JPH08252834A - Foam molded product manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Structure] A plurality of foaming machines 1 for producing pre-expanded particles are provided. A host computer 9 that can control each foaming machine 1 is provided. Each foaming machine 1 is provided with a display 1g capable of controlling the foaming machine 1 according to foaming conditions. The display 1g is set to store a plurality of foaming conditions from the host computer 9 and to sequentially update the foaming conditions of the pre-expanded particles of this lot and the next lot. [Effect] Even when the number of each foaming machine 1 is large, for example, three or more, waiting time for controlling each foaming machine 1 can be avoided by each display 1g, so that as a product. It is possible to prevent deterioration of the production efficiency of the foamed molded product.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to the production of pre-expanded particles.
The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a foamed molded article for aging and automatically producing a foamed molded article using the above-mentioned pre-expanded particles under predetermined conditions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the molding of a foamed synthetic resin which is a foamed molded body, various attempts have been made to automate the molding in order to save labor. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-8314 discloses a foamed synthetic resin. A resin automatic molding facility is disclosed.

In the above-mentioned automatic forming equipment, there are provided a raw material storage device for automatically supplying a designated raw material to a weighing device, and a weighing device for weighing a designated amount of the raw material from the raw material storage device and automatically feeding it to a relay hopper. A raw material recovery device that automatically recovers the residual raw material of the weighing device and the relay hopper to the raw material storage device,
A batch type pre-expanding machine configured to heat-expand the raw material from the relay hopper and automatically supply the expanded pre-expanded particles to the aging device is provided.

The batch type prefoaming machine is equipped with an automatic magnification measuring device for automatically measuring the foaming ratio of the prefoamed particles, and a foaming condition automatic selecting device for automatically selecting the optimum heating conditions. ing.

Further, the ripening device includes a level meter for measuring the upper limit level of the pre-foamed particles in the aging device in order to control the amount of pre-foamed particles conveyed from the pre-foaming machine and the destination of the aging device, and the aging device. A level meter for detecting that the inside is empty is provided.

[0006] The aging device is for automatically pre-expanding the pre-expanded particles from the pre-expanding machine for a specified period of time and then automatically supplying the pre-expanded particles from the aging device. belongs to.

Further, pipes for feeding the pre-expanded particles are provided between the plurality of pre-expanding machines, the plurality of aging devices, and the plurality of molding devices, respectively.
The pre-expanded particles are conveyed from the respective pre-expansion machines to the corresponding aging devices by N to N by the pipes and aged, and the pre-expanded particles are conveyed from the respective aging devices to the corresponding molding devices by N to N. To be used for molding.

In such automatic molding equipment, a control device having a built-in computer for controlling each of the above devices is provided, and a product name manufactured in advance in the control device,
A daily production schedule that defines the type of raw material, foaming ratio, standard date, number of shots, number of shots, and number of productions is input, and the control device controls each device according to such a production schedule and sets a predetermined value. Are being manufactured.

In the automatic molding equipment, the operator visually judges the state display showing the storage amount of the pre-expanded particles in the aging device, and the operator reserves the primary particle transfer and the secondary particle transfer. Perform the reservation setting operation of and foam based on this.
Aging and molding are linked.

[0010]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, since each device of the automatic equipment is controlled by the control device, the number of pre-foaming machines becomes large, for example, three or more. In this case, it may take time to process other devices and delay the control of each prefoaming machine, which may make it impossible to respond promptly, delaying the preparation of prefoamed particles and increasing the production efficiency of the foamed molded product as a product. It causes the problem of deterioration.

[0011]

In order to solve the above problems, an apparatus for producing a foamed molded article according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A plurality of foaming machines for producing the pre-expanded particles under the foaming conditions are respectively provided, and a plurality of silos for accommodating and aging the pre-expanded particles as the raw material prepared to the expansion multiple set in each foaming machine are provided. A molding machine for molding a foamed molded article according to molding conditions by the above-mentioned pre-expanded particles conveyed from a silo is provided, and a main control unit that stores a plurality of foaming conditions in advance has a plurality of types of pre-expanded particles. Is provided so as to be able to control each of the foaming machines produced by each foaming condition, and a sub-control unit that can control the foaming machine according to foaming conditions is provided in each foaming machine. In order to memorize a plurality of foaming conditions of the above and to successively manufacture the above foamed molded products, the respective foaming conditions of the pre-expanded particles of this lot and the next lot are sequentially updated. It is characterized in that it is set to.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foam molded article manufacturing apparatus according to the first aspect, in which the sub-control unit has a display means for displaying foaming conditions and a display on the display means. And input means for updating the foaming conditions, and the display means is set to display the respective foaming conditions of the pre-expanded particles of the present lot and the next lot.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foam molded article manufacturing apparatus according to the second aspect, in which the sub-control unit has a storage means for storing the raw material and the foaming multiple together with the foaming condition. The foaming condition displayed on the display means is set so that it can be changed by the inputting means depending on the raw material and the foaming multiple in the foaming condition.

[0014]

According to the above-mentioned structure, the pre-expanded particles conveyed from the silo to the molding machine are molded by the molding machine under the molding conditions stored in the main control section to obtain a foamed molded article. . Further, since the sub-control unit is provided in each foaming machine, by expanding the foaming conditions of each foaming machine, when the preparation of the pre-expanded particles of this lot is completed, the foaming conditions of the next lot can be sequentially updated. It is possible to rapidly produce the pre-expanded particles.

Thus, in the above structure, since the production of the pre-expanded particles in each foaming machine can be controlled by each sub-control section, the conventional pre-foaming machine, aging device,
Compared to the case where the control of each pre-expanding machine is processed by a single control device that controls the conveyance of each pre-expanding particle between them and each molding machine, the waiting for the preparation of the pre-expanding particles of each foaming machine is performed. The time can be reduced.

According to the structure of claim 2, the foaming conditions of the pre-foamed particles of the present lot and the next lot are displayed on the display means, and the foaming conditions are displayed by the input means. Since the change can be made promptly by the means, it becomes possible to promptly respond to a sudden change in the foaming machine.

According to the structure of claim 3, the foaming conditions can be changed depending on the raw material and the foaming multiple. Therefore, each item of the foaming conditions, for example, the raw material suction time, the raw material charging time, the heating time, and the cooling. It is possible to save the trouble of changing many items such as time, take-out time, and foaming frequency.

As a result, in the above structure, it is possible to speedily change the foaming conditions, and since it is not necessary to accurately change each of the numerous items described above, it is possible to ensure the change of the foaming conditions.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
The explanation is based on the following. In an automatic manufacturing system as a foam molded article manufacturing apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1, a foaming machine 1 for batch-preparing pre-expanded particles, and a plurality of units for storing the pre-expanded particles and aging for a predetermined period. 2 and a plurality of molding machines 3 for foam-molding the aged pre-expanded particles conveyed from the silo 2. Examples of the pre-expanded particles include thermoplastic resin particles such as polystyrene impregnated with a foaming agent such as pentane.

In the foaming machine 1, a foaming machine body 1a for producing pre-expanded particles from the thermoplastic resin, and a foaming machine body 1a.
A raw material feeder 1b which is provided on the upper part of the container and supplies the raw material particles made of the thermoplastic resin to the foaming machine body 1a, and a foaming machine hopper 1c for temporarily storing the pre-foamed particles carried out from the foaming machine body 1a, A multiple measuring device 1d for measuring the expansion ratio of the pre-expanded particles is provided.

The raw material feeder 1b is prepared by weighing thermoplastic resin particles impregnated with a foaming agent of a predetermined brand as raw material particles for one batch of pre-expansion, for example, 15 kg each, and the foaming machine main body 1
to be supplied to a.

The multiple measuring device 1d is provided on the upper part of the foaming machine hopper 1c, and extends from the foaming machine body 1a to the foaming machine hopper 1c.
The pre-expanded particles carried out to, for example, a predetermined volume is sampled by a cylinder or the like, and by measuring the weight of the sampled predetermined volume of the pre-expanded particles,
The expansion ratio of the pre-expanded particles can be measured.

Further, in the foaming machine 1, the pre-foaming operation of the foaming machine main body 1a, the raw material feeding operation of the raw material feeder 1b, and the foaming multiple measuring operation of the multiple measuring device 1d are controlled based on set values such as foaming conditions. A foaming machine sequencer 1e for performing the above is attached. Further, the foaming machine sequencer 1e has a communication function of exchanging data such as foaming conditions and foaming multiples with an external sequencer or the like.

Further, the foaming machine sequencer 1e sets the expansion ratio of the pre-expanded particles of the next batch within the set value range based on the signal indicating the expansion ratio of the pre-expanded particles measured by the multiple measuring device 1d. Raw material feeder 1b
The raw material supply operation is controlled.

Further, the foaming machine sequencer 1e is provided with a touch panel type display 1g as an input means and a display means at a position where the operator can easily operate, and the foaming condition and the multiple measurement are also made from this display 1g. It is possible to set conditions and monitor.

The display 1g is the same as the displays 3f and 3g described later, and has a function as a storage means for storing a plurality of, for example, four kinds of foaming conditions, respectively, and a foaming machine sequencer 1e. It has a function as a sub-control unit for controlling the foaming machine 1 via the.

The silo 2 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and pre-expanded particles can be stored and aged in a maximum of about 20 batches. The above-mentioned 20 batches is a total of 20 batches, when the pre-expanded particles having a foaming ratio of 50 times are prepared in the batch type foaming machine 1, the maximum production amount at one time is one batch.

Further, the silo 2 has an upper limit level meter (not shown) for detecting the upper limit value of the pre-expanded particles contained in the silo 2, and a detector for detecting that the silo 2 is empty. A lower limit level meter (not shown) of the silo 2 is provided.

In the molding machine 3, a storage for temporarily storing the pre-expanded particles as the raw material from the secondary particle feeding pipe main body 5a through the automatic damper 5e for the molding machine which will be described later on the upper part of the molding machine main body 3a. A molding machine hopper 3b is provided as a means.

The hopper 3b for the molding machine can accommodate a maximum of 2 to 3 batches of pre-expanded particles. Further, in order to produce a foam-molded body of pre-expanded particles without interruption, that is, continuously. A level meter 11 is attached as a detection means for detecting the lower limit amount of the pre-expanded particles in the molding machine hopper 3b. The lower limit amount is set to, for example, about several shots in the molding machine 3.

Further, in the molding machine 3, a mold 3c comprising a movable mold and a fixed mold for producing a foamed molded body from the pre-expanded particles is detachably attached, and further the mold 3c is moved. A plunger for reciprocating the mold between a position for taking out the foam molded body separated from the fixed mold and a position for clamping the foam molded body pressed against the fixed mold. 3d is provided. In the molding machine 3, the foam molding molded by the mold 3c is carried out from the lower part of the molding machine body 3a to the outside.

Further, the molding machine 3 includes a molding machine hopper 3
A molding machine sequencer 3e is provided for controlling the operations of b, the plunger 3d, etc., and the heating time of the mold 3c and the steam pressure for heating at the time of molding in the molding machine body 3a based on the set values.

The mold 3c is provided with a pressure sensor for measuring the foaming pressure and the vapor pressure of the foamed molded body, and the molding machine sequencer 3e is operated by the molding machine sequencer 3e based on the measurement results from the pressure sensors. The molding conditions of the foam molded article may be controlled by integrating the difference between the foaming pressure and the steam pressure and performing pressure auto-tuning in which the difference between the integrated value and the set value is within a predetermined range.

Further, a primary particle feeding line 4 which is a pipe for transporting the pre-expanded particles from the foaming machine 1 to each silo 2 by an air flow is provided. The primary grain feeding line 4 is connected to each silo 2 from the foaming machine hopper 1c.
A primary particle feeding pipe main body 4a and a primary particle feeding blower 4b for generating the air flow in the primary particle feeding pipe main body 4a.

Further, the primary grain feeding line 4 is provided with each receiving line damper 4c as an automatic damper which is a three-way valve for branching an air flow into each silo 2, and each receiving line damper 4c and corresponding thereto. And each intake pipe 4d for connecting the pre-expanded particles for connecting the silos 2 to each other.

On the other hand, a secondary grain feeding line 5 is provided as a grain feeding means which is a pipe for transporting the pre-foamed particles from each silo 2 to each molding machine 3 by an air flow. In the secondary grain feeding line 5, a secondary grain feeding pipe main body 5 extending from below each silo 2 to above each molding machine 3.
a, a secondary particle feeding blower 5b for generating the air flow in the secondary particle feeding pipe body 5a, and pre-expanded particles from each silo 2 for feeding to the secondary particle feeding pipe body 5a, respectively. And each of the delivery pipes 5c are provided.

Further, the secondary particle feeding line 5 sends the pre-expanded particles from each of the sending pipes 5c to the air flow of the secondary particle feeding pipe body 5a, and the secondary particle feeding pipe body 5a. With a silo discharge damper 5d as an automatic damper that is a three-way valve that shuts off between the two, and a three-way valve for individually supplying the pre-expanded particles from the secondary particle feeding pipe body 5a to each molding machine 3. It has a certain molding machine automatic damper 5e.

In the secondary particle feeding line 5, a discharge damper (not shown) for removing the pre-expanded particles remaining in the secondary particle feeding pipe body 5a at the time of pre-blowing or after-blowing described later. May be provided.

Further, instead of the discharge damper, the molding machine automatic damper 5e that was opened before the pre-blowing or after-blowing process is opened, and the remaining pre-expanded particles are molded to the molding machine automatic damper 5e. The pre-expanded particles may be discharged to the molding machine hopper 3b. Since the amount of the remaining pre-expanded particles is usually very small, the pre-expanded particles are discharged to the molding machine hopper 3b, There is no particular problem in the production of the foamed molded article.

In the molding machine 3, a display 3f as a control means and a display input means is provided with a molding machine body 3a.
A display 3g similar to the display 3f is provided below the molding machine main body 3a, which is provided in the vicinity of the attachment / detachment position of the mold 3c in the above, and in the vicinity of the carry-out port of the molded foamed product.

The displays 3f and 3g are
The selected foaming conditions, molding conditions, raw materials and raw material Nos. Corresponding to the above molding conditions and their foaming multiples, and the current connection status and operating status of the foaming machine 1 and the silo 2, and the silo 2 and the molding machine 3 are displayed. Each has a screen 3h for displaying.

Further, each of the displays 3f and 3g has a coordinate input means 3i such as a graphic tablet for inputting the coordinates on the screen 3h on the screen 3h.
In addition, the coordinate input means 3i is a touch panel type display that allows touch-type input of information and instructions from the screen 3h.

In addition, each of the displays 3f and 3g has a communication function for exchanging information such as foaming conditions, molding conditions, data such as the number of defective products with the outside, and the molding machine 3
In the above, a particle-sending request signal, which will be described later, can be sent to the outside so that the aged pre-expanded particles required for the production of the foamed molded article are carried by the particle-sending.

Each of the displays 3f and 3g is connected to the molding machine sequencer 3e so that the information of the molding machine sequencer 3e can be converted into a predetermined format and transmitted to the outside, and the host computer 9 and the like described later can be used. Information from the outside of the molding conditions such as the molding conditions, the raw materials of the molding conditions, the raw material No., and the foaming multiple thereof are converted into a format for the molding machine sequencer 3e and transmitted to the molding machine sequencer 3e, and the molding machine 3 is molded as described above. It can be controlled via the machine sequencer 3e, and in addition, the above-mentioned information and data can be stored.

Further, in the automated manufacturing system, the primary particle feeding control section 6 for controlling the foaming machine sequencer 1e, the primary particle feeding blower 4b, and each receiving line damper 4c under predetermined conditions.
However, the foaming machine 1 is provided so as to sequentially feed particles to each silo 2 from the silo 2 having a long idle time. Therefore, the primary particle feeding control unit 6 indicates the idle time of each silo 2, the raw material of the stored pre-expanded particles, the raw material No., the expansion ratio, and the aging time of the pre-expanded particles stored in the silo 2. A storage means for storing silo management information is provided.

On the other hand, the pre-expanded particles required for predetermined molding conditions are provided by using the silo discharge damper 5d, the automatic molding machine damper 5e and the secondary particle feeding blower 5b of the secondary particle feeding line 5 of each molding machine 3. A secondary particle feeding control unit 7 is provided for controlling the particle feeding from the silo 2 having the above to a predetermined molding machine 3.

The secondary particle feeding control unit 7 selects the silo 2 and the molding machine 3 based on the particle feeding request signal, and feeds the pre-expanded particles from the silo 2 to the molding machine 3. It is supposed to do. The control units 6 and 7 are respectively provided with display / input units 6a and 7a similar to the touch panel type display 3g described above.

The above primary particle feeding control unit 6, secondary particle feeding control unit 7, foaming machine sequencer 1e, and each display 3
A bus line 8 is provided to connect f. 3g with a common line.
7 and sequencer 1e for foaming machine and each display 3f / 3
Information such as molding conditions, changes in each condition, data indicating the number of defective products, and the like can be exchanged between g.

A host computer 9 is connected to the bus line 8 as a main control unit for sending the foaming conditions of the foaming machine 1, the operating conditions of the silo 2, the molding conditions of the molding machine 3 and the like as initial values. The host computer 9 includes
A display unit 9a for displaying molding conditions, foaming conditions, operating conditions, operating conditions, etc. is provided, while master data of all products to be produced are registered and stored in advance. The foaming conditions also include set values for the aging time of the pre-expanded particles.

The contents of the master data are: product name, product registration number, raw material used, grade, foaming multiple,
Standard foaming conditions, product standard weight, number of products, standard molding conditions, etc. The master data of each foamed molded product as a product of about 500 types can be registered in the host computer 9.

Further, a printer 10 for printing a daily report or a monthly report showing the molding conditions and the production status of the foamed molded product as described later is connected to the host computer 9. It should be noted that data and information are exchanged between the host computer 9 and the bus line 8 with the sequencers 1e and 3e and the displays 3f and 3g in order to reduce the processing in the host computer 9 and necessary. A host sequencer (not shown) that performs information processing is provided.

Each touch panel type display 3f
Since 3g is connected to the respective sequencers 1e and 3e and the host computer 9, various molding conditions and operating conditions in the molding machine 3 and various operations of the secondary grain feeding line 5 connected to the molding machine 3 are performed. Conditions and operation statuses are input and stored as necessary, and the above-mentioned conditions and statuses are changed by the operator's instruction by the coordinate input means 3i, that is, a menu operation is performed to change the display screen on the screen 3h. It can be displayed individually.

Furthermore, each of the displays 3f and 3g can call and display various foaming conditions and operating conditions of the foaming machine 1, and further operating conditions and operating conditions of the primary grain feeding line 4, as required. You can do it.

In addition, the coordinate input means 3i of each of the displays 3f and 3g presses a predetermined position on the screen 3h such as a condition column such as molding conditions on the screen 3h or an icon for changing the display screen or a ten-key display. Therefore, the above screen 3h
The display screen can be replaced with another display screen, the conditions in the condition column can be changed, and the number of defective products in the foam molded article can be input. The above raw material indicates the name of the raw material, and when the raw material is changed, the raw material can be changed by updating the raw material No. of the raw material.

As a result, in the configuration of the above embodiment, the operator can change each condition or the like read from the host computer 9 via the coordinate input means 3i, or send the number of defective products to the host computer 9. it can.

From the host computer 9, the production instructions of the desired foamed molded product, the molding conditions for the foamed molded product, the raw materials thereof, the raw material No., and the foaming multiple thereof are input to the respective displays 3f and 3g. In case of the above, the bus line 8 based on the above raw material, raw material No., and its foaming multiple
The silo management information of the primary grain feeding control unit 6 is searched through to store the aged pre-expanded particles according to the above-mentioned raw material, raw material No., and expansion ratio thereof, and the aging time is the longest. 2 can be detected.

In addition, each of the above displays 3f and 3g
From the detected silo 2 to each of the above displays 3f.
A particle-sending instruction signal is sent to the secondary particle-sending controller 7 so that the pre-expanded particles are transported to the molding machine 3 provided with g by particle-sending.

Furthermore, when a detection signal indicating that the lower limit amount of pre-expanded particles in the molding machine hopper 3b has been detected is input to each of the displays 3f and 3g from the level meter 11 of the molding machine 3, the above-mentioned operation is performed. Similarly, the optimum silo 2 is detected, and the pre-expanded particles are extracted from the silo 2 in the hopper 3 for the molding machine.
It can be transported to b.

In the display 1g, a plurality of types, for example, four types of foaming conditions are inputted in advance from the host computer 9 and can be stored in association with each raw material and its foaming multiple. Moreover,
As shown in FIG. 2, the four types of foaming conditions are set so that they can be displayed on the screen 1f as, for example, foaming conditions 1 to 4, respectively.

On the display 1g, the foaming conditions of this lot and the foaming conditions of the next lot selected on the screen 1f can be displayed on the same screen 1f and can be changed on the screen 1f. It is set to be possible. When the completion of the preparation of the pre-expanded particles of the foaming machine 1 of the lot is detected from the count of the number of foaming in the foaming machine 1, the foaming condition of the next lot becomes the foaming condition of the lot. It will be updated.

In this case, the foaming conditions for the next lot are:
The raw material and the foaming multiple may be set by the operator, or may be set by an instruction from the host computer 9.

Next, the operation of producing the pre-expanded particles in the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. First, when the operator inputs the model number and quantity of the desired foam-molded article into the host computer 9, the host computer 9 Calls the target master data based on the above model number and quantity, and writes the raw materials and raw materials N described in the master data.
o., foaming multiple, and foaming condition are displayed on the display unit 9a, and data indicating each condition is output to the foaming machine sequencer 1e and the display 1g.

Subsequently, in the foaming machine sequencer 1e, the control of the foaming machine 1 is started based on each input condition,
A raw material obtained by impregnating a foaming agent into a thermoplastic resin, such as polystyrene resin, which is put into the raw material feeder 1b is designated, and the raw material in the raw material feeder 1b is increased by a predetermined amount to a predetermined foaming multiple, for example, 50 times. After pre-expanding to obtain the pre-expanded particles, the pre-expanded particles are carried out from the foaming machine main body 1a into the foaming machine hopper 1c. The pre-expansion time is about 3 minutes at an expansion ratio of about 50 times.

At this time, the multiple measuring device 1d samples a part of the carried out pre-expanded particles, measures the expansion factor, and outputs the measurement result to the foaming machine sequencer 1e. The foaming machine sequencer 1e stores in advance the measured value of the foaming multiple, an adjustment factor based on the difference of the filling rate due to the difference of the foaming multiple, and the pre-expanded particles of the pre-expanded particles obtained from the measured value by the adjustment factor. Calculate the actual value of the expansion factor.

Further, the sequencer 1e for the foaming machine uses the foaming machine main body 1a and the raw material feeder so that the foaming multiple of the pre-foamed particles of the next batch falls within the set value range based on the actual value of the foaming multiple. 1b can be controlled.

In addition, the foaming machine sequencer 1e sends a signal indicating the actual value of the foaming multiple number to another control unit, for example, the primary particle feeding control unit 6 or the secondary particle feeding control unit 7 via the bus line 8.
Can be transmitted to. As a result, in the configuration of the above-described embodiment, for example, the secondary particle feeding control unit 7 can change the molding condition based on the signal, and a foamed molded product with less variation can be stably manufactured.

Further, the foaming machine sequencer 1e can display the difference from the set value on the display 1g of the foaming machine sequencer 1e based on the actual value. Thus, the above-mentioned configuration allows the foaming condition of the pre-expanded particles to be changed from the display 1g, which is similar to the coordinate input means 3i, according to the instruction of the operator.

Furthermore, since the foaming conditions of this lot and the foaming conditions of the next lot are displayed on the display 1g, for example, even when a sudden change in the foaming conditions becomes necessary, the foaming conditions of the next lot are displayed. By changing the raw material and the foaming multiple, the foaming condition of the modified next lot will automatically change to the foaming condition of this lot when the preparation of pre-expanded particles under the foaming condition of this lot is completed. Will be updated.

From this fact, it is possible to update the above-mentioned foaming conditions by avoiding monitoring the status of foaming operation in the foaming machine 1 one by one, so that the pre-foamed particles can be rapidly produced under the changed foaming conditions. It becomes possible to execute.

After that, the primary particle feeding control unit 6 sends a signal for the operation of the foaming machine 1 from the foaming machine sequencer 1e to the bus line 8
When received through, the primary particle feeding blower 4b in the primary particle feeding line 4 is operated to generate an air flow for transferring the pre-expanded particles in the pipe body 4a.

Next, the primary particle feeding control unit 6 monitors the silo 2 in which the pre-expanded particles are not stored for the longest time, that is, the longest idle time, for example, the display / input unit 6a shown in FIG. As shown on the screen, the leftmost No. 1 silo 2 is detected by the monitor function which will be described in detail later, and the receiving line damper 4c of the silo 2 detects the air flow in the silo 2. Switching control is performed so that it is introduced.

As a result, the pre-expanded particles in the foaming machine hopper 1c are conveyed to the silo 2 and by repeating this cycle by a predetermined amount, the desired raw material is pre-expanded at a predetermined expansion multiple and a predetermined amount. The particles are stored and aged in the silo 2.

Next, the method of detecting the silo 2 having the longest idle time as described above will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 4. First, the silo lower limit level meter causes the upper surface of the pre-expanded particles in the silo 2 to reach the lower limit. Whether or not the value is less than or equal to a value is detected (step 1, hereinafter, step is referred to as S), and when the level is less than or equal to a lower limit value, a timer is activated (S2), and the timer elapses for a predetermined time. Up to a predetermined number of times, the detection (S1) cycle that the level is equal to or lower than the lower limit value is repeated.

As a result, since the pre-expanded particles are granular and the upper surface thereof is not always horizontal, even if the level detection by the silo lower limit level meter becomes a little unstable, due to vibration or the like during the elapsed time, Since the upper surface level of the pre-expanded particles remaining in the silo 2 is made uniform, the level detection can be ensured. In the middle of the cycle, when the level detection by the silo lower limit level meter exceeds the lower limit value, the timer is reset.

In this way, when the level of the pre-expanded particles in the silo 2 is surely detected to be equal to or lower than the lower limit value, the silo 2 is recognized as empty and the silo 2 number is stored. Then, the aging time of the silo 2 is reset (S3) (S4). Then, the elapsed time of the idle time of the silo 2 is started to be counted from the initial value of zero (S5).

On the other hand, when it is detected in S1 that the level of the pre-expanded particles in the silo 2 exceeds the lower limit value, the timer is activated (S6), and a plurality of timers are operated until the timer elapses for a predetermined time. A predetermined number of times, the detection (S1) cycle of the above level exceeding the lower limit value is repeated. This makes it possible to ensure the level detection as described above. When the level detected by the silo lower limit level meter becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit value during the above cycle, the timer in S6 is reset.

Thereafter, when it is surely detected that the level of the silo 2 exceeds the lower limit value, the memory that the silo 2 is empty is reset (S7), and then the silo 2 is reserved. Recognizing that the expanded particles are stored, the aging time of the pre-expanded particles is started to be counted (S
At the same time, the count of the elapsed time of the idle time of the silo 2 is reset (S9).

In the configuration of the above embodiment, the detection cycle of the lower limit value of the level as described above is sequentially performed in each silo 2 so that the idle time and the aging time of each silo 2 can be counted.

The set time required for aging the pre-expanded particles in the silo 2 is set in advance depending on the type of resin used, for example, the type of polystyrene resin and the expansion ratio. The time is stored in advance in the host computer 9 as an aging time table.

On the other hand, the primary grain feeding control unit 6 stores the aging time of the silo 2 during each aging based on the above aging time table while sequentially updating the aging time by the monitor function described later. In the grain feeding control unit 6, the storage of the elapsed time from when each silo 2 becomes empty and the storage of the elapsed time from the completion of aging are also sequentially updated and stored as silo management information. The silo management information indicating the raw material of the pre-expanded particles fed to the silo 2, the raw material No. and the expansion ratio thereof is also updated and stored.

In the silo 2, the actual value of the expansion ratio measured by the device 1d for measuring the expansion coefficient of the pre-expanded particles,
The total feed amount to the silo 2 is detected by the primary grain feeding control unit 6 from the feed amount of each batch from the feed material feeder 1b to the foaming machine main body 1a and the number of batches. It is stored as management information.

As a result, when the total amount of pre-expanded particles in the foaming machine 1 cannot be stored in one silo 2, the primary particle feeding control unit 6 sets the capacity of the silo 2 in advance.
When it is detected from the above-mentioned upper limit level meter or the transport amount that the pre-expanded particles have been filled in the silo 2
Of the silo 2 is closed and the receiving line damper 4c of the silo 2 is opened to open the receiving line damper 4c of the foaming machine 1 against the silo 2.
The pre-expanded particles produced in 1. can be continuously conveyed.

Further, the primary particle feeding control section 6 causes the remaining of the pre-expanded particles in each silo 2 to be based on a signal indicating the number of shots of each molding machine 3 from the molding machine sequencer 3e as described later. The amount can be detected.

That is, the amount of conveyance to each silo 2 is accurately calculated from the actual value of the foaming multiple by the multiple measuring device 1d, while the number of molds 3c of each molding machine 3 and the pre-foaming used. The weight of each particle is set in advance. From these facts, the remaining amount of the pre-expanded particles in each silo 2 can be accurately calculated from each transport amount to each silo 2 and the shot number of each molding machine 3.

From this, in order to detect the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the level of the pre-expanded particles in each silo 2,
It is possible to omit an upper limit level meter and a lower limit level meter such as an ultrasonic level meter for measuring the volume of the pre-expanded particles in the silo 2.

The silo 2 in a state in which the pre-expanded particles are carried in and stored as described above is referred to as "particle feeding". For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation status of the primary particle feeding line is displayed. On the display / input unit 6a or the like, the color is different from that of the other silo 2 as shown by the silo (No. 1) 2 in the figure, for example, red.

Further, the pre-expanded particles put into the silo 2 need to be aged for a predetermined time, for example, 24 hours,
The silo 2 with pre-expanded particles so aged is
On the display / input unit 6a, etc., for example, the silo (No.
As shown in 2), it is shown in a different color from other silos 2, for example, yellow.

On the other hand, silos 2 having pre-expanded particles that have been aged are, for example, Nos. 4 to 8, Nos. 10 to 11 and N in the figure.
Display / input section 6a as shown in each silo of o.13-14
Etc. are shown in green. The silo 2 in which the pre-expanded particles are empty is, for example, Nos. 2 to 3 and No. 9 in the figure.
It is shown in blank like a silo.

Although not shown, the silo 2 containing pre-expanded particles that do not meet the molding conditions even when the aging is completed is displayed in, for example, intermittent flashing, that is, flashing purple. As a result, when the selection of the silo 2 is manually performed from the display / input unit 6a or the like, the inconvenience of erroneously selecting the silo 2 for which grain feeding is prohibited under a certain foaming condition is reliably prevented.

Next, the operation of producing a foamed molded article using the pre-expanded particles introduced into the hopper 3b for a molding machine as described above will be described. First, as the initial operation, when the set molding conditions are input from the host computer 9 to the display 3g and / or the display 3f, the display 3g and / or the display 3f causes the raw material and the raw material No. inputted together with the molding conditions. And the silo management information stored in the primary grain feeding control unit 6 based on the foaming multiple.

As a result, the display 3g and / or the display 3f contain the raw material, the raw material No. and the aged pre-expanded particles having the expansion ratio thereof, and the silo 2 having the longest aging time is searched by the above search. It detects and outputs the above-mentioned particle feeding request signal indicating that the pre-expanded particles are fed from the silo 2 to the molding machine hopper 3b of the molding machine 3 to the secondary particle feeding control unit 7.

When the particle feeding request signal is input, the secondary particle feeding control unit 7 confirms whether the particle feeding request signal is correct within a preset timer period, and then the particle feeding request signal is sent. When it is confirmed that the particle request signal is correct, the secondary particle feeding blower 5b is operated and pre-blowing is performed for a predetermined time to wash the inside of the secondary particle feeding pipe body 5a.

After that, the silo payout damper 5d and the molding machine automatic damper 5e of the predetermined silo 2 are operated to detect the aged pre-expanded particles in the silo 2 through the secondary particle feeding pipe body 5a. Hopper 3 for the molding machine
b) by air flow. After such transportation is completed, the inside of the secondary particle feeding pipe main body 5a is washed by afterblowing for a predetermined time.

Subsequently, the display 3g and / or the display 3f inputs the inputted and stored molding conditions into the molding machine sequencer 3e, and the molding machine sequencer 3e displays one or two shots of the foam molding. Trial manufacture is performed, and from this result, if the foamed molded product under the molding conditions is within the range of the standard value, the molding of the foamed molded product in the molding machine 3 is continued without changing the molding condition.

On the other hand, when the foamed molded article under the above molding conditions is out of the range of the standard value, the operator inputs the conditions under which the above molding conditions are finely adjusted through the display 3g or the display 3f, and the molding machine 3 is operated. The molding conditions are updated so that the foamed molded product produced in step 1 is within the standard value range.

The molding conditions thus updated are stored in, for example, the display 3g, and also transmitted to the other displays 3f, the molding machine sequencer 3e and the host computer 9 via the bus line 8 and stored therein. .

Thus, in the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the foamed molded article produced by each molding machine 3 can be quickly set within the set value range for each molding machine 3, so that the foamed molded article can be produced. Can be stably produced, and the foaming conditions updated by the foaming machine sequencer 1e and the molding conditions updated by the display 3g, for example, can be set to the host computer 9, the primary grain feeding control unit 6, and the secondary feeding. Since the grain controller 7 and the respective displays 3g and 3f can be input and displayed via the bus line, it is possible to promptly respond to a process change caused by the update.

In this way, the foam molded article within the standard value is continuously molded by the secondary particle feeding control section 7, the molding machine sequencer 3e and the displays 3g and 3f for a predetermined number of shots. When a defective product is generated in the foamed molded product, the number of defective products is notified to the host computer 9 via the display 3g provided in the lower part of the molding machine body 3a near the carry-out port of the foamed molded product. Can be entered. This makes it possible to easily manage the number of defective products in real time.

In the case of continuously molding the foamed molded product in the molding machine 3, if the pre-foamed particles in the molding machine hopper 3b are successively reduced by the molding and fall below a predetermined amount,
In response to a signal from the level meter 11 of the molding machine hopper 3b for detecting the amount of the pre-expanded particles stored, the display 3g and / or the display 3f indicates the raw material, raw material No. and foaming multiple thereof inputted together with the molding conditions. Based on the above, the silo management information stored in the primary grain feeding control unit 6 is searched.

Accordingly, the display 3g and / or the display 3f contains the silo 2 containing the above-mentioned raw material, raw material No. and aged pre-expanded particles having a foaming multiple thereof and having the longest aging time. The particle size detection request signal, which indicates that the pre-expanded particles are transferred from the silo 2 to the molding machine hopper 3b of the molding machine 3, is output to the secondary particle transfer control unit 7 by the search.

In the secondary grain feeding control section 7, when the grain feeding request signal is input, in the same manner as described above, the silo dispensing damper 5d of the silo 2 based on the grain feeding request signal and the automatic molding machine are used. By operating the damper 5e, the aged pre-expanded particles in the silo 2 are transferred to the hopper 3b for the molding machine.
Transport by air flow to.

By repeating the production cycle of the foamed molded product in the molding machine 3 and the transportation cycle of the pre-foamed particles to the hopper 3b for the molding machine, a predetermined number of foamed molded products satisfying the predetermined standard value are obtained. To be

In this case, since the particle feeding request signal can be sent from each molding machine 3 by the display 3g and / or the display 3f, even if the number of the molding machines 3 installed increases, each particle feeding request signal can be It is possible to avoid the occurrence of a waiting time at the time of sending each particle feeding request signal, as compared with the case where the sending is processed by a single control device as in the conventional case.

Thus, in the configuration of the present embodiment, since the occurrence of the waiting time can be prevented, continuous production of the foamed molded product can be more reliably performed, and deterioration of the production efficiency of the foamed molded product can be avoided. .

When more pre-expanded particles than the maximum amount of pre-expanded particles that can be aged in one silo 2 are required, pre-expanded particles of the same kind and the same expansion ratio are successively produced to prepare a plurality of silos 2. Then, the pre-expanded particles from the silo 2 having a longer aging period are used.

Subsequently, the level meter 1 of the hopper 3b for the molding machine 1
The secondary particle feeding control unit 7 determines that the silo 2 has become empty when the molding machine hopper 3b does not reach a predetermined amount due to the pre-expanded particles from the silo 2 even by the particle feeding request based on 1. To do.

Then, another silo 2 having the next longest aging period
The silo payout dampers 5d are switched so that the pre-expanded particles can be supplied to the molding machine hopper 3b.
This makes it possible to supply the pre-expanded particles to the molding machine hopper 3b without delay. 2 like this
By setting the next particle feeding control unit 7, it becomes possible to omit the upper limit level meter and the lower limit level meter of the silo 2 in the above-mentioned embodiment.

Further, since the pre-expanded particles of the silo 2 having a long aging period are sequentially used, the length of the aging period of the pre-expanded particles in each silo 2 can be reduced, and the aging period of each obtained foamed molded product can be reduced. It is possible to prevent the variation due to the difference.

Next, the foaming machine 1 in the configuration of the above embodiment
From pre-expanded particles from the air to the specified silo 2, usually 1
The step called subsequent grain feeding will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.

First, when the operator inputs the model number and quantity of the desired foam molded article into the host computer 9, the above-mentioned master data is called based on the model number and quantity, and the master data is used to store the foam molded article. The data indicating the set values of the foaming condition and the molding condition, which are manufacturing conditions, are the primary particle feeding control unit 6, the display 1g, and the foaming machine sequencer 1.
e, the secondary grain feeding control unit 7, the molding machine sequencer 3e, and the displays 3f and 3g. The data includes the manufacturing name, manufacturing number, and the foaming multiple of the molding conditions.

In the foaming machine sequencer 1e, the foaming machine 1 is controlled based on the above-mentioned data to produce the target pre-expanded particles, and in the primary particle feeding control section 6, the pre-expanded particles are aged. Silo 2 for is selected.

Next, the method of selecting the silo 2 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the silo No. stored as an empty is searched (S11), and the empty silo N is searched.
It is determined whether or not o is stored (S12).

When it is determined in S12 that the No. of the empty silo 2 is not stored, the process ends, and the empty silo 2
When it is judged that the No. of No. is stored, the empty silo 2
Each available time is searched (S13), and each available time is compared (S14).

[0114] After that, No. 2 of silo 2 having the longest empty time was taken.
Is stored (S15), and the receiving line damper 4c of the silo 2 of that number is opened (S16). Subsequently, the open state of the receiving line damper 4c is confirmed by, for example, a micro switch that detects the open / closed state of the valve of the damper by contact with the free end of the valve or the like (S17).

Next, in the foaming machine 1, the process of paying out the pre-expanded particles to the foaming machine hopper 1c is performed by the foaming machine hopper 1c.
It is detected whether or not the opening / closing opening to the opening is completed (S18), and if the payout process is not completed, S18 is repeated to enter the standby state, and the above-mentioned payout process is completed. Is detected, the primary grain-blowing blower 4
b is turned on (S19).

As a result, before all the pre-expanded particles produced in the foaming machine 1 have been discharged to the foaming machine hopper 1c, it is judged that the above-mentioned discharging has been completed, and the particle feeding to the set silo 2 is started. Therefore, it is possible to speed up the feeding of the pre-expanded particles.

Then, the primary particle feeding blower 4b is turned on.
In addition, the raw material of the pre-expanded particles fed to the silo 2, the raw material No., and the foaming multiple thereof are stored in the memory of the primary grain feeding control unit 6 and the secondary grain feeding control unit 7 which store the No. of the silo 2. , Memorize setting values such as aging time.

After that, the operating time of the primary particle feeding blower 4b is detected by a timer (S21), and the amount of the pre-expanded particles charged into the silo 2 is detected to detect the upper limit level of the silo 2, that is, the above-mentioned level. It is detected whether or not the silo 2 is filled with the pre-expanded particles (S22).

When it is detected that the silo 2 is full, as shown in FIG. 6, a timer for repeating the detection cycle a predetermined number of times is operated (S23) to ensure the detection as described above. After that, the primary grain-blowing blower 4b
Is turned off (S24), the receiving line damper 4c is closed (S25), and the process returns to S13.

On the other hand, in S22, if the silo 2 does not become full even after the primary particle-blowing blower 4b has granulated the particles for a predetermined time, it is calculated whether or not the actual amount of foaming exceeds the expected amount of foaming. (S26) If S26 is NO, then it is calculated whether or not the actual number of times of foaming is equal to or more than the expected number of foaming (S27), and if S27 is NO, S18.
In step S18, it is determined whether or not the payout process of the foaming machine 1 is completed. If no, the process goes to the standby state, and if it is determined that the payout process is completed, S19 and subsequent steps are performed. Then, the pre-expanded particles are stored in the silo 2. However, in this case, S20 is skipped.

When the actual amount of foaming exceeds the expected amount of foaming in S26 and S27, and the actual number of times of foaming exceeds the expected number of foaming, 1
The preparation process of pre-expanded particles under one foaming condition is completed.

The information of each silo 2 produced under various foaming conditions in this way is sequentially updated in the primary grain feeding control section 6 as silo management information indicating the raw material, the raw material No. and the foaming multiple thereof. The display 1g, each display 3g and 3f, and each display / input unit 6 are stored as a list according to an instruction from the operator as shown in FIG.
a. 7a, the display portion 9a of the host computer 9, and the operator's menu selection on the screens 1f and 3h.

Next, the search for the silo No. with a long free time in the above foaming step will be described. First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, 1 is substituted for n (S3
1), the n-th silo 2 and the n + 1-th silo 2 are compared with each other based on the information stored in the memory (S32).

Then, the silo No. having the longer free time and the free time X are stored (S33). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not n is equal to the number of pre-registered silos (MAX number) minus 1 (S34), and if not equal, n + 1 is substituted for n + 1 (S35), Then n + 1
After comparing the th silo time and the time X stored as the longest time so far (S36),
Return to S33. On the other hand, in S34, when n is equal to the number of pre-registered silos (MAX number) minus 1, the search step is completed.

Next, the operation of producing a foamed molded article from the pre-expanded particles in the constitution of the above-mentioned embodiment will be explained.
First, when the operator inputs the model number and quantity of the desired foam molded article into the host computer 9, the above-mentioned master data is called based on the model number and quantity, and the molding conditions of the foam molded article are specified from the master data. The data shown is output to the molding machine sequencer 3e via each of the displays 3f and 3g and also to the secondary grain feeding control unit 7.

In the secondary particle feeding control unit 7, when a signal indicating that the required amount of pre-expanded particles in the silo 2 has been matured is input from the primary particle feeding control unit 6 via the bus line 8. The mold used in the molding machine 3 to be used is displayed on the display 3f or the like attached to the molding machine 3, and the mold 3c mounted by the operator from the display 3f or the like is a predetermined one, and the molding conditions are , Used raw material (used raw material N
o.) and its confirmation of foaming multiples.

At least one of the displays 3f and 3g is based on the detection signal from the level meter 11 of the molding machine 3 and is based on the detection signal used by the molding machine 3 (used raw material N
o.) and its expansion multiple, and selects the silo 2 and searches for the silo 2 with the longest aging period from the selected silo 2 to set the silo 2 to be used, and from the silo 2, the molding machine described above is set. A particle-sending request signal for sending the pre-expanded particles to No. 3 is transmitted via the bus line 8. In addition, such display 3f / 3g
This function also has a secondary grain feeding control unit 7.

After that, the secondary particle feeding control unit 7 confirms the particle feeding request signal, operates the secondary particle feeding blower 5b based on the particle feeding request signal, and also the silo payout damper of the silo 2 to be used. While opening 5d, the automatic molding machine damper 5e is controlled so as to convey the pre-expanded particles to the molding machine hopper 3b of the selected molding machine 3. As a result, 3 to 4 batches of pre-expanded particles in the foaming machine 1 are carried into the molding machine hopper 3b in a few seconds.

The granulation step of the secondary granulation line 5 will be described in more detail. First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the granulation request signal is first sent to the molding machine 3. It is judged whether or not it has been input (S41), and when the molding request has not been input, S4.
When the apparatus enters the standby state at 1 and a molding request is input, the level meter 11 detects the level of the pre-expanded particles stored in the molding machine hopper 3b (S42).

When the level becomes less than the set value, that is, less than the amount of pre-expanded particles required for one shot, a time timer is set in order to ensure the above detection, and the above detection is performed within the time set by the time timer. The above detection is carried out even when the time limit timer reaches the set time, that is, when the time is up, the particle size request signal is output to the bus line 8 together with the No. of the molding machine 3 to output the particle size request signal. Is completed.

On the other hand, if the level detection in S42 exceeds the set value, the time limit timer is reset (S
45) and returns to S42. By using such a timed timer, the level meter 11 malfunctions due to the fluctuation of the level of the pre-expanded particles in the molding machine hopper 3b due to blowback from the mold 3c, or the like as described above. The above level meter 1 due to the pre-expanded particles being granular
The malfunction of 1 can be avoided.

Next, in the case where the particle transfer request signal is output to the bus line 8 as described above, when each particle transfer step in the secondary particle transfer line 5 is operated by automatic selection, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, the bus line 8
It is detected whether or not the particle feeding request signal is output from the molding machine 3 (S51). In the case of no, when it is detected that the particle feeding request signal is output while returning to S51 and waiting. , Each molding machine No. of each detected particle feeding request signal and their detection order are stored (S52).

Then, the silo 2 having the same setting value as the setting value of the raw material in the first molding machine 3 in the detection order is searched (S53). At this time, when comparing the set values for retrieval, first, the raw materials or raw material numbers are compared (S
54). As a result of the comparison, the No. of the corresponding silo 2 is stored (S55).

Subsequently, in the stored silo 2, the foaming multiples thereof are compared (S56), and the corresponding silo 2 is compared.
No. of is stored (S57). Of the stored silos 2, the one whose pre-expanded particle aging time is equal to or longer than the aging set time is selected (S58), and the No. 2 of the corresponding silo 2 is selected.
Is stored (S59).

Then, in the stored silo 2,
The aging times are compared (S60), and the No. of silo 2 having the longest aging time is stored (S61). After that, as shown in FIG. 11, it is judged whether the first particle feeding request signal is still in the ON state, that is, whether the flag is set (S6).
2) If the flag is set, open each damper of the secondary grain feeding line 5 from the corresponding silo 2 to the corresponding molding machine 3.
However, the silo payout damper 5d of the corresponding silo 2 is excluded (S63).

Then, the secondary particle feeding blower 5b is turned on,
The pre-blow timer is activated so that the secondary particle feeding blower 5b is in a state from the start to the steady state, and the discharging damper is in the ON state, that is, the secondary particle feeding blower 5b is opened in the secondary particle feeding pipe main body 5a. The remaining pre-expanded particles are discharged to the outside.

As described above, when the pre-expanded particles in the silo 2 are conveyed to the predetermined hopper 3b for the molding machine, before the start of the conveyance of the pre-expanded particles, the residue in the secondary particle feeding pipe main body 5a. Is removed and pre-blowing is performed for a predetermined time to bring the secondary particle feeding blower 5b into a steady state (S66).

Then, after the delivery damper is turned off (S67), the silo delivery damper 5d is opened (S6).
8) The particle feeding timer is operated to operate the silo 2 to the molding machine hopper 3 for a predetermined time set by the mounting position of the corresponding silo 2 and the mounting position of the corresponding molding machine 3.
The pre-expanded particles are sent to b (S69).

When a predetermined time elapses by the particle feeding timer,
The silo payout damper 5d is closed (S70), and then
The discharge damper is opened (S71), the after-blow timer is operated, and the residue in the secondary particle feeding pipe main body 5a after the completion of the transportation of the pre-expanded particles is removed by the secondary particle feeding blower 5b. After-blowing is performed for a predetermined time to clean the inside of the secondary particle feeding pipe main body 5a by removing it by a flow (S72).

After such after-blowing is completed, the discharge damper is closed (S73), the first grain feeding request signal is reset (S74), and the process returns to S51. When the first particle feeding request signal is not in the ON state in S62, the process proceeds to S74.

Such after-blow time depends on the length of the secondary grain feeding pipe main body 5a between each silo 2 and each molding machine hopper 3b, and the pre-blow time is also displayed / input in advance. It can be set via the sections 6a and 7a.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the length of the secondary grain feeding pipe main body 5a between the silo (No. 5) 2 and the molding machine (No. 6) 3 is equal to that of the silo (No. 5). ) 2 and the molding machine (No. 8) 3 are different from the length of the secondary grain feeding pipe main body 5a, and the afterblowing time is set according to the difference. It should be noted that such after-blow is similarly set and executed in the above-mentioned primary grain feeding line 4.

Further, in the construction of the above-mentioned embodiment, when a plurality of molding machines 3 use pre-expanded particles having the same expansion ratio and the same material, the aged silo 2, for example, the silo (No. 5) 2 is subjected to the above-mentioned pre-exposure. A plurality of molding machines 3 for foamed particles, for example, molding machine (No. 6) 3 and molding machine (No.
8) Can be sequentially supplied to 3.

As a result, in the above-mentioned constitution, the pre-expanded particles which have been matured can be rapidly consumed in sequence,
Since it is possible to reduce the variation in the actual value of the foamed molded product due to the elapsed time after completion of aging, it is possible to stably manufacture the foamed molded product with less variation.

In the above construction, as shown in FIG. 13, silo No. in which pre-expanded particles which meet the molding conditions instructed to each molding machine 3 are stored below the block showing each molding machine 3. Is shown in the figure. Based on such silo No., the setting of the one-to-one grain feeding between each silo 2 and each molding machine 3 is performed by each display / input unit 6a, 7a.
It is easily possible by manual operation on the screen.

Next, the storage of the particle transfer request signal in the particle transfer step in the secondary particle transfer line 5 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 14, the particle transfer request signal is output to the bus line 8. Each time it is detected (S81),
The No. of the molding machine 3 which is output together with the particle feeding request signal is set to FI.
Sequential storage by the FO (First-In First-Out) method (S8
2). It should be noted that if the particle feeding request signal is not detected in the above S81, a standby state is entered.

After that, the completion of the first grain transfer
When it is detected that the grain feeding timer in S69 is completed, that is, when it is up (S83), in the storing order of the No. of each molding machine 3 which issued the grain feeding request signal,
The second is reset and the storage order is shifted (S84).

Then, in the memory area storing the No. of each molding machine 3 which issued the particle feeding request signal,
It is judged whether or not the memory of o. remains (S85),
If it remains, the process proceeds to S83, and if not, the process proceeds to S81.

In the above embodiment, the data transmitted through the bus line 8 has a predetermined format. However, when a molding machine sequencer having another data format is used, the data format from the molding machine sequencer is used. A converter for converting the data into a predetermined data format may be provided between the molding machine sequencer and the display 3f or the display 3g, or the display 3f or the display 3g may be provided with a function for converting by software.

As described above, in the configuration of the above embodiment, the host computer 9 and each sequencer 1e having a communication function are provided.
A new sequencer 1 since the 3e and the respective control units 6 and 7 and the displays 3f and 3g having the communication function are linked by the bus line 8 to form a network.
Even if the number of e · 3e and the number of displays 3f / 3g increase, it is possible to easily cope with the increase.

Further, in the above-mentioned configuration, not only the host computer 9 but also the respective control units 6 and 7 can perform various managements such as various instructions to the foaming machine 1 and the molding machine 3 and centralized management such as grasping the situation of the site through the network. The display / input unit 6a, 7a can be easily operated by operating the menu on the display screen. Such menu operation is performed on the display 3g
Etc. are performed in the same manner as the coordinate input means 3i.

Further, the same work can be performed on each of the molding machines 3 by means of the touch panel type displays 3g and 3f installed on the molding machine 3 which is the site, so that it is possible to immediately respond to a sudden process change or trouble. ing. Due to these things, the above automatic manufacturing system improves productivity (labor saving), stable quality, cost reduction (operation rate, efficiency improvement).
It is possible.

As described above, in the above configuration, each display 3f, 3g having the screen 3h for displaying the stored molding conditions and the coordinate input means 3i for updating the molding conditions and the like on the screen 3h is provided for each molding machine 3. For example, when a foam molded article is trial-produced by the molding machine 3 based on the molding condition according to the instruction, when the actual value of the foam molded article is out of the set value range due to a change in environment or the like. , The operator can display each of the displays 3f provided on the molding machine 3.
The molding condition displayed on the 3g screen 3h can be updated by the coordinate input means 3i.

As a result, in the above structure, when the actual value of the foamed molded article, which was prototyped by the molding machine based on the instruction from the control device as in the conventional case, is out of the set value range, the molding condition is set. It is possible to reduce the labor of the operation of changing the instruction from the control device remote from the molding machine for updating.

Further, in the above configuration, when the operator determines that the foamed molded product obtained in the molding machine 3 is a defective product, the number of defective products is input as the number of defective products on the display 3g. The coordinate input means 3i can be used to input the number of defective products, and the number of defective products can be transmitted to the host computer 9 via the display 3g.

Thus, in the above configuration, since the display 3g is provided in the molding machine 3 in the vicinity of the outlet for the foamed molded product, the number of defective foamed molded products can be easily input. The manufacturing control of the foamed molded product can be facilitated.

Moreover, in the above configuration, even if a defective product is generated in the molding machine 3, for example, the molding conditions updated on the display 3g can be input to the host computer 9, so that the process change caused by the update can be prevented. Since it can be dealt with promptly, the foamed molded product to be manufactured can be stably manufactured.

In the above embodiment, three silos 2 are used,
An example using two molding machines 3 and an example using 14 silos 2 and 12 molding machines 3 have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and the present invention forms the network. Up to 5-6 foaming machines 1 and 4 silos 2
It is possible to add 0 to 50 molding machines and add up to 30 molding machines.

In the configuration of this embodiment, even if the silo 2 and the molding machine 3 are added as described above, the control of the granulation of the pre-expanded particles from each silo 2 to each molding machine 3 is controlled by each display 3f. Since each is controlled by a particle feeding request signal from 3 g, when each control is performed by a single control device as in the conventional case, the processing of each control is concentrated and the control device is likely to be in a busy state. Compared with the case, it is possible to prevent the waiting time for the above-mentioned grain feeding.

Thus, in the above structure, it is possible to avoid delaying the production of the foamed molded product due to the waiting time, especially when the number of molding machines 3 installed is large, so that the foamed molded product can be continuously and stably stabilized. It is possible to manufacture the foamed product, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of the production efficiency of the foamed molded product.

Further, the host computer 9 centrally manages the conditions of the foaming machine 1 and the molding machine 3, the automatic operation of the foaming machine 1, the management of the foaming multiple, the centralized management of the actual data, the preparation of the daily and monthly reports, and the primary and secondary grain transfer. Can be fully automated simply by operating a menu on the display screen of the display unit 9a and the display / input units 6a and 7a.

Furthermore, if only the beads as the raw material are supplied to the raw material tanks for each product type at any time, the pre-foaming work can be performed only for the operation work, and the 2-direct and 3-direct foaming can be performed. As a result, the number of silos 2 and the number of foaming machines 1 can be reduced.

In addition to the centralized management, the display / input units 6a and 7a of the control units 6 and 7, the display 1g installed on the foaming machine 1, and the displays 3g and 3f of the molding machine 3 are also input. Touch panel type screen 3h with functions
By using the coordinate input means 3i and its equivalent, the foaming conditions and molding conditions can be changed (filling, heating, water cooling, cooling time).

Further, in the display 3g provided at the bottom of the molding machine 3, the defective quantity and the details can be easily input from the screen 3h by the coordinate input means 3i and transmitted to the host computer 9, so that the real-time operation can be performed. It is possible to grasp the production amount of the foamed molded article in real time.

Further, in the above structure, since the display 3f or the display 3g for controlling the sequencer 3e is provided with the communication function, the network can be formed through the bus line 8, and the foamed molded article can be formed. It can be easily introduced to existing factories as well as new factories for manufacturing.

In addition, during operation of the above automatic manufacturing system,
The data such as molding conditions is stored in the lower sequencers 1e and 3e and the respective displays 3f and 3g, and even if a trouble occurs in the host computer 9, the display 1g, 3f, and 3d which has a data input function.
Since 3 g are provided, the foaming machine 1 and the molding machine 3 can be normally operated by the operator's instructions from the displays 1 g, 3 f, 3 g. From this, in the configuration of the above embodiment, the host computer 9
Even if the failure occurs, it is possible to continue the production of the foamed molded product and prevent deterioration of the production efficiency of the foamed molded product.

By the way, conventionally, the metering device is controlled so that the expansion ratio of each batch is within a predetermined range based on the measurement result of the expansion ratio by the automatic expansion measuring device. When it occurs due to a change in the environment or the like, the actual value of the foamed synthetic resin obtained changes according to such variation, and thus the production of the foamed synthetic resin may become unstable.

However, in the configuration of the above embodiment, the signal indicating the actual value of the foaming multiple by the multiple measuring device 1d is
Not only for changing the raw material supply amount and the foaming conditions of the pre-expanded particles of the next batch in the foaming machine main body 1a, but also for being transmitted to the secondary particle feeding control unit 7 and the like via the bus line 8, It is also used to change the molding conditions when molding a foam molded article using pre-expanded particles.

From the above, in the above constitution, even if the expansion ratio of the pre-expanded particles varies within the range, the fluctuation of the actual value of the foamed molded product due to the variation of the expansion ratio is determined by the molding condition. Can be suppressed by changing.
Therefore, the above-mentioned structure can stably manufacture the foamed molded product with less variation.

By the way, conventionally, a plurality of aging devices are provided in order to automate the production of the expanded synthetic resin, and in order to automate the supply of the pre-expanded particles to each aging device, Each aging device is equipped with a level meter, which complicates the mechanism and raises the cost.

However, in the structure of the above embodiment, the upper limit level meter and the lower limit level meter of the silo 2 can be omitted, so that the mechanism can be simplified and the cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional one.

Further, in the above-mentioned configuration, even when the foaming machine 1 or the molding machine 3 which is a production device is added or the layout is changed, for example, the device connection setting is only changed by the display / input units 6a and 7a. Can respond immediately. In addition, if the production process planning and warehousing / delivery management system can be introduced in the future, the above configuration can be further rationalized, and OA
Data communication with a computer is possible.

In the configuration of the above embodiment, an example in which the molding machine 3 is provided with only the molding machine sequencer 3e has been described, but it is possible to use a molding machine with a display, for example. Even in such a case, since the display is usually provided on the side of the molding machine, the display 3g may be provided in the vicinity of the outlet of the foam molding of the molding machine as in the above-described embodiment.

[0175]

As described above, the apparatus for producing a foamed molded article of the present invention is provided with a plurality of foaming machines for producing pre-expanded particles under the foaming conditions, and the foaming machine can be controlled by the foaming conditions. A sub-control unit is provided in each of the foaming machines, stores a plurality of foaming conditions from the main control unit, and pre-expands the pre-expanded particles of the current lot and the next lot in order to sequentially produce the foamed molded products. The configuration is such that the foaming conditions are updated in sequence.

Therefore, in the above structure, since the sub-control unit is provided in each foaming machine, the foaming conditions of each foaming machine will be changed to the next lot when the preparation of the pre-expanded particles of this lot is completed. By being able to update the foaming conditions in sequence,
It is possible to rapidly produce the pre-expanded particles.

Thus, in the above structure, the production of the pre-expanded particles in each foaming machine can be controlled by each sub-control unit, so that the pre-foaming machine, the aging device,
Compared to the case where the control of each pre-expanding machine is processed by a single control device that controls the transfer of each pre-expanded particle between each molding apparatus and each of them, the waiting for the preparation of the pre-expanded particles of each foaming machine is performed. Since the time can be reduced, the production efficiency of the foamed molded product can be prevented from being lowered.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a foam molded article manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a setting screen of a foaming process of the foam molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen showing a state of a primary particle feeding line of the foamed molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart when measuring an idle time or an aging time of each silo in the foam molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the first half of the step of feeding particles to each silo in the foamed molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the above-mentioned grain feeding configuration.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen showing silo information in the foam molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart when searching for a No. of a silo having a long idle time in the foam molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart when a particle feeding request signal is output from a molding machine in the foam molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a first half of a flow chart when the granules are fed from the silo to the molding machine in the foam molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is the latter half of the above flowchart.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen when particles are fed from the silo to a molding machine.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen showing information of each molding machine in the foam molded article manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for storing a particle feeding request signal in the foam molded article manufacturing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Foaming machine 1g Display (sub control part) 2 Silo 3 Molding machine 9 Host computer (main control part)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of foaming machines for preparing pre-expanded particles under foaming conditions are provided respectively, and pre-expanded particles as raw materials prepared at a foaming multiple set by each foaming machine are respectively stored and aged. A plurality of silos are respectively provided, a molding machine for molding a foamed molded article by the pre-expanded particles conveyed from the silo according to molding conditions is provided, and a plurality of main control units that store a plurality of foaming conditions in advance are provided. Provided so as to be able to control each of the foaming machine to produce the pre-expanded particles of each kind by each foaming condition, a sub-control unit that can control the foaming machine by foaming conditions,
Each foaming machine is provided with each of them, and stores a plurality of foaming conditions from the main control unit and sequentially updates each foaming condition of the pre-foamed particles of this lot and the next lot in order to sequentially manufacture each of the foam molded products. An apparatus for producing a foamed molded article, which is characterized in that 2. The foamed molded article manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-control unit has a display means for displaying the foaming condition and an input means for updating the foaming condition on the display of the display means. An apparatus for producing a foamed molded article, wherein the display means is set to display the respective foaming conditions of the pre-expanded particles of the present lot and the next lot. 3. The foam molded article manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sub-control unit has a storage means for storing the raw material and the foaming multiple together with the foaming condition, and displays the foaming condition displayed on the display means. An apparatus for producing a foamed molded article, which is set so that it can be changed by an input means depending on a raw material and a foaming multiple under foaming conditions.