WO2018136678A1

WO2018136678A1 - System and method for producing pulling roll for manufacturing sheet

Info

Publication number: WO2018136678A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/014320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jae-Hun Kim; Tae-Hyung KWON; Yong-Jae Lee; Tae-bong SHIN; Youn-sub SIM
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2017-01-19
Filing date: 2018-01-19
Publication date: 2018-07-26
Also published as: JP2020507719A; CN110366643A; TW201831308A; KR20180085852A

Abstract

Provided are a method and system for producing a pulling roll for manufacturing a sheet. The method includes measuring a weight of each of a plurality of disks, classifying and stacking the plurality of disks into a plurality of disk groups divided into different first weight ranges, and selecting disks included in any one of the plurality of disk groups by a first gripper and mounting the disks on an adapter.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING PULLING ROLL FOR

MANUFACTURING SHEET

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017- 0009195, filed on January 19, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method and system for producing a pulling roll for manufacturing a sheet.

2. Technical Field

[0003] A pulling roll may be used to manufacture a sheet by applying stress to a molten material. In this case, a weight of the pulling roll may affect an amount of stress and change a thickness of the sheet. Therefore, it can be advantageous to carefully control the weight of the pulling roll to uniformly manufacture a sheet having a thickness of a target value.

[0004] The pulling roll may be produced by combining a plurality of disks. Since a process of handling the disks, which may be heavy, is manually performed, there are problems such as a risk of operator accident and increased production time.

SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments disclosed herein include a method and system for producing a pulling roll for manufacturing a sheet in which a weight of the pulling roll is carefully controlled and a risk of accident during a production process and an increase in production time are suppressed. [0006] According to one or more embodiments, there is provided a method for producing a pulling roll. The method may include measuring a weight of each of a plurality of disks, classifying and stacking each of the plurality of disks into one of a plurality of disk groups divided into different first weight ranges, and selecting disks from ones of the plurality of disk groups by a first gripper and mounting the disks on an adapter.

[0007] The classifying and stacking of each of the plurality of disks may be performed until each of the plurality of disk groups reaches a target weight.

[0008] Before the measuring of the weight, the method may further comprise moving each of the plurality of disks to a scale using a second gripper.

[0009] Before the measuring of the weight, the method may further comprise setting different first weight ranges. The setting of the first weight ranges may includes: measuring the weight of each of the disks and extracting a disk distribution by weight; and dividing an entirety of a weight range of the plurality of disks into the first weight ranges based on the disk distribution by weight.

[0010] The dividing of the entirety of the weight range into the first weight ranges may be performed so that an integer multiple of an average weight of disks belonging to any one of the first weight ranges is substantially the same as a target weight.

[0011 ] In the dividing of the entirety of the weight range into the first weight ranges, a lower weight range and an upper weight range of the disk distribution by weight may constitute a single surplus weight range.

[0012] After the setting of the first weight ranges, the method may further comprise re- dividing the surplus weight range into different second weight ranges. An integer multiple of an average weight of disks belonging to any one second weight range of the second weight ranges may be substantially the same as a target weight.

[0013] After the mounting of the disks on the adapter, the method further comprise moving the adapter on which a disk group is mounted to an assembly shelf by a second gripper configured to grip an inner surface of a cylinder of the adapter.

[0014] After the mounting of the disks on the adapter, the method further comprise: compressing a disk group mounted on the adapter; and fixing the compressed disk group to assemble a pulling roll.

[0015] The compressing of the disk group may be performed until a groove formed along an outer circumferential surface of a cylinder of the adapter is exposed; and the fixing of the compressed disk group may include fastening a snap ring moved from a ring cartridge to the groove when the groove is exposed.

[0016]

[0017] The method may further comprise sensing a separation point of a snap ring mounted on the adapter and configured to compress and fix the disk group.

[0018] The method may further comprise rotating the adapter on which the snap ring is mounted to align the separation point with a preset point.

[0019] The method may further comprise disposing the pulling roll on a disassembly shelf so that a a cylinder of the adapter faces the disassembly shelf.

[0020] The method may further comprise disassembling the pulling roll from the adapter. The disassembling of the pulling roll may include: compressing the disk group until the entire snap ring fastened to the groove is exposed; and separating the snap ring and the disks which are separated from the groove and collecting the snap ring and the disks in respective collection boxes.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, there is provided a method for producing a pulling roll. The method may include sensing a separation point of a snap ring mounted on an adapter and configured to compress and fix a disk group, rotating the adapter on which the snap ring is mounted so that the separation point is aligned with a preset point, moving the adapter on which the snap ring is mounted to a disassembly shelf while maintaining an alignment state of the separation point using a gripper configured to grip an inner surface of the adapter, compressing the disk group until the entire snap ring is exposed, and separating the disk group compressed and fixed by the snap ring from the adapter.

[0022] The moving of the adapter to the disassembly shelf may comprise disposing the adapter on which the compressed and fixed disk group is mounted on the disassembly shelf so that a cylinder of the adapter faces the disassembly shelf, and the separating of the disk group may include collecting the snap ring and the disk group in respective collection boxes.

[0023] The snap ring may be recycled to compress and fix another disk group to the adapter.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, there is provided a system for producing a pulling roll. The system may include a plurality of poles disposed separately from each other on a plurality of points, a first gripper configured to move a disk from the scale to any one of the plurality of poles, a controller configured to control the first gripper so that the disk is classified onto any one of the plurality of poles according to a weight range of the disk, a second gripper configured to select a disk group accommodated on any one of the plurality of poles and mount the disk group on an adapter, and an assembler configured to compress and fix disks mounted on the adapter.

[0025] The assembler may comprise: a first compressor configured to compress the disks so that a groove formed along an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder of the adapter is exposed; and a ring cartridge configured to accommodate a snap ring capable of being fastened to the groove of the adapter and to transfer the snap ring to the groove.

[0026] The system may further comprise a disassembler configured to separate compressed and fixed disks from the adapter, and the disassembler may comprise: a sensor configured to sense a separation point of a snap ring configured to compress and fix the disks; a rotary table configured to rotate the adapter so that the separation point is aligned with a preset position; a second compressor configured to compress the disks until the entire snap ring is exposed; and collection boxes configured to respectively collect the snap ring and the disks which are separated from the adapter.

[0027]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments herein will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment herein;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating a system for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment herein;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an operation of setting different weight ranges of disks according to FIG. 1 ;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating a disk distribution by weight extracted according to FIG. 3 and an example in which the entire weight range is divided into different weight ranges based on the disk distribution; [0033] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an operation of re-dividing a surplus weight range into different weight ranges;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example in which a surplus weight range is re- divided into different weight ranges;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of classifying disks into disk groups divided into different weight ranges according to FIG. 1 ;

[0036] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 2;

[0037] FIGS. 9A to 9C are enlarged views of portion B of FIG. 2, and illustrate an operation of compressing a disk group and an operation of fixing the compressed disk group to an adapter using a snap ring;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment herein;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating a system for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment herein;

[0040] FIGS. 12A to 12C are enlarged views of portion C of FIG. 11, and illustrate an operation of compressing a disk group and an operation of separating the compressed and fixed disk group from an adapter; and

[0041] FIG. 13 is a view schematically illustrating a system for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Embodiments herein will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown and the same reference numerals denote the same or like parts.

[0043] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0044] The terms used in the present disclosure are used to describe embodiments, and an expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context. In the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the terms such as "including", "having", and "comprising" are intended to indicate the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the disclosure, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

[0045] All terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have meanings which can be generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, if the terms are not particularly defined. General terms defined by dictionaries should be understood to have meanings which can be contextually understood in the art and should not have ideally or excessively formal meanings, if the terms are not defined particularly herein .

[0046] When a certain embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be different from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.

[0047] Variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but may be to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method Ml 00 for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment herein. FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating a system 100 for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment herein.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of disks D having an arbitrary weight may be provided. For example, the plurality of disks D may be provided to be arbitrarily accommodated on a base pole 101. In this case, a plurality of poles 101 accommodating the plurality of disks D may be provided. The plurality of poles 101 may be disposed on a rotary table (not illustrated), and another pole 101 which accommodates new disks D may be provided whenever the disks D accommodated in the base pole 101 are exhausted. The rotary table may be moved up and down. [0051] The plurality of disks D accommodated on the base pole 101 may be separated from the base pole 101 by a first gripper Gl . The first gripper Gl may be operated to be moved down from an upper side of the base pole 101 and to grip an outer circumferential surface of an uppermost disk D of the plurality of disks D accommodated in the base pole 101. The first gripper Gl may be moved up from the base pole 101 while gripping the disk D to separate the disks D from the base pole 101. Then, the first gripper Gl may be horizontally moved and lowered while gripping the disk D, and may mount the disk D on a scale 103 (S101).

[0052] Although the first gripper Gl is illustrated as being connected to a ceiling of the system 100 for producing the pulling roll in FIG. 2, embodiments herein are not limited thereto. For example, the first gripper Gl may be attached to a side surface or lower surface of the system 100 for producing the pulling roll.

[0053] Then, a weight of the disk D may be measured using the scale 103 (S103). When weight measurement of any one of the disks D is completed by the scale 103, the weight measurement may be performed on each of the other disks D accommodated on the base pole 101.

[0054] Then, the disk D which had its weight measured may be separated from the scale 103 by a second gripper G2 which is operated to grip the outer circumferential surface of the disk D, and may be moved to a plurality of poles PI, P2, P3, and P4 (S105). The plurality of poles PI , P2, P3, and P4 may be disposed at different points on a supporting shelf 105 to be spaced apart from each other. A plurality of disk groups DG1 , DG2, DG3, and DG4 divided into different weight ranges may be classified and respectively stacked on the plurality of poles PI, P2, P3, and P4 (SI 09). In this case, the classifying and stacking operation SI 09 may be performed until a weight of each of the first and third disk groups DG1 to DG3 respectively accommodated on the first and third poles P I to P3 reaches a target weight.

[0055] Meanwhile, an operation of setting different weight ranges (SI 07) may precede the classifying and stacking of the plurality of disk groups DG1, DG2, DG3, and DG4 (S109).

[0056] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the operation of setting the different weight ranges of the disks according to FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating a disk distribution by weight extracted according to FIG. 3 and an example in which an entirety of a weight range is divided into different weight ranges based on the disk distribution. [0057] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, a disk distribution may be extracted by measuring some or all of the plurality of disks D having an arbitrary weight which are accommodated on the base pole 101 (S 107-1). Then, an entirety of a weight range may be divided into a plurality of different weight ranges based on the disk distribution by weight (S I 07 -3).

[0058] In some embodiments, first weight ranges may be divided so that an integer multiple of an average weight of disks belonging to any one of the first weight ranges is substantially the same as a target weight. That is, when an integer multiple of disks belonging to any one of the first weight ranges are collected, the disks of the first weight ranges may be expected to have a weight that is substantially the same as the target weight.

[0059] For example, referring to FIG. 4, based on the disk distribution, different first weight ranges may include a 1 -1 weight range (XI < X < X2), a 1 -2 weight range (X2 < X < X3), and a 1 -3 weight range (X3 < X < X4). In this case, the 1 - 1 weight range (XI

< X < X2) may be selected so that N times (N is an integer) an average weight of disks belonging to the 1 -1 weight range (XI < X < X2) is substantially the same as the target weight. Further, the 1 -2 weight range (X2 < X < X3) may be selected so that M times (M is an integer) an average weight of disks belonging to the 1 -2 weight range (X2 < X

< X3) is substantially the same as the target weight. Further, the 1 -3 weight range (X3 < X < X4) may be selected so that L times (L is an integer) an average weight of disks belonging to the 1-3 weight range (X3 < X < X4) is substantially the same as the target weight.

[0060] In this case, since the average weight of the disks belonging to the 1 -1 weight range (XI < X < X2) is smaller than the average weight of the disks belonging to the 1 -2 weight range (X2 < X < X3) and the average weight of the disks belonging to the 1 -2 weight range (X2 < X < X3) is smaller than the average weight of the disks belonging to the 1 -3 weight range (X3 < X < X4), a relationship such as L < M < N may be established.

[0061 ] In some embodiments, the different first weight ranges may include a surplus weight range including a lower weight range (X < XI) and an upper weight range (X >

X4) in the disk distribution, that is, a 1 -4 weight range (X < XI or X > X4).

[0062] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the operation of re-dividing a surplus weight into the different weight ranges. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example in which a surplus weight range is re-divided into different weight ranges. [0063] referring to FIG. 5, the different first weight ranges may include a surplus weight range including a lower weight range (X < XI) and an upper weight range (X > X4) in the disk distribution, that is, a 1-4 weight range (X < XI or X > X4) (SI 07-31). The 1 -4 weight range may be introduced in a case in which only disks belonging to the lower weight range (X < XI) have difficulty reaching the target weight and in a case in which only disks belonging to the upper weight range (X > X4) have difficulty reaching the target weight.

[0064] In this case, disks belonging to a disk group belonging to the 1-4 weight range (X < XI and X > X4) may be finely re-divided into different second weight ranges without being directly mounted on an adapter (S I 07-33). In this case, an integer multiple of an average weight of disks belonging to any one of the second weight ranges may be the same as the target weight. That is, when it is difficult for only a combination of the disks belonging to the lower weight range (X < XI) or only a combination of the disks belonging to the upper weight range (X > X4) to reach the target weight, the second weight ranges may be re-divided so as to reach the target weight by combining both of the upper and lower weight ranges.

[0065] For example, referring to the flowchart depicted in FIG. 6, the second weight ranges may be re-divided to include a 2-1 weight range (Yl < X < Y2 or Y3 < X < Y4) and a 2-2 weight range (Y2 < X < XI or X4 < X < Y3). In this case, an integer multiple of an average weight of disks belonging to the 2-1 weight range (Yl < X < Y2 or Y3 <

X < Y4) may be the same as the target weight. Similarly, an integer multiple of an average weight of disks belonging to the 2-2 weight range (Y2 < X < XI or X4 < X <

Y3) may be the same as the target weight. However, criteria of division of the first weight ranges and the second weight ranges is not limited to those described above, and the first weight ranges and the second weight ranges may be divided in various ways.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of classifying and stacking disks into disk groups divided into different weight ranges according to FIG. 1.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7, after the setting of the different weight ranges including the 1-1 to 1-4 weight ranges (SI 07), the plurality of disk groups DG1, DG2,

DG3, and DG4 corresponding to the 1-1 to 1-4 weight ranges may be classified and respectively stacked on the first to fourth poles PI, P2, P3, and P4 (SI 09). In this case, the classifying and stacking operation (SI 09) may be performed until a total weight of each of the disk groups other than disk groups accommodated in the surplus weight range of the first weight ranges reaches the target weight. Specifically, the classifying and stacking operation (SI 09) may be performed until L number of disks belonging to the 1 -1 weight range (XI < X < X2) are classified and stacked on the first pole PI, until M number of disks belonging to the 1-2 weight range (X2 < X < X3) are classified and stacked on the second pole P2, and until N number of disks belonging to the 1 -3 weight range (X3 < X < X4) are classified and stacked on the third pole P3.

[0068] Then, target disk groups DGT of the first and third disk groups DG1 to DG3 respectively accommodated on the first and third poles PI to P3, in which disks reach the target weight, may be collectively picked up by a third gripper G3 and mounted on an adapter AD (Si l l).

[0069] A plurality of adapters AD may be disposed on a portable shelf 107. The target disk groups DGT of the first and third disk groups DG1 to DG3, in which disks reach the target weight, may be respectively mounted on the plurality of adapters AD by the third gripper G3.

[0070] Generally, since the disks of the target disk groups DGT which reach the target weight may be very heavy, a risk of accident of an operator when manually handling the disks may be increased and working time may be significantly increased.

[0071] However, according to embodiments disclosed herein, since the plurality of disks D are classified and stacked according to weight range, the target disk groups DGT which reach the target weight may be rapidly provided without operator handling. Further, since the third gripper G3 collectively grips an outside surface of the target disk group DGT, separates the target disk group DGT from the pole, and mounts the target disk group DGT on the provided adapter AD, work safety may be improved and work time may be reduced.

[0072] In some embodiments, before the first and third disk groups DG1 to DG3 are picked up, collars CA may be respectively disposed on the first and third disk groups DG1 to DG3. The collar CA serves to compress and fix the disk group and a detailed description thereof will be given below.

[0073] Then, the adapter AD on which the target disk group DGT is mounted may be moved to an assembly shelf 109 using a fourth gripper G4 which grips an inner surface ADI of a cylinder ADC of the adapter AD (SI 13).

[0074] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 2, and illustrates a relationship between the inner surface ADI of the cylinder ADC of the adapter AD and the fourth gripper G4 in detail. [0075] Referring to FIG. 8, the adapter AD may have a shape including a head ADG having a disk shape and the cylinder ADC which is connected to the head ADG and vertically extends therefrom. The target disk group DGT and the collar CA may be sequentially disposed on the head ADG. Since the fourth gripper G4 is fixed to the inner surface ADI of the cylinder ADC, the adapter AD, the target disk group DGT, and the collar CA may be collectively moved to the assembly shelf 109, and thus work safety may be improved and work time may be reduced.

[0076] Then, the target disk group DGT mounted on the adapter AD may be compressed using a first compressor 111 provided at the assembly shelf 109, and the compressed target disk group DGT may be fixed (SI 15). A detailed description thereof will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C.

[0077] FIGS. 9A to 9C are enlarged views of portion B of FIG. 2, and illustrate an operation of compressing a disk group and an operation of fixing the compressed disk group to an adapter using a snap ring.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9A, the system 100 for producing the pulling roll may include the first compressor 111 capable of compressing the target disk group DGT under the assembly shelf 109, a compression support 113 capable of supporting the target disk group DGT on the assembly shelf 109, and a ring cartridge CT which stores and transfers a snap ring R capable of fixing the compressed target disk group DGT.

[0079] First, when the adapter AD on which the target disk group DGT and the collar CA are mounted is disposed on the assembly shelf 109, the first compressor 111 may push a lower surface of the head ADG of the adapter AD up. In this case, since the compression support 113 disposed on the assembly shelf 109 comes into contact with an upper surface of the target disk group DGT and an upper surface of the collar CA and supports the target disk group DGT and the collar CA, the target disk group DGT may be compressed. The compressing operation may be performed until a groove G formed along an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder ADC of the adapter AD is exposed.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9B, when the groove G of the adapter AD is exposed, the snap ring R may be moved from the ring cartridge CT positioned on an upper side of the target disk group DGT and fastened to the groove G. Generally, the snap ring R should be manually and directly supplied in order to fix the compressed target disk group DGT, whereas in embodiments disclosed herein, the snap ring R may be supplied from the ring cartridge CT to be fastened without operator involvement, and thus work time may be reduced.

[0081] The snap ring R may be two arcs which surround the groove G formed along the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder ADC. When the snap ring R is fastened to the groove G, separation points S may appear between the two arcs of the snap ring R.

[0082] In the drawings, although the groove G and the snap ring R having two arcs are illustrated as a means for fixing the target disk group DGT and the adapter AD, embodiments herein are not limited thereto. A pulling roll RLL, for example, may involve various fastening means.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9C, when the snap ring R is fastened to the groove G, a compression force applied to the target disk group DGT and the collar CA may be removed. Since an outer diameter of the snap ring R is greater than an inner diameter of the collar CA, the target disk group DGT may be maintained in a compressed state and may be fixed thereto even when the compression force supplied by the first compressor 111 and the compression support 113 is removed. However, the compressed and fixed target disk group DGT may be somewhat tensed in comparison to when the compression force is supplied by the first compressor 111 and the compression support 113.

[0084] By the above operations described in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the pulling roll RLL including the adapter AD, the collar CA, the snap ring R, and the compressed and fixed target disk group DGT may be manufactured. Although not illustrated, the pulling roll RLL may be mounted on a shaft and used to manufacture a sheet.

[0085] Generally, in the production of the pulling roll RLL, when the pulling roll RLL is randomly introduced without considering the weights of the disks D, the pulling roll RLL may have a weight different from the target weight and a plurality of pulling rolls RLL may have different weights. Since a weight of the pulling roll RLL affects an amount of stress which acts on a sheet, an originally designed thickness of the sheet may not be satisfied or the sheet may have a non-uniform thickness when the sheet is produced using the pulling rolls RLL having different weight. Therefore, it may be advantageous to carefully control the weights of the disks D included in the pulling roll RLL so that the pulling roll RLL has the target weight.

[0086] When a weight of each of the plurality of disks D is measured, working time may be significantly increased because a set of the disks D, which have different weights, satisfying the target weight should be constructed whenever each of the pulling rolls RLL is produced.

[0087] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the plurality of disks D are classified and stacked according to a preset weight range, and thus the target disk groups DGT which reach the target weight may be rapidly provided without operator handling. Further, the grippers Gl, G2, G3, and G4 individually grip and move the disk D or collectively grip and move the target disk group DGT, and thus work safety may be improved and work time may be reduced. Further, since the snap ring R may be supplied from the ring cartridge CT and fastened without operator involvement, work time may be reduced.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method M200 for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment disclosed herein. FIG. 1 1 is a view schematically illustrating a system 200 for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The method M200 for producing the pulling roll includes a method of disassembling a pulling roll RLL' which has been produced and producing another pulling roll using recyclable parts. Like reference numerals denote like members, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the system 200 for producing the pulling roll may include a gripper G5, a sensor SS, a rotary table TT, and a disassembler which separates a target disk group DGT' and a snap ring R from an adapter AD.

[0090] According to the method M200 for producing the pulling roll, the pulling roll RLL' which has been used to manufacture a sheet may be moved to a waiting shelf 115 by the gripper G5 and mounted on the rotary table TT on the waiting shelf 115 (S201). In this case, the gripper G5 may grip an inner surface of the head ADG (see FIG. 8) of the adapter AD. Accordingly, the pulling roll RLL' may be disposed on the rotary table TT so that the cylinder ADC (see FIG. 8) of the adapter AD faces the rotary table TT.

[0091] The sensor SS may be disposed on the waiting shelf 115 to sense an alignment of the pulling roll RLL'. Specifically, a separation point S of the snap ring R which compresses and fixes the target disk group DGT' in the pulling roll RLL' may be sensed (S203).

[0092] Then, when a position of the separation point S is sensed, the pulling roll RLL' may be rotated so that the separation point S is aligned with a preset point (S205). In this case, the separation point S may be aligned by rotating the rotary table TT which supports the pulling roll RLL'. [0093] Then, the pulling roll RLL' may be moved to a disassembly shelf 117 while maintaining the alignment state of the separation point S using the gripper G5 (S207). The separation point S may be a region between two arcs constituting the snap ring R, and may be a space at which the snap ring R is easily separated from the adapter AD. Therefore, before the operation of disassembling the adapter AD from the snap ring R, it may be necessary to maintain the alignment state of the separation point S.

[0094] Generally, since the movement of the pulling roll RLL' is manually performed, it may be difficult to identify the alignment state of the pulling roll RLL'. Conversely, according to embodiments disclosed herein, since the separation point S of the pulling roll RLL' is sensed and aligned in advance and the pulling roll RLL' is moved by the gripper G5 while maintaining the alignment state of the separation point S, work safety may be improved and work time may be reduced.

[0095] Then, the pulling roll RLL' may be automatically disassembled on the disassembly shelf 117. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12C.

[0096] FIGS. 12A to 12C are enlarged views of portion C of FIG. 11, and illustrate an operation of compressing a disk group and an operation of separating the compressed and fixed disk group from an adapter.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12A, the disassembler of the system 200 for producing the pulling roll may include a second compressor 119 capable of compressing the target disk group DGT' on the assembly shelf 117, a compression support 121 capable of supporting the target disk group DGT' under the assembly shelf 117, and first and second collection boxes 123 and 125 capable of respectively collecting the snap ring R and the target disk group DGT' which are separated from the adapter AD.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12B, the target disk group DGT' may be compressed using the second compressor 119 provided on the disassembly shelf 117 (S209). In this case, the target disk group DGT' may be compressed until the entire snap ring R is exposed.

[0099] Then, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12C, the snap ring R and the target disk group

DGT' may be separated from the adapter AD by applying an external force to the separation point S of the exposed snap ring R (S211). Specifically, a pin (not illustrated) may be inserted into the separation point S, and the snap ring R may be separated from the groove G of the adapter AD by vibrating the pin. When the snap ring R is separated from the adapter AD, the snap ring R may be moved through a through region 1 17H of the disassembly shelf 117 and collected at the first collection box 123 positioned under the disassembly shelf 117.

[00100] When the snap ring R is separated from the adapter AD, the collar CA and the target disk group DGT' may also be separated from the adapter AD. The collar CA separated from the adapter AD may be collected at the first collection box 123. Further, the target disk group DGT' separated from the adapter AD may be collected at the second collection box 125 (S213). Although not illustrated, the snap ring R and the target disk group DGT' may be separately collected at each of the first and second collection boxes 123 and 125 by slope paths guiding toward different paths.

[00101] Then, another pulling roll may be produced using the collected snap ring R and collar CA (S215). Since the target disk group DGT' comes into direct contact with a surface of a molten material, the target disk group DGT' may be worn according to usage. Since the wear of the target disk group DGT' may change a thickness of a sheet or may cause damage to a surface of the sheet, it is necessary to replace the target disk group DGT'. Conversely, since there is no problem of wear of the snap ring R and the collar CA, the snap ring R and the collar CA may be recycled. According to embodiments disclosed herein, the used pulling roll RLL' is automatically disassembled, and thus work safety may be improved and work time may be reduced.

[00102] FIG. 13 is a view schematically illustrating a system 300 for producing a pulling roll according to at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The system 300 for producing the pulling roll is similar to the system 100 for producing the pulling roll of FIG. 2, but there is a difference in that the system 300 for producing a pulling roll further includes some components of the system 200 for producing the pulling roll of FIG. 11.

[00103] Referring to FIG. 13, the target disk group DGT mounted on the adapter AD before the compressing and fixing operation and the used pulling roll RLL' before the disassembling operation may be disposed on the portable shelf 107 together. Further, an assembler and the disassembler for disassembling the used pulling roll RLL' may be provided on a single assembling and disassembling shelf 127 to compress and fix the target disk group DGT mounted on the adapter AD. Further, the gripper G4 may be shared by the assembler and the disassembler to move the target disk group DGT mounted on the adapter AD and the used pulling roll RLL' before the assembling operation from the portable shelf 107 to the assembling and disassembling shelf 127. That is, according to the system 300 for producing the pulling roll, the assembling and disassembling operations of the pulling roll RLL' may be simultaneously performed.

[00104] According to embodiments disclosed herein, a weight range of disks capable of forming a target weight is selected in advance when a weight of the disks, which determines a weight of a pulling roll, is selected, the disks are uniformly selected according to the weight range by a gripper, and thus a disk group that has reached the target weight can be selected in a short time.

[00105] Since a disk group that has reached the target weight is collectively moved by the gripper and is assembled into a pulling roll and aligning and disassembling of a used pulling roll is performed in-line by the gripper, working time can be reduced and an accident caused by manual work can be prevented.

[00106] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, they are provided for the purposes of illustration and it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments can be made from the disclosure. Accordingly, the true technical scope of the disclosure is defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS :

1. A method for producing a pulling roll, the method comprising: measuring a weight of each of a plurality of disks; classifying and stacking each of the plurality of disks into one of a plurality of disk groups divided into different first weight ranges; and selecting disks from ones of the plurality of disk groups using a first gripper and mounting the disks on an adapter.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the classifying and stacking of each of the plurality of disks is performed until each of the plurality of disk groups reaches a target weight.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, before the measuring of the weight, moving each of the plurality of disks to a scale using a second gripper.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, before the measuring of the weight, setting different first weight ranges, wherein the setting of the first weight ranges comprises: measuring the weight of each of the disks and extracting a disk distribution by weight; and dividing an entirety of a weight range of the plurality of disks into the first weight ranges based on the disk distribution by weight.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the dividing of the entirety of the weight range into the first weight ranges is performed so that an integer multiple of an average weight of disks belonging to any one of the first weight ranges is substantially the same as a target weight.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, in the dividing of the entirety of the weight range into the first weight ranges, a lower weight range and an upper weight range of the disk distribution by weight constitutes a single surplus weight range.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, after the setting of the first weight ranges, re-dividing the surplus weight range into different second weight ranges, wherein an integer multiple of an average weight of disks belonging to any one second weight range of the second weight ranges is substantially the same as a target weight.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, after the mounting of the disks on the adapter, moving the adapter on which a disk group is mounted to an assembly shelf by a second gripper configured to grip an inner surface of a cylinder of the adapter.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, after the mounting of the disks on the adapter: compressing a disk group mounted on the adapter; and fixing the compressed disk group to assemble a pulling roll.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: the compressing of the disk group is performed until a groove formed along an outer circumferential surface of a cylinder of the adapter is exposed; and the fixing of the compressed disk group includes fastening a snap ring moved from a ring cartridge to the groove when the groove is exposed.

1 1. The method of claim 9, further comprising sensing a separation point of a snap ring mounted on the adapter and configured to compress and fix the disk group.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , further comprising rotating the adapter on which the snap ring is mounted to align the separation point with a preset point.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising disposing the pulling roll on a disassembly shelf so that a cylinder of the adapter faces the disassembly shelf.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising disassembling the pulling roll from the adapter, wherein the disassembling of the pulling roll includes: compressing the disk group until the entire snap ring fastened to the groove is exposed; and separating the snap ring and the disks which are separated from the groove and collecting the snap ring and the disks in respective collection boxes.

15. A method for producing a pulling roll, the method comprising: sensing a separation point of a snap ring mounted on an adapter and configured to compress and fix a disk group; rotating the adapter on which the snap ring is mounted so that the separation point is aligned with a preset point; moving the adapter on which the snap ring is mounted to a disassembly shelf while maintaining an alignment state of the separation point using a gripper configured to grip an inner surface of the adapter; compressing the disk group until the entire snap ring is exposed; and separating the disk group compressed and fixed by the snap ring from the adapter.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the moving of the adapter to the disassembly shelf comprises disposing the adapter on which the compressed and fixed disk group is mounted on the disassembly shelf so that a cylinder of the adapter faces the disassembly shelf, wherein the separating of the disk group includes collecting the snap ring and the disk group in respective collection boxes.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the snap ring is recycled to compress and fix another disk group to the adapter.

18. A system for producing a pulling roll, the system comprising:

a plurality of poles disposed separately from each other on a plurality of points; a first gripper configured to move a disk to any one of the plurality of poles; a controller configured to control the first gripper so that the disk is classified onto any one of the plurality of poles according to a weight range of the disk; a second gripper configured to select a disk group accommodated on any one of the plurality of poles and mount the disk group on an adapter; and an assembler configured to compress and fix disks mounted on the adapter.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the assembler comprises: a first compressor configured to compress the disks so that a groove formed along an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder of the adapter is exposed; and a ring cartridge configured to accommodate a snap ring capable of being fastened to the groove of the adapter and to transfer the snap ring to the groove.

20. The system of claim 18, further comprising a disassembler configured to separate compressed and fixed disks from the adapter, wherein the disassembler comprises: a sensor configured to sense a separation point of a snap ring configured to compress and fix the disks; a rotary table configured to rotate the adapter so that the separation point is aligned with a preset position; a second compressor configured to compress the disks until the entire snap ring is exposed; and collection boxes configured to respectively collect the snap ring and the disks which are separated from the adapter.