US20060267246A1 - Method and Apparatus for Forming Large Articles - Google Patents
Method and Apparatus for Forming Large Articles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060267246A1 US20060267246A1 US11/462,790 US46279006A US2006267246A1 US 20060267246 A1 US20060267246 A1 US 20060267246A1 US 46279006 A US46279006 A US 46279006A US 2006267246 A1 US2006267246 A1 US 2006267246A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- die
- sheet
- clamps
- clamping frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/26—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C51/261—Handling means, e.g. transfer means, feeding means
- B29C51/262—Clamping means for the sheets, e.g. clamping frames
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/34—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/34—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means
- B29C2043/3405—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using carrying means
- B29C2043/3411—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using carrying means mounted onto arms, e.g. grippers, fingers, clamping frame, suction means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2791/00—Shaping characteristics in general
- B29C2791/004—Shaping under special conditions
- B29C2791/006—Using vacuum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/08—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/08—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only
- B29C51/082—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only by shaping between complementary mould parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/25—Solid
- B29K2105/253—Preform
- B29K2105/256—Sheets, plates, blanks or films
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
- B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S425/00—Plastic article or earthenware shaping or treating: apparatus
- Y10S425/048—Sheet clamping
Definitions
- This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming large articles having curved surfaces from plastic sheet material.
- Vacuum forming methods for forming large articles having curved surfaces from sheets of vinyl or plastic material are well known in the art. These processes are commonly used to form large automotive body members, such as bumper facia, and may also be used to form tank halves and similar articles. According to a known process, a plastic sheet is mounted in a clamping frame, heated, and then formed by forcing a die into the sheet and then sucking the sheet against the die by use of vacuum. The product is then cooled, the die extracted, and the finished product removed from the clamping frame. This and similar processes have been widely used to manufacture such articles at a relatively low cost.
- the present invention is directed to a press mechanism that includes a clamping frame, a die for forming an article and engaging members.
- the clamping frame is profiled to receive and retain a sheet of material to be formed and has articulable joints along opposite sides which allow the frame to articulate about at least one axis.
- the engaging members are shaped to receive and retain the clamping frame while allowing the clamping frame to articulate. At least one of the die and the engaging members are capable of movement with respect to each other and a sheet of material to be formed is held by the clamping frame when engaged with the die.
- FIG. 1 is a flow chart describing the process according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the clamping frame used in the present invention
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlargements, partly in section, of the corresponding circumscribed portions of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic elevational view, with the die illustrated in cross-section, of the apparatus used in the present invention positioned to perform an initial step of the molding process of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6-11 are views similar to FIG. 5 but illustrating additional steps in the process according to the present invention.
- a plastic sheet is mounted in an articulated frame that is wrapped around a mold as the mold enters the sheet. Accordingly, material savings of one-third or more can be realized by using smaller sheets than are required in the prior art processes. Because the sheet is wrapped around the mold as the mold enters the sheet, better quality formed products are realized, without chills and other defects in the product, and die locks are more easily avoided.
- a commercially available plastic or vinyl sheet of a size sufficient to be vacuum molded into the desired component is loaded onto a clamping frame and clamped to the frame as indicated at 10 in FIG. 1 .
- Loading of the sheet on the frame may be effected by a conventional sheet loader onto which the sheet is placed and which then elevates the sheet so that it may be clamped on the clamp frame.
- the frame is then transferred to an oven, as indicated at 12 , and heated until the sheet sags below the frame a distance sufficient to actuate an electric eye, all as well known in the prior art. After the sheet is heated, it is transferred to the forming station, as indicated at 16 on FIG. 1 and as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- the upper platen of the press which carries the vacuum forming die, is then forced in to the sheet, as indicated at 18 in FIG. 1 , and the lower platen is raised to bend the clamping frame about the mold carried on the upper platen, as indicated at 20 in FIG. 1 , and also as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- a vacuum is then pulled through the die to form the sheet around the die, as indicated at 22 .
- a cooing cycle is then initiated, as indicated at 24 .
- the cooling cycle may, for example include the circulation of ambient air around the product to cool the product until the product becomes rigid.
- Toggle clamps on the lower platen are then closed onto the clamp frame as indicated at 26 in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 7 .
- the lower platen is then lowered, as indicated at 28 and in FIG.
- the upper platen is then raised to remove the mold from the formed article as indicated at 30 in FIG. 1 and as also illustrated FIG. 9 .
- the lower platen is then raised and the toggle clamps are released, as indicated at 32 in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 10 .
- the lower platen is then fully lowered, as indicated at 34 in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 11 .
- the part is then unloaded as indicated at 36 in FIG. 1 , by raising a conventional unloader to support the part and then releasing the clamps and then lowering the completed component out of the forming station.
- Clamping frame 38 includes side clamps 40 , 42 , 44 and 46 extending along one side of the frame, and corresponding clamps, 48 , 50 , 52 and 54 extending along the other side of the frame.
- the frame 38 includes opposite end clamps 56 , 58 .
- the side clamps 40 and 48 are tied to the end clamp 58 for movement therewith by bar assembly 60 .
- the clamps 46 and 54 are tied to the end clamp 56 by bar assembly 62 at the end of the frame 38 opposite the bar assembly 60 .
- Clamp 48 is pivotally attached to clamp 50 through pivot connector 64 ; clamp 40 is pivotally connected to clamp 42 by a pivot connector 66 ; clamp 44 is pivotally connected to clamp 46 by a pivot connector 68 ; and clamp 52 is connected to clamp 54 through a pivot connector 70 .
- the pivot connectors 70 , 64 are attached to a side rail extending substantially parallel to the clamps 48 , 50 , 52 and 54 , a portion of which is shown at 72 in FIG. 2 .
- the pivot connectors 64 , 70 allow the corresponding clamps 48 , 50 and 52 , 54 to pivot both upwardly and downwardly with respect to one another.
- the pivot connectors 66 and 68 are connected to a similar rail extending along the other side of frame 38 (not shown in FIG. 2 , but illustrated schematically at 74 in FIGS. 5-11 ).
- the contiguous ends of the clamps 50 and 52 are supported by a mechanism mounted on the rail 72 and generally indicated by the numeral 76 .
- a similar mechanism (only a few components being shown as at 78 ) supports the contiguous ends of the clamps 42 and 44 .
- the support member 78 is also illustrated schematically in FIGS. 5-11 . Since the support mechanisms 76 and 78 are identical, only the support mechanism 76 will be described in detail.
- support mechanism 76 includes a first upright 80 which is mounted on the rail 72 adjacent the end of the clamp 52 which is contiguous with the corresponding end to the clamp 50 , and a second upright 82 , which is mounted in a similar position adjacent the end of the clamp 50 .
- Springs 84 , 86 extend downwardly from the uprights 80 , 82 and are secured to their corresponding clamps 52 , 50 and are adjusted so that the contiguous ends of the clamps 50 , 52 are biased to a position in which the ends are in a substantial axial alignment with one another.
- Brackets 88 , 90 are also mounted on rail 72 adjacent the ends of the clamps 52 and 50 .
- the brackets 88 and 90 each include an upper transverse member 92 , a lower transverse member 94 and a vertical member 96 that is received within an aperture defined in a corresponding bracket 98 , 100 mounted adjacent to the ends of the clamp 52 and 50 , respectively. Accordingly, the clamps are biased by the springs 84 and 86 into a position in which they are in substantial axial alignment, but each of the clamps 52 and 50 can move relative to one another about their correspondent pivot connections 70 and 64 , the range of movement being limited by engagement of the corresponding bracket 98 or 100 with its corresponding upper and lower transverse members 92 and 94 .
- each of the side clamps 40 - 46 and 48 - 54 are actuated by a pair of double acting pneumatic actuators indicated by the numeral 102
- each of the end clamps 56 and 58 are actuated by three such pneumatic actuators 102 .
- Each of the actuators are connected with other actuators and with a supply of compressed air by flexible hoses 104 . Since all of the actuators are the same, only one of the actuators 102 will be described in detail.
- Each of the actuators 102 are mounted on a longitudinally extending support member 106 upon which upper jaw 108 of each of the clamps 40 - 58 is mounted.
- a lower jaw 110 of each clamp is pivotally connected to the upper jaw 108 at a pivot connection 112 .
- the actuator 102 is conventional and includes an output rod 114 which is connected to the lower jaw by a pivot connection 116 and a linkage 118 .
- air pressure is admitted into the actuator 102 in a direction which urges the output rod 114 in a direction biasing the lower jaw 110 to a position closing with the jaw 108 .
- the clamp is to be released, air is admitted in to the actuators 102 in a direction which drives the output rod 114 in the reverse direction, thereby opening the lower jaw 110 from the upper jaw 108 .
- forming takes place in a vacuum forming press having an upper platen 120 and a lower platen 122 .
- a conventional vacuum forming die which is illustrated in cross-section at 124 , is mounted on the upper platen 120 .
- Uprights 126 , 128 extend upwardly from lower platen 122 and terminate in socket ends 130 , 132 which receive the outer ends 134 ( FIG. 2 ) of the bars 60 , 62 as illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- the ends 134 project beyond the ends of the corresponding clamps 56 , 58 .
- two additional uprights are located behind the uprights 126 , 128 .
- a toggle clamp 136 , 138 is provided on each of the uprights and closes across the top of the corresponding socket, as will be described in detail hereinafter.
- the ends of the rails 72 , 74 are received on tracks indicated schematically at 140 , 142 which extend parallel to the end clamps 56 , 58 when the clamping frame 38 is installed in the press. Accordingly, the clamping frame 38 is moveable transversely with respect to the Figures along the tracks 140 , 142 .
- a conventional plastic or vinyl sheet is placed on a conventional sheet loader (not shown) and elevated onto the clamping frame 38 .
- the clamps 40 - 56 are then operated to grasp the sheet and hold it in the clamping frame 38 .
- the aforementioned oven is offset transversely from the press, so that the frame 38 can be transferred by movement along the tracks 140 , 142 from the press into the oven.
- the frame and sheet are heated until the sheet sags as indicated at W on FIG. 5 .
- the frame 38 and the sheet are then moved out of the oven and back into the position illustrated in FIG. 5 , wherein the sheet, still being at an elevated temperature, sags as indicated at FIG. 5 .
- the platens 120 , 122 are then advanced toward one another.
- the die 124 passes through the frame 38 and engages the sheet W.
- the clamps 42 , 44 and 50 , 52 are deflected slightly around the corresponding pivot connections 64 , 66 and 68 , 70 and the contiguous ends of the clamps 42 , 44 and 50 , 52 are forced downwardly, in opposition to the springs 84 , 86 .
- lower platen 122 is raised until the socket 130 , 132 engage the ends 134 , as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- a conventional vacuum forming cycle begins, in which vacuum is pulled through the die 124 , thereby pulling the sheet around the die, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.
- a cooling cycle is initiated, such as by turning on fans, etc., to cool the sheet into a rigid state.
- the platens remain in the positions illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- the toggle clamps 134 , 136 are engaged over the sockets 130 , 132 as illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- the lower platen 122 is then lowered slightly, as indicated in FIG. 8 , thereby breaking the product away from the die 124 .
- the die 124 can then be extracted from the product as illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- the lower platen is raised back into the FIG. 6 position to permit release of the toggle clamps, as illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- the lower platen 122 is then lowered to the fully lowered position as illustrated in FIG. 11 , while the product remains in the frame 38 , which remains in the articulated position illustrated in FIG. 11 .
- the product is then removed from the frame by positioning a conventional unloader (not shown) under the product P, and then releasing the clamps 40 - 58 to release the product P onto the unloader.
- the unloader is then able to transfer the product out of the press.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Method and apparatus of forming articles includes a press having a pair of opposite platens. An articulated clamping frame is mounted between the platens, each of which are moveable toward and away from the clamping frame. Material to be formed is clamped into the clamping frames and the articulated clamping frame is wrapped around the die as the die forms the material. The formed article is extracted from the die by moving the clamping frame away from the die.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,270, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING LARGE ARTICLES,” filed Sep. 17, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/267,965, entitled “PRESS MECHANISM,” filed Mar. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,975, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/079,606, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING LARGE ARTICLES,” filed Mar. 27, 1998. The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,270, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/267,965 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/079,606 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming large articles having curved surfaces from plastic sheet material.
- Vacuum forming methods for forming large articles having curved surfaces from sheets of vinyl or plastic material are well known in the art. These processes are commonly used to form large automotive body members, such as bumper facia, and may also be used to form tank halves and similar articles. According to a known process, a plastic sheet is mounted in a clamping frame, heated, and then formed by forcing a die into the sheet and then sucking the sheet against the die by use of vacuum. The product is then cooled, the die extracted, and the finished product removed from the clamping frame. This and similar processes have been widely used to manufacture such articles at a relatively low cost.
- However, prior art processes, depending upon the shape and complexity of the article being formed, require larger sheets than would otherwise be necessary to accommodate stretching as the mold enters the sheet. Accordingly, the thickness of the product cannot be easily controlled, and “chills” and other defects in the product are common. Furthermore, dies must be carefully designed when complex shapes are formed to avoid die locks in which it is impossible to remove the die from the finished part.
- The present invention is directed to a press mechanism that includes a clamping frame, a die for forming an article and engaging members. The clamping frame is profiled to receive and retain a sheet of material to be formed and has articulable joints along opposite sides which allow the frame to articulate about at least one axis. The engaging members are shaped to receive and retain the clamping frame while allowing the clamping frame to articulate. At least one of the die and the engaging members are capable of movement with respect to each other and a sheet of material to be formed is held by the clamping frame when engaged with the die.
- These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a flow chart describing the process according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the clamping frame used in the present invention; -
FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlargements, partly in section, of the corresponding circumscribed portions ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic elevational view, with the die illustrated in cross-section, of the apparatus used in the present invention positioned to perform an initial step of the molding process of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 6-11 are views similar toFIG. 5 but illustrating additional steps in the process according to the present invention. - According to the present invention, a plastic sheet is mounted in an articulated frame that is wrapped around a mold as the mold enters the sheet. Accordingly, material savings of one-third or more can be realized by using smaller sheets than are required in the prior art processes. Because the sheet is wrapped around the mold as the mold enters the sheet, better quality formed products are realized, without chills and other defects in the product, and die locks are more easily avoided.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a commercially available plastic or vinyl sheet of a size sufficient to be vacuum molded into the desired component is loaded onto a clamping frame and clamped to the frame as indicated at 10 inFIG. 1 . Loading of the sheet on the frame may be effected by a conventional sheet loader onto which the sheet is placed and which then elevates the sheet so that it may be clamped on the clamp frame. The frame is then transferred to an oven, as indicated at 12, and heated until the sheet sags below the frame a distance sufficient to actuate an electric eye, all as well known in the prior art. After the sheet is heated, it is transferred to the forming station, as indicated at 16 onFIG. 1 and as illustrated inFIG. 5 . The upper platen of the press, which carries the vacuum forming die, is then forced in to the sheet, as indicated at 18 inFIG. 1 , and the lower platen is raised to bend the clamping frame about the mold carried on the upper platen, as indicated at 20 inFIG. 1 , and also as illustrated inFIG. 6 . A vacuum is then pulled through the die to form the sheet around the die, as indicated at 22. A cooing cycle is then initiated, as indicated at 24. The cooling cycle may, for example include the circulation of ambient air around the product to cool the product until the product becomes rigid. Toggle clamps on the lower platen are then closed onto the clamp frame as indicated at 26 inFIG. 1 and inFIG. 7 . The lower platen is then lowered, as indicated at 28 and inFIG. 8 , to pull the formed sheet away from the mold. The upper platen is then raised to remove the mold from the formed article as indicated at 30 inFIG. 1 and as also illustratedFIG. 9 . The lower platen is then raised and the toggle clamps are released, as indicated at 32 inFIG. 1 and inFIG. 10 . The lower platen is then fully lowered, as indicated at 34 inFIG. 1 and inFIG. 11 . The part is then unloaded as indicated at 36 inFIG. 1 , by raising a conventional unloader to support the part and then releasing the clamps and then lowering the completed component out of the forming station. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a clamping frame used in the present invention is generally indicated by thenumeral 38. Clampingframe 38 includesside clamps frame 38 includesopposite end clamps side clamps end clamp 58 for movement therewith bybar assembly 60. Similarly, theclamps end clamp 56 bybar assembly 62 at the end of theframe 38 opposite thebar assembly 60.Clamp 48 is pivotally attached toclamp 50 throughpivot connector 64;clamp 40 is pivotally connected toclamp 42 by apivot connector 66;clamp 44 is pivotally connected toclamp 46 by apivot connector 68; andclamp 52 is connected toclamp 54 through apivot connector 70. Thepivot connectors clamps FIG. 2 . Thepivot connectors corresponding clamps pivot connectors FIG. 2 , but illustrated schematically at 74 inFIGS. 5-11 ). - The contiguous ends of the
clamps rail 72 and generally indicated by thenumeral 76. A similar mechanism (only a few components being shown as at 78) supports the contiguous ends of theclamps support member 78 is also illustrated schematically inFIGS. 5-11 . Since thesupport mechanisms support mechanism 76 will be described in detail. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 ,support mechanism 76 includes a first upright 80 which is mounted on therail 72 adjacent the end of theclamp 52 which is contiguous with the corresponding end to theclamp 50, and a second upright 82, which is mounted in a similar position adjacent the end of theclamp 50.Springs uprights corresponding clamps clamps Brackets rail 72 adjacent the ends of theclamps brackets transverse member 92, a lowertransverse member 94 and avertical member 96 that is received within an aperture defined in acorresponding bracket clamp springs clamps correspondent pivot connections corresponding bracket transverse members - Referring to
FIG. 4 , each of the side clamps 40-46 and 48-54 are actuated by a pair of double acting pneumatic actuators indicated by the numeral 102, and each of the end clamps 56 and 58 are actuated by three suchpneumatic actuators 102. Each of the actuators are connected with other actuators and with a supply of compressed air byflexible hoses 104. Since all of the actuators are the same, only one of theactuators 102 will be described in detail. Each of theactuators 102 are mounted on a longitudinally extending support member 106 upon which upper jaw 108 of each of the clamps 40-58 is mounted. A lower jaw 110 of each clamp is pivotally connected to the upper jaw 108 at a pivot connection 112. Theactuator 102 is conventional and includes an output rod 114 which is connected to the lower jaw by a pivot connection 116 and a linkage 118. When a sheet is to be clamped in aclamping frame 38, air pressure is admitted into theactuator 102 in a direction which urges the output rod 114 in a direction biasing the lower jaw 110 to a position closing with the jaw 108. When the clamp is to be released, air is admitted in to theactuators 102 in a direction which drives the output rod 114 in the reverse direction, thereby opening the lower jaw 110 from the upper jaw 108. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5-11 , forming takes place in a vacuum forming press having anupper platen 120 and alower platen 122. A conventional vacuum forming die, which is illustrated in cross-section at 124, is mounted on theupper platen 120.Uprights lower platen 122 and terminate in socket ends 130, 132 which receive the outer ends 134 (FIG. 2 ) of thebars FIG. 2 . The ends 134 project beyond the ends of the correspondingclamps uprights toggle clamp rails frame 38 is installed in the press. Accordingly, the clampingframe 38 is moveable transversely with respect to the Figures along thetracks - As discussed above, when a forming operation is initiated, a conventional plastic or vinyl sheet is placed on a conventional sheet loader (not shown) and elevated onto the clamping
frame 38. The clamps 40-56 are then operated to grasp the sheet and hold it in the clampingframe 38. Preferably, the aforementioned oven is offset transversely from the press, so that theframe 38 can be transferred by movement along thetracks FIG. 5 . Theframe 38 and the sheet are then moved out of the oven and back into the position illustrated inFIG. 5 , wherein the sheet, still being at an elevated temperature, sags as indicated atFIG. 5 . Theplatens upper platen 120 is lowered, the die 124 passes through theframe 38 and engages the sheet W. As thedie 124 engages the sheet W, theclamps corresponding pivot connections clamps springs lower platen 122 is raised until thesocket ends 134, as illustrated inFIG. 6 . Further upward movement of thelower platen 122 causes the uprights to pivot the side clamps 40, 48 andend clamp 58, and the side clamps 46, 54 andend clamp 56, about theircorresponding pivot connections die 124. In the prior art, a flat, unarticulated frame was used, and thedie 124 was forced into the sheet by movement of the die relative thereto. If complex shapes were formed, die locks were difficult and sometimes impossible to avoid, and substantial stretching also occurred. Usually the sheet had to be much larger than in the case of the present invention. By wrapping the sheet around the die due to the articulatedclamping frame 38, the size of the sheet required for a given end product size is substantially reduced, die locks can more easily be avoided, and a better quality product results, since defects due to stretching of the material are substantially reduced. After the sheet has been wrapped around the die as indicated byFIG. 6 , a conventional vacuum forming cycle begins, in which vacuum is pulled through thedie 124, thereby pulling the sheet around the die, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. - After forming is complete, a cooling cycle is initiated, such as by turning on fans, etc., to cool the sheet into a rigid state. During the vacuum forming and cooling steps, the platens remain in the positions illustrated in
FIG. 6 . After the product has become rigid, the toggle clamps 134, 136 are engaged over thesockets FIG. 7 . Thelower platen 122 is then lowered slightly, as indicated inFIG. 8 , thereby breaking the product away from thedie 124. The die 124 can then be extracted from the product as illustrated inFIG. 9 . As also illustrated inFIG. 9 , the lower platen is raised back into theFIG. 6 position to permit release of the toggle clamps, as illustrated inFIG. 10 . Thelower platen 122 is then lowered to the fully lowered position as illustrated inFIG. 11 , while the product remains in theframe 38, which remains in the articulated position illustrated inFIG. 11 . The product is then removed from the frame by positioning a conventional unloader (not shown) under the product P, and then releasing the clamps 40-58 to release the product P onto the unloader. The unloader is then able to transfer the product out of the press. - The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiment(s) only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (5)
1. A method for forming articles, comprising the steps of:
clamping a sheet of formable material in an articulated clamping frame; heating the material to a formable temperature;
placing the material in a press mechanism;
moving a die of the press mechanism into the material in a first direction;
forcing ends of the frame in a direction opposite the first direction; and
imparting movement of the articulated clamping frame in both the first direction from movement of the die and in the opposite direction by forcing the ends of the frame.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the die is mounted on one of a pair of opposing platens of the press mechanism, the method further including the steps of:
moving the platens toward one another to first engage the die with the material; and
moving the platens closer towards one another causing the movement of the articulated frame.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the articulated clamping frame is supported between the platens for movement of the platens toward one another.
4. The method of claim 3 , further including the steps of:
providing frame extensions on the ends of the frame and frame engaging supports on the platen opposite the platen with the die; and
engaging the frame engaging supports with the frame extensions to force the ends of the frame in the opposite direction.
5. The method of claim 4 , further including the steps of:
providing clamps on the frame engagement supports;
clamping the articulated clamping frame with the clamps; and
pulling the articulated clamping frame away from the die by moving the platen away from the die to thereby extract the formed material.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/462,790 US20060267246A1 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 2006-08-07 | Method and Apparatus for Forming Large Articles |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US7960698P | 1998-03-27 | 1998-03-27 | |
US09/267,965 US6474975B2 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 1999-03-12 | Press mechanism |
US10/245,270 US7090485B2 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 2002-09-17 | Method and apparatus for forming large articles |
US11/462,790 US20060267246A1 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 2006-08-07 | Method and Apparatus for Forming Large Articles |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/267,965 Continuation US6474975B2 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 1999-03-12 | Press mechanism |
US10/245,270 Division US7090485B2 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 2002-09-17 | Method and apparatus for forming large articles |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060267246A1 true US20060267246A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
Family
ID=26762201
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/267,965 Expired - Fee Related US6474975B2 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 1999-03-12 | Press mechanism |
US10/245,270 Expired - Fee Related US7090485B2 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 2002-09-17 | Method and apparatus for forming large articles |
US11/462,790 Abandoned US20060267246A1 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 2006-08-07 | Method and Apparatus for Forming Large Articles |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/267,965 Expired - Fee Related US6474975B2 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 1999-03-12 | Press mechanism |
US10/245,270 Expired - Fee Related US7090485B2 (en) | 1998-03-27 | 2002-09-17 | Method and apparatus for forming large articles |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (3) | US6474975B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220324156A1 (en) * | 2019-11-11 | 2022-10-13 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Molding device and molding method |
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US6983690B2 (en) * | 2003-06-03 | 2006-01-10 | Reefdale Pty Ltd | Transfer heat press |
CN1849234B (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2011-07-27 | 沙普公司 | Bumper system incorporating thermoformed energy absorber |
US20050097004A1 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2005-05-05 | Eduardo Masse Blume | Method of advertising and related products |
US20050236744A1 (en) * | 2004-04-27 | 2005-10-27 | Tilio Camodeca | Method and apparatus for forming bathliners |
US7228723B2 (en) * | 2004-07-01 | 2007-06-12 | Netshape Energy Management Llc | Bumper impact-testing device |
TWM268167U (en) * | 2004-11-24 | 2005-06-21 | Jerry Nien | Forming mechanism for blade of window curtain |
WO2007022593A1 (en) * | 2005-08-26 | 2007-03-01 | Quickstep Technologies Pty Ltd | Reticulation system for composite component production |
DE102008020347B4 (en) * | 2008-04-23 | 2012-03-15 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Device for producing a component and method |
DE102008032574A1 (en) * | 2008-07-11 | 2010-01-14 | Brötje-Automation GmbH | Apparatus for use in the manufacture of fiber reinforced components |
US10391716B2 (en) | 2015-12-23 | 2019-08-27 | Grotown VI, LLC | Articulating vacuum plate system and related method |
DE102016012425A1 (en) * | 2016-06-12 | 2017-09-07 | Kiefel Gmbh | Device and method for stretching and / or forming and / or laminating placing a film element and laminating station and installation for laminating a component |
GB2552709A (en) * | 2016-08-04 | 2018-02-07 | Solapix Llc | Carriage and method for shaping a panel |
DE102019000300A1 (en) * | 2018-09-19 | 2020-03-19 | Kiefel Gmbh | GRIPPER FOR A DEVICE FOR MOLDING AND / OR LAMINATING A FILM ELEMENT, DRAPING FRAME, DEVICE FOR MOLDING AND / OR LAMINATING A FILM ELEMENT, PLANT FOR PRODUCING A MOLDED PART OR A LAMINATED COMPONENT, METHOD FOR MOLDING OR FABRICATING FORMING |
JP6948745B1 (en) * | 2021-07-09 | 2021-10-13 | 株式会社浅野研究所 | Resin heat molding equipment and its control method |
US20230138039A1 (en) * | 2021-11-03 | 2023-05-04 | Lisa Draxlmaier Gmbh | Gripper for a draping frame and for a device, draping frame, device and method for the forming of and/or covering using a film element, system for manufacturing a moulded part or a covered component, method for retro-fitting a device of this type, method for manufacturing a covered component |
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US20220324156A1 (en) * | 2019-11-11 | 2022-10-13 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Molding device and molding method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6474975B2 (en) | 2002-11-05 |
US20030017227A1 (en) | 2003-01-23 |
US20020056943A1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
US7090485B2 (en) | 2006-08-15 |
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