Vacuum forming mold suitable for a lamination system or a vacuum lamination system and lamination system for vacuum lamination or vacuum

Abstract

The utility model relates to a vacuum forming die suitable for a pressing system or a vacuum laminating system and the pressing system for vacuum laminating or vacuum forming. The vacuum forming mold comprises a lower mold which can be used for supporting at least one substrate element to be laminated or providing at least one mold to be molded. The vacuum forming die further comprises an upper die capable of applying negative pressure. The vacuum forming mold further comprises a clamping frame which can be used for clamping the film part so as to be laminated on the at least one substrate element or molded on the at least one mold. The clamping frame can move from a first position to a second position, in the first position, the relative position of the clamping frame and the upper die enables the clamped thin film part to be sucked into the negative pressure upper die at least to a certain degree, and in the second position, the clamping frame and the upper die are separated from each other. The relative position of the clamping frame and the lower mold enables the clamped film parts to be sucked to at least one substrate element or mold of the negative pressure lower mold for lamination or molding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a vacuum forming mold for a pressing system or a vacuum laminating system, a pressing system comprising the vacuum forming mold, a clamping frame for the vacuum forming mold, and a vacuum laminating method. Background Art

[0002] Vacuum lamination is a manufacturing process for laminating surface decoration materials of various colors and tactile properties onto an original carrier. Vacuum lamination manufacturing methods are often used to produce various laminated parts for use in different industrial fields such as packaging and automotive. In particular, coated parts can be produced, such as dashboards, center consoles, seat backs and / or door trims in car cabins. In vacuum lamination in particular, the carrier (also called substrate) is bonded to the film by means of an adhesive system, which is applicable to substrates, films or substrates plus films.

[0003] Vacuum forming is also well known. Vacuum forming is a manufacturing process in which a thermoplastic film is formed into a specific shape using a mold. The film is then heated to a high enough temperature to be stretched into or out of a mold and then cooled to form. This results in a molded film part. Depending on the thickness of the molded film, the film can be used to make products for the food, medical and general retail industries, such as disposable cups, containers, lids, trays, blister packs, blister packs, etc. Similarly, thick films can be used to mold automotive door panels and dashboards, refrigerator liners, multi-purpose car beds, plastic pallets and / or similar parts (or their substrates).

[0004] Typical vacuum lamination and / or vacuum forming films are thermoplastic films with a thickness between 0.1 and 12 mm. Thermoplastic materials include, but are not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO). In addition, composite films can be used for vacuum lamination and vacuum forming. These films can imitate natural materials such as wood or leather, or provide other desired tactile and / or optical appearances.

[0005] To ensure that the film adheres as closely as possible to the substrate (in vacuum lamination) or is molded accurately to the mold (in vacuum forming), i.e., substantially free of bubbles and wrinkles, the film is usually heated before or during lamination / molding. In addition, in vacuum lamination, adhesives such as hot melts or reactive hot melts may be used, which must be heated to a certain temperature to achieve the desired bonding effect. Of course, other types of adhesives can also be used in vacuum lamination, such as solvent-based adhesives or (water-based) dispersion adhesives.

[0006] In order to attach the film to the substrate or the mould, respectively, the film is usually placed in a clamping frame before heating. After the subsequent heating step, a tool supporting the substrate / mould is lifted from below the clamping frame, i.e. below the heated film. The lifting action causes the heated film to be formed on the substrate / mould, so that it is automatically moulded to the shape of the substrate and / or mould. Moulding requires that the tool generates a vacuum, so that the heated film is sucked onto the substrate and / or mould, respectively. For this purpose, the tool and the substrate / mould must have appropriate air permeability, and corresponding small holes are usually left to allow the film to be sucked by the vacuum.

[0007] When the film is sucked onto the substrate / mold, it is stretched to the shape of the substrate / mold. This shape-dependent film stretching usually results in different film thicknesses on the substrate / mold contour. In addition, different stretching levels may affect the optical appearance and feel of the final workpiece, including the case of substrate plus film or only formed film. This is often undesirable.

[0008] In addition, since the mold is arranged under the clamping frame, that is, under the heated film, and then lifted, for large workpieces, especially those with large vertical expansion rates, sufficient space is required under the clamping frame. Normally, vacuum lamination or molding systems cannot be installed on a flat factory building, but must be installed on a corresponding foundation pit to meet the needs of vertical lifting of large tools / substrates.

[0009] Therefore, the technology needs to provide an improved vacuum laminator to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings. Utility Model Content

[0010] The above mentioned objects are achieved by a vacuum forming die, a clamping frame, a pressing system including the vacuum forming die, and a vacuum laminating or forming method.

[0011] In particular, the object is achieved by a vacuum forming mold for a pressing system or a vacuum lamination system. The vacuum forming mold is suitable for conventional press systems, such as hydraulic, mechanical and / or pneumatic presses. In particular, the pressing system can be electrically driven, for example by a stepper motor, a servo drive and / or the like. Furthermore, the vacuum forming mold is suitable for vacuum lamination systems. These systems can be motorized systems or manually operated. Thus, the vacuum forming mold can be used for mass production, small batch production or prototyping. The vacuum forming mold comprises a lower mold, which is suitable for supporting at least one substrate element to be laminated, or providing at least one mold to be molded. Furthermore, the lower mold can also be subjected to negative pressure.

[0012] To support at least one substrate element, the lower mold may include a corresponding nest (or multiple nests, depending on the number of substrate elements to be supported). The nest may be partially recessed and / or protruding to firmly support and fix the substrate element for lamination. In addition, in the case of vacuum forming, at least one mold may be fixed to the nest while the substrates are arranged for vacuum lamination, or at least one mold may be integrally formed with the lower mold.

[0013] The substrate element can be any workpiece, for example, a covering part of a car cabin, such as a dashboard, center console, seat back and / or door trim. Likewise, the mold shape is not limited and can be used to form disposable parts, such as cups, containers, lids, trays, blister packaging, blister packaging and other products, or doors, dashboards, refrigerator liners, multi-purpose car beds, plastic trays and / or similar parts.

[0014] The film portion can be made of a thermoplastic film with a thickness between 0.1 and 12 mm, especially a thermoplastic film with a thickness between 0.2 and 10 mm, or between 0.6 and 4 mm. In addition, the thermoplastic film can be in the form of a roll or sheet, which can be cut into a desired shape before clamping. The film portion can include or be made of any type of thermoplastic material, including but not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). In addition, the composite film can also be used for vacuum lamination and vacuum forming.

[0015] In order to obtain negative pressure, the lower mold may include a vacuum suction pipeline, which can be connected to a corresponding vacuum system to provide negative pressure / vacuum. The suction pipeline can communicate with a plurality of suction holes distributed on the lower mold so as to appropriately suck the film part.

[0016] In addition, the vacuum forming mold also includes an upper mold. The upper mold can also be negatively pressurized. Therefore, the upper mold also includes a vacuum suction pipeline, which can be connected to a corresponding vacuum system to provide negative pressure / vacuum. The suction pipeline can be connected to a plurality of suction holes distributed on the upper mold so as to properly suck the film part.

[0017] Furthermore, the upper mold is movable and can be moved toward the lower mold from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, at least one substrate element can be laminated with a corresponding film portion. During vacuum forming, in the closed position, the film portion is laminated to at least one mold. Therefore, the closed position is also referred to as a laminating or molding position.

[0018] Furthermore, the vacuum forming mold further comprises a clamping frame. The clamping frame is adapted to clamp the film portion so as to laminate the film portion onto at least one substrate element supported by the lower mold or to mold the film portion onto at least one mold provided by the lower mold. The clamping frame can be moved from a first position to a second position.

[0019] In the first position, the clamping frame is positioned relative to the upper die so that the clamped film portion can be sucked into the negative pressure upper die, in particular into the cavity of the upper die, at least to a certain extent. In order to achieve appropriate suction, the clamping frame can be sealingly engaged with the upper die in the first position. In addition, the edge of the upper die can also be sealingly covered with the film portion. By means of the seal, the clamped film portion can be effectively sucked into the negative pressure upper die, at least to a certain extent.

[0020] When the film portion is at least to some extent sucked into the negative pressure upper mold, the film can be effectively prevented from unintentionally sagging, especially when heated. In this way, the time for which the film portion is in contact with the substrate element and / or the lower mold can be controlled.

[0021] Furthermore, by sucking the film portion into the negative pressure upper die to a certain extent, the clamped film portion can be pre-stretched, thereby making the film thickness on the film lamination support element more uniform. This improves the surface quality. In addition, the cavity of the upper die can be shaped and / or pressurized to achieve the desired degree of pre-stretching.

[0022] In the second position, the clamping frame is in a relative position to the lower mold such that the clamped film portion can be sucked onto at least one substrate element supported by the negative pressure lower mold for lamination, or onto at least one mold for molding. To properly suck the film portion onto the at least one substrate element / mold, the clamping frame can be sealingly engaged with the lower mold when in the second position. In addition, the edge of the lower mold can also be sealingly covered with the film portion. To suck the clamped film portion onto the at least one substrate element / mold, the upper mold in the closed position can be positively pressurized. Thus, the film portion is pressed onto the at least one substrate element / mold by the additional pressure.

[0023] When the clamping frame moves from the first position to the second position, the upper mold preferably maintains a negative pressure state. The negative pressure applied to the upper mold can remain unchanged or can be changed so that the film portion is further sucked into the negative pressure upper mold when the clamping frame moves to the second position.

[0024] Particularly can control the movement of clamping frame and upper die, so that arrive second position and closed position simultaneously or at least basically simultaneously.In addition, also can control the movement of clamping frame and upper die, so that before arriving closed position, enter second position, and vice versa.

[0025] Since the clamping frame and the upper die are movable, the forming die can be installed on conventional presses with a fixed base, such as servo presses. In particular, the lower die can also be fixed. The vacuum forming die and the corresponding pressing system or vacuum laminating system are therefore suitable for almost all production sites. Special ground structures such as foundation pits are usually not required.

[0026] In addition, it must be noted that the terms "upper die" and "lower die" are not to be understood as the orientation of the die, especially not as the vertical orientation. Nevertheless, a vertical orientation of the upper and lower dies of a molding die is one in which the upper die is placed directly above the lower die, and the upper die moves substantially vertically when moving from an open position to a closed position. However, molding dies can also have other orientations. For example, for a horizontal molding die, the upper die is placed next to the lower die, and the upper die moves substantially horizontally when moving from an open position to a closed position.

[0027] Furthermore, the clamping frame can be set to be movable to a third position, i.e., a position outside the gap formed by the upper and lower molds. The third position can be used for operations such as clamping the film portion to the clamping frame, heating the clamped film portion, applying adhesive on the clamped film portion. It should be noted that the clamping frame can be set to be movable to at least a fourth position, i.e., a position outside the gap formed by the upper and lower molds. Thus, the clamping frame can be moved to different positions to process the clamped film portion (e.g., heating, applying adhesive, ...) and / or the clamping frame itself (e.g., clamping the film portion, removing excess film portion, cleaning, maintenance, ...).

[0028] Furthermore, the vacuum forming mold may include a plurality of (at least two) clamping frames that are movable to a first and second position and optionally to a third / fourth position. For example, a first clamping frame may be positioned between the upper mold and the lower mold for laminating / forming a clamped film portion on a corresponding substrate element / mold, and a second clamping frame is ready for a subsequent lamination / forming operation, such as clamping a film portion.

[0029] The vacuum forming mould may further comprise a heating device. Any suitable heating device may be used, in particular a radiant heating device, such as an infrared heating device, when used in practice. The heating device is used to heat the clamped film portion. The heating of the heating device softens the film, thereby improving the fluidity and stretchability of the film portion. The heating device may be controlled so as to heat the film portion to a desired temperature, and may also be timed. Furthermore, the heating device may be movable or fixed.

[0030] The mobile heating device can be moved relative to the clamping frame, for example, when the clamping frame is in the first or third position, the film portion can be heated. If a fixed heating device is used, the clamping frame can be moved relative to the heating device.

[0031] In addition, the heating device may be a single-sided heating type, that is, heating the film portion only from one side, or a double-sided heating type, that is, sandwiching the film portion and heating from both sides.

[0032] When the upper die moves from the open position to the closed position, the clamping frame can be moved from the first position to the second position by the upper die. In this respect, the clamping frame can only be driven, i.e. there is no independent drive. In this way, the movement of the upper die is transmitted to the clamping frame, so that the clamping frame moves with the moving upper die engaged with it.

[0033] On the other hand, the clamping frame can be equipped with a drive. The drive can move the clamping frame from the first position to the second and / or third position. In this way, the movement of the clamping frame is no longer dependent on the upper die.

[0034] The vacuum forming tool may also include a control unit. The control unit may include software and / or hardware and may be independent or integrated into a higher-level control unit, such as the control unit of a laminating machine or vacuum laminating system.

[0035] The control device can be used to control the vacuum forming mold to perform the following steps.

[0036] Move the upper die to the open position;

[0037] Applying negative pressure to the upper die so as to at least partially draw the film portion in the clamping frame into the negative pressure upper die;

[0038] moving the upper die to a closed position and the clamping frame to a second position; and,

[0039] A negative pressure is applied to the lower die to attract the film portion to be laminated in the clamping frame to at least one substrate element supported by the negative pressure lower die, or to at least one mold.

[0040] Furthermore, the control device may also be used to control the vacuum forming mould to carry out the method described in more detail below.

[0041] The clamping frame can be a three-dimensional clamping frame. In this way, when clamped, the film portion is not flat but three-dimensional. Therefore, by means of the three-dimensional clamping frame, the film portion can be pre-shaped according to the shape of the substrate element to be laminated or the mold to be molded, thereby improving the surface quality and making the film thickness of the film-laminated substrate element / molding element more uniform.

[0042] In addition, the clamping frame can also include a plurality of clamping frame elements, at least one of which is movable relative to another clamping frame element. Specifically, the clamping frame element can be translated and / or rotated.

[0043] The movement of at least one clamping frame element can be controlled to prevent the clamping film portion from sagging. In addition, by providing a movable clamping frame element, the shape of the clamping film portion can be adjusted to match the substrate element to be laminated / mould shape to be moulded.

[0044] For example, for heating and / or applying adhesive, the clamped film portion can be laid substantially flat to achieve an even distribution of heat / adhesive. However, before lamination / molding, the relative positions of the mobile clamping frame elements are readjusted so that the shape of the clamped film portion matches the shape of the substrate element / mold. In addition, by moving the clamping frame elements, the stretching of the film portion can be controlled and / or more film can be supplied to the upper / lower mold to achieve a more uniform film thickness. This improves the surface quality of the workpiece.

[0045] Translation can be a directional movement inwards or outwards, which can tighten or loosen the clamped film parts. Similarly, rotation can also tighten or loosen the clamped film parts. Rotation can be performed around the longitudinal axis of the clamping frame elements and / or any other axis.

[0046] It is necessary to know which clamping frame elements can be moved inwards and which clamping frame elements can be moved outwards in order to control the shape and stretching of the clamped film section by the movement of the clamping frame elements.

[0047] The vacuum forming mold may also include a cutting device, such as a punching device, for cutting off the excess film portion after lamination / forming. In addition, the cutting device can be movable or fixed. The movable cutting device can be moved relative to the film laminate substrate element / molded part to cut off the excess film portion. If a fixed cutting device is used, the film laminate substrate element / molded part can be moved relative to the cutting device.

[0048] Furthermore, the clamping frame can be adjusted to clamp the accurately cut film sections so that there are no scraps after lamination / molding, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent cutting steps. As mentioned above, the accurately cut film sections can be clamped and controlled by a clamping frame, i.e. a three-dimensional clamping frame and / or a clamping frame with at least one movable element.

[0049] The vacuum forming mold may further comprise a glue coating device for coating adhesive on at least one substrate element and / or film portion. The coated adhesive may be a reactive adhesive and / or a hot melt adhesive, and the adhesive may be coated by spraying or the like. Therefore, the glue coating device may comprise at least one nozzle for spraying adhesive on at least one substrate element and / or film portion.

[0050] The glue coating device can be movable or fixed. If a fixed glue coating device is used, the film portion and / or the substrate element must be brought to the glue coating device. However, if a movable glue coating device is used, the adhesive can be brought to the film portion and / or the substrate element.

[0051] This object is also achieved by a clamping frame for use in the above vacuum forming mould. The clamping frame is suitable for clamping a film portion to be laminated on a substrate element or to be moulded on a mould, and the clamping frame further comprises a coupler which can be connected to a guide device and / or a drive. Thus, in use, the clamping frame can be moved from a first position to a second and / or third position.

[0052] Furthermore, the clamping frame can be three-dimensional and / or can include a plurality of clamping frame elements, at least one of which can be moved relative to another. As mentioned above, the movement can be translational and / or rotational. Thus, the above advantages can be achieved with such a clamping frame.

[0053] The object can be further achieved by a pressing system for vacuum lamination or vacuum forming. The pressing system comprises at least one vacuum forming mold as described above, at least one base for receiving the lower mold and at least one drive for moving the upper mold from an open position to a closed position in the direction of the lower mold. Pneumatic, hydraulic and / or mechanical drives can be used. In certain cases, the press lamination system can include an electric press. The electric press can be driven by electricity, such as by a stepper motor, a servo drive, etc. Optionally, the pressing system can include at least one guiding device, such as a guide rail, for guiding the clamping frame to move from the first position to the second position.

[0054] The lamination system may also include a conveyor device for automatic feeding of substrate elements (to the lower mold) and / or film parts (to the clamping frame), and / or automatic removal of film-laminated substrate elements or molded parts. The conveyor device may include a conveyor table, for example including a conveyor belt and / or a conveyor robot, such as an industrial robot.

[0055] In addition, the pressing system may further include a vacuum system for applying negative pressure to the lower die and / or the upper die. Specifically, the upper die and the lower die are respectively provided with suction lines for connecting to the vacuum system.

[0056] The vacuum lamination or vacuum forming method using the above-mentioned lamination system can further achieve the object. The method includes the following steps, and the order of each step can be changed:

[0057] Move the upper die to the open position;

[0058] Clamping the film sections in a clamping frame;

[0059] optionally applying an adhesive to the film portion and / or at least one substrate element;

[0060] Optionally, a heating device may be used to heat the film portion;

[0061] Arranging at least one substrate element or mold on the lower mold;

[0062] moving the clamping frame to a first position;

[0063] Applying negative pressure to the upper mold to at least partially draw the film portion in the clamping frame into the negative pressure upper mold;

[0064] Move the upper die to the closed position;

[0065] moving the clamping frame to a second position;

[0066] Applying negative pressure to the lower mold to suck the film portion in the clamping frame onto at least one substrate element supported by the negative pressure lower mold for lamination, or onto at least one mold of the negative pressure lower mold for molding;

[0067] laminating the clamped film portion to at least one substrate element, or molding it to at least one mold;

[0068] Move the upper die out of the closed position;

[0069] Optionally, a cutting device may be used to cut off excess film portions of the film laminate substrate element or the molded film component, and

[0070] The film laminate substrate element or the molded film part may be optionally removed from the lower mold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] The present disclosure may be more easily understood with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0072] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a pressing system including the vacuum forming mold;

[0073] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a press-fit system coated with adhesive;

[0074] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a clamping system in which a clamping frame is moved into the system;

[0075] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a film clamped by a clamping frame being heated in a pressing system;

[0076] Figure 1E yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the upper die in the pressing system being in a vacuum state;

[0077] Figure 1F yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a pressing system in which the upper die has been lowered to a closed position;

[0078] Figure 1G yes Figure 1ASchematic diagram of the pressing system in which the upper die has been reopened;

[0079] Figure 1H yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a cutting device inserted into a pressing system;

[0080] Fig. 1I yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a vacuum laminated workpiece being taken out in a pressing system;

[0081] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional clamping frame;

[0082] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a moving clamping frame element in a three-dimensional clamping frame, wherein φ refers to the rotation about the line;

[0083] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a rotating clamping frame element in a three-dimensional clamping frame, wherein X indicates translation along the line;

[0084] Figure 3A is a top view of the clamping frame;

[0085] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Top view of the mobile clamping frame element in the clamping frame.

[0086] Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1-pressing system, 10-vacuum forming mold, 20-substrate element, 30-film part, 40-film laminated substrate element, 110-lower mold, 112-base, 114-gate seat, 116-suction pipeline, 118-nesting, 130-upper mold, 132-drive, 134-drive, 136-suction pipeline, 138-upper mold cavity, 140-heating device, 150-cutting device, 160-gluing device, 162-nozzle, 164-nozzle, 166-nozzle, 170-conveying device, 172-gripping device, 200-clamping frame, 202-clamping area, 210-clamping frame element, 220-clamping frame element, 230-clamping frame element, 240-clamping frame element, 250-clamping frame element, 260-clamping frame element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1I The lamination system 1 including the vacuum forming mold 10 is shown while performing different method steps of the vacuum lamination method. Of course, these method steps can also be used for vacuum forming after appropriate modifications. In vacuum forming, generally no adhesive is required and the substrate element 20 needs to be replaced by a corresponding mold.

[0089] Specifically, Figure 1A The laminating system 1 including the vacuum forming mold 10 is shown. The laminating system 1 includes a fixed base 112 for receiving and supporting the lower mold 110 of the vacuum forming mold 10. In addition, the laminating system 1 also includes at least one actuator 132, 134 for moving the upper mold 130 of the vacuum forming mold 10 toward the lower mold 110 from an open position (see Figure 1A ) moves to the closed position (see Figure 1F The driver may be arranged on the gate seat 114, straddling the fixed base 112. The pressing system 1 further includes a vacuum system (not shown) for applying negative pressure to the lower mold 110 and the upper mold 130.

[0090] The vacuum forming mold 10 includes a lower mold 110. Figure 1A In the embodiment shown, the lower mold is a fixed mold. Of course, a movable lower mold can also be used. The lower mold 110 supports the substrate element 20 to be laminated. Specifically, the substrate 20 is composed of Fig. 1I The lower mold can be subjected to negative pressure by a vacuum system, which can be connected to the suction line 116. The substrate element is permeable to air (at least to a certain extent), so the vacuum applied to the lower mold can reach the film portion 30 (see Figure 1F ).

[0091] The vacuum forming mold 10 also includes an upper mold 130, and negative pressure can be applied by the vacuum system. The vacuum system can be connected to a suction line 136 provided in a cavity 138 of the upper mold 130. Figure 1A , 1F As shown in FIG. 1G , the upper die 130 can be moved from an open position to a closed position of the lower die 110 , and vice versa.

[0092] Furthermore, the vacuum forming mold 10 further comprises at least one clamping frame 200. The clamping frame 200 is used to clamp the film portion 30 to be laminated onto at least one substrate element 20. Figure 1A As shown, the clamping frame 200 is located at the third position, that is, outside the gap formed by the upper mold 130 and the lower mold 110. In this position, the clamping frame 200 can be easily used to clamp the film portion (see Figure 1B ).

[0093] like Figure 1B As shown, the vacuum forming mold 10 may optionally include a glue coating device 160 for coating adhesive on at least one substrate element 20 and / or film portion 30. The adhesive may be sprayed. Accordingly, the glue coating device 160 may include at least one nozzle 162, 164, 166 for spraying adhesive on at least one substrate element 20 and / or film portion 30. Figure 1B In the embodiment, when the clamping frame is in the third position, adhesive is sprayed onto the clamped film portion.

[0094] exist Figure 1C In the embodiment, the clamping frame 200 is moved in the gap defined by the upper die 130 and the lower die 110. The position shown in the figure corresponds to the first position of the clamping frame.

[0095] like Figure 1D As shown, the heating device 140 can be used to heat the clamped film portion 30. This will cause the film portion to soften and sag somewhat. FIG. 2A to FIG. 3B As shown, sagging can be prevented by providing a clamping frame with movable frame elements. Here, the heating device 140 is movable and can be inserted into the gap between the upper mold 130 and the lower mold 110 to heat the clamped film portion from above.

[0096] exist Figure 1E In the process, the upper mold 130 is lowered so as to be sealingly engaged with the clamping frame 200. Subsequently, negative pressure can be applied to the upper mold 130, that is, a vacuum is applied to the suction line 136, and the cavity 138 is evacuated. In this way, the clamped film portion 30 is at least to some extent sucked into the upper mold 130 under negative pressure.

[0097] like Figure 1F As shown, the vacuum forming mold 10 further includes a control device, wherein the control device can control the vacuum forming mold to perform the following steps: the upper mold 130 is further lowered to the closed position, and the clamping frame 200 is moved to the second position. In this position, the clamping frame 200 (or the upper mold 130) is sealed with the lower mold 110. Therefore, the clamped film part 30 can be sucked on at least one substrate element 20 supported by the negative pressure lower mold 110 for lamination. This can be achieved by applying positive pressure to the upper mold. In this way, the clamped film part 30 is laminated to the substrate element 20.

[0098] After lamination, the upper mold 130 can be moved out of the closed position, that is, opened again. The film laminated substrate element 40 is still placed on the lower mold 110.

[0099] In an optional step, such as Figure 1H As shown, a cutting device 150 (such as a punching device) can be provided for cutting scraps from the film laminate substrate element 40. This step is not required if precisely cut film portions are clamped.

[0100] like Fig. 1I As shown, the pressing system 1 can include a conveying device 170, such as an industrial robot with a gripping device 172, or a conveying table, for automatically feeding the substrate element 20 into the lower mold and / or the film part 30 into the corresponding clamping frame 200. In addition, as Fig. 1IAs shown, the transport device 170 can also be used to automatically remove the thin film laminate substrate element 40.

[0101] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional clamping frame 200 is shown. A film portion (not shown) is clamped along a clamping area 202 shown in dashed lines. It can be seen that the clamped film portion is not planar but three-dimensional.

[0102] Furthermore, the three-dimensional clamping frame 200 also includes a plurality of clamping frame elements 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 in its assembly.

[0103] like Figure 2B and 2C As shown, at least one clamping frame element, here clamping frame element 240, is movable relative to another clamping frame element, here clamping frame elements 210, 220 and 230. Specifically, the clamping frame elements can be moved translationally and / or rotationally.

[0104] like Figure 2B As shown, the translation x of the clamping frame element 240 can be an outward movement, which can cause the clamped film portion to be tightened. Similarly, the translation can also be an inward movement, thereby relaxing the clamped film portion.

[0105] In addition, if Figure 2C As shown, the movable clamping frame element 240 can be rotated. In the figure, it is rotated outwards around the longitudinal axis φ. This rotation also causes the clamped film part to be tightened. Similarly, the rotation can also be inwards, which will cause the clamped film part to be loosened. In addition, different rotation axes can also be selected. For example, the clamping frame elements 210, 220, 230, 240 can be hinged and the clamping frame can be deformed under the limitation of the corresponding hinge.

[0106] Figure 3A and 3B is a top view of the clamping frame 200. Figure 2A In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the clamping frame elements 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , 250 , 260 are in the initial position and the clamped film section 30 is (not yet) pre-stretched. Figure 3B In the embodiment, the clamping frame elements 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 are moved outwards to tension and pre-stretch the clamped film portion 30. Figure 3B In FIG. 1 , the initial position of the clamping frame elements 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 , 250 , 260 is indicated by dashed lines.

[0107] use FIG. 2A to FIG. 3BThe clamping frame shown can control the movement of at least one clamping frame element in this way to prevent sagging of the clamped film portion 30. In addition, by providing movable clamping frame elements, the shape of the clamped film portion can be adjusted to conform to the shape of the substrate element to be laminated.

[0108] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein are more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Nevertheless, other embodiments are also included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein; rather, the scope of the subject matter is conveyed to those skilled in the art through implementation examples.

[0109] Of course, without departing from the basic characteristics of the present invention, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways than those specifically described herein. In any respect, the embodiments of the present invention shall be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all changes within the meaning and equivalent scope of the appended claims shall be included therein.

Claims

1. A vacuum forming mold suitable for a pressing system or a vacuum laminating system, characterized by: The vacuum forming mold (10) comprises: A lower mold (110) capable of applying negative pressure, wherein the lower mold can support at least one substrate element (20) to be laminated or provide at least one mold to be molded; an upper mold (130) capable of applying negative pressure, wherein the upper mold (130) is movable toward the lower mold (110) from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position at least one substrate element (20) can be laminated or at least one mold can be molded; and A clamping frame (200) can clamp a film portion (30) to be laminated onto at least one substrate element (20) or to be molded onto at least one mold, the clamping frame (200) being movable from a first position to a second position, wherein In the first position, the relative position of the clamping frame (200) and the upper mold (130) can at least to some extent draw the clamped film portion (30) into the negative pressure upper mold, and In the second position, the relative position of the clamping frame (200) and the lower mold (110) can suck the clamped film portion (30) onto at least one substrate element (20) or the mold of the negative pressure lower mold for lamination or molding; The vacuum forming mold further comprises a glue coating device (160) for coating adhesive on at least one substrate element (20) and / or film portion (30).

2. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower mold (110) is a fixed mold.

3. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The clamping frame (200) is configured to be movable to a third position, and the third position is outside a gap formed by the upper mold (130) and the lower mold (110).

4. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vacuum forming mold (10) further comprises a heating device (140) capable of heating the clamping film portion (30), in particular an infrared heating device.

5. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the upper die (130) moves from the open position to the closed position, the clamping frame (200) moves from the first position to the second position through the upper die (130).

6. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vacuum forming mold (10) further comprises a clamping frame drive assigned to the clamping frame (200), wherein the clamping frame drive can move the clamping frame from the first position to the second and / or third position.

7. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vacuum forming mold (10) further comprises a control device, wherein the control device can control the vacuum forming mold to perform the following steps: moving the upper mold (130) to an open position; applying negative pressure to the upper mold (130) so as to draw the film portion (30) clamped by the clamping frame (200) at least to a certain extent into the negative pressure upper mold (130); Moving the upper die (130) to a closed position and clamping the frame to a second position; Negative pressure is applied to the lower mold (110) so as to suck the film portion (30) clamped by the clamping frame (200) onto at least one substrate element (20) or a mold of the negative pressure lower mold (110) for lamination or molding.

8. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The clamping frame (200) is a three-dimensional clamping frame, and / or wherein The clamping frame (200) comprises a plurality of clamping frame elements (210, 220, 230, 240, 260), wherein at least one clamping frame element (240) is movable relative to another clamping frame element (210, 220, 230, 260), and the movement mode may be translation and / or rotation.

9. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: in The vacuum forming mold (10) further comprises a cutting device (150) for cutting off the excess film portion after lamination, or wherein the clamping frame (200) can clamp the precisely cut film portion (30) so that there is no excess film portion after lamination.

10. The vacuum forming mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The glue coating device (160) may include at least one nozzle (162, 164, 166) for spraying adhesive on at least one substrate element (20) and / or film portion (30).

11. A pressing system for vacuum lamination or vacuum forming, characterized in that: The pressing system (1) comprises At least one vacuum forming mould (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10; at least one base (112) for receiving the lower mold (110); at least one actuator (132, 134) for moving the upper die (130) toward the lower die (110) from an open position to a closed position; and optional At least one guide device for guiding the clamping frame (200) from a first position to a second position.

12. The pressing system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The pressing system (1) also includes a conveying device (170) For automatic feeding of substrate elements (20) and / or film portions (30), and / or For automated removal of thin film laminate substrate elements (40).

13. The pressing system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The pressing system also includes a vacuum system for applying negative pressure to the lower mold (110) and the upper mold (130).

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