JP2002524309A - Laminating equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The laminating apparatus includes two supports for each of a lower roller and an upper roller (3, 13) and a heating member (10, 20) for heating at least one roller (3, 13). And heating means (9, 19) for surrounding at least one roller. The material to be laminated between the thermoplastic layers is introduced into the introduction gap (4) between the two rollers (3, 13). The axial position of one roller (3, 13) is fixed with respect to the plane of the introduction gap (4). Both rollers (3, 13) are surrounded by heating means (9, 19), which, at each point on their inner surface, have a predetermined position with respect to the corresponding roller (3, 13). (11; 30, 31; 30, 41). This ensures high lamination quality and increases lamination speed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes two supporting portions for each of a lower roller and an upper roller, a heating means including a heating member for heating at least one roller and surrounding at least one roller, and an introduction gap between the two rollers. The present invention relates to a laminating apparatus in which the axial position of one roller is fixed with respect to the introduction gap surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art

Such laminating devices are known in the art. Typically, the document or planar element to be laminated and the thermoplastic are inserted into the entry gap, pressed between rollers and pulled into a laminating apparatus. The thermoplastic grips and wraps the document and completely encloses the document in the protective film. The combination of laminated materials and documents
Preferably, it is pulled by two opposing exit rollers and pressed again to ensure the required pressure is applied before leaving the laminating apparatus.

A prior art heating element is a heating helix mounted on an aluminum body surrounding at least one roller at least 180 degrees, and heats the thermoplastic when the thermoplastic is drawn between the rollers. I do.

[0004] Such laminating devices known in the prior art include a heating device for heating the rollers.
There is a problem that a heating time of 10 minutes is required. The thickness of the three layers, thermoplastic-document-thermoplastic, can vary for different documents. Thus, the laminating apparatus is adaptable, for example, the upper roller can float, the lower roller is located at a fixed axial height, and the upper roller has a position relative to the lower roller. Bias. When the laminating material is introduced between the rollers, the upper rollers can rise against the force of the spring. This device has the problem that the relative movement between the rollers and the aluminum body changes the heating spiral or heat transfer from the upper aluminum body when the upper roller moves vertically. This changes the heat transfer, which in turn changes the temperature of the rollers, and ultimately causes poor lamination.

[0005] In view of such prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a laminating apparatus that reliably forms a better lamination with simple means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a laminating apparatus having a high laminating speed without risking the melting of the thermoplastic by the heat transferred.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

The laminating apparatus having the above-mentioned characteristics according to the present invention is characterized in that two rollers are surrounded by heating means, and these heating means are at predetermined positions relative to the corresponding rollers at each point on the inner surface.

The position of the heating means with respect to the corresponding roller is constant. Therefore, the distance between these members is always kept short in order to control the heat to enter efficiently. In addition, this predetermined short distance minimizes the effects of isolation due to air gaps.

In another preferred embodiment, the heating means is provided with two different radii at two angular portions. In the area of the open end of the heating means, the radius is larger. The upper and lower regions of the roller have a smaller radius and the radius of the heating means is selected to be approximately the same as the radius of the roller and the roller in the heated state of the heating means.
In the cooled state, the radius of the heating means is larger than the radius of the roller. This is because the material deposited in the transition area by passing a piece of paper while preheating the device,
In particular, it offers the advantage that dust is removed. Preferably, the heating means is made of an aluminum profile. It is also possible to select other materials, in particular ceramics.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the curved surface of the heating means varies in value. Starting from the first larger radius at the end of the heating means, it decreases continuously to the second smaller radius, preferably to the radius of the roller in the heated state. This maintains a second or similar radius, for example, over a 90 degree angle portion. The radius eventually increases towards the second end of the heating means to a first larger radius. Further preferred embodiments have the features described in the dependent claims.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laminating apparatus. FIG. 1 shows only those members that are important in understanding the device, such as the presentation table 1 that forms the path of the material to be laminated through the device, together with the output table 2. This laminating apparatus is provided with rollers 3 and 13 facing each other, and a slot or introduction gap 4 is provided between these rollers. This slot 4 is high enough for the passage of two opposing sheets of thermoplastic material and for the stacking of intermediate documents.

The rollers 3 and 13 are connected to a motor unit (not shown) that moves and advances the thermoplastic in the direction of arrow 5. The motor section includes at least one motor for driving the rollers 3 and 13 rotating in the opposite direction at the same speed. The exit rollers 6 and 16 are located behind the rollers 3 and 13 in the direction of the arrow 5. As the outlet roller rotates, the laminated material is guided to the output table 2 via the outer funnel 7. Preferably, the diameter of the exit rollers 6 and 16 is larger than the diameter of the rollers 3 and 13.
For example, for a roller diameter of two centimeters, it would be several tenths of a millimeter larger. This results in a higher angular velocity of the exit rollers, which draws and stretches the laminated material between the exit rollers.

Preferably, the motor unit drives the rollers 3 and 13 directly. A set of gears is provided for driving the exit rollers 6 and 16. According to another embodiment, the outlet rollers 6 and 16 may be pulled, but are preferably connected directly.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the lower rollers 3 and 6 are mounted on a fixed shaft. The rollers 13 and 16 are installed on a movable shaft. This movable shaft can be moved upward in the direction of arrow 8 by being pushed up by the thermoplastic substance introduced into the present apparatus. The rollers 13 and 16 are in the stopped state shown in FIG.
A bias force is applied to the rollers 3 and 6 by a spring. Further, the rollers 13 and 16 may be fixed, and the rollers 3 and 6 may be movable in the direction of the arrow 8.

The rollers 3 and 13 include heating means 9 and 19. These heating means 9 and 19 are preferably tubular aluminum members surrounding the rollers 3 and 13 as much as possible. These are for rollers 3 and 13 at least 27
It covers a 0 degree angle portion and has a predetermined constant distance 11 (for example, 1/10 to 5/10 mm) of the rollers 3 and 13 of several tenths of millimeters. The heating means 9 and 19 are flat on the side facing the presentation table 1 and are connected to electric heating members 10 and 20 such as ceramic heating members. The temperature sensor 12 is provided on the upper heating member and controls the temperature of the member 19.

The temperature sensor 12 is connected to an integrated circuit including a control circuit. The control circuit includes a detection circuit for detecting the thickness of the element to be laminated, and controls the amount of heat transferred to this element to ensure good lamination quality. Preferably, a switch is provided for the user, who informs the circuit of the type of laminate material (from a thickness perspective) that the user will use. This quality is mainly determined by the amount of heat accumulated by the document and the laminate material and has little to do with the temperature detected by the heating element.

The heating means 9 is installed on the roller 3 and is fixed. The heating unit 19 is fixedly installed with respect to the rotation axis of the roller 13, and the constant distance 11 is ensured even if the roller 13 moves in the direction of the arrow 8 having arrows at both ends. The heating means 9 and 19
They are tapered towards their free ends 14 and on the input side a solid part 15 is provided. The slot 4 is provided with two opposing plates 17 and 27 in the direction of the presentation table 1. These plates have a preheating effect. Plates 17 and 27 are integrally connected to heating means 9 and 19, respectively. And, preferably, a lateral groove 18 is provided to reduce the heat transfer from the region 15 to the plates 17 and 27. Because of this, the heat
It is mainly guided by the rollers 3 and 13. All rollers 3, 13 and 6, 16 are
It consists of a silicon cover placed on a thin tubular steel member. This will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

The amount of heat can be controlled by controlling the distance, and in particular, it is possible to avoid overheating the thermoplastic. Thereby, a higher lamination speed can be obtained. The laminated material is further pressed by outlet rollers 6 and 16 and guided to a funnel in outlet slot 7 and discharged.

When using a thick thermoplastic material, the rollers rotate slowly to transfer any heat generated by the heating means through the polyester material to the adhesive. If a thin thermoplastic is used, the operating speed of the device can be increased by the preheating plates 17 and 27. The preheating effect of plates 17 and 27 allows the thin polyester layer to be preheated and the rollers to spin faster to provide the necessary heat to sufficiently heat the adhesive layer. When using a thin thermoplastic,
If a large amount of heat is applied to the rollers 3 and 13 at the same time, the laminated document may be overheated and deteriorated. When using a roller having a radius of about 12 millimeters, preheating the thin thermoplastic can double the lamination speed over the prior art. That is, the number of rotations can be increased up to eight times per minute.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a laminating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Parts having the same features as in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The rollers 3 and 13 have the same bearings as compared to FIG. The heating means 19 includes the roller 13
It is installed with weight on it. According to another embodiment, a spring can be used to increase or decrease the pressure of the heating means 19 on the roller 13. There is an elastic relationship between the roller 3 and the axis of the heating means 9. A spring (not shown) applies a force twice the weight of the roller to the roller 3 to press the heating means 9.

The heating means 9 and 19 are, for the regions 14 and 15 and the heating devices 10 and 20,
It is mainly the same as the heating means shown in FIG. In the heated state, the radius of the rollers 3 and 13 is 30. In this embodiment, the tubular heating means 9 and 1
9 is the radius 3 of the rollers 3 and 13 in the region directly above and below their axis.
It has the same inner diameter 32 as 0. The inner diameter 32 increases in both directions of the free ends 14 and 15, as indicated by reference numeral 31 and groove 34, respectively. An angle portion 33 is provided in which the heating means 9 and 19 respectively
And 13 above. This portion extends over at least 45 degrees, preferably 90 degrees. Thereby, a predetermined excellent thermal contact is obtained between the rollers 3 and 13 and the heating means 9 and 19. This thermal contact occurs immediately after the heating members 10, 20 are switched on and is maintained during the lamination process.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a laminating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The rollers 3 and 13 have bearings as shown in FIG.
9 is weighted on the roller and / or is pressed against the roller by the action of a spring on the roller. The heating means 9 and 19 are configured in different ways. In the heated state, the radius of the rollers 3 and 13 is 30
It is. The tubular heating means 9 and 19 according to the present embodiment have the same inner diameter 32 as the radius 30 of the rollers 3 and 13 in regions above and below these axes. Steps in the direction of the large inner diameter 41 are provided in both directions of the free ends 14 and 15, respectively. Thus, an angle portion 43 is provided in which the heating means 9 and 19 are mounted on the rollers 3 and 13, respectively. This portion extends over at least 45 degrees, preferably 90 degrees. Thereby, a predetermined excellent thermal contact is obtained between the rollers 3 and 13 and the heating means 9 and 19. This thermal contact occurs immediately after the heating members 10, 20 are switched on and is maintained during the lamination process.

The area 35 of the upper roller 13 and the area 36 of the lower roller 3 may accumulate dust. In the cold state, when the device is switched on, these dusts will stay on the rollers, since the diameter of the rollers is smaller than the radius 30 shown in FIG. Dust can be removed by a special cleaning element or, for example, by the first sheet of paper drawn between the rollers.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment having two more angular portions 53 and 63. The angular portion 43 provided by the members 9 and 19 is asymmetrical, having a larger portion on the side of the material to be laminated. The angle portion represented by reference numeral 53 is essentially symmetric with respect to the vertical axis direction, and the angle portion 63 is only provided on the side facing the material to be laminated.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a roller and a heating member of the laminating apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the drawing, the upper roller 13 is moved in the axial direction for easy understanding.
Rollers 3 and 13 are made of silicone and are mounted on a thin steel tube 45. Insert 46 is pushed into this tube and shafts 47 and 4 are inserted.
8 respectively. The connection between the bearings of the rollers 3, 6, 13 and 16 and the heating members 9 and 19 surrounding each roller must be manufactured accurately with very little tolerance. Also, the thermal expansion of these connections should be as low as possible. This thermal expansion must be taken into account when placing the rollers on the heating element.

Further, a heat cover can be provided on the heating means 9 and 19, for example, at a distance of 1 cm. By doing so, the diffusion of the heated air can be prevented, the case can be protected from heat, and heat loss can be prevented.

According to another embodiment (not shown) similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each of the heating means 9 and 19 comprises a corresponding roller 3 and 13 and a heating means 9 and 19, respectively. Has a slightly larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the rollers 3 and 13 in the heated state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a laminating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a laminating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a laminating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a roller and a heating unit of the laminating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3, 13 rollers (lower roller, upper roller) 4 introduction gap 9, 19 heating means 10, 20 heating member

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] August 31, 2000 (2000.8.31)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0007]

According to the present invention, a laminating apparatus having the above-described features has the features of claims 1 and 3.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0008] There is a small distance between the corresponding roller and the open end of the heating means. Within the heating means there is an area intermediate the open ends of the heating means that contacts the rollers. Therefore, the heat supply can be controlled efficiently. In addition, this can minimize the effects of isolation due to air gaps.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to a preferred embodiment, the heating means is provided with two different radii at two angular portions. In the area of the open end of the heating means, the radius is larger. In the upper and lower regions of the roller, the radius is smaller and the radius of the heating means is selected to be approximately the same as the radius of the roller and the roller in the heated state of the heating means.
In the cooled state, the radius of the heating means is larger than the radius of the roller. This is because the material deposited in the transition area by passing a piece of paper while preheating the device,
In particular, it offers the advantage that dust is removed. Preferably, the heating means is made of an aluminum profile. It is also possible to select other materials, in particular ceramics.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the curved surface of the heating means varies in value. Starting from the first larger radius at the end of the heating means, it decreases continuously to the second smaller radius, preferably to the radius of the roller in the heated state. This maintains a second or similar radius, for example, over a 90 degree angle portion. The radius eventually increases towards the second end of the heating means to a first larger radius. Further preferred embodiments have the features described in the dependent claims.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 4F100 AK01A AK01C BA03 BA06 BA10A BA10C BA13 DG10B EH112 EJ192 EJ422 EK06 GB15 GB90 JB16A JB16C JL02 4F211 AC03 AD05 AD08 AG01 AG03 TA13 TC05 TD11 TH06 TN09 TN28 T03

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A heating member (10, 2) for heating at least one roller (3, 13) and two supports for each of a lower roller and an upper roller (3, 13).
0), including a heating means (9, 19) surrounding at least one roller and an introduction gap (4) between the two rollers (3, 13), wherein the axial position of one roller (3, 13) is A stacking device fixed to the plane of the introduction gap (4), wherein both rollers (3, 13) are surrounded by heating means (9, 19) and the heating means (9, 19). ) At each point on their inner surface, their corresponding rollers (
3. A laminating apparatus, which is located at a predetermined position (11; 30, 31; 30, 41) with respect to (3, 13). 2. Each heating means (9, 19) has two
Three different inner diameters (30, 41) are provided, the larger radii (30, 41)
2. A laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said laminating apparatus is provided in a region (14, 15) at an open end of said heating means (9, 19). 3. An upper region (13) and a lower region (3) of the heating means (19, 9).
The inner diameter (30) of the roller (3, 13) and the heating means (19, 9) are predetermined so as to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the roller (3, 13) when the roller (3, 13) and the heating means (19, 9) are heated. 3. The laminating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The inner diameter of the curved surface (30, 31) of the heating means (9, 1).
9) continuously changes its value in the area surrounding the roller (3, 13), so that the first larger radius (3) of one end (14 or 15) of the heating means (9, 19).
Starting from 1), it decreases continuously to a second smaller radius (30), which is maintained over an angle of at least 45 degrees and the radius (30) is 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating means (19, 9) increases toward a second end (15 or 14) to a first larger radius (31). Laminating equipment. 5. Each of the heating means (9, 19) has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the roller (3, 13) when the rollers (3, 13) and the heating means (9, 19) are heated. The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 6. The heating means (9, 19) comprises opposed parallel heat conducting plates (17, 27) surrounding a gap (4) located in the direction of introduction of the substances to be laminated. Item 6. The laminating apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5. 7. The heating means (9, 19) and the heat-conducting plate (17, 27) are manufactured from one piece, and the area between the heating means (9, 19) and the heat-conducting plate (17, 27) is provided. In 15), a groove (18) is formed and a heat conducting plate (17,
The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat flow toward (27) is reduced.