JP4893346B2 - Sheet material drawing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for stretching a sheet-like material such as a thermoplastic resin film.

  A conventional simultaneous biaxial stretching machine is provided with a pair of radial bearings that support the stretching force of a sheet-like material with a guide rail interposed therebetween, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-334832 (Patent Document 1). Some of the guide rails support the link device by providing a groove with which the convex portion engages so as to support the weight of the link device at the same time. In addition, one position of the guide rail can be moved to restrict the opening angle of the link device. According to the present system, the use of a grease-filled radial bearing eliminates the need for external forced oiling, prevents oil scattering, and enables high-speed traveling. Further, the MD magnification can be continuously changed by moving the guide rail position.

  Further, even in such a conventional technique, the sliding resistance gradually increases to cause a timing shift gradually in the link device, or mechanical movement due to wear of the connecting portion of the isometric link during repeated stretching operations. Deviation occurs due to misalignment. Due to the shift of the link device, the synchronization of the endless link device at both ends of the film is lost, and there is a problem that the performance of the stretched film (product film) is lowered and the productivity is lowered.

  In order to solve such a problem, as in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-155138 (Patent Document 2), a sheet-like object inlet that drives an endless link device disposed on both ends of the sheet-like object. A sensor for detecting the link device is arranged at the maximum bending portion alternating current in the extending section of the guide rail between the side and outlet side sprockets, and the sprocket is based on a signal indicating information on a specific link position detected by the sensor. There is known a device that adjusts the driving by.

JP 2000-334832 A JP 2004-155138 A

  However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the link shaft is fixed to the link on the side where the link gripping device constituting the link device is provided, and the other link is rotatable with respect to the link shaft. Yes. Since the bearing mounting seat is attached to the lowermost end of the link shaft and the grooved radial bearing is mounted on the bearing mounting seat, the link shaft and the bearing mounting seat are substantially integrated. On the other hand, the bearing mounting seat did not rotate.

  For this reason, the crossing angle of the link plate with respect to the guide rail changes when the link is closed and open, and the center line connecting the mounting center of the two grooved radial bearings mounted on the bearing mounting seat and the guide rail However, if the link is opened, the crossing angle becomes smaller than 90 degrees when the link is opened. For this reason, in the section where the link opens, that is, the sheet-shaped material stretching section and the sheet-shaped material stretching section, the width of the guide rail sandwiched by the grooved radial bearings is controlled to be narrowed according to the crossing angle. There is a problem that maintenance of the guide rail becomes difficult.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, the position of the guide rail on the side farther than the sheet-like material of the double guide rail that guides the link device that travels to convey the sheet-like material is adjusted in the preheating unit, the stretching unit, and the heat treatment unit. Although the configuration for changing the guide rail interval is disclosed, the length of the entire guide rail changes, which causes a problem that the traveling of the link device driven by the sprocket becomes unstable.

  Further, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2, the position of a specific link of the link device that travels in each of the endless link devices arranged on the left and right ends of the sheet-like material is detected, and the right and left positional deviation is detected to instantaneously It is intended to maintain the synchronization of the left and right endless link devices. However, in a configuration in which a sheet device is extended by running a link device composed of a large number of equal-length links connected in an annular manner and changing the interval between the equal-length links, the link is based on a specific pattern. It has been found that the operation of the apparatus is occurring, and the effect on the sheet-like material due to this is different on the left and right end sides, which adversely affects the stretching.

  In this prior art, it is possible to solve such problems as instability of stretching of a sheet-like material based on the pattern of operation of such an endless link device, deterioration of quality such as damage to the sheet-like material and uneven stretching ratio, etc. It was not considered.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet-like material drawing machine having a simple structure, capable of variably adjusting the amount of drawing in a plurality of directions, and improving the drawing efficiency and yield of the sheet-like material.

  The object is to arrange a plurality of isometric links that are arranged facing each other at both ends in the width direction of the thermoplastic sheet-like material and that are connected to each other and grip each end of the sheet-like material while expanding and contracting in a folding scale. A sheet-like object provided with a pair of endless link devices that are guided along a substantially closed path on a substantially horizontal plane and stretched while being conveyed from the inlet side to the outlet side and then moved back to the inlet side. Each of the endless link devices is disposed on the inlet side of the sheet-like material, a preheating region for conveying the sheet-like material substantially in parallel and preheating, and on the downstream side thereof. An extending region for conveying and extending the sheet-like material along the end-spreading portion of the path, and conveying the sheet-like material arranged on the wake side along the substantially parallel portion of the rail. Heat fixing region for heat fixing, and the sheet A rail having a conveyance-side portion that is close to the sheet-like material that guides the equal-length link that conveys an object, and a return-side portion that is far from the sheet-like material that guides the return of the equal-length link, Among the plurality of equal-length links that are disposed on the inlet side and the outlet side of the sheet-like material and that are provided with an inlet-side sprocket and an outlet-side sprocket that drive the plurality of equal-length links, and are transported and traveled This is achieved by a sheet-like stretcher equipped with an elastic member that is attached to a predetermined member and suppresses the expansion and contraction operation.

  Furthermore, a sensor that detects the position of the equal-length link of each of the endless link devices is provided, and is selected in advance using the value of the synchronization shift of the endless link device detected based on the output from the sensor. This is achieved by detecting the pattern based on all positions of the plurality of isometric links detected by the sensor.

  Furthermore, the elastic member is formed by connecting two connected plates constituting the equal-length link, or by connecting two plates constituting the adjacent equal-length links. This is achieved by being arranged.

  Furthermore, the predetermined equal length link on which the elastic member is disposed has an amount of the synchronization deviation larger than a predetermined value, and is biased in a direction in which the equal length link is contracted by the elastic member. Stretching machine for the formed sheet.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  An embodiment of a sheet-like material drawing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the outline of the configuration of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a top view for explaining the outline of the configuration of the sheet-like material drawing machine of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the outline of the configuration of the link device of the sheet-like drawing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of a configuration of a preheating unit according to the sheet-like material drawing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of a configuration of a stretching section according to the sheet-like material stretching machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of a configuration of a heat fixing unit of the sheet-like material drawing machine shown in FIG. 1. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the guide rail portion of the extending portion shown in FIG.

  First, the structure of the sheet-like material drawing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention and the link device used therefor will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  A sheet-like material drawing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a conveyance space 2 in which a sheet-like material made of thermoplastic resin or the like that extends to the center is conveyed, and a link guide rail that forms a closed path. Endless link devices 4, 5 that are driven around and circulate while grabbing each of both end portions of the sheet-like material to convey and release are disposed on both sides of the conveying space 2 in the sheet-like material conveying direction.

  In these endless link devices 4, 5, sprockets 6, 7, 8 disposed on the entrance side and the exit side of the sheet-like material in the conveyance space 2 are connected to a drive device such as a motor (not shown) and are driven to rotate. The link device 200 engaged with the sprockets 6, 7, and 8 slides on the link guide rail 3 and moves.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, an endless link device 4 or 5 (one of the links in the figure) provided with a plurality of (many) gripping devices 202 on both sides of the sheet-like material. The link device 200 includes a plurality of (multiple) equal-length links 201 that are connected to each other and formed in a folded shape and are closed in a ring shape. ing. The link device 200 is driven by a sheet-like material entrance-side sprocket 6 or 7 and travels on the link guide rail 3 by an opening / closing means (not shown) such as an opening / closing guide provided at the entrance of the conveyance space 2. The gripping device 202 is opened and closed to grip the sheet-like material and travel on the transport side rail of the link guide rail 3 while heating the sheet-like material to a temperature required for stretching in the preheating region 9.

  Further, in the wake extension region 10, the gripping pitch between the gripping devices 202 is gradually increased from P <b> 1 to P <b> 2 by being guided by the link guide rails 3 arranged in a divergent shape in the traveling direction, thereby forming a sheet shape The object is stretched simultaneously in two directions. Then, after heat-fixing the sheet-like material at a predetermined temperature in the heat-fixing region 11, the gripping device 202 is opened and closed by an opening / closing means (not shown) such as an opening-and-closing guide provided at the outlet, and is removed from the sheet-like material. The removed sheet is advanced as it is. Furthermore, the link device 200 is configured to be driven by the outlet-side sprocket 8 and travel on the return rail of the link guide rail 3 to return to the inlet-side sprocket 6.

  That is, in the sheet-like material drawing machine 1 according to the present invention, the endless link devices 4 and 5 having a large number of grasping devices 202 for holding the end portions of the thermoplastic resin sheet-like material on both side ends of the sheet-like material are provided. The endless link devices 4 and 5 are provided with a link device 200 in which a large number of equal-length links 201 formed in a fold shape are connected in an annular shape, and are driven by an inlet-side sprocket 6 or 7 of a sheet-like material. The In the present embodiment, the link device 200 is guided by a link guide rail 3 which is composed of a pair of inner and outer peripheral rails arranged opposite to each other at both ends in the width direction of the sheet-like material and is arranged in a divergent shape in the traveling direction. After the sheet-like material is stretched, the sheet-like material is removed, and the sheet-like material is driven by the sprocket 8 on the outlet side of the conveyance space 2 and returned to the sprocket 6 on the inlet side. In addition, as a link structure of the endless link apparatus 4 or 5, the endless link apparatus described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-4896 can be referred to.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the link guide rail 3 is composed of a pair of beams on the inner and outer peripheral sides, which are composed of beam-like members having a substantially rectangular cross section arranged so as to be convex. It consists of The isometric link 201 placed on the guide rail 3 is arranged on the outer peripheral rail 205 closer to the sheet-like object in the conveyance-side rail in which the isometric link 201 travels while holding the sheet-like object. A joint link shaft 207 to which a gripping device 202 for gripping a sheet-like object is connected is disposed, and a joint link shaft 208 without the gripping device 202 is disposed on the inner rail 206.

  The link shaft 207 on the seat side and the link shaft 208 on the opposite side of the sheet are connected by link plates 209 and 210. The chain links 203a and 203b that limit the maximum pitch of the equal-length links 201 are provided between the link plates 209 by connecting adjacent link shafts 208 on the opposite sheet side.

Further, the link plates 209 and 210 constituting the isometric link 201 are coaxially connected on the link shaft 207, and both of them rotate around the axis so that the shape of the isometric link 201 is formed. Change. Further, the link plates 209 and 210 are connected to the link shaft 208 at the end on the guide rail 206 on the opposite side of the seat, and are connected to the link arms 209 and 210 at the lower part of the link shaft 207. For this reason, in the case of the said deformation | transformation, an upper and lower link is deform | transformed synchronously so that it may become the same shape.

Bearing rollers 211a, which are first rolling bearings, are provided at the lowermost ends of the link shafts 207, 208.
The bearing holders 211 and 212 having 212a are connected, and flanged radial bearings 213a, 213b, and 214a, which are a pair of second rolling bearings, are provided on both sides of the bearing holders 211 and 212, that is, on the outer periphery of the bearing rollers 211a and 212a. 214b is attached. These flanged radial bearings 213a, 213b, 214a, and 214b roll on both side surfaces of the rails 205 and 206 that restrict the movement of the isometric link 201, and the upper surfaces of the rails 205 and 206 and the flanged radial bearings 213 and 214. It arrange | positions so that the self-weight of the equal-length link 201 may be hold | maintained by contact of an eaves.

  As described above, the gripping device 202 is disposed at the sheet side end of the isometric link 201. The gripping device of the present embodiment includes a gripping arm 210a that is arranged as a continuous member at the front end of the sheet side of the link arm 210 and has two arms branched vertically, and is connected to the gripping arm 210a so as to be seat side or anti-seat. A pivot arm 215 that rotates to the side, an upper gripper 216 that is rotatably connected to the lower end of the pivot arm 215, and an upper gripper 216 that is disposed on the upper surface of the lower arm of the grip arm 210a. And a lower gripper 217 that holds the sheet-like material therebetween.

  Further, the upper part of the rotating shaft of the rotating arm 215 is coupled with a coil spring 218 so that the rotating arm 215 is rotated in a specific direction (in this embodiment, the upper gripper 216 is directed to the seat side). Direction). The end of the coil spring 218 on the opposite side of the sheet is engaged with a cylindrically shaped engagement pin 219 connected to the upper part of the link plate 210, and the pivot arm 215 is linked to the link plate 209 on the opposite side of the isometric link 201. , 210. When gripping a sheet-like object, the sheet-like object is positioned on the lower gripper 217 by rotating the upper end of the rotary arm 215 against the coil spring 218 so that the upper end moves to the sheet side and the lower end to the opposite sheet side. After that, the rotating arm 218 is rotated using the urging force of the coil spring 218 to hold the sheet-like material between the upper gripper 216 and the lower gripper 217. When opening the sheet-like material, the rotating arm 215 is rotated again to release the space between the upper gripper 216 and the lower gripper 217, and the sheet-like material is opened with a gap therebetween. The gripper 217 is moved from above. Further, as will be described later, a reflection member may be disposed on the top surface of the engagement pin 219 so that the optical detection device can easily detect the link and its position.

As shown in FIG. 2 (c), in the closed state and the open state, the link plates 209a, connected to each other by the link shaft 207 above the guide rail 205 on the upper side in the figure in a state viewed from above. The crossing angle θ of 209b is different from θ1 and θ2. That is, the two link plates 209a and 209b, which are linked to the guide rails 205 and 206 and connected by the link shaft 207, rotate relative to each other as the travel is performed with the position of the link shaft 207 as a fulcrum. The intersection angle can be changed. Even at this time, the radial bearings 213a, 213b, 214a, and 214b supported by the bearing holders 211 and 212 always have the rails 205 and 206 by the action (rotation) of the bearing rollers 211a and 212a with respect to the link shafts 207 and 208. It changes (rotates) so as to be positioned substantially perpendicular to both side surfaces of the guide rails, that is, it is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 205 and 206.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the pair of flanged radial bearings can always be at a constant angle with respect to the guide rail, and therefore depends on the crossing angle (θ) of the link plates 209a and 209b and the guide rail width. It is possible to run the link device 200 without any trouble.

  FIG. 2C shows a state in which the amount of stretching in the MD direction (magnification, magnification in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like material) is larger than 1.0. That is, on the right side of the figure, the rail 206 and the rail 205 approach each other, and the link opening angle of the isometric link 201 is increased. Thereby, the sheet-like material is stretched in the traveling direction (the gripping device is omitted in the figure). Furthermore, the guide rail can be disposed endlessly by using spring steel to connect the guide rail in a portion not shown in the drawing and the guide rail in the drawing. As described above, the isometric link 201 expands and contracts while increasing / decreasing the crossing angle as it travels on the guide rails 205 and 206.

  In the present embodiment, the method of stretching the sheet-like material with respect to the film traveling direction is shown. However, by making the distance on the right side the same between the rail 206 on the left side and the rail 205 in the drawing, θ1 and θ2 Can be made substantially the same, that is, the amount of stretching in the MD direction can be made the same as the distance between the rail 206 and the rail 205 on the left side in the figure, as opposed to FIG. 2 (c). It is also possible to contract the sheet-like material with respect to the traveling direction of the film by reducing the opening angle of the link device closer to the left side in the drawing. In this case, the sheet-like material is stretched in the TD direction. Furthermore, it is possible to freely set the amount of stretching in the TD direction and MD direction by combining it with a continuously variable technology for the amount of stretching (magnification) in the TD direction (a configuration in which the link guide rail 3 is arranged in a divergent shape). It is.

  As described above, the conveyance space 3 between the endless link devices 4 and 5 is roughly divided into three regions, and is divided into a preheating region 9, an extending region 10, and a heat fixing region 11 from the inlet side toward the outlet side. It is done. In each of these regions, a plurality of blowers 12 are arranged below the end of the link device that holds the sheet-like material. Each blower 12 is connected to a duct 13 extending to the side of the sheet end side, and air that is a heated gas introduced from the duct 13 is introduced into the blower 12. The high-temperature air introduced into the space in the blower 12 is blown out from the blow-out opening opened toward the upper part of the upper part of the blower 12 toward the lower surface of the sheet-like material passing therethrough.

  In response to the supply of such high-temperature air from the plurality of blowers 12, in the preheating region 9, the sheet-like material is heated to a high temperature, so that the deformation of the thermoplastic sheet-like material is facilitated, and the rear It is possible to suppress the occurrence of damage during the deformation in the region and the bias of the deformation. The preheating region 9 is an inlet through which the sheet-like material is introduced into the conveyance space 2, and the film side end portion of the link device guided and driven by the link guide rail 3 at the entrance is the end portion of the sheet-like material. Is gripped and the sheet-like object is pulled toward the exit side of the conveyance space 2 which is the direction of the circular operation of the link device, and conveyance is started.

  In the stretched region 10 that is a region adjacent to the rear side of the preheating region 9, the link guide rails 3 of the endless link devices 4 and 5 that face each other at both ends of the sheet-like material are arranged so as to spread toward the other end. The link device guided by the link guide rail 3 can extend (extend) the end of the sheet-like object to be gripped in the direction of both ends. Also in the stretching region 10, air having a temperature higher than that of the plurality of blowers 12 is supplied and blown to the lower surface of the sheet-like object, so that damage during stretching of the sheet-like object and unevenness in the amount of stretching are suppressed.

  In the heat fixing region 11, which is a region adjacent to the rear of the extending region 10, the link guide rails 3 of the endless link devices 4 and 5 are arranged substantially in parallel with each other at a distance of the exit portion of the preheating region 10. The sheet-like material gripped by the link device is transported with a substantially constant width, and is stretched by a predetermined amount by receiving the supply of high-temperature air from a plurality of blowers 12 arranged below this region. The shape and length are fixed by heating while maintaining the state.

  The sheet-like material conveyed through the heat fixing region 11 is released from the endless link devices 4 and 5 just before the outlet-side sprocket 8 arranged at the downstream end thereof, and further moved downstream to be taken out from the stretching machine 1. It is. Means for collecting the sheet-like material such as a winder that winds the sheet-like material is disposed on the downstream side of the stretching machine 1 in the conveying direction of the sheet-like material. Alternatively, another apparatus for further processing the stretched sheet-like material may be arranged.

  In the stretching machine 1 of this embodiment, the sheet-like material is conveyed by gripping and moving the endless link devices 4 and 5 on both sides, and only the operation of the endless link devices 4 and 5 of the stretching machine 1 is performed. The sheet-like material is conveyed by the operation of the endless link devices 4 and 5 while receiving a force from another device that is arranged on the downstream side of the stretching machine 1 and receives the sheet-like material taken out therefrom. A sheet-like material may be conveyed.

  Further, as will be described later, in this embodiment, the link device can be extended not only in the direction (width direction, TD direction) on both end sides of the sheet-like material but also in the conveying direction (MD direction) of the sheet-like material. In addition, the stretching ratio in these directions is variable. That is, by making the distance between the film side rails of the link guide rail 3 variable, the distance between the film ends can be changed in the transport direction so that it can be stretched in the width direction (TD direction), and half of this. By making the distance between the film-side rails variable, the opening degree of the link device in the stretching region 10 can be made variable, and the amount of stretching in the sheet conveyance direction (MD direction) (for example, stretching ratio) Is configured to be changeable.

  In the present embodiment, such a change in the amount of stretching in the TD direction can be performed independently of a change in the MD direction, and a change in the amount of stretching in the MD direction is parallel to the change in the TD direction. It is possible to do it.

  The outline | summary is demonstrated about the operation | movement which a present Example extends | stretches a sheet-like material using FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view and a side view showing an outline of the arrangement of each part of the apparatus during the operation in which the sheet-like material drawing machine shown in FIG. 1 extends the sheet-like material. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the arrangement of apparatuses when performing an operation in which the amount of stretching in the width direction of the sheet-like material is 0 (stretching ratio is 1.0). FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the arrangement of apparatuses when performing an operation in which the amount of stretching in the width direction of the sheet-like material is 0 or more (stretching ratio is 1.0 or more).

  In FIG. 8 (a), since the amount of stretching in the width direction of the sheet-like material is 0, the sheet-like material is the same in any of the preheating region 9, the stretching region 10 and the heat setting region 11 of this example. The width is substantially the same. That is, the facing rails of the link guide rails 3 of the endless link devices 4 and 5 arranged on both ends of the sheet-like material are arranged substantially in parallel at substantially the same height. The gripping position of the gripping device in which the link device 200 that is guided and travels above grips the sheet-like object side end is also substantially parallel.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (b), when the amount of stretching in the width direction of the sheet-like material is 0 or more (the ratio of phosphorus expansion is 1.0 or more), the stretching region of the endless link devices 4 and 5 The link guide rail 3 in FIG. 10 is bent to the outside of the sheet-like object in the width direction as compared with the state shown in FIG. 12A, and the distance between the link guide rails 3 positioned on both ends of the sheet-like object is It is located so as to increase in the shape of the end.

  In this embodiment, the distance between the link guide rails 3 in the extension region 10 can be freely changed, and the amount of extension can be variably adjusted. In response to a signal for instructing a change in the amount of stretching, the respective rail bases are moved in the width direction of the sheet by the connected driving means, and the size of the end spread of the link guide rail 3 is changed. .

  Furthermore, in the heat fixing part 11 located on the downstream side of the extending region 10 (the outlet side of the sheet-like material), the opposing rails of the link guide rail 3 are substantially parallel at a distance at the outlet of the extending region 10. Are arranged as follows. As a result, the sheet-like material is maintained with the length in the width direction substantially the same as that of the outlet of the extending portion 10, and high-temperature air is supplied from below so as to fix the shape of the sheet-like material. After being conveyed to the outlet, the link device is removed.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when stretching is performed in the conveyance direction of the sheet-like material and the amount of this stretching is made variable, both ends of the sheet-like material are opposed in the stretching region 10. The distance between the film side rail (outer rail) and the non-film side rail (inner rail) of each of the rails on the conveyance side of the link guide rail 3 is reduced in a tapered manner in the sheet conveyance direction. Is configured to be possible. By disposing the two rails in a narrow shape, the distance between the fold-like link devices guided on them increases, and the end of the sheet-like material is positioned on the sheet-like object side of the link device. The interval between the gripping positions for gripping the portion is increased, and the sheet-like object is stretched in the traveling direction of the link device (the sheet-like object conveying direction).

  Moreover, in the heat setting area | region 11 adjacent to the extending | stretching area | region 10, the film side rail of the link guide rail 3 set at the exit of the extending | stretching area | region 10 so that the distance between link apparatuses may become substantially constant through the heat fixing area | region 11, and The distance between the anti-film side rails is maintained. In the heat setting region 11, the distance between the film-side rail and the anti-film-side rail from the entrance to the place where the sheet-like material on the exit side is removed is substantially constant, and both are arranged substantially in parallel.

  Since the distance varies depending on the amount of stretching in the stretching region 10, in the heat fixing region 11, the film-side rail and the anti-film-side rail are adjusted in accordance with the spacing of the link guide rail 3 that is variable in the stretching region 10. It is configured to be able to adjust the interval between them.

  Further, in this embodiment, at least a part of the return side rail of the heat fixing region 11 increases the rail interval, and decreases the interval of the link device which is enlarged to extend the sheet-like material.

  In other words, since the number of links is constant on the link guide rail 3 that is a closed path, another portion that increases the amount of decrease in the number of links per unit length in the extending region 10 is required. In the present embodiment, the link guide rail 3 is arranged at a location on a substantially straight line on the return rail on both ends of the heat fixing region 11 of the apparatus.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of one endless link device 4 in the preheating region 9 of the present embodiment shown in FIG.

  In this figure, the endless link device 4 in the preheating region 9 is configured by being roughly divided into three stages in the vertical direction. An installation base 13 is disposed above the floor surface to which the endless link device 4 is grounded. The members of the endless link device 4 are connected and disposed above the installation base 13, and the installation base 13 becomes a basic member that supports the load generated when driving the link together with the weight of these members. Yes.

Above the installation base 13, a traveling table 15 is connected via an intermediate member 14, and its position is fixed. The traveling table 15 supports a member connected to the upper side thereof, and also supports a load at the time of link driving and transmits the load to the lower installation base 13. Further, the traveling table 15 includes a slide base 16 for moving the position of the link guide rail 3 and a plurality of links guided by the link guide rail 3 in the width direction of the sheet-like object, a drive unit 17 for moving the slide base 16 and the drive. The drive shaft 18 driven by the part 17 is connected. In other words, the slide base 16 to which the link guide rail 3 is grounded is disposed on the end portion side of the sheet-like object of the traveling table 15, and the motor that rotationally drives the drive shaft 18 on the opposite end (outside of the apparatus). A drive unit 17 including the unit 19 is disposed.

  Furthermore, at least one TD guide rail 20 that extends in the width direction (TD direction) of the sheet-like material and on which the slide base 16 is slidably mounted thereon is disposed on the upper surface of the traveling table 15. The slide base 16 moves along the TD guide rail 20 along with the operation of the drive shaft 18. Further, a rail base 21 that supports the link guide rail 3 is placed above the end of the slide base 16 on the sheet-like object side, and the TD of the link guide rail 3 is moved along with the movement of the slide base 16. Its position is moved in the direction.

As described above, the driving unit 17 is connected and fixed to the end of the traveling table 15 in the sheet width direction, and the rotation of the driving shaft 19 is transmitted to the slide base 16 by the driving of the motor unit 19 in the driving unit 17. Thus, the slide base 16 moves along the substantially straight TD guide rail 20 extending on the upper surface of the slide base 16 in the width direction of the sheet-like material.

  In the above-described configuration, a screw-like groove is disposed on the surface of the drive shaft 18 that forms a substantially cylindrical axis, and the screw portion 22 formed with a screw-like groove that meshes with the groove has the slide base 16. It is arrange | positioned on the lower surface of. Due to the rotation of the screw-like groove by the rotational drive of the drive shaft 18, the slide base 16 having the threaded portion 22 meshed therewith is directed in the direction toward the film side which is the axial direction of the drive shaft or the opposite device outer side (the anti-film side). Moving.

  The rail base 21 disposed above the end portion of the slide base 16 on the transport space 2 side is disposed so as to be connected to the slide base 16 below the pair of transport side and return side rails of the link guide rail 3. In this embodiment, the positions of the rail base 21 that supports the four rails and the link guide rail 3 that is supported by the rail base 21 are fixed with respect to the slide base 16.

  FIG. 4 shows an outline of the configuration of the endless link device in the extending region of the embodiment shown in FIG.

  In this figure, the endless link apparatus 4 in the extending | stretching area | region 10 is divided and comprised by the structure of about 3 steps | paragraphs about the up-down direction. An installation base 23 is disposed above the floor surface to which the endless link device 4 is grounded. The members of the endless link device 4 are connected and arranged above the installation base 23, and the installation base 23 becomes a basic member that supports the load generated when the link is driven together with the weight of these members. Yes.

  Above this installation base 23, a traveling carriage 25 is connected via a support 24, and its position is fixed. The traveling carriage 25 supports a member connected to the upper side of the traveling carriage 25 and supports a load at the time of driving the link and transmits the load to the lower installation base 23 side. Further, on the traveling table 15, a slide base 26 for moving the position of the link guide rail 3 and a plurality of links guided by the link guide rail 3 in the width direction of the sheet-like material, and a drive unit 27 for moving the slide base 26, A drive shaft 28 driven by the drive unit 27 is connected. In other words, the slide base 26 on which the link guide rail 3 is arranged is arranged on the end portion side of the sheet-like object of the traveling platform 25, and the drive shaft 28 is rotated on the opposite end (outside of the apparatus). A drive unit 27 including a motor unit 29 to be driven is disposed.

  Further, a TD guide rail 30 on which the slide base 26 is slidably mounted is disposed on the upper surface of the traveling carriage 25, and the TD guide rail 30 is moved according to the operation of the drive shaft 28. Move along this up. Further, rail bases 31, 32, 33 for supporting the link guide rail 3 thereon are placed above the end of the slide base 26 on the film side, and the link guide rail 3 is moved as the slide base 26 moves. The position of the sheet is moved in the width direction (TD direction).

Further, between the installation base 23 or the support 24 and the traveling carriage 25, it extends to the entrance side or the exit side (conveying direction, MD direction) of the conveyance space 2, and the traveling carriage 25 is placed in the MD direction thereon. Two MD guide rails 34 that are movably mounted are arranged. This is because, as will be described later, when the link guide rail 3 or the slide base 26 is moved in the width direction of the sheet-like object, the MD direction of the ring guide rail 3 necessary for realizing a necessary amount of stretching. It is installed to realize the movement.

  In the present embodiment, as in the case of the preheating region 9, the driving unit 27 is connected and fixed to the end of the traveling carriage 25 in the sheet width direction, and is driven by the motor unit 29 in the driving unit 27. The rotation of the drive shaft 29 having the screw-like groove disposed on the surface thereof is transmitted through the screw portion 35 disposed below the slide base 26 and meshed with the screw-like groove on the surface of the drive shaft 29, so that the slide base The slide base 26 moves in the TD direction along a substantially linear TD guide rail 30 that extends in the width direction of the sheet-like material on the upper surface.

  At this time, the positions of the rail bases 31, 32, and 33 arranged on the slide base 26 are moved together with the slide base 26. Further, the MD direction is configured to be movable together with the slide base 26.

Further, in this embodiment, in the stretching region 10, not only the amount of stretching in the width direction (TD direction) of the sheet material but also the amount in the transport direction (MD direction) can be changed. That is, in order to make it possible to change the distance in the TD direction between the two link guide rails 3 disposed on the two rail bases 31 and 32 disposed on the film side end portion of the slide base 26, The film-side rail base 31 having a film-side rail 36 on the upper side, which is a rail close to the end of the article, is placed on the opposite side of the sheet-like article across the film-side rail 37 with respect to the width direction end of the sheet-like article. The structure which displaces with respect to the rail base 32 which has the rail 37 in the upper part is provided.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, another motor unit 38 disposed above the motor unit 29 in the upper part of the drive unit 27, and coupled to the motor unit 38 and disposed directly above the drive shaft 28 and coupled to the rail base 31. The drive shaft 39 is provided. As described above, in this embodiment, the motor units 29 and 38 and the drive shafts 28 and 39 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction.

  A threaded portion in which a thread-like groove is formed is disposed on the surface of the cylindrical portion at the end of the upper drive shaft 39 having a substantially cylindrical shape on the sheet-like object side, and the rail base 31 is engaged with the groove of the threaded portion. It is connected and arranged, and moves to the side of the sheet-like material in the TD direction or to the outside of the apparatus with the rotation of the screw portion by the rotation of the drive shaft 39.

FIG. 6 shows an outline of the configuration in the vicinity of the end portion on the sheet-like object side of the slide base 26 in the extending region 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is a top view illustrating the configuration of the slide base 26 and the rail bases 31, 32, 33 on the traveling carriage 25 in the extending region 10. FIG. 6B is a longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of the configuration of the upper portion of the traveling carriage 25 in the extending region 10.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, in this embodiment, since the link guide rails 3 in the extending region 10 are arranged in a divergent shape, a plurality of rails are provided below the inner and outer peripheries of the link guide rail 3 in the extending region 10. A support member configured by connecting the members is disposed. That is, a plurality of rail bases 31a to 31f that extend from the entrance to the exit of the extending region 10 and are connected to and connected to each of the film-side rail 36 and the anti-film-side rail 37 that are the respective link guide rails 3; 32a-f are arranged, and these rail bases are connected to each other to constitute one rail base that supports each of the inner and outer peripheral rails of the ring guide rail 3.

  Also, the two rail bases 33 that support the inner and outer peripheral rails of the return side rail of the extending region 10 from below are each made up of six members 33a-f, It is comprised as two rail bases 33 comprised by connecting 33a'-f '.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the extending region 10 is partitioned into a plurality of regions 65a to 65f that are continuous in the sheet conveyance direction, and each of the regions 65a to 65f corresponds to the corresponding rail base 31a to f, 32a to f, 33a. ˜f, 33a′˜f ′ and a portion of the link guide rail 3 supported thereon. The four parts of the inner and outer circumferences of the link guide rail 3 arranged in the extension region 10 are six rail bases 31a to f, 32a to f, 33a to f, 33a ′ from the entrance to the exit of the extension region 10, respectively. ˜f ′ are connected to each other and supported by a support member that is rotatably connected in a substantially horizontal direction around an axis by a joint 63 having an axial center extending in a substantially vertical direction. For this reason, in the extending | stretching area | region 10, it is supported from the downward direction by the supporting member provided with six beam-shaped members and the seven joint parts which connect these about one guide rail.

Furthermore, in the case of a rail base, for example, 31a, 32a, 33a, 33a ′, which is disposed in the width direction (TD direction) of the sheet-like material so as to correspond to the regions 65a to f, the traveling carriage 25a and the slide disposed below. It is connected to the base 26a, is moved in the TD direction and the MD direction by the corresponding drive unit 27a and the drive shafts 28a, 39a, and the distance between the rail base 31a and the rail base 32a is variably adjusted.

In this embodiment, members corresponding to each of the regions 65a to 65f, for example, the rail bases 31a, 32a, 33a, 33a ′, 32a, 33a, 33a ′ are connected to the connecting rod 64, and any one of the TDs. The movement in the direction is transmitted to the other members and moved. Further, these corresponding members are beam-like members having substantially the same length, and when the link guide rail 3 moves in the TD direction, these corresponding members are approximately the sides between the joints 63 at both ends. Form parallelograms. In addition, since the rail base 31a is connected to the rail base 32a, when the amount of extension in the MD direction is not 1 or more, the rail bases 31a and 32a also form a substantially parallelogram with joints as both ends. To do.

  The driving operation in each of the regions connected in the extending region 10 having such a configuration interlocks the rail bases 31, 32, 33 in each region to form a substantially parallelogram shape, and these are connected. Thus, the divergent shape of the link guide rail 3 connected and supported upward is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, in this embodiment, the link guide rail 3 and the rail bases 31, 32, 33 are arranged below and support the link guide rail 3 at the end of the slide base 26 on the sheet-like object side. Is arranged. Among these, the rail base 33 is fixedly connected to a connection box 40 that is connected to the upper surface of the slide base 26 with its position fixed.

  The two guide rails arranged on the rail base 33 are configured such that the link device that grips the sheet-like material and conveys the sheet-like material to the exit side of the conveyance space 2 releases the end of the sheet-like material at the exit side end. This is a return-side rail 41 that guides a route that rotates after meshing with the sprocket 8 disposed on the outlet side and rotating after being released. Further, the rail base 32 to which the anti-film side rail 37 is disposed and connected is connected to the slide base 26 and the upper portion of the connecting column 42. Further, the rail base 31 with the film side rail 36 disposed and connected thereabove is connected to the threaded portion at the tip of the drive shaft 39, and the connecting column 42 and the rail base thereabove are connected via the drive shaft 39. 32, connected to the anti-film side rail 37. For this reason, the rail bases 31 and 32 move in the TD direction as the slide base 26 moves in the TD direction by the operation of the drive shaft 28 (not shown).

On the other hand, the connecting column 42 is connected to the inside of the drive shaft 39 via a spherical bearing 43 arranged around the rotation axis, and the rotation operation of the drive shaft 39 is not transmitted to the connecting column 42. For this reason, along with the operation of the slide base 26, the rail base 32,
33, the anti-film side rail 37 and the return side rail 41 can be moved in the TD direction. On the other hand, the drive shaft 39 is rotated by moving the rail base 31 against the anti-film side rail 37, the rail base 32, or the return side rail 41 and the rail base 33 connected to the rail base 31 via the threaded portion at the tip. , It can be moved by a desired distance.

  As described above, the rail base 31 below the film side rail 36 is connected to the screw portion arranged at the cylindrical portion at the tip of the drive shaft 39. Furthermore, the trunnion 43 which is a columnar member connected to the screw part of the drive shaft 39 is inserted and connected to the rail base 31 above the screw part. The trunnion 43 is disposed so that the axis of the cylinder forms an angle substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 39, and slides along the surface of the rail base 31 and the axis of the cylinder to each other. It is configured to be able to rotate.

The drive shaft 39 is connected to the connection box 40 by a bearing portion 101 disposed on the side wall in the width direction of the sheet-like material of the connection box 40 and is rotatably supported. As stated above, on the drive shaft 39 between the bearing portion 101 on the sheet-like object side of the connection box 40 and the screw portion 100, flexible couplings 68,
69 is arranged, and the drive shaft 39 is configured to be able to transmit the rotation to the screw portion 100 while maintaining the bending angle in a state where the rotation shaft is bent at these two positions.

  In such a configuration, the screw portion of the tip portion thereof is rotated by the rotation of the drive shaft 39, the trunnion 43 connected to the portion engaged with the screw portion of the drive shaft 39, and the rail base 31 in which this is disposed. And the position of the upper film side rail 36 is moved. The drive shaft 39 is driven by a driving force transmitted from a motor unit 38 arranged separately from the motor unit 29 that drives the drive shaft 28 arranged below the drive shaft 39. The motor units 29 and 38 are arranged so as to be able to send and receive command signals from a control device (not shown), and the two drive shafts 28 and 39 correspond to the motor units 29 and 38 that have received signals from the control device. The operation is transmitted and received, and can be driven independently.

  Therefore, the distance between the rail base 31 and the film side rail 36 can be freely changed with respect to the half film side rail 37 which is the link guide rail 3 adjacent to the outer side in the width direction of the film. The distance in the traveling direction of the plurality of endless links traveling on these guided by the film side rail 36 and the half film side rail 37, that is, the amount of stretching in the MD direction can be changed. From the above configuration, the slide base 26 is driven in the TD direction on the TD guide rail 30 with respect to the traveling carriage 25 by driving the drive shaft 28, and the tip of the drive shaft 39 with respect to the sli base 26 of the rail base 31 is driven by the drive shaft 39. The movement along the axial direction is performed independently.

When the slide base 26 is driven by the drive shaft 28 and moves in the TD direction in a state where the rail base 31 is not driven by the drive shaft 39 and does not change its position with respect to the slide base 26, the sheet-like object is sandwiched between them. The distance between the endless link devices arranged on the both end sides is changed, and only the amount of stretching in the TD direction is changed. In such an operation, the drive shaft 39 disposed above expands and contracts in accordance with the movement of the lower slide base 26 relative to the traveling carriage 25. The drive shaft 39 of the present embodiment has a configuration including at least two inner and outer substantially coaxially arranged cylinders and cylinders, one of which is connected to the traveling carriage 25 or the driving unit 27 coupled thereto, and the traveling carriage 25. The position is fixed with respect to the slide base 26, and the other is connected to the slide base 26 at least at one place, and the position is fixed to the slide base 27. With such a configuration, in accordance with the above-described operation, one side slides along the axis inside the other and is retracted and retracted to change the length.

  In this embodiment, the location on the drive shaft 39 and the rail base 32 below the anti-film side rail 37 are connected. That is, a trunnion 44, which is a cylindrical member, is inserted into the rail base 32 and connected to the lower drive shaft 39. The trunnion 44 is arranged so that the cylinder axis forms an angle substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 39 and slides around the axis of the rail base 32 and the cylinder along the surface thereof to rotate relative to each other. Is configured to be possible.

  Further, the drive shaft 39 and the trunnion 43 or the members connected below the drive shaft 39 are connected by a spherical bearing 45 that supports a spherical portion of the surface disposed on the drive shaft 39, and the trunnion 43 and the rail base 32 are connected to each other. The drive shaft 39 is connected to restrain the position. Further, when the drive shaft 28 is not driven and the slide base 26 is not displaced with respect to the traveling carriage 25 and the rail base 31 is displaced with respect to the slide base 26 by the operation of the drive shaft 39, a plurality of connected The distance between the link devices is changed, and only the amount of stretching in the MD direction is changed.

  FIG. 5 shows an outline of the configuration of the endless link device in the heat fixing region of the embodiment shown in FIG.

  The configuration of the heat fixing region 11 of the endless link devices 4 and 5 is also composed of roughly three parts in the vertical direction, like the stretching region 10. That is, an installation base 46 connected and fixed above the floor surface on which the apparatus is installed, a support carriage 47 connected to the upper part of the installation base 46, and a traveling carriage 48 arranged so as to be movable in the MD direction. The slide base 49 is arranged so as to be movable in the TD direction above.

  Above the slide base 49, rail bases 50, 51, 52 for supporting the link guide rail 3 from below are arranged. Further, a driving unit 53 including a motor for moving the slide base 49 and the rail bases 50 and 52 in the TD direction is fixed to the traveling carriage 48 at the end portion in the TD direction of the traveling carriage 48. Yes.

  The traveling carriage 48 is placed on and connected to two MD guide rails 54 disposed above the lower support 47 and extending in the MD direction, and can slide in these directions and move in the MD direction. It is configured. With this configuration, it is possible to move in the MD direction according to the displacement in the TD direction of the connected stretched regions 10. Further, at least one TD guide rail 55 extending in the TD direction is disposed above the traveling carriage 48, and these are coupled between the slide base 49 disposed above the motor and the motor of the drive unit 53. The drive shaft 56 transmits the rotational operation of the motor to the slide base 49, and the slide base 49 slides on the upper part and moves in the TD direction.

  Further, in the configuration of the endless link device 4 in the heat fixing region 11 shown in this figure, a drive shaft 57 is provided that is disposed so that the position of the shaft is superimposed directly above the drive shaft 56 that moves the slide base 49 in the TD direction. It has been. The drive shaft 57 has a threaded portion 58 at the tip thereof, similarly to the drive shaft 39 in the extending region 10, and a cylindrical shape in which the threaded portion 58 and the rail base 50 thereabove are disposed. Are connected via a trunnian 59. The drive shaft 57 is rotated by being connected to a motor disposed above the motor for driving the drive shaft 56 in the TD direction in the drive unit 53, and the upper trunnian 59 connected through a screw part 58. The distance between the film side rail 60, which is transmitted to the rail base 50 as movement in the TD direction and is connected to the upper side of the rail base 50, is changed above the rail base 51 with respect to the anti-film side rail 61 connected thereto.

  With such a configuration, the slide base 49 is set to the TD in accordance with the reference length in the width direction of the sheet-like material that is changed and set in the preheating region 9 and the amount of stretching in the TD direction that is adjusted and set in the stretching region 10. Moved in the direction. Further, depending on the amount of stretching in the MD direction that is adjusted and set in the stretching region 10, the position of the rail base 50 and the film side rail 60 connected thereto above the rail base 51 or the anti-film side rail 61 is changed. And the distance between them is set.

  Furthermore, the rail base 52 of this figure is arranged on another TD guide rail arranged between and above another slide base connected to this on another traveling carriage (not shown). It is connected. In addition, the other slide base is connected to the outer end of the endless link device 4 in the TD direction of another travel cart through a drive shaft and a drive shaft, similarly to the travel cart 48 and the slide base 49, When the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the drive shaft, another slide base moves on the other trolley in the TD direction on the TD guide rail.

  In addition, the rail base 52 moves in the TD direction together with the slide base connected to the rail base 52, and at a distance from the rail base 51 (or the inner return side rail 102 disposed above the rail base 51). The position can be variably adjusted, and the distance between them can be changed. With such a configuration, for example, by increasing the distance between the outer peripheral return side rail 103 and the inner peripheral return side rail 102 that is disposed on and supported by the rail base 52, the sheet is stretched in the stretch region 10. When the amount of stretching in the MD direction of the object is increased to reduce the number of links existing in this region, the storage portion, which is the location where the number of links is increased, is set as the return side rail of the heat fixing region 11 Form on top.

  The effect | action of the said storage part is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the link devices on the link guide rail of the embodiment shown in FIG. In this schematic diagram, the arrangement of the link devices in the endless link devices 4 and 5 shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated. In this figure, the inner and outer double dotted lines indicate the link guide rail 3, and the sawtooth line shown between them indicates the link device 200.

  This figure is an arrangement for obtaining a predetermined amount of stretching in the MD direction. In this arrangement, the number of link devices present in the stretching region 10 is the number when the amount of stretching in the MD direction is smaller or zero. Less than. That is, the distance in the width direction of the sheet-like material between the film-side rail 36 and the anti-film-side rail 37 in the stretching region 10 becomes smaller toward the exit side of the conveyance space 2, and the movement between the link devices The interval in the direction (direction of the link guide rail 3) is increased. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the reduced number of links on the return side of the link guide rail 3.

That is, the number of links is adjusted on the return side rail between the sprocket 6 at the entrance of the preheating region 9 and the sprocket 8 at the exit side of the heat fixing region 11. In other words, a location for increasing the distance between the rail inside the device on the return side (inner side of the link guide rail 3) and the rail outside the device (outer side of the link guide rail 3) is arranged. The distance between the links is reduced to increase the number of links per unit length of the link guide rail 3.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, a storage section 62 is arranged on the return side rail of the heat fixing region 11 to adjust the distance between the inner and outer link guide rails 3 to increase the number of links. Therefore, as described above, the rail base 52 that supports the return rail on the outer peripheral side from below is configured to move in the TD direction with respect to the slide base 49 or the rail base 51. In this storage portion 62, the inner peripheral side link guide rail 3 is substantially linear, and the rail base 52 that supports the outer peripheral side link guide rail 3 is made of a beam material extending substantially linearly. Thus, the change of the link interval by the movement of the rail base 52 in the storage section 62 is facilitated, and the movement of the link device is made smooth.

As described above, the endless link devices 4 and 5 in the heat fixing region 11 include the rail base 50 that supports the film side rail 60 on the sheet-like object side of the slide base 49 and the rail base 52 that supports the outer peripheral rail of the return side rail. However, the width direction (TD direction) of the sheet-like material with respect to the slide base 49 disposed therebetween and the rail base 51 disposed above and supporting the anti-film side rail 61 and the inner peripheral side return rail. The distance (gap) is variable. Then, on the downstream side of the sprocket 8 of the link guide rail 3 in the heat fixing region 11, the outer peripheral rail is arranged in a divergent shape with respect to the moving direction of the link device with respect to the substantially linear inner peripheral rail. The interval is increased as it goes to the flow. Thereby, the space | interval of links reduces, a link apparatus shrink | contracts, and the number of links per unit length of the link guide rail 3 increases. On the downstream side of the storage section 62, the link device is a sprocket on the inlet side of the endless link device 5 with the number of links per unit length determined by the link interval set by the return-side rail inner / outer rail interval of the preheating region 10. Move towards 6. The same applies to the upstream side of the sprocket 6 on the return side rail of the preheating region 9.

Further, in the stretching machine 1 of the present embodiment, sensors 703 and 703 ′ for detecting the passage of the equal-length links 201 of the traveling link device 200 for each of the endless link devices 4 and 5 on the left and right ends of the sheet-like material are provided. Is provided. In the endless link devices 4 and 5 according to the present embodiment, the interval between the inner and outer guide rails 3 can be changed steplessly. In particular, the position of the guide rail 6 on the inner peripheral side (the anti-seat side) is fixed. On the other hand, the position of the guide rail 5 on the outer peripheral side (seat side) is adjusted. Therefore, the sensors 703 and 703 ′ are arranged so as to detect the passage of each equal length link 201 of the link device 200 that travels on the inner peripheral guide rail 6 side.

  For example, a sensor 703 or 703 ′ which is a non-contact detection means (for example, an optical sensor) is disposed above the engagement pin 219 disposed above the link plate 209 of the isometric link 201 shown in FIG. 219 detects the light from the reflecting member arranged on the upper surface, detects the passage of the isometric link 201, and outputs it. The output of the sensor 703 or 703 ′ is transmitted to the control device 704 that adjusts the operation of the stretching machine 1, and the control device 704 receives the output, and the fact that the isometric link has passed the position of the sensors 703 and 703 ′. Alternatively, the position of a specific one of the isometric links 201 can be detected.

  Such sensors 703 and 703 ′ are not located above the isometric link 201 but are located on the inner peripheral side of the guide rail 6 fixed to the slide base 49 in the heat fixing region 11, You may arrange | position at the circumferential side (counter sheet side). The sensors 703 and 703 ′ of the present embodiment are arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet-like material at the exit of the stretching region 10 and in the vicinity of the upstream end of the heat fixing region 11.

  In the stretching machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the stretching region 10, the distance between the guide rails 5 and 6 on the sheet side and the anti-sheet side changes in the transport direction, and the distance between the equal-length links 201 of the link device changes. The heat setting region 11 is basically configured such that the distance between the two is substantially constant. For this reason, in the heat fixing area | region 11, the space | interval of isometric links 201 does not change fundamentally.

  The control device 704 uses the outputs from the sensors 703 and 703 ′ to determine the link traveled by the endless link devices 4 and 5 based on the difference in passage time (passing timing) between the equal-length links 201 on both ends of the sheet-like material. A synchronization shift between the devices 200 can be detected. That is, the stretching machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the guide rails 3 are symmetrically arranged at substantially the same distance on both sides of the sheet-like material, and a uniform force is applied to the sheet-like material in the width direction. And extending. The isometric links 201 of the link device 200 that travel on the guide rails 3 on both sides arranged in this way have the same opening angle at the same opening angle in a plane-symmetrical position with respect to the sheet conveying direction. It is configured to be a link device interval.

  However, due to variations in processing accuracy of the isometric link 201, variations in resistance when the link device 200 travels, control errors, differences in the arrangement and spacing of the guide rails 3 on both ends of the sheet-like object, etc. The opening angle of the equal length links 201 and the interval between the equal length links 201 may not be the same. Further, since the magnitude of the external force acting on the link device 200 such as resistance at the time of travel fluctuates with time, these variations at predetermined positions on the guide rail 3 also change with time, and typically pulsation. It has been found by the inventors' examination that a change in a repetitive pattern is shown.

  In a present Example, when the shift | offset | difference is detected to the synchronization of operation | movement of the link apparatuses 200 of such endless link apparatuses 4 and 5, the interlock of the link apparatus 200 is adjusted so that this may be suppressed. More specifically, link devices 200 facing each other by suppressing transmission of variations in angles, angles, and the like of the equal-length links 201 that are the cause of positional deviation between the equal-length links 201 connected to each other. Suppressing the synchronization gap between each other.

As described above, there is a pattern in the magnitude of the synchronization shift of the equal length link 201. This includes, for example, the period and the order of increase / decrease. Such a synchronization shift is considered to be increased in the extension region 9 where the interval between the isometric links 201 is changing. Therefore, the sensors 703 and 703 ′ are arranged immediately downstream of the downstream end of the extension region 9 and in the vicinity of the upstream end of the heat fixing region 10, and the synchronization deviation of the link device 200 at this position is detected.

  In the heat fixing region 10, when the distance between the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the guide rail 3 is constant, the interval between the equal-length links 201 is substantially the same, and the sheet-like object is heat-fixed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the synchronization of the link device 200 is rarely changed in the heat fixing region 10. Therefore, by arranging the sensors 703 and 703 ′ in the heat fixing region 10 and the region where the sheet-like object is gripped by the isometric link 201, the synchronization deviation of the link devices 200 on both sides can be sufficiently detected. It is possible to do this, but the location closest to the stretched region 9 is considered to be the best, and in this embodiment the sensors 703 and 703 'are arranged as described above.

  In order to obtain the pattern of the synchronization shift, it is necessary to assemble the link device 200. In particular, in order to detect a long-term pattern, it is necessary to rotate the link device 200 at least once. In this embodiment, the sensors 703 and 703 ′ detect the passage of each equal length link 201 constituting the link device 200.

  For this reason, a reflecting member is disposed on the upper surface of the engagement pin 219 that is the upper portion of each equal-length link 201. When the passage of the equal-length link 201 configured as described above is detected for the number of times corresponding to one round, it can be detected that the circuit has made one round. In detecting such a pattern depending on the circulation, at least four equal-length equidistant links may be detected.

  In the present embodiment, the interlock of each equal-length link 201 of the link device 200 that suppresses the magnitude of this shift is adjusted according to the synchronization shift pattern detected in this way. That is, the link plates 209 constituting each equal length link 201 are directly connected to each other, and the operation and position of the connected equal length links 201 are mutually influenced, thereby the angle of the equal length links 201 and the like. Suppressing the occurrence of an excessive shift in position suppresses a variation in the position of the gripping device 202 disposed at the front end on the sheet-like object side. For example, the link plates 209 of the adjacent equal-length links 201 are connected by an elastic member such as a spring as will be described later. Alternatively, the change in the position is suppressed by connecting one link plate 209a of the adjacent equal-length links 201 and the link plate 209b of the equal-length links 201 on the rear side thereof with an elastic member.

  On the other hand, the isometric link 201 has a link position that is effective in suppressing synchronization shift by suppressing the above-described operation, and corresponds to a specific operation in this pattern simultaneously with the above-described operation pattern. There is a need to detect a specific isometric link 201. For this reason, as in the above embodiment, a sensor that is located at a predetermined location of the link device 200 and detects the passage of each equal length link 201 and a control device that detects the position of each equal length link 201 from the output from this sensor. 704.

  Further, before extending the sheet-like material as a product, a test operation is performed to detect the amount of positional deviation and synchronization deviation, and at least one of the specific isometric links 201 is selected. . For this purpose, the control device 704 may be configured to detect each link device 201 performing a specific operation and its position, and report this to the user using a display device.

  In this embodiment, the sprocket 5 or 6, 8 on the inlet side and outlet side of the sheet-like material is driven to push the link device 200 from the inlet side and pull it on the outlet side. For this reason, a place where these external forces applied to the link device 200 from the sprockets 5, 6, and 8 are in a neutral state is formed on the travel path of the link device 200 on the sheet conveyance side.

In this embodiment, the sprocket 5 or 6, 8 is driven so that such a neutral point is located in the extension region 9, and the pushing and pulling force acting on the isometric link 201 is small in the vicinity of the neutral point. For this reason, the isometric link 201 is likely to move freely and a synchronization shift is likely to occur. For this reason, in the present embodiment, a sensor is provided at the upstream end of the heat fixing region 10 which is the AC side of such a neutral point and is closest to the neutral point in the region where the operation of the isometric link 201 is stable. 703 and 703 'are arranged.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, the operation of the motors 701, 701 ', 702, 702' for driving the sprockets 5, 8 on the inlet side and the outlet side may be adjusted to adjust the synchronization gap, and the interval between the guide rails 3 is adjusted. Then, the interval between the equal-length links 201 and the opening angle may be adjusted.

  Next, a description will be given of the configuration of an equal-length link for suppressing the synchronization shift in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the equal-length link 201 of the link device 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of a modified example of the equal-length link 201 of the link device 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of another modified example of the equal-length link 201 of the link device 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. In these drawings, the same components as those described in FIG. 2 that do not require further explanation are omitted even if they are quoted.

  In the present embodiment, a learning operation for detecting a pattern of synchronization shift is performed before performing an operation of stretching a sheet-like material as a product. An equal-length link 201 corresponding to a predetermined operation of the detected deviation pattern is specified and shown to the user. Thus, the user can attach a means for suppressing the operation of the specific isometric link 201 to the user.

  For example, an elastic member such as a coil spring or a leaf spring is detected so as to detect an equal-length link 201 in which the magnitude of the synchronization deviation is equal to or greater than a specific value and suppress the opening and closing operation of each link of the equal-length link 201. The urging means consisting of is attached to the link of the isometric link 201.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, two adjacent equal-length links 201 of which synchronization deviation or positional deviation is larger than a predetermined value in the link device 200 are shown. 2B and 2C illustrate the configuration shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C in more detail. In particular, the link plate 210 is connected between the link plates 209a of the two equal-length links 201. A small link plate 901 is provided.

  A gripping device 202 is attached to the leading end of the small link plate 902 connected to the small link plate 901 below the small link plate 901 at the leading end on the sheet-like object side, like the link plate 210. The position with respect to the object is arranged in the same manner as the gripping device 202 at the tip of the link plate 210. Further, the end of the small link plate 901 on the side far from the sheet-like object side (the side opposite to the gripping device 202) is not connected to the chain link 203a, and in this embodiment, the length is the link. It is shorter than the plate 209 or the like.

  Furthermore, the tip of the small link plate 901 on the sheet-like object side is connected via a link shaft 905 to a small link plate 903 that is connected to an intermediate portion of the link plate 209a of the adjacent equal-length link 201. The small link plate 901 is also connected to the link plate 209b via a link shaft 906. 9 to 11, the coil spring 218 shown in FIG. 2 is omitted.

Further, in this embodiment, the link shafts 905 and 906 are linked to each other by the link plate 209a,
The link plates 209a and 209b of the two equal-length links 201 are urged in a direction to reduce the angle or the distance by the force acting by the spring rigidity of the coil spring 907. ing. The link shaft 905 may be the same member as the engagement pin 219 shown in FIG. 2B or may be connected to the lower link plate 210.

  By the coil spring 907, a force is applied in a direction in which the distance and angle between the two link plates 209a and 209b connected by the link shaft 207 above the guide rail 205 are reduced. In other words, an external force is applied to the link plates 209a and 209b, whose maximum crossing angle or distance is restricted by the chain link 203 above the guide rail 206, so as to suppress the rotation operation up to this maximum value.

  For this reason, it is suppressed that the shift | offset | difference of the position of the holding | grip apparatus 202 of the front-end | tip of the link plate 210 which arises during driving | running | working of the link apparatus 201 increases. Moreover, it connects with the small link plates 901 and 902 connected with these, and the increase in the shift | offset | difference of the position of the grasping apparatus 202 of the front-end | tip part is suppressed.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a modified example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9. In particular, the configuration different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is that the link shafts 905 and 906 of the two link plates 209a and 209b are connected to each other. The elastic member to be connected is configured by a leaf spring 1001 having a curved portion arranged so as to surround the periphery of the link shaft 207. Also in this configuration, as in the embodiment of FIG. 9, a force is applied in a direction in which the distance and angle between the two link plates 209a and 209b connected by the link shaft 207 above the guide rail 205 are reduced. .

  For this reason, it is suppressed that the shift | offset | difference of the position of the holding | grip apparatus 202 of the front-end | tip of the link plate 210 which arises during driving | running | working of the link apparatus 201 increases. Moreover, it connects with the small link plates 901 and 902 connected with these, and the increase in the shift | offset | difference of the position of the grasping apparatus 202 of the front-end | tip part is suppressed. As described above, the link plates 209a and 209b are connected to each other, and the configuration that suppresses the rotation operation around the link shaft 207 accompanying the travel on the guide rails 205 and 206 of the link device 200 is the coil spring 907 and the leaf spring 1001. In addition to this, it may be a spiral spring such as a spring, an urging means using an elastic body such as rubber, or a cylinder filled with a fluid such as gas, or the isometric link 201. You may use the mechanical damper which gives resistance to the motion of increase / decrease in a crossing angle.

Further, FIG. 11 shows another modification example of FIG. 10, in which the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is connected to two link plates 209 a and 209 b connected by a link shaft 207 in one isometric link 201. 11, the modification shown in FIG. 11 is adjacent to each other via a link shaft 1103 arranged at the end of the small link plate 901 on the side opposite to the sheet-like object. The link plates 209a of the two equal-length links 201 are connected to each other by an elastic member by two springs and are biased.

  That is, in this example, the first coil spring 1101 is disposed between the link shaft 905 on the lower link plate 209a and the link shaft 1103 on the small link plate 901 in the lower part of the figure, A second coil spring 1102 is disposed between the link shaft 905 and the link shaft 1103 on the upper link plate 209a. These first and second coil springs 1101 and 1102 are also urged in the direction of reducing the distance between the two linked link shafts in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and the links of the two equal-length links 201 connected to each other. The plates 209a and 209b operate so as to suppress an increase in the distance and angle between them.

  As a result, an increase in the displacement of the position of the gripping device 202 at the tip of the link plate 210 that occurs during travel of the link device 201 is suppressed. In addition, it is connected to the small link plates 901 and 902 connected to them, so that an increase in the displacement of the position of the gripping device 202 at the tip thereof is suppressed, and a synchronization shift between the two link devices 200 facing each other is suppressed. Is done.

It is an upper surface explaining the outline of a structure of the drawing machine of the sheet-like material of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the outline of a structure of the link apparatus of the drawing machine of the sheet-like material shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the outline of a structure of the preheating part which concerns on the drawing machine of the sheet-like material shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the outline of a structure of the extending | stretching part which concerns on the extending | stretching machine of the sheet-like material shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the outline of a structure of the heat setting part of the drawing machine of the sheet-like material shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which expands and shows the guide rail part vicinity of the extending | stretching part shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows arrangement | positioning of the link apparatus on the link guide rail of the Example shown in FIG. It is the front view and side view which show the outline of arrangement | positioning of each part of the apparatus in the operation | movement which the extending | stretching machine of the sheet-like material shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the outline of a structure of the equal length link 201 of the link apparatus 200 based on the Example shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the outline of a structure of the modification of the equal length link 201 of the link apparatus 200 based on the Example shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the outline of a structure of another modification of the equal length link 201 of the link apparatus 200 based on the Example shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stretching machine 2 Carrying space 3 Guide rails 4, 5 Endless link devices 6, 7, 8 Sprocket 9 Remaining heat region 10 Stretching region 11 Heat fixing region 701, 701 ', 702, 702' Motor 703, 703 'Sensor 704

Claims (5)

A plurality of equal-length links that are disposed opposite to each other at both ends in the width direction of the sheet-like material having thermoplasticity and that are connected to each other and grip each end of the sheet-like material while expanding and contracting in a folding scale shape are arranged on a substantially horizontal plane. The sheet-like material stretching machine is provided with a pair of endless link devices that are guided along a substantially closed path and stretched while being conveyed from the inlet side to the outlet side and then moved back to the inlet side. And
Each of the endless link devices is disposed on the inlet side of the sheet-like material and is preheated by conveying the sheet-like material substantially in parallel and preheated, and the sheet-like material is disposed on the downstream side. A stretching region for transporting and stretching along the end-wide portion of the path, and heat for transporting and fixing the sheet-like material disposed on the downstream side along the substantially parallel portion of the rail. There is a fixed region, a conveyance side portion that is close to the sheet material that guides the isometric link that conveys the sheet material, and a return side portion that is far from the sheet material that guides the return of the equal length link. A rail, and an inlet-side sprocket and an outlet-side sprocket that are disposed on the inlet side and the outlet side of the sheet-like material and drive the plurality of equal-length links.
A sheet-like material stretching machine comprising: an elastic body member that is mounted on a predetermined one of the plurality of equal-length links that are transported and travels to suppress the expansion and contraction operation. A sheet-like material stretching machine according to claim 1,
A sensor that detects the position of the equal-length link of each endless link device is provided, and a sensor selected in advance using the value of the synchronization shift of the endless link device detected based on the output from the sensor detects A sheet-like stretching machine that detects the pattern based on all positions of the plurality of equal-length links. A sheet-like material stretching machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The elastic body member is a sheet-like stretching machine arranged by connecting two connected plates constituting the isometric link. A sheet-like material stretching machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The elastic member is a sheet-like stretching machine arranged by connecting two plates constituting the adjacent isometric links. A sheet-like material stretching machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The predetermined isometric link on which the elastic member is disposed has a greater amount of synchronization deviation than a predetermined value and is urged by the elastic member in a direction to contract the equal length link. Stretching machine for the product.

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