Press processing method for skin material and press processing apparatus for skin material

Abstract

To provide a press-working method, a press-working apparatus and a press-working program for a skin material, which are capable of improving durability of the skin material.SOLUTION: A press-working method of a skin material 82 comprises: an arrangement step in which a skin material 82 is held by a pair of skin frames 28 to place the skin material 82 between an upper mold 14 and a lower mold 16 placed in a mold open state; a one-mold contacting step in which the upper mold 14 is moved downward to be brought into contact with the skin material 82; an other-mold contacting step in which the upper mold 14 is further moved downward until the skin material 82 and the lower mold 16 come in contact with each other, and the pair of skin frames 28 are moved synchronously with the upper mold 14 so as to cancel a tension of the skin material 82 which increases due to movement of the upper mold 14; and a mold closing step in which the upper mold 14 is moved in a pressing direction to press the skin material 28 to a press end B, and the pair of skin frames 28 are moved synchronously with the upper mold 14 so as to cancel a tension of the skin material 82 which increases due to movement of the upper mold 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for pressing a skin material and and a pressing apparatus for a skin material.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the processing of skin materials used for vehicle interior parts and the like, there is a method of gripping the skin material in a fixed position by a skin frame and sandwiching and pressing it between upper and lower molds. In this method, as the pressing progresses, the skin material is stretched by the pressing of the mold.

[0003] At this time, the amount of elongation of the skin material is not uniform, and it is stretched more at the portions where curved portions or uneven portions are formed. Thus, when there is a variation in the thickness of the skin material, there is a risk of breakage occurring at the portions that are stretched more.

[0004] Patent Document 1 below discloses a vacuum forming method for interior parts in which a skin material is attached to a base material in an inclined state in order to suppress variations in the thickness of the skin material. In this method, the skin material is inclined at an angle such that the interference amount between the skin material and the mold at the time of mold clamping is small and balanced in the front, rear, left, and right directions, thereby reducing the distance between the skin material and the curved portion of the base material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, since the skin material is pressed while being gripped by the skin frame provided at a fixed position, the skin material is still stretched as the mold moves. The skin material stretched in this way and pasted onto the base material has high residual stress, and there is a risk of problems such as heat-resistant peeling. Therefore, there is room for improvement in order to improve the durability of the skin material.

[0007] In consideration of the above facts, the present invention provides a pressing method for a skin material capable of improving the durability of the skin material and and aims to provide a pressing device for a skin material.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The pressing method for a skin material according to the present invention described in claim 1 includes an arranging step of gripping the skin material by a pair of skin frames and arranging the skin material between an upper mold and a lower mold which are arranged vertically in an open mold state, a one-side mold contact step of moving one of the upper mold and the lower mold in the pressing direction to bring the one-side mold into contact with the skin material, and further moving the one-side mold in the pressing direction until the skin material comes into contact with the other mold, and synchronously moving the pair of skin frames with the one-side mold so as to cancel the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the one-side mold cause a the other-side mold contact step, and a mold closing step of moving at least one of the one-side mold and the other-side mold in the pressing direction to press the skin material to the pressing end, and synchronously moving the pair of skin frames with the mold so as to cancel the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the mold moving in contact with the skin material. and in the other-side mold contact step and the mold closing step, the gripping interval of the skin material in the pair of skin frames is narrowed, and the speed of narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames in the mold closing step is faster than the speed of narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames in the other-side mold contact step.

[0009] According to the present invention described in claim 1, in the arranging step, the skin material is gripped by a pair of skin frames and arranged between the upper mold and the lower mold which are arranged vertically in an open mold state. Then, in the one-side mold contact step, one of the upper mold and the lower mold is moved in the pressing direction until it comes into contact with the skin material. In other words, the upper mold is moved downward to contact the upper surface of the skin material, or the lower mold is moved upward to contact the lower surface of the skin material.

[0010] Next, in the other-side mold contact step, until the skin material contacts the other mold, either the one mold that has contacted the skin material is further moved in the pressing direction or the other mold is moved in the pressing direction. Here, when the one mold is further moved in the pressing direction, if the one mold is moved in the pressing direction while the positions of the pair of skin frames are fixed, the skin material in contact with the one mold will be stretched according to the amount of movement of the one mold as the one mold moves.

[0011] On the other hand, according to the present invention described in claim 1, the pair of skin frames are moved in synchronization with the one mold so as to cancel out the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the one mold. Thereby, excessive stretching of the skin material in the other-side mold contact step can be suppressed.

[0012] Furthermore, in the mold closing step, at least one of the upper mold and the lower mold in contact with the skin material is moved to the press end in the pressing direction, whereby the skin material is clamped and the pressing is completed. At this time, if the mold is moved in the pressing direction while the positions of the pair of skin frames are fixed, the skin material in contact with the mold will be stretched according to the interference between both the molds and the skin material as the mold moves, and the amount by which the skin material is drawn in along the detailed shapes of both the molds during clamping.

[0013] On the other hand, according to the present invention described in claim 1, the pair of skin frames are moved in synchronization with this mold so as to cancel out the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the mold moving while in contact with the skin material. Thereby, excessive stretching of the skin material in the mold closing step can be suppressed.

[0014] As described above, according to the present invention described in claim 1, since excessive stretching of the skin material is suppressed after the mold and the skin material come into contact, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the thickness of the skin material due to excessive stretching. Also, according to the present invention, when moving one mold that has contacted the skin material in the other-side mold contact step and when moving at least one mold in the mold closing step, the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames is narrowed. At this time, since the skin material can be deformed in other directions without being stretched by the amount that it has become shorter in the gripping direction, excessive stretching of the skin material due to the movement of the mold is suppressed. Therefore, excessive stretching of the skin material can be suppressed by one-dimensional control of the pair of skin frames. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the speed of narrowing the pair of gripping intervals from the time when the other mold contacts the skin material until the press is completed is faster than the speed of narrowing the pair of gripping intervals from the time when one mold contacts the skin material until the other mold contacts the skin material. Here, in the other-side mold contact step, if one mold that has contacted the skin material is moved in the press direction at a constant speed while keeping the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames constant, the skin material is stretched by an amount corresponding to the movement amount of the mold. On the other hand, in the mold closing step, if the mold that has contacted the skin material is moved in the press direction at a constant speed while keeping the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames constant, the skin material is stretched not only by an amount corresponding to the movement amount of the mold, but also by an amount corresponding to the interference between both molds and the skin material and the amount by which the skin is drawn in along the detailed shape of the mold during mold clamping. As in the present invention according to claim 1, by making the speed of narrowing the pair of skin frames in the mold closing step faster than the speed of narrowing the pair of skin frames in the other-side mold contact step, even when the upper mold or the lower mold is moved in the press direction at a substantially constant speed for pressing, the tension of the skin material can be kept substantially constant. Therefore, complicated control of the upper mold and the lower mold is not required.

[0015] The method for pressing the skin material according to the present invention as recited in claim 2 is, in the invention as recited in claim 1, from the time when the one mold and the skin material come into contact until the completion of pressing, the pair of skin frames are moved so that the tension of the skin material becomes substantially constant.

[0016] According to the present invention as recited in claim 2, when the pair of skin frames move, the tension of the skin material is maintained substantially constant from the time when the skin material comes into contact with one mold until the completion of pressing. That is, the skin material is continuously pressed while maintaining the tension at the time of contact with one mold.

[0017] Generally, when curved portions, uneven portions, etc. are formed on the upper and lower molds, since the amount of elongation is not uniform, variations in the thickness of the skin material are likely to occur. And when variations occur in the thickness of the skin material, there is a risk of damage occurring at the portions that are greatly stretched.

[0018] In the present invention as recited in claim 2, since the tension of the skin material is maintained substantially constant, while suppressing excessive elongation of the entire skin material caused by the movement of the mold in the pressing direction, it is possible to suppress partial excessive elongation of the skin material when clamping along the detailed shape of the mold. Therefore, the durability of the skin material can be further improved. Furthermore, when using a skin material with a pattern, pattern distortion can be suppressed. The pattern bending in which the pattern is distorted during processing can be suppressed.

[0019] The method for pressing the skin material according to the present invention as recited in claim 3 is, in the invention as recited in claim 1 or claim 2, when bringing the one mold and the skin material into contact, the pair of skin frames grip the skin material in a state where it is flattened.

[0020] According to the present invention as recited in claim 3, when one mold and the skin material come into contact, the skin material is gripped in a flattened state. That is, the skin material comes into contact with one mold in a non-loose state. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the skin material during pressing.

[0021] Claim 4 The press method for the skin material according to the present invention described in Claim 2 or Claim 3 In the invention described in , in the mold closing step and the other mold contact step when moving the one mold, the pair of skin frames are moved in the pressing direction.

[0022] Claim 4 According to the present invention described in , when the mold moves in the pressing direction in a state of being in contact with the skin material, the pair of skin frames are moved not only in the direction of narrowing the gripping interval but also in the pressing direction. Thereby, interference with the moving mold can be avoided. In particular, even when pressing the skin material in an inclined state in accordance with the shape of the mold, while avoiding interference between the pair of skin frames and the moving mold, the skin material is gripped at an appropriate position as appropriate to suppress excessive elongation of the skin material. Therefore, the skin material can be processed with a minimum amount of raw material.

[0023] Claim 5 The press method for the skin material according to the present invention described in Claim 4 In the invention according to any one of claims 1 to , position control is performed by a servo mechanism so that the pair of skin frames are synchronized with the mold that moves in a state of being in contact with the skin material.

[0024] Claim 5 According to the present invention described in , the pair of skin frames are position-controlled by a servo mechanism. Thereby, even if there is a variation in the moving speed of the pair of skin frames, the pair of skin frames are arranged at accurate positions respectively. Therefore, excessive elongation of the skin material can be further suppressed.

[0025] Claim 6 The press method for the skin material according to the present invention described in Claim 4 In the invention according to any one of claims 1 to , a base material is fixed to the upper mold or the lower mold, and the skin material is pasted onto the base material.

[0026] Claim 6According to the present invention described in [reference], the residual stress after pasting the skin material onto the base material can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the peeling of the skin material from the base material after pasting.

[0027] Claim 7 The press working apparatus for the skin material according to the present invention described in [reference] includes a pair of upper and lower dies provided vertically, a pair of skin frames configured to be able to grip the skin material, and in the placement step, the skin material is gripped by the pair of skin frames and placed between the upper die and the lower die arranged in the open die state. In the one-side die contact step, one of the upper die and the lower die is moved in the pressing direction to bring the one-side die into contact with the skin material. In the other-side die contact step, until the skin material comes into contact with the other die, the one-side die is further moved in the pressing direction, and the pair of skin frames are moved in synchronization with the one-side die so as to cancel the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the one-side die, or the other die is moved in the pressing direction until the skin material comes into contact with the other die while keeping the gripping interval of the pair constant. In the die closing step, at least one of the one-side die and the other die is moved in the pressing direction to press the skin material to the press end, and the pair of skin frames are moved in synchronization with the die moving in contact with the skin material so as to cancel the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the die. It has a control unit that performs the process. Further, in the other-side contact step and the mold closing step, the control unit narrows the gripping interval of the skin material in the pair of skin frames, and controls the speed of narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames in the mold closing step to be faster than the speed of narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames in the other-side contact step. 。 Also, according to the present invention, when moving one mold that has come into contact with the skin material in the other-side contact step and when moving at least one mold in the mold closing step, the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames is narrowed. At this time, since the skin material can be deformed in other directions without being stretched by the amount by which it has become shorter in the gripping direction, excessive stretching of the skin material due to the movement of the mold is suppressed. Therefore, excessive stretching of the skin material can be suppressed by one-dimensional control of the pair of skin frames. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the speed of narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames from the time when the other mold comes into contact with the skin material until the press is completed is faster than the speed of narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames from the time when one mold comes into contact with the skin material until the other mold comes into contact with the skin material. Here, in the other-side contact step, if, while keeping the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames constant, one mold that has come into contact with the skin material is moved in the pressing direction at a constant speed, the skin material is stretched by an amount corresponding to the amount of movement of the mold. On the other hand, in the mold closing step, if, while keeping the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames constant, the mold that has come into contact with the skin material is moved in the pressing direction at a constant speed, the skin material is stretched not only by an amount corresponding to the amount of movement of the mold, but also by the amount of interference between both molds and the skin material, and by the amount by which the skin is drawn in along the detailed shape of the mold during mold clamping. As in the present invention according to claim 7, by making the speed of narrowing the pair of skin frames in the mold closing step faster than the speed of narrowing the pair of skin frames in the other-side contact step, even when the upper mold or the lower mold is moved in the pressing direction at a substantially constant speed for pressing, the tension of the skin material can be kept substantially constant. Therefore, complex control of the upper mold and the lower mold is not required.

[0028] Claim 7 According to the present invention described in [reference], in the placement step, the control unit causes the skin material to be gripped by the pair of skin frames and placed between the upper die and the lower die arranged in the open die state. Next, in the one-side die contact step, the control unit moves one of the upper die and the lower die in the pressing direction until the one-side die comes into contact with the skin material.

[0029] Next, in the other-side contact process, the control unit moves either the one mold that has contacted the skin material further in the pressing direction or the other mold in the pressing direction until the skin material contacts the other mold. Here, when the one mold is moved further in the pressing direction, the pair of skin frames are moved in synchronization with the one mold so as to cancel out the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the one mold. Thereby, excessive elongation of the skin material in the other-side contact process can be suppressed.

[0030] Furthermore, in the mold closing process, the control unit moves at least one of the upper mold and the lower mold to the pressing end in the pressing direction, whereby the skin material is clamped and the pressing is completed. At this time, the pair of skin frames are moved in synchronization with the mold so as to cancel out the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the mold moving while in contact with the skin material. Thereby, excessive elongation of the skin material in the mold closing process can be suppressed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] As described above, the method for pressing a skin material, the apparatus for pressing a skin material, and the program for pressing a skin material according to the present invention described in claim 1 and Claim 7 have an excellent effect of being able to improve the durability of the skin material. Also, the press processing method of the skin material according to the present invention has an excellent effect of being able to suppress excessive stretching of the skin material by simple one-dimensional control. Furthermore, the press processing method of the skin material according to the present invention has an excellent effect of not requiring complex control of the upper mold and the lower mold.

[0032] The method for pressing a skin material according to the present invention described in claim 2 has an excellent effect of being able to further improve the durability of the skin material while suppressing the warping of the pattern of the skin material and improving the designability of the product to which the skin material is applied.

[0033] The method for pressing a skin material according to the present invention described in claim 3 has an excellent effect of being able to suppress wrinkles of the skin material and improve the designability of the product to which the skin material is applied.

[0034] Claim 4 The method for pressing a skin material according to the present invention described in [claim number] has an excellent effect of being able to reduce costs.

[0035] Claim 5 The press working method of the skin material according to the present invention described in [reference] has an excellent effect that the positions of a pair of skin frames can be accurately controlled and excessive elongation of the skin material can be further suppressed.

[0036] Claim 6 The press working method of the skin material according to the present invention described in [reference] has an excellent effect that the durability of a product in which the skin material is pasted on a base material can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0038] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a press working apparatus 10 for a skin material according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "press working apparatus 10") and a press working method for the skin material using the press working apparatus 10 will be described. The arrow UP appropriately shown in each figure indicates the vertically upward direction, and the arrows LH and RH indicate the left side and the right side of the press working apparatus, respectively. In addition, in the following description, when the vertical direction is used without special mention, it indicates the vertical up and down direction, and when the left and right directions are used, it indicates the left and right of the press working apparatus. Further, the depth direction of the press working apparatus shall be the direction along the depth direction of the paper surface of FIGS. 1 and 3 to 8.

[0039] First, after explaining the configuration of the press working apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a press working method using the press working apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0040] 〔Configuration of Press Working Apparatus 10〕 FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the press working apparatus 10. The press working apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a sticking device that forms an instrument panel of a vehicle (not shown) by sticking a fabric 82 as a skin material to a base material 80 obtained by previously injection molding a resin. Note that the press working apparatus is not limited to the instrument panel of a vehicle, and may be an apparatus for press working a skin material used for other products. Further, it may be an apparatus for sticking not only a fabric but also other skin materials to a base material. Furthermore, the material and molding method of the base material are not limited to the above.

[0041] The press working apparatus 10 includes a holding means 12 for holding the fabric 82, and a base material mold 14 as an upper mold and a skin mold 16 as a lower mold that pressurize by sandwiching the fabric 82 in the vertical direction. Further, the press working apparatus 10 moves the base material mold 14 in the vertical direction It is provided with a base type lifting means 18 that supports it movably, and a support frame lifting means 54 (see FIG. 2) that supports the holding means 12 of the fabric 82 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the press working apparatus 10 is provided with a skin type fixing portion 20 that fixes the skin type 16. The skin type fixing portion 20 is placed on the floor surface.

[0042] (Base type 14) The base type 14 is a convex mold and has a convex curved portion 22 that protrudes downward at the lower part. The convex curved portion 22 is configured to be able to set the base material 80 from the lower side, and the lower surface of the convex curved portion 22 is shaped along the shape of the base material 80. The base material 80 has a curved surface 80A that protrudes toward the rear side of the vehicle in a side view of the vehicle when an instrument panel is mounted on a vehicle (not shown), and is formed in a substantially J shape that is open to the front side and the lower side in a side view of the vehicle.

[0043] The convex curved portion 22 is configured to be able to hold the base material 80 in such a direction that the longitudinal direction of the base material 80 is along the depth direction of the press working apparatus 10 and the base material 80 is in a substantially J shape in a front view of the press working apparatus 10. That is, the left side portion that forms the left side of the convex curved portion 22 is formed shorter than the right side portion that forms the right side of the convex curved portion 22.

[0044] In the convex curved portion 22 of the base type 14, a recessed portion 22A that is recessed in a front view and is open downward is formed at the center in the depth direction of the paper surface (see FIG. 3(A)). This recessed portion 22A corresponds to the air outlet of the air conditioner of the vehicle on which an instrument panel (not shown) is mounted.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper part of the base type 14 is fixed to the base type lifting means 18. The base type lifting means 18 is provided with a base type lifting motor 50 (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the base type 14 is made movable in the vertical direction. FIG. 1 shows an open mold state in which the base type 14 is separated from the skin type 16 and arranged at the upper end T (see FIG. 3(A)). As shown in FIGS. 3(A) to 3(F), the lifting range of the base type 14 is from the upper end T in the open mold state to the press end B where the mold clamping is completed.

[0046] (Epidermal mold 16) As shown in FIG. 1, the epidermal mold 16 provided on the lower side is a concave mold with respect to the convex base mold 14 provided on the upper side. The epidermal mold 16 includes a substantially J-shaped concave curved portion 24 when viewed from the front and opened upward. The upper surface of the concave curved portion 24 is shaped to correspond to the curved surface 80A of the base material 80 set on the convex curved portion 22 of the base mold 14.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(E), the concave curved portion 24 is formed with a convex protrusion 24A that protrudes upward in a shape and position corresponding to the recessed portion 22A of the base mold 14 and is convex when viewed from the front. In the present embodiment, the base mold 14 provided on the upper side is formed in a convex shape, and the epidermal mold 16 provided on the lower side is formed in a concave shape for explanation, but it is not limited to this. Also, the recessed portion 22A and the protrusion 24A are examples of the detailed shape and are not limited to this.

[0048] (Holding means 12) The holding means 12 includes a support frame 26 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape in a plan view, and a pair of epidermal frames 28 configured to be able to grip a fabric 82 having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The pair of epidermal frames 28 each include a gripping portion 34 that can sandwich the end portion 82A in the short side direction substantially in the vertical direction along the longitudinal direction of the fabric 82. The support frame 26 and the pair of epidermal frames 28 each extend with the depth direction of the press working apparatus 10 as the longitudinal direction. The support frame 26 is connected to a support frame elevating means 54 (see FIG. 2), whereby the entire holding means 12 can move in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the support frame elevating means 54 includes a support frame elevating motor 52.

[0049] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the holding means 12 is arranged to be inclined such that the right side is higher than the left side in accordance with the shape of the base material 80 formed in a substantially J shape when viewed from the front. In other words, among the pair of skin frames 28, the upper right skin frame 30 on the right side is arranged at a higher position than the lower left skin frame 32 on the left side. Thereby, the pair of skin frames 28 can be arranged by unfolding in an oblique direction in which the fabric 82 is slightly rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front with the longitudinal direction as the axial direction from the horizontal direction.

[0050] Here, guide rails 36 extending in the short direction are provided at both longitudinal ends of the support frame 26. Further, block-shaped movable tables 38 slidably connected to the guide rails 36 are provided below both longitudinal ends of the pair of skin frames 28, respectively.

[0051] Furthermore, an upper right skin frame moving motor 40 is provided at the upper right end and a lower left skin frame moving motor 42 is provided at the lower left end above one side in the longitudinal direction of the support frame 26. The upper right skin frame moving motor 40 and the upper right skin frame 30 are connected via a ball screw mechanism having a screw shaft (not shown). Similarly, the lower left skin frame moving motor 42 and the lower left skin frame 32 are connected via a ball screw mechanism having another screw shaft (not shown). That is, when each screw shaft rotates around its axis, each movable table 38 moves along the guide rail 36. In this way, the upper right skin frame 30 and the lower left skin frame 32 are controlled separately, and the gripping interval between the pair of skin frames 28 can be changed by the pair of skin frames 28 moving parallel to each other on the same plane. The mechanism described above is an example of a mechanism for changing the gripping interval between the pair of skin frames 28 and is not limited thereto.

[0052] (Servo mechanism 44) As shown in FIG. 2, the press working apparatus 10 includes a servo mechanism 44. The servo mechanism 44 includes a controller configured to include a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 46 and a driver 48 as a control unit that receives a command signal from the controller 46 and drives a base mold lifting motor 50, a support frame lifting motor 52, a right upper skin frame moving motor 40, and a left lower skin frame moving motor 42, respectively. The base mold lifting motor 50, the support frame lifting motor 52, the right upper skin frame moving motor 40, and the left lower skin frame moving motor 42 are, as an example, AC servo motors each provided with an encoder (not shown) and configured to be able to feedback position information and speed information to the driver 48.

[0053] 〔Press Working Method〕 Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, a press working method of the fabric 82 using the press working apparatus 10 will be described. A series of press working described below is executed by being processed by the controller 46 and the driver 48 based on a program input to the controller 46 of the press working apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2. The base mold 14, the right upper skin frame 30, and the left lower skin frame 32 are position-controlled by mutually monitoring their positions using the synchronization function of the servo mechanism 44 in addition to speed control.

[0054] FIGS. 3(A) to 3(F) show a state in which the base mold 14 gradually moves downward in the pressing direction from the upper end T to the pressing end B to stick the fabric 82 onto the base material 80. FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 schematically show a cross section at the center in the depth direction of the press working apparatus shown in FIG. 1 for explaining each step. In these figures, hatching other than the base material 80 and the fabric 82 is omitted.

[0055] (Arrangement Step) First, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the base mold 14 is arranged at the upper end T to be in an open mold state. Then, the fabric 82 is gripped by the pair of skin frames 28 and arranged apart in the vertical direction. Place the fabric 82 between the placed base material mold 14 and the skin mold 16. At this time, the pair of skin frames 28 grip and place the fabric 82 in a flatly unfolded state. An adhesive for sticking to the base material 80 is applied to the back surface of the fabric 82. The process of placing the fabric 82 between the base material mold 14 and the skin mold 16 in this way is referred to as the placement process.

[0056] (Base material mold contact process) Next, lower the base material mold 14 from the mold opening state shown in Fig. 3(A) by the base material mold lifting and lowering means 18. As shown in Fig. 3(B), the timing when the base material 80 set on the base material mold 14 comes into contact with the fabric 82 is referred to as the base material contact time. The process from the mold opening state shown in Fig. 3(A) to the base material contact time shown in Fig. 3(B) is referred to as the base material mold contact process as one-sided mold contact process.

[0057] (Skin mold contact process) Subsequently, as shown in Figs. 3(B) to 3(D), further lower the base material mold 14 by the base material mold lifting and lowering means 18. As shown in Fig. 3(D), the timing when the lowered fabric 82 comes into contact with the upper end portion 16A of the skin mold 16 is referred to as the skin mold contact time, and the process from the base material contact time shown in Fig. 3(B) to the skin mold contact time shown in Fig. 3(D) is referred to as the skin mold contact process as the other-sided mold contact process.

[0058] This skin mold contact process will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4. Figs. 4(A) to 4(C) respectively correspond to Figs. 3(B) to 3(D), Fig. 4(A) shows the state at the time of base material contact, and Fig. 4(C) shows the state at the time of skin mold contact. In each of the figures of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described later, the two-dot chain line indicates the position of the pair of skin frames 28 in the state of the previous drawing, and the arrow represents the amount by which the pair of skin frames 28 has moved on the support frame 26 from the state of the previous drawing.

[0059] In the skin-type contact process shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C), a pair of skin frames 28 are moved synchronously with the base mold 14 so as to cancel out the tension of the fabric 82 that increases due to the lowering of the base mold 14, that is, so that the fabric 82 is not stretched.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4(B), at the initial stage of the skin-type contact process, the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed. More specifically, the upper right skin frame 30 and the lower left skin frame 32 are moved in directions approaching each other so that the tension of the fabric 82 becomes substantially constant from the time of contact with the base material shown in FIG. 4(A) to the state shown in FIG. 4(B). At this time, the base mold 14, the upper right skin frame 30, and the lower left skin frame 32 are controlled so that the respective arrival times from the state shown in FIG. 4(A) to the state shown in FIG. 4(B) are the same.

[0061] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(C), in the latter stage of the skin-type contact process, while narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28, the holding means 12 (see FIG. 1) is lowered. As a result, the pair of skin frames 28 narrow the gripping interval while descending. More specifically, while moving the upper right skin frame 30 and the lower left skin frame 32 in directions approaching each other so that the tension of the fabric 82 becomes substantially constant from the state shown in FIG. 4(B) to the time of skin-type contact shown in FIG. 4(C), the pair of skin frames 28 are lowered. At this time, the base mold 14, the upper right skin frame 30, and the lower left skin frame 32 are controlled so that the respective arrival times from the state shown in FIG. 4(B) to the state shown in FIG. 4(C) are the same.

[0062] (Mold closing process) Subsequently, returning to FIG. 3, the mold closing process will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3(D) to 3(E), the base mold 14 is lowered by the base mold lifting means 18 until the fabric 82 contacts the protrusion 24A of the skin mold 16. As shown in FIG. 3(E), the timing when the fabric 82 contacts the protrusion 24A of the skin mold 16 is referred to as the convex portion contact time.

[0063] The process from the epidermal contact shown in Fig. 3(D) to the convex contact shown in Fig. 3(E) is referred to as the first type of closing process. Also in the first type of closing process, similar to the epidermal contact process, while synchronizing with the base mold 14, the holding means 12 is lowered while narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of epidermal frames 28.

[0064] Then, as shown in Fig. 3(F), the base mold 14 is further lowered to the press end B to press-bond the fabric 82 coated with the adhesive and the base material 80, and the pressing is completed. The timing when the pressing is completed as shown in Fig. 3(F) is referred to as the press completion time. Also, the process from the convex contact shown in Fig. 3(E) to the press completion shown in Fig. 3(F) is referred to as the second type of closing process. Also in the second type of closing process, similar to the epidermal contact process and the first type of closing process, while synchronizing with the base mold 14, the holding means 12 is lowered while narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of epidermal frames 28.

[0065] The above first type of closing process and second type of closing process will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 5. Figs. 5(A) to 5(C) respectively correspond to Figs. 3(D) to 3(F), and Fig. 5 (A) shows the state at the time of base material contact, Fig. 5(B) shows the state at the time of convex contact, and Fig. 5(C) shows the state at the time of press completion.

[0066] Also in the mold closing process, in order to cancel the tension of the fabric 82 increased by the lowering of the base mold 14, that is, so that the fabric 82 is not stretched, the pair of epidermal frames 28 are moved synchronously with the base mold 14.

[0067] As shown in Figs. 5(A) to 5(B), in the first type of closing process, while moving the upper right epidermal frame 30 and the lower left epidermal frame 32 in the direction of approaching each other so that the tension of the fabric 82 becomes substantially constant from the epidermal contact time to the convex contact time, the holding means 12 (see Fig. 1) is lowered. At this time, the base mold 14, the upper right epidermal frame 30, and the lower left epidermal frame 32 are controlled so that the respective arrival times from the state shown in Fig. 5(A) to the state shown in Fig. 5(B) are the same.

[0068] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5(B) to 5(C), in the second type closing process, while moving the upper right skin frame 30 and the lower left skin frame 32 in directions approaching each other so that the tension of the fabric 82 becomes substantially constant from the time of convex portion contact to the time of press completion, the holding means 12 (see FIG. 1) is lowered. At this time, the base die 14, the upper right skin frame 30, and the lower left skin frame 32 are controlled so that the respective arrival times from the state shown in FIG. 5(B) to the state shown in FIG. 5(C) are the same.

[0069] Here, from the die opening state shown in FIG. 3(A) to the time of convex portion contact shown in FIG. 3(E), the lowering speed of the base die 14 is made substantially constant. On the other hand, in the second type closing process after the time of convex portion contact, the lowering speed of the base die 14 is made slower than in the previous processes. Note that the lowering speed of the base die 14 is not limited to the above. For example, even in the second type closing process, the lowering speed of the base die 14 may be made the same as before. In this case, considering the amount by which the fabric 82 is drawn in along the detailed shapes of the base die 14 and the skin die 16 during die clamping, by making the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed in the second type closing process faster than the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed in the first type closing process, the tension of the fabric 82 can be kept substantially constant.

[0070] Also, in the first type closing process shown in FIGS. 5(A) to 5(B), the fabric 82 interferes with the upper end portion 16A of the skin die 16. As described above, in the press working apparatus 10, from the die opening state shown in FIG. 3(A) to the time of convex portion contact shown in FIG. 3(E), the lowering speed of the base die 14 is made substantially constant. Therefore, in the first type closing process shown in FIGS. 5(A) to 5(B), the fabric 82 is drawn in faster than in the skin die contact process shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) by the amount that the fabric 82 interferes with the upper end portion 16A of the skin die 16. Thus, in the first type closing process shown in FIGS. 5(A) to 5(B), by controlling the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed to be faster than in the skin die contact process shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C), the tension of the fabric 82 can be kept substantially constant.

[0071] In addition, in the second type of closing process shown in FIGS. 5(B) to 5(C), the fabric 82 is drawn in along the detailed shape of the base material 80, such as the fabric 82 deforming while being sandwiched between the protrusion 24A and the recess 22A. Therefore, in the second type of closing process, it is necessary to consider the amount by which the fabric 82 is drawn in as the base material mold 14 descends, the amount by which the fabric 82 is drawn in due to interference of the fabric 82 with the skin mold 16, and the amount by which the fabric 82 is drawn in along the detailed shape of the base material 80. That is, in the second type of closing process, if control is performed to lower the base material mold 14 at the same speed as before, it is necessary to control so that the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed is faster than in the first type of closing process shown in FIGS. 3(D) to 3(E). However, in the pressing method according to the present embodiment, in the second type of closing process shown in FIGS. 3(E) to 3(F), the descending speed of the base material mold 14 is slower than in the process until the convex portion contact shown in FIGS. 3(A) to 3(E), so the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed is also set to a corresponding speed.

[0072] In the pressing method described above, the pair of skin frames 28 are moved so that the tension of the fabric 82 is substantially constant from the time of contact with the base material to the time of completion of pressing.

[0073] (Die opening process) After completion of pressing, the workpiece is held for a certain period of time to cool it, and then the base material mold 14 is raised to the upper end T (see FIG. 3(A)) to be in the die opening state, and the instrument panel formed by sticking the fabric 82 to the base material 80 is removed from the pressing device 10.

[0074] (Actions and effects of the present embodiment) Next, the actions and effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0075] According to the press working method using the press working apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, in the arranging step, the fabric 82 is gripped by the pair of skin frames 28 and is arranged between the base material mold 14 and the skin mold 16 which are arranged vertically in the mold open state. Then, in the base material mold contact step, the base material mold 14 is lowered until the set base material 80 comes into contact with the fabric 82.

[0076] Next, in the skin mold contact step, until the fabric 82 comes into contact with the skin mold 16, the base material mold 14 with which the fabric 82 and the base material 80 are in contact is further lowered. At this time, the pair of skin frames 28 are moved in synchronization with the base material mold 14.

[0077] Furthermore, in the mold closing step, the base material mold 14 is lowered to the press end to be clamped, and the pressing is completed. At this time, the pair of skin frames 28 are moved in synchronization with the base material mold 14.

[0078] In FIGS. 6(A) to 6(E), as a comparative example, from the mold open state shown in FIG. 6(A) to the mold clamping state shown in FIG. 6(E), a conventional method of pressing the skin material 102 while fixing the pair of skin frames 100 in a fixed position and sticking it to the base material 104 is shown.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 6(B) to 6(C), in this conventional method, in the skin mold contact step the skin material 102 in contact with the base material mold 106 is stretched according to the amount of movement as the base material mold 106 moves. As an example, if the elongation amount of the skin material 102 until the base material mold 106 comes into contact with the skin material 102 is set to 100%, from the time of contact with the base material shown in FIG. 6(B) to the time of contact with the skin mold shown in FIG. 6(C), the skin material 102 is stretched by 10% and its elongation amount becomes 110%.

[0080] Further, as shown in FIGS. 6(C) to 6(D), in this conventional method, in the mold closing process, the skin material 102 in contact with the base mold 106 is stretched as the base mold 106 moves, by an amount corresponding to the movement of the base mold 106, the interference between the skin mold 108 and the skin material 102, and the amount by which the skin material 102 is drawn in along the detailed shapes of the base mold 106 and the skin mold 108 during mold clamping. As an example, the skin elongation amount is 135% when the convex portion contacts as shown in FIG. 6(D), and the skin elongation amount is 150% when the press is completed as shown in FIG. 6(E).

[0081] On the other hand, according to the press working method using the press working apparatus 10, the pair of skin frames 28 are moved synchronously with the base mold 14 so as to cancel the tension of the fabric 82 that increases due to the movement of the base mold 14. Thereby, excessive elongation of the fabric 82 can be suppressed.

[0082] As described above, according to the press working method using the press working apparatus 10, since excessive elongation of the fabric 82 is suppressed, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the thickness of the fabric 82 due to excessive elongation. Therefore, the durability of the fabric 82 can be improved.

[0083] Also, according to the press working method using the press working apparatus 10, when the pair of skin frames 28 move, the tension of the fabric 82 is kept substantially constant from the time of contact between the base material 80 set on the base mold 14 and the fabric 82 until the press is completed when the mold clamping is completed. That is, the fabric 82 is pressed while maintaining the tension when it contacts the base material 80 set on the base mold 14, and the elongation amount thereof is 100% throughout.

[0084] Generally, when curved portions, uneven portions, etc. are formed on the upper and lower molds, the elongation amount of the skin material is not uniform, so variations in the thickness of the skin material are likely to occur. And when variations occur in the thickness of the skin material, there is a risk of damage occurring at the portion that is greatly stretched.

[0085] On the other hand, according to the pressing method using the pressing device 10, since the tension of the fabric 82 is maintained substantially constant, excessive elongation of the entire fabric 82 caused by the lowering of the base mold 14 can be suppressed, while suppressing partial excessive elongation of the fabric 82 when being clamped along the detailed shapes of the base mold 14 and the skin mold 16. Therefore, the durability of the fabric 82 can be further improved. Furthermore, when using the patterned fabric 82, it is possible to suppress pattern bending in which the pattern is distorted during processing. Therefore, while further improving the durability of the fabric 82, it is possible to suppress the pattern bending of the fabric 82 and improve the design quality of the instrument panel.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows a conventional pressing method in which the skin material 102 is pressed in a relaxed state in order to suppress excessive elongation of the skin material 102. In this conventional method, first, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) to 7(B), before the base material 104 comes into contact with the skin material 102, the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 200 is narrowed by a certain amount to relax the skin material 102. Then, as shown in FIGS. 7(B) to 7(D), while maintaining the narrowed gripping interval, the skin material 102 is pressed by the base mold 202 and the skin mold 204 in a relaxed state and pasted onto the base material 104.

[0087] Also, FIG. 8 shows a conventional pressing method in which the skin material 102 is released from the pair of skin frames 300 during pressing in order to suppress excessive elongation of the skin material 102. In this conventional method, first, as shown in FIGS. 8(A) to 8(B), while maintaining the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 300 constant, the base mold 302 is lowered to cover a certain amount of the skin material 102 at the tip of the base material 104. As shown in FIG. 8(C), when a certain amount of the skin material 102 is covered, the gripping portion 306 provided on the pair of skin frames 300 is opened to release the skin material 102. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(D), the released skin material 102 is pressed by the further descending base mold 14 and the skin mold 308.

[0088] In each of the conventional methods shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, since the skin material 102 is pressed in a state where the tension is released, wrinkles and poor adhesion due to air entrapment are likely to occur in the skin material 102.

[0089] On the other hand, according to the pressing method using the pressing device 10, when the base material mold 14 and the fabric 82 come into contact, the fabric 82 is held in a flattened state. That is, the fabric 82 comes into contact with the base material mold 14 without slack. Then, from this state, the fabric 82 is pressed while maintaining a substantially constant tension. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the fabric 82 during pressing. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the design quality of the instrument panel by suppressing the wrinkles of the fabric 82.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the pressing method using the pressing device 10, when the base material mold 14 that has come into contact with the fabric 82 is lowered in the skin mold contact step and the mold closing step, the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed. At this time, the fabric 82 can be deformed in other directions without being stretched by the amount that it has become shorter in the gripping direction. Thereby, excessive stretching of the fabric 82 is suppressed. Therefore, excessive stretching of the fabric 82 can be suppressed by one-dimensional control.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the pressing method using the pressing device 10, the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed in the first mold closing step is faster than the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 is narrowed in the other mold contact step.

[0092] In the skin mold contact step, if the base material mold 14 is lowered at a constant speed while keeping the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 constant, the fabric 82 is stretched by an amount corresponding to the amount of descent of the base material mold 14. On the other hand, in the first mold closing step, if the base material mold 14 is lowered at a constant speed while keeping the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 constant, the fabric 82 is stretched not only by an amount corresponding to the descent of the base material mold 14 but also by an amount corresponding to the interference between the skin mold 16 and the fabric 82.

[0093] In a press working method using the press working apparatus 10, by making the speed at which the pair of skin frames 28 are narrowed in the first mold closing step faster than the speed at which the pair of skin frames 28 are narrowed in the skin mold contact step, even if the base mold 14 is lowered at a substantially constant speed, the tension of the fabric 82 can be kept substantially constant. Therefore, complicated control of the base mold 14 can be dispensed with.

[0094] Further, according to the press working method using the press working apparatus 10, the holding means 12 is moved up and down by the support frame elevating means 54. As shown in FIGS. 4(C) and 5(A) to 5(C), the holding means 12 is lowered through the latter stage of the skin mold contact step, the first mold closing step, and the second mold closing step. As a result, the pair of skin frames 28 are moved not only in the direction of narrowing the gripping interval during pressing but also downward.

[0095] Thus, even when pressing in a state where the fabric 82 is inclined obliquely as in the present embodiment it is possible to appropriately arrange the pair of skin frames 28 at an appropriate position where the interference between the base mold 14 descending and the pair of skin frames 28 is avoided while keeping the tension of the fabric 82 substantially constant. Therefore, it is possible to process the fabric 82 while suppressing excessive elongation with a minimum necessary amount of raw material, and the cost can be reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the press working method using the press working apparatus 10, the pair of skin frames 28 are position-controlled by the servo mechanism 44. As a result, even if there is a variation in the moving speed of the pair of skin frames 28, the pair of skin frames 28 are respectively arranged at accurate positions. Therefore, excessive elongation of the fabric 82 can be further suppressed.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the pressing method using the pressing device 10, the residual stress after the fabric 82 is pasted onto the base material 80 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the fabric 82 of the instrument panel from peeling off from the base material 80 after pasting. Thereby, the durability of the instrument panel can be improved.

[0098] Also, according to the pressing method using the pressing device 10, the descending speed of the base material mold 14 is made substantially constant until the convex part contacts, and after the convex part contacts, in the second mold closing process, the descending speed of the base material mold 14 is made slower compared to the previous processes. Here, the pair of skin frames 28 are moved in synchronization with the base material mold 14 and according to the amount by which the fabric 82 is drawn in even in the second mold closing process. Therefore, while preventing damage to the mold, the fabric 82 can be surely made to conform to the detailed shape.

[0099] Furthermore, the pressing device 10 is a pressing device that only raises and lowers the base material mold 14 provided on the upper side, and the skin mold 16 provided on the lower side is fixed to the skin mold fixing part 20 placed on the floor surface. For this reason, compared with a device that forms a pit on the floor surface and raises and lowers only the lower mold or both the upper and lower molds, the equipment cost can be suppressed.

[0100] 〔Supplementary Explanation of the Above Embodiment〕 In the above embodiment, it has been described that the base material mold 14 provided on the upper side is raised and lowered by the base material mold lifting means 18, and the skin mold 16 provided on the lower side is fixed to the skin mold fixing part 20 placed on the floor surface, but it is not limited to this. For example, the pressing device may be a device that only raises and lowers the lower mold provided on the lower side, or a device that raises and lowers both the upper and lower molds.

[0101] For example, when using an up-and-down driven press device in which both the upper and lower dies can be moved up and down, after moving one die in the pressing direction to contact the skin material, the other die may be moved in the pressing direction to contact the skin material. In this case, the gripping interval between the pair of skin materials is kept constant until the other die contacts the skin material, and after the other die contacts the skin material, when at least one die is moved in the pressing direction, the pair of skin frames are moved in synchronization with the moving die, so that excessive stretching of the skin material can be suppressed.

[0102] Also, in the above embodiment, the pair of skin frames 28 are described as being moved so that the tension of the fabric 82 becomes substantially constant after contacting the base material, but it is not limited to this. For example, by controlling the pair of skin frames 28 step by step, it may be possible to cancel out the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the die step by step.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pair of skin frames 28 are described as gripping the fabric 82 in a state where it is unfolded on a plane when contacting the base material, but it is not limited to this, and it may be gripped in a slightly slack state.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pair of skin frames 28 are described as continuously narrowing their gripping interval from the time of contacting the base material until the completion of pressing, but it is not limited to this. For example, in the latter stage when contacting the skin die, control may be performed to lower the holding means 12 while keeping the gripping interval between the pair of skin frames 28 constant.

[0105] Also, in the above embodiment, the descending speed of the base material die 14 is made substantially constant until contacting the convex portion, and the speed of narrowing the gripping interval between the pair of skin frames 28 in the first die closing step is described as being faster than the speed of narrowing the gripping interval between the pair of skin frames 28 in the skin die contacting step, but it is not limited to this. For example, by synchronously controlling the descent of the base material die 14, the descent of the holding means 12, and the reduction of the gripping interval between the pair of skin frames 28, the skin material may be pressed without being stretched.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the press working apparatus 10 has been described as including a support frame elevating means 54 (not shown) that can elevate the holding means 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the holding means 12 including the pair of skin frames 28 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the base material mold 14 at all times, only the reduction in the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames 28 may be synchronized with the lowering of the base material mold 14, and the holding means 12 may not be elevated or lowered.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described as servo-based synchronous control, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a linear scale and a hydraulic device may be used.

[0108] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the press working apparatus 10 has been described as a sticking device that sticks the fabric 82 to the base material 80, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be a press working apparatus that forms a single layer of the skin material to be stuck to the base material in a subsequent process.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 10 Press working apparatus (Press working apparatus for skin material) 14 Base material mold (Upper mold) 16 Skin mold (Lower mold) 28 Pair of skin frames 44 Servo mechanism 80 Base material 82 Fabric (Skin material) B Press end

Claims

1. An arranging step of gripping a skin material by a pair of skin frames and arranging the skin material between an upper mold and a lower mold which are arranged vertically in an open mold state; A one-side mold contact step of moving one of the upper mold and the lower mold in the pressing direction to bring the one-side mold into contact with the skin material; Another-side mold contact step of further moving the one-side mold in the pressing direction until the skin material comes into contact with the other mold, and synchronously moving the pair of skin frames with the one-side mold so as to cancel the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the one-side mold; A mold closing step of moving at least one of the one-side mold and the other mold in the pressing direction to press the skin material to the press end, and synchronously moving the pair of skin frames with the mold moving in contact with the skin material so as to cancel the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the mold; characterized by having; In the another-side mold contact step and the mold closing step, narrowing the gripping interval of the skin material in the pair of skin frames; The speed of narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames in the mold closing step is faster than the speed of narrowing the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames in the another-side mold contact step. A method for pressing a skin material.

2. Moving the pair of skin frames so that the tension of the skin material becomes substantially constant from the time when the one-side mold comes into contact with the skin material until the pressing is completed. The method for pressing a skin material according to Claim 1.

3. When bringing the one-side mold into contact with the skin material, the pair of skin frames grip the skin material in a state where the skin material is flattened. The method for pressing a skin material according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. In the mold closing step and the another-side mold contact step when moving the one-side mold, moving the pair of skin frames in the pressing direction. The method for pressing a skin material according to Claim 2 or Claim 3.

5. Performing position control by a servo mechanism so as to synchronize with the mold when the pair of skin frames move in contact with the skin material. The method for pressing a skin material according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. Fixing a base material to the upper mold or the lower mold, and pasting the skin material onto the base material. The method for pressing a skin material according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. An upper mold and a lower mold provided in a pair vertically; A pair of skin frames configured to be able to grip a skin material; In the configuration process, the skin material is held by the pair of skin frames, and the skin material is disposed between the upper mold and the lower mold which are disposed in an open mold state. In one mold contact process, one of the upper mold and the lower mold is moved in the pressing direction to bring the one mold into contact with the skin material. In the other mold contact process, until the skin material comes into contact with the other mold, the one mold is further moved in the pressing direction and the pair of skin frames are synchronously moved with the one mold so as to cancel the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the one mold. In the mold closing process, at least one of the one mold and the other mold is moved in the pressing direction to press the skin material to the pressing end, and the pair of skin frames are synchronously moved with the mold so as to cancel the tension of the skin material increased by the movement of the mold moving in contact with the skin material. A control unit that performs a process of having the control unit is in the other mold contact process and the mold closing process, narrowing the gripping interval of the skin material in the pair of skin frames, and controlling such that the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames is narrowed in the mold closing process is faster than the speed at which the gripping interval of the pair of skin frames is narrowed in the other mold contact process. A pressing device for a skin material.

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