Rolling device, control system of rolling device, and control method of rolling device

Abstract

The present invention provides a rolling device, a control system for the rolling device, and a control method for the rolling device, the rolling device comprising: a one-side roller support unit that rotatably supports a one-side roller; the other side roller supporting part is used for supporting the other side roller in a rotatable manner; and a moving device for controlling the gap between the one roller and the other roller by relatively moving the one roller support part and the other roller support part using an electric motor. The front end position of the workpiece supplied into the gap is detected by a position sensor, and the moving device is controlled according to the detection result. The gap is set as a compaction gap when the tip position of the workpiece has passed through the narrowest portion in the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, and the gap is maintained to be larger than the compaction gap before the tip position of the workpiece has passed through the narrowest portion in the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on March 1, 2019, with application number 201980022757.1, entitled "Roller Pressing Device, Control System for Roller Pressing Device, and Control Method for Roller Pressing Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a roller pressing device, a control system for the roller pressing device, and a control method for the roller pressing device. Background Technology

[0003] Previously known rolling devices included a pair of lifting devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a forming roll gap adjustment mechanism including a pair of lifting devices. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a rolling line adjustment device including a pair of lifting devices.

[0004] Figure 18 It is related to Patent Document 1 Figure 1 The corresponding diagram. Figure 18 In the forming roller gap adjustment mechanism shown, each lifting device uses an adjusting block 312 with a wedge surface 313 to move the bearing housing 306 with a slope surface 311 up and down. As a mechanism for sliding the wedge surface 313 of the adjusting block 312 relative to the slope surface 311 of the bearing housing 306, a feed screw mechanism 315 is provided.

[0005] Figure 19 It is related to Patent Document 2 Figure 3 The corresponding figure shows that the up-and-down movement of the wedge-shaped member 402 with an inclined surface 407a relative to the housing 408 with an inclined surface 408a is achieved by using the wedge-shaped member 402. A hydraulic cylinder 404 is provided as a mechanism for sliding the inclined surface 407a of the wedge-shaped member 402 relative to the inclined surface 408a of the housing 408.

[0006] On the other hand, as an object of rolling, the inventors of this application have specifically studied metal foil coated with electrode material for use in secondary batteries.

[0007] To explain in more detail, an electrode layer is formed by coating a paste-like electrode material onto a metal foil that functions as a current collector and then firing it. By repeating this process, multiple electrode layers are formed sequentially. For example, using a copper foil intended to function as a negative electrode as a substrate, the three layers are formed in the order of negative electrode layer, solid electrolyte layer, and positive electrode layer.

[0008] The metal foil is typically unloaded from a rolled-up state and supplied continuously, while the electrode layer is typically applied intermittently at equal intervals (spaced gaps) onto the metal foil.

[0009] As described above, in materials formed by firing multiple electrode layers onto a metal foil, spaces remain between the coated and fired electrode layers, and also within each electrode layer. This means that the particle density of the raw material is low. Consequently, the movement path for ions carrying charge is narrow, resulting in low conductivity and insufficient battery performance.

[0010] Conversely, it can be argued that if the spaces between electrode layers and within each electrode layer can be removed or reduced, the particle density of the raw material can be increased, thereby improving the performance of the battery. To achieve this effect, a pressing process was investigated on a material formed by firing multiple electrode layers onto a metal foil.

[0011] Existing technical documents

[0012] Patent documents

[0013] Patent document 1 is Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-169117.

[0014] Patent document 2 is Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-265919. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0016] The inventors of this application have discovered that by maintaining the thickness accuracy of the pressed plate with high precision and uniformity, it is possible to effectively remove or reduce the space between electrode layers and the space within each electrode layer.

[0017] The high thickness accuracy of the pressed plate also has the following effect: it suppresses the problem of unwanted gaps caused by thickness deviations in subsequent assembly processes, which would reduce battery performance.

[0018] Therefore, the inventors of this application have conducted repeated and dedicated research in order to develop a roll forming device that can maintain the thickness accuracy of the pressed plate with high precision and uniformity.

[0019] Then, the inventors of this application discovered that by employing a moving device that utilizes the rotational force of an electric motor, the operation of the roller pressing device can be controlled with high precision.

[0020] Furthermore, the inventors of this application discovered that during the pressing and forming of a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers onto a metal foil, a concentrated load occurs when the material is fed as a workpiece into the gap between the lower and upper rollers of the pressing device. Additionally, a concentrated load also occurs when the material exits the gap. In these cases, notches and cracks may form on the material (at its edges). The inventors of this application have discovered that by precisely controlling the moving device using an electric motor, such concentrated loads can be avoided.

[0021] This invention is based on the above insights. The object of this invention is to provide a rolling device that can precisely and finely control the gap between the lower and upper rollers in a pressing application, thereby avoiding concentrated loads on the workpiece.

[0022] Alternatively, the object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a roller pressing device that can precisely and finely control the gap between the lower and upper rollers used for pressing, thereby avoiding concentrated loads on the workpiece.

[0023] Alternatively, the object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a roller pressing device that can precisely and finely control the gap between the lower and upper rollers used for pressing, thereby avoiding concentrated loads on the workpiece.

[0024] Solution for solving the problem

[0025] The present invention provides a roller pressing device, characterized in that the roller pressing device comprises: a side roller and a side roller arranged opposite to each other for compacting a workpiece; a side roller support portion supporting the side roller for rotation; a side roller support portion supporting the other side roller for rotation; a moving device that uses an electric motor to move the side roller support portion and the other side roller support portion relative to each other to control the gap between the side roller and the other side roller; a workpiece feeding device that supplies the workpiece in such a way that the workpiece passes through the gap; a position sensor that detects the front end position of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece feeding device; and a control device that controls the moving device based on the detection result of the position sensor, the control device controlling the moving device in such a way that: at the moment when the front end position of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, the gap is made to match the pressing gap, and the gap is maintained to be greater than the pressing gap before the front end position of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance.

[0026] By employing this invention and using a moving device with an electric motor, the gap between one side roller and the other side roller can be controlled with high precision and fine detail. Furthermore, by controlling the gap to be a pressure-operating gap at the moment when the workpiece's front end passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, the generation of concentrated loads when the workpiece is fed in can be effectively avoided.

[0027] According to the inventors' experimental results, when the workpiece is a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers on a metal foil, it is effective to make the first specified distance 0.001mm to 3.000mm, preferably 1mm to 3mm.

[0028] Additionally, preferably, the position sensor also detects the rear end position of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece supply device, and the control device controls the moving device in such a way that the gap is maintained as the pressing gap until the distance between the rear end position of the workpiece and the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to a second predetermined distance, and the gap is made larger than the pressing gap at the moment when the distance between the rear end position of the workpiece and the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to the second predetermined distance.

[0029] In this case, by controlling the gap to be greater than the pressure gap at the moment when the distance between the rear end position of the workpiece and the narrowest part of the gap is the second predetermined distance, it is possible to effectively avoid the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece comes out.

[0030] According to the inventors' experimental results, when the workpiece is a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers on a metal foil, it is effective to make the second specified distance 0.001mm to 3.000mm, preferably 1mm to 3mm.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention provides a roller pressing device, characterized in that the roller pressing device comprises: a side roller and a side roller arranged opposite to each other for compacting a workpiece; a side roller support that supports the side roller for rotation; a side roller support that supports the other side roller for rotation; a moving device that uses an electric motor to move the side roller support and the other side roller support relative to each other to control the gap between the side roller and the other side roller; a workpiece feeding device that supplies the workpiece in such a way that the workpiece passes through the gap; a load sensor that detects the load of the side roller and / or the other side roller; and a control device that controls the moving device based on the detection result of the load sensor, wherein the control device controls the moving device during the operation of the workpiece feeding device in such a way that: before the load sensor detects a predetermined load increase per unit time, the gap is maintained at a level greater than the compaction gap, and at the moment when the load sensor detects a predetermined load increase per unit time, the gap is reduced until the compaction gap is reached.

[0032] By employing this invention, and using a moving device with an electric motor, the gap between one side roller and the other side roller can be controlled with high precision and fine detail. Furthermore, by controlling the reduction of the gap until it is fully engaged at the moment when the load sensor detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time due to the workpiece being fed into the gap (after detection), the so-called workpiece biting can be performed before this control, effectively avoiding the concentrated load generated when the workpiece is fed into the gap as in the prior art.

[0033] According to the inventors' experimental results, when the workpiece is a material formed by firing multiple electrode layers on a metal foil, it is effective to set the load increase in the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec, preferably in the range of 100 N / msec to 200 N / msec.

[0034] Alternatively, preferably, after reducing the gap to the pressure-use gap, during the operation of the workpiece supply device, the control device controls the moving device in such a way that the gap is maintained at the pressure-use gap until the load sensor detects a predetermined load reduction per unit time, and the gap is returned to a state larger than the pressure-use gap at the moment when the load sensor detects the predetermined load reduction per unit time.

[0035] In this case, by implementing control to start returning the gap to a state larger than the pressure practical gap at the moment when the load sensor detects a predetermined load reduction due to the rear end position of the workpiece approaching the narrowest part (not yet passed) within the gap, this control can be performed before the so-called workpiece ejection, effectively avoiding the generation of concentrated loads during workpiece ejection as in the prior art.

[0036] According to the inventors' experimental results, when the workpiece is a material formed by firing multiple electrode layers on a metal foil, it is effective to set the load reduction in the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec, preferably in the range of 100 N / msec to 200 N / msec.

[0037] In the above inventions, it is preferred that the compaction gap is a certain value within the range of 70% to 90% of the thickness of the workpiece before compaction.

[0038] According to the inventors' experimental results, if the above conditions are used when a material formed by firing multiple electrode layers on a metal foil is used as a workpiece, the space between electrode layers and the space within each electrode layer can be effectively removed or reduced, thereby effectively improving the performance of the battery.

[0039] Alternatively, preferably, the compaction gap is a value that varies at a frequency of 1Hz to 10Hz within the range of 70% to 110% of the thickness of the workpiece before compaction.

[0040] According to the inventors' experimental results, when using the above conditions as a workpiece, a material formed by firing multiple electrode layers on a metal foil can be used to effectively remove or reduce the space between electrode layers and the space within each electrode layer, thereby effectively improving the performance of the battery.

[0041] Furthermore, in this case, compared to the case where the pressing gap is a constant value, the load on the workpiece is reduced; that is, the load on the various elements that press the workpiece (one side roller, the other side roller, the one side roller support, and the other side roller support) is also reduced. Consequently, the amount of deflection of these various elements is also reduced, enabling the roller pressing device to operate more stably.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention provides a control system for controlling a roller pressing device, the roller pressing device comprising: a side roller and a side roller arranged opposite to each other for compacting a workpiece; a side roller support supporting the side roller for rotation; a side roller support supporting the other side roller for rotation; a moving device using an electric motor to move the side roller support and the other side roller support relative to each other to control the gap between the side roller and the other side roller; and a workpiece feeding device for supplying the workpiece in such a way that the workpiece passes through the gap. The control system is characterized in that it comprises: a position sensor for detecting the front end position of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece feeding device; and a control device for controlling the moving device based on the detection result of the position sensor, the control device controlling the moving device in such a way that: at the moment when the front end position of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, the gap is made to match the compaction gap, and the gap is maintained to be greater than the compaction gap before the front end position of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance.

[0043] The control system of this invention enables high-precision and fine-tuning control of the gap between one side roller and the other side roller by controlling the moving device using an electric motor. Furthermore, by controlling the gap to be a pressure-operating gap at the moment when the workpiece's front end passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, the generation of concentrated loads during workpiece loading can be effectively avoided.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention provides a control system for controlling a roller pressing device, the roller pressing device comprising: a side roller and a side roller arranged opposite to each other for compacting a workpiece; a side roller support supporting the side roller for rotation; a side roller support supporting the other side roller for rotation; a moving device using an electric motor to move the side roller support and the other side roller support relative to each other to control the gap between the side roller and the other side roller; and a workpiece feeding device for supplying the workpiece in such a way that the workpiece passes through the gap. The control system is characterized in that it comprises: a load sensor for detecting the load on the side roller and / or the other side roller; and a control device for controlling the moving device based on the detection result of the load sensor. During operation of the workpiece feeding device, the control device controls the moving device in such a way that: the gap is maintained greater than the compaction gap until the load sensor detects a predetermined load increase per unit time, and at the moment the load sensor detects the predetermined load increase per unit time, the gap is reduced until the compaction gap is reached.

[0045] The control system of this invention enables high-precision and fine-tuning control of the gap between one side roller and the other side roller by controlling the moving device using an electric motor. Furthermore, by implementing control to reduce the gap until it is fully engaged at the moment when the load sensor detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time due to the workpiece being fed into the gap (after detection), the so-called workpiece biting can be performed before this control, effectively avoiding the concentrated load generated when the workpiece is fed into the prior art.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention provides a control method for controlling a roller pressing device, the roller pressing device comprising: a side roller and a side roller arranged opposite to each other for compacting a workpiece; a side roller support supporting the side roller for rotation; a side roller support supporting the other side roller for rotation; a moving device using an electric motor to move the side roller support and the other side roller support relative to each other to control the gap between the side roller and the other side roller; and a workpiece feeding device that supplies the workpiece in such a way that the workpiece passes through the gap. The control method is characterized by... The control method includes: a detection step, in which the position of the front end of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece supply device is detected; and a control step, in which the moving device is controlled according to the detection result of the detection step, wherein the gap is made into a pressure-use gap at the moment when the front end of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, and the gap is maintained to be greater than the pressure-use gap before the front end of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance.

[0047] By employing the control method of this invention, the gap between one side roller and the other side roller can be controlled with high precision and fine detail by controlling the moving device using an electric motor. Furthermore, by setting the gap to a pressure-operating gap at the moment when the workpiece reaches the narrowest part of the gap at its front end position, the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece is fed in can be effectively avoided.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention provides a control method for controlling a roller pressing device, the roller pressing device comprising: a side roller and a side roller arranged opposite to each other for compacting a workpiece; a side roller support supporting the side roller for rotation; a side roller support supporting the other side roller for rotation; a moving device using an electric motor to move the side roller support and the other side roller support relative to each other to control the gap between the side roller and the other side roller; and a workpiece feeding device for supplying the workpiece in a manner that allows the workpiece to pass through the gap. The control method is characterized in that... The device includes: a detection step, in which the load on one side roller and / or the other side roller is detected during the operation of the workpiece supply device; and a control step, in which the moving device is controlled based on the detection result of the detection step, wherein during the operation of the workpiece supply device, the gap is maintained at a level greater than the actual pressing gap before the load sensor detects a predetermined load increase per unit time, and the gap is reduced until the actual pressing gap is reached at the moment when the load sensor detects the predetermined load increase per unit time.

[0049] By employing the control method of this invention, the gap between one side roller and the other side roller can be controlled with high precision and fine detail by controlling the moving device using an electric motor. Furthermore, by implementing control to reduce the gap until it is fully engaged at the moment when the load sensor detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time due to the workpiece being fed into the gap (after detection), the so-called workpiece biting can be performed before this control, effectively avoiding the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece is fed into the prior art.

[0050] The effects of the invention

[0051] The roller pressing device of one embodiment of the present invention, by employing a moving device using an electric motor, can precisely and finely control the gap between one side roller and the other side roller. Furthermore, by controlling the gap to be a pressing gap at the moment when the workpiece has passed through the narrowest part of the gap at its leading edge and reached a first predetermined distance, the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece is fed in can be effectively avoided.

[0052] Alternatively, by employing a roller pressing device of another aspect of the present invention, a moving device using an electric motor can be used to precisely control the gap between one side roller and the other. Furthermore, by controlling the reduction of the gap until it is fully compressed at the moment when the load sensor detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time due to the workpiece being fed into the gap (after detection), the so-called workpiece biting can be performed before this control, effectively avoiding the concentrated load generated when the workpiece is fed into the prior art.

[0053] Furthermore, the control system of one embodiment of the present invention, by controlling the moving device using an electric motor, can precisely and finely control the gap between one side roller and the other side roller. Moreover, by controlling the gap to be a pressure-operating gap at the moment when the workpiece's front end passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, the generation of concentrated loads when the workpiece is fed in can be effectively avoided.

[0054] Alternatively, by employing another aspect of the control system of the present invention, the gap between one side roller and the other side roller can be controlled with high precision and fine detail by controlling the moving device using an electric motor. Furthermore, by implementing control to reduce the gap until it is fully engaged at the moment when the load sensor detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time due to the workpiece being fed into the gap (after detection), the so-called workpiece biting can be performed before this control, effectively avoiding the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece is fed into the prior art.

[0055] Furthermore, by employing a control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the gap between one side roller and the other side roller can be controlled with high precision and fine detail by controlling the moving device using an electric motor. Moreover, by setting the gap to a pressure-operating gap at the moment when the workpiece reaches its first predetermined distance after passing through the narrowest part of the gap at its leading edge, the generation of concentrated loads during workpiece loading can be effectively avoided.

[0056] Alternatively, by employing another aspect of the control method of the present invention, the gap between one side roller and the other side roller can be controlled with high precision and fineness by controlling the moving device using an electric motor. Furthermore, by implementing control to reduce the gap until it is fully engaged at the moment when the load sensor detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time due to the workpiece being fed into the gap (after detection), the so-called workpiece biting can be performed before this control, effectively avoiding the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece is fed into the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the roller pressing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view II-II of the roller pressing device.

[0059] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Section III-III of the roller pressing device.

[0060] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Section IV-IV of the roller pressing device.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a workpiece.

[0062] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the displacement sensor of the roller pressing device in this embodiment.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the roller pressing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a roller pressing device according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 9 This is a simplified flowchart illustrating a control example of a roller pressing device based on changes in load values ​​detected by a force sensor.

[0066] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the roller pressing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 11 This is a schematic side view of the roller pressing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Sectional view XII-XII.

[0069] Figure 13 This is a schematic front view of the roller pressing device of the first modified example, including the electric lifting device.

[0070] Figure 14 This is a schematic front view of the roller pressing device of the second modified example, including the electric lifting device.

[0071] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Side view of the roller pressing device.

[0072] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 XVI-XVI sectional view of the roller pressing device.

[0073] Figure 17 This is a schematic side view of the third variation of the electric lifting device.

[0074] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a conventional forming roller gap adjustment mechanism (similar to Patent Document 1). Figure 1 correspond)

[0075] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a conventional rolling line adjustment device (similar to Patent Document 2). Figure 3 correspond)

[0076] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0077] 10. Electric lifting device; 11. Ball screw; 11a. Screw; 11b. Bearing (inner); 11c. Bearing (outer); 11d. Nut; 11p. Screw side pulley; 12. Frame; 12a. Frame base plate; 12b. Inner frame wall; 12c. Central frame wall; 12d. Outer frame wall; 12e. Prism; 12f. Electric motor mounting plate; 12g. Frame top plate; 12h. Opening; 13. Electric motor; 13s. Output shaft; 13p. Motor side pulley; 13c. Coupling; 14. Belt; 15. First moving body; 15t. First sliding surface; 15s. First sliding part; 16. First sliding guide; 18. Second moving body; 18t. Second sliding surface; 1 8s, second sliding part; 19, second sliding guide; 20, roller pressing device (first embodiment); 21, force sensor; 22, lower roller support (lower roller support part); 22s, third sliding part; 23, lower roller; 24, upper roller; 25, upper roller support (upper roller support part); 25s, fourth sliding part; 26, roller frame; 26a, lower part of roller frame; 26c, anti-fall block; 27, third sliding guide; 28, spring; 30, displacement sensor; 31, displacement sensor frame; 35, control device; 40, base; 50, roller pressing device (second embodiment); 51, feed roller; 52, position sensor; 53, encoder; 60, roller pressing device (third embodiment); 61a. Lower roller support roller on one side (front side); 61b. Lower roller support roller on one side (rear side); 61h. Lower roller support roller support housing on one side; 61s. Fourth sliding part; 62a. Lower roller central support roller (front side); 62b. Lower roller central support roller (rear side); 62h. Lower roller central support roller support housing; 62s. Fourth sliding part; 63a. Lower roller support roller on the other side (front side); 63b. Lower roller support roller on the other side (rear side); 63h. Lower roller support roller support housing on the other side; 63s. Fourth sliding part; 64a. Upper roller support roller on one side (front side); 64b. Upper roller support roller on one side (rear side); 64h. Upper roller support roller support housing on one side; 65a. Upper roller central support roller... 65b, Upper roller central support roller (rear side); 65h, Upper roller central support roller support housing; 66a, Upper roller other side support roller (front side); 66b, Upper roller other side support roller (rear side); 66h, Upper roller other side support roller support housing; 67a, Non-contact rangefinder measuring the distance to the upper surface of a workpiece in one side area; 67b, Non-contact rangefinder measuring the distance to the lower surface of a workpiece in one side area; 68a, Non-contact rangefinder measuring the distance to the upper surface of a workpiece in the central area; 68b, Non-contact rangefinder measuring the distance to the lower surface of a workpiece in the central area; 69a, Non-contact rangefinder measuring the distance to the upper surface of a workpiece in the other side area;69b. A non-contact rangefinder for measuring the distance to the lower surface of a workpiece in the opposite area; 70. An electric lifting device (largely the same as electric lifting device 10); 81. Copper foil; 82. Negative electrode layer; 83. Solid electrolyte layer; 84. Positive electrode layer; 110. Electric lifting device (second variation); 111. Ball screw; 111a. Screw; 111b. Bearing; 111c. Bearing; 111d. Nut; 112. Frame; 112a. Frame base plate; 112b. Outer frame wall; 112c. Inner frame wall; 112d. Central frame wall; 112f. Electric motor mounting plate; 113. Electric motor; 113s. Output shaft; 113c. Coupling; 115. 1. First moving body; 115s, first sliding part; 115t, first sliding surface; 116, first sliding guide; 118, second moving body; 118s, second sliding part; 118t, second sliding surface; 119, second sliding guide; 140, base; 150, roller pressing device (a variation of the second embodiment); 151, feed roller; 152, position sensor; 153, encoder; 215s, first sliding part; 215t, first sliding surface; 216, first sliding guide; 218s, second sliding part; 218t, second sliding surface; x, axis of the ball screw; W, workpiece; F, front end of the workpiece; R, rear end of the workpiece; C, basic specified distance. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the roller pressing device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view II-II of the roller pressing device 20, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Section III-III of the roller pressing device Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the roller pressing device, section IV-IV. (See attached image.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the roller pressing device 20 of this embodiment includes a pair of electrically operated lifting devices 10. First, while referring to... Figure 1 The electric lifting device 10 is explained on the one hand.

[0080] [Structure of electric lifting device 10]

[0081] The electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment includes a ball screw 11. The ball screw 11 includes: a screw 11a having an axis x; a pair of bearings 11b and 11c provided at both ends of the screw 11a to support the screw 11a so that it can rotate about the axis x; and a nut 11d threadedly engaged with the screw 11a with a plurality of rolling elements (not shown) and moving linearly along the axis x by rotation of the screw 11a.

[0082] The axis x of the lead screw 11a is parallel to the axes of the lower roller 23 (one-side roller) and the upper roller 24 (the other-side roller), described later. The roller-side (inner) bearing 11b is built into (supported) in the inner frame wall 12b, and the opposite-side (outer) bearing 11c is built into (supported) in the central frame wall 12c. The inner frame wall 12b and the central frame wall 12c are erected on the upper surface of the plate-shaped frame base plate 12a. Additionally, an outer frame wall 12d is provided opposite to the inner frame wall 12b, and is also erected on the upper surface of the frame base plate 12a. A frame top plate 12g is mounted on the upper surfaces of the inner frame wall 12b and the outer frame wall 12d, and this frame top plate 12g has an opening 12h through which a force sensor passes.

[0083] The lower surface of the frame base plate 12a is approximately centered by the lower part 26a of the roller frame 26, which will be described later (see reference). Figure 2 Additionally, the outer portion of the lower surface of the frame base plate 12a is fixed to a prism 12e erected from the base 40. Thus, the frame base plate 12a is fixed to the base 40. Furthermore, an L-shaped electric motor mounting plate 12f is fixed to the lower surface of the frame base plate 12a, corresponding to the portion directly below the inner frame wall 12b.

[0084] The frame 12 is composed of the frame base plate 12a, inner frame wall 12b, central frame wall 12c, outer frame wall 12d, prism 12e, electric motor mounting plate 12f, and frame top plate 12g. These elements of the frame 12 can be formed integrally or separately and then fixed together.

[0085] As an example, when the lifting force (applying pressure) of the electric lifting device 10 is 300kN (600kN in the case of a pair of left and right devices) and the roller diameter is φ450mm, the dimensions of the frame bottom plate 12a and the frame top plate 12g are 50cm when viewed from above. Figure 1 (visible length) × 40cm Figure 2The visible length of the prism 12e is approximately 6cm thick. The dimensions of the prism 12e, viewed from above, are 10cm x 40cm, the same height as the lower part 26a of frame 26. The inner frame wall 12b and the outer frame wall 12d are approximately 6cm thick and approximately 30cm high. The central frame wall 12c is approximately 5cm thick and approximately 15cm high.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, an electric motor 13 (preferably a servo motor) with a rotating output shaft 13s is fixed to an electric motor mounting plate 12f. The output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 is parallel to the axis x of the lead screw 11a of the ball screw 11 and overlaps with it when viewed from above. Thus, the electric lifting device 10 achieves intentional miniaturization.

[0087] However, in applying for this invention, the invention is not limited to a configuration where the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 and the axis x of the lead screw 11a of the ball screw 11 completely overlap when viewed from above. A configuration where the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 and the axis x of the lead screw 11a of the ball screw 11 partially overlap when viewed from above is also included in this invention. The degree of miniaturization varies accordingly depending on the degree of overlap.

[0088] Return again Figure 1 The output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 protrudes into the frame 12 through the lower part of the electric motor mounting plate 12f and is fixed to the motor-side pulley 13p. Meanwhile, the screw 11a of the ball screw 11 is also fixed to the screw-side pulley 11p at a protrusion on the outside of the bearing 11b protruding to the roller side (inner side). Furthermore, the belt 14 is attached to both the motor-side pulley 13p and the screw-side pulley 11p.

[0089] As an example, the diameters of both the motor-side pulley 13p and the lead screw-side pulley 11p are approximately 8cm to 12cm. Furthermore, the width (thickness) of both the motor-side pulley 13p and the lead screw-side pulley 11p is approximately 4cm, while the width of the belt 14 is slightly smaller, approximately 3.5cm. Additionally, the length of the belt 14 depends on the distance between the axis x of the lead screw 11a and the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13, and is, for example, approximately 70cm to 80cm. Depending on the situation, sometimes the number of teeth on the lead screw-side pulley 11p is increased relative to the number of teeth on the motor-side pulley 13p to form a reduction mechanism.

[0090] The motor-side pulley 13p, screw-side pulley 11p, and belt 14 described above function as a rotational force transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the output shaft 13s as the rotational force of the screw 11a. Specifically, they can be constructed from a combination of toothed pulleys and toothed belts, or synchronous pulleys and synchronous belts. Furthermore, [the following text appears to be incomplete and requires further context: "by..."] Figure 1It can be seen that the belt 14 is wrapped around a circular track that extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis x of the output shaft 13s and the lead screw 11a.

[0091] Furthermore, a first movable body 15 is fixed to the nut 11d of the ball screw 11 and moves integrally with the nut 11d. The first movable body 15 has a first sliding surface 15t, which is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the plane in the x-direction containing the axis of the screw 11a.

[0092] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first sliding surface 15t is provided in two locations in a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to both the x-axis and the vertical direction, separated from the lead screw 11a by a predetermined distance. The two locations of the first sliding surface 15t extend parallel to the x-axis of the lead screw 11a when viewed from above.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, by Figure 1 It can be seen that the lead screw 11a passes through the first moving body 15 along the axial direction. In addition, a pair of bearings 11b and 11c are provided on both sides of the first moving body 15.

[0094] On the other hand, a first sliding guide 16 extending parallel to the x-axis is provided on the upper surface of the frame base plate 12a, and a first sliding part 15s that can slide relative to the first sliding guide 16 is provided on the first moving body 15.

[0095] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, two pairs of first sliding guides 16 and first sliding portions 15s are provided in a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to both the x-axis and the vertical direction, separated from the lead screw 11a by a predetermined distance. The sliding surface between the first sliding guides 16 and the first sliding portions 15s extends parallel to the x-axis of the lead screw 11a when viewed from above.

[0096] Furthermore, the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment has a second moving body 18, which is capable of linear movement relative to the frame 12 in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis. The second moving body 18 has a second sliding surface 18t that is capable of sliding relative to two first sliding surfaces 15t. Thus, when the nut 11d and the first moving body 15 move linearly in the x-axis, the second moving body 18 moves linearly in the vertical direction through sliding movement between the two first sliding surfaces 15t and the second sliding surface 18t. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 2As shown, it can be said that the pair of first sliding surfaces 15t and second sliding surfaces 18t are provided in two pairs in the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to both the axis x direction and the vertical direction, and are separated from the lead screw 11a by a specified distance.

[0097] Preferably, the paired first sliding surfaces 15t and second sliding surfaces 18t are symmetrically arranged with respect to the lead screw 11a. In this case, the linear movement (horizontal movement) of the first moving body 15 can be balancedly converted into the linear movement (lifting movement) of the second moving body 18, and the load (reaction force) on the second moving body 18 can also be balanced by the base 40 via the first moving body 15, etc.

[0098] As a specific structural example, the paired first sliding surface 15t and second sliding surface 18t can be provided by a conventional linear guide. That is, referring to... Figure 2 The first sliding surface 15t is provided as the concave surface of a cross-sectional concave member called a "block" of the linear guide, and the second sliding surface 18t can be provided as the lower surface of a cross-sectional rectangular member called a "track" of the linear guide. They can be configured, for example, by separating two commercially available linear guides, fixing the two "blocks" to the upper surface of the main body member of the first sliding body 15, and fixing the two "tracks" to the lower surface of the main body member of the second sliding body 18.

[0099] A second sliding guide 19 extending in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the x-axis) is provided on the inner surface of the outer frame wall 12d, and a second sliding part 18s capable of sliding relative to the second sliding guide 19 is provided on the second moving body 18.

[0100] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pair of second sliding guides 19 and second sliding parts 18s are also provided in two pairs in the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to both the axis x direction and the vertical direction, in a manner that they are separated from the lead screw 11a by a predetermined distance.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, a force sensor 21 is provided on the upper surface of the second moving body 18, and the force sensor 21 moves in the vertical direction with the opening 12h through the top plate 12g of the frame.

[0102] Additionally, a coil spring 28, which is always in a compressed state (equivalent to a load of about 10kN), is inserted at a position adjacent to the force sensor 21, inside and outside the force sensor 21, and between the upper surface of the second moving body 18 and the lower surface of the frame top plate 12g. Figure 3 ).

[0103] Here, the specified angle is selected from the range of 5.7° to 11.3°. 5.7° is the value obtained by solving tanθ = 1 / 10, and 11.3° is the value obtained by solving tanθ = 1 / 5. Thus, a force ratio of 5 to 10 times can be achieved.

[0104] The inventors of this application have confirmed through actual verification experiments that the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment can operate effectively within these angle ranges.

[0105] The travel distance of the second moving body 18 is about 1 mm in the application described later (the application of a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers on a metal foil as a workpiece W).

[0106] The moving speed of the second moving body 18 is, for example, 10 mm / sec. This speed corresponds to the moving speed of the first moving body 15 (i.e., nut 11d) at 50 mm / sec with a force multiplier of 5, and corresponds to the moving speed of the first moving body 15 (i.e., nut 11d) at 100 mm / sec with a force multiplier of 10. Such a moving speed of nut 11d can be achieved using a commercially available, conventional electric motor 13 and ball screw 11. In particular, when the electric motor 13 is a servo motor, higher precision and more responsive control can be achieved.

[0107] [Function of electric lifting device 10]

[0108] Next, the function of the electric lifting device 10 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0109] The output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 is rotated by driving the electric motor 13 as desired (e.g., controlled by the control device 35 described later). Then, the motor-side pulley 13p, the screw-side pulley 11p, and the belt 14 function as a rotational force transmission mechanism, transmitting the rotational force of the output shaft 13s as the rotational force of the screw 11a. The rotation of the screw 11a is then converted into linear movement of the nut 11d along the x-axis by the rotational / linear motion conversion function of the ball screw 11.

[0110] As a result, the first movable body 15, fixed to the nut 11d, moves linearly along the x-axis. At this time, through the interaction between the first sliding guide 16 and the first sliding part 15s (which promotes smooth sliding movement), the movement of the first movable body 15 in the axial direction can be carried out more smoothly.

[0111] Furthermore, when the nut 11d and the first moving body 15 move linearly along the x-axis, the second moving body 18 moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis due to the sliding movement between the first sliding surface 15t and the second sliding surface 18t. At this time, the movement of the second moving body 18 can be carried out more smoothly through the interaction between the second sliding guide 19 and the second sliding part 18s (which promotes smooth sliding movement).

[0112] Here, if the pair of first sliding surfaces 15t and second sliding surfaces 18t are symmetrically arranged with respect to a pair of lead screws 11a, the linear movement (horizontal movement) of the first moving body 15 can be converted into the linear movement (lifting movement) of the second moving body 18 in a balanced manner. In addition, the load (reaction force) on the second moving body 18 can also be supported by the base 40 in a balanced manner via the first moving body 15, etc.

[0113] That is, by driving the electric motor 13 as desired, the movement of the second moving body 18 can be controlled with high precision as desired. In particular, when the electric motor 13 is a servo motor, control with higher precision and higher responsiveness can be achieved.

[0114] In particular, the compressed helical spring 28 always presses the ball screw 11 against the bearing 11b side, thus eliminating the influence of possible backlash on the ball screw 11 and enabling higher precision lifting control.

[0115] Furthermore, the shock transmitted to the electric motor 13 via the lead screw 11a can be mitigated by the buffering effect of belt 14.

[0116] [Effect of Electric Lifting Device 10]

[0117] As described above, the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment uses the rotational force of the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 as the rotational force of the lead screw 11a of the ball screw 11. When the first moving body 15, which is fixed to the nut 11d of the ball screw 11, moves linearly along the axis x direction, the second moving body 18 moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axis x direction. Thus, the movement of the second moving body 18 can be controlled with high precision using the electric motor 13.

[0118] Furthermore, in the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment, the lead screw 11a passes through the first moving body 15 along the axial direction, and a pair of bearings 11b and 11c are provided on both sides of the first moving body 15, thus the device is compact overall. Additionally, when viewed along the linear movement direction of the second moving body 18, the electric motor 13 and the lead screw 11a are in a completely overlapping position along the x-axis, resulting in a compact overall device. Moreover, since no hydraulic device is used, there is no concern about oil contamination of the surrounding area; therefore, the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment is suitable for installation inside a glove box.

[0119] Furthermore, the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment, which transmits the rotational force of the output shaft 13s as the rotational force of the lead screw 11a, has a belt 14 that is suspended from the motor-side pulley 13p of the output shaft 13s and the lead screw-side pulley 11p of the lead screw 11a on a circular track extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis x of the output shaft 13s and the lead screw 11a. By adopting this structure, the rotational force transmission mechanism is compact, and the overall device is more compact. Therefore, the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment is more suitable for installation inside a glove box.

[0120] Furthermore, in the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment, the bearings 11b and 11c of the lead screw 11a are provided with a pair at both ends of the lead screw 11a, and the belt 14 is attached to the protrusion on the outside of the bearing 11b protruding to one side of the lead screw 11a. By adopting such a structure, the device as a whole is more compact, and the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment is more suitable for installation inside a glove box.

[0121] Furthermore, the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment has a first sliding guide 16 extending parallel to the x-axis in the frame 12, and a first sliding part 15s that can slide relative to the first sliding guide 16 in the first moving body 15. Thus, through the interaction between the two (which promotes smooth sliding movement), the movement of the first moving body 15 in the axial direction can be carried out more smoothly.

[0122] Furthermore, in the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment, two pairs of first sliding surfaces 15t and second sliding surfaces 18t are provided in a horizontal direction perpendicular to both the x-axis and the vertical direction, spaced apart from the lead screw 11a by a predetermined distance. Therefore, when the reaction force from the rolling action on the second moving body 18 is transmitted to the first moving body 15 via the paired first sliding surfaces 15t and second sliding surfaces 18t, the load directly on the ball screw 11 can be reduced. This significantly reduces the possibility of defects occurring in the ball screw 11.

[0123] Furthermore, in the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment, the paired first sliding guides 16 and first sliding portions 15s are also provided in two pairs in the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to both the x-axis and the vertical direction, and are spaced apart from the lead screw 11a by a predetermined distance. Therefore, when the reaction force, etc., acting on the second moving body 18 during rolling is transmitted to the first moving body 15 via the paired first sliding surfaces 15t and second sliding surfaces 18t, the load directly on the ball screw 11 can be reduced. This significantly reduces the possibility of defects occurring in the ball screw 11.

[0124] Furthermore, the electric lifting device 10 of this embodiment has a second sliding guide 19 extending perpendicularly to the x-axis in the frame 12, and a second sliding part 18s that can slide relative to the second sliding guide 19 in the second moving body 18. Thus, through the interaction between the two (which promotes smooth sliding movement), the movement of the second moving body 18 in the direction perpendicular to the axis can be carried out more smoothly.

[0125] [Structure of the roller pressing device 20]

[0126] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the roller pressing device 20 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0127] The roller pressing device 20 of this embodiment includes a pair of the aforementioned electrically driven lifting devices 10. Each of the lower roller supports 22 (one side roller support portion) in the pair of lower roller supports 22 is supported by a pair of second movable bodies 18 of the pair of electrically driven lifting devices 10. Each of the lower roller supports 22 in the pair of lower roller supports 22 is mounted on the corresponding second movable body 18 by means of a force sensor 21. The pair of lower roller supports 22 has bearings and supports the lower roller 23 so that it can rotate.

[0128] An upper roller 24 is arranged opposite to the lower roller 23. The workpiece W is pressed and formed (compacted) using the gap formed between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24.

[0129] The upper roller 24 is supported by a pair of upper roller supports 25 (other side roller supports) so that it can rotate. Each of the pair of upper roller supports 25 is fixed from the outside to each of the pair of roller frames 26 provided on the base 40, for example by means of bolts (not shown).

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, on the opposing inner surfaces of each roller frame 26, there are opposing third sliding guides 27 extending perpendicularly to the x-axis. Each of the pair of lower roller supports 22 has a third sliding portion 22s that can slide relative to each of the opposing third sliding guides 27. Furthermore, the lower portion 26a of the roller frame 26 fixes the frame base plate 12a of the electric lifting device 10 relative to the base 40. Thus, the layout, where the electric lifting device 10 is integrated into the interior of the roller frame 26, makes the overall device more compact.

[0131] With the structure described above, a pair of electric lifting devices 10 function as moving devices that use an electric motor 13 to move the lower roller support 22 and the upper roller support 25 relative to each other, thereby controlling the gap between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24.

[0132] Additionally, return Figure 1 It is equipped with 4 displacement sensors 30 ( Figure 1 (Only three are shown in the figure). These four displacement sensors 30 measure the local displacement at predetermined positions on the lower roller 23 and upper roller 24, for example, the local displacement at a position 30 mm from each of the left and right ends. The displacement sensor 30 is fixed relative to the base 40 by means of a displacement sensor frame 31, which is different from the roller frame 26. Furthermore, the displacement sensor 30 is connected to a control device 35 for controlling the electric motor 13. Specifically, the displacement sensor 30 in this embodiment is a non-contact rangefinder.

[0133] As an example, the diameters of the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 are both approximately 30cm to 50cm, and their axial lengths (widths) are both approximately 15cm to 50cm. The roller pressing device 20 as a whole is controlled within a size of 180cm in height × 150cm in width (× 90cm in depth).

[0134] [Basic Operation of Roller Press Device 20]

[0135] Next, the basic operation of the roller pressing device 20 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0136] As a basic operation, the position of the second moving body 18 is controlled with high precision by driving the electric motors 13 of each of the pair of electric lifting devices 10 as desired, and the position of each of the lower roller supports 22 in the pair of lower roller supports 22 is controlled with high precision as desired.

[0137] Therefore, the size of the gap formed between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 can be controlled with high precision as desired, thereby maintaining the thickness accuracy of the pressed workpiece W with high precision and uniformity.

[0138] [Specific example of workpiece W]

[0139] Here, workpiece W is envisioned as a material formed by sintering multiple electrode layers (in a broader sense, including solid electrolyte layers) onto a metal foil. Specifically, for example, as... Figure 5 The material shown is formed by using a copper foil 81 intended to function as a negative electrode as a substrate, and sequentially forming three layers from bottom to top: a negative electrode layer 82, a solid electrolyte layer 83, and a positive electrode layer 84. Alternatively, it can be formed by using an aluminum foil intended to function as a positive electrode as a substrate, and sequentially forming three layers from bottom to top: a positive electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode layer. Multiple electrode layers are intermittently coated onto a continuous metal foil and then fired to form individual workpieces W (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 7 ).

[0140] The material's thickness is, for example, 0.38 mm before pressing (compacting). By pressing (compacting) the material, its thickness becomes 0.34 mm, thereby eliminating or reducing the space between electrode layers and within each electrode layer. In this case, considering the material's springback, the size of the gap formed between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 during pressing (compacting) is preferably set to 0.25 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0141] According to the verification results of the inventors of this application, when the purpose is to press and form (compact) a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers on a metal foil to remove or reduce the space between electrode layers and the space within each electrode layer, it is effective to set the gap formed between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 during pressing and forming (compacting) to a certain value within the range of 70% to 90% of the thickness of the workpiece W before compaction.

[0142] Furthermore, according to further verification results by the inventors of this application, when the purpose is to remove or reduce the space between electrode layers and the space within each electrode layer by pressing (compacting) a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers on a metal foil, the following method is also effective: The feed speed of the workpiece W is set to 1 mm / s to 100 mm / s, and the pressing gap is intermittently pressurized at a frequency of 1 Hz to 10 Hz (1 to 10 times per second) within the range of 70% to 110% of the thickness of the workpiece W before compaction to generate an impact load. In this case, power consumption relative to the compression ratio can be reduced, and energy-saving effects can be achieved.

[0143] To give a specific example, the thickness of the material before pressing (compacting) is 0.38 mm. By pressing (compacting) the material, the thickness of the material becomes 0.34 mm. This achieves the removal or reduction of the space between the electrode layers and the space within each electrode layer. In this case, the size of the gap formed between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 during pressing (compacting) is in the range of 0.27 mm to 0.42 mm. It is effective to vary the gap at 1 Hz to 10 Hz (1 to 10 times per second) (when the feed speed of the workpiece W is 1 mm / s to 100 mm / s).

[0144] The detailed shape of the change in the size of the gap with respect to the passage of time can be a rectangular pulse, a sawtooth wave, or a sine wave.

[0145] According to the verification results of the inventors of this application, it was confirmed that when using the aforementioned variable value as the compaction gap (when intermittent pressurization is performed), the power consumption relative to the compression rate of the material compressed by pressing (compacting) can be reduced by about 10% compared to using a fixed value.

[0146] [Displacement compensation of roller pressing device 20]

[0147] During pressing (compacting), under the reaction force from the workpiece W, the upper roller 24 (which also drives the upper roller support body 25 supporting the upper roller 24) tends to move upward, while the lower roller 23 (which also drives the lower roller support body 22 supporting the lower roller 23) tends to move downward. This situation occurs in... Figure 6 The diagram is illustrated using a single-dot dashed line.

[0148] In order to cope with (compensate for) such retreat (displacement), such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the roller pressing device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with four displacement sensors 30. That is, the control device 35 implements control taking into account the displacement of the upper roller 24 and the lower roller 23 based on the measurement results of each of the four displacement sensors 30. Specifically, for example, further "pressing control" corresponding to the displacement of the upper roller 24 and the lower roller 23 can be implemented.

[0149] In the roller pressing device 20 of this embodiment, since the displacement sensor frame 31 supporting the displacement sensor 30 is different from the roller frame 26, the mounting position of the displacement sensor 30 is not affected by the deflection of various elements (lower roller 23, upper roller 24, lower roller support 22, upper roller support 25) during the pressing (compacting) process. Therefore, the displacement sensor 30 can be measured with high precision, and feedback control based on its measurement results can be implemented.

[0150] [Load monitoring / load control of roller pressing device 20]

[0151] In this embodiment, the roller pressing device 20 has a lower roller support 22 mounted on the second moving body 18 of the electric lifting device 10, using a force sensor 21. By monitoring the value of the force sensor 21, it is possible to monitor, for example, the occurrence of abnormal loads on the lower roller 23 and / or the upper roller 24.

[0152] Furthermore, load control based on the measurement results of the force sensor 21 can be implemented by connecting the force sensor 21 to the control device 35. For example, a target load value or target load range can be preset, and feedback control based on the target load value or target load range can be implemented.

[0153] [Structure of the roller pressing device 50]

[0154] Next, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the roller pressing apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The roller pressing apparatus 50 of this embodiment is obtained by adding the constituent elements described later to the roller pressing apparatus 20 of the first embodiment. Figure 7 In this illustration, the constituent elements of the rolling device 20 of the first embodiment are omitted, except for the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 are each driven to rotate by a servo motor.

[0155] like Figure 7 As shown, the additional components in this embodiment are: a feed roller 51 as a workpiece supply device, which supplies workpiece W by allowing it to pass through the gap between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24; and a position sensor 52, which detects the position of the leading edge of the workpiece W supplied into the gap by the feed roller 51. The position sensor 52 is connected to the control device 35. The feed roller 51 is also driven to rotate by a servo motor.

[0156] Specifically, in this embodiment, the position sensor 52 is a non-contact rangefinder positioned at a generally predetermined distance C from the narrowest part of the gap (corresponding to the axial position of the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24). For example, the position sensor 52 is a laser-type position sensor, located at the front end F of the workpiece W (refer to...). Figure 7When the workpiece W passes the detected position of the position sensor 52, the output of the position sensor 52 changes in accordance with the change in the thickness of the workpiece W. By detecting this change, it is possible to detect that the front end F of the workpiece W has reached the detected position of the position sensor 52, that is, the front end position of the workpiece W can be detected. Alternatively, the position sensor 52 can also be a sensor that distinguishes the color of the workpiece W. By distinguishing the color of the electrodes or the like on the upper surface of the workpiece W, it is also possible to detect that the front end F of the workpiece W has reached the detected position of the position sensor 52, that is, the front end position of the workpiece W can be detected.

[0157] On the other hand, if the supply speed of the workpiece W based on the feed roller 51 is known in advance, then after a period of time (the time obtained by dividing the basic predetermined distance C by the supply speed) from the moment the front end F of the workpiece W reaches the detected position of the position sensor 52, the front end position of the workpiece W will reach the narrowest part of the gap. The supply speed of the workpiece W can be obtained from the information of the drive system of the feed roller 51, or it can be measured in advance by setting an encoder 53 on the feed roller 51.

[0158] The inventors of this application have discovered that when a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers on a metal foil is pressed and fed into the gap between the lower and upper rollers used for pressing the workpiece in the W direction, a concentrated load is generated at the end of the workpiece. In this case, notches and cracks will be generated in the material (edge).

[0159] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have discovered that maintaining the gap as a pressure-operating gap—that is, keeping the gap larger than the pressure-operating gap (and larger than the thickness of the workpiece W) at the moment when the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance—is extremely effective in preventing notches and cracks from forming in the material (edge). The first predetermined distance is also related to the type and thickness of the material, and is preferably selected in the range of 0.001 mm to 3.000 mm, more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0160] Based on these insights, the control device 35 of this embodiment controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 according to the detection results of the position sensor 52 and the pre-obtained feed speed of the workpiece W based on the feed roller 51. Thus, when the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, the gap is made into a pressing gap, and the gap is maintained to be greater than the pressing gap (and greater than the thickness of the workpiece W) before the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance.

[0161] In addition, the inventors of this application have discovered that when a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers on a metal foil is pressed and formed, the material may come out of the gap between the lower and upper rollers of the pressing device, resulting in a concentrated load. In this case, gaps and cracks may also be generated on the material (edge).

[0162] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have discovered that maintaining the gap as a pressure-operating gap until the distance from the rear end of the workpiece W to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to a second predetermined distance, and then making the gap larger than the pressure-operating gap (and larger than the thickness of the workpiece W) at the moment when the distance from the rear end of the workpiece W to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to the second predetermined distance, is extremely effective in preventing notches and cracks from forming in the material (edge). The second predetermined distance is also related to the type and thickness of the material, and is preferably selected in the range of 0.001 mm to 3.000 mm, more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0163] In this embodiment, at the rear end R of the workpiece W (refer to...) Figure 7 When the workpiece W passes the detected position of the position sensor 52, the output of the position sensor 52 changes accordingly, corresponding to the change in the thickness of the workpiece W. By detecting this change, it is also possible to detect that the rear end position of the workpiece W has reached the detected position of the position sensor 52, that is, it is also possible to detect the rear end position of the workpiece W.

[0164] Based on these insights, the control device 35 of this embodiment controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 according to the detection results of the position sensor 52 and the pre-obtained feed speed of the workpiece W based on the feed roller 51. As a result, the gap is maintained as a pressing gap until the distance from the rear end position of the workpiece W to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to a second predetermined distance, and the gap is made larger than the pressing gap (and larger than the thickness of the workpiece W) when the distance from the rear end position of the workpiece W to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to a second predetermined distance.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 are driven to rotate by a servo motor, thus enabling high-precision synchronization with the feed roller 51, thereby achieving high-precision feed control of the workpiece W. Also, when additional heating treatment is applied to the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24, thermal deformation (especially diameter change) may occur, but appropriate compensation control can be implemented, for example, by utilizing temperature detection using a temperature sensor.

[0166] [Function of the roller pressing device 50]

[0167] In the roller pressing device 50 of this embodiment, the position sensor 52 detects that the front end of the workpiece W has reached the detected position of the position sensor 52. Then, based on the basic predetermined distance C, the first predetermined distance, and the supply speed of the workpiece W, the control device 35 controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 to precisely adjust the gap to the pressing practical gap at the moment when the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance. Furthermore, before the front end of the workpiece W reaches the first predetermined distance after passing through the narrowest part of the gap, the gap is maintained at a level greater than the pressing practical gap (and greater than the thickness of the workpiece W).

[0168] Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece W is put into the gap, and to effectively prevent the formation of notches and cracks at the leading edge of the workpiece W.

[0169] Furthermore, in the roller pressing device 50 of this embodiment, the position sensor 52 detects that the rear end position of the workpiece W has reached the detected position of the position sensor 52. Then, based on the basic predetermined distance C, the second predetermined distance, and the supply speed of the workpiece W, the control device 35 controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 to maintain the gap as a pressing gap until the distance between the rear end position of the workpiece W and the narrowest part of the gap is less than the second predetermined distance, and at the moment when the distance between the rear end position of the workpiece W and the narrowest part of the gap is less than the second predetermined distance, the gap is made larger than the pressing gap (and larger than the thickness of the workpiece W).

[0170] Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece W comes out of the gap, and to effectively prevent the formation of notches and cracks at the rear edge of the workpiece W.

[0171] When using the roller pressing device 50 of this embodiment, it is also effective to set the pressing gap to a certain value within the range of 70% to 90% of the thickness of the workpiece W before compaction. Alternatively, it is effective to perform a constant-time cycle operation with the feed speed of the workpiece W being 1 mm / s to 100 mm / s and the pressing gap being within the range of 70% to 110% of the thickness of the workpiece W before compaction at a frequency of 1 Hz to 10 Hz (1 to 10 times per second). In the latter case, as described above, the power consumption relative to the compression rate of the material compressed by pressing (compacting) can be reduced by about 10%.

[0172] [Structure of the roller pressing device 150]

[0173] Next, Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of a roller pressing device 150, a modified example of the roller pressing device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This roller pressing device 150 is also obtained by adding the constituent elements described later to the roller pressing device 20 of the first embodiment. Figure 8 The illustration also omits the components of the rolling device 20 of the first embodiment, except for the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24. Furthermore, in this modified example, the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 are also driven to rotate by servo motors.

[0174] like Figure 8 As shown, the additional components in this modified example are: a feed roller 151 as a workpiece supply device, which supplies workpiece W such that it passes through the gap between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24; and a position sensor 152, which detects the leading edge position of the workpiece W supplied into the gap by the feed roller 151. The position sensor 152 is connected to the control device 35. The feed roller 151 is also driven to rotate by a servo motor.

[0175] exist Figure 7 In the roller pressing device 50, when viewed along the supply direction of the workpiece, the feed roller 51 is located upstream of both the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24. However, in the modified roller pressing device 150, the feed roller 151 is located downstream of both the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24.

[0176] and Figure 7 Similarly, specifically, in this modified example, the position sensor 152 is also a non-contact rangefinder positioned at a generally predetermined distance C from the narrowest part of the gap (corresponding to the axial position of the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24). At the front end F of the workpiece W (refer to...) Figure 8 When the workpiece W passes the detected position of the position sensor 152, the output of the position sensor 152 changes in accordance with the change in the thickness of the workpiece W. By detecting this change, it is possible to detect that the front end F of the workpiece W has reached the detected position of the position sensor 152, that is, the position of the front end of the workpiece W can be detected.

[0177] On the other hand, if the feed speed of workpiece W based on feed roller 151 is known in advance, then from the moment the front end F of workpiece W reaches the detected position of position sensor 152, after a time obtained by dividing the basic predetermined distance C by the feed speed, the front end position of workpiece W reaches the narrowest part of the gap. The feed speed of workpiece W can be obtained from the information of the drive system of feed roller 151, or it can be measured in advance by setting encoder 153 on feed roller 151.

[0178] Regarding the rolling device 50 of the second embodiment, as described above, the inventors of this application have discovered that when a material formed by coating multiple electrode layers on a metal foil is fed as a workpiece W into the gap between the pressing rollers, a concentrated load may occur at the end of the workpiece. In this case, notches or cracks may occur at the edge of the material. Furthermore, the inventors of this application have also discovered that maintaining the gap as a pressing gap (and greater than the thickness of the workpiece W) at the moment when the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, i.e., maintaining the gap at a distance greater than the pressing gap (and greater than the thickness of the workpiece W) before the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance, is extremely effective in preventing notches or cracks from occurring at the edge of the material. The first predetermined distance is also related to the type and thickness of the material, and is preferably selected in the range of 0.001 mm to 3.000 mm, more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0179] Based on these insights, the control device 35 of this modified example controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 according to the detection results of the position sensor 152 and the pre-obtained feed speed of the workpiece W based on the feed roller 151. Thus, when the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance, the gap is made into a pressing gap, and the gap is maintained to be greater than the pressing gap (and greater than the thickness of the workpiece W) before the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance.

[0180] Furthermore, regarding the rolling device 50 of the second embodiment, as described above, the inventors of this application have discovered that when a material formed by coating multiple electrode layers on a metal foil is pressed and formed, and the material exits through the gap between the pressing lower and upper rollers, a concentrated load may occur, resulting in notches or cracks in the material (at its edge). Moreover, the inventors of this application have also discovered that maintaining the gap as a pressing gap until the distance from the rear end of the workpiece W to the narrowest part of the gap is less than a second predetermined distance, and then making the gap larger than the pressing gap (and greater than the thickness of the workpiece W) when the distance from the rear end of the workpiece W to the narrowest part of the gap is less than a second predetermined distance, is extremely effective in preventing notches and cracks from forming in the material (at its edge). The second predetermined distance is also related to the type and thickness of the material, and is preferably selected in the range of 0.001 mm to 3.000 mm, more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0181] In this modified example, at the rear end R of the workpiece W (refer to...) Figure 8When the workpiece W passes the detected position of the position sensor 152, the output of the position sensor 152 changes accordingly, corresponding to the change in the thickness of the workpiece W. By detecting this change, it is also possible to detect that the rear end position of the workpiece W has reached the detected position of the position sensor 152, that is, it is also possible to detect the rear end position of the workpiece W.

[0182] Based on these insights, the control device 35 of this modified example controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 according to the detection results of the position sensor 152 and the pre-obtained feed speed of the workpiece W based on the feed roller 151. Thus, the gap is maintained as a pressing gap until the distance from the rear end position of the workpiece W to the narrowest part of the gap is less than a second predetermined distance, and the gap is made greater than the pressing gap (and greater than the thickness of the workpiece W) when the distance from the rear end position of the workpiece W to the narrowest part of the gap is less than a second predetermined distance.

[0183] In this modified example, the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 are driven to rotate by a servo motor, so they can be synchronized with the feed roller 151 with high precision, thereby enabling high-precision feed control of the workpiece W.

[0184] In particular, according to this modified example, since the feed roller 151 is positioned downstream of both the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24, the workpiece W, which has been compacted and hardened, contacts the feed roller 151 and is fed out, thereby applying sufficient clamping pressure to the workpiece W. Therefore, slippage between the feed roller 151 and the workpiece W can be significantly suppressed, enabling higher precision feed control of the workpiece W.

[0185] Moreover, in Figure 7 In the case of the roller pressing device 50, there is a concern that the workpiece W, which is in a state of relatively low hardness before being compacted, may be undesirably damaged by the feed roller 51. However, according to this modified example, such a concern is eliminated.

[0186] Furthermore, in this modified example, when additional heating treatment is applied to the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24, thermal deformation (especially diameter change) may sometimes occur in the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24, but appropriate compensation control can be implemented by, for example, using temperature detection with a temperature sensor.

[0187] [Function of the roller pressing device 150]

[0188] Similar to the roller pressing device 50 of the second embodiment, the roller pressing device 150 of this modified example also uses the position sensor 152 to detect when the front end of the workpiece W reaches the detected position of the position sensor 152. Then, based on the basic predetermined distance C, the first predetermined distance, and the supply speed of the workpiece W, the control device 35 controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 to precisely adjust the gap to the pressing practical gap at the moment when the front end of the workpiece W passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance. Furthermore, before the front end of the workpiece W reaches the first predetermined distance after passing through the narrowest part of the gap, the gap is maintained at a level greater than the pressing practical gap (and greater than the thickness of the workpiece W).

[0189] Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece W is put into the gap, and to effectively prevent the formation of notches and cracks at the leading edge of the workpiece W.

[0190] Furthermore, similar to the roller pressing device 50 of the second embodiment, the roller pressing device 150 of this modified example also uses the position sensor 152 to detect that the rear end position of the workpiece W has reached the detected position of the position sensor 152. Then, based on the basic predetermined distance C, the second predetermined distance, and the supply speed of the workpiece W, the control device 35 controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 to maintain the gap as a pressing gap until the distance between the rear end position of the workpiece W and the narrowest part of the gap is less than the second predetermined distance, and at the moment when the distance between the rear end position of the workpiece W and the narrowest part of the gap is less than the second predetermined distance, the gap is made larger than the pressing gap (and larger than the thickness of the workpiece W).

[0191] Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece W comes out of the gap, and to effectively prevent the formation of notches and cracks at the rear edge of the workpiece W.

[0192] Furthermore, when using the modified roll forming apparatus 150, setting the compaction gap to a certain value within the range of 70% to 90% of the thickness of the workpiece W before compaction is also effective. Alternatively, the following approach is effective: the feed speed of the workpiece W is 1 mm / s to 100 mm / s, and the compaction gap is within the range of 70% to 110% of the thickness of the workpiece W before compaction, performing a constant-time cyclic operation at a frequency of 1 Hz to 10 Hz (1 to 10 times per second). In the latter case, as described above, the power consumption relative to the compression rate of the material compressed by pressing (compacting) can be reduced by approximately 10%.

[0193] [Load control of roller pressing devices 50 and 150]

[0194] As described above, similar to the roller pressing device 20, both roller pressing devices 50 and 150 have a lower roller support 22 mounted on the second moving body 18 of the electric lifting device 10 by means of a force sensor 21. The electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 can also be controlled by the change in load value detected by the force sensor 21.

[0195] The above uses Figure 7 and Figure 8 The described control method for the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 utilizes position sensors 52 and 152 to detect the front and rear positions of the workpiece W. Therefore, in principle, when there is strain or uneven coating at the front and rear ends of the workpiece W, the position detection error of position sensors 52 and 152 is relatively large, potentially preventing proper control of the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10.

[0196] In contrast, since the change in load value detected by the force sensor 21 is caused by the workpiece W actually abutting against the lower roller 23 and / or the upper roller 24, if the method of controlling the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10 using this point is adopted, the degree of adverse effects caused by strain or uneven coating at the front and rear ends of the workpiece W is relatively small.

[0197] More specifically, the inventors of this application have discovered that when a material formed by coating multiple electrode layers on a metal foil is fed into the gap between the lower and upper rollers of the pressing roller as a workpiece W during the pressing process, a concentrated load may occur at the end of the workpiece. In this case, notches and cracks may occur at the edge of the material. Furthermore, the inventors of this application have also discovered that when the force sensor 21 detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time, the gap is reduced until the pressing gap is reached. That is, before the force sensor 21 detects the predetermined increase in load per unit time, the gap is maintained at a value greater than the pressing gap (but narrower than the thickness of the workpiece W (before it is compacted)). This approach is extremely effective in preventing notches and cracks from occurring at the edge of the material.

[0198] According to the inventors' experimental results, when the workpiece W is a material formed by coating multiple electrode layers on a metal foil, it is effective to set the load increase per unit time in the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec, preferably in the range of 100 N / msec to 200 N / msec.

[0199] Based on these insights, such as Figure 9As shown, during the operation of the feed rollers 51 and 151 (an example of a workpiece feeding device), the control device 35 of the roller pressing device 50 and 150 controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10, thereby, at the moment when the force sensor 21 detects a specified increase in load per unit time (refer to...) Figure 9 (b)) begins to reduce the gap until the practical gap is pressed (feed rollers 51, 151 continue to operate) (the state after reduction is completed in Figure 9 (as illustrated in (c)), and the gap is maintained to be greater than the compaction gap (but smaller than the thickness of the workpiece W (before compaction) until the force sensor 21 detects the specified increase in load per unit time (see reference). Figure 9 (a)).

[0200] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have discovered that when a material formed by coating multiple electrode layers on a metal foil is pressed and formed, and the material detaches from the gap between the pressing roller and the upper roller, a concentrated load may occur, which can cause notches and cracks to form on the material (at its edge). Moreover, the inventors of this application have also discovered that maintaining the gap at the pressing gap until the force sensor 21 detects a predetermined load reduction per unit time, and then starting to return the gap to a state larger than the pressing gap (but smaller than the thickness of the workpiece W (before being compacted)) at the moment the force sensor 21 detects the predetermined load reduction per unit time, is extremely effective in preventing notches and cracks from forming on the material (at its edge).

[0201] According to the inventors' experimental results, when the workpiece W is a material formed by firing multiple electrode layers on a metal foil, it is effective to set the load reduction in the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec, preferably in the range of 100 N / msec to 200 N / msec.

[0202] Based on these insights, such as Figure 9 As shown, during the operation of the feed rollers 51, 151 (an example of a workpiece feeding device), the control device 35 of the roller pressing device 50, 150 controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10, thereby maintaining the gap at the pressure-actual gap (see reference) until the force sensor 21 detects a predetermined load reduction per unit time. Figure 9 (d)), and at the moment when the force sensor 21 detects the specified load reduction per unit time, the gap begins to return to a state larger than the actual compaction gap (but smaller than the thickness of the workpiece W (the state before compaction)) (feed rollers 51, 151 continue to operate) (the state after the return is completed is Figure 9 (See illustration in (e)).

[0203] [The role of load control in roller pressing devices 50 and 150]

[0204] Using roller pressing devices 50 and 150, during the operation of feed rollers 51 and 151, when the front end of workpiece W reaches the gap between lower roller 23 and upper roller 24, the load value detected by force sensor 21 increases. Then, at the moment when force sensor 21 detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time, control device 35 of roller pressing devices 50 and 150 controls electric motor 13 of electric lifting device 10, thereby causing the gap to begin to decrease until the actual compaction gap is achieved. Before force sensor 21 detects the predetermined increase in load per unit time, the gap is maintained at a size larger than the actual compaction gap (but smaller than the thickness of workpiece W (before compaction)).

[0205] Thus, by implementing control to reduce the gap until it is fully compressed at the moment when the force sensor 21 detects a specified increase in load per unit time due to the workpiece W being inserted into the gap (after detection), it is possible to ensure that the so-called biting of the workpiece W occurs before this control, effectively avoiding the generation of concentrated load when the workpiece is inserted, and effectively preventing the generation of notches or cracks at the leading edge of the workpiece W.

[0206] Furthermore, according to the roller pressing devices 50 and 150, during the operation of the feed rollers 51 and 151, when the rear end of the workpiece W approaches the narrowest part between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24 (before it passes through), the load value detected by the force sensor 21 decreases. Then, at the moment when the force sensor 21 detects a predetermined load reduction per unit time, the control device 35 of the roller pressing devices 50 and 150 controls the electric motor 13 of the electric lifting device 10, thereby initiating the return of the gap to a state larger than the actual pressing gap (but smaller than the thickness of the workpiece W (before it is compacted)). The gap is maintained at the actual pressing gap until the force sensor 21 detects the predetermined load reduction per unit time.

[0207] Thus, by implementing control to return the gap to a state larger than the pressure practical gap at the moment when the force sensor 21 detects a predetermined load reduction per unit time as the rear end of the workpiece W approaches the narrowest part (not yet passed) within the gap, this control can be performed before the so-called workpiece ejection, thereby effectively avoiding the generation of concentrated loads when the workpiece ejects, and effectively preventing the generation of notches and cracks at the rear edge of the workpiece W.

[0208] When using the load control described above, setting the compaction gap to a certain value within the range of 70% to 90% of the thickness of the workpiece W before compaction is also effective. Alternatively, the following method is effective: performing a constant-time cyclic operation with a feed speed of 1 mm / s to 100 mm / s for the workpiece W, within the range of 70% to 110% of the thickness of the workpiece W before compaction, at a frequency of 1 Hz to 10 Hz (1 to 10 times per second). In the latter case, as described above, the power consumption relative to the compression rate of the material through pressing (compacting) can be reduced by approximately 10%.

[0209] Furthermore, the load sensor for detecting the load on the lower roller 23 and / or the upper roller 24 is not limited to the force sensor 21, and other known load sensors can be used in appropriate locations.

[0210] [Structure of the roller pressing device 60]

[0211] Next, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the roller pressing device 60 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 X-X sectional view. The roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment modifies some of the constituent elements of the roller pressing device 50 of the second embodiment (lower roller support 22, upper roller support 25, and roller frame 26, etc.: see...). Figure 2 and Figure 9 The roller pressing device is formed by changing the size of the upper roller support body 25, modifying the support shape, and adding the support rollers described later.

[0212] exist Figures 8 to 10 In this illustration, except for the lower roller support 22, lower roller 23, upper roller 24, upper roller support 25, roller frame 26, third sliding guide 27, feed roller 51 and encoder 53, the constituent elements of the roller pressing device 50 of the second embodiment are omitted.

[0213] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the main additional components in this embodiment are 3 pairs of upper support rollers and 3 pairs of lower support rollers, totaling 6 pairs of support rollers.

[0214] The inventors of this application have discovered that the following approach is effective for maintaining high-precision and uniform thickness accuracy of the pressed sheet: In order to counteract the force that causes the upper roller 24 (which also drives the upper roller support body 25 and roller frame 26 supporting the upper roller 24) to retract upward under the reaction force from the workpiece W during pressing, an upper roller support roller is provided on the upper side of the upper roller 24; and in order to counteract the force that causes the lower roller 23 (which also drives the lower roller support body 22 supporting the lower roller 23) to retract downward under the reaction force from the workpiece W during pressing, a lower roller support roller is provided on the lower side of the lower roller 23.

[0215] Furthermore, the inventors of this application discovered that, when viewed along the axial direction of the upper roller 24, the force required to retract the upper roller 24 upwards and the displacement that may be generated in the upper roller 24 under the action of this force may differ in one side region, the central region, and the other side region. Similarly, when viewed along the axial direction of the lower roller 23, the force required to retract the lower roller 23 downwards and the displacement that may be generated in the lower roller 23 under the action of this force may differ in one side region, the central region, and the other side region. Therefore, it was further discovered that the following approach is effective: when viewed along the axial direction of the upper roller 24 and the axial direction of the lower roller 23, in one side region, the central region, and the other side region, groups of upper and lower support rollers are separately arranged, and the interval between the upper and lower support rollers in each group is independently controlled.

[0216] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have discovered that, in order to counteract the force that would cause the upper roller 24 to retract upwards, it is effective to arrange the upper support rollers on the upper side of the upper roller 24 as a pair on both sides of the axis of the upper roller 24 when viewed from above. Similarly, in order to counteract the force that would cause the lower roller 23 to retract downwards, it is effective to arrange the lower support rollers on the lower side of the lower roller 23 as a pair on both sides of the axis of the lower roller 23 when viewed from above.

[0217] Based on the above insights, in the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment, when viewed along the axial direction of the upper roller 24, pairs of upper support rollers are individually provided in one side region, the central region, and the other side region, and when viewed along the axial direction of the lower roller 23, pairs of lower support rollers are individually provided in one side region, the central region, and the other side region.

[0218] Specifically, the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment includes: a pair of lower roller side support rollers 61a and 61b, which are arranged in one side region when viewed along the axial direction of the lower roller 23. Figure 10The lower side of the left side region) and rolls relative to the lower roller 23; a pair of lower roller central support rollers 62a and 62b, when viewed along the axial direction of the lower roller 23, are arranged in the central region (the left side region) Figure 10 The lower side of the central region) and rolls relative to the lower roller 23; and a pair of other side support rollers 63a, 63b, which, when viewed along the axial direction of the lower roller 23, are arranged in the other side region ( Figure 10 It is located on the lower side of the right side region and rolls relative to the lower roller 23.

[0219] Furthermore, the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment includes a pair of upper roller side support rollers 64a and 64b, which are arranged in one side region when viewed along the axial direction of the upper roller 24. Figure 10 The upper side of the left side region) and rolls relative to the upper roller 24; a pair of upper roller central support rollers 65a and 65b, when viewed along the axial direction of the upper roller 24, are arranged in the central region ( Figure 10 The upper side of the central area) and rolls relative to the upper roller 24; and a pair of other side support rollers 66a, 66b, which, when viewed along the axial direction of the upper roller 24, are arranged in the other side area ( Figure 10 It is located on the upper side of the right side region and rolls relative to the upper roller 24.

[0220] A pair of lower roller side support rollers 61a and 61b are supported by a lower roller side support roller support housing 61h to enable rotation. A pair of lower roller central support rollers 62a and 62b are supported by a lower roller central support roller support housing 62h to enable rotation. A pair of lower roller side support rollers 63a and 63b are supported by a lower roller side support roller support housing 63h to enable rotation.

[0221] A pair of upper roller side support rollers 64a and 64b are supported by upper roller side support roller support housing 64h to enable rotation. A pair of upper roller central support rollers 65a and 65b are supported by upper roller central support roller support housing 65h to enable rotation. A pair of upper roller other side support rollers 66a and 66b are supported by upper roller other side support roller support housing 66h to enable rotation.

[0222] In addition, as a side support roller adjustment device in the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment, which moves the lower roller side support roller support housing 61h and the upper roller side support roller support housing 64h relative to each other to control the gap between the lower roller side support rollers 61a, 61b and the upper roller side support rollers 64a, 64b, an electric lifting device 70 is provided.

[0223] Similarly, the same electric lifting device 70 is provided as a central support roller adjustment device in the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment, which moves the lower roller central support roller support housing 62h and the upper roller central support roller support housing 65h relative to each other to control the gap between the lower roller central support rollers 62a, 62b and the upper roller central support rollers 65a, 65b.

[0224] Furthermore, as an adjustment device for the other side support roller in the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment, which controls the gap between the other side support rollers 63a, 63b of the lower roller and the other side support rollers 66a, 66b of the upper roller by moving the other side support roller support housing 63h of the lower roller and the other side support roller support housing 66h of the upper roller relative to each other, the same electric lifting device 70 is provided.

[0225] In this embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the upper roller support housing 64h on one side, the upper roller central support housing 65h, and the upper roller support housing 66h on the other side are fixed to the roller frame 26. On the other hand, the upper roller support body 25 is supported by the roller frame 26 so that it can move up and down approximately 1 mm above the anti-fall block 26c. Specifically, each of the pair of upper roller support bodies 25 is provided with a fourth sliding portion 25s, which can slide relative to each of the opposing third sliding guides 27.

[0226] Furthermore, relative to the upper roller side support roller support housing 64h, the upper roller center support roller support housing 65h, and the upper roller other side support roller support housing 66h, the lower roller side support roller support housing 61h, the lower roller center support roller support housing 62h, and the lower roller other side support roller support housing 63h can each move up and down individually via the corresponding electric lifting device 70.

[0227] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, a fourth sliding part 61s, 62s, and 63s are provided on the support roller support housing 61h on one side of the lower roller, the support roller support housing 62h in the center of the lower roller, and the support roller support housing 63h on the other side of the lower roller. The fourth sliding part 61s, 62s, and 63s can slide relative to the third sliding guide 27 provided on the roller frame 26.

[0228] On the other hand, in the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment, such as Figure 8As shown, a non-contact rangefinder 67a and a non-contact rangefinder 67b are used to measure the dimensions of one side region of the workpiece W after compaction. The non-contact rangefinder 67a measures the distance to the upper surface of this region of the workpiece W, and the non-contact rangefinder 67b measures the distance to the lower surface of this region of the workpiece W.

[0229] Similarly, the dimensions of the compacted central region of the workpiece W are measured using a non-contact rangefinder 68a and a non-contact rangefinder 68b. The non-contact rangefinder 68a measures the distance to the upper surface of the region of the workpiece W, and the non-contact rangefinder 68b measures the distance to the lower surface of the region of the workpiece W.

[0230] Furthermore, the dimensions of the compacted area on the other side of the workpiece W are measured using a non-contact rangefinder 69a and a non-contact rangefinder 69b. The non-contact rangefinder 69a measures the distance to the upper surface of the area of ​​the workpiece W, and the non-contact rangefinder 69b measures the distance to the lower surface of the area of ​​the workpiece W.

[0231] Then, based on the aforementioned measurement results, the electric lifting device 70, which serves as a side support roller adjustment device, the electric lifting device 70, which serves as a central support roller adjustment device, and the electric lifting device 70, which serves as a side support roller adjustment device, are each independently controlled by the control device 35.

[0232] Furthermore, the electric lifting device 70 of this embodiment has a structure similar to that of the electric lifting device 10 used to move the lower roller support 22 up and down.

[0233] The difference between the two is that the electric lifting device 70 does not have a prism 12e and a frame top plate 12g, and the upper surface of the inner frame wall 12b and the upper surface of the outer frame wall 12d of the electric lifting device 70 are fixed to the lower surface of the roller frame 26.

[0234] In the electric lifting device 70, the other structures are substantially the same as those in the electric lifting device 10. In the electric lifting device 70, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as in the electric lifting device 10, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0235] However, the dimensions of each component of the electric lifting device 70 may differ from the dimensions of the corresponding components of the electric lifting device 10. For example, with the electric lifting device 70 having a lifting force (applying pressure) of 200kN (the combined lifting force of the three electric lifting devices on the left, right, and center is 600kN) and a roller diameter of φ450mm and a roller width of 500mm, the frame base plate 12a, viewed from above, measures 15cm × 90cm and has a thickness of approximately 10cm. The inner frame wall 12b and the outer frame wall 12d have a wall thickness of approximately 6cm and a height of approximately 30cm. The central frame wall 12c has a wall thickness of approximately 6cm and a height of approximately 15cm. Furthermore, in the electric lifting device 70, as an example, the diameters of the motor-side pulley 13p and the lead screw-side pulley 11p are both approximately 8cm to 12cm, and the widths (thicknesses) of both the motor-side pulley 13p and the lead screw-side pulley 11p are approximately 4cm. The width of the belt 14 is slightly smaller, approximately 3.5cm, and the length of the belt 14 depends on the distance between the axis x of the lead screw 11a and the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13, for example, approximately 70cm to 80cm. Depending on the situation, sometimes the number of teeth on the lead screw-side pulley 11p is increased relative to the number of teeth on the motor-side pulley 13p to form a reduction mechanism.

[0236] According to the aforementioned size example, the overall dimensions of the roller pressing device 60 are controlled within a height of 180cm × width of 150cm (× depth of 90cm).

[0237] [Function of the roller pressing device 60]

[0238] According to the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment, since the electric lifting device 70, which functions as a support roller adjustment device, is compact, it is possible to realize a structure (layout) in which independent support roller adjustment devices (electric lifting devices 70) are provided in three locations: one side region, the central region, and the other side region.

[0239] Furthermore, by independently controlling each electric lifting device 70, precise compensation can be achieved for the displacement force generated by the upper roller 24 and the displacement force generated by the lower roller 23. When viewed along the axial direction of the upper roller 24 and the lower roller 23, the displacement force generated by the upper roller 24 and the displacement force generated by the lower roller 23 may be in one side region ( Figure 10 left side area), central area ( Figure 10 The central area) and the other side area ( Figure 10 The right side area is different.

[0240] Specifically, in the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment, three sets of non-contact rangefinders 67a, 67b, 68a, 68b, 69a, and 69b are used to actually measure the dimensions of one side region, the central region, and the other side region of the workpiece W after compaction. Then, based on these measurement results, the electric lifting device 70 (as a one-side support roller adjustment device), the electric lifting device 70 (as a central support roller adjustment device), and the electric lifting device 70 (as the other side support roller adjustment device) are each independently controlled by the control device 35, so that these dimensions are controlled within the allowable error range.

[0241] Furthermore, in the roller pressing device 60 of this embodiment, in each support roller adjusting device (electric lifting device 70), the rotational force of the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 is used as the rotational force of the screw 11a of the ball screw 11. When the first moving body 15, which is fixed to the nut 11d of the ball screw 11, moves linearly along the axial direction, the second moving body 18 moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Thus, the movement of the second moving body 18 can be controlled with high precision using the electric motor 13. That is, each support roller adjusting device (electric lifting device 70) can be controlled with high precision.

[0242] [Modified example of the roller pressing device 60]

[0243] Furthermore, at least at the time of application of this invention, the absence of the form of the lower roller central support rollers 62a, 62b and the upper roller central support rollers 65a, 65b, the lower roller central support roller support housing 62h and the upper roller central support roller support housing 65h, and the central support roller adjustment device (central electric lifting device 70) is also the subject of this application.

[0244] Conversely, when the upper roller 24 and the lower roller 23 are relatively long in the axial direction, it is possible to adopt a configuration of two or more sets of lower roller central support rollers 62a, 62b and upper roller central support rollers 65a, 65b, lower roller central support roller support housing 62h and upper roller central support roller support housing 65h, as well as a central support roller adjustment device (1 electric lifting device 70). Such a configuration is also the subject of protection of this application.

[0245] [First variation of the electric lifting device]

[0246] In the above embodiments, the rotational force of the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 is transmitted to the lead screw 11a via the motor-side pulley 13p, the lead screw-side pulley 11p, and the belt 14.

[0247] However, when the width of the roller is large, the size of the electric lifting device can be slightly larger, and the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 and the lead screw 11a can be arranged in a straight line. Figure 11 This illustrates a variation. In this example, the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 and the lead screw 11a are connected via a coupling 13c.

[0248] In this first variation, the size of the electric lifting device is larger than that of the electric lifting devices 10 and 70 described above, but the maintainability is improved.

[0249] Furthermore, at least in the application of this invention, the use of the motor-side pulley 13p, the lead screw-side pulley 11p, and the belt 14 is not limited to the arrangement of the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 and the lead screw 11a in the vertical direction, and the arrangement of the output shaft 13s of the electric motor 13 and the lead screw 11a in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) is not excluded.

[0250] Alternatively, the bearing 11c on the outer side of the ball screw 11a supporting the ball screw 11 can be built into the outer frame wall 12d instead of being built into the central frame wall 12c. In this case, the central frame wall 12c can be omitted, allowing for further compactness of the electric lifting device.

[0251] [Structure of the second modification of the electric lifting device]

[0252] Figure 14 This is a schematic front view of the roller pressing device in the second modified example, including the electric lifting device. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Side view of the roller pressing device. Figure 16 yes Figure 14 XVI-XVI sectional view of the roller pressing device.

[0253] like Figure 14 As shown, the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification includes a ball screw 111. The ball screw 111 includes: a screw 111a having an axis x; a pair of bearings 111b and 111c disposed at both ends of the screw 111a, supporting the screw 111a so that it can rotate about the axis x; and a nut 111d threadedly engaged with the screw 111a with a plurality of rolling elements (not shown), and moving linearly along the axis x by rotation of the screw 111a.

[0254] Similar to the axis x of the lead screw 11a of the electric lifting device 10, the axis x of the lead screw 111a is also parallel to the axes of the lower roller 23 (one side roller) and the upper roller 24 (the other side roller). The roller side (inner side) bearing 111c (two are arranged side by side) is built into (supported) in the inner frame wall 112c, and the opposite side (outer side) bearing 111b is built into (supported) in the outer frame wall 112b. The inner frame wall 112c and the outer frame wall 112b are erected on the upper surface of the plate-shaped frame base plate 112a.

[0255] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 (and also refer to) Figure 2 The lower surface of the frame base plate 112a is supported by the lower part 26a of the roller frame 26. In addition, an L-shaped electric motor mounting plate 112f is fixed to the upper surface of the frame base plate 112a at a position corresponding to the inner side of the inner frame wall 112c.

[0256] The frame 112 is composed of the frame base plate 112a, the outer frame wall 112b, the inner frame wall 112c, the central frame wall 112d (described later), and the electric motor mounting plate 112f. These elements of the frame 112 can be formed integrally or separately and then fixed to each other.

[0257] like Figure 14 As shown, an electric motor 113 (preferably a servo motor) with a rotating output shaft 113s is fixed to an electric motor mounting plate 112f. The output shaft 113s of the electric motor 113 is aligned with the axis x of the lead screw 111a of the ball screw 111. In this example, the output shaft 113s and the lead screw 111a of the electric motor 113 are connected via a coupling 113c.

[0258] Furthermore, a first movable body 115 is fixed to the nut 111d of the ball screw 111, and moves integrally with the nut 111d. The first movable body 115 has a first sliding surface 115t, which is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the plane (in this example, the horizontal plane) in the x-direction containing the axis of the screw 111a.

[0259] In addition, from Figure 14 It can be seen that the lead screw 111a passes through the first moving body 115 along the axial direction. In addition, a pair of bearings 111b and 111c are provided on both sides of the first moving body 115.

[0260] On the other hand, a first sliding guide 116 extending parallel to the x-axis is provided on the upper surface of the frame base plate 112a, and a first sliding part 115s is provided on the first moving body 115, which can slide relative to the first sliding guide 116. The sliding surface between the first sliding guide 116 and the first sliding part 115s extends parallel to the x-axis of the lead screw 111a when viewed from above.

[0261] In this example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the first sliding part 115s extends parallel to the x-direction of the lead screw 111a at a position offset from the x-axis of the lead screw 111a when viewed from above. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 As shown, the first sliding surface 115t also extends parallel to the x-direction of the axis of the lead screw 111a at a position offset from the x-direction of the axis of the lead screw 111a when viewed from above, and the first sliding surface 115t and the first sliding part 115s are arranged in a positional relationship that is approximately overlapping when viewed from above.

[0262] Furthermore, the electric lifting device 110 has a second movable body 118 capable of linearly moving relative to the frame 112 in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis (vertical in this example). The second movable body 118 has a second sliding surface 118t capable of sliding relative to the first sliding surface 115t. Thus, when the nut 111d and the first movable body 115 move linearly along the x-axis, the second movable body 118 moves linearly in the vertical direction through the sliding movement between the first sliding surface 115t and the second sliding surface 118t.

[0263] Furthermore, in this example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the sliding surfaces between the first sliding surface 115t and the second sliding surface 118t are arranged in a positional relationship that substantially overlaps with the sliding surfaces between the first sliding guide 116 and the first sliding portion 115s when viewed from above. That is, the second sliding surface 118t extends parallel to the x-direction of the lead screw 111a at a position offset from the x-axis of the lead screw 111a when viewed from above. Furthermore, in this example, as... Figure 16 As shown, the entire second moving body 118 extends parallel to the x-direction of the axis of the lead screw 111a at a position offset from the x-direction of the axis of the lead screw 111a when viewed from above.

[0264] As a specific structural example, the paired first sliding surface 115t and second sliding surface 118t can be provided by a conventional linear guide. That is, referring to... Figure 15The first sliding surface 115t can be provided as the concave surface of a cross-sectional concave member called a "slider" of the linear guide, and the second sliding surface 118t can be provided as the lower surface of a cross-sectional rectangular member called a "track" of the linear guide. They can be configured, for example, by disassembling a commercially available linear guide, fixing the "slider" to the upper surface of the main body member of the first sliding body 115, and fixing the "track" to the lower surface of the main body member of the second sliding body 118.

[0265] like Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, the second moving body 118 is provided with a second sliding portion 118s extending in the vertical direction (a direction perpendicular to the x-axis, or vertically in this example). This second sliding portion 118s is slidably movable relative to a second sliding guide 119 extending in the same direction. The second sliding guide 119 is fixed to the central frame wall 112d, which is fixed to the upper surface of the frame base plate 112a. Additionally, in this example, a force sensor 21 is provided on the upper surface of the second moving body 118.

[0266] Figures 14 to 16 The roller pressing device shown includes a pair of the aforementioned electrically operated lifting devices 110. For example... Figure 16 As shown, in a pair of electric lifting devices 110, the frame base plate 112a and the central frame wall 112d are configured as a common component, and the second sliding guide 119 is fixed to each of the left and right sides of the central frame wall 112d.

[0267] exist Figures 14 to 16 In the roller pressing device shown, with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Similarly, in the illustrated roller pressing device 20, each of the pair of lower roller supports 22 (one side roller support portion) is supported by a pair of second moving bodies 118 of a pair of electric lifting devices 110. Each of the pair of lower roller supports 22 is mounted on the corresponding second moving body 118 via a force sensor 21. The pair of lower roller supports 22 has bearings that support the lower roller 23 so that it can rotate.

[0268] An upper roller 24 is arranged opposite to the lower roller 23. The workpiece W is pressed and formed (compacted) using the gap formed between the lower roller 23 and the upper roller 24.

[0269] The upper roller 24 is supported by a pair of upper roller supports 25 (other side roller supports) so that it can rotate. Each of the pair of upper roller supports 25 is fixed from the outside to each of the pair of roller frames 26 provided on the base 140, for example by means of bolts (not shown).

[0270] As an example of the dimensions of various elements, when the lifting force (applying pressure) of the electric lifting device 110 is 300kN (600kN in total for a pair of left and right devices) and the roller diameter is φ450mm, the dimension of the frame base plate 112a is 110cm when viewed from above. Figure 14 (length visible in the middle) × 50cm ( Figure 15 (The visible length), and the thickness is about 5cm.

[0271] Furthermore, similar to the case in the electric lifting device 10, in the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification, the specified angle of the first sliding surface 115t is also selected from the range of 5.7° to 11.3°. 5.7° is the value obtained by solving tanθ=1 / 10, and 11.3° is the value obtained by solving tanθ=1 / 5. Thus, a force ratio of 5 to 10 times can be achieved.

[0272] The inventors of this application have confirmed through actual verification experiments that the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification can operate effectively within these angle ranges.

[0273] The travel distance of the second moving body 118 is about 1 mm in the application described later (the application of a material formed by burning multiple electrode layers on a metal foil as a workpiece W).

[0274] The moving speed of the second moving body 118 is, for example, 10 mm / sec. This speed corresponds to the moving speed of the first moving body 115 (i.e., nut 111d) at 50 mm / sec when the force ratio is 5, and corresponds to the moving speed of the first moving body 115 (i.e., nut 111d) at 100 mm / sec when the force ratio is 10. Such a moving speed of the nut 111d can be achieved using a commercially available, conventional electric motor 113 and ball screw 111. In particular, when the electric motor 113 is a servo motor, higher precision and more responsive control can be achieved.

[0275] [Function of electric lifting device 110]

[0276] Next, the function of the electric lifting device 110 in the second modification will be explained.

[0277] The output shaft 113s of the electric motor 113 is rotated by driving the electric motor 113 as desired (e.g., controlled by the control device 35 described above). Then, via the coupling 113c, the rotational force of the output shaft 113s is transmitted as the rotational force of the lead screw 111a. The rotation of the lead screw 111a is then converted into linear movement of the nut 111d along its x-axis through the rotational / linear motion conversion function of the ball screw 111.

[0278] As a result, the first movable body 115, fixed to the nut 111d, moves linearly along the x-axis. At this time, through the interaction between the first sliding guide 116 and the first sliding part 115s (which promotes smooth sliding movement), the movement of the first movable body 115 in the axial direction can be carried out more smoothly.

[0279] Furthermore, when the nut 111d and the first moving body 115 move linearly along the x-axis, the second moving body 118 moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis due to the sliding movement between the first sliding surface 115t and the second sliding surface 118t. At this time, the movement of the second moving body 118 can be carried out more smoothly through the interaction between the second sliding guide 119 and the second sliding part 118s (which promotes smooth sliding movement).

[0280] Here, as Figure 16 As shown, since a pair of second moving bodies 118 are arranged in a balanced manner relative to a pair of lead screws 111a, the linear movement (horizontal movement) of a pair of first moving bodies 115 can be converted into the linear movement (lifting movement) of a pair of second moving bodies 118 in a balanced manner. In addition, the load (reaction force) on the second moving body 118 can also be supported in a balanced manner by the base 140 via the first moving bodies 115, etc.

[0281] Furthermore, by driving the electric motor 113 as desired, the movement of the second moving body 118 can be controlled with high precision as desired. In particular, when the electric motor 113 is a servo motor, even higher precision and more responsive control can be achieved.

[0282] [Effect of Electric Lifting Device 110]

[0283] As described above, the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification also uses the rotational force of the output shaft 113s of the electric motor 113 as the rotational force of the screw 111a of the ball screw 111. When the first moving body 115, which is fixed to the nut 111d of the ball screw 111, moves linearly along the axis x direction, the second moving body 118 moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axis x direction. Thus, the movement of the second moving body 118 can be controlled with high precision using the electric motor 113.

[0284] In addition, the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification also has a lead screw 111a that passes through the first moving body 115 along the axial direction, and a pair of bearings 111b and 111c are provided on both sides of the first moving body 115. Therefore, the device is compact as a whole.

[0285] In addition, in the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification, the output shaft 113s of the electric motor 113 and the lead screw 111a are simply connected via the coupling 113c, thus providing excellent maintainability.

[0286] Furthermore, since no hydraulic device is used, there is no need to worry about the surrounding area being contaminated by oil. Therefore, the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification is also suitable to be installed inside the glove box.

[0287] In addition, the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification also has a first sliding guide 116 extending parallel to the x-axis in the frame 112, and a first sliding part 115s that can slide relative to the first sliding guide 116 in the first moving body 115. Thus, through the interaction between the two (which promotes smooth sliding movement), the movement of the first moving body 115 in the axial direction can be carried out more smoothly.

[0288] In addition, the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification also has a second sliding guide 119 extending perpendicularly to the x-axis in the frame 112, and a second sliding part 118s that can slide relative to the second sliding guide 119 in the second moving body 118. Thus, through the interaction between the two (which promotes smooth sliding movement), the movement of the second moving body 118 in the direction perpendicular to the axis can be carried out more smoothly.

[0289] Furthermore, in the electric lifting device 110 of the second modification, the first sliding portion 115s extends parallel to the x-direction of the lead screw 111a at a position offset from the x-direction of the lead screw 111a when viewed from above. The first sliding surface 115t also extends parallel to the x-direction of the lead screw 111a at a position offset from the x-direction of the lead screw 111a when viewed from above. The first sliding surface 115t and the first sliding portion 115s are arranged in a position that approximately overlaps when viewed from above. The entire second moving body 118 extends parallel to the x-direction of the lead screw 111a at a position offset from the x-direction of the lead screw 111a when viewed from above. Therefore, the first sliding surface 115t, the first sliding portion 115s, and the entire second moving body 118 can be arranged at a position offset from the electric motor 113, thus enabling a more compact device layout.

[0290] In addition, Figures 14 to 16 In the roller pressing device shown, a pair of second sliding guides 119 of a pair of electric lifting devices 110 are supported by a common frame wall 112d, thus achieving a more compact device layout.

[0291] [Third variation of the electric lifting device]

[0292] Figure 17 This is a schematic side view of the third variation of the electric lifting device.

[0293] In this third variation, such as Figure 17As shown, instead of one first sliding surface 115t in the second variation, there are two first sliding surfaces 215t. Similar to the first sliding surface 115t, each of the two first sliding surfaces 215t extends along the x-axis of the lead screw 111a.

[0294] Correspondingly, in this third variation, such as Figure 17 As shown, instead of one second sliding surface 118t in the second variation, there are two second sliding surfaces 218t. Similar to the second sliding surface 118t, each of the two second sliding surfaces 218t also extends along the x-axis of the lead screw 111a.

[0295] Furthermore, in this third variation, such as Figure 17 As shown, instead of one first sliding portion 115s in the second variation, there are two first sliding portions 215s. Similar to the first sliding portion 115s, each of the two first sliding portions 215s also extends along the x-direction of the axis of the lead screw 111a.

[0296] Correspondingly, in this third variation, such as Figure 17 As shown, instead of one first sliding guide 116 in the second variation, there are two first sliding guides 216. Similar to the first sliding guide 216, each of the two first sliding guides 216 also extends along the x-axis of the lead screw 111a.

Claims

1. A roller pressing device, characterized in that, The roller pressing device includes: One side roller and the other side roller are arranged opposite each other in order to compact the workpiece; A side roller support portion that supports the side roller so that it can rotate; Another side roller support section supports the other side roller so that it can rotate; An electric lifting device uses an electric motor to move the one-side roller support and the other-side roller support relative to each other to control the gap between the one-side roller and the other-side roller; A workpiece supply device that supplies the workpiece in such a manner that the workpiece passes through the gap; A position sensor that detects the position of the front end of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece supply device. A load sensor that detects the load on the one-side roller and / or the other-side roller; and A control device that controls the electric lifting device based on the detection results of the position sensor or the detection results of the load sensor. The electric lifting device includes: A ball screw includes: a screw having an axis; a bearing supporting the screw so as to be rotatable about the axis; and a nut that moves linearly along the direction of the axis, i.e., the axial direction, by rotation of the screw. A frame that supports the bearing; A first movable body, fixed to the nut, provides a first sliding surface inclined at an angle of 5.7° to 11.3° relative to a plane including the axial direction; and The second moving body, configured to move linearly relative to the frame in a vertical direction perpendicular to the axis, has a second sliding surface capable of sliding relative to the first sliding surface. When the nut and the first moving body move linearly in a horizontal direction parallel to the axis, the second moving body moves linearly in the vertical direction through the sliding movement between the first and second sliding surfaces. The electric motor is supported by the frame and has a rotating output shaft. The electric lifting device is equipped with a rotational force transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the output shaft as the rotational force of the lead screw. When the electric lifting device is controlled based on the detection result of the position sensor, the control device controls the electric lifting device in the following manner: at the moment when the front end of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, the gap is made to match the pressing gap, and before the front end of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance, the gap is maintained to be greater than the pressing gap. The first specified distance is 0.001mm to 3.000mm. The position sensor also detects the rear end position of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece supply device. The control device controls the electric lifting device in the following manner: maintaining the gap at the pressing practical gap until the distance from the rear end position of the workpiece to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to a second predetermined distance, and making the gap larger than the pressing practical gap at the moment when the distance from the rear end position of the workpiece to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to the second predetermined distance. The second specified distance is 0.001mm to 3.000mm. In the case where the electric lifting device is controlled based on the detection result of the load sensor, the control device controls the electric lifting device during the operation of the workpiece supply device in the following manner: before the load sensor detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time, the gap is maintained at a level greater than the practical gap; and at the moment when the load sensor detects the predetermined increase in load per unit time, the gap is reduced until the practical gap is reached. The specified load increment per unit time is set within the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec. After reducing the gap to the practical pressing gap, during the operation of the workpiece supply device, the control device controls the electric lifting device in the following manner: maintaining the gap at the practical pressing gap until the load sensor detects a predetermined load reduction per unit time, and returning the gap to a state larger than the practical pressing gap at the moment the load sensor detects the predetermined load reduction per unit time. The specified load reduction is set within the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec. The compaction gap is a certain value within the range of 70% to 90% of the thickness of the workpiece before compaction. The compaction gap is a value that varies at a frequency of 1Hz to 10Hz within the range of 70% to 110% of the thickness of the workpiece before compaction.

2. The roller pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric motor is a servo motor.

3. The roller pressing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The position sensor is a laser position sensor.

4. A control system, characterized in that, The control system controls a roller pressing device, which includes: a side roller and a side roller arranged opposite each other for compacting a workpiece; a side roller support that supports the side roller for rotation; a side roller support that supports the other side roller for rotation; an electric lifting device that uses an electric motor to move the side roller support and the other side roller support relative to each other to control the gap between the side roller and the other side roller; and a workpiece feeding device that supplies the workpiece by allowing it to pass through the gap. The electric lifting device includes: A ball screw includes: a screw having an axis; a bearing supporting the screw so as to be rotatable about the axis; and a nut that moves linearly along the direction of the axis, i.e., the axial direction, by rotation of the screw. A frame that supports the bearing; A first movable body, fixed to the nut, provides a first sliding surface inclined at an angle of 5.7° to 11.3° relative to a plane including the axial direction; and The second moving body, configured to move linearly relative to the frame in a vertical direction perpendicular to the axis, has a second sliding surface capable of sliding relative to the first sliding surface. When the nut and the first moving body move linearly in a horizontal direction parallel to the axis, the second moving body moves linearly in the vertical direction through the sliding movement between the first and second sliding surfaces. The electric motor is supported by the frame and has a rotating output shaft. The electric lifting device is equipped with a rotational force transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the output shaft as the rotational force of the lead screw. The control system includes: A position sensor that detects the position of the front end of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece supply device. A load sensor that detects the load on the one-side roller and / or the other-side roller; and A control device that controls the electric lifting device based on the detection results of the position sensor or the detection results of the load sensor. When the electric lifting device is controlled based on the detection result of the position sensor, the control device controls the electric lifting device in the following manner: at the moment when the front end of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, the gap is made to match the pressing gap, and before the front end of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance, the gap is maintained to be greater than the pressing gap. The first specified distance is 0.001mm to 3.000mm. The position sensor also detects the rear end position of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece supply device. The control device controls the electric lifting device in the following manner: maintaining the gap at the pressing practical gap until the distance from the rear end position of the workpiece to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to a second predetermined distance, and making the gap larger than the pressing practical gap at the moment when the distance from the rear end position of the workpiece to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to the second predetermined distance. The second specified distance is 0.001mm to 3.000mm. In the case where the electric lifting device is controlled based on the detection result of the load sensor, the control device controls the electric lifting device during the operation of the workpiece supply device in the following manner: before the load sensor detects a predetermined increase in load per unit time, the gap is maintained at a level greater than the practical gap; and at the moment when the load sensor detects the predetermined increase in load per unit time, the gap is reduced until the practical gap is reached. The specified load increment per unit time is set within the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec. After reducing the gap to the practical pressing gap, during the operation of the workpiece supply device, the control device controls the electric lifting device in the following manner: maintaining the gap at the practical pressing gap until the load sensor detects a predetermined load reduction per unit time, and returning the gap to a state larger than the practical pressing gap at the moment the load sensor detects the predetermined load reduction per unit time. The specified load reduction is set within the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec. The compaction gap is a certain value within the range of 70% to 90% of the thickness of the workpiece before compaction. The compaction gap is a value that varies at a frequency of 1Hz to 10Hz within the range of 70% to 110% of the thickness of the workpiece before compaction.

5. The control system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electric motor is a servo motor.

6. The control system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The position sensor is a laser position sensor.

7. A control method, characterized in that, This control method controls a roller pressing device, which includes: a side roller and a side roller arranged opposite each other for compacting a workpiece; a side roller support that supports the side roller for rotation; a side roller support that supports the other side roller for rotation; an electric lifting device that uses an electric motor to move the side roller support and the other side roller support relative to each other to control the gap between the side roller and the other side roller; and a workpiece feeding device that supplies the workpiece by allowing it to pass through the gap. The electric lifting device includes: A ball screw includes: a screw having an axis; a bearing supporting the screw so as to be rotatable about the axis; and a nut that moves linearly along the direction of the axis, i.e., the axial direction, by rotation of the screw. A frame that supports the bearing; A first movable body, fixed to the nut, provides a first sliding surface inclined at an angle of 5.7° to 11.3° relative to a plane including the axial direction; and The second moving body, configured to move linearly relative to the frame in a vertical direction perpendicular to the axis, has a second sliding surface capable of sliding relative to the first sliding surface. When the nut and the first moving body move linearly in a horizontal direction parallel to the axis, the second moving body moves linearly in the vertical direction through the sliding movement between the first and second sliding surfaces. The electric motor is supported by the frame and has a rotating output shaft. The electric lifting device is equipped with a rotational force transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the output shaft as the rotational force of the lead screw. The control method includes: The inspection process involves detecting the position of the front end of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece supply device. The inspection process involves detecting the load on one side roller and / or the other side roller during the operation of the workpiece feeding device; and The control process involves controlling the electric lifting device based on the detection results of the detection process at the front end position of the workpiece or based on the detection process of the load on one side roller and / or the other side roller. In the control process based on the front end position of the workpiece, the gap is made a pressure-use gap at the moment when the front end position of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches a first predetermined distance, and the gap is maintained to be greater than the pressure-use gap before the front end position of the workpiece passes through the narrowest part of the gap and reaches the first predetermined distance. The first specified distance is 0.001mm to 3.000mm. In the inspection process, the rear end position of the workpiece supplied into the gap by the workpiece supply device is also inspected. In the control process, the gap is maintained at the pressure-operating gap until the distance from the rear end of the workpiece to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to a second predetermined distance, and the gap is made larger than the pressure-operating gap at the moment when the distance from the rear end of the workpiece to the narrowest part of the gap is reduced to the second predetermined distance. The second specified distance is 0.001mm to 3.000mm. In the control process based on the load of one side roller and / or the other side roller, during the operation of the workpiece feeding device, before the load sensor detects a predetermined load increase per unit time, the gap is maintained at a level greater than the actual pressing gap; and at the moment when the load sensor detects the predetermined load increase per unit time, the gap is started to decrease until the actual pressing gap is reached. The specified load increment per unit time is set within the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec. In the control process, after reducing the gap to the practical pressing gap, during the operation of the workpiece supply device, the electric lifting device is controlled as follows: the gap is maintained at the practical pressing gap until the load sensor detects a predetermined load reduction per unit time, and at the moment the load sensor detects the predetermined load reduction per unit time, the gap is returned to a state larger than the practical pressing gap. The specified load reduction is set within the range of 100 N / msec to 1000 N / msec. The compaction gap is a certain value within the range of 70% to 90% of the thickness of the workpiece before compaction. The compaction gap is a value that varies at a frequency of 1Hz to 10Hz within the range of 70% to 110% of the thickness of the workpiece before compaction.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electric motor is a servo motor.

9. The control method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The detection process uses a laser position sensor.

Images