Forming station and process for twin sheet thermoforming
US6969246B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7172
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A forming station for a thermoformer in which the lower platen is lowered and moved laterally on linear bearings on the machine frame after two sheets are formed in side by side mold-plug assist tool sets so as to align the respective molds and formed sheets. The formed sheets are squeezed together with flanges on the formed sheets thereby fused together by a draw mechanism including a series of hydraulic cylinders which are connected to coupled elements carried by the upper and lower platens so as create the squeezing movement when the cylinders are pressurized. A precision control is exercised over the operation of each of the cylinders using a position sensing device associated with each cylinder to insure equal movement of the output member of each cylinder. The lower platen vertical drive is activated in correspondence with the travel produced by the hydraulic cylinders to reduce the load on a brake holding the upper platen stationary.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.