Apparatus and method for manufacturing web member

Abstract

A web member manufacturing apparatus (10) includes an upstream conveying mechanism (20) that conveys a continuous web member (1a) including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction, a cutting mechanism (30) that cuts the continuous web member (1a) conveyed by the upstream conveying mechanism (20), and a downstream conveying mechanism (40) that conveys in the conveying direction the web member (1) cut into a product pitch (P1) by the cutting mechanism (30). The cutting mechanism (30) includes a first roll (31b) and a second roll (31c) whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other. The cutting mechanism (30) has a first roll (31a) and a second roll (31b) having a cutting blade (31bs), and when viewed in the radial direction of the first roll (31b), the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade (31bs) is inclined with respect to the rotation center axis (C31b) of the first roll (31b). The cutting mechanism (30) cuts the continuous web member (1a) while transporting the continuous web member (1a) in the transport direction and while sliding the transport surface of the downstream transport mechanism (40) relative to the continuous web member (1a).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a web member and a method for manufacturing a web member. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as in Patent Document 1, a cleaning tool is known that can be used for cleaning a tabletop or the like by inserting a gripper into the cleaning member. This cleaning member is made of a fiber bundle of thermoplastic fiber called tow. In a manufacturing line for this cleaning member, a fiber bundle with its fiber direction aligned with the conveying direction is fixed to a base sheet that is continuous along the conveying direction, forming a laminated web that is continuous in the conveying direction as a semi-finished product, and finally cutting the continuous laminated web at a product pitch to form a single-sheet cleaning member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-129633 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One method for cutting a continuous laminated web at product pitch can be, for example, to pass the continuous laminated web between a cutter roll having a cutter blade on its outer peripheral surface and an anvil roll having a receiving blade that receives the cutter blade, and while transporting the continuous laminated web, press the web member between the cutter blade and the receiving blade, thereby cutting the web member efficiently. However, since the tows of the fiber bundles are thermoplastic fibers, the fiber bundles (tows) at the cutting position tend to stick together due to the pressure between the cutter blade of the cutter roll and the receiving blade of the anvil roll. As a result, the cut edge may close in a sealed state or a lump may be formed, which may impair the ability of the cleaning member to trap dust when used as a cleaning tool.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a web member manufacturing apparatus and a web member manufacturing method that can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the web member while reducing the risk of the fibers of the tow sticking together at the cut surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a web member manufacturing device having an upstream conveying mechanism that conveys a continuous web member including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction, a cutting mechanism that cuts the continuous web member conveyed by the upstream conveying mechanism, and a downstream conveying mechanism that conveys the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction, wherein the cutting mechanism has a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other, at least the first roll has a cutting blade, and when viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the central axis of rotation of the first roll, and the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while conveying the continuous web member in the conveying direction and while sliding the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism relative to the continuous web member. a downstream conveying speed at which the web member is conveyed in the downstream conveying mechanism is faster than a cutting conveying speed at which the continuous web member is conveyed in the cutting mechanism, and the cutting conveying speed is faster than an upstream conveying speed at which the continuous web member is conveyed in the upstream conveying mechanism. The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a web member. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the web member while reducing the risk of the fibers of the tow sticking together at the cut surfaces. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a web member 1. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2A is a plan view of the web member 1. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2A. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a semi-finished product 1a before the web member 1 is cut. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is a schematic side view of the manufacturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, and Fig. 4B is a view taken along the line BB in Fig. 4A. [Diagram 5] 4B is a view taken along the arrow CC in FIG. 4A. [Figure 6] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an upper cutting blade 31as and a lower cutting blade 31bs of the cutting mechanism 30. FIG. [Figure 7] Fig. 7A is an enlarged view of a portion X in Fig. 4B, and Fig. 7B is a view for explaining a cutting process of the semi-finished product 1a in the state of Fig. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the semi-finished product 1a in the state (d) of FIG. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are schematic diagrams illustrating a modified example of the cutting mechanism 30. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. (Aspect 1) A web member manufacturing apparatus having an upstream conveying mechanism that conveys a continuous web member including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction, a cutting mechanism that cuts the continuous web member conveyed by the upstream conveying mechanism, and a downstream conveying mechanism that conveys the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction, wherein the cutting mechanism has a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other, at least the first roll has a cutting blade, and when viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the central axis of rotation of the first roll, and the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while conveying the continuous web member in the conveying direction and while sliding the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism relative to the continuous web member.

[0010] According to the first aspect, it is possible to improve the production efficiency of the web member and reduce the risk of the fibers of the tow sticking together at the cut surfaces.

[0011] (Aspect 2) The manufacturing apparatus for a web member according to aspect 1, wherein a downstream conveying speed at which the web member is conveyed in the downstream conveying mechanism is faster than a cutting conveying speed at which the continuous web member is conveyed in the cutting mechanism.

[0012] According to aspect 2, the risk of the cut web material remaining stuck in the cutting mechanism is reduced, and the continuous web material can be cut while being pulled in the conveying direction, making it easier to cut the continuous web material and reducing the risk of the fibers of the tows at the cut surface sticking together.

[0013] (Aspect 3) In the apparatus for manufacturing a web member according to aspect 1, the cutting and conveying speed is faster than an upstream conveying speed at which the continuous web member is conveyed in the upstream conveying mechanism.

[0014] According to the third aspect, the risk of the cut web member remaining stuck in the cutting mechanism is reduced, and the continuous web member can be cut while being pulled in the conveying direction, making it easier to cut the continuous web member and reducing the risk of the fibers of the tows at the cut surface sticking together.

[0015] (Aspect 4) In the apparatus for manufacturing a web member according to aspect 1, a difference between the downstream conveying speed and the cutting conveying speed is smaller than a difference between the cutting conveying speed and the upstream conveying speed.

[0016] If the downstream conveying speed is too fast, there is a risk that the continuous web member or web member will meander or the web will float up. According to aspect 4, by making the difference between the downstream conveying speed and the cutting conveying speed smaller than the difference between the cutting conveying speed and the upstream conveying speed, it is possible to reduce the risk that the continuous web member or web member will meander or the web will float up compared to when the difference between the downstream conveying speed and the cutting conveying speed is larger than the difference between the cutting conveying speed and the upstream conveying speed.

[0017] (Aspect 5) In the apparatus for manufacturing a web member according to aspect 1, the downstream transport mechanism includes a sensor for detecting a transport interval of the web member.

[0018] When poor cutting occurs in the cutting mechanism, the intervals at which the web material is conveyed in the downstream transport mechanism tend to become non-uniform. According to the fifth aspect, it is easy to determine whether the web material is cut well or not based on the intervals at which the web material is conveyed in the downstream transport mechanism.

[0019] (Aspect 6) In the apparatus for manufacturing a web member according to aspect 1, the downstream transport mechanism transports the web member while supporting only a lower side of the web member.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, the web member is more likely to be opened by air resistance during transport, and the web member is more likely to be made fluffy and soft.

[0021] (Aspect 7) The apparatus for manufacturing a web member according to aspect 1 further includes an air blowing device that blows air toward the web member supported by the downstream transport mechanism.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to prevent the web member from floating up while being transported by the downstream transport mechanism, and to reduce the risk of only the transport side surface of the web member being excessively opened.

[0023] (Aspect 8) In the apparatus for manufacturing a web member according to aspect 1, the downstream transport mechanism does not include a suction mechanism on the transport surface.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect, since the tow of the web member is soft, by not providing a suction mechanism in the downstream conveying mechanism, it is possible to reduce the risk of the tow being sucked in or entangled by the suction mechanism.

[0025] (Aspect 9) The upstream conveying mechanism is a web member manufacturing apparatus according to aspect 1, characterized in that it comprises an upper conveying section and a lower conveying section, and conveys the continuous web member while being sandwiched between the upper conveying section and the lower conveying section.

[0026] According to the ninth aspect, by reducing the thickness of the continuous work member, it becomes easier for the cutting mechanism to cut the continuous web member.

[0027] (Aspect 10) In the apparatus for manufacturing a web member according to aspect 1, the central axis of rotation of the first roll is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction.

[0028] According to the tenth aspect, even if the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade of the first roll is inclined with respect to the central axis of rotation of the first roll when viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the web member can be easily cut in the desired shape and at the desired position.

[0029] (Aspect 11) The web member manufacturing apparatus according to aspect 1 is characterized in that the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while the cutting blade, the peripheral surface of the first roll, and the peripheral surface of the second roll are in contact with the continuous web member.

[0030] According to aspect 11, even if the continuous web member is made of a soft material that spreads easily, by pressing the continuous web member between the peripheral surfaces of the first roll and the second roll prior to cutting in the cutting mechanism, it becomes easier to keep the amount of conveyance of the continuous web member constant in the conveying mechanism, making it easier to cut the continuous web member.

[0031] (Aspect 12) This is a web member manufacturing apparatus described in aspect 1, characterized in that the thickness of the continuous web member at the time when the continuous web member and the first roll come into contact is less than half the thickness of the web member in the downstream conveying mechanism.

[0032] According to aspect 12, even if the continuous web member is made of a soft material that spreads easily, it is easier to cut the continuous web member in the cutting mechanism than when the thickness of the continuous web member at the time when the continuous web member contacts the first roll is greater than half the thickness of the web member in the downstream conveying mechanism.

[0033] (Aspect 13) A method for manufacturing a web member includes an upstream conveying process in which an upstream conveying mechanism conveys a continuous web member including tows that are continuous in a conveying direction, a cutting process in which a cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member conveyed by the upstream conveying mechanism, and a downstream conveying process in which a downstream conveying mechanism conveys the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction, wherein the cutting mechanism has a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other, at least the first roll has a cutting blade, and when viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the central axis of rotation of the first roll, and the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while conveying it in the conveying direction, and cuts the continuous web member while sliding the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism relative to the continuous web member.

[0034] According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to improve the production efficiency of the web member and reduce the risk of the fibers of the tow sticking together at the cut surfaces.

[0035] ===This embodiment=== <<<Basic configuration of web member 1>>> Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the web member 1. Fig. 2A is a plan view of the web member 1. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2A.

[0036] The planar shape of the web member 1 is a substantially rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction and a width direction as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A. In addition, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2B, in the thickness direction, a base sheet 2, an auxiliary sheet 3 provided to cover the upper surface of the base sheet 2, a fiber bundle member 5G provided to cover the lower surface of the base sheet 2 and forming a main brush part, and a strip sheet 7 provided on the lower surface of the fiber bundle member 5G and forming an auxiliary brush part are provided. Between the auxiliary sheet 3 and the base sheet 2, cavities SP3, SP3 into which a handle member 9 is inserted and fixed are defined. Then, the bifurcated insertion parts 9a, 9a of the handle member 9 are inserted into these cavities SP3, SP3, and the lower surface and both ends in the width direction of the web member 1 are used as wiping surfaces to clean a tabletop or the like.

[0037] 2B, the fiber bundle member 5G is a member in which a plurality of fiber bundles 5, 5... are stacked in the thickness direction. In this example, a four-layer structure is formed having four fiber bundles 5, 5... as an example of a plurality of bundles stacked in the thickness direction, but the number of fiber bundles 5, 5... is not limited thereto. Each fiber bundle 5 has a tow having a fineness of, for example, 3.5 dtex (diameter 18 to 25 μm) as a large number of long fibers. However, the fineness of the tow is not limited to 3.5 dtex, and may be selected from the range of, for example, 1.1 to 10 dtex (diameter about 6 to about 60 μm), and each fiber bundle 5 may have tows having a plurality of finenesses in the range of 1.1 to 10 dtex.

[0038] Each tow is aligned along the width direction of the web member 1. That is, the fiber direction (longitudinal direction of the tow) of each tow is aligned along the width direction of the web member 1. As a result, both ends in the width direction usually become the tip of the brush part. However, since these tows are flexibly bendable and deformable, when the tip of the tow is bent toward the underside of the web member 1, the underside can also become the tip of the brush part. Note that, in this embodiment, all the fibers in each fiber bundle 5 are composed of tows, but this is not limited to this, and the fiber bundle 5 may contain fibers other than tows.

[0039] The "tow" is a fiber bundle (fiber bundle 5) in which a large number of continuous filaments are arranged, as described in 3.1.24 of JIS L 0204-3 1998. Examples of the fiber bundle include fiber bundles made of thermoplastic fibers and fiber bundles containing thermoplastic fibers. Examples of the raw materials of the fibers constituting the fiber bundle include PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), nylon, rayon, etc. This fiber may be, for example, a single fiber of a single component, or a composite fiber. Examples of the composite fiber include composite fibers with a core-sheath structure in which the sheath / core is PE / PET or PE / PP, or side-by-side composite fibers such as PE / PET or PE / PP. The fiber bundle may be a bundle of slit fibers (fibers made by cutting a film into elongated strips and stretching it), split fibers (fibers made by dividing an elongated film into mesh structures), etc.

[0040] The fineness of the fibers constituting the fiber bundle is preferably 1 to 50 dtex, and more preferably 2 to 10 dtex. The fiber bundle may contain a plurality of types of fibers having the same fineness, and may contain the same or different types of fibers having different finenesses. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber may be circular or may have other shapes. The fiber may have crimps, and in that case, the fibers are crimped during the production of the filaments, and the number of crimps is increased by preheating calendaring or hot air treatment.

[0041] The tow in this embodiment is opened at a predetermined stage upstream of a cutting mechanism 30 (described later) in the manufacturing process of the web member 1. The tow is opened so that the continuous filaments of the tow are individually separated by repeatedly applying and releasing tension in the longitudinal direction to the filaments using a well-known method (such as a tension roll) while the tow is transported by a transport roll. The opening of the tow makes the fiber bundle 5 soft and fluffy.

[0042] 1, 2A, and 2B, the base sheet 2 and the auxiliary sheet 3 are both sheets having a substantially rectangular planar shape. They are set to have the same dimensions in the width direction, but the base sheet 2 is set to be longer in the longitudinal direction, so that the auxiliary sheet 3 is laminated on the base sheet 2 with both ends 2e, 2e in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet 2 protruding outward by a predetermined length from both ends 3e, 3e in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary sheet 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, zigzag cuts k, k... are formed in the width direction at intervals in the longitudinal direction at each end in the width direction of both the base sheet 2 and the auxiliary sheet 3. These cuts k, k... form a plurality of zigzag strips in the width direction at each end in the width direction of the base sheet 2 and the auxiliary sheet 3. However, these cuts k, k... may be omitted, and any shape other than zigzag may be used.

[0044] The base sheet 2 and the auxiliary sheet 3 are formed of, for example, a nonwoven fabric containing thermoplastic fibers. Examples of the thermoplastic fibers include PE, PP, and PET fibers, composite fibers of PE and PET (for example, composite fibers with a core-sheath structure in which the core is PE and the sheath is PET), and composite fibers of PE and PP (for example, composite fibers with a core-sheath structure in which the core is PET and the sheath is PE), and examples of the nonwoven fabric include thermal bond nonwoven fabric, spun bond nonwoven fabric, and spun lace nonwoven fabric. However, the material of the base sheet 2 and the auxiliary sheet 3 is not limited to nonwoven fabric in any way.

[0045] The strip sheet 7 is formed of a flexible sheet such as a nonwoven fabric containing thermoplastic fibers or a thermoplastic resin film, and is formed into a generally rectangular shape with approximately the same planar size as the base sheet 2. At each end in the width direction of the strip sheet 7, zigzag cuts (not shown) are formed along the width direction at intervals in the longitudinal direction, and these cuts form a plurality of zigzag strip pieces (not shown) along the width direction at each end in the width direction of the strip sheet 7. However, the strip sheet 7 is not necessary.

[0046] The auxiliary sheet 3, base sheet 2, all four fiber bundles 5, 5, 5, 5 of the fiber bundle member 5G, and the strip sheet 7 are layered in this order in the thickness direction, and are joined together by forming a plurality of welded joints J1, J2, J2... as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. For example, a first welded joint J1 is formed in a straight line along the longitudinal direction at the center position in the width direction, and all layers in the thickness direction of the web member 1 (i.e., the entire configuration of the auxiliary sheet 3, base sheet 2, all four fiber bundles 5, 5... of the fiber bundle member 5G, and the strip sheet 7) are welded and joined by this first welded joint J1.

[0047] In addition, a plurality of island-shaped second welded joints J2, J2... are intermittently formed along the longitudinal direction at positions spaced apart from each other on both sides of the width direction of the first welded joint J1. The second welded joint J2 cooperates with the first welded joint J1 to form the above-mentioned hollow portions SP3, SP3 for inserting and fixing the handle member 9 between the auxiliary sheet 3 and the base sheet 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2B, in the second welded joint J2, the auxiliary sheet 3 and the base sheet 2 located on the upper layer side in the thickness direction, and the two fiber bundles 5, 5 located closer to the base sheet 2 are joined, but the two fiber bundles 5, 5 located on the lower layer side and the strip sheet 7 located further below are not joined. The welded joints J1, J2, J2... are formed by, for example, ultrasonic welding.

[0048] <<<Manufacture of Web Member 1>>> The web member 1 is manufactured by a manufacturing apparatus 10. In the manufacturing apparatus 10, the web member 1 is manufactured by being cut to a product size by a cutting mechanism 30 (described later) provided in the final process. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a semi-finished product 1a of the web member 1 before it is cut.

[0049] In the state shown in FIG. 3, all components 3, 2, 5, 5, 5, 5, 7 of the web member 1, such as the base sheet 2 and the fiber bundles 5, have already been laminated and integrally welded together, but the semi-finished product 1a has not yet been divided into individual web members 1. In other words, the continuous web member 1a is in a state in which parts 1U, 1U... corresponding to the web members 1, 1... are continuously arranged in the conveying direction of the production line. More specifically, the auxiliary sheet 3, the base sheet 2, and the strip sheet 7 are each in a state of a continuous sheet continuous in the conveying direction, and each of the fiber bundles 5, 5... is also in a state of a continuous body continuous in the conveying direction. Hereinafter, the continuous web member 1a including the tows continuous in the conveying direction (MD direction) is referred to as the "semi-finished product 1a", and the part 1U of the semi-finished product 1a corresponding to the web member 1 is also referred to as the "unit semi-finished product 1U".

[0050] In this embodiment, the semi-finished product 1a is transported in a so-called "cross-flow" transport mode. That is, the semi-finished product 1a is transported with the direction corresponding to the width direction of the web member 1, which is the product, facing the transport direction. Therefore, the cut edge formed by cutting the semi-finished product 1a at the product pitch P1 in the transport direction becomes the edge in the width direction of the web member 1 described above. In addition, since the fiber direction of the tows of each fiber bundle 5, 5... in the semi-finished product 1a is aligned with the transport direction, the tows are also cut when cut at the product pitch P1.

[0051] The manufacturing apparatus (web member manufacturing apparatus) 10 will be described below. In the following description, the width direction of the semi-finished product 1a (width direction of the web member 1) is also referred to as the "CD direction", and the direction in which the semi-finished product 1a (web member 1) continues among the two directions perpendicular to the CD direction is also referred to as the "MD direction". The MD direction is also the transport direction of the semi-finished product 1a. Furthermore, the thickness direction of the semi-finished product 1a, the CD direction, and the MD direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0052] Fig. 4A is a schematic side view of the manufacturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, and Fig. 4B is a view taken along the line BB in Fig. 4A. Fig. 5 is a view taken along the line CC in Fig. 4A. For convenience, in these figures and other figures used in the following description, configurations are omitted as appropriate.

[0053] The manufacturing apparatus 10 includes an upstream conveying mechanism 20 that conveys the semi-finished product 1a, a cutting mechanism 30 that cuts (severs) the semi-finished product 1a conveyed by the upstream conveying mechanism 20 into individual web members 1, and a downstream conveying mechanism 40 that conveys the individual web members 1 cut by the cutting mechanism 30 at product pitch 1P in the MD direction. The manufacturing apparatus 10 may appropriately include various sensors and control units that monitor the states of various devices such as the conveying mechanisms 20 and 40. For example, the control unit controls the operations of the various devices, the conveying mechanisms 20 and 40, and the cutting mechanism 30 based on detection signals transmitted from the sensors, etc., so that the semi-finished product 1a is cut sequentially at product pitch P1 to generate single-sheet web members 1.

[0054] By manufacturing the web member 1 using a manufacturing method including the steps described below, it is possible to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the web member 1a while reducing the risk of the tow fibers sticking together at the cut surfaces of the semi-finished product 1a.

[0055] an upstream conveying step of conveying the semi-finished product 1a including the tows continuous in the MD direction in an upstream conveying mechanism 20; a cutting step of cutting the semi-finished product 1a conveyed by the upstream conveying mechanism in a cutting mechanism; The web member 1 is manufactured by a manufacturing method including a downstream transport step of transporting the web member 1 cut into product pitches P1 by the cutting mechanism 30 in the MD direction by a downstream transport mechanism 40. The cutting mechanism 30 includes an upper roll (second roll) 31a and a lower roll (first roll) 31b whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other. At least the lower roll 31b has a cutting blade 31bs, and the longitudinal direction of the lower cutting blade 31bs is inclined with respect to the rotation center axis C31b of the lower roll 31b when viewed in the radial direction of the lower roll 31b. The cutting mechanism 30 cuts the semi-finished product 1a while transporting the semi-finished product 1a in the MD direction, and cuts the semi-finished product 1a while sliding the transport surface of the downstream transport mechanism 40 and the semi-finished product 1a relative to each other.

[0056] Hereinafter, each mechanism 20, 30, 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 10 and each process will be described. <Upstream transport process> The upstream conveying mechanism 20 is disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism 30 in the MD direction, and conveys the semi-finished product 1a toward the cutting mechanism 30. The upstream conveying mechanism 20 includes a lower belt conveyor (lower conveying section) 21 and an upper belt conveyor (upper conveying section) 22 provided above the lower belt conveyor 21. The upstream conveying mechanism 20 conveys the semi-finished product 1a with the upper belt conveyor 22 (endless belt 27) in contact with the semi-finished product 1a while supporting the underside of the semi-finished product 1a on the lower belt conveyor 21. In other words, the semi-finished product 1a is conveyed with the lower belt conveyor 21 and the upper belt conveyor 22 sandwiching it.

[0057] The lower belt conveyor 21 has a pair of rollers 23, 23 arranged side by side in the MD direction, and an endless belt 24 wound around the pair of rollers 23, 23. At least one roller 23 of the pair of rollers 23, 23 is driven to rotate by a servo motor serving as a drive source, whereby the semi-finished product 1a is transported downstream in the MD direction with the outer circumferential surface of the endless belt 24 serving as a transport surface.

[0058] The upper belt conveyor 22, like the lower belt conveyor 21, has a pair of rollers 26, 26 arranged side by side in the MD direction, and an endless belt 27 wound around the pair of rollers 26, 26. At least one roller 26 of the pair of rollers 26, 26 is driven and rotated by a servo motor as a drive source, whereby the semi-finished product 1a is transported downstream in the MD direction with the outer circumferential surface of the endless belt 24 as the transport surface. The endless belt 27 of the upper belt conveyor 22 rotates in conjunction with the transport speed of the lower belt conveyor 21.

[0059] However, the rollers 23, 26 are not limited to a pair. For example, three rollers 23, 26 may be provided to rotate the endless belts 24, 27 in a substantially triangular orbit. The upper belt conveyor 22 may receive driving force for its rotation from a servo motor that is the driving source of the lower belt conveyor 21 via an appropriate power transmission mechanism such as a gear train or a winding transmission device, or a separate servo motor may be provided for driving the upper belt conveyor 22 in rotation, and the servo motor may be synchronized with the transport operation of the lower belt conveyor 21.

[0060] As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the upstream conveying mechanism 20 conveys the semi-finished product 1a while sandwiching it between the lower belt conveyor 21 and the upper belt conveyor 22. The semi-finished product 1a (web member 1) having the fiber bundle of the tow is a soft material and therefore easily spreads in the thickness direction. Therefore, by sandwiching the semi-finished product 1a between the lower belt conveyor 21 and the upper belt conveyor 22, the semi-finished product 1a can be conveyed to the cutting mechanism 30 downstream in the MD direction in a state in which the thickness of the semi-finished product 1a is thinned. The behavior of the cutting blades (31as, 31bs) contacting the semi-finished product 1a in the rotation direction of the cutting blades (31as, 31bs) while crushing it prior to cutting can be reduced when the semi-finished product 1a is pressed in the thickness direction to be thinned, rather than when it is spread in the thickness direction. In addition, the risk of the cutting position for the semi-finished product 1a being distorted or the force applied to the semi-finished product 1a being lost from the cutting blades (31as, 31bs) is reduced, making it easier to cut the semi-finished product 1a. Therefore, by conveying the semi-finished product 1a sandwiched between the lower belt conveyor 21 and the upper belt conveyor 22, the semi-finished product 1a is made thinner when conveyed toward the cutting mechanism 30, and the semi-finished product 1a can be easily cut in the cutting mechanism 30. In order to improve the stability of the cutting operation in the cutting mechanism 30, the outer circumferential surface of the endless belt 24 of the lower belt conveyor 21 and the endless belt 27 of the upper belt conveyor 22 are disposed in the upstream conveying mechanism 20 so as to face each other, and it is preferable that these endless belts 24, 27 pinch (press) the semi-finished product 1a located between their outer circumferential surfaces from both sides in the thickness direction.

[0061] <Cutting process> The cutting mechanism 30 cuts the semi-finished product 1a conveyed by the upstream conveying mechanism 20 into a product pitch P1 to produce a web member 1. As shown in Figs. 4A and 5, the cutting mechanism 30 includes an upper roll 31a and a lower roll 31b. The upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b are rotating bodies that include a driving source such as a motor and a reverse drive transmission means such as gears, and are driven to rotate in the circumferential directions Dca and Dcb around the upper rotation central axis C31a and the lower rotation central axis C31b, respectively. The upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b are arranged with the axial directions of the upper rotation central axis C31a and the lower rotation central axis C31b facing the CD direction, with their outer circumferential surfaces facing each other.

[0062] The outer peripheral surface of the upper roll 31a is provided with an upper cutting blade 31as that is an acute-angled cutting edge protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the upper roll 31a. The outer peripheral surface of the lower roll 31b is provided with a lower cutting blade 31bs that is an acute-angled cutting edge protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the upper roll 31a.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs of the cutting mechanism 30. Note that in Fig. 6, the semi-finished product 1a and the web member 1 are omitted. Fig. 4B shows the lower roll 31b in the state (d) of Fig. 6.

[0064] The cutting mechanism 30 passes the semi-finished product 1a conveyed from the upstream conveying mechanism 20 through the roll gap between the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b, and conveys the semi-finished product 1a in the MD direction by rotating the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b while sandwiching the semi-finished product 1a between them, and cuts the semi-finished product 1a. Specifically, first, the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs are brought closer to each other by the rotation of the rolls 31a and 31b, as shown in states (a) to (c). Then, the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs are brought closest to each other by the rotation of the rolls 31a and 31b, as shown in state (d). State (d) is the point where the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs intersect, and the semi-finished product 1a is sandwiched, shear stress is generated, and the semi-finished product 1a is broken at that portion, and the semi-finished product 1a is cut. The semi-finished product 1a is cut by so-called shear cutting. Thereafter, the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs are separated by the rotation of both rolls 31a, 31b, as shown in states (e) to (g). Thereafter, the rotation of both rolls 31a, 31b repeats states (a) to (g) again, thereby allowing the semi-finished product 1a to be continuously cut.

[0065] Usually, in the manufacture of the web member 1, it is preferable to cut the semi-finished product 1a at the product pitch P1 while conveying the semi-finished product 1a with a roll equipped with a blade, for example, in order to increase manufacturing efficiency. However, in the past, since the fibers of the tow are thermoplastic fibers, when the cutting position (the end in the width direction of the web member 1) of the semi-finished product 1a is cut linearly at one time, there was a risk that the fibers of the tow would be fused or pressed together due to the heat and pressure applied during cutting. If the fibers of the tow are stuck together, the end in the width direction of the web member 1 may be closed in a sealed state or a lump may be formed, which may impair the function of trapping dust when the cleaning member is used as a cleaning tool. The state in which the fibers of the tow are stuck together means a state in which the fibers of the tow are fused or pressed together.

[0066] In contrast, in the cutting mechanism 30 of this embodiment, the upper roll 31a is provided with an upper cutting blade 31as, and the longitudinal direction of the upper cutting blade 31as is inclined with respect to the upper rotation central axis C31a of the upper roll 31a when viewed in the radial direction of the upper roll 31a. The lower roll 31b is provided with a lower cutting blade 31bs, and the longitudinal direction of the lower cutting blade 31b is inclined with respect to the lower rotation central axis C31b of the lower roll 31b when viewed in the radial direction of the lower roll 31b. Furthermore, in the cutting mechanism 30, the semi-finished product 1a is cut while being conveyed in the MD direction and while the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism 40 (downstream belt conveyor 41) and the semi-finished product 1a are caused to slide relative to each other.

[0067] 5, when viewed in the radial direction of the upper roll 31a, the longitudinal direction of the upper cutting blade 31as is inclined at an angle θa with respect to the upper rotation central axis C31a of the upper roll 31a. When viewed in the radial direction of the lower roll 31b, the longitudinal direction of the lower cutting blade 31b is inclined at an angle θb with respect to the lower rotation central axis C31b of the lower roll 31b. The angles θa and θb are 0°<θa<90° and 0°<θb<90°. It is preferable that the angles θa and θb are 0°<θa<10° and 0°<θb<10°. It is more preferable that the angles θa and θb are 5°<θa<10° and 5°<θb<10°.

[0068] FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of a portion X in FIG. 4B. FIG. 7B is a view for explaining the cutting process of the semi-finished product 1a in the state of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7A is a view of the lower roll 31b seen from the semi-finished product 1a side in a state (state (d) of FIG. 6) in which the upper cutting blade 31as of the upper roll 31a and the cutting blade 31bs of the lower roll 31b are closest to each other at the center Pn in the CD direction of the semi-finished product 1a at the center Pn in the width direction of the semi-finished product 1a. Although FIG. 7A shows only the lower roll 31b, the upper roll 31a also has an upper cutting blade 31as provided so as to face the lower cutting blade 31bs of the lower roll 31b, and in the state shown in FIG. 7A, the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b are configured symmetrically with respect to the semi-finished product 1a.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 7A, the lower cutting blade 31bs of the lower roll 31b is inclined by θb with respect to the lower rotation central axis C31b of the lower roll 31b. Since the lower cutting blade 31bs is inclined with respect to the lower rotation central axis C31b (the upper cutting blade 31as is inclined with respect to the upper rotation central axis C31a), when the lower roll 31b rotates, the semi-finished product 1a is first cut from the end Ps on the other end side in the CD direction. Then, as the lower roll 31b rotates, the cutting of the semi-finished product 1a proceeds in sequence along the direction of the arrow y, so that, as shown in Fig. 7B, the other end side of the semi-finished product 1a in the CD direction is cut, and a portion including the end Pe on one end side in the CD direction (a region on one side of the center part Pn in the width direction of the semi-finished product 1a) is in a continuous state. In this way, by cutting in sequence from end Ps to end Pe along the CD direction by rotating both rolls 31a, 31b, the area to which heat and pressure are applied at one time during cutting can be made smaller than when the semi-finished product 1a is cut linearly from end to end along the CD direction all at once, thereby reducing the risk of the tow fibers sticking together.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 7B, while the cutting mechanism 30 is cutting the semi-finished product 1a, the lower cutting blade 31bs is inclined with respect to the lower rotation central axis C31b, so that a part of the semi-finished product 1a is cut and a part of the semi-finished product 1a is in a continuous state. Therefore, the downstream conveying mechanism 40 located downstream of the cutting mechanism 30 mainly conveys the web member 1a after cutting, but also conveys a part of the semi-finished product 1a toward the downstream side. In the downstream conveying mechanism 40, the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism 40 and the semi-finished product 1a are made to slide relative to each other, which facilitates conveying toward the downstream side, which facilitates shortening the contact time between the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs and the semi-finished product 1a at the cut surface, and facilitates reducing the risk of the tow fibers at the cut surface sticking together. Furthermore, the semi-finished product 1a is cut under tension, which facilitates cutting in the cutting mechanism 30. The relative slip between the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism 40 and the semi-finished product 1a can be caused by friction between the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism 40 and the semi-finished product 1a.

[0071] In this way, in the cutting mechanism 30, the semi-finished product 1a is cut while being conveyed, thereby improving the production efficiency of the web member 1 and reducing the risk of the fibers of the tow sticking together at the cut surface.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 7A, it is preferable that the lower rotation central axis C31b (upper rotation central axis C31a) of the lower roll 31b (upper roll 31a) is inclined with respect to the CD direction (direction perpendicular to the MD direction). Even if the longitudinal direction of the lower cutting blade 31bs of the lower roll 31b is inclined with respect to the lower rotation central axis C31b of the lower roll 31b when viewed in the radial direction of the lower roll 31b, the web member 1 can be easily cut in a desired shape and at a desired position. In this embodiment, the lower rotation central axis C31b of the lower roll 31b is inclined by θb with respect to the CD direction, and the lower cutting blade 31bs of the lower roll 31b is aligned with the CD direction and is substantially parallel to the CD direction. This allows the shape of the web member 1 after cutting to be a substantially rectangular shape with the width direction and the longitudinal direction perpendicular to each other.

[0073] The semi-finished product 1a is made of a material that is soft and easily expands. If the semi-finished product 1a is cut in its current state, the conveying amount may be unstable or it may be difficult to cut the semi-finished product at an accurate cutting position, since the semi-finished product 1a is soft and easily expands in the thickness direction. Therefore, it is preferable that the semi-finished product 1a is cut in the cutting mechanism 30 with the lower cutting blade 31bs, the circumferential surface of the lower roll 31b, and the circumferential surface of the upper roll 31a in contact with the semi-finished product 1a. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the semi-finished product 1a in the state (d) of FIG. 6. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the semi-finished product 1a is cut in a state in which the upper roll 31a, the upper cutting blade 31as, the lower roll 31b, and the lower cutting blade 31b are in contact with the semi-finished product 1a. That is, in this embodiment, when the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs are in contact with the semi-finished product 1a to cut it, the semi-finished product 1a is in contact with the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b on the upstream side of the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs in the MD direction, and the semi-finished product 1a is sandwiched between the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b. As a result, the peripheral surfaces of the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b press the semi-finished product 1a prior to cutting by the cutting mechanism 30, making it easier to keep the amount of semi-finished product 1a transported from the upstream transport mechanism 20 constant, and easier to cut the semi-finished product 1a.

[0074] As described above, when viewed in the radial direction of the lower roll 31b (upper roll 31a), the longitudinal direction of the lower cutting blade 31bs (upper cutting blade 31as) of the lower roll 31b (upper roll 31a) is inclined with respect to the lower rotation central axis C31b (upper rotation central axis C31a), so that when the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs abut against the semi-finished product 1a to cut it, the semi-finished product 1a abuts against the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b on both sides of the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs in the CD direction, and the semi-finished product 1a is sandwiched between the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b. This makes it easier to keep the amount of semi-finished product 1a transported from the upstream transport mechanism 20 constant, making it easier to cut the semi-finished product 1a.

[0075] <Downstream transport process> The downstream conveying mechanism 40 is disposed downstream in the MD direction from the cutting mechanism 30. The downstream conveying mechanism 40 includes a downstream belt conveyor 41, an air blowing device 45, and a sensor .

[0076] The downstream belt conveyor 41 conveys the web member 1 cut at the product pitch P1 in the MD direction. The downstream belt conveyor 41 has a pair of rollers 43, 43 arranged side by side in the MD direction, and an endless belt 44 wound around the pair of rollers 43, 43. At least one roller 43 of the pair of rollers 43, 43 is driven and rotated by a servo motor as a driving source, whereby the web member 1 is conveyed downstream in the MD direction with the outer circumferential surface of the endless belt 44 as a conveying surface. However, the rollers 43 are not limited to a pair. For example, three rollers 43 may be provided to rotate the endless belt 44 in a substantially triangular orbit.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 4A, it is preferable that the downstream belt conveyor 41 (downstream conveying mechanism 40) conveys the web member 1 while supporting only its lower side. That is, unlike the upstream conveying mechanism 20 that conveys the semi-finished product 1a while sandwiching it between the lower belt conveyor 21 and the upper belt conveyor 22, the downstream conveying mechanism 40 conveys the web member 1 while the downstream belt conveyor 41 supports only its lower side and does not press the web member 1 from above. This makes it easier to open the fiber bundles 5 of the web member 1 by receiving air resistance, etc. Also, it becomes easier to maintain the opened state of the fiber bundles 5 of the web member 1, and makes it easier to make the web member 5 fluffy and soft. As a result, it becomes easier to function as a cleaning tool.

[0078] Since the web member 1 and the materials included in the web member 1 are soft and lightweight, there is a risk that the web member 1 may be lifted up or only the fibers on the downstream side in the MD direction of the web member 1 may be excessively opened due to a headwind (wind against the web member 1) received by the web member 1 during the transport of the web member 1 by the downstream transport mechanism 40. For this reason, it is more preferable that the downstream transport mechanism 40 is provided with an air ejection device 45 (air blow nozzle) that ejects air toward the web member 1 that is transported while being supported by the downstream belt conveyor 41 (downstream transport mechanism 40). The air ejection device 45 blows air toward the web member 1 transported by the downstream belt conveyor 41, which makes it easier to prevent the web member 1 from lifting up and reduces the risk of only one side of the web member 1 being excessively opened.

[0079] In addition, it is preferable that the downstream conveying mechanism 40 (downstream belt conveyor 41) does not have a suction mechanism on the conveying surface. When the weight of the object to be conveyed (conveyed object) is light, such as the web member 1, the object tends to float during conveyance, so it is common to provide a suction device on the conveying surface to stably convey the object. However, since the web member 1 has fiber bundles made of a soft material such as tow fibers, providing a suction mechanism may cause the tow fibers to be sucked in or entangled. Therefore, by not providing a suction mechanism on the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism 40, it is possible to reduce the risk of the tow fibers being sucked in or entangled by the suction mechanism.

[0080] Generally, when poor cutting occurs in the cutting mechanism 30, the conveying interval of the web member 1 in the downstream conveying mechanism 40 (downstream belt conveyor 41) tends to become non-uniform. For this reason, it is preferable that the downstream conveying mechanism 40 includes a sensor 46 for detecting the conveying interval of the web member 1. Detection of the conveying interval of the web member 1 by the sensor 46 makes it easy to recognize whether the web member 1 has been cut well or not.

[0081] For each process, it is preferable that the downstream conveyance speed V4 for conveying the web member 1 in the downstream conveyance mechanism 40 is faster than the cutting conveyance speed V3 for conveying the semi-finished product 1a in the cutting mechanism 30 (V3 < V4). By making the downstream conveyance speed V4 faster than the cutting conveyance speed V3, the possibility that the web member 1 after being cut by the cutting mechanism 30 will stay in the cutting mechanism 30 can be reduced compared to the case where the downstream conveyance speed V4 is slower than the cutting conveyance speed V3. Also, since the conveyance surface of the downstream conveyance mechanism 40 and the semi-finished product 1a slide relative to each other, the cutting by the cutting mechanism 30 can be performed with the semi-finished product 1a being pulled toward the downstream side in the MD direction, making it easier to cut the semi-finished product 1a. As a result, it becomes easier to reduce the time for applying heat and pressure to the cut surface, and the possibility that the fibers of the tows on the cut surface stick together can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, regarding the speeds of each process, it is more preferable that the cutting conveyance speed V3 in the cutting mechanism 30 is faster than the upstream conveyance speed V2 for conveying the semi-finished product 1a in the upstream conveyance mechanism 20 (V3 > V2). This reduces the possibility that the web member 1 after being cut by the cutting mechanism 30 will stay in the cutting mechanism 30, and since the semi-finished product 1a can be cut in a state where it is pulled in the MD direction, it becomes easier to cut the semi-finished product 1a. As a result, it becomes easier to reduce the time for applying heat and pressure to the cut surface, and the possibility that the fibers of the tows on the cut surface stick together can be reduced.

[0083] Regarding the upstream conveyance speed V2, the cutting conveyance speed V3, and the downstream conveyance speed V3, it is preferable that the cutting conveyance speed V3 is faster than the upstream conveyance speed V2, and it is preferable that the downstream conveyance speed V4 is faster than the cutting conveyance speed V3 (V2 < V3 < V4). This reduces the possibility that the semi-finished product 1a and the web member 1 will stay in the cutting mechanism 30, and since the semi-finished product 1a can be cut in a state where tension is applied in the MD direction, it becomes easier to perform the cutting by the cutting mechanism 30.

[0084] In addition, if the downstream conveyance speed V4 in the downstream conveyance mechanism 40 is excessively fast, there is a risk that the semi-finished product 1a or the web member 1 being conveyed in the downstream conveyance mechanism 40 may meander, or the web member 1 may float. Therefore, it is even more preferable that the difference (V4 - V3) between the downstream conveyance speed V4 in the downstream conveyance mechanism 40 and the cutting conveyance speed V3 in the cutting mechanism 30 is smaller than the difference (V3 - V2) between the cutting conveyance speed V3 in the cutting mechanism 30 and the upstream conveyance speed V2 of the upstream conveyance mechanism 20 (V4 - V3 < V3 - V2). By making the difference (V4 - V3) between the downstream conveyance speed V4 and the cutting conveyance speed V3 smaller than the difference (V3 - V2) between the cutting conveyance speed V3 and the upstream conveyance speed V2 (V4 - V3 < V3 - V2), compared to the case where the difference (V4 - V3) between the downstream conveyance speed V4 and the cutting conveyance speed V3 is larger than the difference (V3 - V2) between the cutting conveyance speed V3 and the upstream conveyance speed V2 (V4 - V3 > V3 - V2), the risk of the semi-finished product 1a or the web member 1 meandering and the risk of the web member 1 floating can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, the thickness of the semi-finished product 1a (T3 in FIG. 8) at the time when the semi-finished product 1a and the lower roll 31b in the cutting mechanism 30 come into contact with each other is preferably half or less (T3≦T1×½) of the thickness (T1) of the web member 1 in the downstream conveying mechanism 40. The thickness (T1) of the web member 1 in the downstream conveying mechanism 40 is approximately the same as the thickness T1 (see FIG. 2B) of the web member 1 as a product. In the case of a soft and spreadable material such as the semi-finished product 1a, the thinner the thickness, the easier it is to cut. Therefore, by setting the thickness (T3) of the semi-finished product 1a at the time when the semi-finished product 1a and the lower roll 31b in the cutting mechanism 30 come into contact with each other to be equal to or less than half the thickness (T1) of the web member 1 in the downstream conveying mechanism 40 (T3≦T1×1 / 2), the behavior of the cutting blades (31as, 31bs) crushing the semi-finished product 1a and contacting it in the rotation direction of the cutting blades (31as, 31bs) prior to cutting can be reduced compared to the case where the thickness (T3) of the semi-finished product 1a at the time when the semi-finished product 1a and the lower roll 31b in the cutting mechanism 30 come into contact with each other is greater than half the thickness (T1) of the web member 1 in the downstream conveying mechanism 40 (T3>T1×1 / 2). In addition, the risk of the cutting position for the semi-finished product 1a being distorted or the force applied to the semi-finished product 1a being lost from the cutting blades (31as, 31bs) can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes easier to cut the semi-finished product 1a in the cutting mechanism 30.

[0086] <<<Modifications of the cutting mechanism 30>>> In the above-described embodiment, both rolls 31a, 31b of the cutting mechanism 30 are equipped with cutting blades 31as, 31bs, respectively, and the semi-finished product 1a is clamped between the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs to generate shear stress and cut the semi-finished product 1a by so-called shear cutting, but this is not limited to this.

[0087] At least one of the pair of rolls 31a, 31b of the cutting mechanism 30 may be provided with a cutting blade. For example, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a modified example of the cutting mechanism 30. FIG. 9 shows a configuration in which only the upper roll (first roll) 31a is provided with an upper cutting blade 31as, and the lower roll (second roll) 31b is an anvil roll without a cutting blade. The configuration shown in FIG. 9 is a so-called cutting by pushing, in which the upper cutting blade 31as of the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b are brought into contact with each other through the semi-finished product 1a by the rotation of the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b, thereby cutting the semi-finished product 1a. In the cutting mechanism 30 shown in FIG. 9, the longitudinal direction of the upper cutting blade 31as is inclined with respect to the upper rotation central axis C31a of the upper roll 31a when viewed in the radial direction of the upper roll 31a (not shown). In this cutting mechanism 30, the semi-finished product 1a is cut while being conveyed in the MD direction and while the conveying surface of the downstream conveying mechanism 40 and the semi-finished product 1a are slid relative to each other, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the web member 1 and reducing the risk of the fibers of the tow sticking together on the cut surface. In the modified example of the cutting mechanism 30 shown in FIG. 9, only the upper roll 31a is provided with the upper cutting blade 31as, and the lower roll 31b is an anvil roll without a cutting blade, but this is not limited to this. The cutting mechanism 30 in which the upper roll 31a is provided with the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower roll 31b is provided with the lower cutting blade 31bs may cut the semi-finished product 1a by pressing the upper cutting blade 31as and the lower cutting blade 31bs against each other via the semi-finished product 1a by the rotation of the upper roll 31a and the lower roll 31b.

[0088] ===Other embodiments=== Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0089] For example, the following modifications are possible. In the above embodiment, the semi-finished product 1a relating to the web member 1 is shown as an example of the web member, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the above as long as the web member has a plurality of fibers including tows and is continuous in the conveying direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Web member, 1a Semi-finished product (continuous web member), 1U unit semi-finished product, 2 Base sheet, 2e Both ends, 3 Auxiliary seats, 3e both ends, 5 Fiber bundle, 5G fiber bundle member, 7 strips of paper, 9 Handle member, 9a Insertion portion, 10 Manufacturing equipment (web member manufacturing equipment), 20 upstream transport mechanism, 21 Lower belt conveyor (lower conveying section), 22 Upper belt conveyor (upper conveying section), 23 roller, 24 endless belt, 26 roller, 27 endless belt, 30 cutting mechanism; 31a upper roll (second roll), 31as upper cutting blade, 31b lower roll (first roll), 31bs lower cutting blade (cutting blade), 40 downstream transport mechanism, 41 downstream belt conveyor, 43 roller, 44 endless belt, 45 Air ejection device, 46 sensors, C31a Upper rotation axis, C31b Lower rotation axis (rotation axis)

Claims

1. an upstream conveying mechanism that conveys a continuous web member including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction; a cutting mechanism that cuts the continuous web member transported by the upstream transport mechanism; a downstream conveying mechanism that conveys the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction; An apparatus for manufacturing a web member, comprising: the cutting mechanism includes a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other; At least the first roll is provided with a cutting blade; When viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the rotation central axis of the first roll, the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while transporting the continuous web member in the transport direction and while sliding the continuous web member relative to a transport surface of the downstream transport mechanism; a downstream conveying speed at which the web member is conveyed in the downstream conveying mechanism is faster than a cutting conveying speed at which the continuous web member is conveyed in the cutting mechanism; The cutting conveying speed is faster than the upstream conveying speed at which the continuous web member is conveyed in the upstream conveying mechanism. An apparatus for manufacturing a web member, comprising:

2. The web member manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, 10. An apparatus for manufacturing a web member, wherein the difference between the downstream conveying speed and the cutting conveying speed is smaller than the difference between the cutting conveying speed and the upstream conveying speed.

3. The web member manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, 10. The web member manufacturing apparatus, wherein the downstream transport mechanism includes a sensor for detecting the transport interval of the web member.

4. The web member manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, A web member manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the downstream transport mechanism transports the web member while supporting only the lower side of the web member.

5. An upstream conveying mechanism that conveys a continuous web member including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction; a cutting mechanism that cuts the continuous web member transported by the upstream transport mechanism; a downstream conveying mechanism that conveys the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction; An apparatus for manufacturing a web member, comprising: the cutting mechanism includes a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other; At least the first roll is provided with a cutting blade; When viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the rotation central axis of the first roll, the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while transporting the continuous web member in the transport direction and while sliding the continuous web member relative to a transport surface of the downstream transport mechanism; The downstream transport mechanism transports the web member while supporting only the lower side of the web member, An apparatus for manufacturing a web member, comprising: an air blowing device for blowing air toward the web member supported by the downstream transport mechanism.

6. The web member manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, The manufacturing apparatus for a web member is characterized in that the downstream transport mechanism does not have a suction mechanism on the transport surface.

7. The web member manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, the upstream transport mechanism includes an upper transport unit and a lower transport unit, A web member manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the continuous web member is conveyed while being sandwiched between the upper conveying section and the lower conveying section.

8. The web member manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, 10. The apparatus for manufacturing a web member, wherein the central axis of rotation of the first roll is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

9. An upstream conveying mechanism that conveys a continuous web member including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction; a cutting mechanism that cuts the continuous web member transported by the upstream transport mechanism; a downstream conveying mechanism that conveys the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction; An apparatus for manufacturing a web member, comprising: the cutting mechanism includes a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other; At least the first roll is provided with a cutting blade; When viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the rotation central axis of the first roll, the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while transporting the continuous web member in the transport direction and while sliding the continuous web member relative to a transport surface of the downstream transport mechanism; A web member manufacturing device characterized in that the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while the cutting blade, the peripheral surface of the first roll, and the peripheral surface of the second roll are in contact with the continuous web member.

10. The web member manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, The thickness of the continuous web member at the time when the continuous web member and the first roll come into contact with each other is: The web member manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that the thickness of the web member in the downstream transport mechanism is half or less.

11. an upstream conveying step of conveying a continuous web member including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction using an upstream conveying mechanism; a cutting step of cutting the continuous web member transported by the upstream transport mechanism using a cutting mechanism; a downstream conveying step of conveying the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction using a downstream conveying mechanism; A method for manufacturing a web member, the cutting mechanism includes a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other; At least the first roll is provided with a cutting blade; When viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the rotation central axis of the first roll, the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while transporting the continuous web member in the transport direction, and cuts the continuous web member while sliding the transport surface of the downstream transport mechanism relative to the continuous web member; a downstream conveying speed at which the web member is conveyed in the downstream conveying mechanism is faster than a cutting conveying speed at which the continuous web member is conveyed in the cutting mechanism; The cutting conveying speed is faster than the upstream conveying speed at which the continuous web member is conveyed in the upstream conveying mechanism. A method for manufacturing a web member, comprising:

12. An upstream conveying step of conveying a continuous web member including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction using an upstream conveying mechanism; a cutting step of cutting the continuous web member transported by the upstream transport mechanism using a cutting mechanism; a downstream conveying step of conveying the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction using a downstream conveying mechanism; A method for manufacturing a web member, the cutting mechanism includes a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other; At least the first roll is provided with a cutting blade; When viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the rotation central axis of the first roll, the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while transporting the continuous web member in the transport direction, and cuts the continuous web member while sliding the transport surface of the downstream transport mechanism relative to the continuous web member; The downstream transport mechanism transports the web member while supporting only the lower side of the web member, An air jetting device jets air toward the web member supported by the downstream transport mechanism. A method for manufacturing a web member, comprising:

13. An upstream conveying step of conveying a continuous web member including a tow that is continuous in a conveying direction using an upstream conveying mechanism; a cutting step of cutting the continuous web member transported by the upstream transport mechanism using a cutting mechanism; a downstream conveying step of conveying the web member cut into product pitches by the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction using a downstream conveying mechanism; A method for manufacturing a web member, the cutting mechanism includes a first roll and a second roll whose outer circumferential surfaces face each other; At least the first roll is provided with a cutting blade; When viewed in the radial direction of the first roll, the longitudinal direction of the cutting blade is inclined with respect to the rotation central axis of the first roll, the cutting mechanism cuts the continuous web member while transporting the continuous web member in the transport direction, and cuts the continuous web member while sliding the transport surface of the downstream transport mechanism relative to the continuous web member; In the cutting mechanism, the continuous web member is cut with the cutting blade, the circumferential surface of the first roll, and the circumferential surface of the second roll in contact with the continuous web member. A method for manufacturing a web member, comprising:

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