Press device

Abstract

Providing journal parts at both ends of the press roller may complicate the structure of the press roller. 【Solution means】 The press device (1) has a pair of belts (B1, B2) that sandwich and convey the workpiece (W), and a pair of press rollers (R1, R2) that are arranged at a position sandwiching the pair of belts and apply a load to the workpiece via the pair of belts. At least one of the pair of press rollers has a hollow structure and rotates by the frictional force with the belt. The press roller having a hollow structure can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressing device that presses a workpiece with a pair of pressing rollers.

Background Art

[0002] A pressing device that presses a workpiece using a pair of pressing rollers is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Here, in each pressing roller, journal portions are provided at both ends in the rotation axis direction, and each pressing roller rotates when a driving force from a driving source is transmitted to the journal portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When journal portions are provided at both ends of the pressing roller, the structure of the pressing roller may become complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The pressing device of the present invention includes a pair of belts that sandwich and convey a workpiece, and a pair of pressing rollers that are disposed at a position sandwiching the pair of belts and apply a load to the workpiece via the pair of belts. Here, at least one of the pair of pressing rollers has a hollow structure and rotates by the frictional force with the belt.

[0006] The press roller having a hollow structure can be formed in a cylindrical shape. Further, the press device can be provided with a pair of backup rollers and a drive mechanism. The pair of backup rollers is in contact with at least one of the pair of press rollers. The drive mechanism changes the distance between the pair of backup rollers by sliding the pair of backup rollers.

[0007] The drive mechanism can increase the pressing force by the pair of press rollers by narrowing the distance between the pair of backup rollers and displacing at least one of the press rollers. On the other hand, the drive mechanism can decrease the pressing force by the pair of press rollers by widening the distance between the pair of backup rollers and displacing at least one of the press rollers.

[0008] A heater can be disposed inside the press roller having a hollow structure. Thereby, the workpiece can be heated while being pressed. On the other hand, a heat exchange medium for cooling or heating can be supplied inside the press roller having a hollow structure. By using the heat exchange medium for cooling, the workpiece can be cooled while being pressed, and by using the heat exchange medium for heating, the workpiece can be heated while being pressed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, since the press roller that applies a load to the workpiece rotates by the frictional force with the belt, it is not necessary to provide a journal portion on the press roller.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The press device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a side view of the press device 1, and FIG. 2 is a view (front view) of the press device 1 as seen from the direction of arrow D1 in FIG. 1. The press device 1 is a device for pressing a workpiece W by applying a desired load thereto. Examples of the workpiece W include metal-based composite materials, laminate products (CCL; Copper Clad Laminate), fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP; Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics, GFRP; Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics), functional films, and various boards.

[0012] The press device 1 has a pair of press rollers R1 and R2. Each of the press rollers R1 and R2 has a hollow structure. Here, each of the press rollers R1 and R2 may be formed in a shape (cylindrical shape) with both end faces in the rotational axis direction open, or may be formed in a shape with the openings of both end faces in the rotational axis direction blocked.

[0013] A pair of belts B1 and B2 are arranged at the nip portion of the press rollers R1 and R2. Here, the outer surface (the upper surface in FIG. 1) of the belt B1 is in contact with the press roller R1, and the outer surface (the lower surface in FIG. 1) of the belt B2 is in contact with the press roller R2. Also, the inner surface (the lower surface in FIG. 1) of the belt B1 and the inner surface (the upper surface in FIG. 1) of the belt B2 face each other.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive mechanism of the belts B1 and B2. The workpiece W is fed from one end side (the left side in FIG. 3) of the belts B1 and B2 and discharged from the other end side (the right side in FIG. 3) of the belts B1 and B2.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the belt B1 is an endless belt and is wound around a pair of pulleys P11 and P12. Here, the pulley (drive pulley) P11 is connected to a drive source (not shown) and rotates by receiving a driving force from the drive source. By rotating the pulley P11, the belt B1 can be moved in the direction of arrow D2, and the pulley (driven pulley) P12 rotates as the belt B1 moves.

[0016] Since the press roller R1 is pressed against the belt B1, when the belt B1 moves, the press roller R1 rotates due to the frictional force between the belt B1 and the press roller R1. Here, no drive source is connected to the press roller R1, and the press roller R1 does not rotate by itself. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide journal portions at both ends in the rotational axis direction of the press roller R1.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the belt B2 is an endless belt and is wound around a pair of pulleys P21 and P22. Here, the pulley (drive pulley) P21 is connected to a drive source (not shown) and rotates by receiving a driving force from the drive source. By rotating the pulley P21, the belt B2 can be moved in the direction of arrow D3, and the pulley (driven pulley) P22 rotates as the belt B2 moves.

[0018] Since the press roller R2 is pressed against the belt B2, when the belt B2 moves, the press roller R2 rotates due to the frictional force between the belt B2 and the press roller R2. Here, no drive source is connected to the press roller R2, and the press roller R2 does not rotate by itself. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide journal portions at both ends of the press roller R2 in the direction of its rotation axis.

[0019] When moving the belts B1 and B2, it is preferable to synchronize the rotations of the pulleys P11 and P21. Here, when separate drive sources are connected to the pulleys P11 and P21, the rotations of the pulleys P11 and P21 can be synchronized by controlling the drives of the two drive sources. On the other hand, when the same drive source is connected to the pulleys P11 and P21, by making the power transmission mechanisms from the drive source to each of the pulleys P11 and P21 the same mechanism, the rotations of the pulleys P11 and P21 can be synchronized only by driving the drive source.

[0020] In a state where the workpiece W is sandwiched between the belts B1 and B2, by applying the loads from the press rollers R1 and R2 to the workpiece W via the belts B1 and B2, the workpiece W can be pressed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, three sets of press rollers R1 and R2 are arranged along the moving directions D2 and D3 of the belts B1 and B2, but the number of sets of the press rollers R1 and R2 can be determined as appropriate.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a pressure adjustment mechanism 10 is provided for the press roller R1, and the pressure adjustment mechanism 10 adjusts the pressing force of the press roller R1 against the press roller R2 (in other words, the pressing force by the press rollers R1 and R2). A support mechanism 20 is provided for the press roller R2, and the support mechanism 20 rotatably supports the press roller R2.

[0022] Hereinafter, the configuration of the pressure adjustment mechanism 10 will be described.

[0023] A pair of backup rollers 11 are in contact with the press roller R1 and rotate in response to the rotation of the press roller R1. The support member 12 rotatably supports each backup roller 11, and the proximal end of the support member 12 is fixed to the lower surface of the movable member 13. On the upper surface of the movable member 13, the piston 15 of the cylinder unit 14 and the guide member 16 are connected. The cylinder unit 14 is fixed to the first device body 30, and the piston 15 penetrates the first device body 30. The guide member 16 penetrates the first device body 30 and is movable along the through hole formed in the first device body 30.

[0024] When the cylinder unit 14 is driven to push out the piston 15, the movable member 13 moves downward, so that the pair of backup rollers 11 press the press roller R1 downward. Thereby, the pressing force of the press roller R1 against the press roller R2 (in other words, the pressing force by the press rollers R1 and R2) can be increased. Here, the guide member 16 is used to maintain the posture of the movable member 13 when the movable member 13 moves downward.

[0025] On the other hand, when the cylinder unit 14 is driven to retract the piston 15, the movable member 13 moves upward, so that the pressing force of the pair of backup rollers 11 against the press roller R1 decreases. Thereby, the pressing force of the press roller R1 against the press roller R2 (in other words, the pressing force by the press rollers R1 and R2) can be decreased. Here, the guide member 16 is used to maintain the posture of the movable member 13 when the movable member 13 moves upward.

[0026] By driving the cylinder unit 14 as described above, the pressing force by the press rollers R1 and R2 can be adjusted. In the example shown in FIG. 1, three pressure adjusting mechanisms 10 are arranged. For the three pressure adjusting mechanisms 10, the pressing force by the press rollers R1 and R2 can be made equal to each other, or can be made different from each other.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the support mechanism 20 will be described.

[0028] A pair of backup rollers 21 are in contact with the press roller R2 and rotate in response to the rotation of the press roller R2. The support member 22 rotatably supports each backup roller 21, and the base end portion of the support member 22 is fixed to the second apparatus main body 40.

[0029] According to the present embodiment, since the press rollers R1 and R2 are rotated by the movement of the belts B1 and B2, it is not necessary to provide journal portions at both ends of the press rollers R1 and R2 in the rotational axis direction, like a mechanism for rotating the press rollers by a driving force from a drive source. Thereby, the press rollers R1 and R2 can have a simple structure.

[0030] Further, in the present embodiment, since the press rollers R1 and R2 have a hollow structure, the width of the nip portion in the press rollers R1 and R2 can be increased or the pressing force at the nip portion can be made uniform, as compared with the case where the press rollers R1 and R2 have a solid structure. Here, by making the press rollers R1 and R2 have a hollow structure, deformation (radial deformation) of the press rollers R1 and R2 can be allowed, so that the width of the nip portion can be increased or the pressing force at the nip portion can be made uniform. Thereby, the pressing of the workpiece W via the belts B1 and B2 can be efficiently performed.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an analysis result showing the distribution of the contact pressure when using a hollow-structured press roller and a solid-structured press roller. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents the contact pressure, the horizontal axis represents the position in the rotational axis direction of the press roller, and the leftmost end of the horizontal axis corresponds to the center of the press roller in the rotational axis direction. As can be seen from FIG. 4, in the hollow-structured press roller, the contact pressure is made uniform from the center of the press roller toward the end portion side. On the other hand, in the solid-structured press roller, the contact pressure increases from the center of the press roller toward the end portion side, and the contact pressure is not made uniform.

[0032] In this embodiment, both of the pair of press rollers R1 and R2 have a hollow structure, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, one of the pair of press rollers R1 and R2 can have a hollow structure, and the other can have a solid structure. In this case, for the press roller (one) having a hollow structure, the journal part can be omitted. For the press roller having a solid structure, a journal part is provided.

[0033] For the press roller having a solid structure, similar to this embodiment, it can be rotated as the belts B1 and B2 move, or a journal part can be provided in the same manner as in the prior art, and a driving force can be transmitted to the journal part to rotate the press roller. Also, in order to widen the width of the nip part in the press rollers R1 and R2, the diameter of the press roller with a solid structure can be made larger than the diameter of the press roller with a hollow structure.

[0034] In this embodiment, the belts B1 and B2 are used. However, when one of the pair of press rollers R1 and R2 has a hollow structure and the other has a solid structure, the belts B1 and B2 can be omitted. Specifically, the press roller with a hollow structure and the press roller with a solid structure are brought into contact with each other, and the press roller with a hollow structure can be rotated by the rotation of the press roller with a solid structure. Even in this case, for the press roller with a hollow structure, the journal part can be omitted. In this regard, the following inventions [1] to [7] are established.

[0035] [1] A press device having a pair of press rollers that apply a load to a workpiece, wherein, among the pair of press rollers, one press roller has a hollow structure and the other press roller has a solid structure, and the press roller with the hollow structure rotates by receiving the rotational force of the press roller with the solid structure. [2] The press device according to [1], wherein the press roller having the hollow structure is formed in a cylindrical shape. [3] A pair of backup rollers that contact at least one of the pair of press rollers, a drive mechanism that changes the interval between the pair of backup rollers by sliding the pair of backup rollers, The press device according to [1], characterized by having the above. [4] The drive mechanism according to [3], characterized in that the pressing force by the pair of press rollers is increased by narrowing the interval between the pair of backup rollers and displacing the at least one press roller. [5] The drive mechanism according to [3], characterized in that the pressing force by the pair of press rollers is decreased by widening the interval between the pair of backup rollers and displacing the at least one press roller. [6] The press device according to [1], characterized in that a heater is disposed inside the press roller having the hollow structure. [7] The press device according to [1], characterized in that a heat exchange medium for cooling or heating is supplied inside the press roller having the hollow structure.

[0036] According to the above inventions [1] to [7], since the press roller (hollow structure) that applies a load to the workpiece rotates by the rotational force from the press roller (solid structure), it is not necessary to provide a journal portion on the press roller (hollow structure).

[0037] (Modification Example 1) Next, Modification Example 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Since the press rollers R1 and R2 have a hollow structure, functions of heating the workpiece W or cooling the workpiece W can be provided by using the spaces formed inside the press rollers R1 and R2. This will be specifically described below.

[0038] When heating the workpiece W while pressing it, as shown in FIG. 5, the heater 50 can be disposed inside the pressing rollers R1 and R2. In FIG. 5, the same members as those described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. By disposing the heater 50, the belts B1 and B2 can be heated, and the workpiece W in contact with the belts B1 and B2 can also be heated.

[0039] Here, the heater 50 is caused to generate heat, and the heat generated from the heater 50 is transmitted to the workpiece W through the pressing rollers R1 and R2 and the belts B1 and B2, whereby the workpiece W can be heated. In order to improve the heat transfer efficiency, the pressing rollers R1 and R2 and the belts B1 and B2 can be formed of metal.

[0040] When the pressing rollers R1 and R2 and the belts B1 and B2 are made of metal (for example, steel), an IH coil (induction heating coil) can be used as the heater 50. Thereby, the pressing rollers R1 and R2 and the belts B1 and B2 can be induction-heated by energizing the IH coil, and the workpiece W can be heated. Note that the heater 50 can be disposed on both of the pressing rollers R1 and R2, or can be disposed on only one of the pressing rollers R1 and R2.

[0041] Next, when cooling the workpiece W while pressing it, a refrigerant can be supplied inside the pressing rollers R1 and R2. Thereby, the belts B1 and B2 can be cooled through the pressing rollers R1 and R2, and the workpiece W in contact with the belts B1 and B2 can also be cooled. Any cooling structure that can cool the workpiece W in this way is acceptable, and the specific cooling structure can be determined as appropriate.

[0042] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, by disposing a pipe 60 through which a refrigerant flows inside the press rollers R1 and R2, the belts B1 and B2 can be cooled via the press rollers R1 and R2, and the workpiece W can be cooled via the belts B1 and B2. Here, spiral grooves are formed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the press rollers R1 and R2, and the pipe 60 can be disposed along these grooves.

[0043] Note that the refrigerant can be supplied to both of the press rollers R1 and R2, or the refrigerant can be supplied to only one of the press rollers R1 and R2. Also, instead of the refrigerant, a heat exchange medium for heating can be supplied to at least one of the press rollers R1 and R2. Here, in the pipe 60 shown in FIG. 6, if a heat exchange medium for heating is caused to flow, the belts B1 and B2 can be heated via the press rollers R1 and R2, and the workpiece W in contact with the belts B1 and B2 can also be heated.

[0044] Here, a temperature sensor is provided at a desired position, and heating control and cooling control of the belts B1 and B2 can be performed based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. For example, when performing heating control so that the temperature of the belts B1 and B2 becomes the target heating temperature, the belts B1 and B2 can be heated when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the target heating temperature. On the other hand, when performing cooling control so that the temperature of the belts B1 and B2 becomes the target cooling temperature, the belts B1 and B2 can be cooled when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than the target cooling temperature.

[0045] (Modification 2) Next, Modification 2 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, in the support mechanism 20, the pair of support members 22 are fixed to the second apparatus main body 40, but in this modification, the interval between the pair of support members 22 can be changed. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a drive mechanism 70 is connected to a pair of support members 22, and the distance between the pair of support members 22 can be changed by the drive mechanism 70. Here, the pair of support members 22 are slidably attached to the second apparatus main body 40. The drive mechanism 70 may be any mechanism that can change the distance between the pair of support members 22 by sliding the pair of support members 22, and various mechanisms can be adopted.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the drive mechanism 70 can slide each support member 22 so that the distance between the pair of support members 22 increases. By increasing the distance between the pair of support members 22, the press roller R2 can be displaced downward, and the pressing force of the press roller R2 against the press roller R1 can be reduced.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, the drive mechanism 70 can slide each support member 22 so that the distance between the pair of support members 22 decreases. By decreasing the distance between the pair of support members 22, the press roller R2 can be displaced upward, and the pressing force of the press roller R2 against the press roller R1 can be increased.

[0049] As described above, by changing the distance between the pair of support members 22, the pressing force by the press rollers R1 and R2 can be adjusted. Here, together with the pressure adjustment mechanism 10 described above, the pressing force by the press rollers R1 and R2 can also be adjusted, or only by changing the distance between the pair of support members 22 without driving the pressure adjustment mechanism 10, the pressing force by the press rollers R1 and R2 can be adjusted. The distance between the pair of support members 22 can be changed continuously or stepwise.

[0050] In this modification, the distance between the pair of support members 22 in the support mechanism 20 is changed, but the distance between the pair of support members 12 (see FIG. 1) in the pressure adjustment mechanism 10 can also be changed. In this case, a drive mechanism similar to the drive mechanism 70 may be provided on the movable member 13.

Explanation of Symbols

[0051] 1: Press device, 10: Pressure adjustment mechanism, 11, 21: Backup rollers, 12: Support member, 13: Movable member, 14: Cylinder unit, 15: Piston, 16: Guide member, 20: Support mechanism, 22: Support member, 50: Heater, 60: Pipe, 70: Drive mechanism, B1, B2: Belts, P11, P12, P21, P22: Pulleys, R1, R2 Press rollers, W: Workpiece

Claims

1. A pair of belts for sandwiching and conveying a workpiece, A pair of press rollers disposed at a position sandwiching the pair of belts, and applying a load for processing the workpiece to the workpiece via the pair of belts, A press device, wherein at least one of the pair of press rollers has a hollow structure with a cylindrical shape having openings at both end faces in the rotational axis direction, contacts the belt in the state of the hollow structure, and rotates by the frictional force with the belt.

2. A pair of backup rollers that contact at least one of the pair of press rollers, A drive mechanism for changing the interval between the pair of backup rollers by sliding the pair of backup rollers, The press device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the same.

3. The press device according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive mechanism increases the pressing force by the pair of press rollers by narrowing the interval between the pair of backup rollers and displacing at least one of the press rollers.

4. The press device according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive mechanism reduces the pressing force by the pair of press rollers by widening the interval between the pair of backup rollers and displacing at least one of the press rollers.

5. The press device according to claim 1, characterized in that a heater is disposed inside the press roller having the hollow structure.

6. The press device according to claim 1, characterized in that a heat exchange medium for cooling or heating is supplied inside the press roller having the hollow structure.

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