Coating equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses coating equipment. The coating equipment comprises a supporting device used for supporting a film above a workpiece to be coated. The supporting device comprises a first supporting device and a second supporting device which are arranged at a certain distance in the first direction so as to be positioned on the two sides of the workpiece. The first support device includes a first lower member and a first upper member vertically holding a first end portion of the film therebetween in the first direction. The second support device includes a second lower member and a second upper member vertically holding a second end of the membrane therebetween. Each of the first lower member and the second lower member includes a support surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction while bending in an up-down direction and configured to support the film from below.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a coating device. Background Art

[0002] A molding method is known in which a three-dimensional workpiece to be coated is coated with a thin film. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-62625 discloses a method for coating an automobile or the like with a thin film stretched into a flat state.

[0003] In the case of coating a three-dimensional workpiece to be coated with a film stretched into a flat state, the distance between the workpiece to be coated and the film varies and thus the amount of film stretching varies in some areas of the workpiece to be coated; this causes wrinkles to occur. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to suppress differences in the amount of film stretching in different areas of the workpiece to be coated.

[0005] According to the present invention, a coating device is provided, which includes a supporting device for supporting a film above a workpiece to be coated, and the workpiece to be coated is coated with the film supported by the supporting device, wherein the supporting device includes a first supporting device and a second supporting device arranged at a certain distance in a first direction to be positioned on both sides of the workpiece to be coated, wherein the first supporting device includes a first lower member and a first upper member that vertically hold a first end of the film therebetween in the first direction, wherein the second supporting device includes a second lower member and a second upper member that vertically hold a second end of the film therebetween, the second end being located on the opposite side of the first end in the first direction, wherein each of the first lower member and the second lower member includes a supporting surface, the supporting surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction while being curved in an up-down direction and being configured to support the film from below.

[0006] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the coating system.

[0008] Figure 2 It is composed Figure 1 External view of the coating equipment of the coating system.

[0009] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0010] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0011] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0012] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0013] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0014] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is shown Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0015] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B It is shown Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0016] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B It is shown Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0017] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 1 Diagram of the operation of the coating system.

[0018] Fig.12 is a diagram showing another exemplary configuration of the upper member and the lower member.

[0019] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a film conveying mechanism.

[0020] Fig.14 is an external view of a coating apparatus and shows an example of a film conveying mechanism.

[0021] Fig.15 It shows that according to Fig.13 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0022] Fig.16 It shows that according to Fig.13 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0023] Fig.17 It shows that according to Fig.13 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0024] Fig.18 It shows that according to Fig.13 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0025] Fig.19It shows that according to Fig.13 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0026] Fig. 20 It shows that according to Fig.13 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0027] Fig.21 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the film conveying mechanism.

[0028] Fig. 22 is an external view of a coating apparatus and shows another example of a film conveying mechanism.

[0029] Fig.23A and Fig. 23B is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a roller group and an O-ring.

[0030] Fig.24 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the film conveying mechanism.

[0031] Fig.25 is an external view of a coating apparatus and shows another example of a film conveying mechanism.

[0032] Fig.26 It shows that according to Fig.24 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0033] Fig. 27 It shows that according to Fig.24 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0034] Fig.28 It shows that according to Fig.24 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0035] Fig.29 It shows that according to Fig.24 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation.

[0036] Fig.30 It shows that according to Fig.24 FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the inventions involved in the claims, and do not limit the inventions that require the combination of all the features described in the embodiments. Two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar structures, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0038] <First Embodiment> <Coating System Overview> Figure 1is a schematic diagram of a coating system 1 including a coating device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 4 is an external view of the coating apparatus 4. In each figure, arrow X and arrow Y indicate horizontal directions intersecting each other; in this embodiment, these directions are perpendicular to each other. Arrow Z indicates the up-down direction. Figure 2 is an external view of the coating device 4 viewed in the Y direction, Figure 1 The coating device 4 is equivalent to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0039] The coating system 1 is a decoration system in which a workpiece to be coated is decorated by coating with a film, and includes a film supply device 2, a conveying device 3, and a coating device 4. The film supply device 2 is a device that supplies a film F to the coating device 4. The film F is a film using, for example, a ductile material, particularly a thermoplastic resin; for example, the film F has a multilayer structure, whereby the film F includes a decoration layer having a color and a pattern for decorating the workpiece to be coated as a surface layer, and includes an adhesive layer as a lowermost layer.

[0040] In the case of the present embodiment, the film F is in the form of a belt-like sheet and is wound in a roll on a shaft 20 supported to be rotatable about the X axis. The front and rear surfaces of the film F are each coated with a protective sheet; when the film F is supplied to the coating device 4, the winding rollers 21 and 22 peel off the protective sheets on the front and rear surfaces. The film supply device 2 also includes a pair of guide rollers 23 that horizontally feed the film F in the Y direction and a cutter 24 that cuts the film F.

[0041] The conveying device 3 conveys the workpiece to be coated into the coating device 4 and conveys the workpiece to be coated out of the coating device 4. In the case of the present embodiment, the conveying device 3 is a roller conveyor including a plurality of rollers 3a, and conveys the workpiece to be coated in the Y direction. The conveying device 3 may be various types of conveyors other than the roller conveyor, such as a belt conveyor, or may be a multi-joint robot.

[0042] The coating device 4 is a device for coating the workpiece to be coated with a film F by making the film F adhere tightly to the workpiece to be coated; as an example, the coating device 4 of this embodiment is a vacuum forming coating device, which improves the adhesion of the film F to the workpiece to be coated by utilizing the atmospheric pressure difference.

[0043] The coating device 4 includes a chamber 5 mounted on a base unit 6 and forming an airtight inner space. The chamber 5 includes a lower space forming member 50 and an upper space forming member 51, and has a box shape vertically divided into two halves. The lower space forming member 50 has the shape of a rectangular box with an open top, and includes a bottom wall 50a, a wall 55 and a wall 56 at both ends in the Y direction, and a left wall 53L and a right wall 53R (at both ends in the X direction). The upper space forming member 51 has the shape of a rectangular box with an open bottom, and includes a top wall 51a, a wall 57 and a wall 58 at both ends in the Y direction, and a left wall 54L and a right wall 54R (at both ends in the X direction).

[0044] The coating device 4 includes an elevator device 12 provided with an arm 12a that is raised or lowered in the Z direction, and the upper space forming member 51 is connected to the arm 12a. The elevator device 12 includes, for example, an elevator mechanism that raises or lowers the arm 12a while using a motor as a driving source; the elevator mechanism is, for example, a ball screw mechanism. The elevator device 12 raises or lowers the upper space forming member 51 relative to the lower space forming member 50. When the upper space forming member 51 has been lowered, the upper space forming member 51 is vertically combined with the lower space forming member 50, and the chamber 5 forms an airtight internal space (closed state). When the upper space forming member 51 has been raised, the internal space of the chamber 5 is released (open state). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both show the form of the coating apparatus 4 when the upper space forming member 51 has been raised (open state).

[0045] The coating device 4 includes a heating unit 8 that heats the film F in the internal space of the chamber 5. The heating unit 8 is, for example, a heat generating element that generates heat using power supplied thereto. The heat of the heating unit 8 softens the film F, thereby increasing the degree of adhesion of the film F to the workpiece to be coated. In the case of the present embodiment, the heating unit 8 is disposed inside the upper space forming member 51.

[0046] The coating device 4 includes an elevator device 7 that raises or lowers the workpiece to be coated in the internal space of the chamber 5. The elevator device 7 includes a worktable 70 on which the workpiece to be coated is placed and a plurality of actuators 71. The worktable 70 has a conveying function of conveying the workpiece to be coated in the Y direction due to the rotation of the rollers 70a, and is disposed inside the lower space forming member 50. The actuator 71 is a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder; its main body is embedded in the base unit 6, and its rod portion penetrates the bottom wall portion 50a of the lower space forming member 50 and is connected to the worktable 70. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both show the coating device 4 in its form when the table 70 has been lowered.

[0047] Coating equipment 4 includes an atmospheric pressure regulating device 9 for regulating the atmospheric pressure in the inner space of chamber 5. Atmospheric pressure regulating device 9 includes a pipeline 90 connected to the interior of lower space forming member 50, a pipeline 91 connected to the interior of upper space forming member 51, a decompression unit 92, and valves 93 and 94. In the case of the present embodiment, decompression unit 92 includes a pump 92a and a decompression tank 92b, and decompression tank 92b is continuously decompressed by pump 92a. Decompression unit 92 can be composed of only pump 92a. When decompression tank 92b is provided, relatively low-power pump 92a can be used to decompress the interior of chamber 5 by decompression tank 92b in a relatively short period of time. Pipeline 90 is communicated with decompression tank 92b, and pipeline 91 is communicated with decompression tank 92b via valve 93, pipeline 96 and valve 94.

[0048] The valve 93 switches the communication state between the pipe 96 and the pressure reducing tank 92b. The valve 94 switches the communication state between the pipe 91, the pipe 95 and the pipe 96. The pipe 95 is open to the atmosphere. The valve 94 can switch between a state in which the pipe 91 is connected only to the pipe 95 and a state in which the pipe 91 is connected only to the pipe 96.

[0049] The chamber 5 constitutes a support structure 52 that supports the film F above the workpiece to be coated. The support structure 52 includes a right support structure 52R and a left support structure 52L that are arranged at a certain distance in the X direction. The right support structure 52R includes a lower member formed by a wall portion 53R and an upper member formed by a wall portion 54R; the wall portion 53R can be referred to as the lower member 53R, and the wall portion 54R can be referred to as the upper member 54R. The left support structure 52L includes a lower member formed by a wall portion 53L and an upper member formed by a wall portion 54L; the wall portion 53L can be referred to as the lower member 53L, and the wall portion 54L can be referred to as the upper member 54L.

[0050] The right supporting structure 52R and the left supporting structure 52L constitute a clamping structure, wherein they are vertically held in the film F between them. The lower member 53R of the right supporting structure 52R includes a supporting surface 53a that supports the film F from below. The supporting surface 53a is not flat, but extends in the Y direction and bends in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the supporting surface 53a has an inverted U shape. The curved profile of the supporting surface 53a is designed to extend along the profile of the workpiece to be coated. The upper member 54R of the right supporting structure 52R includes a contact surface 54a that contacts with the film F from above. The contact surface 54a extends in the Y direction and bends in the Z direction along the supporting surface 53a. In the present embodiment, the contact surface 54a has a U shape corresponding to the supporting surface 53a. The supporting surface 53a and the contact surface 54a are formed to fit perfectly when the upper space forming member 51 has been lowered, and the film F is therebetween, thereby maintaining the airtightness inside the chamber 5. In the case of the present embodiment, the forms of the lower member 53L and the upper member 54L of the left supporting structure 52L are similar to those of the lower member 53R and the upper member 54R.

[0051] The wall portions 55 and 56 of the lower space forming member 50 and the wall portions 57 and 58 of the upper space forming member 51 also constitute a clamping structure, wherein they vertically hold the film F therebetween. The top surfaces of the wall portions 55 and 56 each have a support surface 53b that supports the film F from below, and the bottom surfaces of the wall portions 57 and 58 each have a contact surface 54b that contacts the film F from above. In the present embodiment, each of the support surface 53b and the contact surface 54b is a flat surface. The support surface 53b and the corresponding contact surface 54b are formed to perfectly fit each other when the upper space forming member 51 has been lowered, with the film F therebetween, thereby maintaining the airtightness inside the chamber 5.

[0052] The control device 10 is an electronic circuit that controls the entire coating system 1. The control device 10 includes, for example, a processing unit, a storage unit, an input / output interface (I / O), a display unit, and an input unit. The processing unit is a processor, usually a CPU, and controls the coating system 1 by executing a program stored in the storage unit. The storage unit is a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, a HDD, and stores various types of control information in addition to the program executed by the processing unit. The input / output interface is an interface for exchanging signals between the processing unit and an external device (such as an actuator such as a motor, and a sensor). The display unit is a display that displays information for the user. The input unit is a key switch intended for the user to input instructions. The display unit and the input unit can be composed of a touch panel.

[0053] <Exemplary Operation> Reference Figures 3 to 111 to describe an exemplary operation of the coating system 1. In the case of the present embodiment, the operation of the coating system 1 is basically automatically operated by the control device 10, and a part of the process is a manual task performed by a staff member.

[0054] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The process of conveying the workpiece W to be coated into the coating device 4 is shown. The workpiece W to be coated is attached to a fixture and placed on the conveying device 3 in such a manner that the surface to be coated faces upward. In the example shown, it is assumed that the workpiece W to be coated is a front bumper of an automobile. The front bumper is conveyed into the coating device 4 in such a manner that the Y direction and the Z direction correspond to the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle when mounted on the vehicle and the front-rear direction of the vehicle, respectively. Figure 3 As shown, the contour of the workpiece W to be coated has an inverted U shape, and the support surface 53 a and the contact surface 54 a are bent in the up-down direction along the contour of the workpiece W to be coated.

[0055] exist Figure 3 In the state, the chamber 5 is in an open state, and the workbench 70 has been raised to a position flush with the conveying surface of the conveying device 3. After the roller 3a of the conveying device 3 and the roller 70a of the workbench 70 have been driven, the workpiece W to be coated is transferred from the conveying device 3 to the workbench 70, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0056] Next, the stage 70 is lowered so that the workpiece W to be coated is accommodated inside the lower space forming member 50. The workpiece W to be coated is positioned between the lower member 53R and the lower member 53L in the X direction. Figure 5 An example of this conveying is shown. In the example shown, a worker manually pulls out the film F from the film supply device 2 in the Y direction and conveys the film F over the workpiece W to be coated.

[0057] Once the film F has been conveyed over the workpiece W to be coated, the process proceeds to placing the film F on the support surface 53 a . Figure 6 An example of the process is shown. In the example shown, the staff manually places the film F on the left and right support surfaces 53a. At this time, the staff pulls the film F in the X direction while adhering the film F to the support surfaces 53a by utilizing the adhesive layer of the film F to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the film F. One end FR of the film F in the X direction adheres to the support surface 53a of the lower member 53R while partially protruding outward, while its opposite end FL adheres to the support surface 53a of the lower member 53L while partially protruding outward. In addition, one end of the film F in the Y direction adheres to the support surface 53b of the wall portion 56, and the other end adheres to the support surface 53b of the wall portion 55. As shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the film F is cut by the cutter 24 and is in a state where it seals the top of the lower space forming member 50 .

[0058] Then, if Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the upper space forming member 51 is lowered by driving the elevator device 12, so that the chamber 5 is in a closed state. The ends FR and FL of the film F in the X direction are clamped between the left and right support surfaces 53a and the left and right contact surfaces 54a. In addition, the ends of the film F in the Y direction are also clamped between the support surface 53b and the contact surface 54b. The film F also serves as a seal between the lower space forming member 50 and the upper space forming member 51, so that the space inside the chamber 5 is airtight. The internal space of the chamber 5 is vertically divided into an upper space and a lower space by the film F, the boundary of the upper space is defined by the upper space forming member 51 and the film F, and the boundary of the lower space is defined by the lower space forming member 50 and the film F. The workpiece W to be coated is located in the lower space, and the film F is arranged above the workpiece W to be coated.

[0059] After the chamber 5 has been placed in a closed state, the atmospheric pressure regulating device 9 decompresses the internal space of the chamber 5. Here, the valve 94 is switched to a state where the pipe 91 and the pipe 96 are connected to each other, and then the valve 93 is switched to a state where the pipe 96 and the decompression tank 92b are connected to each other. The air in the internal space of the chamber 5 is discharged from the pipe 90 and the pipe 91, and both the upper space and the lower space are decompressed. In addition, after the chamber 5 has been placed in a closed state, the film F is heated by causing the heating unit 8 to generate heat. This results in a state where the film F is softened and easily stretched.

[0060] Then, if Fig.9A and Fig. 10A As shown, the workbench 70 is raised. Fig. 10A It is along Fig.9A The workpiece W to be coated is stretched by pushing the film F upward. The film F has been previously supported by the support surface 53a in an inverted U shape when viewed in the X direction, and is pushed upward by the workpiece W to be coated in a state where it is similar in shape to the outline of the workpiece W to be coated. Compared with the case where the workpiece W to be coated is pushed upward in a state where the film F is stretched into a flat state, the present embodiment suppresses the difference in the amount of stretching of the film F in different regions of the workpiece W to be coated, and allows the film F to be uniformly stretched as a whole.

[0061] Next, the valve 94 is switched to a state where the pipe 91 and the pipe 95 are connected to each other. In the internal space of the chamber 5, the upper space above the film F is opened to the atmosphere via the pipe 91, and a pressure difference is generated between the upper space and the lower space. Fig. 9B and Fig. 10BAs shown, due to the atmospheric pressure difference, the film F is sucked into the lower space. Fig. 10B It is along Fig. 9B The degree of adhesion of the film F to the workpiece W to be coated increases, and the stretched film F closely adheres to and adheres to the fine grooves and protrusions of the workpiece W to be coated. The workpiece W to be coated is coated with the film F. As described above, since the present embodiment suppresses the difference in the amount of stretching of the film F in different regions of the workpiece W to be coated, it also suppresses the variation in the amount of stretching of the film F in different regions at the time of adhesion.

[0062] In addition, a structure is allowed to be adopted which further includes a component for pressurizing the upper space above the film F, and when the workpiece W to be coated is coated with the film F, the pressurization of the upper space increases the atmospheric pressure difference between the upper space and the lower space.

[0063] Next, after the workpiece W to be coated has been coated with the film F, the process of transporting the workpiece W to be coated is transitioned to. The valve 93 is closed to connect the pipe 90 with the pipe 95, and the lower space of the chamber 5 is also opened to the atmosphere. Fig.11 As shown, the upper space forming member 51 is raised by driving the elevator device 12, so that the chamber 5 is in an open state. The height of the workbench 70 is adjusted so that it is flush with the conveying device 3, and then the workpiece W to be coated is transported from the coating device 4 to the conveying device 3 by driving the roller 70a and the roller 3a. This ends the coating task. After that, the excess part of the film F coated on the workpiece W to be coated is trimmed as needed.

[0064] As described above, in the present embodiment, the support surface 53a has a curved shape, thereby suppressing the difference in the amount of stretching of the film F in different areas of the workpiece to be coated W. Therefore, the occurrence of wrinkles can be prevented.

[0065] <Second Embodiment> This allows for a structure in which the contour of the support surface 53a can be varied depending on the type of workpiece to be coated. Fig.12 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example thereof, and shows an exemplary configuration of the lower member 53R and the upper member 54R. Although the lower member 53R and the upper member 54R are described here, the same is true for the lower member 53L and the upper member 54L.

[0066] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower member 53R includes a main body 531R and a replaceable part 532R. The main body 531R is formed integrally with the lower space forming member 50, and the replaceable part 532R is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body 531R. As an example, Fig.12The structure is a structure in which a plurality of pins 53c provided in the replaceable part 532R are adapted to a plurality of holes 53d provided in the main body part 531R. In addition, the pins 53c may be provided in the main body part 531R, and the holes 53d may be provided in the replaceable part 532R; such a joining structure may be a structure other than a structure including pins and holes (for example, a fastening structure including bolts). A sealing material that improves the airtightness of the internal space of the chamber 5 may be provided between the replaceable part 532R and the main body part 531R.

[0067] The support surface 53a is formed in the replaceable part 532R. The replaceable part 532R' can be used to replace the replaceable part 532R. The support surface 53a' different from the support surface 53a of the curved profile is formed in the replaceable part 532R'; the rest of the replaceable part 532R' is configured similarly to the replaceable part 532R. Depending on the type (shape) of the workpiece to be coated, the replaceable part 532R or the replaceable part 532R' can be selectively used while sharing the main body part 531R; this makes it easy to obtain the support surface 53a suitable for the profile of the workpiece to be coated.

[0068] Similarly, the upper member 54R also includes a main body 541R and a replaceable part 542R. The main body 541R is formed integrally with the upper space forming member 51, and the replaceable part 542R is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body 541R. As an example, Fig.12 The structure is a structure in which a plurality of screw holes 54c are formed in the replaceable part 542R, a through hole 54d is formed in the main body part 541R, and a bolt 54e is screwed into the screw hole 54c via the through hole 54d and engaged with the screw hole 54c. Fig.12 The example is a structure in which the main body 541R and the replaceable part 542R are fastened together in the Z direction using the bolt 54e, but a structure in which the fastening direction is in the Y direction is allowed. In addition, this joint structure may be another structure. A sealing material that improves the airtightness of the internal space of the chamber 5 may be provided between the replaceable part 542R and the main body 541R.

[0069] The contact surface 54a is formed in the replaceable part 542R. The replaceable part 542R' can be used to replace the replaceable part 542R. A support surface 54a' different from the contact surface 54a of the curved profile is formed in the replaceable part 542R'; the rest of the replaceable part 542R' is configured similarly to the replaceable part 542R. The profile of the contact surface 54a of the replaceable part 542R' corresponds to the support surface 53a of the replaceable part 532R', and the set of the replaceable part 532R' and the replaceable part 542R' is exchanged with the replaceable part 532R and the replaceable part 542R. Depending on the type (shape) of the workpiece to be coated, the pairing of the replaceable part 532R with the replaceable part 542R or the pairing of the replaceable part 532R' with the replaceable part 542R' can be selectively used while sharing the main body part 531R and the main body part 541R; this makes it easy to obtain a support surface 53a and a contact surface 54a that are suitable for the contour of the workpiece to be coated.

[0070] <Third Embodiment> Although in the first embodiment, the worker manually pulls out the film F from the film supply device 2, conveys the film F above the workpiece W to be coated, and sets the film F on the support surface 53a ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), but these tasks can also be automated. Figures 3 to 11 All operations described can be automated by the control device 10 .

[0071] (First Exemplary Configuration) Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of a coating system 1 according to this embodiment, Fig.14 1 is a diagram of the coating system 1 viewed in the Y direction (the film supply device 2 and the conveying device 3 are not shown). A description is now given of components different from those of the coating system 1 according to the first embodiment. The coating system 1 according to this embodiment includes a conveying device 25 for the film F and a pressing device 13.

[0072] The conveying device 25 includes a pair of track members 253 arranged on both sides of the coating device 4 in the X direction. Each track member 253 extends in the Y direction. A slider 252 is engaged with each track member 253. The slider 252 reciprocates in the Y direction while being guided by the track member 253. A linear motor, a ball screw mechanism using a motor as a driving source, or the like can be used as a moving mechanism of the slider 252. The clamping unit 250 is attached to each slider 252 via a support member 251 extending in the up and down directions. The clamping unit 250 includes a pair of clamping members 250a that releasably clamp the ends of the film F, and the pair of clamping members 250a are opened or closed by an actuator such as a motor (not shown).

[0073] The clamping device 13 includes a pair of track members 133 arranged on both sides of the coating device 4 in the X direction. Each track member 133 extends in the Y direction. A slider 132 is engaged with each track member 133. The slider 132 reciprocates in the Y direction while being guided by the track member 133. A linear motor, a ball screw mechanism using a motor as a drive source, etc. can be used as a moving mechanism of the slider 132. Each slider 132 has an elevator mechanism that raises or lowers the support shaft 131. The elevator mechanism is, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism using a motor as a drive source. The support shaft 131 extends in the Z direction, and the pressure roller 130 is supported by its bottom end. The pressure roller 130 is supported by the support shaft 131 in this way so that it can rotate around the X axis.

[0074] The bending frame 134 is installed on the outer side of each lower member 53R, 53L in the X direction. The bending frame 134 extends in the Y direction while bending along the support surface 53a in the Z direction. The top surface of the bending frame 134 is located slightly lower than the support surface 53a. The bending frame 134 and the pressing roller 130 are opposite to each other in the Z direction; in the ready state, they are separated from each other, and in the pressing stage, the support shaft 131 is lowered, so that the pressing roller 130 is lowered onto the bending frame 134. At this time, the top surface of the bending frame 134 serves as a surface for guiding the rolling motion of the pressing roller 130, and also serves as a reaction force receiving surface for receiving the pressing reaction force.

[0075] Figures 15 to 20 1 is a diagram showing the operation of the conveying device 25 and the pressing device 13, and corresponds to the operation according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 process.

[0076] Fig.15 and Fig.16 The process of conveying the film F over the to-be-coated workpiece W is shown. When each slider 252 moves in the Y direction in a state where each clamping unit 250 is clamping an end of the film F, the film F is pulled out horizontally from the film supply device 2 .

[0077] Next, the process proceeds to the process of using the pressing device 13 to press the film F against the support surface 53a. Fig.17 and Fig.18 . Fig.18 Equivalent to following Fig.17 DD. Each support shaft 131 is lowered, and each pressing roller 130 is lowered onto the bending frame 134. The end FR and the end FL of the film F are each clamped between the corresponding pressing roller 130 and the bending frame 134. The film F is pressed against the supporting surface 53a at the central portion of the supporting surface 53a in the Y direction. Thereafter, the clamping of the film F by the clamping unit 250 is released.

[0078] Then, if Fig.19 As shown, the slider 132 is moved in the Y direction while the support shaft 131 is lowered, thereby lowering the pressing roller 130; this causes the pressing roller 130 to exhibit a rolling motion on the bending frame 134 via the film F. As a result, the film F is pressed against the supporting surface 53a and the supporting surface 53b of the wall portion 56 from the central portion in the Y direction of the supporting surface 53a to the supporting surface 53b. Then, when the pressing roller 130 is restored to Fig.17 After the film F is cut by the cutter 24, the slider 132 is moved in the Y direction while the support shaft 131 is lowered, thereby lowering the pressing roller 130, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 This causes the pressing roller 130 to exhibit rolling motion on the bending frame 134 via the film F. Therefore, the film F is pressed against the supporting surface 53a and the supporting surface 53b of the wall portion 55 from the central portion in the Y direction of the supporting surface 53a to the supporting surface 53b.

[0079] The above operation results in a state where the film F is adhered to the supporting surfaces 53a and 53b, thereby resulting in a state where the top of the lower space forming member 50 has been sealed, similar to the state according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 The subsequent working processes are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0080] (Second example configuration) Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Another exemplary configuration for conveying the film F over the workpiece W to be coated is shown. In addition, the illustration of the workpiece W to be coated is omitted in these figures, and Fig.21 In FIG. 5 , only the outline of the lower member 53R of the lower space forming member 50 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0081] In the first exemplary configuration, a two-stage process is performed in which the film F is pulled out horizontally and then pressed by the pressing roller 130; however, in the present exemplary configuration, the film F is conveyed along the supporting surface 53a.

[0082] The conveying device 14 includes a lower roller group 140, an upper roller group 141, and a driving unit 143, which are arranged on both sides of the coating device 4 in the X direction. The lower roller group 140 includes a plurality of rollers R1 arranged along the support surface 53a, and the upper roller group 141 includes a plurality of rollers R2 arranged along the support surface 53a.

[0083] Each of the rollers R1 and R2 is rotatably supported by a driving unit 143, which includes motors 140a and 141a as driving sources. The motor 140a causes one roller R1 among the plurality of rollers R1 to rotate as a driving roller, and the other rollers R1 to rotate as driven rollers as the driving force is transmitted to them via the O-ring O1. Similarly, the motor 141a causes one roller R2 among the plurality of rollers R2 to rotate as a driving roller, and the other rollers R2 to rotate as driven rollers as the driving force is transmitted to them via the O-ring O2. In addition, Fig.21 The O-ring O1 and the O-ring O2 are omitted in the figure.

[0084] Fig.23A 1 is a plan view of one of the lower roller groups 140, and shows the placement form of the O-ring O1. In addition, the other lower roller group 140 is configured in a similar manner. Two adjacent rollers R1 share one O-ring O1 wound thereon. Among the rollers R1 of the lower roller group 140, except for the two rollers R1 located at the two ends in the Y direction, two O-rings O1 are wound around each roller R1.

[0085] Fig. 23B 1 is a plan view of one of the upper roller groups 141, and shows the placement form of the O-ring O2. In addition, the other upper roller group 141 is configured in a similar manner. Two adjacent rollers R2 share one O-ring O2 wound thereon. Among the rollers R2 in the upper roller group 141, except for the two rollers R2 located at the two ends in the Y direction, each roller R2 is wound with two O-rings O1.

[0086] The film F supplied from the film supply device 2 is conveyed in the Y direction while both end portions (FR and FL) thereof in the X direction are each held between the lower roller group 140 and the upper roller group 141. More specifically, the film F is conveyed in the Y direction in such a manner that both end portions thereof in the X direction are sandwiched between the O-ring O1 in the lower roller group 140 and the O-ring O2 in the upper roller group 141.

[0087] The conveying path formed by the lower roller set 140 and the upper roller set 141 has been designed so that it is positioned slightly above the support surface 53a while extending along the support surface 53a. In the case of this exemplary configuration, after the film F has been conveyed over the workpiece W to be coated, the chamber 5 is placed in the same position as in the first embodiment. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Therefore, the film F is supported on the support surface 53a and is in a closed state as shown in the example; Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The subsequent working process is similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0088] In addition, although the present exemplary configuration is a configuration in which the film F is conveyed while being sandwiched between the O-rings O1 and O2, a configuration in which the film F is directly conveyed by the rollers R1 and R2 without using the O-rings O1 and O2 is also permitted.

[0089] (Third Exemplary Configuration) Fig.24 and Fig.25 Another exemplary configuration for conveying the film F over the workpiece W to be coated is shown. In the first exemplary configuration, a two-stage process is implemented in which the film F is pulled out horizontally and then pressed by the pressing roller 130; in this exemplary configuration, the film F is conveyed along the support surface 53a similarly to the second exemplary configuration. In addition, the illustration of the workpiece W to be coated is omitted in these figures, and Fig.24 In FIG. 5 , only the outline of the lower member 53R of the lower space forming member 50 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0090] The conveying device 15 includes rail members 150 provided on both sides of the coating device 4 in the X direction. The rail member 150 is configured to form an annular guide rail (circulating rail) whose contour of a part (upper part) is curved along the support surface 53a.

[0091] A plurality of clamping units 151 are engaged with each track member 150. In the case of the present embodiment, five clamping units 151 are engaged with one track member 150. When the five clamping units 151 are to be distinguished from each other, they are referred to as clamping units 151A to 151E. Each clamping unit 151 includes a pair of clamping members 151a that releasably clamp the ends of the film F. A driver such as a motor (not shown) operates the pair of clamping members 151a as shown in FIG. Fig.25 Rotate around the Y axis as shown by the arrow to open or close. Fig.24 and Fig.25 A case where the pair of clamping members 151 a is in an open state (a state where clamping has been released) is shown.

[0092] The driving unit 152 moves the clamping unit 151 in a circular manner along the rail member 150. The driving unit 152 is, for example, a chain mechanism using a motor as a driving source, and each clamping unit 151 is attached to an endless chain. In the case of the present embodiment, each clamping unit 151 is arranged as follows: Fig.26 The cycle shown moves counterclockwise.

[0093] Figures 26 to 30 1 is a diagram showing the operation of the conveying device 15. The driving units 152 provided on both sides of the coating device 4 operate in synchronization with each other. Fig.26 and Fig. 27The state in which the first clamping unit 151A is clamping the film F is shown. After the clamping unit 151A has moved to the position for clamping the film F, its pair of clamping members 151a rotate to a closed state (clamping state) to clamp the film F. One of the left clamping unit 151A and the right clamping unit 151A clamps the end FR of the film F, and the other clamps the end FL of the film F.

[0094] Moving each clamping unit 151; Fig.28 The state in which the second clamping unit 151B is clamping the film F is shown. In this way, each clamping unit 151 clamps the film F in sequence while moving. Fig.29 FIG. 4 shows a state where the fourth clamping unit 151D is clamping the film F. Fig.30 A state in which the film F has been cut by the cutter 24 and the fifth clamping unit 151E is clamping the film F is shown.

[0095] exist Fig.30 The film F is held at a position slightly above the support surface 53a by the clamping units 151A to 151E while being bent along the support surface 53a. In the case of this exemplary configuration, after the film F has been conveyed above the workpiece W to be coated, the chamber 5 is placed in the position as in the first embodiment. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Therefore, the film F is supported on the support surface 53a and is in a closed state as shown in the example; Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The subsequent working processes are similar to those of the first embodiment; in these working processes, the clamping by each clamping unit 151 is released, and the clamping unit 151 is restored to Fig.24 Position shown.

[0096] <Fourth Embodiment> Although the coating apparatus 4 has been described as a vacuum forming coating apparatus in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, it is also permissible to adopt a method in which the interior of the chamber 5 is not depressurized during the forming of the film F (coating with the film F). Fig.9A and Fig. 10A The coating process is shown as an example in which the coating process is completed at the stage where the workpiece W to be coated is pushed upward against the film F. Alternatively, a method in which a vacuum forming coating device is used as the coating device 4 is allowed, but the coating device 4 is omitted. Fig.9A and Fig. 10A The phase of pushing the workpiece W to be coated upward against the film F is shown by way of example. Fig. 9B and Fig. 10B The process of coating a workpiece W to be coated with a film F using atmospheric pressure differences is shown by way of example.

[0097] Although the contact surface 54a is composed of a surface curved along the support surface 53a in each of the above-described embodiments, the form of the contact surface 54a is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the film F is sandwiched between the contact surface 54a and the support surface 53a, and the contact surface 54a may be a surface that has been formed so that they are discontinuous and have a gap in the Y direction. In the case of using a vacuum forming method in this exemplary structure, it is sufficient to use another configuration to ensure the airtightness of the internal space of the chamber 5.

[0098] Although the embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and various changes / modifications may be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coating apparatus comprising a support device for supporting a thin film above a workpiece to be coated, the workpiece to be coated being coated with the thin film supported by the support device, in, The supporting device comprises a first supporting device and a second supporting device which are arranged at a certain distance in a first direction to be positioned on both sides of the workpiece to be coated, wherein the first supporting device comprises a first lower member and a first upper member vertically holding the first end of the film therebetween in the first direction, wherein the second supporting device comprises a second lower member and a second upper member between which a second end portion of the film is vertically held, the second end portion being located on an opposite side of the first end portion in the first direction, Each of the first lower member and the second lower member includes a support surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction while being curved in an up-down direction and configured to support the film from below.

2. The coating device according to claim 1, in, The support surface is curved in the up-down direction along the contour of the workpiece to be coated.

3. The coating device according to claim 1, in, Each of the first lower member and the second lower member comprises: the main body; and a replaceable portion that is attachable to and detachable from the main body portion, Wherein, the supporting surface is formed by the replaceable part.

4. The coating device according to claim 1, in, Each of the first and second upper members includes a contact surface extending in the second direction while being bent in the up-down direction along a corresponding support surface and contacting the film from above.

5. The coating device according to claim 4, in, Each of the first lower member and the second lower member comprises: a lower body portion; and a lower replaceable portion that is attachable to and detachable from the lower main body portion, Wherein, each of the first upper member and the second upper member comprises: an upper body portion; and an upper replaceable portion that is attachable to and detachable from the upper main body portion, wherein the support surface is formed by the lower replaceable part, Wherein, the contact surface is formed by the upper replaceable part.

6. The coating device according to claim 1, in, The coating equipment comprises: a conveying device for conveying the film from the film supply device to above the workpiece to be coated in the second direction; and A pressing device is used to press the film conveyed by the conveying device against the supporting surface.

7. The coating device according to claim 1, in, The coating equipment comprises: A conveying device is used to convey the film from a film supply device to above the workpiece to be coated along the supporting surface in the second direction.

8. The coating device according to claim 7, in, The conveying device comprises: a clamping device for clamping the film; and A track is configured to guide movement of the clamping device along the support surface.

9. The coating device according to claim 7, in, The conveying device includes a plurality of rollers arranged along the support surface.

10. The coating device according to claim 1, in, The coating equipment comprises: a chamber configured to form an upper space and a lower space, wherein the film serves as a boundary between the upper space and the lower space, and the lower space accommodates the workpiece to be coated; A heating device for heating the film; an atmospheric pressure regulating device configured to regulate the atmospheric pressure in the upper space and the lower space; and a lifting device for raising or lowering the workpiece to be coated, Wherein, the chamber comprises: a lower space forming member including the first lower member and the second lower member and configured to form the lower space; and An upper space forming member, which is raised or lowered relative to the lower space, includes the first upper member and the second upper member, and forms the upper space.

Images