Clip device and width stretching device

WO2025074729A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-04-10TORAY ENG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2024/028119
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-02
Filing Date
2024-08-06
Publication Date
2025-04-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, when conveying at high speed, it is difficult to stably perform sheet-like objects clamping and releasing operations in a small installation space.

Method used

Using a clamping device including the first magnet and the second magnet, the clamping and release operations are performed by the magnetic non-contact drive clamping sheet to ensure that sufficient magnetic force is provided in the small installation space for stable high speed delivery.

Benefits of technology

The stable clamping and release of sheet-like objects in a small installation space is achieved, ensuring operational reliability during high-speed transport.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided is a clip device capable of performing a stable gripping operation and a stable gripping state releasing operation in a small installation space even during high-speed conveyance. Specifically, a clip device 100 comprises a gripping clip 10, a closer 20, and an opener 30. The closer 20 and the opener 30 include a first magnet 21 and a second magnet 22, or a first magnet 31 and a second magnet 32. The first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 is arranged such that the magnetization direction thereof is along a direction towards the gripping clip 10. The second magnet 22 or the second magnet 32 is arranged such that the magnetization direction thereof is orthogonal to the magnetization direction of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 so as to concentrate the magnetic force line thereof on the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 side.
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Description

Clipping device and width stretching device

[0001] The present invention relates to a clipping device and a width stretching device, and more particularly to a clipping device that grips the widthwise ends of a sheet-like material, and a width stretching device that stretches the length of the sheet-like material in the widthwise direction.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a clip device that grips the widthwise edge of a sheet-like material and a width stretching device that stretches the length of the sheet-like material in the widthwise direction have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a clip device that grips both widthwise ends of a sheet-like material in a transverse stretching machine (width stretching device) that stretches the sheet-like material in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The clip device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to use a clip closer and a clip opener to open and close a clip that moves with the sheet-like material. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which multiple clip closers and clip openers, each including a permanent magnet, are provided at intervals along the conveying direction of the sheet-like material, and the magnetic force of the multiple magnets spaced apart attracts and moves the clips in stages to grip or release the gripped state of the sheet-like material. Patent Document 1 also discloses a clip device that extends the width of the sheet-like material by traveling in a manner that expands the sheet-like material in the width direction while gripping the sheet-like material.

[0004] Patent No. 3422040

[0005] In the clipping device described in Patent Document 1, multiple clip closers and clip openers, each including a magnet, are provided at intervals along the sheet conveyance direction. The magnetic force of the multiple permanent magnets spaced apart attracts and gradually moves the clip to grip or release the gripped state of the sheet. Recently, there has been a demand for high-speed conveyance of sheets to improve productivity. However, during such high-speed sheet conveyance, the time during which the magnetic force generated by the magnets acts on the clip is shortened. In this case, the clip may move to a position where it is no longer affected by the magnetic force generated by the magnet before the clip's gripping or release operation is completed. This may result in instability in the clip's gripping and release operations during high-speed sheet conveyance. Furthermore, in order to extend the time during which the magnetic force generated by the magnets acts on the clip, a larger installation space is required for the magnet along the sheet conveyance direction. Therefore, there is a demand for a clipping device and a width stretching device that can perform stable gripping and release operations in a small installation space, even during high-speed conveyance.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a clipping device and a width stretching device that can perform stable gripping and release operations in a small installation space, even during high-speed transport.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a clipping device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a gripping clip that grips an edge of a sheet-like object in a width direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the sheet-like object, a clip gripping operation drive unit that uses magnetic force to move the gripping clip in a non-contact manner so that the gripping clip grips the sheet-like object, and a clip release operation drive unit that uses magnetic force to move the gripping clip in a non-contact manner so that the gripping clip releases the gripped state of the sheet-like object, wherein at least one of the clip gripping operation drive unit and the clip release operation drive unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged above the sheet-like object, perpendicular to the extending plane of the sheet-like object and along a plane extending in the width direction, the first magnet is arranged so that its magnetization direction is aligned with the direction toward the gripping clip, and the second magnet is arranged so that its magnetization direction is perpendicular to that of the first magnet so that magnetic field lines are concentrated toward the first magnet. Here, the term "sheet-like object" in this invention is a broad concept that includes a film, a resin sheet, a carbon fiber sheet, a web, etc.

[0008] In the clip device according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged above the sheet-like material, perpendicular to the surface on which the sheet-like material extends and aligned along a surface extending in the width direction. The first magnet is arranged so that its magnetization direction is aligned with the direction toward the gripping clip, and the second magnet is arranged so that its magnetization direction is perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet so as to concentrate magnetic field lines toward the first magnet. Because the second magnet is arranged to concentrate magnetic field lines toward the first magnet, the magnetic force on the first magnet side is strengthened, resulting in a stronger magnetic force acting on the gripping clip. This shortens the time required for the gripping clip to operate compared to when the magnetic force acting on the gripping clip is weak. As a result, a clip device can be provided that can perform stable gripping and release operations in a small installation space, even during high-speed conveyance.

[0009] In the clip device according to the first aspect, the first and second magnets are preferably arranged so that the polarity of the surface of the second magnet facing the first magnet is the same as the polarity of the surface of the first magnet facing the gripping clip. This configuration allows the magnetic forces generated by the surface of the second magnet facing the first magnet and the surface of the first magnet facing the gripping clip to reinforce each other on the first magnet side. As a result, a clip device capable of more stable gripping and release operations can be provided.

[0010] In this case, preferably, the clip gripping operation drive unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet, and the first magnet included in the clip gripping operation drive unit is positioned farther from the center of the width direction of the sheet-like object than the second magnet included in the clip gripping operation drive unit. With this configuration, a strong magnetic force can be generated on the gripping clip at a position farther from the center of the width direction of the sheet-like object. As a result, the gripping clip can be moved to a position farther from the center of the width direction of the sheet-like object to grip the sheet-like object.

[0011] In the configuration in which the clip gripping operation drive unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet, preferably, the clip releasing operation drive unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet, and the first magnet included in the clip releasing operation drive unit is positioned closer to the center of the width of the sheet-like object than the second magnet included in the clip releasing operation drive unit. With this configuration, a strong magnetic force can be generated on the gripping clip at a position closer to the center of the width of the sheet-like object. As a result, the gripping clip can be moved to a position closer to the center of the width of the sheet-like object to release the gripped state of the sheet-like object.

[0012] In the clip device according to the first aspect, the first magnet and the second magnet are preferably arranged so that the face of the first magnet facing the gripping clip and the face of the second magnet facing the gripping clip are coplanar. With this configuration, the magnetic field lines generated by the second magnet are aligned with the magnetic field lines generated by the first magnet. As a result, the magnetic force acting on the gripping clip can be further strengthened.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the clip gripping operation drive unit and the clip releasing operation drive unit are arranged on the opposite side of the gripping clip with respect to the first magnet and the second magnet, and further include a yoke through which the magnetic field lines of the first magnet and the second magnet pass, and the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged and attached to the yoke so that the face of the first magnet facing the yoke and the face of the second magnet facing the yoke are coplanar. With this configuration, the face of the first magnet facing the yoke and the face of the second magnet facing the yoke are coplanar, making it easy to attach the first magnet and the second magnet to the yoke.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a width stretching device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a gripping clip for gripping an edge of a sheet-like object in a width direction perpendicular to a conveying direction in which the sheet-like object is conveyed, a clip gripping operation drive unit for moving the gripping clip in a non-contact manner using magnetic force so that the gripping clip grips the sheet-like object, and a clip release operation drive unit for moving the gripping clip in a non-contact manner using magnetic force so that the gripping clip releases the gripped state of the sheet-like object, wherein at least one of the clip gripping operation drive unit and the clip release operation drive unit is provided with a first magnet and The gripping clip includes a second magnet, and the first and second magnets are arranged above the sheet-like material, side by side, perpendicular to the surface along which the sheet-like material extends and along a surface extending in the width direction, the first magnet is arranged so that its magnetization direction is along the direction toward the gripping clip, and the second magnet is arranged so that its magnetization direction is perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet so as to concentrate magnetic field lines toward the first magnet, and the gripping clip is configured to move in the width direction away from the center of the width direction of the sheet-like material while gripping the sheet-like material, thereby extending the width direction length of the sheet-like material.

[0015] In a width stretching device according to a second aspect of the present invention, as described above, at least one of the clip gripping operation drive unit and the clip releasing operation drive unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet being arranged above the sheet-like object, perpendicular to the plane along which the sheet-like object extends and aligned along a plane extending in the width direction, the first magnet being arranged so that its magnetization direction is aligned toward the gripping clip, and the second magnet being arranged so that its magnetization direction is perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet so as to concentrate magnetic field lines toward the first magnet, and the gripping clip is configured to move in the width direction while gripping the sheet-like object, moving away from the center of the width direction of the sheet-like object and extending the width of the sheet-like object. Because the second magnet is arranged so as to concentrate magnetic field lines toward the first magnet, the magnetic force of the first magnet is strengthened, resulting in a stronger magnetic force acting on the gripping clip. This allows the gripping clip to operate in a shorter time than when the magnetic force acting on the gripping clip is weak. As a result, it is possible to provide a width stretching device that can extend the width of a sheet-like material using a clip device that performs stable gripping and release operations in a small installation space, even during high-speed conveying.

[0016] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a clipping device that can perform stable gripping and gripping release operations in a small installation space even during high-speed transport.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a width stretching device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a gripping clip and a closer according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a gripping clip is rotating according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a gripping clip is gripping a film according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining magnetic field lines generated in a closer or opener according to a comparative example. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining magnetic field lines generated in a closer or opener according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a gripping clip and an opener according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a gripping clip is rotating according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a gripping clip has released its grip on a film according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a first magnet and a second magnet according to a modified example.

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] The configuration of a width stretching device 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] (Width Stretching Apparatus) As shown in FIG. 1, the width stretching apparatus 200 is an apparatus for stretching a film F, and includes a clipping device 100, a heating furnace 40, and rails 50. In the drawing, the direction in which the film F is transported is defined as the X direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X direction, among the directions in which the surface of the film F extends, is defined as the Y direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is defined as the Z direction. In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the film F transported from the X2 direction to the X1 direction is stretched in the Y direction using the clipping device 100 provided in the width stretching apparatus 200. The film F, the closer 20, and the opener 30 are examples of a "sheet-like object," a "clip gripping operation drive unit," and a "clip release operation drive unit," respectively, as defined in the claims.

[0021] In this embodiment, the film F is a web sheet made of a resin material that deforms when heated, and in this embodiment, a film F made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is used. The film F is longitudinally stretched in the X direction before being conveyed to the clipping device 100, and then transversely stretched in the Y direction while being heated in the heating furnace 40 by the clipping device 100, thereby being biaxially stretched into a product. The detailed configuration of the clipping device 100 will be described later.

[0022] The heating furnace 40 is a furnace for heating the film F, and is provided with a heater (not shown) inside. The temperature inside the heating furnace 40 is adjusted to a desired temperature depending on the material of the film F. In this embodiment, the temperature inside the heating furnace 40 is maintained at 200°C.

[0023] The rails 50 are used to run the multiple gripping clips 10 as the film F is transported. A pair of rails 50 is provided, including a rail 50a located on the Y1 side of the film F and a rail 50b located on the Y2 side of the film F. Each of the rails 50a and 50b has an annular structure.

[0024] Next, the configuration of a clipping device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0025] (Clip Device) As shown in FIG. 1, the clip device 100 includes a plurality of gripping clips 10 running along a pair of rails 50a and 50b, a plurality of closers 20, and a plurality of openers 30.

[0026] The gripping clips 10 grip the Y-direction ends of the film F being transported, stretching the film F in the width direction (Y direction). The gripping clips 10 are provided symmetrically along each of a pair of annular rails 50a and 50b, with the center line Fs of the film F in the Y direction as an axis, and are configured to grip both Y-direction ends of the film F. The gripping clips 10 are attached at regular intervals to chains (not shown) guided by each of the rails 50a and 50b, and run on the outer periphery of the annular rails 50a and 50b together with the chains (not shown). As a result, the gripping clips 10 run along the rails 50 while gripping both ends of the film F, stretching the film F in the Y direction.

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the clip device 100 includes a lever portion 11 that is attracted to the closer 20 and a gripping portion 12 that grips the film F. In this embodiment, the head 11a of the lever portion 11 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is formed of a magnetic metal material, such as SUS430. The gripping clip 10 also includes a fixed base 13 and is attached so as to rotate about an axis of the base 13 that is aligned with the X direction. The gripping clip 10 is then rotated by the closer 20 so as to sandwich and grip the film F being transported between the gripping portion 12 and the base 13. Note that FIGS. 2 to 4 and the following description describe the closer 20 on the rail 50a side shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the X1 side, but the closer 20 on the rail 50b side also has a similar configuration.

[0028] The closer 20 rotates each of the multiple gripping clips 10 so that each of the multiple gripping clips 10 clamps the film F. The closer 20 includes a first magnet 21, a second magnet 22, a yoke 23, and a case 24. The closer 20 rotates around an axis along the X direction along a support portion 25 formed on an arch and is fixed at any position by a fastening member 26. The closer 20 is provided close to the head 11a of the gripping clip 10, for example, 5 mm away from the head 11a of the gripping clip 10. The first magnet 21 and second magnet 22 included in the closer 20 generate magnetic force to attract the head 11a of the gripping clip 10 and rotate the gripping clip 10.

[0029] The closers 20 are fixed to positions along a pair of annular rails 50a, and a plurality of closers 20 are provided along the X direction in FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, three closers 20 are provided at predetermined portions of the rails 50a. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the three closers 20 are positioned at offset positions from one another so that they move away from the top of the track along which the closers 20 rotate as the film F moves in the X1 direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of its transport. The closers 20 are fixed to the support portion 25. Specifically, one of the three closers 20 provided along the X1 direction is positioned in a state rotated about 5° clockwise from the top of the track as the film F moves in the X1 direction (see FIG. 2 ), another is positioned in a state rotated about 15° clockwise from the top of the track (see FIG. 3 ), and yet another is positioned in a state rotated about 30° clockwise from the top of the track (see FIG. 4 ). As a result, each of the plurality of gripping clips 10 is rotated in stages while traveling in the X1 direction to grip the film F.

[0030] The first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 included in the closer 20 are made of rare earth magnets, and in this embodiment, neodymium magnets are used. Here, in this embodiment, the first magnet 21 is arranged so that its magnetization direction is aligned with the direction toward the gripping clip 10. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the north pole side surface 21a of the first magnet 21 is arranged so that it faces the gripping clip 10. Furthermore, the second magnet 22 is arranged so that its north pole side surface 22c faces the first magnet 21 and so that its magnetization direction is perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet 21. Note that in this embodiment, the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 are fixed to each other with an epoxy adhesive.

[0031] The first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 are arranged so that the surface 21a of the first magnet 21 facing the gripping clip 10 and the surface 22a of the second magnet 22 facing the gripping clip 10 are flush with each other. Furthermore, the first magnet 21 is arranged further from the center (center line Fs) of the film F in the Y direction than the second magnet 22. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the center (center line Fs) of the film F in the Y direction is in the Y2 direction, and therefore the first magnet 21 is arranged closer to the Y1 direction than the second magnet 22.

[0032] Here, using the comparative example of FIG. 5 , the relationship between the magnetic field lines M1a and M2a when the first magnet 121 and the second magnet 122 are arranged in a different direction from that of the present invention will be described. Each of the first magnet 121 and the second magnet 122 generates a magnetic field line M1a or a magnetic field line M2a that radiates from the north pole to the south pole. In this comparative example, the north pole of the first magnet 121 and the south pole of the second magnet 122 are arranged adjacent to each other, so that the magnetic field line M1a emanating from the first magnet 121 radiates toward the south pole of the adjacent second magnet 122. Furthermore, the magnetic field line M2a emanating from the north pole of the second magnet 122 also radiates toward the south pole of the first magnet 121. Thus, in the configuration of the comparative example shown in FIG. 5 , only the magnetic field line M1a of the first magnet 121 acts in the Z2 direction, so the magnetic force acting on the gripping clip 10 arranged in the Z2 direction may be small.

[0033] Next, the relationship between the magnetic field lines M1 and M2 of the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 of the closer 20 arranged as shown in this embodiment of Figure 6 will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, unlike the comparative example, the second magnet 22 is arranged so that the north pole side of the magnetization direction of the second magnet 22 faces the first magnet 21 and the magnetization direction of the second magnet 22 is perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet 21. When arranged in this manner, both the magnetic field lines M1 and the magnetic field lines M2 generate magnetic forces in the Z2 direction, and the magnetic forces reinforce each other, especially on the first magnet 21 side. As a result, the configuration of the present invention is configured so that the magnetic force acting in the Z2 direction is stronger than when the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 are arranged as shown in the comparative example of Figure 5.

[0034] The yoke 23 included in the closer 20 is made of a magnetic metal material; in this embodiment, SUS430 is used. The yoke 23 is disposed on the opposite side of the film F from the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22. The first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 are attached to the yoke 23 so that the surface 21b of the first magnet 21 facing the yoke 23 and the surface 22b of the second magnet 22 facing the yoke 23 are flush with each other. The yoke 23 is configured to guide a portion of the magnetic field lines M1 and M2 emanating from the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 into the yoke 23. In this embodiment, the yoke 23 has a fixing hole (not shown) on the side adjacent to the support portion 25 (described later) for fixing the fastening member 26 (shown in FIGS. 2 to 4). The yoke 23 is configured to fix the position of the closer 20 by fastening it to the support portion 25 at any position.

[0035] The case 24 included in the closer 20 is made of a non-magnetic metal material, and in this embodiment, SUS304 is used. The case 24 is also formed thin enough so as not to affect the magnetic field lines M1 and M2 generated by the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, respectively. Even if magnetic dust or the like adheres to the periphery of the case 24, because the case 24 is made of a non-magnetic metal material, the adhered dust can be easily removed from the case 24 by removing the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22.

[0036] The support portion 25 is made of a non-magnetic metal material and extends in an arch shape from a direction away from the center of the film F in the Y direction (Y1 direction) to a direction approaching the center of the film F in the Y direction (Y2 direction). The support portion 25 also has a slit (not shown) extending along the arch-like extension direction, and is configured to allow the fastening member 26 to be inserted therethrough. In this embodiment, the fastening member 26 is a bolt.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the opener 30 will be described using Figures 7 to 9. Similar to the closer 20, the opener 30 includes a first magnet 31, a second magnet 32, a yoke 33, and a case 34. The opener 30 rotates around an axis along the X direction along an arch-shaped support portion 35 and is fixed at any position by a fastening member 36. The opener 30 is disposed close to the head 11a of the gripping clip 10, for example, 5 mm away from the head 11a of the gripping clip 10. Note that Figures 7 to 9 and the following description use the view of the opener 30 on the rail 50a side shown in Figure 1 as seen from the X1 side, but the opener 30 on the rail 50b side has a similar configuration.

[0038] The openers 30 are fixed at positions along a pair of annular rails 50a, and a plurality of openers 30 are provided along the X direction in FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, three openers 30 are provided at predetermined portions of the rails 50a. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 , the three openers 30 are positioned at offset positions so that the openers 30 approach the top of the rotational path as the film F moves in the X1 direction, and are fixed to the support portion 35. Specifically, one of the three openers 30 provided along the X1 direction is positioned in a state rotated approximately 25° clockwise from the top as the film F moves in the X1 direction (see FIG. 7 ), another is positioned in a state rotated approximately 15° clockwise from the top (see FIG. 8 ), and yet another is positioned at the top (see FIG. 9 ). These positions are offset from one another. This allows each of the multiple gripping clips 10 to rotate counterclockwise in stages while running in the X1 direction, thereby releasing the grip of the film F gripped by the gripping clips 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the first magnet 31 and second magnet 32, yoke 33, and case 34 included in the opener 30 are the same as the first magnet 21 and second magnet 22, yoke 23, and case 24 included in the closer 20, respectively, and therefore will not be described here. Unlike the closer 20, the first magnet 31 included in the opener 30 is positioned closer to the center (center line Fs) of the film F in the Y direction relative to the second magnet 32. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 , the center position (center line Fs) of the film F in the Y direction is in the Y2 direction, and therefore the first magnet 31 is positioned closer to the Y2 direction than the second magnet 32. Furthermore, the support portion 35 and fastening member 36 provided near the opener 30 have the same configuration as the support portion 25 and fastening member 26 provided near the closer 20, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0040] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0041] The clip device 100 of this embodiment includes a gripping clip 10 that grips an end of the film F in a width direction (Y direction) perpendicular to a conveying direction (X direction) in which the film F is conveyed, a closer 20 that uses magnetic force to move the gripping clip 10 in a non-contact manner so that the gripping clip 10 grips the film F, and an opener 30 that uses magnetic force to move the gripping clip 10 in a non-contact manner so that the gripping clip 10 releases the gripped state of the film F, and at least one of the closer 20 and the opener 30 is a first magnet 21 and a second magnet 22, or a first magnet 23. The magnet includes a stone 31 and a second magnet 32, and the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32, are arranged above the film F, aligned along a plane perpendicular to the plane along which the film F extends and extending in the width direction, the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 is arranged so that its magnetization direction is along the direction toward the gripping clip 10, and the second magnet 22 or the second magnet 32 ​​is arranged so that its magnetization direction is perpendicular to that of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 so as to concentrate the magnetic field lines M1 and M2 on the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 side. As a result, the second magnet 22 or the second magnet 32 ​​is arranged so as to concentrate the magnetic field lines M1 and M2 on the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 side, and therefore the magnetic force on the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 side is strengthened, and a strong magnetic force acts on the gripping clip 10. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the operation of the grasping clip 10 compared to when the magnetic force acting on the grasping clip 10 is weak. As a result, it is possible to provide a clip device 100 that can perform stable grasping and grasping release operations in a small installation space even during high-speed transport.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32, are arranged so that the polarity of the surface of the second magnet 22 or the second magnet 32 ​​facing the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 is the same as the polarity of the surface of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 facing the grasping clip 10. This causes the magnetic force generated from the surface of the second magnet 22 or the second magnet 32 ​​facing the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 and the magnetic force generated from the surface of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 facing the grasping clip 10 to reinforce each other on the side of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31. As a result, it is possible to provide a clip device 100 that can perform more stable grasping operations and grasping state release operations.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the closer 20 includes a first magnet 21 and a second magnet 22, and the first magnet 21 included in the closer 20 is positioned farther from the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the film F than the second magnet 22 included in the closer 20. This allows a strong magnetic force to be generated in the gripping clip 10 at a position farther from the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the film F. As a result, the gripping clip 10 can be moved to a position farther from the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the film F to grip the film F.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a configuration in which closer 20 includes first magnet 21 and second magnet 22, opener 30 preferably includes first magnet 31 and second magnet 32, with first magnet 31 included in opener 30 being positioned closer to the center of the width direction of film F than second magnet 32 ​​included in opener 30. This allows a strong magnetic force to be generated in gripping clip 10 at a position closer to the center of the width direction (Y direction) of film F. As a result, gripping clip 10 can be moved to a position closer to the center of the width direction (Y direction) of film F to release the gripped state of film F.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32, are arranged so that the face of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 that faces the gripping clip 10 and the face of the second magnet 22 or the second magnet 32 ​​that faces the gripping clip 10 are flush with each other. This causes the magnetic field lines M1 generated from the second magnet 22 or the second magnet 32 ​​to align with the magnetic field lines M2 generated from the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31. As a result, the magnetic force acting on the gripping clip 10 can be further strengthened.

[0046] In addition, in this embodiment, the closer 20 and the opener 30 are positioned on the opposite side of the gripping clip 10 from the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32, and further include a yoke 23 or a yoke 33 through which the magnetic field lines M1 of the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or the magnetic field lines M2 of the second magnet 32, pass, and the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32, are attached to the yoke 23 or the yoke 33, positioned so that the surface of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 facing the yoke 23 or the yoke 33 and the surface of the second magnet 22 or the second magnet 32 ​​facing the yoke 23 or the yoke 33 are on the same plane. This makes the surface of the first magnet 21 or 31 facing the yoke 23 or 33 and the surface of the second magnet 22 or 32 facing the yoke 23 or 33 on the same plane, so that the first magnet 21 or 31 and the second magnet 22 or 32 can be easily attached to the yoke 23 or 33.

[0047] [Modifications] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above-mentioned embodiments, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0048] For example, in the present embodiment, the object to be gripped by the gripping clip 10 is the film F made of PET resin, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the object to be gripped by the gripping clip 10 may be a film other than PET resin, or a resin sheet other than a film, a carbon fiber sheet, or the like.

[0049] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which three closers 20 and three openers 30 are provided along the X direction on each of the pair of annular rails 50a and 50b, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, one or two closers 20 and three or more openers 30 may be provided along the X direction on each of the pair of annular rails 50a and 50b. Furthermore, the number of closers 20 and the number of openers 30 installed may differ.

[0050] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which at least the head 11a of the lever portion 11 of the grasping clip 10 is made of a magnetic metal material (SUS430), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the head 11a of the lever portion 11 of the grasping clip 10 may be made of any magnetic metal material, and is not limited to SUS430. Furthermore, the entire grasping clip 10 may be made of a magnetic metal material.

[0051] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the gripping clip 10 clamps and grips the film F in a state in which the closer 20 has rotated approximately 30° from the top of the rotational path, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the position of the closer 20 when the gripping clip 10 grips the film F may be set appropriately in accordance with the shape of the gripping clip 10.

[0052] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the north pole of first magnet 21 or the north pole of first magnet 31 is arranged to face the gripping clip 10 in close proximity, and the north pole of second magnet 22 or the north pole of second magnet 32 ​​is arranged to face the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 and perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the south pole of first magnet 21 or the south pole of first magnet 31 may be arranged to face the gripping clip 10, and the south pole of second magnet 22 or the south pole of second magnet 32 ​​may be arranged to face the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31 in close proximity and perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet 21 or the first magnet 31.

[0053] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first magnet 21, the second magnet 22, the first magnet 31, and the second magnet 32 ​​are rare earth magnets and neodymium magnets, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the first magnet 21, the second magnet 22, the first magnet 31, and the second magnet 32 ​​may be rare earth magnets other than neodymium magnets, or may be magnets other than rare earth magnets, such as electromagnets.

[0054] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which one each of the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32 ​​is provided in each of the closer 20 and the opener 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a plurality of second magnets 22 or second magnets 32 may be provided, as in the modified example shown in Fig. 10 in which the case 24 or the case 34 is omitted. Also, a plurality of first magnets 21 or first magnets 31 may be provided.

[0055] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, closer 20 and opener 30 each rotate about an axis along the X direction in which film F is transported, so as to follow arch-shaped support portion 25 or support portion 35, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, closer 20 and opener 30 may be fixed to non-arch-shaped support portion 25 or support portion 35, or closer 20 and opener 30 may be moved and fixed in position without rotating.

[0056] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which each of the closer 20 and the opener 30 includes both the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or both the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, only one of the closer 20 and the opener 30 may be configured to include the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, or the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the first magnet 21 of the closer 20 is positioned farther from the center (center line Fs) in the Y direction of the film F than the second magnet 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the first magnet 21 of the closer 20 may be positioned closer to the center (center line Fs) in the Y direction of the film F than the second magnet 22. In that case, it is preferable to fix the closer 20 at a position further away from the top of the orbit along which the closer 20 rotates compared to the above-described embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the first magnet 31 of the opener 30 is positioned closer to the center (center line Fs) of the film F in the Y direction than the second magnet 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the first magnet 31 of the opener 30 may be positioned farther from the center (center line Fs) of the film F in the Y direction than the second magnet 32. In this case, it is preferable to fix the opener 30 at a position closer to the top of the orbit along which the opener 30 rotates than in the present embodiment.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 are arranged such that the surface 21a of the first magnet 21 facing the gripping clip 10 and the surface 22a of the second magnet 22 facing the gripping clip 10 are flush with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the surface 21a of the first magnet 21 facing the gripping clip 10 and the surface 22a of the second magnet 22 facing the gripping clip 10 may be configured so as not to be flush with each other.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the closer 20 and the opener 30 include the yoke 23 or the yoke 33, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the closer 20 and the opener 30 may be configured not to include the yoke 23 or the yoke 33.

[0061] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which yoke 23 or yoke 33 is provided only on the surface of first magnet 21 and second magnet 22, or first magnet 31 and second magnet 32, opposite gripping clip 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, yoke 23 or yoke 33 may be provided so as to cover all surfaces of first magnet 21 and second magnet 22, or first magnet 31 and second magnet 32, except for the surface adjacent to gripping clip 10.

[0062] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 are attached to the yoke 23 by being arranged such that the surface 21b of the first magnet 21 facing the yoke 23 and the surface 22b of the second magnet 22 facing the yoke 23 are flush with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 may be configured to be attached to the yoke 23 without being arranged such that the surface 21b of the first magnet 21 facing the yoke 23 and the surface 22b of the second magnet 22 facing the yoke 23 are not flush with each other.

[0063] In addition, in the present embodiment, the closer 20 and the opener 30 are provided 5 mm away from the head 11 a of the grasping clip 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the distance between the closer 20 and the opener 30 and the head 11 a of the grasping clip 10 may be any distance as long as the magnetic force necessary to rotate the grasping clip 10 is exerted.

[0064] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Gripping clip 11 Lever portion 12 Gripping portion 20 Closer (clip gripping operation driving portion) 21, 31 First magnet 22, 32 Second magnet 23, 33 Yoke 30 Opener (clip releasing operation driving portion) 100 Clipping device 200 Width stretching device F Film (sheet-like object) M1, M2 Magnetic field lines

Claims

1. A clip device comprising: a gripping clip that grips an end of a sheet-like material in a width direction perpendicular to a conveying direction in which the sheet-like material is conveyed; a clip gripping operation drive unit that uses magnetic force to move the gripping clip in a non-contact manner so that the gripping clip grips the sheet-like material; and a clip release operation drive unit that uses magnetic force to move the gripping clip in a non-contact manner so that the gripping clip releases the gripped state of the sheet-like material, wherein at least one of the clip gripping operation drive unit and the clip release operation drive unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged above the sheet-like material, perpendicular to the surface along which the sheet-like material extends and along a surface extending in the width direction, the first magnet is arranged such that its magnetization direction is aligned along the direction toward the gripping clip, and the second magnet is arranged such that its magnetization direction is perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet so as to concentrate magnetic field lines on the first magnet side.

2. A clip device as described in claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged so that the polarity of the surface of the second magnet facing the first magnet is the same as the polarity of the surface of the first magnet facing the gripping clip.

3. The clip device as described in claim 2, wherein the clip gripping operation drive unit includes the first magnet and the second magnet, and the first magnet included in the clip gripping operation drive unit is positioned farther from the center of the width direction of the sheet-like material than the second magnet included in the clip gripping operation drive unit.

4. A clip device as described in claim 3, wherein the clip release operation drive unit includes the first magnet and the second magnet, and the first magnet included in the clip release operation drive unit is positioned closer to the center of the width direction of the sheet-like material than the second magnet included in the clip release operation drive unit.

5. A clip device as described in claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged so that the surface of the first magnet facing the gripping clip and the surface of the second magnet facing the gripping clip are flush with each other.

6. A clip device as described in claim 5, wherein the clip gripping operation drive unit and the clip release operation drive unit are arranged on the opposite side of the gripping clip from the first magnet and the second magnet, and further include a yoke through which the magnetic field lines of the first magnet and the second magnet pass, and the first magnet and the second magnet are attached to the yoke with the face of the first magnet facing the yoke and the face of the second magnet facing the yoke arranged to be coplanar.

7. A sheet-like object conveying apparatus comprising: a gripping clip for gripping an end of the sheet-like object in a width direction perpendicular to a conveying direction in which the sheet-like object is conveyed; a clip gripping operation drive unit for moving the gripping clip in a non-contact manner using magnetic force so that the gripping clip grips the sheet-like object; and a clip release operation drive unit for moving the gripping clip in a non-contact manner using magnetic force so that the gripping clip releases the gripped state of the sheet-like object, wherein at least one of the clip gripping operation drive unit and the clip release operation drive unit includes a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged above the sheet-like object, perpendicular to the surface along which the sheet-like object extends and along a surface extending in the width direction, the first magnet is arranged such that its magnetization direction is aligned along a direction toward the gripping clip, and the second magnet is arranged such that its magnetization direction is perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet so as to concentrate magnetic lines of force on the first magnet side, The gripping clip is configured to grip the sheet-like material and move in the width direction away from the center of the sheet-like material in the width direction, thereby extending the width of the sheet-like material.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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