Coating roller and method for assembling coating roller

Abstract

To obtain a coating roller capable of simply setting a twisting angle of a coating part.SOLUTION: Provided is a coating roller (10) in which an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical body (13) is covered with a mesh-like coating part (15). The body comprises a plurality of divided body parts (30) that can be divided in an axial direction. The plurality of divided body parts comprises fitting parts (31) at opposing axial positions that allow the divided body parts to be fitted to each other by changing their relative rotational positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a covered roller and a method for assembling the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Covered rollers are used as conveying rollers for conveying conveyed materials such as sheet-like paper, cloth, and film. The outer surface of a roller body having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface is covered with a covering. An appropriate covering is selected based on various conditions required for the outer surface of the covered roller, such as frictional force, stain resistance, and cooling properties. For example, mesh-like coverings made of woven or knitted fabrics have been proposed as coverings for providing a textured outer surface to a covered roller (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6944142 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5902806 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a mesh-like covering is provided on a covered roller, the covering is formed into a cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the roller body is covered with the covering, with both ends of the covering fixed to the roller body with a fixing means such as end caps. The cylindrical covering is formed with the mesh direction (e.g., the direction of the weave in the case of woven fabrics, the direction of the stitches in the case of knitted fabrics, etc.) facing the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the covered roller. Therefore, when the covered roller with the covering attached to the roller body is viewed axially, the unevenness of the mesh of the covering is uniform, resulting in a configuration in which the areas where the mesh is present and the areas where it is not present are clearly separated in the direction of rotation of the covered roller. As a result, when the covered roller rotates while contacting the conveyed object, vibrations and abnormal noise caused by variations in the amount of unevenness of the mesh in the direction of rotation increase.

[0005] By configuring the covering portion with a twist angle that makes the mesh direction non-parallel to the axial direction of the covered roller, the difference in the amount of unevenness of the mesh when viewed along the axial direction of the covered roller is reduced, thereby suppressing vibrations and abnormal noise when the covered roller is in use.

[0006] When manufacturing a covered roller with a twist angle in the covering, a cylindrical covering is placed on the outside of the roller body, one end of the covering is fixed to the roller body with an end cap, and the other end of the covering is fixed to the roller body with the end cap while twisting the covering. However, attaching the end cap while twisting the covering is inefficient and time-consuming. In particular, if the material making up the covering is not flexible or if the covering is slippery relative to the roller body, force is not transmitted efficiently to the covering, making it difficult to twist and maintain the twisted state.

[0007] Another method for manufacturing a coated roller with a twisted coating is to first secure both ends of the coating to the roller body with end caps and then twist the coating. However, this can pull the coating, causing the area of ​​the coating held by the end caps to shift axially or rotationally, potentially causing the end caps to lift up or fall off.

[0008] As such, conventional coated rollers require a high level of difficulty in constructing the coated portion with a twist angle, and it takes a lot of time and effort to obtain a coated roller with a mesh-like coated portion.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a covered roller and a method for assembling the covered roller, which allows the twist angle of the covering portion to be easily set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one aspect, the coated roller has a cylindrical main body whose outer surface is covered with a mesh-like coating, and the main body has a plurality of divided main body portions that can be divided in the axial direction, and the divided main body portions have mating portions at opposing axial portions that can change their rotational positions relative to each other to allow the divided main body portions to fit together.

[0011] In one aspect, a method for assembling a covered roller in which the outer surface of a cylindrical main body is covered with a mesh-like covering portion includes a covering step in which multiple divided main body portions that can be separated in the axial direction and are fitted together at opposing axial portions are covered with the cylindrical covering portion and both ends of the covering portion are held by the divided main body portions, and a twisting step in which the rotational positions of the multiple divided main body portions are changed relatively to each other to fit them together and twist the covering portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above aspect, the twist angle of the covering portion of the covering roller can be set easily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a covered roller according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a covered roller. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the covered roller, showing the inside of the covering portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the split main body portion of the covering roller in a split state. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view of the coated roller after the coating step. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view of the covered roller after the twisting step. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the covered roller during the twisting process. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the covered roller during the twisting process. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1 and 2 show a covered roller 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the covered roller 10. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the covered roller 10. Note that part of Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the outer surface of the main body 13 (the configuration in the vicinity of the fitting portion 31), which will be described later, rather than the internal structure of the covered roller 10.

[0015] The covered roller 10 is rotatably supported via a rotating shaft 11, and an axis P passing through the center of the rotating shaft 11 is the rotation center of the covered roller 10. In the following description, the direction in which the axis P extends is referred to as the axial direction, and the direction in which the covered roller 10 rotates around the axis P is referred to as the rotation direction. The rotation direction is also the circumferential direction of the covered roller 10.

[0016] The covered roller 10 is a transport roller used to transport sheet-like transported objects. More specifically, the covered roller 10 constitutes part of a transport mechanism provided in a printing device that prints on the sheet-like transported objects. The covered roller 10 is a driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the movement of the transported objects when transporting them. Note that the use of the covered roller 10 in this embodiment is just one example, and the use of the covered roller to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the transport mechanism of a printing device.

[0017] The covered roller 10 has an internal shaft hole 12 that penetrates in the axial direction, and a rotating shaft 11 is inserted into the shaft hole 12. Both ends of the rotating shaft 11 protrude from the shaft hole 12 and are fixedly supported by shaft supports (not shown). Retaining rings 16 are attached to the rotating shaft 11 at two locations in the axial direction, and both retaining rings 16 restrict movement of the covered roller 10 in the axial direction. The inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole 12 is supported so as to be slidable in the rotational direction relative to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 11.

[0018] Unlike this embodiment, it is also possible to apply a configuration in which the rotating shaft 11 and the shaft hole 12 are integrally coupled in the rotational direction so as not to rotate relative to each other, and both end portions of the rotating shaft 11 protruding in the axial direction from the shaft hole 12 are rotatably inserted into external shaft holes. For example, by making the rotating shaft 11 and the shaft hole 12 have non-circular cross-sectional shapes inside the covered roller 10, a structure can be created in which the covered roller 10 and the rotating shaft 11 rotate integrally.

[0019] Fig. 3 shows the covered roller 10 when it is not attached to the rotating shaft 11. The covered roller 10 comprises a cylindrical main body 13 extending in the axial direction, a pair of end caps 14 attached to both axial ends of the main body 13, and a covering portion 15 that covers the outside of the main body 13. In Fig. 3, the covering portion 15 is shown by a virtual line (dotted line), and the main body 13 inside the covering portion 15 is shown in a see-through state.

[0020] 4 shows the configuration of the main body 13. The main body 13 has a double-cylinder structure composed of an inner cylinder 20 having an axial hole 12 therein and an outer cylinder 21 surrounding the outside of the inner cylinder 20. The inner cylinder 20 and the outer cylinder 21 are arranged concentrically around an axial center P. The inner cylinder 20 protrudes in the axial direction beyond both ends of the outer cylinder 21. In this embodiment, the main body 13 is made of synthetic resin, but the material of the main body 13 is not limited to this.

[0021] The outer cylindrical portion 21 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 22 centered on the axis P. Most of the outer peripheral surface 22 has a constant outer diameter size throughout the axial direction, and tapered surfaces 23 are formed on both ends of the outer peripheral surface 22. The tapered surfaces 23 are truncated cone-shaped surfaces whose outer diameter size gradually decreases as they approach the ends of the outer cylindrical portion 21.

[0022] A connecting portion 24 that connects the inner cylindrical portion 20 and the outer cylindrical portion 21 is provided inside the main body 13. An annular insertion recess 25 located inside the outer peripheral surface 22 (including the tapered surface 23) is formed at each of both axial end portions of the main body 13. The insertion recess 25 is a hollow opening formed between the end portion of the inner cylindrical portion 20 and the end portion of the outer cylindrical portion 21 without being connected by the connecting portion 24, and a pair of insertion recesses 25 open at both ends of the main body 13.

[0023] Each of the pair of end caps 14 has a disk-shaped lid portion 26 perpendicular to the axial direction and a cylindrical insertion portion 27 protruding in the axial direction from the center of the lid portion 26. The lid portion 26 has a through-hole 26a into which the inner cylindrical portion 20 of the main body 13 can be inserted.

[0024] The insertion portion 27 of the end cap 14 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the insertion recess 25 of the main body 13. When inserted into the insertion recess 25, the insertion portion 27 is press-fitted, with the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 27 tightly contacting the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 20 with a predetermined pressure, thereby fixedly supporting the end cap 14 relative to the main body 13. As a configuration for press-fitting the insertion portion 27 into the insertion recess 25, for example, the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 20 may be formed as a truncated cone-shaped tapered surface whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the axial tip of the inner cylindrical portion 20. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 27 may be formed as a similar tapered surface. By providing such a tapered surface, the tightness of contact between the inner cylindrical portion 20 and the insertion portion 27 increases as the insertion portion 27 is inserted deeper into the insertion recess 25, allowing for press-fitting.

[0025] 2 and 3, the covering portion 15 is cylindrical and covers the outer peripheral surface 22 of the main body 13. As shown in Fig. 1, the covering portion 15 has a mesh structure. The covering portion 15 is formed by shaping a sheet-like base material having a mesh structure into a cylindrical shape.

[0026] A sheet-like substrate having a mesh structure is manufactured, for example, as a woven fabric formed by crossing thread-like materials or a knitted fabric formed by weaving thread-like materials. Alternatively, the sheet-like substrate may be a molded product formed by supplying a fluid material to a lattice-like mold, rather than a woven or knitted fabric formed by weaving thread-like materials. As described above, various methods can be used to form the substrate of the covering portion 15, and the method is not limited to a specific one. The mesh structure of the covering portion 15 may have linear structures extending in a predetermined direction and gaps where no linear structures are present when viewed from a predetermined distance, as shown in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the linear structures may not appear as a single linear object when viewed enlarged. In the following description, the mesh direction of the covering portion 15 refers to the direction in which the linear structures constituting the mesh extend, and in particular refers to the direction in which the linear structures extend in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical covering portion 15.

[0027] The cylindrical covering portion 15 is attached by covering the outside of the main body 13. The covering portion 15 is formed to have a radial dimension slightly smaller than that of the main body 13 so that it is expanded in the radial direction when it is attached to the outside of the main body 13, and the covering portion 15 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface 22 and tapered surface 23 of the main body 13. The axial length of the covering portion 15 before being attached to the main body 13 is greater than the axial length of the main body 13, and both ends of the covering portion 15 are folded inward and inserted into the insertion recesses 25 on both sides of the main body 13 (see FIG. 2). Then, by attaching end caps 14 to both axial ends of the main body 13, both ends of the covering portion 15 are fixed to the main body 13. The covered roller 10 in this state is shown in FIG. 5.

[0028] The covered roller 10 shown in Fig. 5 is in a state before the twisting process described below, and the mesh direction of the covering portion 15 is along the axial direction. Therefore, as shown in the partially enlarged view A in Fig. 5, when the covered roller 10 with the covering portion 15 attached to the main body 13 is viewed along the axial direction, the covering portion 15 is clearly divided into an area where the linear structures that make up the mesh exist and an area of ​​gaps between them. If left in this state, the unevenness of the covering portion 15 will vary greatly depending on the position in the rotational direction, and this will likely result in increased vibration and noise when the covered roller 10 rotates while in contact with the transported object.

[0029] To solve this problem, as shown in Fig. 6, the covered roller 10 of this embodiment is configured such that the mesh of the covered portion 15 is attached to the main body 13 with a predetermined twist angle to the covered portion 15 so that it is not parallel to the axial direction but is inclined. In other words, the linear structures that make up the mesh of the covered portion 15 are configured so that their position in the rotational direction changes while extending in the axial direction. As shown in the partially enlarged view A in Fig. 6, when the covered roller 10 with the twisted covered portion 15 attached to the main body 13 is viewed axially, the difference in the amount of unevenness of the covered portion 15 depending on the position in the rotational direction is reduced, which makes it possible to suppress vibration and abnormal noise when the covered roller 10 rotates while contacting the transported object.

[0030] The covered roller 10 of this embodiment has a structure that allows the covering portion 15 to be easily attached to the main body 13 with a twist angle, and this will be described in detail below.

[0031] 4, the main body 13 is composed of a pair of divided main body portions 30 that can be separated in the axial direction. The pair of divided main body portions 30 have the same structure and are arranged with their axial directions opposite to each other.

[0032] A fitting portion 31 is formed on each of the pair of divided main body portions 30 at an axially opposing portion (the end portion opposite to the side having the insertion recess 25). The fitting portion 31 has a configuration that allows the pair of divided main body portions 30 to be fitted together by changing the relative position in the rotational direction, and the pair of divided main body portions 30 are combined to form the main body 13 by fitting the fitting portions 31 together.

[0033] The fitting portion 31 of each divided main body portion 30 is configured by a concave-convex shape formed on the axial end of the outer cylindrical portion 21. More specifically, the fitting portion 31 is configured by a plurality of first surfaces 31a and a plurality of second surfaces 31b formed on the axial end of the outer cylindrical portion 21. The first surfaces 31a are inclined surfaces whose axial position gradually changes as they progress in the rotational direction. The second surfaces 31b are flat surfaces parallel to the axial direction. One first surface 31a and one second surface 31b form one wedge-shaped step portion 31c. All of the first surfaces 31a have the same shape (the magnitude of the inclination relative to the axis P and the formation range in the rotational direction). All of the second surfaces 31b have the same shape (the axial length). Therefore, the fitting portion 31 is configured by a plurality of step portions 31c each having the same shape being arranged continuously in the rotational direction.

[0034] 2 and 3, the pair of divided main bodies 30 are combined in a state where their respective fitting portions 31 face each other, and their relative positions in the rotational direction are adjusted so that their respective first surfaces 31a abut each other and their respective second surfaces 31b abut each other, so that their respective step portions 31c fit together. From this fitted state, the fitting positions of the respective step portions 31c can be changed to change the relative positions in the rotational direction of the pair of divided main bodies 30 (angular positions in the rotational direction).

[0035] Specifically, when a pair of divided main bodies 30 are combined by fitting their mating portions 31 together, applying a force to rotate them in a first direction R1 (a direction that rotates the divided main bodies 30 clockwise around the axis P) indicated by the arrow in Fig. 7 causes the pair of divided main bodies 30 to move relatively in the rotational direction (first direction R1) along their abutting first surfaces 31a, while moving apart in the axial direction. When the pair of divided main bodies 30 move in the rotational direction by the length of one step 31c, as shown in Fig. 8, the multiple step portions 31c are in the same positional relationship in the rotational direction, and the pair of divided main bodies 30 can be brought closer in the axial direction to fit their mating portions 31 together.

[0036] In this way, the relative positional relationship in the rotational direction of the pair of divided main bodies 30 can be changed in stages by changing the positions at which the mating portions 31 are fitted to each other. The relative positional relationship in the rotational direction of the pair of divided main bodies 30 can be changed for each angle divided by the step portions 31c (i.e., in increments of one step of the step portions 31c), allowing relative rotation through any n steps. As an example, the rotation angle of one step of the pair of divided main bodies 30 divided by the step portions 31c is 5°.

[0037] 7, both of the pair of divided main bodies 30 are marked with arrows indicating the first direction R1, but it is not necessary to rotate both of the pair of divided main bodies 30. One of the pair of divided main bodies 30 may be rotated while the other is fixed without rotating. In other words, the pair of divided main bodies 30 can be rotated relative to one another by moving at least one of the divided main bodies 30 in the first direction R1.

[0038] When a pair of split main body portions 30 are fitted together with their mating portions 31, and a force is applied to rotate them in a second direction R2 (see Figure 7) opposite to the first direction R1, the multiple second surfaces 31b, which are surfaces perpendicular to the rotation direction, abut against each other, thereby restricting the relative rotation of the pair of split main body portions 30.

[0039] In this way, the pair of split main body portions 30 are combined with each other by engaging with mating portions 31 that are configured to allow relative rotation in one rotation direction (first direction R1) and restrict relative rotation in the other rotation direction (second direction R2).

[0040] 4, each of the pair of divided main body portions 30 is provided with an engaging portion 32 at the axial end (the end having the insertion recess 25) opposite the side having the fitting portion 31. In other words, the engaging portions 32 are provided at both axial ends of the main body 13. The engaging portion 32 is formed at the axial end of the outer tube portion 21, and is located between the outer peripheral surface 22 (including the tapered surface 23) of the main body 13 and the insertion recess 25.

[0041] The engaging portions 32 of each divided main body portion 30 are configured by a concave-convex shape formed on the axial end portion of the outer tube portion 21. More specifically, the engaging portions 32 have a sawtooth structure in which mountain-shaped protrusions that protrude in the axial direction and valleys that are recessed in the axial direction are repeatedly arranged in the rotational direction.

[0042] An assembly method for forming the covered roller 10 by attaching the covering portion 15 to the main body 13 configured as described above will now be described. The assembly method for the covered roller 10 in this embodiment includes a covering step in which a pair of divided main body portions 30 that can be separated in the axial direction and are fitted together at fitting portions 31 are covered with cylindrical covering portions 15 and both ends of the covering portion 15 are held by each divided main body portion 30, and a twisting step in which the rotational positions of the pair of divided main body portions 30 are changed relative to each other to fit the fitting portions 31 and twist the covering portion 15. Note that the covering step and twisting step are performed before attaching the covered roller 10 to the rotating shaft 11.

[0043] [Coating process] The main body 13, in which a pair of divided main body portions 30 are fitted together at their fitting portions 31, and the cylindrical covering portion 15 are prepared. The covering portion 15 is placed on the outside of the main body 13, and the axial position of the covering portion 15 is adjusted so that both ends of the covering portion 15 protrude evenly from both ends of the main body 13. The covering portion 15 is placed on the main body 13 in a state where it is pushed out in the radial direction, and is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 22 and tapered surface 23 of the main body 13.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, one and the other axial ends of the covering portion 15 are folded inward and inserted into the insertion recesses 25 provided at both ends of the main body 13. The ends of the covering portion 15 are formed with a folded-back region 15a that is guided along the tapered surface 23 to the axial end of the outer tube portion 21 and contacts the engaging portion 32, and an inserted region 15b that is folded inward from the folded-back region 15a and inserted into the insertion recess 25. A predetermined tension is applied to the covering portion 15 that is expanded radially and placed over the main body 13, and this tension causes the folded-back region 15a, which has a mesh structure, to enter and engage with the uneven shape of the engaging portion 32. The length of the inserted region 15b is greater than the depth of the insertion recess 25, and the tip of the inserted region 15b reaches the bottom of the insertion recess 25 (the innermost part in the axial direction).

[0045] Next, end caps 14 are attached to one end and the other end of the main body 13. When attaching each end cap 14, the insertion portion 27 is press-fitted into the insertion recess 25 (particularly, the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 20), and the end cap 14 is pushed in the axial direction until the movement of the lid portion 26 is restricted by the axial end (engagement portion 32) of the outer cylindrical portion 21. In addition, the end of the inner cylindrical portion 20 is inserted into the through-hole 26a of the lid portion 26.

[0046] By attaching the end caps 14, the folded region 15a of the covering portion 15 is sandwiched between the engaging portion 32 provided at the axial end of the outer cylindrical portion 21 and the lid portion 26. Furthermore, the inserted region 15b of the covering portion 15 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the insertion recess 25 and the outer surface of the inserting portion 27 inserted into the insertion recess 25. Specifically, the inserted region 15b has a portion that extends axially along the inner circumferential surface of the insertion recess 25 and a portion that bends radially along the bottom of the insertion recess 25, and these portions of the inserted region 15b are pressed into and sandwiched by the outer circumferential surface and tip of the cylindrical inserting portion 27. In this way, both ends of the covering portion 15, including the folded region 15a and the inserted region 15b, are attached to and held at both ends of the main body 13 via the pair of end caps 14.

[0047] This completes the coating process. Figure 5 shows the coated roller 10 after the coating process. As shown in Figure 5, at this stage, the mesh direction of the coating portion 15 is roughly along the axial direction.

[0048] [Twisting process] Next, the rotational positions of the pair of divided main body portions 30 constituting the main body 13 are relatively changed. As described above, the pair of divided main body portions 30 can rotate relative to each other by changing the fitting positions of the multiple step portions 31c constituting each other's fitting portion 31, and the angle of relative rotation can be changed depending on the number of step portions 31c whose fitting positions are changed.

[0049] By changing the relative rotational positions of the pair of divided main bodies 30, the covering portion 15 is twisted, and as shown in FIG. 6, the mesh direction in the covering portion 15 changes, resulting in a mesh configuration that is tilted relative to the axial direction. As the relative rotation amount of the pair of divided main bodies 30 increases, the twist angle of the covering portion 15 increases. The pair of divided main bodies 30 are rotated relative to each other until the covering portion 15 reaches the desired twist angle. The pair of divided main bodies 30 are rotated in stages, each at a predetermined angle separated by the number of steps of the multiple step portions 31c.

[0050] When rotating the pair of divided main bodies 30 relative to one another, a force is applied in the first direction R1 that separates the second surfaces 31b of the mating portions 31 in the rotational direction, as shown in Fig. 7. As described above, the mating portions 31 have a structure that allows the force in the first direction R1 to easily move along the first surfaces 31a and overcome the step portions 31c. Therefore, applying a force in the first direction R1 allows the pair of divided main bodies 30 to rotate relative to one another with a simpler operation and less load than separating the pair of divided main bodies 30 axially and then rotating them relative to one another.

[0051] Note that if the pair of split main body portions 30 in the combined state are separated in the axial direction by a distance equal to or greater than the length of their second surfaces 31b, the pair of split main body portions 30 can be rotated relative to each other in both the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. However, if the covering portion 15 is made of a material with low elasticity, manually applying only axial force to separate the pair of split main body portions 30 in the axial direction may result in a large load and poor workability. Therefore, applying a force in the first direction R1, which is the rotational direction, without relying on axial force and using a component force generated along the first surfaces 31a to cause both relative rotation and axial movement of the pair of split main body portions 30 is useful in reducing the load of the twisting operation.

[0052] During the twisting operation, both ends of the covering portion 15 are fixed by the end caps 14 and engaged with the engaging portions 32. Because the folded-back regions 15a are engaged with the engaging portions 32, the ends of the covering portion 15 are prevented from shifting in position in the rotational direction relative to the ends of the main body 13 when the covering portion 15 is twisted. Furthermore, by preventing the ends of the covering portion 15 from shifting in position, unnecessary movements such as the end caps 14 floating up in the axial direction relative to the main body 13 do not occur, and the state in which both ends of the covering portion 15 are fixedly held to the main body 13 via the end caps 14 is stably maintained.

[0053] In particular, when the pair of divided main body portions 30 are rotated relative to one another, the fitting portions 31 move over the step portions 31c (see FIGS. 7 and 8), temporarily increasing the length of the main body 13 and applying a force that pulls the covering portion 15 in the axial direction. The force pulling the covering portion 15 causes the folded-back region 15a to bite more firmly into the engaging portion 32, reliably preventing the end of the covering portion 15 from shifting position relative to the main body 13. Therefore, the operation of rotating the pair of divided main body portions 30 relative to one another while releasing the fitting of the fitting portions 31 has the effect of increasing the ability of the end of the folded-back region 15a to follow the rotation of the divided main body portion 30.

[0054] The sawtooth engagement portion 32 has many engagement points with the mesh-structured covering portion 15 and can engage evenly without bias at any position in the rotational direction, so it is highly effective in holding the covering portion 15 while preventing it from shifting position near the end.

[0055] In this way, by providing engaging portions 32 on both ends of main body 13 and engaging them with folded-back regions 15a of covering portion 15, covering portion 15 can be twisted by reliably following the positional changes in the rotational direction of the pair of divided main body portions 30. Furthermore, misalignment of both ends of covering portion 15 and end caps 14 due to twisting is prevented, and covering portion 15 can be twisted with end caps 14 attached to both ends of main body 13.

[0056] When the covering portion 15 reaches the desired twist angle due to the relative rotation of the pair of divided main body portions 30, the application of force in the rotational direction is released. Then, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mating portions 31 of the pair of divided main body portions 30 fit together. The tension acting on the twisted covering portion 15 acts as a force in a direction that maintains the mating of the mating portions 31 of the pair of divided main body portions 30, so the pair of divided main body portions 30 will not unintentionally separate. At this stage, the twisting process is completed.

[0057] The covered roller 10 is completed through the above steps. As shown in Fig. 6, in the completed covered roller 10, the mesh direction of the covering portion 15, both ends of which are fixed to the main body 13 via end caps 14, is not parallel to the axial direction but is at a predetermined twist angle relative to the axial direction.

[0058] The twist angle of the covering portion 15 can be set arbitrarily depending on the relative rotation amount of the pair of divided main body portions 30 in the twisting process. The relative rotation amount of the pair of divided main body portions 30 can be quantitatively selected based on the number of steps 31c that make up the fitting portion 31, and the desired twist angle can be easily achieved without relying on the experience or intuition of the worker.

[0059] The twisted state of the covering portion 15 is maintained by the fitting of the fitting portions 31 of the pair of divided main body portions 30, and relative rotation of the pair of divided main body portions 30 in the direction to release the twist is restricted by the abutment of the second surfaces 31b. Therefore, even if a torsional load is applied to the covered roller 10 in the second direction R2 (see FIG. 7) after the covered roller 10 is completed, the twist of the covering portion 15 is maintained without being released.

[0060] Furthermore, because the folded-back regions 15a of the covering 15 engage with the engaging portions 32 of the individual divided main body portions 30, even if a load in the rotational direction is applied to the vicinity of the end caps 14, the covering 15 is prevented from moving out of position due to following the end caps 14. Therefore, even if a load in the rotational direction is applied locally to the end of the covered roller 10 after the covered roller 10 is completed, the twisted state of the covering 15 will not be released and will be maintained as long as the pair of divided main body portions 30 do not rotate relative to each other.

[0061] After the covered roller 10 is completed, a rotating shaft is inserted into the shaft hole 12 and a pair of retaining rings 16 are attached to both sides of the main body 13, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . This rotatably supports the covered roller 10 via the rotating shaft 11. The pair of retaining rings 16 position the main body 13 axially relative to the rotating shaft 11 and restrict axial movement of the pair of split main body portions 30 away from each other, thereby maintaining the engagement of the mating portions 31. Therefore, when the covered roller 10 is supported on the rotating shaft 11 and held by the pair of retaining rings 16, the pair of split main body portions 30 are restricted from rotating relative to each other not only in the second direction R2 but also in the first direction R1. As a result, there is no risk of the pair of split main body portions 30 rotating relative to each other during use, which would change the torsional angle of the covering portion 15 or cause the main body 13 to come apart.

[0062] As described above, even if a user or a device manager applies a twisting force to the covered roller 10 during maintenance work or the like after assembly of the covered roller 10 is completed or during use, the twisting of the covering portion 15 is unlikely to be released.

[0063] On the other hand, when performing major maintenance such as replacing the covering portion 15 that has deteriorated over time, the covered roller 10 can be disassembled easily and quickly by removing the covered roller 10 from the rotating shaft 11, removing the pair of end caps 14 from the main body 13, and pulling out the covering portion 15 in the axial direction.

[0064] Furthermore, the pair of split main body parts 30 that make up the main body 13 are not fixed by adhesive or the like during assembly, but are only fitted together by the fitting parts 31, so that they can be used continuously even after disassembly. After the covering process of attaching a new covering part 15 to the main body 13 is performed, the twisting process can be performed again to give the new covering part 15 a twisted state.

[0065] As described above, the covered roller 10 of this embodiment includes a pair of divided main body portions 30 that can be separated in the axial direction, and includes fitting portions 31 at the axially opposing portions of the pair of divided main body portions 30 that can relatively change their rotational positions to fit the pair of divided main body portions 30 together. With this configuration, the mesh-like covering portion 15 that covers the main body 13 can be twisted by the relative rotation of the pair of divided main body portions 30, and the twist angle of the covering portion 15 can be easily set.

[0066] In particular, the action of relatively rotating the pair of split main body parts 30 with the covering part 15 attached has the advantage that it is easier to apply force and is easier to work with in the twisting process than the action of twisting only the covering part 15. Furthermore, once the covering part 15 reaches the desired twist angle, the twist angle of the covering part 15 is maintained by fitting the pair of split main body parts 30 together via the fitting parts 31, so no complicated operation is required to maintain the twist angle of the covering part 15.

[0067] The pair of divided main body portions 30 are rotated in stages at predetermined angles separated by the number of steps 31c that make up the fitting portion 31, so that the amount of twist of the covering portion 15 can be quantitatively set and controlled based on the number of steps 31c. This allows for simple and stable production of covered rollers 10 having covering portions 15 set to the desired twist angle.

[0068] Each of the multiple step portions 31c constituting the fitting portion 31 has a first surface 31a that allows relative rotation of the pair of divided main bodies 30 in the first direction R1 and a second surface 31b that restricts relative rotation of the pair of divided main bodies 30 in the second direction R2. The first surface 31a is a surface that acts to apply a force to the pair of divided main bodies 30 that moves them apart in the axial direction when the pair of divided main bodies 30 rotate relatively in the first direction R1.

[0069] As a result, by rotating the pair of divided main body parts 30 relatively in the first direction R1, the multiple step parts 31c can be easily temporarily disengaged and re-engaged, thereby efficiently changing the positional relationship in the rotational direction of the pair of divided main body parts 30. Furthermore, by providing a configuration that restricts rotation in the second direction R2, it is possible to restrict the operation of releasing the twist after setting the twist angle in the covering part 15.

[0070] The covering portion 15 is attached at both ends to the pair of divided main body portions 30 by using the pair of end caps 14 as well as engagement with the engaging portions 32 provided at the end of each divided main body portion 30. The engaging portions 32 are set in a sawtooth shape that allows the mesh-like covering portion 15 to easily engage with them.

[0071] By engaging the folded region 15a of the covering portion 15 with the engaging portion 32, misalignment of both ends of the covering portion 15 with respect to each divided main body portion 30 is suppressed during twisting (relative rotation of the pair of divided main body portions 30). As a result, with the pair of end caps 14 attached to both ends of the main body 13, twisting can be performed without causing the end caps 14 to lift up or fall off from the main body 13.

[0072] End cap 14 is attached to main body 13 by press-fitting insertion portion 27 into insertion recess 25, and holds inserted region 15b of covering portion 15 within insertion recess 25. Furthermore, end cap 14 sandwiches folded region 15a of covering portion 15 between lid portion 26 and engaging portion 32, preventing folded region 15a from axially separating from engaging portion 32. This allows end cap 14, together with engaging portion 32, to stably hold the end of covering portion 15 to main body 13.

[0073] Unlike this embodiment, if main body 13 has an integral structure that is not divided, then when imparting a twist angle to covering portion 15, it is necessary to twist only covering portion 15 relative to fixed main body 13. The task of attaching end cap 14 and fixing the end of covering portion 15 while twisting only covering portion 15 makes it difficult to apply force to covering portion 15 and to stabilize the twist angle of covering portion 15.

[0074] Furthermore, unlike this embodiment, if the axial end of the main body 13 does not have an engaging portion 32, when the end cap 14 is attached first and then the covering portion 15 is twisted, the end of the covering portion 15 is likely to shift position relative to the main body 13, and the shifted end of the covering portion 15 may cause the end cap 14 to float up, which may reduce the retention of the covering portion 15.

[0075] Compared to these comparative examples, the covered roller 10 of this embodiment has excellent workability, as described above, making it possible to easily set the twist angle of the covering portion 15, thereby simplifying and reducing the time required for assembling the covered roller 10. Furthermore, the completed covered roller 10 is a high-quality product that is free from variations in the twist angle of the covering portion 15 and lifting of the end caps 14.

[0076] It is also possible to apply a fitting portion having a different configuration from the fitting portion 31 of the covered roller 10 of this embodiment. For example, each of the multiple steps constituting the fitting portion can be a semicircular convex portion and concave portion when viewed perpendicular to the axial direction. As with the first surface 31a of the step portion 31c described above, these semicircular convex portions and concave portions can generate a component force that separates them in the axial direction by applying a rotational force while they are fitted together. This effect can also be achieved by rotating in both the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0077] In the covered roller 10 of this embodiment, the pair of divided main body portions 30 constituting the main body 13 have the same structure, but the pair of divided main body portions may have different structures (asymmetric structures in the axial direction). For example, the axial lengths of the pair of divided main body portions may be different. In this case, the fitting portion is positioned offset from the center of the covered roller in the axial direction.

[0078] In the covered roller 10 of this embodiment, the main body 13 is made up of two divided main body portions 30 (a pair), but the main body may include three or more divided main body portions. The torsional angle of the covering portion may be set by rotating each of the three or more divided main body portions relative to the adjacent divided main body portions. In other words, it is sufficient to have multiple divided main body portions (at least one pair) that can be fitted together at their fitting portions. When the number of divided main body portions is three or more, it is sufficient for a pair of divided main body portions located at both ends in the axial direction to hold both ends of the covering portion, and the covering portion does not need to be fixed to a divided main body portion located in the middle of the axial direction.

[0079] In the covered roller 10 of this embodiment, the engagement portions 32 provided on both ends of the main body 13 have a sawtooth structure, but engagement portions with shapes other than sawtooth can also be used. For example, the engagement portions may be formed by protrusions arranged intermittently at predetermined intervals in the rotational direction. The protrusions can have various shapes, such as a columnar shape (cylindrical shape, rectangular columnar shape), a conical shape, or a hook shape. Alternatively, the engagement portions may be formed by grooves arranged intermittently at predetermined intervals in the rotational direction.

[0080] In the assembly method for the covered roller 10 of this embodiment, a pair of end caps 14 are attached to both ends of the main body 13 in the covering step, followed by the twisting step. Alternatively, it is possible to attach the end cap 14 to only one end of the main body 13 in the covering step, and then attach the end cap 14 to the other end of the main body 13 after setting the twist angle of the covering portion 15 in the twisting step. The main body 13 has engaging portions 32 on both ends, which effectively hold the ends of the covering portion 15 to the main body 13 even when the end caps 14 are not attached. Therefore, even when attaching the end caps 14 after the twisting step, the complicated operation of attaching the end caps 14 while twisting and holding the covering portion 15 itself is not required, and a highly efficient work style can be achieved without difficulty.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the spirit of the invention in the implementation stage. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. Naturally, various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Below, some of the inventions described in the specification of this application are additionally noted.

[0082] [Appendix 1] A coated roller in which the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical body is covered with a mesh-like coating portion, The main body includes a plurality of divided main body portions that can be divided in the axial direction, The plurality of divided main body portions are provided with fitting portions at opposing axial positions, which enable the divided main body portions to be fitted together by relatively changing their rotational positions.

[0083] [Appendix 2] the fitting portion includes a plurality of stepped portions of the same shape that are arranged successively in the rotation direction, 2. The covered roller according to claim 1, wherein the divided main body portions change their relative positions in the rotational direction for each angle defined by the step portions.

[0084] [Appendix 3] The plurality of step portions are a first surface that allows the plurality of divided main body portions to rotate relative to each other in a first direction and applies a force to the plurality of divided main body portions to move apart in the axial direction when the plurality of divided main body portions rotate relative to each other in the first direction; a second surface that restricts relative rotation of the divided main body portions in a second direction opposite to the first direction; 3. The covered roller according to claim 2, comprising:

[0085] [Appendix 4] The divided main body portions have an axial end portion opposite to the side having the fitting portion, an annular insertion recess located inside the outer circumferential surface; an engagement portion provided between the outer circumferential surface and the insertion recess; Equipped with The covered roller according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the covered portion is cylindrical and has an inserted region that is inserted into the insertion recess and a folded region that engages with the engaging portion.

[0086] [Appendix 5] a detachable end cap for each of the plurality of divided main body portions; The end cap is an inserting portion that is inserted into the inserting recess and holds the inserted region of the covering portion; a cover portion that faces the engaging portion in the axial direction and sandwiches the folded-back region of the covering portion between the engaging portion and the cover portion; 5. The covered roller according to claim 4, comprising:

[0087] [Appendix 6] A method for assembling a covered roller in which the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical main body is covered with a mesh-like covering portion, comprising the steps of: a covering step of covering a plurality of divided main body portions that can be separated in the axial direction and are fitted together at opposing portions in the axial direction with the cylindrical covering portion, and holding both ends of the covering portion in the divided main body portions; a twisting step of relatively changing the rotational positions of the divided main body portions and fitting them together to twist the covering portion; A method for assembling a covered roller, comprising the steps of: [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10: Covered roller 11: Rotation axis 12: Shaft hole 13: Main body 14: End cap 15: Covering part 15a: Folding area 15b: Inserted area 16: Retaining ring 20: Inner cylinder 21: Outer cylinder 22: Outer surface 25: Insertion recess 26: Lid 27: Insertion section 30: Split main body 31: Fitting part 31a: 1st page 31b: 2nd side 31c: Stepped section 32: Engagement part P: Axial center R1: First direction R2: Second direction

Claims

1. A coated roller in which the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical body is covered with a mesh-like coating portion, The main body includes a plurality of divided main body portions that can be divided in the axial direction, The plurality of divided main body portions are provided with fitting portions at opposing axial positions, which enable the divided main body portions to be fitted together by relatively changing their rotational positions.

2. the fitting portion includes a plurality of stepped portions of the same shape that are arranged successively in the rotation direction, 2. The covered roller according to claim 1, wherein the divided main body portions change their relative positions in the rotational direction for each angle defined by the step portions.

3. The plurality of step portions are a first surface that allows the plurality of divided main body portions to rotate relative to each other in a first direction and applies a force to the plurality of divided main body portions to move apart in the axial direction when the plurality of divided main body portions rotate relative to each other in the first direction; a second surface that restricts relative rotation of the divided main body portions in a second direction opposite to the first direction; 3. The coated roller according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. The divided main body portions have an axial end portion opposite to the side having the fitting portion, an annular insertion recess located inside the outer circumferential surface; an engagement portion provided between the outer circumferential surface and the insertion recess; Equipped with 4. The covered roller according to claim 1, wherein the covering portion is cylindrical and includes an insertion region that is inserted into the insertion recess and a folded region that engages with the engaging portion.

5. a detachable end cap for each of the plurality of divided main body portions; The end cap is an inserting portion that is inserted into the inserting recess and holds the inserted region of the covering portion; a cover portion that faces the engaging portion in the axial direction and sandwiches the folded-back region of the covering portion between the engaging portion and the cover portion; 5. The coated roller according to claim 4, further comprising:

6. A method for assembling a covered roller in which the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical main body is covered with a mesh-like covering portion, comprising the steps of: a covering step of covering a plurality of divided main body portions that can be separated in the axial direction and are fitted together at opposing portions in the axial direction with the cylindrical covering portion, and holding both ends of the covering portion by the divided main body portions; a twisting step of relatively changing the rotational positions of the divided main body portions and fitting them together to twist the covering portion; A method for assembling a covered roller, comprising the steps of:

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