JP7780720B2 - Clamping device and web transport device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a clamping device and a web transport device.

Web transport devices are known that transport a web unwound from a web roll. Examples of web transport devices include defective part removal devices that remove defective parts from webs such as plastic films and metal films.

Web transport devices use a suction-type holding mechanism that holds the web by suction. However, suction-type holding mechanisms are functionally insufficient for flattening stiff webs, and are not suitable for high-tension transport, webs that warp, or transporting multiple webs of different widths on the same line.

There are also clamp-type holding mechanisms that clamp and hold the web. However, clamp-type holding mechanisms have the problem of causing wrinkles in the web when it is clamped during transport.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-27814 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-244200 Patent No. 3108193 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-95658

This disclosure provides a clamping device and a web transport device that prevent the formation of wrinkles in a web when the web is clamped during transport.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following [1] to [11].

[1] A clamping device comprising: a fixed fixed plate; a movable plate that is movable relative to the fixed plate and clamps a web between the fixed plate and the movable plate; and a movable plate movement mechanism that moves the movable plate relative to the fixed plate, wherein the movable plate includes multiple movable plate portions that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the web.

[2] The clamping device described in [1], wherein the multiple movable plate portions move integrally relative to the fixed plate.

[3] The clamping device described in [1] or [2], wherein the fixing plates have an integral shape that is not separated from each other across the entire width of the web.

[4] The clamping device described in any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a receiving plate disposed on the opposite side of the web from the fixed plate, and a receiving plate movement mechanism that moves the receiving plate toward and away from the web.

[5] The clamping device described in [4], wherein the receiving plates have an integral shape that is not separated from each other across the entire width of the web.

[6] The clamping device described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein the movable plate portion has a contact portion that contacts the web, and the contact portion includes an elastic material.

[7] A clamping device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the length of the fixed plate in the web transport direction is longer than the length of the movable plate, and the fixed plate and the receiving plate are integrated in the web transport direction.

[8] A clamping device comprising the clamping device described in [1] or [2], wherein the fixing plate includes multiple fixing plate portions spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the web.

[9] A web transport device comprising a transport mechanism that transports a web unwound from a web roll, a switching device that switches the transport path of the web, and a clamping device described in any one of [1] to [8] that clamps the web in the transport path.

[10] The web transport device described in [9], wherein the clamping device includes a first clamping device that clamps and holds the web in the first transport path and a second clamping device that clamps and holds the web in the second transport path, and the switching device moves the first clamping device and the second clamping device in a direction perpendicular to the web transport direction when switching the transport path.

[11] The web transport device described in [10], wherein the clamping device includes a third clamping device that clamps and holds the web upstream of the first clamping device and the second clamping device.

This disclosure makes it possible to prevent wrinkles from forming in the web when the web is clamped during transport.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport apparatus according to one embodiment. 2 is an enlarged schematic view showing the periphery of a switching device and a clamping device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a further enlarged schematic view of the clamping device of FIG. 2. [0023]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the clamping device of FIG. 3 holds a web. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamping device according to one embodiment; 1 is a cross-sectional view of a clamping device according to an embodiment taken along the short-side direction of a web. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a defective portion detection step. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a clamping device according to a first modified example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a clamping device according to a second modified example. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a switching device of a web transport device according to a third modified example.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited thereto. In this specification, terms such as "substrate," "sheet," and "film" are not distinguished from one another solely based on differences in name. For example, the concept of "substrate" includes members that may be called sheets or films. "Surface" refers to a surface that coincides with the planar direction of the target plate-like member when viewed holistically and comprehensively. The normal direction used with respect to a plate-like member refers to the normal direction to the surface of the member. As used in this specification, terms that specify shape and geometric conditions and their degrees, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "straight line," as well as length and angle values, are not bound by strict meanings but are interpreted to include a range within which similar functions can be expected.

When multiple upper limit candidates and multiple lower limit candidate values are listed for a certain parameter in this specification, the numerical range of that parameter may be constructed by combining any one upper limit candidate with any one lower limit candidate. For example, consider the following description: "Parameter B is, for example, A1 or greater, and may be A2 or greater, or A3 or greater. Parameter B is, for example, A4 or less, A5 or less, or A6 or less." In this case, the numerical range of parameter B may be A1 or greater and A4 or less, A1 or greater and A5 or less, or A1 or greater and A6 or less. Furthermore, the numerical range of parameter B may be A2 or greater and A4 or less, A2 or greater and A5 or less, or A2 or greater and A6 or less. Furthermore, the numerical range of parameter B may be A3 or greater and A4 or less, A3 or greater and A5 or less, or A3 or greater and A6 or less.

In the drawings referenced in this embodiment, identical parts or parts with similar functions are designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and some components may be omitted from the drawings.

A web transport device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a web transport device 1 according to one embodiment. The web transport device 1 is a device that transports a web W unwound from a raw web roll R. The web transport device 1 may also be, for example, a defective part removal device that removes defective parts from the web W.

The web W is long. That is, the web W has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction along the longest edge of the web W when the web W is unfolded. The "transverse direction" refers to the direction in which the web W has the shortest length when the web W is unfolded. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the winding direction of the web W on the raw roll R. The transverse direction corresponds to the width direction of the web W. The transverse direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the web conveying device 1, the web W is conveyed along the longitudinal direction. That is, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the conveying direction of the web W in the web conveying device 1. The web W also has a thickness direction. The "thickness direction" refers to the normal direction of the web W when the web W is unfolded. The thickness direction is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

The longitudinal dimension of the web W is, for example, 10 m or more, may be 100 m or more, or may be 1000 m or more. The longitudinal dimension of the web W is, for example, 10,000 m or less, may be 1000 m or less, or may be 100 m or less. The lateral dimension of the web W is, for example, 0.03 m or more, may be 0.3 m or more, or may be 3 m or more. The lateral dimension of the web W is, for example, 3 m or less, may be 1 m or less, or may be 0.5 m or less. The thickness dimension of the web W is, for example, 4 μm or more, may be 40 μm or more, or may be 400 μm or more. The thickness dimension of the web W is, for example, 2,000 μm or less, may be 200 μm or less, or may be 20 μm or less.

The web W may be composed of a laminate including a metal layer. The web W may be a packaging film with gas barrier properties. A thin metal layer included in the laminate of the web W may have gas barrier properties. The web W may be, for example, a food packaging film.

As shown in FIG. 1, the web transport device 1 includes a web shaft 3, a transport mechanism 10, a switching device 20, a clamping device 30, a first winding shaft 5, and a second winding shaft 7.

The raw web shaft 3 holds the raw web roll R. The raw web roll R is composed of a web W wound into a roll. In other words, the web W is wound around the raw web shaft 3 to form the raw web roll R.

The transport mechanism 10 transports the web W unwound from the raw web roll R. The transport mechanism 10 may include multiple transport rollers 11. The transport path 12 of the web W by the transport mechanism 10 includes a common transport path 13, a first transport path 14, and a second transport path 15.

The common transport path 13 is the transport path for the web W from the raw web roll R to the clamping device 30 (described later) (or the cutting position by the cutting device 40 (described later). The web W unwound from the raw web roll R is first transported along the common transport path 13.

The first transport path 14 is the transport path of the web W from the clamping device 30 (or the cutting position by the cutting device 40) to the first winding shaft 5. The web W transported along the first transport path 14 heads toward the first winding shaft 5 and is then wound up by the first winding shaft 5.

The second transport path 15 is the transport path of the web W from the clamping device 30 (or the cutting position by the cutting device 40) to the second winding shaft 7. The web W transported along the second transport path 15 heads toward the second winding shaft 7 and is then wound up by the second winding shaft 7.

The switching device 20 switches the transport path 12 of the web W between the first transport path 14 and the second transport path 15. Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the switching device 20 and the clamping device 30 in Figure 1 and their surroundings. As shown in Figure 2, the switching device 20 supports the clamping device 30 (the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32, which will be described later).

The switching device 20 is configured to be movable linearly in a direction Dz that is non-parallel to the transport direction Dw of the web W. The angle between the movement direction Dz of the switching device 20 and the transport direction Dw of the web W is, for example, 75 degrees or more, or may be 80 degrees or more, or 85 degrees or more. The angle between the movement direction Dz of the switching device 20 and the transport direction Dw of the web W is, for example, 105 degrees or less, or may be 100 degrees or less, or 95 degrees or less. The movement direction Dz of the switching device 20 may be a direction perpendicular to the transport direction Dw of the web W. The switching device 20 may be configured to be movable in the direction Dz that is perpendicular to the transport direction Dw of the web W.

The switching device 20 moves in the above-mentioned direction Dz to switch the transport path 12 of the web W between the first transport path 14 and the second transport path 15. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14 and it is necessary to change the transport path 12 of the web W to the second transport path 15, the switching device 20 switches the transport path 12 of the web W from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15 and it is necessary to change the transport path 12 of the web W to the first transport path 14, the switching device 20 switches the transport path 12 of the web W from the second transport path 15 to the first transport path 14.

When switching the transport path 12 for the web W, the switching device 20 moves the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32 linearly in a direction Dz that is non-parallel to the transport direction Dw of the web W. Alternatively, when switching the transport path 12 for the web W, the switching device 20 moves the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32 in a direction Dz that is perpendicular to the transport direction Dw of the web W.

The clamp device 30 clamps and holds the web W along the transport path 12 of the web W. The clamp device 30 is a so-called clamp-type holding mechanism. The clamp device 30 may also be referred to as a holding mechanism.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a further enlargement of the clamping device 30 of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the clamping device 30 of Figure 3 holding the web W. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the clamping device 30. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are cross-sectional views along the short direction of the web W before and after the clamping device 30 holds the web W, respectively.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the clamp device 30 includes a fixed plate 35, a movable plate 36, a movable plate moving mechanism 37, a receiving plate 38, and a receiving plate moving mechanism 39.

The fixed plate 35 is fixed in a position facing the movable plate 36. The fixed plate 35 is located vertically above the movable plate 36. The fixed plate 35 may also be referred to as the upper plate. The fixed plate 35 may be a long, narrow plate-like member extending in the short-side direction Dy of the web W. The fixed plate 35 has a width dimension that is longer than the short-side dimension of the web W. Unlike the movable plate 36, the fixed plate 35 has an integrated shape that is not separated from the movable plate 36 across the entire area of the short-side direction Dy of the web W.

The fixed plate 35 is preferably made of a rigid material so that it does not bend when pressed by the movable plate 36. The fixed plate 35 may also be made of a metal material such as iron or stainless steel.

The movable plate 36 supports the web W. The movable plate 36 is positioned vertically below the fixed plate 35. The movable plate 36 may also be referred to as the lower plate. The movable plate 36 faces the fixed plate 35. The movable plate 36 is configured to be movable toward the fixed plate 35. The movable plate 36 presses the web W against the fixed plate 35 by moving upward toward the fixed plate 35. This causes the web W to be sandwiched between the movable plate 36 and the fixed plate 35. The movable plate 36 releases the pressure on the web W by moving downward relative to the fixed plate 35. This allows the web W to be transported in the longitudinal direction. The moving direction of the movable plate 36 may be a direction Dz perpendicular to the transport direction Dw of the web W.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6(a) and (b), the movable plate 36 includes multiple movable plate portions 36a arranged at a distance from each other in the width direction (short-side direction Dy) of the web W. Each movable plate portion 36a is connected to a movable plate moving mechanism 37. Each movable plate portion 36a is configured to be movable toward the fixed plate 35 by the movable plate moving mechanism 37. The multiple movable plate portions 36a may be raised and lowered together relative to the fixed plate 35, or may be raised and lowered independently of each other relative to the fixed plate 35. The overall length of the movable plate 36 in the short-side direction Dy of the web W may be the same as the length of the fixed plate 35.

Each movable plate portion 36a may be a long, narrow plate-like member extending in the short-side direction Dy of the web W. Each movable plate portion 36a has a width dimension shorter than the short-side dimension of the web W. The length L1 (Figure 6(a)) of each movable plate portion 36a in the short-side direction Dy of the web W is shorter than the length of the fixed plate 35. The length L1 of each movable plate portion 36a in the short-side direction Dy of the web W is, for example, 30 mm or more, or may be 50 mm or more, or 100 mm or more. By making the length L1 of each movable plate portion 36a 30 mm or more, it becomes easier to attach the movable plate moving mechanism 37 to each movable plate portion 36a. The length L1 of each movable plate portion 36a in the short-side direction Dy of the web W is, for example, 250 mm or less, or may be 200 mm or less, or may be 100 mm or less. By setting the length L1 of each movable plate portion 36a to 250 mm or less, the spacing between each movable plate portion 36a and the fixed plate 35 can be made uniform in the width direction of the movable plate 36, even if the fixed plate 35 is bent. The spacing P1 ( FIG. 6(a) ) between each movable plate portion 36a in the short direction Dy of the web W is, for example, greater than 0 mm, and may be 2 mm or more, or 4 mm or more. The spacing P1 between each movable plate portion 36a in the short direction Dy of the web W is, for example, 10 mm or less, 8 mm or less, or 6 mm or less.

The number of movable plate portions 36a along the short direction Dy of the web W can be set appropriately depending on the length of the short direction Dy of the web W. The number of movable plate portions 36a along the short direction Dy of the web W is, for example, 3 or more, or may be 5 or more, or 7 or more. The number of movable plate portions 36a along the short direction Dy of the web W is, for example, 50 or less, or may be 20 or less, or may be 10 or less.

The shapes of the multiple movable plate portions 36a are identical to each other. However, this is not a limitation, and the shapes of the multiple movable plate portions 36a may be different from each other. For example, the length L1 of the movable plate portion 36a on the center side of the short side of the web W may be shorter than the length L1 of the movable plate portion 36a on the end side of the short side of the web W. Alternatively, the length L1 of the movable plate portion 36a on the center side of the short side of the web W may be longer than the length L1 of the movable plate portion 36a on the end side of the short side of the web W.

Each movable plate portion 36a is preferably made of a rigid material. As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), each movable plate portion 36a may have a main body portion 36b and a contact portion 36c. The main body portion 36b is located on the movable plate moving mechanism 37 side. The main body portion 36b may be made of a metal material such as iron, stainless steel, or aluminum. The contact portion 36c is located on the main body portion 36b. The contact portion 36c forms the surface that comes into contact with the web W. The contact portion 36c may include an elastic material such as rubber. The elastic material may be, for example, urethane rubber. This increases the coefficient of friction between each movable plate portion 36a and the web W, allowing the clamp device 30 to firmly hold the web W. Note that, in this specification, an elastic material refers to a material with an elastic modulus (Young's modulus) of 1 GPa or less.

Referring to Figure 5, the movable plate moving mechanism 37 moves the movable plate 36 up and down relative to the fixed plate 35. One movable plate moving mechanism 37 is provided for each movable plate portion 36a. Each movable plate moving mechanism 37 moves the corresponding movable plate portion 36a up and down. However, this is not limited to this, and each movable plate moving mechanism 37 may move multiple movable plate portions 36a up and down as a unit, or may move all movable plate portions 36a up and down as a unit.

The movable plate moving mechanism 37 may be a cylinder such as an air cylinder. The movable plate moving mechanism 37 has a piston 37a and a rod 37b. The rod 37b is movable relative to the piston 37a. The lower surface of the movable plate portion 36a is fixed to the tip of the rod 37b. The movable plate moving mechanism 37 is not limited to a cylinder, as long as it can move the movable plate 36. The movable plate moving mechanism 37 may also be a drive motor, etc.

The receiving plate 38 supports the web W when the longitudinal end of the web W is adhered. The receiving plate 38 is located on the side of the movable plate 36 closer to the cutting line CL (see Figure 5). The receiving plate 38 is configured to be movable toward and away from the web W. The receiving plate 38 moves upward toward the web W, thereby holding the web W on the receiving plate 38. The first joining device 41 moves downward, thereby clamping the web W between the first joining device 41 and the receiving plate 38. At this time, the end of the web W is joined by the first joining device 41. The moving direction of the receiving plate 38 may be a direction Dz perpendicular to the conveying direction Dw of the web W.

The receiving plate 38 may be a long, narrow plate-like member extending in the short-side direction Dy of the web W. The receiving plate 38 has a width dimension greater than the short-side dimension of the web W. Unlike the movable plate 36, the receiving plate 38 has an integrated shape that is not separated from the other plates across the entire area of the short-side direction Dy of the web W.

The receiving plate 38 may be made of a metal material such as iron, stainless steel, or aluminum. The receiving plate 38 may be made of a different material from the movable plate 36, or may be made of the same material as the movable plate 36.

A receiving plate moving mechanism 39 is connected to the receiving plate 38. The receiving plate moving mechanism 39 moves the receiving plate 38 up and down relative to the web W. The receiving plate moving mechanism 39 may be a cylinder such as an air cylinder. The receiving plate moving mechanism 39 has a piston 39a and a rod 39b. The rod 39b is movable relative to the piston 39a. The underside of the receiving plate 38 is fixed to the tip of the rod 39b. The receiving plate moving mechanism 39 is not limited to a cylinder as long as it can move the receiving plate 38. The receiving plate moving mechanism 39 may also be a drive motor, etc.

Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the clamping device 30 includes a first clamping device 31 and a second clamping device 32. The first clamping device 31 is disposed on the first transport path 14. The first clamping device 31 clamps and holds the web W on the first transport path 14. The second clamping device 32 is disposed on the second transport path 15. The second clamping device 32 clamps and holds the web W on the second transport path 15. As described above, the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32 are supported by the switching device 20.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the clamping device 30 may include a third clamping device 33. The third clamping device 33 is arranged on the common transport path 13. The third clamping device 33 clamps and holds the web W on the common transport path 13. The third clamping device 33 is arranged upstream of the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32. The third clamping device 33 clamps and holds the web W upstream of the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32.

When the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the third clamping device 33 may be located adjacent to the first clamping device 31 in the transport direction Dw of the web W. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the third clamping device 33 and the receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the first clamping device 31 face each other along the transport direction Dw of the web W. A gap is formed between the receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the third clamping device 33 and the receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the first clamping device 31, in which the cutting line CL is located.

When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the third clamp device 33 may be positioned adjacent to the second clamp device 32 in the transport direction Dw of the web W. In this case, although not shown, the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the third clamp device 33 and the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the second clamp device 32 face each other along the transport direction Dw of the web W. A gap is formed between the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the third clamp device 33 and the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the second clamp device 32, in which the cutting line CL is located.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gap distance d between the third clamp device 33 and the first clamp device 31 (or the second clamp device 32) is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, or may be 0.5 mm or more, or 0.8 mm or more. The distance d is, for example, 10 mm or less, or may be 5 mm or less, or may be 1.5 mm or less. The distance d is the shortest distance between the opposing third clamp device 33 and first clamp device 31 (or second clamp device 32).

The first winding shaft 5 is disposed downstream of the first transport path 14. The first winding shaft 5 winds up the web W transported along the first transport path 14. The first winding shaft 5 winds up and collects the web W transported along the first transport path 14. If the web transport device 1 is a defective part removal device, non-defective parts of the web W that do not contain defective parts may be transported along the first transport path 14, wound up by the first winding shaft 5, and collected.

The second winding shaft 7 is disposed downstream of the second transport path 15. The second winding shaft 7 winds up the web W transported along the second transport path 15. The second winding shaft 7 winds up and collects the web W transported along the second transport path 15. If the web transport device 1 is a defective part removal device, defective products containing defective parts of the web W may be transported along the second transport path 15, wound up by the second winding shaft 7, and collected.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the web conveying device 1 may include a cutting device 40, a first joining device 41, a second joining device 42, and a detection device 50.

The cutting device 40 can be arranged between the third clamping device 33 and the first and second clamping devices 31 and 32. More specifically, when the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the cutting device 40 can be arranged between the third clamping device 33 and the first clamping device 31. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the cutting device 40 can be arranged between the third clamping device 33 and the second clamping device 32.

The cutting device 40 cuts the web W between the third clamping device 33 and the first and second clamping devices 31 and 32. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the cutting device 40 cuts the web W while it is clamped and held by the first and third clamping devices 31 and 33. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the cutting device 40 cuts the web W while it is clamped and held by the second and third clamping devices 32 and 33.

The cutting device 40 may include, for example, a cutter. The cutting device 40 may cut the web W using the cutter. The cutting device 40 may include, for example, a high-power laser irradiation device. The cutting device 40 may cut the web W using high-power laser light.

The first joining device 41 can be arranged between the third clamping device 33 and the first and second clamping devices 31 and 32. More specifically, when the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the first joining device 41 can be arranged between the third clamping device 33 and the first clamping device 31. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the first joining device 41 can be arranged between the third clamping device 33 and the second clamping device 32.

The first joining device 41 joins the web W between the third clamping device 33 and the first and second clamping devices 31 and 32. The first joining device 41 joins the ends of the web W cut by the cutting device 40. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the first joining device 41 joins the leading end of the web W clamped and held by the third clamping device 33 to the trailing end of the web W clamped and held by the first clamping device 31. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the first joining device 41 joins the leading end of the web W clamped and held by the third clamping device 33 to the trailing end of the web W clamped and held by the second clamping device 32.

The first joining device 41 may include, for example, a tape application device. The first joining device 41 may join the web W by applying tape. When applying tape, the first joining device 41 may join the web W on the tape receiving plate 38. In other words, the first joining device 41 may apply tape to the web W on the tape receiving plate 38.

The cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 may be supported by a support mechanism 43. The support mechanism 43 may be configured to be movable. For example, the support mechanism 43 may be configured to be movable in a direction Dz perpendicular to the conveying direction Dw of the web W. This allows the support mechanism 43 to move the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 closer to or farther away from the web W. Therefore, for example, when cutting the web W with the cutting device 40 or when joining the web W with the first joining device 41, the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 can be moved closer to the web W. Furthermore, when the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 are not in use, the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 can be moved farther away from the web W.

The support mechanism 43 may be configured to be movable in a direction Dx parallel to the conveying direction Dw of the web W. The support mechanism 43 may move in the above-mentioned direction Dx when the switching device 20 moves the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32. As a result, the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 may be retracted to a position where they do not interfere with the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32 when the switching device 20 moves the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32.

The second joining device 42 is disposed on the first conveying path 14. The second joining device 42 is disposed downstream of the first clamping device 31. The second joining device 42 joins the web W on the first conveying path 14. The second joining device 42 joins the portion of the web W joined by the first joining device 41 from the second surface (back surface). That is, the first joining device 41 joins the web W from the first surface (front surface), and the second joining device 42 joins the web W from the second surface opposite the first surface. The second joining device 42 may join the web W while it is held by the clamping device 30 disposed opposite the second joining device 42. The second joining device 42 may include, for example, a tape application device. The second joining device 42 may join the web W by applying tape.

The detection device 50 is disposed on the common transport path 13. The detection device 50 is disposed upstream of the clamping device 30. That is, the detection device 50 is disposed between the web shaft 3 and the clamping device 30. The detection device 50 detects a mark M provided on the web W. The mark M may be provided on the web W in advance in a process prior to this process in which the web W is transported by the web transport device 1. For example, the mark M may be printed on the web W by an inkjet device. The mark M may be associated with a positional relationship with a defective portion B on the web W. The positional relationship between the defective portion B on the web W and the mark M may be associated in a previous process, the defective portion detection process.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the defective part detection process. As shown in Figure 7, in the defective part detection process, an inspection camera 51 detects a defective part B on the web W as it is transported in the transport direction Dw. A mark detection camera 52 detects a mark M on the web W. The inspection camera 51 and the mark detection camera 52 are synchronized, and the mark detection camera 52 detects the mark M located immediately before the defective part B detected by the inspection camera 51. An encoder 53 synchronized with the inspection camera 51 and the mark detection camera 52 calculates coordinate information (X, Y) of the defective part B based on the mark M detected by the mark detection camera 52. In this way, the positional relationship between the defective part B and the mark M is determined.

The switching device 20 may switch the transport path 12 for the web W based on the detection results of the detection device 50. That is, as described above, the positional relationship between the defective portion B and the mark M is associated in the previous process, and the position of the defective portion B on the web W can be determined from the mark M detected by the detection device 50. Therefore, the switching device 20 can determine the position of the defective portion B on the web W from the detection results of the detection device 50, and if a defective portion B is present, switch the transport path 12 for the web W from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15. As a result, non-defective parts of the web W that do not contain the defective portion B can be transported to the first transport path 14 and wound up and collected by the first reel 5, and defective parts of the web W that contain the defective portion B can be transported to the second transport path 15 and wound up and collected by the second reel 7.

The switching device 20 may switch the conveying path 12 automatically using a control device (not shown), or manually by an operator.

The web transport apparatus 1 may not necessarily include one or more of the cutting device 40, the first joining device 41, the second joining device 42, and the detection device 50. For example, if the web transport apparatus 1 does not include the cutting device 40, the web W may be cut manually by an operator. For example, if the web transport apparatus 1 does not include the first joining device 41 and the second joining device 42, the web W may be joined manually by an operator. For example, if the web transport apparatus 1 does not include the detection device 50, defective portions B on the web W may be detected visually by an operator.

Next, a web transport method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using Figures 8 to 12. The web transport method is a method of transporting a web W unwound from a raw web roll R using the web transport device 1 described above. The web transport method may also be, for example, a defective part removal method of removing defective parts from the web W.

The web conveying method includes a first conveying process, a detection process, a first holding process, a cutting process, a switching process, a second holding process, a joining process, and a second conveying process.

First, the first transport process is carried out. In the first transport process, as shown in FIG. 8, the web W unwound from the raw web roll R is transported along the first transport path 14 toward the first winding shaft 5. The web W is transported by multiple transport rollers 11 of the transport mechanism 10. Here, the web W is not held by the clamp device 30. The web W transported along the first transport path 14 is wound up and collected by the first winding shaft 5.

Next, the detection process is carried out. In the detection process, the detection device 50 detects the mark M provided on the web W. As described above, the mark M is associated with a positional relationship with the defective portion B on the web W. Therefore, the position of the defective portion B on the web W can be determined from the mark M detected by the detection device 50. If the mark M corresponding to the defective portion B on the web W is detected in this detection process, the first holding process and subsequent processes may be carried out.

Next, the first holding step is performed. In the first holding step, as shown in FIG. 9, the web W is clamped and held by the first clamping device 31 in the first transport path 14. Here, the web W may be clamped and held by the third clamping device 33 in the common transport path 13. The clamping of the web W by the first clamping device 31 and the clamping of the web W by the third clamping device 33 may be performed simultaneously.

At this time, a control device (not shown) activates the movable plate moving mechanism 37 of the clamp device 30 (first clamp device 31, third clamp device 33). This moves the movable plate 36 relative to the fixed plate 35. For example, if the movable plate moving mechanism 37 is an air cylinder, the rod 37b of the movable plate moving mechanism 37 extends, and the movable plate portion 36a attached to the rod 37b rises. As the movable plate portion 36a rises, the web W is clamped between the movable plate portion 36a and the fixed plate 35.

In addition, a control device (not shown) operates the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the clamp device 30 (first clamp device 31, third clamp device 33). This moves the adhesive receiving plate 38. For example, if the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 is an air cylinder, the rod 39b of the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 extends, and the adhesive receiving plate 38 attached to the rod 39b rises.

As described above, in this embodiment, the movable plate 36 includes multiple movable plate portions 36a arranged at a distance from each other in the width direction of the web W. The multiple movable plate portions 36a are raised together by the respective movable plate moving mechanisms 37 to clamp the web W. The forces with which the multiple movable plate moving mechanisms 37 raise the movable plate portions 36a may be the same. For example, if the movable plate moving mechanisms 37 are air cylinders, the air pressure applied to the multiple movable plate moving mechanisms 37 may be uniform.

In this way, by sandwiching the web W between the fixed plate 35 and the multiple movable plate portions 36a arranged at a distance from each other, the web W can be clamped uniformly in the width direction (see Figure 6(b)). This makes it possible to apply tape to the web W without causing wrinkles in the web W during the joining process described below.

On the other hand, as a comparative example, when the movable plate 36 consists of a single plate-shaped member, the movable plate 36 and the fixed plate 35 bend slightly when the movable plate 36 clamps the web W. At this time, the gap between the movable plate 36 and the fixed plate 35 is larger at the center of the width of the movable plate 36 than at the ends of the width. As a result, the force with which the movable plate 36 clamps the web W is not uniform across the width, which may cause wrinkles in the web W during the joining process.

In contrast, according to this embodiment, multiple movable plate portions 36a, which are spaced apart from one another, rise together to clamp the web W. As a result, even if the fixed plate 35 is bent, the distance between each movable plate portion 36a and the fixed plate 35 can be made uniform in the width direction of the movable plate 36. As a result, the force with which the movable plate 36 clamps the web W is uniform in the width direction, making it less likely for wrinkles to form in the web W.

After the first holding step, the cutting step is carried out. In the cutting step, the web W is cut between the first clamping device 31 and the third clamping device 33, as shown in FIG. 9. The web W is cut by the cutting device 40 while being held by the first clamping device 31 and the third clamping device 33. Here, the web W may be held by the first clamping device 31 and the third clamping device 33 in a high-tension state. The web W may also be cut by the cutter of the cutting device 40 or by a high-power laser beam.

Next, the switching process is carried out. In the switching process, as shown in FIG. 10, the transport path 12 of the web W is switched from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15 toward the second winding shaft 7. The switching of the transport path 12 of the web W is performed by the switching device 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the switching device 20 moves in the above-mentioned direction Dz, thereby switching the transport path 12 of the web W from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15.

In the switching process, the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32 are moved in the direction Dz described above. That is, in the switching process, the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32 are moved linearly in a direction Dz that is non-parallel to the conveying direction Dw of the web W. Alternatively, the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32 are moved in a direction Dz that is perpendicular to the conveying direction Dw of the web W.

The switching process may include a retraction process. In the retraction process, as shown in FIG. 10 , the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 are retracted to a position where they do not interfere with the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32. The support mechanism 43 may move in a direction Dx parallel to the conveying direction Dw of the web W, thereby retracting the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 to a position where they do not interfere with the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32.

Next, the joining process is carried out. In the joining process, as shown in FIG. 11 , the web W is joined between the second clamping device 32 and the third clamping device 33. Here, the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 move from their retracted positions to their original positions (working positions). The web W is joined by the first joining device 41 while being held by the second clamping device 32 and the third clamping device 33. The first joining device 41 may join the leading end of the web W clamped and held by the third clamping device 33 to the trailing end of the web W clamped and held by the second clamping device 32. The web W may be joined by the first joining device 41 by applying tape to the receiving plate 38 raised by the receiving plate moving mechanism 39.

Next, the second conveying process is performed. In the second conveying process, as shown in FIG. 12, the web W is conveyed along the second conveying path 15. The web W is conveyed by multiple conveying rollers 11 of the conveying mechanism 10. The web W conveyed along the second conveying path 15 is wound up and collected by the second winding shaft 7. Here, the web W is not held by the clamping device 30. In other words, when the second conveying process is performed, the second clamping device 32 and the third clamping device 33 release their hold on the web W.

At this time, a control device (not shown) activates the movable plate moving mechanism 37 of the clamp device 30 (first clamp device 31, third clamp device 33). This moves the movable plate 36 away from the fixed plate 35. For example, if the movable plate moving mechanism 37 is an air cylinder, the rod 37b of the movable plate moving mechanism 37 shortens, and the movable plate portion 36a attached to the rod 37b descends. As the movable plate portion 36a descends, the clamping of the web W between the movable plate portion 36a and the fixed plate 35 is released.

In addition, a control device (not shown) operates the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 of the clamp device 30 (first clamp device 31, third clamp device 33). This moves the adhesive receiving plate 38. For example, if the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 is an air cylinder, the rod 39b of the adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39 shortens, and the adhesive receiving plate 38 attached to the rod 39b descends.

Then, using a similar method, the transport path 12 for the web W may be switched from the second transport path 15 to the first transport path 14. Next, the first joining device 41 may join the web W between the first clamping device 31 and the third clamping device 33. Next, downstream of the first clamping device 31 on the first transport path 14, the second joining device 42 may join the portion joined by the first joining device 41 from the second surface (back surface). That is, the first joining device 41 may join the web W from the first surface (front surface), and the second joining device 42 may join the web W from the second surface opposite the first surface. Then, the process may return to the first transport step described above, and the above steps may be repeated.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the movable plate 36 includes multiple movable plate portions 36a arranged at a distance from each other in the width direction (short direction Dy) of the web W. This prevents the force clamping the web W between the movable plate 36 and the fixed plate 35 from becoming uneven in the width direction of the web W. As a result, the web W can be clamped uniformly in the width direction of the web W, and when tape is applied to the web W in the joining process, it is possible to apply the tape to the web W without causing wrinkles in the web W.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the multiple movable plate portions 36a move together relative to the fixed plate 35. This allows the web W to be clamped more uniformly in the width direction of the web W, further reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in the web W.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the clamp device 30 further includes a receiving plate 38 arranged on the opposite side of the fixed plate 35 from the web W, and a receiving plate movement mechanism 39 that moves the receiving plate 38 toward and away from the web W. This allows the web W to be held between the receiving plate 38 and the first joining device 41 when tape is applied to the web W during the joining process. As a result, tape can be applied to the web W without causing wrinkles in the web W.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the tape receiving plate 38 has an integrated shape that is not separated from each other across the entire width of the web W. In this case, since there are no steps on the tape receiving plate 38, when tape is applied to the web W during the joining process, the tape can be applied to the web W without causing wrinkles in the web W.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the movable plate portion 36a has a contact portion 36c that comes into contact with the web W, and the contact portion 36c contains an elastic material. As a result, even if the movable plate portion 36a is bent or there is a deviation in mechanical precision, the web W can be held with a uniform, high holding force in the width direction.

(Modification)
Next, various modifications of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15. Figures 13 to 15 are views showing clamping devices according to modifications. In Figures 13 to 15, the same parts as those shown in Figures 1 to 12 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

(Variation 1)
Fig. 13 shows a clamp device 30 according to Modification 1. In Fig. 13, the clamp device 30 includes a fixed plate 35A, a movable plate 36, and a movable plate moving mechanism 37. In the transport direction of the web W, the length of the fixed plate 35A is longer than the length of the movable plate 36. In the transport direction of the web W, the fixed plate 35A and the adhesive receiving plate 38A are integrated. In other words, the portion adjacent to the fixed plate 35A and extending beyond the movable plate 36 functions as the adhesive receiving plate 38A.

The fixed plate 35A is fixed in a position facing the movable plate 36. The fixed plate 35A is positioned vertically below the movable plate 36. The fixed plate 35A has an integral shape that is not separated from each other across the entire area in the short direction Dy of the web W.

The fixed plate 35A is preferably made of a rigid material so that it does not bend when pressed by the movable plate 36. The fixed plate 35A may also be made of a metal material such as iron or stainless steel.

The movable plate 36 supports the web W. The movable plate 36 is positioned vertically above the fixed plate 35A. The movable plate 36 is configured to be able to move toward the fixed plate 35A. The movable plate 36 moves downward toward the fixed plate 35A, thereby pressing the web W against the fixed plate 35A. As a result, the movable plate 36 clamps the web W between itself and the fixed plate 35A.

The movable plate 36 includes multiple movable plate portions 36a arranged at a distance from each other in the width direction of the web W. Each movable plate portion 36a is connected to a movable plate moving mechanism 37. Each movable plate portion 36a is configured to be movable toward the fixed plate 35A by the movable plate moving mechanism 37.

The adhesive receiving plate 38A supports the web W when the end of the web W is being attached. The adhesive receiving plate 38A is located closer to the cutting line CL than the fixed plate 35A. The adhesive receiving plate 38A is integrated with the fixed plate 35A.

According to this modified example, the distance between each movable plate portion 36a and the fixed plate 35A can be made uniform across the width of the movable plate 36. This makes the force with which the movable plate 36 clamps the web W uniform across the width, making it less likely for wrinkles to form on the web W. Furthermore, according to this modified example, the fixed plate 35A and the adhesive receiving plate 38A are integrated. In this case, there is no need to provide a separate adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 39, simplifying the structure of the clamp device 30.

(Variation 2)
Fig. 14 shows a clamp device 30 according to Modification 2. In Fig. 14, the movable plate 36 of the clamp device 30 includes a plurality of movable plate portions 36a arranged at a distance from one another in the width direction of the web W. The fixed plate 35 includes a plurality of fixed plate portions 35a arranged at a distance from one another in the width direction of the web W.

Each fixed plate portion 35a is fixed. Each fixed plate portion 35a clamps the web W between itself and its corresponding movable plate portion 36a. Each fixed plate portion 35a may be a long, narrow plate-shaped member extending in the short-side direction Dy of the web W. Each fixed plate portion 35a has a width dimension that is shorter than the short-side dimension of the web W. The length of each fixed plate portion 35a in the short-side direction Dy of the web W is the same as the length of the corresponding movable plate portion 36a, but may differ from the length of the movable plate portion 36a.

The number of fixed plate portions 35a along the short-side direction Dy of the web W is the same as the number of movable plate portions 36a along the short-side direction Dy of the web W, but may be different from the number of movable plate portions 36a.

The shapes of the multiple fixing plate portions 35a are identical to each other. However, this is not a limitation, and the shapes of the multiple fixing plate portions 35a may be different from each other. For example, the length of the fixing plate portion 35a on the center side of the short side of the web W may be shorter than the length of the fixing plate portion 35a on the end side of the short side of the web W. Alternatively, the length of the fixing plate portion 35a on the center side of the short side of the web W may be longer than the length of the fixing plate portion 35a on the end side of the short side of the web W.

According to this modified example, the spacing between each movable plate portion 36a and each fixed plate portion 35a can be made uniform in the width direction of the movable plate 36. This makes the force with which the movable plate 36 clamps the web W uniform in the width direction, making it less likely for wrinkles to form in the web W.

(Variation 3)
FIG. 15 shows a web transport device 1 according to Modification 3. In FIG. 15, the switching device 20A of the web transport device 1 is a rotary switching device that rotates and moves the clamping device 30. The rotary switching device 20A has a first arm 21 that supports the first clamping device 31 and a second arm 22 that supports the second clamping device 32. The first arm 21 and the second arm 22 are each supported by a rotation shaft 23. The first arm 21 and the second arm 22 have the same length. When switching the web transport path, the rotary switching device 20A rotates the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 by an angle θ about the rotation shaft 23, thereby rotating the first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 32. Here, the angle θ is the angle between the first arm 21 and the second arm 22.

In Figure 15, the configuration of the clamp device 30 may be the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 12, or may be the same as Variation 1 shown in Figure 13, or may be the same as Variation 2 shown in Figure 14.

The multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications may be combined as needed. Alternatively, some components may be omitted from all of the components shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Web transport device 3 Raw material shaft 5 First winding shaft 7 Second winding shaft 10 Transport mechanism 12 Transport path 14 First transport path 15 Second transport path 20 Switching device 30 Clamping device 31 First clamping device 32 Second clamping device 33 Third clamping device 35 Fixed plate 36 Movable plate 36a Movable plate portion 36b Main body portion 36c Contact portion 37 Movable plate moving mechanism 38 Adhesive receiving plate 39 Adhesive receiving plate moving mechanism 40 Cutting device 41 First joining device 42 Second joining device R Raw material roll W Web

Claims (9)

a conveying mechanism that conveys the web unwound from the raw web roll;
a switching device for switching the transport path of the web;
a clamping device that clamps the web in the transport path,
the clamping device includes a first clamping device that clamps and holds the web in the first transport path, and a second clamping device that clamps and holds the web in the second transport path,
The first clamping device and the second clamping device each include:
a fixed fixing plate;
a movable plate that is movable relative to the fixed plate and that sandwiches the web between the fixed plate and the movable plate;
a movable plate moving mechanism that moves the movable plate relative to the fixed plate,
the movable plate includes a plurality of movable plate portions spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the web,
The web conveying device, when switching the conveying path, moves the first clamping device and the second clamping device, each holding the web, in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the web . The web transport device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of movable plate portions move together relative to the fixed plate. 2. The web transport device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed plates have a shape that is integral and not separated from each other across the entire width of the web. a receiving plate disposed on the opposite side of the fixing plate with respect to the web;
2. The web transport device according to claim 1, further comprising: a tape moving mechanism for moving the tape toward and away from the web. 5. The web transport device according to claim 4, wherein the tape receiving plates have an integral shape that is not separated from each other across the entire width of the web. The web transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the movable plate portion has a contact portion that contacts the web, the contact portion including an elastic material. The length of the fixed plate is longer than the length of the movable plate in the transport direction of the web,
2. The web transport device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing plate and the receiving plate are integrated in the transport direction of the web. 2. The web transport device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed plate includes a plurality of fixed plate portions spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the web. The web transport apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping device includes a third clamping device that clamps and holds the web upstream of the first clamping device and the second clamping device.