the second plunger and capable of pressing the second plunger so as to reduce the capacity of the second storage section. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. A supply port into which molten resin is supplied, A defining section that defines a resin flow path connecting the supply port and the injection port, including a storage section capable of storing molten resin, a first partial flow path connecting the supply port and the storage section, a second partial flow path connecting the storage section and the injection port, an intermediate flow path connecting the first partial flow path and the storage section and the second partial flow path, and a connecting flow path connecting the first partial flow path and the second partial flow path, A plunger is movable to change the capacity of the storage section, and moves to decrease the capacity of the storage section, thereby injecting the molten resin stored in the storage section from the injection port. The connecting channel and the second partial channel are provided with a valve member that is movable in the flow direction of the second partial channel, The first partial channel and the relay channel are connected to the connecting channel, The valve member is The valve member moves in the direction of the flow path to open and close the injection port, and the first valve section The device includes a first valve that, when the first valve is moved to a position that closes the injection port, opens the resin outlet of the first partial flow path so that the first partial flow path communicates with the relay flow path, and a second valve that, when the first valve is moved to a position that opens the injection port, closes the resin outlet of the first partial flow path. A manufacturing apparatus characterized by the following features.

13. The second valve portion is slidably in the flow path direction and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the defining portion, and has an outer circumferential surface that opens and closes the resin outlet of the first partial flow path by moving in the flow path direction. The manufacturing apparatus according to feature 12.

14. The relay channel is defined such that its cross-sectional area widens toward the storage section. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by the features described herein.

15. The plunger is driven by a drive unit, The drive unit has a pressing member that is movable away from the plunger and capable of pressing the plunger so as to reduce the capacity of the storage unit. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The system includes a heater for heating the aforementioned rendering section. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by the features described herein.

17. It is connected to the aforementioned supply port and includes a plasticizing section for melting the resin, A manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 17 comprises a plurality of plasticizing parts including the plasticizing part, A manufacturing system characterized by the following features.

19. A method for manufacturing an article, characterized by manufacturing an article using a manufacturing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 17 or a manufacturing system described in claim 18.

20. A method for manufacturing an article using a manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a resin injected from the first nozzle and a resin injected from the second nozzle are added to a single workpiece.

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