Rubber connecting device

Abstract

To provide a rubber connecting device capable of reducing a cycle time.SOLUTION: A rubber connecting device comprises: a rubber supply unit to feed a belt rubber, which is a belt-like rubber string, in a longitudinal direction; a ring forming unit to grip a front side and a rear side of the belt rubber that is supplied from the rubber supply unit and cut in a predetermined length, and folds back the front side and the rear side of the belt rubber so as to form a ring shape; a transportation unit to transport the belt rubber formed into a ring shape to a sewing machine from the ring forming unit; and the sewing machine to perform sewing processing on a sewing margin at which the folded-back front side and rear side of the belt rubber overlap each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rubber splicing device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, elastic bands sewn to boxer shorts are made by folding back both ends of a stretchy elastic band and sewing the ends together to form a ring, which is then sewn to the upper ends of the front and back bodies. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a ring-shaped fabric manufacturing device that feeds out a tape-like elastic fabric below the sewing table of a sewing machine, cuts it to a predetermined length, and overlaps both ends of the cut fabric on the sewing table. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-139473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the device of Patent Document 1, the sewing machine is in a standby state from the time the fabric is supplied to the time it is cut and the time the two ends are joined together, and conversely, while the sewing machine is performing the sewing process, the supply, cutting and joining means are in a standby state, which results in a long waiting time overall and a long cycle time.

[0005] An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a rubber splicing device that can shorten the cycle time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rubber joining device comprising: a rubber supply unit that feeds out a band-shaped rubber band in the longitudinal direction; a ring forming unit that clamps the front and rear sides of the rubber band supplied from the rubber supply unit and cut to a predetermined length, and folds the front and rear sides of the rubber band to form a ring; a transport unit that transports the ring-shaped rubber band from the ring forming unit to a sewing machine; and the sewing machine that sews the seam where the folded front and rear sides of the rubber band overlap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, a rubber splicing device capable of shortening the cycle time can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a rubber splicing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the rubber splicing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the rubber splicing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the rubber splicing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the rubber connecting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating the operation of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating the operation of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the rubber connecting device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating the operation of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating the operation of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating the operation of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the rubber connecting device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of the rubber splicing device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the rubber connecting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] In this embodiment, a local coordinate system is defined for the elastic jointing device 1. In the following description, the local coordinate system defined for the elastic jointing device 1 will be referred to as the device coordinate system as appropriate. The device coordinate system is defined by an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. In this embodiment, the positional relationship of each part will be described based on the device coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X axis in a predetermined plane is defined as the X axis direction. The direction parallel to the Y axis in the predetermined plane, which is perpendicular to the X axis, is defined as the Y axis direction. The direction parallel to the Z axis, which is perpendicular to the predetermined plane, is defined as the Z axis direction. Furthermore, the direction of rotation or tilt around the X axis is defined as the θX direction. The direction of rotation or tilt around the Y axis is defined as the θY direction. The direction of rotation or tilt around the Z axis is defined as the θZ direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plane including the X axis and the Y axis is defined as the XY plane as appropriate. The plane including the X axis and the Z axis is defined as the XZ plane as appropriate. The plane including the Y axis and the Z axis is defined as the YZ plane as appropriate. The XY plane is parallel to the predetermined plane. The XY plane, XZ plane, and YZ plane are orthogonal to each other. In this embodiment, the XY plane and the horizontal plane are parallel to each other. The Z axis direction is the up-down direction. The +Z direction is the up direction, and the -Z direction is the down direction.

[0011] [Rubber splicing device] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a rubber splicing device 1 according to this embodiment. FIGS. 2 to 4 are perspective views showing a part of the rubber splicing device 1 according to this embodiment. The rubber splicing device 1 is a device that forms a band rubber S (see FIG. 9, etc.), which is a band-shaped rubber cord, into a ring shape and sews together the ends of the ring-shaped rubber band S to form a ring-shaped rubber band S. The rubber splicing device 1 includes a ring forming unit 10, a rubber supply unit 40, a conveying unit 50, and a sewing machine 70. The rubber splicing device 1 also includes an operating device operated by an operator, a control device that controls each unit, etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the ring forming unit 10 and the transport unit 50 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The ring forming unit 10 is disposed on the +Y side, and the transport unit 50 is disposed on the -Y side. The rubber supply unit 40 is disposed next to the ring forming unit 10 on the -X side of the rear clamping unit 30, which will be described later. The transport unit 50 and the sewing machine 70 face each other in the X-axis direction. The transport unit 50 is disposed on the +X side, and the sewing machine 70 is disposed on the -X side.

[0013] The ring forming unit 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 forms a band-shaped rubber band S (see Figure 9, etc.) into a ring shape. The Y-axis direction of the rubber band S handled in the ring forming unit 10 is the width direction (see Figure 9, etc.). The ring forming unit 10 includes a base 11, a front clamping unit 20, and a rear clamping unit 30. The front clamping unit 20 and the rear clamping unit 30 are arranged on the +Z side of the base 11. The front clamping unit 20 and the rear clamping unit 30 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The front clamping unit 20 is arranged on the +X side, and the rear clamping unit 30 is arranged on the -X side.

[0014] The front clamping unit 20 clamps the front side Sf of the rubber band S sent out from the rubber supply unit 40 and pulls it out in the +X direction, and also folds and reverses the front side Sf in the +Z direction and the -X direction. The front clamping unit 20 includes a front support plate 21, a front clamping plate 22, a lifting mechanism 23, a rotation mechanism 24, and a linear motion mechanism 25.

[0015] The front support plate 21 is a thin plate-like member extending in the Y-axis direction. The front clamping plate 22 is a plate-like member extending in the Y-axis direction. The front support plate 21 and the front clamping plate 22 are arranged parallel to each other in the thickness direction of the plates and face each other in the thickness direction of the plates. The front clamping plate 22 is supported so as to be movable in the thickness direction of the plates relative to the front support plate 21. The front clamping plate 22 is driven by the lifting mechanism 23 to move away from or towards the front support plate 21.

[0016] The lifting mechanism 23 drives the front clamping plate 22 to move in a direction away from or toward the front support plate 21. The lifting mechanism 23 is realized by a well-known mechanism, such as a ball screw, timing belt, or rack and pinion driven by a rotary motor, or a linear actuator including an air cylinder. The lifting mechanism 23 in this embodiment includes a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the front clamping plate 22 in the thickness direction, and an air cylinder having a cylinder fixed to the front support plate 21 and a rod fixed to the front clamping plate 22.

[0017] The front support plate 21 is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the Y axis. The front support plate 21 and the front clamping plate 22 are rotatable in a rotation direction from the +X direction to the +Z direction as viewed in the Y axis direction, from a position in which the front support plate 21 is located on the -Z side with respect to the front clamping plate 22 to a position in which it is located on the +Z side. Furthermore, the front support plate 21 and the front clamping plate 22 are rotatable in a rotation direction from the +Z direction to the +X direction as viewed in the Y axis direction, from a position in which the front support plate 21 is located on the +Z side with respect to the front clamping plate 22 to a position in which it is located on the -Z side. The front support plate 21 and the front clamping plate 22 are integrally driven by a rotation mechanism 24 to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the Y axis.

[0018] The rotation mechanism 24 drives the front support plate 21 and the front clamping plate 22 to rotate together around a rotation axis parallel to the Y axis. The rotation mechanism 24 is realized by a well-known mechanism such as a rotary actuator including a motor, a rack-and-pinion mechanism including an air cylinder, or a wire or link mechanism. The rotation mechanism 24 of this embodiment includes a stepping motor. The housing of the stepping motor is supported by a linear motion mechanism 25 so as to be movable in the X axis direction. The output shaft of the stepping motor has an axis parallel to the Y axis direction and is fixed to the front support plate 21.

[0019] The front support plate 21 is supported on the base 11 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The front support plate 21 and the front clamping plate 22 are driven to move integrally in the X-axis direction by a linear motion mechanism 25 via a rotation mechanism 24. In an orientation in which the front support plate 21 is positioned on the -Z side relative to the front clamping plate 22, the front support plate 21 and the front clamping plate 22 are movable in the X-axis direction between a supply position P1f (see FIGS. 6 and 7) where the rubber band S is supplied from the rubber supply unit 40, and a forming position P2f (see FIGS. 9 and 10) where the rubber band S is formed into a ring shape.

[0020] The linear motion mechanism 25 drives the front support plate 21, the front clamping plate 22, and the rotation mechanism 24 to move together in the X-axis direction. The linear motion mechanism 25 is realized by a well-known mechanism such as a ball screw, timing belt, or rack and pinion driven by a rotary motor, or a linear motion actuator including an air cylinder. The linear motion mechanism 25 of this embodiment includes a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the rotation mechanism 24 in the X-axis, a cylinder fixed to the base 11, and an air cylinder having a rod fixed to the rotation mechanism 24.

[0021] The front clamping plate 22 is formed in a fork shape that branches into three parts in the -Y direction when viewed in the plate thickness direction. The front clamping plate 22 has a front clamping portion 22A, a front end support portion 22B, and a rear end support portion 22C at the tip of the fork shape. The front clamping portion 22A, the front end support portion 22B, and the rear end support portion 22C are each formed in the shape of a thin plate extending in the Y axis direction.

[0022] When front clamping plate 22 is positioned on the +Z side of front support plate 21, front clamping portion 22A, front end support portion 22B, and rear end support portion 22C are arranged in this order from the -X side to the +X side. In other words, when front clamping plate 22 is positioned on the -Z side of front support plate 21, front clamping portion 22A, front end support portion 22B, and rear end support portion 22C are arranged in this order from the +X side to the -X side (see FIGS. 9 to 13).

[0023] The rear clamping unit 30 clamps the rear side Sr of the rubber band S sent out from the rubber supply unit 40, and turns the rear side Sr back and forth in the +Z direction and the +X direction. The rear clamping unit 30 includes a rear support plate 31, a rear clamping plate 32, a lifting mechanism 33, a rotation mechanism 34, and a linear motion mechanism 35.

[0024] The rear support plate 31 is a thin plate-like member extending in the Y-axis direction. The rear clamping plate 32 is a thin plate-like member extending in the Y-axis direction. The rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 are arranged parallel to each other in the thickness direction of the plates and face each other in the thickness direction of the plates. The rear clamping plate 32 is supported so as to be movable in the thickness direction of the plates relative to the rear support plate 31. The rear clamping plate 32 is driven by a lifting mechanism 33 to move away from or towards the rear support plate 31.

[0025] The lifting mechanism 33 drives the rear clamping plate 32 to move in a direction away from or toward the rear support plate 31. The lifting mechanism 33 is realized by a well-known mechanism, such as a ball screw, timing belt, or rack and pinion driven by a rotary motor, or a linear actuator including an air cylinder. The lifting mechanism 33 in this embodiment includes a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the rear clamping plate 32 in the thickness direction, and an air cylinder having a cylinder fixed to the rear support plate 31 and a rod fixed to the rear clamping plate 32.

[0026] The rear support plate 31 is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the Y axis. When the rear support plate 31 is positioned on the −Z side relative to the rear clamping plate 32, the height position in the Z axis direction of the upper surface of the rear support plate 31 is positioned slightly further towards the −Z side than the height position in the Z axis direction of the upper surface of the front support plate 21 when the front support plate 21 is positioned on the −Z side relative to the front clamping plate 22.

[0027] The rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 are rotatable in a rotational direction from the -X direction to the +Z direction as viewed in the Y-axis direction, from a position where the rear support plate 31 is on the -Z side with respect to the rear clamping plate 32 to a position where it is on the +Z side. Furthermore, the rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 are rotatable in a rotational direction from the +Z direction to the -X direction as viewed in the Y-axis direction, from a position where the rear support plate 31 is on the +Z side with respect to the rear clamping plate 32 to a position where it is on the -Z side. The rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 are integrally driven by a rotation mechanism 34 to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the Y-axis.

[0028] The rotation mechanism 34 rotates the rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 together around a rotation axis parallel to the Y axis. The rotation mechanism 34 is realized by a well-known mechanism, such as a rotary actuator including a motor, a rack-and-pinion mechanism including an air cylinder, or a wire or link mechanism. The rotation mechanism 34 in this embodiment includes a stepping motor. The housing of the stepping motor is supported by a linear motion mechanism 35 so as to be movable in the X axis direction. The output shaft of the stepping motor has an axis parallel to the Y axis direction and is fixed to the rear support plate 31.

[0029] The rear support plate 31 is supported on the base 11 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 are driven to move integrally in the X-axis direction by a linear motion mechanism 35 via a rotation mechanism 34. In an orientation in which the rear support plate 31 is positioned on the -Z side relative to the rear clamping plate 32, the rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 are movable in the X-axis direction between a supply position P1r (see FIGS. 6 and 7) where the rubber band S is supplied from the rubber supply unit 40, and a forming position P2r (see FIGS. 12 and 13) where the rubber band S is formed into a ring shape.

[0030] The linear motion mechanism 35 drives the rear support plate 31, the rear clamping plate 32, and the rotation mechanism 34 to move together in the X-axis direction. The linear motion mechanism 35 is realized by a well-known mechanism such as a ball screw, timing belt, or rack and pinion driven by a rotary motor, or a linear motion actuator including an air cylinder. The linear motion mechanism 35 of this embodiment includes a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the rotation mechanism 34 in the X-axis, a drive pulley and a driven pulley whose axes parallel to the Y-axis direction are supported by the base 11, a timing belt that is wound around the drive pulley and the driven pulley and fixed to the rotation mechanism 34, and a stepping motor that rotates the drive pulley.

[0031] 1 and 2 feeds out a band-shaped rubber band S (see FIG. 7, etc.), which is a band-shaped rubber cord, in the longitudinal direction of the rubber band S, and supplies it to the ring forming unit 10. The rubber supply unit 40 of this embodiment supplies the rubber band S in the +X direction to the ring forming unit 10. More specifically, the rubber band S is supplied from the -X side toward the +X side between the rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 of the rear clamping unit 30 located at the supply position P1r, and between the front support plate 21 and the front clamping portion 22A of the front clamping plate 22 of the front clamping unit 20 located at the supply position P1f.

[0032] The rubber supply unit 40 includes a pair of feed rollers 41A, 41B, a support section 42, and a cutting section 43. The pair of feed rollers 41A, 41B, the support section 42, and the cutting section 43 are all arranged in the −X-axis direction of the rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32 of the rear clamping unit 30.

[0033] The feed rollers 41A and 41B are each formed in a cylindrical shape with an axis parallel to the Y-axis direction and are supported rotatably about their axes relative to a housing (not shown). The feed rollers 41A and 41B face each other in the Z-axis direction. One feed roller 41A is located on the -Z side, and the other feed roller 41B is located on the +Z side. With the rubber band S sandwiched between them, at least one of the feed rollers 41A and 41B is rotated by a motor (not shown), thereby feeding the rubber band S in the +X direction.

[0034] The position of the distance between the feed rollers 41A and 41B in the Z-axis direction is preferably on the +Z side of the upper surface of the rear support plate 31 of the rear clamping unit 30. The feed rollers 41A and 41B may be movable relative to each other in the radial direction, which makes it possible to accommodate differences in the thickness of the rubber band S.

[0035] The support portion 42 supports from below the lower surface of the rubber band S fed from the feed rollers 41A, 41B. The support portion 42 is disposed between the feed rollers 41A, 41B and the rear support plate 31 of the rear clamping unit 30 in the X-axis direction. The upper surface of the support portion 42 is preferably located at the same height as the distance between the feed rollers 41A, 41B or on the -Z-axis side in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the upper surface of the support portion 42 may be partially inclined in the -Z direction toward the +X direction. The support portion 42 has a groove into which the tip of the cutting portion 43 partially fits.

[0036] The cutting unit 43 is disposed directly above the groove formed in the support unit 42 in the +Z direction. The cutting unit 43 has a blade at its lower end that cuts the rubber band S. The cutting unit 43 is driven in the Z-axis direction by a cutting drive unit (not shown). When driven in the -Z direction, the cutting unit 43 cuts the rubber band S supported by the support unit 42. When driven in the +Z direction, the cutting unit 43 retreats from the path of the rubber band S on the support unit 42 for the next cut.

[0037] A forming unit (not shown) for forming the supplied rubber band S into a flat shape may be disposed further upstream of the delivery rollers 41A and 41B of the rubber supply unit 40. The forming unit may include, for example, a supply passage for feeding the rubber band S while eliminating twists, or a heat roll for eliminating wrinkles in the rubber band S.

[0038] 1 and 3 conveys the elastic band S formed into a ring shape by the ring forming unit 10 to the sewing machine 70. The conveying unit 50 includes a base 51, linear motion mechanisms 52A, 52B, and 52C, a turning mechanism 53, and a clamping unit 60. The turning mechanism 53 is disposed on the base 51, and the linear motion mechanisms 52A, 52B, and 52C are disposed via the turning mechanism 53, and the clamping unit 60 is disposed via the turning mechanism 53 and the linear motion mechanisms 52A, 52B, and 52C.

[0039] The clamping unit 60 clamps the rubber band S formed into a ring shape by the ring forming unit 10 at a predetermined position opposite the ring forming unit 10 (see FIGS. 1, 14, and 15), and releases the ring-shaped rubber band S at a predetermined position opposite the sewing machine 70 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). When the clamping unit 60 is at the predetermined position opposite the ring forming unit 10, the Y-axis direction of the rubber band S handled by the clamping unit 60 is the width direction (see FIG. 15). When the clamping unit 60 is at the predetermined position opposite the sewing machine 70, the X-axis direction of the rubber band S handled by the clamping unit 60 is the width direction (see FIG. 17). The clamping unit 60 includes support plates 61A, 61B, and 62, clamping plates 63A and 63B, and lifting mechanisms 64A, 64B, and 64C.

[0040] The support plates 61A, 61B, and 62 are thin plate-like members extending in the Y-axis direction when the clamping unit 60 faces the direction facing the ring forming unit 10. When the clamping unit 60 faces the direction facing the ring forming unit 10, the support plates 61A, 62, and 61B are arranged in this order from the +X side to the -X side. When the clamping unit 60 faces the direction facing the ring forming unit 10, the support plate 61A is located on the -X side of the front clamping plate 22, which is at the forming position P2f (see FIGS. 9 and 10). When the clamping unit 60 faces the direction facing the ring forming unit 10, the support plate 61B is located on the +X side of the rear clamping plate 32, which is at the forming position P2r (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0041] The height positions in the Z-axis direction of the upper surfaces of the support plates 61A and 61B are approximately the same. The height positions in the Z-axis direction of the upper surfaces of the support plates 61A and 61B are approximately the same as the height position of the upper surface of the front clamping plate 22 when the front clamping plate 22 is clamping the rubber band S on the +Z side (upper surface side), and the height position of the upper surface of the front clamping plate 22 when the front clamping plate 22 is clamping the rubber band S on the +Z side (upper surface side). When the support plate 62 is supporting the rubber band S on the +Z side (upper surface side), the height position in the Z-axis direction of the upper surface of the support plate 62 is approximately the same as or on the -Z side of the upper surfaces of the support plates 61A and 61B. The support plate 62 is driven to move in the Z-axis direction by a lifting mechanism 64C.

[0042] The clamping plates 63A and 63B are thin plate-like members that extend in the Y-axis direction when the clamping unit 60 faces the direction facing the ring forming unit 10. When the clamping unit 60 faces the direction facing the ring forming unit 10, the clamping plates 63A and 63B are arranged in this order from the +X side to the -X side.

[0043] Support plate 61A and clamping plate 63A are arranged parallel to the thickness direction of the plates (Z-axis direction) and face each other in the thickness direction of the plates. Support plate 61A is arranged on the -Z side, and clamping plate 63A is arranged on the +Z side. Clamping plate 63A is supported so as to be movable in the thickness direction of the plates relative to support plate 61A. Clamping plate 63A is driven by an elevating mechanism 64A to move in a direction away from or towards support plate 61A. Support plate 61B and clamping plate 63B are arranged parallel to the thickness direction of the plates and face each other in the thickness direction of the plates. Support plate 61B is arranged on the -Z side, and clamping plate 63B is arranged on the +Z side. Clamping plate 63B is supported so as to be movable in the thickness direction of the plates relative to support plate 61B. Clamping plate 63B is driven by an elevating mechanism 64B to move in a direction away from or towards support plate 61B.

[0044] The lifting mechanism 64A drives the clamping plate 63A to move in a direction away from or towards the support plate 61A. The lifting mechanism 64B drives the clamping plate 63B to move in a direction away from or towards the support plate 61B. The lifting mechanism 64C drives the support plate 62 to move in the Z-axis direction. The lifting mechanisms 64A, 64B, 64C are realized by well-known mechanisms such as a ball screw, timing belt, or rack and pinion driven by a rotary motor, or a linear actuator including an air cylinder.

[0045] The lifting mechanism 64A of the embodiment includes an air cylinder having a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the clamping plate 63A in the thickness direction, a cylinder fixed to the support plate 61A, and a rod fixed to the clamping plate 63A. The lifting mechanism 64B of the embodiment includes an air cylinder having a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the clamping plate 63B in the thickness direction, a cylinder fixed to the support plate 61B, and a rod fixed to the clamping plate 63B. The lifting mechanism 64C of the embodiment includes an air cylinder having a cylinder indirectly fixed to the support plates 61A and 61B, and a rod fixed to the support plate 62.

[0046] The support plates 61A, 61B, and 62 are supported so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction (the Y-axis direction when the clamping unit 60 faces the direction opposite the ring forming unit 10) relative to the base 51. The support plates 61A, 61B, and 62 and the clamping plates 63A and 63B are driven to move integrally in the longitudinal direction by linear motion mechanisms 52A and 52B.

[0047] When the clamping unit 60 faces the direction opposite the ring forming unit 10, the support plates 61A, 61B, 62 can move in the Y-axis direction between a position retracted to the -Y side from the ring forming unit 10 and a position where they can receive the rubber band S formed into a ring shape. When the clamping unit 60 faces the direction opposite the sewing machine 70, the support plates 61A, 61B, 62 can move in the X-axis direction between a position retracted to the +X side from the sewing machine 70 and a position where they can hand over the rubber band S formed into a ring shape.

[0048] The first adjustment part 65 is a thin plate-like member extending in the Y-axis direction when the clamping unit 60 is facing the direction opposite the ring forming unit 10. The tip of the first adjustment part 65 on the +Y side is bent toward the -Z side, and the first adjustment part 65 has a surface parallel to the XZ plane. The first adjustment part 65 is disposed between the clamping plates 63A and 63B in the X-axis direction. The first adjustment part 65 is supported by the support plates 61A, 61B, and 62 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction (in the Y-axis direction when the clamping unit 60 is facing the direction opposite the ring forming unit 10). The first adjustment part 65 is driven to move in the longitudinal direction by the linear motion mechanism 52C.

[0049] The linear motion mechanisms 52A, 52B move the support plates 61A, 61B, 62 and the clamping plates 63A, 63B together in the longitudinal direction (in the Y-axis direction when the clamping unit 60 is facing the direction opposite the ring forming unit 10). The linear motion mechanism 52C moves the first adjustment section 65 in the longitudinal direction (in the Y-axis direction when the clamping unit 60 is facing the direction opposite the ring forming unit 10). The linear motion mechanisms 52A, 52B, 52C are realized by well-known mechanisms such as a ball screw, timing belt, or rack and pinion driven by a rotary motor, or a linear motion actuator including an air cylinder.

[0050] The linear motion mechanisms 52A and 52B of the embodiment include an air cylinder having a movable member to which the support plates 61A, 61B, and 62 are fixed, a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the movable member in the longitudinal direction, a cylinder supported by the turning mechanism 53, and a rod fixed to the movable member. The linear motion mechanism 52C of the embodiment includes an air cylinder having a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the first adjustment unit 65 in the longitudinal direction, a cylinder supported by the turning mechanism 53, and a rod fixed to the first adjustment unit 65.

[0051] The turning mechanism 53 drives the linear motion mechanisms 52A, 52B, and 52C and the clamping unit 60 to rotate together around a rotation axis parallel to the Z axis. The turning mechanism 53 is realized by a well-known mechanism, such as a rotary actuator including a motor, a rack-and-pinion mechanism including an air cylinder, or a wire or link mechanism. The turning mechanism 53 of this embodiment includes a stepping motor, a transmission mechanism, and a turning shaft. The housing of the stepping motor is fixed to the base 51. The output shaft of the stepping motor has an axis parallel to the Z axis direction. The transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the output shaft of the stepping motor to a turning shaft having an axis parallel to the Z axis direction. The turning shaft is fixed to a fixed portion (cylinder) of the linear motion mechanisms 52A, 52B, and 52C.

[0052] 1 and 4 sews the seam allowance Sc where both ends of the elastic band S are overlapped, the elastic band S being formed into a ring shape by the ring forming unit 10 and transported by the transport unit 50. In this embodiment, the sewing machine 70 is an electronic cycle sewing machine.

[0053] The main body of the sewing machine 70 is fixed to a base 70A. In addition to the main body, the sewing machine 70 further includes, for example, an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the elastic band S to be sewn, a lighting device, etc. The main body of the sewing machine 70 includes a sewing machine frame 71, a needle bar 72, a pair of lower plates 73, 73, a pair of clamp members 74, 74, a second adjustment unit 75, and actuators (not shown).

[0054] Needle bar 72 holds sewing machine needle 72A. Needle bar 72 holds sewing machine needle 72A so that sewing machine needle 72A is parallel to the Z axis. Needle bar 72 is supported by sewing machine frame 71 so as to be movable in the Z axis direction. Needle bar 72 is driven to reciprocate in the Z axis direction by an actuator (not shown) that generates power to move needle bar 72.

[0055] The lower plates 73, 73 are thin plate-like members extending in the X-axis direction. The lower plates 73, 73 are fixed to the sewing machine frame 71. When the sewing machine 70 receives the rubber band S from the clamping unit 60 (see FIG. 17), the lower plates 73, 73 are inserted into the ring of the ring-shaped rubber band S. The clamp members 74, 74 are thin plate-like members extending in the X-axis direction. The height position in the Z-axis direction of the upper surfaces of the lower plates 73, 73 is lower than the height position of the upper surfaces of the support plates 61A, 61B of the clamping unit 60.

[0056] The pair of clamp members 74 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The pair of lower plates 73, 73 and the pair of clamp members 74, 74 are arranged parallel to each other in the thickness direction of the plates (Z-axis direction) and face each other in the thickness direction of the plates. Each of the pair of clamp members 74, 74 is arranged on the +Z side of each of the pair of lower plates 73, 73. The pair of clamp members 74, 74 are supported so as to be movable in the thickness direction of the plates (Z-axis direction) relative to the pair of lower plates 73, 73. The pair of clamp members 74, 74 are driven to move away from or towards the pair of lower plates 73, 73 by an actuator (not shown).

[0057] The second adjustment unit 75 is a thin plate-like member extending in the X-axis direction. The tip of the second adjustment unit 75 on the +X side is bent toward the -Z side, and the second adjustment unit 75 has a surface parallel to the YZ plane. The second adjustment unit 75 is disposed between the pair of clamp members 74, 74 in the Y-axis direction. The second adjustment unit 75 is supported by the sewing machine frame 71 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The second adjustment unit 75 is driven to move in the X-axis direction by an actuator (not shown).

[0058] The sewing machine 70 may be arranged on the +X side of the transport unit 50 in an orientation inverted in the X-axis direction, or two sewing machines 70 may be arranged on the +X side and the -X side of the transport unit 50 in the X-axis direction, sandwiching the transport unit 50 therebetween. When two sewing machines 70 are arranged, the transport unit 50 transports the ring-shaped elastic band S formed by the ring forming unit 10 to the two sewing machines 70 alternately.

[0059] [Operation] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation of the rubber splicing device 1. Figs. 6 to 17 are diagrams explaining the operation of the rubber splicing device 1. Figs. 6, 9, 12, 15, and 17 are perspective views explaining the operation of the rubber splicing device 1. Figs. 7, 8, 10, 11, and 13 are schematic side cross-sectional views explaining the operation of the rubber splicing device 1. Figs. 14 and 16 are schematic plan views explaining the operation of the rubber splicing device 1.

[0060] The processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is executed by a control unit of the rubber joining device 1 based on a predetermined program. The control unit outputs control signals to control each unit of the rubber joining device 1. The control unit includes a computer system. The control unit has, for example, an input / output interface device, a storage device including a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or storage and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an arithmetic processing device including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0061] The control unit drives the lifting mechanism 33 and the rotation mechanism 34 to return the rear clamping unit 30 to the initial position shown in Fig. 6. The control unit drives the lifting mechanism 33 and the rotation mechanism 24 to return the front clamping unit 20 to the initial position shown in Fig. 6. The control unit drives the linear motion mechanism 35 to move the rear clamping unit 30 from the initial position to the supply position P1r, and drives the linear motion mechanism 25 to move the front clamping unit 20 from the initial position to the supply position P1f (step S1).

[0062] The initial position of the rear clamping unit 30 refers to a position in which the rear support plate 31 is located on the -Z side relative to the rear clamping plate 32, i.e., a position in which the surface facing the rear clamping plate 32 faces upward, and the rear clamping plate 32 is spaced apart. The initial position of the front clamping unit 20 refers to a position in which the front support plate 21 is located on the -Z side relative to the front clamping plate 22, i.e., a position in which the surface facing the front clamping plate 22 faces upward, and the front clamping plate 22 is spaced apart.

[0063] The control unit drives and rotates the delivery rollers 41A and 41B to supply the rubber band S from the rubber supply unit 40 to the ring forming unit 10, as shown in FIG. 7 (step S2). The rubber band S delivered by the delivery rollers 41A and 41B is delivered in the +X direction through the support unit 42, the rear support plate 31, and the +Z side (upper surface side) of the front support plate 21. The front support plate 21 supports the lower surface of the rubber band S supplied from the rubber supply unit 40 from below, with the surface facing the front clamping plate 22 facing upward. The rear support plate 31 supports the lower surface of the rubber band S supplied from the rubber supply unit 40 from below, with the surface facing the rear clamping plate 32 facing upward. The control unit automatically calculates the length of the front side Sf of the elastic band S based on the length of the seam allowance Sc (see Figure 13, etc.) where both ends of the elastic band S overlap, and converts this into the amount of rotation of the feed rollers 41A, 41B to control it.

[0064] The control unit drives the lifting mechanism 23 to move the front clamping plate 22 in the -Z direction approaching the front support plate 21, as shown in Fig. 8, and clamps the front side Sf of the rubber band S between the front support plate 21 and the front clamping part 22A. As a result, the front clamping unit 20 clamps the front side Sf of the rubber band S (step S3).

[0065] The control unit drives the delivery rollers 41A, 41B and the linear motion mechanism 25 to move the front clamping unit 20 to the forming position P2f while further unwinding the rubber band S, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 (step S4).The control unit drives the rotation mechanism 24 to reverse the front clamping unit 20 and reverse the front side Sf of the rubber band S (step S5).

[0066] With the front side support plate 21 and the front side clamping part 22A clamping the front side Sf of the rubber band S, the front side clamping unit 20 rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the Y-axis direction, whereby the front side Sf of the rubber band S is folded back and inverted in the +Z direction and the -X direction. At this time, the front end support part 22B supports, from below, the end of the front side Sf of the rubber band S that has been inverted and folded back.

[0067] The control unit automatically calculates the length of the rear side Sr of the rubber band S based on the length of the seam allowance Sc (see FIG. 13, etc.) where both ends of the rubber band S overlap. The control unit drives the linear motion mechanism 35 so that the distance from the rear side support plate 31 to the cutting unit 43 matches the length of the rear side Sr of the rubber band S. The control unit then drives the lifting mechanism 33 to move the rear side clamping plate 32 in the −Z direction approaching the rear side support plate 31, as shown in FIG. 11, and clamps the rear side Sr of the rubber band S between the rear side support plate 31 and the rear side clamping plate 32. As a result, the rear side clamping unit 30 clamps the rear side Sr of the rubber band S (step S6). Next, the control unit drives a drive unit (not shown) of the cutting unit 43 to move the cutting unit 43 in the −Z direction and cut the rubber band S supported by the support unit 42. As a result, the rear end of the rubber band S formed in a link shape and having a predetermined length is cut off (step S7).

[0068] The control unit drives the linear motion mechanism 35 to move the rear clamping unit 30 to the forming position P2r (step S8), as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The control unit drives the rotation mechanism 34 to reverse the rear clamping unit 30 and reverse the rear side Sr of the rubber band S (step S9).

[0069] The control unit drives a drive unit (not shown) of the cutting unit 43 to move the cutting unit 43 in the +Z direction. With the rear side support plate 31 and the rear side clamping plate 32 clamping the rear side Sr of the rubber band S, the rear side clamping unit 30 rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the Y-axis direction, causing the rear side Sr of the rubber band S to be folded back in the +Z direction and the +X direction. At this time, the rear end support unit 22C supports, from below, the end of the rear side Sr of the rubber band S that has been turned back and folded back.

[0070] As will be described later, after the conveying unit 50 conveys the ring-shaped elastic band S to the sewing machine 70, and before step S10 is performed, the control unit drives the turning mechanism 53 of the conveying unit 50 to turn the conveying unit 50 in a direction facing the ring forming unit 10, as shown in Fig. 14. In addition, the control unit drives the linear motion mechanisms 52A and 52B of the conveying unit 50 to move the clamping unit 60 in the +Y direction toward the ring forming unit 10.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit moves the support plates 61A, 61B of the clamping unit 60 in the +Y direction to a position where they will be inserted into the ring of the ring-shaped rubber band S clamped by the ring forming unit 10. The control unit drives the lifting mechanism 64C to move the support plate 62 in the +Z direction. The support plate 62 supports the seam allowance Sc portion of the ring-shaped rubber band S from below. Next, the control unit drives the linear motion mechanism 52C to move the first adjustment unit 65 in the +Y direction. The first adjustment unit 65 abuts against the seam allowance Sc where both end portions of the ring-shaped rubber band S overlap from the -Y side. This adjusts the positional deviation of the width direction of the rubber band S at the seam allowance Sc of the ring-shaped rubber band S (step S10).

[0072] Next, the control unit drives the lifting mechanisms 64A and 64B to move the clamping plates 63A and 63B in the -Z direction toward the support plates 61A and 61B, as shown in Fig. 15, and clamps the rubber band S between the support plate 61A and the clamping plate 63A, and between the support plate 61B and the clamping plate 63B. In this way, the clamping unit 60 clamps the ring-shaped rubber band S (step S11).

[0073] The control unit drives the lifting mechanism 23 to move the front clamping plate 22 to the -Z side away from the front support plate 21, thereby releasing the clamping of the rubber band S between the front support plate 21 and the front clamping section 22A. The control unit also drives the lifting mechanism 33 to move the rear clamping plate 32 to the -Z side away from the rear support plate 31, thereby releasing the clamping of the rubber band S between the rear support plate 31 and the rear clamping plate 32. As a result, the ring-shaped rubber band S is delivered from the ring forming unit 10 to the conveying unit 50.

[0074] The control unit drives the linear motion mechanisms 52A and 52B to move the clamping unit 60 in the -Y direction away from the ring forming unit 10. After the clamping unit 60 has moved to a position where it does not interfere with the ring forming unit 10, the ring forming unit 10 returns to step S1 and executes the processes from step S1 to step S9 to form the next ring-shaped rubber band S. That is, the ring forming unit 10 starts the operation of forming the ring-shaped rubber band S while the transport unit 50 is transporting the ring-shaped rubber band S from the ring forming unit 10 to the sewing machine 70.

[0075] The control unit drives the turning mechanism 53 of the conveying unit 50 to turn the conveying unit 50 in a direction facing the sewing machine 70, as shown in Fig. 16. The control unit also drives the linear motion mechanisms 52A and 52B of the conveying unit 50 to move the clamping unit 60 in the -X direction toward the sewing machine 70. That is, the conveying unit 50 conveys the ring-shaped rubber band S from the ring forming unit 10 to the sewing machine 70 (step S12).

[0076] 17, the control unit moves the lower plate 73 of the sewing machine 70 in the -X direction to a position where the lower plate 73 is inserted into the ring of the ring-shaped elastic band S clamped by the clamping unit 60. The control unit drives an actuator (not shown) to move the second adjustment unit 75 in the +X direction. The second adjustment unit 75 comes into contact with the seam allowance Sc where both ends of the ring-shaped elastic band S are overlapped, from the -X side opposite to the first adjustment unit 65. This adjusts the positional deviation of the elastic band S in the width direction at the seam allowance Sc of the ring-shaped elastic band S (step S13).

[0077] Next, the control unit drives an actuator (not shown) to move the clamp members 74, 74 in the −Z direction toward the lower plate 73, as shown in Fig. 17, and clamp the rubber band S between the lower plate 73 and the clamp members 74, 74. As a result, the ring-shaped rubber band S is clamped between the clamp members 74, 74 (step S14).

[0078] The control unit drives the lifting mechanisms 64A, 64B to move the clamping plates 63A, 63B in the +Z direction away from the support plates 61A, 61B, thereby releasing the clamping of the rubber band S between the support plate 61A and the clamping plate 63A, and between the support plate 61B and the clamping plate 63B.

[0079] The control unit drives the linear motion mechanisms 52A and 52B to move the clamping unit 60 in the -Y direction away from the sewing machine 70. After the clamping unit 60 has moved to a position where it does not interfere with the sewing machine 70, the transport unit 50 drives the turning mechanism 53 of the transport unit 50 to turn the transport unit 50 in a direction facing the ring forming unit 10, as shown in FIG. 14. The control unit also drives the linear motion mechanisms 52A and 52B of the transport unit 50 to move the clamping unit 60 in the +Y direction toward the ring forming unit 10. The transport unit 50 returns to step S10 and executes the processes from step S10 to step S14 to transport the next ring-shaped rubber band S.

[0080] The control unit causes the sewing machine 70 to sew the seam allowance Sc of the elastic band S formed into a ring shape (step S15).

[0081] In this manner, the elastic band joining device 1 according to the embodiment is driven. When repeatedly forming the ring-shaped elastic band S, the ring forming unit 10 repeats steps S1 to S9, the conveying unit 50 repeats steps S10 to S14, and the sewing machine 70 repeats step S15.

[0082] [effect] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ring forming unit 10, which forms the rubber band S into a ring shape, and the conveying unit 50, which conveys the rubber band S formed into a ring shape from the ring forming unit 10 to the sewing machine 70, can be driven separately, so that the ring forming process and the conveying process can be performed in parallel. Therefore, while the conveying unit 50 conveys the rubber band S formed into a ring shape to the sewing machine 70, the ring forming unit 10 can form the next supplied rubber band S into a ring shape. Because the ring forming unit 10 forms the rubber band S into a ring shape while the conveying unit 50 is conveying it, the waiting time for the conveying unit 50 to receive the rubber band S formed into a ring shape can be reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, in the conventional case where the fabric is fed directly to the sewing table of the sewing machine and formed into a ring shape, the sewing machine is on standby from the time the fabric is fed to the time it is cut and the two ends are joined together, and conversely, while the sewing machine is sewing, the means for feeding, cutting, and joining are on standby, resulting in a long wait time overall and a long cycle time.In contrast, the transport unit 50 of this embodiment simply receives the elastic band S that has already been formed into a ring shape and transports it to the sewing machine 70, so the ring forming unit 10, transport unit 50, and sewing machine 70 can be operated in parallel, thereby shortening the cycle time.

[0084] Furthermore, in the past, when both ends of the elastic band S were folded back to overlap the seam allowance Sc, there was a possibility that the seam allowance Sc would shift in the width direction of the elastic band S. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the elastic band S is formed into a ring shape in the ring forming unit 10, the elastic band S is not moved in the width direction, so it is possible to prevent the seam allowance Sc from shifting in the width direction.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the transport unit 50 receives the ring-shaped elastic band S, the first adjustment unit 65 contacts the seam allowance Sc from one side in the width direction, thereby adjusting any misalignment of the seam allowance Sc. Furthermore, when the sewing machine 70 receives the elastic band S from the transport unit 50, the second adjustment unit 75 contacts the seam allowance Sc from the other side in the width direction, thereby further adjusting any misalignment of the seam allowance Sc. In other words, the first adjustment unit 65 and the second adjustment unit 75 adjust the misalignment of the seam allowance Sc in the width direction in two stages, thereby improving the accuracy of the shape of the ring-shaped elastic band S after sewing.

[0086] [Other embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalent. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made within the scope of not departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0087] For example, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. Furthermore, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0088] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. For example, the control unit of the rubber splicing device 1 described above may be configured by multiple computers each divided into several functions, and some of the computer functions may be possessed by a cloud server that executes various functions in the form of cloud computing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1...elastic band joining device, S...elastic band, Sc...seam allowance, Sf...front side, Sr...rear side, 10...ring forming unit, 11...base, 20...front clamping unit, 21...front support plate, 22...front clamping plate, 22A...front clamping portion, 22B...front end support portion, 22C...rear end support portion, 23...lifting mechanism, 24...rotation mechanism, 25...linear motion mechanism, 30...rear clamping unit, 31...rear support plate, 32...rear clamping plate, 33...lifting mechanism, 34...rotating mechanism, 35...linear motion mechanism, 40...rubber supply unit, 41A, 41B...feed roller, 42...support part, 43...cutting part, 50...conveying unit, 51...base, 52A, 52B, 52C...linear motion mechanism, 53...turning mechanism, 60...clamping unit, 61A, 61B, 62...support plate, 63A, 63B...clamping plate, 64A, 64B, 64C...lifting mechanism, 65...first adjustment part, 70...sewing machine, 70A...base, 71...sewing machine frame, 72...needle bar, 72A...sewing machine needle, 73...lower plate, 74...clamping member, 75...second adjustment portion, P1f, P1r...feed position, P2f, P2r...forming position.

Claims

1. a rubber supply unit that feeds a band rubber, which is a band-shaped rubber string, in the longitudinal direction; a ring forming unit that holds the front and rear sides of the rubber band that has been supplied from the rubber supply unit and cut to a predetermined length, and folds back the front and rear sides of the rubber band to form a ring shape; a conveying unit that conveys the band rubber formed into a ring shape from the ring forming unit to a sewing machine; the sewing machine that sews the seam where the folded front and rear sides of the elastic band overlap; Equipped with Rubber splicing device.

2. The ring forming unit comprises: While the transport unit is transporting the rubber band to the sewing machine, the next supplied rubber band of a predetermined length is formed into a ring shape. The rubber splicing device according to claim 1.

3. The ring forming unit comprises: a front clamping unit that clamps and pulls out a front side of the rubber band and folds back the front side; a rear clamping unit configured to clamp a rear side of the rubber band whose front side has been folded back by the front clamping unit and fold back the rear side so that a portion of the rear side overlaps the end of the front side; Equipped with The rubber splicing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The transport unit includes: a pair of support plates, which are thin plate-like members extending in the width direction of the rubber band, and which are inserted into the ring of the ring-shaped rubber band clamped by the front clamping unit and the rear clamping unit to support the rubber band; a pair of clamping plates, which are thin plate-like members extending in the width direction of the rubber band, and which are movable in a direction away from or approaching the pair of support plates, and which face the upper sides of the pair of support plates; Equipped with The rubber splicing device according to claim 3.

5. The transport unit includes: a first adjustment unit which is a thin plate-like member extending in the width direction of the rubber band, which is movable in the width direction of the rubber band relative to the pair of support plates and the pair of clamping plates, and which is disposed between the pair of clamping plates; When the ring-shaped rubber band is sandwiched between the pair of support plates and the pair of sandwiching plates, the first adjustment portion abuts against the seam allowance from one side in the width direction of the rubber band. The rubber splicing device according to claim 4.

6. The sewing machine is a lower plate for supporting the rubber band, the lower plate being inserted into a ring of the ring-shaped rubber band held between the pair of support plates and the pair of holding plates of the conveying unit; a pair of clamping members that are thin plate-like members extending in the width direction of the rubber band, that are movable in a direction away from or approaching the lower plate, and that face each other above the lower plate; Equipped with The rubber splicing device according to claim 5.

7. The sewing machine is a second adjustment unit which is a thin plate-like member extending in the width direction of the rubber band, is movable in the width direction of the rubber band relative to the lower plate and the pair of clamping members, and is disposed between the pair of clamping members; When the ring-shaped rubber band is sandwiched between the lower plate and the pair of sandwiching members, the second adjusting portion abuts against the seam allowance from the other side in the width direction of the rubber band. The rubber splicing device according to claim 6.

8. The front clamping unit is a front support plate, which is a thin plate-like member extending in the width direction of the rubber band and supports a front side of the supplied rubber band from below; a front clamping plate, which is a plate-like member extending in the width direction of the rubber band and faces the front support plate with the rubber band sandwiched therebetween; a first lifting mechanism that drives the front clamping plate to move in a direction away from or toward the front support plate; a first rotation mechanism that rotates the front support plate and the front clamping plate integrally around a rotation axis that is parallel to the width direction of the rubber band; Equipped with The front clamping plate approaches the front support plate to clamp the front side of the rubber band, The front side of the rubber band is folded back by the rotation of the front side support plate and the front side clamping plate. The rubber splicing device according to claim 3.

9. The rear clamping unit is a rear support plate, which is a thin plate-like member extending in the width direction of the rubber band and supports a rear side of the supplied rubber band from below; a rear clamping plate, which is a thin plate-like member extending in the width direction of the rubber band and faces the rear support plate with the rubber band sandwiched therebetween; a second lifting mechanism that drives the rear clamping plate to move in a direction away from or toward the rear support plate; a second rotation mechanism that integrally drives the rear support plate and the rear clamping plate to rotate about a rotation axis that is parallel to the width direction of the band rubber; Equipped with The rear clamping plate approaches the rear support plate to clamp the rear side of the rubber band, The rear side of the rubber band is folded back by the rotation of the rear side support plate and the rear side clamping plate. The rubber splicing device according to claim 8.

10. The front clamping plate is a front clamping portion having a narrow plate shape extending in the width direction of the rubber band and configured to clamp the front side of the rubber band between itself and the front support plate; a front end support portion having a narrow plate shape extending in the width direction of the rubber band, the front end support portion supporting the front end of the folded back rubber band when the front clamping plate is positioned below the front support plate; a rear end support portion having a narrow plate shape extending in the width direction of the rubber band, the rear end support portion supporting the rear end of the folded back rubber band when the front clamping plate is positioned lower than the front support plate and the rear clamping plate is positioned lower than the rear support plate; Including, The rubber splicing device according to claim 9.

11. The rubber supply unit includes: a cutting section that cuts the rear end of the rubber band so that the rubber band has the predetermined length after the rear clamping unit clamps the rear side of the rubber band and before folding back the rear side, The rubber splicing device according to claim 3.

Images