Lamination manufacturing system

Abstract

In related lamination manufacturing systems, there is a problem that a large amount of installation space is required. A laminate manufacturing system according to the present disclosure includes: a pair of carrier films configured to transfer a laminate from one side to the other side of the laminate manufacturing system; a film unwinding device configured to unwind the carrier film; a laminate manufacturing apparatus which is provided on the other side of the film unwinding apparatus and presses the laminate by a pressing mechanism in a chamber, the interior of which is depressurized; and a film winding device disposed on the other side of the lamination manufacturing device and winding the carrier film, in which a vacuum pump for decompressing the inside of the chamber is disposed below the film unwinding device.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to, for example, a lamination manufacturing system including a lamination manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture laminated products by applying pressure to the laminate.

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6900138 discloses a lamination manufacturing system, comprising: a film unwinding (unwinding) device configured to supply a laminate placed on a carrier film to a lamination manufacturing device; a lamination manufacturing device that applies a pushing force to the laminate; and a film winding device configured to transfer the laminate placed on the carrier film from the lamination manufacturing device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The pressure generating mechanism for the lamination manufacturing equipment disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6900138, which generates thrust, is driven by a hydraulic pump. Furthermore, in the lamination manufacturing system disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6900138, the chamber of the lamination manufacturing equipment located closest to the film unwinding device needs to be maintained under vacuum during operation, and a vacuum pump is connected to the lamination manufacturing equipment. These hydraulic pumps and vacuum pumps are typically located within the lamination manufacturing equipment or on the back side of the film unwinding device, which has previously been a factor leading to the need for a large amount of installation space in lamination manufacturing systems.

[0004] This disclosure was made in view of the foregoing, and its purpose is to save space in lamination manufacturing systems.

[0005] The lamination manufacturing system according to this disclosure includes: a pair of carrier films configured to transfer a laminate from one side of the lamination manufacturing system to the other; a film unwinding device configured to unwind the carrier films; a lamination manufacturing device disposed on the other side of the film unwinding device and pressing the laminate in a chamber by a pressurizing mechanism, the interior of the chamber being depressurized; and a film winding device disposed on the other side of the lamination manufacturing device and winding the carrier films, wherein a vacuum pump for depressurizing the interior of the chamber is disposed below the film unwinding device.

[0006] In the lamination manufacturing system according to this disclosure, the vacuum pump is located below the film unwinding equipment, thereby further reducing the installation space in the lamination manufacturing system.

[0007] The lamination manufacturing system according to this disclosure can save installation space in the lamination manufacturing system.

[0008] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the construction of a lamination manufacturing system according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the vacuum pump and storage tank according to the first embodiment; and Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the construction of a lamination manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0010] For clarity, the following descriptions and figures have been omitted or simplified as appropriate. In the corresponding figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and repetitive descriptions have been omitted as appropriate.

[0011] First Implementation Method like Figure 1 As shown, according to the first embodiment, the lamination manufacturing system 1, with the laminate (not shown) placed on the laminate S, transfers the laminate S, sandwiched between a pair of carrier films F, from one side of the lamination manufacturing system 1 to the other. Furthermore, the lamination manufacturing system 1 includes a film unwinding device 10 for supplying the carrier films F and a film winding device 14 for retrieving the carrier films F. Additionally, the lamination manufacturing system 1 includes a vacuum lamination device 11, which performs a lamination manufacturing process for applying pressure to the laminate S, which is sandwiched by a pressurizing mechanism (described later) to laminate at least one surface of the laminate S using the laminate. The lamination manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment also includes flattening devices 12 and 13. Then, in the lamination manufacturing system 1, the vacuum lamination device 11 and the flattening devices 12 and 13 are arranged sequentially adjacent to each other between the film unwinding device 10 and the film winding device 14. The unwinding device 10 unwinds the carrier film F while the laminate S is placed on the carrier film F. Furthermore, the winding device 14 removes the laminate S, which has been pressurized by the vacuum laminating device 11 and the flattening devices 12 and 13, by winding the carrier film F. In other words, the direction from the unwinding device 10 to the winding device 14 is the transport direction of the laminate S.

[0012] Then, in the lamination manufacturing system 1, the laminate S is moved through each of the vacuum lamination equipment 11 and the flattening equipment 12 and 13, and is pressurized by each of these equipment, thereby manufacturing a laminated product. A primary product, in which the laminate film is laminated onto the laminate S, is manufactured by the vacuum lamination equipment 11, and a secondary product, in which the flatness of the laminated surface of the primary product is improved, is manufactured in the flattening equipment 12 and 13. By performing this stepwise manufacturing process, the surface flatness of the laminate film of the laminated product can be improved. Here, the structure in the vacuum lamination equipment 11, where the movable plate (as described later) is pressed against the fixed plate (as described later) by a pressure generating mechanism (as described later) added in the drive unit (e.g., the movable plate drive unit), is the same as the structure in the flattening equipment 12 and 13. On the other hand, the pressurization control method in the vacuum lamination equipment 11 can be different from the pressurization control method in the flattening equipment 12 and 13. Furthermore, vacuum laminating equipment 11 requires a chamber (as described later), while flattening equipment 12 and 13 may not require a chamber.

[0013] In other words, the lamination manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of lamination manufacturing devices (i.e., vacuum lamination device 11 and flattening devices 12 and 13). Furthermore, each of the plurality of lamination manufacturing devices includes a fixed plate, a movable plate disposed opposite to the fixed plate, and a pressure generating mechanism for bringing the movable plate closer to the fixed plate. Thus, the fixed plate and the movable plate clamp and press (push) the laminate S.

[0014] The lamination manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment also includes a vacuum pump 15 for bringing the chamber of the vacuum lamination apparatus 11 (as described below) into a vacuum state. In this disclosure, a vacuum state indicates a state in which the pressure in the chamber is reduced to a predetermined value. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the vacuum pump 15 is disposed below the film unwinding device 10 within the frame L. Furthermore, the vacuum pump 15 is configured such that at least a portion thereof is positioned within the frame L, where the film unwinding device 10 is housed. In other words, the front surface of the vacuum pump 15 is positioned within the frame L. Preferably, the back surface of the vacuum pump 15 is positioned within the frame L; alternatively, it can be positioned outside the frame L, i.e., on the back side of the frame L.

[0015] exist Figure 2In the example shown, the vacuum pump 15 is configured in the frame L such that its front surface is positioned at the center of the film unwinding device 10 or relative to its center on the back side. Furthermore, the vacuum pump 15 is configured such that its back surface is at the same position as the back surface of the vacuum laminating device 11 or on the front side of the back surface of the vacuum laminating device 11. The vacuum pump 15 draws in gas from the chamber C, and is connected to the chamber C of the vacuum laminating device 11 via a suction tube 15A. Specifically, when viewed from above, the suction tube 15A extends obliquely from the back side of the chamber C and downwards before being connected to the vacuum pump 15, thereby connecting the chamber C to the vacuum pump 15 with a shorter distance. In other words, at least a portion of the suction tube 15A extends obliquely relative to the transport direction of the laminate S. Note that the suction tube 15A may have a configuration in which multiple tubes are connected to each other. The form and shape of the tubes are not particularly limited; they can be tubular components or holes (internal tubes) provided to penetrate the movable or fixed plate of the vacuum laminating device 11. Furthermore, the tubes can have a shape in which at least a portion is bent or flexed, corrugated, or spiral. The tubes may also include movable portions capable of moving to follow changes in their position or operation relative to each other. That is, the movable portions of each tube can extend or retract in one direction, and can rotate, turn, bend, or fold. Preferably, the internal volume of the frame L is as small as possible. Therefore, the interior of the frame L is narrow because all types of components, elements, and wires are arranged to minimize gaps. Because the suction tube 15A comprises the aforementioned multiple tubes, the insertion path of the suction tube 15A can be efficiently set, and the length of the suction tube 15A can be further shortened.

[0016] The lamination manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment also includes a storage tank 16, which stores pneumatic equipment (not shown) configured to control the pressure of the pressurizing mechanisms of the vacuum lamination equipment 11 and the flattening equipment 12 and 13. Gas discharged from the pneumatic equipment flows into the storage tank 16. Furthermore, the storage tank 16 is disposed within a frame L in which the film unwinding equipment 10 is housed. Preferably, the storage tank 16 is disposed in the upper part of the frame L. Then, the exhaust pipe 15B of the vacuum pump 15 is connected to the storage tank 16, and gas discharged from the vacuum pump 15 flows into the storage tank 16. Specifically, the exhaust pipe 15B extends substantially vertically upward from the vacuum pump 15 and is connected to the storage tank 16. Additionally, the exhaust pipe 16A of the storage tank 16 is connected to the outside of the cleanroom where the lamination manufacturing system 1 is installed. Therefore, the gas discharged from the vacuum pump 15, together with the gas discharged from the pneumatic equipment, passes through the exhaust pipe 16A and is discharged to the outside of the clean chamber.

[0017] As essential components of the lamination manufacturing system 1, in addition to the film unwinding device 10, vacuum pump 15, and storage tank 16, pipes, wires, devices, monitors, control panels, components, frames, etc. (not shown) are housed in the space surrounded by the frame L. However, when the frame L is made larger to accommodate these components, the floor space of the lamination manufacturing system 1 increases and the production efficiency decreases. Therefore, preferably, the volume ratio occupied by the empty space in the space surrounded by the frame L, excluding the components, is as small as possible, preferably 70% or less, more preferably 50% or less.

[0018] From the perspective of reducing the floor space of the lamination manufacturing system 1, it is desirable to minimize the width of the frame L from the front to the back. Specifically, it is desirable to minimize the width of the film unwinding device 10 according to the width of the carrier film F. Therefore, the width of the frame L from the front to the back is preferably 1.5 times or more and 4.5 times or less the width of the carrier film F, more preferably 1.5 times or more and 3.5 times or less the width of the carrier film F.

[0019] As described above, since the movable plate and fixed plate of vacuum laminating equipment 11 and flattening equipment 12 and 13 are constructed to push the laminate S with the pushing force generated by the pressure generating mechanism, the following description will refer to... Figure 3 The basic structure of the lamination manufacturing equipment is described using the example of vacuum lamination equipment 11.

[0020] like Figure 3 As shown, the vacuum laminating apparatus 11 includes a substrate 20, tie rods 21, a fixed plate 22, and a movable plate 23. In the vacuum laminating apparatus 11, the tie rods 21 are fixed to the four corners of the substrate 20. These tie rods 21 are connected to the insertion holes at the four corners of the movable plate 23 in a manner that allows the movable plate 23 to move vertically, and these tie rods 21 are fixed to the four corners of the fixed plate 22. Thus, the movable plate 23 is inserted between the substrate 20 and the fixed plate 22, allowing the movable plate 23 to move vertically. Then, in… Figure 3In the example shown, the upper pressure plate 24B is attached to the fixed plate 22. Furthermore, the lower pressure plate 24A is attached to the movable plate 23. The upper pressure plate 24B and the lower pressure plate 24A apply pressure to the laminate S on which a laminated film (not shown) is placed. That is, the substrate 20, tie rod 21, fixed plate 22, movable plate 23, upper pressure plate 24B, and lower pressure plate 24A form a pressure mechanism. Furthermore, the space between the fixed plate 22 and the movable plate 23 is a chamber C that is sealed when the movable plate 23 is raised. Moreover, the upper pressure plate 24B and the lower pressure plate 24A are not particularly limited as long as they apply pressure to the laminate S. For example, the upper pressure plate 24B and the lower pressure plate 24A can be plate-shaped materials (heating plates) or flexible sheets that can be heated and cooled. Thus, laminated products can be appropriately manufactured. In the first embodiment, each of the upper pressure plate 24B and the lower pressure plate 24A is a partition formed of a flexible sheet that can be heated and cooled. Compressed air is supplied to the partition from a pneumatic device (not shown), and the expanded partition applies pressure to the laminate S.

[0021] In addition, the vacuum laminating apparatus 11 includes a mechanism for raising or lowering the movable plate 23 by raising or lowering the ball screw nut by rotating the ball screw with a servo motor, as a pressure generating mechanism added to the drive unit (e.g., the movable plate drive unit).

[0022] Regarding the lamination manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the vacuum pump 15 is disposed below the film unwinding device 10, thereby further reducing the installation space in the lamination manufacturing system 1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the vacuum pump 15 is housed within a frame L in which the film unwinding device 10 is internally located. Specifically, the vacuum pump 15 is disposed below the film unwinding device 10, and is configured such that at least a portion of the vacuum pump 15 is positioned within the frame L in which the film unwinding device 10 is internally located. Therefore, it is unnecessary to dispose of the vacuum pump 15 on the back side of the frame L. This further reduces the installation space in the lamination manufacturing system 1. Note that the state in which at least a portion of the vacuum pump 15 is disposed within the frame L is such that, when viewed from above, at least a portion of the vacuum pump 15 is inside the frame L; more preferably, it is such that, when viewed from above, 50% or more of the projected area of ​​the vacuum pump 15 is inside the frame L. Furthermore, the vacuum pump 15 is positioned below the film unwinding device 10 such that at least a portion of the vacuum pump 15 overlaps with the film unwinding device 10 when viewed from above.

[0023] Furthermore, in the lamination manufacturing system 1, compared to the case where the vacuum pump 15 is located outside the frame L where the film unwinding device 10 is housed internally, the length of the suction pipe 15A of the vacuum pump 15 can be shortened, thus improving the efficiency of vacuuming in the chamber C. The efficiency of vacuuming in the chamber C can be further improved.

[0024] Furthermore, at least a portion of the suction tube 15A extends obliquely relative to the conveying direction of the laminate S. Specifically, when viewed from above, the suction tube 15A extends obliquely from the back side of the chamber C of the vacuum laminating device 11, then extends downwards, and is connected to the vacuum pump 15. This allows for a further reduction in the length of the suction tube 15A, and further improves the efficiency of vacuuming in the chamber C. Additionally, at least a portion of the suction tube 15A may include a movable portion to follow changes in the position of the chamber C. Then, to further improve the efficiency of vacuuming in the chamber C, it is preferable to have fewer bends in the suction tube 15A. More preferably, the number of bends in the suction tube 15A is four or fewer. However, because various components and cables are arranged three-dimensionally inside the frame L, it is difficult to minimize the number of bends in the suction tube 15A, and it is also difficult to minimize the length of the suction tube 15A as much as possible. In view of this, the insertion path of the suction tube 15A is determined by pre-inputting the component settings of the lamination manufacturing system 1 into the computer and calculating the insertion path of the suction tube 15A with the fewest possible bends and the shortest possible length.

[0025] Furthermore, the width of the frame L from the front to the back is preferably 1.5 times to 3.5 times the width of the carrier film F. This allows for a smaller footprint of the lamination manufacturing system 1 and further reduces the installation space required within the system.

[0026] Furthermore, the volume ratio of the voids in the space surrounded by the frame L is preferably 50% or less. This allows for a reduction in the size of the frame L, resulting in a smaller footprint for the lamination manufacturing system 1 and preventing a decrease in production efficiency.

[0027] Furthermore, the storage tank 16 of the pneumatic equipment is housed in the frame L, which contains the film unwinding device 10. The exhaust pipe 15B of the vacuum pump 15 is connected to the storage tank 16, and the exhaust pipe 16A of the storage tank 16 is connected to the outside of the clean chamber where the lamination manufacturing system 1 is installed. Thus, the gas discharged from the vacuum pump 15, along with the gas discharged from the pneumatic equipment, passes through the exhaust pipe 16A and is discharged to the outside of the clean chamber. In other words, the exhaust from the vacuum pump 15 and the exhaust from the storage tank 16 can be combined, and the piping of the lamination manufacturing system 1 can be simplified.

[0028] Furthermore, the storage tank 16 is located in the upper part of the frame L, where the film unwinding device 10 is housed, and the exhaust pipe 15B of the vacuum pump 15 extends substantially straight upward from the vacuum pump 15 and is connected to the storage tank 16. As a result, the exhaust resistance of the exhaust pipe 15B is reduced, and the exhaust efficiency is improved.

[0029] Furthermore, when the pressure generating mechanism of the lamination manufacturing equipment is driven by a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump, being a driving source, is located on the back side of the lamination manufacturing equipment due to its large size. Therefore, even when the vacuum pump 15 is positioned below the film unwinding device 10 such that at least a portion of the vacuum pump 15 is located in the frame L in which the film unwinding device 10 is housed, the space-saving effect in the lamination manufacturing system 1 is limited. On the other hand, in the lamination manufacturing system 1 according to the first embodiment, a servo motor (electric motor) is used as the driving source for the pressure generating mechanism of the vacuum lamination equipment 11 and the flattening devices 12 and 13. As a result, a movable plate drive unit with a pressure generating mechanism and a servo motor internally incorporated can be accommodated in the lower part of the vacuum lamination equipment 11 and the flattening devices 12 and 13 (below the movable plate 23). Therefore, it is not necessary to place the driving source on the back side of the vacuum lamination equipment 11 or the frame L, thereby further reducing the installation space in the lamination manufacturing system 1.

[0030] Furthermore, when a hydraulic pump is used as the drive source for the pressure generating mechanism of the lamination manufacturing equipment, the drive source is relatively large, making it difficult to accommodate the drive source and the movable plate drive unit in the lower part of the vacuum lamination equipment 11 and the flattening equipment 12 and 13. The height at which the carrier film F is conveyed is typically set lower compared to the case where a servo motor is used as the drive source. Therefore, the space below the film unwinding device 10 is narrow, making it difficult to position the vacuum pump 15 below the film unwinding device 10. On the other hand, when a servo motor is used as the drive source, the drive source and the movable plate drive unit can be accommodated in the lower part of the vacuum lamination equipment 11 and the flattening equipment 12 and 13, and the height is increased by the line. Therefore, at least a portion of the vacuum pump 15 can be positioned in the space below the film unwinding device 10.

[0031] Note that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A lamination manufacturing system, comprising: A pair of carrier films are configured to transfer the laminate from one side of the lamination manufacturing system to the other side; A membrane unwinding device configured to unwind the carrier membrane; A lamination manufacturing apparatus, disposed on the other side of the film unwinding apparatus, presses the laminate within a chamber by a pressurizing mechanism, wherein the interior of the chamber is depressurized; and A film winding device, which is located on the other side of the lamination manufacturing equipment, winds up the carrier film. The vacuum pump used to depressurize the interior of the chamber is located below the membrane unwinding device.

2. The lamination manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the vacuum pump is housed in a frame, wherein the film unwinding device is placed within the frame.

3. The lamination manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein, The vacuum pump is connected to the chamber via a suction pipe, and At least a portion of the suction tube extends obliquely relative to the conveying direction of the laminate.

4. The lamination manufacturing system according to claim 3, wherein, At least a portion of the suction tube includes a movable section to follow changes in the position of the chamber.

5. The lamination manufacturing system according to claim 2, wherein, The width of the frame from the front to the back is more than 1.5 times and less than 3.5 times the width of the carrier film.

6. The lamination manufacturing system according to claim 2, wherein, The volume ratio of the voids in the space surrounded by the frame is less than 50%.

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