Flaskless molding machine

Abstract

This flaskless molding machine comprises: an upper flask and a lower flask; an upper squeeze plate that can advance to and retreat from the upper flask and defines an upper molding space together with the upper flask; a lower squeeze plate that can advance to and retreat from the lower flask and defines a lower molding space together with the lower flask; a squeeze cylinder that moves the upper squeeze plate and the lower squeeze plate so as to approach each other; and a rod member that is disposed in each of a plurality of through-holes provided in the upper squeeze plate and can extend so that the tip thereof protrudes into the upper molding space.

Description

Mold Stripping Molding Machine

[0001] This disclosure relates to a mold stripping molding machine.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a molding machine for upper and lower molds without a casting mold. The molding machine has a pair of upper and lower casting frames each having a sand inlet on the side wall, a match plate, and upper and lower squeezing means. The molding machine is configured to define two upper and lower molding spaces by the upper and lower casting frames, the match plate, and the upper and lower squeezing means, blow sand from a sand tank into the molding spaces, squeeze it, and then extract the mold from the molding spaces.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-315012

[0004] In the upper mold, depending on the pattern (model), thin rod-shaped voids such as risers, vents, and gas vents may be provided. In the molding machine described in Patent Document 1, when exchanging the pattern (model), the operator needs to check the pattern and perform operations such as removing and attaching rod members to the upper squeezing plate according to the pattern. Therefore, the molding machine described in Patent Document 1 places a large burden on the operator, and the replacement operation may lengthen the cycle time of molding. This disclosure provides a technique that can reduce the burden on the operator during pattern replacement in a mold stripping molding machine and shorten the cycle time of molding.

[0005] The mold stripping molding machine according to one aspect of this disclosure includes an upper frame and a lower frame, an upper squeezing plate that can advance and retreat in the upper frame and defines an upper molding space together with the upper frame, a lower squeezing plate that can advance and retreat in the lower frame and defines a lower molding space together with the lower frame, a squeezing cylinder that moves the upper squeezing plate and the lower squeezing plate closer to each other, and rod members arranged in each of a plurality of through holes provided in the upper squeezing plate and extendable so that their tips protrude into the upper molding space.

[0006] According to this disclosure, in a mold stripping molding machine, the burden on the operator during pattern replacement can be reduced, and the cycle time of molding can be shortened.

[0007] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the cast frame unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine in a rotated state. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sprue and a lift. Figure 5(A) is a rear view showing an example of an upper squeeze plate, Figure 5(B) is a side view showing an example of a contracted rod member, and Figure 5(C) is a side view showing an example of an extended rod member.

[0008] [Examples of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Embodiments of the Disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description. The terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" are based on the illustrated state and are for convenience only. In the drawings, the X and Y directions are horizontal, and the Z direction is vertical. Hereinafter, the Z direction will also be referred to as the up and down direction. Hereinafter, in terms of members, "connection" means fixed, and "connection" means indirect or direct contact that is removable.

[0009] [Overview of the molding machine] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine according to one embodiment. The molding machine 100 shown in Figure 1 (an example of a mold-removing molding machine) is a molding machine that molds an upper mold and a lower mold. The molding machine 100 comprises a mold unit 1, a rotating part 102, a pattern exchange part 103, a squeeze unit 104, and a mold exchange part 105. The mold unit 1 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The first position P1 is a working position set in the molding machine 100, where the model (pattern) is placed between the upper and lower molds. The second position P2 is a position in the molding machine 100 where sand is placed in the upper and lower molds and squeezing is performed.

[0010] The casting frame unit 1 shown in Figure 1 is located at a first position P1. The casting frame unit 1 comprises an upper frame 2 and a lower frame 3. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are brought into the first position P1 by the frame exchange unit 105. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are box-shaped frames with open upper and lower ends. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 move closer to each other and connect by gripping the pattern member 8 brought in by the pattern exchange unit 103. The pattern member 8 is a plate member on which a model can be placed. A model is placed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the pattern member 8. Hereinafter, the connected upper frame 2 and lower frame 3 will also be referred to as the upper and lower frame 23.

[0011] The rotating unit 102 rotates the casting frame unit 1, which includes the upper frame 2 and lower frame 3 in which the pattern member 8 is held, so that it is positioned on the same horizontal plane (XY plane). The casting frame unit 1 rotated by the rotating unit 102 moves to a second position P2 located above the first position P1 and is incorporated into the squeeze unit 104. At the second position P2, sand is filled into the upper and lower frames 23 incorporated into the squeeze unit 104. The sand filled into the upper and lower frames 23 is pressed by the squeeze unit 104, for example, along the X direction, so that an upper mold is formed in the upper frame 2 and a lower mold is formed in the lower frame 3 simultaneously. After that, the casting frame unit 1 is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1 by the rotating unit 102. At the first position P1, the upper frame 2A in which the mold is formed and the lower frame 3A in which the mold is formed are separated, and the pattern member 8 is removed from between the upper frame 2A and the lower frame 3A. Afterward, the frame exchange unit 105 moves the upper frame 2A and the lower frame 3A into alignment. The upper and lower molds (upper and lower molds) in alignment are removed from the upper frame 2A and the lower frame 3A and transported out of the device. In this way, the molding machine 100 molds upper and lower molds without a casting frame.

[0012] [Details of the Casting Frame Unit] Figure 2 is a side view of the casting frame unit shown in Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 show the initial state in which the upper frame and lower frame are separated. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the casting frame unit 1, which is rotatable by the rotating part 102, comprises an upper frame 2, a lower frame 3, a pair of frame guide members 4, a lower squeeze plate 7 (an example of a lower squeeze member), an upper ridge frame 15, and a lower ridge frame 16. The pair of frame guide members 4 are arranged along the Y direction.

[0013] At the first position P1, the upper frame 2 is positioned above the position into which the pattern member 8 is loaded, and between a pair of frame guide members 4 in the Y direction. The upper frame 2 is a box-shaped frame with open upper and lower ends, and has a space inside that can accommodate a model placed on the upper surface of the pattern member 8. The lower end of the upper frame 2 can, for example, abut against the upper surface of the pattern member 8. A sand inlet 2a (an example of a first sand inlet) is provided in the side wall of the upper frame 2, penetrating from the outside to the internal space.

[0014] At the first position P1, the lower frame 3 is positioned below the position into which the pattern member 8 is loaded, and between a pair of frame guide members 4 in the Y direction. The lower frame 3 is a box-shaped frame with open upper and lower ends, and has a space inside that can accommodate a model placed on the lower surface of the pattern member 8. The upper end of the lower frame 3 can, for example, abut against the lower surface of the pattern member 8. A sand inlet 3a (an example of a second sand inlet) is provided in the side wall of the lower frame 3, penetrating from the outside to the internal space.

[0015] The pair of frame guide members 4 are rod members that guide the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3, and extend vertically at the first position P1. Each of the pair of frame guide members 4 is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are movably mounted on the pair of frame guide members 4. For example, the upper frame 2 is movably mounted on the pair of frame guide members 4 by a pair of upper frame connecting parts 11. The lower frame 3 is movably mounted on the pair of frame guide members 4 by a pair of lower frame connecting parts 12. The pair of frame guide members 4 have an end portion connected to the lower squeeze plate 7 and a tip portion that engages with a wedge member, which will be described later.

[0016] The upper ridge frame 15 is a box-shaped frame with open upper and lower ends, and is positioned above the upper frame 2. The lower end of the upper ridge frame 15 is connectable to the upper end of the upper frame 2. The lower ridge frame 16 is a box-shaped frame with open upper and lower ends, and is positioned below the lower frame 3. The upper end of the lower ridge frame 16 is connectable to the lower end of the lower frame 3.

[0017] The upper and lower ridge frames 15 and 16 are movable vertically by a pair of ridge frame cylinders 17. The pair of ridge frame cylinders 17 are arranged along the Y direction. For example, the main body of the ridge frame cylinder is connected to the upper ridge frame 15, and the rod of the ridge frame cylinder is connected to the lower ridge frame 16. By driving the pair of ridge frame cylinders 17, the upper and lower ridge frames 15 and 16 are opened and closed (the upper frame 2 and lower frame 3 are opened and closed). As a specific example, the pair of ridge frame cylinders 17 are driven and the upper ridge frame 15 is lowered to a predetermined position. At this point, there is a gap of several tens of millimeters between the upper ridge frame 15 and the upper frame 2. Furthermore, when the pair of ridge frame cylinders 17 are driven and the lower ridge frame 16 rises, the lower frame 3 is placed on the upper end of the lower ridge frame 16. When the lower ridge frame 16 rises further, the pattern member 8 is placed on the upper end of the lower frame 3 which is placed on the lower ridge frame 16. Similarly, as the lower frame 16 rises further, the upper frame 2 is placed on the upper end of the pattern member 8, and as the lower frame 16 rises further, the upper frame 15 is placed on the upper end of the upper frame 2. In this way, the pair of frame cylinders 17 move the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 relative to each other along the pair of frame guide members 4 so that the pattern member 8 is clamped and released by the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3.

[0018] The lower squeeze plate 7 is a plate member that can enter and retract into the lower frame 3 through an opening at the lower end of the lower frame 3. The lower squeeze plate 7, together with the lower frame 3 and the pattern member 8, defines the lower molding space for forming the lower mold. The lower squeeze plate 7 is connected to the lower ridge frame 16 and a pair of frame guide members 4. The lower ridge frame 16 is connected to an attachment member connected to the pair of frame guide members 4 and a squeeze base 19 that connects the attachment member and the lower squeeze plate 7 to each other. The attachment member has a plate shape and includes both ends connected to the pair of frame guide members 4. The squeeze base 19 is located between the pair of frame guide members 4 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0019] A pair of unit guide members 5 are arranged along the Y direction. The pair of unit guide members 5 are rod members that guide the cast frame unit 1 and extend vertically at the first position P1. Each of the pair of unit guide members 5 is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The lower mortar frame 16 of the cast frame unit 1 is movably mounted on the unit guide members 5. A pair of mortar frame cylinders 17 are connected to the pair of unit guide members 5 by an upper mortar frame 15. The cast frame unit 1 moves along the pair of unit guide members 5 by the driving force of a pair of adjustment cylinders 13. The pair of adjustment cylinders 13 may be hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders, or electric cylinders.

[0020] [Details of the Rotating Part] Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of a molding machine in a state where the mold unit is rotated. As shown in Figure 3, the rotating part 102 is provided on a support column 22 erected on the base 21 of the molding machine 100. The support column 22 is positioned to the side of the first position P1 (positive X-axis direction). The rotating part 102 has a mounting frame 31, a pivot shaft 32, and a pair of rotation drive units 33. The pair of rotation drive units 33 are arranged along the Y direction. A pair of unit guide members 5 are connected to the mounting frame 31. As a result, the mounting frame 31 supports the mold unit 1. The mounting frame 31 is open so that the pattern member 8 can be transported in and out of the pattern exchange section 103 to the first position P1.

[0021] The pivot shaft 32 is a member provided on the support column 22 and extending in the Y direction. The pivot shaft 32 is provided on the support column 22 so as to be rotatable about an axis. The pair of pivot drive units 33 are the driving source for the rotation of the casting frame unit 1. The pair of pivot drive units 33 are, for example, cylinders having rods that can extend and retract in the axial direction. The ends of the pair of pivot drive units 33 are rotatably connected to the support column 22 about an axis extending in the Y direction, and the tips are rotatably connected to the mounting frame 31 about an axis extending in the Y direction. By extending the rods of each of the pair of pivot drive units 33 by the cylinders, an upward force (clockwise around the pivot shaft 32) is applied to the mounting frame 31, and the mounting frame 31 can be moved to the second position P2. Each rod of the pair of rotating drive units 33 is retracted by the cylinder, applying a downward force (counterclockwise around the pivot axis 32) to the mounting frame 31, thereby moving the mounting frame 31 to the first position P1. In this way, the rotating unit 102 can rotate the casting frame unit 1 together with the mounting frame 31. The rotating unit 102 rotates the casting frame unit 1 between the first position P1 where the pattern member 8 is placed and the second position P2 where squeezing takes place.

[0022] [Details of the pattern exchange unit] As shown in Figure 1, the pattern exchange unit 103 is positioned to the side of the first position P1 (positive X-axis direction). The pattern exchange unit 103 loads and unloads the pattern member 8 between the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3. The pattern exchange unit 103 includes a transport base 41 having rails 42 and an actuator (not shown). The pattern member 8 reciprocates on the rails 42 by the actuator. When the pattern member 8 moves from the first position P1 to the third position P3, a lifter attached to the transport base 41 lifts the pattern member 8, and the transport base 41 rotates around a rotation axis extending in the Z direction, and the pattern member 8 is replaced.

[0023] [Details of the Squeeze Unit] The molding unit 1A shown in Figure 3 is configured with the cast frame unit 1 positioned at the second position P2 and incorporated into the squeeze unit 104. By being incorporated into the squeeze unit 104, the molding spaces of the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3 are formed. Subsequently, sand is supplied to the respective molding spaces of the upper and lower frames 23 and squeezed by the squeeze unit 104. Details are described below.

[0024] The squeeze unit 104 includes a molding support section 51, an upper squeeze plate 6 (an example of an upper squeeze member), and a squeeze cylinder 60.

[0025] The molding support section 51 is a frame-shaped member fixed to the support column 22 and extending horizontally. The molding support section 51 has a space inside its frame capable of accommodating the mold unit 1. This space is open in the vertical direction. The squeeze cylinder 60 is guided along the X-axis by a rail (not shown). The squeeze cylinder 60 is movably positioned relative to the upper and lower frames 23.

[0026] The upper squeeze plate 6 is a plate member that can enter or retract into the upper mold frame 15 and upper frame 2 through openings at the upper ends of the upper mold frame 15 and upper frame 2. The upper squeeze plate 6, together with the upper frame 2 and pattern member 8, defines the upper molding space for forming the upper mold. The upper squeeze plate 6 is positioned so as to sandwich the upper and lower frames 23 between it and the lower squeeze plate 7. The upper squeeze plate 6 enters the upper frame 2 by the drive of the squeeze cylinder 60.

[0027] The squeeze cylinder 60 comprises a rod and a cylinder body. The upper squeeze plate 6 is fixed to the end of the rod via a squeeze base. The squeeze cylinder 60 may be a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder. The cylinder body is positioned on the rail described above via a mounting member. The rod of a moving cylinder 65 for moving the squeeze cylinder 60 along the X axis is connected to the mounting member. The moving cylinder 65 may be a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder. As the rod of the moving cylinder 65 extends, the cylinder body approaches the upper frame 2. With the cylinder body of the squeeze cylinder 60 approaching the upper frame 2, the rod is extended. This causes the upper squeeze plate 6 to enter the opening in the upper frame 2. This defines the upper molding space for forming the upper mold.

[0028] The mounting member of the cylinder body of the squeeze cylinder 60 has a pair of openings into which the tips of a pair of frame guide members 4 can be inserted. The pair of openings penetrate along the X-axis. The diameter of the openings is larger than the diameter of the tips of the frame guide members 4. Therefore, the pair of frame guide members 4 can be inserted through the pair of openings in the mounting member of the cylinder body. The movement of the pair of frame guide members 4 inserted through the pair of openings is restricted in the negative X-axis direction by a guide fixing part provided on the mounting member. For example, a wedge member is engaged with the tip of each of the pair of frame guide members 4. By fixing the pair of frame guide members 4 inserted through the pair of openings to the mounting member in such a way that their movement in the negative X-axis direction is restricted, the relative position of the pair of frame guide members 4 between the lower squeeze plate 7 and the cylinder body of the squeeze cylinder 60 is fixed during squeezing. As a result, the movement of the cylinder body and the movement of the lower squeeze plate 7 are linked during squeezing. Furthermore, when the movement of the pair of frame guide members 4 in the negative X-axis direction is restricted, the lower squeeze plate 7 enters the lower frame 3 through the opening at the lower end of the lower frame 3 by the lower squeeze upper and lower cylinders 18. As a result, the lower squeeze plate 7, the lower frame 3, and the pattern member 8 define a lower molding space for forming the lower mold.

[0029] After the pair of frame guide members 4 are fixed to the cylinder body of the squeeze cylinder 60, sand is supplied to the respective molding spaces of the upper and lower frames 23. The sand tank 106 for supplying the sand will be described later. Squeezing is performed after each molding space is filled with sand. The squeeze cylinder 60 extends its rod in the negative X-axis direction, causing the upper squeeze plate 6 to enter the upper frame 2. Due to the reaction force of the pressure applied to the sand in the upper frame 2, the cylinder body moves in the positive X-axis direction, and in accordance with the movement of the cylinder body, the pair of frame guide members 4 are pulled in the positive X-axis direction, causing the lower squeeze plate 7 to enter the lower frame 3. In this way, squeezing is performed as the upper squeeze plate 6 and the lower squeeze plate 7 move toward the pattern member 8.

[0030] [Details of the Sand Tank] A sand tank 106 is positioned at the second position P2. The sand tank 106 has a tank body for storing sand, and a first nozzle and a second nozzle for supplying sand from the tank body to the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 3. The tank body is, for example, box-shaped and has a space inside in which sand can be stored. The shape of the tank body is not limited to a box shape, and may be cylindrical, for example. The first nozzle and the second nozzle are continuous with the space inside the tank body and are provided at the lower end of the tank body. Compressed air is supplied to the storage tank. The lower end of the tank body is bifurcated, and each lower end is connected to the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The first nozzle and the second nozzle supply sand toward the sand inlet 2a of the upper frame 2 and the sand inlet 3a of the lower frame 3. As a result, the inside of the upper frame 2 and the inside of the lower frame 3 are filled with sand.

[0031] [Control Unit] The control unit 107 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, positioned in the negative X-axis direction of the first position P1. The control unit 107 is configured as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) as an example. The control unit 107 may be configured as a normal computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), input devices such as a touch panel and keyboard, output devices such as a display, and auxiliary storage devices such as a hard disk. The control unit 107 is provided with an operation panel that can be operated by an operator. The control unit 107 controls the movement of each component of the molding machine 100, such as the movement of the upper frame 2 and lower frame 3, the transport of the pattern member 8, the rotation of the mold unit 1, and the squeezing by the upper squeeze plate 6 and lower squeeze plate 7.

[0032] [Springs, risers, vents, etc.] Depending on the pattern, the upper mold may be provided with sprues, risers, vents, etc. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sprue and a riser. As shown in Figure 4, the upper mold M1 and the lower mold M2 are joined together and molten metal is poured into the space inside the mold. The sprue 200 is the first passage that guides the molten metal into the mold. The riser 201 is the part where the molten metal fills the mold and rises to the top surface of the mold. The vent is a passage for venting gas or air generated in the sand during pouring. All of these are thin, rod-shaped voids. The upper squeeze plate 6 of the molding machine 100 has a rod member built in, and the above-mentioned sprues, risers, vents, etc. can be provided.

[0033] Figure 5(A) is a rear view showing an example of an upper squeeze plate, Figure 5(B) is a side view showing an example of a contracted rod member, and Figure 5(C) is a side view showing an example of an extended rod member. As shown in Figures 5(A), (B), and (C), the upper squeeze plate 6 is provided with a plurality of rod members 90B. The plurality of rod members 90B are arranged in each of the plurality of through holes 6a provided in the upper squeeze plate 6. The tip of each rod member is extendable so as to protrude into the upper molding space from the surface defining the upper molding space (i.e., the squeeze surface) in the upper squeeze plate 6.

[0034] As an example, each rod member is provided with a cylinder 90. The cylinder 90 has a cylinder body 90A and a rod (not shown). The rod portion of the cylinder 90 is connected to the rod member 90B. This allows the rod member 90B to extend and retract freely. The size, shape, and use of the rod member 90B are not particularly limited. As an example, the rod member 90B is a sprue rod. The rod member 90B may be detachably attached to the rod portion. Since the rod member 90B wears down with use, quality deterioration can be suppressed by replacing the rod member 90B.

[0035] The control unit 107 may control each of the cylinders 90. For example, the operator visually inspects the pattern to be replaced or obtains information about the pattern and inputs the position of the required rod member 90B into the touch panel of the control unit 107. The control unit 107 operates each cylinder in response to the operator's input. This allows the operator to set the rod member 90B according to the pattern without having to enter the molding machine 100 and use tools.

[0036] The control unit 107 may store a pre-set relationship between a pattern identifier and information about the rod member to be extended. For example, the control unit 107's memory device stores the pattern identifier and information about the rod member 90B to be extended in association. A pattern identifier is a character, number, symbol, or graphic that can identify a pattern. As an example, suppose two rod member positions, "X1" and "X2," are associated and stored with pattern identifier "A," and one rod member position, "X3," is associated and stored with pattern identifier "B." This association can be stored in a database or a table. Now, suppose the control unit 107 has obtained "B" as the identifier of the target pattern. In this case, the control unit 107 can refer to the memory device and search for pattern identifier "B" to determine the rod member position "X3" corresponding to pattern identifier "B." The control unit 107 then operates the cylinder corresponding to the determined rod member. In this way, the control unit 107 can automatically set the rod member according to the pattern simply by obtaining the pattern identifier.

[0037] The method for obtaining the pattern identifier is not particularly limited; for example, it may be obtained by an operator inputting it into a touch panel, by reading it from a tag attached to the pattern, or by estimating the pattern identifier using an image of the pattern.

[0038] [Summary of Embodiments] In the molding machine 100, the rod member 90B can be extended so as to protrude from the upper squeeze plate 6 into the upper molding space. The rod member 90B is used to create thin rod-shaped voids in the upper mold M1, such as sprue gates 200, lift gates 201, and gas vents. When changing patterns, the operator only needs to extend the rod member 90B to match the sprue gate position of the pattern to be changed, eliminating the need for the operator to use tools to fasten screws or the like. Therefore, the molding machine 100 can reduce the burden on the operator when changing patterns and shorten the molding cycle time.

[0039] [Modifications] The embodiments described above are examples of molding machines according to the present disclosure. The molding machines according to the present disclosure are not limited to the molding machine 100 according to the embodiments, and may be modified, combined, or applied to other types of molding machines according to the embodiments, without changing the gist of each claim. For example, the molding machine 100 may be configured to include only a molding unit 1A.

[0040] The molding machine 100 may not have a rotating part 102 and may be configured to apply a squeeze force from above downwards or from below upwards. The molding unit 1A is applicable not only to frameless molding machines (frame-removal molding machines) that create a removable frame after molding, but also to framed molding machines, that is, molding machines that send the mold to the casting line with the mold remaining in the frame without creating a removable frame after molding.

[0041] [Forms included in this disclosure] This disclosure includes the following forms: (Clause 1) A mold-cutting machine relating to one aspect of this disclosure comprises an upper frame and a lower frame, an upper squeeze plate that is movable in and out of the upper frame and together with the upper frame defines an upper molding space, a lower squeeze plate that is movable in and out of the lower frame and together with the lower frame defines a lower molding space, a squeeze cylinder that moves the upper squeeze plate and the lower squeeze plate closer together, and a rod member that is positioned in each of a plurality of through holes provided in the upper squeeze plate and is extendable such that its tip protrudes into the upper molding space.

[0042] In this mold-cutting machine, a rod member can be extended to protrude from the upper squeeze plate into the upper molding space. The rod member is used to create thin, rod-shaped voids in the upper mold, such as sprues, lifts, and vents. When changing patterns, the operator only needs to extend the rod member to match the sprue position of the pattern being changed, eliminating the need for the operator to use tools to fasten it with screws or other fasteners. Therefore, this mold-cutting machine reduces the burden on the operator when changing patterns and shortens the molding cycle time.

[0043] (Clause 2) The core-removing molding machine described in Clause 1 may further include a cylinder for extending each rod member. In this case, the operator does not need to perform the operation of extending the rod member. Therefore, this core-removing molding machine can further reduce the burden on the operator during pattern replacement and shorten the molding cycle time.

[0044] (Clause 3) The core-removing molding machine described in Clause 2 may further include a control unit for controlling each cylinder, and the control unit may operate each cylinder according to the operator's input. In this case, the core-removing molding machine can operate each cylinder according to the operator's input.

[0045] (Clause 4) In the core-removing molding machine described in Clause 3, the control unit stores a preset relationship between the identifier of the pattern sandwiched between the upper frame and the lower frame and the information of the rod member to be extended, obtains the identifier of the target pattern, and based on the obtained pattern identifier and the relationship, determines the rod member to be extended, and may operate the cylinder so that the determined rod member extends. This core-removing molding machine can automatically extend the rod member according to the pattern.

[0046] (Clause 5) In the core-removing molding machine described in Clauses 1 to 4, the rod member may be a sprue rod. In this case, the core-removing molding machine can form a sprue in the upper mold.

[0047] 2... upper frame, 3... lower frame, 6... upper squeeze plate, 7... lower squeeze plate, 8... pattern member, 60... squeeze cylinder, 100... molding machine (an example of a core-removing molding machine), 107... control unit.

Claims

1. A mold-making machine comprising: an upper frame and a lower frame; an upper squeeze plate that is movable in and out of the upper frame and together with the upper frame defines an upper molding space; a lower squeeze plate that is movable in and out of the lower frame and together with the lower frame defines a lower molding space; a squeeze cylinder that moves the upper squeeze plate and the lower squeeze plate closer together; and rod members that are positioned in each of a plurality of through holes provided in the upper squeeze plate and are extendable so that their tips protrude into the upper molding space.

2. The mold-making machine according to claim 1, further comprising a cylinder for extending each rod member.

3. The mold-making machine according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit for controlling each cylinder, wherein the control unit operates each cylinder in response to an operator's input.

4. The mold-making machine according to claim 3, wherein the control unit stores a preset relationship between an identifier of a pattern sandwiched between the upper frame and the lower frame and information of the rod member to be extended, obtains the identifier of the target pattern, determines the rod member to be extended based on the obtained identifier of the pattern and the relationship, and operates the cylinder so that the determined rod member is extended.

5. The molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rod member is a sprue rod.

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