VACUUM FORMING APPARATUS AND VACUUM FORMING METHOD

摘要

A vacuum forming apparatus includes a die set including an upper die and a lower die. The upper die is configured to move in a horizontal direction from a normal position at which the upper die is initially set. The lower die includes a suction channel through which a vacuum is applied to a cover. The lower die is opposite the upper die that is at the normal position. The upper die is configured to move from the normal position to a space lateral to the lower die so as not to face the lower die after the die set is opened, and return to the normal position before the die set is closed. The lower die is configured to move downward during opening of the die set and upward during closing thereof. The die set is configured to form the base member with the cover into a predetermined shape.

主权项

1. A vacuum forming apparatus for bonding a cover to a base member using vacuum bonding, the vacuum forming apparatus comprising
a die set including:
an upper die configured to move in a horizontal direction from a normal position at which the upper die is initially set; anda lower die including a suction channel through which a vacuum is applied to the cover to establish intimate contact between the base member and the cover when the die set is closed and being opposite the upper die in a vertical direction when the upper die is at the normal position, wherein the upper die is configured to:
move from the normal position to a space lateral to the lower die so as not to be opposite the lower die after the die set is opened; andreturn to the normal position before the die set is closed, wherein the lower die is configured to:
move downward away from the upper die during opening of the die set; andmove upward toward the upper die during closing of the die set, and wherein the die set is configured to form the base member with the cover into a predetermined shape with the upper die and the lower die holding the base member and the cover therebetween.