US 12,214,542 B2
Link device and stretching machine
Naoaki Yoshimatsu, Tokyo (JP); and Ichiro Nakajima, Tokyo (JP)
Assigned to THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS, LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS, LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Jul. 15, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/866,457.
Claims priority of application No. 2021-117833 (JP), filed on Jul. 16, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0016645 A1, Jan. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. B29C 55/16 (2006.01); B29C 55/20 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 55/165 (2013.01) [B29C 55/20 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A link device used in a stretching machine for stretching a film, the link device having a plurality of link mechanisms which are coupled so as to form an endless chain and can move along two rails,
wherein each of the link mechanisms includes:
a first rail holder and a second rail holder;
a base member bridging the first rail holder and the second rail holder;
a link plate having one end rotatably coupled to the second rail holder and the other end rotatably coupled to the first rail holder of another link mechanism;
a clip provided on the base member and gripping the film;
a plurality of guide rollers provided on the first rail holder and moving along one of the two rails while rotating; and
a plurality of guide rollers provided on the second rail holder and moving along the other of the two rails while rotating,
wherein the plurality of link mechanisms include three-roller link mechanisms in each of which three guide rollers are provided on the first rail holder and two-roller link mechanisms in each of which two guide rollers are provided on the first rail holder, and
wherein the three-roller link mechanisms and the two-roller link mechanisms are arranged alternately.