Kunio Hirota

Title: Kunio Hirota: Inventor in Plastic Working Technology.

Introduction

Kunio Hirota is an inventor associated with Aichi, Japan, and Brother Kogyo Kabushiki-Kaisha. His work includes inventions in plastic working methods and apparatus, with a focus on die motion and forming processes. Hirota is credited with 8 patents.

Latest Patents

Hirota’s listed patents describe two approaches to plastic working.

“Plastic Working Method and Apparatus” presents a process in which a die presses only part of a workpiece while moving in a swinging or circular rocking motion. The apparatus uses upper and lower dies, along with a mechanism that moves the workpiece and upper die relative to one another during forming. This arrangement is designed to perform plastic work in accordance with the shape of the die.

A second patent with the same title describes a swiveling upper die supported by a die holder. A toggle mechanism provides power assistance, while double-eccentric rotary mechanisms support the holder and allow its orientation to change. A link within the holder connects it to the machine frame and contributes to the mechanism’s operation.

Career Highlights

The available patent information highlights Hirota’s contributions to plastic working equipment and methods. His inventions address how dies move, how their orientation changes, and how forming force is applied to a workpiece.

Collaborations

Hirota is associated with Brother Kogyo Kabushiki-Kaisha. His listed coworkers include Takeaki Sato and Masao Shimomura.

Conclusion

Kunio Hirota’s patent record reflects a focus on plastic working technology, particularly die motion and apparatus design for forming workpieces.