Forming device and method for manufacturing formed object

Abstract

The present invention provides a forming device, a method for manufacturing a formed object, and a conveying device. The forming device comprises: a conveying unit that conveys a forming sheet expanded by irradiating electromagnetic waves along a conveying path under a tension applied so as to be warped along a convexly curved conveying path; and an irradiating unit that irradiates electromagnetic waves to the forming sheet being conveyed under a tension applied by the conveying unit.

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-048587 filed on March 19, 2020 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-048588 filed on March 19, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a shaping device, a method for manufacturing a shaping object and a conveying device. Background Art

[0003] A technique is known for forming a three-dimensional image (shape) by irradiating light onto a medium (heat-expandable sheet) having a heat-expandable layer containing a heat-expandable material that expands due to heat and forming an image with a light-absorbing material (e.g., Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-178353).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-178353 discloses an image forming device for forming a three-dimensional image. The image forming device comprises: a developing unit for forming a developer image based on a developer containing a light-absorbing material on a medium having a heat-expanding layer containing a heat-expanding material; and an irradiating unit for irradiating the medium on which the developer image is formed with light of a wavelength absorbed by the developer.

[0005] In the Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-178353, in an image forming device, a medium on which a developer image is formed is irradiated with light while being loaded on a conveyor belt. In this image forming device, the medium on which a developer image is formed is simply loaded on a conveyor belt. Since the medium is formed of layers having different properties, such as a base material layer and a heat expansion layer, warping and bending may occur in the medium due to the passage of time, humidity, etc. Furthermore, warping and bending may occur in the medium due to the expansion of the heat expansion layer. As a result, it is difficult to stably form a three-dimensional image. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a forming device, a forming method and a conveying device capable of stably forming a formed object.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the forming device involved in the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a conveying component, which conveys a forming sheet expanded by irradiating electromagnetic waves along the conveying path while applying a tension to the forming sheet so that the forming sheet is warped along the convexly curved conveying path; and an irradiation unit, which irradiates the electromagnetic waves to the forming sheet being conveyed by the conveying component in the tensioned state.

[0008] The manufacturing method of the shaped object involved in the second aspect of the present invention includes: a conveying step, conveying the formed sheet expanded by irradiating electromagnetic waves along a convexly curved conveying path; an imparting step, applying tension to the formed sheet being conveyed so that it warps along the conveying path; and an irradiation step, irradiating the electromagnetic waves to the formed sheet in the tensioned state.

[0009] The conveying device involved in the third aspect of the present invention comprises: an irradiation part, which irradiates electromagnetic waves; and a conveying component, which conveys a formed sheet expanded by irradiation with the electromagnetic waves along the conveying path to an area irradiated with the electromagnetic waves while applying a tension to the formed sheet so that the formed sheet is warped according to the convexly curved conveying path.

[0010] According to the present invention, since tension is applied to the forming sheet so as to be warped along the convexly curved conveying path, a formed object can be manufactured stably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a molded sheet according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing a shape involved in the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 Observe in the direction of the arrow on line AA Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a forming device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing a forming device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a side view showing a conveyor belt, a tensioning portion, and a forming sheet according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing a region irradiated with electromagnetic waves and a formed sheet being conveyed according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a top view showing a conveyor belt, a tensioning portion, and a forming sheet according to the embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram showing an irradiation unit according to the embodiment.

[0020] Fig.10 It is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a formed object according to an embodiment.

[0021] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram showing a base material and a thermal expansion layer of a molded sheet according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a molded sheet according to a modification.

[0023] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a structure according to a modification example.

[0024] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a molded sheet according to a modification.

[0025] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a structure according to a modification example.

[0026] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a molded sheet according to a modification.

[0027] Fig.17 It is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a structure according to a modification example.

[0028] Fig.18 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the tensioning portion according to the modification and the tension applied to the forming sheet.

[0029] Fig.19 It is a schematic diagram showing a region irradiated with electromagnetic waves and a formed sheet being conveyed according to a modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, a forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] The shaping device 100 of this embodiment manufactures a shaped object 50 from a forming sheet 10. The shaped object 50 is used as a decorative sheet, wallpaper, etc. In this specification, a "shaped object" is a sheet with concave and convex shapes (formed) on a given surface, and the concave and convex shapes constitute geometric shapes, characters, patterns, decorations, etc. Here, the so-called "decoration" is a concept that reminds people of beauty through vision and / or touch. "Shaping (or shaping)" refers to making a tangible object, and also includes the concept of adding decorations and forming decorations. In addition, since the shaped object 50 of this embodiment is a three-dimensional object with concave and convex on a given surface, in order to distinguish it from a three-dimensional object manufactured by a so-called 3D printer, the shaped object 50 of this embodiment is also called a 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) object or a pseudo-three-dimensional (Pseudo-3D) object. The technology for manufacturing the shaped object 50 of this embodiment is also called 2.5D printing technology or Pseudo-3D printing technology.

[0032] (Forming sheet)

[0033] First, refer to Figure 1 The forming sheet 10 is described below. The forming sheet 10 expands by irradiating a given electromagnetic wave (e.g., infrared light). The forming sheet 10 expands to form a shaped object 50. The forming sheet 10 includes: a substrate 20; a thermal expansion layer 30 laminated on a first main surface 22 of the substrate 20; and a heat conversion layer 40 laminated on a second main surface 24 of the substrate 20. The heat conversion layer 40 is laminated on the second main surface 24 in a pattern corresponding to the concavo-convex 52 of the shaped object 50 described later. In the present embodiment, the thermal expansion layer 30 is laminated on the entire surface of the first main surface 22.

[0034] The substrate 20 of the forming sheet 10 has: a first main surface 22; and a second main surface 24 on the opposite side of the first main surface 22. The substrate 20 supports the thermal expansion layer 30. The substrate 20 is formed in a sheet shape, for example. The material constituting the substrate 20 is, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as a polyolefin resin (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc.), a polyester resin (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), etc.). The type of material constituting the substrate 20 and the thickness of the substrate 20 are selected according to the purpose of the formed object 50.

[0035] The thermal expansion layer 30 of the formed sheet 10 is laminated on the first main surface 22 of the substrate 20. The thermal expansion layer 30 includes an adhesive 31 and a thermal expansion material (thermal expansion material before expansion) 32a dispersed in the adhesive 31. The adhesive 31 is any thermoplastic resin such as a vinyl acetate polymer, an acrylic polymer, etc. The thermal expansion material 32a is expanded to a size corresponding to the amount of heat (specifically, the heating temperature, the heating time, etc.) by being heated to a given temperature or above. The thermal expansion material 32a expands, for example, by being heated to 80°C to 120°C or above. The thermal expansion material 32a is, for example, a thermally expandable microcapsule.

[0036] Thermally expandable microcapsules are microcapsules that contain a foaming agent containing propane, butane, or other low-boiling point substances and are enclosed in a shell made of a thermoplastic resin. The shell of the thermally expandable microcapsule is formed, for example, with thermoplastic resins such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene, and their copolymers. If the thermally expandable microcapsule is heated to a given temperature (expansion start temperature) or above, the shell softens and the foaming agent vaporizes. The shell expands like a balloon due to the pressure of the vaporized foaming agent. The thermally expandable microcapsule expands to about 5 times the particle size before expansion. The average particle size of the thermally expandable microcapsule before expansion is, for example, 5 μm to 50 μm.

[0037] The thermal expansion layer 30 of the molded sheet 10 expands due to the expansion of the thermal expansion material 32 a , and forms the projections and depressions 52 on the surface 35 on the opposite side to the base material 20 .

[0038] The heat conversion layer 40 of the molding sheet 10 is provided to form the concavo-convex 52 of the shaped object 50. The heat conversion layer 40 is laminated on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20 in a pattern corresponding to the concavo-convex 52.

[0039] The heat conversion layer 40 converts the irradiated given electromagnetic waves into heat and releases the converted heat. As a result, the heat expansion layer 30 (i.e., the heat expansion material 32a before expansion) of the forming sheet 10 is heated to a given temperature. The temperature to which the heat expansion material 32a before expansion is heated is controlled by the density of the heat conversion layer 40 containing the heat conversion material described later and the energy per unit area and per unit time of the given electromagnetic wave irradiated to the heat conversion layer 40. Since the heat conversion layer 40 converts the given electromagnetic wave into heat faster than other parts of the forming sheet 10, the area near the heat conversion layer 40 (the heat expansion layer 30) is selectively heated. Hereinafter, the given electromagnetic wave is simply described as the electromagnetic wave.

[0040] The heat conversion layer 40 includes a heat conversion material that converts absorbed electromagnetic waves into heat. The heat conversion material is carbon black, metal hexaboride compounds, tungsten oxide compounds, etc. For example, carbon black absorbs visible light, infrared light, etc., and converts them into heat. In addition, metal hexaboride compounds and tungsten oxide compounds absorb near-infrared light and convert it into heat. Since metal hexaboride compounds and tungsten oxide compounds have high absorptivity in the near-infrared light region and high transmittance in the visible light region, lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) and cesium tungsten oxide are preferred. In addition, there is a case where the heat conversion material constituting the heat conversion layer 40 is absorbed by the substrate 20, the thermal expansion layer 30, etc., and the heat conversion layer 40 does not have a layer structure with clear boundaries. In this specification, in order to facilitate understanding, the heat conversion layer 40 is illustrated as a layer with clear boundaries.

[0041] (Shape)

[0042] Next reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 The object 50 is described below. The object 50 includes a formed sheet 10. The object 50 is as follows. Figure 2 As shown, the thin sheet-like structure has irregularities 52 on the surface.

[0043] Object 50 Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the article 50 comprises: a substrate 20; a heat expansion layer 30 laminated on the first main surface 22 of the substrate 20 and having a concavo-convex 52 on the side opposite to the substrate 20; and a heat conversion layer 40 laminated on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20. Since the structures of the substrate 20 and the heat conversion layer 40 of the article 50 are the same as those of the substrate 20 and the heat conversion layer 40 of the formed sheet 10, the heat expansion layer 30 of the article 50 will be described here.

[0044] The thermal expansion layer 30 of the object 50 is as follows Figure 3 As shown in the figure, it includes an adhesive 31, a thermal expansion material (thermal expansion material before expansion) 32a and a thermal expansion material 32b that has been expanded. The adhesive 31 of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the shaped object 50 is the same as the adhesive 31 of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the formed sheet 10. In addition, the thermal expansion material 32a of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the shaped object 50 is the same as the thermal expansion material 32a of the thermal expansion layer 30 of the formed sheet 10. The thermal expansion material 32b that has been expanded is the thermal expansion material 32a that expands when it is heated to a temperature above a given temperature. The concavoconvex 52 of the thermal expansion layer 30 includes: a convex portion 54 including the thermal expansion material 32b that has been expanded; and a concave portion 56 including the thermal expansion material 32a that has not been expanded.

[0045] (Shaping device)

[0046] refer to Figures 4 to 9 The forming device 100 is described below. The forming device 100 produces a formed object 50 from the forming sheet 10 by irradiating the forming sheet 10 with a predetermined electromagnetic wave to expand the forming sheet 10. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, it comprises: a conveying unit 110 for conveying the formed sheet 10 in a state where the formed sheet 10 is stretched; an irradiation unit 140 for irradiating the formed sheet 10 with a predetermined electromagnetic wave to expand the formed sheet 10; and a control unit 150 for controlling each unit. The conveying unit 110 comprises: a conveying unit 120 for conveying the formed sheet 10; and a tensioning unit 130 for tensioning the formed sheet 10. Figure 5 As shown, the conveying unit 120, the tensioning unit 130, the irradiating unit 140 and the control unit 150 are provided in the housing 105. The housing 105 has an inlet 105a for carrying in the formed sheet 10 and an outlet 105b for carrying out the manufactured object 50.

[0047] In addition, in order to facilitate understanding, in this specification, Figure 5 The longitudinal right direction (right direction of the paper) of the forming device 100 in the drawing is set as the +X direction, the upward direction (upward direction of the paper) is set as the +Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the +X direction and the +Z direction (the front direction of the paper) is set as the +Y direction for description. In this specification, the -Z direction is a vertical direction. In addition, there is a case where the -Z side is described as the bottom and the +Z side is described as the top.

[0048] (Shipping Components)

[0049] The conveying unit 110 of the forming device 100 conveys the formed sheet 10 carried in from the carrying inlet 105a of the housing 105 along the conveying path R, while applying tension to the formed sheet 10 so that the formed sheet 10 is warped along the convexly curved conveying path R. In the present embodiment, the convexly curved conveying path R protrudes and curves in the +Z direction. In addition, the top T1 of the convexly curved conveying path R is located on the -Z side (below) of the irradiation unit 140 that irradiates electromagnetic waves in the -Z direction. The conveying unit 110 conveys the formed sheet 10 along the conveying path R from the +X side to the -X direction. The conveying unit 110 includes: a conveying unit 120 that conveys the formed sheet 10 along the conveying path R; and a tensioning unit 130 that applies tension to the formed sheet 10 so that the formed sheet 10 is warped along the conveying path R.

[0050] (Transportation Department)

[0051] The conveying unit 120 of the conveying component 110 conveys the formed sheet 10 conveyed from the conveying inlet 105a of the housing 105 toward the -X direction along the convexly curved conveying path R. Specifically, the conveying unit 120 conveys the formed sheet 10 toward the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves, from the second direction D2 that forms an obtuse angle θ with respect to the opposite direction (+Z direction) to the given first direction D1 (-Z direction) irradiated with electromagnetic waves, toward the direction opposite to the given first direction D1 irradiated with electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the conveying unit 120 conveys the formed sheet 10 from the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves toward the direction (+Z direction) that forms an acute angle θ with respect to the given first direction D1 (-Z direction) irradiated with electromagnetic waves. The transport unit 120 transports the manufactured object 50 and carries the object 50 out of the carrying port 105b of the housing 105. The transport unit 120 includes a guide unit 122, a driven roller 124a, a driving roller 124b, a tension roller 124c, and a transport belt 126. The transport unit 120 also includes an inlet roller 128a and an outlet roller 128b.

[0052] The guide portion 122 of the transport portion 120 is as follows Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the outgoing path portion of the conveyor belt 126 is supported from the -Z side in a curved state along the conveyor path R that is curved in a convex shape.

[0053] The driven roller 124a of the conveying unit 120 is as follows Figure 5 The conveyor belt 126 is wound as shown. The driven roller 124a is arranged on the side (+X side) of the carrying inlet 105a of the housing 105. The rotation axis of the driven roller 124a is arranged in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the conveying direction (-X direction) of the formed sheet 10 and the protruding direction (+Z direction) of the conveying path R. The driven roller 124a is axially supported by the side plate of the housing 105.

[0054] The driving roller 124b of the conveying unit 120 is wound around the conveying belt 126. The driving roller 124b is arranged on the side (-X side) of the carrying port 105 of the housing 105. The rotation axis of the driving roller 124b is arranged in the Y direction in the same manner as the rotation axis of the driven roller 124a. The driving roller 124b is axially supported by the side plate of the housing 105. The driving roller 124b rotates counterclockwise from the +Y direction by the rotation of the motor (not shown), thereby advancing the conveying belt 126.

[0055] The tension roller 124c of the conveyor unit 120 presses the return path of the conveyor belt 126 from the -Z side to apply tension to the conveyor belt 126. The rotation axis of the tension roller 124c is arranged in the Y direction similarly to the rotation axis of the driven roller 124a. The tension roller 124c is axially supported by the side plate of the housing 105.

[0056] The conveyor belt 126 of the conveying section 120 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 126 conveys the formed sheet 10 and the manufactured shaped object 50. The conveyor belt 126 is wound around the driven roller 124a and the driving roller 124b. The outgoing portion of the conveyor belt 126 is supported by the guide section 122 and convexly curved along the convexly curved conveying path R. The top T2 of the outgoing portion of the convexly curved conveyor belt 126 is located below the irradiation section 140 (on the -Z side). The conveyor belt 126 travels by the rotation of the driving roller 124b. The outgoing portion of the conveyor belt 126 travels in the -X direction along the conveying path R, and the returning portion of the conveyor belt 126 travels in the +X direction. The formed sheet 10 is as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the formed sheet 10 is loaded on the conveyor belt 126 from the carrying inlet 105a of the housing 105 and is conveyed in the -X direction. From the viewpoint of efficiently heating the thermal expansion layer 30, it is preferred that the distance between the heat conversion layer 40 and the irradiation unit 140 is shorter, and the formed sheet 10 is preferably conveyed with the heat conversion layer 40 facing the irradiation unit 140. That is, the formed sheet 10 is preferably loaded on the conveyor belt 126 with the thermal expansion layer 30 facing the conveying surface 126a of the conveyor belt 126.

[0057] The carrying roller 128a of the conveying unit 120 is axially supported by the side plate of the housing 105 in the same manner as the driven roller 124a. The carrying roller 128a and the conveying belt 126 are as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the formed sheet 10 inserted from the carrying inlet 105 a of the housing 105 is sandwiched and carried into the housing 105 .

[0058] The delivery roller 128b of the conveying unit 120 is axially supported by the side plate of the housing 105 similarly to the driving roller 124b. The delivery roller 128b and the conveying belt 126 sandwich the manufactured object 50 and deliver the object 50 from the delivery port 105b of the housing 105.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the formed sheet 10 is conveyed along the conveying path R while being tensioned so as to be warped in accordance with the convexly curved conveying path R. Specifically, the conveying unit 120 conveys the formed sheet 10 from the second direction D2 that forms an obtuse angle θ with respect to the direction (+Z direction) opposite to the given first direction D1 (-Z direction) of the irradiated electromagnetic wave, toward the area S irradiated with the electromagnetic wave of the irradiation unit 140. Then, the conveying unit 120 conveys the formed sheet 10 from the area S irradiated with the electromagnetic wave to the direction (+Z direction) that forms an acute angle θ with respect to the given first direction D1 (-Z direction) of the irradiated electromagnetic wave. Thus, Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the distance L2 between the irradiation portion 140 and the forming sheet 10 in the peripheral portion of the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves in the conveying direction is longer than the distance L1 between the irradiation portion 140 and the forming sheet 10 in the central portion of the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves. In the peripheral portion of the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves in the conveying direction, since the distance L2 between the irradiation portion 140 and the forming sheet 10 is long, the amount of energy of the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the forming sheet 10 becomes smaller, and thus the heating temperature of the thermal expansion material 32a before expansion becomes lower. That is, the thermal expansion material 32a other than the position (the portion corresponding to the heat conversion layer 40) of the shaped object 50 can be prevented from unexpectedly expanding. Therefore, the forming device 100 suppresses unexpected heating generated in the peripheral portion of the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves, and can suppress passivation generated in the edge portion of the convex portion 54 of the shaped object 50. Since the forming apparatus 100 can suppress the occurrence of blunting at the edge portion of the convex portion 54 of the formed object 50 , it is possible to manufacture the formed object 50 having high-definition concavities and convexities 52 .

[0060] (Tensioning part)

[0061] The tensioning unit 130 of the conveying unit 110 applies tension to the formed sheet 10 so that the formed sheet 10 is warped along the convexly curved conveying path R. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, a pair of pressing belts 131 and 132 are provided. The pressing belts 131 and 132 respectively press the ends of the conveying belt 126 in the width direction (the ends in the +Y direction and the ends in the -Y direction) of the forming sheet 10 against the conveying belt 126, thereby applying tension F to the forming sheet 10 so as to bend along the conveying path R. The tensioning unit 130 further includes: a first pulley 133a and a second pulley 133b around which the pressing belt 131 is wound; a third pulley 134a and a fourth pulley 134b around which the pressing belt 132 is wound; and four bending pulleys 136 to 139.

[0062] First, the pressing belt 131, the first pulley 133a, and the second pulley 133b are described. The pressing belt 131 pushes the end of the forming sheet 10 in the +Y direction against the conveying belt 126 to apply tension F to the end of the forming sheet 10 on the +Y side so that the sheet 10 is warped along the conveying path R. The first pulley 133a and the second pulley 133b are wound around the pressing belt 131.

[0063] The first pulley 133a is Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveyor belt 126 is disposed upstream (+X side) of the conveyor path R from the top T2 of the outward path portion of the convexly curved conveyor belt 126 and above (+Z side) the end portion of the conveyor surface 126a of the conveyor belt 126 on the +Y side. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lower end B1 of the outer periphery 133c of the first pulley 133a around which the pressing belt 131 is wound is located at a position lower than the top T2 of the outgoing portion of the conveyor belt 126 (at the -Z side). The first pulley 133a rotates around the shaft 106 fixed to the side plate of the housing 105 as a rotation axis. In addition, hereinafter, the top T2 of the outgoing portion of the conveyor belt 126 is also described as the top T2 of the conveyor belt 126.

[0064] The second pulley 133b is Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second pulley 133b is disposed on the downstream side (-X side) of the conveying path R relative to the top T2 of the outgoing portion of the conveying belt 126 and above the end portion (+Z side) on the +Y side of the conveying surface 126a of the conveying belt 126. The lower end B2 of the outer periphery 133d of the second pulley 133b around which the pressing belt 131 is wound is formed. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second pulley 133b is located at a position lower than the top T2 of the conveyor belt 126 (at the −Z side). The second pulley 133b rotates around the shaft 107 fixed to the side plate of the housing 105 as a rotation axis.

[0065] The pressing belt 131 is an endless belt. The pressing belt 131 is wound around the first pulley 133a and the second pulley 133b. In the present embodiment, the first pulley 133a and the second pulley 133b are respectively arranged on the +X side and the -X side, sandwiching the top T2 of the conveying belt 126. Furthermore, the lower end B2 of the outer periphery 133c of the first pulley 133a and the lower end B2 of the outer periphery 133d of the second pulley 133b are located closer to the -Z side than the top T2 of the conveying belt 126. Therefore, the outgoing portion of the pressing belt 131 can push the end of the +Y side of the forming sheet 10 conveyed by the conveying section 120 (conveyor belt 126) to the conveyor belt 126. Since the pressing belt 131 pushes the end of the +Y side of the forming sheet 10 conveyed along the convexly curved conveying path R, as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown, a tension F is applied to the end portion of the forming sheet 10 on the +Y side so as to warp the forming sheet 10 along the conveyance path R.

[0066] The outward path of the pressing belt 131 pushes the formed sheet 10 being conveyed by the conveying belt 126, and therefore moves in the -X direction along with the movement of the conveying belt 126. On the other hand, the return path of the pressing belt 131 moves in the +X direction.

[0067] Next, the pressing belt 132, the third pulley 134a, and the fourth pulley 134b are described. The pressing belt 132 pushes the end of the forming sheet 10 in the -Y direction against the conveying belt 126, and applies tension F to the end of the forming sheet 10 on the -Y side so that the forming sheet 10 is warped along the conveying path R. The third pulley 134a and the fourth pulley 134b are wound around the pressing belt 132.

[0068] The third pulley 134a is as follows Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fourth pulley 134b is arranged in the same manner as the first pulley 133a except that it is arranged above the end portion on the -Y side (+Z side) of the conveying surface 126a of the conveying belt 126. In addition, the fourth pulley 134b is arranged in the same manner as the second pulley 133b except that it is arranged above the end portion on the -Y side (+Z side) of the conveying surface 126a of the conveying belt 126.

[0069] The structure of the pressing belt 132 is the same as that of the pressing belt 131, except that the pressing belt 132 is wound around the third pulley 134a and the fourth pulley 134b and pushes the end of the -Y side of the formed sheet 10 being transported to the conveying belt 126. Since the pressing belt 132 pushes the end of the -Y side of the formed sheet 10 being transported to the conveying belt 126, it can apply tension F to the end of the -Y side of the formed sheet 10 so that the formed sheet 10 is warped along the conveying path R, similar to the pressing belt 131.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the pair of pressing belts 131 and 132 apply tension F to the end of the +Y side and the end of the -Y side of the forming sheet 10, respectively, so that the forming sheet 10 is warped along the conveying path R. Therefore, the forming device 100 can suppress warping, bending, etc. of the forming sheet 10, and can irradiate the forming sheet 10 with electromagnetic waves while the forming sheet 10 is in close contact with the conveying belt 126. Furthermore, in the forming device 100, the forming sheet 10 is conveyed on the convexly curved conveying belt 126 while being applied with tension F so that the forming sheet 10 is warped along the conveying path R, so that wrinkles generated in the forming sheet 10 can be suppressed compared with the case where the forming sheet 10 is conveyed horizontally.

[0071] The two curved pulleys 136 and 137 push the return path portion of the pressing belt 131, thereby changing the traveling direction of the return path portion of the pressing belt 131. Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the light passes under the irradiation section 140 (-Z side).

[0072] The bending pulley 136 is as follows Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bending pulley 136 is disposed above (on the +Z side) the end portion on the +Y side of the conveying surface 126a between the irradiation unit 140 and the first pulley 133a, which is located on the upstream side (+X side) of the conveying path R relative to the top T2 of the conveying belt 126. The lower end of the outer circumference of the bending pulley 136 that pushes the conveying belt 126 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the irradiation unit 140 (on the -Z side). The bending pulley 136 rotates around the shaft 108 fixed to the side plate of the housing 105 as a rotation axis.

[0073] The curved pulley 137 is disposed above (on the +Z side) the end of the conveying surface 126a on the +Y side between the irradiation unit 140 and the second pulley 133b, which is located on the downstream side (-X side) of the conveying path R than the top T2 of the conveying belt 126. The lower end of the curved pulley 137, which pushes the outer circumference of the conveying belt 126, is also located at a position lower than the lower end of the irradiation unit 140 (on the -Z side). The curved pulley 137 rotates around the shaft 109 fixed to the side plate of the housing 105 as a rotation axis.

[0074] The two bending pulleys 138 and 139 push the return path portion of the pressing belt 132 to change the traveling direction of the return path portion of the pressing belt 132. Thus, the return path portion of the pressing belt 132 passes under the irradiation unit 140 (-Z side).

[0075] The bending pulley 138 is arranged above the end of the conveying surface 126a on the -Y side (+Z side) between the irradiation unit 140 and the third pulley 134a on the upstream side (+X side) of the conveying path R than the top T2 of the conveying belt 126. The other structures of the bending pulley 138 are the same as those of the bending pulley 136. The bending pulley 139 is arranged above the end of the conveying surface 126a on the -Y side (+Z side) between the irradiation unit 140 and the fourth pulley 134b on the downstream side (-X side) of the conveying path R than the top T2 of the conveying belt 126. The other structures of the bending pulley 139 are the same as those of the bending pulley 137.

[0076] (irradiation department)

[0077] The irradiation unit 140 of the forming device 100 irradiates the forming sheet 10 (heat conversion layer 40) with a given electromagnetic wave, so that the heat conversion layer 40 releases heat, and the heat expansion layer 30 (heat expansion material 32a before expansion) is heated to a given temperature or higher. In this embodiment, the heat conversion layer 40 is laminated on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20 in a pattern corresponding to the concavoconvex 52 of the formed object 50. Therefore, the portion of the forming sheet 10 corresponding to the convex portion 54 of the heat expansion layer 30 is heated to a given temperature or higher, and the expanded heat expansion material 32b is formed. By forming the expanded heat expansion material 32b, the heat expansion layer 30 expands, and the convex portion 54 (i.e., the concavoconvex 52) is formed on the heat expansion layer 30. The formed object 50 is manufactured in this way.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the formed sheet 10 passes through the area S, the irradiation unit 140 irradiates the formed sheet 10 with electromagnetic waves in a predetermined first direction D1 for expanding the formed sheet 10. The irradiation unit 140 is disposed on the convex side of the convexly curved conveying path R, and irradiates the formed sheet 10 being conveyed under the tension F that causes the formed sheet 10 to be warped along the conveying path R with electromagnetic waves. Specifically, the irradiation unit 140 irradiates the formed sheet 10 in a manner as follows: Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the irradiation unit 140 is disposed above the top portion T2 (+Z side) of the conveyor belt 126. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , electromagnetic waves are irradiated from above the top T1 (+Z side) of the convexly curved conveying path R in a given first direction D1, i.e., the -Z direction. Then, the formed sheet 10 is formed as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the formed sheet 10 is conveyed along the conveying path R by the conveying section 120 while being given a tension F by the tension section 130 so as to be warped along the conveying path R, and thus passes through the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves. Thus, the formed sheet 10 conveyed while being given a tension F so as to be warped along the conveying path R is irradiated with electromagnetic waves from the irradiation section 140. Then, the formed sheet 10 is manufactured.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the warping, bending, etc. of the formed sheet 10 are suppressed by the tension F applied along the conveying path R. Furthermore, the conveying unit 120 conveys the formed sheet 10 from the second direction D2 which forms an obtuse angle θ with respect to the direction (+Z direction) opposite to the given first direction D1 (-Z direction) of the irradiated electromagnetic wave toward the area S irradiated with the electromagnetic wave of the irradiation unit 140. Then, the conveying unit 120 conveys the formed sheet 10 from the area S irradiated with the electromagnetic wave from the irradiation unit 140 toward the area S irradiated with the electromagnetic wave at an acute angle θ with respect to the given first direction D1 (-Z direction) of the irradiated electromagnetic wave. Therefore, the irradiation unit 140 can irradiate the forming sheet 10, which is suppressed from warping and bending, with electromagnetic waves for expanding the forming sheet 10. Thus, the forming apparatus 100 can stably manufacture the formed object 50 having high-definition concavities and convexities 52.

[0080] The irradiation unit 140 is as follows Fig. 9 As shown, it is provided with a cover 142, a lamp 144, a reflector 146 and a fan 148. The cover 142 accommodates the lamp 144, the reflector 146 and the fan 148. The lamp 144 includes, for example, a straight tube-shaped halogen lamp. The lamp 144 irradiates the forming sheet 10 (heat conversion layer 40) with electromagnetic waves such as near infrared region (wavelength 750nm to 1400nm), visible light region (wavelength 380nm to 750nm), and mid-infrared region (wavelength 1400nm to 4000nm) as given electromagnetic waves. The reflector 146 is a reflector that reflects the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the lamp 144 toward the forming sheet 10. The fan 148 sends air into the cover 142 to cool the lamp 144 and the reflector 146.

[0081] (Control Department)

[0082] The control unit 150 of the forming device 100 controls the conveying unit 120 and the irradiation unit 140 of the conveying unit 110. The control unit 150 Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the control unit 150 is provided with: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 152 for executing various processes; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 154 for storing programs and data; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 156 for storing data; and an input / output interface 158 for inputting and outputting signals between the various parts. The functions of the control unit 150 are realized by the CPU 152 executing the program stored in the ROM 154. The input / output interface 158 inputs and outputs signals between the CPU 152, the transport unit 120, and the irradiation unit 140.

[0083] (Method for producing a shape)

[0084] refer to Fig.10 , Fig.11 The method for manufacturing the object 50 will be described. In the present embodiment, the object 50 is manufactured from a thin sheet (for example, A4 paper size) forming sheet 10 using a forming apparatus 100 .

[0085] Fig.10: is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a shaped object 50. The method for manufacturing a shaped object 50 includes: a preparation step of preparing a forming sheet 10 to be expanded by irradiating electromagnetic waves (step S10); a conveying step of conveying the forming sheet 10 along a convexly curved conveying path R (step S20); a step of applying tension F to the conveying forming sheet 10 so that the forming sheet 10 is warped along the conveying path R (step S30); and an irradiation step of irradiating the forming sheet 10 in a state where the tension F is applied to the forming sheet 10 by irradiating the forming sheet 10 with electromagnetic waves to expand the forming sheet 10 in a given first direction D1 (step S40).

[0086] In the preparation process (step S10), the forming sheet 10 is prepared. First, a coating liquid mixed with the adhesive 31 and the thermal expansion material 32a is screen-printed on the first main surface 22 of the substrate 20. Then, the printed coating liquid is dried to form a film. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the thermal expansion layer 30 is laminated on the first main surface 22 of the substrate 20. Next, the ink containing the thermal conversion material is printed on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20 in a light and dark pattern corresponding to the concave and convex 52 by a printing device. The printing device is, for example, an inkjet printer. By the above, the formed sheet 10 can be manufactured.

[0087] Back to Fig.10 In the conveying process (step S20), the formed sheet 10 is inserted from the conveying inlet 105a of the forming device 100 and conveyed by the conveying unit 120 along the convexly curved conveying path R. From the viewpoint of efficiently heating the thermal expansion layer 30, it is preferred that the distance between the heat conversion layer 40 and the irradiation unit 140 is shorter, and the formed sheet 10 is preferably conveyed with the heat conversion layer 40 facing the irradiation unit 140 side. That is, the formed sheet 10 is preferably conveyed by the conveying unit 120 with the thermal expansion layer 30 facing the conveying surface 126a of the conveying belt 126.

[0088] Specifically, in the conveying step (step S20), the formed sheet 10 is conveyed from the second direction D2 that forms an obtuse angle θ with respect to the direction opposite to the given first direction D1 toward the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves. Then, the formed sheet 10 is conveyed from the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves toward the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves that forms an acute angle θ with respect to the given first direction D1. The object 50 is transported in the third direction D3 to pass through the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves. As a result, in the peripheral portion of the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves in the transport direction, the distance L2 between the irradiation unit 140 and the forming sheet 10 becomes longer, so the heating temperature of the heat expansion material 32a before expansion becomes lower. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the object 50 of the present embodiment suppresses the unexpected heating generated in the peripheral portion of the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves in the transport direction, thereby suppressing the passivation generated in the edge portion of the protrusion 54. Since the manufacturing method of the object 50 of the present embodiment can suppress the passivation generated in the edge portion of the protrusion 54 of the object 50, it is possible to manufacture the object 50 having high-precision concavities and convexities 52.

[0089] In the imparting step (step S30), the forming sheet 10 being conveyed by the conveying section 120 is pressed against the conveying belt 126 of the conveying section 120 by the pressing belts 131 and 132 of the tensioning section 130, and tension F is applied to the forming sheet 10 so as to bend along the conveying path R. In the present embodiment, since the tension F is applied to the forming sheet 10 so as to bend along the convexly curved conveying path R, warping, bending, etc. of the forming sheet 10 can be suppressed.

[0090] In the irradiation step (step S40), electromagnetic waves for expanding the forming sheet 10 are irradiated from the irradiation unit 140 in a predetermined first direction. Thus, the forming sheet 10, which is conveyed by the conveying unit 120 and is subjected to a tension F by the pressing belts 131 and 132 of the tensioning unit 130 so as to be warped along the conveying path R, is irradiated with electromagnetic waves for expanding the forming sheet 10. Then, the thermal expansion layer 30 of the forming sheet 10 expands to form the concavoconvexo 52, and the formed object 50 is manufactured. Since the forming sheet 10, which is subjected to the tension F so as to be warped along the conveying path R, is suppressed from warping, bending, etc., the formed object 50 can be manufactured stably. The formed object 50 manufactured in the above manner is transported out of the transport outlet 105b of the forming device 100 by the conveying unit 120.

[0091] As described above, in the forming device 100, the tensioning unit 130 applies the tension F to the forming sheet 10 so as to be warped along the convexly curved conveying path R. The conveying unit 120 conveys the forming sheet 10 from the second direction D2 which forms an obtuse angle θ with respect to the direction opposite to the given first direction D1 of the irradiation electromagnetic wave to the area S irradiated with the electromagnetic wave. In addition, the conveying unit 120 conveys the forming sheet 10 from the area S irradiated with the electromagnetic wave to the third direction D3 which forms an acute angle φ with respect to the given first direction D1 of the irradiation electromagnetic wave. The irradiation unit 140 irradiates the forming sheet 10 in a state where the tension F is applied so as to be warped along the conveying path R by irradiating the forming sheet 10 with the electromagnetic wave which expands the forming sheet 10 in the given first direction D1. By applying tension F to the forming sheet 10 so as to warp along the conveying path R, the forming apparatus 100 suppresses warping and bending of the forming sheet 10 and suppresses unexpected heating generated in the peripheral portion of the electromagnetic wave irradiated region S. Therefore, the forming apparatus 100 can manufacture a formed object 50 having high-precision concavities and convexities 52.

[0092] In the manufacturing method of the shaped object 50 of the present embodiment, the conveying unit 120 conveys the forming sheet 10 in a state of being warped along the conveying path R by applying the tension F. The conveying unit 120 conveys the forming sheet 10 to which the tension F is applied from the second direction D2 which forms an obtuse angle θ with respect to the direction opposite to the given first direction D1 of the irradiated electromagnetic wave to the area S to which the electromagnetic wave is irradiated. In addition, the conveying unit 120 conveys the forming sheet 10 to which the tension F is applied from the area S to which the electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the area S to which the electromagnetic wave is irradiated. The shaped sheet 10 is transported in the third direction D3. The irradiation unit 140 irradiates electromagnetic waves for expanding the shaped sheet 10 in the given first direction D1, and irradiates the shaped sheet 10 to which the tension F is applied. The tension F that is warped along the transport path R suppresses warping, bending, etc. of the shaped sheet 10, and suppresses unexpected heating of the shaped sheet 10 generated in the peripheral portion of the area S irradiated with the electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the shaped object 50 of the present embodiment can stably manufacture the shaped object 50 having high-precision concavities and convexities 52.

[0093] (Variation Example)

[0094] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0095] For example, the shaped object 50 can be produced in a roll form from the forming sheet 10 in a roll form.

[0096] The material constituting the substrate 20 is not limited to thermoplastic resins. The material constituting the substrate 20 may be paper, cloth, etc. The thermoplastic resin constituting the substrate 20 is not limited to polyolefin resins and polyester resins. The thermoplastic resin constituting the substrate 20 may be polyamide resins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, polyimide resins, etc.

[0097] The heat conversion layer 40 of the embodiment is stacked on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20, but the heat conversion layer 40 may also be stacked on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20. Fig.12 The heat conversion layer 40 is laminated on the heat expansion layer 30 as shown. The molding apparatus 100 is used to manufacture the heat conversion layer 40 from the molding sheet 10A laminated on the heat expansion layer 30. Fig.13 The shaped article 50A shown in FIG. 1 is a shaped article 50A in which the heat conversion layer 40 is stacked on the heat expansion layer 30. In this case, the formed sheet 10A is preferably conveyed by the conveying unit 120 (conveying means 110) with the heat conversion layer 40 facing the irradiation unit 140. That is, the formed sheet 10A is preferably conveyed by the conveying unit 120 (conveying means 110) with the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20 facing the conveying surface 126a of the conveying belt 126.

[0098] In addition, the heat conversion layer 40 may be laminated on the release layer 60 provided on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20. For example, the molded sheet 10B may be formed as follows: Fig.14 As shown in the figure, it comprises: a release layer 60 provided on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20; and a heat conversion layer 40 stacked on the release layer 60. The forming apparatus 100 is used to manufacture the formed sheet 10B. Fig.15 The object 50B shown in FIG. 5B includes: a release layer 60 provided on the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20; and a heat conversion layer 40 laminated on the release layer 60. In this case, the formed sheet 10B is preferably conveyed by the conveying unit 120 with the heat conversion layer 40 facing the irradiation unit 140 side. That is, the formed sheet 10B is preferably conveyed by the conveying unit 120 with the thermal expansion layer 30 facing the conveying surface 126a of the conveying belt 126. In addition, by peeling the release layer 60 from the object 50B, the heat conversion layer 40 can be easily removed from the object 50B.

[0099] Furthermore, the heat conversion layer 40 may be laminated on the release layer 60 provided on the thermal expansion layer 30. For example, the molded sheet 10C may be formed as follows: Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the heat-conversion layer 40 is provided on the heat-expandable layer 30 and the release layer 60 is provided on the release layer 60. Fig.17The object 50C shown in FIG. 50C includes: a peeling layer 60 provided on the thermal expansion layer 30; and a heat conversion layer 40 laminated on the peeling layer 60. In this case, the forming sheet 10C is preferably conveyed by the conveying unit 120 in a state where the heat conversion layer 40 faces the irradiation unit 140 side. That is, the forming sheet 10C is preferably conveyed by the conveying unit 120 in a state where the second main surface 24 of the substrate 20 faces the conveying surface 126a of the conveying belt 126. By peeling the peeling layer 60 from the object 50C, the heat conversion layer 40 can be easily removed from the object 50C. As a result, the dullness of the color caused by the heat conversion layer 40 can be eliminated.

[0100] The formed sheets 10, 10A to 10C and the formed articles 50, 50A to 50C manufactured from the formed sheets 10, 10A to 10C may have layers of other arbitrary materials formed between the layers. For example, a close contact layer may be formed between the substrate 20 and the thermal expansion layer 30 to make the substrate 20 and the thermal expansion layer 30 more closely attached. The close contact layer may contain, for example, a surface modifier.

[0101] Furthermore, the objects 50, 50A, 50B, and 50C may be printed with color images. For example, the object 50 may have a color ink layer composed of four colors of ink, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, stacked on the thermal expansion layer 30 to express a color image.

[0102] The forming device 100 of the embodiment conveys the formed sheet 10 to the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the forming device 100 of the embodiment is also characterized as a conveying device, which includes: an irradiation unit 140 for irradiating electromagnetic waves; and a conveying unit 110 for conveying the formed sheet 10 expanded by irradiating electromagnetic waves along the conveying path R to the area S irradiated with electromagnetic waves in a state where a tension F is applied so as to be warped according to the conveying path R curved in a convex shape.

[0103] In the embodiment, the lower end B1 of the outer periphery 133c of the first pulley 133a and the lower end B2 of the outer periphery 133d of the second pulley 133b are located at a position lower than the top T2 of the conveyor belt 126 (-Z side). The lower end B1 of the outer periphery 133c of the first pulley 133a and the lower end B2 of the outer periphery 133d of the second pulley 133b may be located at the same height as the top T2 of the conveyor belt 126 (the same position in the +Z direction). Thus, the pressing belt 131 can press the end of the +Y side of the forming sheet 10 toward the conveyor belt 126 by an amount corresponding to the sum of the thickness of the forming sheet 10 and the thickness of the pressing belt 131. In addition, the lower end of the outer periphery of the third pulley 134a around which the pressing belt 132 is wound and the lower end of the outer periphery of the fourth pulley 134b around which the pressing belt 132 is wound may be located at the same height as the top T2 of the conveyor belt 126. Thus, the pressing belt 132 can press the end portion of the −Y side of the forming sheet 10 toward the conveying belt 126 by an amount corresponding to the sum of the thickness of the forming sheet 10 and the thickness of the pressing belt 132 .

[0104] The tensioning unit 130 of the embodiment applies tension F to the formed sheet 10 along the conveying path R using a pair of pressing belts 131 and 132, but the structure of the tensioning unit 130 is not limited to the structure having a pair of pressing belts 131 and 132. Fig.18 As shown in the figure, as the tensioning section 130, a roller 162 for sandwiching the formed sheet 10 together with the conveyor belt 126 may be provided on the upstream side (+X side) of the conveyor path R relative to the irradiation section 140. The roller 162 and the conveyor belt 126 sandwich the formed sheet 10 being conveyed, and the roller 162 applies a load to the conveyance of the formed sheet 10. Thus, the tension F that causes the formed sheet 10 to be warped along the conveyance path R can be applied to the formed sheet 10.

[0105] The transport unit 120 of the forming device 100 may be Fig.19 As shown in the figure, the direction of the electromagnetic wave irradiation area S is inclined at an obtuse angle θ relative to the direction opposite to the given first direction D1 in the upstream side of the electromagnetic wave irradiation area S, and at an acute angle θ relative to the given first direction D1 in the downstream side of the electromagnetic wave irradiation area S. The formed sheet 10 is conveyed through a conveying path inclined in the direction of.

[0106] In the forming device 100 of the embodiment, the irradiation unit 140 irradiates a given electromagnetic wave in the -Z direction, that is, in the vertical direction, and the transport unit 120 is disposed below the irradiation unit 140. In addition, the transport unit 120 transports the formed sheet 10 from the second direction D2 that forms an obtuse angle θ with respect to the direction opposite to the given first direction D1 to the area S irradiated with the given electromagnetic wave, and from the area S irradiated with the given electromagnetic wave to the area S that forms an acute angle θ with respect to the given first direction D1. Therefore, the forming device 100 of the embodiment includes: an irradiation unit 140 for irradiating a given electromagnetic wave in a vertical direction; and a conveying unit 120 disposed below the irradiation unit 140 for allowing the formed sheet 10 expanded by the irradiation of the given electromagnetic wave to pass through the area S irradiated with the given electromagnetic wave, and the conveying unit 120 conveys the formed sheet 10 obliquely upward to convey the formed sheet 10 into the area S irradiated with the given electromagnetic wave, and then conveys the formed sheet 10 obliquely downward to convey the formed sheet 10 out of the area S irradiated with the given electromagnetic wave.

[0107] The control unit 150 of the forming device 100 includes a CPU 152, and each process is executed by the function of the CPU 152. In the forming device involved in the present invention, the control unit may also be equipped with dedicated hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), control circuit, etc. instead of the CPU. In this case, each process can be executed by individual hardware. In addition, each process can be aggregated and executed by a single hardware. It is also possible to execute part of the process by dedicated hardware and execute the other part of the process by software or firmware.

[0108] Furthermore, it is needless to say that it is possible to provide a forming apparatus that is pre-equipped with a structure for realizing the functions involved in the present invention, and it is also possible to implement the various functional structures of the forming apparatus 100 of the embodiment by using a program to control a computer that controls the forming apparatus. That is, it is possible to control a CPU or the like of an existing information processing device or the like to execute a program for realizing the various functional structures of the forming apparatus 100 of the embodiment.

[0109] In addition, the method of using such a program is arbitrary. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a floppy disk, CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, memory card, etc. for use. Furthermore, the program can be superimposed on a carrier and used via a communication medium such as the Internet. For example, the program can be posted on a bulletin board (BBS: Bulletin Board System) on a communication network. Then, it can also be configured to start the program and execute it like other applications under the control of the OS (Operating System), so that the above-mentioned processing can be performed.

[0110] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and is intended to include the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shaping device, characterized in that: have: A conveying unit that conveys the formed sheet expanded by irradiation with electromagnetic waves along the conveying path while applying tension to the formed sheet so as to be warped in accordance with the convexly curved conveying path; an irradiation section for irradiating the electromagnetic wave to the formed sheet being conveyed by the conveying unit in the state where the tension is applied, The conveying unit includes a pressing belt configured to apply tension to the forming sheet by pressing the forming sheet so as to warp the forming sheet in accordance with the convexly curved conveying path.

2. The forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying unit conveys the forming sheet obliquely upward to enter the area irradiated with the electromagnetic waves, and then conveys the forming sheet obliquely downward to out of the area irradiated with the electromagnetic waves.

3. The forming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The conveying unit conveys the formed sheet from a direction forming an obtuse angle with respect to a direction opposite to the first direction to an area irradiated with the electromagnetic wave, and conveys the formed sheet from the area irradiated with the electromagnetic wave to a direction forming an acute angle with respect to the first direction. The first direction is a direction in which electromagnetic waves are irradiated from the irradiation unit.

4. The forming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The transport component comprises: A conveying unit conveys the formed sheet along the conveying path.

5. The forming device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transport unit comprises: a conveyor belt which carries the formed sheet and travels along the conveying path; and A guide portion supports the conveyor belt in a curved state along the conveyor path.

6. The forming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The irradiation unit is disposed on the convex side of the transport path.

7. The forming device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The irradiation unit is disposed at a position for irradiating the electromagnetic wave upward from the top of the transport path.

8. The forming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shaped sheet comprises: Base material; a heat expansion layer laminated on one main surface of the substrate and expanding by heating; and The heat conversion layer is stacked on the other main surface of the substrate or the heat expansion layer, and heats the heat expansion layer by absorbing the electromagnetic wave and converting the electromagnetic wave into heat.

9. The forming device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The conveying means conveys the formed sheet in a state where the heat conversion layer faces the irradiation portion.

10. The forming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shaping device is a conveying device.

11. A method for manufacturing a shaped object, characterized in that: Include: A conveying step of conveying the formed sheet expanded by irradiation with electromagnetic waves along a convexly curved conveying path; a step of applying tension to the formed sheet being conveyed so as to warp along the conveying path; and an irradiation step of irradiating the electromagnetic wave to the forming sheet in the tensioned state, In the providing step, the forming sheet is pressed by a pressing belt to apply tension to the forming sheet so as to bend along the convexly curved conveyance path.

12. The method for manufacturing a shaped object according to claim 11, characterized in that: The conveying step conveys the forming sheet into the area irradiated with the electromagnetic waves by conveying the forming sheet obliquely upward, and then conveys the forming sheet out of the area irradiated with the electromagnetic waves by conveying the forming sheet obliquely downward.

13. The method for manufacturing a shaped object according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The conveying step conveys the formed sheet from a direction forming an obtuse angle with respect to a direction opposite to the first direction to an area irradiated with the electromagnetic wave, and conveys the formed sheet from the area irradiated with the electromagnetic wave to a direction forming an acute angle with respect to the first direction, so as to pass through the area irradiated with the electromagnetic wave. The first direction is the direction of the irradiated electromagnetic wave.

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