Method of using an attracting device

Abstract

To provide a technology which can handle a sheet material while maintaining cleanliness of an environment.SOLUTION: A suction device is provided that suctions one of multiple sheet materials which are used for manufacturing of a fuel battery and disposed in an overlapping manner to hold the sheet material. The suction device includes: one or more cyclone type chucks each of which suctions the one sheet material to hold the sheet material, has a recessed part, including multiple nozzles for discharging a gas, on a facing surface which faces the one sheet material, and generates swirl flow of the gas; and one or more flow adjusting walls each of which is disposed at a position spaced apart from a centroid of the multiple nozzles on the facing surface of one of the one or more cyclone type chucks farther than the multiple nozzles and changes a direction of the flow of the gas discharged from one or more nozzles of the multiple nozzles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suction device for handling a sheet material used in the manufacture of fuel cells and a method of using the suction device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a suction device that lifts sheets one by one without contacting the paper. The lift suction device of Patent Document 1 includes two suction device bodies and a rectifying guide. Each suction device body includes a circular and concave tapered portion that is arranged to face the paper and discharges air radially outward. That is, this suction device body is a Bernoulli type suction device.

[0003] The rectifying guide is a wall-like structure having a substantially T-shaped shape arranged around the two tapered portions. More specifically, a part of the rectifying guide is provided substantially parallel to the arrangement direction of the two suction device bodies. The other part of the rectifying guide is provided between the two suction device bodies. The rectifying guide includes a concave curved guide surface at a portion facing each tapered portion. Among the air discharged from the tapered portion of the suction device body, the air discharged in the direction where the rectifying guide exists is redirected along the guide surface and blown out in the direction where the rectifying guide does not exist. As a result, the generation of turbulent flow is prevented between the two suction device bodies arranged adjacent to each other and between the suction device body and other structures, and the lift suction device can stably generate a negative pressure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] On one hand, a cell stack, which is a component of a fuel cell, is formed by laminating a membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly (MEGA) sheet and a separator. To prevent dirt and foreign matter from intervening between the separator and the MEGA sheet, the separator and the MEGA sheet are laminated in a clean room. Also, before lamination, each individual separator is cleaned by laser on the surface to be joined and sealed with the MEGA sheet. After that, a plurality of separators are laminated with clean paper sandwiched between them so that dirt and foreign matter do not adhere to the surface. The clean paper is paper with a resin coating on its surface.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The aspirator body described in Patent Document 1 is a Bernoulli-type aspirator. In a Bernoulli-type aspirator, air is discharged radially from the aspirator body towards the surroundings between the aspirator body and the paper. For this reason, an air flow reaches a wide area centered on the aspirator body. As a result, the Bernoulli-type aspirator scatters fine dust adhering to structures within that area into the air in a wide area. Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1 is not suitable for use as an aspirator device for handling clean paper in the manufacturing process of fuel cells. Such a problem exists not only in aspirator devices for handling clean paper in the manufacturing process of fuel cells, but also in devices for handling sheet materials while maintaining environmental cleanliness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0008] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a suction device for holding one of a plurality of sheet materials arranged in a stacked manner used in the manufacture of a fuel cell by suctioning the sheet material. The suction device is one or more cyclone chucks that hold the one sheet material by suctioning, and has recesses on the opposing surface that faces the one sheet material. Each of the recesses includes a plurality of nozzles that discharge gas and generates a swirling flow of gas. The suction device further includes one or more rectifying walls that are arranged at positions farther from the plurality of nozzles than the center of gravity of the plurality of nozzles on the opposing surface of one of the one or more cyclone chucks, and change the direction of the gas flow discharged from one or more of the plurality of nozzles. The range affected by the swirling flow generated in the cyclone chuck is smaller than the range affected by the gas flow of a Bernoulli chuck that blows out the same amount of gas per unit time. Therefore, in the suction device of the above aspect, it is possible to suck and hold the sheet material used in the manufacture of the fuel cell while maintaining the cleanliness of the air without scattering dust in a wide range. (2) In the suction device of the above aspect, a plurality of cyclone chucks as the one or more cyclone chucks are provided. In the one cyclone chuck, the one or more rectifying walls include a rectifying wall that changes the direction of the gas flow discharged from the plurality of nozzles to a direction different from the direction toward the recess of another one of the plurality of cyclone chucks. With such an aspect, the possibility that the gas discharged from the nozzles of one cyclone chuck disturbs the gas flow discharged from the nozzles of another cyclone chuck can be reduced. Therefore, the suction device can stably hold the sheet material. (3) In the suction device of the above-described embodiment, a plurality of rectifying walls as the one or more rectifying walls are provided at positions surrounding the concave portion of the one cyclone chuck. In the one cyclone chuck, the plurality of rectifying walls are arranged at a plurality of positions having equal angular intervals around the center of gravity of the plurality of nozzles, and each deflects the direction of the gas flow in the same direction with respect to the direction of the gas flow before hitting each rectifying wall. With such an aspect, the gas flows discharged from the plurality of nozzles of the cyclone chuck can be arranged in an evenly close arrangement around the center of gravity of the plurality of nozzles. For this reason, the cyclone chuck can stably hold the sheet material. (4) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using the suction device of the above-described embodiment is provided. In this method of using the suction device, the plurality of sheet materials used in the manufacture of the fuel cell each have a corner portion, and are arranged so as to overlap with the contours of the corner portions coinciding with each other. The method of use includes a step of arranging the suction device in a state where the orientation of the cyclone chuck is determined such that the direction of the gas flow after being redirected by the rectifying wall is different from the direction toward the corner portion, and a step of holding the one sheet material by suction with the arranged suction device. According to such an aspect, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the corner portion of the sheet material to be sucked and held is pressed by the gas flow flowing over the corner portion, making it difficult to lift the sheet material. (5) In the method of using the suction device of the above-described embodiment, the step of arranging the suction device is a step of arranging the suction device in a state where the orientation of the one or more cyclone chucks is determined such that the direction of the gas flow after being redirected by the rectifying wall is different from the direction toward another structure closest to the one or more cyclone chucks of the suction device after arrangement. By adopting such an aspect, the swirling flow generated by the cyclone chuck will not strike other structures to cause turbulent flow, preventing the situation where the ends of the plurality of sheet materials are lifted up and the plurality of sheet materials are lifted by the suction device. In addition, the swirling flow blown out from the cyclone chuck will not strike other structures to scatter dust, reducing the possibility of the cleanliness around the suction device from decreasing. (6) According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using the suction device of the above aspect is provided. In this method of using the suction device, the plurality of sheet materials used in the manufacture of the fuel cell each have a corner portion, and are arranged in an overlapping manner such that the contours of the corner portions coincide. The method of use includes a step of arranging the suction device in a state where the orientation of the one or more cyclone chucks is determined such that the direction of the gas flow after being redirected by the rectifying wall is different from the direction towards the other structure closest to the one or more cyclone chucks of the arranged suction device, and a step of holding the single sheet material by sucking it with the arranged suction device. By adopting such an aspect, the swirling flow generated by the cyclone chuck will not strike other structures to cause turbulent flow, preventing the situation where the ends of the plurality of sheet materials are lifted up and the plurality of sheet materials are lifted by the suction device. In addition, the swirling flow blown out from the cyclone chuck will not strike other structures to scatter dust, reducing the possibility of the cleanliness around the suction device from decreasing. The present disclosure can also be realized in various forms other than the suction device and the method of using the suction device. For example, it can be realized in the form of a manufacturing method of the suction device, a control method of the suction device, a computer program for realizing the control method, a non-transitory recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] A. First Embodiment: A1. Configuration of the Paper Feeding Device: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a paper feeding device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The paper feeding device 10 includes a suction device 200 and a support base 300.

[0011] The support table 300 supports a plurality of clean papers CP. The clean paper CP is sandwiched between a plurality of separators when collectively handling the plurality of separators manufactured for a fuel cell. That is, the clean paper CP is used in the manufacture of a fuel cell. Specifically, the clean paper CP is a rectangular paper with a resin coating on its surface. The support table 300 includes a table 310 and two sets of sheet guides 320R, 330R, 340R and sheet guides 320L, 330L, 340L.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the paper feeding device 10. The table 310 supports a plurality of clean papers CP that are stacked and used in the manufacture of a fuel cell. The table 310 is provided in substantially the same shape as the clean paper CP. On the table 310, the plurality of clean papers CP are stacked and arranged so that their outer contours coincide. For ease of understanding of the technology, the clean paper CP is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The position where the clean paper CP is arranged and the position of the corner CPc of the clean paper CP are indicated by a broken-line leader line and a reference sign in FIG. 2.

[0013] The sheet guides 320R, 330R, 340R and the sheet guides 320L, 330L, 340L are arranged so as to surround the table 310. The sheet guides 320R, 330R, 340R and the sheet guides 320L, 330L, 340L function to align a plurality of clean papers CP that are stacked and used in the manufacture of a fuel cell on the table 310. The sheet guides 320R, 330R, 340R and the sheet guides 320L, 330L, 340L are arranged at symmetric positions. When referring to the sheet guides 320R, 330R, 340R and the sheet guides 320L, 330L, 340L without distinction, they are denoted as sheet guides 320, 330, 340.

[0014] The sheet guides 320R and 340R are in contact with the long side of the clean paper CP placed on the table 310. The sheet guides 320R and 340R are arranged facing each other in the direction along the short side of the clean paper CP with the clean paper CP sandwiched therebetween. The sheet guides 320L and 340L have a configuration symmetric to that of the sheet guides 320R and 340R on the support base 300. The sheet guides 320L and 340L perform the same functions as the sheet guides 320R and 340R.

[0015] The sheet guides 330R and 330L are in contact with the short side of the clean paper CP placed on the table 310. The sheet guides 330R and 330L are arranged facing each other in the direction along the long side of the clean paper CP with the clean paper CP sandwiched therebetween.

[0016] The sheet guide 320R is the other structure closest to the cyclone chuck 100R of the suction device 200 in the arrangement of the suction device 200 when lifting the clean paper CP. The sheet guide 320L is the other structure closest to the cyclone chuck 100L of the suction device 200 in the arrangement of the suction device 200 when lifting the clean paper CP. The cyclone chucks 100R and 100L will be described later.

[0017] The suction device 200 is a device that holds one sheet material among a plurality of sheet materials stacked on the support base 300 by sucking the sheet material. The suction device 200 includes two cyclone chucks 100R and 100L, a plurality of rectifying walls 130, and two arms 210R and 210L.

[0018] The cyclone chucks 100R and 100L cooperate to hold a single clean paper CP by sucking it. More specifically, the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L are supplied with air having a pressure higher than the surrounding environment from behind, and this air is discharged from a plurality of nozzles to generate a swirling flow. Due to the negative pressure generated in the central portion of the swirling flow of the air, the clean paper CP is sucked and held. When referring to the two cyclone chucks 100R and 100L without distinction, they are denoted as the cyclone chuck 100. In this specification, not only when the fluid moves more than one round on the virtual circle, but also when the fluid moves along a part of the same virtual circle at different parts of the virtual circle, the whole is called a "swirling flow".

[0019] The arm 210R supports the cyclone chuck 100R on the table 310. The arm 210R can move the cyclone chuck 100R within a predetermined range on the table 310. The arm 210R can move the cyclone chuck 100R in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the table 310. The arm 210L supports the cyclone chuck 100L on the table 310. The arm 210L can move the cyclone chuck 100L within a predetermined range on the table 310. The arm 210L can move the cyclone chuck 100L in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the table 310.

[0020] As a result, among the plurality of clean papers CP stacked on the support base 300, the topmost one clean paper CP can be sucked and held by the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L and moved by the arms 210R and 210L. When referring to the two arms 210R and 210L without distinction, they are denoted as the arm 210.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cyclone chuck 100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cyclone chuck 100 viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. 3. The cyclone chuck 100 holds one clean paper CP by suction. The cyclone chuck 100 has a recess 120 on the opposing surface 110 that faces one clean paper CP. The opposing surface 110 of the cyclone chuck 100 has a flat portion and unevenness.

[0022] The recess 120 has a bottom surface 121, an inner peripheral surface 122, and a convex portion 123. The bottom surface 121 is a flat surface having a circular outer shape. The inner peripheral surface 122 rises from the outer periphery of the bottom surface 121 and is a tapered side surface that widens toward the open end of the recess 120. The convex portion 123 is disposed at the center of the bottom surface 121. The convex portion 123 has a frustum-shaped outer shape.

[0023] The recess 120 is provided with two nozzles NZ on the bottom surface 121. The two nozzles NZ are located at symmetric positions with respect to the central axis CA of the recess 120. The two nozzles NZ each discharge air. The recess 120 generates a swirling flow of air by the air discharged from the two nozzles NZ on the bottom surface 121. For ease of understanding of the technology, the nozzles NZ are not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0024] Four rectifying walls 130 are arranged around one cyclone chuck 100L. Each rectifying wall 130 protrudes from the opposing surface 110 along the central axis direction of the circular recess 120. Each rectifying wall 130 has a plate-like shape that is curved so as to surround the central axis of the circular recess 120 when the cyclone chuck 100L is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 110. That is, each rectifying wall 130 has a concave curved surface having a shape that surrounds the central axis of the recess 120.

[0025] The four rectifying walls 130 are arranged at positions farther from the two nozzles NZ than the center of gravity Gn of the two nozzles NZ on the opposing surface 110 of one of the two cyclone chucks 100R and 100L, i.e., the cyclone chuck 100L. Here, the "center of gravity Gn" of the plurality of nozzles NZ means the center of gravity of the positions of the respective nozzles NZ when the opposing surface 110 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 110. In the present embodiment, the center of gravity Gn of the two nozzles NZ coincides with the central axis CA of the recess 120.

[0026] Specifically, the four rectifying walls 130 are configured to protrude from the opposing surface 110 along the outer peripheral surface of the cyclone chuck 100L (see also FIGS. 3 and 4). In one cyclone chuck 100L, the four rectifying walls 130 are arranged at a plurality of positions having equal angular intervals around the center of gravity Gn of the two nozzles NZ. Each rectifying wall 130 changes the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the two nozzles NZ.

[0027] The range covered by the swirling flow Fg generated in the cyclone chuck 100L is smaller than the range covered by the gas flow of a Bernoulli chuck that blows out the same amount of gas per unit time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suck and hold the clean paper CP used in the manufacture of the fuel cell while maintaining the cleanliness of the air without scattering dust in a wide range.

[0028] Further, when there is a structure around the cyclone chuck 100L that can cause a turbulent flow when hit by the swirling flow Fg generated by the cyclone chuck 100L, the suction device 200 can be arranged so that the rectifying wall 130 is arranged at a position where it is difficult for the swirling flow Fg to hit the structure. As a result, the cleanliness of the air can be made higher.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship among the clean paper CP arranged on the table 310, the cyclone chuck 100L, and the four straightening walls 130. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the clean paper CP, the cyclone chuck 100L, and the four straightening walls 130 are viewed along a direction perpendicular to the clean paper CP arranged on the table 310 from behind the cyclone chuck 100L. Note that FIG. 5 does not accurately reflect the dimensions of each part of each part of the paper feeding device 10.

[0030] The plurality of clean papers CP are arranged on the table 310 so that the contours of the corners CPc of the rectangular outer shape coincide when viewed from the stacking direction. However, in order to facilitate the understanding of the technology, in FIG. 5, the outer shape of the uppermost clean paper CP among the plurality of clean papers CP and the outer shapes of the other clean papers CP are shown shifted.

[0031] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the clean paper CP arranged on the table 310 and the cyclone chuck 100Lc in the suction device 200c of the comparative mode. The suction device 200c of the comparative mode does not include the straightening wall 130. Other points of the suction device 200c of the comparative mode are the same as those of the suction device 200 of the paper feeding device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0032] In the cyclone chuck 100Lc of the suction device 200c, the recess 120 generates a swirling air flow Fgc by the air discharged from the two nozzles NZ on the bottom surface 121. In the example of FIG. 6, the air flow Fgc discharged from the right nozzle NZ flows toward the corner CPc of the clean paper CP. Further, an air flow Fgr is generated by the air flow Fgc discharged from the nozzle NZ hitting the sheet guide 320L and reflecting. The air flow Fgr includes a turbulent flow. Note that, in order to facilitate the understanding of the technology, the air flow Fgr is shown shifted to the left from its original position.

[0033] On the one hand, in the suction device 200 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the air flow discharged from the right nozzle NZ among the two nozzles NZ should originally be directed downward to the left (see FIG. 6). However, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the right nozzle NZ is deflected to the left with respect to the direction of the air flow Fg before hitting the flow straightening wall 130. As a result, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the right nozzle NZ has changed downward.

[0034] In the suction device 200 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the air flow discharged from the left nozzle NZ among the two nozzles NZ should originally be directed upward to the right (see FIG. 6). However, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the left nozzle NZ is also deflected to the left with respect to the direction of the air flow Fg before hitting the flow straightening wall 130. As a result, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the left nozzle NZ has changed upward.

[0035] That is, two of the four flow straightening walls 130 located vertically respectively deflect the direction of the air flow Fg in the same direction with respect to the direction of the air flow Fg before hitting each flow straightening wall 130.

[0036] By adopting such a configuration, the gas flows Fg discharged from the two nozzles NZ of the cyclone chuck 100 can be arranged in an evenly close arrangement around the center of gravity Gn of the two nozzles NZ. Therefore, the cyclone chuck 100L can stably hold the clean paper CP.

[0037] Above, the configuration and effects of the cyclone chuck 100L among the two cyclone chucks 100R and 100L have been described by taking it as an example. However, the cyclone chuck 100R also has the same configuration as the cyclone chuck 100L and exhibits the same effects.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing in the paper feeding device 10 when transporting clean papers CP one by one in order to dispose the clean papers CP between the separators. FIG. 7 shows the usage method of the suction device 200. In step S100, a plurality of clean papers CP are prepared and stacked on the table 310. At that time, the plurality of clean papers CP are arranged on the table 310 from above along the sheet guides 320, 330, 340, so that the plurality of clean papers CP are loaded on the table 310 such that the outer contours including the corners match each other (see FIG. 5). At this time, the suction device 200 is retracted from the table 310 of the support base 300.

[0039] In step S200, the suction device 200 is arranged on the plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310. At that time, the cyclone chuck 100R is arranged near one corner CPc of the clean paper CP having a rectangular outer shape. The cyclone chuck 100L is arranged near the other corner CPc of the clean paper CP (see FIG. 2). In the state where the process of step S200 is executed, the opposing surfaces 110 of the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L oppose the clean paper CP arranged at the top among the plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310.

[0040] In step S200, when the cyclone chuck 100 is operated, the suction device 200 is arranged in a state where the direction of the cyclone chuck 100 is determined so that the direction of the air flow Fg after being redirected by the rectifying wall 130 is different from the direction toward the corner CPc of the clean paper CP.

[0041] Specifically, the suction device 200 is arranged as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the right nozzle NZ among the two nozzles NZ of the cyclone chuck 100L changes downward when it hits the flow rectifying wall 130. As a result, the direction of the air flow Fg after its direction is changed by the flow rectifying wall 130 is different from the direction toward the corner CPc of the clean paper CP. The same applies to the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the cyclone chuck 100R.

[0042] With such a configuration, the corner CPc of the clean paper CP to be sucked and held can be pressed by the gas flow Fg flowing over the corner CPc, preventing the occurrence of a situation where it is difficult to lift the clean paper CP. This point will be further explained later.

[0043] Furthermore, the arrangement of the suction device 200 made in step S200 of FIG. 7 also satisfies the following conditions. That is, the suction device 200 is arranged in a state where the direction of the cyclone chuck 100L is determined such that the direction of the air flow Fg after its direction is changed by the flow rectifying wall 130 is different from the direction toward the sheet guide 320L, which is the other structure closest to the cyclone chuck 100L of the suction device 200 after the arrangement.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the right nozzle NZ among the two nozzles NZ of the cyclone chuck 100L changes downward when it hits the flow rectifying wall 130. As a result, the direction of the air flow Fg after its direction is changed by the flow rectifying wall 130 is different from the direction toward the sheet guide 320L. Similarly, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the cyclone chuck 100R is also different from the direction toward the sheet guide 320R.

[0045] With such a configuration, the swirling flow blown out from the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L causes a turbulent flow Fgr when hitting the sheet guides 320L and 320R, lifts the ends of the plurality of clean papers CP, and can prevent the situation where the plurality of clean papers CP are lifted by the suction device 200 (see Fig. 6). This point will be further explained later.

[0046] In addition, the swirling flow blown out from the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L can scatter dust when hitting the sheet guide 320, and reduce the possibility of the cleanliness around the suction device 200 from decreasing.

[0047] In step S300 of Fig. 7, the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L are activated to suck and hold the clean paper CP arranged at the top among the plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310. Then, the clean papers CP held by the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L are conveyed to other positions by the arms 210R and 210L and handed over to other devices. Through the above steps, each step of the processing in the paper feeding device 10 is completed.

[0048] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the distribution of the air flow velocity when the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L are activated in a state where the processing of step S200 is completed. Fig. 8 shows the air flow velocity distribution when looking at the clean paper CP and the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L along the direction perpendicular to the clean paper CP arranged on the table 310 from behind the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L. The flow velocity distribution shown in Fig. 8 is obtained by simulation.

[0049] As can be seen from FIG. 8, above the cyclone chuck 100L, the region with a high flow velocity extends towards the right. Below the cyclone chuck 100L, the region with a high flow velocity extends towards the left. At the corner CPc closest to the cyclone chuck 100L, which is located in the upper left of the cyclone chuck 100L, the speed of the air flow is sufficiently low. Similarly, at the corner CPc closest to the cyclone chuck 100R, which is located in the upper right of the cyclone chuck 100R, the speed of the air flow is also sufficiently low.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow velocity of the air flow at the positions behind each flow rectifying wall 130 in the vicinity of the cyclone chuck 100L and between adjacent flow rectifying walls 130. As can be seen from FIG. 9, between the upper flow rectifying wall 130 and the right flow rectifying wall 130, and between the lower flow rectifying wall 130 and the left flow rectifying wall 130, the flow velocity is greater than 19 m / s. Behind the right flow rectifying wall 130 and behind the left flow rectifying wall 130, the flow velocity is greater than 13 m / s. In contrast, at other positions, the flow velocity is less than 1 m / s. That is, it can be seen that the speed of the air flow is sufficiently low in the direction towards the corner CPc closest to the cyclone chuck 100L.

[0051] A2. Evaluation of the paper feeding device: In the suction device 200, the distance between the opposing surface 110 of the cyclone chuck 100 and the uppermost clean paper CP on the table 310, and the pressure of the air supplied to the cyclone chuck 100 were varied to verify the performance of the suction device 200. Under each condition, the operation was executed 30 times. As the cyclone chuck 100, XT661, φ20 mm of SMC Corporation was used. As a comparative example, a suction device 200c without the flow rectifying wall 130 was used. The suction device 200c is the same as the suction device 200 except that it does not have the flow rectifying wall 130.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a table showing the experimental results of the suction device 200c of the comparative example. FIG. 11 is a table showing the experimental results of the suction device 200 of the present embodiment. In FIGS. 10 and 11, A to E represent the following results. "A" represents that out of a plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310, one clean paper CP was successfully sucked and held 30 times during 30 operations. "B" represents that with one of the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L, lifting two clean papers CP by suction occurred at least once during 30 operations. "C" represents that with both of the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L, lifting two clean papers CP by suction occurred at least once during 30 operations. "D" represents that it was not possible to lift a clean paper CP from a plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310, but it was possible to suck and hold one clean paper CP by a second trial at least once during 30 operations. "E" represents that it was not possible to lift a clean paper CP from a plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310 at least once during 30 operations.

[0053] In addition, when a plurality of the events listed above occurred during 30 operations, among the plurality of categories corresponding to those events, it was evaluated as corresponding to the category described at the bottom in the above-described order of description.

[0054] In addition, the occurrence of the results of B and D above indicates that in order to obtain the result of A meaning the success of the operation, delicate adjustment is required for the pressure and amount of air supplied to the cyclone chuck 100, and the distance between the clean paper CP and the cyclone chuck 100. This is considered to be because the clean paper CP has air permeability.

[0055] As can be seen from FIG. 10, in the suction device 200c of the comparative example, the distance between the opposing surface 110 and the clean paper CP is small, and the supply pressure of air is low. Only within a limited range, it has been successful in sucking and holding a single clean paper CP (see A in FIG. 10). On the other hand, as can be seen from FIG. 11, in the suction device 200 of the present embodiment, with respect to the distance between the opposing surface 110 and the clean paper CP and the supply pressure of air, it has been successful in sucking and holding a single clean paper CP over a wide range (see A in FIG. 10).

[0056] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which one or more clean papers CP cannot be lifted from a plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310 in the suction device 200c of the comparative example. In this case (see D in FIG. 10), the following phenomenon is presumed to occur. That is, the air flow Fgc discharged from the nozzle NZ of the cyclone chuck 100 generates a force Fc for lifting the clean paper CP. On the other hand, the air flow Fgc discharged from the nozzle NZ flows toward the corner CPc of the clean paper CP (see also FIG. 6). It is considered that the air flow Fgc presses down on the upper surface of the corner CPc of the clean paper CP as it flows along the upper surface of the corner CPc of the clean paper CP. In FIG. 12, the force with which the air flow Fgc presses down on the corner CPc of the clean paper CP is indicated by Fp. As a result, when Fp > Fc, the suction device 200c of the comparative example cannot lift the clean paper CP from a plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310.

[0057] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which two clean papers CP are sucked and lifted by the cyclone chuck 100 in the suction device 200c of the comparative example. In this case (see B and C in FIG. 10), the following phenomena are presumed to occur. That is, the air flow Fgc discharged from the nozzle NZ of the cyclone chuck 100 hits the sheet guide 320 and is reflected to generate an air flow Fgr (see also FIG. 6). The reflected air flow Fgr blows toward the end faces of the plurality of stacked clean papers CP and lifts the ends of the plurality of clean papers CP. As a result, the suction device 200c of the comparative example lifts two clean papers CP from the plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310.

[0058] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which one clean paper CP is sucked and lifted by the cyclone chuck 100 in the suction device 200 of the present embodiment. As described above, in the suction device 200 of the present embodiment, the rectifying wall 130 is provided on the cyclone chuck 100, and the direction of the air flow Fg after being redirected by the rectifying wall 130 does not face the corner CPc of the clean paper CP (see FIG. 5). As a result, the air flow Fgc flows along the upper surface of the corner CPc of the clean paper CP, so that the corner CPc of the clean paper CP is not pressed downward. Further, the air flow Fgr, which is a reflected flow, does not lift the ends of the plurality of clean papers CP. As a result, the suction device 200 can lift one clean paper CP from the plurality of clean papers CP on the table 310.

[0059] According to the paper feeding device 10 of the present embodiment, a clean paper CP with low rigidity and air permeability can be easily and stably picked up and conveyed with respect to a paper feeding device using a suction cup type contact adsorption mechanism. Further, according to the paper feeding device 10 of the present embodiment, the structure of the device for conveying the clean paper CP can be made simpler than that of a paper feeding device using a rotary machine. Further, since the paper feeding device 10 of the present embodiment conveys the clean paper CP in a non-contact manner, the clean paper CP is not strongly rubbed like a paper feeding device using a rotary machine, and dust is less likely to be generated. Therefore, the clean paper CP can be conveyed while maintaining a high degree of environmental cleanliness.

[0060] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a cyclone type chuck is used instead of a Bernoulli type chuck. For this reason, the suction device 200 can lift an object of the same weight with a lower pressure and a smaller supply amount of gas as compared with an aspect of adopting a Bernoulli type chuck. In addition, the range covered by the swirling flow generated by the suction device 200 is smaller than the range covered by the flow of air radially blown out to the surroundings in an aspect of adopting a Bernoulli type chuck. For this reason, in the present embodiment, there is little possibility that dust on the floor surface or surrounding structures where the suction device 200 is installed is lifted up. Therefore, the clean paper CP can be conveyed while maintaining a high degree of environmental cleanliness.

[0061] A3. Another aspect of the rectifying wall: In the above embodiment, four rectifying walls 130 are provided for one cyclone type chuck 100 (see FIGS. 3 to 5). And with respect to the arrangement in which the positions of the two nozzles NZ of the cyclone type chuck 100 coincide with the centers of two of the four rectifying walls 130, the four rectifying walls 130 are arranged at positions shifted by about 10 degrees (see FIG. 5). However, the rectifying walls can also be arranged in other aspects. Specific examples of the rectifying walls are shown below.

[0062] (1) Another aspect 1 of the rectifying wall: FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the rectifying wall 130 of the present embodiment. FIGS. 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams showing other aspects of the rectifying wall. FIGS. 15 to 17 show the cyclone chuck 100 and the rectifying wall as viewed along a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 110. The same applies to FIGS. 18 to 31.

[0063] Also in the aspects of FIGS. 16 and 17, four rectifying walls 130 are provided for one cyclone chuck 100 at equal angular intervals from each other. However, in the aspect of FIG. 16, the four rectifying walls 130 are arranged such that the positions of the two nozzles NZ coincide with the positions of the two rectifying walls 130. In the aspect of FIG. 17, the four rectifying walls 130 are arranged at positions shifted by approximately 45 degrees clockwise with respect to the arrangement in which the positions of the two nozzles NZ coincide with the positions of the two rectifying walls 130.

[0064] (2) Other aspect 2 of the rectifying wall: FIGS. 18 to 21 are explanatory diagrams showing other aspects of the rectifying wall. In these aspects, one rectifying wall 130b is provided for one cyclone chuck 100. The rectifying wall 130b has a shape covering an angular range of approximately 90 degrees centered on the centroid Gn of the two nozzles NZ.

[0065] In the aspect of FIG. 18, the rectifying wall 130b is arranged at a position where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the position of the center of the rectifying wall 130b. In the aspect of FIG. 19, the rectifying wall 130b is arranged at a position shifted by approximately 45 degrees clockwise with respect to the arrangement in which the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the position of the center of the rectifying wall 130b. In the aspect of FIG. 20, the rectifying wall 130b is arranged at a position shifted by approximately 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the arrangement in which the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the position of the center of the rectifying wall 130b. In the aspect of FIG. 19, the rectifying wall 130b is arranged at a position shifted by approximately 135 degrees clockwise with respect to the arrangement in which the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the position of the center of the rectifying wall 130b.

[0066] (3) Other aspect 3 of the rectifying wall: Figs. 22 to 25 are explanatory diagrams showing other aspects of the rectifying wall. In these aspects, one rectifying wall 130c is provided for one cyclone chuck 100. The rectifying wall 130c has a shape covering an angular range of approximately 180 degrees centered on the center of gravity Gn of the two nozzles NZ.

[0067] In the aspect of Fig. 22, the rectifying wall 130c is arranged at a position where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the center position of the rectifying wall 130b. In the aspect of Fig. 23, with respect to the arrangement where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the center position of the rectifying wall 130c, the rectifying wall 130c is arranged at a position shifted clockwise by approximately 45 degrees. In the aspect of Fig. 24, with respect to the arrangement where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the center position of the rectifying wall 130c, the rectifying wall 130c is arranged at a position shifted clockwise by approximately 90 degrees. In the aspect of Fig. 25, with respect to the arrangement where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the center position of the rectifying wall 130c, the rectifying wall 130c is arranged at a position shifted clockwise by approximately 135 degrees.

[0068] (4) Other aspects of the rectifying wall 4: Figs. 26 to 29 are explanatory diagrams showing other aspects of the rectifying wall. In these aspects, one rectifying wall 130d is provided for one cyclone chuck 100. The rectifying wall 130d has a shape covering an angular range of approximately 270 degrees centered on the center of gravity Gn of the two nozzles NZ.

[0069] In the aspect of FIG. 26, the rectifying wall 130d is arranged at a position where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the position of the center of the rectifying wall 130d. In the aspect of FIG. 27, with respect to the arrangement where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the position of the center of the rectifying wall 130d, the rectifying wall 130d is arranged at a position shifted by approximately 45 degrees clockwise. In the aspect of FIG. 28, with respect to the arrangement where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the position of the center of the rectifying wall 130d, the rectifying wall 130d is arranged at a position shifted by approximately 90 degrees clockwise. In the aspect of FIG. 29, with respect to the arrangement where the position of one nozzle NZ coincides with the position of the center of the rectifying wall 130d, the rectifying wall 130d is arranged at a position shifted by approximately 135 degrees clockwise.

[0070] (5) Other aspects of the rectifying wall 5: FIGS. 30 to 31 are explanatory diagrams showing other aspects of the rectifying wall. In these aspects, eight rectifying walls 130d are provided at equal angular intervals with respect to one cyclone chuck 100. The rectifying wall 130e has a shape that covers an angular range of approximately 20 degrees centered on the center of gravity Gn of two nozzles NZ.

[0071] In the aspect of FIG. 30, eight rectifying walls 130 are arranged at a position shifted by approximately 10 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the arrangement where the positions of two nozzles NZ coincide with the centers of two rectifying walls 130e. In the aspect of FIG. 31, eight rectifying walls 130 are arranged at a position where the positions of two nozzles NZ coincide with the centers of two rectifying walls 130e.

[0072] The clean paper CP of the present embodiment is also referred to as a "sheet material".

[0073] B. Second Embodiment: In the sheet feeding device 10 of the first embodiment, the arm 210R supports one cyclone chuck 100R on the table 310. The arm 210L supports one cyclone chuck 100L on the table 310 (see FIG. 2). The sheet feeding device 10B of the second embodiment includes four cyclone chucks 100. In the sheet feeding device 10B of the second embodiment, the arms 210RB and 210LB of the suction device 200B each support two cyclone chucks 100 on the table 310. Other aspects of the sheet feeding device 10B are the same as those of the sheet feeding device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing the arm 210LB and the cyclone chucks 100L1 and 100L2 among the two arms 210RB and 210LB in the sheet feeding device 10B. The configurations of the cyclone chucks 100L1 and 100L2 are the same as those of the cyclone chuck 100L in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0075] Among the flow rectifying walls 130 provided in the cyclone chuck 100L1, the flow rectifying wall 130 located above the center of gravity Gn of the nozzle NZ in FIG. 32 changes the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the left nozzle NZ to a direction different from the direction toward the recess 120 of the other cyclone chuck 100L2. Specifically, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the nozzle NZ and directed upward to the right is changed to an upward direction.

[0076] Among the flow rectifying walls 130 provided in the cyclone chuck 100L2, the flow rectifying wall 130 located below the center of gravity Gn of the nozzle NZ in FIG. 32 changes the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the right nozzle NZ to an upward direction different from the direction toward the recess 120 of the other cyclone chuck 100L1. Specifically, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the nozzle NZ and directed downward to the left is changed to a downward direction.

[0077] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the gas discharged from the nozzle NZ of one cyclone chuck 100 disturbs the flow Fg of the gas discharged from the nozzle NZ of another cyclone chuck 100. Therefore, the suction device 200B can stably hold the clean paper CP.

[0078] C. Other embodiments: C1. Other embodiment 1: (1) In the above embodiment, the clean paper CP has a rectangular outer shape (see FIGS. 2 and 8). However, the sheet material may have an outer shape other than rectangular, such as circular or elliptical. That is, the shape of the sheet material can be determined according to the shape of the product arranged with the sheet material interposed therebetween.

[0079] (2) In the above first embodiment, a plurality of clean papers CP are arranged on the table 310 from above along the sheet guides 320, 330, 340 while the suction device 200 is retracted from above the table 310 of the support base 300 (see FIG. 2). However, in a state where the suction device 200 is on the table 310 of the support base 300, the clean paper CP may be conveyed laterally below the suction device 200 and arranged on the table 310. That is, the clean paper CP can be supplied to the paper feeding device 10 by any method.

[0080] (3) In the above first embodiment, the cyclone chuck 100 includes two nozzles NZ (see FIG. 5). However, the number of nozzles of the cyclone chuck provided in the suction device may be other numbers, such as one, three, four, six, etc.

[0081] (4) In the above first embodiment, the cyclone chuck 100 includes the nozzle NZ on the bottom surface 121 of the recess 120. However, the cyclone chuck may include a nozzle on the inner peripheral surface or the convex portion of the recess. Further, the cyclone chuck may include a nozzle at the boundary between the bottom surface and the inner peripheral surface of the recess, or at the boundary between the bottom surface and the convex portion of the recess.

[0082] (5) In the first embodiment, each flow rectifying wall 130 has a plate-like shape that curves to surround the central axis of the circular recess 120 when the cyclone chuck 100L is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 110 (see FIG. 5). However, the flow rectifying wall may be flat or may have a shape bent at one or more portions. That is, the flow rectifying wall can have an arbitrary shape according to the purpose.

[0083] (6) In the first embodiment, the suction device 200 includes two cyclone chucks 100R and 100L (see FIGS. 1 and 2). However, the number of cyclone chucks included in the suction device may be four, such as the suction device 200B of the second embodiment, or may be other numbers such as six or eight.

[0084] (7) In the first embodiment, the structure constituting the four flow rectifying walls 130 includes a portion connecting the four flow rectifying walls 130 at an end opposite to the opposing surface 110 of the cyclone chuck 100 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). However, the plurality of flow rectifying walls may be connected at a portion protruding from the opposing surface.

[0085] (8) In the above embodiment, the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the nozzle NZ is deflected to the left with respect to the direction of the air flow Fg before hitting the flow rectifying wall 130 (see FIGS. 5 and 32). However, the direction of the air flow discharged from the nozzle may be deflected to the right with respect to the direction of the air flow before hitting the flow rectifying wall.

[0086] (9) In the first embodiment described above, the suction device 200 sucks and holds in the vicinity of two corner portions CPc arranged along the long side among the four corner portions of the rectangular cleaning paper CP (see FIGS. 1 and 2). However, the suction device may suck and hold, for example, four locations near the four corner portions of a rectangular sheet material. Further, the suction device may suck and hold near the central portion of the sheet material. That is, the suction device can suck and hold any location according to the shape of the sheet material and the mode of conveyance. However, when the shape of the sheet material is rectangular, it is preferable to suck and hold in the vicinity of two adjacent corner portions. By adopting such a mode, the sheet material can be stably lifted.

[0087] (10) In the first embodiment described above, the sheet guide 320R is the other structure closest to the cyclone chuck 100R in the arrangement of the suction device 200 when lifting the cleaning paper CP (see FIGS. 2 and 5). However, in the arrangement of the suction device when lifting the sheet material, the other structure closest to the cyclone chuck may be other structures such as a protective case surrounding the suction device and the support base.

[0088] (11) In the first embodiment described above, the cyclone chucks 100R and 100L are supplied with air having a pressure higher than that of the surrounding environment, and the air is discharged from a plurality of nozzles to generate a swirling flow (see FIG. 5). However, the cyclone chuck may be supplied with a gas other than air, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and the gas may be discharged from a plurality of nozzles to generate a swirling flow of the gas.

[0089] C2. Other Embodiment 2: In the second embodiment described above, among the flow rectifying walls 130 provided in the cyclone chuck 100L1, the flow rectifying wall 130 located above the center of gravity of the nozzle NZ in FIG. 32 changes the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the nozzle NZ to a direction different from the direction toward the recess 120 of the cyclone chuck 100L2. The same applies to one of the flow rectifying walls 130 provided in the cyclone chuck 100L2. However, in the suction device, the flow rectifying wall provided in a certain cyclone chuck may change the direction of the air flow discharged from the nozzle to a direction toward the recess of another cyclone chuck.

[0090] C3. Other Embodiment 3: In the first embodiment described above, the four flow rectifying walls 130 are arranged at a plurality of positions having equal angular intervals around the center of gravity Gn of the two nozzles NZ. And, two of the four flow rectifying walls 130 deflect the direction of the air flow Fg discharged from the nozzle NZ to the left with respect to the direction of the air flow Fg before hitting the flow rectifying wall 130. However, the plurality of flow rectifying walls provided in the cyclone chuck may have angular intervals that are not equal to each other. Also, around the cyclone chuck, a plurality of flow rectifying walls having angular intervals that are not equal to each other, and in addition to those, one or more flow rectifying walls that cannot be said to have angular intervals that are not equal to those may be provided. Further, the plurality of flow rectifying walls may each deflect the direction of the gas flow in a different direction with respect to the direction of the gas flow before hitting each flow rectifying wall.

[0091] C4. Other Embodiment 4: The arrangement of the suction device 200 made in step S200 of the first embodiment described above satisfies the following conditions. That is, when the cyclone chuck 100 is operated, the suction device 200 is arranged in a state where the direction of the cyclone chuck 100 is determined so that the direction of the air flow Fg after being redirected by the flow rectifying wall 130 is different from the direction toward the corner CPc of the clean paper CP.

[0092] However, the suction device 200 is arranged in a state where the direction of the cyclone chuck 100 is determined such that the direction of the air flow Fg after being redirected by the flow straightening wall 130 is directed toward the corner CPc of the clean paper CP. For example, when the distance between the portion of the cyclone chuck that sucks the clean paper CP and the corner CPc of the clean paper CP is sufficiently large, the suction device can hold the sheet material stably even in such a mode.

[0093] C5. Other Embodiment 5: The arrangement of the suction device 200 performed in step S200 of the first embodiment satisfies the following conditions. That is, the suction device 200 is arranged in a state where the direction of the cyclone chuck 100L is determined such that the direction of the air flow Fg after being redirected by the flow straightening wall 130 is different from the direction toward the sheet guide 320L, which is the other structure closest to the cyclone chuck 100L of the suction device 200 after arrangement.

[0094] However, the suction device may be arranged in a state where the direction of the cyclone chuck 100L is determined such that the direction of the air flow Fg after being redirected by the flow straightening wall 130 is directed toward the other structure closest to the cyclone chuck. For example, when the distance between the other structure closest to the cyclone chuck and the cyclone chuck is sufficiently large, the suction device can hold the sheet material stably even in such a mode.

[0095] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve part or all of the above-described problems or to achieve part or all of the above-described effects. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 10… Sheet feeding device, 10B… Sheet feeding device, 100… Cyclone chuck, 100L… Cyclone chuck, 100L1… Cyclone chuck, 100L2… Cyclone chuck, 100R… Cyclone chuck, 100c… Cyclone chuck, 110… Opposing surface, 120… Recess, 121… Bottom surface, 122… Inner peripheral surface, 123… Protrusion, 130… Straightening wall, 130b… Straightening wall, 130c… Straightening wall, 130d… Straightening wall, 130e… Straightening wall, 200… Suction device, 200B… Suction device, 200c… Suction device, 210L… Arm, 210LB… Arm, 210R… Arm, 300… Support base, 310… Table, 320L… Sheet guide, 320R… Sheet guide, 330L… Sheet guide, 330R… Sheet guide, 340L… Sheet guide, 340R… Sheet guide, CA… Central axis of the recess, CP… Clean paper, CPc… Corner, Fc… Force for lifting the clean paper CP, Fg… Swirling flow, Fgc… Swirling flow, Fgr… Turbulent flow, Fp… Force for pressing down the clean paper CP, Gn… Center of gravity of the nozzle position, NZ… Nozzle

Claims

A method of using a suction device, comprising: The suction device is: A suction device for holding one of a plurality of stacked sheet materials used in the manufacture of a fuel cell by sucking the sheet material, One or more cyclone chucks for holding the one sheet material by sucking the one sheet material, the opposing surface facing the one sheet material having recesses, each of the recesses having a plurality of nozzles for discharging gas and generating a swirling flow of gas; one or more cyclone chucks; One or more rectifying walls arranged at a position farther from the plurality of nozzles than the center of gravity of the plurality of nozzles on the opposing surface of one of the one or more cyclone chucks, for changing the direction of the gas flow discharged from one or more of the plurality of nozzles; The plurality of sheet materials used in the manufacture of the fuel cell each have a corner portion, and are stacked so that the contours of the corner portions coincide with each other. The method of use comprises: A step of arranging the suction device in a state where the direction of the cyclone chuck is determined such that the direction of the gas flow after being redirected by the rectifying wall is different from the direction toward the corner portion; A step of holding the one sheet material by sucking the one sheet material with the arranged suction device; The step of arranging the suction device is a method of use, which is a step of arranging the suction device in a state where the direction of the one or more cyclone chucks is determined such that the direction of the gas flow after being redirected by the rectifying wall is different from the direction toward another structure closest to the one or more cyclone chucks of the arranged suction device.

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