Control device and control method

Abstract

A control device (18) of a punching device (14) that punches a sheet-like base material (12) into a prescribed shape while conveying the sheet-like base material in a length direction (DL) acquires image information of the sheet-like base material from a photographing device (16), determines whether or not a predetermined punching region (38) that overlaps a defective site (40) included in the sheet-like base material, that is, a specific predetermined punching region (38S), exists based on the image information, and shifts the specific predetermined punching region (38S) to an upstream side of a conveying path of the sheet-like base material with respect to the defective site in a case where the specific predetermined punching region (38S) exists. Accordingly, it is possible to produce a high-quality product that does not include the defective site while reducing an unused region of the sheet-like base material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-225059 discloses an inspection device for inspecting coating defects on the electrodes of a fuel cell. According to this disclosure, the inspection device determines whether the coating defects are acceptable based on images acquired by a camera. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Recently, there has been a growing demand for a better technology for die-cutting devices that sequentially cut long sheet substrates into specified shapes.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a control device for a punching apparatus, wherein the punching apparatus conveys an elongated sheet substrate along its length direction while punching it sequentially into a predetermined shape, wherein a plurality of predetermined punching areas to be punched by the punching apparatus are predetermined on the sheet substrate at predetermined intervals and arranged along the length direction, and the control device includes an image information acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a region resetting unit, wherein the image information acquisition unit acquires image information of the sheet substrate from an imaging device that captures an image of the sheet substrate; the determination unit determines, based on the image information, whether there exists a predetermined punching area, i.e., a specific predetermined punching area, that overlaps with a defect portion contained in the sheet substrate; if the specific predetermined punching area exists, the region resetting unit shifts the predetermined punching area determined to be the specific predetermined punching area upstream of the defect portion along the conveying path of the sheet substrate.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a punching apparatus, wherein the punching apparatus conveys an elongated sheet substrate along its length direction while punching it sequentially into a predetermined shape, wherein a plurality of predetermined punching areas to be punched by the punching apparatus are predetermined on the sheet substrate at predetermined intervals and arranged along the length direction. The control method includes an image information acquisition step, a determination step, and a region resetting step, wherein, in the image information acquisition step, image information of the sheet substrate is acquired from an imaging device that photographs the sheet substrate; in the determination step, it is determined, based on the image information, whether there is a predetermined punching area, i.e., a specific predetermined punching area, that overlaps with a defect portion contained in the sheet substrate; if the specific predetermined punching area exists, in the region resetting step, the predetermined punching area determined to be the specific predetermined punching area is shifted upstream of the defect portion on the conveying path of the sheet substrate.

[0007] According to the present invention, a control device and control method are provided that can produce a high-quality product without defective parts while reducing the unused area of ​​a sheet substrate.

[0008] The above-described objectives, features, and advantages should be readily understood through the description of the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a punching system according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram showing multiple predetermined punching areas defined in advance on a sheet substrate. Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram showing multiple predetermined punching areas after the execution area has been reset.

[0011] Figure 3A A diagram showing an example of markings made on a sheet substrate. Figure 3B The figure shows another example of markings made on a sheet substrate.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a control method according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the punching system involved in variation example 1.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the punching system involved in variation example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0015] For a punching apparatus that sequentially punches elongated sheet substrates into predetermined shapes while conveying them along a specified length, there are, for example, the technical problems described below. As proposed in Japanese Invention Patent Publication No. 2016-225059, it is possible to determine the defective areas of the sheet substrate based on image information. However, when a defective area is detected, it is necessary to appropriately set the area so that the area punched by the punching apparatus does not contain the defective area. In this case, the unused area (waste area) of the sheet substrate not punched by the punching apparatus increases, which is not ideal. A technology that improves material utilization while ensuring quality is desired.

[0016] Based on the above preliminary description, several implementation methods will be described below. Furthermore, the program (computer program, computer software) described below may also be referred to as a computer program product. A computer program product includes not only programs stored on a storage medium (recording medium), but also programs transmitted, distributed, or downloaded via networks such as the Internet.

[0017] (One implementation method) Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a punching system 10 according to one embodiment.

[0018] The punching system 10 is a system that sequentially punches elongated sheet substrates 12 into predetermined shapes while conveying them along their length direction DL. The sheet substrate 12 is, for example, carbon paper on which electrodes for fuel cells are formed. The conveying direction of the punching system 10 for the sheet substrates 12 is aligned with the length direction DL of the sheet substrates 12. Figure 1 As shown, the blanking system 10 includes a blanking device 14, a shooting device 16, and a control device 18.

[0019] The punching device 14 has a conveyor 20 and a cutting machine 22.

[0020] The conveyor 20 is a mechanism for conveying the sheet substrate 12 along the length direction DL. The conveyor 20 includes, for example, a bobbin 14a and multiple rollers 14b. The bobbin 14a and the multiple rollers 14b are arranged along the conveying direction of the sheet substrate 12. The sheet substrate 12 is wound on the bobbin 14a. The multiple rollers 14b are rotated, for example, by motors (not shown). By rotating the multiple rollers 14b, the sheet substrate 12 is fed from the bobbin 14a in the conveying direction (length direction DL). Alternatively, a motor (not shown) may also be provided to rotate the bobbin 14a.

[0021] The cutting machine 22 is a machine that punches the sheet substrate 12 into a specified shape. For example, a press equipped with a cutter is included in the cutting machine 22. The cutting machine 22 is arranged on the conveying path of the sheet substrate 12 conveyed by the conveyor 20. The sheet substrate 12 is conveyed along the length direction DL by the conveyor 20 while being punched into a specified shape by the cutting machine 22.

[0022] The imaging device 16 is an apparatus for taking pictures of the sheet substrate 12. For example, a camera is included in the imaging device 16. The imaging device 16 is located upstream of the cutting machine 22 on the transport path of the sheet substrate 12.

[0023] The control device 18 is an electronic device (computer) that controls the blanking device 14. The control device 18 includes a storage unit 24 and an arithmetic unit 26.

[0024] Storage unit 24 includes one or more memories. Storage unit 24 may include, for example, non-volatile memories such as ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, and hard disk. Non-volatile memories are storage media that store non-temporary programs, tables, mapping diagrams, etc. At least a portion of storage unit 24 may also be implemented using storage media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory cards, and optical discs. Storage unit 24 may also include volatile memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0025] The arithmetic unit 26 includes processing circuitry capable of performing arithmetic operations. This processing circuitry may have one or more processors. For example, the processing circuitry may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processing circuitry may also include integrated circuits (ICs) or discrete components.

[0026] The arithmetic unit 26 includes a transport control unit 28, a cropping control unit 30, an image information acquisition unit 32, a determination unit 34, and a region resetting unit 36. The transport control unit 28, cropping control unit 30, image information acquisition unit 32, determination unit 34, and region resetting unit 36 ​​are implemented by the aforementioned processing circuit. For example, the transport control unit 28, cropping control unit 30, image information acquisition unit 32, determination unit 34, and region resetting unit 36 ​​can be implemented by the processor of the arithmetic unit 26 executing a program stored in the storage unit 24. Alternatively, at least a portion of the transport control unit 28, cropping control unit 30, image information acquisition unit 32, determination unit 34, and region resetting unit 36 ​​can be implemented by at least one of the aforementioned integrated circuits and discrete devices.

[0027] The conveying control unit 28 controls the conveyor 20 to convey the sheet substrate 12 in the conveying direction (length direction DL). For example, the conveying control unit 28 controls the conveying speed of the sheet substrate 12 by controlling multiple motors that rotate the roll 14a and multiple rollers 14b.

[0028] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram showing a plurality of predetermined punching areas 38 predefined on a sheet substrate 12.

[0029] The conveying control unit 28 can also control the conveyor 20 according to a predetermined interval G of a plurality of predetermined punching areas 38 pre-determined on the sheet substrate 12. The plurality of predetermined punching areas 38 are areas punched by the punching device 14 (cutting machine 22). The plurality of predetermined punching areas 38 are arranged at predetermined intervals G along the length direction DL of the sheet substrate 12. Whenever a predetermined punching area 38 reaches a position where it can be punched by the cutting machine 22, the conveying control unit 28 can temporarily stop the conveying of the sheet substrate 12. In other words, after punching is completed in one of the predetermined punching areas 38, whenever the conveying amount of the sheet substrate 12 reaches the aforementioned predetermined interval G, the conveying control unit 28 can control the conveyor 20 to temporarily stop the conveying of the sheet substrate 12. In this case, the conveying control unit 28 can determine the conveying amount (movement amount) of the sheet substrate 12 based on, for example, a signal indicating the rotational position of the roller 14b (motor). This signal is output, for example, by a rotational position sensor such as an encoder provided on the roller 14b (motor).

[0030] The aforementioned interval G is preferably set to be shorter than the dimension L38 of each predetermined punching region in the length direction DL of the plurality of predetermined punching regions 38 (G < L38). Accordingly, the increase of unused areas in the sheet substrate 12 can be suppressed.

[0031] The cutting control unit 30 controls the cutting machine 22 to sequentially punch the sheet substrate 12, which is conveyed along the length direction DL, into a predetermined shape. As described above, whenever the predetermined punching area 38 reaches a position where it can be punched by the cutting machine 22, the conveying of the sheet substrate 12 can be temporarily stopped. In this case, during the period when the conveying of the sheet substrate 12 is temporarily stopped, the cutting control unit 30 controls the cutting machine 22 to punch the predetermined punching area 38.

[0032] The image information acquisition unit 32 acquires image information of the sheet substrate 12 from the imaging device 16.

[0033] The determination unit 34 performs an existence / non-existence determination based on the detection signal from the rotational position sensor, the position of the imaging device 16 on the transport path, and the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 32. This existence / non-existence determination includes determining whether a specific predetermined punching area 38S exists on the sheet substrate 12. The specific predetermined punching area 38S is a predetermined punching area 38 that overlaps with a defective portion 40 contained in the sheet substrate 12. The defective portion 40 may be, for example, a poorly coated portion of the electrode, a portion with scratches, etc.

[0034] Regarding the determination of presence or absence, a mark 42 indicating the position of the defect portion 40 is pre-set on the sheet substrate 12 before the imaging device 16 takes a picture. The mark 42 is pre-marked on the sheet substrate 12, for example, using ink or other coating. The determination unit 34 determines whether a specific predetermined punching area 38S exists on the sheet substrate 12 based on the position of the mark 42 shown in the image information. For example, the determination unit 34 can determine (estimate) the position of the predetermined punching area 38 shown in the image information based on the detection signal of the rotation position sensor of the roller 14b (motor) and the position of the imaging device 16 on the conveying path of the sheet substrate 12. The determination unit 34 can perform the presence or absence determination by comparing the determined position of the predetermined punching area 38 with the position of the defect portion 40 (mark 42).

[0035] Figure 3A A figure showing an example of a mark 42 marked on a sheet substrate 12. Figure 3B The figure shows another example of the marking 42 on the sheet substrate 12.

[0036] Preferably, a mark 42 indicating the location of the defective portion 40 is marked at a predetermined location in the sheet substrate 12. In this case, the mark 42 may be marked at the end 12t of the sheet substrate 12 in the width direction DS of the sheet substrate 12.

[0037] With the placement position of the mark 42 on the sheet substrate 12 predetermined, the imaging range of the imaging device 16 only needs to include the placement position. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a large imaging range to detect defects 40 that exist at arbitrary locations on the sheet substrate 12, nor is it necessary to increase the number of imaging devices 16 to cover a large imaging range.

[0038] Furthermore, the mark 42 indicating the location of the defect 40 preferably has a predetermined pattern (color, stripes, etc.). In this case, for example, Figure 3A As shown, the mark 42 may have a first part pattern 42a and a second part pattern 42b indicating the end position 40t (40t1, 40t2) of the defect portion 40 in the length direction DL of the sheet substrate 12. Figure 3A The first part of the pattern 42a represents the first end position 40t1 of the defect 40 in the length direction DL. Figure 3A The second part of the pattern 42b represents the second end position 40t2 of the defect location 40 along the length direction DL. Additionally, as... Figure 3B As shown, the dimension L42 of the mark 42 in the length direction DL can be determined based on the dimension L40 of the defect portion 40 in the length direction DL of the sheet substrate 12.

[0039] When the pattern of mark 42 is predetermined, mark 42 can be easily detected based on image information. Therefore, when mark 42 has a predetermined pattern, determination unit 34 can accurately determine the location of defect region 40 based on image information. Furthermore, forming... Figure 3B In the case of mark 42, the amount of paint consumed varies according to the size L40 of the defect portion 40 corresponding to mark 42. Conversely, the shape and size of the multiple partial patterns (42a, 42b) representing the two ends of the defect portion 40 can remain constant regardless of the size L40 of the defect portion 40. Based on this, from the perspective of suppressing paint consumption, Figure 3A Marker 42 is superior Figure 3B Mark 42.

[0040] If a specific predetermined punching area 38S is determined to exist through an existence-or-non-existence determination, the area reset unit 36 ​​performs an area reset process. The area reset process includes a first reset process and a second reset process.

[0041] Figure 2B To express [the opinion / towards] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of multiple predetermined punching areas 38 after the processing of the sheet substrate 12 for resetting the execution area.

[0042] The first resetting process involves shifting the predetermined punching area 38, which is determined to be a specific predetermined punching area 38S based on its presence or absence, upstream of the defective portion 40 in the length direction DL. Accordingly, the position of the predetermined punching area 38, determined to be a specific predetermined punching area 38S based on its presence or absence, on the transport path is reset to a position upstream of the position of the defective portion 40 on the transport path. As a result, it is possible to prevent the defective portion 40 from being mixed into the product made from the sheet substrate 12 using the punching system 10.

[0043] For example in Figure 2A In this example, the predetermined blanking area 381 corresponds to a specific predetermined blanking area 38S. In this case, the area resetting unit 36 ​​performs a first resetting process to shift the predetermined blanking area 381 to a position upstream of the defective portion 40 (see reference). Figure 2B ).

[0044] If the predetermined blanking area 38, which is determined to be a specific predetermined blanking area 38S, is shifted upstream of the defective part 40 in the length direction DL, the area resetting unit 36 ​​can reset the predetermined blanking area 38 at a position that is at a distance G from the defective part 40 as specified above.

[0045] By resetting the position of the predetermined punching area 38 through the first reset process, the predetermined punching area 38 may again overlap with the defective portion 40. For example, there may be multiple defective portions 40 on the sheet substrate 12, including the first defective portion and the second defective portion. The second defective portion is located upstream of the first defective portion in the length direction DL of the sheet substrate 12.

[0046] In this case, the predetermined punching area 38, which is shifted upstream by the first reset process to avoid the first defect location, may overlap with the second defect location. In this case, the area reset unit 36 ​​performs the first reset process again on the predetermined punching area 38 that overlaps with the second defect location, and resets the predetermined punching area 38 upstream of the second defect location. For example, if in Figure 2B If the predetermined blanking area 381 overlaps with the defective part 40, the area resetting unit 36 ​​will move the predetermined blanking area 381 away from the defective part 40. Figure 2B The position shown is further shifted upstream. In this way, the area reset unit 36 ​​can repeatedly perform the first reset process until the predetermined blanking area 38 determined to be a specific predetermined blanking area 38S no longer overlaps with the defective part 40.

[0047] The second resetting process involves offsetting all predetermined punching areas 38 located upstream of the predetermined punching area 38 determined to be a specific predetermined punching area 38S. This prevents the position of the predetermined punching area 38 determined to be a specific predetermined punching area 38S from overlapping with the positions of other predetermined punching areas 38 (382, 383) located upstream of the predetermined punching area 38.

[0048] When the area resetting process is performed, the cutting control unit 30 controls the cutting machine 22 to cut multiple predetermined cutting areas 38 after the area resetting process. Accordingly, the cutting machine 22 avoids defective areas 40 when cutting the sheet substrate 12. In this case, the cutting control unit 30 can determine (estimate) the relative positional relationship between the cutting machine 22 and the predetermined cutting areas 38 on the transport path of the sheet substrate 12 based on the detection signal from the rotational position sensor installed on the roller 14b (motor). When the relative positional relationship between the cutting machine 22 and the predetermined cutting areas 38 is such that the predetermined cutting area 38 can be cut by the cutting machine 22, the cutting control unit 30 controls the cutting machine 22 to cut the predetermined cutting area 38.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a control method according to one embodiment.

[0050] Control device 18 (computer) can execute Figure 4 The control method shown. For example, the control device 18 executes a program stored in memory by one or more processors, thereby causing the control device 18 to perform... Figure 4 The control method includes a first conveying control step (sheet substrate conveying step) S1, an image information acquisition step S2, a determination step S3, a region resetting step S4, a second conveying control step (sheet substrate conveying stop step) S5, and a cutting control step S6.

[0051] In the first conveying control step S1, the conveying control unit 28 controls the conveyor 20 to convey the sheet substrate 12 along the length direction DL of the sheet substrate 12. In the image information acquisition step S2, the image information acquisition unit 32 acquires image information from the imaging device 16.

[0052] In determination step S3, determination unit 34 performs an existence / non-existence determination. If it is determined that a specific predetermined punching area 38S exists, the area reset step S4 is performed. If it is determined that the specific predetermined punching area 38S does not exist, the second transport control step S5 is performed.

[0053] In the region reset step S4, the region reset unit 36 ​​performs the region reset process. After the region reset step S4 is completed, the second transport control step S5 is executed.

[0054] In the second conveying control step S5, the conveying control unit 28 controls the conveyor 20 to stop the predetermined punching area 38 at a position where it can be punched by the cutting machine 22. In the cutting control step S6, the cutting control unit 30 controls the cutting machine 22 to punch the predetermined punching area 38. Accordingly, Figure 4 The series of processes of the control method concludes. After this, for example, the process is repeated. Figure 4 The control method continues until all predetermined punching areas 38 defined on the sheet substrate 12 have been punched.

[0055] According to this embodiment, when no predetermined blanking area 38, i.e., a specific predetermined blanking area 38S, overlapping with the defective portion 40 is detected, the control device 18 sequentially blanks a plurality of predetermined blanking areas 38 arranged at predetermined intervals G using the blanking device 14. When a specific predetermined blanking area 38S is detected, the control device 18 can reset the plurality of predetermined blanking areas 38 so that they do not overlap with the defective portion 40. Accordingly, the blanking system 10 can produce a high-quality product that does not contain the defective portion 40 while reducing the unused area of ​​the sheet substrate 12.

[0056] This embodiment can be modified as described below. Furthermore, descriptions that are repeated in this embodiment are appropriately omitted below. Additionally, the reference numerals used to denote structural elements in this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, also apply to the following description.

[0057] (Variation Example 1) Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the blanking system 10 (blanking system 101) involved in Modified Example 1.

[0058] The blanking system 101 described below can mark the position of the defective part 40 on the sheet substrate 12 with a mark 42. The blanking system 101 includes a blanking device 14, a plurality of shooting devices 16, a marking device 44, and a control device 18 (control device 181) involved in this modification.

[0059] Multiple imaging devices 16 are disposed upstream of the blanking device 14. At least two of the imaging devices 16 are arranged along the conveying path of the sheet substrate 12. A marking device 44 is disposed between the two imaging devices 16.

[0060] For ease of explanation, the imaging device 16 located upstream of the marking device 44 will be referred to as the first imaging device 161. In contrast, for ease of explanation, the imaging device 16 located downstream of the marking device 44 will be referred to as the second imaging device 162.

[0061] The marking device 44 is a device for marking the location of a defect 40 on the sheet substrate 12 with a mark 42. For example, the marking device 44 includes a paint spraying valve that can spray paint. The marking device 44 marks the mark 42 on the sheet substrate 12 by spraying paint from the paint spraying valve.

[0062] The control device 181 differs from the control device 18 of one embodiment in at least the following points: it also includes a defect detection unit 46 and a marking control unit 48. Similar to the transport control unit 28, the defect detection unit 46 and the marking control unit 48 are also implemented by the processing circuit of the arithmetic unit 26.

[0063] The defect detection unit 46 detects defective portions 40 in the sheet substrate 12 based on image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 32 from the first imaging device 161. The marking control unit 48 controls the marking device 44 to mark a mark 42 on the sheet substrate 12, indicating the location of the defective portion 40 detected by the defect detection unit 46. Accordingly, the second imaging device 162 captures an image of the sheet substrate 12 marked with the mark 42. The determination unit 34 performs a presence / absence determination based on the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 32 from the second imaging device 162.

[0064] (Variation Example 2) Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the blanking system 10 (blanking system 102) involved in Modified Example 2.

[0065] The blanking system 102 described below includes a blanking device 14, a photographing device 16, and a control device 18 (control device 182) as described in this variation. The control device 182 differs from the control device 18 of one embodiment in at least the following point: it also includes a defect detection unit 46. The defect detection unit 46, like the transport control unit 28, is also implemented by the processing circuit of the arithmetic unit 26.

[0066] The defect detection unit 46 detects defective portions 40 contained in the sheet substrate 12 based on image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 32 from the imaging device 16. In this case, the image information acquisition unit 32 can acquire image information from both the imaging device 16 that captures the surface of the sheet substrate 12 and the imaging device 16 that captures the back side of the sheet substrate 12.

[0067] The determination unit 34 performs a presence or absence determination based on the detection result of the defect detection unit 46 on the defect location 40. According to this modified example, even if the marking 42 indicating the location of the defect location 40 is not marked on the sheet substrate 12 (refer to one embodiment or modified example 1), the area resetting unit 36 ​​can still perform the area resetting process.

[0068] The following notes are also disclosed regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0069] (Note 1) The control device (18) involved in this invention is a control device for a punching device (14). The punching device (14) feeds an elongated sheet substrate (12) along the length direction (DL) of the sheet substrate and punches it into a predetermined shape in sequence. A plurality of predetermined punching areas (38) to be punched by the punching device are predetermined on the sheet substrate in a manner that is spaced apart by a predetermined interval (G) and arranged along the length direction. The control device (18) has an image information acquisition unit (32), a determination unit (34), and an area resetting unit (36). In this process, the image information acquisition unit acquires image information of the sheet substrate from an imaging device (16) that captures an image of the sheet substrate; the determination unit determines, based on the image information, whether there exists a predetermined blanking area, i.e., a specific predetermined blanking area (38S), that overlaps with a defective portion (40) contained in the sheet substrate; if the specific predetermined blanking area exists, the area resetting unit shifts the predetermined blanking area determined to be the specific predetermined blanking area upstream of the defective portion on the transport path of the sheet substrate. Accordingly, the control device can produce a high-quality product without defective portions while reducing the unused area of ​​the sheet substrate.

[0070] (Note 2) In the control device described in Appendix 1, if the specific predetermined blanking area exists, the area reset unit may reset the predetermined blanking area, which is determined to be the specific predetermined blanking area, to a position at a predetermined interval away from the defective part.

[0071] (Note 3) In the control device described in Appendix 2, if a predetermined punching area, which is determined to be the specific predetermined punching area due to overlapping with a first defective area, is reset to be located upstream of the first defective area on the transport path, then when it overlaps with another defective area, a second defective area, the area reset unit resets the predetermined punching area overlapping with the second defective area to be located upstream of the second defective area on the transport path. Accordingly, the control device can produce a high-quality product free of defects while reducing the unused area of ​​the sheet substrate.

[0072] (Note 4) In the control device described in Appendix 2, the predetermined interval may also be shorter than the dimension (L38) of each of the plurality of predetermined blanking regions in the length direction. Accordingly, the increase of unused areas in the sheet substrate can be suppressed.

[0073] (Note 5) In any of the control devices described in Appendices 1 to 4, a mark (42) indicating the location of the defect may be pre-marked on the sheet substrate before the imaging device takes an image. The determination unit determines whether the specific predetermined punching area exists based on the location of the mark shown in the image information. Accordingly, the determination unit can accurately determine the location of the defect based on the image information.

[0074] (Note 6) In any of the control devices described in Appendices 1 to 4, the region resetting unit may also offset all predetermined blanking regions located upstream of the predetermined blanking region determined to be the specific predetermined blanking region on the transport path, based on the offset of the predetermined blanking region determined to be the specific predetermined blanking region upstream of it. This prevents the position of the predetermined blanking region determined to be the specific predetermined blanking region from overlapping with the positions of other predetermined blanking regions located upstream of that predetermined blanking region.

[0075] (Note 7) The control method involved in this invention is a control method for a punching device (14). The punching device conveys an elongated sheet substrate (12) along the length direction (DL) of the sheet substrate and punches it into a predetermined shape in sequence. A plurality of predetermined punching areas (38) punched by the punching device are predetermined on the sheet substrate in a manner that is spaced apart by a predetermined interval (G) and arranged along the length direction. The control method includes an image information acquisition step (S2), a determination step (S3), and a region resetting step (S4). In the image information acquisition step, image information of the sheet substrate is acquired from an imaging device (16) that takes an image of the sheet substrate. In the determination step, it is determined, based on the image information, whether there is a predetermined punching area, i.e., a specific predetermined punching area (38S), that overlaps with a defect portion (40) contained in the sheet substrate. In the region resetting step, if the specific predetermined punching area exists, the predetermined punching area that is determined to be the specific predetermined punching area is shifted upstream of the defect portion on the conveying path of the sheet substrate.

[0076] The present invention has been described in detail, but it is not limited to the various embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, and partial deletions can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention or the spirit of the invention derived from the content described in the technical solutions and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the embodiments described above, the order of each action and the order of each process are shown as an example, but are not limited thereto. The same applies to the use of numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas in the description of the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A control device for a punching device, wherein the punching device simultaneously conveys an elongated sheet substrate along its length and punches it sequentially into a predetermined shape, characterized in that, Multiple predetermined punching areas are pre-defined on the sheet substrate by the punching device in a manner that is spaced apart at specified intervals and arranged along the length direction. The control device includes an image information acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a region resetting unit, wherein... The image information acquisition unit acquires image information of the sheet-like substrate from the imaging device that captures the image of the sheet-like substrate; The determination unit determines, based on the image information, whether there is a predetermined punching area, i.e. a specific predetermined punching area, that overlaps with the defective part contained in the sheet substrate. In the presence of the specific predetermined punching area, the area resetting unit will determine that the predetermined punching area, which is the specific predetermined punching area, is shifted upstream of the defect location on the transport path of the sheet substrate.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the presence of the specific predetermined punching area, the area reset unit will reset the predetermined punching area, which is determined to be the specific predetermined punching area, to a position at a predetermined interval from the defective part.

3. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When a predetermined punching area, which is determined to be the specific predetermined punching area due to overlapping with a first defective area, is reset to be located upstream of the first defective area on the transport path, when it overlaps with another defective area, a second defective area, the area reset unit resets the predetermined punching area that overlaps with the second defective area to be located upstream of the second defective area on the transport path.

4. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The specified interval is shorter than the dimension of each of the plurality of predetermined blanking regions in the length direction.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before the imaging device takes pictures, the location of the defect is marked on the sheet-like substrate. The determination unit determines whether the specific predetermined punching area exists based on the position of the mark shown in the image information.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The region resetting unit also shifts all predetermined blanking regions located upstream of the predetermined blanking region that is determined to be the specific predetermined blanking region on the transport path, based on the offset of the predetermined blanking region on the upstream side of the transport path.

7. A control method for a blanking apparatus, executed by one or more processors, wherein the blanking apparatus simultaneously conveys an elongated sheet substrate along its length direction and sequentially blanks it into a predetermined shape, characterized in that... Multiple predetermined punching areas are pre-defined on the sheet substrate by the punching device in a manner that is spaced apart at specified intervals and arranged along the length direction. The control method includes an image information acquisition step, a determination step, and a region resetting step, wherein... In the image information acquisition step, image information of the sheet-like substrate is acquired from the imaging device that captures images of the sheet-like substrate; In the determination step, the presence of a predetermined punching area, i.e. a specific predetermined punching area, that overlaps with the defective portion contained in the sheet substrate is determined based on the image information. In the area resetting step, if the specific predetermined punching area exists, the predetermined punching area that is determined to be the specific predetermined punching area is shifted upstream of the defect location on the transport path of the sheet substrate.

Images