KR20220079634A - thermoforming device - Google Patents

Abstract

The thermoforming apparatus includes a cooling control unit that cools the sheet through the forming die by flowing a cooling liquid in a flow path of the cooling plate, a moving unit that moves the heater, and a moving control unit that controls the operation of the moving unit. The movement control unit moves the heater in the second direction with the moving device when the cooling control unit causes the cooling liquid to flow in the flow path of the cooling plate, thereby moving the heater away from the cooling plate, and the cooling control unit moves the cooling liquid into the flow path of the cooling plate. During the period in which the air is circulated, the first control for maintaining the state in which the heater is separated from the cooling plate is performed.

Description

thermoforming device

The present invention relates to a thermoforming apparatus.

Patent Document 1 discloses a hot press apparatus for performing hot press working in the order of heating and pressing a workpiece in a heated mold and then cooling the workpiece in the mold by cooling the mold. has been disclosed. This hot press apparatus is capable of mounting a plurality of die sets each having a mold, and at least one die set selected from among the plurality of die sets, a press machine for pressing the mounted die sets, a die mounted on the press machine A die set exchange device for exchanging a set among a plurality of die sets, and a temperature control device for heating and cooling a mold provided in each die set are provided. In this hot press apparatus, the mold of each die set is heated in advance when each die set is not mounted on the press machine, and the mold of each die set is cooled when the press machine is equipped with each die set. The control device operates.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-35430

By the way, this inventor devised the following thermoforming apparatus as a thermoforming apparatus. Specifically, it is a hot plate for heating a part to be molded of a thermoplastic sheet, and a molding die for molding the sheet, and a molding surface is provided on the upper surface of the molding die. a molding die having: It is a thermoforming apparatus provided with the housing case which accommodates the said shaping|molding die, the said cooling plate, and the said heater.

In this thermoforming apparatus, the sheet is heated by contacting the lower surface of the hot plate in a state in which the first opening of the housing case is closed by the hot plate while the sheet is sandwiched between the hot plate located above the housing case and the housing case. of the molded part (for example, the part to be softened by raising it to a temperature above the glass transition temperature by heating a hot plate) of Press and thermoform (shape). Thereafter, the sheet which thermoformed the to-be-formed part through the shaping|molding die is cooled by the cooling plate which contacts the lower surface of the shaping|molding die, and this sheet|seat (to-be-molded part) is hardened.

However, in this thermoforming apparatus, a long time is required for cooling the sheet|seat which thermoformed the to-be-formed part. Specifically, in this thermoforming apparatus, the heater is fixed at a position in contact with the lower surface of the cooling plate. For this reason, since the heater is in contact with the lower surface of the cooling plate during the period during which the sheet on which the part to be molded is thermoformed by the cooling plate is cooled by the cooling plate, the heat of the heater is directly transmitted to the cooling plate. In other words, the cooling plate not only absorbs heat from the molding die and the sheet, but also absorbs heat from the heater at a high temperature. For this reason, cooling of the sheet|seat which thermoformed the to-be-formed part requires a long time.

The present invention has been made in view of such a phenomenon, and an object of the present invention is to provide a thermoforming apparatus capable of shortening the cooling time of a sheet in which a part to be formed is thermoformed.

One aspect of the present invention is a hot plate for heating a part to be molded of a thermoplastic sheet, a mold for molding the part to be molded of the sheet, the mold having a molded surface on the surface of the mold and facing the surface in a first direction; a molding die arranged with the rear surface of the molding die toward a second direction opposite to the first direction, a cooling plate in contact with the back surface of the molding die, and a heater located in the second direction with respect to the cooling plate a heater for heating the mold through the cooling plate, a first opening opening in the first direction, and a housing case for accommodating the mold, the cooling plate, and the heater; In a state in which the first opening of the accommodation case is closed by the hot plate while the sheet is interposed between the hot plate positioned in the first direction with respect to the case and the accommodation case, the second of the hot plates In a thermoforming apparatus for thermoforming by pressing the to-be-formed part heated in contact with a heating surface facing the direction in the second direction by air pressure, and pressing against the molding surface of the molding die heated by the heater, , the cooling plate has a flow path through which a cooling liquid flows inside the cooling plate, and the thermoforming device is configured to perform thermoforming by pressing the to-be-formed part of the sheet to the molding surface of the molding die, a cooling control unit for cooling the to-be-formed part of the sheet through the molding die by flowing the cooling liquid in the flow path of the cooling plate in a state in which the part is pressed against the molding surface; a moving device for moving the heater; a movement control unit for controlling an operation of a moving device; wherein, when the cooling control unit causes the cooling liquid to flow in the flow path of the cooling plate, the moving device moves the heater in the second direction By moving the heater, the heater is separated from the cooling plate, and the cooling control unit moves the cooling plate. A thermoforming apparatus that performs a first control to maintain a state in which the heater is separated from the cooling plate during a period in which the cooling liquid is circulated in the flow passage.

The above-described thermoforming apparatus includes a hot plate for heating a part to be formed of a thermoplastic sheet, a molding die for molding (shaping) the sheet, a molding die having a molding surface for molding the sheet on a surface of the molding die, and a molding die; A cooling plate in contact with the back surface of the Moreover, while facing a surface in a 1st direction (for example, upward direction), a shaping|molding die is arrange|positioned toward a 2nd direction (for example, downward direction) opposite to a 1st direction with a back surface. Further, the above-described thermoforming apparatus is a heater positioned in a second direction with respect to the cooling plate, and has a heater for heating the molding die through the cooling plate, and a first opening opening in the first direction, the molding die and cooling It includes a plate, and an accommodation case for accommodating the heater. Among them, the cooling plate has a flow path through which the cooling liquid flows inside the cooling plate. This thermoforming apparatus is in contact with the heating surface of the hot plate in a state in which the first opening of the housing case is closed by the hot plate while sandwiching the sheet between the hot plate positioned in the first direction with respect to the housing case and the housing case. A molded part heated by heating (for example, a part to be softened by raising the temperature to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature by heating a hot plate) is pressed in the second direction by air pressure, and heated by a heater Thermoforming (shaping) by pressing to the molding surface of

In addition, the thermoforming apparatus includes a cooling control unit, a moving unit, and a moving control unit. Among them, the cooling control unit controls the molding die by circulating a cooling liquid in the flow path of the cooling plate in the state that the to-be-formed part of the sheet is pressed against the molding surface of the molding die and thermoformed, and then the molding target is pressed against the molding surface. Controls the cooling of the sheet through In addition, the moving device is a device for moving the heater. In addition, the movement control unit controls the operation of the mobile device.

Specifically, when the cooling control unit causes the cooling control unit to flow the cooling liquid in the flow path of the cooling plate, the moving device moves the heater in the second direction to move the heater away from the cooling plate, and the cooling control unit causes the cooling control unit to move the heater away from the cooling plate. During the period in which the cooling liquid is circulating in the flow path, control (this is referred to as the first control) is performed to maintain the state in which the heater is separated from the cooling plate. Thereby, the sheet|seat which thermoformed the shaping|molding die and to-be-formed part can be cooled efficiently by the cooling plate.

More specifically, the cooling control unit circulates the cooling liquid in the flow path of the cooling plate to separate the heater from the cooling plate during the period in which the mold and the to-be-formed part cool the thermoformed sheet, so that there is a space between the heater and the cooling plate. is provided, it is difficult for the heat of the heater to be transmitted to the cooling plate and the mold. Thereby, the sheet in which the mold and the to-be-formed part are thermoformed can be cooled quickly by the cooling plate through which the cooling liquid flows in the flow path. For example, the temperature of the sheet in which the to-be-formed part is thermoformed can be rapidly reduced to a preset second target temperature (eg, a temperature at which the to-be-formed part of the sheet is sufficiently cured).

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned thermoforming apparatus, the cooling time of the sheet|seat which thermoformed the to-be-formed part can be shortened. In other words, according to the above-mentioned thermoforming apparatus, the cooling rate of the sheet|seat which thermoformed the to-be-formed part can be raised.

Further, in thermoforming, a part to be molded (softened by heating) heated (softened by heating) in contact with the heating surface of the hot plate in the sheet is pressed in the second direction by air pressure, and pressed against the molding surface of the molding die heated by the heater. It means to attach and shape (deform along the molding surface).

In addition, as a method of "pressing the to-be-molded part heated by bringing it into contact with the heating surface of the hot platen in the second direction by air pressure, and pressing it to the molding surface of the molding die heated by the heater", for example, the following three There are several ways. In addition, the first opening of the housing case is provided with a mold, a cooling plate, a heater, a housing case, and a hot plate, and a sheet is sandwiched between the housing case and the hot plate in which the mold, the cooling plate, and the heater are accommodated. Let the device closed by the forming unit be.

(1) In the internal space of the molding unit, by depressurizing (vacuum suction) a second space (eg, downward space) located in a second direction (eg, below) from the sheet, the sheet in the first direction ( For example, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the first space (for example, the upper space) located above) is higher than the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the second space, and the seat is positioned in the opposite direction The differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the first space and the second space pushes and presses the heated part to be molded in contact with the heating surface of the hot plate in the sheet in the second direction, and the part to be molded is heated by the heater. How to push with cotton.

(2) By supplying compressed air into the first space located in the first direction relative to the sheet in the internal space of the molding unit, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the first space is higher than the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the second space, , by the differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the first space and the second space located in opposite directions with the sheet interposed therebetween, the heated part to be heated by contacting the heating surface of the hot plate in the sheet is pressed in the second direction, A method of pushing the molding part to the molding surface of the molding mold heated by a heater.

(3) A method combining the methods of (1) and (2) above. That is, by reducing the pressure (vacuum suction) of the second space in the internal space of the molding unit and supplying compressed air into the first space, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the first space is changed to the atmospheric pressure in the second space. (pneumatic pressure), the second space to be formed is heated by bringing it into contact with the heating surface of the hot plate in the sheet by the differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the first space and the second space positioned in opposite directions with the sheet therebetween. A method in which a part to be molded is pressed against the molding surface of a molding die heated by a heater by pressing in the direction.

Further, in the thermoforming apparatus, the movement control unit, after performing the first control, moves the to-be-formed part cooled by the cooling plate through which the cooling liquid circulates in the flow path to the outside of the molding die. Then, by moving the heater in the first direction by the moving device, the heater is brought into contact with the cooling plate to form a new to-be-formed part by the molding die, through the cooling plate by the heater What is necessary is just to set it as the thermoforming apparatus which performs the 2nd control which sets the said shaping|molding die to a heated state.

In the thermoforming apparatus, after the movement control unit performs the first control, the part to be molded of the sheet cooled by the cooling plate through which the cooling liquid flows in the flow path moves to the outside of the molding die, and then by the molding die In order to shape a new to-be-molded part, a control in which the heater is moved in the first direction by the moving device, thereby bringing the heater into contact with the cooling plate, and the molding die is heated by the heater through the cooling plate (this as the second control).

Thereby, in shaping|molding a new to-be-molded part with the above-mentioned thermoforming apparatus, a shaping|molding die can be newly heated through a cooling plate with a heater. Accordingly, the part to be molded newly can also be thermoformed (shaping) by being pressed against the molding surface of the mold heated by the heater. That is, in a state in which the first opening of the housing case is blocked by the hot plate while a sheet including a new to-be-formed part is sandwiched between the hot plate positioned in the first direction with respect to the housing case and the housing case, the heating surface of the hot plate The new to-be-formed part heated by making it contact with is pressed in the 2nd direction by air pressure, and it can press and thermoform the shaping|molding surface of the shaping|molding die heated by a heater. In this way, in the above-mentioned thermoforming apparatus, a some to-be-formed part can be shape|molded sequentially.

In addition, since the heater is separated from the cooling plate during the period in which the molding die and the to-be-formed part of the sheet are cooled by the cooling plate through which the cooling liquid is circulated in the flow path, the heater is difficult to cool, and the temperature drop of the heater can be suppressed. For this reason, when forming a new to-be-formed part by the above-mentioned thermoforming apparatus, it becomes possible to heat the shaping|molding die quickly (for example, make it reach|attain a preset 1st target temperature quickly) with a heater. . Accordingly, it is possible to start forming a new part to be molded at an early stage.

Therefore, according to the thermoforming apparatus mentioned above, the cycle time of shaping|molding can be shortened. In addition, the cycle time of molding (time of one cycle) is after the molding of the currently-molded part to be molded is finished, the part to be molded is moved to the outside of the mold, the molding of the new part to be molded is finished, and the new part to be molded is molded. It is the time until it is moved to the outside of the mold.

Further, in the thermoforming apparatus, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the molding die is provided, the second control is performed by the movement control unit, and the temperature of the molding die detected by the temperature sensor is set in advance After reaching the set first target temperature, the sheet including the new to-be-formed part is sandwiched between the hot plate positioned in the first direction with respect to the housing case and the housing case, and the In a state in which the first opening of the housing case is closed, the to-be-formed part of the sheet heated in contact with the heating surface of the hot plate is pressed in the second direction by air pressure to form the molding die. It is good to set it as a thermoforming apparatus which presses to a surface and thermoforms.

The said thermoforming apparatus is equipped with the temperature sensor which detects the temperature of a shaping|molding die. Further, in the above-described thermoforming apparatus, the second control is performed by the movement control unit (that is, heating of the molding die through the cooling plate is started by the heater brought into contact with the cooling plate to form a new to-be-formed part); After the temperature of the molding die detected by the temperature sensor reaches a preset first target temperature, a sheet (a sheet including a new to-be-formed part) is placed between the receiving case and the hot plate positioned in the first direction with respect to the housing case. ), in a state in which the first opening of the housing case is closed by the hot plate, the to-be-formed part of the sheet heated by bringing it into contact with the heating surface of the hot plate is pressed in the second direction by air pressure to form the mold Press with cotton and thermoformed. By doing in this way, after making the temperature of a shaping|molding die into a 1st target temperature with respect to each of the some to-be-molded part sequentially shape|molded by the thermoforming apparatus mentioned above, it can thermoform.

In addition, the first target temperature T1 is preferably set to the glass transition temperature Tg or a temperature close to Tg of the sheet (eg, a temperature within the range of Tg-20°C ≤ T1 ≤ Tg+20°C). By setting the first target temperature T1 to such a temperature, when the to-be-formed part of the sheet heated and softened by the hot plate is pressed against the molding surface of the molding die, the shape of the molding surface of the molding die is imitated to shape the to-be-formed part of the sheet. It becomes easy to perform (the to-be-formed part of a sheet|seat can be imitated by the shape of the shaping|molding surface of a shaping|molding die, and shaping|molding can be carried out with precision).

Further, in the thermoforming apparatus, the movement control unit is configured to set the temperature of the molding die detected by the temperature sensor to the first target during a period from when the second control is performed to when the first control is started. When the temperature exceeds the third control, the heater is moved in the second direction by the moving device to keep the heater away from the cooling plate; and the molded mold detected by the temperature detecting device. When the temperature of is lower than the first target temperature, by moving the heater in the first direction by the moving device, the heater is brought into contact with the cooling plate, and through the cooling plate by the heater, the molding die What is necessary is just to set it as the thermoforming apparatus which repeats 4th control made into this heated state.

The said thermoforming apparatus is equipped with the temperature sensor which detects the temperature of a shaping|molding die. Further, in the thermoforming apparatus described above, the movement control unit starts the first control after the second control is performed (that is, after the heating of the molding die through the cooling plate is started by the heater brought into contact with the cooling plate). The third control and the fourth control are repeated during the period up to the following (that is, when the cooling liquid is circulated in the flow path of the cooling plate, the heater is moved in the second direction by the moving device to separate the heater from the cooling plate) do

Here, in the third control, when the temperature of the molding mold detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a preset first target temperature, the moving device moves the heater in the second direction, whereby the heater moves the cooling plate It is a control that is separated from the Further, in the fourth control, when the temperature of the mold detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first target temperature, the moving device moves the heater in the first direction, thereby bringing the heater into contact with the cooling plate, This is a control in which the molding die is heated through the cooling plate by the heater. By repeatedly performing this third control and the fourth control, it becomes possible to maintain the temperature of the molding die at the first target temperature (or a temperature close to the first target temperature). In this way, for each of the plurality of parts to be formed sequentially by the above-described thermoforming apparatus, the temperature of the molding die is set to the first target temperature (or a temperature close to the first target temperature). thing becomes possible

In addition, in any one of the thermoforming apparatuses, the cooling control unit is configured such that the to-be-formed part of the sheet is pressed against the molding surface of the molding die and thermoformed, and then the to-be-formed part is pressed to the molding surface. In this state, after starting the flow of the cooling liquid into the flow path of the cooling plate and lowering the temperature of the molding die to a preset second target temperature, or the flow of the coolant into the preset flow path After a time has elapsed and before the second control is performed by the movement control unit, the flow of the cooling liquid into the flow path is stopped, the cooling liquid in the flow path is discharged to the outside, and the cooling liquid enters the flow path of the cooling plate. A state in which the cooling liquid is not present, and after that, the cooling liquid is present in the flow path of the cooling plate during a period from when the second control is performed by the movement control unit to when the first control is started What is necessary is just to set it as the thermoforming apparatus which maintains the state which does not do it.

In the above-mentioned thermoforming apparatus, the cooling control part performs the following control. Specifically, after the to-be-formed part of the sheet is pressed against the molding surface of the molding die and thermoformed, in a state in which the to-be-formed part is pressed against the molding surface, the flow of the cooling liquid into the flow path of the cooling plate is started, and the temperature of the molding die is adjusted. After the temperature is lowered to the second target temperature set in advance, before the second control is performed by the movement control unit, the flow of the cooling liquid into the flow path is stopped, and the cooling liquid in the flow path is discharged to the outside to enter the cooling liquid in the flow path of the cooling plate. Make it non-existent. Alternatively, after the to-be-formed part of the sheet is pressed against the molding surface of the molding die and thermoformed, in the state in which the to-be-formed part is being pressed against the molding surface, the flow of the cooling liquid into the flow path of the cooling plate is started, and the cooling liquid flows into the preset flow path. After the circulation time of the cooling liquid of make it nonexistent.

After that, when the second control is performed by the movement control unit (that is, when the heater is moved in the first direction by the movement device to form a new sheet and the heater is brought into contact with the cooling plate), the first During the period until control is started (that is, until the movement of the heater downward by the moving device is started to separate the heater from the cooling plate), a state in which no cooling liquid is present in the flow path of the cooling plate is maintained. do.

By doing in this way, it is possible to prevent the cooling plate and the molding die from being cooled by the cooling liquid in the cooling plate during the period during which the molding die is heated through the cooling plate by the heater. Therefore, it is possible to heat the molding die quickly by means of a heater with good thermal efficiency. In addition, since the molding die heated by heating is not cooled by the cooling liquid in the cooling plate, the temperature of the heated molding die is less likely to decrease, and the thermoforming of the sheet is improved.

In addition, it is preferable to set the 2nd target temperature to the temperature at which the to-be-molded part of a sheet|seat fully hardens by cooling with a cooling plate. In addition, it is preferable that the circulation time of the cooling liquid into the flow path of the cooling plate is also set to a time for which the molded part of the sheet is sufficiently hardened.

Further, in any one of the above thermoforming devices, the moving device may be a thermoforming device which is an air cylinder provided in the second direction with respect to the heater.

In the above-described thermoforming apparatus, an air cylinder provided in the second direction with respect to the heater is used as a moving apparatus for moving the heater. The air cylinder is arranged to extend in the first direction and shorten in the second direction. Therefore, by expanding/contracting an air cylinder by a movement control part, a heater can be moved in a 1st direction or a 2nd direction suitably.

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a thermoforming apparatus according to an embodiment.
[Fig. 2] It is another explanatory drawing of the same thermoforming apparatus.
3 is another explanatory view of the same thermoforming apparatus.
4 is another explanatory view of the same thermoforming apparatus.
Fig. 5 is another explanatory view of the same thermoforming apparatus.
Fig. 6 is another explanatory view of the same thermoforming apparatus.

<Embodiment>

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a thermoforming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, and is a schematic configuration diagram of the thermoforming apparatus 1 . 2-6 is another explanatory drawing of the thermoforming apparatus 1 which concerns on embodiment, It is a figure explaining the flow of the shaping|molding method of the sheet|seat 10 by the thermoforming apparatus 1 .

The thermoforming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the hot plate 20, the shaping|molding die 30, the cooling plate 40, the heater 50, and the housing case 60, as shown in FIG. Among these, the hot plate 20 consists of a rectangular flat metal plate, and heats the to-be-molded part 11 of the sheet|seat 10 of a thermoplasticity. In addition, a heater (not shown) for heating the hot plate 20 is provided on the upper surface side of the hot plate 20 . By this heater (not shown), the hot plate 20 is heated to a predetermined temperature (a set temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the sheet 10 ). Moreover, the shaping|molding die 30 is a metal mold|die for shaping|molding (shaping) the to-be-molded part 11 of the sheet|seat 10 which comprises a rectangle in planar view. This shaping|molding die 30 has the shaping|molding surface 31 which shape|molds the to-be-molded part 11 on the surface 30b of the said shaping|molding die 30. Further, the molding die 30 has the front surface 30b in the first direction D1 (upward) and the back surface 30c in the second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 ( downward) is placed. In the present embodiment, the first direction D1 is upward, and the second direction D2 is downward.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the cooling plate 40 is made of a flat metal plate and is in contact with the back surface 30c of the molding die 30 . The cooling plate 40 is supported by a plurality of posts 45 positioned between the lower surface of the cooling plate 40 (the surface facing the second direction D2) and the lower surface of the housing case 60 . Therefore, it is fixed in the accommodation case 60 . have. The cooling plate 40 has a flow path 41 through which the cooling liquid CL flows inside the cooling plate 40 . The flow path 41 in the cooling plate 40 is connected to a liquid distribution pipe 80 connected to a cooling liquid temperature controller (not shown). The cooling liquid CL circulates between the cooling liquid temperature controller (not shown) and the flow path 41 in the cooling plate 40 through the liquid distribution pipe 80 .

1 to 6, as the liquid distribution pipe 80, only the liquid distribution pipe on the side that supplies the cooling liquid CL to the flow path 41 in the cooling plate 40 (referred to as the IN side) is shown, and the cooling plate ( The illustration of the liquid distribution pipe of the side (OUT side) which discharges the cooling liquid CL from the flow path 41 in 40 is abbreviate|omitted. In addition, a valve 81 is provided in the liquid flow pipe 80 on the IN side. Moreover, in this embodiment, water is used as the cooling liquid CL, and the temperature of the water which is the cooling liquid CL is adjusted to 30 degreeC in the cooling liquid temperature controller (not shown). Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the cooling liquid CL (water) whose temperature is adjusted to 30° C. is supplied to the flow path 41 in the cooling plate 40 .

In addition, a temperature sensor 90 is provided inside the cooling plate 40 . The temperature sensor 90 is exposed from the upper surface (the surface facing the first direction D1) of the cooling plate 40, and the temperature detecting part of the tip end thereof is exposed to the rear surface 30c of the molding die 30. Aspects are provided in the cooling plate 40 . Therefore, the temperature of the molding die 30 can be detected by the temperature sensor 90 . In addition, the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 detected by the temperature sensor 90 is input into the control apparatus 100 mentioned later. Moreover, as the temperature detector 90, a thermocouple or a thermistor can be used.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the heater 50 has a flat plate shape and is provided on the lower side of the cooling plate 40 (in the second direction D2 with respect to the cooling plate 40 ) in the housing case 60 . have. The heater 50 is in contact with the lower surface of the cooling plate 40 (the surface facing the second direction D2 ), and passes through the cooling plate 40 , and the upper surface of the cooling plate 40 (the first direction D1 ). ), the molding die 30 in contact with the surface) is heated. In this embodiment, the temperature of the heater 50 is set to 200 degreeC. Moreover, the accommodation case 60 comprises the rectangular box shape, and has the 1st opening part 61 which opens upward (1st direction D1). This housing case 60 accommodates the molding die 30 , the cooling plate 40 , and the heater 50 .

Moreover, the thermoforming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the cooling control part 110, the air cylinder 70 which is a movement apparatus, and the movement control part 120 (refer FIG. 1). Among them, the cooling control unit 110 controls the flow of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 . Specifically, the cooling control unit 110, after the to-be-formed part 11 of the sheet 10 is pressed against the molding surface 31 of the molding die 30 and thermoformed, the to-be-formed part 11 is molded. The sheet 10 (the part to be formed 11) is moved through the molding die 30 by flowing the cooling liquid CL in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 in the state being pressed against the surface 31 . Cooling is controlled. Moreover, the cooling control part 110 comprises a part of the control apparatus 100 which consists of a microcomputer.

Moreover, the air cylinder 70 which is a moving device moves the heater 50 up and down (1st direction D1 and 2nd direction D2). Four air cylinders 70 are provided below the heater 50 (in the second direction D2 with respect to the heater 50 ). Specifically, the air cylinder 70 includes a cylindrical housing 72 and a columnar piston rod 71 . This air cylinder (70) is provided so that the housing (72) is fixed to the outside of the housing case (60), and the piston rod (71) is inserted into the through hole (65) penetrating the bottom of the housing case (60). (See Figure 1).

Further, the front end (upper end) of the piston rod 71 is connected to a post 55 extending downward (second direction D2) from the lower surface (surface facing the second direction D2) of the heater 50. has been Accordingly, the heater 50 can be moved up and down by moving the piston rod 71 of the air cylinder 70 up and down and expanding and contracting the air cylinder 70 in the up-down direction. In addition, a sealing member (not shown) is provided in an opening inside the accommodation case 60 among the through holes 65 so that air does not flow between the inside and the outside of the accommodation case 60 through the through hole 65 . have.

Moreover, the movement control part 120 controls the operation|movement of the air cylinder 70 which is a movement device. Specifically, in order to move the heater 50 up and down, the piston rod 71 of the air cylinder 70 is moved up and down, and control is performed to expand and contract the air cylinder 70 in the up-down direction. That is, the movement control unit 120 moves the piston rod 71 of the air cylinder 70 in the first direction D1 in order to move the heater 50 in the first direction D1 (upward direction). , control to extend the air cylinder 70 in the first direction D1 is performed. In addition, the movement control unit 120 moves the piston rod 71 of the air cylinder 70 in the second direction D2 in order to move the heater 50 in the second direction D2 (downward). , control to shorten the air cylinder 70 in the second direction. In addition, the movement control unit 120 constitutes a part of the control device 100 made of a microcomputer.

Moreover, the thermoforming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the pneumatic pressure adjustment apparatus 150. As shown in FIG. The air pressure adjusting device 150 includes a compressor 165 , a pressurized tank 160 storing compressed air by the compressor 165 , a vacuum pump 175 , and a vacuum connected to (communicating with) the vacuum pump 175 . A tank 170 is provided. The pressurized tank 160 and the vacuum tank 170 are each connectable to a vent hole (not shown) penetrating the hot plate 20 in the vertical direction. Moreover, the pressurization tank 160 and the vacuum tank 170 are each connectable also to the ventilation hole (not shown) penetrating the bottom part of the accommodation case 60 in an up-down direction.

Moreover, the thermoforming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the pneumatic pressure control part 130 which controls the pneumatic pressure adjusting device 150 . Moreover, the pneumatic control part 130 comprises a part of the control apparatus 100 which consists of a microcomputer. Accordingly, the control device 100 includes a cooling control unit 110 , a movement control unit 120 , and an air pressure control unit 130 . Here, the molding die 30 , the cooling plate 40 , the heater 50 , the housing case 60 , and the hot plate 20 are provided, and the molding die 30 , the cooling plate 40 , and the heater 50 . ), the first opening 61 of the housing case 60 is closed by the hot plate 20 with the sheet 10 interposed therebetween as a molding unit 2 (see Fig. 2).

Specifically, the pneumatic control unit 130 is, for example, the lower surface (heating surface) of the hot plate 20 located above the housing case 60 (the first direction D1 with respect to the housing case 60) 20c) and the upper end 62 of the housing case 60, with the sheet 10 interposed therebetween, the vacuum tank 170 It is connected to a pore (not shown), and control to drive the vacuum pump 175 is performed. Thereby, through the vent hole of the hot plate 20 of the forming unit 2, in the internal space of the forming unit 2 (including the vent hole of the hot plate 20; hereinafter the same), higher than the sheet 10 The inside of the upper space (1st space) located in (1st direction D1) can be pressure-reduced (vacuum pull). Thereby, in the internal space of the shaping|molding unit 2, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the said upper space is air pressure (air pressure) in the lower space (2nd space) located below the seat 10 (second direction D2). ), the sheet 10 (the part to be molded 11) is positioned above by the differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the upper space and the lower space positioned up and down with the sheet 10 interposed therebetween. It can be brought into close contact with the heating surface 20c of the hot plate 20 .

In addition, the pneumatic control unit 130 is, for example, a state in which the sheet 10 is sandwiched between the hot plate 20 positioned above the accommodation case 60 and the upper end 62 of the accommodation case 60 . In , the pressurized tank 160 is connected to a vent (not shown) of the accommodating case 60 of the molding unit 2 , and compressed air is supplied from the pressurized tank 160 to the vent of the accommodating case 60 . control to Thereby, compressed air can be supplied and pressurized in the lower space located below the sheet|seat 10 among the internal spaces of the shaping|molding unit 2 . Thereby, in the internal space of the molding unit 2, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the lower space is made higher than the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the upper space, and the upper space positioned up and down with the sheet 10 interposed therebetween; The sheet 10 (the part to be molded 11) can be pressed against the heating surface 20c of the hot plate 20 positioned above by the differential pressure with the lower space (difference in air pressure) to be brought into close contact.

Moreover, the air pressure control part 130 heats, for example, sandwiching the sheet 10 between the hot plate 20 located above the accommodation case 60 and the upper end part 62 of the accommodation case 60 . In one state, the vacuum tank 170 is connected to a vent hole (not shown) of the housing case 60 of the forming unit 2 , and control to drive the vacuum pump 175 is performed. Thereby, in the internal space of the shaping|molding unit 2, the downward space located below the sheet|seat 10 can be pressure-reduced (vacuum suction). Thereby, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the lower space is made lower than the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the upper space, and the differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the upper space and the lower space positioned up and down with the seat 10 interposed therebetween. ) of the sheet 10, the heated surface 20c of the hot plate 20 is pressed downward and the heated part 11 is pressed downward, and the molded part 11 is heated by the heater 50. It can be thermoformed by pressing to the molding surface 31 of the heated molding die 30 .

In addition, the air pressure control unit 130 is, for example, between the hot plate 20 positioned above the accommodation case 60 and the upper end portion 62 of the accommodation case 60 (end in the first direction D1). In a state in which the sheet 10 is heated with the sheet 10 interposed therebetween, the pressurized tank 160 is connected to a vent hole (not shown) of the hot plate 20 of the forming unit 2 , and the hot plate 20 is discharged from the pressurized tank 160 . ) to control the supply of compressed air to the vent hole. Thereby, compressed air can be supplied and pressurized to the upper space located above the sheet|seat 10 among the internal spaces of the shaping|molding unit 2 . Thereby, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the upper space is made higher than the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the lower space, and the upper space and the lower space positioned vertically (in opposite directions) with the seat 10 interposed therebetween. By the differential pressure (difference of air pressure), the heated surface 20c of the hot plate 20 in the sheet 10 is pressed downward and the heated part 11 is pressed downward, and the molded part 11 is heated by the heater. It can be pressed to the molding surface 31 of the molding die 30 heated by (50) and thermoformed.

Such a thermoforming apparatus 1, while sandwiching the sheet 10 between the hot plate 20 located above the accommodation case 60 and the upper end 62 of the accommodation case 60, the sheet 10 And in a state in which the first opening 61 of the housing case 60 is closed by the hot plate 20, the part to be formed 11 heated by contacting the heating surface 20c of the hot plate 20 (for example, , by heating the hot plate 20 to increase the temperature from the glass transition temperature of the sheet 10 to a temperature lower than the melting point and soften the molded part 11), the pneumatic pressure adjusted by the pneumatic pressure adjusting device 150 (Pneumatic pressure in the internal space of the molding unit 2) is pressed downward (the second direction D2) and pressed against the molding surface 31 of the molding die 30 heated by the heater 50 to thermoform. (shape).

Next, a method of forming the sheet 10 using the thermoforming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. In addition, this embodiment demonstrates the example in which the resin sheet of the planar view rectangular shape which consists of polycarbonate (glass transition temperature Tg is 150 degreeC, melting|fusing point Tm is 250 degreeC) as the sheet|seat 10 is demonstrated.

First, in the sheet set process, as shown in Fig. 1, the periphery of the sheet 10 (a portion located around the to-be-molded portion 11) is in contact with the upper end 62 of the housing case 60, , The sheet 10 is placed on the upper end 62 of the accommodation case 60 in such a manner that the first opening 61 of the accommodation case 60 is closed by the sheet 10 . However, at this time, the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 is adjusted to the preset 1st target temperature T1 (or the temperature close|similar to 1st target temperature T1). Specifically, in advance, the heater 50 is brought into contact with the cooling plate 40 , and the molding die 30 is heated through the cooling plate 40 by the heater 50 to increase the temperature of the molding die 30 . The temperature of the molding die 30 is set to the first target temperature by setting the first target temperature T1 (refer to Fig. 6) and then repeatedly performing the third control and the fourth control described later by the movement control unit 120. It is maintained at the temperature T1 (or a temperature close to the first target temperature T1).

Further, in the present embodiment, as the sheet 10 , a sheet 10 in a sheet shape (for example, a sheet having a rectangular shape in plan view obtained by cutting a strip-shaped sheet to a predetermined length and dividing it into a plurality of sheets) ) is used. Moreover, in this embodiment, the 1st target temperature T1 is set to 140 degreeC with respect to the sheet|seat 10 whose glass transition temperature Tg is 150 degreeC. In this way, by setting the first target temperature T1 to a temperature close to the glass transition temperature Tg of the sheet 10 (specifically, setting a temperature within the range of Tg-20°C ≤ T1≤Tg+20°C), the hot platen When the to-be-molded part 11 of the sheet 10 heated and softened by (20) is pressed against the shaping|molding surface 31 of the shaping|molding die 30, the shape of the shaping|molding surface 31 of the shaping|molding die 30 The shape to be molded 11 of the sheet 10 is easily shaped by imitating can be molded well).

In the third control by the movement control unit 120 , when the temperature of the molding die 30 detected by the temperature sensor 90 exceeds a preset first target temperature T1 , the air cylinder 70 (moving device) ) to move the heater 50 downward (this is the second direction D2 ), whereby the heater 50 is controlled to be in a state separated from the cooling plate 40 . Further, in the fourth control by the movement control unit 120 , when the temperature of the molding die 30 detected by the temperature sensor 90 is lower than the first target temperature T1, the heater ( 50) upward (first direction D1), thereby bringing the heater 50 into contact with the cooling plate 40, and through the cooling plate 40 by the heater 50, the molding die 30 This is control to be in a heated state. By repeating this 3rd control and 4th control, it becomes possible to maintain the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 at the 1st target temperature T1 (or the temperature close|similar to 1st target temperature T1).

Next, proceeding to the sheet heating step, as shown in FIG. 2 , the hot plate 20 positioned above (just above) the housing case 60 is moved downward (the second direction D2), and the hot plate The first opening 61 of the accommodation case 60 by the seat 10 and the hot plate 20 while the sheet 10 is interposed between the lower surface of the 20 and the upper end 62 of the accommodation case 60 . close the As a result, as described above, the first opening 61 of the housing case 60 accommodating the molding die 30 , the cooling plate 40 , and the heater 50 is opened with the sheet 10 interposed therebetween. The forming unit 2 closed by the hot plate 20 is formed.

Next, under the control of the pneumatic control unit 130 in this state, the vacuum tank 170 is connected to the vent hole (not shown) of the hot plate 20 of the molding unit 2 through the vent pipe 152 to vacuum The pump 175 is driven. Thereby, through the vent holes (not shown) of the hot plate 20 of the forming unit 2 , in the internal space (including the vent holes of the hot plate 20 ) of the forming unit 2 , the seat 10 is higher than the seat 10 . It is possible to depressurize (vacuum pull) the inside of the upper space located upward (first direction D1). Accordingly, in the internal space of the molding unit 2, the air pressure (air pressure) in the upper space is lower than the air pressure (air pressure) in the lower space located below the seat 10 (second direction D2), By the differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the upper space and the lower space positioned up and down with (10) interposed therebetween, the sheet 10 (the part to be molded 11) is positioned upward (first direction D1). It can be brought into close contact with the heating surface 20c of the hot plate 20 (refer to FIG. 2).

Further, under the control of the pneumatic control unit 130 , the pressurized tank 160 is connected to a vent hole (not shown) of the housing case 60 of the molding unit 2 through the vent pipe 154 , and the pressurized tank Compressed air is supplied from 160 to the vent hole of the receiving case 60 . Thereby, compressed air can be supplied and pressurized in the lower space located below the sheet|seat 10 among the internal spaces of the shaping|molding unit 2 . Thereby, in the internal space of the shaping|molding unit 2, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the said lower space can be made higher than the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the said upper space. Thereby, the differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the upper space and the lower space positioned up and down with the sheet 10 interposed therebetween is further increased, and the sheet 10 (the part to be formed 11) is positioned above. It can be strongly pressed against the heating surface 20c of the hot plate 20 to be in close contact (refer to FIG. 2).

In addition, in this embodiment, the temperature of the hot plate 20 is adjusted to 180 degreeC. Moreover, 180 degreeC is a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature Tg (150 degreeC) of the sheet|seat 10, and lower than melting|fusing point Tm (about 250 degreeC). Accordingly, as described above, by bringing the to-be-formed part 11 of the sheet 10 into close contact with the heating surface 20c of the hot plate 20, the temperature of the to-be-formed part 11 of the sheet 10 is set to 180°C. This can be done, whereby the to-be-formed part 11 of the sheet 10 can be softened. Thereafter, under the control of the pneumatic control unit 130 , the supply of compressed air from the pressurized tank 160 to the vent hole of the housing case 60 is stopped, and the driving of the vacuum pump 175 is stopped (upward). release the decompression state of the space).

Next, proceeding to the thermoforming process, under the control of the pneumatic control unit 130, the vacuum tank 170, through the vent pipe 154, the vent hole of the housing case 60 of the molding unit 2 (shown) omitted), and the vacuum pump 175 is driven. Thereby, in the internal space of the shaping|molding unit 2, the downward space located below the seat|sheet 10 can be pressure-reduced (vacuum suction). Thereby, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the lower space is made lower than the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the upper space, and the differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the upper space and the lower space positioned up and down with the seat 10 interposed therebetween. ) of the sheet 10, the heated surface 20c of the hot plate 20 is pressed downward and the heated part 11 is pressed downward, and the molded part 11 is heated by the heater 50. It becomes possible to thermoform by pressing against the forming surface 31 of the heated forming die 30 (refer to Fig. 3).

Further, under the control of the pneumatic control unit 130, the pressurized tank 160 is connected to the vent hole (not shown) of the hot plate 20 of the molding unit 2 through the vent pipe 152, and the pressurized tank ( 160 ) controls to supply compressed air to the vent holes of the hot plate 20 . Thereby, compressed air can be supplied and pressurized to the upper space located above the sheet|seat 10 among the internal spaces of the shaping|molding unit 2 . Thereby, the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the said upper space can be made still higher than the atmospheric pressure (air pressure) in the said lower space. Thereby, the differential pressure (difference of air pressure) between the upper space and the lower space positioned up and down with the sheet 10 interposed therebetween is further increased, and the to-be-formed part 11 of the sheet 10 is pushed downward more strongly. By pressing, the part 11 to be molded can be pressed more strongly against the molding surface 31 of the molding die 30 to perform thermoforming (see Fig. 3).

In addition, in the present embodiment, during the period from the start of the sheet set process until the end of the thermoforming process, the above-described third control and fourth control are repeatedly performed by the movement control unit 120 to form a molding ( 30) is maintained at the first target temperature T1 (or a temperature close to the first target temperature T1). As described above, in this embodiment, the first target temperature T1 is set to 140°C.

Next, proceeding to the cooling step, under the control of the above-described pneumatic control unit 130 , in a state in which the to-be-molded part 11 of the sheet 10 is pressed against the molding surface 31 of the molding die 30 . , the cooling liquid CL flows in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 under the control of the cooling control unit 110 (see FIG. 4 ). Specifically, by switching the valve 81, the coolant temperature controller (not shown) communicates with the flow path 41 in the cooling plate 40 through the liquid flow pipe 80, and the coolant temperature controller ( The cooling liquid CL is circulated between the flow path 41 in the cooling plate 40 and the cooling plate 40 . Thereby, the to-be-molded part 11 of the sheet 10 can be cooled through the shaping|molding die 30 in contact with the cooling plate 40, and the to-be-molded part 11 of the sheet 10 can be hardened. have.

On the other hand, in the cooling process of this embodiment, when the cooling liquid CL is circulated into the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 under the control of the cooling control unit 110 , the movement control unit 120 performs the first control. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the movement control unit 120 moves the piston rod 71 of the air cylinder 70 downward (the second direction D2) as the first control, whereby the piston The heater 50 connected to the rod 71 is moved downward (the second direction D2) to move the heater 50 away from the cooling plate 40, whereby cooling is performed under the control of the cooling control unit 110. During the period in which the cooling liquid CL is circulated into the flow path 41 of the plate 40 , a control for maintaining a state in which the heater 50 is separated from the cooling plate 40 (this is referred to as the first control) is performed. Thereby, by the cooling plate 40, the sheet|seat 10 in which the shaping|molding die 30 and the to-be-molded part 11 were thermoformed can be cooled efficiently.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the cooling liquid CL is circulated in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 under the control of the cooling control unit 110, so that the molding die 30 and the to-be-molded part are circulated. During the period during which (11) cools the thermoformed sheet 10, the heater 50 is separated from the cooling plate 40 to provide a space S between the heater 50 and the cooling plate 40, so that the heater The heat of (50) becomes difficult to be transmitted to the cooling plate (40) and the molding die (30). Thereby, by the cooling plate 40 through which the cooling liquid CL flows in the flow path 41, the sheet 10 on which the to-be-formed part 11 is thermoformed is cooled rapidly through the shaping|molding die 30. can do.

In addition, in the cooling process of this embodiment, after the flow of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 is started under the control of the cooling control part 110, the preset flow path 41 The flow of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 is continued until the flow time T1 of the cooling liquid CL into the inside passes. That is, only during the circulation time T1 , the cooling liquid CL flows in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 . Accordingly, the cooling control unit 110 starts the circulation of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 and then, when the circulation time T1 has elapsed, by switching the valve 81 , the cooling liquid The flow path 41 in the temperature controller (not shown) and the cooling plate 40 is prevented from communicating through the liquid distribution pipe 80 . Thereby, the flow of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 is stopped, and the cooling process is ended.

Here, in the circulation time t1, the temperature of the molding die 30 which had been set to the first target temperature T1 (140°C in this embodiment) falls to a preset second target temperature T2 (80°C in this embodiment). The time required to do so is set. Specifically, according to a test performed in advance using the thermoforming apparatus 1, the temperature of the molding die 30 set to the first target temperature T1 (specifically, 140° C.) is the flow path of the cooling plate 40 ( 41) After starting the flow of the cooling liquid CL into the interior, the time required for the temperature to decrease to the second target temperature T2 (specifically, 80° C.) is measured (the circulation time of the cooling liquid CL), and this measurement time is The distribution time is t1. Thereby, the temperature of the to-be-formed part 11 thermoformed can be rapidly reduced to 2nd target temperature T2.

In addition, it is preferable to set the 2nd target temperature T2 to the temperature at which the to-be-molded part 11 of the sheet|seat 10 fully hardens. In the present embodiment, since the second target temperature T2 is set to 80°C for the sheet 10 having a glass transition temperature Tg of 150°C, the thermoformed part 11 is sufficiently hardened in the cooling step. can do it

As explained above, according to the thermoforming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cooling time of the sheet|seat 10 which thermoformed the to-be-formed part 11 can be shortened. That is, according to the thermoforming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the thermoformed to-be-formed part 11 can be cooled in a short time. In other words, according to the thermoforming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the cooling rate of the sheet|seat 10 which thermoformed the to-be-formed part 11 can be raised.

Next, in the discharge process, the cooling liquid CL in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 is discharged to the outside, and the cooling liquid CL does not exist in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 . to (see Fig. 5). Specifically, compressed air into the IN-side liquid distribution tube 80 through a connecting tube (not shown) connected to a position between the valve 81 and the cooling plate 40 among the IN-side liquid distribution tubes 80 . By supplying , the cooling liquid CL remaining in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 is discharged to the outside. Thereby, the cooling liquid CL does not exist in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 (refer to FIG. 5).

Moreover, when performing a discharge|emission process, the drive of the vacuum pump 175 is stopped by control of the pneumatic control part 130, the pressure reduction (vacuum suction) of the space below the shaping|molding unit 2 is stopped, and also pressurized tank Supply of compressed air from 160 to the ventilation hole (not shown) of the hot plate 20 of the shaping|molding unit 2 is stopped, and pressurization of the space above the shaping|molding unit 2 is stopped.

Next, proceeding to the taking-out process, the sheet 10 including the to-be-formed part 11 cooled by the cooling plate 40 which made the cooling liquid CL circulate in the flow path 41 is thermoformed by the apparatus 1 take out from Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, after the hot plate 20 is moved upward (first direction D1), the sheet 10 is taken out from the housing case 60 (molding die 30). do. Thereby, the to-be-molded part 11 cooled by the cooling plate 40 is moved to the outside of the shaping|molding die 30.

Next, it progresses to a temperature raising process, and when the movement control part 120 performs 2nd control, the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 cooled in a cooling process is 1st target temperature T1 (140 degreeC in this embodiment) heated to . Specifically, the movement control unit 120 is configured to form a new sheet 10 (a new to-be-formed part 11) by the thermoforming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 6, an air cylinder 70 ) by moving the piston rod 71 upward (first direction D1), by moving the heater 50 connected to the piston rod 71 upward (first direction D1), the heater ( By bringing the upper surface of the cooling plate 40 into contact with the lower surface of the cooling plate 40 , control (this is the second control) in which the molding die 30 is heated through the cooling plate 40 by the heater 50 is performed.

In detail, after the second control is performed by the movement control unit 120 and heating of the mold 30 through the cooling plate 40 is started by the heater 50 brought into contact with the cooling plate 40 , the temperature The control apparatus 100 determines whether the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 detected by the detector 90 has reached|attained preset 1st target temperature T1 (140 degreeC in this embodiment). If the control apparatus 100 determines that the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 has reached|attained the 1st target temperature T1, the temperature raising process will be complete|finished. Thereby, the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 can be raised to the 1st target temperature T1. In addition, during the period of the temperature raising process, the state in which the cooling liquid CL does not exist in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 is maintained under the control of the cooling control unit 110 (see Fig. 6).

And in order to shape|mold the new sheet|seat 10 (new to-be-formed part 11) with the thermoforming apparatus 1, it progresses to the sheet|seat setting process mentioned above. Thereafter, the above-described series of steps are sequentially performed to form a new sheet 10 (a new to-be-formed part 11 ) by the thermoforming apparatus 1 . As described above, in the present embodiment, by repeatedly performing a series of sheet forming cycles comprising a sheet set process, a sheet heating process, a thermoforming process, a cooling process, a discharging process, a taking out process, and a temperature increasing process, the thermoforming apparatus 1 ), the plurality of sheets 10 (the plurality of to-be-formed parts 11) can be sequentially formed.

By the way, in this embodiment, after the movement control part 120 performs the 2nd control mentioned above (that is, in a temperature raising process, the heater 50 made to contact the cooling plate 40), the cooling plate 40 is heated. After starting the heating of the molding die 30 through the ), the heater 50 is moved downward by the air cylinder 70 to start the operation of moving the heater 50 away from the cooling plate 40 ). The control and the fourth control are repeated.

Specifically, in the temperature raising step, the heater 50 is brought into contact with the cooling plate 40 , and the molding die 30 is heated through the cooling plate 40 by the heater 50 , and the molding die 30 . During the period from when the temperature of is set to the first target temperature T1 (refer to Fig. 6) to the start of the above-described first control in the cooling process of the new sheet 10, the By repeatedly performing the third control and the fourth control, the temperature of the molding die 30 can be maintained at the first target temperature T1 (or a temperature close to the first target temperature T1).

In addition, in the present embodiment, the cooling control unit 110 controls the cooling plate ( Control is performed to maintain the state in which the cooling liquid CL does not exist in the flow path 41 of the 40 . Accordingly, when the above-described second control is performed by the control unit 120 (that is, in order to form a new sheet 10 , the heater 50 is moved upward by the air cylinder 70 , and the heater 50 is is brought into contact with the cooling plate 40) until the above-described first control is started (that is, in the cooling process of the new sheet 10, in order to separate the heater 50 from the cooling plate 40, During the period (until the air cylinder 70 starts the downward movement of the heater 50 ), the cooling liquid CL flows into the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 under the control of the cooling control unit 110 . The non-existent state is maintained (refer to Figs. 6 and Figs. 1 to 3).

In this way, during the period during which the molding die 30 is heated through the cooling plate 40 by the heater 50, the cooling plate 40 and the molding die ( 30) can be prevented from cooling. Therefore, thermal efficiency is good, and the heating of the shaping|molding die 30 by the heater 50 can be performed quickly. In addition, since the molding die 30 heated up by heating is not cooled by the cooling liquid CL in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 , the temperature of the heated molding die 30 is less likely to decrease. As a result, the thermoforming of the sheet 10 is improved.

Further, in the cooling step, during the period in which the molding die 30 and the sheet 10 are cooled by the cooling plate 40 through which the cooling liquid CL is circulated in the flow path 41, the heater 50 is heated to the cooling plate ( 40), the heater 50 is hard to cool, and the temperature drop of the heater 50 can be suppressed. For this reason, in forming the new sheet 10 (new to-be-formed part 11) with the thermoforming apparatus 1, in a temperature raising process, the shaping|molding die 30 is rapidly formed by the heater 50. It is possible to heat (to quickly reach the preset first target temperature T1). Accordingly, it is possible to start forming the new sheet 10 (new to-be-formed part 11) at an early stage.

Therefore, according to the thermoforming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the molding cycle time can be shortened. In addition, the molding cycle time (time of one cycle) is determined from the thermoforming apparatus 1 after molding the sheet 10 currently being molded (the part to be molded 11 currently being molded). From the time of taking out (that is, when the taking-out process is finished), the forming of the new sheet 10 (new to-be-formed part 11) is finished, and the new sheet 10 is taken out from the thermoforming apparatus 1 It is the time until (that is, until the taking-out process of the new sheet|seat 10 is complete|finished).

<Evaluation of cycle time of molding>

Next, the cycle time of shaping|molding by the thermoforming apparatus 1 of embodiment compares and evaluates the cycle time of shaping|molding by the thermoforming apparatus of a comparative form. Specifically, for each thermoforming apparatus, the cycle time of molding and the time required for each step were measured. Moreover, compared with the thermoforming apparatus 1 of embodiment, the thermoforming apparatus of a comparative form differs in the point in which the heater 50 does not move, and the other point is the same. That is, in the thermoforming apparatus of the comparative form, the air cylinder 70 is not provided, but the heater 50 is being fixed at the position which contacts the lower surface of the cooling plate 40. FIG.

In the thermoforming apparatus 1 of embodiment, compared with the thermoforming apparatus of a comparative form, the cycle time of shaping|molding was able to be shortened about 8 minutes and 20 seconds. Specifically, in the thermoforming apparatus of the comparative type, in the cooling step, the temperature of the molding die 30 that was set at the first target temperature T1 (140° C.) is reduced to the second target temperature T2 (80° C.). , which required about 4 minutes. On the other hand, in the thermoforming apparatus 1 of embodiment, in the cooling process, the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 used as 1st target temperature T1 (140 degreeC) in about 40 seconds is 2nd target temperature T2 ( 80°C). Therefore, in the thermoforming apparatus 1 of embodiment, compared with the thermoforming apparatus of a comparative form, the cooling process time was able to be shortened about 3 minutes and 20 seconds. The reason for this is as follows.

In the thermoforming apparatus of the comparative form, in the cooling process, during the period in which the cooling liquid CL is circulated in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 to cool the sheet 10 through the molding die 30, the heater ( Since the cooling plate 40 is brought into contact with the cooling plate 40, the cooling plate 40 not only absorbs heat from the molding die 30 and the sheet 10, but also absorbs heat from the heater 50 at a high temperature. will do For this reason, in the thermoforming apparatus of a comparative form, cooling efficiency is bad, and cooling of the sheet|seat 10 requires a long time. In contrast, in the thermoforming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the air cylinder 70 is operated to flow the cooling liquid CL in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 , and the sheet ( 10) During the cooling period, the heater 50 is separated from the cooling plate 40 . Thereby, in the thermoforming apparatus 1 of embodiment, the influence of the heat|fever of the heater 50 becomes small, and the sheet|seat 10 can be cooled in a short time.

Moreover, in the thermoforming apparatus of a comparative form, in a temperature raising process, in order to raise the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 to 1st target temperature T1 (140 degreeC), about 10 minutes were needed. On the other hand, in the thermoforming apparatus 1 of embodiment, in the temperature raising process, the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 was able to rise to 1st target temperature T1 (140 degreeC) in about 5 minutes. Therefore, in the thermoforming apparatus 1 of embodiment, compared with the thermoforming apparatus of a comparative form, the temperature increase process time was able to be shortened about 5 minutes. The reason for this is as follows.

In the thermoforming apparatus of the comparative form, in the cooling process, during the period in which the cooling liquid CL is circulated in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 to cool the sheet 10 through the molding die 30, the heater ( Since the 50 ) is brought into contact with the cooling plate 40 , the heater 50 is also cooled. For this reason, in the temperature raising step, when the heating of the molding die 30 is started by the heater 50, since the temperature of the heater 50 itself is lowered (it is lower than the first target temperature T1), It takes a long time to raise the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 to 1st target temperature T1. On the other hand, in the thermoforming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, in the cooling step, the cooling liquid CL is circulated in the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 to cool the sheet 10 through the molding die 30 . During this period, the heater 50 is separated from the cooling plate 40 . Thereby, since the temperature drop of the heater 50 can be suppressed, in a temperature raising process, the shaping|molding die 30 is rapidly heated by the heater 50 (to reach 1st target temperature T1 quickly). it is possible

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated according to embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It cannot be overemphasized that it can change suitably and apply in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

For example, in the thermoforming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the cooling control unit 110 starts the flow of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 and then sets a preset flow path ( 41) Control was performed so that the flow of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 was continued until the flow time T1 of the inside cooling liquid CL passed. However, after starting the flow of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 of the cooling plate 40 under the control of the cooling control unit 110 , the mold 30 is detected by the temperature sensor 90 . The flow of the cooling liquid CL into the flow path 41 may be continued until the temperature decreases to the second target temperature T2 . That is, in a cooling process, you may control so that the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 may be reduced to 2nd target temperature T2, detecting the temperature of the shaping|molding die 30 with the temperature sensor 90. As shown in FIG.

Moreover, in embodiment, the 1st direction D1 was made into the upward direction, and the 2nd direction D2 was made into the downward direction. However, contrary to the embodiment, the first direction D1 may be downward and the second direction D2 may be upward. That is, it is good also as what was vertically inverted with respect to the thermoforming apparatus 1 .

Further, in the embodiment, as the sheet 10, a single-leaf sheet (for example, a rectangular sheet in a plan view obtained by cutting a strip-shaped sheet to a predetermined length and dividing it into a plurality of sheets) is used, and the sheet ( 10) is shown as an example of molding one sheet at a time. However, using a belt-shaped sheet (roll sheet) in which a plurality of parts to be formed are lined up in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, and conveying the belt-shaped sheet in the longitudinal direction, the thermoforming apparatus 1 (forming die 30) In contrast, a plurality of parts to be molded included in the sheet may be sequentially supplied, and the parts to be molded may be sequentially molded.

1: Thermoforming device
10: sheet
11: the to-be-formed part
20: sole plate
30: molding
31: molding surface
40: cooling plate
41: Euro
50: heater
60: receiving case
61: first opening
70: air cylinder (moving device)
90: temperature sensor
100: control device
110: cooling control unit
120: movement control unit
150: air pressure adjustment device
160: pressurized tank
165: compressor
170: vacuum tank
175: vacuum pump
CL: coolant

Claims (6)

A hot plate for heating the to-be-formed part of the thermoplastic sheet,
A molding die for molding the to-be-molded portion of the sheet, having a molding surface on the surface of the molding die, facing the surface in a first direction, and facing the back surface of the molding die in a second direction opposite to the first direction Molding molds arranged toward the direction,
a cooling plate in contact with the back surface of the mold;
a heater positioned in the second direction with respect to the cooling plate, the heater heating the mold through the cooling plate; and
and a housing case having a first opening opening in the first direction and accommodating the molding die, the cooling plate, and the heater;
In a state in which the first opening of the accommodation case is closed by the hot plate while the sheet is interposed between the hot plate positioned in the first direction with respect to the accommodation case and the accommodation case, the one of the hot plates Thermoforming apparatus for thermoforming by pressing the to-be-formed part heated by bringing it into contact with the heating surface facing the second direction in the second direction by air pressure, and pressing against the molding surface of the molding die heated by the heater In
The cooling plate has a flow path through which the cooling liquid flows inside the cooling plate,
The thermoforming device,
After the to-be-formed part of the sheet is pressed against the molding surface of the molding die and thermoformed, the cooling liquid is circulated in the flow path of the cooling plate in a state in which the to-be-formed part is pressed against the molding surface; a cooling control unit for cooling the to-be-formed part of the sheet through a molding die;
a moving device for moving the heater; and
and a movement control unit for controlling the operation of the mobile device;
The movement control unit,
When the cooling control unit causes the cooling liquid to flow in the flow path of the cooling plate, the moving device moves the heater in the second direction to separate the heater from the cooling plate, and the cooling control unit moves the heater in the second direction. and performing a first control for maintaining a state in which the heater is separated from the cooling plate during a period in which the cooling liquid is circulated in the flow path of the cooling plate. According to claim 1, wherein the movement control unit,
After performing the first control, the molded part cooled by the cooling plate through which the cooling liquid flows in the flow path moves to the outside of the mold, and then a new molded part is molded by the mold. , by moving the heater in the first direction by the moving device to bring the heater into contact with the cooling plate, performing a second control in which the molding die is heated through the cooling plate by the heater , thermoforming device. 3. The method of claim 2,
A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the molding die,
The second control is performed by the movement control unit, and after the temperature of the molding die detected by the temperature sensor reaches a preset first target temperature, the mold is positioned in the first direction with respect to the housing case. Heating by contacting the heating surface of the hot plate with the first opening of the housing case closed by the hot plate while sandwiching the sheet including the new to-be-formed part between the hot plate and the accommodating case The thermoforming apparatus which presses and presses the said to-be-formed part of a sheet|seat in the said 2nd direction by air pressure, and presses it against the said shaping|molding surface of the said shaping|molding die, and thermoforms. According to claim 3, wherein the movement control unit,
During the period from performing the second control to starting the first control,
When the temperature of the molding die detected by the temperature sensor exceeds the first target temperature, the heater is moved in the second direction by the moving device to move the heater away from the cooling plate. a third control, and
When the temperature of the molding die detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first target temperature, the heater is moved in the first direction by the moving device to bring the heater into contact with the cooling plate, and repeating a fourth control in which the molding die is heated through the cooling plate by a heater. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cooling control unit,
After the to-be-formed part of the sheet is pressed against the molding surface of the molding die to be thermoformed, in a state in which the to-be-formed part is pressed against the molding surface, the cooling liquid flows into the flow path of the cooling plate. do,
After the temperature of the molding die is lowered to a preset second target temperature, or after the preset circulation time of the cooling liquid into the flow path has elapsed,
Before the second control is performed by the movement control unit, the flow of the cooling liquid into the flow path is stopped, the cooling liquid in the flow path is discharged to the outside, and the cooling liquid is not present in the flow path of the cooling plate. state, and after that,
and maintaining a state in which the cooling liquid does not exist in the flow path of the cooling plate during a period from when the second control is performed by the movement control unit to when the first control is started. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The said moving device is an air cylinder provided in the said 2nd direction with respect to the said heater, The thermoforming apparatus.

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