Coating equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses coating equipment which comprises a plurality of first clamping devices, a plurality of second clamping devices, a plurality of third clamping devices and a plurality of second clamping devices, the first clamping devices are used for clamping the first side of a thin film conveyed above a to-be-coated workpiece, and the first clamping devices are aligned along the first side; the second clamping devices are used for clamping the second side, opposite to the first side, of the film, and the second clamping devices are aligned along the second side; and the lifting device is used for lifting and lowering the plurality of first clamping devices and the plurality of second clamping devices along the shape of the workpiece to be coated.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A molding method is known in which a workpiece to be coated having a three-dimensional shape 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 planar shape.

[0003] When a workpiece to be coated having a three-dimensional shape is coated with a film stretched into a flat planar shape, the distance between the workpiece to be coated and the film varies depending on the portion of the workpiece to be coated, whereby the stretching amount of the film varies, thereby generating wrinkles. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to suppress the variation in the amount of film stretching depending on the portion of a workpiece to be coated.

[0005] According to the present invention, a coating device is provided, which includes: a plurality of first clamping devices, which are used to clamp a first side of a film conveyed above a workpiece to be coated, and the plurality of first clamping devices are aligned along the first side; a plurality of second clamping devices, which are used to clamp a second side of the film opposite to the first side, and the second clamping devices are aligned along the second side; and a lifting device, which is used to raise and lower the plurality of first clamping devices and the plurality of second clamping devices along the shape of the workpiece to be coated.

[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 A schematic diagram of a portion of a production line.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] 4A to 4D is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the gripping unit.

[0011] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0012] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0013] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0014] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0015] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0016] Fig.10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0017] Fig.11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0018] Fig.12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0019] Fig.13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0020] Fig.14 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0021] Fig.15 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the coating apparatus.

[0022] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D is an explanatory diagram of another configuration of the clamping unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] 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.

[0024] First embodiment Production line configuration Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of a production line 100 to which a coating device 2 of the present invention can be applied. In each of the drawings, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions perpendicular to each other, and arrow Z indicates an up-down direction (the height direction of the coating device). In the present embodiment, the workpiece 5 to be coated is described as a component such as a front bumper or a rear bumper of a vehicle (e.g., a four-wheeled vehicle), but the workpiece 5 to be coated is not limited to these, and the present invention can be applied to various objects.

[0025] The production line 100 includes a conveying system 1 for conveying a workpiece 5 to be coated, a coating device 2 for coating the workpiece 5 to be coated with a film 4, and a control device 3 for overall control of the production line 100. Arrows in the drawings indicate conveying directions. Figure 1 A state is shown in which the workpiece 5 to be coated is conveyed from the conveying path 10 on the upstream side of the conveying system 1 and is coated with the film 4 inside the coating apparatus 2 and then conveyed to the conveying path 11 on the downstream side.

[0026] The conveying system 1 is, for example, a conveying device such as a belt conveyor. The workpiece 5 to be coated is conveyed by the conveying system 1 while being held by a fixture 7 such as a tray placed on a conveying platform 6. The conveying system 1 may also include, for example, a conveying position adjustment unit that adjusts the conveying position of the conveying platform 6. In addition, the conveying system 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned conveying device, and a robot arm or the like may also be used to convey the workpiece 5 to be coated.

[0027] The coating device 2 is a device that coats a workpiece 5 to be coated with a film 4 using a configuration described later. In the present embodiment, the workpiece 5 to be coated, which is a member such as a vehicle bumper, is coated with the film 4. This makes it possible to easily decorate the member of the vehicle by, for example, changing the color of the film 4 according to the color of the vehicle. In addition, for example, by using a film 4 having a printed pattern such as a wood grain pattern or a texture such as a metallic, matte or glass texture, design characteristics can be imparted to the member of the vehicle. Alternatively, by using a film 4 having functions such as waterproofness, weather resistance, heat shielding performance, and electromagnetic wave permeability, functions can be imparted to the member of the vehicle.

[0028] The control device 3 performs overall control of the production line 100. The control device 3 includes a processing unit, a storage unit, an input / output interface (I / O), a communication unit, and the like. The processing unit is a processor represented by a CPU, and controls each device on the production line 100 by executing a program stored in the storage unit. The storage unit is a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, or a HDD, and stores various types of control information in addition to the program to be executed by the processing unit. The I / O is an interface for sending and receiving signals between the processing unit and an external device. The communication unit is a communication device that communicates with the above-mentioned devices or other control devices via a communication line.

[0029] The production line 100 is not limited to the above configuration, and may also include, for example, a robot device for replacing the workpiece 5 to be coated or the fixture 7, etc., a dust removal device for removing contaminants from the workpiece 5 to be coated, a light irradiation unit for irradiating the workpiece 5 to be coated and the film 4 with light such as ultraviolet light, a drying unit for drying the workpiece 5 to be coated and the film 4, and a trimming unit for partially removing the film 4 coating the workpiece 5 to be coated using a laser or a trimming cutter, etc.

[0030] Coating equipment like Figure 1As shown, the coating device 2 in this embodiment includes a film support unit 20, a film conveying unit 21, a chamber 22 and an air pressure regulating unit 23. In the coating device 2, the film 4 supported by the film support unit 20 is conveyed into the chamber 22 by the film conveying unit 21. Figure 1 The dashed portion of the chamber 22 shown indicates the interior of the chamber 22. The coating apparatus 2 includes the configuration described below inside the chamber 22, and coats the workpiece 5 to be coated with the film 4. During coating, the air pressure inside the chamber 22 is regulated by the air pressure regulating unit 23.

[0031] The following will be Figure 1 In addition, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration of the coating apparatus 2 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a cross section of the coating apparatus 2 in the conveying direction of the film 4 . Figure 3 2 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a cross section of the coating apparatus 2 in the conveying direction of the workpiece 5 to be coated. In the following description, for convenience, the conveying direction of the film 4 is referred to as the X direction and the conveying direction of the workpiece 5 to be coated is referred to as the Y direction in some cases.

[0032] The film support unit 20 supports the film 4 to be coated on the workpiece 5. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the film support unit 20 includes a support platform 200, a support shaft 201, a winding shaft 202, a guide shaft 203, a cutter 204, a winding shaft 205, etc. The support shaft 201 provided on the support platform 200 is a shaft that rotatably supports the film 4 wound in a roll shape. The winding shaft 202 and the winding shaft 205 are shafts for winding a release film, for example, when the front and back sides of the film 4 to be coated with the workpiece 5 are laminated with a release film, etc. The guide shaft 203 is a shaft that pulls out the film 4 supported by the support shaft 201 and horizontally feeds the film 4. The cutter 204 cuts the film 4 after the film 4 is conveyed by the film conveying unit 21 described later. The cutter 204 can cut the film 4 by, for example, sliding a trimming cutter, a laser, etc. in the width direction of the film 4. The width direction of the film 4 is the axial direction of the roll-shaped film 4.

[0033] As the film 4, a film including a thermoplastic resin layer can be used. The thermoplastic resin layer can be formed by, for example, various types of thermoplastic resins. In addition, the thermoplastic resin layer can contain additives such as anti-blocking agents, lubricants, antioxidants, light stabilizers, pigments, dyes and inorganic substances. The film 4 can also include a vapor deposition layer, a printing layer, a peeling layer, etc. In addition, for example, a surface of the film 4 can be coated with an adhesive, etc. The film 4 can also be laminated with, for example, a peelable protective film. In addition, tiny patterns, grooves and protrusions, etc. can be formed on the surface of the film 4 by forming, laser processing, etc.

[0034] The film conveying unit 21 conveys the film 4 above the workpiece 5 to be coated, and the workpiece 5 to be coated is conveyed inside the chamber 22. Figure 2 As shown, the film conveying unit 21 includes a front end clamping portion 210 and a film moving mechanism 211. The front end clamping portion 210 can be switched between a clamping state of clamping the front end of the roll-shaped film 4 pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and a release state of not clamping but releasing the front end of the film 4.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the film conveying unit 21 is disposed in the upper chamber 220 described later, and is raised and lowered in the vertical direction of the coating device 2 together with the upper chamber 220. Figure 3 As shown, the film moving mechanism 211 includes a front end support member 211a that movably supports the front end clamping portion 210 and an actuator 211b disposed on both side walls of the upper chamber 220. Figure 2 As shown, the actuator 211b is horizontally arranged along the conveying direction of the film 4. The conveying direction of the film 4 is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the roll-shaped film 4. The actuator 211b may be, for example, an electric cylinder or an electric ball screw mechanism. This allows the front end clamping portion 210 supported by the front end support member 211a to pull out the film 4 horizontally. Figure 2 As shown, in the conveying direction of the film 4, the length of the actuator 211b is greater than the length of the upper chamber 220. This can prevent the front end clamping portion 210 from contacting the lower chamber 221 when the upper chamber 220 is lowered.

[0036] The chamber 22 is a box-shaped device, and a vacuum atmosphere can be maintained inside the chamber. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the chamber 22 includes an upper chamber 220 having an open bottom surface and a lower chamber 221 having an open top surface. The upper chamber 220 can be raised and lowered in the up and down directions of the coating device 2, and is raised and lowered by, for example, an actuator (not shown) such as an electric cylinder or an electric ball screw mechanism provided on the outer walls of the lower chamber 221 and the upper chamber 220. When the workpiece 5 or the film 4 to be coated is conveyed, the upper chamber 220 is raised to be spaced apart from the lower chamber 221, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 In addition, when the air pressure inside the chamber 22 is adjusted by the air pressure adjustment unit 23 described below, the upper chamber 220 is lowered to contact the lower chamber 221, thereby keeping the inside of the chamber 22 airtight (see Figures 10 to 13 ).

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the coating device 2 includes a plurality of first clamping units 24, a plurality of second clamping units 25, a plurality of first lifting units 26, a plurality of second lifting units 27 and a workpiece lifting unit 28 inside the chamber 22. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the coating apparatus 2 includes a plurality of heating units 29 inside the chamber 22 .

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of first clamping units 24 and a plurality of second clamping units 25 are aligned along the film conveying direction and clamp the film 4 conveyed by the film conveying unit 21. The plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are arranged at positions opposite to each other. The plurality of first clamping units 24 clamp one side of the film 4. The plurality of second clamping units 25 clamp one side of the film 4 opposite to the side clamped by the plurality of first clamping units 24.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of first clamping units 24 are disposed on a plurality of first lifting units 26 described later, and can be raised and lowered in the up-and-down direction of the coating apparatus 2 . Figure 2 An example of the configuration of a plurality of first clamping units 24 is shown, but Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of second clamping units 25 also have Figure 2 The configuration of the plurality of first clamping units 24 shown is similar to the configuration. In other words, the plurality of second clamping units 25 are provided on the plurality of second lifting units 27 and can be raised and lowered in the up-and-down direction of the coating apparatus 2.

[0040] Will refer to 4A to 4D Each of the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 will be described. 4A to 4D , the clamping unit 24 will be described, but the clamping unit 25 has a similar configuration. Figure 4Ais a schematic diagram of the clamping unit 24 viewed in the X direction, and corresponds to Figure 3 An enlarged view of one of the clamping units 24. FIG. 4B to FIG. 4D is a schematic diagram of the clamping unit 24 viewed in the Y direction, and corresponds to Figure 2 An enlarged view of the clamping unit 24.

[0041] like Figure 4A As shown, the clamping unit 24 includes a clamping portion 240 and a supporting portion 241. In the present embodiment, the clamping portion 240 is a pair of plate-like elastic members that clamp the film 4. The elastic member may be, for example, a plate-like member made of a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, etc. By clamping the film 4 between the elastic members, even if the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are raised and lowered and the film is bent, the film can be clamped along the bent shape of the film.

[0042] The clamping portion 240 in this embodiment can be Figure 4B The clamping state of the clamping film 4 shown and Figure 4C The film 4 is not clamped but released as shown. In other words, the clamped state is a state in which the clamping portion 240 is closed, and the released state is a state in which the clamping portion 240 is open. Figure 4A As shown, the switching between the clamping state and the release state of the clamping portion 240 can also be controlled by, for example, an actuator disposed inside the support portion 241. The actuator can be an electric cylinder, an electric ball screw mechanism, etc. By configuring the clamping portion 240 to be switchable between the clamping state and the release state, the shape of the film 4 can be easily adjusted by raising and lowering the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25.

[0043] The clamping portion 240 in this embodiment can also be rotatable around the Y direction. The support portion 241 may include, for example, Figure 4A The rotation axis shown. In addition, the rotation of the rotation axis can be controlled by an actuator provided in the support portion 241. Since the clamping portion 240 is rotatable, when the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are raised and lowered, each of the clamping units 24 and the clamping units 25 can adjust the direction of clamping the film 4. In other words, the direction of clamping the film 4 is the angle of the clamping portion 240 relative to the X direction when clamping the film 4.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of first lifting units 26 are aligned along the side of the film 4 that is transported into the chamber 22, and a plurality of second lifting units 27 are aligned along the side of the film 4 that is opposite to the side on the side of the plurality of first lifting units 26. The plurality of first lifting units 26 and the plurality of second lifting units 27 are arranged at positions opposite to each other.

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of first lifting units 26 have a plurality of first supporting members 261 that individually support the plurality of first clamping units 24, and a plurality of first moving mechanisms 260 that individually move the plurality of first supporting members 261 in the up-down direction. Figure 2 The configuration of the plurality of first lifting units 26 is shown, but the plurality of second lifting units 27 also have a similar configuration. In other words, the plurality of second lifting units 27 have a plurality of second supporting members 271 that individually support the plurality of second clamping units 25, and a plurality of second moving mechanisms 270 that individually move the plurality of second supporting members 271 in the up-down direction (see Figure 3 ). The plurality of first moving mechanisms 260 and the plurality of second moving mechanisms 270 may also be, for example, actuators. In the present embodiment, the actuator is rod-shaped and may be an electric cylinder, an electric ball screw mechanism, or the like. In addition, the plurality of first moving mechanisms 260 and the plurality of second moving mechanisms 270 may be, for example, components that can be expanded and contracted in the up and down directions of the coating device 2.

[0046] In this embodiment, the plurality of first lifting units 26 and the plurality of second lifting units 27 lift and lower the plurality of first clamping units 24 and second clamping units 25 aligned at positions opposite to each other, and the plurality of first clamping units 24 and second clamping units 25 arranged at positions opposite to each other to the same height as each other (see Figure 3 ). This makes it possible to adjust the height of the film 4 in the conveying direction according to the shape of the workpiece 5 to be coated. Therefore, compared with the case where the workpiece 5 to be coated is coated with the film 4 while being stretched into a flat planar shape, the coating apparatus 2 in this embodiment can suppress the variation in the stretching amount of the film 4 depending on the portion of the workpiece 5 to be coated.

[0047] Furthermore, among the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 aligned at positions opposite to each other, the groups of the first clamping units 24 and the second clamping units 25 disposed at positions opposite to each other (at the same position in the X direction) can be raised and lowered to different heights (see Figure 3 ). This allows the shape of the film 4 to be adjusted to the various shapes of the workpiece 5 to be coated.

[0048] The raising and lowering of the plurality of first lifting units 26 and the plurality of second lifting units 27 can be controlled by the control device 3, for example, by measuring the shape of the workpiece 5 to be coated in advance and storing the height of each portion of the workpiece 5 to be coated in the control device 3. Alternatively, a detection unit such as a sensor for detecting the shape of the workpiece 5 to be coated may be provided inside the chamber 22 or in each of the lifting units 26 and 27, and the lifting units 26 and 27 may be raised or lowered according to the detection result of the detection unit.

[0049] The workpiece lifting unit 28 includes a workpiece lifting part 280 and a workpiece conveying part 281 supported by the workpiece lifting part 280. The workpiece lifting part 280 can lift and lower the workpiece 5 to be coated that is conveyed into the chamber 22 in the up and down direction of the coating device 2 to adjust the position of the workpiece 5 to be coated or make the workpiece 5 to be coated contact with the film 4. The workpiece conveying part 281 conveys the workpiece 5 to be coated using a plurality of rotatable shafts. The workpiece lifting part 280 and the workpiece conveying part 281 can be actuators such as electric cylinders or electric ball screw mechanisms, for example.

[0050] The plurality of heating units 29 heat the film 4 transported inside the chamber 22. Figure 3 As shown, each heating unit 29 is arranged to correspond to a group of first clamping units and second clamping units arranged opposite to each other, movable up and down, and adjustable. By heating the film 4 with multiple heating units 29, the consistency of the film 4 and the workpiece 5 to be coated can be improved.

[0051] Each of the plurality of heating units 29 includes a heating element 290 and a support plate 291 supporting the heating element 290. The support plate 291 is disposed on a first moving mechanism 260 that raises and lowers the first clamping unit 24, and a second moving mechanism 270 that raises and lowers the second clamping unit 25, the first moving mechanism 260 and the second moving mechanism 270 being disposed at positions opposite to each other, and the support plate 291 is raised and lowered synchronously with the corresponding groups of the first clamping unit 24 and the second clamping unit 25. Each heating unit 29 is raised and lowered synchronously with the corresponding first clamping unit 24 and the second clamping unit 25, thereby enabling the distance between each heating unit 29 and the film 4 to be kept constant.

[0052] In the present embodiment, a configuration is described in which each heating unit 29 is provided on the first moving mechanism 260 that raises and lowers the first clamping unit 24, and the second moving mechanism 270 that raises and lowers the second clamping unit 25, and the first moving mechanism 260 and the second moving mechanism 270 are provided at positions opposite to each other, but there is no limitation to this. For example, each of the heating units 29 may be provided on a side surface, a top surface, etc. inside the upper chamber 220. In addition, the heating unit 29 may be configured to adjust the heating position according to the shape of the film 4 using, for example, a deformable sheet heater such as a ceramic heater. In addition, each heating unit 29 may be set to a different temperature.

[0053] The air pressure regulating unit 23 includes an air pressure regulating part 230, a pipe 231, a valve 232, etc., and regulates the air pressure inside the chamber 22. The air pressure regulating part 230 includes, for example, a vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the chamber 22 to create a vacuum state, and a compressor that increases the pressure inside the chamber 22 using compressed air, etc. In the present embodiment, the pipe 231 is connected to the lower chamber 221, and the pressure reduction or pressure increase by the air pressure regulating part 230 can be regulated by opening and closing the valve 232. The air pressure regulating unit 23 regulates the air pressure inside the chamber 22 while the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are clamping the film 4, and the film 4 is coated with the workpiece 5 to be coated.

[0054] By the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the plurality of first clamping units 24 are raised and lowered by the plurality of first lifting units 26, and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are raised and lowered by the plurality of second lifting units 27. Therefore, the height of the film 4 clamped by the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 relative to the workpiece 5 to be coated can be adjusted according to the shape of the workpiece 5 to be coated. Therefore, compared with the case where the three-dimensional workpiece 5 to be coated is coated with the film 4 while the film 4 is stretched into a flat planar shape, the distance between the workpiece 5 to be coated and the film 4 can be suppressed from being different depending on the portion of the workpiece 5 to be coated, and the variation in the stretching amount of the film 4 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress the formation of wrinkles in the film 4.

[0055] Example of operation of a coating device An example of the operation of the coating apparatus 2 to coat the workpiece 5 to be coated with the thin film 4 will be described. Figures 5 to 15 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the coating apparatus 2, and shows an example of the operation from the conveyance of the film 4 and the workpiece 5 to be coated into, to the coating and the conveyance out.

[0056] First, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 . Figure 5The state in which the workpiece 5 to be coated and the film 4 have been conveyed into the chamber 22 is shown. Figure 6 Shown in Figure 5 The interior of the chamber 22 in the X direction. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the workpiece 5 to be coated and the film 4 are conveyed while the upper chamber 220 is elevated, and the upper chamber 220 and the lower chamber 221 are spaced apart from each other.

[0057] The workpiece 5 to be coated is transported to the workpiece lifting unit 28 disposed in the lower chamber 221 by, for example, the above-mentioned conveying system 1. After the workpiece 5 to be coated is transported into the chamber 22, its position can be adjusted by the workpiece lifting unit 28. The film 4 is transported to the top of the workpiece 5 to be coated by the film transport unit 21.

[0058] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the film conveying unit 21 conveys the film 4 so that one side of the film 4 being conveyed passes through a path that can be clamped by the plurality of first clamping units 24, and the side of the film 4 opposite to the side on the side of the plurality of first clamping units 24 passes through a path that can be clamped by the plurality of second clamping units 25. In the present embodiment, when conveying the film 4, the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are horizontally aligned, and the film 4 is conveyed horizontally. This makes it possible to easily convey and clamp the film 4 even in a configuration in which the film 4 is clamped at a plurality of positions.

[0059] Next, refer to Figures 7 to 9 . Figure 7 and Figure 8 The film 4 conveyed in the chamber 22 is shown in a state where it is raised and lowered according to the shape of the workpiece 5 to be coated. Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 The interior of the chamber in the X direction. Figure 7 As shown, the plurality of first lifting units 26 and the plurality of second lifting units 27 raise and lower the corresponding plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 according to the shape of the workpiece 5 to be coated. In the present embodiment, when the plurality of first clamping units 24 are raised and lowered by the plurality of first lifting units 26 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are raised and lowered by the plurality of second lifting units 27, none of the clamping units 24 and the clamping units 25 clamps the film 4. In other words, each of the clamping units 24 and the clamping units 25 is in a released state.

[0060] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9As shown, the plurality of first lifting units 26 and the plurality of second lifting units 27 each raise and lower a group of the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 that are aligned at positions relative to each other to the same height.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, in the present embodiment, after the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are raised and lowered to a height corresponding to the shape of the workpiece 5 to be coated, the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 clamp the film 4. In other words, each of the clamping units 24 and the clamping units 25 is in a clamping state. In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are in an open state when raised and lowered, and then in a clamping state, but there is no limitation to this. For example, when the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are raised and lowered, some of the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 may be clamping the film 4. In addition, the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 may be clamped with a clamping force weaker than in the clamping state.

[0062] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the heating unit 29 is raised and lowered to maintain a specific distance together with the movement of the corresponding groups of the first clamping unit 24 and the second clamping unit 25. This allows the distance between the plurality of heating units 29 and the film 4 to be kept constant, and can prevent a specific portion of the film 4 from being overheated or insufficiently heated when the plurality of heating units 29 heat the film 4 as described later.

[0063] Next, refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 . Fig.10 Shows the adjustment Figure 7 The height of the first clamping unit 24 and the second clamping unit 25 in the upper chamber 220 is lowered. Fig.11 Shown in Fig.10 The interior of the chamber 22 in the X direction. When the upper chamber 220 is lowered, for example Fig.10 As shown, the film 4 may be cut by the cutter 204. Since the upper chamber 220 is lowered to contact the lower chamber 221, the inner space surrounded by the upper chamber 220 and the lower chamber 221 may be kept sealed.

[0064] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the pressure inside the chamber 22 is controlled by the following formula while the chamber 22 remains sealed: Figure 1The air pressure regulating unit 23 is shown lowered. When the pressure is lowered, the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are located at a height where the film 4 and the workpiece 5 to be coated are separated from each other. This allows the pressure of the entire interior of the chamber 22 to be lowered.

[0065] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 For example, after the pressure inside the chamber 22 is reduced, the film 4 is heated by the heating unit 29. The film 4 is softened by heating, so that the conformity with the workpiece 5 to be coated can be improved.

[0066] Next, refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 . Fig.12 A state in which the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are lowered is shown. Fig.13 Shown in Fig.12 The interior of the chamber 22 in the X direction. Fig.12 and 13 As shown, the plurality of first lifting units 26 lower the plurality of first clamping units 24. The plurality of second lifting units 27 lower the plurality of second clamping units 25. Fig.13 As shown, since the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are lowered, the film 4 and the protrusions 70 provided on the jig 7 on which the workpiece 5 to be coated is placed contact each other. The protrusions 70 are portions formed to protrude in the conveying direction of the film 4, and are provided on both sides of the workpiece 5 to be coated. The height of the protrusions 70 is higher than the workpiece 5 to be coated placed on the jig. When the film 4 and the protrusions 70 contact each other, the area surrounded by the film 4, the protrusions 70, the jig 7, and the workpiece 5 to be coated is separated from the area outside the area. In other words, the area surrounded by the film 4 and the jig 7 on which the workpiece 5 to be coated is a sealed space.

[0067] Figure 1 The illustrated air pressure regulating unit 23 increases the pressure inside the chamber 22 . Fig.13 The space sealed by the film 4 and the clamp 7 shown is kept in a reduced pressure state. Therefore, a pressure difference is generated between the space sealed by the film 4 and the clamp 7 and the external space outside the sealed space. This difference causes the film 4 to coat the workpiece 5 to be coated.

[0068] Next, refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 . Fig.14 and Fig.15 The state in which the workpiece 5 to be coated is coated with the film 4 is shown. Fig.15 Shown in Fig.14 The interior of the chamber 22 in the X direction. Fig.12 and Fig.13After the substrate 5 is coated with the film 4, the upper chamber 220 is raised. When the upper chamber 220 is raised, the front clamping part 210 releases the film 4. After the upper chamber 220 is raised, the workpiece 5 to be coated, which has been coated with the film 4, is transported out of the chamber 22. Through the above steps, the operation from transporting the film 4 and the workpiece 5 to be coated into, coating, and transporting out is completed.

[0069] Second embodiment In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which each of the clamping units 24 and 25 of the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 is a pair of plate-like elastic members that clamp the film 4, but there is no limitation to this. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D Examples of other configurations of each of the gripping unit 24 and the gripping unit 25 are shown. Fig.16A A schematic diagram of each of the gripping unit 24 and the gripping unit 25 in the X direction is shown. FIG. 16B to FIG. 16D For Fig.16A Schematic diagram in the Y direction.

[0070] like Figures 16A to 16D As shown, the clamping portion 240' of each of the clamping units 24' and the clamping units 25' may also be a pair of rotating members that clamp the film 4. The pair of rotating members is a member that rotates around an axis in the Y direction. By clamping the film with a pair of rotating members, it is possible to prevent the film 4 from being torn when the plurality of first clamping units 24 and the plurality of second clamping units 25 are raised and lowered or when the film 4 is transported.

[0071] In addition, the pair of rotating members in this embodiment can be supported by a supporting member 241' including an actuator, such as Fig.16A This allows control such as Fig. 16B The clamping state of a pair of rotating members shown in Fig. 16C The released state of a pair of rotating members shown in FIG. Fig.16D The pair of rotating members shown rotate around the Y direction, etc.

[0072] Other embodiments In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the pressure inside the chamber 22 is reduced by the air pressure regulating unit 23 and then increased to coat the workpiece 5 to be coated with the film 4. The method of coating the workpiece 5 to be coated with the film 4 is not limited thereto. For example, the workpiece 5 to be coated with the film 4 may also be coated without heating. Alternatively, the pressure in the lower chamber 221 may be reduced via the film 4 while the upper chamber 220 is maintained at atmospheric pressure, and the workpiece 5 to be coated may be coated with the film 4 due to the pressure difference between the lower chamber 221 and the upper chamber 220. In addition, the workpiece 5 to be coated may be coated with the film 4 without reducing the pressure inside the chamber 220. For example, the workpiece 5 to be coated may also be coated with the film 4 by pressurizing the film 4 with compressed air or the like from the side of the film 4 opposite to the side of the workpiece 5 to be coated. Alternatively, the workpiece 5 to be coated may be coated by pressing the film 4 against the workpiece 5 to be coated using a mold or the like.

[0073] 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 device, include: a plurality of first clamping devices for clamping a first side of a film conveyed over a workpiece to be coated, the plurality of first clamping devices being aligned along the first side; a plurality of second clamping devices for clamping a second side of the film opposite to the first side, the second clamping devices being aligned along the second side; as well as A lifting device is used to lift and lower the plurality of first clamping devices and the plurality of second clamping devices along the shape of the workpiece to be coated.

2. The coating device according to claim 1, in, The lifting device comprises: a plurality of first lifting devices for respectively raising and lowering the plurality of first clamping devices; and A plurality of second lifting devices are used to respectively raise and lower the plurality of second clamping devices.

3. The coating device according to claim 2, in, The plurality of first clamping devices and the plurality of second clamping devices are aligned at positions relative to each other, The plurality of first lifting devices and the plurality of second lifting devices each raise and lower a group of the plurality of first clamping devices and the plurality of second clamping devices aligned at positions opposite to each other to the same height.

4. The coating device according to claim 3, in, The coating device also includes: a plurality of heating devices for heating the film conveyed over the workpiece to be coated; Wherein, each of the heating devices is capable of adjusting the heating position.

5. The coating device according to claim 4, in, The plurality of first clamping devices and the plurality of second clamping devices are aligned at positions relative to each other, Each of the heating devices is provided corresponding to a group of a first clamping device among the plurality of first clamping devices and a second clamping device among the plurality of second clamping devices provided at positions opposite to each other, and can be raised and lowered.

6. The coating device according to claim 5, in, Each of the heating devices is raised and lowered synchronously with a corresponding group of first clamping devices of the plurality of first clamping devices and second clamping devices of the plurality of second clamping devices.

7. The coating device according to claim 6, in, The plurality of first lifting devices include: a plurality of first support members that individually support the plurality of first clamping devices; and a plurality of first moving mechanisms aligned along the first side and configured to move the plurality of first supporting members in an up-down direction, respectively, and Wherein, the plurality of second lifting devices include: a plurality of second supporting members which respectively support the plurality of second clamping devices; and A plurality of second moving mechanisms are aligned along the second side and are configured to move the plurality of second supporting members in an up-and-down direction, respectively.

8. The coating device according to claim 7, in, The plurality of first moving mechanisms and the plurality of second moving mechanisms are aligned relative to each other, Wherein, each of the heating devices is supported between a first supporting member among the plurality of first supporting members and a second supporting member among the plurality of second supporting members, the first supporting member and the second supporting member support a group corresponding to a first moving mechanism among the plurality of first moving mechanisms and a second moving mechanism among the plurality of second moving mechanisms, and the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are arranged at positions relative to each other.

9. The coating device according to claim 1, in, Each of the plurality of first clamping devices and each of the plurality of second clamping devices comprises: a clamping portion configured to clamp the film conveyed above the workpiece to be coated; and The supporting portion rotatably supports the clamping portion.

10. The coating device according to claim 1, in, Each of the plurality of first clamping devices and each of the plurality of second clamping devices comprises: A pair of elastic members are configured to sandwich the membrane.

11. The coating device according to claim 1, in, Each of the plurality of first clamping devices and each of the plurality of second clamping devices comprises: A pair of rotating members are configured to clamp the film.

12. The coating device according to claim 1, in, Each of the plurality of first clamping devices and the plurality of second clamping devices is capable of switching to: a clamping state of clamping the film; and A released state in which the film is not clamped but released.

13. The coating device according to claim 12, in, The lifting device raises and lowers each of the clamping devices when each of the clamping devices is in the released state.

14. The coating device according to claim 12, in, The coating device also includes: a chamber forming a sealed space surrounded by the film and a fixture for placing the workpiece to be coated and an external space outside the sealed space; a conveying device for conveying the film in the chamber over the workpiece to be coated; an air pressure regulating device for regulating the air pressure in the sealed space and the external space; and A workpiece lifting device is used to raise and lower the workpiece to be coated in the chamber.

15. The coating device according to claim 14, in, The conveying device conveys the film while the plurality of first clamping devices and the plurality of second clamping devices are in the released state.

16. The coating device according to claim 15, in, The conveying device comprises: a third clamping device for clamping the leading end in the conveying direction of the film; and a third moving mechanism configured to horizontally move the third clamping device, The film to be conveyed by the conveying device is conveyed to pass through a path where the plurality of first clamping devices can clamp the first side of the film and to pass through a path where the plurality of second clamping devices can clamp the second side of the film.

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