Transport device

Abstract

The objective of this invention is to provide a conveying apparatus capable of reliably transferring strip material from a first device to a second device. The conveying apparatus comprises: a gripping and feeding section having a gripping portion and a feeding portion; a front-end conveying section that moves the gripping and feeding portion from a first position receiving strip material from the first device to a second position feeding the strip material to the second device; and a control section, wherein a first speed at which the first device feeds the strip material is at least temporarily different from a second speed at which the strip material moves in the second device, the control section comprising: a gripping control section that grips the gripping portion having a front end extending beyond the gripping portion and protruding toward the second device; a movement control section that controls the front-end conveying portion such that the gripping portion holding the strip material moves to the second position at a speed slower than the first speed, forming a flexed portion formed by the strip material flexing between the first device and the gripping portion; and a feeding control section that actuates the gripping and feeding portion located in the second position to feed the strip material to the second device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying hoop material from a first device to a second device. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacture of products using strip materials (e.g., long strips of metal), for example, strip materials wound into reels are sequentially fed into a manufacturing apparatus, where they undergo prescribed processing, thereby enabling the continuous manufacture of multiple products. Patent Document 1 discloses a strip component supply device. In this device, if the strip component wound from the roller deviates from the center of the transport path, a straightening mechanism aligns the axial center with the transport path.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for manufacturing a plastic composite molded article using a strip. The method includes the following steps: a first step, embedding a continuously fed strip of conductive carrier material into a conductive resin molding section of a first resin, and continuously molding the conductive part; a second step, embedding the conductive strip formed in the first step into an insulating resin molding section of a second resin, and continuously molding the insulating part to form a plastic composite molded article in strip form; a third step, using the carrier material as an electrode, continuously electroplating the surface of the conductive part of the plastic composite molded article; and a fourth step, cutting and separating the strip of plastic composite molded article with the electroplated conductive part surface from the carrier material.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 01-209250

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-112128 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In the manufacturing of products using strip materials, the strip material is fed from a first device performing a first process to a second device performing a second process, thereby enabling continuous first and second processes on the strip material. In this case, since the conveying speed (processing speed) and conveying timing of the strip material may differ between the first and second devices, it is necessary to pre-deform the strip material to a suitable degree between the first and second devices. Furthermore, even when a new strip material is placed in the first device, it is necessary to transfer the leading edge of the strip material from the first device to the second device while simultaneously ensuring the strip material has a suitable degree of deflection. Moreover, even after the end of the strip material has been conveyed from the first device, it is necessary to transfer it to the second device without it falling to the ground.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the actual situation, and its object is to provide a conveying device capable of reliably transferring strip material from a first device to a second device.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a conveying device for conveying strip material from a first device to a second device disposed separately from the first device. The conveying device is characterized by comprising: a gripping and feeding section having a gripping section for gripping the strip material fed from the first device and a feeding section for feeding the strip material to the second device; a front-end conveying section for moving the gripping and feeding section from a first position receiving the strip material fed from the first device to a second position feeding the strip material to the second device; and a control section for controlling the operation of the gripping and feeding section and the front-end conveying section, wherein a first speed at which the first device feeds the strip material is at least temporarily different from a second speed at which the strip material moves in the second device. The control section comprises: a gripping control section for gripping the gripping section with its front end extending beyond the gripping section and protruding toward the second device; a movement control section for controlling the front-end conveying section such that the gripping section holding the strip material moves to the second position at a speed slower than the first speed, forming a flexed portion formed by the flexing of the strip material between the first device and the gripping section; and a feeding control section for actuating the gripping and feeding section located in the second position to feed the strip material to the second device.

[0013] With this configuration, the first device and the second device, which handle the strip material, are separately configured. Even if the first speed at which the first device feeds the strip material differs from the second speed at which the strip material moves in the second device, the system is controlled to hold the strip material fed from the first device by the gripping part and feed it to the second device by the feeding part. Furthermore, the movement control unit controls the reliable transfer of the strip material between the first and second devices while forming a flexed portion in the strip material.

[0014] In the aforementioned conveying device, the gripping and feeding section may also include a roller clamp. This allows for smooth gripping and feeding of the strip via the roller clamp.

[0015] In the aforementioned conveying device, it may also include a deflection measuring unit located between the first and second devices to measure the degree of deflection of the deflection portion. This allows for control of the degree of deflection of the strip formed between the first and second devices.

[0016] In the aforementioned conveying device, the control unit may also include an anomaly reporting unit. This anomaly reporting unit, based on information from the deflection measuring unit, reports an anomaly when the degree of deflection of the deflection portion is outside a predetermined range. Thus, the anomaly reporting unit reports that the degree of deflection of the strip's deflection portion is outside a predetermined range.

[0017] In the aforementioned conveying device, the control unit may also include a deflection control unit. This deflection control unit controls at least one of the second speed and the delivery speed of the delivery unit based on information from the deflection measuring unit, ensuring that the degree of deflection of the deflection portion is within a specified range. This controls the degree of deflection of the strip's deflection portion within a specified range.

[0018] In the aforementioned conveying device, it may also include a rear-end conveying section located between the first device and the gripping and feeding section. This rear-end conveying section grips the rear end of the strip and transports it to the gripping and feeding section. Thus, when the processing of the strip at the first device is completed and the rear end of the strip is fed out from the first device, it is gripped by the rear-end conveying section. Therefore, the rear end of the strip will not fall from the first device but will be transported to the front-end conveying section.

[0019] In the aforementioned conveying device, it may also include a rear-end deflection measuring unit located between the first and second devices. This unit measures the degree of deflection of the strip between the rear-end conveying unit and the gripping and feeding unit that has moved to the second device. Thus, when the rear end of the strip is gripped and conveyed by the rear-end conveying unit, the degree of deflection on the rear end of the strip can be determined.

[0020] In the aforementioned conveying device, the control unit may also include a rear-end conveying control unit. This rear-end conveying control unit controls the conveying speed of the rear-end conveying unit based on information from the rear-end deflection measuring unit, ensuring that the degree of deflection of the strip between the holding and feeding unit and the rear-end conveying unit is within a specified range. Thus, when the rear end of the strip is held and conveyed by the rear-end conveying unit, the conveying is performed in a manner where the degree of deflection at the rear end of the strip is within a specified range.

[0021] In the aforementioned conveying device, the rear-end conveying control unit may be configured to release the strip held by the rear-end conveying unit when the distance between the gripping delivery unit and the rear-end conveying unit is within a predetermined range. Thus, when the rear end of the strip is gripped and conveyed, the gripping of the strip is released when the distance between the gripping delivery unit and the rear-end conveying unit is within a predetermined range.

[0022] In the aforementioned conveying device, the gripping and feeding unit may be capable of gripping and feeding multiple strips. Thus, multiple strips can be gripped and fed out through a single gripping and feeding unit.

[0023] In the aforementioned conveying device, the front-end conveying section may move the gripping and feeding section such that the line connecting the gripping and feeding section in the first position and the gripping and feeding section in the second position is inclined relative to the arrangement direction of the first and second devices. Therefore, due to the respective device configurations of the first and second devices, even if the feeding direction of the strip is not parallel to the arrangement direction of the first and second devices, the strip can be reliably transferred from the first device to the second device.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] According to the present invention, a conveying device is provided that can reliably transfer strip material from a first device to a second device. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram illustrating the conveying device of this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the control unit of a conveying device.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0033] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing a specific example of the feeding and conveying section and the rear-end transport section.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a top view schematic diagram showing specific examples of the front-side transport section and the rear-side transport section. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same parts, and descriptions of already described parts will be omitted where appropriate.

[0043] (Composition of the conveying device)

[0044] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram illustrating the conveying device of this embodiment.

[0045] The conveying device 1 of this embodiment is a device for conveying strip 500 from the first device 100 to the second device 200. The first device 100 and the second device 200 are configured separately from each other, and the conveying device 1 of this embodiment is used to transfer strip 500 between the first device 100 and the second device 200. Strip 500 is a strip-shaped material that is supplied to the device (first device 100) in a wound state as a roll 550. In this embodiment, a strip 500 containing strip-shaped metal material and having rigidity that can maintain the state of a single arm to a certain extent is used.

[0046] As the first apparatus 100, a printing apparatus for printing patterns on a strip 500 can be cited as an example. When screen printing is performed on a predetermined position of the strip 500, the strip 500 is intermittently transported within the first apparatus 100. That is, after transporting the strip 500 to the screen printing position at a first speed v1, the process is temporarily stopped, and screen printing is performed. Then, the strip 500 is transported again at the first speed v1, and the process is temporarily stopped when the next printing position of the strip 500 reaches the screen printing position, and screen printing is performed again. This repeated transport at the first speed v1 and the temporary stops constitute intermittent transport.

[0047] As a second device 200, a drying apparatus for drying patterns printed on the strip 500 can be cited as an example. In the case of drying the printed pattern, the strip 500 is continuously transported within the second device 200. That is, the strip 500, fed into the drying apparatus, moves within the drying apparatus via a belt 210 or the like rotating at a constant second speed v2, thereby drying the printed pattern. This transport of the strip 500 at a constant speed (second speed v2) is continuous transport.

[0048] Thus, in both intermittent and continuous transport, the first speed v1 of the strip 500 delivered by the first device 100 and the second speed v2 of the strip 500 moving in the second device 200 are at least temporarily different. Because the first speed v1 and the second speed v2 are different, the strip 500 transmitted between the first device 100 and the second device 200 is provided with a flexure (flexure portion 501) to absorb these speed differences. The transport device 1 of this embodiment is configured to accurately transport the strip 500 between the first device 100 and the second device 200 while suppressing the burden on the strip 500.

[0049] The conveying device 1 of this embodiment includes a gripping and conveying unit 10, a front-end conveying unit 20, and a control unit 30.

[0050] The gripping and feeding section 10 has a gripping section 11 for gripping the strip 500 fed from the first device 100 and a feeding section 12 for feeding the strip 500 to the second device 200. The gripping and feeding section 10 preferably has a clamping roller 15. The clamping roller 15 has a pair of rollers, and gripping and releasing the strip 500 is performed by clamping or releasing the strip 500 between the pair of rollers. Furthermore, while the strip 500 is clamped between the pair of rollers, at least one of the rollers is rotated, thereby feeding the strip 500. Therefore, the clamping roller 15 serves as both the gripping (gripping section 11) and feeding (feeding section 12) of the strip 500.

[0051] The front-end transport unit 20 moves the gripping and feeding unit 10 from a first position P1 to a second position P2. The first position P1 is the position for receiving the strip 500 fed from the first device 100, and the second position P2 is the position for feeding the strip 500 to the second device 200. When the arrangement direction of the first device 100 and the second device 200 is defined as the X direction, the direction orthogonal to the X direction (width direction) is defined as the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions (height direction) is defined as the Z direction, the front-end transport unit 20 has a mechanism (e.g., a linear guide 25 and a drive mechanism) for moving the gripping and feeding unit 10 at least along the X direction. The movement of the gripping and feeding unit 10 and the front-end transport unit 20 is controlled by the control unit 30.

[0052] A deflection measuring unit 40 is provided between the first device 100 and the second device 200. The deflection measuring unit 40 measures the degree of deflection of the deflected portion 501 formed by the strip 500 deflecting between the first device 100 and the second device 200. The deflection measuring unit 40 has, for example, three sensors S1, S2, and S3 along the Z direction. Each sensor S1, S2, and S3 detects the position of the strip 500 in the Z direction, i.e., the degree of deflection of the strip 500. The information of the strip 500 detected by each sensor S1, S2, and S3 is sent to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 controls the degree of deflection of the strip 500 based on the detection information sent from these sensors S1, S2, and S3. In addition, the deflection measuring unit 40 sometimes also functions as the rear-end deflection measuring unit 41 described later.

[0053] The conveying device 1 also includes a rear-end conveying section 50. The rear-end conveying section 50 is disposed between the first device 100 and the gripping and feeding section 10. The rear-end conveying section 50 grips the rear end of the strip 500 and conveys the strip 500 toward the gripping and feeding section 10, which moves toward the second device 200. That is, the rear-end conveying section 50 pulls out the entire roll of strip 500, grips the rear end of the strip 500 fed from the first device 100 to prevent it from falling to the ground, and conveys the rear end of the strip 500 toward the gripping and feeding section 10, which moves toward the second device 200.

[0054] The rear-end transport section 50 preferably includes a clamping roller 55. The rear end of the strip 500 is gripped and released by clamping or releasing it between a pair of rollers of the clamping roller 55. Furthermore, with the strip 500 clamped between a pair of rollers, at least one roller is rotated to feed the strip 500. Additionally, the rear-end transport section 50 has a mechanism (e.g., a linear guide 26 and a drive mechanism) for moving the gripping portion, including the clamping roller 55, toward the second device 200. A portion of this moving mechanism (e.g., the linear guide 26) can also serve as a portion of the moving mechanism of the front-end transport section 20 (e.g., the linear guide 25).

[0055] (Structure of the control unit)

[0056] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit of a conveying device. The control unit 30 includes a gripping control unit 31, a movement control unit 32, a delivery control unit 33, an abnormality reporting unit 34, a flexure control unit 35, and a rear-end conveying control unit 36. Each part of the control unit 30 can be configured as a program executed by a computer.

[0057] The gripping control unit 31 controls the gripping of the strip 500 by the gripping unit 11. That is, the gripping control unit 31 performs the process of making the gripping unit 11 grip the strip 500 that extends beyond the gripping unit 11 and protrudes toward the second device 200.

[0058] The movement control unit 32 controls the front-end side conveying unit 20. Specifically, the movement control unit 32 controls the front-end side conveying unit 20 so that the gripping part 11 holding the strip 500 moves to the second device 200 side at a speed slower than the first speed v1. Thus, the movement control unit 32 controls the movement in such a way that a flexural part 501 formed by flexing the strip 500 is formed between the first device 100 and the gripping part 11.

[0059] The delivery control unit 33 controls the feeding of the strip 500 to the second device 200 by activating the gripping delivery unit 10 located at the second position P2. The abnormality reporting unit 34 controls the reporting of an abnormality based on information from the deflection measuring unit 40 when the degree of deflection of the deflection unit 501 is outside the specified range.

[0060] The deflection control unit 35 controls the degree of deflection of the deflection portion 501 of the strip 500. That is, based on information from the deflection measuring unit 40, the deflection control unit 35 controls at least one of the second speed v2 and the feeding speed of the strip 500 using the feeding unit 12, so that the degree of deflection of the deflection portion 501 is within a specified range.

[0061] The rear-end transport control unit 36 ​​controls the transport speed of the rear-end transport unit 50. That is, the rear-end transport control unit 36 ​​controls the transport speed of the rear-end transport unit 50 based on information about the degree of deflection of the rear end of the strip 500 measured by the deflection measuring unit 40, so that the degree of deflection of the strip 500 between the front end transport unit 20 and the rear end transport unit 50 is within a specified range.

[0062] In the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the gripping and conveying unit 10 and the front-end conveying unit 20 are controlled by the gripping control unit 31, the movement control unit 32, and the delivery control unit 33 in the control unit 30, thereby controlling the reliable transfer of the strip 500 between the first device 100 and the second device 200, which are arranged separately from each other. In particular, when the first speed v1 at which the first device 100 delivers the strip 500 is at least temporarily different from the second speed v2 at which the strip 500 moves in the second device 200, the conveying device 1 is also controlled to grip the strip 500 delivered from the first device 100 at a predetermined time by the gripping unit 11, transport the strip 500 to the second device 200 side, and deliver it to the second device 200 by the delivery unit 12. The conveying device 1 controls the reliable transfer of the strip 500 between the first device 100 and the second device 200 while forming a flexed portion 501 in the strip 500.

[0063] (Strip material handling and feeding)

[0064] Figures 3 to 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the handling and feeding actions of the strip material. First, as... Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 30 controls the front-end transport unit 20 in advance, positions the gripping and feeding unit 10 at the first position P1 on the side of the first device 100, and positions the rear-end transport unit 50 between the gripping and feeding unit 10 and the first device 100.

[0065] Next, the control unit 30 rotates the roll 550, feeding the strip 500 into the first device 100. The strip 500 is fed into a predetermined position in the first device 100 at a first speed v1 and then temporarily stopped. In this state, the strip 500 undergoes a predetermined process based on the first device 100 (e.g., screen printing). After the process, the control unit 30 restarts the transport of the strip 500. In the first device 100, the strip 500 is transported away by repeating the transport and stopping states at the first speed v1.

[0066] like Figure 4As shown, when the front end of the strip 500 is fed from inside the first device 100 to outside the device, the strip 500 passes through the rear-end side conveying section 50 and the gripping and feeding section 10. As the front end of the strip 500 slightly passes through the gripping and feeding section 10, the gripping section 11 grips the strip 500 under the control of the gripping control section 31 of the control section 30. When the gripping section 11 has a clamping roller 15, the strip 500 is clamped between a pair of rollers of the clamping roller 15.

[0067] Next, as Figure 5 As shown, the front-end transport section 20 is controlled by the movement control section 32 of the control section 30, so that the gripping section 11 holding the strip 500 moves towards the second device 200 at a speed slower than the first speed v1. For example, the strip 500 is intermittently fed from the first device 100. The movement control section 32 controls the front-end transport section 20 in a manner that does not obstruct the transport operation of the strip 500 at the first device 100, so that the gripping section 11 holding the front end of the strip 500 moves to the second device 200 side. In addition, when the gripping section 11 holding the front end of the strip 500 moves to the second device 200 side, the gripping of the strip 500 at the rear-end transport section 50 is not performed, so the strip 500 passes through the rear-end transport section 50 without bearing a load.

[0068] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, when the gripping part 11, which holds the front end of the strip 500, has moved to the second device 200 side to a certain extent, the movement of the gripping part 11 is temporarily stopped or its movement speed is adjusted by the movement control unit 32, thereby forming a flexural part 501 in the strip 500. By making the movement speed of the gripping part 11 towards the second device 200 side lower than the movement speed of the strip 500 fed from the first device 100, the flexural part 501 is formed in the strip 500. The degree of flexural deformation of the flexural part 501 is measured by the flexural deformation measuring unit 40. The information on the degree of flexural deformation measured by the flexural deformation measuring unit 40 is sent to the control unit 30.

[0069] like Figure 7As shown, the deflection control unit 35 of the control unit 30 controls the front-end conveying unit 20 and the moving speed (including stopping and restarting) of the gripping unit 11 based on information sent from the deflection measuring unit 40. This controls the degree of deflection of the deflection portion 501 of the strip 500. For example, when the deflection measuring unit 40 sets the three sensors S1, S2, and S3 at different heights along the Z direction, when the height of the deflection measuring unit 40 and the deflection portion 501 of the strip 500 is between the uppermost sensor S3 and the middle sensor S2, the deflection control unit 35 controls the moving speed of the gripping unit 11 to minimize the degree of deflection and prevent it from increasing. Then, when the degree of deflection of the deflection portion 501 increases to a point between the middle sensor S2 and the lowermost sensor S1, the deflection control unit 35 controls the moving speed of the gripping unit 11 to prevent further increase in the degree of deflection.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, while controlling the movement speed of the gripping part 11 via the deflection control unit 35 of the control unit 30, the gripping part 11 is moved toward the second device 200 so that the degree of deflection of the deflection part 501 is within a specified range. Then, when the feed control unit 33 of the control unit 30 reaches the second position P2 at the leading edge of the strip 500, the feed unit 12 is activated to feed the strip 500 to the second device 200. The second device 200 is provided with, for example, a rotating belt 210. The leading edge of the strip 500 is fed onto the belt 210, thereby continuously transporting the strip 500 at a second speed v2. While continuously transporting the strip 500 by the rotation of the belt 210, the second device 200 performs a specified process (e.g., drying).

[0071] The feed section 12 of the feed section 10 feeds out the strip 500 according to the rotation of the belt 210 of the second device 200. For example, if the feed section 12 has a clamping roller 15, at least one of the pair of rollers of the clamping roller 15 is rotated as a drive roller, thereby clamping the strip 500 while feeding it out.

[0072] Here, if the speed of the strip 500 fed from the first device 100 is different from the speed of the strip 500 transported by the second lifting device 200, the degree of deflection of the flexural portion 501 of the strip 500 changes. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, when the flexural portion 501 of the strip 500 has a predetermined degree of flexure, the strip 500 is temporarily stopped during the intermittent transport of the first device 100 and the transport of the strip 500 continues during the continuous transport of the second device 200. In this state, the front end of the strip 500 is pulled towards the second device 200, and the degree of flexure of the flexural portion 501 becomes smaller.

[0073] Therefore, when the degree of deflection of the deflection portion 501 decreases and the height of the deflection portion 501 is between the sensor S2 at the middle position of the deflection measuring unit 40 and the uppermost sensor S3, the deflection control unit 35 of the control unit 30 controls at least one of the second speed v2, which is the conveying speed of the strip 500 based on the second device 200, and the delivery speed of the delivery unit 12, so that the degree of deflection of the deflection portion 501 is within a specified range (for example, the height of the deflection portion 501 is between the sensor S1 and the sensor S2). Thus, even if the delivery speed of the strip 500 at the first device 100 is different from the conveying speed of the strip 500 at the second device 200, the degree of deflection of the deflection portion 501 of the strip 500 can be controlled within a specified range.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, if, for some reason, the height of the flexed portion 501 of the strip 500 reaches the position of the uppermost sensor S3 of the flexure measuring unit 40, based on information sent from the flexure measuring unit 40, the abnormality reporting unit 34 of the control unit 30 reports an abnormality as the degree of flexure of the flexed portion 501 is outside the prescribed range. In the event of an abnormality reported by the abnormality reporting unit 34, the control unit 30 temporarily stops the operation of the first device 100 and the second device 200, and also stops the transport of the strip 500. This prevents the application of load to the strip 500.

[0075] like Figure 11 As shown, when the strip 500 is completely fed out of the drum 550 and the rear end of the strip 500 is fed out of the first device 100, the control unit 30 controls the rear end side conveying unit 50 to hold the rear end of the strip 500. When the rear end side conveying unit 50 has a clamping roller 55, the rear end side of the strip 500 is clamped between a pair of rollers of the clamping roller 55.

[0076] Then, as Figure 12 As shown, the rear-end transport control unit 36 ​​of the control unit 30 controls the transport of the rear-end transport unit 50, which holds the rear end of the strip 500, toward the second device 200. At this time, the deflection measuring unit 40 functions as the rear-end deflection measuring unit 41, measuring the degree of deflection of the strip 500 between the rear-end transport unit 50 and the gripping and feeding unit 10 moving toward the second device 200. Based on the information from the measured degree of deflection, the rear-end transport control unit 36 ​​controls the transport speed of the rear-end transport unit 50 toward the second device 200. That is, the transport speed of the rear-end transport unit 50 is controlled so that the degree of deflection of the rear end of the strip 500 is within a specified range (for example, the height of the deflection portion 501 is between sensors S2 and S3).

[0077] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, when the degree of deflection of the flexural portion 501 of the strip 500 increases and the height of the flexural portion 501 is lower than the sensor S2 at the middle position of the rear-end side deflection measuring unit 41, the rear-end transport control unit 36 ​​controls the transport speed of the rear-end side transport unit 50 towards the second device 200 to be lower. Specifically, the transport speed of the rear-end side transport unit 50 is lower than the second speed v2 (or temporarily stopped). As a result, the degree of deflection of the flexural portion 501 of the strip 500 is reduced. On the other hand, when the height of the flexural portion 501 of the strip 500 reaches the position of the sensor S3 above the rear-end side deflection measuring unit 41, the rear-end transport control unit 36 ​​controls the transport speed of the rear-end side transport unit 50 towards the second device 200 to be higher. Specifically, the transport speed of the rear-end side transport unit 50 is higher than the second speed v2. As a result, the degree of deflection of the flexural portion 501 of the strip 500 is increased.

[0078] The rear-end transport control unit 36 ​​controls the transport speed of the rear-end transport unit 50 while moving the rear-end transport unit 50 toward the second device 200, so that the degree of deflection of the deflection portion 501 of the strip 500 is within a specified range.

[0079] Then, as Figure 14 As shown, when the distance between the holding delivery unit 10 and the rear-end transport unit 50 is within a predetermined range, the rear-end transport unit 36 ​​of the control unit 30 releases the strip 500 held by the rear-end transport unit 50. Here, regarding the method of identifying that the distance between the holding delivery unit 10 and the rear-end transport unit 50 is within the predetermined range, the distance between the holding delivery unit 10 and the rear-end transport unit 50 can be actually measured, or it can be calculated based on the elapsed time from the time when the rear-end deflection measuring unit 41 detects that the deflection portion 501 has reached a predetermined degree of deflection.

[0080] When the rear-end conveying section 50 has a clamping roller 55, the distance between a pair of rollers of the clamping roller 55 is widened to release the grip on the strip 500. As a result, the rear end of the strip 500 will not fall off and will be fed into the second device 200.

[0081] After the strip 500 is fed into the second device 200 via the gripping and feeding section 10 at its rear end, the gripping and feeding section 10 and the rear-end side conveying section 50 are returned to the first device 100 side (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, the next strip 500 can be received by using the control and delivery unit 10.

[0082] With the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the strip 500 can be accurately transferred from the first device 100 to the second device 200, which are arranged separately from each other. Furthermore, even when the strip 500 is processed while being conveyed by the first device 100 and the second device 200 at different speeds, a flexural portion 501 within a predetermined range is formed in the strip 500, thereby allowing processing to continue without imposing undesirable forces such as pulling, twisting, or bending on the strip 500. Moreover, when the rear end of the strip 500 is delivered from the first device 100, since the rear end of the strip 500 is held by the rear end-side conveying section 50 and conveyed towards the second device 200, the rear end of the strip 500 can be transferred to the second device 200 without falling off.

[0083] (Specific examples of the control and delivery section and the rear-end transport section)

[0084] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing a specific example of the feeding and conveying section and the rear-end transport section.

[0085] exist Figure 15 The gripping and feeding unit 10 and the rear-end conveying unit 50 shown can transport multiple strips 500 in parallel. That is, multiple gripping units 11 (feeding units 12) are arranged side by side in a manner that allows each strip 500 to be gripped individually. Figure 15 In the example shown, clamping rollers capable of gripping and feeding four strips 500 side by side are provided. Each clamping roller can operate independently. Preferably, guide members 505 that restrict the position of the strips 500 in the width direction are provided on the transport lines of each strip 500 in the gripping and feeding section 10 and the rear-end transport section 50.

[0086] A guide roller 507 can be provided at the rear end of the gripping and feeding section 10. The guide roller 507 receives the strip 500 from the rear (first device 100 side) of the gripping and feeding section 10. When a flexural portion 501 is formed on the strip 500 at the rear of the gripping and feeding section 10, the strip 500 bends slowly along the curved surface (R portion) of the guide roller 507. This prevents the strip 500 from bending sharply and drooping.

[0087] Furthermore, the transport path of the strip 500 in the rear-end transport section 50 can be configured to slope downwards towards the gripping and feeding section 10. As a result, when the strip 500 is fed from the rear-end transport section 50 to the gripping and feeding section 10 at the front and rear ends, the strip 500, which is about to descend due to its own weight, can be reliably transported.

[0088] (Specific examples of the front-end and rear-end transport sections)

[0089] Figure 16 This is a top view schematic diagram showing specific examples of the front-side transport section and the rear-side transport section.

[0090] In addition, Figure 16 For ease of explanation, (a) shows the configuration of the gripping and feeding section 10 and the rear-end transport section 50 on the first device 100 side, and (b) shows the state after the gripping and feeding section 10 has been moved to the second device 200 side.

[0091] like Figure 16 As shown, the front-end transport unit 20 can be configured to allow the gripping and conveying unit 10 to move in both the X and Y directions. Furthermore, the rear-end transport unit 50 can move in both the X and Y directions.

[0092] To enable movement in both the X and Y directions, the front-end transport unit 20 includes a linear guide 25 in the X direction and a linear guide 27 in the Y direction. Similarly, the rear-end transport unit 50 includes a linear guide 26 in the X direction and a linear guide 28 in the Y direction. The linear guide 26 of the rear-end transport unit 50 can be the same as the linear guide 25 of the front-end transport unit 20. This allows the gripping and conveying unit 10 and the rear-end transport unit 50 to move within the XY plane.

[0093] With this configuration, even if the outlet of the strip 500 of the first device 100 and the receiving port of the strip 500 of the second device 200 are not aligned in the Y direction, the strip 500 can still be reliably transferred. Furthermore, even if the line connecting the gripping feeder 10 in the first position P1 and the gripping feeder 10 in the second position P2 is inclined relative to the arrangement direction (X direction) of the first device 100 and the second device 200, the strip 500 can still be reliably transferred from the first device 100 to the second device 200 by controlling the position of the front-end transport section 20 in the XY direction.

[0094] exist Figure 16 In the example shown, two first devices 100 are arranged side-by-side along the Y direction. Four strips 500 are transported side-by-side from each of the first devices 100. In the second device 200, a total of eight strips 500 are transferred from the two first devices 100 to a single belt 210. The gripping and feeding section 10, the front-end transport section 20, and the rear-end transport section 50 are respectively arranged corresponding to the two first devices 100. Each front-end transport section 20 has a linear guide 25 in the X direction and a linear guide 27 in the Y direction, and each rear-end transport section 50 has a linear guide 26 in the X direction and a linear guide 28 in the Y direction.

[0095] Four strips 500 are separately fed from each of the two first devices 100 along the Y direction. However, in order to transfer each of the four strips 500 to one belt 210 of the second device 200, the front-end transport unit 20 moves the gripping and feeding unit 10 in both the X and Y directions, so that each of the four strips 500 approaches and is transferred to one belt 210. In addition, the rear-end transport unit 50 grips the rear end of the strip 500 and moves it in both the X and Y directions, transferring it to the gripping and feeding unit 10.

[0096] Thus, even if the position where the strip 500 is delivered from the first device 100 is different from the position where the strip 500 is received in the second device 200 in the Y direction, the front-end conveying part 20 can move the gripping and delivery part 10 and the rear-end conveying part 50 in both the X and Y directions, thereby reliably transferring the strip 500 from the first device 100 to the second device 200.

[0097] As explained above, according to this embodiment, a conveying device 1 is provided that can reliably transfer the strip 500 from the first device 100 to the second device 200.

[0098] Furthermore, while the embodiments described above are specific to this invention, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For instance, it could be configured such that the movement of the front-end conveying section 20's gripping and feeding section 10 is possible not only along the X and Y directions but also along the Z direction (height direction). Moreover, the first device 100 is exemplified by a printing apparatus, and the second device 200 by a drying apparatus, but it could also be an apparatus performing processes other than these examples. Furthermore, any modifications made by those skilled in the art, such as adding, deleting, or designing elements to the above embodiments, or appropriately combining features of the constituent examples of each embodiment, as long as they capture the spirit of the present invention, are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0099] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0100] 1…Transportation device

[0101] 10…Control and send out departments

[0102] 11…Control Department

[0103] 12…Sending Department

[0104] 15…pinch rolls

[0105] 20…Front-end side handling section

[0106] 25, 26, 27, 28… Linear guides,

[0107] 30…Control Department

[0108] 31…Control Department

[0109] 32…Motor Control Unit

[0110] 33…Sent out of control department

[0111] 34…Abnormal Reporting Department

[0112] 35…Flexibility Control Section

[0113] 36…Back-end material handling control department

[0114] 40…Flexibility Measurement Section

[0115] 41… Rear end side flexural measurement unit

[0116] 50… Rear-end side handling section

[0117] 55…pinch roll

[0118] 100…First Device

[0119] 200…Second Device

[0120] 210…

[0121] 500… strip

[0122] 501…flexure

[0123] 505…guide

[0124] 507…Guide Roller

[0125] 550…roll

[0126] P1…First position

[0127] P2…Second position

[0128] S1, S2, S3… Sensors

[0129] v1…First speed

[0130] v2…Second speed

Claims

1. A conveying device for conveying strip material from a first device to a second device disposed separately from the first device, characterized in that, The conveying device includes: The feeding and discharging section includes a gripping section for gripping the strip material being fed from the first device and a discharging section for feeding the strip material to the second device. The front-end transport section moves the gripping and feeding section from a first position receiving the strip from the first device to a second position feeding the strip to the second device; as well as The control unit controls the movements of the gripping and feeding unit and the front-end transport unit. The first speed at which the first device delivers the strip is at a first speed that is at least temporarily different from the second speed at which the strip moves in the second device. The control unit has: A gripping control unit that grips the strip whose front end extends beyond the gripping unit and protrudes toward the second device side; The movement control unit controls the front-end conveying unit so that the gripping part holding the strip is moved to the second position side at a speed slower than the first speed, and a flexed part formed by the flexing of the strip is formed between the first device and the gripping part. as well as The delivery control unit activates the gripping and delivery unit located in the second position, thereby delivering the strip to the second device. The conveying device also includes: The rear-end conveying unit is located between the first device and the gripping and feeding unit. It grips the rear end of the strip and moves it toward the second device to transport the strip to the gripping and feeding unit.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, The gripping and feeding section includes clamping rollers.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, It also has: A flexure measuring unit is located between the first device and the second device to measure the degree of flexure of the flexure unit.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit also has an anomaly reporting unit, which reports an anomaly when the degree of deflection of the deflection unit is outside a specified range, based on information from the deflection measurement unit.

5. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit also includes a flexure control unit, which controls at least one of the second speed and the delivery speed of the delivery unit based on information from the flexure measuring unit, so that the degree of flexure of the flexure unit is within a specified range.

6. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, It also has: The rear-end side deflection measuring unit is located between the first device and the second device, and measures the degree of deflection of the strip between the rear-end side conveying unit and the gripping and feeding unit that has moved to the second device side.

7. The conveying device according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit also includes a rear-end transport control unit, which controls the transport speed of the rear-end transport unit based on information from the rear-end side deflection measuring unit, so that the degree of deflection of the strip between the gripping and feeding unit and the rear-end side transport unit is within a specified range.

8. The conveying device according to claim 7, wherein, When the distance between the holding and delivery unit and the rear-end side transport unit is within a specified range, the rear-end transport control unit releases the strip held by the rear-end side transport unit.

9. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, The holding and feeding unit is capable of holding and feeding out multiple strips.

10. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, The front-end transport section moves the gripping and feeding section such that the line connecting the gripping and feeding section in the first position and the gripping and feeding section in the second position is inclined relative to the arrangement direction of the first device and the second device.

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