Separation setting device for sheet-like irregular objects

Abstract

To improve the inefficient work of manually weighing each unit sheet after cutting to perform inspection when pre-forming multiple unit sheets into strips from a sheet-like indeterminate-shaped object.SOLUTION: A break setting device 10 according to the present invention includes a placing stand 12, multiple thickness detection sensors 13 which detect a thickness h of each part of a kneaded rubber sheet GS, and a transport mechanism 14 which supports a group of the thickness detection sensors 13 movably in XYZ axial directions on a base 11. The transport mechanism 14 includes an end detection sensor 16 that detects presence of the kneaded rubber sheet GS. The break setting device includes a controller 40. The break setting device sets a break L for each target weight Mt for the kneaded rubber sheet GS. The controller 40 makes the end detection sensor 16 detect the start end position and the terminal end position of the kneaded rubber sheet GS, and sets a climbing-over position as a thickness measurement starting line Zo of the kneaded rubber sheet GS when all the thickness detection sensors 13 climb over the kneaded rubber sheet GS.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a division setting device that sets divisions for cutting in the next process at predetermined weight intervals on sheet-like irregular objects such as kneaded rubber sheets, and a cutting device that cuts or half-cuts the sheet-like irregular objects at each division. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known that raw rubber lumps (bales) are processed into kneaded rubber sheets (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). Kneaded rubber sheets are an example of sheet-like amorphous objects. Kneaded rubber sheets are usually cut into strips of a predetermined length in a direction (length direction) perpendicular to the cutting direction (width direction) according to the size of the product to be subsequently molded, and are preformed into a plurality of unit sheets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-141745 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As mentioned above, in the conventional method, each unit sheet is preformed into a rectangular shape of a predetermined length, but the actual weight of each unit sheet is important in the next molding process. If the unit sheets do not have a sufficient actual weight, there is a risk of unnecessary burrs or shorts (defects) occurring in the molded product.

[0005] However, due to the characteristics of rubber, kneaded rubber sheets often have poor flatness due to deformation of thickness, etc. For example, when a sheet is wavy as a whole or has rolled up corners that resemble dried squid, and is preformed at a predetermined length, the actual weight of the unit sheets may be outside the specified weight range. For this reason, each unit sheet preformed into a strip from a kneaded rubber sheet is weighed manually after cutting, and workers inspect each unit sheet to see if it is within the specified weight range and manually remove those that are outside the specified weight range.

[0006] The task of manually inspecting whether the weight is within the specified range places a burden on the worker and is inefficient, so there is still room for improvement. In addition, since unit sheets that do not fall within the specified weight range are removed, there is also room for consideration from the perspective of the yield of kneaded rubber sheets. The term "sheet-like irregular object" is used in the specification as a higher-level concept, taking into account the fact that the shape of the sheet is poorly flat, such as kneaded rubber sheets. In addition, the term "cutting device" includes not only devices that cut (completely cut off) sheet-like irregular objects, but also devices that half-cut (stop at the edge and do not cut off). [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has as its technical object the provision of a partition setting device and a cutting device for sheet-like irregular objects which have been improved upon in consideration of the current situation as described above.

[0008] The present invention is a division setting device which comprises a placing table on which a sheet-like irregular object is placed, a plurality of thickness detection sensors which detect the thickness of each point of the sheet-like irregular object, and a transport mechanism which supports the group of thickness detection sensors movably in mutually perpendicular X, Y and Z axis directions, the transport mechanism having an end detection sensor which detects the presence of the longitudinal end of the sheet-like irregular object on the placing table, and a controller which controls overall operation, the device setting divisions for the sheet-like irregular object for each target weight, the controller causing the end detection sensor to detect the start and end positions of the sheet-like irregular object, and when all of the thickness detection sensors have climbed onto the sheet-like irregular object, setting the climb-up position as the start line for thickness measurement of the sheet-like irregular object.

[0009] In the division setting device of the present invention, the controller may be configured to set a thickness measurement line for each predetermined pitch at which the group of thickness detection sensors move, and when at least one of the thickness detection sensors falls from the sheet-like irregular object, to set the thickness measurement line immediately before the falling position as the thickness measurement end line.

[0010] The present invention also includes a cutting device equipped with the partition setting device according to claim 1 or 2. The cutting device is equipped with the partition setting device according to claim 1 or 2, and a cutter that cuts or half-cuts the sheet-like irregular object into the partitions. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, even if the longitudinal end portions (end faces extending in the width direction, cut surfaces) of the sheet-like irregular object are inclined or curved in plan view, the edge detection sensor and the thickness detection sensor group can reliably detect the margin portions (defective portions) that cannot be used for molding. It is also effective in minimizing the margin portions (unnecessary portions) and improving the yield of the sheet-like irregular object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a partition setting device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the division setting device. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart of a partition setting control. [Diagram 5] 11 is a perspective view showing a procedure of the division setting control, and shows a state in which the end detection sensor has detected the starting end of the kneaded rubber sheet. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a perspective view showing a procedure of the division setting control, and shows a state in which the pressure roller has run onto the kneaded rubber sheet. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a perspective view showing the procedure of the division setting control, and shows a state in which all thickness detection sensors have climbed onto the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view showing a procedure of the division setting control, and is a diagram showing a thickness detection state by the thickness detection sensor group. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a perspective view showing a procedure of the partition setting control, and shows a state in which the end detection sensor has detected the end of the kneaded rubber sheet. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a procedure of the division setting control, illustrating a state in which at least one thickness detection sensor has fallen from the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view showing a procedure of the partition setting control, and shows the state immediately before the pressure rollers and the like move by a predetermined pitch P from the state in FIG. 10 and return to the initial position. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2A is a plan view illustrating thickness measurement lines on a kneaded rubber sheet, and FIG. 2B is a plan view illustrating division lines on the kneaded rubber sheet. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a volume at each predetermined pitch based on a measured thickness. [Figure 14] 13 is an estimated graph showing the relationship between the cross-sectional area of ​​each thickness measurement line and the length of the kneaded rubber sheet in the X-axis direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a division setting device, a cutter, and a vacuum suction device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the terms "front / rear" and "left / right" may be used to specify directions, but the state of FIG. 2 facing the division setting device 10 is taken as a right side view, and the left / right direction and front / rear direction are defined based on this. However, these terms are used only for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0014] 1 and 2 is for setting divisions L for a rectangular plate-like kneaded rubber sheet GS, which is an example of a sheet-like irregular object, for each target weight M. The division setting device 10 of the embodiment is provided on a base 11 with a mounting table 12 on which a flat plate-like kneaded rubber sheet GS is mounted, a plurality of thickness detection sensors 13 for detecting the thickness of each point of the kneaded rubber sheet GS, a transport mechanism 14 for movably supporting the group of thickness detection sensors 13 in mutually orthogonal XYZ axis directions, a pressing roller 15 located forward of the group of thickness detection sensors 13 in the relative movement direction and pressing the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12, and an end detection sensor 16 for detecting the presence of the lengthwise ends (X-axis direction ends, left and right ends) of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12.

[0015] The transport mechanism 14 on the base 11 has a Y-axis transport section 18 that transports the thickness detection sensors 13 in the Y-axis direction (width direction, front-to-back direction of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12), a Z-axis transport section 19 that transports the thickness detection sensors 13 and the Y-axis transport section 18 in the Z-axis direction (up-down direction), and an X-axis transport section 17 that transports the thickness detection sensors 13, the Y-axis transport section 18 and the Z-axis transport section 19 in the X-axis direction (length direction, left-right direction of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the X-axis transport section 17 includes a pair of X-axis guides 20 located on either side of the mounting table 12 in the Y-axis direction (width direction, front-rear direction) and extending in the X-axis direction (length direction, left-right direction), X-axis ball screw shafts 21 arranged parallel to and adjacent to each X-axis guide 20, and X-axis sliders 22 movable along the corresponding X-axis guides 20 and X-axis ball screw shafts 21.

[0017] An X-axis motor 23 is attached to one of the pair of X-axis ball screw shafts 21. The pair of X-axis ball screw shafts 21 are configured to rotate in conjunction with each other via a belt pulley transmission system 24. The pair of X-axis sliders 22 are configured to be movable in the X-axis direction (lengthwise and left-right directions) in conjunction with each other along each X-axis guide 20 by the X-axis motor 23 and the pair of X-axis ball screw shafts 21.

[0018] 1 and 2, the Z-axis transport parts 19 are a pair of parts erected on the X-axis sliders 22 on both sides in the Y-axis direction (width direction, front-rear direction) of the mounting table 12. Each of the Z-axis transport parts 19 in the embodiment includes a Z-axis support 30 extending in the Z-axis direction, a Z-axis ball screw shaft (not shown) erected in the Z-axis support 30, and a Z-axis motor 31 attached to the upper end of the Z-axis ball screw shaft.

[0019] Although detailed illustration is omitted, each end portion (front and rear end portions) in the Y-axis direction of a width-wise long Y-axis transport body 25 (details will be described later) is attached to the pair of Z-axis ball screw shafts so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction (up and down direction). Each end portion (front and rear end portions) in the Y-axis direction of the Y-axis transport body 25 constituting the Y-axis transport section 18 functions as a Z-axis slider. The Y-axis transport body 25, which is also the Z-axis slider, is configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction (up and down direction) in conjunction with each other by the pair of the Z-axis motor 31 and the Z-axis ball screw shaft.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the Y-axis transport section 18 comprises a Y-axis transport body 25 suspended between the Z-axis supports** on both sides in the Y-axis direction, a pair of upper and lower Y-axis guides 26 longitudinal in the Y-axis direction arranged on the right plane of the Y-axis transport body 25, a trapezoidal screw shaft 27 extending parallel to the pair of Y-axis guides 26, and a Y-axis motor 28 attached to one end of the trapezoidal screw shaft 27.

[0021] The main body 32 of each thickness detection sensor 13 is attached to the pair of Y-axis guides 26 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction) along each Y-axis guide 26. However, the main body 32 of the thickness detection sensor 13 closest to the Y-axis motor 28 is attached to the pair of Y-axis guides 26 in a fixed position.

[0022] Of the thickness detection sensors 13, the body 32 of the one furthest from the Y-axis motor 28 is attached so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction) relative to the trapezoidal screw shaft 27. The body parts 32 of adjacent thickness detection sensors 13 are interlocked and connected to each other via a lazy tongs mechanism 29 (a so-called magic hand mechanism), which is a mechanism combining multiple parallel links, so that the spacing between them can be adjusted. The body parts 32 of every other thickness detection sensor 13 are connected to each other via a spring 39 for regulating position.

[0023] When the trapezoidal screw shaft 27 is rotated by driving the Y-axis motor 28 to move the body 32 of the thickness detection sensor 13 farthest from the Y-axis motor 28 in the Y-axis direction (front-back direction), the action of the lazy tongs mechanism 29 linked to this causes the body parts 32 of the thickness detection sensors 13 other than the one closest to the Y-axis motor 28 to move in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the arrangement intervals between the body parts 32 of adjacent thickness detection sensors 13 are always the same due to the action of the lazy tongs mechanism 29. In other words, the group of thickness detection sensors 13 is interlocked and connected to the Y-axis transport section 18 of the embodiment via the lazy tongs mechanism 29 so that the arrangement intervals between adjacent thickness detection sensors 13 are always the same.

[0024] In the embodiment, each of the transport parts 17 to 19 employs a screw feed mechanism such as the ball screw shaft 21 or the trapezoidal screw shaft 27 and the motors 23, 28, 31, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this and other mechanisms such as a cylinder or a rack and pinion may be employed. Also, the mechanism for always keeping the arrangement intervals between the main bodies 32 of the adjacent thickness detection sensors 13 the same is not limited to the lazy tongs mechanism 29 and may be realized using other mechanisms.

[0025] The thickness detection sensors 13 that detect the thickness of various points on the kneaded rubber sheet GS are arranged in a line in the Y-axis direction (ten sensors in this embodiment) on the Y-axis transport body 25 that constitutes the Y-axis transport section 18. Each thickness detection sensor 13 in this embodiment is of a contact type, and has a main body 32 that is a cylinder with an encoder built in that is interlocked with the lathe tongs mechanism 29, and a rolling roller 33 that is rotatably attached to the tip side of a rod that protrudes downward from the main body 32.

[0026] The rolling rollers 33 of each thickness detection sensor 13 are supported by the main body 32 so as to be in contact with the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12 and to be able to move up and down together with the rod section according to the surface shape of the kneaded rubber sheet GS. The thickness of each part of the kneaded rubber sheet GS is measured by measuring the amount of vertical displacement of each rolling roller 33 according to the thickness of each part of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12. Note that each thickness detection sensor 13 is not limited to that in the embodiment, and may be a contact type using another mechanism, or a non-contact type using light, ultrasonic waves, or the like. The number of thickness detection sensors 13 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that there are at least three or more.

[0027] The pressing roller 15, which presses the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12, is intended to improve the flatness of the kneaded rubber sheet GS before the thickness is detected by the group of thickness detection sensors 13, and to improve the accuracy of the measured thickness at each point of the kneaded rubber sheet GS. In the embodiment, telescopic arms 34 that can be extended and retracted in the vertical direction are attached to both ends (front and rear ends) of the Y-axis direction of the Y-axis transport body 25. A pressing roller 15 that is long in the Y-axis direction (front and rear direction) is rotatably attached between the tips of both telescopic arms 34. A biasing spring 35 that biases the pressing roller 15 downward (toward the kneaded rubber sheet GS side) is fitted to each telescopic arm 34. The Y-axis direction length (front and rear direction length) of the pressing roller 15 is set to be approximately equal to or slightly shorter than the Y-axis dimension (front and rear width dimension) of the mounting table 12 so as to be compatible with various width dimensions of the kneaded rubber sheet GS. The mechanism for biasing the pressure roller 15 downward (towards the kneaded rubber sheet GS) is not limited to that described in the embodiment, and may be, for example, an electric or pneumatic cylinder. The pressure roller 15 may be made of various materials, such as rubber, silicone, or synthetic resin.

[0028] The pressing roller 15 is located ahead of the group of thickness detection sensors 13 in the relative movement direction (to the right of the group of thickness detection sensors 13 in Figs. 1 and 2). Therefore, when setting the divisions of the kneaded rubber sheet GS, which will be described later, the pressing roller 15 climbs onto the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS before the group of thickness detection sensors 13. In other words, before the rolling rollers 33 of each thickness detection sensor 13 come into contact with the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12, the pressing roller 15 presses the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12. The pressing force of the pressing roller 15 is used to make the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS as flat as possible, and then the rolling rollers 33 of each thickness detection sensor 13 pass over the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS.

[0029] The reason why the pressure roller 15 is specified to be positioned "in front of the group of thickness detection sensors 13 in the relative movement direction" is that the technical concept of the present invention can be applied not only to a configuration in which the pressure roller 15 and the group of thickness detection sensors 13 move relative to the kneaded rubber sheet GS as in the embodiment, but also to a configuration in which the kneaded rubber sheet GS moves relative to the pressure roller 15 and the group of thickness detection sensors 13 by a conveyor or the like.

[0030] The end detection sensor 16, which detects the presence of each end in the length direction (each end in the X-axis direction, left and right ends) of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12, is a so-called photosensor that detects the relative movement of the kneaded rubber sheet GS and outputs an electric signal. The end detection sensor 16 in the embodiment is a transmission type provided on each X-axis slider 22 so that the light emitter 36 and the light receiver 37 face each other in the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction) with the mounting table 12 in between. The end detection sensor 16 is configured to detect each end in the length direction (each end in the X-axis direction, left and right ends) of the kneaded rubber sheet GS depending on whether or not the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12 blocks the light of the light emitter 36. The end detection sensor 16 is not limited to a transmission type, and may be a reflection type.

[0031] As can be seen from the above description, the group of thickness detection sensors 13 and the pressure roller 15 are attached to the Y-axis transport section 18. The Y-axis transport section 18 is attached to a pair of Z-axis transport sections 19 in the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction). Each Z-axis transport section 19 is erected on the corresponding X-axis slider 22. The light emitter 36 and light receiver 37 of the end detection sensor 16 are each provided on the corresponding X-axis slider 22.

[0032] Therefore, by driving the X-axis motor 23 to move both X-axis sliders 22 in the X-axis direction (left and right direction), the Z-axis transport section 19, the Y-axis transport section 18, the pressure roller 15, the thickness detection sensors 13, and the end detection sensor 16 can all move in the X-axis direction (left and right direction) along both X-axis guides 20. The pressure roller 15 can also move in the Z-axis direction (up and down direction) by driving not only the X-axis transport section 17 but also the Z-axis transport section 19. The thickness detection sensors 13 are configured to be movable three-dimensionally along the X, Y, and Z-axis directions by driving the X-axis transport section 17, the Y-axis transport section 18, and the Z-axis transport section 19.

[0033] In addition, an alignment bar 38 is attached to the front side (front end in the Y-axis direction) of the mounting table 12, which extends in the X-axis direction (left-right direction) and determines the position of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12. Generally, the kneaded rubber sheet GS is first formed into a continuous sheet shape by an open roll, an extruder, or the like. Then, it is cut into predetermined lengths to obtain a flat kneaded rubber sheet GS. Since the front and rear end faces of the kneaded rubber sheet GS are continuously formed by an open roll or the like, they basically extend parallel to each other. In contrast, cutting is often performed not only mechanically but also manually using a cutter, so that the left and right end faces of the kneaded rubber sheet GS (each end face extending in the width direction, cut surface) may be inclined or curved in a plan view relative to the front and rear end faces and may not be perpendicular to them. Therefore, by abutting the front end surface (one end surface in the Y-axis direction) of the kneaded rubber sheet GS against the alignment bar 38, the posture of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12 is determined so that the front and rear end surfaces (both end surfaces in the Y-axis direction) of the kneaded rubber sheet GS are perpendicular to the arrangement of the pressure rollers 15 and the thickness detection sensors 13.

[0034] 3 shows a functional block diagram of the controller 40 mounted on the substrate dividing apparatus 10. The controller 40 mainly controls the overall operation of the transport mechanism 14 and the group of thickness detection sensors 13, and although detailed illustration is omitted, includes a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes and controls, a ROM for storing control programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing control programs and data, an input / output interface, and the like.

[0035] The controller 40 is electrically connected to the X-axis motor 23 of the X-axis transport section 17, the Y-axis motor 28 of the Y-axis transport section 18, the Z-axis motors 31 of each Z-axis transport section 19, a group of thickness detection sensors 13, a power switch 41 for turning the power to the entire division setting device 10 on and off, an input device 42 having a keyboard or the like that functions as a start switch, a stop switch and an end switch, a display device 43 such as an LCD monitor, and an emergency stop switch 44 forcibly stopping the operation of each part of the division setting device 10.

[0036] Next, the partition setting control of the kneaded rubber sheet GS in the partition setting device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 4 and Figs. 5 to 14. The controller 40 of the embodiment calculates the sum Vs of the volume of the necessary areas in the kneaded rubber sheet GS based on the measured thickness h of the group of thickness detection sensors 13, the pitch P, and the previously set front-rear width dimension W of the kneaded rubber sheet GS, and executes partition setting control to set partition lines L for the kneaded rubber sheet GS for each target weight Mt (which may also be called the target volume Vt) to make the kneaded rubber sheet GS into unit sheets US based on the previously set density De of the kneaded rubber sheet GS and the target weight Mt of the unit sheets US. The algorithm shown in the flowchart disclosed below is prestored as a program in the ROM of the controller 40, and is read into the RAM and then executed by the CPU.

[0037] Here, it is assumed that the kneaded rubber sheet GS has been placed on the placement table 12 in advance, and the power switch 41 has been turned on. In this initial stage, it is assumed that the pressure roller 15 and the group of thickness detection sensors 13 (both X-axis sliders 22) are in their initial positions, and the pressure roller 15 and the rolling rollers 33 of each thickness detection sensor 13 are in contact with the placement table 12. It is also assumed that the group of thickness detection sensors 13 are arranged at the same intervals D in the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction) in accordance with the front-rear width dimension W of the kneaded rubber sheet GS input in advance by the input device 42, by the rotation of the trapezoidal screw shaft 27 by the Y-axis motor 28 and the action of the lazy tongs mechanism 29 (see FIG. 5).

[0038] As shown in Figure 12(a), the distance in the Y-axis direction (front-to-back direction) between the front end face of the kneaded rubber sheet GS and the thickness detection sensor 13 closest to it is set to a predetermined value Do, and the distance in the Y-axis direction (front-to-back direction) between the rear end face of the kneaded rubber sheet GS and the thickness detection sensor 13 closest to it is also set to a predetermined value Do.

[0039] Also, it is assumed that the density De of the kneaded rubber sheet GS, the target weight M of the unit sheet US, and the front-to-rear width dimension W of the kneaded rubber sheet GS are input and set in advance by the input device 42. For convenience, in Figures 12(a) and (b), numbers are added to the thickness measurement line Z, the division length l, and the division line L according to the setting procedure. In Figure 13, the volume V between the thickness measurement lines Z4 and Z5 is shown for convenience, and the measured thickness h is added with a number corresponding to the thickness detection sensor 13 that detected it.

[0040] As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 4, when the start switch of the input device 42 is turned on to start the division setting control (S01: YES), the pressing roller 15, the group of thickness detection sensors 13 and the end detection sensor 16 start to move in the X-axis direction (left-right direction) (S02). Next, when the kneaded rubber sheet GS blocks the light of the light emitting unit 36, one end in the length direction of the kneaded rubber sheet GS (one end in the X-axis direction, the left end) is detected (S03: YES, see Fig. 5), the controller 40 stores the detected position as the start end position BE of the kneaded rubber sheet GS (S04). The kneaded rubber sheet GS of the embodiment has a planar shape as shown in Fig. 12(a)(b), and the left rear corner of the kneaded rubber sheet GS is the start end position BE. As the pressure roller 15, the group of thickness detection sensors 13, and the end detection sensor 16 continue to move in the X-axis direction (left and right direction), the pressure roller 15 climbs onto the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS before the group of thickness detection sensors 13 and presses it, making the wavy surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS as flat as possible (see Figure 6).

[0041] Next, when all the thickness detection sensors 13 climb onto the kneaded rubber sheet GS (S05: YES, see FIG. 7), the controller 40 stores the climb-up position as a thickness measurement start line Zo based on the relationship with the start end position BE, and stores the measured thickness h of each thickness detection sensor 13 at the thickness measurement start line Zo (S06). After that, the controller 40 causes the pressing roller 15, the group of thickness detection sensors 13, and the end detection sensor 16 to continue moving in the X-axis direction (left-right direction) to flatten the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS with the pressing roller 15, while detecting and storing the measured thickness h of each thickness detection sensor 13 on the thickness measurement line Z at every predetermined pitch P (S07, see FIG. 8).

[0042] Next, when the light of the light emitting unit 36 ​​that was blocked by the kneaded rubber sheet GS reaches the light receiving unit 37, the other end in the length direction of the kneaded rubber sheet GS (the other end in the X-axis direction, the right end) is detected (S08: YES, see FIG. 9), and the controller 40 stores the detected position as the end position TE of the kneaded rubber sheet GS (S09). In the embodiment, the right rear corner of the kneaded rubber sheet GS is the end position TE. Next, when the pressing roller 15, the group of thickness detection sensors 13, and the end detection sensor 16 continue to move in the X-axis direction (left-right direction), the pressing roller 15 falls from the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS before the group of thickness detection sensors 13. Then, when at least one thickness detection sensor 13 falls from the kneaded rubber sheet GS (S10: YES, see FIG. 10), the controller 40 stores the thickness measurement line immediately before the falling position as the thickness measurement end line Ze based on the relationship with the start end position BE, and stores the measured thickness h of each thickness detection sensor 13 at the thickness measurement end line Ze (S11). Then, the detection by the thickness detection sensors 13 is terminated (S12).

[0043] Then, the cross-sectional area Cx for each predetermined pitch P between adjacent thickness measurement lines Z in the X-axis direction (left-right direction) is calculated (S13, see FIG. 13). Various calculation methods can be used, but for example, in the range from the thickness measurement start line Zo to the thickness measurement end line Ze, it is possible to calculate the cross-sectional area Cx for each predetermined pitch P by multiplying the average value of the measured thickness h of the thickness detection sensor 13 at adjacent thickness measurement lines Z by the predetermined pitch P. Next, the volume V between adjacent thickness measurement lines Z in the X-axis direction (left-right direction), that is, the volume V for each predetermined pitch P is calculated (S14, see FIG. 13). In this case, various calculation methods can be used, but for example, it is possible to calculate the volume V for each predetermined pitch P by multiplying the cross-sectional area Cx for each predetermined pitch P by the front-rear width dimension W of the kneaded rubber sheet GS. Then, the sum Vs of the volumes V for each predetermined pitch P is obtained (S15).

[0044] Next, as shown in Fig. 12(b), the controller 40 resets the thickness measurement end line Ze on the kneaded rubber sheet GS to the division start line Lo (S16), and calculates the cross-sectional area Cy of each thickness measurement line Z from the thickness measurement start line Zo to the thickness measurement end line Ze (S17, see Fig. 13). Various calculation methods can be adopted. For example, in the range from the thickness measurement start line Zo to the thickness measurement end line Ze, it is possible to calculate the cross-sectional area Cy of each thickness measurement line Z by multiplying the average value of the measured thickness h of each thickness detection sensor 13 at the thickness measurement line Z by the front-rear width dimension W of the kneaded rubber sheet GS.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller 40 obtains an estimated graph showing the relationship between the cross-sectional area Cy of each thickness measurement line Z and the length of the kneaded rubber sheet GS in the X-axis direction (S18). The area below the broken line in the estimated graph means the volume within the range from the thickness measurement start line Zo to the thickness measurement end line Ze. Then, the target weight Mt of the unit sheet US is divided by the density De of the kneaded rubber sheet GS to calculate the target volume Vt of the unit sheet US (S19). Next, the partition length l1 of the first unit sheet US is calculated from the estimated graph in FIG. 14 so as to be the target volume Vt of the unit sheet US (S20). Then, the controller 40 adds the partition length l1 to the partition start line Lo to set and store the position of the partition line L1 on the kneaded rubber sheet GS (S21). In this case, the partition setting is performed in the order opposite to the moving direction of the pressing roller 15 etc. during thickness measurement. Next, similarly to step S19, the partition length l2 of the next unit sheet US is calculated, and the partition length l2 is added to the position of the partition line L1 to determine and store the position of the next partition line L2. Thereafter, similar calculations are used to calculate and store the positions of subsequent partition lines L within the range where the thickness measurement start line Zo is not exceeded and the sum of the target volumes Vt does not exceed the sum Vs of the volumes V at each specified pitch P (S22).

[0046] Information on the start position BE, end position TE, and the position of the partition line L of the kneaded rubber sheet GS is transferred to a controller (not shown) of a cutting machine 50 in the next process. Then, the kneaded rubber sheet GS is cut or half-cut at each partition line L by a cutter 51 of the cutting machine 50, and proceeds to the next process. As shown in FIG. 15, the partition setting device 10 and the cutting machine 50 may be on different lines (the partition setting device 10 and the cutting machine 50 may be separate machines). In this case, for example, the kneaded rubber sheet GS after partition setting may be configured to be transferred from the partition setting device 10 to the cutting machine 50 by a vacuum suction machine 52. Of course, it is also possible to configure the partition setting device 10 and the cutting machine 50 as a continuous line to form a cutting device. In either case, the work of preforming a plurality of unit sheets US from the kneaded rubber sheet GS can be automated, which is effective in reducing the burden on the worker.

[0047] According to the above configuration, the kneaded rubber sheet GS is placed on a mounting table 12, a plurality of thickness detection sensors 13 for detecting the thickness h of each part of the kneaded rubber sheet GS, and a transport mechanism 14 for supporting the thickness detection sensors 13 in mutually orthogonal XYZ axial directions so as to be movable, and the division setting device 10 sets divisions L for the kneaded rubber sheet GS for each target weight Mt (target volume Vt), and the transport mechanism 14 has a pressing roller 15 that is located forward of the thickness detection sensors 13 in the relative movement direction and presses the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the mounting table 12, so that when automatically setting divisions L for each target weight Mt for the kneaded rubber sheet GS, the pressing roller 15 rides on the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS before the thickness detection sensors 13, and presses it, making the surface of the kneaded rubber sheet GS as flat as possible. This allows the detection accuracy of the thickness h of the subsequent thickness detection sensors 13 to be significantly improved. The reliability of the weight and volume calculation of the kneaded rubber sheet GS can be improved, and the weight and volume of the unit sheet US (after cutting, etc.) can be maintained within the target range after cutting the kneaded rubber sheet GS. As a result, it is possible to omit or reduce the manual inspection process for the unit sheet US (after cutting, etc.).

[0048] The transfer mechanism 14 further includes an end detection sensor 16 that detects the presence of the longitudinal ends of the kneaded rubber sheet GS on the placement table 12, and is configured so that the end detection sensor 16 detects the beginning and end of the kneaded rubber sheet GS, and the group of thickness detection sensors 13 detects the thickness measurement start line Zo and the thickness measurement end line Ze of the kneaded rubber sheet GS, so that even if the longitudinal ends (each end face extending in the width direction, cut surface) of the kneaded rubber sheet GS are inclined or curved in plan view, the end detection sensor 16 and the group of thickness detection sensors 13 can reliably detect the margin parts (defective parts) that cannot be used for molding. This can also be effective in minimizing the margin parts (unnecessary parts) and improving the yield of the kneaded rubber sheet GS.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, adjacent thickness detection sensors 13 are linked together via a lazy tongs mechanism 29, which is a combination of many parallel links, so that the spacing between them can be adjusted, and therefore the spacing between the main body parts 32 of adjacent thickness detection sensors 13 is always kept the same by the action of the lazy tongs mechanism 29. Therefore, when measuring the thicknesses of kneaded rubber sheets GS of various width-direction sizes, it is possible to easily line up the thickness detection sensors 13 at equal intervals with a simple structure. This also has the advantage of improving the detection accuracy of the thickness h in the group of thickness detection sensors 13.

[0050] As shown in Figure 15, by adopting a cutting device equipped with a partition setting device 10 and a cutter 51 that cuts or half-cuts the kneaded rubber sheet GS at each partition line L, the task of pre-forming multiple unit sheets US from the kneaded rubber sheet GS can be automated, which is effective in reducing the burden on the worker.

[0051] The configuration of each part in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] BE Beginning of kneaded rubber sheet Cx Cross-sectional area per given pitch Cy Cross-sectional area per thickness measurement line De density GS kneaded rubber sheet h Measurement thickness L division line Lo division start line (=Ze thickness measurement end line) l Section length Mt target weight Pitch TE End of kneaded rubber sheet US Unit Sheet V Volume per given pitch Vs Sum of volumes for each given pitch Target Volume on Vt Unit Sheet W Front and rear width Z thickness measurement line Zo Thickness measurement start line 10. Delimiter 11 Foundation 12 Placement table 13 Thickness detection sensor 14 Transfer mechanism 15 Pressure roller 16 End detection sensor 17 X-axis transfer section 18 Y-axis transfer section 19 Z-axis transfer section 29 Lazy Tong Mechanism 36 Light emitting part 37 Light receiving part 40 Controller 50 Cutter 51 Cutter 52 Vacuum suction machine

Claims

1. A division setting device for setting divisions for cutting sheet-like irregular objects based on a target weight or a target volume, a plurality of thickness detection sensors for detecting the thickness of the sheet-like irregular object; a pressure roller disposed forward of the group of thickness detection sensors in a direction of relative movement of the sheet-like irregular object, and pressing and flattening the surface of the sheet-like irregular object; an end detection sensor for detecting the start and end positions of the sheet-like irregular object in the length direction; a transport mechanism that moves the thickness detection sensor group, the pressure roller, and the end detection sensor in the length direction; a controller that executes a division setting control for the sheet-like irregular object based on the detection information from each of the sensors, The controller determining an area of ​​the sheet-like irregular object where thickness measurement is required based on the start and end positions of the sheet-like irregular object detected by the end detection sensor; Within the required area, the thickness of the sheet-like irregular object flattened by the pressure roller is collected at a predetermined pitch; Calculating the volume of the required area in the sheet-like irregular object from the collected thickness at each predetermined pitch; determining a division line to be set on the sheet-like irregular object based on the calculated volume of the required area and the preset target weight or target volume; Delimiter setting device.

2. The controller a position where all the thickness detection sensors are on the sheet-like irregular object after the pressure roller has climbed up on the sheet-like irregular object in advance is set as a thickness measurement start line; After the end detection sensor detects the end position of the sheet-like irregular object, at least one of the thickness detection sensors sets a thickness measurement line immediately before dropping from the sheet-like irregular object as a thickness measurement end line; A range from the thickness measurement start line to the thickness measurement end line is determined as the necessary area of ​​the sheet-like irregular object. The segmentation device according to claim 1 .

3. The controller Based on the volume of the required area in the sheet-like irregular object, the partition line is set by sequentially determining partition lengths that satisfy the target volume corresponding to the target weight from the thickness measurement end line in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the sheet-like irregular object.

3. The segment setting device according to claim 1 or 2.

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