Patent Publication Number: US-2022227088-A1

Title: Press device and press method

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a National Phase of International Application No. PCT/JP2020/040081 filed Oct. 26, 2020, which claims priority to Japanese Application Nos. 2019-228857, filed Dec. 19, 2019, and 2020-088323, filed May 20, 2020. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a press device and a press method. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Conventionally, there has been known a press device capable of pressing a work which is an object to be pressed. Patent literature 1 discloses a forming mold which is used as a press device.  FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view for describing a forming mold (conventional press device  800 ) described in patent literature 1. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , the conventional press device  800  includes: a pressure chamber  805  which is formed in a body  801   a  of an upper mold  801  in a state where the pressure chamber  805  opens downward; and a through hole  806  which is formed in the body  801   a  and through which an upper surface of the body  801   a  communicates with the pressure chamber  805 . A pusher  803  is disposed in the pressure chamber  805  in a vertically movable manner, and a piston  802  is disposed in the through hole  6  in a vertically movable manner. A pressure transmission medium  804  which is a non-compressive fluid is sealed in a space (sealed space  810 ) disposed between the piston  802  and the pusher  803 . At the time of fastening the molds, a load is applied to the piston  802  by a press upper heat disc  809 , and the load is applied to the pusher  803  via the pressure transmission medium  804 . A work  815  is pressed by making use of this load. 
     The pressure transmission medium  804  is sealed in the sealed space  810  and hence, a volume of the pressure transmission medium  804  is basically fixed. Further, a function of the pressure transmission medium  804  is a function as a simple “intervening material” for transmitting a force for displacing (stroking) the pusher  803  in a direction toward a lower mold  807 . 
     In the conventional press device  800 , the pressure transmission medium  804  is a fluid and hence, a load applied by the piston  802  is transmitted to an entire upper surface of the pusher  803  in a uniformly distributed manner. Accordingly, a state of a face pressure obtained on a press surface  811  of the pusher  803  can be made uniform. 
     Patent literature 2 discloses an imprinting device as a press device.  FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view for describing the imprinting device described in patent literature 2 (another conventional press device  900 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , in another conventional press device  900 , a pressurization chamber  930  (chamber) is formed by a pressurization chamber housing  933 , a rigid member  911 , and a seal member  912  which engages with a recessed portion formed in the pressurization chamber housing  933  and the rigid member  911 . 
     In another conventional press device  900 , a mold  901  and an object to be formed (also referred to as a work)  902  are sandwiched by the rigid member  911  and a pressure receiving stage  932 . At this stage of the operation, the seal member  912  is not particularly deformed by pressing in a pressing direction D 3 . Then, by introducing a fluid from a pressurization unit  935  (pressurized fluid source) into the pressurization chamber  930 , the rigid member  911  is displaced (strokes) downward from a current state. Accordingly, the mold  901  and the object to be formed  902  are pressurized by the rigid member  911 . 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         Patent Literature 1: Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-51616 
         Patent Literature 2: International Publication No. WO 2013/035759 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     In treating a work having a large surface area, for example, in the conventional press device  800 , an area of the pusher  803  (an area of the press surface  811  as viewed in a plan view) is also increased corresponding to the large surface area of the work. In this case, with respect to the press surface  811 , a large pressing force corresponding to the area of the press surface  811  is generated due to Pascal&#39;s Principle. However, a resistance which the press surface  811  receives from the work  815  is also increased at the time of performing pressing by an amount of increased area of the press surface  811 . Such a resistance is transmitted to the piston  802  via the press surface  811 , the pusher  803  and the pressure transmission medium  804 , and pushes back the piston  802  upward. Such a phenomenon decreases a pressing force generated on the press surface  811 . 
     However, with respect to the conventional press device  800 , a design which enables the press device  800  to withstand such a resistance is not particularly disclosed and hence, a problem on a resistance which occurs when pressing is performed with a large surface area cannot be solved. As a result, there may be a case where a sufficient pressing force cannot be generated on the press surface  811 . As the work  815  described in the cited literature 1, an object to be pressed which is considerably deformed when the object is pressed is estimated. In such a case, the resistance is relatively small and hence, the problem does not become conspicuous. However, in the case of a work which is partially or wholly made of a material having high rigidity, for example, such a problem on a resistance becomes conspicuous and hence, a sufficient pressing force cannot be generated on the press surface. 
     Also, in another conventional press device  900 , a design which enables the press device  900  to withstand the above-mentioned resistance is not particularly disclosed and hence, a problem on a resistance which occurs when pressing is performed with a large surface area cannot be solved. As a result, there may be a case where a sufficient pressing force cannot be generated on a press surface (a lower surface of the rigid member  911 ). 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a press device which can generate a sufficient pressing force on a press surface even when pressing is performed with a large surface area. Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a press method which can generate a sufficient pressing force on a press surface even when pressing is performed with a large surface area. It is still another object of the present invention to provide “a method of manufacturing a pressed product” which can be manufactured by such a method. 
     Solution to Problem 
     [1] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a press device which presses a work by driving a press plate by a fluid pressure in a chamber. The press device includes: a press head including: the press plate having a press surface which forms a work contact surface; a chamber base body disposed in a state where the chamber base body faces the press plate; and an elastic packing formed in a ring shape as viewed in a plan view and disposed between the press plate and the chamber base body; and a provisional pressing unit including: a provisional pressing plate configured to transmit a provisional pressing force in a provisional pressing direction which is a direction along which the work is disposed; and a provisional pressing force applying mechanism configured to give the provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate. 
     In the press device, the chamber is formed of a space surrounded by an inner surface of the press plate, an inner surface of the chamber base body and the elastic packing. The chamber is configured to generate a main pressing force to the work placed on the press surface by introducing a pressurized fluid into the chamber from a pressurized fluid source in a state where the elastic packing is deformed by compression in provisional pressing performed by the provisional pressing unit. The press device further includes a suppression unit configured to suppress movement of the provisional pressing plate in a counter provisional pressing direction which is a direction opposite to the provisional pressing direction. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there are provided a press method of pressing a work using a predetermined press device, and a method of manufacturing a press product obtained by pressing a work using the press device. 
     The predetermined press device includes: a press head including: a press plate having a press surface which forms a work contact surface; a chamber base body disposed in a state where the chamber base body faces the press plate; and an elastic packing formed in a ring shape as viewed in a plan view and disposed between the press plate and the chamber base body; and a provisional pressing unit including: a provisional pressing plate configured to transmit a provisional pressing force in a provisional pressing direction which is a direction along which the work is disposed; and a provisional pressing force applying mechanism configured to give the provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate; and a suppression unit configured to suppress movement of the provisional pressing plate in a counter provisional pressing direction which is a direction opposite to the provisional pressing direction. The chamber is formed of a space surrounded by an inner surface of the press plate, an inner surface of the chamber base body and the elastic packing. 
     According to one aspect of the press method according to the present invention, the press method includes in a following order: a provisional pressing unit advancing step of advancing the provisional pressing unit in a direction along which the work is disposed; a provisional pressing step of provisionally pressing the work by further moving the provisional pressing unit in the direction along which the work is disposed, and of directly or indirectly deforming the elastic packing by compression; a suppression unit activating step of activating the suppression unit while maintaining a state where the elastic packing is deformed by compression so as to restrict a displacement of the provisional pressing plate in the counter provisional pressing direction; and a main pressing step of generating a main pressing force on the work placed on the press surface by driving the press plate by introducing a pressurized fluid to an inside of the chamber from a pressurized fluid source. 
     According to one aspect of the method of manufacturing a press product according to the present invention, the method of manufacturing a press product includes in a following order: a provisional pressing unit advancing step of advancing the provisional pressing unit in a direction along which the work is disposed; a provisional pressing step of provisionally pressing the work by further moving the provisional pressing unit in the direction along which the work is disposed, and of directly or indirectly deforming the elastic packing by compression; a suppression unit activating step of activating the suppression unit while maintaining a state where the elastic packing is deformed by compression so as to restrict a displacement of the provisional pressing plate in the counter provisional pressing direction; and a main pressing step of generating a main pressing force on the work placed on the press surface by driving the press plate by introducing a pressurized fluid to an inside of the chamber from a pressurized fluid source. 
     [3] In the press device described in the above-mentioned [1] and [2], the provisional pressing force applying mechanism may be disposed on a side opposite to a side where the work is disposed as viewed from the provisional pressing plate, and may be configured to apply the provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate.
 
[4] In the press device described in the above-mentioned [1] and [2], the provisional pressing force applying mechanism may be configured to give the provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate by pulling the provisional pressing plate.
 
     Advantageous Effects of the Invention 
     According to the press device and the press method of the present invention, it is possible to generate a sufficient pressing force on the press surface even when pressing is performed with a large surface area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  are views for describing a press device  1  according to an embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 2A  to  FIG. 2C  are views for describing variations of a provisional pressing force applying mechanism (provisional pressing force applying mechanisms  220   a ,  220   b ,  220   c ). 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart for describing a press method according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 4A  to  FIG. 4E  are cross-sectional views of the press device  1  for describing a provisional pressing unit advancing step S 20  to a main pressing step S 50  in the press method according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view for describing a press device  2  according to an embodiment 2. 
         FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6C  are views for describing a modification. 
         FIG. 7A  to  FIG. 7C  are views for describing a modification. 
         FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B  are cross-sectional views for describing a forming mold (conventional press device  800 ) described in patent literature 1, and an imprinting device (another conventional press device  900 ) described in patent literature 2. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of a press device and a press method according to the present invention are described with reference to drawings. The respective drawings are schematic views which illustrate one example, and do not strictly reflect actual sizes, ratios and the like. 
     Embodiment 1 
     1. Configuration of Press Device  1  According to Embodiment 1 
       FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  are views for describing a press device  1  according to an embodiment 1.  FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of the press device  1 .  FIG. 1B  is a view of an elastic packing  130  taken along a line A-A in  FIG. 1A  and viewed in a direction along a provisional pressing direction D 1 .  FIG. 1B  also shows a press plate  110  together with the elastic packing  130 . A relationship is established that a mode of the elastic packing  130  and the press plate  110  depicted in  FIG. 1A  is equal to a mode of a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B in  FIG. 1B . 
     (1) Overall Structure of Press Device  1   
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 is a press device which presses a work W by driving the press plate  110  (described later) using a fluid pressure in a chamber  10  (described later). The press device  1  includes a press head  100  and a provisional pressing unit  200 . 
     The work W is an object to be pressed. Any object may be used as the work W. For example, the work W may be a work to which laminate treatment is applied. In  FIG. 1A , the work W made of a material m 1 , a material m 2  and an adhesive agent al is illustrated. The press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 is preferably carried out even when the material m 1  is a material having high rigidity. 
     In the embodiment 1, the work W is disposed between the press plate  110  (described later) and a table  500  which forms a platform. 
     (2) Press Head  100   
     The press head  100  is a head which performs a press operation by applying a pressing force to the work W. The press head  100  includes the press plate  110 , a chamber base body  120  and the elastic packing  130 . 
     The press plate  110  has a press surface  111  which forms a surface brought into contact with the work W (work contact surface). The press plate  110  has an “inner surface  112  of the press plate” which forms a portion of the chamber  10  described later on a side opposite to the press surface  111  as viewed from the press plate  110 . The press plate  110  is a rigid body. 
     The press surface  111  is a surface which is brought into contact with the work W and presses the work W. The press surface  111  may have any shape. The press surface  111  may be a flat surface which is a surface shown in the attached drawings, a bent surface, or an uneven surface which follows the shape of an upper side of the work W. 
     In this embodiment, the “inner surface  112  of the press plate” may have any shape. However, it is desirable that the “inner surface  112  of the press plate” be a flat surface. 
     When the press device  1  is used as a laminator, a heater (not illustrated in the drawing) may be incorporated in the press plate  110  or/and the table  500 . 
     The chamber base body  120  has the “inner surface  122  of the chamber base body” which forms a portion of the chamber  10 . The chamber base body  120  is disposed such that the chamber base body  120  faces the press plate  110 . Specifically, the “inner surface  122  of the chamber base body” faces the inner surface  112  of the press plate. In this embodiment, the “inner surface  122  of the chamber base body” may have any shape. However, it is desirable that the “inner surface  122  of the chamber base body” be a flat surface for forming the chamber  10  in cooperation with the inner surface  112  of the press plate which is a flat surface in the example described above. 
     The chamber base body  120  has an “outer surface  121  of the chamber base body” on a side opposite to the “inner surface  122  of the chamber base body” as viewed from the chamber base body  120 . The chamber base body  120  is a rigid body. 
     A fluid introducing opening  125  which penetrates between an outer portion of the chamber base body  120  and the “inner surface  122  of the chamber base body” is formed in the chamber base body  120 . A pressurized fluid FL (described later) can be introduced into the chamber  10  through this fluid introducing opening  125 . 
     The elastic packing  130  is a member which is elastically deformed when the elastic packing  130  receives a force from the outside. A shape of a cross section of the elastic packing  130  taken along a plane perpendicular to a length direction of the elastic packing  130  is not particularly limited. However, the cross section of the elastic packing  130  may have a circular shape, for example (see  FIG. 1A ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the elastic packing  130  has a ring shape as viewed along the provisional pressing direction D 1  (as viewed in a plan view). An area inside the ring becomes an area corresponding to the chamber  10 . 
     The elastic packing  130  is disposed between the press plate  110  and the chamber base body  120 , and interrupts coming and going of a substance between the area inside the ring and the area outside the ring. 
     (3) Provisional Pressing Unit  200   
     The provisional pressing unit  200  is a unit which provisionally presses the work W in the provisional pressing direction D 1  and deforms the elastic packing  130  by compression. The provisional pressing unit  200  includes a provisional pressing plate  200  and a provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220 . 
     The provisional pressing plate  210  transmits a provisional pressing force in the provisional pressing direction D 1  which is a direction along which the work W is disposed. In the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1, the provisional pressing plate  210  also serves as the above-mentioned chamber base body  120 . 
     The provisional pressing plate  210  is a rigid body. It is desirable that an inner surface of the provisional pressing plate  210  on a work W arrangement side be a flat surface. The provisional pressing plate  210  has a second wall  212  on a side opposite to the work W arrangement side as viewed from the provisional pressing plate  210 . The second wall  212  is a wall which is brought into contact with a suppression unit  300  (described later). 
     The provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220  is a mechanism which gives (applies) a provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate  210 . The provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220  is schematically indicated by a bold arrow in  FIG. 1A  and the like. However, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220  may be realized with any configuration provided that the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220  can give a provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
       FIG. 2A  to  FIG. 2C  are views for describing variations of the provisional pressing force applying mechanism (provisional pressing force applying mechanisms  220   a ,  220   b ,  220   c ). 
       FIG. 2A  shows the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   a  of a type which presses toward a work W side from above the provisional pressing plate  210 . That is, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   a  is disposed on a side opposite to a side where the work W is disposed as viewed from the provisional pressing plate  210 , and applies a provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
     In  FIG. 2A , the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   a  is schematically indicated by a suitable member (not indicated by a symbol) which is connected to the provisional pressing plate  210  and a bold arrow. However, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   a  may be realized with any configuration provided that the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   a  can give a provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate  210 . For example, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   a  may be realized by a servo motor, a ball screw and the like not shown in the drawings, or may be realized by a hydraulic cylinder not shown in the drawing. 
       FIG. 2B  shows the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   b  of a type which pulls the provisional pressing plate  210  downward. That is, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   b  gives a provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate  210  by pulling the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
     In  FIG. 2B , the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  200   b  is schematically indicated by a suitable member (not indicated by a symbol) which is connected to the provisional pressing plate  210  and a bold arrow. However, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   b  may be realized with any configuration provided that the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   b  can give a provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
     For example, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   b  may be configured to positively pull the provisional pressing plate  210  from the side where the work W is disposed using a servo motor, a ball screw or the like not shown in the drawing or a hydraulic cylinder not shown in the drawing. Further, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   b  may be realized by adopting the configuration where the provisional pressing plate  210  is pulled downward by temporarily suspending a weight downward (a side on which gravitational acceleration acts) from a lower surface of the provisional pressing plate  210  in a provisional pressing step (described later). 
       FIG. 2C  is a view for describing the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   c  of a mode where a provisional pressing force is applied by making use of a weight (gravity) of the provisional pressing plate  210 . An arrow in the drawing indicates the weight of the provisional pressing plate  210 , and the weight (gravity) corresponds to a provisional pressing force. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   c  adopts the configuration where the weight (gravity) of the provisional pressing plate is used to act as a provisional pressing force while increasing a mass of the provisional pressing plate itself to a correspondingly large size. In a broader meaning, it is safe to say that this provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   c  is included in the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220   b  of a type which pulls the provisional pressing plate  210  downward as shown in  FIG. 2B . 
     In the description of embodiments and modifications introduced hereinafter and in  FIG. 2A  to  FIG. 7C , all provisional pressing force applying mechanisms are described and illustrated using the schematic provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220  shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . With respect to the variations ( FIG. 2A  to  FIG. 2C ) described and illustrated above, such variations are also applicable to the embodiments and the modifications described hereinafter with reference to  FIG. 2A  to  FIG. 7C . 
     Further, the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220  may have not only a function of giving a provisional pressing force but also a function of changing a distance between the work W and the provisional pressing plate  210 , that is, a function of changing a clearance between the provisional pressing plate  210  (also including the press head  100  in the embodiment 1) and the work W by elevating or lowering the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
     (4) Chamber  10  and Mechanism for Generating Main Pressing Force 
     The chamber  10  is formed of a space surrounded by the inner surface  112  of the press plate, the inner surface  122  of the chamber base body and the elastic packing  130  described above. 
     The chamber  10  is formed so as to generate a main pressing force PR 2  &lt;see  FIG. 4E  described later with respect to the symbol&gt; to the work W placed on the press surface  111  by introducing a pressurized fluid FL &lt;&lt;see  FIG. 4E  described later with respect to the symbol&gt;&gt; into the chamber  10  from the pressurized fluid source  400  in a state where the elastic packing  130  is deformed by compression by provisional pressing performed by the provisional pressing unit  200 . 
     The pressurized fluid source  400  may be formed of: a fluid source (not shown in the drawing) such as a compressed air source in a factory, for example; and a booster (not shown in the drawing) which increases a fluid pressure from the fluid source. The pressurized fluid FL supplied from the pressure fluid source  400  is introduced into the chamber  10  from the fluid introducing opening  125  formed in the chamber base body  120  through a fluid path such as a tube  490 . The pressurized fluid source  400  is disposed outside the press device  1  in  FIG. 1A . However, the arrangement of the pressurized fluid source  400  is not limited to such an arrangement, and the pressurized fluid source  400  may be incorporated in the press device  1 . 
     (5) Suppression Unit  300   
     When the main pressing force PR 2  is generated, a large resistance is generated from a work W side and hence, the press device  1  further includes the suppression unit  300  such that the press device  1  withstands the resistance. The suppression unit  300  suppresses the movement of the provisional pressing plate  210  in a counter provisional pressing direction D 2  which is a direction opposite to the provisional pressing direction D 1  thus restricting the displacement of the provisional pressing plate  210  in the counter provisional pressing direction D 2 . 
     The suppression unit  300  may be realized by any configuration. In the example shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the suppression unit  300  is formed of a stopper  310 . 
     Specifically, the stopper  310  is a wedge-shaped member which is inserted between a first wall  511  of a fixed portion  510  and the second wall  212  of the provisional pressing plate  210 . The wedge-shaped member is formed in a stepped shape where a thickness of the member changes depending on positions (stepped wedge-shaped member  312 ). 
     The fixed portion  510  is a portion which is fixed to the platform (table  500 ), and is a rigid portion. 
     In the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1, the stopper  310  is formed such that a portion of the sopper  310  is brought into contact with (“fixed to” in a modification  7  described later) the fixed portion  510 , and another portion of the stopper  310  is directly brought into contact with the provisional pressing plate  210 . In the modification  4  described later, another portion of the stopper  310  is indirectly brought into contact with the provisional pressing plate  210  by way of a member which is connected to the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the stopper  310  is formed such that one portion (a stepped portion having a stepped shape) of the stopper  310  is brought into contact with the predetermined fixed portion  510 , and another portion (a portion on a side opposite to the stepped portion) of the stopper  310  is directly brought into contact with the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
     2. Operation of Press Device  1 /Press Method/Method of Manufacturing Press Product According to the Embodiment 1 
     Next, a press method according to the embodiment 1 is described with reference to  FIG. 3  to  FIG. 4E . The operation of the press device  1  and the method of manufacturing a press product according to the embodiment 1 have substantially the same content as the press method according to the embodiment 1. Accordingly, the description of the operation of the press device  1  and the method of manufacturing a press product uses the following description of the press method. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart for describing the press method according to the embodiment 1.  FIG. 4A  to  FIG. 4E  are set of cross-sectional views of the press device  1  for describing a series of steps ranging from a provisional pressing unit advancing step S 20  to a main pressing step S 50  in the press method according to the embodiment 1. In any one of  FIG. 4A  to  FIG. 4E , only main parts necessary for the description are illustrated, and other parts are omitted from the drawings. 
     (1) Summary of Press Method According to Embodiment 1 
     The press method according to the embodiment 1 is a method which presses a work using the predetermined press device described below. 
     That is, the predetermined press device includes the press head  100 , the provisional pressing unit  200 , and the suppression unit  300 . In the above-mentioned configuration, the press head  100  includes: “the press plate  110 ” having the press surface  111  which forms a work contact surface; “the chamber base body  120 ” which is disposed so as to face the press plate  110 ; and “the elastic packing  130 ” having a ring shape as viewed in a plan view and being disposed between the press plate  110  and the chamber base body  120 . The provisional pressing unit  200  includes: “the provisional pressing plate  210 ” which transmits a provisional pressing force PR 1  &lt;see  FIG. 4C  described later with respect to the symbol&gt; in the provisional pressing direction D 1  which is the direction along which the work w is disposed; and “the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220 ” which gives (applies) a provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate  210 . The suppression unit  300  suppresses the movement of the provisional pressing plate  210  in the counter provisional pressing direction D 2  which is the direction opposite to the provisional pressing direction D 1 . The chamber  10  is formed of the space surrounded by the inner surface  112  of the press plate, the inner surface  122  of the chamber base body, and the elastic packing  130  (see also  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ). 
     In the predetermined press device described above, with respect to the provisional pressing force applying mechanism, the configuration may be adopted where the provisional pressing force applying mechanism is disposed on a side opposite to a side where the work W is disposed as viewed from the provisional pressing plate  210 , and the pressing force applying mechanism applies a provisional pressing force to the provisional pressing plate  210  (an example of  220   a  in  FIG. 2A ). Alternatively, with respect to the provisional pressing force applying mechanism, the configuration may be adopted where a provisional pressing force is given to the provisional pressing plate by pulling the provisional pressing plate (an example of  220   b  shown in  FIG. 2B , an example of  220   c  shown in  FIG. 2( c ) ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the press method according to the embodiment 1 includes the provisional pressing unit advancing step S 20 , the provisional pressing step S 30 , the pressing unit activating step S 40 , and the main pressing step S 50  in this order. 
     A work supply step S 10  may be provided before the provisional pressing unit advancing step S 20 . Further, after the main pressing step S 50  is finished, a pressurized fluid introduction releasing step S 60 , a suppression unit inactivating step S 70  and a provisional pressing unit retracting step S 80  may be provided in this order (any one of these steps not shown in the drawings). 
     (2) Detail of Press Method 
     (2-1) Work Supply Step S 10   
     The work supply step S 10  is a step where the work W is supplied to the press device  1  by arranging the work W between the table  500  and the press head  100 . 
     (2-2) Provisional Pressing Unit Advancing Step S 20   
       FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view showing the provisional pressing unit advancing step S 20 . 
     The provisional pressing unit advancing step S 20  is a step where the provisional pressing unit  200  is made to advance in a direction D 3  along which the work W is disposed. Specifically, the provisional pressing unit advancing step S 20  is a step where a front surface side and a back surface side of the work W are brought into contact with other members including the press surface  111 , and the provisional pressing unit  200  is made to advance to a state in which the elastic packing  130  is not yet deformed by compression &lt;state shown in  FIG. 4B  in embodiment 1&gt;. 
     At this stage of the operation, the elastic packing  130  is not deformed by compression by the press head  100 , and a distance between the press plate  110  and the chamber base body  120  (a gap of the chamber) is approximately G 1 . 
     In the embodiment 1, the provisional pressing plate  210  of the provisional pressing unit  200  also serves as the chamber base body  120  of the press head  100 . Accordingly, the press head  100  also advances (is lowered) along with the advancing (lowering) of the provisional pressing unit  200 . 
     (2-3) Provisional Pressing Step S 30   
       FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view showing a stage at which the provisional pressing step S 30  starts. A view described in a lower part of  FIG. 4B  is a main-part enlarged cross-sectional view in which an area surrounded by a double-dashed chain line C in an upper part of  FIG. 4B  is enlarged &lt;&lt;hereinafter, the same understanding being applicable to a double-dashed chain line C in  FIG. 4C  to  FIG. 4E  described hereinafter&gt;&gt;.  FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view showing a stage at which the provisional pressing step S 30  is completed. 
     The provisional pressing step S 30  is a step where the provisional pressing unit  200  is made to further move in the direction D 3  along which the work W is disposed, and the work W is provisionally pressed and the elastic packing  130  is deformed by compression directly or indirectly. 
     When the provisional pressing step S 30  is performed, the elastic packing  130  is deformed by compression by a provisional pressing force PR 1 . Accordingly, assuming a gap of the chamber before the provisional pressing step S 30  starts as G 1 , the gap of the chamber after the provisional pressing step S 30  is finished becomes G 2  (G 2 &lt;G 1 ). 
     (2-4) Pressing Unit Activating Step S 40   
       FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view for describing the pressing unit activating step S 40 . 
     The pressing unit activating step S 40  is a step where the suppression unit  300  is activated while maintaining a state where the elastic packing  130  is deformed by compression so as to restrict the displacement of the provisional pressing plate  210  in the counter provisional pressing direction D 2 . 
     Specifically, for example, the stopper  310  (more specifically, the wedge-shaped member  312  having a stepped shape where a thickness changes depending on positions) is adopted as the suppression unit  300 , and the stopper  310  is inserted between the first wall  511  of the fixed portion  510  and the second wall  212  of the provisional pressing plate  210  thus activating the suppression unit  300 . At this stage of the operation, a portion (a stepped portion having a stepped shape) of the stopper  310  is brought into contact with the predetermined fixed portion  510 , and another portion (a portion on a side opposite to the stepped portion) of the stopper  310  is directly brought into contact with the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
     With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the provisional pressing plate  210  from moving in the counter provisional pressing direction D 2 . At this stage of the operation, the gap of the chamber is maintained at approximately G 2 . The position of the press surface  111  in this state &lt; FIG. 4D &gt; becomes an origin when main pressing is performed (main pressing origin). 
     During a period from a point of time that the suppression unit  300  is activated to a point of time that the pressurized fluid introduction releasing step S 60  is performed by way of the main pressing step S 50 , a power source of the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220  may be turned off. 
     (2-5) Main Pressing Step S 50   
       FIG. 4E  is a cross-sectional view for describing the main pressing step S 50 . 
     The main pressing step S 50  is a step where a main pressing force PR 2  is generated on the work W placed on the press surface  111  by driving the press plate  110  by introducing the pressurized fluid FL into the chamber  10  from the pressurized fluid source  400 . 
     Specifically, the pressurized FL supplied from the pressurized fluid source  400  is introduced into the chamber  10  from the fluid introducing opening  125  of the chamber base body  120  through the fluid path such as the tube  490  or the like. A pressure of the pressurized fluid FL can be suitably set. 
     By performing the steps described above, the main pressing force PR 2  is generated, and the work W is pressed in a thickness direction. Accordingly, the press device can acquire a requested predetermined purpose. 
     At this stage of the operation, the gap of the chamber becomes Gx (G 2 ≤Gx&lt;G 1 ). 
     (2-6) Post Treatment 
     Then, the introduction of the pressurized fluid FL into the chamber  10  is interrupted in the pressurized fluid introduction releasing step S 60 , and the inside of the chamber  10  is opened to the atmosphere (not shown in the drawing). Next, in the suppression unit inactivating step S 70 , the suppression unit  300  is released and inactivated (not shown in the drawings). Next, in the provisional pressing unit retracting step S 80 , the provisional pressing unit  200  is moved (retracted) in a direction opposite to the direction D 3  along which the work W is disposed thus generating a clearance between the work W and the predetermined member (not shown in the drawing). Then, a work W′ (not shown in the drawing) obtained by applying such press treatment to the work W is taken out to the outside from the press device  1 . 
     3. Advantageous effects acquired by press device  1 , press method and the method of manufacturing press product according to embodiment 1. 
     The press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 has the configuration described above and hence, the following advantageous effects can be obtained. 
     (1) The press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 has “suppression unit  300 ” described above. Accordingly, even when a large resistance is generated from the side of the work W during pressing, the suppression unit  300  restricts the displacement of the provisional pressing plate  210  in the counter provisional pressing direction D 2  and hence, the movement of the provisional pressing plate  210  in the counter provisional pressing direction D 2  can be suppressed. Accordingly, a sufficient pressing force PR 2  can be generated on the press surface  111  without changing a volume of the chamber  10 , that is, without reducing a fluid pressure in the chamber  10 . 
     As a result, according to the press device  1  of the embodiment 1, a sufficient pressing force can be generated on the press surface even when pressing is performed by the press surface having a large surface area. 
     The press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 is suitably applicable particularly when pressing is performed by a press surface having a large surface area. 
     For example, assume that an area (an area of a region inside a ring which the elastic packing  130  forms) of the chamber  10  as viewed in a plan view is 400 cm 2  (longitudinal size: 20 cm×lateral side: 20 cm). Also assume that a pressure of compressed air in a factory is 0.5 Mpa (5 kgw/cm 2 ), and air whose pressure is increased 4 times compared to the pressure by a booster is used as “pressurized fluid FL”. By introducing pressurized fluid FL into the chamber  10 , a force generated in the region inside the ring (eventually a main pressing force PR 2  generated on the press surface  111 ) becomes a value which corresponds to 8 tw (400×20=8000 kgw=8 tw). Accordingly, magnitude of the resistance becomes a value corresponding to such a force (for example 8 tw) although it depends on a characteristic of the work W. 
     Accordingly, for example, in another conventional press device  900 , the pressurization chamber housing  933  cannot withstands a resistance so that the pressurization chamber housing  933  is pushed back upward. As a result, a pressing force generated on a press surface (a lower surface of the rigid member  911 ) is decreased. 
     On the other hand, the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 includes the suppression unit  300  described above and hence, such a phenomenon does not occur so that a sufficient pressing force PR 2  can be generated on the press surface  111 . 
     (2) In the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1, a substantial stroke amount in main pressing is minimized. That is, using a level of the press surface  111  at a point of time the above-mentioned suppression unit activating step S 40  is completed as a reference, an amount (displacement) that the compressed elastic packing  130  extends toward an original state due to introduction of the pressurized fluid FL becomes a substantial stroke amount in main pressing. It is safe to say that this substantial stroke amount is approximately 0 macroscopically. 
     In this manner, in main pressing (main pressing step S 50 ) which is a scene where a large force is generated, a stroke of the related member is minimum and hence, the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 becomes a press device having a high safety. Further, even when the introduction of the pressurized fluid FL becomes incomplete due to a defect or the like, only lowering of a pressure in the chamber  10  occurs, and further stroking of the press surface  111  in a pressing direction is not generated. Also, from this point of view, the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 becomes a press device having extremely high safety. 
     On the other hand, a stroke necessary for main pressing is minimum and hence, it is possible to minimize a height of the chamber  10 , and the volume of the chamber  10  can also be minimized corresponding to the minimizing of the height of the chamber  10 . Accordingly, space efficiency is improved so that a high main pressing force can be outputted with smaller energy. Accordingly, the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 becomes a resource saving press device. 
     (3) Further, during performing main pressing (main pressing step S 50 ) a resistance is suppressed by the suppression unit  300 /the stopper  310 . Accordingly, during a resistance suppression period (time), power (for example, servo motor not shown in the drawings) of the provisional pressing force applying mechanism  220  may be turned off. Accordingly, the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 becomes an energy saving press device. 
     For example, in place of the stopper  310 , the elevation of the provisional pressing plate  210  can also be suppressed by outputting a force which resists the above-mentioned 8 tw using a servo motor having a high output (not shown in the drawing). However, it is necessary to supply a large amount of electricity during such a period. For example, when the press device is used as a laminator, the number of cases where main pressing for lamination requires 20 minutes to 30 minutes as a predetermined time of main pressing for lamination is not small, and there may be a case where main pressing requires a longer time, for example, approximately 1 hour. During such a period, a large amount of electricity is consumed. However, according to the press device  1  of the embodiment 1, during a period in which the provisional pressing plate  210  is suppressed by the stopper  310 , power of such a servo motor (not shown in the drawings) is turned off and hence, consumption energy during such a period can be saved entirely. 
     (4) Further, as one preferred mode, the suppression unit  300  of the press device  1  is formed of the stopper  310 , a portion of the stopper  310  is brought into contact with the predetermined fixed portion  510 , and another portion of the stopper  310  is directory brought into contact with the provisional pressing plate  210 . 
     Accordingly, with the simple configuration, the movement of the provisional pressing plate  210  in the counter provisional pressing direction D 2  can be suppressed with certainty. 
     (5) Further, as one preferred mode, the stopper  310  of the press device  1  is formed of the wedge-shaped member  312  having a stepped shape which is inserted between the first wall  511  of the fixed portion  510  and the second wall  212  of the provisional pressing plate  210  and has a thickness which changes depending on positions. By adopting the stopper  310  having such a configuration, a distance between the first wall  511  and the second wall  212  can be properly changed in stages corresponding to a change in specification such as a thickness of the work W or a degree of compression of the elastic packing  130 . 
     (6) Further, as one preferred mode, the chamber base body  120  also serves as the provisional pressing plate  210 . Accordingly, the number of members can be decreased. Further, an occupation space can be omitted by an amount corresponding to the decrease of the number of members and hence, it is possible to provide an advantageous press devise also from an economical point of view. 
     (7) Further, the press method and the method of manufacturing a press product according to the embodiment 1 perform: the provisional pressing step S 30  of deforming the elastic packing  130  by compression; the suppression unit activating step S 40  of restricting the displacement of the provisional pressing plate  210  in the counter provisional pressing direction D 2  by activating the suppression unit  300 ; and the main pressing step S 50  of generating a main pressing force PR 2  to the work W placed on the press surface  111  by driving the press plate  110  by introducing a pressurized fluid FL into the chamber  10 , in this order. 
     Accordingly, even when a large resistance is liable to be generated from a side of the work W during pressing, the suppression unit  300  is activated in the suppression unit activating step S 40  and hence, the movement of the provisional pressing plate  210  to the counter provisional pressing direction D 2  can be suppressed. With such an operation, it is possible to generate a sufficient pressing force PR 2  on the press surface  111  without changing a volume of the chamber  10 , that is, without decreasing a fluid pressure in the chamber  10  even in the main pressing step S 50 . 
     As has been described above, according to the press method of the embodiment 1, even when pressing is performed by the pressing surface having a large surface area, it is possible to generate a sufficient pressing force on the press surface. The press method and the method of manufacturing a press product according to the embodiment 1 can be carried out using the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 and hence, the advantageous effects brought about by the technical features of the press device  1  can be acquired in the same manner. 
     Embodiment 2 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view for describing a press device  2  according to a second embodiment. In the embodiment 2, with respect to constitutional elements which are identical with the corresponding constitutional elements of the embodiment 1 in the substantial configuration and technical features, the same symbols are used or the attaching of symbols is omitted, and the description of these constitutional elements is omitted. 
     The press device  2  according to the embodiment 2 basically has substantially the same configuration as the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1. However, the press device  2  according to the embodiment 2 differs from the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 with respect to a point that a press head is disposed below a work W. 
     That is, as shown in  FIG. 5 , in the press device  2  according to the embodiment 2, a provisional pressing plate  210  and a press plate  110  are disposed such that the provisional pressing plate  210  and the press plate  110  face each other with a work W sandwiched between the provisional pressing plate  210  and the press plate  110 , and a press head  100 ′ is disposed below the work W. A fluid introducing opening  125  is formed in a chamber base body  120 ′. It is possible to introduce a pressurized fluid FL supplied from a pressurized fluid source  400  into a chamber  10  through a fluid introducing opening  125 . 
     According to the press device  2  of the embodiment 2 having such a configuration, for example, when a liquid is used as a pressurized fluid, even if the liquid is leaked from the chamber  10 , since the press head  100 ′ having the chamber  10  is disposed below the work W, there is no possibility that the work W which is disposed above the chamber  10 ′ is smeared. 
     The press device  2  according to the embodiment 2 basically has substantially the same configuration as the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1, with respect to the configuration other than the point that the press head  100 ′ is disposed below the work W. Accordingly, the press device  2  of the embodiment 2 acquires corresponding advantageous effects found amongst all advantageous effects which the press device  1  according to the embodiment 1 acquires. 
     [Modifications] 
     Although the present invention has been described heretofore based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The present invention can be carried out in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are also conceivable. 
     (1) The numbers, the materials, the shapes, the positions, the sizes and the like of the constitutional elements described in the above-mentioned embodiment are provided for an exemplifying purpose, and these factors can be changed within a scope that the advantageous effects of the present invention are not impaired. 
     (2)  FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6C  are views for describing modifications.  FIG. 6A  indicates a press head  100 ″ of the modification  1 ,  FIG. 6B  indicates a press head  100 ′″ of the modification  2 , and  FIG. 6C  indicates an elastic packing  130 ′ of the modification  3 . 
     In the respective embodiments, the elastic packing  130  is disposed between the inner surface  112  of the press plate having the flat surface shape and the inner surface  122  of the chamber base body having the flat surface shape. However, the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement. As shown in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B , a packing groove  114  may be formed on an inner surface side of at least one of the press plate  110 ′ and the chamber base body  120 ,  120 ″ which face each other, and the elastic packing  130  may be made to fall into the packing groove  114  and to engage with the packing groove  114  (modification  1  and modification  2 ). 
     By forming the packing groove  114  and by making the elastic packing  130  engage with the packing groove  114  in this manner, sealing property of the chamber  10  can be further enhanced. 
     Further, in a case where pressing is performed by forming a flat surface shape of the elastic packing into an arbitrary irregular shape other than an approximately rectangular or circular shape as described later, the elastic packing is pulled toward the outside by a fluid pressure when main pressing is performed. However, the movement of the elastic packing is restricted by the packing groove  114  and hence, pressing can be performed in a state where the elastic packing maintains the arbitrary irregular shape. 
     In the respective embodiments, the elastic packing  130  has an approximately rectangular ring shape as viewed in a plan view &lt;see  FIG. 1B &gt;. However, in the present invention, the shape of the elastic packing  130  is not limited to such a shape. For example, the elastic packing  130  may be formed in a circular ring shape. Further, as shown in  FIG. 6C , it may be possible to use the elastic packing  130 ′ having an arbitrary irregular ring shape which conforms with the shape of the work W other than an approximately rectangular and circular ring shape (modification  3 ). 
     It is considered that a uniform fluid pressure is received in a region inside the ring which the elastic packing  130  or  130 ′ forms and also on a press surface  111  side, a pressing force is uniformly generated in a portion corresponding to the region inside the shape of the ring. It is also considered that a main pressing force is also gradually lowered as a distance from the ring is increased in a portion corresponding to a region outside the shape of the ring. Based on such understanding, by properly setting the shape of the elastic packing  130 ,  130 ′ corresponding to the shape of the work W to be pressed (see the elastic packing  130 ′ having an arbitrary irregular shape or the like), it is enough to introduce an amount of pressurized fluid which is necessary and sufficient in a region which is necessary and sufficient. Accordingly, a load of a pressurized fluid source  400  is reduced correspondingly and hence, energy saving can be realized. 
       FIG. 7A  to  FIG. 7C  are views for describing a modification.  FIG. 7A  shows a provisional pressing unit  200 ′ of the modification  4 ,  FIG. 7B  shows a wedge-shaped member  314  having a tapered shape which is a suppression unit according to a modification  5 , and  FIG. 7C  shows a semi-fixed (suppression adjustable) suppression jig  316  which is a suppression unit according to the modification  6 . 
     The stopper  310  which forms the suppression unit  300  in the above-mentioned respective embodiments and above-mentioned modifications is directly brought into contact with the provisional pressing plate  210  using the wedge-shaped member  312  having a stepped shape, for example (see  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 4A  to  FIG. 5 ). However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. As shown in  FIG. 7A , posts  234  may be introduced as the members  230  which are connected to the provisional pressing plate, and stoppers  310  may be inserted between the first wall  511  of the fixed portion  510  and the second walls  232  of the posts  234  (modification  4 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , the wedge-shaped member  314  having a tapered shape whose thickness continuously changes may be formed as the stopper  310 , and the wedge-shaped member  314  may be inserted between the first wall  511  of the fixed portion  510  and the second wall  212  ( 232 ) of the provisional pressing plate (or the member  230  which is connected to the provisional pressing plate such as the post  234 ) (modification  5 ). 
     By adopting such a wedge-shaped member  314  having a tapered shape, a distance between the first wall  511  and the second wall  212 ,  232  can also be changed properly, arbitrarily and in a stepless manner in accordance with a change in specification such as a thickness of the work W or the degree of compression of the elastic packing  130 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7C , the semi-fixed suppression jig  316  may be introduced as the stopper  310 . For example, the semi-fixed suppression jig  316  may be formed of a member  317  in which a loose hole is formed and a bolt screw  318 , and a tap (a threaded hole) is formed in a fixed portion  510 ′. With such a configuration, the member  317  in which the loose hole is formed may be integrally mounted on the fixed portion  510  by allowing the bolt screw  318  to pass through the loose hole and allowing the bolt screw  318  to threadedly engage with the tap of the fixed portion  510 . Then, the provisional pressing plate  210  can be directly or indirectly pressed by bringing a portion of the member  317  in which the loose hole is formed into contact with the provisional pressing plate  210  (or the member  230  which is connected to the provisional pressing plate such as the post  234 ) (modification  6 ) 
     (4) In the respective embodiments and the above-mentioned modifications, the examples where the fluid introducing opening  125  is formed in the chamber base body  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ are exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples. The liquid introducing opening  125  may be formed on a side of the press plate  110 ,  110 ′. 
     (5) In the respective embodiments and the above-mentioned modifications, the example where air is used as the pressurized fluid FL is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples. For example, as the pressurized fluid FL, other gases (an inert gas and the like) and liquid such as water or oil may be used.