US 11,691,330 B2
Forming apparatus, shaped object manufacturing method, and conveyance apparatus
Masakazu Suzuki, Tokyo (JP)
Assigned to CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Jan. 21, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/153,931.
Claims priority of application No. 2020-048587 (JP), filed on Mar. 19, 2020; and application No. 2020-048588 (JP), filed on Mar. 19, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0291429 A1, Sep. 23, 2021
Int. Cl. B29C 61/04 (2006.01); B29C 35/08 (2006.01); B29C 31/04 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 61/04 (2013.01) [B29C 31/04 (2013.01); B29C 35/08 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A forming apparatus comprising:
a conveyance unit configured to convey, along a conveyance path that is convexly bent, a formation sheet that expands due to irradiation with electromagnetic waves, the conveyance unit being configured to convey the formation sheet in a state in which tension is applied to the formation sheet so as to warp the formation sheet in accordance with a shape of the conveyance path that is convexly bent; and
an irradiation unit configured to irradiate with the electromagnetic waves the formation sheet during conveyance by the conveyance unit of the formation sheet in the state in which the tension is applied,
wherein:
the conveyance unit comprises (i) a pair of pulleys positioned above the conveyance path and opposing the conveyance path, and (ii) a belt wound on the pair of pulleys, and
the tension is applied to the formation sheet by the belt pressing the formation sheet.