U.S. patent application number 13/019750 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-07 for resin forming method and resin forming apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to TECHNO POLYMER CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Koichi Abe, Shinichi Iso, Fumio KURIHARA, Masamitsu Takami.
Application Number | 20110163481 13/019750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38048569 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110163481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KURIHARA; Fumio ; et
al. |
July 7, 2011 |
RESIN FORMING METHOD AND RESIN FORMING APPARATUS
Abstract
The present invention presents a resin forming method and a
resin forming apparatus 1 for obtaining a resin formed product, by
filling a cavity 21 of a rubber-made mold 2 with a thermoplastic
resin 3, and cooling this thermoplastic resin 3. When filling the
cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin 3, electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 is used, and electromagnetic waves having an
intensity peak in a wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m are
irradiated to the thermoplastic resin 3 from the surface of the
mold 2, and thereby the thermoplastic resin 3 is heated selectively
from the mold 2. The thermoplastic resin 3 is an ABS resin which
either a noncrystalline thermoplastic resin, or is a rubber
modified thermoplastic resin.
Inventors: |
KURIHARA; Fumio; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Takami; Masamitsu; (Tokyo, JP) ; Abe;
Koichi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Iso; Shinichi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
TECHNO POLYMER CO., LTD.
Minato-ku
JP
Nihon Rex Co., Ltd.
Shinjuku-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
38048569 |
Appl. No.: |
13/019750 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12092828 |
Jul 9, 2008 |
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PCT/JP2006/322703 |
Nov 15, 2006 |
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13019750 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
264/492 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 33/06 20130101;
B29C 45/1701 20130101; B29C 35/0888 20130101; B29C 35/0894
20130101; B29C 2791/006 20130101; B29K 2055/02 20130101; B29C
33/405 20130101; B29C 2035/0822 20130101; B29C 39/42 20130101; B29C
35/0805 20130101; B29C 39/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
264/492 |
International
Class: |
B29C 35/08 20060101
B29C035/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 15, 2005 |
JP |
2005 330672 |
Feb 15, 2006 |
JP |
2006 037674 |
Feb 15, 2006 |
JP |
2006 037675 |
Jul 10, 2006 |
JP |
2006 189411 |
Aug 18, 2006 |
JP |
2006 223352 |
Claims
1. A resin forming method for obtaining a resin formed product by
filling a cavity of a rubber-made mold with a thermoplastic resin
and cooling the thermoplastic resin, wherein the thermoplastic
resin is heated by irradiating electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 2
.mu.m in wavelength to the thermoplastic resin from the surface of
the mold when filling the cavity with the thermoplastic resin.
2. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein
electromagnetic wave generating means for outputting
electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in wavelength, and a
filter for decreasing the transmission amount of electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength are used, and the
electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic wave
generating means are passed through the filter, and the
transmission electromagnetic waves after passing through the filter
are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin through the mold, and
thereby the thermoplastic resin is heated, when filling the cavity
with the thermoplastic resin.
3. The resin forming method according to claim 1, comprising: a
vacuum step of vacuating the cavity in the rubber-made mold, a
filling step of filling the vacuated cavity with a melted
thermoplastic resin, and a cooling step of cooling the
thermoplastic resin in the cavity and obtaining the resin formed
product, wherein the filling step is characterized by heating the
thermoplastic resin by irradiating electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to
2 .mu.m in wavelength to the thermoplastic resin through the
mold.
4. The resin forming method according to claim 1, comprising: a
vacuum step of vacuating the cavity in the rubber-made mold, a
filling step of filling the vacuated cavity with a melted
thermoplastic resin, and a cooling step of cooling the
thermoplastic resin in the cavity and obtaining the resin formed
product, wherein the filling step is characterized by using
electromagnetic wave generating means for outputting
electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in wavelength, and a
filter for decreasing the transmission amount of electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength, and the electromagnetic
waves output from the electromagnetic wave generating means are
passed through the filter, and the transmission electromagnetic
waves after passing through the filter are irradiated to the
thermoplastic resin through the mold, and thereby the thermoplastic
resin is heated.
5. The resin forming method according to claim 2, wherein the
filter is a quartz glass capable of decreasing the transmission
amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength.
6. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein the
electromagnetic waves have an intensity peak in a wavelength region
of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m.
7. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein the
thermoplastic resin is heated to a higher temperature than the
mold.
8. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein the
thermoplastic resin in a melted state is cast into the cavity of
the mold, and the viscosity of the thermoplastic resin in the
melted state is prevented from becoming higher than 5000 Poise.
9. The resin forming method according to claim 3, wherein the mold
is disposed in a pressure vessel capable of increasing and
decreasing in pressure, and the pressure in the pressure vessel is
decreased at the vacuum step to vacuate the cavity, and after the
thermoplastic resin is cast into the cavity at the filling step,
the inside of the pressure vessel is increased in pressure from the
vacuum state.
10. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein the
thermoplastic resin before being filled into the cavity is a resin
solid material formed larger than in a capacity for filling in the
cavity, and the cavity is filled with the thermoplastic resin
melted from the resin solid material, by making use of the own
gravity of the thermoplastic resin.
11. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein an
absorbance of the thermoplastic resin is larger than an absorbance
of the rubber-made mold.
12. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein the
thermoplastic resin is a noncrystalline thermoplastic resin.
13. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein the
thermoplastic resin is a rubber modified thermoplastic resin.
14. The resin forming method according to claim 1, wherein the mold
is formed of silicone rubber.
15-27. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a resin forming method and
a resin forming apparatus for obtaining a resin formed product from
a thermoplastic resin.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A thermoplastic resin is formed by various methods, and is
used as a formed product. Various forming methods are practically
realized depending on the crystallinity, amorphous property, or
melt viscosity, or shape of formed product, including injection
forming, blow forming, extrusion forming, and press forming.
[0003] Depending on the type of the thermoplastic resin or the
shape of formed products, the temperature of the thermoplastic
resin may drop in the forming process, and the melt viscosity
rises, and the desired formed product may not be obtained. As an
improving method, it is proposed to heat the forming mold for
forming a formed product by a heater or the like.
[0004] For example, in the resin forming method disclosed in patent
document 1, the melted thermoplastic resin is cast into a cavity of
a mold made of silicone rubber, and the thermoplastic resin is
cooled, and a formed product is obtained. In order to obtain a
resin formed product excellent in surface precision and surface
gloss easily, the composition of the mold made of silicone rubber
is modified.
[0005] In the conventional resin forming method, however,
especially in an end portion of the cavity to be filled with the
thermoplastic resin, the temperature of the thermoplastic resin to
be formed is likely to decline, and the viscosity of the
thermoplastic resin may be raised. In such a case, in the cavity of
the mold, insufficient filling with the thermoplastic resin may
occur.
[0006] In patent document 1, meanwhile, the heat resisting
temperature of silicone rubber is about 200.degree. C., and if the
heating temperature by the heater or the like is raised in order to
prevent decline of temperature of the resin, the mold of silicone
rubber deteriorates, and the surface appearance of the formed
product formed from this mold may be poor.
[0007] For example, in the manufacturing method and its apparatus
of a resin formed product disclosed in patent document 2, in the
process of obtaining a formed product by charging a granular or
powder metal aggregate and the thermoplastic resin in a mold frame,
metal heating means is used for heating the metal aggregate
locally. In this manufacturing method, from the metal heating
means, microwaves or electromagnetic waves are irradiated to the
metal aggregate in the mold frame, and the metal aggregate is
heated, and the generated heat from the metal aggregate is utilized
for softening or melting the thermoplastic resin in the mold frame,
and the resin formed product is pressed and formed.
[0008] However, the technology in patent document 2 is a technology
of heating the metal aggregate selectively, not heating the
thermoplastic resin itself. Further, by the metal heating means,
the mold frame is also heated when heating the metal aggregate.
Therefore, the thermoplastic resin only cannot be heated
selectively without heating the mold frame substantially.
[0009] For example, patent document 3 discloses a forming method of
filling with the thermoplastic resin by vacuum injection
method.
Patent document 1: JP 7-178754 Examined Patent Publication (Kokoku)
Patent document 2: JP 10-193370 Examined Patent Publication
(Kokoku) Patent document 3: JP 2002-59468 Examined Patent
Publication (Kokoku)
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0010] The present invention has been accomplished in view of the
conventional problems, and its object is to provide a resin forming
method and a resin forming apparatus capable of heating selectively
a thermoplastic resin in a cavity of a rubber-made mold, and
obtaining a favorable resin formed product.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0011] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a resin
forming method for obtaining a resin formed product by filling a
cavity of a rubber-made mold with a thermoplastic resin and cooling
the thermoplastic resin,
[0012] wherein the thermoplastic resin is heated by irradiating
electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m in wavelength to the
thermoplastic resin from the surface of the mold when filling the
cavity with the thermoplastic resin.
[0013] In the resin forming method of the present invention, by
using the rubber-made mold, when forming a resin formed product
made of a thermoplastic resin, the thermoplastic resin in the mold
can be heated selectively to the mold.
[0014] That is, when forming a resin formed product, the cavity of
the rubber-made mold is filled with the thermoplastic resin. In
this filling process, an electromagnetic wave of wavelength of 0.78
to 2 .mu.m (hereinafter it may be called near-infrared ray of
wavelength of 2 .mu.m or less) is irradiated to the thermoplastic
resin from the surface of the mold. At this time, due to difference
in properties between the rubber of the mold and the thermoplastic
resin, the thermoplastic resin may be heated more than the mold
made of rubber.
[0015] As a result, until the cavity is fully filled with the
thermoplastic resin, the temperature of the thermoplastic resin in
the cavity may be kept higher than the temperature of the mold.
[0016] Hence, according to the resin molding method of the present
invention, the thermoplastic resin in the cavity may be heated
selectively from the rubber-made mold, and insufficient filling of
the cavity with the thermoplastic resin may be prevented, and a
favorable resin formed product is obtained.
[0017] By the near-infrared ray of wavelength of 2 .mu.m or less,
as compared with the rubber-made mold, the thermoplastic resin may
be heated selectively, and its reason may be considered as
follows.
[0018] That is, the near-infrared ray of wavelength of 2 .mu.m or
less irradiated to the surface of the rubber-made mold is mostly
reflected on the surface of the mold or passed through the mold,
but is mostly absorbed in the thermoplastic resin. Accordingly, it
is considered that the energy of the light of the near-infrared ray
of wavelength of 2 .mu.m or less is preferentially absorbed by the
thermoplastic resin, so that the thermoplastic resin is heated
selectively.
[0019] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a resin
forming apparatus including a rubber-made mold having a cavity to
be filled with a thermoplastic resin, and electromagnetic wave
generating means for heating the thermoplastic resin by irradiating
electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m in wavelength to the
thermoplastic resin from the surface of the mold, when filling the
cavity with the thermoplastic resin.
[0020] The resin forming apparatus of the present invention is an
apparatus for forming a resin formed product composed of a
thermoplastic resin by using a rubber-made mold, and also capable
of heating the thermoplastic resin in the mold selectively.
[0021] That is, the resin forming apparatus of the present
invention has the rubber-made mold, and the electromagnetic wave
generating means for irradiating an electromagnetic wave in a
wavelength of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m. When filling the cavity of the
rubber-made mold with thermoplastic resin, a near-infrared ray of
wavelength of 2 .mu.m or less is irradiated to the thermoplastic
resin from the surface of the mold by means of the electromagnetic
wave generating means. At this time, due to difference in
properties between the rubber of the mold and the thermoplastic
resin, the thermoplastic resin may be heated more than the mold
made of rubber.
[0022] As a result, until the cavity is fully filled with the
thermoplastic resin, the temperature of the thermoplastic resin in
the cavity is kept higher than the temperature of the mold.
[0023] Hence, according to the resin forming apparatus of the
present invention, the thermoplastic resin in the cavity is heated
selectively from the rubber-made mold, and defective filling of the
cavity with the thermoplastic resin is prevented, and a favorable
resin formed product may be obtained.
[0024] The reason is assumed the same as in the first aspect of the
present invention that the thermoplastic resin may be heated
selectively by means of the near-infrared ray of wavelength of 2
.mu.m or less as compared with the rubber-made mold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a resin forming
apparatus in embodiment 1.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a graph showing transmissivity of light of
transparent silicone rubber and translucent silicone rubber, in
which the wavelength (nm) is plotted on the axis of abscissas and
the transmissivity (%) of the light is plotted on the axis of
ordinates, in embodiment 1.
[0027] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the resin forming
apparatus in embodiment 2.
[0028] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the resin forming
apparatus before filling the mold with the thermoplastic resin in
embodiment 3.
[0029] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the resin forming
apparatus in which a resin solid material is dropped into a resin
receiving part provided in the mold in embodiment 3.
[0030] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the resin forming
apparatus in which the mold is filled with the thermoplastic resin
in embodiment 3.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a resin solid material in
embodiment 3.
[0032] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the resin forming
apparatus in which the mold is filled with the thermoplastic resin
in embodiment 4.
[0033] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the resin forming
apparatus used in confirmation test 1.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a sectional explanatory diagram of the resin
forming apparatus in which the cavity of the mold is filled with
the thermoplastic resin in embodiment 5.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a sectional explanatory diagram of the resin
forming apparatus before the cavity of the mold is filled with the
thermoplastic resin in embodiment 5.
[0036] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a cavity forming state
in the mold in embodiment 5.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective explanatory diagram of the cavity
forming state in the mold in embodiment 5.
[0038] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an opened state of
other mold different in parting line in embodiment 5.
[0039] FIG. 15 is a sectional explanatory diagram of the resin
forming apparatus in embodiment 6.
[0040] FIG. 16 is a sectional explanatory diagram of other resin
forming apparatus in embodiment 6.
[0041] FIG. 17 is a sectional explanatory diagram of another resin
forming apparatus in embodiment 6.
[0042] FIG. 18 is a sectional explanatory diagram of the resin
forming apparatus in which the cavity of the mold is filled with
the thermoplastic resin in embodiment 7.
[0043] FIG. 19 is a sectional explanatory diagram of the resin
forming apparatus before the cavity of the mold is filled with the
thermoplastic resin in embodiment 7.
[0044] FIG. 20 is a sectional explanatory diagram around a filter
in a pressure vessel in embodiment 7.
[0045] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the cavity forming
state in the mold in embodiment 7.
[0046] FIG. 22 is a graph showing transmissivity of light of in a
filter forming a gap (water membrane) in a thickness of 1 mm, in
which the wavelength (nm) is plotted on the axis of abscissas and
the transmissivity (%) is plotted on the axis of ordinates, in
embodiment 7.
[0047] FIG. 23 is a graph showing transmissivity of light of in a
filter forming a gap (water membrane) in a thickness of 3 mm, in
which the wavelength (nm) is plotted on the axis of abscissas and
the transmissivity (%) is plotted on the axis of ordinates, in
embodiment 7.
[0048] FIG. 24 is a sectional explanatory diagram of the resin
forming apparatus in a filter disposed at the outer side of a
container of a transparent window made of pressure-proof glass in
embodiment 7.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0049] Preferred embodiments of the first and second aspects of the
present invention are specifically described below.
[0050] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
the electromagnetic wave to be irradiated to the thermoplastic
resin through the mold is not limited to electromagnetic waves in a
waveform range of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m, but may include electromagnetic
waves in other range. In such a case, the electromagnetic wave or
transmission electromagnetic wave to be irradiated to the
thermoplastic resin through the mold preferably contains
electromagnetic waves in a wavelength range of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m more
than electromagnetic waves in other range.
[0051] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
the electromagnetic wave generating source such as electromagnetic
generating means is not limited to one, but a plurality may be
used. The electromagnetic wave may be irradiated to the mold not
only from one direction, but also from multiple directions.
[0052] In the first aspect of the present invention,
electromagnetic wave generating means for outputting
electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in wavelength, and a
filter for decreasing the transmission amount of electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength are used, and the
electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic wave
generating means are passed through the filter, and the
transmission electromagnetic waves after passing through the filter
are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin through the mold, and
thereby the thermoplastic resin is heated, when filling the cavity
with the thermoplastic resin.
[0053] In the second aspect of the present invention, the resin
forming apparatus includes the electromagnetic wave generating
means for outputting electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in
wavelength, and a filter disposed between the electromagnetic wave
generating means and the mold for decreasing the transmission
amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength,
[0054] wherein the resin forming apparatus is configured so that
the electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic wave
generating means are passed through the filter, and the
transmission electromagnetic waves after passing through the filter
are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin through the mold, when
filling the cavity with the thermoplastic resin.
[0055] In these cases, when filling the cavity of the rubber-made
mold with the thermoplastic resin, the electromagnetic wave
generating means outputs electromagnetic waves in wavelength of
0.78 to 4 .mu.m, and the transmission electromagnetic waves passing
through the filter are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin
through the mold. The electromagnetic waves irradiated from the
electromagnetic wave generating means contains electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength, but by using the filter, the
electromagnetic waves exceeding the wavelength of 2 .mu.m may be
prevented from being irradiated to the mold as far as possible. As
a result, the thermoplastic resin filled in the cavity of the mold
may be effectively irradiated with the near-infrared ray of
wavelength of 2 .mu.m or less. Hence, the mold is not so much
heated by the near-infrared ray of wavelength of 2 .mu.m or less,
so that the thermoplastic resin may be heated effectively.
[0056] The first aspect of the present invention includes a vacuum
step of vacuating the cavity in the rubber-made mold, a filling
step of filling the vacuated cavity with a melted thermoplastic
resin, and
[0057] a cooling step of cooling the thermoplastic resin in the
cavity and obtaining the resin formed product,
[0058] wherein the filling step is characterized by heating the
thermoplastic resin by irradiating electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to
2 .mu.m in wavelength to the thermoplastic resin through the
mold.
[0059] In the second aspect of the present invention, the resin
forming apparatus includes vacuum means for vacuating the cavity,
and the electromagnetic wave generating means for outputting the
electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m in wavelength,
[0060] wherein the resin forming apparatus is configured so that
the electromagnetic waves are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin
through the mold, when filling the cavity vacuated by the vacuum
means with the thermoplastic resin.
[0061] In these cases, the cavity is in a vacuum state, so that the
thermoplastic resin may spread fully into the entire cavity.
[0062] The vacuum state includes not only an absolute vacuum state,
but also a decompressed state as far as the cavity may be filled
with the thermoplastic resin.
[0063] The first aspect of the present invention includes a vacuum
step of vacuating the cavity in the rubber-made mold,
[0064] a filling step of filling the vacuated cavity with a melted
thermoplastic resin, and
[0065] a cooling step of cooling the thermoplastic resin in the
cavity and obtaining the resin formed product,
[0066] wherein the filling step is characterized by using
electromagnetic wave generating means for outputting
electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in wavelength, and a
filter for decreasing the transmission amount of electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength, and the electromagnetic
waves output from the electromagnetic wave generating means are
passed through the filter, and the transmission electromagnetic
waves after passing through the filter are irradiated to the
thermoplastic resin through the mold, and thereby the thermoplastic
resin is heated.
[0067] In the second aspect of the present invention, the resin
forming apparatus includes the vacuum means for vacuating the
cavity, and the electromagnetic wave generating means for
outputting the electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in
wavelength, and a filter disposed between the electromagnetic wave
generating means and the mold, for decreasing the transmission
amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength,
[0068] wherein the resin forming apparatus is configured so that
the electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic wave
generating means are passed through the filter, and the
transmission electromagnetic waves after passing through the filter
are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin through the mold when
filling the cavity vacuated by the vacuum means with the
thermoplastic resin.
[0069] In these cases, the cavity is in the vacuum state, so that
the thermoplastic resin may spread fully into the entire
cavity.
[0070] Electromagnetic waves irradiated from the electromagnetic
wave generating means contain electromagnetic waves exceeding 2
.mu.m in wavelength, but by using the filter, electromagnetic waves
exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength are not irradiated to the mold as
far as possible. As a result, the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or
less in wavelength may be effectively irradiated to the
thermoplastic resin filled in the cavity of the mold.
[0071] Hence the mold is not heated so much by the near-infrared
ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength, and the thermoplastic resin
may be heated effectively.
[0072] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
the filter is a quartz glass capable of decreasing the transmission
amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength.
[0073] The filter may also be made of other material than quartz
glass as far as it has a characteristic of decreasing the
transmission amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength. For example, aside from quartz glass, the filter may be
formed of porous glass (e.g. Vycor (registered trademark) glass),
or borosilicate glass (e.g. Pyrex (registered trademark)
glass).
[0074] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
the electromagnetic waves have an intensity peak in a wavelength
region of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m.
[0075] In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be heated more
effectively by the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in
wavelength.
[0076] In the first aspect of the present invention, preferably,
the thermoplastic resin is heated to a higher temperature than the
mold.
[0077] In this case, insufficient filling of the cavity with the
thermoplastic resin may be more effectively prevented.
[0078] In the first aspect of the present invention, preferably,
the thermoplastic resin in a melted state is cast into the cavity
of the mold, and
[0079] the viscosity of the thermoplastic resin in the melted state
is prevented from becoming higher than 5000 Poise.
[0080] In this case, increase of melt viscosity of the
thermoplastic resin is suppressed, and insufficient filling of the
cavity of the mold with the thermoplastic resin may be more
effectively prevented.
[0081] If the relation between temperature and melt viscosity of
the thermoplastic resin is known beforehand, by irradiating the
electromagnetic waves to the mold, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin is prevented from becoming lower than the
temperature where the melt viscosity become higher than 5000 Poise,
and the cavity may be filled with the thermoplastic resin in this
state.
[0082] If the viscosity of the melted thermoplastic resin in the
cavity becomes higher than 5000 Poise, insufficient filling of the
cavity with the thermoplastic resin may occur.
[0083] The viscosity of the melted thermoplastic resin in the
cavity is preferred to be as small as possible. In other words, at
the filling step, by irradiating electromagnetic waves to the mold,
preferably, the viscosity of thermoplastic resin is prevented from
exceeding 1000 Poise, and is more preferably prevented from
exceeding 500 Poise.
[0084] In the first aspect of the present invention, it is
preferable that the mold is disposed in a pressure vessel capable
of increasing and decreasing in pressure, and
[0085] the pressure in the pressure vessel is decreased at the
vacuum step to vacuate the cavity, and after the thermoplastic
resin is cast into the cavity at the filling step, the inside of
the pressure vessel is increased in pressure from the vacuum
state.
[0086] In the second aspect of the present invention, it is
preferable that the mold is disposed in a pressure vessel capable
of increasing and decreasing in pressure, and wherein the inside of
the pressure vessel is configured to be decompressed to a vacuum
state by the vacuum means before the thermoplastic resin is cast
into the cavity, and to be pressurized over the atmospheric
pressure after the cast.
[0087] In these cases, after the melted thermoplastic resin is cast
into the cavity in the vacuum state, the pressure vessel is
increased in pressure so that the thermoplastic resin cast in the
cavity may spread sufficiently into every narrow gap in the
cavity.
[0088] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
when the mold is disposed in the pressure vessel, the
electromagnetic wave source such as electromagnetic wave generating
means may be disposed either inside or outside of the pressure
vessel. In particular, the electromagnetic wave source is preferred
to be disposed outside of the pressure vessel. In this case, the
heated electromagnetic wave source may be cooled efficiently.
[0089] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
when the electromagnetic wave source is disposed outside of the
pressure vessel, the filter may be disposed either inside or
outside of the pressure vessel. The filter may also be disposed as
a wall for composing the pressure vessel. In this case, in
particular, the filter may be disposed at a wall for composing the
pressure vessel, as an admission window of electromagnetic waves
into the pressure vessel.
[0090] In the first aspect of the present invention, the
thermoplastic resin before being filled into the cavity is a resin
solid material formed larger than in a capacity for filling in the
cavity, and
[0091] the cavity is filled with the thermoplastic resin melted
from the resin solid material, by making use of the own gravity of
the thermoplastic resin.
[0092] When melting and casting pellets of the thermoplastic resin
into the cavity of the rubber-made mold, air or gas existing among
pellets may be mixed into the cavity. On the contrary, by melting
the resin solid material and filling into the cavity, mixture of
gas into the cavity may be prevented.
[0093] Moreover, by keeping the temperature of the thermoplastic
resin in the cavity higher than the temperature of the mold, the
cavity can be filled with the thermoplastic resin, by making use of
the own gravity of the thermoplastic resin, without applying a
large injection pressure (for example, 10 to 50 MPa).
[0094] The melted thermoplastic resin from the resin solid material
can be filled into the cavity also by making use of the own weight
of a pusher for pushing the thermoplastic resin from above.
[0095] In the first aspect of the present invention, an absorbance
of the thermoplastic resin is larger than an absorbance of the
rubber-made mold.
[0096] In this case, when the rubber-made mold and the
thermoplastic resin are heated by irradiation of the near-infrared
ray, the thermoplastic resin may be selectively heated easily. The
absorbance may be measured by using, for example, UV3100
manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation.
[0097] In the first aspect of the present invention, the
thermoplastic resin is preferred to be a noncrystalline
thermoplastic resin.
[0098] Often in the first and second aspects of the present
invention, the cooling speed of the thermoplastic resin is
relatively slow. Accordingly, the crystallinity of the
thermoplastic resin may become high in the cooling process, which
may lead to decline of dimensional accuracy of the resin formed
product or decline of impact resistance of the resin formed
product. By contrast, by using the noncrystalline thermoplastic
resin as the thermoplastic resin, decline of dimensional accuracy
or decline of impact resistance of the resin formed product may be
prevented.
[0099] Examples of the noncrystalline thermoplastic resin include
styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride
copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, and other styrene
compound resins, ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin),
AES resin (acrylonitrile-ethylene-propylene-diene-styrene resin),
ASA resin (acrylate-styrene-acrylonitrile resin), and other rubber
modified thermoplastic resins, or polymethyl methacrylate,
polymethacrylate, polycarbonate resin (PC), PC/rubber modified
thermoplastic resin alloys, and others. In particular, rubber
modified thermoplastic resins are preferred, and ABS resin is
particularly preferred.
[0100] In the first aspect of the present invention, the
thermoplastic resin is preferred to be a rubber modified
thermoplastic resin.
[0101] In this case, it is easier to heat the thermoplastic resin
selectively from the rubber-made mold by the electromagnetic
wave.
[0102] The rubber modified thermoplastic resin is not particularly
specified, but is preferred to contain one or two or more polymers
by graft polymerization of vinyl compound monomer in the presence
of rubber polymer.
[0103] The rubber polymer is not particularly specified, but may
include polybutadiene, butadiene-styrene copolymer,
butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer, ethylene-propylene copolymer,
ethylene-propylene-non-conjugate diene copolymer, ethylene-butene-1
copolymer, ethylene-butene-1-non-conjugate diene copolymer, acrylic
rubber, and silicone rubber, which may be used either alone or in
combination of two or more types.
[0104] As the rubber polymer, in particular, polybutadiene,
butadiene-styrene copolymer, ethylene-propylene copolymer,
ethylene-propylene-non-conjugate diene copolymer, and acrylic
rubber are preferred, and as the rubber modified thermoplastic
resin, for example, ABS resin, AES resin, or ASA resin may be used.
In particular, ABS resin is preferred.
[0105] In the first aspect of the present invention, the mold is
preferably formed of silicone rubber.
[0106] In this case, it is easy to manufacture a mold, and the
thermoplastic resin may be heated selectively by the
electromagnetic wave while the mold is hardly heated.
[0107] The hardness of silicone rubber is preferred to be 25 to 80
as measured according to JIS-A method.
[0108] In the second aspect of the present invention, the resin
forming apparatus includes the electromagnetic wave generating
means for outputting the electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m
in wavelength,
[0109] wherein the cavity is formed in a three-dimensional space
formed of a plurality of plate-like spaces crossed and coupled with
each other, and each plate-like space has a plane direction forming
its outline profile, and a thickness direction perpendicular to the
plane direction, and wherein the resin forming apparatus is
configured so that the electromagnetic wave generating means
irradiates the electromagnetic waves to the thermoplastic resin
through the mold, and also irradiates the electromagnetic waves
from an inclined direction or a perpendicular direction to the
plane direction in each plate-like space, when filling the cavity
with the thermoplastic resin.
[0110] In this case, the cavity in the mold is not formed in a
simple flat space, but is formed in a three-dimensional space
crossed and coupled a plurality of plate-like spaces having the
plane direction and the thickness direction with each other. When
the electromagnetic wave generating means irradiates
electromagnetic waves in wavelength of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m (also called
near-infrared ray), if this near-infrared ray is irradiated from a
direction parallel to the plane direction in the plate-like space,
the near-infrared ray may not be irradiated to the inner side in
the plane direction in the plate-like space (the side apart from
the electromagnetic wave generating means).
[0111] By contrast, when filling the cavity with the thermoplastic
resin, the electromagnetic wave generating means irradiates
electromagnetic waves from an inclined direction or a perpendicular
direction to the plane direction in each plate-like space. As a
result, the entire plate-like space forming the cavity is
irradiated with the near-infrared ray. Accordingly, the temperature
of the thermoplastic resin in the entire cavity may be maintained
high.
[0112] The irradiation of electromagnetic waves from the inclined
direction or a perpendicular direction to the plane direction in
each plate-like space means that the plane direction in any
plate-like space out of the plurality of plate-like spaces may be
perpendicular to the irradiation direction of the electromagnetic
wave, but that the plane direction in the remaining plate-like
spaces is inclined to the irradiation direction of the
electromagnetic wave.
[0113] The plate-like space may be formed in various shapes such as
flat plate or a curved plate. Besides, various protruding spaces
may be formed in part of the plate-like space.
[0114] In the second aspect of the present invention, the resin
forming apparatus includes the electromagnetic wave generating
means for outputting electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in
wavelength, and the filter disposed between the electromagnetic
wave generating means and the mold for decreasing the transmission
amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength,
[0115] wherein the cavity is formed in the three-dimensional space
formed of the plurality of plate-like spaces crossed and coupled
with each other, and each plate-like space has the plane direction
forming its outline profile, and the thickness direction
perpendicular to the plane direction, and
[0116] wherein the resin forming apparatus is configured so that
the electromagnetic wave generating means irradiates the
transmission electromagnetic waves after passing through the filter
to the thermoplastic resin through the mold, and also irradiates
the transmission electromagnetic waves from an inclined direction
or a perpendicular direction to the plane direction in each
plate-like space when filling the cavity with the thermoplastic
resin.
[0117] In this case, when filling the cavity in the rubber-made
mold with the thermoplastic resin, the electromagnetic wave
generating means outputs electromagnetic waves in wavelength of
0.78 to 4 .mu.m, and the transmission electromagnetic waves after
passing through the filter are irradiated to the thermoplastic
resin through the mold. The electromagnetic waves output from the
electromagnetic wave generating means contain electromagnetic waves
exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength, but the electromagnetic waves
exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength are suppressed by the filter so as
not to be irradiated to the mold as far as possible. As a result,
the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength may be
effectively irradiated to the thermoplastic resin contained in the
cavity of the mold. Hence, the mold is not heated so much by the
near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength, and the
thermoplastic resin may be heated effectively.
[0118] The cavity of the mold is not formed in a simple flat space,
but is formed in a three-dimensional space crossed and coupled a
plurality of plate-like spaces having the plane direction and the
thickness direction with each other. When filling the cavity with
the thermoplastic resin, the electromagnetic wave generating means
irradiates the near-infrared ray from an inclined direction or a
perpendicular direction to the plane direction in each plate-like
space. As a result, the entire plate-like space forming the cavity
is effectively irradiated with the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or
less in wavelength. Accordingly, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin in the entire cavity may be maintained
high.
[0119] In the second aspect of the present invention, the resin
forming apparatus includes the electromagnetic wave generating
means for generating electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in
wavelength, and the filter disposed between the electromagnetic
wave generating means and the mold for decreasing the transmission
amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength,
[0120] wherein the filter has filter water filled in a gap formed
between transparent plates of a transparent material, and also
includes an inlet for flowing the filter water into the gap, and an
outlet for discharging the filter water from the gap,
[0121] wherein the resin forming apparatus is configured so that
the filter decreases the transmission amount of electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength by the filter water, and is
able to exchange the filter water through the inlet and the outlet,
and
[0122] wherein the resin forming apparatus is configured so that
the electromagnetic wave generating means irradiates the
transmission electromagnetic waves after passing through the filter
to the thermoplastic resin through the mold, thereby heating the
thermoplastic resin, when filling the cavity with the thermoplastic
resin.
[0123] The electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic
wave generating means may contain electromagnetic waves exceeding 2
.mu.m in wavelength, but the electromagnetic waves exceeding 2
.mu.m in wavelength may be suppressed by the filter so as not to be
irradiated to the mold as far as possible. As a result, the
near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m in wavelength may be effectively
irradiated to the thermoplastic resin filled in the cavity of the
mold. Hence, by the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in
wavelength, the thermoplastic resin may be heated effectively
without heating the mold substantially.
[0124] In this case, the filter has a gap formed in transparent
plates filled with the filter water. The electromagnetic waves
output from the electromagnetic wave generating means pass through
a water membrane of the filter water, and the transmission amount
of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength is
decreased, and the transmission electromagnetic waves after passing
through the filter water are irradiated to the thermoplastic resin
through the mold.
[0125] Hence, the filter capable of decreasing the transmission
amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength may
be composed easily.
[0126] The filter water may exchange the inlet and outlet formed in
the filter. Hence, if the temperature of the filter water in the
gap is raised by absorbing a part of the electromagnetic waves
irradiated from the electromagnetic wave generating means, the
filter water after temperature rise may be exchanged with the other
filter water lower in temperature.
[0127] Hence, temperature rise of the filter may be suppressed
effectively, and the filter cooling structure may be realized in a
simple structure.
[0128] Accordingly, the thermoplastic resin in the cavity can be
heated selectively in the rubber-made mold, and the filter for
enhancing this heating effect may be composed in a simple structure
having a cooling function.
[0129] The filter water may be tap water or other pure water. Aside
from pure water, as the filter water, water mixed with various
types of solvent high in cooling performance may be used.
[0130] In the second aspect of the present invention, when the
cavity is formed in a three-dimensional space crossed and coupled a
plurality of plate-like spaces with each other, and the
electromagnetic wave is irradiated from an inclined direction or a
perpendicular direction to the plane direction in each plate-like
space, and when the filter is formed in the gap formed between
transparent plates made of a transparent material being filled with
the filter water, it is preferable that the resin forming apparatus
has the vacuum means for vacuating the cavity, and the vacuum means
is configured to fill the cavity vacuated by the vacuum means with
the thermoplastic resin.
[0131] In this case, the cavity is in the vacuum state, so that the
thermoplastic resin may spread fully into the entire cavity. The
vacuum state includes not only an absolute vacuum state, but also a
decompressed state as far as the cavity may be filled with the
thermoplastic resin.
[0132] In the second aspect of the present invention, the
thermoplastic resin before being filled into the cavity is a resin
solid material formed larger than in a capacity for filling in the
cavity, and
[0133] wherein the resin forming apparatus has a heating and
holding container for heating and holding the resin solid material,
and is configured so that the semi-melted resin solid material from
the heating and holding container is inserted and disposed in a
resin receiving part provided in the upper part of the cavity.
[0134] In this case, the resin solid material formed larger than
the capacity to fill in the cavity is melted halfway, and inserted
and disposed in the resin receiving part in the upper part of the
cavity, so that the thermoplastic resin is accepted in the resin
receiving part in a state almost free from air or other gas.
Accordingly, by casting the thermoplastic resin into the cavity
from the resin receiving part, entry of undesired gas into the
cavity can be effectively prevented.
[0135] The resin solid material may be formed in a capacity enough
to fill in the entire cavity, for example, about 1 to 1.5 times of
the cavity capacity.
[0136] In the second aspect of the present invention, the resin
solid material has a hollow shape consisting of a bottom and a side
wall standing up from the bottom in an annular shape, and
[0137] wherein the heating and holding container has an outer
heater for heating the outer periphery of the side wall, and an
inner heater for heating the inner periphery of the side wall.
[0138] In this case, the resin solid material may be heated
effectively in the heating and holding container, and may be
quickly formed in a semi-melted state.
[0139] When the cavity is formed in a three-dimensional space
crossed and coupled a plurality of plate-like spaces with each
other, and the electromagnetic wave is irradiated from an inclined
direction or a perpendicular direction to the plane direction in
each plate-like space, the following configurations may be
employed.
[0140] The resin forming apparatus has a pressure vessel containing
the mold, and a vacuum pump for vacuating the pressure vessel, and
the mold is placed on a platform in the pressure vessel, and the
mold may be placed on the platform so that the plane direction in
each plate-like space may form an inclined state or a perpendicular
state to the direction of irradiation of the electromagnetic wave
by the electromagnetic wave generating means.
[0141] In this case, by filling the cavity in a vacuum state with
the thermoplastic resin, the thermoplastic resin may fully permeate
into the entire cavity more easily. The vacuum state includes not
only an absolute vacuum state, but also a decompressed state as far
as the cavity may be filled with the thermoplastic resin.
[0142] In this case, the electromagnetic wave may be irradiated
easily from an inclined direction or a perpendicular direction to
the plane direction in each plate-like space by the electromagnetic
wave generating means.
[0143] The resin molding apparatus provided with the vacuum means
may be formed easily, and only by exchanging the mold to be put on
the platform, resin formed products of various shapes may be formed
in various molds.
[0144] The electromagnetic wave generating means may be disposed
either outside or inside of the pressure vessel.
[0145] The electromagnetic wave generating means is disposed at a
side in the outside of the pressure vessel, and the electromagnetic
wave may be irradiated to the mold through a transparent window
formed in the pressure vessel.
[0146] In this case, the electromagnetic wave generating means may
be disposed easily, and the pressure vessel may be formed
compactly.
[0147] The mold has a reference mounting plane opposite to the
platform in the pressure vessel, and the plane direction in each
plate-like space may be formed in an inclined state or a
perpendicular state to the reference mounting plane.
[0148] In this case, by forming the cavity in the mold at an
inclination to the reference mounting plane, the electromagnetic
wave may be easily irradiated from the inclined direction to the
plane direction in each plate-like space.
[0149] The electromagnetic wave generating means may be formed to
irradiate the electromagnetic wave from an oblique side direction
of the mold placed on the platform.
[0150] In this case, since the irradiating direction of the
electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave generating means
is inclined to the mold, the electromagnetic wave may be easily
irradiated from a direction inclined to the plane direction in each
plate-like space.
[0151] The resin forming apparatus may also be composed to move the
mold mounted on the platform, and the electromagnetic wave
generating means relatively, so as to irradiate the electromagnetic
wave from a direction inclined to the plane direction in each
plate-like space.
[0152] In this case, at least one of the platform or the
electromagnetic wave generating means in the pressure vessel is
designed to be movable, and the electromagnetic wave may be
irradiated easily from a direction inclined to the plane direction
in each plate-like space.
[0153] The electromagnetic wave generating means may also be
configured to change the irradiating direction of the
electromagnetic wave to the mold mounted on the platform.
[0154] In this case, the electromagnetic wave may be irradiated
more easily from a direction inclined to the plane direction in
each plate-like space.
[0155] When the filter is formed by filling the gap formed between
transparent plates made of the transparent material with the filter
water, the following configurations may be employed.
[0156] The filter water sequentially circulates in the gap through
the inlet and the outlet.
[0157] In this case, part of the electromagnetic wave irradiated
from the electromagnetic wave generating means is absorbed, and the
filter water may be exchanged earlier before the temperature of the
filter water rises. As a result, the cooling function of the filter
is enhanced.
[0158] The filter water is taken from a water tank, and is supplied
into the inlet by using a water feed pump or the like, and the
heated filter water is put back into the water tank from the outlet
so as to be circulated in the gap.
[0159] The filter water is not only circulated sequentially, but
also exchanged when heated to a specified temperature.
[0160] The gap between the transparent plates may be formed in a
thickness of 0.5 to 3 mm.
[0161] In this case, the filter water of a proper thickness is held
in the gap between transparent plates, and this filter water
effectively decreases the transmission amount of electromagnetic
wave exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength.
[0162] If the thickness of the gap is less than 0.5 mm, the
absorbing effect of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength by the filter water may not be obtained sufficiently. On
the other hand, if the thickness of the gap exceeds 3 mm, the water
membrane by the filter water cannot be passed not only by the
electromagnetic wave exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength, but also by
the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength, and the
filer water may absorb most of the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or
less in wavelength.
[0163] The transparent plates may be glass plates.
[0164] In this case, the filer may be formed easily by using the
glass plates.
[0165] The resin forming apparatus has a pressure vessel containing
the mold, and a vacuum pump for vacuating the pressure vessel, and
the cavity vacuated by the vacuum pump is filled with the
thermoplastic resin, and the filter is disposed as a transparent
window in the pressure vessel, and the electromagnetic wave
generating means is disposed outside of the pressure vessel, and
the transmission electromagnetic wave may be irradiated to the mold
through the filter as the transparent window.
[0166] In this case, the cavity in the vacuum state is filled with
the thermoplastic resin, and this thermoplastic resin may permeate
into the entire cavity more easily. The vacuum state includes not
only an absolute vacuum state, but also a decompressed state as far
as the cavity may be filled with the thermoplastic resin.
[0167] By composing the transparent window in the pressure vessel
by the filter, the resin forming apparatus may be composed
easily.
[0168] The resin forming apparatus has a pressure vessel containing
the mold, and a vacuum pump for vacuating the pressure vessel, and
the cavity vacuated by the vacuum pump is filled with the
thermoplastic resin, and the pressure vessel has a transparent
window formed by pressure-proof glass, and the filter is disposed
at the outer side of the container of the transparent window, and
the electromagnetic wave generating means is disposed outside of
the pressure vessel, and the transmission electromagnetic wave may
be irradiated to the mold through the filter and the transparent
window.
[0169] In this case, too, since the cavity in vacuum state is
filled with the thermoplastic resin, this thermoplastic resin may
permeate into the entire cavity more easily. Since the transparent
window of the pressure vessel is formed by pressure-proof glass,
the strength of the pressure vessel may be easily maintained at
high level. By disposing the filter at the outer side of the
container of the transparent window, the resin forming apparatus
may be composed easily.
[0170] As the pressure-proof glass, various types of glass capable
of withstanding vacuum pressure may be used.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0171] Embodiments of the resin forming method and a resin forming
apparatus of the present invention are specifically described below
together with the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
[0172] The resin forming method of the embodiment is, as shown in
FIG. 1, a method of obtaining a resin formed product by filling a
cavity 21 of a rubber-made mold 2 with a thermoplastic resin 3, and
cooling this thermoplastic resin 3. In the resin forming method of
the embodiment, when forming a resin formed product, the
thermoplastic resin 3 may be heated selectively from the mold
2.
[0173] Specifically, as shown in the drawing, in the embodiment,
when filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin 3, by
irradiating an electromagnetic wave of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m in peak
wavelength (also called near-infrared ray hereinafter) to the
thermoplastic resin 3 from the surface of the mold 2, the
thermoplastic resin 3 is heated selectively from the mold 2. In the
embodiment, the resin forming apparatus 1 includes the rubber-made
mold 2, and electromagnetic wave generating means 4 for irradiating
the near-infrared ray.
[0174] In this context, the peak wavelength refers to the
wavelength showing the peak value of electromagnetic wave intensity
among the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the mold 2 and the
thermoplastic resin 3 by the electromagnetic wave generating means
4.
[0175] The resin forming method and the resin forming apparatus 1
of the embodiment are described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0176] In the embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3 is a
noncrystalline thermoplastic resin, and ABS resin which is a rubber
modified thermoplastic resin.
[0177] The mold 2 of the embodiment is formed of a silicone rubber.
The mold 2 is fabricated by disposing a master model (hand-made
piece or the like) of the resin formed product to be manufactured
in the liquid silicone rubber, curing the silicone rubber, and
taking out the master model from the cured silicone rubber.
[0178] The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 of the
embodiment is a near-infrared ray halogen heater having a peak of
light intensity around 1.2 .mu.m in the near-infrared ray
region.
[0179] In the embodiment, the melted thermoplastic resin 3 is cast
into the cavity 21 of the mold 2, and the near-infrared ray is
irradiated to the mold 2, and the viscosity of the melted
thermoplastic resin 3 is prevented from becoming higher than 5000
Poise, and a resin formed product is obtained.
[0180] When fabricating the resin formed product of the embodiment,
the cavity 21 of the silicone rubber-made mold 2 is filled with ABS
resin as the thermoplastic resin 3. At the time of filling, using
the electromagnetic wave generating means 4, the near-infrared ray
is irradiated to the thermoplastic resin 3 from the surface of the
mold 2. At this time, due to difference in the properties between
the silicone rubber for composing the mold 2 and the ABS resin, the
ABS resin can be heated more than the mold 2.
[0181] As a result, in the process until the cavity 21 is fully
filled with the ABS resin, the temperature of the ABS resin in the
cavity 21 may be kept higher than the temperature of the mold
2.
[0182] According to the resin forming method and the resin forming
apparatus 1 of the embodiment, hence, the ABS resin may be heated
selectively from the silicon rubber-made mold 2, and the ABS resin
may permeate fully into the entire cavity 21 of the mold 2.
Therefore, a resin formed product excellent in surface appearance
may be obtained.
[0183] In the embodiment, the manufactured resin formed product is
cooled in air in the cavity 21 of the mold 2, and is taken out of
the cavity 21. At this time, as mentioned above, since the
thermoplastic resin 3 may be heated selectively, the temperature of
the mold 2 may be maintained lower than the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3. Hence, the cooling time required for cooling
the resin formed product may be shortened.
[0184] Since the temperature of the mold 2 can be kept low,
deterioration of the mold 2 may be suppressed, and the durability
of the mold 2 may be enhanced.
[0185] In the embodiment, the ABS resin is used as the
thermoplastic resin 3. As the thermoplastic resin 3, other
thermoplastic resin 3 may be used as far as it is capable of
absorbing the near-infrared ray passing through, not being absorbed
in the mold 2, when the near-infrared ray is irradiated to the
surface of the mold 2.
[0186] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the transmissivity of light in
various types of the silicone rubber of transparent silicone rubber
and translucent silicone rubber, in which the wavelength (nm) is
plotted on the axis of abscissas and the light transmissivity (%)
is plotted on the axis of ordinates. In the graph, these silicon
rubbers are known to pass light in the wavelength of 200 to 2200
nm. Hence, when the near-infrared ray in this wavelength region is
irradiated to the surface of the mold 2 made of the silicone
rubber, most of the near-infrared ray is passed through the mold 2,
and is absorbed in the thermoplastic resin 3.
Embodiment 2
[0187] In the resin forming method of the embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 3, the cavity 21 of mold 2 made of rubber is filled with the
thermoplastic resin 3, and this thermoplastic resin 3 is cooled,
and a resin formed product is obtained. In the resin forming method
of the embodiment, when manufacturing a resin formed product, the
thermoplastic resin 3 can be heated selectively from the mold
2.
[0188] Specifically, as shown in the same drawing, in the
embodiment, when filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin
3, a resin forming apparatus 1 having electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 for outputting electromagnetic waves having a
peak of intensity in a wavelength region of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m, and a
filter 5 for decreasing the transmission amount of electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength is used. The electromagnetic
wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating means 4 is
passed through the filter 5, and the transmission electromagnetic
wave after passing through the filter 5 is irradiated to the
thermoplastic resin 3 through the mold 2, and the thermoplastic
resin 3 is heated selectively from the mold 2.
[0189] The resin forming method and the resin forming apparatus 1
of the embodiment are described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0190] In the embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3 is the
noncrystalline thermoplastic resin 3, and the ABS resin which is a
rubber modified thermoplastic resin.
[0191] The mold 2 of the embodiment is formed of a silicone rubber.
The mold 2 is fabricated by disposing a master model (hand-made
piece or the like) of the resin formed product to be manufactured
in the liquid silicone rubber, curing the silicone rubber, and
taking out the master model from the cured silicone rubber.
[0192] The absorbance of electromagnetic waves (light) of 0.78 to 2
.mu.m in wavelength (the scale showing the absorption intensity to
light of a specific wavelength) is larger in the ABS resin used as
the thermoplastic resin 3 than the silicone rubber used as the
rubber-made mold 2.
[0193] The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 of the
embodiment is a near-infrared ray halogen heater having a peak of
light intensity around 1.2 .mu.m in the near-infrared ray
region.
[0194] The filter 5 in the embodiment is formed of a quartz glass
capable of decreasing the transmission amount of electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength.
[0195] In the embodiment, the melted thermoplastic resin 3 is cast
into the cavity 21 of the mold 21, and the near-infrared ray of 2
.mu.m or less in wavelength is irradiated to the mold 2, and the
viscosity of the melted thermoplastic resin 3 is prevented from
becoming higher than 5000 Poise, and thereby a resin formed product
is obtained.
[0196] When manufacturing a resin formed product of the embodiment,
the cavity 21 of the mold 2 of a silicone rubber is filled with the
ABS resin as the thermoplastic resin 3. At the time of filling,
using the electromagnetic wave generating means 4, the
electromagnetic wave having an intensity peak in wavelength region
of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m is output, and the transmission electromagnetic
wave after passing through the filter 5 is irradiated to the
thermoplastic resin 3 through the mold 2. At this time, due to
difference in the properties between the rubber for composing the
mold 2 and the thermostatic resin 3, the thermostatic resin 3 can
be heated more than the mold 2.
[0197] As a result, in the process until the cavity 21 is fully
filled with the thermostatic resin 3, the temperature of the
thermostatic resin 3 in the cavity 21 may be kept higher than the
temperature of the mold 2.
[0198] The electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic
wave generating means contain electromagnetic waves exceeding 2
.mu.m in wavelength, but by using the filter 5, the electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength may be prevented from being
irradiated to the mold 2 as far as possible. Hence, the
near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength may be
effectively irradiated to the thermoplastic resin 3 contained in
the cavity 21 of the mold 2. Hence, the thermoplastic resin 3 may
be heated effectively, while the mold 2 is not heated so much, by
the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength.
[0199] Hence, according to the resin forming method and the resin
forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3
may be heated selectively from the mold 2 made of a silicone
rubber, and the thermoplastic resin 3 may permeate sufficiently
into the entire cavity 21 of the mold 2. As a result, a resin
formed product excellent in surface appearance may be obtained.
[0200] In the embodiment, the manufactured resin formed product is
cooled in air in the cavity 21 of the mold 2, and is taken out of
the cavity 21. At this time, since the thermoplastic resin 3 can be
heated selectively as mentioned above, the temperature of the mold
2 can be kept lower than the temperature of the thermoplastic resin
3. As a result, the cooling time required for cooling the resin
formed product may be shortened.
[0201] Since the temperature of the mold 2 is kept low,
deterioration of the mold 2 is suppressed, and the durability of
the mold 2 may be enhanced.
[0202] In the embodiment, the ABS resin is used as the
thermoplastic resin 3. As the thermoplastic resin 3, other
thermoplastic resin 3 may be used as far as it can absorb the
electromagnetic wave in the wavelength hardly absorbed in the mold
2 when the electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the surface of the
mold.
Embodiment 3
[0203] The resin forming method of the embodiment is, as shown in
FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, the cavity 21 of the rubber-made mold 2 is filled
with the thermoplastic resin 3 by a vacuum injection method, and
this thermoplastic resin 3 is cooled, and a resin formed product is
obtained. In the resin forming method of the embodiment, when
manufacturing a resin formed product, the thermoplastic resin 3 can
be heated selectively from the mold 2.
[0204] Specifically, as shown in the same drawing, the method
includes a vacuum step of vacuating the cavity 21 of the
rubber-made mold 2, a filing step of filling the vacuated cavity 21
with melted thermoplastic resin 3, and a cooling step of cooling
the thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 to obtain a resin formed
product. At the filling step, by irradiating electromagnetic waves
having an intensity peak in wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m to
the thermoplastic resin 3 through the mold 2, the thermoplastic
resin 3 is heated selectively from the mold 2. In the embodiment,
the thermoplastic resin 3 is heated to a higher temperature than
the mold 2.
[0205] In the embodiment, the resin forming apparatus 1 includes,
as shown in FIG. 4, a mold 2 made of rubber forming the cavity 21,
vacuum means 60 for vacuating the cavity 21, and the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 for irradiating the
near-infrared ray.
[0206] The resin forming method and the resin forming apparatus 1
of the embodiment are described specifically below with reference
to FIG. 4 to FIG. 7.
[0207] In the embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3 is the
noncrystalline thermoplastic resin, and the ABS resin which is a
rubber modified thermoplastic resin.
[0208] The mold 2 of the embodiment is formed of a silicone rubber.
The mold 2 is fabricated by disposing a master model (hand-made
piece or the like) of the resin formed product to be manufactured
in the liquid silicone rubber, curing the silicone rubber, and
taking out the master model from the cured silicone rubber.
[0209] The absorbance of electromagnetic waves (light) of 0.78 to 2
.mu.m in wavelength (the scale showing the absorption intensity to
light of a specific wavelength) is larger in the ABS resin used as
the thermoplastic resin 3 than the silicone rubber used as the
rubber-made mold 2.
[0210] As shown in FIG. 4, the electromagnetic wave generating
means 4 of the embodiment is a near-infrared ray halogen heater
having a peak of light intensity around 1.2 .mu.m in the
near-infrared ray region.
[0211] In the embodiment, the melted thermoplastic resin 3 is cast
into the cavity 21 of the mold 2, and the near-infrared ray is
irradiated to the mold 2, and the viscosity of the melted
thermoplastic resin 3 is prevented from becoming higher than 5000
Poise, and a resin formed product is obtained.
[0212] As shown in the same drawing, the mold 2 of the embodiment
is disposed in a pressure vessel 61 capable of increasing and
decreasing in pressure. The pressure vessel 61 of the embodiment is
a container for vacuum injection. The vacuum means 60 is a vacuum
pump disposed in the pressure vessel 61, and is designed to vacuate
the pressure vessel 61.
[0213] As shown in FIG. 7, the thermoplastic resin 3 of the
embodiment is a resin solid material 31 formed in a capacity for
filling in the entire cavity 21 in an initial state before being
put into the cavity 21. The resin solid material 31 has a hollow
shape including a bottom 311, and a side wall 312 standing from the
wall 311 in an annular form.
[0214] As shown in FIG. 4, a resin receiving part 22 is formed in
the upper part of the cavity 21 in the mold 2 for inserting and
disposing the thermoplastic resin 3. In the mold 2, the lower part
of the resin receiving part 22 and the upper part of the cavity 21
are coupled together by means of a casting gate 23.
[0215] Further as shown in FIG. 4, the resin forming apparatus 1 of
the embodiment has a heating and holding container 7 for heating
and holding the resin solid material 31. The heating and holding
container 7 has a container outer periphery 71 forming a hollow
hole 711 for inserting the resin solid material 31, and a container
slide part 72 for sliding in the hollow hole 711. The container
slide part 72 has a load part 721 formed nearly in the same
diameter as the hollow hole 711, and a projection pin part 722
disposed in the side wall 312 of the resin solid material 31
inserted and disposed in the hollow hole 711.
[0216] The container outer periphery 71 includes an outer heater 73
for heating the outer periphery of the side wall 312 of the resin
solid material 31, and the projection pin part 722 of the container
slide part 72 includes an inner heater 74 for heating the inner
periphery of the side wall 312 of the resin solid material 31.
[0217] By using the resin solid material 31, entry of undesired air
or gas into the cavity 21 may be easily prevented. Since the resin
solid material 31 is formed in the hollow shape, in which the outer
heater 73 and the inner heater 74 are used, the resin solid
material 31 can be heated uniformly as much as possible.
[0218] As shown in FIG. 7, the resin solid material 31 has a
protrusion 313 projecting in a taper shape in its bottom 311. This
protrusion 313 has a circular section, and is reduced in diameter
gradually toward the leading end of the bottom 311.
[0219] As shown in FIG. 4, in the bottom 311 of the resin receiving
part 22, a neck 221 is formed along the taper shape of the
protrusion 313 of the resin solid material 31. As shown in FIG. 5,
when the semi-melted resin solid material 31 is dropped into the
resin receiving part 22 with its protrusion 313 downward, the
protrusion 313 of the resin solid material 31 is guided into the
center of the resin receiving part 22 by the neck 221. As a result,
the semi-melted resin solid material 31 may be inserted and
disposed in the resin receiving part 22 stably in a positioned
state.
[0220] The heating and holding container 7 of the embodiment is
designed to be inverted vertically, and is changed over between a
resin receiving state 701 having the projection pin part 722
directed upward as shown in FIG. 4, and a resin discharging state
702 having the projection pin part 722 directed downward as shown
in FIG. 5.
[0221] The heating and holding container 7, in the resin receiving
state 701, as shown in FIG. 4, holds the resin solid material 31,
and heats this resin solid material 31 by the outer heater 73 and
the inner heater 74 until melted in a half-melted state. On the
other hand, the heating and holding container 7, in the resin
discharging state 702, as shown in FIG. 5, drops the semi-melted
resin solid material 31 into the resin receiving part 22 provided
in the upper part of the cavity 21.
[0222] As shown in FIG. 6, in the mold 2 of the embodiment, the
semi-melted thermoplastic resin 3 is received from the heating and
holding container 7, and the thermoplastic resin 3 is dropped into
the cavity 21 by its own gravity. The heating and holding container
7, after dropping the resin solid material 31 into the resin
receiving part 22, is inverted again to the resin receiving state
701, and the melted resin solid material 31 in the resin receiving
part 22 is pressed down by the load part 721 in the container slide
part 72.
[0223] The method of fabricating a resin formed product by using
this resin forming apparatus 1 is explained below.
[0224] In the embodiment, a resin formed product is obtained from
the thermoplastic resin 3 after the sequential process of a vacuum
step, a preliminary heating step, a filling step, and a cooling and
removing step as follows.
[0225] When manufacturing a resin formed product, in the first
place, as the vacuum step as shown in FIG. 4, the pressure vessel
61 is vacuated by the vacuum means 60, and the cavity 21 of the
rubber-made mold 2 is decompressed to a vacuum state.
[0226] Next, as shown in the same drawing, as the preliminary
heating step, the resin solid material 31 as the thermoplastic
resin 3 is inserted and disposed in the heating and holding
container 7 in the resin receiving state 701, and the resin solid
material 31 is heated and melted by the outer heater 73 and the
inner heater 74.
[0227] Also at the preliminary heating step, by using the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4, the resin receiving part
22 provided in the mold 2 may be heated preliminarily.
[0228] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, as the filling step, the heating
and holding container 7 is inverted to the resin discharging state
702, and the semi-melted resin solid material 31 (thermoplastic
resin 3) in the heating and holding container 7 is dropped into the
resin receiving part 22 provided in the mold 2.
[0229] Consequently, as shown in FIG. 6, the thermoplastic resin 3
disposed in the resin receiving part 22 flows down by its own
gravity into the cavity 21 through the casting gate 23. At this
time, the heating and holding container 7 is inverted again to the
resin receiving state 701, and load is applied to the thermoplastic
resin 3 by the load part 721 in the container slide part 72.
[0230] After the thermoplastic resin 3 is cast into the cavity 21,
vacuating operation of the vacuum means 60 is stopped, and the
pressure vessel 61 is opened to the atmosphere, and the inside of
the pressure vessel 61 is made to have atmospheric pressure. As a
result, the thermoplastic resin 3 cast in the cavity 21 permeates
sufficiently into all narrow gaps in the cavity 21.
[0231] As a result, the cavity 21 in the vacuum state is filled
with the melted thermoplastic resin 3.
[0232] In the embodiment, at the preliminary heating step and the
filling step, electromagnetic waves having an intensity peak in
wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m are irradiated continuously to
the surface of the mold 2 from the electromagnetic wave generating
means 4.
[0233] Hence, the thermoplastic resin 3 flowing down into the
cavity 21 from the resin receiving part 22 is suppressed from
declining in temperature by the near-infrared ray.
[0234] A near-infrared ray is irradiated to the thermoplastic resin
3 flowing in the cavity 21 through the mold 2. When the melted
thermoplastic resin 3 is exposed to the near-infrared ray, the
viscosity is prevented from becoming higher than 5000 Poise.
[0235] When filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin 3,
due to difference in properties between the rubber for forming the
mold 2 and the thermoplastic resin 3, the thermoplastic resin 3 may
be heated more in comparison with the rubber-made mold 2.
[0236] Hence, in the process until the cavity 21 is fully filled
with the thermoplastic resin 3, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 is kept higher than the
temperature of the mold 2. Since the cavity 21 is in the vacuum
state, the thermoplastic resin 3 can permeate sufficiently into the
entire cavity 21.
[0237] At the cooling and removing step, the thermoplastic resin 3
in the cavity 21 is cooled, and a resin formed product is
manufactured, and the mold 2 is opened, and the manufactured resin
formed product is taken out from the cavity 21.
[0238] In the embodiment, the manufactured resin formed product is
cooled in air in the cavity 21 of the mold 2, and is taken out from
the cavity 21. At this time, since the thermoplastic resin 3 is
heated selectively, the temperature of the mold 2 is kept lower
than the temperature of the thermoplastic resin 3. Hence, the
required time for cooling the resin formed product may be
shortened.
[0239] Besides, since the temperature of the mold 2 is kept low,
deterioration of the mold 2 may be suppressed, and the durability
of the mold 2 may be enhanced.
[0240] In the embodiment, the ABS resin is used as the
thermoplastic resin 3. As the thermoplastic resin 3, other
thermoplastic resin 3 may be used as far as the near-infrared ray
irradiated to the surface of the mold 2 is not absorbed in the mold
2, and the transmitted near-infrared ray may be absorbed.
[0241] Hence, according to the resin forming method of the
embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 can be
heated selectively from the rubber-made mold 2, and the
thermoplastic resin 3 may permeate sufficiently into the cavity 21.
As a result, a favorable resin formed product excellent in surface
appearance may be formed.
[0242] In the resin forming method of the present invention, as
mentioned above, when filling the cavity 21 of the mold 2 with the
thermoplastic resin 3, it is possible to fill by making use of the
own gravity of the thermoplastic resin 3 or the own gravity of the
load part 721. Hence, large pressure is not applied to the
thermoplastic resin 3, and the completed resin formed product is
almost free from residual stress. Hence, the chemical resistance,
heat resistance, and other characteristics of the resin formed
product may be enhanced outstandingly.
[0243] In the resin forming method of the embodiment, the mold 2 is
formed of rubber capable of deforming elastically. Hence, in the
mold 2, if so-called under-cut shape is formed (a shape partly
interfering with a part of the mold 2 when taking out the
manufactured resin formed product after manufacturing), by
elastically deforming this portion of under-cut shape, the
completed resin formed product may be taken out by force. As a
result, in the mold 2 having such under-cut shape, so-called slide
mechanism is not needed, and the structure may be simplified.
Embodiment 4
[0244] The resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment includes, as
shown in FIG. 8, electromagnetic wave generating means 4A for
outputting electromagnetic waves having an intensity peak in
wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m, and a filter 5 for decreasing
the transmission amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m
in wavelength. This filter 5 is disposed between the output
position of electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4A and the mold 2. The filter 5 in the embodiment
is disposed on the surface of the mold 2 through a spacer 51. The
filter 5 of the embodiment is formed of a quartz glass capable of
decreasing the transmission amount of electromagnetic waves
exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength.
[0245] Other configuration of the resin forming apparatus 1 of the
embodiment is the same as in embodiment 1.
[0246] At the filling step of the embodiment, the electromagnetic
wave is output from the electromagnetic wave generating means 4A,
and the transmission electromagnetic wave after passing through the
filter 5 is irradiated to the thermoplastic resin 3 through the
mold 2. At this time, due to difference in properties between the
rubber for forming the mold 2 and the thermoplastic resin 3, the
thermoplastic resin 3 is heated more than the rubber-made mold
2.
[0247] Electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength may be
contained among the electromagnetic waves having intensity peak in
wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m, but by using the filter 5,
the electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength may be
prevented from being irradiated to the mold 2 as far as
possible.
[0248] As a result, the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in
wavelength may be effectively irradiated to the thermoplastic resin
3 filled in the cavity 21 of the mold 2. Hence, without much
heating the mold 2 by the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in
wavelength, the thermoplastic resin 3 may be heated effectively.
Other steps in the resin forming method of the embodiment are the
same as in embodiment 3.
[0249] The embodiment hence brings about the same action and effect
as embodiment 3
[0250] (Confirmation Test 1)
[0251] In confirmation test 1, the excellent action and effect of
the resin forming method and resin forming apparatus 1 in
embodiment 1 were confirmed.
[0252] In this confirmation test 1, the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 was a near-infrared ray halogen heater (Spot
Heater Unit UL-SH-01 manufactured by Ushio Inc., rated voltage 100
V, power consumption 500 W, peak wavelength of light intensity
about 1.2 .mu.m). To plasticize the thermoplastic resin 3 before
being cast into the mold 2, an injection molding machine (NN30B
manufactured by Niigata Engineering) was used. To measure the
temperature of the mold 2 and the temperature of thermoplastic
resin 3, a thermocouple monitor was used.
[0253] As shown in FIG. 9, the near-infrared ray halogen heater was
of a spot irradiation type for focusing by limiting the irradiated
rays, and the focal length X1 from the output position to the ray
is 75 mm. In the embodiment, the distance X2 from the output
position of the ray to the surface of the mold is 225 mm, and the
rays were crossed and irradiated to the mold 2.
[0254] As the thermoplastic resin 3 and mold 2, four invented
articles 1 to 4 were used, and the near-infrared ray of about 1.2
.mu.m in wavelength was irradiated from the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 to the surface of the mold 2, and the
temperature of the mold 2 and the temperature of the thermoplastic
resin 3 contained in the cavity 21 of the mold 2 were measured by
using a thermocouple monitor.
[0255] In this confirmation test 1, the thermoplastic resin 3 in a
melted state (about 250.degree. C.) from the injection molding
machine was cast into the mold 2 at room temperature (about
25.degree. C.). To this mold 2, the near-infrared ray was
irradiated from the electromagnetic wave generating means 4, and
after 3 minutes, the temperature of the mold 2 and the temperature
of the thermoplastic resin 3 were measured. During irradiation of
the near-infrared ray, if the temperature of the thermoplastic
resin 3 exceeded 250.degree. C., the irradiation was stopped, and
the temperature of the mold 2 at this time was measured.
[0256] The thermoplastic resin 3 and the mold 2 in the invented
articles 1 to 4 were composed as follows.
[0257] (Invented article 1) Thermoplastic resin 3: black opaque ABS
resin; mold 2: transparent silicone rubber of 12 mm in thickness T
from the surface of the near-infrared ray irradiating side to the
cavity 21.
[0258] (Invented article 2) Thermoplastic resin 3: black opaque ABS
resin; mold 2: transparent silicone rubber of 25 mm in thickness
T.
[0259] (Invented article 3) Thermoplastic resin 3: black opaque ABS
resin; mold 2: translucent silicone rubber of 12 mm in thickness
T.
[0260] (Invented article 4) Thermoplastic resin 3: transparent ABS
resin; mold 2: transparent silicone rubber of 12 mm in thickness
T.
[0261] The silicone rubber products of invented articles 1 to 4
were manufactured by Shin-Etsu Silicone, having JIS-A hardness of
40.
[0262] By way of comparison, instead of the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 for irradiating the near-infrared ray, a
far-infrared ray halogen heater capable of irradiating the
far-infrared ray was used (QIR100V 600WYD manufactured by Ushio
Inc., rated voltage 100 V, power consumption 600 W, peak wavelength
of light intensity about 2.5 .mu.m) in comparative examples 1 and
2, which were measured in the same manner as in invented articles 1
to 4.
[0263] (Comparative example 1) Thermoplastic resin 3 and mold 2:
same as in invented article 1.
[0264] (Comparative example 2) Thermoplastic resin 3 and mold 2:
same as in invented article 2.
[0265] Results of measurement are shown in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 invented invented invented invented
comparative comparative article 1 article 2 article 3 article 4
example 1 example 2 near-infrared ray far-infrared ray halogen
heater halogen heater temperature of 240 235 240 250 200 205
thermoplastic resin (.degree. C.) temperature of 170 180 170 180
220 220 mold (.degree. C.)
[0266] As shown in the table, in the invented articles 1 to 4
irradiated with the near-infrared ray, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 was 235 to 250.degree. C., but the
temperature of the mold 2 was raised only to 170 to 180.degree. C.
In the comparative examples 1 and 2, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 was 200 to 205.degree. C., but the
temperature of the mold 2 was raised to 220.degree. C.
[0267] The thermoplastic resin 3 immediately after being cast into
the cavity 21 of the mold 2 was cooled by the mold 2, and the
temperature dropped to 150 to 180.degree. C.
[0268] It is hence found that the thermoplastic resin 3 can be
heated selectively from the mold 2, by irradiating the
near-infrared ray to the surface of the mold 2 made of a silicone
rubber (invented articles 1 to 4).
[0269] The reason why the mold 2 made of a silicone rubber was
raised from ordinary temperature to 170 to 180.degree. C. is
estimated that the mold 2 has received heat energy by a heat
transmission from the thermoplastic resin 3 filled in the cavity
21, and also that the mold 2 has absorbed a part of the
near-infrared ray and is raised in temperature.
[0270] (Confirmation Test 2)
[0271] In this confirmation test, the excellent action and effect
of the resin forming method and the resin forming apparatus 1 in
embodiment 2 were confirmed.
[0272] In this confirmation test, in the following invented
articles 5 to 9, the electromagnetic waves were irradiated to the
thermoplastic resin 3 through the filter 5 and the mold 2 from the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4A, and the temperature of
the mold 2 and the temperature of the thermoplastic resin 3 filled
in the cavity 21 of the mold 2 were measured by using a
thermocouple monitor.
[0273] The thermoplastic resin 3 and the mold 2 of the invented
articles 5 to 9 were composed as follows.
[0274] (Invented article 5) Thermoplastic resin 3 and mold 2: same
as in invented article 1.
[0275] (Invented article 6) Thermoplastic resin 3 and mold 2: same
as in invented article 2.
[0276] (Invented article 7) Thermoplastic resin 3 and mold 2: same
as in invented article 3.
[0277] (Invented article 8) Thermoplastic resin 3 and mold 2: same
as in invented article 4.
[0278] (Invented article 9) Thermoplastic resin 3 and mold 2: same
as in invented article 1.
[0279] The silicone rubber products of invented articles 5 to 9
were manufactured by Shin-Etsu Silicone, having JIS-A hardness of
40.
[0280] In the confirmation test, the invented articles 5 to 8 were
heated by using the same near-infrared ray halogen heater as in
confirmation test 1 as the electromagnetic wave generating means 4.
The invented article 9 was tested by using a far-infrared ray
halogen heater (QIR100V 600WYD manufactured by Ushio Inc., rated
voltage 100 V, power consumption 600 W, peak wavelength of light
intensity about 2.5 .mu.m) as the electromagnetic wave generating
means 4.
[0281] To plasticize the thermoplastic resin 3 before being cast
into the mold 2, an injection molding machine was used (NN30B
manufactured by Niigata Engineering).
[0282] As the filter 5, a quartz glass capable of decreasing the
transmission amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength was used. The product of a quartz glass was HOMOSIL
(trademark) of Shin-Etsu Quarts Products Ltd., and its thickness
was 8 mm. A thermocouple monitor was used for measuring the
temperature of the mold 2 and the temperature of the thermoplastic
resin 3.
[0283] In this confirmation test, the thermoplastic resin 3 in a
melted state (about 250.degree. C.) from the injection molding
machine was cast into the mold 2 at room temperature (about
25.degree. C.). The electromagnetic wave was irradiated from the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 to the mold 2 through the
filter 5, and after 3 minutes, the temperature of the mold 2 and
the temperature of the thermoplastic resin 3 were measured. During
irradiation of the electromagnetic waves, if the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 exceeded 250.degree. C., the irradiation was
stopped, and the temperature of the mold 2 at this time was
measured.
[0284] Results of measurement are shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 invented article 9 far-infra- invented
invented invented invented red ray article 5 article 6 article 7
article 8 halogen near-infrared ray halogen heater heater filter
exist exist temperature 250 250 250 250 235 of thermo- plastic
resin (.degree. C.) temperature 150 170 160 170 180 of mold
(.degree. C.)
[0285] As shown in the table, in the invented articles 5 to 8
irradiated with the near-infrared ray, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 was 250.degree. C. in all examples, but the
temperature of the mold 2 was raised only to 150 to 170.degree. C.
In the invented article 9, the temperature of the thermoplastic
resin 3 was 235.degree. C., but the temperature of the mold 2 was
raised only to 180.degree. C.
[0286] The thermoplastic resin 3 immediately after being cast into
the cavity 21 of the mold 2 was cooled by the mold 2, and the
temperature dropped to 150 to 180.degree. C.
[0287] It is hence found that the thermoplastic resin 3 can be
heated selectively from the mold 2, by irradiating electromagnetic
waves to the surface of the mold 2 made of a silicone rubber
through the filter 5 (invented articles 5 to 9).
[0288] In the invented articles 5 to 8, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 was raised more quickly than in the invented
article 9. As a result, the thermoplastic resin 3 can be heated
more effectively when the majority of electromagnetic waves to be
irradiated to the mold 2 are the near-infrared rays of 2 .mu.m or
less in wavelength.
[0289] The reason why the mold 2 made of silicone rubber was raised
from ordinary temperature to 150 to 180.degree. C. is estimated
that the mold 2 has received heat energy by heat transmission from
the thermoplastic resin 3 filled in the cavity 21, and also that
the mold 2 has absorbed a part of the near-infrared ray and is
raised in temperature.
Embodiment 5
[0290] The resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment includes, as
shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a rubber-made mold 2 forming a cavity
21 to be filled with a thermoplastic resin 3, electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 for outputting electromagnetic waves having
intensity peak in a wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m, a filter
5 disposed between the electromagnetic wave generating means 4 and
the mold 2, for decreasing the transmission amount of
electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength, and vacuum
means 6 for vacuating the cavity 21.
[0291] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, the cavity 21 of the
embodiment is formed in a three-dimensional space formed of a
plurality of plate-like spaces 211 crossed and coupled with each
other, and each plate-like space 211 has a plane direction (s)
forming its outline profile, and a thickness direction (t)
perpendicular to the plane direction (s). When filling the cavity
21 with the thermoplastic resin 3, the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 is designed to irradiate the transmission
electromagnetic waves after passing through the filter 5 to the
thermoplastic resin 3 through the mold 2, and also to irradiate the
transmission electromagnetic waves from an inclined direction to
the plane direction (s) in each plate-like space 211. In FIG. 10
and FIG. 12, the irradiation direction of electromagnetic waves is
indicated by X. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the forming
state of the cavity 21 in the mold 2.
[0292] The resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment is explained
below with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 14. In the embodiment, the
thermoplastic resin 3 is an ABS resin which is a noncrystalline
thermoplastic resin, and (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin)
and also a rubber modified thermoplastic resin.
[0293] The mold 2 of the embodiment is formed of silicone rubber,
and the hardness of the silicone rubber is 25 to 80 as measured in
JIS-A method. The mold 2 is fabricated by disposing a master model
(hand-made piece or the like) of the resin formed product to be
manufactured in the liquid silicone rubber, curing the silicone
rubber, and taking out the master model from the cured silicone
rubber.
[0294] The absorbance of electromagnetic waves (light) of 0.78 to 2
.mu.m in wavelength (also called near-infrared ray) (the scale
showing the absorption intensity to light of a specific wavelength)
is larger in the ABS resin used as the thermoplastic resin 3 than
in the silicone rubber used as the rubber-made mold 2.
[0295] As shown in FIG. 10, the electromagnetic wave generating
means 4 of the embodiment has a generation source 41 of the
electromagnetic wave (light), and a reflector 42 (reflection board)
for guiding the electromagnetic wave from the generation source 41
into the direction of the mold 2. The reflector 42 is disposed
behind the electromagnetic wave generation source 41 (opposite side
of direction of disposing the mold 2), and has a curved reflection
plane 421. The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 of the
embodiment is designed to guide the majority of electromagnetic
waves output from the electromagnetic wave generation source 41
into the direction of the mold 2 and the pressure vessel 61 by
means of the reflector 42.
[0296] The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 of the
embodiment is a near-infrared ray halogen heater, and the
electromagnetic wave generation source 41 is a near-infrared ray
halogen lamp having light intensity peak near 1.2 .mu.m in the
near-infrared ray region.
[0297] In the resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the
melted thermoplastic resin 3 is cast into the cavity 21 of the mold
2, and by irradiating the near-infrared ray to the mold 2,
viscosity of the melted thermoplastic resin 3 is prevented from
becoming higher than 5000 Poise, and thereby a resin formed product
is obtained.
[0298] As shown in FIG. 11, the vacuum means 6 of the embodiment
includes a pressure vessel 61 accommodating the mold 2, and a
vacuum pump 62 for vacuating the pressure vessel 61. The pressure
vessel 61 includes a platform 611 for mounting the mold 2, and this
platform 611 is formed to be elevatable, and the mounting height of
the mold 2 can be adjusted. The mounting plane 612 of the platform
611 is formed in a horizontal direction, and is designed to support
the mold 2 in a perpendicular direction.
[0299] As shown in the same diagram, the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 of the embodiment is disposed at a side in the
outside of the pressure vessel 61. In the pressure vessel 61, at
the position opposite to the electromagnetic wave generating means
4 (at the side of the pressure vessel 61 in the embodiment), a
transparent window 613 is formed for passing the electromagnetic
wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating means 4 into
the pressure vessel 61. The electromagnetic wave irradiated from
the electromagnetic wave generating means 4 is irradiated to the
mold 2 through the transparent window 613. The transparent window
613 is formed at both sides of the pressure vessel 61, and the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 is disposed oppositely to
both sides of the pressure vessel 61.
[0300] In the embodiment, the transparent window 613 of the
pressure vessel 61 is formed of the filter 5. The filter 5 of the
embodiment is a quartz glass capable of decreasing the transmission
amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in
wavelength.
[0301] As shown in FIG. 11, the mold 2 of the embodiment has a
reference mounting plane 201 opposite to the platform 611 in the
pressure vessel 61. The mold 2 has a rectangular solid shape, and
the cavity 21 to be filled with the thermoplastic resin 3 is formed
between a pair of rubber patterns 25.
[0302] As shown in FIG. 12, the plane direction (s) in all
plate-like spaces 211 in the cavity 21 is formed in an inclined
state to the reference mounting plane 201. The plate-like space 211
of the embodiment has a main plate-like space 212 forming a largest
outline in the cavity 21, and a plurality of sub plate-like spaces
213 formed in a direction crossing the main plate-like space 212.
The plurality of sub plate-like spaces 213 of the embodiment are
coupled orthogonally to the main plate-like space 212.
[0303] Also as shown in FIG. 12, the main plate-like space 212 is
formed at an inclination angle of .theta.1 of within 45 degrees
(more specifically an inclination angle in a range of 1 to 30
degrees) to a side plane 202 orthogonal to the reference mounting
plane 201 of the mold 2, and each sub plate-like space 213 is
formed at an inclination angle of .theta.2 of within 45 degrees
(more specifically an inclination angle in a range of 1 to 30
degrees) to the reference mounting plane 201 of the mold 2.
[0304] As shown in FIG. 13, in each plate-like space 211, the
thickness dimension in the thickness direction (t) is formed
smaller than the minimum dimension in the plane direction (s).
[0305] The sub plate-like space 213 in the embodiment is formed
with the plane direction (s) directed in plural directions to the
plane direction (s) of the main plate-like space 212. In the
embodiment, in the longitudinal direction (d) in the plane
direction (s) of the main plate-like space 212, a first sub
plate-like space 213A standing up from the main plate-like space
212 toward the thickness direction (t) is formed, and in the
lateral direction (w) in the plane direction (s) of the main
plate-like space 212, a second sub plate-like space 213B standing
up from the main plate-like space 212 toward the thickness
direction (t) is formed. FIG. 13 is a perspective view for
explaining the forming state of the cavity 21 in the mold 2.
[0306] As shown in the same drawing, the cavity 21 in the
embodiment is formed by inclining the main plate-like space 212 in
plural directions to the reference mounting plate 201 (or side
plane 202). In the embodiment, the plane direction (s) of the main
plate-like space 212 is formed by inclining in two directions, that
is, a direction C1 rotating about the horizontal direction to the
center, and a direction C2 rotating about the perpendicular
direction to the center. Accordingly, the plane direction (s) of
each sub plate-like space 213 is inclined and formed in two
directions.
[0307] The master model is disposed in the liquid silicone rubber
in an obliquely inclined state, and the silicone rubber is cured,
and hence the cavity 21 inclined to the reference mounting plate
201 may be formed easily.
[0308] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 of the embodiment is set so that the
electromagnetic irradiation direction X may be a horizontal
direction to the pressure vessel 61 and the mold 2.
[0309] The cavity 21 of the embodiment is formed so that the plane
direction (s) of the main plate-like space 212 may be inclined to
the irradiation direction X of the electromagnetic wave by the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4. As a result, the plane
direction (s) of the plurality of sub plate-like spaces 213 is
formed at an inclination to the irradiation direction X.
[0310] The mold 2 of the embodiment is formed so that its cavity 21
may be inclined to the reference mounting plane 201, and the plane
direction (s) in each plate-like space 211 is formed at an
inclination to the irradiation direction X, and is mounted on the
platform 611.
[0311] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, a cast part 22 for casting
the melted thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 is formed at the
upper side of the mold 2 (the opposite side to the reference
mounting plane 201). The cast part 22 of the embodiment is formed
by communicating through the sub plate-like space 213.
[0312] Since the mold 2 of the embodiment is formed of rubber, if
so-called under-cut shape is formed in the manufactured resin
formed product (a part interfering with the mold 2 when taking out
the manufactured resin formed product from the cavity 21), by
elastically deforming this portion of under-cut shape, the
completed resin formed product may be taken out. As a result, a
parting line may be set freely by overlapping the rubber patterns
25. FIG. 14 shows the mold 2 having the forming position of a
parting line L positioned in the middle in the side direction of a
pair of rubber patterns 25, in the mold 2.
[0313] By the same reason, the pattern opening direction (opening
and closing direction) of a pair of rubber patterns 25 may be set
freely.
[0314] By using this resin forming apparatus 1, the fabricating
method of a resin formed product is explained below.
[0315] In the embodiment, a resin formed product is obtained from
the thermoplastic resin 3 in the sequential process consisting of a
vacuum step, a filling step, and a cooling and removing step as
explained below.
[0316] When manufacturing a resin formed product, in the first
place, as the vacuum step as shown in FIG. 11, the pressure vessel
61 is vacuated by the vacuum means 6, and the cavity 21 of the
rubber-made mold 2 is decompressed to a vacuum state.
[0317] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, as the filling step, the melted
thermoplastic resin 3 is cast into the cavity 21 from the cast part
22 of the mold 2.
[0318] After the thermoplastic resin 3 is cast into the cavity 21,
evacuation by the vacuum means 6 is stopped, and the pressure
vessel 61 is opened to the atmosphere, and the inside of the
pressure vessels 61 is made to have atmospheric pressure. As a
result, the thermoplastic resin 3 cast into the cavity 21 may
permeate sufficiently into each plate-like space 211 entirely in
the cavity 21.
[0319] In the embodiment, at the filling step, the electromagnetic
wave generating means 4 irradiates the near-infrared ray having an
intensity peak in wavelength region of 0.78 to 2 .mu.m to the
surface of the mold 2. At this time, in the mold 2 of the
embodiment, the electromagnetic wave generating means 4 irradiates
the near-infrared ray from an inclined direction to the plane
direction (s) in each plate-like space 211.
[0320] Thus, the thermoplastic resin 3 flowing down from the cast
part 22 into the cavity 21 is prevented from declining in
temperature by the near-infrared ray.
[0321] The thermoplastic resin 3 flowing in the cavity 21 is
irradiated with the near-infrared ray through the mold 2. The
melted thermoplastic resin 3 is irradiated with the near-infrared
ray, and is hence prevented from becoming the viscosity higher than
5000 Poise.
[0322] When filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin 3,
due to difference in properties between the rubber for forming the
mold 2 and the thermoplastic resin 3, the thermoplastic resin 3 can
be heated more than the rubber-made mold 2. Hence, the
thermoplastic resin 3 can be heated to a higher temperature than
the rubber-made mold 2.
[0323] Hence, in the process until the cavity 21 is fully filled
with the thermoplastic resin 3, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 is kept higher than the
temperature of the mold 2. Since the cavity 21 is in the vacuum
state, the thermoplastic resin 3 can permeate sufficiently into the
entire cavity 21.
[0324] At the subsequent cooling and removing step, the
thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 is cooled, and a resin
formed product is manufactured, and the mold 2 is opened, and the
manufactured resin formed product is taken out from the cavity
21.
[0325] In the embodiment, the manufactured resin formed product is
cooled in air in the cavity 21 of the mold 2, and is taken out from
the cavity 21. At this time, since the thermoplastic resin 3 is
heated selectively, the temperature of the mold 2 is kept lower
than the temperature of the thermoplastic resin 3. Hence, the
required time for cooling the resin formed product may be
shortened.
[0326] In addition, since the temperature of the mold 2 is kept
low, deterioration of the mold 2 may be suppressed, and the
durability of the mold 2 may be enhanced.
[0327] The electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic
wave generating means 4 contain electromagnetic waves exceeding 2
.mu.m in wavelength, but by using the filter 5, the electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength may be prevented from being
irradiated to the mold 2 as far as possible. Hence, the
near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength may be
effectively irradiated to the thermoplastic resin 3 contained in
the cavity 21 of the mold 2. Hence, the thermoplastic resin 3 may
be heated effectively, while the mold 2 is not heated so much, by
the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength.
[0328] Further, the cavity 21 of the mold 2 of the embodiment is
not formed in a simple plane space, but is formed in a
three-dimensional space formed of a plurality of plate-like spaces
211, crossed and coupled with each other, having the plane
direction (s) and the thickness direction (t). In the embodiment,
when filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin 3, the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 irradiates the
near-infrared ray to the plane direction (s) in each plate-like
space 211 from an inclined direction. As a result, the
near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength may be
irradiated entirely to all of the plate-like spaces 211 for forming
the cavity 21 effectively. Accordingly, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 may be kept high in the entire cavity 21.
[0329] In the embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3 is the ABS
resin. The thermoplastic resin 3 is not limited to this example,
other thermoplastic resin 3 may be used as far as it is capable of
absorbing the transmission near-infrared ray not absorbed in but
passing through the mold 2 when the near-infrared ray is irradiated
to the surface of the mold 2.
[0330] Accordingly, by the resin forming apparatus 1 of the
embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 can be
selectively heated from the rubber-made mold 2, and the
thermoplastic resin 3 may permeate sufficiently into the entire
cavity 21. As a result, a favorable resin formed product excellent
in surface appearance may be obtained.
[0331] In the resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, when
filling the cavity 21 of the mold 2 with thermoplastic resin 3, it
is possible to fill by making use of the own gravity of the
thermoplastic resin 3. Hence, excessive pressure is not applied to
the thermoplastic resin 3, and the manufactured resin formed
product is almost free from residual stress. Hence, the resin
formed product is substantially enhanced in chemical resistance,
heat resistance, and other properties.
Embodiment 6
[0332] This embodiment shows various specific examples of the
irradiation direction X of electromagnetic waves by the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 from a direction inclined
to the plane direction (s) in each plate-like space 211 of the
cavity 21 of the mold 2.
[0333] As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 15, the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 may irradiate
electromagnetic waves from an oblique side direction of the mold 2
mounted on the platform 611. In this example, by the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 for outputting
electromagnetic waves from both sides of the pressure vessel 61,
the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction X by the
electromagnetic wave generation source 41 and the reflector 42 are
inclined to the transparent window 613 at the side of the pressure
vessel 61. In this case, by inclining the electromagnetic wave
irradiation direction X by the electromagnetic wave generating
means 4 to the mold 2, the state of irradiating electromagnetic
waves from a direction inclined to the plane direction (s) in each
plate-like space 211 may be formed easily.
[0334] Further, as shown in FIG. 16, in the resin forming apparatus
1, a plurality of electromagnetic wave generating means 4 may be
used, and the electromagnetic wave irradiation direction X of the
electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave generation source
41 and the reflector 42 may be different from each other in the
plurality of electromagnetic wave generating means 4. In this case,
by the plurality of electromagnetic wave generating means 4,
electromagnetic waves may be irradiated to the mold 2 from plural
directions, and the electromagnetic waves are more easily sent into
all parts of the plate-like space 211 in the cavity 21 of the mold
2.
[0335] In other specific example, the mold 2 mounted on the
platform 611 and the electromagnetic wave generating means 4 are
relatively moved, and electromagnetic waves may be irradiated from
a direction inclined to the plane direction (s) in each plate-like
space 211. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the irradiation
direction X of electromagnetic waves by the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 disposed oppositely at both sides outside of the
pressure vessel 61 may be formed in a variable state.
[0336] In this case, the electromagnetic wave generating means 4
may be configured so as to rotate the electromagnetic wave
generation source 41 and the reflector 42 integrally, or only the
reflector 42 may be formed to be rotatable. In this case, the
irradiation direction X of electromagnetic waves may be changed
freely, and the electromagnetic wave may be sent more easily toward
the entire plate-like space 211 in the cavity 21 of the mold 2.
[0337] In this embodiment, too, other configuration is same as in
embodiment 5, and same effect and action as in embodiment 5 may be
obtained.
Embodiment 7
[0338] The resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment includes, as
shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, a rubber-made mold 2 forming a cavity
21 to be filled with a thermoplastic resin 3, electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 for outputting electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to
4 .mu.m in wavelength, and a filter 5 disposed between the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 and the mold 2 for
decreasing the transmission amount of electromagnetic waves
exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength.
[0339] As shown in FIG. 20, the filter 5 has a filter water 52
contained in a gap 511 formed between transparent plates 51 of a
transparent material. The filter 5 includes an inlet 512 through
which the filter water 52 flows into the gap 511, and an outlet 513
through which the filter water 52 flows out from the gap 511. The
resin forming apparatus 1 decreases the transmission amount of
electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength by the filter
water 52, and is designed to exchange the filter water 52 through
the inlet 512 and the outlet 513.
[0340] Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 is designed to heat the thermoplastic resin 3 by
irradiating transmission electromagnetic waves after passing
through the filter 5 to the thermoplastic resin 3 through the mold
2 when filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin 3. In
FIG. 18 and FIG. 20, the irradiation direction of electromagnetic
waves is indicated by symbol X.
[0341] The resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment is described
specifically with reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 24.
[0342] In the embodiment, the thermoplastic resin is the ABS resin
(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin) which is noncrystalline
thermoplastic resin, and a rubber modified thermoplastic resin.
[0343] The mold 2 of the embodiment is formed of a silicone rubber,
and the hardness of the silicone rubber is 25 to 80 as measured in
JIS-A method. The mold 2 is fabricated by disposing a master model
(hand-made piece or the like) of the resin formed product to be
manufactured in a liquid silicone rubber, curing the silicone
rubber, and taking out the master model from the cured silicone
rubber.
[0344] The absorbance of electromagnetic wave (light) of 0.78 to 2
.mu.m in wavelength (also called near-infrared ray) (the scale
showing the absorption intensity to light of a specific wavelength)
is larger in the ABS resin used as the thermoplastic resin 3 than
in the silicone rubber used as the rubber-made mold 2.
[0345] As shown in FIG. 18, the electromagnetic wave generating
means 4 of the embodiment has a generation source 41 of
electromagnetic waves (light), and a reflector 42 (reflecting
board) for guiding the electromagnetic wave from the generation
source 41 into the direction of the mold 2. The reflector 42 is
disposed behind the electromagnetic wave generation source 41
(opposite side of the direction of disposing the mold 2), and has a
curved reflection plane 421. The electromagnetic wave generating
means 4 of the embodiment is designed to guide the majority of
electromagnetic waves irradiated from the electromagnetic wave
generation source 41 into the direction of the mold 2 and the
pressure vessel 61 by means of the reflector 42.
[0346] The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 of the
embodiment is a near-infrared ray halogen heater, and the
electromagnetic wave generation source 41 is a near-infrared ray
halogen lamp having light intensity peak near 1.2 .mu.m in the
near-infrared ray region.
[0347] In the resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the
melted thermoplastic resin 3 is cast into the cavity 21 of the mold
2, and by irradiating the near-infrared ray to the mold 2,
viscosity of the melted thermoplastic resin 33 is prevented from
becoming higher than 5000 Poise, and thereby a resin formed product
is obtained.
[0348] As shown in FIG. 19, the resin forming apparatus 1 of the
embodiment includes the pressure vessel 61 accommodating the mold
2, and a vacuum pump 62 for vacuating the pressure vessel 61. The
resin forming apparatus 1 is designed to fill the cavity 21
vacuated by the vacuum pump 62 with the thermoplastic resin 3.
[0349] The pressure vessel 61 includes a platform 611 for mounting
the mold 2, and this platform 611 is formed to be elevatable, and
the mounting height of the mold 2 can be adjusted.
[0350] The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 of the
embodiment is disposed at a side in the outside of the pressure
vessel 61. In the pressure vessel 61, at the position opposite to
the electromagnetic wave generating means 4 (at the side of the
pressure vessel 61 in the embodiment), a transparent window 613 is
formed for passing the electromagnetic wave output from the
electromagnetic wave generating means 4 into the pressure vessel
61.
[0351] Or, as shown in FIG. 20, the filter 5 of the embodiment
forms a transparent window 613 in the pressure vessel 61. This
filter 5 has a gap 511 of about 1 mm in thickness formed between a
pair of transparent plates 51 made of glass plates, and this gap
511 is filled with the filter water 52, and a water membrane is
formed.
[0352] The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 is designed to
irradiate the transmission electromagnetic wave after passing
through the filter 5 to the mold 2, through the filter 5 as the
transparent window 613 when filling the cavity 21 vacuated by the
vacuum pump 62 with the thermoplastic resin 3.
[0353] The transparent window 613 by the filter 5 is formed at both
sides of the pressure vessel 61, and the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 is disposed opposite to both sides of the
pressure vessel 61.
[0354] Although not shown in the drawing, the resin forming
apparatus 1 of the embodiment includes a water tank for storing the
filter water 52, a water feed pump for supplying the filter water
52 in the water tank into the inlet 512 at the filter 5 through
water feed piping, and a discharge piping for collecting the filter
water 52 after temperature rise into the water tank from the outlet
513 in the filter 5.
[0355] The filter water 52 in the gap 511 at the filter 5 is
designed to circulate to and from the water tank by means of the
water feed pump.
[0356] Thus, through the inlet 512 and the outlet 513, the filter
water 52 in the gap 511 is circulated sequentially, and a part of
the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4 is absorbed, and the filter water 52 can be
exchanged earlier before the temperature of the filter water 52
becomes high.
[0357] As shown in FIG. 21, the cavity 21 of the embodiment is
formed in a three-dimensional space formed of a plurality of
plate-like spaces 211 crossed and coupled with each other, and each
plate-like space 211 has a plane direction (s) forming its outline
profile, and a thickness direction (t) perpendicular to the plane
direction (s). The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 is
designed to irradiate the transmission electromagnetic waves from
an inclined direction to the plane direction (s) in each plate-like
space 211 when filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin
3.
[0358] In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, a cast part 22 for casting
the melted thermoplastic resin 3 into the cavity 21 is formed at
the upper side of the mold 2. This cast part 22 is formed to
communicate with the plate-like space 211.
[0359] Since the mold 2 of the embodiment is formed of rubber, if
so-called under-cut shape is formed in the manufactured resin
formed product (a part interfering with the mold 2 when taking out
the manufactured resin formed product from the cavity 21), by
elastically deforming this portion of under-cut shape, the
completed resin formed product may be taken out. As a result, a
parting line may be set freely by overlapping the rubber patterns
25 (see FIG. 21).
[0360] By using this resin forming apparatus 1, the fabricating
method of a resin formed product is explained below.
[0361] In the embodiment, a resin formed product is obtained from
the thermoplastic resin 3 in the sequential process consisting of a
vacuum step, a filling step, and a cooling and removing step as
explained below.
[0362] When manufacturing a resin formed product, in the first
place, as the vacuum step as shown in FIG. 19, the pressure vessel
61 is vacuated by the vacuum pump 62, and the cavity 21 of the
rubber-made mold 2 is decompressed to a vacuum state.
[0363] Next, as shown in FIG. 18, as the filling step, the melted
thermoplastic resin 3 is cast into the cavity 21 from the cast part
22 of the mold 2.
[0364] At the filling step, the electromagnetic wave generating
means 4 irradiates the electromagnetic waves of 0.78 to 4 .mu.m in
wavelength, and the transmission electromagnetic waves after
passing through the filter 5 are irradiated to the thermoplastic
resin 3 through the mold 2. The thermoplastic resin 3 flowing down
from the cast part 22 into the cavity 21 is prevented from
declining in temperature by the transmission electromagnetic
waves.
[0365] The thermoplastic resin 3 flowing in the cavity 21 is
irradiated with the transmission electromagnetic waves through the
mold 2. The melted thermoplastic resin 3 is irradiated with the
transmission electromagnetic waves, and is hence prevented from
becoming the viscosity higher than 5000 Poise.
[0366] When filling the cavity 21 with the thermoplastic resin 3,
due to difference in properties between the rubber for forming the
mold 2 and the thermoplastic resin 3, the thermoplastic resin 3 can
be heated more than the rubber-made mold 2. Hence, the
thermoplastic resin 3 can be heated to a higher temperature than
the rubber-made mold 2.
[0367] Hence, in the process until the cavity 21 is fully filled
with the thermoplastic resin 3, the temperature of the
thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 is kept higher than the
temperature of the mold 2. Since the cavity 21 is in the vacuum
state, the thermoplastic resin 3 can permeate sufficiently into the
entire cavity 21.
[0368] Therefore, insufficient filling of the cavity 21 with the
thermoplastic resin 3 is prevented, and a resin formed product
excellent in surface appearance may be obtained.
[0369] After the thermoplastic resin 3 is cast into the cavity 21,
evacuation by the vacuum pump 62 is stopped, and the pressure
vessel 61 is opened to the atmosphere, and the inside of the
pressure vessel 61 is made to have the atmospheric pressure. As a
result, the thermoplastic resin 3 cast into the cavity 21 may
permeate sufficiently into each plate-like space 211 entirely in
the cavity 21.
[0370] At the subsequent cooling and removing step, the
thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 is cooled, and a resin
formed product is manufactured, and the mold 2 is opened, and the
manufactured resin formed product is taken out from the cavity
21.
[0371] In the embodiment, the manufactured resin formed product is
cooled in air in the cavity 21 of the mold 2, and is taken out from
the cavity 21. At this time, since the thermoplastic resin 3 is
heated selectively, the temperature of the mold 2 is kept lower
than the temperature of the thermoplastic resin 3. Hence, the
required time for cooling the resin formed product may be
shortened.
[0372] In addition, since the temperature of the mold 2 is kept
low, deterioration of the mold 2 may be suppressed, and the
durability of the mold 2 may be enhanced.
[0373] The electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic
wave generating means 4 of the embodiment contain electromagnetic
waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength, but by using the filter 5,
the electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength may be
prevented from being irradiated to the mold 2 as far as possible.
Hence, the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength may
be effectively irradiated to the thermoplastic resin 3 contained in
the cavity 21 of the mold 2. Hence, the thermoplastic resin 3 may
be heated effectively, while the mold 2 is not heated so much, by
the near-infrared ray of 2 .mu.m or less in wavelength.
[0374] Further, in the embodiment, the filter 5 has a filter water
52 contained in a gap 511 formed between transparent plates 51. The
electronic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating
means 4 passes through the water membrane of the filter water 52,
and the transmission amount of electromagnetic waves exceeding 2
.mu.m in wavelength is decreased, and the transmission
electromagnetic waves passing through the filter water 52 is
irradiated to the thermoplastic resin 3 through the mold 2.
[0375] Hence the filer 5 for decreasing the transmission amount of
electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength may be formed
easily.
[0376] The filter water 52 may circulate through the inlet 512 and
outlet 513 formed in the filter 5. Hence, if the temperature of the
filter water 52 in the gap 511 is raised by absorbing a part of the
electromagnetic waves irradiated from the electromagnetic wave
generating means 4, the filter water 52 after this temperature rise
may be exchanged with the filter water 52 of lower temperature.
[0377] Hence, the temperature rise of the filter 5 may be
effectively suppressed, and the cooling structure for the filter 5
may be realized in a simple structure.
[0378] Therefore, according to the resin forming apparatus 1 of the
embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3 in the cavity 21 may be
heated selectively from the rubber-made mold 2, and the filter 5
for enhancing this heating effect may be formed simply by adding a
cooling function.
[0379] As the filter 5, aside from a water membrane, a glass plate
or the like capable of decreasing the transmission amount of
electromagnetic waves exceeding 2 .mu.m in wavelength may be used.
In this case, however, the glass plate absorbs the electromagnetic
wave, and is heated and expanded. Accordingly, in particular, when
a filter made of such glass plate is used as a transparent window
613 of the pressure vessel 61, a special O-ring of heat resistance
specification is needed in the portion for holding the glass plate,
and the apparatus may be expensive and complicated.
[0380] In the embodiment, the thermoplastic resin 3 is the ABS
resin. The thermoplastic resin 3 is not limited to this example,
other thermoplastic resin 3 may be used as far as it is capable of
absorbing the transmission electromagnetic wave not absorbed in but
passing through the mold 2 when the transmission electromagnetic
wave is irradiated to the surface of the mold 2.
[0381] FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are graphs showing results of confirming
absorption effects of electromagnetic waves (light) exceeding 2
.mu.m in wavelength by the filter 5. In these diagrams, the axis of
abscissas represents the wavelength (nm), and the axis of ordinates
represents the light transmissivity (%), and the light
transmissivity is shown about the filter 5 (solid line in the
diagrams) in a state of the gap 511 between the transparent plates
51 made of glass plates filled with the filter water 52 for forming
a water membrane, and the transparent plate 51 (broken line in the
diagrams) before the water membrane is formed without supplying the
filter water 52 in the gap 511.
[0382] FIG. 22 shows the gap 511 (water membrane) in a thickness of
1 mm, and FIG. 23 shows the gap 511 (water membrane) in a thickness
of 3 mm. In the both graphs, by the transparent plates 51 of glass
plates only (broken line in the graphs), the electromagnetic waves
in a wide range of wavelength including the near-infrared ray
(about 500 to 2500 nm) is absorbed, but by the filter 5 having the
water membrane by the filter water 52, most of the electromagnetic
waves exceeding about 1400 nm in wavelength may be effectively
absorbed. Accordingly, by the filter 5 using the filter water 52,
it is known that the electromagnetic waves (light) exceeding 2
.mu.m in wavelength may be absorbed effectively.
[0383] Further, as shown in FIG. 23, in the case of the water
membrane of 3 mm, the transmissivity of the entire light including
the near-infrared ray decreases, whereas, as shown in FIG. 22, in
the case of the water membrane of 1 mm, it is known that the
majority of the near-infrared ray of about 1400 nm or less may be
transmitted substantially. Hence, the thickness of the gap 511
formed between the pair of transparent plates 51, that is, the
thickness of the water membrane by the filter water 52 is known to
be about 1 mm preferably.
[0384] In the resin forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, when
filling the cavity 21 of the mold 2 with the thermoplastic resin 3,
it can be filled by making use of the own gravity of the
thermoplastic resin 3. Hence, large pressure is not applied to the
thermoplastic resin 3, and the completed resin formed product is
almost free from residual stress. Hence, the resin formed product
is enhanced extremely in chemical resistance, heat resistance, and
other characteristics.
[0385] It is to be noted that the pressure vessel 61 and the filter
5 may also be composed as follows.
[0386] That is, as shown in FIG. 24, in the pressure vessel 61, a
transparent window 613A made of pressure-proof glass may be formed,
and the filter 5 may be disposed at the outside of the container of
the transparent window 613A. As the pressure-proof glass, various
types of glass capable of withstanding the vacuum pressure may be
used. The electromagnetic wave generating means 4 may also be
composed so as to irradiate the transmission electromagnetic wave
to the mold 2 through the filter 5 and the transparent window 613A.
In this case, by forming the transparent window 613A of the
pressure vessel 61 by using pressure-proof glass, the strength of
the pressure vessel 61 may be easily maintained at high level.
* * * * *