Roll press apparatus and control method for roll press apparatus

Abstract

To provide a roll press apparatus and a control method for a roll press apparatus that allow adjustment of press control conditions during operation of the roll press apparatus. [Solution] The roll press device 4 includes an information acquisition unit 421 that acquires predetermined information used to adjust the control conditions of a press using a plurality of rolls 41, an adjustment timing detection unit 422 that detects whether a predetermined adjustment timing has arrived in which the press speed becomes slower than the normal speed, and a control condition adjustment unit 423 that adjusts the control conditions of the press based on the predetermined information when the predetermined adjustment timing is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roll press device and a control method for the roll press device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in order to manufacture a sheet-like member such as an electrode of a lithium-ion battery, a roll press device that presses a material with a plurality of rolls is used (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Normally, based on the results of a trial operation of the production line, conditions for controlling the press in the roll press device are set. However, in actual operation, the quality of the material supplied from the previous process to the roll press device may change. Therefore, if the roll press device is operated under the initially set control conditions, it is difficult to maintain the press quality. Furthermore, it is also necessary to reflect the quality results of the product after pressing in the control conditions of the roll press device in order to maintain or improve the press quality.

[0005]

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a roll press device and a control method for the roll press device that can adjust the control conditions of the press during the operation of the roll press device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a roll press apparatus according to the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires predetermined information used to adjust the control conditions of a press using multiple rolls; an adjustment timing detection unit that detects whether a predetermined adjustment timing has arrived in which the speed of the press becomes slower than the normal speed; and a control condition adjustment unit that, when the predetermined adjustment timing is detected, adjusts the control conditions based on the predetermined information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a predetermined adjustment timing arrives at which the press speed becomes slower than the normal speed, the control conditions are adjusted based on predetermined information used to adjust the control conditions of the press. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Overall diagram of a manufacturing line with a roll press device. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view of a lithium-ion battery manufactured on a production line. [Figure 3] Manufacturing process diagram for lithium-ion batteries. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a roll press device. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the roll press control process. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the process for detecting the adjustment timing. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the process for detecting the adjustment timing, relating to Example 2. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a roll press apparatus according to Example 3. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the process for determining the deterioration of the surface condition of a roll. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the roll press control process. [Figure 11]An overall diagram of a manufacturing line having a roll press device, relating to Example 4. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating the roll press control process according to Example 5. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the roll press control process according to Example 6. [Figure 14] An overall diagram of a manufacturing line having a roll press device, relating to Example 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The roll press apparatus of this embodiment is used, for example, in the manufacture of products having sheet-like members such as lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, fuel cells, films, sheets, separators, and ion exchange membranes.

[0011] In this embodiment, at a predetermined adjustment timing when the operating speed of the roll press device (hereinafter also referred to as the press speed) is lower than the normal speed, the control conditions of the roll press device (hereinafter also referred to as the press conditions) are adjusted based on predetermined information. The predetermined information is, for example, quality information obtained from the process before the roll press device and / or quality information obtained from the process after the roll press device.

[0012] There are two types of predetermined adjustment timings: timings for regularly scheduled events and timings for irregular events. Regular events include, for example, the replacement of electrode material (sheet-like workpiece 93, described later) supplied to the roll press machine. Irregular events include, for example, the occurrence of abnormal conditions such as deterioration of the roll 41.

[0013] The abnormal state can be further divided into an abnormal state where it is necessary to reduce the pressing speed and an abnormal state where it is not necessary to reduce the pressing speed. For example, when the deterioration of the surface state of the roll 41 is large, the operating speed of the roll press device may be reduced or stopped. When the deterioration of the surface state of the roll 41 is small, the roll press device may be operated as it is.

[0014] In this embodiment, a first layer and a second layer having physical properties different by a predetermined value or more are provided by overlapping on the roll body, and it is also possible to measure whether or not the first layer is exposed on the roll surface. That is, in this embodiment, in order to accurately and promptly detect the deterioration of the second layer exposed on the roll surface, a first layer having physical properties different by a predetermined value or more from the second layer is provided between the roll body and the second layer. In the normal state where the second layer is not deteriorated, the measuring device detects the second layer. When the first layer is partially exposed or the presence of the first layer can be seen through, it can be determined that the second layer is deteriorated. When the deterioration of the second layer is determined, the replacement time of the roll can be estimated from the determination time and the degree of deterioration.

Example

[0015] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an outline of a manufacturing line 1 for manufacturing electrodes of a lithium ion battery.

[0016] The manufacturing line 1 includes, in order from the upstream side, for example, a mixing device 2, a sheeting device 3, a roll material supply device 6, a current collector foil supply device 7, a roll press device 4, and a cutting device 5. Further, on the downstream side of the manufacturing line 1, for example, a laminating device, a liquid injection device, an inspection device, etc. are arranged (to be described later in FIG. 3). The manufacturing line 1 is controlled by an overall controller 11.

[0017] Mixing device 2 is a device that manufactures electrode material by mixing, for example, active material, conductive material, binder, etc. The electrode material manufactured in mixing device 2 is fed into sheeting device 3. Sheeting device 3 manufactures sheet-shaped electrodes 91 by pressing the electrode material between work rolls. The sheet-shaped electrodes 91 are wound into a roll and sent to roll material supply device 6.

[0018] The roll material supply device 6 supplies the roll-shaped sheet electrodes 91 to the roll press device 4. The roll material supply device 6 continuously feeds out the roll-shaped sheet electrodes 91 so that the supply of sheet electrodes 91 to the roll press device 4 is not interrupted. Alternatively, the roll material supply device 6 may be omitted, and the sheet electrodes 91 may be supplied directly from the sheeting device 3 to the roll press device 4.

[0019] The current collector foil supply device 7 supplies the current collector foil 92, which is to be bonded to the sheet-shaped electrode, to the roll press device 4.

[0020] The roll press device 4 forms electrodes by pressing a sheet-like workpiece 93 consisting of a sheet-like electrode 91 and a current collector foil 92, and supplies it to the cutting device 5.

[0021] The cutting device 5 cuts the electrodes supplied from the roll press device 4 into a predetermined shape. A positive electrode or a negative electrode is manufactured through the above process.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the schematic structure of a lithium-ion battery 200. The lithium-ion battery 200 comprises, for example, a casing 201, a positive electrode 210, a negative electrode 220, and a separator 230 provided between the positive electrode 210 and the negative electrode 220. The positive electrode 210 is provided with a terminal 211 extending to the casing 201. Similarly, the negative electrode 220 is also provided with a terminal 221 extending outside the casing 201.

[0023] Figure 3 shows the manufacturing process for lithium-ion batteries. The manufacturing processes for the positive electrode and the negative electrode include, for example, a mixing process, a sheeting process, a pressing process, and a cutting process. The positive and negative electrodes manufactured in this way are then sent to the cell manufacturing process.

[0024] The cell manufacturing process includes, for example, a lamination process, an electrolyte injection process, and an inspection process. In the lamination process, a sheet-shaped positive electrode, a separator, and a sheet-shaped negative electrode are layered and pressed together. These multilayer structures are then inserted into a casing, which serves as the outer casing. In the electrolyte injection process, electrolyte is injected into the casing. After the electrolyte is injected, the casing is sealed to prevent leakage of the electrolyte.

[0025] In the inspection process, the manufactured cells are charged and tested to ensure that their electrical characteristics, such as capacity and internal resistance, are within the standard range. Furthermore, the external appearance, including the presence of scratches and dents, is inspected before shipment.

[0026] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the roll press device 4. The roll press device 4 includes, for example, a plurality of work rolls (hereinafter referred to as rolls) 41U, 41L, a press controller 42, sensors 43U, 43L, and a measuring device 44. In the figure, the upper component is denoted by the letter "U", and the lower component is denoted by the letter "L".

[0027] Multiple rolls 41U and 41L are spaced apart vertically and rotate in opposite directions by a motor (not shown). In the illustrated example, the upper roll 41U rotates counterclockwise while being pressed downwards, and the lower roll 41L rotates clockwise while being pressed upwards. As a result, the sheet-like workpiece 93 inserted between the upper roll 41U and the lower roll 41L is pressed from both above and below.

[0028] The upper roll 41U comprises, for example, a roll body 410U and a plating layer 412U uniformly formed on the outer surface (surface; the same applies hereinafter) of the roll body 410U.

[0029] The lower roll 41L, like the upper roll 41U, comprises, for example, a roll body 410L and a plating layer 412L uniformly formed on the outer surface of the roll body 410L. Hereafter, when the upper and lower are not distinguished, the rolls 41U and 41L may be referred to as roll 41, and the plating layers 412U and 412L may be referred to as plating layer 412.

[0030] Sensor 43 detects the condition of the surface of the roll 41 (i.e., the plating layer 412) and transmits the detection signal to the measuring device 44. Sensor 43U detects the surface condition of the upper roll 41U. The lower sensor 43L detects the surface condition of the lower roll 41L. When not distinguished, sensors 43U and 43L are referred to as sensor 43.

[0031] The measuring device 44 receives signals detected by each sensor 43 and transmits these detection signals to the press controller 42 either as they are or after processing. When the measuring device 44 detects the roll body 410, it determines that the plating layer 412 is deteriorated. Deterioration can occur, for example, when the plating layer 412 is worn down and thinned, making the roll body 410 underneath visible, or when the plating layer is partially worn down and disappears (missing).

[0032] The measuring device 44 can determine that the plating layer 412 is deteriorating if it detects peeling of the plating layer 412 or similar damage on the surface of the roll 41 beyond a predetermined range.

[0033] Sensor 43 is a device that detects differences between the physical properties of the roll body 410 and the plating layer 412. For example, if the visible light reflectivity differs between the roll body 410 and the plating layer 412, a two-dimensional camera capable of capturing normal visible light can be used as sensor 43. Not limited to two-dimensional cameras, line scan cameras, 3D cameras, ToF (Time of Flight) cameras, cameras capable of detecting infrared light, multispectral cameras, etc., can also be used.

[0034] A so-called AI-equipped camera or smart camera, which has a machine learning model built into the sensor 43, may also be used.

[0035] The press controller 42 is a device that includes, for example, a processor 401, a memory 402, and various interfaces 403. The various interfaces 403 include, for example, at least one of a communication interface, an input / output interface, and a user interface.

[0036] Processor 401 is not limited to a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0037] The processor 401 reads and executes a predetermined computer program 420 stored in memory 402, thereby realizing the quality information acquisition unit 421, the adjustment timing detection unit 422, and the adjustment unit 423.

[0038] The quality information acquisition unit 421 acquires quality information as "predetermined information" from the preceding or succeeding process of the roll press machine 4 and stores it in the memory 402. The quality information acquisition unit 421 can automatically acquire quality information from both the preceding and succeeding processes. When the quality information acquisition unit 421 automatically acquires quality information from both the preceding and succeeding processes, it may be a so-called pull-type information acquisition or a push-type information acquisition. The user may also manually input the quality information from both the preceding and succeeding processes into the quality information acquisition unit 421.

[0039] The adjustment timing detection unit 422 detects the arrival of a predetermined adjustment timing. The predetermined adjustment timing is the timing at which the press speed of the roll press device 4 becomes slower than the normal speed. The press speed of the roll press device 4 is the rotational speed of each roll 41.

[0040] When a predetermined adjustment timing is detected, the control condition adjustment unit 423 calculates the currently optimal control conditions from the acquired quality information and adjusts the control conditions based on the calculated optimal control conditions.

[0041] There are multiple possible combinations of timings for acquiring quality information, calculating optimal control conditions, and adjusting those control conditions.

[0042] For example, when a predetermined adjustment timing is detected, the press controller 42 can acquire quality information from the preceding or succeeding process, calculate optimal control conditions from the acquired quality information, and adjust the current control conditions using the calculated control conditions. In this case, the control conditions of the roll press can be optimized in near real-time based on the latest quality information.

[0043] In contrast, for example, the press controller 42 acquires quality information before a predetermined adjustment timing is detected, calculates the optimal control conditions, and stores the calculated control conditions. Then, when a predetermined adjustment timing is detected, the press controller 42 can adjust the current control conditions with the pre-calculated optimal control conditions. If there is little time difference between the timing of calculating the optimal control conditions and the timing of adjusting the control conditions, the time required to adjust the control conditions can be slightly shorter than in the aforementioned pattern.

[0044] The press controller 42 is connectable to a storage medium MM. The storage medium MM is, for example, a memory device, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, or a magnetic tape drive, and stores computer programs and data non-temporarily. The storage medium MM can store computer programs and data by transferring them to the memory 402 of the press controller 42. It is also possible to transfer computer programs and data from the memory 402 to the storage medium MM for storage. By storing a computer program 420 that realizes the functions of the press controller 42 in the storage medium MM, connecting the storage medium MM to another computer, and installing the computer program 420 stored in the storage medium MM on the other computer, the other computer can be made to function as the press controller 42.

[0045] The measuring device 44 and the sensor 43 may be integrated. That is, the signal measured by the sensor 43 may be processed within the sensor 43, and the processing result may be output to the press controller 42. Alternatively, the measuring device 44 may be provided within the press controller 42. The measuring device 44 may also be provided in the overall controller 11.

[0046] The roll press control process will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5. The press controller 42 executes the roll press at normal speed (S20). The press controller 42 performs adjustment processing at a predetermined adjustment timing (S30).

[0047] During the adjustment process, the press controller 42 acquires quality information (S31), detects the adjustment timing (S32), and adjusts the control conditions (S33).

[0048] In the quality information acquisition process (S31), the quality information acquisition unit 421 automatically or manually acquires at least one of the quality information from the preceding process or the quality information from the following process and stores it in the memory 402. The quality information acquisition unit 421 can also calculate the optimal control conditions from the acquired quality information and store them in the memory 402.

[0049] In the adjustment timing detection process (S32), the adjustment timing detection unit 422 detects a predetermined adjustment timing.

[0050] In the control condition adjustment process (S33), the control condition adjustment unit 423 adjusts the current control conditions based on the optimal control conditions. The control condition adjustment unit 423 can also switch the current control conditions to the calculated optimal control conditions. Alternatively, the control condition adjustment unit 423 may calculate the optimal control conditions from the quality information acquired by the quality information acquisition unit 421.

[0051] The process for detecting a predetermined adjustment timing will be explained using Figure 6. The adjustment timing detection unit 422 determines whether a periodic event has been detected (S321). A periodic event is, for example, the replacement of a sheet-shaped electrode 91 or a sheet-shaped workpiece 93. When replacing electrode materials, the speed of the manufacturing line 1 decreases below the normal speed. Therefore, when the adjustment timing detection unit 422 detects a periodic event (S321: YES), it detects that detection timing as one of the predetermined adjustment timings (S323).

[0052] If no periodic event is detected (S321: NO), the adjustment timing detection unit 422 determines whether an irregular event has been detected (S323). An irregular event is an event that occurs irregularly, such as the occurrence of an abnormal situation. When an abnormal situation is detected by sensors installed at various points along the manufacturing line 1, the speed of the manufacturing line 1 decreases below the normal speed. Therefore, if an irregular event is detected (S322: YES), the adjustment timing detection unit 422 detects the detection timing as one of the predetermined adjustment timings (S323).

[0053] In this embodiment, quality information is acquired from the preceding or succeeding process of the roll press device 4, and when a predetermined adjustment timing is detected, the current control conditions are adjusted based on the acquired quality information. Therefore, it is possible to maintain or improve press quality in response to slight changes during the operation of the roll press device 4.

[0054] In this embodiment, the system detects whether a periodic event or an irregular event is detected as a predetermined adjustment timing. Therefore, the control conditions of the roll press device 4 can be adjusted to appropriate values ​​not only when replacing components, but also when determining the deterioration of the roll 41. [Examples]

[0055] Example 2 will be explained using Figure 7. In the following examples, including this example, the differences from Example 1 will be described in detail. When an irregular event is detected in the roll press device 4A of this example (S322:YES), it determines whether the press speed will decrease due to the occurrence of the irregular event (S324). When the press controller 42 of the roll press device 4A determines that the press speed will decrease (S324:YES), it determines that a predetermined adjustment timing has been detected (S323). If the irregular event does not cause a decrease in press speed (S324:NO), the process returns to step S321.

[0056] This embodiment, configured in this way, also provides the same effects as Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an irregular event occurs in which the line speed decreases, it is determined that a predetermined adjustment timing has arrived, and the control conditions of the roll press can be adjusted at an appropriate timing. [Examples]

[0057] Example 3 will be explained using Figure 8-10. In this example, multiple plating layers 411 and 412 are provided on the roll 41 to accurately predict the deterioration of the roll 41, and it is determined that a predetermined adjustment timing has been detected when the roll 41 deteriorates beyond a predetermined range.

[0058] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the roll press device 4B in this embodiment. The roll press device 4B differs from the configuration of Embodiment 1 in terms of the configuration of the rolls 41 and the control structure of the press controller 42B, as will be described later.

[0059] The upper roll 41U comprises, for example, a roll body 410U, a first plating layer 411U as a "first layer" uniformly formed on the outer surface of the roll body 410U, and a second plating layer 412U as a "second layer" uniformly formed on the outer surface of the first plating layer 411U.

[0060] The lower roll 41L, like the upper roll 41U, comprises, for example, a roll body 410L, a first plating layer 411L as a "first layer" uniformly formed on the outer surface of the roll body 410L, and a second plating layer 412L as a "second layer" uniformly formed on the outer surface of the first plating layer 411L. Hereafter, when upper and lower are not distinguished, rolls 41U and 41L may be referred to as roll 41, the first plating layers 411U and 411L as first plating layer 411, and the second plating layers 412U and 412L as second plating layer 412.

[0061] Sensor 43 detects the surface condition of the roll 41 (i.e., the second plating layer 412) and transmits the detection signal to the measuring device 44. Sensor 43U detects the surface condition of the upper roll 41U. The lower sensor 43L detects the surface condition of the lower roll 41L. When not distinguished, sensors 43U and 43L are referred to as sensor 43.

[0062] The measuring device 44 receives signals detected by each sensor 43 and transmits these detection signals to the press controller 42 either as they are or after processing. When the measuring device 44 detects the first plating layer 411, it determines that the second plating layer 412 is deteriorated. Deterioration can occur, for example, when the second plating layer 412 is worn down and thinned, allowing the underlying first plating layer 411 to show through, or when the second plating layer is partially worn down and disappears (missing).

[0063] When the measuring device 44 detects the first plating layer 411 on the surface of the roll 41 in an area greater than a predetermined range, it can determine that the second plating layer 412 is degraded.

[0064] In this embodiment, in order to accurately determine the deterioration of the second plating layer 412, at least one of the physical properties of the first plating layer 411 or the second plating layer 412 is set such that the difference between the physical properties of the first plating layer 411 and the physical properties of the second plating layer 412 is large.

[0065] Physical properties include mechanical properties, thermal properties, electrical properties, magnetic properties, and optical properties. The physical properties of the first plating layer 411 and the second plating layer 412 are set so that the first plating layer 411, which is located below the second plating layer 412, can be clearly detected. The physical properties of the first plating layer and the second plating layer may be of different types or of the same type. For example, if the roll body 410 is black, the first plating layer 411 is white, and the second plating layer 412 is brown or black, then if part of the second plating layer 412 is missing or thinned, that area will turn white, and the first plating layer 411 will be detected.

[0066] Sensor 43 is a device that detects differences in physical properties. For example, if the reflectivity of visible light differs between the first plating layer 411 and the second plating layer 412, a two-dimensional camera capable of capturing normal visible light can be used as sensor 43. Not limited to two-dimensional cameras, line scan cameras, 3D cameras, ToF (Time of Flight) cameras, cameras capable of detecting infrared light, multispectral cameras, etc., can also be used.

[0067] A so-called AI-equipped camera or smart camera, which has a machine learning model built into the sensor 43, may also be used.

[0068] The mounting position and angle of the sensor 43 are not specified. The sensor 43 should be mounted in a position and at an angle that allows it to detect the presence of the first plating layer 411 based on the difference between the physical properties of the first plating layer 411 and the physical properties of the second plating layer 412. A light-shielding member or the like may be provided around the sensor 43 to prevent the incidence of ambient light.

[0069] If the physical properties of the first plating layer 411 and the second plating layer 412 are not optical properties, a sensor suitable for the physical properties to be detected is selected and positioned at a mounting position and angle suitable for detecting the physical properties to be detected.

[0070] Sensor 43 is preferably a non-contact sensor. However, a contact sensor can also be used depending on the situation.

[0071] The control structure of the press controller 42B will now be described. The processor 401 executes a predetermined computer program stored in the memory 402 to realize an adjustment processing unit 420 that adjusts control conditions and a determination unit 430 that determines roll deterioration.

[0072] The process for determining the deterioration of the roll 41 (S10) will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9. The measuring device 44 periodically or irregularly acquires signals from the sensor 43 (S11) and determines whether a change has been detected on the surface of the roll 41 (S12). The measuring device 44 executes step S11 until a change is detected on the roll surface (S12:NO).

[0073] When the measuring device 44 detects a change on the roll surface (S12:YES), it determines whether the change is greater than or equal to a predetermined range (S13). If the measuring device 44 detects a change greater than or equal to a predetermined range on the roll surface (S13:YES), it determines that the roll 41 has deteriorated and notifies the adjustment processing unit 420 and the user (S14).

[0074] The measuring device 44 may issue a warning to the user if the detected change is below a predetermined range (S13: NO) (S15).

[0075] The roll press control process will be explained using Figure 10. The roll press device 4B determines the deterioration of the rolls (S10), executes the roll press (S20), and modifies the roll press control conditions as appropriate (S30).

[0076] In the adjustment process, the press controller 42B performs the following actions, as shown in Figure 5: acquiring quality information (S31), detecting the adjustment timing (S32), and adjusting the control conditions (S33).

[0077] In this embodiment, the adjustment timing detection process (S32) uses the timing at which deterioration of the roll 41 is determined as one of the predetermined adjustment timings.

[0078] For example, if the deterioration of the roll 41 exceeds a predetermined range, the rotation of the roll 41 may be slowed down or the roll 41 may be stopped. Therefore, when deterioration of the roll 41 is detected to exceed a predetermined range, it can be determined that a predetermined adjustment timing has been detected.

[0079] For example, due to aging or other factors, the second plating layer 412 may wear off over a wide area, exposing the first plating layer 411 in a region larger than a predetermined range. A region larger than a predetermined range (area) is a region where the second plating layer 412 is worn down and may have an impact on the pressing of the sheet-like workpiece 93 in the near future.

[0080] Even if the first plating layer 411 is exposed beyond a predetermined range in the second plating layer 412, there is no problem with pressing the sheet-shaped workpiece 93. However, if the roll press device 4 continues to operate with the first plating layer 411 exposed beyond a predetermined range, a large portion of the second plating layer 412 will eventually peel off, and eventually the first plating layer 411 will also wear down, potentially affecting the pressing of the sheet-shaped workpiece 93.

[0081] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first plating layer 411 is used as a warning display layer to inform the user of the timing to replace the roll 41, and the physical properties of at least one of the first plating layer 411 or the second plating layer 412 are set so that the first plating layer 411 and the second plating layer 412 can be clearly distinguished.

[0082] This embodiment, configured in this way, also provides the same effects as embodiments 1 and 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since multiple plating layers 411 and 412 with different physical properties are provided on the roll 41, deterioration of the surface condition of the roll 41 can be accurately determined, and the press control conditions can be adjusted when deterioration of the roll 41 is detected. [Examples]

[0083] Example 4 will be explained using Figure 11. In this example, the control conditions of the roll press device 4C are adjusted by the overall controller 11C that manages the manufacturing line 1C.

[0084] The overall controller 11C includes, for example, a processor 101, memory 102, and various interfaces 103. By executing a predetermined computer program stored in memory 102, the processor 101 controls the roll press machine 4C and the entire production line 1C. The processor 101, memory 102, and various interfaces 103 are the same as those described in Figure 4.

[0085] The overall controller 11C includes, for example, a quality information acquisition unit 140, an adjustment timing detection unit 150, and a control condition adjustment unit 160. These quality information acquisition unit 140, adjustment timing detection unit 150, and control condition adjustment unit 160 function similarly to the quality information acquisition unit 421, adjustment timing detection unit 422, and control condition adjustment unit 423 described in Figure 4.

[0086] This embodiment, configured in this way, also provides the same effects as Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the roll press device 4C is also controlled by the overall controller 11C, thus simplifying the control structure. This embodiment can be combined with any of Embodiments 1-3. [Examples]

[0087] Example 5 will be explained using Figure 12. In this example, in the process of adjusting the control conditions of the roll press (S30D), the deterioration of the surface condition of the roll 41 is determined to be one of the adjustment timings.

[0088] In other words, in the roll press apparatus 4D of this embodiment, in the process of adjusting the control conditions of the roll press (S30D), the acquisition of quality information (S31), detection of the adjustment timing (S32), deterioration determination of the roll 41 (S33), and adjustment of the control conditions (S34) are performed. The order of deterioration determination of the roll 41 (S33) and detection of the adjustment timing (S32) does not matter.

[0089] This embodiment, configured in this manner, also produces the same effects as Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the process of adjusting the control conditions of the roll press (S30D), the deterioration of the surface condition of the roll 41 is determined, and the result of the deterioration determination is used as one of the adjustment timings. Therefore, the improvement of roll press quality and the maintenance of reliability can be combined within a single process (S30D). This embodiment can also be combined with any of Embodiments 1-3. [Examples]

[0090] Example 6 will be explained using Figure 13. In the roll press apparatus 4E of this embodiment, the process of adjusting the control conditions of the roll press (S30E) includes detecting the adjustment timing (S32), acquiring quality information (S31), determining the deterioration of the roll 41 (S33), and adjusting the control conditions (S34).

[0091] In other words, the roll press device 4E in this embodiment detects the adjustment timing (S32), then acquires quality information (S31) and determines the deterioration of the roll (S33), and then adjusts the control conditions of the roll press (S34). In Embodiment 5, quality information was acquired before the predetermined adjustment timing was detected, but in this embodiment, quality information is acquired when the predetermined adjustment timing is detected (S31), and further deterioration of the surface condition of the roll 41 is determined (S33).

[0092] As a result, this embodiment achieves the same effects as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the roll 41 can be measured at a slower speed than normal, the deterioration of the surface condition of the roll 41 can be determined more accurately.

[0093] In this embodiment, by combining the determination of deterioration of the surface condition of the roll 41 with the adjustment of control conditions, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in manufacturing costs (maintenance costs) and the maintenance or improvement of product quality. This embodiment can also be combined with any of the embodiments 1-3. [Examples]

[0094] Example 6 will be explained using Figure 14. In the production line 1F of this example, the press controller 42F of the roll press device 4F controls the operation of each device 2, 3, 6, 7, and 5 on the production line 1F.

[0095] Each device 2, 3, 6, 7, 4F, and 5 in the manufacturing line 1E are interconnected via a communication network 111. The press controller 42F performs the roll press process, adjusts the control conditions of the roll press device 4F, and determines the deterioration of the roll surface condition.

[0096] This embodiment, configured in this way, also provides the same effects and advantages as Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, since an overall controller is not provided, the control structure can be simplified, and the cost of the manufacturing line can be reduced.

[0097] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described above are not limited to the configuration examples shown in the accompanying drawings. The configuration and processing methods of the embodiments can be appropriately modified within the scope of achieving the objectives of the present invention.

[0098] Furthermore, each component of the present invention can be arbitrarily selected, and an invention comprising the selected components is also included in the present invention. Moreover, the components described in the claims can be combined in combinations other than those explicitly stated in the claims. It is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with a part of the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add a part of the configuration of one embodiment to a part of the configuration of another embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other components.

[0099] In each embodiment, only those control lines and information lines deemed necessary for illustrative purposes are shown, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. In practice, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. Furthermore, each embodiment can be used in combination as appropriate.

[0100] The above-described embodiment includes an invention that can be expressed as follows:

[0101] (Note 1) A roll press apparatus comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires predetermined information used to adjust the control conditions of a press using a plurality of rolls; an adjustment timing detection unit that detects whether a predetermined adjustment timing has arrived in which the speed of the press becomes slower than the normal speed; and a control condition adjustment unit that, when the predetermined adjustment timing is detected, adjusts the control conditions based on the predetermined information.

[0102] (Note 2) The roll press apparatus according to Note 1, wherein the predetermined information is at least one of the quality information obtained from the pre-press process or other quality information obtained from the post-press process.

[0103] (Note 3) The roll press apparatus according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined adjustment timing is at least one of the timings in which a periodic event occurs or the timing in which an irregular event occurs.

[0104] (Note 4) The roll press apparatus according to any one of Notes 1-3, wherein the periodic event is an event in which a component is replaced in the process preceding the press.

[0105] (Note 5) The roll press apparatus described in any one of Notes 1-3, wherein the aforementioned irregular event is when the occurrence of an abnormal condition is detected.

[0106] (Note 6) The roll press apparatus according to any one of Notes 1-5, wherein the irregular event is when the occurrence of the abnormal condition is detected and the speed of the press decreases.

[0107] (Note 7) The roll press apparatus according to any one of Notes 1-6, wherein the irregular event is when an abnormal condition is detected in the surface condition of the plurality of rolls and the speed of the press decreases.

[0108] (Note 8) The roll press apparatus according to any one of Notes 1-7, wherein the plurality of rolls each have a roll body, a first layer located on the surface of the roll body, and a second layer located on the surface of the first layer and having physical properties that differ from the first layer by a predetermined value or more, and when a measuring device for measuring the surface condition of the plurality of rolls detects the first layer to be above a predetermined range, it is determined that an abnormal condition has occurred in the second layer.

[0109] (Note 9) The roll press apparatus according to any one of Notes 1-3, wherein the predetermined adjustment timing is the timing at which the periodic event occurs, the plurality of rolls each have a roll body, a first layer located on the surface of the roll body, and a second layer located on the surface of the first layer and having physical properties that differ from the first layer by a predetermined value or more, and when the adjustment timing detection unit detects the occurrence of the periodic event, a measuring device for measuring the surface condition of the plurality of rolls determines that the surface condition of the second layer has deteriorated.

[0110] (Note 10) A method for controlling a roll press device, comprising: an information acquisition step of acquiring predetermined information used to adjust the control conditions of a press using a plurality of rolls; an adjustment timing detection step of detecting whether a predetermined adjustment timing has arrived in which the speed of the press becomes slower than the normal speed; and a control condition adjustment step of adjusting the control conditions based on the predetermined information when the predetermined adjustment timing has been detected.

[0111] (Note 11) The predetermined information is at least one of the following: quality information obtained from the pre-press process or other quality information obtained from the post-press process. The control method for the roll press device described in Appendix 10.

[0112] (Note 12) The predetermined adjustment timing is at least one of the timings at which a periodic event occurs or an irregular event occurs. A method for controlling a roll press apparatus as described in Appendix 10 or 11.

[0113] (Note 13) The control method for a roll press apparatus according to any one of Notes 10-12, wherein the irregular event is when the occurrence of an abnormal condition is detected and the speed of the press decreases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1,1C,1F: Manufacturing line, 4,4A,4B,4C,4D,4E,4F: Roll press equipment, 41U,41L: Roll, 42,42E: Press controller, 43U,43L: Sensor, 44: Measuring device, 410U,410L: Roll body, 411U,411L: First plating layer, 412U,412L: Second plating layer, 421: Quality information acquisition unit, 422: Adjustment timing detection unit, 423: Control condition adjustment unit

Claims

1. A roll press device, An information acquisition unit that acquires predetermined information used to adjust the control conditions of a press using multiple rolls, An adjustment timing detection unit detects whether a predetermined adjustment timing has arrived in which the speed of the press becomes slower than the normal speed, When the predetermined adjustment timing is detected, a control condition adjustment unit adjusts the control conditions based on the predetermined information, A roll press device equipped with the following features.

2. The predetermined information is at least one of the following: quality information obtained from the pre-press process or other quality information obtained from the post-press process. The roll press apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined adjustment timing is at least one of the following: the timing at which a periodic event occurs, or the timing at which an irregular event occurs. The roll press apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned periodic event is an event in which a component is replaced in the pre-pressing process. The roll press apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned irregular event occurs when an abnormal condition is detected. The roll press apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned irregular event is when the occurrence of the abnormal condition is detected and the speed of the press decreases. The roll press apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned irregular event occurs when an abnormal condition is detected in the surface condition of the multiple rolls, and the speed of the press decreases. The roll press apparatus according to claim 6.

8. Each of the aforementioned rolls comprises a roll body, a first layer located on the surface of the roll body, and a second layer located on the surface of the first layer, the second layer having physical properties that differ from the first layer by a predetermined value or more. When the measuring device that measures the surface condition of the multiple rolls detects the first layer to be above a predetermined range, it is determined that an abnormal condition has occurred in the second layer. The roll press apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The predetermined adjustment timing is the timing at which the periodic event occurs. Each of the aforementioned rolls comprises a roll body, a first layer located on the surface of the roll body, and a second layer located on the surface of the first layer, the second layer having physical properties that differ from the first layer by a predetermined value or more. When the adjustment timing detection unit detects the occurrence of the periodic event, the measuring device that measures the surface condition of the multiple rolls determines that the surface condition of the second layer has deteriorated. The roll press apparatus according to claim 3.

10. A method for controlling a roll press device, An information acquisition step to acquire predetermined information used to adjust the control conditions of a press using multiple rolls, A step to detect whether a predetermined adjustment timing has arrived in which the speed of the press becomes slower than the normal speed, When the predetermined adjustment timing is detected, a control condition adjustment step is performed in which the control conditions are adjusted based on the predetermined information. A method for controlling a roll press machine.

11. The predetermined information is at least one of the following: quality information obtained from the pre-press process or other quality information obtained from the post-press process. A method for controlling a roll press apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The predetermined adjustment timing is at least one of the following: the timing at which a periodic event occurs, or the timing at which an irregular event occurs. A method for controlling a roll press apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned irregular event is when an abnormal condition is detected and the speed of the press decreases. A method for controlling a roll press apparatus according to claim 12.

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