Separation method for breathable boards

Abstract

To suppress breakage of the ends of breathable plate materials and enable the plate materials to be taken out one by one. [Solution] A method for separating breathable plate materials, which separates the outermost plate material 10 from a laminate L in which multiple breathable plate materials 10 are stacked, includes a placing step in which a central support means 25a and a pair of end support means 25b are installed across the width of the laminate L at positions overlapping the longitudinal central portion and both end portions of the laminate L, and then the laminate L is placed on the central support means 25a and the pair of end support means 25b, elastically deforming each plate material 19 constituting the laminate L so that the longitudinal central portion of the laminate L protrudes more than both end portions; and a suction step in which the outermost plate material 10 of the laminate L is vacuum-sucked at both end portions while pressing the longitudinal central portion, and then the plate material 10 is pulled up so that at least one of both longitudinal end portions of the plate material 10 is positioned higher than the central portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for separating breathable board materials. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in the construction industry and other fields, wood boards have increasingly been pre-cut to the desired shape and size in factories and other locations in order to minimize the amount of processing required at construction sites. Pre-cutting often involves, for example, using a suction and conveying device equipped with suction pads to separate individual wood boards from a stack of multiple boards, automatically feeding them to the next process, where they are cut or otherwise processed. However, when pre-cutting breathable boards such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard), even if a suction and conveying device equipped with suction pads attempts to pick up only the topmost board, it also picks up several boards underneath. This results in multiple boards being fed to the next process as a single board, which can, for example, cause the automatic operation of the processing machine to stop, potentially reducing processing efficiency.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for removing thin plates in which a spacer is placed under the bottommost part of a stack of thin plates to bend the thin plates, and the topmost thin plate is sucked in by a suction cup, and the uppermost thin plate is sequentially removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-75472 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the method of removing thin plates in Patent Document 1, even though the thin plates can be removed one by one, both ends of the lowest thin plate come into contact with the surface of the bottom plate. Therefore, if the thin plate is made of a material such as MDF, there is a risk that the ends of the plate may be damaged by being scraped or cracked, so there is room for improvement.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to prevent damage to the ends of breathable plate materials and enable the plate materials to be removed one by one. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the method for separating breathable board materials according to the present invention is a method for separating the outermost board material from a laminate in which a plurality of breathable board materials are stacked, and is characterized by comprising the following steps: a placing step in which a central support means and a pair of end support means are installed across the width of the laminate at positions overlapping the longitudinal center and both longitudinal ends of the laminate, and then the laminate is placed on the central support means and the pair of end support means, elastically deforming each of the board materials constituting the laminate so that the longitudinal center of the laminate protrudes beyond the longitudinal ends of the laminate; and a suction step in which the outermost board material of the laminate is vacuum-adsorbed at both longitudinal ends while pressing the longitudinal center of the board, and the board is pulled up so that at least one of the longitudinal ends of the board is positioned above the longitudinal center.

[0008] According to the above method, in the placing step, a center support means and a pair of end support means are installed across the width of the stack at positions overlapping the longitudinal center and both end portions of the stack, and the stack is then placed on the center support means and the pair of end support means, thereby elastically deforming each plate so that the longitudinal center of the stack protrudes beyond both end portions. Generally, in a stack of smooth, heavy plate materials, adjacent plate materials are in close contact with each other, creating a kind of reduced pressure state within the stack, making it difficult to separate the plate materials. Furthermore, in the placing step, the outermost plate of the stack, which has been elastically deformed, is not subjected to a pressing force from above, and therefore is subjected to a force that tries to return it to its original flat state, making it easy for the outermost plate material to release the reduced pressure. In the subsequent suction process, the longitudinal center of the topmost plate in the stack, which has been elastically deformed in the placement process, is held down while suction is applied to both longitudinal ends of the plate. The plate is then pulled up so that at least one of the longitudinal ends is positioned above the longitudinal center of the plate. Therefore, in the suction process, a gap is formed between at least one of the longitudinal ends of the first plate to be pulled up from the top of the stack and the longitudinal ends of the second plate to be pulled up next. Air enters through the gap, eliminating the reduced pressure and separating the pulled up plate from the next plate. Furthermore, because a pair of end support means contacts both ends of the bottommost plate in the stack, damage to both ends of the bottommost plate can be reduced compared to when the pair of end support means are not present. This reduces damage to the edges of breathable plates, allowing the plates to be removed one by one.

[0009] The central support means and the pair of end support means may be constituted by spacers having a rectangular cross section.

[0010] According to the above method, a spacer formed relatively high and a pair of spacers formed relatively low are placed at positions overlapping the longitudinal center and both end portions of the laminate, and the laminate is placed on these spacers, thereby elastically deforming each plate material so that the longitudinal center portion of the laminate protrudes more than both end portions.

[0011] The central support means and the pair of end support means may be provided so as to be able to move the stack in the width direction of the stack.

[0012] According to the above method, the central support means and a pair of end support means are configured, for example, as a roller conveyor, and are arranged so that the stack can be moved in its width direction.Therefore, using the central support means and a pair of end support means, which also function as moving means for moving the stack in its width direction, each plate material can be elastically deformed so that the central part of the stack in the longitudinal direction protrudes more than both end parts.

[0013] In the suction step, both longitudinal ends of the outermost plate material are suctioned by a first suction pad and a second suction pad, and the longitudinal central portion of the outermost plate material is held down by a third suction pad or a pressure pad, and in the placement step, the pair of end support means may be installed so as to overlap with the first suction pad and the second suction pad, and the central support means may be installed so as to overlap with the third suction pad or the pressure pad.

[0014] According to the above method, in the suction process, a pair of end support means are arranged below the first suction pad and the second suction pad via the laminate, and a central support means is arranged below the third suction pad or pressure pad, so that the first suction pad and the second suction pad can reliably suction the outermost plate material, and the third suction pad or pressure pad can reliably press the outermost plate material.

[0015] In addition, the method for separating breathable board materials according to the present invention is a method for separating the outermost board material from a laminate in which a plurality of breathable board materials are stacked, and is characterized by comprising a placing step of placing a spacer across the width of the laminate on a wooden loading plate at a position overlapping the longitudinal center of the laminate, and then placing the laminate on the spacer to elastically deform each board material constituting the laminate so that the longitudinal center of the laminate protrudes beyond both longitudinal ends of the laminate; and a suction step of vacuum-adsorbing both longitudinal ends of the outermost board material of the laminate while pressing the longitudinal center of the board, and lifting the board so that at least one of the longitudinal end ends of the board is positioned higher than the longitudinal center.

[0016] According to the above method, in the placing step, spacers are placed on a placing plate so as to extend across the width of the stack at positions overlapping the longitudinal center of the stack, and then the stack is placed on the spacers, thereby elastically deforming each plate so that the longitudinal center of the stack protrudes beyond both ends. In a stack generally composed of smooth, heavy plate materials, adjacent plate materials are in close contact with each other, creating a reduced pressure state within the stack, making it difficult to separate the plate materials. In the placing step, the outermost plate of the stack, which has been elastically deformed in the placing step, is not subjected to a pressing force from above, and instead is subjected to a force that attempts to return to its original planar shape, making it easier for the outermost plate to release the reduced pressure. Furthermore, in the subsequent suction step, the longitudinal center of the outermost plate in the stack, which has been elastically deformed in the placing step, is pressed down while both longitudinal ends of the outermost plate are suctioned, and the plate is then pulled up so that at least one of the longitudinal ends of the plate is positioned above the longitudinal center of the plate. Therefore, in the suction process, a gap is created between at least one of the longitudinal ends of the first plate from the top of the stack to be pulled up and the longitudinal ends of the second plate from the top of the stack to be pulled up next, and air enters through the gap, eliminating the reduced pressure and separating the plate being pulled up from the next plate to be pulled up. Furthermore, the surfaces of the wooden mounting plate come into contact with the ends of the bottommost plate in the stack, preventing damage to the ends of the bottommost plate. This prevents damage to the ends of the breathable plates, allowing the plates to be removed one by one.

[0017] In the suction step, the shape of the outermost surface of the plate material as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may change from an upwardly convex shape in the placing step to a downwardly convex shape.

[0018] According to the above method, in the adsorption process, the shape of the outermost plate material of the stack, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, changes from an upward convex shape in the placement process to a downward convex shape, resulting in gaps being created between both longitudinal ends of the first plate material to be pulled up from the top of the stack and both longitudinal ends of the second plate material to be pulled up next from the top of the stack.

[0019] In the suction process, the timing at which one of the longitudinal ends of the outermost plate material is suctioned and lifted may be different from the timing at which the other of the longitudinal ends of the outermost plate material is suctioned and lifted.

[0020] According to the above method, in the suction step, the timing at which one of the longitudinal ends of the outermost plate of the stack is sucked and pulled up differs from the timing at which the other of those ends is sucked and pulled up, resulting in a difference in the time at which a gap is formed between the longitudinal ends of the first plate from the top of the stack to be pulled up and the longitudinal ends of the second plate from the top of the stack to be pulled up next. This disrupts the balance of the reduced pressure state between the longitudinal ends of the first plate from the top of the stack to be pulled up and the adjacent second plate from the top, making it possible to more reliably separate the first plate from the top of the stack to be pulled up from the second plate from the top of the stack to be pulled up next.

[0021] The board material may be a medium density fiberboard.

[0022] According to the above method, the board material is medium density fiberboard, and medium density fiberboard (MDF), which has recently been used for roof sheathing and other applications due to its breathability, can be pre-cut automatically in a factory or the like. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, in the placing process, a central support means and a pair of end support means are installed across the width of the stack at positions overlapping the central portion and both end portions of the longitudinal direction of the stack, and then the stack is placed on the central support means and the pair of end support means, and each plate material constituting the stack is elastically deformed so that the central portion of the longitudinal direction of the stack protrudes more than both end portions thereof; in the suction process, the outermost plate material of the stack is pressed at its longitudinal central portion while its both end portions are suctioned under reduced pressure, and the plate material is pulled up so that at least one of its longitudinal end portions is positioned higher than its central portion, thereby suppressing damage to the ends of the breathable plate material and enabling the plate materials to be removed one by one. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the first half of the adsorption step of the method for separating an air-permeable plate material according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a top view of an adsorption device used in an adsorption step of a method for separating an air-permeable plate material according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of another adsorption device used in the adsorption step of the method for separating an air-permeable plate material according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the latter half of the adsorption step of the method for separating an air-permeable plate material according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the first half of the adsorption step of the method for separating an air-permeable plate material according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the first half of the adsorption step of the method for separating an air-permeable plate material according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0026] First Embodiment 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of a display device according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view showing the first half of the adsorption process of the method for separating breathable plate material according to this embodiment. Also, FIG. 2 is a top view of an adsorption device Ma used in the adsorption process of the method for separating breathable plate material according to this embodiment. Also, FIG. 3 is a top view of another adsorption device Mb used in the adsorption process of the method for separating breathable plate material according to this embodiment. Also, FIG. 4 is a front view showing the second half of the adsorption process of the method for separating breathable plate material according to this embodiment.

[0027] First, the breathable plate material 10 separated by the breathable plate material separation method of this embodiment has breathability and has, for example, a thickness of about 9.2 mm × width of 908 mm × length of 1818 mm and a density of 0.70 g / cm 3 More than 0.85g / cm 3 It is made of MDF etc. of the following degree. In addition to MDF, examples of the breathable board material 10 that has breathability include particle board, volcanic glass multi-layer board, gypsum board, calcium silicate board, etc.

[0028] In addition, the plate separation device used in the breathable plate separation method of this embodiment is equipped with an input section C into which multiple breathable plate materials 10 are transported as a stack L, an output section from which the breathable plate materials 10 are transported one by one, and an adsorption conveying machine Ma that moves back and forth between the input section C and the output section, adsorbs and lifts up the breathable plate material 10 on the outermost surface of the stack L transported to the input section C, and then transports it to the output section.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the loading section C includes, for example, three rows of roller conveyors 20 arranged parallel to one another on a floor surface F, and a loading plate 30 movably mounted on the three rows of roller conveyors 20. The surface of the loading plate 30 serves as a loading surface S. Here, the loading plate 30 is made of, for example, structural plywood approximately 25 mm thick. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a first spacer 25a formed relatively high as a center support means is installed on the loading surface S of the loading plate 30, as described below. A pair of second spacers 25b formed relatively low as a pair of end support means is also installed on the loading surface S. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first spacer 25a and the second spacer 25b have, for example, a rectangular cross section. However, the first spacer 25a and the second spacer 25b may have a cross section of, for example, a square, a polygonal shape such as a trapezoid or a triangle, a semicircular shape, or the like. The first spacer 25a and the second spacer 25b are made of, for example, wood, but the material is not particularly limited.

[0030] The discharge section is, for example, a preparation table on which the breathable board materials 10 are kept waiting one by one before being fed into a processing machine that performs processing such as cutting in the next process, and on which the breathable board materials 10 are sent out one by one to the next process.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the suction conveying machine Ma includes a movable body D having a rectangular plate shape in a plan view, and a first suction pad Pa, a second suction pad Pb, and a third suction pad Pc provided on the underside of the movable body D.

[0032] The moving body D is provided so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction, and is also provided so as to be able to move horizontally between the loading section and the unloading section.

[0033] The first suction pad Pa, the second suction pad Pb, and the third suction pad Pc are connected to a decompression means such as a decompression fan or a decompression pump, and are configured to come into contact with the surface of the breathable plate 10 and adsorb the breathable plate 10. Here, the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb are configured to adsorb both ends of the breathable plate 10 in the length direction by decompression, and the third suction pad Pc is configured to adsorb the center of the breathable plate 10 in the length direction by decompression.

[0034] In this embodiment, an example of an adsorption conveying machine Ma is shown in which a first adsorption pad Pa, a second adsorption pad Pb, and a third adsorption pad Pc are provided on the underside of the movable body D, but it may also be an adsorption conveying machine Mb in which a first adsorption pad Pa, a second adsorption pad Pb, and a pressure pad Pd are provided on the underside of the movable body D.

[0035] 3, the suction conveying device Mb includes a movable body D in the shape of a rectangular plate, and a first suction pad Pa, a second suction pad Pb, and a pressing pad Pd provided on the underside of the movable body D. Here, like the suction conveying device Ma, the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb vacuum-suck both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate material 10, and the pressing pad Pd is configured to abut against the longitudinal central portion of the breathable plate material 10 and press down on the longitudinal central portion of the breathable plate material 10.

[0036] Next, a method for separating breathable board materials according to this embodiment using the plate material separating device having the above-described configuration will be described. The method for separating breathable board materials according to this embodiment includes a placing step and a suction step.

[0037] <Placement process> First, a first spacer 25a (e.g., a square timber approximately 60 mm thick, 30 mm wide (horizontal direction in FIG. 1), and 1000 mm long) and a pair of second spacers 25b (e.g., a square timber approximately 40 mm thick, 60 mm wide (horizontal direction in FIG. 1), and 1000 mm long) are placed across the width direction (depth direction in FIG. 1) of the laminate L on the placement surface S of the placement plate 30 of the loading section C at positions overlapping with the center and both ends in the longitudinal direction of the laminate L to be placed later (see FIG. 1). Note that the first spacer 25a is preferably thicker (higher) than the second spacer 25b by approximately 15 mm to 20 mm. Here, in the placement step, the pair of second spacers 25b are placed so as to overlap the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb used in the suction step described later, and the first spacer 25a is placed so as to overlap the third suction pad Pc used in the suction step described later (see FIG. 2).

[0038] Next, a stack L of approximately 100 breathable boards 10 (for example, MDF sheets approximately 9.2 mm thick x 908 mm wide (depth direction in FIG. 1) x 1818 mm long (horizontal direction in FIG. 1)) is placed on the first spacer 25a and the pair of second spacers 25b installed above. As a result, each breathable board 10 of the stack L is elastically deformed so that the center of its length (horizontal direction in FIG. 1) protrudes more than both ends, as shown in FIG. 1. Note that a base plate or the like may be placed at the bottom of the stack L to further physically protect the lowest breathable substrate 10.

[0039] <Adsorption process> First, the movable body D of the suction conveying machine Ma is moved above the laminate L placed in the loading section C, and then the movable body D is lowered, so that the first suction pad Pa, the second suction pad Pb, and the third suction pad Pc of the suction conveying machine Ma come into contact with the surface of the breathable plate material 10 on the outermost surface of the laminate L, as shown in Figure 1.

[0040] Next, while the third suction pad Pc is sucking and holding down the center of the length of the breathable plate 10, the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb are sucking and holding down both end portions of the breathable plate 10 in the length direction, and the breathable plate 10 is pulled up so that both end portions in the length direction of the breathable plate 10 are positioned higher than the center, as shown in Fig. 4. At this time, the shape of the outermost breathable plate 10 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the length direction changes from an upward convex shape (see Fig. 1) in the above-mentioned placing step to a downward convex shape (see Fig. 4).

[0041] Furthermore, after the moving body D of the suction conveying machine Ma is moved to the discharge section, the breathable plate material 10 is placed on the preparation table that constitutes the discharge section by stopping the reduced pressure suction by the first suction pad Pa, the second suction pad Pb, and the third suction pad Pc.

[0042] In this manner, the breathable plate materials 10 can be removed one by one from the stack L. In the present embodiment, the separation method in which both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate material 10 are simultaneously lifted up by the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb in the suction step has been exemplified, but the timing at which one of the longitudinal ends of the breathable plate material 10 is suctioned and lifted up by the first suction pad Pa and the timing at which the other of the longitudinal ends is suctioned and lifted up by the second suction pad Pb may be different, and there may be a time difference between these timings of about 0.1 to 2.0 seconds.

[0043] As described above, according to the breathable plate separation method of this embodiment, in the placing step, a first spacer 25a and a pair of second spacers 25b are placed across the width of the laminate L at positions overlapping the longitudinal center and both ends of the laminate L, and then the laminate L is placed on the first spacer 25a and the pair of second spacers 25b, thereby elastically deforming each breathable plate 10 so that the longitudinal center of the laminate L protrudes beyond both ends. Generally, in a laminate consisting of smooth, heavy plates, adjacent plates are in close contact with each other, creating a reduced-pressure state within the laminate, making it difficult to separate the plates. Furthermore, in the placing step, the outermost breathable plate 10 of the elastically deformed laminate L is not subjected to a pressing force from above, and instead is subjected to a force that causes it to return to its original flat shape, making it easier for the reduced-pressure state to be resolved. Furthermore, in the subsequent suction step, the longitudinal center of the outermost breathable plate 10 in the stack L, which has been elastically deformed in the placing step, is pressed down while both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate 10 are sucked, and the breathable plate 10 is pulled up so that both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate 10 are positioned above the center. Therefore, in the suction step, gaps are formed between both longitudinal ends of the first breathable plate 10 to be pulled up from the top of the stack L and both longitudinal ends of the second breathable plate 10 to be pulled up next, and air enters through the gaps, eliminating the reduced pressure and allowing the pulled-up breathable plate 10 to be separated from the next breathable plate 10 to be pulled up. Furthermore, because the pair of second spacers 25b contact both ends of the lowest breathable plate 10 in the stack L with their faces, damage to both ends of the lowest breathable plate 10 can be suppressed more effectively than when the pair of second spacers 25b are not present (line contact). Therefore, damage to the ends of the breathable boards 10 can be prevented, and the breathable boards 10 can be taken out one by one.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable plate material of this embodiment, in the adsorption process, a pair of second spacers 25b are arranged below the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb via the laminate L, and the first spacer 25a is arranged below the third suction pad Pc (pressing pad Pd), so that the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb can adsorb the outermost breathable plate material 10, and the third suction pad Pc (pressing pad Pd) can reliably press the outermost breathable plate material 10.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable plate materials of this embodiment, in the adsorption process, the shape of the breathable plate material 10 on the outermost surface of the laminate L, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, changes from an upward convex shape in the loading process to a downward convex shape, resulting in gaps being created between both longitudinal ends of the first breathable plate material 10 to be pulled up from the top of the laminate L and both longitudinal ends of the second breathable plate material 10 to be pulled up next from the top of the laminate L.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board materials of this embodiment, if the timing at which one of the longitudinal ends of the breathable board material 10 at the top surface of the laminate L is adsorbed and pulled up differs from the timing at which the other of the longitudinal ends of the breathable board material 10 at the top surface of the laminate is adsorbed and pulled up in the adsorption process, the balance of the reduced pressure state between the longitudinal ends of the first breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up and the adjacent second breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L will be disrupted, thereby more reliably separating the first breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up and the second breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up next.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board materials of this embodiment, the breathable board material 10 is made of MDF, and because of its breathability, MDF, which has recently been used for roof sheathing and the like, can be pre-cut automatically in a factory or the like.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board material of this embodiment, the first spacer 25a and a pair of second spacers 25b form a space between the loading surface S of the loading plate 30 and the laminate L, which makes it easier to insert the forks of a forklift, for example, and facilitates the process of loading the laminate L.

[0049] Second Embodiment Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the method for separating breathable plate materials according to the present invention. Here, Fig. 5 is a front view showing the first half of the adsorption process of the method for separating breathable plate materials according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 1 of the first embodiment. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in Figs. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] In the first embodiment described above, a method for separating breathable plate material is exemplified in which a first spacer 25a is installed as a central support means and a pair of second spacers 25b are installed as a pair of end support means. In this embodiment, a method for separating breathable plate material is exemplified in which a first roller conveyor 20a is installed as a central support means and a pair of second roller conveyors 20b are installed as a pair of end support means.

[0051] The plate separating device used in the method for separating breathable plate materials of this embodiment, like the first embodiment, includes an inlet section C into which a plurality of breathable plate materials 10 are carried in as a stack L, an outlet section from which the breathable plate materials 10 are carried out one by one, and a suction conveying machine Ma that moves back and forth between the inlet section C and the outlet section, suctioning and lifting the breathable plate material 10 on the outermost surface of the stack L carried in the inlet section C, and then conveying it to the outlet section. Note that although the suction conveying machine Ma is exemplified in this embodiment, a suction conveying machine Mb may also be used, like the first embodiment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the loading section C of this embodiment includes, for example, a first roller conveyor 20a and a pair of second roller conveyors 20b that are provided on a floor surface F to extend parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 5, the relatively high first roller conveyor 20a serves as a center support means, and the pair of relatively low second roller conveyors 20b serve as a pair of end support means. The first roller conveyor 20a is preferably about 15 to 20 mm thicker (higher) than the second roller conveyor 20b. Furthermore, since the first roller conveyor 20a and the second roller conveyor 20b are provided to be able to move the laminate L in its width direction, the lengths of the first roller conveyor 20a and the second roller conveyor 20b (depth direction in FIG. 5) are preferably about twice the length of the laminate L in its width direction (depth direction in FIG. 5).

[0053] Next, the method for separating breathable board materials of this embodiment using the board material separation device of the above configuration can be performed by installing a first roller conveyor 20a and a pair of second roller conveyors 20b instead of (the roller conveyor 20, the loading plate 30,) the first spacer 25a and a pair of second spacers 25b in the method for separating breathable board materials of the first embodiment.

[0054] As described above, according to the method for separating breathable plates of this embodiment, in the placing step, a first roller conveyor 20a and a pair of second roller conveyors 20b are installed across the width of the laminate L at positions overlapping the longitudinal center and both ends of the laminate L, and the laminate L is then placed on the first roller conveyor 20a and the pair of second roller conveyors 20b, thereby elastically deforming each breathable plate 10 so that the longitudinal center of the laminate L protrudes beyond both ends. Generally, in a laminate consisting of smooth, heavy plates, adjacent plates are in close contact with each other, creating a reduced-pressure state within the laminate, making it difficult to separate the plates. Furthermore, in the placing step, the outermost breathable plate 10 of the laminate L, which has been elastically deformed, is not subjected to a pressing force from above, and instead is subjected to a force that tries to return it to its original flat shape, making it easier for the outermost breathable plate 10 to release the reduced-pressure state. Furthermore, in the subsequent suction step, the longitudinal center of the outermost breathable plate 10 in the stack L, which has been elastically deformed in the placing step, is pressed down while both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate 10 are sucked, and the breathable plate 10 is pulled up so that both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate 10 are positioned above the center. Therefore, in the suction step, gaps are formed between both longitudinal ends of the first breathable plate 10 to be pulled up from the top of the stack L and both longitudinal ends of the second breathable plate 10 to be pulled up next, and air enters through the gaps, eliminating the reduced pressure and allowing the pulled-up breathable plate 10 to be separated from the next breathable plate 10 to be pulled up. Furthermore, because the pair of second roller conveyors 20b contacts both ends of the lowest breathable plate 10 in the stack L with their faces, damage to both ends of the lowest breathable plate 10 can be suppressed more effectively than in the absence of the pair of second roller conveyors 20b (linear contact). Therefore, damage to the ends of the breathable boards 10 can be prevented, and the breathable boards 10 can be taken out one by one.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board materials of this embodiment, a first roller conveyor 20a and a pair of second roller conveyors 20b are provided as a central support means and a pair of end support means, and are arranged so that the stack L can be moved in its width direction.Therefore, using the first roller conveyor 20a and the pair of second roller conveyors 20b, which also function as moving means for moving the stack L in its width direction, each breathable board material 10 can be elastically deformed so that the central part of the stack L in the longitudinal direction protrudes more than both end parts.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable plate material of this embodiment, in the adsorption process, a pair of second roller conveyors 20b are arranged below the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb via the laminate L, and the first roller conveyor 20a is arranged below the third suction pad Pc (pressing pad Pd), so that the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb can adsorb the outermost breathable plate material 10, and the third suction pad Pc (pressing pad Pd) can reliably press the outermost breathable plate material 10.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable plate materials of this embodiment, in the adsorption process, the shape of the breathable plate material 10 on the outermost surface of the laminate L, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, changes from an upward convex shape in the loading process to a downward convex shape, resulting in gaps being created between both longitudinal ends of the first breathable plate material 10 to be pulled up from the top of the laminate L and both longitudinal ends of the second breathable plate material 10 to be pulled up next from the top of the laminate L.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board materials of this embodiment, if the timing at which one of the longitudinal ends of the breathable board material 10 at the top surface of the laminate L is adsorbed and pulled up differs from the timing at which the other of the longitudinal ends of the breathable board material 10 at the top surface of the laminate is adsorbed and pulled up in the adsorption process, the balance of the reduced pressure state between the longitudinal ends of the first breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up and the adjacent second breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L will be disrupted, thereby more reliably separating the first breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up and the second breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up next.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board materials of this embodiment, the breathable board material 10 is made of MDF, and because of its breathability, MDF, which has recently been used for roof sheathing and the like, can be pre-cut automatically in a factory or the like.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board material of this embodiment, the first roller conveyor 20a and a pair of second roller conveyors 20b create a space between the floor surface F and the laminate L, making it easier to insert the forks of a forklift, for example, and facilitating the process of placing the laminate L.

[0061] Third Embodiment Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of the method for separating breathable plate materials according to the present invention. Here, Fig. 6 is a front view showing the first half of the adsorption process of the method for separating breathable plate materials according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 1 of the first embodiment.

[0062] In the above first and second embodiments, a method for separating a breathable plate material in which a central support means and a pair of end support means are installed is exemplified. In this embodiment, a method for separating a breathable plate material in which a spacer is installed as a central support means on a mounting plate is exemplified.

[0063] The plate separating device used in the method for separating breathable plate materials of this embodiment, like the first embodiment, includes an inlet section C into which a plurality of breathable plate materials 10 are carried in as a stack L, an outlet section from which the breathable plate materials 10 are carried out one by one, and a suction conveying machine Ma that moves back and forth between the inlet section C and the outlet section, suctioning and lifting the breathable plate material 10 on the outermost surface of the stack L carried in the inlet section C, and then conveying it to the outlet section. Note that although the suction conveying machine Ma is exemplified in this embodiment, a suction conveying machine Mb may also be used, like the first embodiment.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the loading section C of this embodiment includes, for example, three rows of roller conveyors 20 arranged parallel to one another on a floor surface F, and a mounting plate 30 movably mounted on the three rows of roller conveyors 20. The mounting plate 30 may be made of wood, for example, and may have sufficient bending strength to withstand the bending of the laminate L when the plate is placed thereon, and may be capable of preventing damage to both ends of the lowest breathable plate material 10 of the laminate L even when both ends of the lowest breathable plate material 10 come into contact with the surface of the mounting plate 30. Specifically, as described above, the mounting plate 30 is made of, for example, structural plywood having a thickness of approximately 25 mm. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, a spacer 25c is installed on the mounting plate 30 (on the mounting surface S) at a position overlapping the longitudinal center of the laminate L, so as to extend across the width of the laminate L. 6, spacer 25c has a rectangular cross section, for example, but may have a cross section of other rectangular shapes such as a square, a polygonal shape such as a trapezoid or a triangle, a semicircular shape, etc. Spacer 25c is made of wood, for example, but the material is not particularly limited.

[0065] Next, a method for separating breathable board materials according to this embodiment using the plate material separating device having the above-described configuration will be described. The method for separating breathable board materials according to this embodiment includes a placing step and a suction step.

[0066] <Placement process> First, a spacer 25c (for example, a square timber having a thickness of 15 to 20 mm, a width (horizontal direction in FIG. 6) of 30 mm, and a length of 1000 mm) is placed across the width direction (depth direction in FIG. 1) of the laminate L on the placement surface S of the placement plate 30 of the loading section C at a position overlapping with the center in the longitudinal direction of the laminate L to be placed later (see FIG. 6). Here, in the placement step, the spacer 25c is placed so as to overlap with a third suction pad Pc to be used in a subsequent suction step.

[0067] Next, a stack L of approximately 100 breathable boards 10 (for example, MDF sheets approximately 9.2 mm thick x 908 mm wide (depth direction in FIG. 6) x 1818 mm long (horizontal direction in FIG. 6)) is placed on the spacers 25a installed above. As a result, each breathable board 10 of the stack L is elastically deformed so that the center of the stack L in the length direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 6) protrudes more than both ends, as shown in FIG. 6. A base plate or the like may be installed at the bottom of the stack L to further physically protect the lowest breathable substrate 10.

[0068] <Adsorption process> First, the movable body D of the suction conveying machine Ma is moved above the stack L placed in the loading section C, and then the movable body D is lowered, so that the first suction pad Pa, the second suction pad Pb, and the third suction pad Pc of the suction conveying machine Ma come into contact with the surface of the breathable plate material 10 on the outermost surface of the stack L, as shown in Figure 6.

[0069] Next, while the third suction pad Pc sucks and holds down the center of the length of the breathable plate 10, the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb suck both ends of the breathable plate 10 in the length direction, and pull up the breathable plate 10 so that both ends in the length direction of the breathable plate 10 are positioned higher than the center (see the upper side of Figure 4). At this time, the shape of the outermost breathable plate 10 as seen from a direction perpendicular to the length direction changes from an upward convex shape in the above-mentioned placing step (see Figure 6) to a downward convex shape (see the upper side of Figure 4).

[0070] Furthermore, after the moving body D of the suction conveying machine Ma is moved to the discharge section, the breathable plate material 10 is placed on the preparation table that constitutes the discharge section by stopping the reduced pressure suction by the first suction pad Pa, the second suction pad Pb, and the third suction pad Pc.

[0071] In this manner, the breathable plate materials 10 can be removed one by one from the stack L. In the present embodiment, the separation method in which both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate material 10 are simultaneously lifted up by the first suction pad Pa and the second suction pad Pb in the suction step has been exemplified, but the timing at which one of the longitudinal ends of the breathable plate material 10 is suctioned and lifted up by the first suction pad Pa and the timing at which the other of the longitudinal ends is suctioned and lifted up by the second suction pad Pb may be different, and there may be a time difference between these timings of about 0.1 to 2.0 seconds.

[0072] As described above, according to the method for separating breathable plates of this embodiment, in the placing step, spacers 25c are placed across the width of the laminate L on the placing plate 30 at a position overlapping the longitudinal center of the laminate L, and then the laminate L is placed on the spacers 25c, thereby elastically deforming each breathable plate 10 so that the longitudinal center of the laminate L protrudes beyond both ends. Generally, in a laminate consisting of smooth, heavy plates, adjacent plates are in close contact with each other, creating a reduced pressure state within the laminate, making it difficult to separate the plates. Furthermore, in the placing step, the outermost breathable plate 10 of the elastically deformed laminate L is not subjected to a pressing force from above, and instead is subjected to a force that tries to return to its original flat shape, making it easier for the outermost breathable plate 10 to release the reduced pressure. Furthermore, in the subsequent suction process, the longitudinal center of the outermost breathable plate 10 in the stack L, which has been elastically deformed in the placement process, is pressed while both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate 10 are suctioned, and the breathable plate 10 is pulled up so that both longitudinal ends of the breathable plate 10 are positioned above the center. Therefore, in the suction process, gaps are formed between the longitudinal ends of the first breathable plate 10 to be pulled up from the top of the stack L and the longitudinal ends of the second breathable plate 10 to be pulled up next. Air enters through these gaps, eliminating the reduced pressure and allowing the pulled-up breathable plate 10 to be separated from the next breathable plate 10 to be pulled up. Furthermore, the surface of the wooden mounting plate 30 contacts both ends of the lowest breathable plate 10 in the stack L, preventing damage to both ends of the lowest breathable plate 10. This prevents damage to the ends of the breathable plate 10, allowing the breathable plate 10 to be removed one by one.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable plate materials of this embodiment, in the adsorption process, the shape of the breathable plate material 10 on the outermost surface of the laminate L, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, changes from an upward convex shape in the loading process to a downward convex shape, resulting in gaps being created between both longitudinal ends of the first breathable plate material 10 to be pulled up from the top of the laminate L and both longitudinal ends of the second breathable plate material 10 to be pulled up next from the top of the laminate L.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board materials of this embodiment, if the timing at which one of the longitudinal ends of the breathable board material 10 at the top surface of the laminate L is adsorbed and pulled up differs from the timing at which the other of the longitudinal ends of the breathable board material 10 at the top surface of the laminate is adsorbed and pulled up in the adsorption process, the balance of the reduced pressure state between the longitudinal ends of the first breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up and the adjacent second breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L will be disrupted, thereby more reliably separating the first breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up and the second breathable board material 10 from the top of the laminate L to be pulled up next.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable board materials of this embodiment, the breathable board material 10 is made of MDF, and because of its breathability, MDF, which has recently been used for roof sheathing and the like, can be pre-cut automatically in a factory or the like.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the method for separating breathable plate materials of this embodiment, the three rows of roller conveyors 20 form a space between the floor surface F and the loading plate 30, which makes it easier to insert the forks of a forklift, for example, and to load the loading plate 30 onto the three rows of roller conveyors 20. Furthermore, since no spacers are provided at either end of the stack L in the longitudinal direction, collapse of the stack L can be prevented even if large vibrations are applied during transport.

[0077] Other Embodiments In each of the above embodiments, a method for separating breathable board material that is rectangular in plan view has been exemplified, but the present invention can also be applied to a method for separating breathable board material that has a shape other than rectangular in plan view.

[0078] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a method for separating MDF was specifically exemplified as a method for separating breathable board materials, but as mentioned above, the present invention can also be applied to methods for separating breathable board materials such as particle board, volcanic glass multi-layer board (for example, Daiken Corporation's product name "Dailite (registered trademark)"), gypsum board, calcium silicate board, etc.

[0079] In addition, in the above first and second embodiments, a method for separating breathable plate material in which one central support means is placed between a pair of end support means is exemplified, but the present invention can also be applied to a method for separating breathable plate material in which multiple central support means are placed between a pair of end support means, provided that each plate material constituting the stack can be elastically deformed so that the central part of the stack in the longitudinal direction protrudes more than both end parts. [Industrial Applicability]

[0080] As described above, the present invention is extremely useful because it can prevent breakage of the edges of breathable plate materials and enable the plate materials to be taken out one by one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] Pa 1st suction pad Pb Secondary Adsorption Pad Pc 3rd suction pad Pd Presser pad L laminate 10 Breathable board 20a First roller conveyor (center support means) 20b Second roller conveyor (end support means) 25a First spacer (center support means) 25b Second spacer (end support means) 25c spacer 30 Loading plate

Claims

1. A method for separating breathable board materials, which separates the outermost board material from a laminate in which a plurality of breathable board materials are stacked, comprising the steps of: a placing step of installing a center support means and a pair of end support means across the width of the laminate at positions overlapping the center of the longitudinal direction of the laminate and both end portions of the longitudinal direction, and then placing the laminate on the center support means and the pair of end support means to elastically deform each plate material constituting the laminate so that the center of the longitudinal direction of the laminate protrudes beyond both end portions of the laminate in the longitudinal direction; a suction step of vacuum-adsorbing both longitudinal ends of the outermost plate of the laminate while pressing the longitudinal center of the plate, and lifting the plate so that at least one of the longitudinal ends of the plate is positioned higher than the longitudinal center.

2. 2. The method for separating breathable board materials according to claim 1, A method for separating breathable board materials, wherein the central support means and the pair of end support means are constituted by spacers having a rectangular cross section.

3. 2. The method for separating breathable board materials according to claim 1, A method for separating breathable board materials, characterized in that the central support means and the pair of end support means are provided so as to be able to move the stack in the width direction of the stack.

4. The method for separating breathable board materials according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the suction step, both longitudinal end portions of the outermost plate material are sucked by a first suction pad and a second suction pad, and a longitudinal central portion of the outermost plate material is pressed by a third suction pad or a pressing pad; A method for separating breathable plate material, characterized in that in the above-mentioned placing process, the pair of end support means are installed so as to overlap the first suction pad and the second suction pad, and the central support means is installed so as to overlap the third suction pad or the pressing pad.

5. A method for separating an outermost plate material from a laminate in which a plurality of breathable plate materials are stacked, comprising the steps of: a placing step of placing a spacer across the width of the laminate on a wooden placing plate at a position overlapping the center of the longitudinal direction of the laminate, and then placing the laminate on the spacer to elastically deform each plate material constituting the laminate so that the center of the longitudinal direction of the laminate protrudes beyond both ends of the laminate in the longitudinal direction; a suction step of vacuum-adsorbing both longitudinal ends of the outermost plate of the laminate while pressing the longitudinal center of the plate, and lifting the plate so that at least one of the longitudinal ends of the plate is positioned higher than the longitudinal center.

6. The method for separating breathable board materials according to claim 1 or 5, A method for separating breathable board materials, characterized in that in the adsorption step, the shape of the outermost surface of the board material as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof changes from an upwardly convex shape in the placing step to a downwardly convex shape.

7. The method for separating breathable board materials according to claim 1 or 5, A method for separating breathable plate material, characterized in that in the adsorption process, the timing at which one of the longitudinal ends of the outermost plate material is adsorbed and lifted is different from the timing at which the other of the longitudinal ends of the outermost plate material is adsorbed and lifted.

8. The method for separating breathable board materials according to claim 1 or 5, A method for separating breathable board materials, wherein the board material is a medium density fiberboard.

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