Patent Publication Number: US-9890006-B2

Title: Loop amount absorption apparatus of slitter line

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a U.S. national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2014/052466 filed on Feb. 3, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line. More specifically, the present invention relates to a loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line capable of absorbing sufficiently long loops formed on a line while hardly damaging metal strips. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     A slitter line that continuously cuts a long and wide sheet-like metal strip along the longitudinal direction into a plurality of strips while winding multiple strips simultaneously, has been used. The metal strip is cut into predetermined widths according to the use of metal coils, and ten or more strips may be made from one plate. 
     In a slitter line, after a metal plate is slit into multiple strips, the multiple strips are wound by a winding machine. At this time, by a tensioner provided before the winding machine, the strips are tensioned and then tightly and firmly wound into wound coils. 
     A sheet-like metal strip to be supplied to the slitter line is generally manufactured by rolling. Therefore, both end portions of the metal strip become thinner than the center portion, so that the thickness differs in the same sheet. 
     At the time of slitting, pointed burrs are generated only on the end faces of each strip, and this may cause thickness differences. 
     When strips are wound by the winding machine after being slit, thickness differences of the sheet or thickness differences caused by burrs become diameter differences of the wound coils. That is, a wound coil diameter of a strip with a thickness difference becomes larger than a wound coil diameter of a strip with a small thickness, and a circumferential length difference occurs between these, so that the strip to be wound into a wound coil with a larger coil diameter is wound faster. 
     Due to this winding speed difference, a length difference occurs between strips at a position on the downstream side of the slitter of the slitter line, and the strips form loops with different sizes. If the surface of the strip comes into contact with the floor or the like, it is damaged and its commercial value is deteriorated, so that a loop pit with a depth of several meters is provided at a position of looping on the floor surface so as to temporarily store the loops. 
     However, in the structure in which a loop pit is provided, the loop absorbing amount depends on the depth of the loop pit, and provision of an extremely deep loop pit is not preferable in terms of the facility cost. In addition, it is necessary that the line be stopped before the largest loop of multiple strips comes into contact with the loop pit bottom surface, and the metal coils wound until that point be separated midway and made as products, and this causes lowering of production efficiency. 
     In recent years, automatization has increased in the industries using strip coils, and long-length coil products have been demanded to enable long-time operation, so that a pit with a depth of 10 meters or more is inevitably dug in actuality. In particular, in electric and electronic industries, coil materials have become thinner and longer, so that the loop amounts of these tend to increase. 
     Under these circumstances, structures that tried to realize efficient loop absorption exist, and apparatuses described in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 were proposed. 
     Here, in Patent Document 1, the absorption apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 22( a )  is described. The absorption apparatus  100  is structured to supply a loop  101   a , a loop  101   b , a loop  101   c , and a loop  101   d  of strips from the loop pit  102  side to the guide roller  104  provided on the holding arm  103 . The strips flow from the guide roller  104  to the rolls  105  and the subsequent winding machine  112  side. 
     The absorption apparatus  100  is structured so that the guide roller  104  is extended to the slitter  106  side via a cylinder device. In Patent Document 1, the absorption apparatus  107  shown in  FIG. 22( b )  is also described. 
     The absorption apparatus  107  is structured so that a carriage  109  to which the guide roller  108  is attached moves on a rail  110  extended in the horizontal direction. Strips flow to the rolls  111  and the subsequent winding machine side via the guide roller  108 . 
     In Patent Document 2, a structure in which an absorption tower having a roll movable up and down is installed by the side of the loop pit, and when a loop sags, the loop is lifted up by the roll of the absorption tower. 
     As another structure, as shown in  FIG. 23 , there is also a structure in which a pinch-roll type conveyance roll  114  that pinches strips by two rolls  113  disposed on the upper and lower sides and pushes the strips out to the winding machine side is installed in the looping region so that two-divided loops  116  are formed in the loop pit  115 . 
     PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-301239 
     Patent Document 2: Japanese Published Unexamined Utility Model Application No. Hei-03-97442 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problem to be Solved by the Invention 
     However, the structures described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 cannot sufficiently absorb the lengths of the loops. 
     For example, describing the absorption apparatus shown in  FIG. 22( b ) , sufficient absorption of the loop amount means an increase in distance designated by the reference symbol H which is the difference between the lowermost loop  101   d , that is, the largest loop, and the uppermost loop  101   a.    
     In the absorption apparatus  107 , all strips forming the loop  101   a , the loop  101   b , the loop  101   c , and the loop  101   d  are subjected to the absorption apparatus  107 . That is, even by lengthening all strips in the directions designated by the reference symbols L and h in  FIG. 22( b ) , the distance designated by the reference symbol H does not become longer, so that this structure cannot sufficiently absorb the lengths of the loops. 
     To increase the distance designated by the reference symbol H, there is a possible method by which only the lowermost loop  101   d  is subjected to the absorption apparatus. 
     However, before starting operation of the line, it cannot be always estimated which strip forms a larger loop, so that each time the loop  101   d  is formed, the line must be stopped to subject the loop to the absorption apparatus. This operation is difficult, and this seems an unrealistic method in terms of operation efficiency. 
     Further, this method is inconvenient since the absorption apparatus needs an installation space in a considerable range beyond the region of the loop pit, and maintenance of the apparatus is troublesome. 
     Even with the absorption tower described in Patent Document 2, only one loop can be formed in the loop pit although the absorption tower makes slightly larger the size of the loop to be absorbed, and therefore, this structure cannot sufficiently absorb the length of the loop. 
     On the other hand, in the structure using the pinch-roll type conveyance roll  114 , the strip in the middle of the loop is pinched by the pinch roll  113  and pushed out, so that two loops  116  can be formed in the loop pit. However, the necessity of pinching the strip becomes an issue. 
     That is, on the side closer to the winding machine than the pinch roll  113  on the line, the second loop is formed, so that the strip is fed to the downstream side of the line while being gripped by a pressure, so that this pressure damages the surface of the strip. 
     The damage on the strip surface becomes a fatal defect for a metal strip to be used for the purpose requiring high-quality surface finishing. In addition, when the strip is formed of a thin material such as metal foil, the shape itself may be deformed. 
     The present invention was made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line capable of absorbing sufficiently long loops generated on the line while hardly damaging metal strips. 
     Means for Solving the Problems 
     In order to achieve the above-described object, a loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line according to the present invention includes a rotating body that is constituted to be rotatable and movable up and down, and disposed between a slitter and a tensioner of the slitter line, a conduction hole which is provided inside the rotating body and in which a negative pressure is formed by a predetermined suction device, a conduction groove formed on the surface of the rotating body and connected to the conduction hole, and an outer layer portion low in breathability provided on the outside of the conduction groove. 
     Here, by the conduction hole which is provided inside the rotating body and in which a negative pressure is formed by a predetermined suction device, the pressure inside the rotating body can be made negative. As the predetermined suction device, for example, a vacuum pump or an ejector, etc., can be used, and by connecting this to the conduction hole, the air inside the rotating body is discharged and a negative pressure can be generated in the loop amount absorption apparatus. 
     The conduction groove is formed on the surface of the rotating body and connected to the conduction hole, so that the conduction groove and the conduction hole conduct to each other, and the region of the negative pressure generated in the conduction hole can be broadened to the surface of the rotating body. By the conduction groove, the region of the negative pressure can be broadened. That is, inside the apparatus, the negative pressure can be applied up to the end portion of the apparatus distant from the conduction hole. 
     By the conduction hole in which a negative pressure is formed by a predetermined suction device and the conduction groove formed on the surface of the rotating body and connected to the conduction hole, the negative pressure is applied to the strips in contact with the surface of the rotating body, and the strips can be adsorbed. Without damaging the surfaces of the strips, the strips can be gripped by the rotating body. The adsorption by a negative pressure mentioned here is caused by a pressing force applied by the atmosphere to the surfaces of the strips in contact with the rotating body. 
     By the conduction hole in which a negative pressure is formed by a predetermined suction device, the conduction groove formed on the surface of the rotating body and connected to the conduction hole, and the outer layer portion low in breathability provided on the outside of the conduction groove, the amount of air to flow to the inside of the apparatus from the outside can be reduced while the region of the negative pressure inside the apparatus is broadened. That is, the degree of negative pressure inside the apparatus is increased, and the adsorption force to be applied to the strips in contact with the apparatus can be increased. 
     By the rotating body constituted to be rotatable, the gripped strips can be conveyed to the downstream side of the slitter line while being gripped. That is, by disposing the rotating body at a position at which the strips loop, the rotating body can grip the strips and cause the strips to form two loops before and after the rotating body on the line. As a result, a larger difference between a large loop and a small loop can be allowed. 
     Further, by the rotating body that is constituted to be rotatable and disposed between the slitter and the tensioner of the slitter line, two loops can be formed in the region between the slitter and the tensioner. That is, two loops are formed in the region in which a loop pit is usually provided. 
     Due to the rotating body constituted to be movable up and down, the height of the rotating body can be changed with respect to the strips to be threaded in the slitter line. That is, by lifting up the gripped strips to a height equal to or higher than the height of the strips being threaded, the loop amounts can be increased. 
     When the air permeability of the outer layer portion is 0.8 cm 3 /cm 2 ·s or less measured by a Frazier type air permeability tester, the outer layer portion hardly sucks in extra outside air. As a result, the degree of negative pressure inside the apparatus becomes sufficiently high, and a sufficient gripping force can be applied to the strips. 
     When the rotating body is constituted to be movable up from the vicinity of a loop pit that is a recess formed in the region between the slitter and the tensioner, the installation space and installation labor of the apparatus can be reduced. In addition, efficiency of maintenance of the apparatus can be improved. That is, a structural body that enables the rotating body to move up is provided outside the loop pit, and the apparatus can be easily provided in the slitter line. The vicinity of the loop pit mentioned here means the region outside the loop pit, for example, a position which is flush with the floor surface on which the slitter and the tensioner are disposed, and on which the strips can be hung to form loops of the strips in the loop pit. 
     When the rotating body is constituted to be movable up from the vicinity of the bottom portion of the loop pit that is a recess formed in the region between the slitter and the tensioner, the operation of hanging the strips on the rotating body can be easily performed. For example, when a mechanism that automatically performs the operation of hanging the strips on the rotating body is adopted, the rotating body can be moved up from the position below the loops of the strips, so that the strips can be smoothly hung. 
     When the apparatus includes a sensor unit that is disposed near the bottom portion of the loop pit and can detect strips, a large loop can be detected before it comes into contact with the bottom of the loop pit. 
     When the rotating body is constituted so that the rotation speed thereof is adjustable, the gripping conveyance speed of strips by the apparatus can be synchronized with the threading speed of the strips in the slitter line. That is, according to the threading speed of strips, loops can be formed. 
     When a separator that is disposed on the slitter side of the rotating body and has a plurality of partition disks approximately parallel to the advancing direction of strips to be threaded is provided, the strips after being slit can be brought into stable contact with the rotating body. 
     When a substantially cylindrical intermediate cylinder portion that is provided between the conduction groove and the outer layer portion and has a plurality of ventilation holes formed therein is provided, the negative pressure generated in the conduction groove can be applied to the outer layer portion through the plurality of ventilation holes. Accordingly, a negative pressure can be efficiently generated in the outer layer portion. 
     When the rotating body is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, a plurality of the conduction holes are formed in the circumferential direction of the rotating body, and a plurality of the conduction grooves are formed in the longitudinal direction of the rotating body, a negative pressure can be continuously applied to the strips in contact with the apparatus being rotated. That is, an adsorption force is continuously generated on the surface of the rotating body due to the negative pressure. 
     When the rotating body is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, a plurality of conduction holes are formed in the circumferential direction of the rotating body, the conduction holes adjacent to each other are at a fixed interval, a plurality of conduction grooves are formed in the longitudinal direction of the rotating body, and the conduction grooves adjacent to each other are at a fixed interval, unevenness of the adsorption force on the surface of the apparatus can be suppressed. That is, conduction holes and conduction grooves adjacent to each other do not communicate with each other, so that a state in which only air at the position near the suction device is suctioned can be prevented, and a negative pressure can be uniformly generated up to the end portions of the rotating body. 
     When the outer layer portion is made of non-woven fabric low in breathability, the degree of breathability of the outer layer portion can be easily adjusted. That is, for example, when it is desired to increase the degree of negative pressure inside the apparatus in such a case where strips are comparatively thick and need a strong gripping force, this can be realized by using non-woven fabric with extremely low breathability or forming a multi-layered structure by laminating a plurality of non-woven fabrics. In addition, when the surface of the non-woven fabric is contaminated or clogged, the outer layer portion can be easily replaced, and maintenance of the apparatus is easily performed. 
     When the outer layer portion is composed of a non-woven fabric low in breathability provided on the outside of the conduction groove and an outer layer member that is laminated on the outside of the non-woven fabric, has a frictional coefficient higher than that of the non-woven fabric, and has many minute through-holes formed therein, while the negative pressure inside the apparatus is increased, the frictional force between the outer layer portion and the strips increases, so that the gripping force for gripping the strips can be increased. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     The loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line according to the present invention hardly damages the metal strips, and can absorb sufficiently long loops formed on the line. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing an example and a disposing position of a loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line to which the present invention is applied. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view showing a structure of a negative pressure roll. 
         FIG. 3( a )  is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A, and  FIG. 3( b )  is a cross sectional view taken along the line B-B, in the schematic view shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic cross sectional view of a negative pressure roll having a negative pressure region of 180 degrees on the roll circumference. 
         FIG. 5( a )  is a schematic cross sectional view at a position corresponding to a negative pressure conduction portion of another example of the negative pressure roll, and  FIG. 5( b )  is a schematic cross sectional view at a position corresponding to a negative pressure conduction portion of still another example of the negative pressure roll. 
         FIG. 6( a )  is a schematic view showing an inner cylinder,  FIG. 6( b )  is a schematic view showing an intermediate cylinder, and  FIG. 6( c )  is a schematic view showing ventilation hole groove portions provided around ventilation holes. 
         FIG. 7( a )  is a schematic view showing an intermediate cylinder using perforated metal,  FIG. 7( b )  is a schematic view showing many small-diameter holes of perforated metal, and  FIG. 7( c )  is a schematic view showing a multi-layered non-woven fabric laminated outer cylinder. 
         FIG. 8( a )  is a cross sectional view showing details of the X portion in  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 8( b )  is a cross sectional view taken along the line C-C in the cross sectional view of  FIG. 8( a ) . 
         FIG. 9( a )  is a cross sectional view corresponding to  FIG. 8( a ) , and  FIG. 9( b )  is a cross sectional view corresponding to  FIG. 8( b ) , showing another example of the negative pressure roll. 
         FIG. 10  is a view showing an enlarged microphotograph of non-woven fabric used in the negative pressure roll. 
         FIG. 11  is a view showing an enlarged microphotograph of generally used non-woven fabric. 
         FIG. 12  is a view showing an enlarged microphotograph of high-density woven fabric. 
         FIG. 13  is a view showing an enlarged microphotograph of generally used woven fabric. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view of a negative pressure roll and an up-down moving device from the side. 
         FIG. 15( a )  is a schematic view when starting operation of the slitter line and  FIG. 15( b )  is a schematic view when the loop hang-down amounts of strips change. 
         FIG. 16( a )  is a schematic view showing a state in which strips are set on the negative pressure roll, and  FIG. 16( b )  is a schematic view showing a state in which the negative pressure roll moves up. 
         FIG. 17( a )  is a schematic view showing a state in which the negative pressure roll is at a moved-up position and the loop hang-down amounts increase, and  FIG. 17( b )  is a schematic view showing a state in which the negative pressure roll moves up to the upper limit of the up-down guide post. 
         FIG. 18( a )  is a schematic view of the apparatus in which an up-down moving device is provided near a loop pit, and  FIG. 18( b )  is a side view in the direction A-A in  FIG. 18( a ) . 
         FIG. 19( a )  is a schematic view showing a state in which strips are set on the apparatus in which an up-down moving device is provided near a loop pit, and  FIG. 19( b )  is a side view in the direction B-B in  FIG. 19( a ) . 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic view of the slitter line in a case where two absorption apparatuses are provided. 
         FIG. 21( a )  is a side view in the direction A-A in  FIG. 20 , and  FIG. 21( b )  is a plan view in the arrow B direction in  FIG. 21( a ) . 
         FIG. 22( a )  is a schematic view showing an example of a conventional loop absorption apparatus, and  FIG. 22( b )  is a schematic view showing another example. 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic view showing an absorption apparatus using a conventional pinch roll type conveyance roll. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings for understanding of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing an example and a disposing position of a loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line to which the present invention is applied.  FIG. 2  is a schematic view showing a structure of a negative pressure roll. 
     Here, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the absorption apparatus  1  as an example of the loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line to which the present invention is applied is disposed inside the region of the loop pit  3  provided in the slitter line  2 . 
     In the slitter line  2 , an uncoiler  4  that uncoils a metal strip from a rolled metal strip coil, and a slitter  5  that slits the metal strip into strips  14 , are disposed. On the downstream side of the loop pit  3 , a tensioner  6  that applies a winding tensile force to the strips  14 , a deflector roll  7  that changes the threading angle of the strips  14 , and a winding machine  8  that winds the strips  14 , are disposed. 
     The absorption apparatus  1  includes a negative pressure roll  9  that grips and conveys the strips  14 , and an up-down moving device  10  that enables the negative pressure roll  9  to move up and down. By gripping and conveying the strips  14  by the negative pressure roll  9 , two loops  15  of the strips are formed. 
     To the slitter  5  side of the negative pressure roll  9 , a separator  11  is attached. The separator  11  is a structure for stabilizing the strips  14  before the multiple strips  14  are brought into contact with the negative pressure roll  9  while preventing the strips  14  from overlapping each other. 
     On the bottom portion side surface of the loop pit  3 , a sensor  12  that can detect strips  14  and interlock with the up-down moving device  10  is provided. At the center portion of the loop pit  3 , a negative pressure roll standby position  13  capable of accommodating the negative pressure roll  9  inside is formed. 
     Here, the sensor  12  does not necessarily have to be provided on the bottom portion side surface of the loop pit  3 . For example, it is also possible that before the loops  15  of the strips  14  come into contact with the floor surface of the loop pit  3 , the loops are visually confirmed, and the slitter line  2  is stopped and then the strips  14  are set on the negative pressure roll  9  and the separator  11 . 
     In addition, the negative pressure roll standby position  13  does not necessarily have to be formed at the center portion of the loop pit  3 . For example, a structure that causes the negative pressure roll  9  to stand by at a position on the bottom portion of the loop pit  3  or a position near the floor surface on which the slitter  5 , etc., are installed, can also be adopted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the negative pressure roll  9  includes a rotating shaft  16 , an inner cylinder  17 , an intermediate cylinder  18 , and a non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19 . Hereinafter, the internal structure of the negative pressure roll  9  is described in detail. 
     The rotating shaft  16  is a member that becomes the center of rotation of the negative pressure roll  9 , and is connected to the inner cylinder  17  by a reinforcement disk  20 . The inner cylinder  17  has a cylindrical shape, and rotates together with the rotating shaft  16 . The rotating shaft  16  and the inner cylinder  17  are equivalent to the rotating body. 
     The intermediate cylinder  18  is a cylindrical tubular material formed on the outside of the inner cylinder  17 , and rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft  16  and the inner cylinder  17 . The non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  is formed on the outside of the intermediate cylinder  18 , and is a portion at which the negative pressure roll  9  and the strips  14  come into contact with each other. The non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  also rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft  16 , the inner cylinder  17 , and the intermediate cylinder  18 . 
     The negative pressure roll  9  has a drive motor  21 . The drive motor  21  is connected to the rotating shaft  16  via a chain  22 , and rotates the rotating shaft  16 . 
     The negative pressure roll  9  is joined to an up-down guide member  24  via the rotating shaft  16  and a bearing  23  supporting the rotating shaft  16 . The up-down guide member  24  constitutes the up-down moving device  10  that enables the negative pressure roll  9  to move up and down in the vertical direction shown by the arrow Y. 
     Here, the negative pressure roll  9  does not necessarily have to be composed of the rotating shaft  16 , the inner cylinder  17 , the intermediate cylinder  18 , and the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19 . However, manufacturing and maintenance of the negative pressure roll  6  become easy if it is divided into the respective members, and therefore, the negative pressure roll  9  is preferably composed of the rotating shaft  16 , the inner cylinder  17 , the intermediate cylinder  18 , and the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19 . 
     The rotating body does not necessarily have to be composed of the rotating shaft  16 , the inner cylinder  17 , and the reinforcement disk  20 . However, the rotating body is preferably composed of the rotating shaft  16 , the inner cylinder  17 , and the reinforcement disk  20  since they provides strength to the rotating body. When the rotating shaft  16 , the inner cylinder  17 , and the reinforcement disk  20  are formed integrally of the same metal, the strength can be further increased, and this is more preferable. In a comparatively small apparatus, the inner cylinder  17  may not be cylindrical, and it is possible that the negative pressure roll  9  includes the inner cylinder that is obtained by machining a solid material to become integral with the rotating shaft  16 . 
     The materials of the rotating shaft  16  and the inner cylinder  17  are not particularly restricted. For example, by using a plastic material, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. 
     The structure among the rotating shaft  16 , the inner cylinder  17 , the intermediate cylinder  18 , and the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  is not restricted, and is only required to enable these members to rotate integrally in the same direction. That is, these members may be joined by fixtures, or a structure that rotates them integrally by frictional engagement caused by frictional forces applied between the members may be adopted. 
     The kind of the bearing  23  is not particularly restricted. For example, the bearing  23  may be a ball bearing. However, for smooth rotation of the shaft and improvement in durability of the apparatus, an anti-friction bearing or a sliding bearing is preferably adopted. 
     The negative pressure roll  9  does not necessarily have to have the drive motor  21 , and is only required to become rotatable by obtaining motive power. The structure and kind of the drive motor  21  are not particularly restricted. 
     The drive motor  21  does not necessarily have to be connected to the rotating shaft  16  via the chain  22 , and is only required to have a structure in which motive power generated by the drive motor  21  is transmitted to the rotating shaft  16 . For example, a structure in which the drive motor is connected by a V-belt instead of the chain and a structure in which the drive motor and the rotating shaft are directly connected, etc., can also be adopted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , on one end side of the inner cylinder  17 , negative pressure conduction holes  25  pierced through the inner cylinder  17  are formed. The negative pressure conduction hole  25  serves as a flow passage of air when the air inside the negative pressure roll  9  is discharged by a vacuum pump (not illustrated). A plurality of negative pressure conduction holes are formed at fixed intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder  17 . The arrow Z shows a direction of suctioning the negative pressure roll  9  by the vacuum pump. 
     Here, in the present invention, the suctioning amount of the outside air is limited by using the material low in breathability, so that it is not necessary to use an exhaust blower with a high capacity as a suction device. The back surfaces of the strips  14  in contact with the negative pressure roll  9  are maintained in a negative pressure state, and by pressing caused by the atmosphere, an adsorption force is generated, so that a vacuum pump or ejector, etc., that generates a high degree of vacuum although its suctioning amount is small can be used. 
     On the surface of the inner cylinder  17 , negative pressure conduction grooves  26  connected to the negative pressure conduction holes  25  are provided. The negative pressure conduction grooves  26  are formed along the longitudinal direction of the negative pressure roll  9  to generate a negative pressure up to the end portions of the negative pressure roll  9 . 
     On the rotating shaft  16  side of the negative pressure roll  9 , a negative pressure conduction portion  27  communicating with the negative pressure conduction holes  25  is provided. The negative pressure conduction portion  27  is connected to the vacuum pump, and serves as a suction port for making the pressure inside the negative pressure roll  9  negative. 
     The negative pressure conduction portion  27  is connected and fixed to the bearing  23 , and increases the airtightness inside the negative pressure roll  9  while being in contact with the negative pressure conduction holes  25  rotating together with the rotating shaft  16 . 
     Here, the negative pressure conduction holes  25  are only required to forma negative pressure inside the negative pressure roll  9 , and the number of the negative pressure conduction holes and the positions at which they are formed are not particularly restricted. However, for continuously providing a negative pressure to the negative pressure roll  9  being rotated, the negative pressure conduction holes  25  are preferably arranged at even intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder  17 . 
     The negative pressure conduction holes  25  do not necessarily have to be formed on only one end side of the inner cylinder  17 . For example, when a long-length negative pressure roll is used, it is also possible that the negative pressure conduction holes  25  and a flow passage of the vacuum pump are provided on both sides of the inner cylinder  17  so that the air inside the negative pressure roll  9  is discharged from both end portions. 
     The negative pressure conduction portion  27  does not necessarily have to be provided, and it is only required that a structure that can form a negative pressure inside the negative pressure roll  9  be provided, and other known technologies may be used. However, for increasing the airtightness inside the negative pressure roll  9 , it is preferable to provide the negative pressure conduction portion  27 . 
     The negative pressure conduction portion  27  does not necessarily have to be connected to the bearing  23 . However, it is preferable to connect the negative pressure conduction portion  27  and the bearing  23  since the negative pressure conduction portion  27  is accordingly fixed and the airtightness between the negative pressure conduction portion and the negative pressure conduction holes  25  is easily increased. 
     The internal structure of the negative pressure roll is described in greater detail. 
       FIG. 3( a )  is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A, and  FIG. 3( b )  is a cross sectional view taken along the line B-B, in the schematic view shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  is a schematic cross sectional view of a negative pressure roll having a negative pressure region of 180 degrees on the roll circumference.  FIG. 5( a )  is a schematic cross sectional view at a position corresponding to a negative pressure conduction portion of another example of the negative pressure roll, and  FIG. 5( b )  is a schematic cross sectional view at a position corresponding to a negative pressure conduction portion of still another example of the negative pressure roll.  FIG. 6( a )  is a schematic view showing an inner cylinder,  FIG. 6( b )  is a schematic view showing an intermediate cylinder, and  FIG. 6( c )  is a schematic view showing ventilation hole groove portions provided around ventilation holes.  FIG. 7( a )  is a schematic view showing an intermediate cylinder using perforated metal,  FIG. 7( b )  is a schematic view showing many small-diameter holes of perforated metal, and  FIG. 7( c )  is a schematic view showing a multi-layered non-woven fabric laminated outer cylinder.  FIG. 8( a )  is a cross sectional view showing details of the X portion in  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 8( b )  is a cross sectional view taken along the line C-C in the cross sectional view of  FIG. 8( a ) .  FIG. 9( a )  is a cross sectional view corresponding to  FIG. 8( a ) , and  FIG. 9( b )  is a cross sectional view corresponding to  FIG. 8( b ) , showing another example of the negative pressure roll. 
     One end side of the negative pressure roll  9  has the section as shown in  FIG. 3( a ) . On one end side of the negative pressure roll  9 , the negative pressure conduction portion  27  and the negative pressure conduction holes  25  are provided. The negative pressure conduction portion  27  is formed in a region accounting for approximately 90 degrees on the circumference of the negative pressure roll  9 . The negative pressure roll  9  comes into contact with strips  14  at a position corresponding to this negative pressure conduction portion  27 . The right-side drawing in  FIG. 3( a )  shows the surface region of the negative pressure roll  9  in an enlarged manner. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3( b ) , in the region distant from the one end side of the negative pressure roll  9 , the negative pressure roll  9  is composed of the inner cylinder  17 , the negative pressure conduction grooves  26 , the intermediate cylinder  18 , and the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19 . 
     Here, the negative pressure conduction portion  27  does not necessarily have to be formed in the region occupying approximately 90 degrees on the circumference of the negative pressure roll  9 , and is only required to become capable of gripping and conveying strips  14 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the negative pressure conduction portion  27  may be formed in the region of approximately 180 degrees on the circumference of the negative pressure roll  9 . In this case, the negative pressure roll comes into contact with strips  14  that moved up from the lower side in the region of substantially 180 degrees on the negative pressure roll  9 , so that a larger negative pressure can be applied to the strips. That is, a stronger gripping force can be applied. By preparing the negative pressure conduction portion  27  as a replacement part having an arbitrary angle, the negative pressure region in the circumferential direction can be arbitrarily adjusted. 
       FIG. 5( a )  is a view showing a structure of another example of the negative pressure roll. Here, the difference from the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  is in that partition projections  28  are provided on the surface of the inner cylinder  17  and the negative pressure conduction grooves  26  are formed between the partition projections  28 . Thus, the negative pressure conduction grooves  26  may be formed as a layer separate from the inner cylinder  17 . 
     By using an elastic material such as soft rubber with appropriate hardness for the partition projections  28 , the partition projections come into close contact with the inner cylinder  17  and the intermediate cylinder  18 , so that it is also possible to improve the airtightness of the negative pressure conduction grooves  26 . 
       FIG. 5( b )  is a view showing a structure of still another example of the negative pressure roll. The apparatus shown in  FIG. 5( b )  has a structure without the intermediate cylinder  18 . The apparatus shown in  FIG. 5( b )  has a rotating body  29 . Such a simplified structure can also be adopted as long as it can apply a negative pressure to strips. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6( a ) , the inner cylinder  17  is provided with pluralities of negative pressure conduction holes  25  and negative pressure conduction grooves  26 . The right side in  FIG. 6( a )  is the one end side of the negative pressure roll  9 , and when the vacuum pump is operated, a negative pressure is also generated in the negative pressure conduction holes  25  and the negative pressure conduction grooves  26  via the negative pressure conduction portion  27 . The negative pressure is applied by the negative pressure conduction grooves  26  up to the end portion on the side opposite to the side on which the negative pressure conduction holes  25  are provided. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6( b ) , the intermediate cylinder  18  is provided on the outside of the inner cylinder  17 . The intermediate cylinder  18  is formed of a tubular material made of metal, synthetic resin, or hard rubber, and in the surface thereof, many ventilation holes  30  are formed. The ventilation holes  30  are positioned at fixed intervals along the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction of the intermediate cylinder  18  so that air flows from the ventilation holes  30  into the negative pressure conduction grooves  26  to generate a negative pressure. 
     Around the ventilation hole  30 , a ventilation hole groove portion  31  is formed toward four directions. By the ventilation hole groove portion  31 , the range of the air to be suctioned into the ventilation hole  30  is enlarged. 
     Here, the intermediate cylinder  18  and the ventilation holes  30  do not necessarily have to be formed, and it is only required that a negative pressure can be applied to the strips. However, a negative pressure can be efficiently generated on the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  by forming the intermediate cylinder  18  and providing the ventilation holes  30 , so that it is preferable to form the intermediate cylinder  18  and the ventilation holes  30 . 
     The ventilation hole groove portion  31  does not necessarily have to be provided around the ventilation hole  30 . However, by enlarging the negative pressure generation region, the degree of negative pressure inside the negative pressure roll  9  can be further increased, so that it is preferable to provide the ventilation hole groove portion  31  around the ventilation hole  30 . The shape of the ventilation hole groove portion is not particularly restricted, and the ventilation hole groove portion  32  may be formed toward eight directions by increasing the number of grooves as shown in  FIG. 6( c ) . 
       FIG. 7( a )  shows an intermediate cylinder  18  made of perforated metal  33  as another example of the intermediate cylinder  18 . The perforated metal  33  is a material in which many small-diameter holes  34  are formed by punching a planar metal strip.  FIG. 7( b )  shows small-diameter holes  34  formed in the perforated metal  33 . Like the ventilation holes  30 , the small-diameter holes  34  flow air into the negative pressure conduction grooves  26 ; however, the small-diameter holes are smaller than the ventilation holes  30 . As the perforated metal  33 , one available on the market can also be used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7( c ) , the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  is provided on the outside of the intermediate cylinder  18 . The non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  is made of non-woven fabric  35  low in breathability, and its air permeability is 0.8 cm 3 /cm 2 ·s or less measured by a Frazier type air permeability tester. The non-woven fabric  35  has an appropriate frictional coefficient and elasticity, and generates a sufficient frictional force between this and strips  14 , and hardly damages the strips even when it comes into contact with the strips. 
     Here, the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  does not necessarily have to be made of non-woven fabric  35  low in breathability, and it is only required to apply a negative pressure to strips. However, it is preferable to make the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  of the non-woven fabric  35  low in breathability since this makes it possible to easily adjust the air permeability of the outer layer portion. 
     The air permeability of the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  does not necessarily have to be 0.8 cm 3 /cm 2 ·s or less measured by a Frazier type air permeability tester, and it is only required to apply a negative pressure to strips. However, it is preferable to set the air permeability of the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  to 0.8 cm 3 /cm 2 ·s or less measured by a Frazier type air permeability tester since this increases the degree of negative pressure inside the negative pressure roll and makes it possible to sufficiently grip and convey the strips  14 . 
       FIG. 8( a )  shows details of the X portion of the negative pressure roll shown in  FIG. 2 . The negative pressure conduction grooves  26  are formed on the surface of the inner cylinder  17 , and ventilation holes  30  of the intermediate cylinder  18  are positioned at fixed intervals. Further, on the outside of the ventilation holes  30 , the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  is formed, and strips  14  come into contact with the non-woven fabric.  FIG. 8( b )  is a cross sectional view in the C-C direction of the cross sectional view of  FIG. 8( a ) . The view of  FIG. 8( b )  is in an arc shape in actuality; however, for convenience of description, it is shown as a linear view. 
       FIG. 9( a )  shows details of the X portion of the negative pressure roll in the case where the intermediate cylinder  18  is formed of perforated metal  33 . On the surface of the inner cylinder  17 , the negative pressure conduction grooves  26  are formed, and on the outside thereof, the perforated metal  33  is positioned. On the outside of the perforated metal  33 , the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  is formed, and strips  14  come into contact with the non-woven fabric.  FIG. 9( b )  is a cross sectional view in the C-C direction of the cross sectional view of  FIG. 9( a ) . The view of  FIG. 9( b )  is in an arc shape in actuality; however, for convenience of description, it is shown as a linear view. 
     The non-woven fabric used in the negative pressure roll is described. 
       FIG. 10  is a view showing an enlarged microphotograph of the non-woven fabric used in the negative pressure roll.  FIG. 11  is a view showing an enlarged microphotograph of generally used non-woven fabric.  FIG. 12  is a view showing an enlarged microphotograph of high-density woven fabric.  FIG. 13  is a view showing an enlarged microphotograph of generally used woven fabric. 
       FIG. 10  shows a microphotograph (a magnification of 100 times) of the non-woven fabric  35  used in the negative pressure roll  9 . The non-woven fabric  35  is formed by entwining fibers with a fiber diameter of approximately 4 μm at a high density. One sheet of non-woven fabric  35  can realize a low air permeability of approximately 0.8 cm 3 /cm 2 ·s or less measured by a Frazier type air permeability tester. Between the extra fine fibers of the non-woven fabric  35 , many spaces with sizes of micrometers are present, and through these spaces, the negative pressure easily reach the entire surface of the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19 . 
     On the other hand,  FIG. 11  shows a microphotograph of the non-woven fabric  36  generally used for a tension pad that is one of tensioners. The non-woven fabric  36  is formed by entwining fibers with a fiber diameter of approximately 20 to 30 μm, and is lower in density than the non-woven fabric  35 . One sheet of non-woven fabric  36  has a Frazier type air permeability of 50 to 100 cm 3 /cm 2 ·s, and it is difficult to use this as the non-woven fabric of the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19 . 
     Here, by combining the non-woven fabric  36  with a material low in air permeability of approximately 0.8 cm 3 /cm 2 ·s or less measured by a Frazier type air permeability tester, for example, high-density woven fabric  37  such as nylon woven fabric, low breathability can also be realized. That is, it is also possible that by sandwiching a high-density woven fabric  37  between non-woven fabrics  36 , the non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  can be formed.  FIG. 12  shows the high-density woven fabric  37  and  FIG. 13  shows the generally used woven fabric  38  as enlarged microphotographs (a magnification of 100 times). 
     The non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  does not necessarily have to be formed of one non-woven fabric  35 . For example, a structure that realizes low air permeability by overlapping a plurality of non-woven fabrics can also be adopted. 
     As the outer layer portion of the negative pressure roll  9 , a structure in which a non-woven fabric low in breathability and artificial leather which is laminated on the outside of the non-woven fabric and with many minute through-holes are combined to form the outer layer portion can also be adopted. As artificial leather, by using a material with a frictional coefficient higher than that of the non-woven fabric, the gripping force for gripping strips can be increased. Here, instead of artificial leather, a material with a frictional coefficient higher than that of the non-woven fabric can be used, and for example, a rubber material can also be used. 
     A structure relating to moving up and down of the negative pressure roll is described. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic view of the negative pressure roll and the up-down moving device from the side. 
     As described above, the negative pressure roll  9  can be moved up and down in the vertical direction by the up-down moving device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the up-down moving device includes an up-down guide member  24  joined to the above-described negative pressure roll  9 , a guide post  39  which is provided in the loop pit  3  and to which the guide member  24  is attached, and a motor-driven winch  40 . 
     To the up-down guide member  24 , a rope  41  is anchored, and via a guide roll  42  disposed on the tip end of the guide post  39 , the rope  41  is wound by the motor-driven winch  40 . The arrow Y in the drawing shows the up-down moving direction of the negative pressure roll  9 , and the negative pressure roll  9  is movable up and down in the range from the bottom surface of the loop pit  3  to the upper end of the guide post  39 . 
     The guide post  39  and the guide member  24  are joined by a known linear guide rail structure, and can move the negative pressure roll  9  up and down while keeping it in a horizontal direction. 
     Here, the constitution of the up-down moving device  10  does not necessarily have to be adopted to move the negative pressure roll  9  up and down, and it is only required to stably move the negative pressure roll  9  up and down in the vertical direction. For example, as a drive source, an electrically-operated treaded rod rotating structure and a telescoping structure using a hydraulic cylinder, etc., can also be adopted as well as the motor-driven winch. 
     Operation steps of the absorption apparatus  1  constituted as described above are described. 
       FIG. 15( a )  is a schematic view when starting operation of the slitter line, and  FIG. 15( b )  is a schematic view when the loop hang-down amounts of strips change.  FIG. 16( a )  is a schematic view showing a state in which strips are set on the negative pressure roll, and  FIG. 16( b )  is a schematic view showing a state in which the negative pressure roll moves up.  FIG. 17( a )  is a schematic view showing a state in which the negative pressure roll is at a moved-up position and the loop hang-down amounts increase, and  FIG. 17( b )  is a schematic view showing a state in which the negative pressure roll moves up to the upper limit of the up-down guide post. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15( a ) , when starting operation of the slitter line  2 , in order to prevent a situation in which the tension to be applied to the strips  14  by the winding machine  8  acts on the blade of the slitter  5  and uniform cut surfaces cannot be obtained, the slit strips are hung down inside the loop pit  3  and form small loops  44 . 
     Immediately after slitting, spaces are hardly present between the strips  14 . However, when the strips are subjected to the tensioner  6 , spaces are formed between the strips  14  by the partition disks of the separator  43  before the tensioner  6 . The small loops  44  formed by the strips  14  above the loop pit perform the function of buffering the presence and absence of the spaces between the strips  14 . 
     In the slitter line  2 , the speeds of the uncoiler  4 , the slitter  5 , and the winding machine  8  are synchronized and threading of the strips  14  is started. At this time, the negative pressure roll  9  is stored at the negative pressure roll standby position  13  on the bottom surface of the loop pit  3 . The negative pressure roll  9  does not necessarily have to be positioned at the negative pressure roll standby position  13 . 
     When threading of the strips  14  progresses, due to the differences in thickness among the strips  14 , the coil diameters of the strips  14  differ from each other on the winding machine  8 , and the winding speed gradually starts to differ among the strips  14 . As shown in  FIG. 15( b ) , above the loop pit  3 , the hang-down amount of the loop  45  of the thick strip  14  whose wound coil diameter is small becomes larger, and becomes different from the hang-down amount of the loop  46  of the strip  14  whose wound coil diameter is large. 
     Before the loop  45  of the strip  14  whose wound coil diameter is small comes into contact with the floor surface of the loop pit  3 , the up-down moving device  10  is operated to move up the negative pressure roll  9  to the vicinity of the floor surface  47  as shown in  FIG. 16( a ) . 
     In addition, the slitter line  2  is temporarily stopped and the strips  14  are set on the negative pressure roll  9  and the separator  11 . Thus, by moving up the negative pressure roll  9  to the vicinity of the floor surface  47 , the operation of setting the strips  14  can be easily performed. Detection before the loop  45  of the strip  14  whose wound coil diameter is small comes into contact with the floor surface of the loop pit  3  can be performed with the sensor  12 . This operation can also be performed by visual confirmation. 
     First, by setting strips  14  on the negative pressure roll  9 , in a line stopped state, two loops each of the strips  14  are formed inside the loop pit  3 . Subsequently, the slitter line  2  and the vacuum pump and the drive motor  21  of the negative pressure roll  9  are operated to make the pressure inside the negative pressure roll  9  negative and make the negative pressure roll  9  start rotating movement in a direction in which the strips  14  are threaded. The strips  14  set on the negative pressure roll  9  are gripped by the surface of the negative pressure roll  9 , and fed out in the advancing direction. 
     By synchronizing the rotation speed of the negative pressure roll  9  with the speeds of the slitter  5  and the winding machine  8 , the state in which the strips  14  to be gripped and conveyed form two loops is maintained. That is, it becomes possible to allow a large difference between a large loop and a small loop of the strips. The rotation speed of the negative pressure roll  9  is electrically programmed so as to synchronize with the line speed. 
     When strips  14  are set on the negative pressure roll  9  and the line is operated, in the state in which two loops are formed, the hang-down amount of the strip  14  whose wound coil diameter is small among the strips increases. Here, as shown in  FIG. 16( b ) , the negative pressure roll  9  can be moved up by the up-down moving device  10  while being operated. By moving up the negative pressure roll  9 , it becomes possible to increase the hang-down amounts of the two loops. That is, it becomes possible to allow a larger difference between a large loop and a small loop of the strips. 
     As threading of the strips further progresses, even when the negative pressure roll  9  is positioned at the height shown in  FIG. 17( a ) , the hang-down amount of the loop  45  of the strip  14  whose wound coil diameter is small increases and the loop approaches the floor surface of the loop pit  3 . 
     In this case, as shown in  FIG. 17( b ) , by moving up the negative pressure roll  9  to the upper limit of the up-down guide post  39  by the up-down moving device  10 , the hang-down amounts of the two loops can be further increased. That is, it becomes possible to allow a still larger difference between a large loop and a small loop of the strips. It is also possible that, in this case, the negative pressure roll  9  is automatically moved up in response to a signal from the sensor  12 . 
     Thus, due to the negative pressure roll  9 , two loops of the strips  14  can be formed before and after the negative pressure roll  9 , so that as compared with a conventional slitter line having only the loop pit, the loop amounts can be sufficiently absorbed. In addition, by changing the height of the negative pressure roll  9 , the loop amounts that can be absorbed can be increased. 
     As a result, when the up-down moving device is installed in an existing loop pit, the loop amount absorption efficiency can be improved. When a new loop pit is provided, it becomes unnecessary to form the loop pit deep, and this leads to a reduction in cost of the facility in which the slitter line is installed and improvement in safety. 
     The negative pressure roll  9  grips strips  14  by a negative pressure, so that the surfaces of the strips  14  are hardly damaged. The non-woven fabric laminated outer layer  19  of the negative pressure roll  9  is made of non-woven fabric low in air permeability, so that the surfaces of the strips  14  are even less likely to be damaged. 
     As another example of the embodiment of the present invention, a structure in which the up-down moving device is provided near the loop pit can also be adopted. 
       FIG. 18( a )  is a schematic view of the apparatus in which an up-down moving device is provided near a loop pit, and  FIG. 18( b )  is a side view in the direction A-A in  FIG. 18( a ) .  FIG. 19( a )  is a schematic view showing a state in which strips are set on the apparatus in which an up-down moving device is provided near a loop pit, and  FIG. 19( b )  is a side view in the direction B-B in  FIG. 19( a ) . 
     As shown in  FIG. 18( a ) , in the present embodiment, the up-down moving device  10  is provided not inside the loop pit  3  but on the floor surface  47  on which the slitter  5  and the tensioner  6  are disposed. The negative pressure roll  9  is movable up and down near the loop pit  3 . 
     In the present embodiment, until the loop hang-down amounts of the strips  14  change from the start of the operation of the line, the negative pressure roll  9  stands by at the upper portion of the up-down moving device  10 . Thereafter, when the loop of the strip whose wound coil diameter is small comes to a position at which it almost comes into contact with the floor surface of the loop pit  3 , the line is stopped, and the negative pressure roll  9  is moved down to the position of the floor surface  47 .  FIG. 18( b )  shows this state from the direction of the arrow A-A in  FIG. 18( a ) . 
     A view of the state in which the strips  14  are set on the negative pressure roll  9  when the line is stopped from the direction of the arrow B-B in  FIG. 19( a )  is as shown in  FIG. 19( b ) . Thereafter, the negative pressure roll  9  and the line are operated, and while the strips  14  are gripped and conveyed, the negative pressure roll  9  is moved up by the up-down moving device  10 , and accordingly, it becomes possible to increase the hang-down amounts of the two loops. That is, it becomes possible to allow a still larger difference between a large loop and a small loop of the strips. 
     In the present embodiment, the space and labor for installing the up-down moving device  10 , specifically, the up-down guide post  39  can be reduced. In addition, it becomes possible to check the up-down moving device on the floor surface  47 , and the operation efficiency of maintenance, etc., can be improved. These lead to a reduction in cost of facility installation. 
     As another example of the embodiment of the present invention, a structure in which two absorption apparatuses are provided on the slitter line can also be adopted. 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic view of the slitter line in the case where two absorption apparatuses are provided. 
     In the case where wound coils of strips are manufactured from a longer metal strip, or in the case where it is desired to further increase the loop amount absorption efficiency, as shown in  FIG. 20 , it is also possible to provide two structures of absorption apparatuses  1  in the loop pit  3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , by disposing two absorption apparatuses  1 , three loops of the strips  14  can be formed inside the loop pit  3 , and the loop amount absorption efficiency can be further increased.  FIG. 21( a )  is a side view in the arrow A-A direction in  FIG. 20 , and  FIG. 21( b )  is a plan view in the arrow B direction in  FIG. 21( a ) . 
     Here, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the structure in which two absorption apparatuses  1  are provided, and a structure in which three or more absorption apparatuses are provided and a structure in which two absorption apparatuses are provided at a distance are also possible as necessary. 
     As described above, the loop amount absorption apparatus of a slitter line according to the present invention hardly damages the metal strips, and can absorb sufficiently long loops formed on the line. 
     DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           1  Absorption apparatus 
           2  Slitter line 
           3  Loop pit 
           4  Uncoiler 
           5  Slitter 
           6  Tensioner 
           7  Deflector roll 
           8  Winding machine 
           9  Negative pressure roll 
           10  Up-down moving device 
           11  Separator 
           12  Sensor 
           13  Negative pressure roll standby position 
           14  Strips 
           15  Loop 
           16  Rotating shaft 
           17  Inner cylinder 
           18  Intermediate cylinder 
           19  Non-woven fabric laminated outer layer 
           20  Reinforcement disk 
           21  Drive motor 
           22  Chain 
           23  Bearing 
           24  Up-down guide member 
           25  Negative pressure conduction hole 
           26  Negative pressure conduction groove 
           27  Negative pressure conduction portion 
           28  Partition projection 
           29  Rotating body 
           30  Ventilation hole 
           31  Ventilation hole groove portion (in four directions) 
           32  Ventilation hole groove portion (in eight directions) 
           33  Perforated metal 
           34  Small-diameter hole 
           35  Non-woven fabric low in breathability 
           36  Generally used non-woven fabric 
           37  High-density woven fabric 
           38  Generally used woven fabric 
           39  Guide post 
           40  Motor-driven winch 
           41  Rope 
           42  Guide roll 
           43  Separator 
           44  Loop 
           45  Loop (small coil diameter) 
           46  Loop (large coil diameter) 
           47  Floor surface