US20130043294A1 - Film substrate conveying device - Google Patents
Film substrate conveying device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130043294A1 US20130043294A1 US13/512,213 US201013512213A US2013043294A1 US 20130043294 A1 US20130043294 A1 US 20130043294A1 US 201013512213 A US201013512213 A US 201013512213A US 2013043294 A1 US2013043294 A1 US 2013043294A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- substrate
- grip rollers
- film substrate
- conveying
- grip
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H23/00—Registering, tensioning, smoothing or guiding webs
- B65H23/02—Registering, tensioning, smoothing or guiding webs transversely
- B65H23/032—Controlling transverse register of web
- B65H23/0324—Controlling transverse register of web by acting on lateral regions of the web
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H23/00—Registering, tensioning, smoothing or guiding webs
- B65H23/02—Registering, tensioning, smoothing or guiding webs transversely
- B65H23/032—Controlling transverse register of web
- B65H23/038—Controlling transverse register of web by rollers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H9/00—Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
- B65H9/16—Inclined tape, roller, or like article-forwarding side registers
- B65H9/166—Roller
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/30—Orientation, displacement, position of the handled material
- B65H2301/32—Orientation of handled material
- B65H2301/323—Hanging
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/90—Machine drive
- B65H2403/94—Other features of machine drive
- B65H2403/942—Bidirectional powered handling device
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
- B65H2404/10—Rollers
- B65H2404/14—Roller pairs
- B65H2404/142—Roller pairs arranged on movable frame
- B65H2404/1421—Roller pairs arranged on movable frame rotating, pivoting or oscillating around an axis, e.g. parallel to the roller axis
- B65H2404/14212—Roller pairs arranged on movable frame rotating, pivoting or oscillating around an axis, e.g. parallel to the roller axis rotating, pivoting or oscillating around an axis perpendicular to the roller axis
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a film substrate conveying device for conveying a film substrate (referred to as “substrate” hereinafter) while placing the substrate upright, with one end part thereof being on an upper side with respect to a width direction thereof.
- substrate referred to as “substrate” hereinafter
- a device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body (referred to as “manufacturing device” hereinafter) is used for forming, on a surface of a substrate, a photoelectric conversion layer composed of a thin-film photoelectric conversion element.
- This manufacturing device is configured to hermetically form the substrate within a film-forming chamber thereof. Furthermore, in order to convey the substrate into the film-forming chamber, the substrate wound by an unwinding core is dispatched toward the film-forming chamber, passes through the film-forming chamber, and then wound by a winding core.
- a substrate conveying method of a film substrate conveying device (referred to as “conveying device” hereinafter) provided mainly in the above-described manufacturing device, an upright conveying method is adopted where a substrate is conveyed while being upright, with one end part thereof being on upper side with respect to a width direction thereof.
- a conveying device using this upright conveying method is excellent in terms of preventing contamination of the substrate because particles cannot accumulate on the surface of the substrate, and in terms of reducing the space of the manufacturing device by placing the substrate upright. Meanwhile, the substrate is pulled and held mainly between the unwinding core and winding core. Therefore, the substrate tends to be weighed down and might meander in the width direction.
- the position of the substrate is displaced in the width direction, causing warpage of the substrate in the width direction. Stress is concentrated unevenly in the substrate due to this warpage, causing wrinkles on the substrate. Due to the wrinkles, the characteristics of the thin-film photoelectric conversion element and the like formed on the substrate deteriorate.
- Patent Document 1 the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is adopted in which grip rollers for adjusting the position of a substrate in a width direction are provided in a conveying device for conveying the substrate in a forward feed direction.
- the plurality of pairs of grip rollers is provided in a manner as to sandwich an upper end part and a lower end part of the substrate.
- the pair of grip rollers holding the upper end part is tilted upward with respect to the forward feed direction of the substrate, whereas the pair of grip rollers holding the lower end part is tilted downward with respect to the forward feed direction of the substrate.
- Patent Document 1 is designed to enhance the gripping force of the pairs of grip rollers by increasing the force of the grip rollers sandwiching the substrate therebetween (referred to as “substrate sandwiching force” hereinafter), in order to deal with the deterioration of the elastic body.
- Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-38276
- Patent Document 1 when increasing the substrate sandwiching force of the grip rollers that is obtained by the elastic body on the outer circumferential surface, the elastic body on the outer circumferential surface might be squashed, changing the shape of the cross-section of the outer circumferential surface into an ellipse, as well as the diameter of the grip rollers. In such a case, a desired gripping force and adequate lifting force for lifting up the substrate cannot be obtained, which makes it difficult to move the substrate to a desired position. This leads to a decrease of the accuracy of adjusting the position of the substrate.
- the present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object thereof is to provide a film substrate conveying device capable of adjusting, with a high degree of accuracy, the position of each of substrates conveyed in both a forward feed direction and a backward feed direction.
- a film substrate conveying device of the present invention is a film substrate conveying device for conveying a belt-like film substrate while placing the film substrate upright, with one end part thereof being on an upper side in a width direction thereof.
- This film substrate conveying device having at least a pair of first grip rollers that is disposed so as to sandwich an upper end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a first angle adjusting mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the first grip rollers so as to be able to incline a rotation axis angle of the first grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the first grip rollers is on an upper side with respect to a conveying direction.
- the film substrate conveying device further has at least a pair of second grip rollers that is disposed so as to sandwich a lower end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a second angle adjusting mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the second grip rollers so as to be able to incline a rotation axis angle of the second grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the second grip rollers is on a lower side with respect to the conveying direction.
- the film substrate conveying device further has a detection device for detecting a level of a width direction end part of the film substrate.
- the detection device detects a displacement of the film substrate
- the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism controls the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers to incline in an inclination direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the film substrate.
- the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism performs control to change the inclination angle of the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers in order to correct the displacement of the substrate.
- the film substrate conveying device of the present invention can accomplish the following effects.
- the film substrate conveying device is a film substrate conveying device for conveying a belt-like film substrate while placing the film substrate upright, with one end part thereof being on an upper side in a width direction thereof and conveying the film substrate.
- the film substrate conveying device has at least a pair of first grip rollers that is disposed so as to sandwich an upper end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a first angle adjusting mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the first grip rollers so as to be able to incline a rotation angle of the first grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the first grip rollers is on an upper side with respect to a conveying direction.
- the film substrate conveying device further has at least a pair of second grip rollers that is disposed so as to sandwich a lower end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a second angle adjusting mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the second grip rollers, so as to be able to incline a rotation angle of the second grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the second grip rollers is on a lower side with respect to the conveying direction.
- the film substrate conveying device further has a detection device for detecting a level of a width direction end part of the film substrate, wherein when the detection device detects a displacement of the film substrate, the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism controls the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers to incline in the inclination direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the film substrate.
- the position of the film substrate conveyed in the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction can be adjusted with a high degree of accuracy.
- the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism performs control to change the inclination angle of the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers in order to correct the displacement of the substrate. For instance, when the gripping force of the first grip rollers weakens due to the wear of the first grip rollers, and adequate lifting force for lifting the film substrate cannot be obtained, the position of the film substrate can be corrected by increasing the inclination of the first grip rollers and the distance in which the substrate moves in the width direction. As a result, imposing an excess load onto the film substrate can be inhibited without increasing the force of the first grip rollers sandwiching the film substrate.
- the position of the film substrate can be corrected by reducing the inclination or the first grip rollers and the distance in which the film substrate moves in the width direction. As a result, the accuracy of adjusting the position of the film substrate can be prevented from dropping.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing a device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2( a ) is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing an enlarged view of a film-forming chamber of FIG. 1
- FIG. 2( b ) is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line C-C shown in FIG. 2( a );
- FIG. 3( a ) is a schematic front view showing an angle adjusting mechanism used when a rotation axis of a grip roller is placed along a width direction of a film substrate, according to the first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3( b ) is a schematic side view of the angle adjusting mechanism shown in FIG. 3( a )
- FIG. 3( c ) is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line D-D shown in FIG. 3( a );
- FIG. 4( a ) is a schematic front view showing the angle adjusting mechanism that inclines the grip roller to adjust the position of the substrate conveyed in a forward feed direction, according to the first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4( b ) is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line D′-D′ shown in FIG. 4( a );
- FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged front view showing the grip roller of FIG. 4( a );
- FIG. 6( a ) is a schematic front view showing an angle adjusting mechanism that inclines the grip roller to adjust the position of the substrate conveyed in a backward feed direction, according to the first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6( b ) is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line D′′-D′′ shown in FIG. 6( a );
- FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged front view showing the grip roller of FIG. 6( a );
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional diagram taken along the line C-C shown in FIG. 2( a ), according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a graph showing a relationship between an inclination angle of the grip roller and a lifting force of the grip roller for lifting up the film substrate.
- a film substrate conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described hereinafter.
- a device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body referred to as “manufacturing device” hereinafter
- a device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body referred to as “manufacturing device” hereinafter
- a belt-like film substrate referred to as “substrate” hereinafter
- a thin film is then formed on a surface of the substrate 2 .
- the first embodiment illustrates a situation in which the width direction of the substrate 2 follows a perpendicular direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the manufacturing device 1 is provided with an unwinding chamber 3 for unwinding the substrate 2 and a winding chamber 4 for winding the substrate 2 .
- Six film-forming chambers 5 a to 5 f, for example, are provided between the unwinding chamber 3 and the winding chamber 4 .
- the substrate 2 can be conveyed in a forward feed direction from the unwinding chamber 3 to the winding chamber 4 (shown by an arrow A in the diagram), and a backward feed direction from the winding chamber 4 to the unwinding chamber 3 (shown by an arrow B in the diagram).
- a conveying section between the unwinding chamber 3 and the film-forming chamber 5 a, conveying sections between the five adjacent film-forming chambers, and a conveying section between the winding chamber 4 and the film-forming chamber 5 f, are each provided with, for example, a pair of first grip rollers 6 .
- An unwinding core 3 a capable of unwinding the wound substrate 2 is provided on the inside of the unwinding chamber 3 , in a manner as to be rotatable around its own rotation axis that is along the width direction of the substrate 2 .
- Five rollers 3 b to 3 f, for example, driven to convey the substrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof are provided on the inside of the unwinding chamber 3 and on a forward feed direction downstream side from the unwinding core 3 a, in a manner as to be rotatable around their own rotation axes that are along the width direction of the substrate 2 .
- the unwinding core 3 a and the rollers 3 b to 3 f are configured to rotate in a manner as to be able to convey the substrate 2 in the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction.
- the number of rollers provided to be driven for conveying the substrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof as shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example and may not only be the number described above, but also any number that can be changed in accordance with specifications of the manufacturing device 1 . It is not necessary to provide the rollers driven to convey the substrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof.
- a winding core 4 a capable of winding the substrate 2 is provided on the inside of the winding chamber 4 , in a manner as to be rotatable around its own rotation axis that is along the width direction of the substrate 2 .
- Seven rollers 4 b to 4 h for conveying the substrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof are provided, as an example, on the inside of the winding chamber 4 and on a forward feed direction upstream side from the winding core 4 a, in a manner as to be rotatable around their own rotation axes that are along the width direction of the substrate 2 .
- the winding core 4 a and the rollers 4 b to 4 h are configured to rotate in a manner as to be able to convey the substrate 2 in the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction.
- rollers provided for conveying the substrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof as shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example and may not only be the number described above, but also any number that can be changed in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturing device 1 . It is not necessary to provide rollers for conveying the substrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof.
- FIGS. 2( a ) and 2 ( b ) A structure of each of the film-forming chambers 5 a to 5 f is described with reference to FIGS. 2( a ) and 2 ( b ).
- the substrate 2 is fed in the forward feed direction (the arrow A), and the first grip rollers 6 are accommodated to the substrate fed in the forward reed direction.
- High-voltage electrodes 7 a to 7 f and ground electrodes 8 a to 8 f are placed, face-to-face, in the film-forming chambers 5 a to 5 f, respectively.
- the substrate 2 passes through between each of the high-voltage electrodes 7 a to 7 f and each of the ground electrodes 8 a to 8 f.
- the high-voltage electrodes 7 a to 7 f and the ground electrodes 8 a to 8 f are shorter, in the width direction of the substrate 2 , than the with of the substrate 2 .
- the thin-film laminated body is not formed neither an upper end part nor a lower end part of the substrate 2 in the width direction.
- Film formation gas is supplied into the film-forming chambers 5 a to 5 f.
- the film-forming chambers 5 a to 5 f can be kept hermetic. In these film-forming chambers 5 a to 5 f, the thin film is formed on the substrate 2 when the substrate 2 is positioned between each of the high-voltage electrodes 7 a to 7 f and each of the ground electrodes 8 a to 8 f.
- Examples of a method for forming a film on the surface of the substrate 2 include CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and the like.
- CVD Chemical Vapor Deposition
- PVD Physical Vapor Deposition
- the number film-forming chambers shown in FIG. 1 is used an example, and is not limited to the one described above and can be changed in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturing device 1 .
- a heat chamber for heating the substrate 2 may be provided.
- the manufacturing device 1 is further provided with a detection device 9 for detecting the position of the substrate 2 in the width direction.
- the detection device 9 may be configured to be able to detect, for example, the position of an edge part of the substrate in the width direction.
- the detection device 9 be a noncontact sensor or, for example, a transmission-type laser sensor or a reflective photosensor.
- the detection device 9 is connected to a control device 10 .
- Each pair of first grip rollers 6 is configured to be rotatable-around rotation axes 6 a thereof, and is placed between the adjacent film-forming chambers, in a manner as to sandwich the upper end part of the substrate 2 therebetween. In other words, the pair of first grip rollers 6 sandwiches a section of the substrate 2 that does not have the thin-film laminated body formed thereon.
- An outer circumferential surface 6 b of each of the first grip rollers 6 may be formed of an elastic body. Examples of the elastic body include silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, and other heat-resistant rubbers.
- each of the first grip rollers 6 may be formed of a synthetic resin such as PTFE and polyimide or may be formed of a material applied with stainless steel, iron, or chrome.
- the outer circumferential surface 6 b of each of the first grip rollers 6 may be formed of any materials as long as predetermined performances such as a force for protecting and gripping the substrate 2 can be obtained.
- the first grip rollers 6 are configured to be able to adjust the inclination thereof.
- a first angle adjusting mechanism 11 for adjusting the inclination of the first grip rollers 6 is described with reference to FIGS. 3( a ) to 3 ( c ). As shown in FIGS. 3( a ) to 3 ( c ), by mean of the first angle adjusting mechanism 11 , the rotation axis 6 a of each of the first grip rollers 6 is adjusted to be placed neutrally along the width direction of the substrate 2 .
- a roller shaft 6 c is disposed in the first grip roller 6 , in a manner as to extend upward from an upper end of the first grip roller 6 along the width direction of the substrate 2 .
- An upper end of the roller shaft 6 c is attached rotatably to a roller attachment part 12 .
- a link 13 is also disposed in a manner as to extend upward from the roller attachment part 12 along the width direction of the substrate 2 .
- An upper part of the link 13 is provided with an engaging roller 14 .
- a link attachment part 13 a is provided in the middle of the width direction of the substrate 2 , which is located between the roller attachment part 12 and the engaging roller 14 .
- This link attachment part 13 a is configured to be able to rotate the link 13 around a link rotation axis 13 b that extends in the width direction with respect to the surface of the substrate 2 , and is attached to a supporting part 15 . Therefore, the link 13 can rotate with respect to the supporting part 15 .
- an urging device 16 is disposed between the link 13 and the supporting part 15 and along a conveying direction of the substrate 2 .
- This urging device 16 may be configured to be able to return the link 13 to a neutral position thereof, by using a coil spring, a plate spring, a torsion spring, a rubber member or the like.
- An actuator 17 is disposed above the link 13 .
- the actuator 17 has an arm 18 that is placed along the width direction with respect to the surface of the substrate 2 .
- a tip end part 18 a of the arm 18 is engaged with the engaging roller 14 attached to the link 13 .
- a rotating shaft 19 extending along the width direction of the substrate 2 is attached to a base end part 18 b of the arm 18 .
- a lower end of the rotating shaft 19 is attached to the base end part 18 b of the arm 18
- an upper end of the rotating shaft 19 is attached to a drive source 20 . Therefore, the arm 18 can be rotated by the rotary drive of the drive source 20 .
- this drive source 20 is supported by the supporting part 15 , and the drive source 20 of the actuator 17 is connected to the control device 10 .
- the substrate 2 wound by the unwinding core 3 a is unwound while being driven and guided by the rollers 3 b to 3 f.
- This substrate 2 leaves the unwinding chamber 3 , and is then conveyed sequentially through the film-forming chambers 5 a to 5 f along the forward feed direction.
- various thin films are formed on the surface of the substrate 2 in the film-forming chambers 5 a to 5 f.
- the substrate 2 obtained after the film formation is conveyed into the winding chamber 4 and wound by the winding core 4 a while being driven and guided by the rollers 4 b to 4 h.
- the substrate 2 is conveyed along the backward feed direction, if needed.
- Adjusting the position of the substrate 2 conveyed in the forward feed direction is described with reference to FIGS. 4( a ), 4 ( b ) and 5 .
- the detection device 9 detects a downward displacement of the substrate 2 conveyed in the forward feed direction
- the detection device 9 sends a signal to the control device 10 (see FIG. 2( h )).
- the control device 10 sends the signal to the drive source 20 of the actuator 17 , and the drive source 20 is subjected to rotation control such that the tip end part 18 a of the arm 18 is moved in toward the backward feed direction.
- the engaging roller 14 that is engaged with the tip end part 18 a of the arm 18 also moves toward the backward feed direction, and the link 13 rotates around the link rotation axis 13 b.
- the first grip rollers 6 are inclined by an inclination angle ⁇ 1 with respect to the width direction of the substrate 2 such that the lower sides of the first grip rollers 6 are directed toward the forward feed direction along the surface of the substrate 2 .
- the first grip rollers 6 are inclined upward with respect to the forward feed direction of the substrate 2 . Note that in the state in which the first grip rollers 6 are inclined by the inclination angle ⁇ 1 , the link 13 is urged by the urging device 16 such that the first grip rollers 6 are returned to a neutral position thereof.
- Adjusting the position of the substrate 2 conveyed in the backward feed direction is described, with reference to FIGS. 6( a ), 6 ( b ) and 7 .
- the detection device 9 detects a downward displacement of the substrate 2 conveyed in the backward feed direction
- the detection device 9 sends a signal to the control device 10 (see FIG. 2( b )).
- the control device 10 sends the signal to the drive source 20 of the actuator 17 , and the drive source 20 is subjected to rotation control such that the tip end part 18 a of the arm 18 is moved in toward the forward feed direction.
- the engaging roller 14 that is engaged with the tip end part 18 a of the arm 18 also moves toward the forward feed direction, and the link 13 rotates around the link rotation axis 13 b.
- the first grip rollers 6 are inclined by an inclination angle ⁇ 2 with respect to the width direction of the substrate 2 such that the lower sides of the first grip rollers 6 are directed toward the backward feed direction along the surface of the substrate 2 .
- the first grip rollers 6 are inclined upward with respect to the backward feed direction of the substrate 2 . Note that in the state in which the first grip rollers 6 are inclined by the inclination angle ⁇ 2 , the link 13 is urged by the urging device 16 such that the first grip rollers 6 are returned to the neutral position thereof.
- the control device 10 controls the drive source 20 of the actuator 17 , in a manner as to increase the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 of the first grip rollers 6 . As a result, the position of the substrate 2 is corrected.
- the control device 10 controls the drive source 20 of the actuator 17 , in a manner as to reduce the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 of the first grip rollers 6 . As a result, the position of the substrate 2 is corrected.
- a device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described hereinafter.
- the basic configuration of the device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body according to the first embodiment.
- the same reference numerals and names as those of the first embodiment are used to describe the same components of the first embodiment.
- the configurations that are different than those of the first embodiment are now described.
- a pair of second grip rollers 6 ′ is further provided in a manner as to sandwich the lower end part of the substrate 2 therebetween.
- each of the second grip rollers 6 ′ has a rotation axis 6 a ′ and an outer circumferential surface 6 b ′.
- a second angle adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the second grip rollers 6 ′ is provided to incline the second grip rollers 6 ′ downward with respect to the conveying direction and toward both the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction with respect to the conveying direction, with the outer circumferential surfaces 6 b positioned along the surface of the substrate 2 .
- This second angle adjusting mechanism corresponds to the second grip rollers 6 ′ and has the basic configuration as the first angle adjusting mechanism 11 .
- FIG. 8 shows a state in which the substrate 2 is fed in the forward feed direction (the arrow A) and upper sides of the second grip rollers 6 ′ are inclined in the forward feed direction so as to correspond to the substrate 2 fed in the forward feed direction.
- the inclination direction and the inclination angle of the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′ are adjusted by the first angle adjusting mechanism 11 and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism, in a manner that the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′ are inclined toward both the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction in the conveying direction of the substrate 2 .
- the position of the substrate 2 conveyed in the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction can be adjusted with a high degree of accuracy.
- the position of the substrate 2 can be corrected by increasing the inclination of the first grip rollers 6 and the distance in which the substrate 2 moves in the width direction. As a result, imposing an excess load onto the substrate 2 can be inhibited without increasing the force of the first grip rollers 6 sandwiching the substrate 2 .
- the position of the substrate 2 can be corrected by reducing the inclination of the first grip rollers 6 and the distance in which the substrate 2 moves in the width direction. As a result, the accuracy of adjusting the position of the substrate 2 can be prevented from dropping.
- the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′ may be configured such that the force thereof for sandwiching the substrate 2 therebetween (referred to as “substrate sandwiching force” hereinafter) can be adjusted.
- substrate sandwiching force the force thereof for sandwiching the substrate 2 therebetween
- the control device 10 may control the pair of first grip rollers 6 to correct the position of the substrate 2 , in a manner as to increase the substrate sandwiching force of the pair of first grip rollers 6 .
- the control device 10 may control the pair of first grip rollers 6 to correct the position of the substrate 2 , in a manner as to reduce the substrate sandwiching force of the pair of first grip rollers 6 . In this manner, the same effects as those of the present invention can be obtained.
- the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′ may be provided in at least one conveying section out of the conveying section between the unwinding chamber 3 and the film-forming chamber 5 a, the conveying sections between the five adjacent film-forming chambers, and the conveying section between the winding chamber 4 and the film-forming chamber 5 f.
- the number of conveying sections provided with the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′ can be changed such that the position of the substrate 2 can be adjusted appropriately.
- the number of the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′ provided in each conveying section may be two or more. In this manner, the same effects as those of the present invention can be obtained.
- a drive source for rotating the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′ may be provided so that the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′ can be rotated by this drive source.
- This drive source may be connected to the control device 10 to rotate the first and/or second grip rollers 6 , 6 ′. In this manner, the same effects as those of the present invention can be obtained.
- the substrate sandwiching force of a pair of the first grip rollers 6 was set at 4.4 N, 8.9 N or 16.3 N, and changes in a lifting force F of the pair of first grip rollers 6 (referred to as “lifting force” hereinafter) for lifting up the substrate 2 were measured when the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 of the first grip rollers 6 was changed between 0° to 8°.
- FIG. 9 shows a relationship between the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 of the first grip rollers 6 and the lifting force F of the first grip roller 6 for lifting up the substrate 2 , wherein a solid line P shows that the substrate sandwiching force is 4.4 N, a dashed line Q shows that the substrate sandwiching force is 8.9 N, and a chain line R shows that the substrate sandwiching force is 16.3 N.
- the lifting force F increases in proportion to the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 .
- the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 may be approximately 3.5°.
- the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 may be approximately 2°.
- the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 may he approximately 1°.
- the lifting force F can be increased by increasing the inclination angle ⁇ 1 or ⁇ 2 of the first grip rollers 6 .
Abstract
A film substrate conveying device is a device for conveying a belt-like film substrate while placing the film substrate upright, with one end part thereof being on an upper side in a width direction thereof. The film substrate conveying device has at least a pair of first grip rollers disposed to sandwich an upper end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a first angle adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the first grip rollers to be capable of inclining a rotation angle of the first grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the first grip rollers is on an upper side with respect to a conveying direction.
Description
- The present invention relates to a film substrate conveying device for conveying a film substrate (referred to as “substrate” hereinafter) while placing the substrate upright, with one end part thereof being on an upper side with respect to a width direction thereof.
- A device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body (referred to as “manufacturing device” hereinafter) is used for forming, on a surface of a substrate, a photoelectric conversion layer composed of a thin-film photoelectric conversion element. This manufacturing device is configured to hermetically form the substrate within a film-forming chamber thereof. Furthermore, in order to convey the substrate into the film-forming chamber, the substrate wound by an unwinding core is dispatched toward the film-forming chamber, passes through the film-forming chamber, and then wound by a winding core.
- As a substrate conveying method of a film substrate conveying device (referred to as “conveying device” hereinafter) provided mainly in the above-described manufacturing device, an upright conveying method is adopted where a substrate is conveyed while being upright, with one end part thereof being on upper side with respect to a width direction thereof. A conveying device using this upright conveying method is excellent in terms of preventing contamination of the substrate because particles cannot accumulate on the surface of the substrate, and in terms of reducing the space of the manufacturing device by placing the substrate upright. Meanwhile, the substrate is pulled and held mainly between the unwinding core and winding core. Therefore, the substrate tends to be weighed down and might meander in the width direction. In such a case, the position of the substrate is displaced in the width direction, causing warpage of the substrate in the width direction. Stress is concentrated unevenly in the substrate due to this warpage, causing wrinkles on the substrate. Due to the wrinkles, the characteristics of the thin-film photoelectric conversion element and the like formed on the substrate deteriorate.
- For this reason, the structure disclosed in
Patent Document 1 is adopted in which grip rollers for adjusting the position of a substrate in a width direction are provided in a conveying device for conveying the substrate in a forward feed direction. In this manufacturing device, the plurality of pairs of grip rollers is provided in a manner as to sandwich an upper end part and a lower end part of the substrate. The pair of grip rollers holding the upper end part is tilted upward with respect to the forward feed direction of the substrate, whereas the pair of grip rollers holding the lower end part is tilted downward with respect to the forward feed direction of the substrate. - An outer circumferential surface of each pair of grip rollers is provided with an elastic body for protecting the substrate. However, when the elastic body wears out and becomes weak, the gripping force acting between each grip roller and the substrate becomes low, and, consequently, adequate lifting force for lifting up the substrate cannot be obtained. For this reason,
Patent Document 1 is designed to enhance the gripping force of the pairs of grip rollers by increasing the force of the grip rollers sandwiching the substrate therebetween (referred to as “substrate sandwiching force” hereinafter), in order to deal with the deterioration of the elastic body. - Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-38276
- However, in
Patent Document 1, the grip rollers holding the upper end part are tilted upward only with respect to the forward feed direction of the substrate, whereas the grip rollers holding the lower end part are tilted downward only with respect to the forward feed direction of the substrate. Thus, when the substrate is conveyed in both the forward feed direction and a backward feed direction, these grip rollers can accurately adjust the position of the substrate conveyed in the forward feed direction but cannot adjust the position of the substrate conveyed in the backward feed direction. - Moreover, in
Patent Document 1, when increasing the substrate sandwiching force of the grip rollers that is obtained by the elastic body on the outer circumferential surface, the elastic body on the outer circumferential surface might be squashed, changing the shape of the cross-section of the outer circumferential surface into an ellipse, as well as the diameter of the grip rollers. In such a case, a desired gripping force and adequate lifting force for lifting up the substrate cannot be obtained, which makes it difficult to move the substrate to a desired position. This leads to a decrease of the accuracy of adjusting the position of the substrate. - The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object thereof is to provide a film substrate conveying device capable of adjusting, with a high degree of accuracy, the position of each of substrates conveyed in both a forward feed direction and a backward feed direction.
- In order to achieve the object described above, a film substrate conveying device of the present invention is a film substrate conveying device for conveying a belt-like film substrate while placing the film substrate upright, with one end part thereof being on an upper side in a width direction thereof. This film substrate conveying device having at least a pair of first grip rollers that is disposed so as to sandwich an upper end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a first angle adjusting mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the first grip rollers so as to be able to incline a rotation axis angle of the first grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the first grip rollers is on an upper side with respect to a conveying direction.
- The film substrate conveying device according to the present invention further has at least a pair of second grip rollers that is disposed so as to sandwich a lower end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a second angle adjusting mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the second grip rollers so as to be able to incline a rotation axis angle of the second grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the second grip rollers is on a lower side with respect to the conveying direction.
- The film substrate conveying device according to the present invention further has a detection device for detecting a level of a width direction end part of the film substrate. When the detection device detects a displacement of the film substrate, the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism controls the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers to incline in an inclination direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the film substrate.
- In the film substrate conveying device according to the present invention, the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism performs control to change the inclination angle of the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers in order to correct the displacement of the substrate.
- The film substrate conveying device of the present invention can accomplish the following effects.
- The film substrate conveying device according to the present invention is a film substrate conveying device for conveying a belt-like film substrate while placing the film substrate upright, with one end part thereof being on an upper side in a width direction thereof and conveying the film substrate. The film substrate conveying device has at least a pair of first grip rollers that is disposed so as to sandwich an upper end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a first angle adjusting mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the first grip rollers so as to be able to incline a rotation angle of the first grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the first grip rollers is on an upper side with respect to a conveying direction.
- The film substrate conveying device further has at least a pair of second grip rollers that is disposed so as to sandwich a lower end part of the film substrate therebetween; and a second angle adjusting mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the second grip rollers, so as to be able to incline a rotation angle of the second grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the second grip rollers is on a lower side with respect to the conveying direction.
- The film substrate conveying device further has a detection device for detecting a level of a width direction end part of the film substrate, wherein when the detection device detects a displacement of the film substrate, the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism controls the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers to incline in the inclination direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the film substrate.
- In this manner, the position of the film substrate conveyed in the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction can be adjusted with a high degree of accuracy.
- In the film substrate conveying device according to the present invention, the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism performs control to change the inclination angle of the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers in order to correct the displacement of the substrate. For instance, when the gripping force of the first grip rollers weakens due to the wear of the first grip rollers, and adequate lifting force for lifting the film substrate cannot be obtained, the position of the film substrate can be corrected by increasing the inclination of the first grip rollers and the distance in which the substrate moves in the width direction. As a result, imposing an excess load onto the film substrate can be inhibited without increasing the force of the first grip rollers sandwiching the film substrate. On the other hand, when the gripping force of the first grip rollers fluctuates and therefore becomes so high that the lifting force for lifting up the film substrate becomes excessively strong, the position of the film substrate can be corrected by reducing the inclination or the first grip rollers and the distance in which the film substrate moves in the width direction. As a result, the accuracy of adjusting the position of the film substrate can be prevented from dropping.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing a device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2( a) is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing an enlarged view of a film-forming chamber ofFIG. 1 , andFIG. 2( b) is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line C-C shown inFIG. 2( a); -
FIG. 3( a) is a schematic front view showing an angle adjusting mechanism used when a rotation axis of a grip roller is placed along a width direction of a film substrate, according to the first embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 3( b) is a schematic side view of the angle adjusting mechanism shown inFIG. 3( a), andFIG. 3( c) is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line D-D shown inFIG. 3( a); -
FIG. 4( a) is a schematic front view showing the angle adjusting mechanism that inclines the grip roller to adjust the position of the substrate conveyed in a forward feed direction, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 4( b) is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line D′-D′ shown inFIG. 4( a); -
FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged front view showing the grip roller ofFIG. 4( a); -
FIG. 6( a) is a schematic front view showing an angle adjusting mechanism that inclines the grip roller to adjust the position of the substrate conveyed in a backward feed direction, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 6( b) is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a line D″-D″ shown inFIG. 6( a); -
FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged front view showing the grip roller ofFIG. 6( a); -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional diagram taken along the line C-C shown inFIG. 2( a), according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 9 is a graph showing a relationship between an inclination angle of the grip roller and a lifting force of the grip roller for lifting up the film substrate. - A film substrate conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described hereinafter.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , in a device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body (referred to as “manufacturing device” hereinafter) 1 that includes a film substrate conveying device (referred to as “conveying device” hereinafter), a belt-like film substrate (referred to as “substrate” hereinafter) 2 is placed upright with one end part thereof being on an upper side in a width direction thereof, and then conveyed. A thin film is then formed on a surface of thesubstrate 2. The first embodiment illustrates a situation in which the width direction of thesubstrate 2 follows a perpendicular direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. - In order to convey the
substrate 2, themanufacturing device 1 is provided with anunwinding chamber 3 for unwinding thesubstrate 2 and awinding chamber 4 for winding thesubstrate 2. Six film-formingchambers 5 a to 5 f, for example, are provided between theunwinding chamber 3 and thewinding chamber 4. Furthermore, thesubstrate 2 can be conveyed in a forward feed direction from theunwinding chamber 3 to the winding chamber 4 (shown by an arrow A in the diagram), and a backward feed direction from thewinding chamber 4 to the unwinding chamber 3 (shown by an arrow B in the diagram). Moreover, a conveying section between theunwinding chamber 3 and the film-formingchamber 5 a, conveying sections between the five adjacent film-forming chambers, and a conveying section between thewinding chamber 4 and the film-formingchamber 5 f, are each provided with, for example, a pair offirst grip rollers 6. - An
unwinding core 3 a capable of unwinding thewound substrate 2 is provided on the inside of theunwinding chamber 3, in a manner as to be rotatable around its own rotation axis that is along the width direction of thesubstrate 2. Fiverollers 3 b to 3 f, for example, driven to convey thesubstrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof are provided on the inside of theunwinding chamber 3 and on a forward feed direction downstream side from theunwinding core 3 a, in a manner as to be rotatable around their own rotation axes that are along the width direction of thesubstrate 2. The unwindingcore 3 a and therollers 3 b to 3 f are configured to rotate in a manner as to be able to convey thesubstrate 2 in the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction. Note that the number of rollers provided to be driven for conveying thesubstrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof as shown inFIG. 1 is merely an example and may not only be the number described above, but also any number that can be changed in accordance with specifications of themanufacturing device 1. It is not necessary to provide the rollers driven to convey thesubstrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof. - A winding
core 4 a capable of winding thesubstrate 2 is provided on the inside of the windingchamber 4, in a manner as to be rotatable around its own rotation axis that is along the width direction of thesubstrate 2. Sevenrollers 4 b to 4 h for conveying thesubstrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof are provided, as an example, on the inside of the windingchamber 4 and on a forward feed direction upstream side from the windingcore 4 a, in a manner as to be rotatable around their own rotation axes that are along the width direction of thesubstrate 2. The windingcore 4 a and therollers 4 b to 4 h are configured to rotate in a manner as to be able to convey thesubstrate 2 in the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction. Note that the number of rollers provided for conveying thesubstrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof as shown inFIG. 1 is merely an example and may not only be the number described above, but also any number that can be changed in accordance with the specifications of themanufacturing device 1. It is not necessary to provide rollers for conveying thesubstrate 2 and controlling the tension thereof. - A structure of each of the film-forming
chambers 5 a to 5 f is described with reference toFIGS. 2( a) and 2(b). As shown inFIGS. 2( a) and 2(h), thesubstrate 2 is fed in the forward feed direction (the arrow A), and thefirst grip rollers 6 are accommodated to the substrate fed in the forward reed direction. High-voltage electrodes 7 a to 7 f andground electrodes 8 a to 8 f are placed, face-to-face, in the film-formingchambers 5 a to 5 f, respectively. Thesubstrate 2 passes through between each of the high-voltage electrodes 7 a to 7 f and each of theground electrodes 8 a to 8 f. The high-voltage electrodes 7 a to 7 f and theground electrodes 8 a to 8 f are shorter, in the width direction of thesubstrate 2, than the with of thesubstrate 2. The thin-film laminated body is not formed neither an upper end part nor a lower end part of thesubstrate 2 in the width direction. Film formation gas is supplied into the film-formingchambers 5 a to 5 f. The film-formingchambers 5 a to 5 f can be kept hermetic. In these film-formingchambers 5 a to 5 f, the thin film is formed on thesubstrate 2 when thesubstrate 2 is positioned between each of the high-voltage electrodes 7 a to 7 f and each of theground electrodes 8 a to 8 f. Examples of a method for forming a film on the surface of thesubstrate 2 include CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and the like. The number film-forming chambers shown inFIG. 1 is used an example, and is not limited to the one described above and can be changed in accordance with the specifications of themanufacturing device 1. In addition to the film-forming chambers, a heat chamber for heating thesubstrate 2 may be provided. - The
manufacturing device 1 is further provided with adetection device 9 for detecting the position of thesubstrate 2 in the width direction. Thedetection device 9 may be configured to be able to detect, for example, the position of an edge part of the substrate in the width direction. In addition, it is particularly preferred that thedetection device 9 be a noncontact sensor or, for example, a transmission-type laser sensor or a reflective photosensor. Thedetection device 9 is connected to acontrol device 10. - Each pair of
first grip rollers 6 is configured to be rotatable-aroundrotation axes 6 a thereof, and is placed between the adjacent film-forming chambers, in a manner as to sandwich the upper end part of thesubstrate 2 therebetween. In other words, the pair offirst grip rollers 6 sandwiches a section of thesubstrate 2 that does not have the thin-film laminated body formed thereon. An outercircumferential surface 6 b of each of thefirst grip rollers 6 may be formed of an elastic body. Examples of the elastic body include silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, and other heat-resistant rubbers. In another instance, the outercircumferential surface 6 b of each of thefirst grip rollers 6 may be formed of a synthetic resin such as PTFE and polyimide or may be formed of a material applied with stainless steel, iron, or chrome. Moreover, the outercircumferential surface 6 b of each of thefirst grip rollers 6 may be formed of any materials as long as predetermined performances such as a force for protecting and gripping thesubstrate 2 can be obtained. - The
first grip rollers 6 are configured to be able to adjust the inclination thereof. A firstangle adjusting mechanism 11 for adjusting the inclination of thefirst grip rollers 6 is described with reference toFIGS. 3( a) to 3(c). As shown inFIGS. 3( a) to 3(c), by mean of the firstangle adjusting mechanism 11, therotation axis 6 a of each of thefirst grip rollers 6 is adjusted to be placed neutrally along the width direction of thesubstrate 2. Aroller shaft 6 c is disposed in thefirst grip roller 6, in a manner as to extend upward from an upper end of thefirst grip roller 6 along the width direction of thesubstrate 2. An upper end of theroller shaft 6 c is attached rotatably to aroller attachment part 12. Alink 13 is also disposed in a manner as to extend upward from theroller attachment part 12 along the width direction of thesubstrate 2. An upper part of thelink 13 is provided with an engagingroller 14. In thelink 13, alink attachment part 13 a is provided in the middle of the width direction of thesubstrate 2, which is located between theroller attachment part 12 and the engagingroller 14. Thislink attachment part 13 a is configured to be able to rotate thelink 13 around alink rotation axis 13 b that extends in the width direction with respect to the surface of thesubstrate 2, and is attached to a supportingpart 15. Therefore, thelink 13 can rotate with respect to the supportingpart 15. Moreover, an urgingdevice 16 is disposed between thelink 13 and the supportingpart 15 and along a conveying direction of thesubstrate 2. This urgingdevice 16 may be configured to be able to return thelink 13 to a neutral position thereof, by using a coil spring, a plate spring, a torsion spring, a rubber member or the like. - An
actuator 17 is disposed above thelink 13. Theactuator 17 has anarm 18 that is placed along the width direction with respect to the surface of thesubstrate 2. Atip end part 18 a of thearm 18 is engaged with the engagingroller 14 attached to thelink 13. On the other hand, a rotatingshaft 19 extending along the width direction of thesubstrate 2 is attached to abase end part 18 b of thearm 18. A lower end of therotating shaft 19 is attached to thebase end part 18 b of thearm 18, and an upper end of therotating shaft 19 is attached to adrive source 20. Therefore, thearm 18 can be rotated by the rotary drive of thedrive source 20. Note that thisdrive source 20 is supported by the supportingpart 15, and thedrive source 20 of theactuator 17 is connected to thecontrol device 10. - Operations of the
manufacturing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are now described. - Conveying the
substrate 2 and performing film formation on thesubstrate 2 in themanufacturing device 1 is described with reference toFIG. 1 again. In the unwindingchamber 3, thesubstrate 2 wound by the unwindingcore 3 a is unwound while being driven and guided by therollers 3 b to 3 f. Thissubstrate 2 leaves the unwindingchamber 3, and is then conveyed sequentially through the film-formingchambers 5 a to 5 f along the forward feed direction. Subsequently, various thin films are formed on the surface of thesubstrate 2 in the film-formingchambers 5 a to 5 f. Thesubstrate 2 obtained after the film formation is conveyed into the windingchamber 4 and wound by the windingcore 4 a while being driven and guided by therollers 4 b to 4 h. Thesubstrate 2 is conveyed along the backward feed direction, if needed. - Adjusting the position of the
substrate 2 conveyed in the forward feed direction is described with reference toFIGS. 4( a), 4(b) and 5. When the detection device 9 (seeFIG. 2( h)) detects a downward displacement of thesubstrate 2 conveyed in the forward feed direction, thedetection device 9 sends a signal to the control device 10 (seeFIG. 2( h)). Next, thecontrol device 10 sends the signal to thedrive source 20 of theactuator 17, and thedrive source 20 is subjected to rotation control such that thetip end part 18 a of thearm 18 is moved in toward the backward feed direction. At this moment, the engagingroller 14 that is engaged with thetip end part 18 a of thearm 18 also moves toward the backward feed direction, and thelink 13 rotates around thelink rotation axis 13 b. As a result, thefirst grip rollers 6 are inclined by an inclination angle θ1 with respect to the width direction of thesubstrate 2 such that the lower sides of thefirst grip rollers 6 are directed toward the forward feed direction along the surface of thesubstrate 2. In other words, thefirst grip rollers 6 are inclined upward with respect to the forward feed direction of thesubstrate 2. Note that in the state in which thefirst grip rollers 6 are inclined by the inclination angle θ1, thelink 13 is urged by the urgingdevice 16 such that thefirst grip rollers 6 are returned to a neutral position thereof. - Adjusting the position of the
substrate 2 conveyed in the backward feed direction is described, with reference toFIGS. 6( a), 6(b) and 7. When the detection device 9 (seeFIG. 2( b)) detects a downward displacement of thesubstrate 2 conveyed in the backward feed direction, thedetection device 9 sends a signal to the control device 10 (seeFIG. 2( b)). Next, thecontrol device 10 sends the signal to thedrive source 20 of theactuator 17, and thedrive source 20 is subjected to rotation control such that thetip end part 18 a of thearm 18 is moved in toward the forward feed direction. At this moment, the engagingroller 14 that is engaged with thetip end part 18 a of thearm 18 also moves toward the forward feed direction, and thelink 13 rotates around thelink rotation axis 13 b. As a result, thefirst grip rollers 6 are inclined by an inclination angle θ2 with respect to the width direction of thesubstrate 2 such that the lower sides of thefirst grip rollers 6 are directed toward the backward feed direction along the surface of thesubstrate 2. In other words, thefirst grip rollers 6 are inclined upward with respect to the backward feed direction of thesubstrate 2. Note that in the state in which thefirst grip rollers 6 are inclined by the inclination angle θ2, thelink 13 is urged by the urgingdevice 16 such that thefirst grip rollers 6 are returned to the neutral position thereof. - Here, when the
detection device 9 detects that adequate lifting force cannot be obtained due to a lowered gripping force of thefirst grip rollers 6 and that thesubstrate 2 remains displaced downward even after position correction is performed thereon, thecontrol device 10 controls thedrive source 20 of theactuator 17, in a manner as to increase the inclination angle θ1 or θ2 of thefirst grip rollers 6. As a result, the position of thesubstrate 2 is corrected. However, when thedetection device 9 detects that the lifting force is strong due to an excessively increased gripping force of thefirst grip rollers 6 and that thesubstrate 2 is displaced upward after the position correction is performed thereon, thecontrol device 10 controls thedrive source 20 of theactuator 17, in a manner as to reduce the inclination angle θ1 or θ2 of thefirst grip rollers 6. As a result, the position of thesubstrate 2 is corrected. - A device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described hereinafter. The basic configuration of the device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the device for manufacturing a thin-film laminated body according to the first embodiment. The same reference numerals and names as those of the first embodiment are used to describe the same components of the first embodiment. The configurations that are different than those of the first embodiment are now described.
- As shown in
FIG. 8 , a pair ofsecond grip rollers 6′ is further provided in a manner as to sandwich the lower end part of thesubstrate 2 therebetween. As with thefirst grip rollers 6, each of thesecond grip rollers 6′ has arotation axis 6 a′ and an outercircumferential surface 6 b′. Although not shown, a second angle adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of thesecond grip rollers 6′ is provided to incline thesecond grip rollers 6′ downward with respect to the conveying direction and toward both the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction with respect to the conveying direction, with the outercircumferential surfaces 6 b positioned along the surface of thesubstrate 2. This second angle adjusting mechanism corresponds to thesecond grip rollers 6′ and has the basic configuration as the firstangle adjusting mechanism 11. Note thatFIG. 8 shows a state in which thesubstrate 2 is fed in the forward feed direction (the arrow A) and upper sides of thesecond grip rollers 6′ are inclined in the forward feed direction so as to correspond to thesubstrate 2 fed in the forward feed direction. - According to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the inclination direction and the inclination angle of the first and/or
second grip rollers angle adjusting mechanism 11 and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism, in a manner that the first and/orsecond grip rollers substrate 2. In this manner, the position of thesubstrate 2 conveyed in the forward feed direction and the backward feed direction can be adjusted with a high degree of accuracy. - According to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention, for instance, when he gripping force of the
first grip rollers 6 weakens due to the wear of thefirst grip rollers 6, and adequate lifting force for lifting thesubstrate 2 cannot be obtained, the position of thesubstrate 2 can be corrected by increasing the inclination of thefirst grip rollers 6 and the distance in which thesubstrate 2 moves in the width direction. As a result, imposing an excess load onto thesubstrate 2 can be inhibited without increasing the force of thefirst grip rollers 6 sandwiching thesubstrate 2. On the other hand, when the gripping force of thefirst grip rollers 6 fluctuates and therefore becomes so high that the lifting force for lifting up thesubstrate 2 becomes excessively strong, the position of thesubstrate 2 can be corrected by reducing the inclination of thefirst grip rollers 6 and the distance in which thesubstrate 2 moves in the width direction. As a result, the accuracy of adjusting the position of thesubstrate 2 can be prevented from dropping. - The above has described the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these above-described embodiments and can be modified and changed in various ways based on the technical idea of the present invention.
- in a first modification of the embodiments of the present invention, the first and/or
second grip rollers substrate 2 therebetween (referred to as “substrate sandwiching force” hereinafter) can be adjusted. For example, when thedetection device 9 detects that adequate lifting force for lifting up thesubstrate 2 cannot be obtained due to a lowered gripping force of thefirst grip rollers 6 and that thesubstrate 2 remains displaced downward even after position correction is performed thereon, thecontrol device 10 may control the pair offirst grip rollers 6 to correct the position of thesubstrate 2, in a manner as to increase the substrate sandwiching force of the pair offirst grip rollers 6. However, when thedetection device 9 detects that the lifting force for lifting up thesubstrate 2 is strong due to an excessively increased gripping force of thefirst grip rollers 6 and that thesubstrate 2 is displaced upward after the position correction is performed thereon, thecontrol device 10 may control the pair offirst grip rollers 6 to correct the position of thesubstrate 2, in a manner as to reduce the substrate sandwiching force of the pair offirst grip rollers 6. In this manner, the same effects as those of the present invention can be obtained. - In a second modification of the embodiments of the present invention, the first and/or
second grip rollers chamber 3 and the film-formingchamber 5 a, the conveying sections between the five adjacent film-forming chambers, and the conveying section between the windingchamber 4 and the film-formingchamber 5 f. The number of conveying sections provided with the first and/orsecond grip rollers substrate 2 can be adjusted appropriately. In addition, the number of the first and/orsecond grip rollers - In a third modification of the embodiments of the present invention, in place of the
roller attachment part 12, a drive source for rotating the first and/orsecond grip rollers second grip rollers control device 10 to rotate the first and/orsecond grip rollers - An example using the
manufacturing device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is now described. In the example according to the present invention, the substrate sandwiching force of a pair of thefirst grip rollers 6 was set at 4.4 N, 8.9 N or 16.3 N, and changes in a lifting force F of the pair of first grip rollers 6 (referred to as “lifting force” hereinafter) for lifting up thesubstrate 2 were measured when the inclination angle θ1 or θ2 of thefirst grip rollers 6 was changed between 0° to 8°. -
FIG. 9 shows a relationship between the inclination angle θ1 or θ2 of thefirst grip rollers 6 and the lifting force F of thefirst grip roller 6 for lifting up thesubstrate 2, wherein a solid line P shows that the substrate sandwiching force is 4.4 N, a dashed line Q shows that the substrate sandwiching force is 8.9 N, and a chain line R shows that the substrate sandwiching force is 16.3 N. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , it is clear that the lifting force F increases in proportion to the inclination angle θ1 or θ2. For example, in order to obtain approximately 2 N for the lifting force F for lifting thesubstrate 2, and when the substrate sandwiching force is 4.4 N, the inclination angle θ1 or θ2 may be approximately 3.5°. When the substrate sandwiching force is 8.9 N, the inclination angle θ1 or θ2 may be approximately 2°. When the substrate sandwiching force is 16.3 N, the inclination angle θ1 or θ2 may he approximately 1°. According to the example of the present invention illustrated above, it was confirmed that, instead of increasing the substrate sandwiching force of the pair offirst grip rollers 6, the lifting force F can be increased by increasing the inclination angle θ1 or θ2 of thefirst grip rollers 6. - 1 Device for manufacturing thin-film laminated body (manufacturing device)
- 2 Film substrate (substrate)
- 6 First grip roller
- 6′ second grip roller
- 6 a, 6 a′ Rotation axis
- 6 h, 6 h′ Outer circumferential surface
- 9 Detection device
- 11 Angle adjusting mechanism
- A, B, C, D, D′, D″ Arrow
- F Lifting force
- θ1, θ2 Inclination angle
- P Solid line
- Q Dashed line
- R Chain line
Claims (7)
1-6. (canceled)
7. A film substrate conveying device for conveying a belt-like film substrate while placing the film substrate upright, with one end part thereof being on an upper side in a width direction thereof, the film substrate conveying device comprising:
at least a pair of first grip rollers disposed to sandwich an upper end part of the film substrate therebetween; and
a first angle adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the first grip rollers to be capable of inclining a rotation axis angle of the first grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the first grip rollers is on an upper side with respect to a conveying direction.
8. A film substrate conveying device according to claim 7 , further comprising:
at least a pair of second grip rollers disposed to sandwich a lower end part of the film substrate therebetween; and
a second angle adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting an inclination direction and an inclination angle of the second grip rollers to be capable of inclining a rotation axis angle of the second grip rollers such that a rotation direction of the second grip rollers is on a lower side with respect to the conveying direction.
9. A film substrate conveying device according to claim 7 , further comprising a detection device for detecting a level of a width direction end part of the film substrate,
wherein when the detection device detects a displacement of the film substrate, the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism controls the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers to incline in the inclination direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the film substrate.
10. A film substrate conveying device according to claim 7 , wherein the first angle adjusting mechanism and/or the second angle adjusting mechanism controls to change the inclination angle of the first grip rollers and/or the second grip rollers to correct a displacement of the substrate.
11. A film substrate conveying device according to claim 8 , wherein the second angle adjusting mechanism comprises:
a roller attachment part to which the second grip rollers are rotatably attached, and movable to change the rotation direction of the second grip rollers between an upper side and a lower side with respect to the conveying direction;
an urging device urging the roller attachment part to change the rotation direction of the second grip rollers toward the upper side or the lower side with respect to the conveying direction;
an engaging roller configured to move in conjunction with a movement of the roller attachment part;
an arm engaging with the engaging roller against a movement of the engaging roller with an urge of the roller attachment part from the urging device; and
an actuator to drive the arm,
wherein a drive of the arm moves the engaging roller and the roller attachment part, and changes the rotation direction of the second grip rollers.
12. A film substrate conveying device according to claim 7 , wherein the first angle adjusting mechanism comprises:
a roller attachment part to which the first grip rollers are attached rotatably, and movable to change the rotation direction of the first grip rollers between the upper side and the lower side with respect to the conveying direction;
an urging device urging the roller attachment part to change the rotation direction of the first grip rollers toward the upper side or the lower side with respect to the conveying direction;
an engaging roller configured to move in conjunction with a movement of the roller attachment part;
an arm engaging with the engaging roller against a movement of the engaging roller with an urge of the roller attachment part from the urging device; and
an actuator to drive the arm,
wherein a drive of the arm moves the engaging roller and the roller attachment part, and changes the rotation direction of the first grip rollers.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2009-282865 | 2009-12-14 | ||
JP2009282865A JP5652692B2 (en) | 2009-12-14 | 2009-12-14 | Film substrate transfer device |
PCT/JP2010/070787 WO2011074381A1 (en) | 2009-12-14 | 2010-11-22 | Conveyance device for film substrate |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130043294A1 true US20130043294A1 (en) | 2013-02-21 |
Family
ID=44167144
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/512,213 Abandoned US20130043294A1 (en) | 2009-12-14 | 2010-11-22 | Film substrate conveying device |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130043294A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2514852A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5652692B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102770579A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011074381A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104805400A (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2015-07-29 | 宁波华甬新材料科技有限公司 | Sample transfer and mask device for thin-film deposition equipment system |
US11447353B2 (en) | 2017-10-10 | 2022-09-20 | Bobst Grenchen Ag | Sheet orientation device, machine for processing a sheet, and method for orienting a sheet |
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KR102090712B1 (en) * | 2013-07-25 | 2020-03-19 | 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 | Thin film deposition device, the deposition method using the same, and the fabrication method of organic light emitting display device using the same |
CN105506553B (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2019-03-12 | 蒯一希 | The location regulation method of vacuum coater, vacuum double-sided coating device and band |
CN106115336A (en) * | 2016-08-23 | 2016-11-16 | 温州瑞驰机械有限公司 | Stretched film deviation correcting device |
CN108666612B (en) * | 2018-07-27 | 2024-03-01 | 重庆能源职业学院 | A tear film and wash air-dry device for battery |
CN112125007A (en) * | 2020-09-29 | 2020-12-25 | 山东新北洋信息技术股份有限公司 | Deviation correcting device, sheet medium processing equipment and control method of deviation correcting device |
CN115971140B (en) * | 2023-03-20 | 2023-07-21 | 山东金冠网具有限公司 | Fishery aquaculture net cleaning machine |
Citations (1)
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US8528725B2 (en) * | 2009-12-11 | 2013-09-10 | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | Flexible substrate conveying device |
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US5653929A (en) * | 1995-08-25 | 1997-08-05 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Process for preparing a photopolymerizable printing element |
JPH09130023A (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 1997-05-16 | Fujitsu Ltd | Dry film laminator |
DE10154884C5 (en) * | 2001-11-05 | 2009-11-19 | Gebr. Schmid Gmbh & Co. | Device for transporting flexible flat material, in particular printed circuit boards |
JP4060734B2 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2008-03-12 | Tdk株式会社 | Conveying method, conveying device, coating method, and coated material manufacturing method |
JP2009038276A (en) | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-19 | Fuji Electric Systems Co Ltd | Apparatus for manufacturing thin-film laminated member |
JP2009038277A (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-19 | Fuji Electric Systems Co Ltd | Apparatus for manufacturing thin-film laminated member |
EP2020392B1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2013-10-23 | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | Apparatus for manufacturing thin-film laminated member |
JP2009057632A (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2009-03-19 | Fuji Electric Holdings Co Ltd | Apparatus for manufacturing thin-film laminated member |
JP5018523B2 (en) * | 2008-02-07 | 2012-09-05 | 富士電機株式会社 | Thin film laminate manufacturing equipment |
US8431439B2 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2013-04-30 | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | Thin film laminated body manufacturing apparatus and method |
-
2009
- 2009-12-14 JP JP2009282865A patent/JP5652692B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2010
- 2010-11-22 US US13/512,213 patent/US20130043294A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-11-22 CN CN201080053146.2A patent/CN102770579A/en active Pending
- 2010-11-22 EP EP10837410.9A patent/EP2514852A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-11-22 WO PCT/JP2010/070787 patent/WO2011074381A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8528725B2 (en) * | 2009-12-11 | 2013-09-10 | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | Flexible substrate conveying device |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104805400A (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2015-07-29 | 宁波华甬新材料科技有限公司 | Sample transfer and mask device for thin-film deposition equipment system |
US11447353B2 (en) | 2017-10-10 | 2022-09-20 | Bobst Grenchen Ag | Sheet orientation device, machine for processing a sheet, and method for orienting a sheet |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2514852A4 (en) | 2013-10-09 |
CN102770579A (en) | 2012-11-07 |
WO2011074381A1 (en) | 2011-06-23 |
JP2011122225A (en) | 2011-06-23 |
EP2514852A1 (en) | 2012-10-24 |
JP5652692B2 (en) | 2015-01-14 |
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