Mold exchange carriage

Abstract

A mold exchange carriage (50) has a carriage rail (56), a locking part (55c), and a locking state operation part (55x). The carriage rail (56) can be connected to a mold mounting table (31) of a mold exchange device (30). The locking part (55c) is provided on a carriage-side facing surface (55m) of the carriage rail (56) facing the mold mounting table (31), and can be locked to a lock part (31p) provided on or near a device-side facing surface (31m) of the mold mounting table (31) facing the carriage rail (56). The locking state operation part (55x) can be operated to either: a locked state in which the carriage-side facing surface (55m) is in contact with or in proximity to the device-side facing surface (31m), the carriage rail (56) is positioned with respect to the mold mounting table (31), and the locking part (55c) locked to the lock part (31p) is held in a locked state; and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released and the carriage rail (56) is allowed to separate from the mold mounting table (31).

Description

Mold change cart

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a mold exchange carriage.

[0002] Conventionally, various mold systems have been used in the manufacture of die-cast molded products and resin molded products. During production, the molds of the mold system must be changed depending on the type of molded product. There are two types of mold systems: cassette mold systems that use cassette molds, which allow for relatively easy mold replacement, and mold systems that do not use cassette molds.

[0003] In a molding machine that does not use cassette molds, the mold to be replaced is very large in size and weight, so it is necessary to lift and replace the mold using a hoist. Therefore, only skilled personnel can perform the mold replacement work, and the replacement takes a relatively long time. In contrast, in a cassette molding machine that uses cassette molds, the size and weight of the cassette mold to be replaced are much smaller than in a molding machine that does not use cassette molds. Therefore, there is no need for a skilled person to use a hoist for replacement. Therefore, an ordinary worker only needs to load the cassette mold onto a cart and perform part of the replacement work, allowing for easy replacement in a relatively short time.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-11283 discloses a die assembly having a guide like a guardrail attached below to position a relatively large carriage operated by an operator. Cam followers and cylinders that fit into the guide are provided below the carriage. The operator positions the carriage relative to the die assembly by operating the carriage and fitting the cam followers and cylinders provided below the carriage to predetermined positions in the guide. When replacing dies, the die is transferred between the rails of the die assembly provided above the guide and the rails of the carriage provided above the cam followers and cylinders.

[0005] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-86492 describes a method in which a relatively small cart pushed by an operator is brought into a predetermined position on the mold device, and the operator transfers the mold between the rails of the mold device and the rails of the cart.

[0006] In the mold assembly and carriage described in JP-B-8-11283, the rails of the carriage are not directly positioned relative to the rails of the mold assembly on which the mold is placed. Furthermore, the carriage is positioned relative to the mold assembly using guides located below and away from both rails. Therefore, if, for example, the height of the rails of the mold assembly and the rails of the carriage are misaligned, or if their left-right positions are different, a step may occur between the rails of the mold assembly and the rails of the carriage, making it impossible to properly transfer a replacement mold between the mold assembly and the carriage.

[0007] Furthermore, the mold assembly and carriage described in JP 2013-86492 A have a locking mechanism for the carriage wheels. However, as with JP 8-11283 B, the carriage rails are not directly positioned relative to the rails of the mold assembly on which the mold is placed. The carriage rails have a lifting mechanism, which can prevent misalignment between the height of the mold assembly rails and the height of the carriage rails. However, if the carriage moves during mold replacement work, there is a possibility that the mold may fall.

[0008] Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification provides a mold changing cart that can assist workers in performing cassette mold replacement work more safely, easily, and in a shorter time when replacing cassette molds in a cassette mold device that uses cassette molds.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the mold changing carriage disclosed in this specification takes the following measures.

[0010] The first means is a mold exchange carriage that assists in the transfer of a cassette mold between a cassette mold device in which an exchangeable cassette mold is attached to a base mold having a fixed side mold and a movable side mold, and a mold exchange device that removes the cassette mold from the base mold and attaches another cassette mold to the base mold, the mold exchange carriage including a carriage rail that can be connected to a mold placement table of the mold exchange device, wherein the carriage rail has a carriage-side opposing surface that faces the mold placement table, and the mold placement table is provided with a mounting surface on which the cassette mold removed from the base mold by the mold exchange device or the cassette mold to be attached to the base mold by the mold exchange device is placed. the mold placing table has an apparatus-side facing surface facing the carriage rail and an engaging portion provided on the apparatus-side facing surface or in the vicinity of the apparatus-side facing surface, an engaging portion provided on the carriage-side facing surface and capable of engaging with the engaging portion, and an engaging state operating portion operable to switch between an engaging lock state in which the carriage-side facing surface is in contact with or close to the apparatus-side facing surface, the carriage rail is positioned with respect to the mold placing table, and the engaging portion engaged with the engaging portion is held in an engaged state, and an engaging release state in which the engaging lock state is released and the carriage rail is allowed to move away from the mold placing table.

[0011] 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a mold system having a cassette mold device (including a mold changing device), an injection device, incidental equipment, a mold changing cart, etc.; FIG. 2 is a side view of the mold system shown in FIG. 1 (excluding the mold changing cart, mold shelf, etc.) as viewed from direction II; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a movable-side mold to which a movable-side cassette is attached and a fixed-side mold to which a fixed-side cassette is attached; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cassette mold in which the movable-side cassette and the fixed-side cassette are connected; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mold placing table and its surroundings of a mold changing device provided in a cassette mold device; FIG. 6 is a plan view of a mold changing cart; FIG. 7 is a side view of the mold changing cart shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from direction VII; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cart rail (movable rail), the cart-side opposing surface, and its surroundings of the mold changing cart; FIG. 9 is a side view of the cart rail, the cart-side opposing surface, and its surroundings as viewed from direction IX; FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a structure for raising and lowering a positioning stopper and a fall prevention stopper of the mold placing table. 12 is a perspective view of a locked portion (a pair of lock pins) provided near the device-side facing surface of the mold mounting table and a locking portion provided on the cart-side facing surface of the mold exchange cart, as viewed from diagonally below. 13 is a view of a closed state in which the mold exchange cart approaches the mold mounting table and the opening / closing portion of the locking portion passes through the locked portion (lock pin), as viewed from below. 14 is a view of a closed state in which the cart-side facing surface of the mold exchange cart approaches the mold mounting table and the opening / closing portion of the locking portion passes through the locked portion (lock pin), as viewed from below. 15 is a view of a closed state in which the cart-side facing surface of the mold exchange cart approaches the mold mounting table and the opening / closing portion of the locking portion passes through the locked portion (lock pin), as viewed from below. 16 is a view of a closed state in which the locking state operating unit operates to close the open state (locked state) in which the locking state operating unit operates to close the open state (locked state), as viewed from below.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that when an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown in the drawings, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, the Z-axis extends vertically, and the X-axis and the Y-axis extend horizontally. More specifically, the Z-axis indicates the vertically upward direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 1 , the Y-axis indicates the direction in which the movable mold 12 approaches the fixed mold 11, and the X-axis indicates the direction from the mold placing table 31 toward the mold exchange cart 50 when exchanging the cassette mold 20 using the mold exchange cart 50. Note that the X-axis direction refers to the X-axis and the direction opposite to the X-axis, and the Y-axis direction refers to the Y-axis and the direction opposite to the Y-axis. The mold exchange cart 50 described in this embodiment supports the work of an operator S who transfers the cassette mold 20 between the mold exchange device 30 and the cassette mold 20 when exchanging the cassette mold 20 in the mold system 1 shown in FIG. 1 .

[0013] <<Overall Configuration of Mold System 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2)>> First, an example of the overall configuration of the mold system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The mold system 1 includes a cassette mold device 2, an injection device 3, ancillary equipment 4, a mold shelf 5, a mold exchange cart 50, etc.

[0014] The cassette mold device 2 has a base mold 10, a mold exchange device 30, a molding operation panel 2a, an exchange operation panel 2b, an apparatus-side guide 42 (also referred to as a guide member), and an apparatus-side positioning unit 41. The base mold 10 has a fixed-side mold 11 and a movable-side mold 12. The apparatus-side guide 42 and the apparatus-side positioning unit 41 guide and position the mold exchange cart 50.

[0015] A fixed-side cassette 21 of the cassette mold 20 is attached to the fixed-side mold 11. A movable-side cassette 22 of the cassette mold 20 is attached to the movable-side mold 12. The cassette mold 20 is replaceable with respect to the base mold 10.

[0016] The mold changing device 30 is a device that automatically removes a cassette mold 20 from a base mold 10 and automatically attaches another cassette mold 20 to the base mold 10. When removing a cassette mold for replacement, the mold changing device 30 automatically removes the cassette mold 20 from the base mold 10 and places it on a mold placing table 31. When attaching a cassette mold for replacement, the mold changing device 30 automatically attaches the cassette mold 20 placed on the mold placing table 31 to the base mold 10. Note that detailed explanation of the above-mentioned removal and attachment operations in the mold changing device 30 will be omitted.

[0017] 2, the mold changing device 30 has a mold placing table 31 on which the cassette molds 20 are placed, a lifter 32, a shifter 33, etc. The lifter 32 has an elevation cylinder or the like and raises and lowers the mold placing table 31. The shifter 33 has a shift motor 33m and a shift screw 33n and moves the mold placing table 31, which is integrated with the shifter 33, back and forth along a shift rail 33r (see FIG. 5) along the Y-axis direction.

[0018] The injection device 3 is a device that injects molten aluminum, resin, etc. when manufacturing molded products. The ancillary equipment 4 includes a robot hand 4a (see FIG. 1) that removes molded products manufactured by the cassette mold device 2, and a conveyor 4b (see FIG. 1) that transports the removed molded products to the next process. The ancillary equipment 4 is configured to supply compressed air, water, oil, electricity, etc. used by the cassette mold device 2, etc. The mold shelf 5 is a shelf that stores cassette molds 20 prepared for each molded product.

[0019] Below, we will explain the outline of the procedure that the worker S follows when replacing the cassette mold 20. The details of the procedure that the worker S follows when replacing the cassette mold 20 will be described later.

[0020] When the molded product is changed, the worker S operates the molding operation panel 2a to stop molding, and operates the exchange operation panel 2b to instruct the removal of the cassette mold 20. Then, the mold exchange device 30 automatically removes the cassette mold 20 from the base mold 10 in response to the instruction and places the cassette mold 20 on the mold placing table 31.

[0021] Next, the worker S moves the empty mold exchange cart 50, which does not have a cassette mold placed on it, to the position of the mold exchange device 30. Then, the worker S moves the cassette mold 20 from the mold placing table 31 to the mold exchange cart 50, and moves the mold exchange cart 50 to the position of the mold shelf 5 to store the cassette mold 20 on the mold shelf 5.

[0022] Next, the worker S takes out another cassette mold 20 for producing the next molded product from the mold shelf 5 and places it on the mold exchange cart 50. The worker S then moves the mold exchange cart 50 on which the cassette mold 20 is placed to the position of the mold exchange device 30. The worker further moves the cassette mold 20 from the mold exchange cart 50 to the mold placement table 31, and then moves the mold exchange cart 50 away from the mold placement table 31.

[0023] Then, the worker S operates the exchange operation panel 2b to instruct the attachment of the cassette mold 20. Then, the mold exchange device 30 automatically attaches the cassette mold 20 placed on the mold placing table 31 to the base mold 10 in response to the instruction, and preparation for molding is completed.

[0024] The mold exchange cart 50 assists the worker S in moving the cassette mold 20 that has been removed by the mold exchange device 30 and placed on the mold placing table 31 to the mold shelf 5, and in moving another cassette mold 20 from the mold shelf 5 to the mold placing table 31. The mold exchange cart 50 has a structure that will be described below, and thereby assists the worker S in performing the above-mentioned tasks more safely, more easily, and in a shorter time.

[0025] <<Appearance of the base mold 10 (FIG. 3) and the cassette mold 20 (FIG. 4)>> FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base mold 10 (the fixed-side mold 11 and the movable-side mold 12) of the cassette mold device 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cassette mold 20 (the fixed-side cassette 21 and the movable-side cassette 22) of the base mold 10 shown in FIG. 3. The cassette mold 20 removed from the base mold 10 by the mold exchange device 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is removed in a state in which the fixed-side cassette 21 and the movable-side cassette 22 are coupled together, as shown in FIG. 4. The operation of attaching the cassette mold 20 to the base mold 10 by the mold exchange device 30 starts from a state in which the fixed-side cassette 21 and the movable-side cassette 22 are coupled together, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0026] 3, a fixed-side cassette 21 is attached to the fixed-side mold 11 of the base mold 10. A movable-side cassette 22 is attached to the movable-side mold 12 of the base mold 10. In this embodiment, the movable-side mold 12 is provided with core drivers 12a, 12b, and 12c that operate the cores 22a, 22b, and 22c of the movable-side cassette 22. The shape of the molded product is engraved on the opposing surfaces of the fixed-side cassette 21 and the movable-side cassette 22 (not shown).

[0027] 4, the cassette mold 20 removed from the base mold 10 by the mold exchange device 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and the cassette mold 20 attached to the base mold 10 by the mold exchange device 30 are connected to a fixed cassette 21 and a movable cassette 22. The movable cassette 22 includes a push-out plate 22d used when removing a molded product, and a push-out shaft 22e protruding from the movable cassette 22 and connected to the push-out plate 22d.

[0028] <<Appearance of the mold placing table 31 of the mold exchange device 30 and its surroundings (Figure 5)>> In Figure 5, the cassette mold 20 removed from the base mold 10 by the mold exchange device 30 and placed on the mold placing table 31 (or the cassette mold 20 placed on the mold placing table 31 so that the mold exchange device 30 can attach it to the base mold 10) is shown by a dotted line.

[0029] 5, the upper surface of the mold placing table 31 is provided with a positioning stopper 31a, a fall prevention stopper 31b, a rear end stopper 31c, an apparatus rail 31n, a roller 31r, etc. The roller 31r facilitates movement of the cassette mold 20 along the X-axis direction on the mold placing table 31. The rear end stopper 31c prevents the cassette mold 20 from moving backward (in the direction opposite to the X direction) and falling from the mold placing table 31. The positioning stopper 31a holds the cassette mold 20 between the positioning stopper 31a and the rear end stopper 31c (corresponding to the "predetermined position" of the mold placing table 31). The fall prevention stopper 31b prevents the cassette mold 20 from moving forward (in the X direction) and falling from the mold placing table 31 if the positioning stopper 31a fails to function for some reason.

[0030] A mold guide 31k is provided on the side of the mold placing table 31 opposite to the Y direction. The mold guide 31k is inserted between the movable cassette 22 and the ejection plate 22d. As a result, the mold guide 31k suppresses movement of the cassette mold 20 (shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5) in the Y axis direction and guides movement of the cassette mold 20 in the X axis direction.

[0031] The front surface of the mold placing table 31 (the surface facing the mold exchange carriage 50 (see FIG. 1)) is the device-side facing surface 31m. The device-side facing surface 31m is provided with a positioning hole 31h, a positioning stopper operation hole 31e, a fall prevention stopper operation hole 31f, an opening 31s, etc.

[0032] The positioning hole 31h is a hole through which the positioning pin 55p shown in FIG. 8 is inserted when the carriage-side facing surface 55m of the mold exchange carriage 50 shown in FIG. 8 contacts or approaches the device-side facing surface 31m during the cassette mold 20 replacement process. The positioning stopper operation hole 31e is a hole through which the positioning stopper control section 55a of the mold exchange carriage 50 shown in FIG. 8 is inserted. The fall prevention stopper operation hole 31f is a hole through which the fall prevention stopper release section 55b of the mold exchange carriage 50 shown in FIG. 8 is inserted. The opening 31s is configured to receive the locking section 55c shown in FIG. 8. The opening 31s is provided with a pair of lock pins 31p (corresponding to the locked portions) extending downward with a predetermined distance D1 (see FIG. 12) between them. The pair of lock pins 31p are provided on or near the device-side facing surface 31m.

[0033] <<Overall Configuration of the Mold Exchange Carriage 50 (FIGS. 6 and 7)>> Next, the overall configuration of the mold exchange cart 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The mold exchange cart 50 includes a lower table 51, an upper table 52, and an elevating device 53 that raises and lowers the upper table 52 relative to the lower table 51.

[0034] The mold exchange cart 50 has a rear wall 51k extending in the Z direction from one end of the lower table 51, and a cart handle 51g provided at the upper end of the rear wall 51k. The cart handle 51g is configured to be gripped by the worker S when the worker S moves the mold exchange cart 50. A pair of swivel casters 51d are provided on the bottom surface of the lower table 51 near the cart handle 51g. A pair of fixed casters 51f are provided on the bottom surface of the lower table 51 far from the cart handle 51g. Furthermore, drive wheels 51e driven by an electric motor 51m are provided on the bottom surface of the lower table 51 between the swivel casters 51d and the fixed casters 51f.

[0035] The drive wheel 51e is a single wheel, and is located approximately in the center of the lower table 51 when the mold exchange cart 50 is viewed from above. The electric motor 51m is supplied with power from a battery 51n mounted on the lower table 51. When the operator S grips the travel operation handle 51h attached to the cart handle 51g and pushes the travel operation handle 51h forward (the direction opposite to the X direction in FIGS. 6 and 7), the drive wheel 51e moves the mold exchange cart 50 forward at a safe speed (progresses in the direction opposite to the X direction). When the operator S grips the travel operation handle 51h and pulls the travel operation handle 51h backward (the X direction in FIGS. 6 and 7), the drive wheel 51e moves the mold exchange cart 50 backward at a safe speed (progresses in the X direction).

[0036] The mold exchange cart 50 also includes, at the other end of the lower table 51, a pair of carriage-side guides 51b guided by the apparatus-side guides 42 shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, and a pair of carriage-side positioning portions 51a fitted into the apparatus-side positioning portions 41 for positioning. In this embodiment, the carriage-side guides 51b are rollers that rotate about a vertical axis. Meanwhile, the apparatus-side guides 42 are plate-shaped extending from the lifter 32 side in the X direction and bent outward at an angle of approximately 30 to 45° at approximately their center. Therefore, when the mold exchange cart 50 is moved toward the cassette mold device 2, the carriage-side guides 51b roll against the apparatus-side guides 42, allowing the mold exchange cart 50 to be smoothly guided to a connectable position where the carriage-side facing surface 55m contacts or is close to the apparatus-side facing surface 31m.

[0037] The lower table 51 also has a lifting handle 53h, a height information display section 53g, a carriage connecting lever 51v, a carriage connecting section 51w, a floor locking device 51s, etc. The worker S can fix the positioned mold exchange carriage 50 to the floor surface by stepping on the floor locking device 51s, and can release the fixation by stepping on it again.

[0038] The lifting handle 53h is operated by the operator S to operate the lifting device 53 and raise or lower the upper table 52. The height information display unit 53g displays height information of the upper table 52 relative to the floor surface or the like. Furthermore, the mold placing table 31 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) of the mold exchange device 30 displays height information of the mold placing table 31 relative to the floor surface or the like (not shown). When exchanging a cassette mold, the operator S first checks the height information displayed on the mold placing table 31 before positioning the mold exchange cart 50 at the position of the mold placing table 31. The operator S then operates the lifting handle 53h while looking at the height information display unit 53g to adjust the height of the upper table 52 so that the height information of the mold placing table 31 matches the height information displayed on the height information display unit 53g.

[0039] The carriage coupling lever 51v is provided on the rear wall 51k. When the worker S operates the carriage coupling lever 51v, a carriage coupling part 51w provided at the front end of the mold exchange carriage 50 operates to couple or uncouple the carriage 50 to a coupled part (not shown) provided on the mold exchange device 30, as shown in FIG.

[0040] The upper table 52 is provided with a carriage rail 56 having a fixed rail 54 and a movable rail 55, an interlocking chain device 57, etc. As will be described later, the carriage rail 56 (movable rail 55) can be connected to a device rail 31n (see FIG. 5) of the mold placing table 31.

[0041] The fixed rails 54 are a pair of rails fixed to the upper table 52. A plurality of rollers 54r are provided on the upper surface of the fixed rails 54 to facilitate movement (movement along the X-axis direction) of the cassette mold 20. In addition, an interlocking chain device 57 is attached to the side of the fixed rails 54 closer to the carriage handle 51g (near the end in the X direction).

[0042] The movable rails 55 are a pair of rails placed on the upper table 52. The movable rails 55 are slidable relative to the fixed rails 54 along the rail longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the fixed rails 54. Therefore, in Figures 6 and 7, when the movable rails 55 are slid in the direction opposite to the X-direction, the carriage rail 56 formed by the fixed rails 54 and the movable rails 55 extends. Also, in Figures 6 and 7, when the movable rails 55 are slid in the X-direction, the carriage rail 56 formed by the fixed rails 54 and the movable rails 55 shortens.

[0043] Here, during mold exchange as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the surface of the movable rail 55 facing the mold mounting table 31 (the surface of the movable rail 55 opposite the dolly handle 51g) is referred to as the dolly-side facing surface 55m. The surface of the mold mounting table 31 facing the dolly-side facing surface 55m is referred to as the device-side facing surface 31m. As described above, the dolly rail 56, which is composed of the fixed rail 54 and the movable rail 55, is extendable and retractable along the rail longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the dolly rail 56 (movable rail 55). Furthermore, a plurality of rollers 55r are provided on the upper surface of the movable rail 55 to facilitate movement of the cassette mold 20 (movement along the X-axis direction). Furthermore, the width of the movable rail 55 is set to a width that allows the cassette mold 20 to be placed and moved.

[0044] Further, guides 55t and 55u (see FIGS. 6 to 8) are provided on the movable rail 55 along the rail longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the movable rail 55. The guides 55t and 55u prevent the cassette mold 20 from shifting in the Y-axis direction and falling off the movable rail 55.

[0045] The interlocking chain device 57 includes a chain handle 57h operated by the operator S, an interlocking chain 57a ​​that extends and retracts along the X-axis direction, a mold connection portion 57b provided at the tip of the interlocking chain 57a, and a mold connection lever 57c that rotates the mold connection portion 57b.

[0046] The interlocking chain device 57 houses two chains. When the worker S turns the chain handle 57h to the right, the two chains are interlocked to form a rod-shaped interlocking chain 57a, which extends in the direction opposite to the X direction (see Figures 6 and 7). When the worker S turns the chain handle 57h to the left, the interlocking chain 57a ​​separates into two chains and is housed within the interlocking chain device 57, and the interlocking chain 57a ​​contracts in the X direction.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7 , the mold connecting portion 57b has a pin that stands upright. When the operator S moves the mold connecting lever 57c in the direction opposite to the Y direction (rotating it counterclockwise around the central axis of the connecting portion along the X-axis direction), the pin of the mold connecting portion 57b becomes vertical and can be inserted into a pin hole provided in the cassette mold 20. When the operator S inserts the mold connecting portion 57b into the pin hole of the cassette mold 20 and moves the mold connecting lever 57c in the Y direction (rotating it clockwise around the central axis of the connecting portion), the pin of the mold connecting portion 57b becomes horizontal and is locked into the pin hole of the cassette mold 20. The interlocking chain 57a ​​and the mold connecting portion 57b form a push-pull mechanism 57d. The push-pull mechanism 57d can push and pull the cassette mold 20 placed on the device rail 31n (see FIG. 5 ) or the cart rail 56 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ) in the rail longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0048] <<Structure Surrounding the Carriage-Side Facing Surface 55m of the Mold Exchange Carriage 50 (FIGS. 8 and 9) and Structure Surrounding the Equipment-Side Facing Surface 31m (FIG. 10)>> As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the carriage-side facing surface 55m is provided with a positioning pin 55p, a fall prevention stopper release portion 55b, a reciprocating operation portion insertion hole 55n, a locking portion 55c, etc. When exchanging a cassette mold, the operator S operates the movable rail 55 (see FIG. 8) to connect to the equipment rail 31n (see FIG. 5) of the mold placing table 31 so that the carriage-side facing surface 55m (see FIG. 8) contacts the equipment-side facing surface 31m (see FIGS. 5 and 10). The operator S then transfers the cassette mold between the mold exchange cart 50 and the mold placing table 31.

[0049] The positioning pin 55p is inserted into the positioning hole 31h of the mold mounting table 31 shown in Figure 5, thereby positioning the position of the carriage-side facing surface 55m (see Figure 8) of the movable rail 55 relative to the device-side facing surface 31m (see Figure 5) of the mold mounting table 31.

[0050] The fall prevention stopper release portion 55b is inserted into the fall prevention stopper operation hole 31f of the mold placing table 31 shown in Fig. 5. The fall prevention stopper release portion 55b is a member that lowers the fall prevention stopper 31b provided on the mold placing table 31 shown in Fig. 5 to release the fall prevention state of the cassette mold 20 by the fall prevention stopper 31b.

[0051] 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure surrounding the fall prevention stopper 31b and the positioning stopper 31a provided on the mold mounting table 31. When the carriage-side facing surface 55m is positioned and brought into contact (close proximity) with the device-side facing surface 31m (when the movable rail 55 is connected to the mold mounting table 31), the fall prevention stopper release portion 55b is inserted into the fall prevention stopper operation hole 31f of the mold mounting table 31. As shown in FIG. 10, when the fall prevention stopper release portion 55b is inserted into the fall prevention stopper operation hole 31f, the inclined portion formed at the front of the fall prevention stopper release portion 55b presses the roller 37a downward, lowering the fall prevention stopper 31b (changing the fall prevention state to the fall prevention released state). When the mold exchange carriage 50 is separated from the mold mounting table 31 and the fall prevention stopper release portion 55b is removed from the fall prevention stopper operation hole 31f, the fall prevention stopper 31b rises due to the elastic force of the spring 37b (entering the fall prevention state).

[0052] The reciprocating operation unit insertion hole 55n is a hole through which the tip of the rod-shaped positioning stopper control unit 55a shown in Figures 8 and 9 enters and exits. The operator S can move the positioning stopper control unit 55a reciprocally along the X-axis direction by operating the positioning stopper operation lever 55v. After connecting the movable rail 55 to the mold placing table 31, the operator S can move the tip of the positioning stopper control unit 55a into and out of the positioning stopper operation hole 31e of the mold placing table 31, thereby raising and lowering the positioning stopper 31a, as shown in Figure 10, by operating the positioning stopper operation lever 55v.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 10, when the tip of the positioning stopper control part 55a is inserted into the positioning stopper operation hole 31e and the shaft 36a is pushed in the direction opposite to the X direction, the positioning stopper 31a is lowered via the gears 36b, 36c, 36d and the rod gear 36e. As a result, the positioning stopper 31a is in a positioning release state in which it does not protrude from the upper surface of the mold placing table 31. When the tip of the positioning stopper control part 55a is pulled out of the positioning stopper operation hole 31e, the positioning stopper 31a is raised by the elastic force of the spring 36f as shown in Fig. 10. As a result, the positioning stopper 31a is in a positioned state in which it protrudes above the upper surface of the mold placing table 31.

[0054] The locking portion 55c is a member that is inserted between a pair of lock pins 31p of the mold mounting table 31 shown in Figures 5 and 10 and that holds the movable rail 55 connected to the mold mounting table 31 in a connected state (places it in a locked state) or releases the hold (places it in an unlocked state). As shown in Figure 11, the locking portion 55c has a locking base portion 55d, an opening / closing portion 55e, an opening / closing guide portion 55f, a reciprocating operation portion 55g, an elastic member 55y, etc. The locking portion 55c is capable of being locked by the pair of lock pins 31p (corresponding to the locked portion).

[0055] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the locking base portion 55d is attached and fixed to the carriage-side facing surface 55m. As shown in Figures 9 and 12 to 15, the opening / closing portion 55e is attached to the locking base portion 55d by a pivot pin 55h and is rotatable about the pivot pin 55h. Also, as shown in Figures 9 and 12 to 15, an opening / closing guide pin 55j is provided upright on the opening / closing portion 55e. The opening / closing guide pin 55j is inserted into a guide hole 55k of the opening / closing guide portion 55f and opens and closes the opening / closing portion 55e in response to movement of the opening / closing guide portion 55f along the X-axis direction (see Figures 12 to 15).

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 to 15, the tip of the reciprocating operation unit 55g is connected to the opening / closing guide unit 55f. As shown in FIG. 8, the reciprocating operation unit 55g is reciprocally movable along the rail longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the carriage rail 56 (movable rail 55). As shown in FIG. 9, the worker S can reciprocate the reciprocating operation unit 55g (i.e., the opening / closing guide unit 55f) along the X-axis direction by operating the locking operation lever 55w. The reciprocating operation unit 55g and the opening / closing guide unit 55f constitute the locking state operation unit 55x. As described above, the locking state operation unit 55x is operable to place the locking portion 55c, which is locked by the lock pin 31p (locked portion), in either a locked state or a released state.

[0057] <<Operation of the locking portion 55c locked to the lock pin 31p (locked portion) in the locked state and the unlocked state (FIGS. 11 to 15)>> Figure 11 shows the mold placing table 31 and the locking portion 55c (locking portion 55c provided at the tip of the movable rail 55) immediately before connecting the movable rail 55 (see FIG. 8) of the mold exchange cart 50 to the mold placing table 31 (see FIG. 5). When connecting the movable rail 55 to the mold placing table 31, the locking base portion 55d and the opening / closing portion 55e of the locking portion 55c are inserted between the pair of lock pins 31p (locked portions), as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15.

[0058] Fig. 12 is a view from below of the state shown in Fig. 11. The pair of opening / closing portions 55e are biased by elastic members 55y so that the side of the carriage-side opposing surface 55m opens (they are biased to an open state).

[0059] FIG. 13 shows a state in which the worker S advances the mold exchange cart 50 from the state shown in FIG. 12 until the locking portion 55c is partially inserted between the pair of lock pins 31p. The opening / closing guide portion 55f of the locking portion 55c is positioned so as not to interfere with the lock pin 31p. In other words, the downward extension of the lock pin 31p does not reach the opening / closing guide portion 55f. As shown in FIG. 13, the opening / closing portion 55e, which was in an open state wider than the predetermined distance D1 of the lock pin 31p shown in FIG. 12, collides with the lock pin 31p. However, it is pushed by the lock pin 31p and automatically rotates to a closed state narrower than the predetermined distance D1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the operating distance L2 between the pivot pin 55h and the opening / closing guide portion 55f is slightly greater than the operating distance L1 shown in FIG. 12, so the reciprocating operating portion 55g is pushed in the X direction by the operating distance L2.

[0060] FIG. 14 shows a state in which the operator S further advances the mold exchange cart 50 from the state shown in FIG. 13 , bringing the cart-side facing surface 55m of the mold exchange cart 50 into close proximity (almost contact) with the machine-side facing surface 31m of the mold placing table 31. In this state, the opening / closing portion 55e of the locking portion 55c completely passes through the pair of lock pins 31p. FIG. 14 also shows a state in which the operator S operates the locking operation lever 55w (see FIG. 9 ) to move the reciprocating operation portion 55g in the Xa direction shown in FIG. 14 . At this time, the operating distance L3 between the pivot pin 55h and the opening / closing guide portion 55f becomes almost zero. In this case, the opening / closing guide pin 55j is guided by the guide hole 55k of the opening / closing guide portion 55f, and the biasing force of the elastic member 55y causes the opening / closing portion 55e to enter the open state shown in FIG. 14 (a state in which the opening / closing portion 55e is wider than the predetermined distance D1 shown in FIG. 12 ).

[0061] 14, when the mold exchange cart 50 tries to move away (move in the X direction) from the mold placing table 31, the rear end (left end in the figure) of the opening / closing part 55e interferes with the pair of lock pins 31p. In other words, the opening / closing part 55e of the locking part 55c in the open state prevents the mold exchange cart 50 from moving away from the mold placing table 31 (set to the locking state).

[0062] Figure 15 shows a state in which the operator S has moved the reciprocating operation unit 55g in the Xb direction shown in Figure 15 by operating the locking operation lever 55w (see Figure 9) from the state shown in Figure 14. At this time, the operation distance L4 between the pivot pin 55h and the opening / closing guide unit 55f is slightly wider than the operation distance L3 shown in Figure 14. In this case, the opening / closing guide pin 55j is guided by the guide hole 55k of the opening / closing guide unit 55f, and the opening / closing unit 55e is in the closed state shown in Figure 15 (a state in which the opening / closing unit 55e is narrower than the predetermined distance D1 shown in Figure 12).

[0063] In the closed state shown in Fig. 15, the locking state (the state shown in Fig. 14) by the opening / closing part 55e of the locking part 55c is released (set to the unlocked state). In this state, the worker S can move the mold exchange cart 50 backward to separate the mold exchange cart 50 from the mold placing table 31. In other words, the opening / closing part 55e of the locking part 55c in the closed state allows the mold exchange cart 50 to separate from the mold placing table 31 (set to the unlocked state). In this way, the opening / closing part 55e is movable between the closed state and the open state.

[0064] <<Work Procedures Performed by Worker S When Replacing the Cassette Mold 20>> The mold exchange cart 50 and the mold mounting table 31 have the configurations described above. When replacing the cassette mold 20, the worker S must perform the following tasks (1) and (2) as part of the cassette mold 20 replacement work, and the mold exchange cart 50 supports the tasks (1) and (2). (1) Move (using the mold exchange cart 50) the cassette mold 20 (indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5) that has been automatically removed by the mold exchange device 30 (see FIG. 2) and placed on the mold mounting table 31 to the mold shelf 5 (see FIG. 1). (2) Move (using the mold exchange cart 50) the cassette mold that is to be automatically installed using the mold exchange device 30 (see FIG. 2) from the mold shelf 5 (see FIG. 1) to the mold mounting table 31 (to the position of the cassette mold 20 indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5).

[0065] The worker S performs the above tasks (1) and (2) in the following steps (A) to (T).

[0066] (A) The molding operation panel 2a (see FIG. 1) of the mold system 1 is operated to stop the production of molded products, and the exchange operation panel 2b (see FIG. 1) is operated to cause the mold exchange device 30 to remove the cassette mold 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The cassette mold 20 automatically removed by the mold exchange device 30 is placed at the position of the cassette mold 20 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5 (the position between the positioning stopper 31a and the rear end stopper 31c of the mold placing table 31).

[0067] (B) Prepare an empty mold exchange cart 50 with no cassette molds placed on it, and use the lifting handle 53h and the height information display unit 53g to adjust the height of the upper table 52 of the mold exchange cart 50 (height of the movable rail 55) according to the height of the mold placement table 31.

[0068] (C) The mold exchange cart 50 is moved so that the movable rail 55 of the mold exchange cart 50 faces the mold placing table 31. The mold exchange cart 50 is then slowly advanced toward the cassette mold device 2, and the cart-side guide 51b (see FIGS. 1, 6, and 7) of the mold exchange cart 50 is brought into rolling contact with the device-side guide 42 (see FIGS. 1, 6, and 7) of the cassette mold device 2, thereby guiding the mold exchange cart 50 to a coupling position. The cart-side positioning portion 51a (see FIGS. 1, 6, and 7) of the mold exchange cart 50 is then engaged with the device-side positioning portion 41 (see FIGS. 1, 6, and 7) of the cassette mold device 2. Thereafter, the cart coupling lever 51v of the mold exchange cart 50 is operated to couple the cart coupling portion 51w (see FIG. 7) to the cassette mold device 2. Thereafter, the floor locking device 51s (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the mold exchange cart 50 is depressed to fix the mold exchange cart 50 to the floor surface.

[0069] (D) The movable rail 55 (see FIGS. 6 to 8) of the mold exchange cart 50 is slid toward the mold mounting table 31 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and the cart-side facing surface 55m (see FIGS. 6 to 8) of the movable rail 55 is brought into contact with (or close to) the device-side facing surface 31m (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the mold mounting table 31, thereby connecting the movable rail 55 to the device rail 31n. At this time, the fall prevention stopper 31b (see FIG. 5) of the mold mounting table 31 is automatically lowered by the fall prevention stopper release part 55b (see FIG. 8).

[0070] (E) The locking operation lever 55w (see FIG. 9) of the mold exchange cart 50 is operated to lock the locking portion 55c with the lock pin 31p (the state shown in FIG. 14). In the locking state, the locking portion 55c locked with the lock pin 31p (locked portion) is maintained in the locked state. This locks the movable rail 55 of the mold exchange cart 50 in a positioned and connected state with respect to the mold placing table 31.

[0071] (F) The chain handle 57h (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the mold exchange cart 50 is operated to extend (advance) the interlocking chain 57a ​​and the mold connecting portion 57b toward the cassette mold 20 placed on the mold placing table 31. When the mold connecting portion 57b is inserted into the pin hole of the cassette mold 20, the operation of the chain handle 57h is stopped, and the mold connecting lever 57c (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is operated to fix the mold connecting portion 57b to the pin hole of the cassette mold 20.

[0072] (G) The positioning stopper operating lever 55v (see FIG. 9) of the mold exchange cart 50 is operated to lower the positioning stopper 31a (see FIG. 5) of the mold placing table 31 (to release the positioning). Then, the chain handle 57h (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the mold exchange cart 50 is operated to shorten (retract) the interlocking chain 57a, thereby pulling in the cassette mold 20 to which the mold connecting portion 57b is fixed, and moving the cassette mold 20 placed on the mold placing table 31 to the mold exchange cart 50. When the movement is complete, the operation of the chain handle 57h is stopped.

[0073] (H) The locking operation lever 55w (see FIG. 9) of the mold exchange cart 50 is operated to set the locking portion 55c, which was set in the locking state (the state shown in FIG. 14) in (E) above, to the unlocked state (the state shown in FIG. 15). In the unlocked state, the locking state is released, allowing the cart rail 56 to be separated from the mold placing table 31. Thereafter, the floor locking device 51s (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is stepped on to release the fixation to the floor surface, and the cart coupling lever 51v (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is operated to release the coupling of the cart coupling portion 51w.

[0074] (I) The mold exchange cart 50 is retracted away from the mold placing table 31, and the mold exchange cart 50 carrying the removed cassette mold 20 is moved to the mold shelf 5 (see FIG. 1). Thereafter, the cassette mold 20 placed on the mold exchange cart 50 is moved to a predetermined position on the mold shelf 5 (performing operations similar to (O) and (P) below).

[0075] (J) A cassette mold 20 to be used for manufacturing the next molded product is selected from the mold shelf 5, and the chain handle 57h, interlocking chain 57a, mold connecting portion 57b, and mold connecting lever 57c (see Figures 6 and 7) are used to carry out the same operations as (F) and (G) above to move the cassette mold 20 from the mold shelf 5 to the mold exchange cart 50. The mold connecting portion 57b is inserted into the pin hole of the cassette mold 20 placed on the mold exchange cart 50 and fixed.

[0076] (K) The same operation as in (C) above is carried out to position and connect the mold exchange cart 50 to the cassette mold device 2, and then fix the mold exchange cart 50 to the floor surface.

[0077] (L) The same operation as in (D) above is carried out to position and connect the movable rail 55 to the mold table 31.

[0078] (M) The same operation as (E) above is carried out to position the movable rail 55 relative to the mold placing table 31 and lock the connected state (to a locked state).

[0079] (N) The positioning stopper operating lever 55v (see FIG. 9) of the mold exchange carriage 50 is operated to lower the positioning stopper 31a (see FIG. 5) of the mold placing table 31 (to release the positioning). The fall prevention stopper 31b is automatically lowered.

[0080] (O) The chain handle 57h (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the mold exchange cart 50 is operated to extend (advance) the interlocking chain 57a ​​toward the mold placing table 31. This pushes out the cassette mold 20 fixed to the mold connecting portion 57b at the tip of the interlocking chain 57a ​​and moves it to the mold placing table 31. The cassette mold 20 is moved to a position beyond the lowered positioning stopper 31a (see FIG. 5), and operation of the chain handle 57h is stopped.

[0081] (P) The positioning stopper operating lever 55v (see FIG. 9) of the mold exchange cart 50 is operated to raise the positioning stopper 31a (see FIG. 5) of the mold placing table 31 (to bring it into a positioning state). Then, the chain handle 57h (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is operated to shorten (retract) the interlocking chain 57a ​​so that the cassette mold 20 contacts (positions) the positioning stopper 31a (see FIG. 5), and the operation of the chain handle 57h is stopped. Then, the mold connecting lever 57c (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is operated to release the fixation of the mold connecting portion 57b inserted into the pin hole of the cassette mold 20. Then, the chain handle 57h (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is operated to shorten (retract) the interlocking chain 57a ​​and the mold connecting portion 57b so that they are separated from the cassette mold 20.

[0082] (Q) Perform the same operation as (H) above to release the engagement and connection of the movable rail 55 and the mold exchange cart 50 with the mold placing table 31 and the cassette mold device 2, and also release them from their fixation to the floor surface.

[0083] (R) The mold exchange cart 50 is retracted to move it away from the mold placement table 31, the mold exchange cart 50 is moved to the cart storage position (the position where the mold exchange cart 50 is stored), and the floor locking device 51s (see Figures 6 and 7) is stepped on to secure it to the floor surface.

[0084] (S) The exchange operation panel 2b (see FIG. 1) is operated to automatically attach the cassette mold 20 placed on the mold placing table 31 to the base mold 10 by the mold exchange device 30.

[0085] (T) Operate the molding operation panel 2a (see Figure 1) to start manufacturing the molded product.

[0086] The above steps (A) to (T) do not require special operations such as lifting with a hoist, so even general workers, not just skilled workers with special skills, can perform the replacement work more safely, easily, and in a shorter time. Furthermore, the mold replacement cart 50 is positioned and fixed relative to the cassette mold device 2 (mold replacement device 30), and the movable rail 55 is directly positioned and fixed relative to the mold placement table 31 on which the cassette molds are placed, so the worker can perform the replacement work more safely. The mold replacement cart 50 can appropriately assist the worker in performing the above steps (A) to (T) more safely, easily, and in a shorter time.

[0087] <<Others>> The mold exchange cart 50 of the technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the configuration, structure, appearance, shape, etc. described in this embodiment, and various modifications, additions, and deletions are possible without changing the gist of the technology disclosed in this specification. In addition, various modifications, additions, and deletions are possible with respect to the work procedures, etc. of the worker S without changing the gist of the technology disclosed in this specification. In addition, the technology disclosed in this specification can be implemented by its features alone or in combination with other features.

[0088] In the description of this embodiment, an example has been given in which a pair of lock pins 31p are used as the locked portion, but the locked portion is not limited to a pair of lock pins. Furthermore, the shapes and structures of the locking state operating portion (reciprocating operating portion 55g and opening / closing guide portion 55f) and the locking portion 55c are not limited to the shapes and structures described in this embodiment.

[0089] Furthermore, the shape and structure of the positioning stopper 31a for raising and lowering, and the shape and structure of the fall prevention stopper 31b for raising and lowering are not limited to the shapes and structures described in this embodiment.

[0090] Furthermore, the pushing / pulling mechanism 57d that pushes and pulls the cassette mold 20 placed on the device rail 31n or the movable rail 55 is not limited to the interlocking chain 57a ​​and the mold connecting portion 57b.

[0091] In addition, the carriage-side guide 51 b, which is a roller, may be provided on the cassette mold device 2 , and the plate-shaped device-side guide 42 may be provided on the mold exchange carriage 50 .

[0092] The present disclosure includes the following aspects: A first aspect is a mold exchange carriage that assists in the transfer of a cassette mold between a cassette mold device in which an exchangeable cassette mold is attached to a base mold having a fixed side mold and a movable side mold, and a mold exchange device that removes the cassette mold from the base mold and attaches another cassette mold to the base mold, the mold exchange carriage including a carriage rail that can be connected to a mold placement table of the mold exchange device, wherein the carriage rail has a carriage-side facing surface that faces the mold placement table, and the mold placement table is configured to carry the cassette mold removed from the base mold by the mold exchange device or the cassette mold to be attached to the base mold by the mold exchange device. the mold placing table has an apparatus-side facing surface facing the carriage rail and an engaging portion provided on the apparatus-side facing surface or in the vicinity of the apparatus-side facing surface, an engaging portion provided on the carriage-side facing surface and capable of engaging with the engaging portion, and an engaging state operating portion operable to switch between an engaging lock state in which the carriage-side facing surface is in contact with or close to the apparatus-side facing surface, the carriage rail is positioned with respect to the mold placing table, and the engaging portion engaged with the engaging portion is held in an engaged state, and an engaging release state in which the engaging lock state is released and the carriage rail is allowed to move away from the mold placing table.

[0093] According to the first aspect, the carriage rail positioned relative to the mold table is directly fixed by bringing the carriage-side facing surface into contact with or close to the machine-side facing surface and positioning the carriage rail relative to the mold table, thereby locking the locking portions engaged with the locked portions. This prevents the mold table and the carriage rail of the mold exchange carriage from separating. The mold exchange carriage then facilitates the transfer of cassette molds to and from the mold table without the need for lifting using a hoist or the like, thereby enabling workers to perform cassette mold replacement work more safely, easily, and in a shorter time.

[0094] The second aspect is a mold exchange cart according to the first aspect, wherein the engaging portions are a pair of locking pins spaced a predetermined distance apart, and the engaging portions have an opening / closing portion that moves between a closed state narrower than the predetermined distance and an open state wider than the predetermined distance, and an elastic member that biases the opening / closing portion toward the open state.

[0095] According to the second aspect, the locked portion is realized by a pair of lock pins, and the locking portion is realized by having an opening and closing portion, so that the locked portion and the locking portion can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0096] A third aspect is a mold exchange cart according to the second aspect, wherein the locking state operating unit has a reciprocating operating unit that is capable of reciprocating movement along the longitudinal direction of the cart rail, and an opening / closing guide unit connected to the reciprocating operating unit, and the opening / closing guide unit sets the locking state by guiding the opening / closing unit of the locking unit that is locked to the locked portion to the open state in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating operating unit, and sets the locking state by guiding the opening / closing unit of the locking unit that is locked to the locked portion to the closed state.

[0097] According to the third aspect, the locking state operating unit is configured to have a reciprocating operating unit and an opening / closing guide unit. The locking state operating unit can place the opening / closing unit in either a closed state or an open state.

[0098] A fourth aspect is a mold exchange cart relating to any one of the first to third aspects above, wherein the mold loading table has a positioning stopper that holds the cassette mold loaded on the mold loading table at a predetermined position on the mold loading table, and the mold exchange cart has a positioning stopper control unit that operates the positioning stopper between a positioning state and a positioning release state when in the locked state.

[0099] According to the fourth aspect, the positioning stopper that holds the cassette mold placed on the mold placing table in a predetermined position on the mold placing table can be moved from the mold exchange cart between a positioning state and a positioning release state when in the locked state. When moving the cassette mold between the mold placing table and the mold exchange cart, the positioning stopper interferes with the cassette mold in the positioning state, so it is convenient to be able to move it between the positioning state and the positioning release state from the mold exchange cart. Therefore, the mold exchange cart can help the worker to more easily perform the cassette mold replacement work.

[0100] A fifth aspect is a mold exchange cart according to the fourth aspect, wherein the mold loading table has a fall prevention stopper located closer to the device-side opposing surface than the positioning stopper so as to prevent the cassette mold loaded on the mold loading table from moving toward the device-side opposing surface and falling from the mold loading table, and the mold exchange cart has a fall prevention stopper release portion that sets the fall prevention stopper to a fall prevention release state when in the locked state.

[0101] According to the fifth aspect, the fall prevention stopper (located closer to the device-side facing surface than the positioning stopper) that prevents the cassette mold placed on the mold placing table from moving toward the device-side facing surface and falling off the mold placing table can be released from the mold exchange cart when it is locked. When moving the cassette mold between the mold placing table and the mold exchange cart, the fall prevention stopper interferes with the cassette mold in the fall prevention state, so it is convenient to be able to release the fall prevention state from the mold exchange cart. Therefore, the mold exchange cart can help workers perform cassette mold replacement work more safely and easily.

[0102] A sixth aspect is a mold exchange cart relating to any one of the first to fifth aspects above, wherein one of the mold exchange cart and the cassette mold device has a guide member, and the other has a roller that is in rolling contact with the guide member, and the guide member comes into contact with the roller while the mold exchange cart is moved toward the cassette mold device, thereby guiding the mold exchange cart to a connectable position where the cart-side opposing surface is in contact with or close to the device-side opposing surface.

[0103] According to the sixth aspect, while the mold exchange cart is being moved toward the cassette mold device, the guide member comes into contact with the roller, thereby guiding the mold exchange cart to the coupling position, which makes it easy to position the cart rail relative to the mold placing table and facilitates accurate coupling between the two.

[0104] The seventh aspect is a mold exchange cart according to the sixth aspect, wherein the mold placing table has an equipment rail that can be connected to the cart rail, and the equipment rail is connected to the cart rail after the roller contacts the guide member and the mold exchange cart is guided to the connectable position.

[0105] According to the seventh aspect, the rollers come into contact with the guide members, and the mold exchange cart is guided to the connectable position, and then the device rail of the mold placing table is connected to the cart rail. Therefore, the cart rail of the mold exchange cart guided to the predetermined connectable position can be connected to the device rail, making it even easier to accurately connect the two.

[0106] The eighth aspect is a mold exchange cart according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, which has a cart rail that can be connected to an equipment rail provided on the mold placing table and that is extendable and contractible along the rail longitudinal direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the cart rail, and a push-pull mechanism that has an interlocking chain that is fitted with a mold connecting portion that can be connected to and disconnected from the equipment rail or the cassette mold placed on the cart rail, and that, when connected to the cassette mold, can push and pull the cassette mold placed on the equipment rail or the cart rail along the rail longitudinal direction.

[0107] According to the eighth aspect, the mold changing cart includes a carriage rail that can be connected to the equipment rail and that is extendable and contractible along the rail longitudinal direction, and a push-pull mechanism with an interlocking chain that can push and pull the cassette mold placed on the equipment rail or the carriage rail. This allows the worker to more safely, easily, and in a shorter time, transfer the cassette mold between the mold placing table and the mold changing cart.

Claims

1. A mold exchange cart that assists in the transfer of a cassette mold between a cassette mold device in which an exchangeable cassette mold is attached to a base mold having a fixed side mold and a movable side mold, and a mold exchange device that removes the cassette mold from the base mold and attaches another cassette mold to the base mold, the cart rail being connectable to a mold mounting table of the mold exchange device, the cart rail having a cart-side facing surface that faces the mold mounting table, the mold mounting table being configured to mount the cassette mold removed from the base mold by the mold exchange device or the cassette mold to be attached to the base mold by the mold exchange device, the mold mounting table having an apparatus-side facing surface that faces the cart rail and an engaging portion provided on the apparatus-side facing surface or in the vicinity of the apparatus-side facing surface, and an engaging portion provided on the cart-side facing surface and capable of engaging with the engaging portion; a locking state operating unit that can be operated to either an engagement lock state in which the carriage side opposing surface is in contact with or close to the device side opposing surface, the carriage rail is positioned with respect to the mold mounting table, and the engagement portion engaged with the engaged portion is held in an engaged state, or an engagement release state in which the engagement lock state is released and the carriage rail is allowed to move away from the mold mounting table.

2. A mold exchange cart as described in claim 1, wherein the locked portions are a pair of lock pins spaced a predetermined distance apart, and the locking portions have an opening / closing portion that moves between a closed state narrower than the predetermined distance and an open state wider than the predetermined distance, and an elastic member that biases the opening / closing portion toward the open state.

3. A mold exchange cart as described in claim 2, wherein the locking state operating unit has a reciprocating operating unit capable of reciprocating movement along the longitudinal direction of the cart rail, and an opening / closing guide unit connected to the reciprocating operating unit, and the opening / closing guide unit sets the locking state by guiding the opening / closing part of the locking part locked to the locked part to the open state in response to the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating operating unit, and sets the locking state by guiding the opening / closing part of the locking part locked to the locked part to the closed state. A mold exchange cart as described in claim 2, wherein the locking state operating unit has a reciprocating operating unit capable of reciprocating movement along the longitudinal direction of the cart rail, and an opening / closing guide unit connected to the reciprocating operating unit, 4. A mold exchange cart as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mold mounting table has a positioning stopper that holds the cassette mold placed on the mold mounting table at a predetermined position on the mold mounting table, and the mold exchange cart has a positioning stopper control unit that operates the positioning stopper between a positioning state and a positioning release state when in the locked state.

5. A mold exchange cart as described in claim 4, wherein the mold mounting table has a fall prevention stopper located closer to the equipment side opposing surface than the positioning stopper so as to prevent the cassette mold placed on the mold mounting table from moving towards the equipment side opposing surface and falling off the mold mounting table, and the mold exchange cart has a fall prevention stopper release section which sets the fall prevention stopper to a fall prevention release state when in the locked state.

6. A mold exchange cart as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the mold exchange cart and the cassette mold device has a guide member, and the other has a roller in rolling contact with the guide member, and the guide member comes into contact with the roller while the mold exchange cart is moved towards the cassette mold device, thereby guiding the mold exchange cart to a connectable position where the cart-side opposing surface is in contact with or close to the device-side opposing surface.

7. A mold exchange cart as described in claim 6, wherein the mold placement table has an equipment rail connectable to the cart rail, and the equipment rail is connected to the cart rail after the rollers come into contact with the guide members and the mold exchange cart is guided to the connectable position.

8. A mold exchange cart as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a push-pull mechanism equipped with a mold connecting part capable of connecting to and disconnecting from an equipment rail provided on the mold placement table or the cassette mold placed on the cart rail, the cart rail being connectable to the equipment rail and extendable and retractable along the longitudinal direction of the cart rail, and the push-pull mechanism having an interlocking chain that enables the cassette mold placed on the equipment rail or the cart rail to be pushed and pulled along the longitudinal direction when the mold connecting part is connected to the cassette mold.

Images