TWI771984B - Tensile device and method for adjusting the number of clamps - Google Patents

Abstract

A stretching device 100 includes: a pair of rail devices 10L, 10R, which define an endless circulation path, and are arranged on the left and right sides of a film; a plurality of clamp units CU, which operate on the pair of rail devices 10L, 10R Circulation path, and grasp the film; connecting mechanism 50, which is connected to the adjacent clamp unit CU on the circulation path; driving mechanism 60, which makes the clamp unit CU run along the circulation path; adjustment mechanism 70, which adjusts the longitudinal direction of the clamp unit CU distance and lateral distance; and a controller 80 that controls the operation of the drive mechanism 60 and the adjustment mechanism 70; wherein the controller 80 controls the outlet-side sprocket 62L according to the load applied from the clamp unit CU to the rail devices 10L, 10R , 62R rotation.

Description

Tensile device and method for adjusting the number of clamps

The invention relates to a stretching device and a method for adjusting the number of clamps.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-121259 discloses a biaxial simultaneous stretching device provided with an endless link device, wherein the endless link device is provided with end portions for gripping the sheet on both sides of the sheet a plurality of grasping devices.

This endless linking device is guided by two guide rails arranged to be arranged side by side in the running direction in a terminally developed shape in the stretching section. The direction (travel direction) gripping pitch gradually expands from P1 to P2. Thereby, the sheet-like object is simultaneously stretched in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The endless connection device is driven by the sprocket on the outlet side and is configured to return to the sprocket on the inlet side.

In the stretching device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-121259, the endless connecting device guides the movement along the guide rail by a plurality of rollers. In addition, the endless linking device is composed of a plurality of linking mechanisms, and by changing the distance between the two guide rails to change the distance between the gripping devices (clamp units) in the MD direction, the film (sheet) is pulled in the MD direction. stretch.

In such a stretching device, a stretching device capable of appropriately adjusting the number of clip units in the stretching region of the stretched film is sought. For example, in a state in which the number of clip units in the stretching region is smaller than an appropriate number, a force in a direction of increasing the pitch of the clip units is applied to the connection mechanism for connecting the clip units. With this force, the roller provided in the jig unit presses the guide rail in one direction. When the load acting on the guide rail from the roller is too large, there is a possibility that the rail device or the clamp unit may be deformed. In order to avoid such a situation, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the number of clamp units in the stretching area.

The adjustment of the number of clamp units in the stretching area is carried out by adjusting the operation of the electric motor driving the sprocket on the outlet side. In the past, the operator manually adjusted the operation of the electric motor while checking the torque value and the like of the electric motor, and there was a problem that a lot of time was required for the adjustment.

An object of the present invention is to provide a stretching device that can easily adjust the number of clamps.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a stretching device for stretching a conveyed film in the vertical and horizontal directions includes: a rail device that defines an endless circulation path and is disposed on the left and right sides of the film; a plurality of clamp units , which runs on the circulation path of the track device and grasps the film; the connecting mechanism, which connects the adjacent clamp units on the circulation path; the driving mechanism, which makes the clamp unit run along the circulation path; the adjusting mechanism, which adjusts the longitudinal direction of the clamp unit pitch and lateral pitch; and a controller that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and the adjustment mechanism, and obtains load data, the load data representing the load acting from the clamp unit to the rail device; wherein the clamp unit has: a roller part engaged with The track device guides the movement of the clamp unit along the circulation path; the drive mechanism has: an inlet side sprocket, which is provided on the left and right sides of the film at the inlet side where the film is supplied, and is engaged with the clamp unit; the outlet side a sprocket, which is provided on the left and right sides of the film at the outlet side from which the stretched film is fed out, and is engaged with the clamp unit; a first drive unit that rotates and drives the sprocket on the outlet side; and a second drive unit, It rotates and drives the inlet side sprocket; the controller controls the operation of at least one of the first drive unit and the second drive unit according to the load acting on the rail device from the clamp unit.

Hereinafter, the drawing apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings together. In addition, for the convenience of description, in each drawing, the scale of each structure is appropriately changed, which is not necessarily exactly as shown in the drawing. In addition, about a plurality of the same structure, only the part is given a code|symbol, and a code|symbol is abbreviate|omitted about the other part.

First, the structure of the stretching apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 .

The stretching device 100 is also a biaxial simultaneous stretching device, which conveys a film (not shown in the figure) to be stretched in a single direction from the inlet side (the left side in FIG. 1 ) to the outlet side (the right side in FIG. 1 ), It stretches simultaneously along the longitudinal direction of the conveying direction (hereinafter also referred to as "MD direction".) and the transverse direction (hereinafter also referred to as "TD direction") perpendicular to the MD direction. In addition, in the following description, "right side" refers to the right side when the outlet side is viewed from the inlet side (lower side in Fig. 1 ), and "left side" refers to the left side when the outlet side is viewed from the inlet side (upper side in Fig. 1 ) . In addition, in the following description, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 is also referred to as "up and down".

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the stretching device 100 includes a pair of rail devices 10L and 10R that define an endless circulation path and are arranged on the left and right sides of the film, and a plurality of clamp units CU that operate In the circulation path of a pair of rail devices 10L, 10R, and grasp the film; the link mechanism 50, which is connected to the adjacent clamp unit CU on the circulation path; the driving mechanism 60, which makes the clamp unit CU run along the circulation path; the adjustment mechanism 70 , which adjusts the longitudinal and lateral distances of the clamp unit CU; and the controller 80 , which controls the operation of the drive mechanism 60 and the adjustment mechanism 70 .

In the stretching apparatus 100, the area|region which the rail apparatus 10L and 10R on either side opposes is comprised as a film conveyance area TA. In addition, in the film conveyance zone TA, the preheating zone Za, the stretching zone Zb, and the heat treatment zone Zc are arranged (distributed) in this order from the inlet side toward the outlet side. The film transfer area TA is covered by a heating furnace (omitted from the figure), and the temperature is controlled for each area. The specific structure of each area will be described later.

The pair of rail devices 10L and 10R respectively define a circulation path for circulating the clamp unit CU, and are constituted by a pair of reference rails 11 and pitch setting rails 12 . In the pair of rail apparatuses 10L and 10R, the pitch setting rails 12 are arranged in an annular shape on the inner side of the reference rail 11 .

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of part A in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the reference rail 11 and the pitch setting rail 12 arranged in an annular shape are formed by a plurality of rail units 15 connected rotatably and an intermediate rail portion 16 supplementing the adjacent rail units 15 . In other words, the end portions of the rail unit 15 are respectively connected to the intermediate rail portion 16 so as to be rotatable. In this way, by connecting the adjacent rail units 15 to be rotatable with each other via the intermediate rail portion 16 , the arrangement of the plurality of rail units 15 can be changed, and a desired circulation path can be formed.

The larger the interval distance between the pitch setting rail 12 and the reference rail 11, the smaller the MD pitch of the clamp unit CU. In the preheating zone Za, the interval distance between the reference rail 11 and the pitch setting rail 12 is formed so that the entire area is the maximum value (in other words, the MD pitch is the minimum value).

In the stretching zone Zb, the spacing distance between the reference rail 11 and the distance setting rail 12 is set to be the maximum value at the stretching start end (connection end with the preheating zone Za), and thus the stretching ends as the direction goes toward the end. It gradually becomes shorter at the end of the stretch and becomes a minimum at the end of the stretch. In other words, in the stretching zone Zb, the MD pitch is configured to increase from the preheating zone Za side toward the heat treatment zone Zc.

In the heat treatment zone Zc, the interval distance between the reference rail 11 and the pitch setting rail 12 is formed so as to be the minimum value in the entire area.

The plurality of clamp units CU are guided by the reference rails 11 of the pair of rail devices 10L and 10R, respectively, and travel in an endless loop. The clamp unit CU travels in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 in the right rail device 10R, and travels in the counterclockwise direction in the left rail device 10L. In the pair of rail apparatuses 10L and 10R, the same number of clamp units CU are circling.

The jig unit CU, as shown mainly in FIG. 4 , includes a jig 20 that grips the film, and a jig holding portion 30 that holds the jig 20 .

The clamp 20 has: a clamp body 21, which has a concave yoke shape formed into a slightly ㄈ shape; a lower fixed clamp member 22, which is fixedly installed on the clamp body 21; It is rotatably mounted on the clamp body 21 ; the upper movable clamp member 26 is rotatably mounted on the lower end of the movable rod 24 by a pin 25 . The jig 20 grips the side edge of the film in a clamping manner by the lower fixed jig member 22 and the upper side movable jig member 26 .

The jig holding parts 30 each hold the jigs 20 , and there are the same number of the jigs 20 . The clamp holding portion 30 is a solid frame structure with a closed cross-section formed by the upper beam 35 , the lower beam 36 , the front wall 37 , and the rear wall 38 . Transmission wheels 33 and 34 are rotatably provided at both ends (front wall 37 and rear wall 38 ) of clip gripping portion 30 via shafts 31 and 32 , respectively. The transmission wheels 33 and 34 rotate on the horizontal running surfaces 111 and 112 formed by the rail platform 110 . The running surfaces 111 and 112 are juxtaposed to the reference rails 11 of the rail devices 10L and 10R over the entire area.

Long holes (long holes) 39 are formed in the other ends (rear sides) of the upper beam 35 and the lower beam 36 of each clip gripping portion 30 . In the upper and lower long holes 39 , the respective sliders 40 are slidably engaged in the longitudinal direction of the long holes 39 .

A first shaft member 51 penetrating the upper beam 35 and the lower beam 36 is vertically provided beside one end (the clamp side) of each clamp gripping portion 30 . One second shaft member 52 is vertically penetrating through the sliders 40 on the upper and lower sides of each clip gripping portion 30 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the plurality of clamp units CU are connected in an endless shape by connecting the clamp units CU adjacent to each other on the circulation path by the connection mechanism 50 . The connection mechanism 50 is constituted by a first connection member 53 and a second connection member 54 .

The first connecting member 53 is the first shaft member 51 whose one end is pivotally connected to the clip gripping portion 30, and the other end is pivotally connected to the adjacent clip gripping portion 30 (in this embodiment, the clip gripping portion adjacent to the upstream side of the circulation) 30) of the second shaft member 52.

The second connecting member 54 is one end pivotally connected to the first shaft member 51 of the clamp gripping portion 30 , and the other end is pivotally connected to the middle portion between one end and the other end of the first connecting member 53 via the pivot shaft 55 .

By the connection mechanism 50 constituted by the first connection member 53 and the second connection member 54, the slider 40 moves toward the other end side (the opposite clamp side) of the clamp gripping portion 30. In other words, the first connection member 53 and the 2. As the angle formed by the connection member 54 is smaller and the connection mechanism 50 is in the closed state, the pitch (MD pitch) between the clip gripping parts 30 becomes smaller. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 2 , the further the slider 40 moves toward one end side (the clamp side) of the clip gripping portion 30 , in other words, the larger the angle formed by the first connecting member 53 and the second connecting member 54 is, the more the connecting mechanism 50 is connected. In the open state, the distance between the clip gripping parts 30 becomes larger.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the jig unit CU includes a guide roller 56 as a first roller (roller portion) rotatably provided at the lower end of the first shaft member 51, and a pitch setting roller 57 as a second roller ( roller portion) is rotatably provided at the lower end of the second shaft member 52 .

The guide rollers 56 are engaged with the grooves 11 a of the reference rail 11 . The reference rail 11 is provided on the rail table 110 and defines the traveling path of the clamp 20 . The pitch setting rollers 57 are engaged with the grooves 12 a of the pitch setting rails 12 . The pitch setting rails 12 are disposed on the track table 110 and define the traveling path of the clamp 20 . In addition, a drive roller 58 is rotatably provided on the upper end of the first shaft member 51 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the drive mechanism 60 includes a pair of inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R provided on the inlet side for supplying the film, and a pair of outlet-side sprockets 62L and 62R provided on the stretched film. On the outlet side of the delivery; the first drive unit 64 that rotationally drives the outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R; and the second drive unit 65 that rotationally drives the inlet side sprockets 61L, 61R.

The inlet-side sprockets 61L, 61R and the outlet-side sprockets 62L, 62R are selectively engaged with the drive rollers 58 of the gripping parts 30 of the clamps, respectively, and are rotationally driven by the first drive unit 64 and the second drive unit 65 . A force to travel along the circuit is applied to each of the jig gripping parts 30 . The inlet side sprockets 61L and 61R and the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are formed in the same shape as each other. In addition, the inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R and the outlet-side sprockets 62L and 62R may have different shapes from each other.

The first drive unit 64 includes a first drive motor 64L that rotationally drives the left outlet side sprocket 62L, and a second drive motor 64R that rotationally drives the right outlet side sprocket 62R. The first drive motor 64L and the second drive motor 64R are constituted by servo motors, respectively. In this way, the left and right outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are configured to be independently driven by mutually different electric motors.

The second drive unit 65 is constituted by a third drive motor (hereinafter also referred to as "third drive motor 65") that rotationally drives the pair of inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R. The third drive motor 65 is a servo motor. The rotation of the third drive motor 65 is transmitted to the pair of inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R by a transmission mechanism (not shown in the figure). In this way, the pair of inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R are driven by the common electric motor. In addition, the left and right inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R transmit the rotation of the third drive motor 65 through the transmission mechanism so that the rotation directions are opposite to each other.

The adjustment mechanism 70 includes a first adjustment mechanism 71 for adjusting the lateral distance between the left and right rail units 15 , and a second adjustment mechanism 75 for adjusting the distance between the reference rail 11 and the distance setting rail 12 in each rail unit 15 . interval.

As shown in FIG. 3, the 1st adjustment mechanism 71 is attached to each intermediate rail part 16, and makes the intermediate rail part 16 advance or retreat in the lateral direction. The first adjustment mechanism 71 includes a first adjustment motor 72 , which is a servo motor, and a screw mechanism 73 , which linearly moves the follower by the rotation of the first adjustment motor 72 .

The second adjustment mechanism 75 is provided for each rail unit 15 . The second adjustment mechanism 75 is constituted by a pair of linear motion mechanisms. The linear motion mechanism includes a second adjustment motor 76 , which is a servo motor, and a screw mechanism 77 , which linearly moves the follower by the rotation of the second adjustment motor 76 . A pair of linear motion mechanisms are attached to both ends of the rail unit 15, respectively.

The second adjustment motor 76 adjusts the interval between the reference rail 11 and the pitch setting rail 12 by rotating the screw mechanism 77 to advance or retreat the pitch setting rail 12 relative to the reference rail 11 . The second adjustment motor 76 moves the pitch setting rail 12 so as to approach the reference rail 11 during forward rotation, and moves the pitch setting rail 12 away from the reference rail 11 during reverse rotation. The pitch setting rail 12 is inclined with respect to the reference rail 11 by making the rotational positions of the second adjustment motors 76 different from each other in the pair of linear motion mechanisms. Accordingly, the interval between the reference rail 11 and the pitch setting rail 12 in a rail unit 15 is configured in a non-fixed and variable manner, thereby adjusting the amount of stretching in the MD direction.

The second adjustment motor 76 is provided with a torque sensor 78 as a detection unit that detects the rotational torque of the second adjustment motor 76 . The detection result of the torque sensor 78 is input to the controller 80 (refer to FIG. 1 ). The torque value of the second adjustment motor 76 is load data indicating the load acting on the rail devices 10L and 10R from the clamp unit CU.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 , at the exit portion of the stretching device 100, a count sensor 81 serving as a number measuring unit is provided, and the aforementioned count sensor 81 is used to measure the number of the jigs 20 in the film conveying area TA. number (hereinafter also referred to as "number of fixtures"). The measurement result of the counting sensor 81 is input to the controller 80, and the number of clamps is calculated based on the moving speed of the clamp unit CU and the measurement result of the counting sensor 81. In other words, the number of clips refers to the number of clips 20 (clamp units CU) that actually grip one of the left and right sides of the film when the film is stretched. From another viewpoint, the number of jigs indicates the number of jigs 20 between the inlet and the outlet of the stretching device 100 on the advancing route from the inlet-side sprockets 61L, 61R to the outlet-side sprockets 62L, 62R .

The controller 80 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an I/O interface (input/output interface). The RAM is the data stored in the processing of the CPU, the ROM is the pre-stored control program of the CPU, etc., and the I/O interface is used to input and output the information of the connected equipment. The controller 80 is programmed to execute necessary processing for executing at least the control of the present embodiment or the modification. In addition, the controller 80 may be constituted by one device, or may be divided into a plurality of devices so as to disperse each control by the plurality of devices.

The controller 80 controls the operation of each structure of the stretching device 100, so that the film stretching method and the pitch adjustment method as described below can be performed.

The action of the stretching device 100 will be described below.

First, the film stretching method by the stretching device 100 will be described.

The outlet side sprocket 62L on the left side and the outlet side sprocket 62R on the right side are rotatably driven, respectively. The outlet side sprocket 62L on the left side is rotated counterclockwise by the first drive motor 64L, and the outlet side sprocket 62R on the right side is rotated by the first drive motor 64L. The second drive motor 64R rotates clockwise. In addition, the right inlet side sprocket 61R and the left inlet side sprocket 61L are respectively driven to rotate by the third drive motor 65, the right inlet side sprocket 61R rotates clockwise, and the left inlet side sprocket 61R is rotated. 61L rotates counterclockwise. The left and right outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R and the inlet side sprockets 61L and 61R are rotationally driven at the same rotational speed. By engaging the drive rollers 58 with these sprockets, a running force is applied to the jig holding portion 30 . Thereby, the clamp unit CU travels in the clockwise direction on the right traveling path, and travels in the counterclockwise direction on the left traveling path.

More specifically, the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R and the inlet side sprockets 61L and 61R are synchronously controlled so that the rotational speeds of the left and right outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R match the rotational speeds of the inlet side sprockets 61L and 61R. . In other words, when the rotational speeds of the inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R are changed, the speeds of the outlet-side sprockets 62L and 62R are also changed accordingly. The conveying speed of the film is mainly controlled by changing the speed of the sprockets 62L and 62R on the outlet side. In this way, in the stretching apparatus 100, since the inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R are controlled and the conveying speed of the film is adjusted, the upstream equipment (for example, a film manufacturing apparatus) that supplies the film to the stretching apparatus 100 can be easily Match the conveying speed of the film.

Note that synchronous control of the outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R and the inlet side sprockets 61L, 61R does not mean that the speeds of the outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R and the inlet side sprockets 61L, 61R actually match. In other words, the synchronous control in the present embodiment refers to control such that the speeds of the exit-side sprockets 62L, 62R and the entry-side sprockets 61L, 61R are equalized, and actually includes the difference in the shape of the sprockets, etc. A state where the speed deviates. In addition, the exit-side sprockets 62L, 62R and the entry-side sprockets 61L, 61R may not be synchronously controlled so that the speed may be matched.

At the entrance portion for taking in the film, both side edges of the film are gripped by the gripper unit CU running on the left and right circuit paths. Then, the gripped film enters the preheating zone Za of the film conveying zone TA by the movement of the gripper gripping portion 30 guided by the reference rail 11 . Further, the left and right clamp units CU, and the clamp units CU corresponding to each other are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction and grip the film. In other words, the left and right gripper units CU are not controlled to operate in such a manner that the film is staggered in the longitudinal direction.

In the preheating zone Za, the distance between the left and right circulation paths (ie, the TD pitch) is arranged so as to correspond to the initial width of the film and spread over the entire area, and the left and right circulation paths are parallel to each other. In addition, the interval distance between the pitch setting rail 12 and the reference rail 11 is also set so as to be the maximum value (the MD pitch is the minimum value) while looking at the entire area. Accordingly, in the preheating zone Za, the lateral stretching and the longitudinal stretching of the film are not performed, and only the process of preheating the film to a temperature at which the film can be stretched is performed.

After the film passes through the preheating zone Za, it enters the stretching zone Zb. In the stretching zone Zb, the distance between the left and right circulation paths is gradually increased from the side of the preheating zone Za toward the heat treatment zone Zc. In other words, in the stretching zone Zb, the left and right circulation paths are formed in a terminal developed shape in which the interval is widened from the inlet side toward the outlet side. Accordingly, in the stretching zone Zb, the lateral interval (TD interval) between the clip gripping portions 30 gradually increases. In addition, in the stretching zone Zb, the interval distance between the pitch setting rail 12 and the reference rail 11 is gradually shortened from the side of the preheating zone Za toward the heat treatment zone Zc. Therefore, when the clamp unit CU operates in the stretching zone Zb, the pitch setting roller 57 of the clamp unit CU is guided by the pitch setting rail 12 and moves toward the reference rail 11 , and as a result, the slider 40 moves to the position of the clamp gripping portion 30 . One end side (jig side). Thereby, the interval (MD interval) between the clip gripping parts 30 in the longitudinal direction gradually increases. Therefore, in the stretching zone Zb, the film is stretched in the MD direction (longitudinal stretching) at the same time as the stretching in the TD direction (lateral stretching).

The film that passes through the stretching zone Zb and is subjected to biaxial simultaneous stretching of transverse stretching and longitudinal stretching, and then enters the heat treatment zone Zc. In the heat treatment zone Zc, the distance between the left and right circulation paths is set to be equivalent to the width of the film after stretching, and the left and right circulation paths are arranged parallel to each other over the entire area. The distance between the distance setting rail 12 and the reference rail 11 The spacing distance between them is also the minimum value (the MD spacing is the maximum value) across the entire area. Therefore, in the heat treatment zone Zc, neither lateral stretching nor longitudinal stretching of the film is performed, and only heat treatment such as temperature adjustment is performed.

At the exit at the end of the heat treatment zone Zc, the grip of the film by the left and right clamps 20 is released, and the film runs straight. The jig gripping portion 30 is guided by the reference rail 11 and travels in a loop.

As described above, the film supplied from the inlet side is simultaneously stretched in both the longitudinal and lateral directions and sent out from the outlet side.

Next, an adjustment method of the TD pitch and the MD pitch will be described.

In the stretching device 100, the amount of stretching in the transverse direction and the amount of stretching in the longitudinal direction can be changed by adjusting the TD pitch and the MD pitch.

To adjust the TD pitch, each intermediate rail portion 16 in the stretching zone Zb is moved by the first adjustment mechanism 71, thereby changing the interval between the rail units 15 on the left and right. In addition, for adjusting the MD pitch, the interval between the reference rail 11 and the pitch setting rail 12 is changed by the second adjusting mechanism 75 of the rail unit 15 in the stretching zone Zb. Thereby, the interval between the pitch setting roller 57 guided by the pitch setting rail 12 and the guide roller 56 guided by the reference rail 11 is changed, the slider 40 (see FIG. 4 ) is moved, and the MD interval is changed.

Here, in the stretching apparatus 100, the appropriate number of clips differs depending on the TD pitch and the MD pitch of the clip unit CU. When there is a difference between the actual number of clamps and the appropriate number of clamps, a load is applied to the rail unit 15 from the clamp unit CU.

Specifically, for the set TD pitch and MD pitch, when the number of jigs is appropriate (the actual number of jigs = the appropriate number of jigs), the pitch setting roller 57 of the jig unit CU is used for the pitch of the rail unit 15 . The rails 12 are set to be non-contact, and even if there is contact, they are contacted with a small force.

FIG. 5 shows a case where the number of jigs is smaller than an appropriate number, and FIG. 6 shows a case where the number of jigs is larger than an appropriate number. In addition, in FIG.5 and FIG.6, the connection mechanism 50 etc. are simplified and shown in figure.

As shown in FIG. 5 , when the number of clamps is less than the appropriate number, a small number of clamp units CU are used to realize the set pitches in the TD direction and the MD direction. The force in the direction of increasing the pitch in the MD direction. Accordingly, in a state in which the number of clips is too small, the pitch setting roller 57 presses the pitch to the film side (the center side in the left-right direction of the stretching device 100 ) so as to approach the film in the left-right direction, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5 . Set track 12.

Conversely, when the number of clips is larger than the appropriate number, a force in the direction of reducing the pitch in the MD direction acts on the clip unit CU. Accordingly, in a state where the number of clips is too large, the pitch setting roller 57 pushes the pitch setting rail 12 to the opposite film side in the left-right direction so as to be away from the film, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6 .

As a result, since the pitch setting rollers 57 press the pitch setting rails 12 , the pitch setting rollers 57 or the pitch setting rails 12 may be deformed, and the accuracy of the pitch adjustment between the clamp units CU may be degraded. In particular, when the pitch setting roller 57 moves the pitch setting rail 12 to adjust the MD pitch in a state where the pitch setting roller 57 is pressed against the pitch setting rail 12 , the second adjusting mechanism 75 having the second adjusting motor 76 and the screw mechanism 77 also has a huge problem. load, which may reduce the mechanical life.

Here, in the stretching apparatus 100, in order to avoid such a situation, while adjusting the number of clips to an appropriate number, the pitches in the TD direction and the MD direction are adjusted. In addition, in the stretching device 100, the driving mechanism 60 and the adjusting mechanism 70 are controlled in a manner that the left and right are synchronized with each other in the adjustment of the pitch and the adjustment of the number of clamps.

Specifically, in the stretching device 100, the load acting on the rail devices 10L and 10R from the clamp unit CU is detected by the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 of the second adjustment mechanism 75, and the clamps are adjusted according to the torque value T. number. The number of clamps can be adjusted by temporarily increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R. In other words, by changing the phase of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R with respect to the inlet side sprockets 61L and 61R rotating at the same speed, the number of clamps is adjusted.

In more detail, in the stretching device 100, the torque value T is compared with the predetermined first threshold value and the second threshold value, and it is determined whether the number of clamps is too small or too much, and the outlet is controlled so as to obtain an appropriate number of clamps. Operation of the side sprockets 62L, 62R. In addition, in the stretching device 100, when the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 of each of the left and right second adjustment mechanisms 75 is larger than the first threshold value or smaller than the second threshold value, The operations of both the left and right outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R are controlled in the same manner.

The torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 is obtained as a positive and negative value. In the present embodiment, the torque in the direction of the reverse rotation of the second adjustment motor 76 (in other words, the distance of the pitch setting rail 12 from the reference rail 11 ) is taken as the positive torque value T.

The first threshold is a threshold having a positive value, and the second threshold is a threshold having a negative value. The first threshold is a threshold for judging whether the number of jigs is too small, and the second threshold is a threshold for judging whether the number of jigs is too large. Hereinafter, the first threshold value is referred to as "+T1", and the second threshold value is referred to as "-T2".

The technical significance of the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 will be described by taking a case where the number of jigs is too small as an example.

The second adjustment motor 76 is controlled to operate so as to become the rotational position instructed from the controller 80 . When the number of clamps is within an appropriate range, the second adjustment motor 76 generates a torque for a mechanical loss (hereinafter, the torque value T of the mechanical loss is referred to as "mechanical loss") for the instructed rotational position. Loss of torque T0"). The mechanical loss torque T0 is a torque generated for rotating the second adjustment motor 76 to drive the pitch setting rail 12, and a mechanical loss of +T0 occurs when the second adjustment motor 76 is rotated in reverse, and -T0 occurs when the second adjustment motor 76 is rotated forward. In other words, when the number of clamps is within an appropriate range, the torque value T generated by the second adjustment motor 76 is in the range from +T0 to -T0 (+T0≧T≧-T0).

When the number of clips is too small, the clip unit CU pushes the rail unit 15 toward the film side (downward in FIG. 5 ). The pitch setting rail 12 is pressed in a direction approaching the reference rail 11 by the pressing force received from the pitch setting roller 57 of the clamp unit CU. This pressing force acts on the second adjustment motor 76 via the screw mechanism 77 as a moment in the direction in which the second adjustment motor 76 is rotated forward.

Accordingly, the second adjustment motor 76 keeps the pitch setting rail 12 from moving to the reference rail 11 by the pressing force received from the clamp unit CU (so as to maintain the pitch setting rail 12 ) as long as the instruction of the rotational position does not change. Control operation. In other words, in addition to the mechanical loss torque T0, the second adjustment motor 76 generates a torque in the reverse rotation direction against the torque in the forward rotation direction due to the pressing force. As a result, the second adjustment motor 76 generates a torque value exceeding the range from the mechanical loss torque +T0 to -T0 in order to achieve a predetermined rotational position. In a state where the number of clamps is too small, since the second adjustment motor 76 generates a torque in the reverse direction of rotation, in other words, since the second adjustment motor 76 generates a positive torque, the first threshold value + T1, which is a positive threshold value, is compared with the torque value. T, it can be determined that the number of jigs is too small.

Conversely, when there are too many clamps, since the direction of the pressing force acting from the clamp unit CU to the rail unit 15 is opposite, the direction of the moment generated by the second adjustment motor 76 so as to resist the pressing force is also opposite. . Accordingly, the second threshold value -T2, which is a negative threshold value, becomes a threshold value for determining that the number of jigs is too large.

In this way, the first threshold value + T1, which is a positive threshold value, is a threshold value for determining whether the number of clamps is too small, and the second threshold value -T2, which is a negative threshold value, is a threshold value for determining whether the number of clamps is too large. The first threshold value +T1 is a value larger than the mechanical loss torque +T0, and the second threshold value -T2 is a value smaller than the mechanical loss torque -T0.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the method for adjusting the pitch in the TD direction and the MD direction of the clamp unit CU in the stretching apparatus 100 will be specifically described.

The pitch adjustment in the TD direction and the MD direction is performed in a state where the film is not supplied to the stretching device 100 . Thereby, the pitch adjustment can reduce the loss of the thin film and save energy. In addition, a detector for detecting that the film is not supplied to the stretching device 100 may be provided, and when the detector detects that the film is not being supplied to the stretching device 100, pitch adjustment in the TD direction and the MD direction may be performed. In addition, the pitch adjustment in the TD direction and the MD direction is not limited to being performed in a state where the film is not supplied to the stretching device 100 .

In addition, the pitch adjustment in the TD direction and the MD direction was performed in a state where the temperature of the film conveying zone was not raised. Thereby, energy can be saved during pitch adjustment. In this case, for example, when it is detected that the temperature of the film transfer area is not raised based on an on-off signal of a temperature sensor or a heater, the pitch adjustment in the TD direction and the MD direction may be performed. In addition, the pitch adjustment in the TD direction and the MD direction is not limited to being performed in a state where the temperature of the film conveying zone is not raised.

The controller 80 executes the processing shown in FIG. 7 when the automatic adjustment button (not shown in the figure) is pressed by the operator inputting the setting conditions of the pitch.

In the processing shown in FIG. 7 , in steps S10 to S18 , adjustment of the TD pitch and the MD pitch (automatic enlargement/reduction) is performed. In the automatic enlargement and reduction, the spacing in the TD direction is first adjusted in steps S10 to S13 , and then the spacing in the MD direction is adjusted in steps S14 to S17 . In steps S19 to S21 , final adjustment of the number of jigs (number integration) is performed. The following describes each step in detail.

In step S10 , based on the conditions set by the operator, the expansion and contraction conditions in the TD direction are set. Specifically, the TD pitch of the conditions set by the operator is calculated, and the rotational position of each first adjustment motor 72 in the stretching zone Zb that executes the TD pitch is calculated. Then, in step S11 , an energization command is transmitted to the driver (not shown) of each first adjustment motor 72 so that the calculated rotational position is obtained, and the first adjustment motor 72 is driven.

In step S12, simultaneously with the driving of the first adjustment motor 72 in step S11 and the adjustment of the TD pitch, an adjustment process for the number of jigs is executed. The number of clamps adjustment processing is a process of monitoring the torque of the second adjustment motor 76 and adjusting the number of clamps while the first adjustment motor 72 is driven to the rotational position of the condition set in step S11. The jig number adjustment process will be described in detail later. The first adjustment motor 72 is driven to the rotational position calculated in step S10 , and when the processing for adjusting the number of jigs in step S13 is completed, the adjustment in the TD direction is completed (step S13 ).

Next, in step S14, based on the conditions set by the operator, the conditions for expansion and contraction in the MD direction are set. Specifically, the MD pitch to be a condition set by the operator is calculated, and the rotational position of each second adjustment motor 76 in the stretching zone Zb that achieves the MD pitch is calculated. Then, in step S15 , an energization command is transmitted to the driver of each second adjustment motor 76 to drive the second adjustment motor 76 so that the rotation position has been calculated. While the second adjustment motor 76 is driven to the calculated rotational position, the number of clamps adjustment processing is executed (step S16 ). The second adjustment motor 76 is driven to the calculated rotational position, and when the number adjustment process in step S16 is completed, the adjustment in the MD direction is completed (step S17 ). In addition, the jig number adjustment process of step S16 is the same as the jig number adjustment process of step S12. In addition, after the second adjustment motor 76 reaches the calculated rotation position, it is controlled so as to maintain the rotation position again.

When both of the TD pitch and the MD pitch are adjusted in this way, automatic enlargement and reduction is completed (step S18 ).

Here, the jig number processing in steps S12 and S16 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . As described above, step S12 and step S16 are for adjusting the TD pitch or for adjusting the MD pitch, and the difference is only in the timing of execution.

As shown in FIG. 8 , in the jig number adjustment process, first, in step S30 , a torque value T as load data is acquired from the torque sensor 78 of each second adjustment motor 76 .

In step S31 and step S33, the torque value T acquired in step S30 is compared with predetermined threshold values (1st threshold value + T1, 2nd threshold value - T2).

In step S31, it is determined whether or not the obtained torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value+T1. When the torque value T is greater than the first threshold value + T1, since the number of clamps is too small as described above, in step S32, the first drive motor is controlled to temporarily decelerate the sprockets 62L and 62R on the outlet side 64L and the operation of the second drive motor 64R. Thereby, the number of jigs increases, and the load acting on the pitch setting rail 12 (in other words, the absolute value of the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 ) is reduced as the number of jigs increases. When the torque value T is equal to or less than the first threshold value+T1, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, it is determined whether or not the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value -T2. When the torque value T is smaller than the second threshold value -T2, since the number of clamps is too large, the first drive motor 64L and the second drive are controlled to temporarily accelerate the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R in step S34. Operation of the motor 64R. Thereby, the number of jigs decreases, and the load acting on the pitch setting rail 12 (in other words, the absolute value of the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 ) is reduced as the number of jigs decreases. When the torque value T is equal to or greater than the second threshold value -T2, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S35, it is determined whether the first adjustment motor 72 or the second adjustment motor 76 has been driven to the instructed rotational position, in other words, whether the TD pitch and the MD pitch have reached the conditions set by the operator. If the set pitch is not reached, the process returns to step S30 from step S35, and the process from step S30 is executed again. If the set pitch is reached, the processing for adjusting the number of jigs is completed, and the process returns to step S13 or step S16 shown in FIG. 7 . In this way, the processes shown in steps S30 to S35 in FIG. 8 are executed in parallel while the first adjustment motor 72 or the second adjustment motor 76 is driven so as to achieve the set TD pitch or MD pitch.

As described above, while adjusting the number of clamps so that the torque value of the second adjustment motor 76 does not exceed the threshold value, after the TD pitch and the MD pitch are adjusted to desired pitches, step S19 shown in FIG. 7 is performed. Going to step S21, the number integration of the number of jigs is performed.

In step S19, the number of jigs is measured. In step S20, it is determined by the operator whether or not the number integration button is pressed.

When the number integration button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S21, and automatic adjustment of the number of jigs is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether the number of jigs measured in step S19 matches the target number calculated from the set conditions in step S10, and if they do not match, the measured number of jigs is set as the target The number of objects temporarily increases or decreases the rotational speeds of the first drive motor 64L and the second drive motor 64R according to the difference between the number of jigs and the target number of objects. Thereby, it adjusts so that the number of jigs may become the target number. The processing ends when the number of fixtures is adjusted.

The number integration of the number of jigs shown in step S21 will be described in detail.

The relationship between the number of clamps and the rotation of the first drive motor 64L and the second drive motor 64R can be grasped in advance from the specifications and the like of each structure. In other words, the relationship between how much early ignition or retardation should be made with respect to the inlet side sprockets 61L and 61R, and how much the number of jigs should be increased or decreased is known. Accordingly, for example, when the actual number of clamps is larger than the set number, the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are ignited earlier by a predetermined time by an angle corresponding to the difference in the number. In other words, the rotational speed of the outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R is temporarily increased. Thereby, since the clamp unit CU temporarily quickly passes through the outlet-side sprockets 62L and 62R and is discharged from the stretching area, the number of clamps is reduced. In addition, after adjusting the number of clamps, the inlet-side sprockets 61L, 61R and the outlet-side sprockets 62L, 62R are synchronized again and rotate at the same speed.

Conversely, when the actual number of clamps is smaller than the set number, the ignition outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are retarded (temporarily reduced in speed) by an angle amount corresponding to the difference in the number. Thereby, since the clamp unit CU temporarily delays passing through the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R and is discharged from the stretching area, the number of clamps is increased. In this way, the number of jigs is adjusted, and the process ends.

In addition, it is preferable to perform the number integration shown in step S21 in a state where the temperature in the film conveying zone is stable as the temperature at the time of actual stretching. Thereby, the influence of the thermal expansion of the clip unit CU etc. can be excluded, and the adjustment of the number of clips can be performed.

The effect of this embodiment will be described below.

A stretching device 100 for stretching a conveyed film in the longitudinal and transverse directions includes: a pair of rail devices 10L and 10R, which define an endless circulation path and are arranged on the left and right sides of the film; a plurality of clamp units CU , which runs on the circulation path of a pair of rail devices 10L, 10R, and grips the film; a linking mechanism 50, which is connected to the adjacent clamp units CU on the circulation path; a driving mechanism 60, which makes the clamp unit CU run along the circulation path; An adjustment mechanism 70, which adjusts the longitudinal and lateral distances of the clamp unit CU; a controller 80, which controls the operation of the driving mechanism 60 and the adjustment mechanism 70; The load acting on the rail devices 10L, 10R; wherein, the clamp unit CU has a roller portion (guide roller 56, pitch setting roller 57), which engages with the rail devices 10L, 10R, and guides the movement of the clamp unit CU along the circulation path; The drive mechanism 60 has: a pair of inlet-side sprockets 61L, 61R, which are provided on the left and right sides of the film at the inlet side where the film is supplied, and are engaged with the clamp unit CU; a pair of outlet-side sprockets 62L, 62R , which is arranged on the left and right sides of the film at the outlet side of the stretched film, and is engaged with the clamp unit CU; the first drive unit 64, which rotates and drives the sprockets 62L, 62R on the outlet side; and the second drive The unit 65 rotationally drives the inlet-side sprockets 61L, 61R; the controller 80 controls the operation of the first drive unit 64 according to the load detected by the detector unit CU acting on the rail devices 10L, 10R.

In addition, the method for adjusting the number of clamps executed by the controller 80 of the stretching apparatus 100 includes the step of acquiring load data indicating the loads acting on the rail devices 10L and 10R from the clamp unit CU operating on the circulation path. size; and the step of controlling the rotational speed of the outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R, which is controlled according to the load data.

In the stretching device 100 and the method for adjusting the number of clamps, the controller 80 controls the operation of the first drive unit 64 according to the load applied from the clamp unit CU to the rail devices 10L and 10R, thereby adjusting the amount of gripping the film. Number of fixture units CU. According to this, manual adjustment by a user becomes unnecessary, and adjustment of the number of jigs can be easily performed.

In addition, in the stretching apparatus 100, the rail apparatuses 10L and 10R have: a reference rail 11; and a pitch setting rail 12, which is configured so that the interval from the reference rail 11 can be changed; A guide roller 56) engaged with the reference rail 11; a second roller (a pitch setting roller 57) engaged with the pitch setting rail 12; and the connecting mechanism 50 has a first connecting member 53, one end of which is connected to 2 rollers, the other end of which is connected to the first roller of the adjacent jig unit CU; The adjustment mechanism 70 includes an adjustment motor (a second adjustment motor 76 ) that moves the pitch setting rail 12 forward or backward with respect to the reference rail 11 .

In addition, in the stretching device 100, the detection unit is the torque sensor 78 that detects the torque value T of the adjustment motor, and the controller 80, when the torque value T of the adjustment motor exceeds the first threshold value + T1 which is a positive value, Rotation of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R is performed when the torque value T of the adjustment motor is smaller than the second threshold value -T2 which is a negative value while performing either increase or decrease of the rotational speed of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R. Either increase or decrease in speed.

In addition, in the method for adjusting the number of clamps, the load data is the torque value of the adjustment motor, and in the step of controlling the rotation speed of the sprocket on the outlet side, the torque value of the adjustment motor exceeds the positive value of the first threshold value + T1. In this case, the rotation speed of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R is either increased or decreased, and when the torque value of the adjustment motor is smaller than the second threshold value -T2 which is a negative value, the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are executed. Either an increase or decrease in the rotational speed of the other.

In such a stretching device 100, it can be determined whether the number of clamps is too small or not by using two thresholds of the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2. Accordingly, the number of jigs can be adjusted more precisely to an appropriate number.

In addition, the stretching apparatus 100 further includes a number measuring unit (count sensor 81 ) that measures the number of clip units CU holding the film, and the controller 80 is based on the actual clip units CU measured by the number measuring unit. The difference between the number and the target number, so as to control the operation of the first driving unit 64 .

In such a stretching apparatus 100, the operation of the first drive unit 64 is controlled to adjust the number of the clamp units CU after the actual number of the clamp units CU is measured, so that the number of the clamp units CU holding the film can be more reliably obtained. become the target number.

The above description is based on the present embodiment, however, the above-described embodiment only shows a part of the application examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific structure of the above-described embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the left and right outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are rotationally driven in synchronization with each other. Conversely, the left and right outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R may be rotationally driven independently of each other. In this case, the number of clamps on the right can be adjusted according to the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 on the right, and the number of clamps on the left can be adjusted according to the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 on the left. In other words, the adjustment of the number of clamps can also be performed independently for left and right.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the left and right gripper units CU and the mutually corresponding gripper units CU travel along the traveling route so as to be side by side with each other in the left-right direction. In addition, in the case of comparing at the same vertical position, the MD pitches of the clip unit CU on the right side and the clip unit CU on the left side are the same as each other. Conversely, the MD pitch may be different from left to right. In other words, the left and right clamp units CU corresponding to each other may not be arranged side by side in the left and right direction, but may be staggered in the longitudinal direction. By making the MD pitches on the right and left different, the film can be stretched in an oblique direction (in the plane shown in FIG. 1, oblique to either the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction).

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in the heat treatment zone Zc, there is no stretching in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. On the other hand, in the heat treatment zone Zc, the MD pitch may be reduced to shrink the film in the MD direction. Thereby, it can be avoided that the stretch amount of the central portion of the film in the left-right direction becomes smaller and thinner than the left and right edges of the film held by the clamp 20 (in other words, the left and right edges of the film protrude in the conveying direction from the central portion). ), that is, to avoid warping.

In addition, in the said embodiment, although it demonstrated the case of adjusting the pitch of both the TD direction and the MD direction, the stretching apparatus 100 may adjust only the pitch of either one of the TD direction and the MD direction. In this case, the processing performed according to the unadjusted direction (step S10 to step S13 shown in FIG. 7 , or step S14 to step S17 ) may be omitted.

In addition, in the said embodiment, the detection part is the torque sensor 78 of the 2nd adjustment motor 76, and the torque value of the 2nd adjustment motor 76 is used as load data. On the other hand, the load data is not limited to the torque value of the second adjustment motor 76 , and the detection unit is not limited to the torque sensor 78 . For example, the torque sensor 78 may not be provided, and the load torque calculated based on the voltage value, current value, frequency, etc. input to the second adjustment motor 76 may be used as the torque value of the second adjustment motor 76 . In addition, instead of using the torque value, the current value flowing to the second adjustment motor 76 may be used as the load data. In addition, a structure may be provided with a load sensor. The load sensor is used as a detection unit instead of the torque sensor 78, and the load sensor detects the action from the pitch setting roller 57 to the pitch setting rail 12. load as load data. In addition, the structure may be provided with a displacement sensor as a detection portion, and the displacement sensor detects the deflection (deformation) of the pitch setting rail 12 as load data, and the deflection (deformation) is determined from the pitch setting roller 57 is caused by the load acting on the pitch setting rail 12 .

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the description was given by using the torque obtained by the reverse rotation of the second adjustment motor 76 (to move the pitch setting rail 12 away from the reference rail 11 ) as a positive torque value. On the other hand, the setting of the positive and negative of the torque value is not limited to the above configuration, and can be set arbitrarily. Accordingly, positive and negative values can be arbitrarily set for the first threshold value and the second threshold value. In addition, the magnitudes (absolute values) of the first threshold value and the second threshold value can be arbitrarily set as long as the number of jigs is not adjusted at a normal time when the number of jigs is appropriate. In other words, in the stretching device 100, it is desirable to set a threshold value for determining whether the number of clips is too small or not and a threshold value for determining whether or not there are too many clips, so as to control the number of clips appropriately according to the number of clips Operation of the outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R. As long as it is configured in this way, the setting of the torque value and the specific content of the threshold value are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment.

For example, contrary to the above-described embodiment, when the torque value in the direction in which the second adjustment motor 76 is rotating forward (the pitch setting rail 12 approaches the reference rail 11 ) is regarded as a positive torque value, the positive first threshold value + T1 The second threshold value -T2, which is a negative value, represents a threshold value for determining whether the number of jigs is too large or not, and represents a threshold value for determining whether or not the number of jigs is too small. In this case, it is preferable to control in such a way that when the torque value of the second adjustment motor 76 exceeds the first threshold value +T1, the rotational speeds of the sprockets 62L and 62R on the outlet side are increased, and when the second adjustment motor 76 exceeds the first threshold value +T1 When the torque value of the motor 76 is smaller than the second threshold value -T2, the rotational speeds of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are decreased. Also in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved. In other words, the meanings of the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 are exchanged according to the method of setting the positive and negative values of the torque value. Accordingly, when the torque value of the second adjustment motor 76 exceeds the first threshold value +T1, the rotation speeds of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are increased or decreased, respectively, or when the torque value of the second adjustment motor 76 is less than In the case of the second threshold value -T2, the rotational speeds of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are decreased or increased. Accordingly, the controller 80 is desirably configured to execute an increase or decrease in the rotational speed of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R when the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 exceeds the positive first threshold value +T1 In either case, when the torque value of the second adjustment motor 76 is smaller than the negative second threshold value -T2, the other one of increase or decrease of the rotational speeds of the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R is performed.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 are common when the second adjustment motor 76 rotates in the forward direction and when the second adjustment motor 76 rotates in the reverse direction. On the other hand, when the second adjustment motor 76 rotates in the forward direction and when it rotates in the reverse direction, the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 may be set to be different, respectively. For example, when the mechanical loss of rotating the second adjusting motor 76 and moving the pitch setting rail 12 is large, it is desirable to individually set the first threshold value +T1 and The second threshold value -T2, and the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 in the case of reverse rotation.

When the magnitude (absolute value) of the mechanical loss is small, when the second adjustment motor 76 rotates in the forward direction and when the second adjustment motor 76 rotates in the reverse direction, the threshold values (the first threshold value + T1 , the second threshold value - T2 ) and the The difference between the mechanical loss moments (+T0, -T0) does not make a huge difference. In other words, taking the first threshold value + T1 as an example, the difference (+ T1 + T0 ) between the first threshold value + T1 and the mechanical loss torque - T0 when the second adjustment motor 76 is rotating forward, and the first The difference (+T1-T0) between the threshold value +T1 and the mechanical loss torque +T0 when the second adjustment motor 76 rotates in reverse (+T1-T0) does not change significantly. Therefore, even if the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 are used in common regardless of the rotation direction of the second adjustment motor 76 as in the above-described embodiment, the adjustment of the number of clamps will not be greatly affected.

On the other hand, when the mechanical loss is large, a large difference occurs between the threshold value and the mechanical loss torque when the second adjustment motor 76 rotates forwardly and when it rotates reversely. Therefore, when the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 are shared regardless of the rotation direction of the second adjustment motor 76, when the second adjustment motor 76 rotates in the reverse direction, the first threshold value +T1 and mechanical loss are caused by The difference between torque + T0 is relatively small, so even if the number of clamps becomes slightly excessive, the number of clamps can be adjusted. On the other hand, when the second adjustment motor 76 is rotating forward, the difference between the first threshold value +T1 and the mechanical loss torque -T0 is relatively large. Therefore, in the case where the second adjustment motor 76 is rotating forward, even if the number of clamps is the same as the number in the case of reverse rotation, the adjustment process for the number of clamps cannot be performed, and if the number of clamps is not more, it becomes If it is too large, the number of fixtures adjustment processing cannot be performed. In this way, if the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 are shared in the case of the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the second adjustment motor 76, the number of the second adjustment motor 76 is too large or too small regardless of whether it is the same number. , the number of jigs may or may not be adjusted according to the rotation direction of the second adjustment motor 76 . In other words, depending on the rotation direction of the second adjustment motor 76, the timing for adjusting the number of jigs varies.

On the other hand, by setting the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 with respect to the rotation direction of the second adjustment motor 76 (in other words, setting the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 for forward rotation, and the reverse The first threshold value for rotation + T1 and the second threshold value - T2 (a total of 4 threshold values), if the number of clamps is too large or too few are the same, the rotation direction of the second adjustment motor 76 can be adjusted in the same direction. The number of fixtures is adjusted according to the timing. For example, it is preferable to use the first threshold value +T1 and the second threshold value -T2 as the torque value Td specified to be increased or decreased with respect to the mechanical loss torque +T0 and -T0 respectively (T1=±T0+Td, T2=±T0- Td) value is set. Thereby, since the timing for executing the control of the number of jigs can be made the same, it is possible to stably adjust the number of jigs.

In addition, when the first threshold value and the second threshold value are individually set according to the rotation direction of the second adjustment motor 76, the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be set to the same positive and negative values. Specifically, for example, the first threshold may be set as a positive threshold, and the second threshold may be set as a positive threshold smaller than the first threshold. In this way, the second threshold value is set as a value smaller than the first threshold value regardless of the positive or negative difference from the first threshold value. In this case, when the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 is within the range between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the number of clamps is not adjusted as in the above-described embodiment. When the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 is larger than the first threshold value, the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are temporarily decelerated to increase the number of clamps as a state in which the number of clamps is too small. When the torque value T of the second adjustment motor 76 is smaller than the second threshold value, the outlet side sprockets 62L and 62R are temporarily accelerated to reduce the number of clamps as a state in which the number of clamps is excessive. In this way, even if the first threshold value and the second threshold value are set to the same positive and negative threshold values, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved. In addition, either one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be set to 0.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R are driven by the common third drive motor 65 . Conversely, the left and right inlet side sprockets 61L and 61R may be independently driven by mutually different electric motors. In other words, the second drive unit 65 may include an electric motor that drives the inlet-side sprocket 61L on the left side, and an electric motor that drives the inlet-side sprocket 61R on the right side.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, by rotationally driving the inlet side sprockets 61L, 61R and the outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R, and the clamp unit CU controls the operation of the outlet side sprockets 62L, 62R while operating on the circulation path, Thereby adjusting the number of fixtures. Conversely, the number of clamps may be adjusted in a state in which the operation of the first drive unit 64 and the second drive unit 65 is stopped, and the operation of the clamp unit CU on the circulation path is stopped. In other words, the processes of steps S10 to S18 shown in FIG. 7 and steps S30 to S35 shown in FIG. 8 may be executed in a state where the operations of the first driving unit 64 and the second driving unit 65 are stopped.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the number of clamps is adjusted by controlling the operation of the first drive unit 64 to temporarily increase or decrease the rotational speeds of the outlet-side sprockets 62L and 62R. Conversely, it is also possible to control the operation of the second drive unit 65 and temporarily increase or decrease the rotational speeds of the inlet-side sprockets 61L and 61R, thereby adjusting the number of clamps. In addition, the rotation speed of both the inlet-side sprockets 61L, 61R and the outlet-side sprockets 62L, 62R can be controlled to adjust the number of jigs. In other words, by controlling the operation of at least one of the inlet-side sprockets 61L, 61R and the outlet-side sprockets 62L, 62R, the number of clamps can be adjusted. In either case, when the operation of the inlet-side sprockets 61L, 61R and the outlet-side sprockets 62L, 62R is controlled so as to temporarily increase the difference in the mutual rotation rate, the number of clamps decreases, and when the mutual rotation rate is temporarily decreased If the operation is controlled in a poor way, the number of fixtures will increase.

100: stretching device 10L: Track device on the left 10R: Right side rail device 11: Reference track 11a: groove 110: Orbital table 111, 112: Running the road 12: Pitch setting rail 12a: groove 15: Track Unit 16: Middle track department 20: Fixtures 21: Fixture body 22: Lower fixing fixture member 23: Pin 24: Movable rod 25: Pin 26: Upper movable clamp member 30: Jig holding part 31, 32: Shaft 33, 34: drive wheel 35: Upper beam 36: Lower beam 37: Front Wall 38: Back Wall 39: Long hole 40: Slider 50: Linking Agency 51: 1st shaft member 52: 2nd shaft member 53: 1st connecting member 54: Second connecting member 55: Pivot 56: Guide Roller 57: Gap Setting Roller 58: Drive Roller 60: Drive mechanism 61L: Inlet side sprocket on the left 61R: Inlet side sprocket on the right 62L: Outlet side sprocket on the left 62R: Outlet side sprocket on the right 64: 1st drive unit 64L: 1st drive motor 64R: 2nd drive motor 65: 2nd drive unit (3rd drive motor) 70: Adjustment mechanism 71: The first adjustment mechanism 72: 1st adjustment motor 73: Screw mechanism 75: Second Adjustment Mechanism 76: 2nd adjustment motor 77: Screw mechanism 78: Torque sensor 80: Controller 81: count sensor CU: Fixture Unit TA: Film handling area Za: preheat zone Zb: stretch zone Zc: heat treatment zone

Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the overall structure of a stretching apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing the connection mechanism of the stretching apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the rail unit of the stretching apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the clamp unit of the stretching apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the rail unit of the stretching apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the number of clamps is too small. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the rail unit of the stretching apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the number of clamps is excessive. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a method of adjusting the pitch by the stretching device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of adjusting the number of jigs by the stretching device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

100: stretching device

10L: Track device on the left

10R: Right side rail device

11: Reference track

12: Pitch setting rail

15: Track Unit

60: Drive mechanism

61L: Inlet side sprocket on the left

61R: Inlet side sprocket on the right

62L: Outlet side sprocket on the left

62R: Outlet side sprocket on the right

64: 1st drive unit

64L: 1st drive motor

64R: 2nd drive motor

65: 2nd drive unit (3rd drive motor)

70: Adjustment mechanism

71: The first adjustment mechanism

75: Second Adjustment Mechanism

80: Controller

81: count sensor

CU: Fixture Unit

TA: Film handling area

Za: preheat zone

Zb: stretch zone

Zc: heat treatment zone

Claims (6)

A stretching device for stretching a conveyed film in the vertical and horizontal directions, comprising: a rail device that defines an endless circulation path and is arranged on the left and right sides of the film; a plurality of clamp units that run on the rail The aforementioned circulation path of the device, and grips the aforementioned film; a linking mechanism, which connects the aforementioned gripper units adjacent on the aforementioned circulation path; a driving mechanism, which makes the aforementioned gripper unit run along the aforementioned circulation path; and an adjustment mechanism, which adjusts the aforementioned gripper unit The longitudinal spacing and the lateral spacing; and a controller, which controls the operation of the driving mechanism and the adjusting mechanism, and obtains load data, the load data represents the load acting from the clamp unit to the rail device; wherein, the clamp unit has : a roller part engaged with the rail device and guiding the movement of the clamp unit along the circulation path; the drive mechanism has: an inlet side sprocket provided on the film at the inlet side where the film is supplied The left and right sides of the film are engaged with the clamp unit; the sprocket on the outlet side is arranged on the left and right sides of the film at the exit side of the stretched film, and is engaged with the clamp unit; 1. a drive unit for rotationally driving the outlet-side sprocket; and a second drive unit for rotationally driving the inlet-side sprocket; and the controller for controlling the first Operation of at least one of the drive unit and the second drive unit; the track device, having: a reference rail; and a pitch setting rail, the distance between which and the reference rail can be changed; the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment motor that advances or retreats the pitch setting rail with respect to the reference rail; the controller is to obtain the torque value of the adjustment motor as the load data, and compare the obtained torque value with a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, and when the torque value of the adjustment motor exceeds the In the case of the first threshold value, either increase or decrease of the rotational speed difference between the outlet side sprocket and the inlet side sprocket is performed, and when the torque value of the adjustment motor is smaller than the second threshold value, the above Either the increase or decrease of the rotational speed difference between the outlet side sprocket and the aforementioned inlet side sprocket. The stretching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the roll portion includes: a first roll engaged with the reference rail; a second roll engaged with the pitch setting rail; and the coupling mechanism having : a first connecting member having one end connected to the second roller and the other end connected to the first roller of the adjacent jig unit; and a second connecting member having one end connected to the first roller and the other end connected to the first roller An intermediate portion between the one end and the other end of the first connecting member. The stretching apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a number measuring unit that measures the number of the clip units that grip the film; The controller controls the operation of the first drive unit based on the difference between the actual number of the gripper units measured by the number measuring unit and the target number. The stretching apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first threshold value is a threshold value having a positive value, and the second threshold value is a threshold value having a negative value. The stretching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first threshold value and the second threshold value are set to different values when the adjustment motor rotates in the forward direction and when the adjustment motor rotates in the reverse direction. A method for adjusting the number of clips, which is to adjust the number of clip units that grip a film, the method for adjusting the number of clips is performed by a controller of a stretching device, and the stretching device includes: a rail device disposed in the The left and right sides of the film to be conveyed define an endless circulation path; a plurality of clamp units run on the circulation path of the rail device and grip the film; a connecting mechanism is connected to the adjacent circulation path on the aforesaid circulation path. The clamp unit; and a driving mechanism, which makes the clamp unit run along the circulation path by rotating and driving the inlet-side sprocket and the outlet-side sprocket engaged with the clamp unit; wherein, the method for adjusting the number of clamps includes: : the step of acquiring load data representing the load acting on the rail device from the gripper unit; and the step of controlling the rotational speed of at least one of the outlet side sprocket and the inlet side sprocket, based on the aforementioned load data; the aforementioned track set, having: a reference rail; and a pitch setting rail, the interval between which is configured to be changeable with the reference rail; the load data is the torque value of the adjusting motor for advancing or retreating the pitch setting rail with respect to the reference rail; In the step of rotating speed of at least one of the outlet side sprocket and the inlet side sprocket, the obtained torque value is compared with a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, respectively, and the motor is adjusted in the step of adjusting the motor. When the torque value exceeds the first threshold value, either increase or decrease of the rotational speed difference between the outlet side sprocket and the inlet side sprocket is performed, and the torque value of the adjustment motor is smaller than the second threshold value. In the case of the threshold value, either increase or decrease of the rotation rate difference between the outlet side sprocket and the inlet side sprocket is performed.

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