Web transport device and web transport method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a web transport device and a web transport method that can accurately identify removal target positions on a web at low cost. [Solution] The web conveying device 1 includes a conveying mechanism 10 that conveys a web W having a mark M that indicates a portion B to be removed, a detector 45 that detects the mark M, and a removal device 6 that removes the portion of the web W surrounding the mark M based on the detector 45 detecting the mark M.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD The present disclosure relates to a web transport apparatus and a web transport method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Web conveying devices that convey a web unwound from a web roll include a defect removal device that removes defects from a web such as a plastic film or a metal film. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-27814 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-244200 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 3108193 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-95658 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional defect removal systems, the defect location is identified visually during the defect removal process or by a separately installed inspection machine. Alternatively, the defect occurrence range is identified in a process preceding the defect removal system, and the defect location is detected based on marks printed at equal intervals. However, conventional defect removal systems require the time and effort of visually identifying the defect location and the introduction of expensive inspection machines. Furthermore, when marks are printed at equal intervals, there is a risk of the mark pitch being counted incorrectly.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a web transport device and a web transport method that can accurately identify removal target positions on a web at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following [1] to [9].

[0007] [1] A web conveying device comprising: a conveying mechanism that conveys a web having a mark indicating a portion to be removed; a detector that detects the mark; and a removal device that removes a portion of the web surrounding the mark based on the detection of the mark by the detector.

[0008] [2] The removal device has a switching device that switches the transport path of the web between a first transport path and a second transport path, and a holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web on the transport path, and the holding mechanism includes a first holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web on the first transport path, and a second holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web on the second transport path. [1] The web transport device described in [2].

[0009] [3] The web conveying device according to [2], wherein the mark including the portion to be removed is sent to the second conveying path, and a photographing device for photographing the mark is provided on the second conveying path.

[0010] [4] The web conveying device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the removing device includes a cutting device that cuts the web and a first joining device that joins the web.

[0011] [5] The web conveying device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the mark is a label attached to the web.

[0012] [6] The web transport device according to [5], wherein the label is magnetic.

[0013] [7] The web conveying device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the mark is printed on the web.

[0014] [8] A web transport device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the marks are provided before and after the area including the portion to be removed.

[0015] [9] A web transport method comprising the steps of: transporting a web having a mark indicating a portion to be removed; detecting the mark; and removing a portion of the web surrounding the mark based on the detection of the mark. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, removal target positions on a web can be accurately identified at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a web on which marks have been applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view showing the periphery of the removal device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a further enlarged schematic view showing the holding mechanism of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the holding mechanism of FIG. 4 holds the web. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the inspection device. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a web transport method using a web transport device according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a web transport device according to a first modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a removal target portion detection step in the first modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a switching device of a web transport device according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this specification, terms such as "substrate," "sheet," and "film" are not distinguished from one another solely based on differences in name. For example, the concept of "substrate" includes members that may be called sheets or films. "Surface" refers to a surface that coincides with the planar direction of the target plate-like member when viewed holistically and comprehensively. The normal direction used with respect to a plate-like member refers to the normal direction to the surface of the member. As used in this specification, terms such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "straight line," as well as length and angle values ​​that specify shape, geometric conditions, and their degrees, are interpreted without being bound by strict meanings, but rather include a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0019] In this specification, when multiple upper limit candidates and multiple lower limit candidates are listed for a certain parameter, the numerical range of the parameter may be constructed by combining any one upper limit candidate with any one lower limit candidate. For example, consider a description that reads, "Parameter B is, for example, A1 or greater, or may be A2 or greater, or A3 or greater. Parameter B is, for example, A4 or less, or may be A5 or less, or A6 or less." In this case, the numerical range of parameter B may be A1 or greater and A4 or less, or A1 or greater and A5 or less, or A1 or greater and A6 or less. Furthermore, the numerical range of parameter B may be A2 or greater and A4 or less, or A2 or greater and A5 or less, or A2 or greater and A6 or less. Furthermore, the numerical range of parameter B may be A3 or greater and A4 or less, or A3 or greater and A5 or less, or A3 or greater and A6 or less.

[0020] In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof may be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings may differ from the actual ratios for the convenience of explanation, and some components may be omitted from the drawings.

[0021] A web transport device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the web transport device 1 according to the embodiment. The web transport device 1 is a device that transports a web W unwound from a web roll R. The web transport device 1 may be, for example, a defect removal device that removes defective portions from the web W.

[0022] The web W is long. That is, the web W has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The "longitudinal direction" means the direction along the longest edge of the web W when the web W is spread out. The "transverse direction" means the direction in which the web W has the shortest length when the web W is spread out. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the winding direction of the web W in the raw roll R. The transverse direction corresponds to the width direction of the web W. The transverse direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the web transport device 1, the web W is transported along the longitudinal direction. That is, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the transport direction of the web W in the web transport device 1. The web W also has a thickness direction. The "thickness direction" means the normal direction of the web W when the web W is spread out. The thickness direction is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0023] The longitudinal dimension of the web W is, for example, 10 m or more, may be 100 m or more, or may be 1000 m or more. The longitudinal dimension of the web W is, for example, 10,000 m or less, may be 1000 m or less, or may be 100 m or less. The lateral dimension of the web W is, for example, 0.03 m or more, may be 0.3 m or more, or may be 3 m or more. The lateral dimension of the web W is, for example, 3 m or less, may be 1 m or less, or may be 0.5 m or less. The thickness dimension of the web W is, for example, 4 μm or more, may be 40 μm or more, or may be 400 μm or more. The thickness dimension of the web W is, for example, 2,000 μm or less, may be 200 μm or less, or may be 20 μm or less.

[0024] The web W may be composed of a laminate including a metal layer. The web W may be a packaging film having gas barrier properties. A thin metal layer included in the laminate of the web W may have gas barrier properties. The web W may be, for example, a food packaging film.

[0025] 1, the web transport device 1 includes a web shaft 3, a transport mechanism 10, a detector 45, a remover 6, a first winding shaft 5, and a second winding shaft 7. The remover 6 includes a switching device 20, a holding mechanism 30, a cutting device 40, and a first joining device 41.

[0026] The raw fabric shaft 3 holds the raw fabric roll R. The raw fabric roll R is formed by winding up the web W in a roll shape. That is, the raw fabric roll R is formed by winding the web W around the raw fabric shaft 3.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), a mark M indicating a portion B to be removed is previously provided on the web W. The portion B to be removed is a portion that needs to be removed before the web W is wound onto the first winding shaft 5, and may be a defective portion that was unintentionally formed on the web W. The mark M is previously provided on the web W before it is supplied to the web transport device 1. The mark M may be provided by an inspection device 80 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), for example, in a process prior to the web transport process. The inspection device 80 will be described later.

[0028] The mark M is provided at a position corresponding to the removal target portion B. The mark M may be located at a position obtained by extending the removal target portion B along the short-side direction Dy of the web W. Alternatively, the mark M may be located within a predetermined distance in the transport direction Dw of the web W from the position obtained by extending the removal target portion B along the short-side direction Dy of the web W.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the mark M applied to the web W may be a label LB. One end of the label LB is affixed to the widthwise edge of the web W. The other end of the label LB protrudes outward from the widthwise edge of the web W. The label LB is wound onto the raw web roll R while remaining attached to the web W. The label LB may be magnetic.

[0030] 2(b), the mark M provided on the web W may be a first print mark PM1 located at the widthwise end of the web W. The first print mark PM1 may be printed by an inkjet device or the like outside the effective range of the web W. The first print mark PM1 is wound onto the raw web roll R while remaining attached to the web W.

[0031] 1, a transport mechanism 10 transports a web W unwound from a raw web roll R. The transport mechanism 10 may include a plurality of transport rollers 11. A transport path 12 of the web W by the transport mechanism 10 includes a common transport path 13, a first transport path 14, and a second transport path 15.

[0032] The common transport path 13 is a transport path of the web W from the raw web roll R to a holding mechanism 30 (or a cutting position by a cutting device 40) (to be described later). The web W unwound from the raw web roll R is first transported along the common transport path 13.

[0033] The first transport path 14 is a transport path of the web W from the holding mechanism 30 (or the cutting position by the cutting device 40) to the first winding shaft 5. The web W transported along the first transport path 14 heads toward the first winding shaft 5 and is then wound up by the first winding shaft 5.

[0034] The second transport path 15 is a transport path of the web W from the holding mechanism 30 (or the cutting position by the cutting device 40) to the second winding shaft 7. The web W transported along the second transport path 15 heads toward the second winding shaft 7 and is then wound up by the second winding shaft 7.

[0035] The detector 45 detects the mark M applied to the web W. The detector 45 is located upstream of the removing device 6 in the transport direction Dw of the web W. The detector 45 may be located on the common transport path 13. Alternatively, the detector 45 may be located inside the removing device 6. The detector 45 may be any device that can detect the mark M. When the detector 45 detects the mark M, a signal indicating the detection is sent to the control unit 8.

[0036] If the mark M is a label LB (FIG. 2(a)), the detector 45 may be a photoelectric sensor or a camera. If the mark M is magnetic, the detector 45 may be a magnetic sensor. If the mark M is a first print mark PM1 (FIG. 2(b)) printed by an inkjet or the like outside the effective range of the web W, the detector 45 may be a camera.

[0037] The removal device 6 automatically removes the portion of the web W surrounding the mark M based on the detection of the mark M by the detector 45. The removal device 6 may be a defective removal device. The removal device 6 may be operated by a command from the control unit 8. As a result, the removal target portion B on the web W is automatically removed along with the mark M. As described above, the removal device 6 includes the switching device 20, the holding mechanism 30, the cutting device 40, and the first joining device 41.

[0038] The switching device 20 switches the transport path 12 of the web W between a first transport path 14 and a second transport path 15. Fig. 3 is an enlarged schematic view showing the periphery of the removal device 6 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the switching device 20 supports a holding mechanism 30 (a first holding mechanism 31 and a second holding mechanism 32, which will be described later).

[0039] The switching device 20 is configured to be movable linearly in a direction Dz non-parallel to the transport direction Dw of the web W. The angle formed between the movement direction Dz of the switching device 20 and the transport direction Dw of the web W is, for example, 75 degrees or more, or may be 80 degrees or more, or 85 degrees or more. The angle formed between the movement direction Dz of the switching device 20 and the transport direction Dw of the web W is, for example, 105 degrees or less, or may be 100 degrees or less, or 95 degrees or less. The movement direction Dz of the switching device 20 may be a direction perpendicular to the transport direction Dw of the web W. The switching device 20 may be configured to be movable in the direction Dz perpendicular to the transport direction Dw of the web W.

[0040] The switching device 20 moves in the above-mentioned direction Dz to switch the transport path 12 of the web W between the first transport path 14 and the second transport path 15. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14 and it is necessary to change the transport path 12 of the web W to the second transport path 15, the switching device 20 switches the transport path 12 of the web W from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15 and it is necessary to change the transport path 12 of the web W to the first transport path 14, the switching device 20 switches the transport path 12 of the web W from the second transport path 15 to the first transport path 14.

[0041] The switching device 20 may switch the transport path 12 of the web W based on the detection result of the detector 45. That is, a mark M is provided at a position corresponding to the portion B to be removed in a previous process. Therefore, when the detector 45 detects the mark M, the position of the portion B to be removed on the web W can be accurately recognized. The switching device 20 determines the position of the portion B to be removed on the web W from the detection result of the detector 45. If the portion B to be removed is present on the web W, the switching device 20 switches the transport path 12 of the web W from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15. As a result, non-defective parts of the web W that do not contain the portion B to be removed can be transported to the first transport path 14 and wound up by the first winding shaft 5 for collection. Defective parts of the web W that contain the portion B to be removed can be transported to the second transport path 15 and wound up by the second winding shaft 7 for collection.

[0042] The switching of the conveying path 12 by the switching device 20 may be performed automatically by the control unit 8. The control unit 8 is connected to at least the detector 45 and the removing device 6. A signal that the detector 45 has detected the mark M is sent to the control unit 8. When the control unit 8 receives the signal, it controls the removing device 6 to switch the conveying path 12 to the second conveying path 15. This causes a portion of the web W including the portion to be removed B to be sent to the second conveying path 15. Thereafter, the control unit 8 controls the removing device 6 to switch the conveying path 12 to the first conveying path 14. This causes the web W from which the portion to be removed B has been removed to be sent to the first conveying path 14. The control unit 8 may also control the entire web conveying device 1.

[0043] When switching the transport path 12 of the web W, the switching device 20 moves the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32 linearly in a direction Dz non-parallel to the transport direction Dw of the web W. Alternatively, when switching the transport path 12 of the web W, the switching device 20 moves the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32 in a direction Dz perpendicular to the transport direction Dw of the web W.

[0044] The holding mechanism 30 clamps and holds the web W in the transport path 12 of the web W. The holding mechanism 30 is a so-called clamp-type holding mechanism. The holding mechanism 30 may also be called a clamp mechanism.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a further enlarged schematic view of the holding mechanism 30 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which the holding mechanism 30 of Fig. 4 holds the web W. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the holding mechanism 30 includes a fixed plate 35 and a support plate 36.

[0046] The fixed plate 35 is fixed at a position facing the support plate 36. The fixed plate 35 has a width dimension that is longer than the dimension of the web W in the short side direction.

[0047] The support plate 36 supports the web W. The support plate 36 faces the fixed plate 35. The support plate 36 is configured to be movable toward the fixed plate 35. The support plate 36 moves toward the fixed plate 35 and sandwiches the web W between the support plate 36 and the fixed plate 35. The movement direction of the support plate 36 may be a direction Dz perpendicular to the conveying direction Dw of the web W.

[0048] The support plate 36 may be configured to be driven by a cylinder (not shown) housed in the holding mechanism main body 37 and to move toward the fixed plate 35. Alternatively, the support plate 36 may be configured to be driven by a drive motor (not shown) housed in the holding mechanism main body 37 and to move toward the fixed plate 35.

[0049] The support plate 36 may include a clamping section 38 and a work table section 39. The clamping section 38 faces the fixed plate 35 and clamps the web W together with the fixed plate 35. The work table section 39 is a section for performing work on the web W. The work table section 39 is used, for example, as a work table when the cut web W is joined by the first joining device 41.

[0050] The fixed plate 35 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. This increases the coefficient of friction between the fixed plate 35 and the web W, allowing the holding mechanism 30 to firmly hold the web W. The support plate 36 may be made of a metal material such as iron or stainless steel. This makes it possible to prevent the web W from wrinkling when working on it.

[0051] 1 and 3 again, the holding mechanism 30 includes a first holding mechanism 31 and a second holding mechanism 32. The first holding mechanism 31 is disposed on the first transport path 14. The first holding mechanism 31 clamps and holds the web W on the first transport path 14. The second holding mechanism 32 is disposed on the second transport path 15. The second holding mechanism 32 clamps and holds the web W on the second transport path 15. As described above, the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32 are supported by the switching device 20.

[0052] 1 and 3, the holding mechanism 30 may include a third holding mechanism 33. The third holding mechanism 33 is arranged on the common transport path 13. The third holding mechanism 33 clamps and holds the web W on the common transport path 13. The third holding mechanism 33 is arranged upstream of the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32. The third holding mechanism 33 clamps and holds the web W upstream of the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32.

[0053] When the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the third holding mechanism 33 may be located adjacent to the first holding mechanism 31 in the transport direction Dw of the web W. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the third holding mechanism 33 may be located adjacent to the second holding mechanism 32 in the transport direction Dw of the web W.

[0054] The cutting device 40 can be disposed between the third holding mechanism 33 and the first and second holding mechanisms 31 and 32. More specifically, when the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the cutting device 40 can be disposed between the third holding mechanism 33 and the first holding mechanism 31. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the cutting device 40 can be disposed between the third holding mechanism 33 and the second holding mechanism 32.

[0055] The cutting device 40 cuts the web W between the third holding mechanism 33 and the first and second holding mechanisms 31 and 32. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the cutting device 40 cuts the web W in a state in which it is sandwiched and held by the first holding mechanism 31 and the third holding mechanism 33. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the cutting device 40 cuts the web W in a state in which it is sandwiched and held by the second holding mechanism 32 and the third holding mechanism 33.

[0056] The cutting device 40 may include, for example, a cutter. The cutting device 40 may cut the web W with the cutter. The cutting device 40 may include, for example, a high-power laser irradiation device. The cutting device 40 may cut the web W with a high-power laser beam.

[0057] The first joining device 41 can be arranged between the third holding mechanism 33 and the first and second holding mechanisms 31 and 32. More specifically, when the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the first joining device 41 can be arranged between the third holding mechanism 33 and the first holding mechanism 31. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the first joining device 41 can be arranged between the third holding mechanism 33 and the second holding mechanism 32.

[0058] The first joining device 41 joins the web W between the third holding mechanism 33 and the first and second holding mechanisms 31 and 32. The first joining device 41 joins the ends of the web W cut by the cutting device 40. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the first transport path 14, the first joining device 41 joins the leading end of the web W clamped and held by the third holding mechanism 33 to the trailing end of the web W clamped and held by the first holding mechanism 31. When the transport path 12 of the web W is the second transport path 15, the first joining device 41 joins the leading end of the web W clamped and held by the third holding mechanism 33 to the trailing end of the web W clamped and held by the second holding mechanism 32.

[0059] The first joining device 41 may include, for example, a tape application device. The first joining device 41 may join the web W by applying tape. The first joining device 41 may use the work table portion 39 of the support plate 36 when applying the tape. That is, the first joining device 41 may apply the tape to the web W on the work table portion 39 of the support plate 36.

[0060] The cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 may be supported by a support mechanism 43. The support mechanism 43 may be configured to be movable. For example, the support mechanism 43 may be configured to be movable in a direction Dz perpendicular to the conveyance direction Dw of the web W. This allows the support mechanism 43 to move the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 closer to or farther away from the web W. Therefore, for example, when the cutting device 40 cuts the web W or when the first joining device 41 joins the web W, the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 can be moved closer to the web W. Furthermore, when the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 are not in use, the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 can be moved farther away from the web W.

[0061] The support mechanism 43 may be configured to be movable in a direction Dx parallel to the conveyance direction Dw of the web W. The support mechanism 43 may move in the above-mentioned direction Dx when the switching device 20 moves the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32. In this way, the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 may be retracted to positions where they do not interfere with the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32 when the switching device 20 moves the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the web transport device 1 may further include a second joining device 42 and a photographing device 46.

[0063] The second joining device 42 is disposed on the first conveying path 14. The second joining device 42 is disposed downstream of the first holding mechanism 31. The second joining device 42 joins the web W on the first conveying path 14. The second joining device 42 joins the portions of the web W joined by the first joining device 41 from the second surface (back surface). That is, the first joining device 41 joins the web W from the first surface (front surface), and the second joining device 42 joins the web W from the second surface opposite the first surface. The second joining device 42 may join the web W in a state where it is held by the holding mechanism 30 disposed opposite the second joining device 42. The second joining device 42 may include, for example, a tape application device. The second joining device 42 may join the web W by applying tape.

[0064] The photographing device 46 is disposed on the second conveying path 15 downstream of the second holding mechanism 32. The second conveying path 15 may be a path along which defective products including the portion B to be removed of the web W are conveyed. The photographing device 46 photographs the mark M attached to the web W sent to the second conveying path 15. The photographing device 46 may be connected to the control unit 8. When the photographing device 46 photographs the mark M, it may transmit the photographed data to the control unit 8. This makes it possible to confirm that the portion B to be removed of the web W has been reliably sent to the second conveying path 15. The photographing device 46 may photograph the portion B to be removed of the web W in addition to the mark M.

[0065] The first winding shaft 5 is disposed downstream of the first transport path 14. The first winding shaft 5 winds up the web W transported along the first transport path 14. The first winding shaft 5 winds up and collects the web W transported along the first transport path 14. When the web transport device 1 is a defect removal device, non-defective parts of the web W that do not contain defective portions may be transported along the first transport path 14, wound up by the first winding shaft 5, and collected.

[0066] The second winding shaft 7 is disposed downstream of the second transport path 15. The second winding shaft 7 winds up the web W transported along the second transport path 15. The second winding shaft 7 winds up and collects the web W transported along the second transport path 15. When the web transport device 1 is a defect removal device, defective products including defective portions of the web W may be transported along the second transport path 15, wound up by the second winding shaft 7, and collected.

[0067] Next, a web conveying method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 12. The web conveying method is a method of conveying a web W unwound from a raw web roll R using the above-described web conveying device 1. The web conveying method may be, for example, a defect removal method of removing a portion to be removed from the web W.

[0068] First, before the web transport method using the web transport device 1 is performed, a web W having a mark M indicating a portion B to be removed is prepared.

[0069] The mark M indicating the portion B to be removed may be provided outside the web conveying device 1. Specifically, the mark M may be provided in an inspection device 80, as shown in FIG. 6 . The inspection device 80 has an unwinding section 81, a winding section 82, an inspection section 83, and a marking section 84. The unwinding section 81 is provided with a supply roll 85 that supplies the web W. The winding section 82 is provided with a discharge roll 86 that has been used to wind the web W. The inspection section 83 and the marking section 84 are connected to an inspection device control section 87.

[0070] The inspection unit 83 detects the portion B to be removed on the transported web W. The inspection unit 83 may be an imaging device such as a camera. The inspection unit 83 images the web W and transmits the imaged data to the inspection device control unit 87. The inspection device control unit 87 compares, for example, the data imaged by the inspection unit 83 with pre-stored reference data, and if an abnormality is found in the imaged data, determines that the portion B to be removed is present on the web W.

[0071] At this time, the mark applying unit 84 applies a mark M to the web W being transported. The mark applying unit 84 may apply the mark M to the web W in response to a command from the inspection device control unit 87. If the mark M is a label LB, the mark applying unit 84 may be a label applying unit. The label applying unit supplies the label LB to the web W and attaches one end of the label LB to the web W. Although not shown, if the mark M is a first print mark PM1, the mark applying unit 84 may be a printing device such as an inkjet device. The printing device prints the first print mark PM1 on the width direction edge of the web W.

[0072] The distance between the marking unit 84 and the inspection unit 83 is determined in advance. Therefore, when the inspection unit 83 detects the portion B to be removed, the marking unit 84 can, based on a command from the inspection device control unit 87, apply a mark M to the position corresponding to the portion B to be removed when the portion B to be removed moves to the position of the marking unit 84. The web W to which the mark M indicating the portion B to be removed has been applied is taken up in the take-up unit 82 and becomes the discharge roll 86.

[0073] 7, for example, when the removal target portion B of the web W includes a certain area, the marking unit 84 may add marks M to the front and back of the area. That is, a pair of marks M may be added to each removal target portion B.

[0074] The web W having the mark M indicating the portion to be removed B thus applied thereto is sent to the web conveying device 1, where the web conveying method is carried out. The web conveying method includes a first conveying step, a detecting step, a first holding step, a cutting step, a switching step, a second holding step, a joining step, and a second conveying step.

[0075] First, a first transport step is performed. In the first transport step, as shown in Fig. 8, the web W unwound from the raw web roll R is transported along a first transport path 14 toward the first winding shaft 5. The web W is transported by a plurality of transport rollers 11 of a transport mechanism 10. Here, the web W is not held by a holding mechanism 30. The web W transported along the first transport path 14 is taken up by the first winding shaft 5 and collected.

[0076] Next, a detection step is performed. In the detection step, as shown in Fig. 8, the detector 45 detects the mark M provided on the web W. As described above, the mark M is provided in advance at a position on the web W corresponding to the portion B to be removed. In this detection step, when the mark M corresponding to the portion B to be removed on the web W is detected, the first holding step and subsequent steps may be performed.

[0077] Next, a first holding step is performed. In the first holding step, as shown in Fig. 9, the web W is clamped and held by the first holding mechanism 31 in the first transport path 14. Here, the web W may be clamped and held by the third holding mechanism 33 in the common transport path 13. The clamping of the web W by the first holding mechanism 31 and the clamping of the web W by the third holding mechanism 33 may be performed simultaneously.

[0078] Next, the cutting process is carried out. In the cutting process, as shown in Fig. 9, the web W is cut between the first holding mechanism 31 and the third holding mechanism 33. The web W is cut by the cutting device 40 while being held by the first holding mechanism 31 and the third holding mechanism 33. Here, the web W may be held by the first holding mechanism 31 and the third holding mechanism 33 in a high-tension state. The web W may be cut by a cutter of the cutting device 40 or by a high-power laser beam. At this time, the mark M and the portion to be removed B are located on the third holding mechanism 33 side.

[0079] Next, a switching process is performed. In the switching process, as shown in Fig. 10, the transport path 12 of the web W is switched from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15 toward the second winding shaft 7. The switching of the transport path 12 of the web W is performed by a switching device 20. As shown in Fig. 10, the switching device 20 moves in the above-mentioned direction Dz, whereby the transport path 12 of the web W is switched from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15.

[0080] In the switching process, the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32 are moved in the direction Dz described above. That is, in the switching process, the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32 are moved linearly in the direction Dz non-parallel to the transport direction Dw of the web W. Alternatively, the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32 are moved in the direction Dz perpendicular to the transport direction Dw of the web W.

[0081] 10 , the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 are retracted to positions where they do not interfere with the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32. The support mechanism 43 may move in a direction Dx parallel to the conveyance direction Dw of the web W, thereby retracting the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 to positions where they do not interfere with the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32.

[0082] Next, a joining process is performed. In the joining process, as shown in FIG. 11 , the web W is joined between the second holding mechanism 32 and the third holding mechanism 33. Here, the cutting device 40 and the first joining device 41 move from the retracted position to their original position (work position). The web W is joined by the first joining device 41 while being held by the second holding mechanism 32 and the third holding mechanism 33. The first joining device 41 may join the leading end of the web W clamped and held by the third holding mechanism 33 to the trailing end of the web W clamped and held by the second holding mechanism 32. The web W may be joined by the first joining device 41 by applying tape on the work table portion 39 of the support plate 36.

[0083] Next, the second conveying step is performed. In the second conveying step, as shown in Fig. 12, the web W is conveyed along the second conveying path 15. The web W is conveyed by a plurality of conveying rollers 11 of the conveying mechanism 10. The web W conveyed along the second conveying path 15 is taken up by the second winding shaft 7 and collected. Here, the web W is not held by the holding mechanism 30. That is, when the second conveying step is performed, the hold of the web W by the second holding mechanism 32 and the third holding mechanism 33 is released.

[0084] When only one mark M is provided for each removal target portion B (see FIG. 6), the length of the web W to be removed may be set in advance. In this case, the removal device 6 may remove only the set length of the web W using the mark M as a reference. Alternatively, when a pair of marks M are provided for each removal target portion B (see FIG. 7), the removal device 6 may remove the web W present between the mark M located at the front and the mark M located at the rear in the conveyance direction Dw.

[0085] In the second conveying step, the mark M and the portion to be removed B are conveyed on the second conveying path 15. On the second conveying path 15, the photographing device 46 photographs the mark M. Data of the mark M photographed by the photographing device 46 may be transmitted to the control unit 8. The control unit 8 confirms that the data from the photographing device 46 includes the mark M. This makes it possible to confirm whether the portion to be removed B of the web W has been reliably sent to the second conveying path 15. The photographing device 46 may photograph the portion to be removed B of the web W in addition to the mark M.

[0086] Thereafter, the transport path 12 of the web W may be switched from the second transport path 15 to the first transport path 14 in a similar manner. Subsequently, the web W may be spliced ​​by the first joining device 41 between the first holding mechanism 31 and the third holding mechanism 33. Next, downstream of the first holding mechanism 31 on the first transport path 14, the second joining device 42 may splice the portions joined by the first joining device 41 from the second surface (back surface). That is, the first joining device 41 may splice the web W from the first surface (front surface), and the second joining device 42 may splice the web W from the second surface opposite to the first surface. Then, the process may return to the first transport step described above, and the above steps may be repeated.

[0087] As described above, according to this embodiment, the peripheral portion of the mark M on the web W is removed based on the detection of the mark M by the detector 45. This makes it possible to accurately identify the position of the removal target portion B on the web W.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the removal device 6 includes a switching device 20 and a holding mechanism 30. The holding mechanism 30 includes a first holding mechanism 31 and a second holding mechanism 32. The first holding mechanism 31 clamps and holds the web W in the first transport path 14. The second holding mechanism 32 clamps and holds the web W in the second transport path 15. This allows the timing of switching the transport path 12 for transporting the web W to be appropriately controlled based on the position of the mark M. Furthermore, non-defective web W that does not include the portion B to be removed can be transported to the first transport path 14 and wound up by the first winding shaft 5 for collection. Defective web W that includes the portion B to be removed can be transported to the second transport path 15 and wound up by the second winding shaft 7 for collection.

[0089] In this embodiment, the mark M including the portion to be removed B may be sent to the second transport path 15, and a photographing device 46 for photographing the mark M may be provided on the second transport path 15. This makes it possible to leave evidence that the portion to be removed B has been reliably removed by the removal device 6.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the removing device 6 may include a cutting device 40 that cuts the web W and a first joining device 41 that joins the web W. This allows the cutting device 40 to quickly cut the web W when switching the transport path 12 of the web W. As a result, the transport path 12 of the web W can be quickly switched.

[0091] In this embodiment, the mark M may be a label LB affixed to the web W. In this case, the label LB can be detected using a commonly available, inexpensive device such as a photoelectric sensor as the detector 45. This allows the web transport device 1 to be manufactured at low cost.

[0092] In this embodiment, the label may be magnetized. In this case, the label LB can be detected using a commonly available, inexpensive device such as a magnetic sensor as the detector 45. This allows the web transport device 1 to be manufactured at low cost.

[0093] In this embodiment, the mark M may be a first print mark PM1 printed on the web W. In this case, the first print mark PM1 can be detected using a commonly available, inexpensive device such as a camera as the detector 45. This allows the web transport device 1 to be manufactured at low cost.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the marks M may be provided before and after the area including the removal target portion B. In this case, removal target portions B of various sizes can be removed without excess or deficiency. For example, it is possible to prevent a portion of a removal target portion B that is long in the transport direction Dw from being incompletely removed. Alternatively, it is possible to prevent more of the web W than necessary from being removed when removing a removal target portion B that is short in the transport direction Dw.

[0095] (Variation) Next, various modified examples of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15. Figures 13 to 15 are views showing modified web transport devices. In Figures 13 to 15, the same parts as those shown in Figures 1 to 12 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0096] (Variation 1) Fig. 13 shows a web transport device 1 according to Modification 1. In Modification 1 shown in Fig. 13, the web transport device 1 includes a detection device 50. In Fig. 13, the configuration other than the detection device 50 may be the same as or different from the configuration shown in Figs. 1 to 12.

[0097] 13, the detection device 50 is disposed on the common transport path 13. The detection device 50 is disposed upstream of the holding mechanism 30. In other words, the detection device 50 is disposed between the raw sheet shaft 3 and the holding mechanism 30.

[0098] The detection device 50 detects a second print mark PM2 (FIG. 14) provided on the web W. The second print mark PM2 is provided in advance on the web W in a step prior to this step in which the web W is transported by the web transport device 1. The second print mark PM2 is provided separately from the first print mark PM1 described above. For example, the second print mark PM2 may be printed on the web W by an inkjet device. The second print mark PM2 may be associated with a positional relationship with the portion to be removed B on the web W. The positional relationship between the portion to be removed B on the web W and the second print mark PM2 may be associated in a previous step, the portion to be removed detection step.

[0099] 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the removal target portion detection process. As shown in FIG. 14, in the removal target portion detection process, an inspection camera 51 detects a removal target portion B on the web W as the web W is transported in the transport direction Dw. A mark detection camera 52 detects a second print mark PM2 provided on the web W. The inspection camera 51 and the mark detection camera 52 are synchronized, and the mark detection camera 52 detects the second print mark PM2 located immediately before the removal target portion B detected by the inspection camera 51. An encoder 53 synchronized with the inspection camera 51 and the mark detection camera 52 calculates coordinate information (X, Y) of the removal target portion B based on the second print mark PM2 detected by the mark detection camera 52. In this way, the positional relationship between the removal target portion B and the second print mark PM2 is established.

[0100] The switching device 20 may switch the transport path 12 for the web W based on the detection results of the detection device 50. That is, as described above, the positional relationship between the removal target portion B and the second printed mark PM2 is associated in the previous process, and therefore the position of the removal target portion B on the web W can be determined from the second printed mark PM2 detected by the detection device 50. Therefore, the switching device 20 can determine the position of the removal target portion B on the web W not only from the mark M applied to the web W but also from the detection results of the detection device 50. If the removal target portion B is present on the web W, the transport path 12 for the web W can be switched from the first transport path 14 to the second transport path 15. Note that the detector 45 does not necessarily have to be provided in FIG. 13 . Also, although both the mark M and the second printed mark PM2 are applied to the web W in FIG. 14 , this is not a limitation. Only the second printed mark PM2 may be applied to the web W. In this case, the switching device 20 may determine the position of the removal target portion B on the web W simply by the detection device 50 detecting the second print mark PM2.

[0101] (Variation 2) FIG. 15 shows a web transport device 1 according to Modification 2. In FIG. 15, a switching device 20A of the web transport device 1 is a rotary switching device that rotates and moves a holding mechanism 30. The rotary switching device 20A has a first arm 21 that supports a first holding mechanism 31 and a second arm 22 that supports a second holding mechanism 32. The first arm 21 and the second arm 22 are each supported by a rotation shaft 23. The first arm 21 and the second arm 22 have the same length. When switching the web transport path, the rotary switching device 20A rotates the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 by an angle θ about the rotation shaft 23, thereby rotating the first holding mechanism 31 and the second holding mechanism 32. Here, the angle θ is the angle formed between the first arm 21 and the second arm 22.

[0102] It is also possible to combine the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications as needed, or to delete some of the components disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Web conveying device 3 Raw shaft 5 First winding shaft 6 Removal device 7 Second winding shaft 8 Control Unit 10. Conveying mechanism 12 Transport Route 13 Common transport route 14 First transport route 15 Second transport route 20 Switching Device 30 Retention mechanism 31 First holding mechanism 32 Second holding mechanism 33 Third holding mechanism 40 Cutting device 41 1st joining device 42 Second joining device 45 detectors 46 Imaging Device M mark R Raw material roll W Web

Claims

1. a conveying mechanism for conveying a web having marks indicating portions to be removed; a detector for detecting the mark; a removal device that removes a peripheral portion of the mark from the web based on the detection of the mark by the detector, The removal device comprises: a switching device that switches the transport path of the web between a first transport path and a second transport path; a holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web in the transport path, The web transport device, wherein the holding mechanism includes a first holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web in the first transport path, and a second holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web in the second transport path.

2. The web transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the mark including the portion to be removed is sent to the second transport path, and an image capturing device for capturing an image of the mark is provided on the second transport path.

3. The web transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the removing device includes a cutting device that cuts the web and a first joining device that joins the web.

4. 2. The web transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mark is a label attached to the web.

5. 5. The web transport device of claim 4, wherein the label is magnetic.

6. The web transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the mark is printed on the web.

7. The web transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the marks are provided before and after the area including the portion to be removed.

8. a step of transporting a web on which marks indicating portions to be removed are provided; detecting the mark; and removing a peripheral portion of the web around the mark by a removal device based on the detection of the mark, The removal device comprises: a switching device that switches the transport path of the web between a first transport path and a second transport path; a holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web in the transport path, A web transport method, wherein the holding mechanism includes a first holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web in the first transport path, and a second holding mechanism that clamps and holds the web in the second transport path.

Images