Sheet supply device, sheet transport system, forming system, sheet supply method, and sheet transport method

Abstract

To inhibit sheet elongation during sheet deformation.SOLUTION: A sheet feeder 20 has pulling means 21, a plate member 23, a roller 25, and cutting means 27. The pulling means 21 applies tension to a film 10 from a first side in a first direction d1. The plate member 23 has an uneven shape 23a and pushes the film 10 in a second direction d2 which is non-parallel to the first direction d1. A roller 25 presses the film 10 against the plate member 23 along the uneven shape 23a. The cutting means 27 cuts the film 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a sheet feeding apparatus, a sheet transport system having a sheet feeding apparatus, a forming system having a sheet transport system, a method of feeding a sheet, and a method of transporting a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a molding system such as that described in Patent Document 1 is known, which uses an injection molding machine to provide molded parts on a sheet to produce a molded product. This molding system makes it easy to provide molded parts with complex shapes on a sheet. The sheet is provided with a design. The design on the sheet allows the molded product to have a desired design. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 186414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a sheet is handed over to the mold of an injection molding machine, the sheet is deformed. If the mold of the injection molding machine has a complex shape, the sheet may be deformed and stretched when handed over to the mold. When the sheet is stretched, the design on the sheet is also stretched. As a result, the design imparted to the molded product becomes unintended. It has been considered to shape the holding part that holds the sheet when handed over to the mold to match the shape of the mold. A holding part with such a shape makes it less likely that the sheet will be stretched when handed over to the mold.

[0005] If the shape of the retaining portion is made to fit the mold, the shape of the retaining portion may become complex. If the retaining portion has a complex shape, the sheet may be stretched when it is held by the retaining portion. If the sheet is stretched when it is held by the retaining portion, the design provided on the sheet will also be stretched. As a result, the design imparted to the molded product will be unintended. The present disclosure aims to suppress the stretching of the sheet when the sheet is deformed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first sheet feeding device of the present disclosure is a sheet feeding device that feeds a sheet, a tensioning means for applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; a plate member having an uneven shape and extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction; a roller that presses the film against the plate member along the uneven shape; and cutting means for cutting the film.

[0007] In the first sheet feeding device of the present disclosure, the roller may press the film against the plate member from the second side to the first side in the first direction.

[0008] In the first sheet feeding device of the present disclosure, the plate member may have two or more concave shapes and two or more convex shapes.

[0009] A second sheet feeding device of the present disclosure is a sheet feeding device that feeds a sheet, a tensioning means for applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; a plate member having an uneven shape and extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction; cutting means for cutting the film; The plate member includes a plurality of plate elements that independently push the film in the second direction.

[0010] In the second sheet feeding device of the present disclosure, at least some of the plurality of plate elements may be aligned in the first direction.

[0011] The second sheet feeding device of the present disclosure may further include a plurality of elastic members provided on the plate element.

[0012] In the second sheet feeding device of the present disclosure, each plate element may have only one of a concave shape or a convex shape.

[0013] In the first and second sheet feeding devices of the present disclosure, the concave and convex shape may be formed along the first direction.

[0014] In the first and second sheet feeding devices of the present disclosure, the first direction is a vertical direction, The cutting means may cut the lower side of the film in the vertical direction.

[0015] In the first and second sheet feeding devices of the present disclosure, the plate member may have suction holes that suction the film.

[0016] A first sheet conveying system of the present disclosure includes: Any one of the sheet feeding devices described above; a head having a holding portion for holding the sheet; a drive device that drives the head, The holding portion has a second concave-convex shape that fits with the concave-convex shape of the plate member.

[0017] A second sheet conveying system of the present disclosure includes: a sheet feeding device that feeds sheets; a head having a holding portion for holding the sheet; a drive device that drives the head, The holding portion includes a plurality of holding elements that independently hold the sheet.

[0018] In the second sheet conveying system of the present disclosure, the sheet feeding device has a tensioning means for applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; At least some of the retaining elements may be aligned in the first direction.

[0019] In the second sheet transport system of the present disclosure, the head may further include a plurality of second elastic members provided on each holding element.

[0020] In the second sheet conveying system of the present disclosure, the sheet feeding device has a plate member having an uneven shape; The holding portion may have a second concave-convex shape that fits with the concave-convex shape of the plate member.

[0021] In the second sheet transport system of the present disclosure, each holding element may have only one of the second concave shape or the second convex shape.

[0022] In the first and second sheet conveying systems of the present disclosure, the holding portion may have a second suction hole that adsorbs the sheet.

[0023] In the first and second sheet conveying systems of the present disclosure, the head may further include a heater that heats the sheet held by the holding portion.

[0024] The molding system of the present disclosure comprises: any one of the sheet transport systems described above; and an injection molding machine that molds a molded product in a storage space that stores the sheet.

[0025] The method of providing a first sheet of the present disclosure includes: applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction with a plate member; a step of moving a roller from the second side to the first side in the first direction to press the film against the plate member along the uneven shape of the plate member; and cutting the film into sheets.

[0026] The method of providing a second sheet of the present disclosure includes: applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction with a plate member; and cutting the film into sheets. The step of extruding the film by the plate member includes a step of extruding the film in the second direction using a plurality of plate elements of the plate member in the order from the plate element located on the second side of the first direction to the plate element located on the first side.

[0027] The method for conveying a sheet according to the present disclosure includes: applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction with a plate member; a step of holding the film with a holding portion; cutting the film into sheets; and driving a head having the holding portion, The process of the holding portion holding the film includes a process in which the holding elements of the holding portion hold the film in the order from the holding element located on the second side of the first direction to the holding element located on the first side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present disclosure, stretching of the sheet can be suppressed when the sheet is deformed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing the entire molding system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sheet feeding device according to the first embodiment, observed from a direction parallel to the sheet surface of the sheet fed by the sheet feeding device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the sheet feeding device according to the first embodiment, observed from the normal direction of the sheet surface of the sheet fed by the sheet feeding device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plate member included in the sheet feeding device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the head and the drive unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an injection molding machine and a head disposed between a first mold and a second mold of the injection molding machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds the sheet to the head in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds the sheet to the head in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds the sheet to the head in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds the sheet to the head in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds the sheet to the head in the second embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds the sheet to the head in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds a sheet to the head in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a side view showing a process in which the sheet feeding device feeds the sheet to the head in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The scale and aspect ratios of the drawings attached to this specification have been changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for ease of illustration and understanding.

[0031] The term "sheet surface" refers to a surface that coincides with the planar direction of the target sheet-like member when the target sheet-like member is viewed overall and from a global perspective.

[0032] Terms used in this specification that specify shapes and geometric conditions and their degrees, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "identical," as well as values ​​of lengths and angles, are not limited to strict meanings and are interpreted to include a range of degrees within which similar functions can be expected.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a molding system according to the present embodiment. The molding system 1 produces a molded product 13, which includes a sheet 11 and a molded part 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the molding system 1 is enclosed in a clean booth 5, preventing unintended external contamination from entering the molding system 1. The clean booth 5 has a first opening 6 on a first side s1 of the flow direction dF and a second opening 7 on a second side s2 of the flow direction dF. Air flows into the clean booth 5 through the first opening 6 and out through the second opening 7. An air flow occurs in the clean booth 5 from the first side s1 to the second side s2 of the flow direction dF. This air flow prevents external contamination from adhering to the sheet 11 and other components of the molding system 1. In the illustrated example, the flow direction dF is shown as a straight line, but it may also be a curved or broken line. For example, the flow direction dF may be an L-shaped curve.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the molding system 1 includes a sheet conveying system 3, an injection molding machine 50, and a collection position 90. The sheet conveying system 3 includes a sheet supplying device 20, a head 30, and a drive device 40. In the example particularly shown in FIG. 1, the molding system 1 includes the sheet supplying device 20, the injection molding machine 50, and the collection position 90, arranged in this order from the first side s1 to the second side s2 in the machine direction dF. The sheet supplying device 20 supplies a sheet 11 by cutting a film 10 to a predetermined size. The head 30 receives the sheet 11 and holds it. The head 30 is driven by the drive device 40 to transport the sheet 11 to the injection molding machine 50. The injection molding machine 50 receives the sheet 11 from the head 30. The injection molding machine 50 provides a molding part 12 on the sheet 11 to produce a molded product 13. The molded product 13 is held by the head 30. The head 30 is driven by the drive unit 40 to transport the molded product 13 to the collection position 90. In this manner, the molding system 1 can manufacture the molded product 13.

[0035] The sheet 11 is formed by cutting the film 10. The film 10 is in a roll shape and is appropriately fed out by the sheet feeder 20. The dimensions of the sheet 11 may be, for example, a rectangular shape with a roll feed length of 15 cm to 150 cm and a roll width of 15 cm to 100 cm. The thickness of the sheet 11 may be, for example, 50 μm to 1000 μm. The sheet 11 may have any shape and dimensions. The sheet 11 is made of a thermoplastic resin that softens when heated. The material of the sheet 11 may be, for example, acrylic, PET, ABS, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate. The sheet 11 may have a design such as a pattern, lettering, or picture. The design on the sheet 11 is preferably appropriately displayed when the sheet 11 undergoes an intended deformation, such as when held by the head 30. The design on the sheet 11 is preferably designed taking into account the intended deformation, such as when the sheet 11 is held by the head 30.

[0036] The molding system 1 and the sheet conveying system 3 of the first to third embodiments will be described below.

[0037] First Embodiment Each component of the forming system 1 and the sheet conveying system 3 of the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the sheet feeding device 20 according to the first embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 2 shows the sheet feeding device 20 observed from a direction parallel to the sheet surface of the sheet 11 being fed. The sheet feeding device 20 feeds sheets 11 of predetermined dimensions. Film 10, which forms sheet 11, is fed to sheet feeder 20. In sheet feeder 20, film 10 is preferably fed vertically from bottom to top. In this case, the installation area of ​​sheet feeder 20 can be made smaller than when film 10 is fed horizontally. As shown in FIG. 2 , sheet feeder 20 includes tension means 21, clamp 22, plate member 23, roller 25, cutting means 27, and sensor 28.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the clamps 22 consist of a first clamp 22a and a second clamp 22b. The first clamp 22a and the second clamp 22b clamp the film 10. FIG. 3 shows the sheet feeding device 20 as viewed from the normal direction of the sheet surface of the sheet 11 being fed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first clamp 22a clamps the second side s4 of the film 10 in the first direction d1, and the second clamp 22b clamps the first side s3 of the film 10 in the first direction d1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first clamp 22a and the second clamp 22b are shown as rod-shaped, but they may have any shape.

[0040] With the film 10 held between the clamps 22, the tensioning means 21 applies tension to the film 10 from the first side s3 in the first direction d1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the tensioning means 21 is a roll around which the film 10 is partially wound. By rotating the roll, the tension applied to the film 10 held between the clamps 22 can be kept substantially constant. The tensioning means 21 is not limited to a roll and may be any member.

[0041] The first direction d1 is preferably a vertical direction, and the first side s3 of the first direction d1 is preferably a lower side in the vertical direction.

[0042] Plate member 23 moves film 10 clamped by first clamp 22a toward head 30, for example by pushing it. Plate member 23 is positioned on the side of first clamp 22a opposite to the side from which head 30 approaches in sheet supply device 20, in order to push film 10 toward head 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , head 30 approaches sheet supply device 20 from second side s6 in second direction d2. Plate member 23 is positioned on first side s5 in second direction d2 of first clamp 22a. Plate member 23 pushes film 10 toward second side s6 in second direction d2.

[0043] The second direction d2 is a direction non-parallel to the first direction d1, and is preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction d1. When the first direction d1 is a vertical direction, the second direction d2 is a horizontal direction.

[0044] The plate member 23 has a concave-convex shape 23a. When the plate member 23 extrudes the film 10, the film 10 deforms according to the concave-convex shape 23a. The concave-convex shape 23a corresponds to the shape that deforms the film 10. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the plate member 23. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the concave-convex shape 23a of the plate member 23 is formed along the first direction d1. In other words, the plate member 23 has concave and convex shapes formed along the first direction d1. It is preferable that the plate member 23 has two or more concave shapes and two or more convex shapes. The concave shape is the shape of a portion of the plate member 23 that is far from the film 10 extruded by the plate member 23. The convex shape is the shape of a portion of the plate member 23 that is close to the film 10 extruded by the plate member 23. In the illustrated concave-convex shape 23a, the concave shape is a shape that is recessed toward the first side s5 in the second direction d2. The convex shape is a shape that protrudes toward the second side s6 in the second direction d2. In the illustrated example, the concave-convex shape 23a is formed by combining flat plate-like portions. The concave-convex shape 23a may also be formed by combining curved surfaces.

[0045] The plate member 23 has a fixing means for fixing the film 10 along the uneven shape 23a. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the fixing means is suction holes 23b that suction-hold the film 10. When the plate member 23 is in contact with the film 10 and air is sucked through the suction holes 23b using a pump (not shown), the plate member 23 can suction-hold the film 10 through the suction holes 23b. The suction holes 23b are, for example, circular, with a diameter of 2 mm to 5 mm. Because the suction holes 23b are sufficiently large, the film 10 can be properly suction-hold and fixed. Because the suction holes 23b are not too large, the possibility of foreign matter being sucked into the suction holes 23b and causing problems is reduced. The plate member 23 may have any fixing means, not limited to the example shown.

[0046] The plate member 23 has a smaller dimension than the sheet 11 formed by cutting the film 10 in the unwinding direction of the roll of film 10, i.e., the first direction d1, so that the film 10 can be appropriately cut into sheets 11. The length of the plate member 23 in the unwinding direction of the roll of film 10, i.e., the first direction d1, may be, for example, 18 cm or more and 148 cm or less. On the other hand, the plate member 23 has a larger dimension than the sheet 11 formed by cutting the film 10 in the direction along the width of the roll, so that the film 10 can be appropriately deformed. The length of the plate member 23 along the width of the roll of film 10 may be, for example, 20 cm or more and 120 cm or less.

[0047] Plate member 23 is made of a material that is resistant to deformation so as to appropriately deform film 10. Because film 10 is held by holding portion 31 while being heated by heater 35 (described later) of head 30, plate member 23 is preferably made of a material that is resistant to thermal deformation. Plate member 23 is made of, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized iron plate, or the like.

[0048] Roller 25 moves while rotating along concave-convex shape 23a of plate member 23. In this way, roller 25 presses film 10 against plate member 23. Roller 25 presses film 10 against plate member 23 from second side s4 to first side s3 in first direction d1. As roller 25 presses film 10 against plate member 23, film 10 deforms along concave-convex shape 23a of plate member 23. Roller 25 may be, for example, substantially cylindrical in shape and rotate around a central axis.

[0049] The cutting means 27 cuts the film 10 at predetermined positions to form sheets 11 of predetermined dimensions. The cutting means 27 cuts the rolled film 10 in a direction non-parallel to the unwound direction on the second side s4 of the second clamp 22b in the first direction d1. When the first direction d1 is vertical, the cutting means 27 cuts the lower vertical side of the film 10 in a direction non-parallel to the vertical direction, for example, horizontally. This forms a sheet 11 on the upper vertical side. The cutting means 27 is, for example, a metal blade.

[0050] The sensor 28 detects the film 10 in the sheet supply device 20. Based on this detection, the film 10 can be placed in the sheet supply device 20 at an appropriate position and orientation. The sensor 28 may also detect the length of the film 10 unwound in the first direction d1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 28 is located on the same side as the plate member 23. This same side as the plate member 23 is the side opposite to the side to which the head 30 approaches to hold the sheet 11 in the sheet supply device 20; in other words, it is the first side s5 of the clamp 22 in the second direction d2. The sensor 28 detects the position, orientation, etc. of the film 10 through a hole or the like (not shown) provided in the plate member 23. The sensor 28 is not limited to the illustrated example and may be located at any position. The sensor 28 is, for example, an imaging device such as a camera.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, alignment marks 10a are provided on the film 10. The sensor 28 can easily detect the position and orientation of the film 10 based on the alignment marks 10a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the alignment marks 10a are cross-shaped symbols provided on the film 10. The alignment marks 10a are not limited to the illustrated example and may have any shape. The alignment marks 10a may be part of a design provided on the film 10. In other words, the design provided on the film 10 may include the alignment marks 10a. The alignment marks 10a allow the film 10 to be positioned and oriented appropriately in accordance with the design provided on the film 10.

[0052] 5 schematically shows the head 30 and the drive unit 40. The head 30 appropriately holds the sheet 11. The head 30 may also hold the molded product 13. The head 30 is driven by the drive unit 40. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the head 30 has a holder 31, a heater 35, and a second holder 36.

[0053] The holding unit 31 receives the sheet 11 from the sheet supply device 20 and holds the sheet 11. To receive the sheet 11 from the sheet supply device 20, the holding unit 31 approaches the sheet supply device 20 from the second side s6 in the second direction d2. The head 30 is driven while the holding unit 31 holds the sheet 11. The holding unit 31 delivers the sheet 11 to a first mold 51 of the injection molding machine 50, which will be described later.

[0054] The holding portion 31 has a second uneven shape 31a. The second uneven shape 31a fits into the uneven shape 23a of the plate member 23. The second uneven shape 31a allows the holding portion 31 to hold the sheet 11, which has been deformed along the uneven shape 23a of the plate member 23, while maintaining the deformed shape.

[0055] The holder 31 has a holding means for holding the sheet 11 along the second uneven shape 31a. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the holding means is a second suction hole 31b that suctions the sheet 11. When the holder 31 is in contact with the sheet 11, air is sucked through the second suction hole 31b using a pump (not shown) or the like, allowing the holder 31 to suction and hold the sheet 11 at the second suction hole 31b. The second suction hole 31b is, for example, circular, with a diameter of 2 mm to 5 mm. Because the second suction hole 31b is sufficiently large, it can properly suction and hold the sheet 11. Because the second suction hole 31b is not too large, the possibility of foreign matter being sucked into the second suction hole 31b and causing problems is reduced. The holder 31 may have any holding means, not limited to the example shown.

[0056] The holding portion 31 has dimensions smaller than the sheet 11 so as to properly hold the sheet 11. The dimensions of the holding portion 31 may be, for example, a length in one direction of 18 cm or more and 148 cm or less, and a length in another direction perpendicular to the one direction of 15 cm or more and 100 cm or less.

[0057] The holding portion 31 is made of a material that is resistant to deformation so that it can hold the sheet 11 while maintaining the deformed shape. Since the sheet 11 held by the holding portion 31 is heated by the heater 35, the holding portion 31 is preferably made of a material that is resistant to thermal deformation. The holding portion 31 is made of, for example, aluminum or stainless steel. To protect the first die 51, the holding portion 31 may be provided with a protective member such as a silicone pad on its surface.

[0058] The heater 35 heats the sheet 11 held by the holding portion 31. The heater 35 is provided near the holding portion 31. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the heater 35 is provided on the opposite side of the holding portion 31 from the side that holds the sheet 11. In the example shown, the head 30 has a single heater 35, but may have multiple heaters 35. Multiple heaters 35 may be combined and arranged along the second concave-convex shape 31a of the holding portion 31.

[0059] The heater 35 heats the sheet 11 held in the holding unit 31 to, for example, 100°C or higher and 160°C or lower. The heater 35 heats the sheet 11 for at least a period from when the holding unit 31 receives the sheet 11 from the sheet supply device 20 until when the holding unit 31 delivers the sheet 11 to the injection molding machine 50. The heater 35 preferably has dimensions equal to or larger than the sheet 11 held in the holding unit 31 so that the entire sheet 11 held in the holding unit 31 can be uniformly heated. The head 30 can be rotated by the drive unit 40, for example, to change the vertical positional relationship between the sheet 11 held in the holding unit 31 and the heater 35. If there is a portion where the heater 35 and the sheet 11 held in the holding unit 31 are relatively far apart, the entire sheet 11 can be uniformly heated by increasing the temperature of the heater 35 in that portion. The entire sheet 11 can be heated more uniformly by covering the space between the sheet 11 held in the holding unit 31 and the heater 35 from the sides with an inorganic plate or the like.

[0060] The second holding unit 36 ​​receives the molded article 13 from a second mold 52 (described later) of the injection molding machine 50 and holds the molded article 13. The head 30 is driven while the second holding unit 36 ​​is holding the molded article 13. The second holding unit 36 ​​releases the molded article 13 at the collection position 90.

[0061] The second holding portion 36 has a third concave-convex shape 36a. The third concave-convex shape 36a fits into the concave-convex shape of the molded article 13. The third concave-convex shape 36a enables the second holding portion 36 to hold the molded article 13 appropriately.

[0062] The second holding section 36 has holding means for holding the molded article 13 along the third concave-convex shape 36a. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the holding means is a plurality of suction pads 36b that adsorb the molded article 13. By sucking air from the suction pads 36b while the second holding section 36 is in contact with the molded article 13, the second holding section 36 can adsorb and hold the molded article 13 on the suction pads 36b. The second holding section 36 is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and may have any holding means.

[0063] The drive unit 40 drives the head 30 to transport the sheet 11 held in the holding unit 31 of the head 30 from the sheet supply device 20 to the injection molding machine 50. The drive unit 40 may also drive the head 30 to transport the molded product 13 held in the second holding unit 36 ​​of the head 30 from the injection molding machine 50 to the collection position 90. The drive unit 40 is, for example, a so-called multi-axis robot arm. The drive unit 40 is detachably connected to the head 30. The head 30 connected to the drive unit 40 may be replaceable. By replacing the head 30, the shapes of the holding unit 31 and the second holding unit 36 ​​can be adjusted to match the shape of the molded product 13 to be molded by the molding system 1.

[0064] The drive device 40 drives the head 30 so that the holding section 31 of the head 30 receives the sheet 11 from the sheet supply device 20, transfers the sheet 11 from the holding section 31 to the first mold 51 of the injection molding machine 50, receives the molded product 13 from the second mold 52 at the second holding section 36, and transports the molded product 13 from the second holding section 36 to the collection position 90.

[0065] The injection molding machine 50 molds a molded article 13 by attaching a molded part 12 to the sheet 11 while deforming the sheet 11. The injection molding machine 50 accommodates the sheet 11 in an accommodation space and attaches a molded part 12 to the sheet 11 according to the shape of the accommodation space. This results in the molding of the molded article 13. The injection molding machine 50 has a first mold 51 and a second mold 52. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the head 30 is driven to be positioned between the first mold 51 and the second mold 52 of the injection molding machine 50. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first mold 51 is located on the first side s1 of the flow direction dF, and the second mold 52 is located on the second side s2 of the flow direction dF. After receiving the sheet 11 held by the holding portion 31 of the head 30 in the first mold 51, the injection molding machine 50 transfers the molded article 13 to the second holding portion 36 of the head 30 in the second mold 52. Alternatively, the first die 51 receives the sheet 11 held by the holding portion 31 of the head 30 , and the second die 52 simultaneously delivers the molded product 13 to the second holding portion 36 of the head 30 .

[0066] The first die 51 receives the sheet 11 from the holding portion 31. The first die 51 has a shape that mainly corresponds to the shape of the sheet 11 in the molded product 13. The shape of the first die 51 is a shape that forms an appropriate storage space between it and the second die 52. The first die 51 shapes the sheet 11 to the shape of the sheet 11 in the molded product 13. The second uneven shape 31a of the holding portion 31 has a shape that fits into the shape of the first die 51. This allows the first die 51 to receive the sheet 11 from the holding portion 31 while suppressing deformation such as stretching of the sheet 11.

[0067] 1, the first die 51 is located between the sheet feeding device 20 and the second die 52 in the flow direction dF. In other words, the sheet feeding device 20, the first die 51, and the second die 52 are arranged in this order in the flow direction dF.

[0068] The second die 52 delivers the molded product 13 to the second holding section 36. The second die 52 is shaped mainly to correspond to the shape of the molded part 12 in the molded product 13. The shape of the second die 52 is shaped to form an appropriate storage space between it and the first die 51.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1 , the second die 52 is located between the first die 51 and the collection position 90 in the flow direction dF. In other words, the first die 51, the second die 52, and the collection position 90 are arranged in this order along the flow direction dF. In this case, the head 30 handles the sheet 11 only on the first side s1 in the flow direction dF, so that the holding unit 31 of the head 30 can smoothly receive the sheet 11 from the sheet supply device 20 and then transfer it to the first die 51. Because the head 30 handles the molded product 13 only on the second side s2 in the flow direction dF, the second holding unit 36 ​​of the head 30 can smoothly receive the molded product 13 from the second die 52 and then release it at the collection position 90.

[0070] The second die 52 moves relative to the first die 51 in the flow direction dF and forms a storage space together with the first die 51. The first die 51 is fixed, in other words, it is preferable that the first die 51 does not move, and the holding unit 31 moves to the first side s1 in the flow direction dF to approach the first die 51, thereby delivering the sheet 11 to the first die 51. When the first die 51 is fixed, unintended deformation of the sheet 11 is less likely to occur due to the movement of the first die 51 before the molded part 12 is provided. The first die 51 may be unfixed and move to the second side s2 in the flow direction dF. Alternatively, both the first die 51 and the second die 52 may move in the flow direction dF.

[0071] The storage space formed between the first die 51 and the second die 52 has a shape corresponding to the molded article 13 to be molded by the injection molding machine 50. A vacuum is drawn from the first die 51 side, thereby shaping the sheet 11 into the desired shape. A thermoplastic resin such as ABS, PC-ABS, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or polypropylene heated to a high temperature is injected from the second die 52 side, and then the thermoplastic resin is cooled to form the molded part 12. The molded part 12 is formed in the shaped sheet 11, thereby forming the molded article 13.

[0072] The collection position 90 is a position for collecting the manufactured molded articles 13. The molded articles 13 collected at the collection position 90 are transported, for example, by a belt conveyor or the like.

[0073] An example of a method for manufacturing the molded product 13 using the molding system 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 to 11.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 2, in the sheet supply device 20, the roll-shaped film 10 is clamped by the first clamp 22a. The film 10 is unwound from the first side s3 to the second side s4 in the first direction d1. While the film 10 is unwound in the first direction d1, tension is applied to the film 10 from the first side in the first direction d1 by the tensioning means 21. When the first direction d1 is vertical, the film 10 is unwound from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction. The alignment mark 10a on the film 10 is detected by the sensor 28. Based on the detection of the alignment mark 10a by the sensor 28, the position, orientation, and unwound dimension of the film 10 are determined.

[0075] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, plate member 23 pushes film 10 clamped by first clamp 22a toward second side s6 in second direction d2. This causes film 10 to deform according to the shape of plate member 23. Then, roller 25 comes into contact with film 10. While in contact with film 10, roller 25 moves from second side s4 to first side s3 in first direction d1. Roller 25 presses film 10 against plate member 23 along concave-convex shape 23a of plate member 23. As shown in FIG. 8, film 10 deforms according to concave-convex shape 23a of plate member 23. As film 10 deforms according to concave-convex shape 23a, film 10 is pulled out appropriately so that the tension applied by tensioning means 21 remains constant.

[0076] In the portion of film 10 that has deformed along concave and convex shapes 23a of plate member 23, air is sucked through suction holes 23b of plate member 23, whereby plate member 23 sucks and fixes film 10 at suction holes 23b. In other words, air is sucked through suction holes 23b of plate member 23 sequentially from second side s4 to first side s3 in first direction d1 along the movement of roller 25.

[0077] Alternatively, at the portion of film 10 that has deformed to conform to uneven shape 23a of plate member 23, fixing claws (not shown) fix film 10 to plate member 23. After the entire film 10 has deformed to conform to uneven shape 23a of plate member 23, air is sucked through suction holes 23b of plate member 23, causing plate member 23 to suction and fix film 10 at suction holes 23b. The fixing claws then release film 10.

[0078] Thereafter, second clamp 22b clamps first side s3 of film 10 in first direction d1.

[0079] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the holding portion 31 of the head 30 approaches the sheet supplying device 20 from the second side s6 in the second direction d2. As shown in FIG. 10, the holding portion 31 comes into contact with the film 10. By sucking air through the second suction holes 31b of the holding portion 31, the holding portion 31 sucks and holds the film 10 at the second suction holes 31b. Then, the cutting means 27 cuts the first side s3 of the film 10 in the first direction d1, which is the second side s4 of the second clamp 22b. The film 10 held by the holding portion 31 becomes a sheet 11 of the specified dimensions. The suction of air through the suction holes 23b of the plate member 23 stops, and the plate member 23 no longer holds the film 10. The clamp 22 releases the sheet 11. Through the above steps, a sheet 11 of the specified dimensions is supplied from the sheet supplying device 20.

[0080] The sheet 11 supplied from the sheet supply device 20 is held in the holding section 31 of the head 30. Through the above-described process, the sheet 11 is smoothly held in the holding section 31. The head 30 is driven by the drive device 40 and moves away from the sheet supply device 20, as shown in FIG. 11 . The head 30 moves from the sheet supply device 20 to the injection molding machine 50. The sheet 11 held in the holding section 31 is transported from the sheet supply device 20 to the injection molding machine 50. The sheet 11 is heated by the heater 35 of the head 30 for at least a period from when it is held in the holding section 31 until it is delivered to the injection molding machine 50. It is preferable that the heater 35 heats the sheet 11 for a long period of time. Therefore, it is preferable that the sheet 11 be heated by the heater 35 throughout the entire period from when it is held in the holding section 31 until it is delivered to the injection molding machine 50. The temperature of the heater 35 is determined depending on the time the holding section 31 holds the sheet 11. For example, the temperature of the heater 35 is lowered as the holding unit 31 holds the sheet 11 for a longer period of time. The head 30 is driven by the drive device 40 to adjust the vertical positional relationship between the heater 35 and the sheet 11 held by the holding unit 31. For example, if it is desired to heat the sheet 11 more, the positional relationship is changed so that the heater 35 is vertically below the sheet 11. By adjusting the heating time by the heater 35 and the positional relationship between the heater 35 and the sheet 11, the sheet 11 can be appropriately heated. This allows the entire sheet 11 to be softened without causing problems such as the formation of blisters. By adjusting the vertical positional relationship of the sheet 11, it is possible to prevent the heated and softened sheet 11 from deforming due to its own weight.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, the head 30, which holds the softened sheet 11 in the holding portion 31, is positioned between the first mold 51 and the second mold 52 of the injection molding machine 50. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the entire head 30 is positioned between the first mold 51 and the second mold 52 in the flow direction dF. The holding portion 31 holding the sheet 11 faces toward the first mold 51, and the second holding portion 36, which receives the molded product 13, faces toward the second mold 52. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 31 faces a first side s1 in the flow direction dF, and the second holding portion 36 faces a second side s2 in the flow direction dF. The head 30 then approaches the first mold 51 and transfers the sheet 11 from the holding portion 31 to the first mold 51.

[0082] After delivering the sheet 11 to the first mold 51, the head 30 moves away from the injection molding machine 50. With the sheet 11 placed in the first mold 51, the sheet 11 is shaped into the first mold 51 by vacuuming. Then, the second mold 52 approaches the first mold 51. As a result, a storage space is formed between the first mold 51 and the second mold 52. By injecting a thermoplastic resin heated to a high temperature into the storage space, a molded part 12 having a shape corresponding to the storage space is provided on the sheet 11, and a molded product 13 is formed.

[0083] Thereafter, the second mold 52 moves away from the first mold 51. The molded article 13 is disposed in the second mold 52 and moves away from the first mold 51 together with the second mold 52. For example, because a portion of the molded part 12 is engaged with the second mold 52, the molded article 13 moves away from the first mold 51 together with the second mold 52. The head 30 is again positioned between the first mold 51 and the second mold 52 of the injection molding machine 50. The second holding portion 36 of the head 30 approaches the second mold 52, thereby transferring the molded article 13 to the second holding portion 36. After receiving the molded article 13, the second holding portion 36 moves away from the injection molding machine 50.

[0084] The second holding section 36 holds the molded article 13 by suction. The head 30 is driven by the drive unit 40 to transport the molded article 13 to the collection position 90 and release it.

[0085] Through the above steps, molded articles 13 each having molded parts 12 provided on a sheet 11 are manufactured and collected. By repeating this process, molded articles 13 can be manufactured continuously. In the above-described process, after the sheet 11 held by the holding unit 31 is delivered to the first mold 51, the molded article 13 may be delivered from the second mold 52 to the second holding unit 36 ​​before the head 30 leaves the injection molding machine 50.

[0086] <Second embodiment> The molding system 1 and the sheet conveying system 3 of the second embodiment will be described in detail. In the molding system 1 of the second embodiment, components that can be configured similarly to the molding system 1 of the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the first embodiment described above, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0087] 12 shows a side view of the sheet feeding device 20 according to the second embodiment. The sheet feeding device 20 according to the second embodiment includes a tensioning means 21, a clamp 22, a plate member 23, an elastic member 26, a cutting means 27, and a sensor 28.

[0088] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the plate member 23 extrudes the film 10 toward the second side s6 in the second direction d2. In the second embodiment, the plate member 23 includes a plurality of plate elements 24. Each plate element 24 independently extrudes the film 10 toward the second side s6 in the second direction d2. At least some of the plate elements 24 are aligned in the first direction d1. The plate elements 24 may be arranged two-dimensionally. In the example shown in FIG. 12, each plate element 24 has only one of the concave shape 24a or the convex shape 24b. In other words, the plate member 23 is divided into plate elements 24 for each of the concave shape 24a or the convex shape 24b among the concave and convex shapes 23a.

[0089] The elastic members 26 push the plate elements 24 toward the second side s6 in the second direction d2. The elastic members 26 are provided on each plate element 24. The elastic members 26 may be, for example, springs. The side of each elastic member 26 opposite to the side on which the plate element 24 is provided is fixed to a substrate or the like (not shown).

[0090] In the second embodiment, plate member 23 does not have to have suction holes 23b. Plate member 23 does not have to fix film 10.

[0091] An example of a method for manufacturing a molded product 13 using the molding system 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0092] As in the first embodiment, in sheet supply device 20, roll-shaped film 10 is clamped by first clamp 22a. Film 10 is unwound from first side s3 to second side s4 in first direction d1. While film 10 is unwound in first direction d1, tension is applied to film 10 from the first side in first direction d1 by tensioning means 21. Next, as shown in FIG. 12 , holding portion 31 of head 30 contacts film 10 from second side s6 in second direction d2 without deforming film 10. Plate member 23 contacts film 10 from first side s5 in second direction d2 without deforming film 10.

[0093] 13 to 17, the film 10 is pushed toward the second side s6 in the second direction d2 by the elastic member 26, starting from the plate elements 24 located on the second side s4 in the first direction d1 to the plate elements 24 located on the first side s3. The film 10 is clamped between each plate element 24 and the holding portion 31. The film 10 deforms along the concave and convex shapes 24a and 24b of the plate elements 24, i.e., along the concave and convex shapes 23a of the plate member 23. The second clamp 22b then clamps the first side s3 in the first direction d1 of the film 10.

[0094] By sucking air through second suction holes 31b of holding unit 31, holding unit 31 suctions and holds film 10 at second suction holes 31b. Then, cutting means 27 cuts film 10 on first side s3 in first direction d1, which is on second side s4 of second clamp 22b. Film 10 held by holding unit 31 becomes sheet 11 of a predetermined size. Clamp 22 releases sheet 11. Through the above process, sheet 11 of a predetermined size is supplied from sheet supply device 20.

[0095] The sheet 11 supplied from the sheet supply device 20 is held by the holding portion 31 of the head 30. As in the first embodiment, a molding part 12 is provided on the sheet 11 in the injection molding machine 50, and a molded product 13 is formed. The molded product 13 is transported to the collection position 90.

[0096] <Third embodiment> The molding system 1 and the sheet conveying system 3 of the third embodiment will be described in detail. In the molding system 1 of the third embodiment, components that can be configured similarly to the molding system 1 of the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the first embodiment described above, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0097] 18 shows a sheet supplying device 20 and a head 30 according to a third embodiment. The sheet supplying device 20 according to the third embodiment includes a tensioning means 21, a clamp 22, a plate member 23, a cutting means 27, and a sensor 28. The head 30 according to the third embodiment includes a holding portion 31, a second elastic member 33, and a heater 35. Although not shown in FIG. 18, the head 30 according to the third embodiment further includes a second holding portion 36, similar to the head 30 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0098] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the holding portion 31 of the head 30 receives the sheet 11 from the sheet feeder 20 and holds the sheet 11. To receive the sheet 11 from the sheet feeder 20, the holding portion 31 approaches the sheet feeder 20 from the second side s6 in the second direction d2. In the third embodiment, the holding portion 31 includes multiple holding elements 32. Each holding element 32 independently holds the film 10 on the first side s5 in the second direction d2. Each holding element 32 has a second suction hole 31b. At least some of the holding elements 32 are aligned in the first direction d1. The holding elements 32 may be arranged two-dimensionally. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , each holding element 32 has only one of the second concave shape 32a or the second convex shape 32b. In other words, the holding portion 31 is divided into holding elements 32 for each of the second concave shape 32a or the second convex shape 32b of the second concave-convex shape 31a.

[0099] The second elastic member 33 pushes the holding element 32 toward the first side s5 in the second direction d2. The second elastic member 33 is provided to each holding element 32. The second elastic member 33 may be, for example, a spring. The side of each second elastic member 33 opposite to the side where it is provided to the holding element 32 is fixed to a substrate or the like. As in the illustrated example, the side of each second elastic member 33 opposite to the side where it is provided to the holding element 32 may be fixed to the heater 35. The second elastic member 33 may be fixed to the heater 35 via a heat insulating member. The heat insulating member protects the second elastic member 33 from the heat of the heater 35, thereby suppressing deterioration of the second elastic member 33 due to heat.

[0100] In the third embodiment, plate member 23 does not have to have suction holes 23b. Plate member 23 does not have to fix film 10.

[0101] An example of a method for manufacturing a molded product 13 using the molding system 1 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0102] As in the first embodiment, in sheet supply device 20, roll-shaped film 10 is clamped by first clamp 22a. Film 10 is unwound from first side s3 to second side s4 in first direction d1. While film 10 is unwound in first direction d1, tension is applied to film 10 from the first side in first direction d1 by tensioning means 21. Next, as shown in FIG. 18 , plate member 23 contacts film 10 from first side s5 in second direction d2 without deforming film 10. Holding portion 31 of head 30 contacts film 10 from second side s6 in second direction d2 without deforming film 10.

[0103] 19 to 23, the second elastic member 33 holds the film 10 on the second side s6 in the second direction d2, starting from the holding elements 32 located on the second side s4 in the first direction d1 to the holding elements 32 located on the first side s5. The film 10 is clamped between each holding element 32 and the plate member 23. The film 10 deforms along the second concave shape 32a and the second convex shape 32b of the holding elements 32, i.e., along the second concave-convex shape 31a of the holding portion 31. The second concave-convex shape 31a of the holding portion 31 fits into the concave-convex shape 23a of the plate member 23. The film 10 also deforms along the concave-convex shape 23a of the plate member 23. The second clamp 22b then clamps the first side s3 in the first direction d1 of the film 10.

[0104] By sucking air through second suction holes 31b of holding unit 31, holding unit 31 suctions and holds film 10 at second suction holes 31b. Then, cutting means 27 cuts film 10 on first side s3 in first direction d1, which is on second side s4 of second clamp 22b. Film 10 held by holding unit 31 becomes sheet 11 of a predetermined size. Clamp 22 releases sheet 11. Through the above process, sheet 11 of a predetermined size is supplied from sheet supply device 20.

[0105] The sheet 11 supplied from the sheet supply device 20 is held by the holding portion 31 of the head 30. As in the first embodiment, a molding part 12 is provided on the sheet 11 in the injection molding machine 50, and a molded product 13 is formed. The molded product 13 is transported to the collection position 90.

[0106] For example, when multiple molded parts are formed on a single sheet, the mold of the injection molding machine may have a complex shape. When the mold of the injection molding machine has a complex shape, the sheet may be stretched and deformed due to the shape of the mold when it is transferred from the holding portion of the head to the mold. By designing the holding portion to fit into the mold of the injection molding machine, deformation of the sheet when it is transferred from the holding portion to the mold can be suppressed. When the holding portion has a complex shape that fits into a mold with a complex shape, the shape of the holding portion may cause the sheet to be stretched and deformed when it is held in the holding portion. In particular, if the sheet deforms when it is held in the holding portion, the sheet is more likely to be stretched when heated by the heater of the head. When the sheet is stretched and deformed, the design on the sheet is also stretched. This may result in the molding of a molded product with an unintended design.

[0107] The sheet supply device 20 of the first embodiment has a roller 25. The roller 25 presses the film 10 against the plate member 23 along the uneven shape 23a of the plate member 23. As the film 10 is pressed against the plate member 23 by the roller 25, it deforms along the uneven shape 23a. When the film 10 deforms along the uneven shape 23a, in other words, while the roller 25 presses the film 10 against the plate member 23, the film 10 is appropriately pulled out so that the tension applied by the tensioning means 21 is kept constant. Therefore, the film 10 forming the sheet 11 is less likely to be stretched when it deforms along the uneven shape 23a. In other words, the stretching of the film 10 when it deforms to form the sheet 11 can be suppressed. A design provided on the sheet 11 is less likely to be stretched. The intended design can be easily provided on the molded product 13.

[0108] The roller 25 presses the film 10 against the plate member 23 from the second side s4 to the first side s3 in the first direction d1. The tensioning means 21 applies tension to the film 10 from the first side s3 in the first direction d1. Because the roller 25 is moved toward the side where tension is being applied, the film 10 is easily pulled out from the portion of the film 10 where it is deforming. This makes it possible to suppress elongation of the film 10 when it deforms to form the sheet 11.

[0109] Plate member 23 has two or more concave and convex shapes. If film 10 is extruded onto plate member 23, which has a complex shape with many concaves and convexities, sheet 11 is likely to be stretched when held by holding portion 31. When plate member 23 has two or more concave and convex shapes, pressing film 10 against plate member 23 with roller 25 can particularly effectively suppress stretching of film 10 when film 10 deforms.

[0110] In the sheet supply device 20 of the second embodiment, the plate member 23 includes multiple plate elements 24 that independently push the film 10 in the second direction d2. The film 10 is clamped between the plate elements 24 and the holding portion 31. The film 10 deforms along the concave and convex shapes 24a and 24b of the plate elements 24, i.e., along the concave and convex shapes 23a of the plate member 23. When the film 10 deforms along the concave and convex shapes 23a, in other words, when each plate element 24 pushes the film 10, the film 10 is appropriately pulled out so that the tension applied by the pulling means 21 remains constant. Therefore, the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 is less likely to be stretched when it deforms along the concave and convex shapes 23a. In other words, the stretching of the film 10 during deformation of the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 can be suppressed. The design provided on the sheet 11 is less likely to be stretched. The intended design can be easily provided on the molded product 13.

[0111] At least some of the multiple plate elements 24 are aligned in the first direction d1. The tensioning means 21 applies tension to the film 10 from the first side s3 in the first direction d1. Because the multiple plate elements 24 are aligned on the side where tension is being applied, when each plate element 24 pushes out the film 10, the film 10 is more likely to be pulled out from the portion of the film 10 that is deforming. This makes it possible to suppress elongation of the film 10 when the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 is deformed.

[0112] The plate elements 24 of the plate member 23 extrude the film 10 in the second direction d2 in the order from the plate element 24 located on the second side s4 in the first direction d1 to the plate element 24 located on the first side s3. Because each plate element 24 extrudes the film 10 in order toward the side to which tension is being applied, the film 10 is easily pulled out toward the portion of the film 10 that is deforming. This makes it possible to suppress the elongation of the film 10 when the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 is deformed.

[0113] The sheet feeding device 20 has a plurality of elastic members 26 attached to the plate elements 24. The elastic members 26 allow the plate elements 24 to be pushed out appropriately. The deformation of the film 10 caused by pushing out with excessive force is suppressed.

[0114] When a plate element has both a concave and a convex shape, the film is pulled between the convex shape of one plate element and the convex shape of the adjacent plate element. As a result, the film stretches between the convex shape of one plate element and the convex shape of the adjacent plate element. To suppress stretching of the film 10, it is preferable that each plate element 24 has only one of the concave shape 24a or the convex shape 24b.

[0115] The uneven shape 23a is formed along the first direction d1. The pulling means 21 applies tension to the film 10 from the first side s3 in the first direction d1. In the sheet supplying device 20 of the above-described embodiment, when the film 10 deforms along the uneven shape 23a, the film 10 is easily pulled out so that the tension applied by the pulling means 21 is kept constant. Therefore, the film 10 forming the sheet 11 is less likely to be stretched when it deforms along the uneven shape 23a.

[0116] The first direction d1 is the vertical direction, and the cutting means 27 cuts the lower side of the film 10 in the vertical direction. When the film 10 is cut by the cutting means 27, scraps of the film 10 are prevented from adhering to the sheet 11. This prevents the molded product 13 from having defects in appearance, such as dents or swellings caused by scraps.

[0117] Plate member 23 has suction holes 23b that suction film 10. By sucking air through suction holes 23b, plate member 23 can easily fix film 10. Fixing film 10 using suction holes 23b is preferable because it does not interfere with holding sheet 11 from sheet supply device 20 in holding portion 31 of head 30.

[0118] In the third embodiment of the sheet conveying system 3, the holding section 31 includes a plurality of holding elements 32 that independently hold the sheet 11. The film 10 is clamped between the plate member 23 and the holding elements 32. The film 10 deforms along the concave-convex shape 23a of the plate member 23. When the film 10 deforms along the concave-convex shape 23a, in other words, when each holding element 32 pushes the film 10 out using the second elastic member 33 or the like, the film 10 is appropriately pulled out so as to maintain a constant tension from the pulling means 21. Therefore, the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 is less likely to be stretched when it deforms along the concave-convex shape 23a. In other words, the stretching of the film 10 can be suppressed when the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 deforms. A design provided on the sheet 11 is less likely to be stretched. The intended design can be easily provided on the molded product 13.

[0119] At least some of the holding elements 32 are aligned in the first direction d1. The tensioning means 21 applies tension to the film 10 from the first side s3 in the first direction d1. Because multiple holding elements 32 are aligned on the side applying tension, when each holding element 32 pushes out the film 10 using the second elastic member 33, the film 10 is more likely to be pulled out from the portion of the film 10 that is deforming. This makes it possible to suppress elongation of the film 10 when the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 is deformed.

[0120] The holding elements 32 of the holding unit 31 hold the film 10 in the order from the holding element 32 located on the second side s4 in the first direction d1 to the holding element 32 located on the first side s3. Because each holding element 32 holds the film 10 in order toward the side to which tension is being applied, the film 10 is easily pulled out from the portion of the film 10 that is deforming. This makes it possible to suppress elongation of the film 10 when the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 is deformed.

[0121] The head 30 has a plurality of second elastic members 33 provided on each holding element 32. The second elastic members 33 allow the holding elements 32 to be pushed out appropriately. Deformation of the film 10 caused by pushing out with excessive force is suppressed.

[0122] When a holding element has both a concave and a convex shape, the film is pulled between the convex shape of one holding element and the convex shape of the adjacent holding element. As a result, the film stretches between the convex shape of one holding element and the convex shape of the adjacent holding element. To suppress stretching of the film 10, each holding element 32 preferably has only one of the second concave shape 32a or the second convex shape 32b.

[0123] The holding portion 31 has a second uneven shape 31a that fits with the uneven shape 23a of the plate member 23. When the holding portion 31 of the head 30 holds the sheet 11 from the sheet supply device 20, the sheet 11 is less likely to move between the plate member 23 and the holding portion 31. This prevents the sheet 11 from deforming from the shape that follows the uneven shape 23a.

[0124] Holding portion 31 has second suction holes 31b that suction-hold sheet 11. By sucking air through second suction holes 31b, holding portion 31 can easily hold film 10.

[0125] The head 30 has a heater 35 that heats the sheet 11 held in the holding unit 31. The heater 35 can heat the sheet 11 while the sheet 11 is being held in the holding unit 31 and transported. This allows the sheet 11 to soften before being delivered to the injection molding machine 50. This eliminates the time required for the injection molding machine 50 to heat and soften the sheet 11. This improves the efficiency of molding the molded product 13 and, ultimately, the production efficiency of the molded product 13. By having the heater 35 heat the sheet 11 while the sheet 11 is being held in the holding unit 31 and transported, the heating time for the sheet 11 can be sufficiently extended. In order to shorten the overall process of manufacturing the molded product 13 in the molding system 1, there is no need to rapidly heat the sheet 11, so defects such as the formation of blisters on the sheet 11 due to rapid heating are less likely to occur.

[0126] As described above, the sheet supplying device 20 of the first embodiment is a sheet supplying device that supplies sheet 11 and includes tensioning means 21 that applies tension to film 10 from first side s3 in first direction d1, plate member 23 that has an uneven shape 23a and extrudes film 10 in second direction d2 that is non-parallel to first direction d1, roller 25 that presses film 10 against plate member 23 along uneven shape 23a, and cutting means 27 that cuts film 10. With this sheet supplying device 20, while roller 25 presses film 10 against plate member 23, film 10 is appropriately pulled out so that the tension applied by tensioning means 21 is kept constant. This makes it possible to suppress elongation of film 10 when it deforms to form sheet 11.

[0127] The sheet supplying device 20 of the second embodiment is a sheet supplying device that supplies a sheet 11 and includes a tensioning means 21 that applies tension to the film 10 from a first side s3 in a first direction d1, a plate member 23 having an uneven shape 23a that extrudes the film 10 in a second direction d2 that is non-parallel to the first direction d1, and a cutting means 27 that cuts the film 10, and the plate member 23 includes a plurality of plate elements 24 that independently extrude the film 10 in the second direction d2. With this sheet supplying device 20, when each plate element 24 extrudes the film 10, the film 10 is appropriately pulled out so that the tension applied by the tensioning means 21 is kept constant. This makes it possible to suppress elongation of the film 10 when the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 is deformed.

[0128] The sheet conveying system 3 of the third embodiment includes a sheet supplying device 20 that supplies the sheet 11, a head 30 having a holding section 31 that holds the sheet 11, and a drive device 40 that drives the head 30, and the holding section 31 includes a plurality of holding elements 32 that independently hold the sheet 11. According to this sheet conveying system 3, when each holding element 32 pushes out the film 10 using the second elastic member 33 or the like, the film 10 is appropriately pulled out so that the tension applied by the pulling means 21 is kept constant. This makes it possible to suppress elongation of the film 10 when the film 10 that forms the sheet 11 is deformed.

[0129] The aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, but include various modifications that may be conceived by those skilled in the art, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to the details of the above-described embodiments. In other words, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention that is derived from the details defined in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1. Molding System 3 Sheet transport system 5 Clean Booth 10 Film 10a Alignment Mark 11 sheets 12 Molded parts 13 Molded products 20 Sheet feeding device 21 Pulling means 22 Clamp 22a First clamp 22b Second clamp 23 Plate member 23a Uneven shape 23b Adsorption hole 24 Plate Elements 24a concave shape 24b Convex shape 25 Roller 26 Elastic member 27 Cutting means 28 Sensors 30 heads 31 Holding part 31a 2nd uneven shape 31b 2nd suction hole 32 Retention element 32a 2nd concave shape 32b 2nd convex shape 33 Second elastic member 35 Heater 36 Second holding part 40 Drive unit 50 injection molding machine 51 Type 1 52 Type 2 90 Collection Location

Claims

1. A sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet, a tensioning means for applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; a plate member having an uneven shape and extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction; a roller that presses the film against the plate member along the uneven shape; and cutting means for cutting the film.

2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1 , wherein the roller presses the film against the plate member from the second side to the first side in the first direction.

3. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate member has two or more concave shapes and two or more convex shapes.

4. A sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet, a tensioning means for applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; a plate member having an uneven shape and extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction; cutting means for cutting the film; The plate member includes a plurality of plate elements that independently push the film in the second direction.

5. The sheet feeding device according to claim 4 , wherein at least some of the plurality of plate elements are aligned in the first direction.

6. The sheet feeding device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a plurality of elastic members provided on the plate element.

7. 7. A sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each plate element has either only a concave or only a convex shape.

8. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1 , wherein the concave and convex shapes are formed along the first direction.

9. the first direction is a vertical direction, The sheet supplying device according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting means cuts the lower side of the film in the vertical direction.

10. The sheet supplying device according to claim 1 , wherein the plate member has suction holes for suctioning the film.

11. A sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a head having a holding portion for holding the sheet; a drive device that drives the head, The holding portion has a second concave-convex shape that fits with the concave-convex shape of the plate member.

12. a sheet feeding device that feeds sheets; a head having a holding portion for holding the sheet; a drive device that drives the head, A sheet transport system, wherein the holding section includes a plurality of holding elements that independently hold the sheet.

13. the sheet feeding device has a tensioning means for applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; The sheet transport system of claim 12 , wherein at least some of the retaining elements are aligned in the first direction.

14. The sheet transport system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second elastic members provided on each holding element.

15. the sheet feeding device has a plate member having an uneven shape; The sheet conveying system according to claim 12 , wherein the holding portion has a second concave-convex shape that fits with the concave-convex shape of the plate member.

16. 16. The sheet transport system of claim 15, wherein each retaining element has only one of the second concave shape or the second convex shape.

17. The sheet conveying system according to claim 11 , wherein the holding portion has a second suction hole that adsorbs the sheet.

18. The sheet transport system according to claim 11 , wherein the head further includes a heater that heats the sheet held by the holding portion.

19. A sheet transport system according to any one of claims 11 to 18; an injection molding machine that molds a molded product in a storage space that stores the sheet.

20. applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction with a plate member; a step of moving a roller from the second side to the first side in the first direction to press the film against the plate member along the uneven shape of the plate member; and cutting the film into sheets.

21. applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction with a plate member; and cutting the film into sheets. A method for supplying a sheet, wherein the step of extruding the film by the plate member includes a step of extruding the film in the second direction using a plurality of plate elements of the plate member in the order from the plate element located on the second side of the first direction to the plate element located on the first side.

22. applying tension to the film from a first side in a first direction; extruding the film in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction with a plate member; a step of holding the film with a holding portion; cutting the film into sheets; and driving a head having the holding portion, A method for conveying a sheet, wherein the process of the holding portion holding the film includes a process in which the holding elements of the holding portion hold the film in the order from the holding element located on the second side of the first direction to the holding element located on the first side.

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