Separation device

Abstract

There is a need for a separation device that can properly separate the target object from the sheet material while reducing the possibility of malfunctions. [Solution] A separation device 1 for separating an object 4 from a sheet material 10 comprises a mounting section 3 having a mounting surface 11, and a pressing section 2 positioned above the mounting section 3 with the sheet material 10 in between. The pressing section 2 comprises a contact member 5 having a contact surface 12, a pressing member 13, and a support member 6 that supports the pressing member 13 from above and is configured to be relatively movable in the vertical direction relative to the contact member 5. An opening 9 is formed in the mounting section 3 that opens downward from the mounting surface 11. The pressing section 2 is configured to separate the object 4 by pressing the object 4 with the pressing member 13 as the support member 6 descends relative to the contact member 5, and is equipped with a non-contact repulsion mechanism 7 that applies a repulsive force in a non-contact manner to prevent the relative descent of the support member 6 relative to the contact member 5.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a separating device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-87769 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique related to a separating device. Hereinafter, the reference numerals shown in parentheses in the description of the background art are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The separating device (blanking device 10) of Patent Document 1 includes another blanking member (12) having a mounting surface on which a sheet material (S) is placed, and one blanking member (11) that is disposed above the sheet material (S) with the sheet material (S) sandwiched between it and the other blanking member (12). One blanking member (11) includes an outer frame (14) on which a contact surface that contacts the sheet material (S) placed on the mounting surface is formed from above, an inner frame (13) that presses an object (product W), and a substrate (15). The substrate (15) supports the inner frame (13) and is configured to be relatively movable in the vertical direction with respect to the outer frame (14). In this separating device, with the sheet material (S) sandwiched between the contact surface and the mounting surface, the inner frame (13) presses the object from above, so that the object is separated from the sheet material (S).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a separation device that can properly separate the target object from the sheet material while reducing the possibility of malfunctions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The separation device relating to this disclosure is a separation device for separating an object which is a part of the sheet material from a sheet material, The system comprises a mounting section having a mounting surface on which the sheet material is placed, and a pressing section positioned above the mounting section, sandwiching the sheet material between them. The pressing portion comprises a contact member having a contact surface that contacts the sheet material placed on the aforementioned surface from above, a pressing member for pressing the object, and a support member that supports the pressing member from above and is configured to be movable relative to the contact member in the vertical direction. The mounting portion has an opening that opens downward from the mounting surface described above to receive the object after it has been separated. The pressing portion is configured such that, in a clamping state with the sheet material sandwiched between the aforementioned placement surface and the contact surface, the support member descends relative to the contact member, thereby pressing the object from above with the pressing member to separate it. The system includes a non-contact rebound mechanism that applies a non-contact repulsive force to prevent the relative downward movement of the support member with respect to the contact member.

[0008] With this configuration, the object can be properly separated from the sheet material by pressing it from above with a pressing member while the sheet material is sandwiched between the mounting surface and the contact surface. Furthermore, the separated object can be received in the opening formed in the mounting section. Therefore, the object separated from the sheet material can be properly recovered. Furthermore, this configuration allows the sheet material to be pressed from above by the contact surface by utilizing the repulsive force that attempts to prevent the support member from descending relative to the contact member. Therefore, the sheet material can be properly sandwiched between the contact surface and the mounting surface. In addition, even when the object is pressed by the pressing member, it is easier to avoid the sheet material being moved and misaligned while sandwiched between the contact surface and the mounting surface. Furthermore, this configuration incorporates a non-contact rebound mechanism, which reduces the likelihood of malfunctions compared to using a contact-type rebound mechanism. Consequently, it also facilitates a reduction in the burden of maintenance work. Thus, this configuration allows for the proper separation of the object from the sheet material while reducing the possibility of malfunctions.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the separation apparatus will become clear from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Overall schematic diagram of a flatbed punching machine [Figure 2] Plan view of the sheet material [Figure 3] A schematic side view showing the arrangement of the pressing and mounting parts. [Figure 4] A schematic side view showing the arrangement of the pressing and placing parts when separating an object from a sheet material. [Figure 5] A schematic side view showing the support member and the pressing member. [Figure 6] VI-VI cross-section in Figure 3 [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view VII-VII in Figure 3 [Figure 8]Section VIII-VIII in Figure 3 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following section describes an example of applying a separation device to a flatbed punching machine, based on the drawings.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flatbed punching machine 100 is a device for punching out and separating an object 4, which is a part of the sheet material 10, from the sheet material 10. In this example, the object 4 is a product (blank) that is punched out and separated from the sheet material 10. Here, the object 4 is formed as an unfolded shape for creating a container (e.g., a packaging container) by folding it. In this example, the sheet material 10 is a paper sheet such as cardboard for paper containers or corrugated cardboard base paper, but is not limited to this. The sheet material 10 may be, for example, a sheet made of resin.

[0013] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the flatbed punching machine 100 includes a separation device 1. The flatbed punching machine 100 also includes a paper feeding unit 101, a punching unit 102, a removal unit 103, and a separation and discharge unit 104. The paper feeding unit 101 is configured to supply sheet materials 10, for example, one at a time, from a sheet material group 10T, which is an assembly of sheet materials 10 stacked on top of each other, to the punching unit 102. Here, the paper feeding unit 101 includes a conveying device (a conveyor, not shown) that takes the sheet materials 10 from the sheet material group 10T and transports them toward the punching unit 102.

[0014] In the punching section 102, a process of punching the object 4 in the sheet material 10 (punching process) is performed. In the punching process, as shown in FIG. 2, the contour shape of the object 4 (here, the developed shape for manufacturing a paper container) is formed on the sheet material 10. The punching section 102 includes a first elevating member 94 that supports the sheet material 10 and is configured to be vertically movable by a lifting mechanism (not shown). Further, the punching section 102 includes a die member 91 disposed above the first elevating member 94. The die member 91 includes a plate-shaped die body 92 and a cutting blade 93 for punching the object 4. The die body 92 supports the cutting blade 93 from above. In FIG. 1, for easy explanation, each configuration is schematically shown. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the cutting blade 93 is shown larger than the actual size.

[0015] In the punching section 102, when the first elevating member 94 ascends, the sheet material 10 is sandwiched between the die body 92 and the first elevating member 94. As a result, the cutting blade 93 protruding downward from the die body 92 punches the sheet material 10 in the vertical direction along the contour of the object 4. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the object 4 is not completely separated from the sheet material 10. The object 4 is connected to the region of the sheet material 10 other than the object 4 at the portions (a plurality of connecting portions 81) that are not vertically cut by the cutting blade 93. The sheet material 10 after the punching process is conveyed to the removing section 103. The punching section 102 includes a conveying device (here, a conveyor not shown) for conveying the sheet material 10 to the removing section 103.

[0016] In the removal unit 103, for example, a process of removing unnecessary portions in the object 4 (removal process) is performed. As shown in FIG. 1, the removal unit 103 includes a second elevating member 96 configured to be vertically movable by a lifting mechanism (not shown), and a plate-shaped fixing member 98 disposed above the second elevating member 96. The fixing member 98 has the sheet material 10 conveyed from the punching unit 102 placed thereon. One or more pins 97 are disposed on the upper surface of the second elevating member 96. The fixing member 98 has through holes (not shown) through which the pins 97 are inserted. When the second elevating member 96 ascends, the pins 97 inserted from below through the through holes push the unnecessary portions in the object 4 on the fixing member 98 from below. Thereby, the unnecessary portions are separated from the sheet material 10 and fall through the through holes. Examples of the unnecessary portions include residues remaining in the portions cut out vertically along the contour of the object 4, and locations that become window portions of the packaging container. The sheet material 10 after the completion of the removal process is conveyed to the separation and discharge unit 104. The removal unit 103 includes a conveying device (here, a conveyor not shown) for conveying the sheet material 10 to the separation and discharge unit 104.

[0017] In the separation and discharge unit 104, a process of separating the object 4 from the sheet material 10 (separation process) is performed. As shown in FIG. 1, the object 4 separated from the sheet material 10 is stacked, for example, on the pallet P. The remaining sheet material 10 after the object 4 is separated is discharged, for example, as an object for disposal. In this example, the separation device 1 is disposed in the separation and discharge unit 104. Hereinafter, the configuration of the separation device 1 will be specifically described.

[0018] The separation device 1 is a device for separating an object 4, which is a part of the sheet material 10, from the sheet material 10. As shown in Figure 3, the separation device 1 includes a mounting section 3 having a mounting surface 11 on which the sheet material 10 is placed, and a pressing section 2 positioned above the mounting section 3, sandwiching the sheet material 10. In this example, the pressing section 2 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown). Sheet material 10 that has completed the removal process from the removal section 103 is sequentially transported to the mounting surface 11. When the sheet material 10 is placed on the mounting surface 11, the pressing section 2 descends and the separation process is performed. When the separation process is completed, the pressing section 2 rises and the sheet material 10 on the mounting surface 11 is removed. Then, new sheet material 10 is placed on the mounting surface 11.

[0019] In the following, a specific direction along the horizontal plane will be defined as the X direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction in a vertical view along the vertical direction will be defined as the Y direction. Furthermore, one side of the Y direction will be defined as the first Y direction side Y1, and the opposite side as the second Y direction side Y2.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8, the mounting section 3 includes a mounting member 31 on which the sheet material 10 is placed, a base member 32 (two-dot dashed line in Figure 3) that supports the mounting member 31 and whose position is fixed in the separation and discharge section 104, and a guide member 33 that guides the movement of the object 4 separated from the sheet material 10. The mounting member 31 is supported from below by the base member 32. The guide member 33 is also provided on the mounting member 31. In the illustrated example, the mounting member 31 is a plate-shaped member, but it is not limited to this.

[0021] The mounting member 31 has a mounting surface 11 on which the sheet material 10 is placed. The mounting surface 11 is the surface facing upward on the mounting member 31. The mounting surface 11 is positioned along a horizontal plane. Here, "along a horizontal plane" includes not only being parallel to the horizontal plane but also being slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In this example, the mounting surface 11 is formed in a rectangular shape along the X and Y directions when viewed in the vertical direction. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8, the mounting part 3 has a first opening 9 that opens downward from the mounting surface 11 to receive the separated object 4. In this embodiment, the first opening 9 is formed in the mounting member 31. The first opening 9 is also formed to penetrate the mounting member 31 in the vertical direction. In this example, multiple first openings 9 are formed in the mounting member 31. As shown in Figure 2, the sheet material 10 contains multiple (in this case, four) object 4. Then, a number of first openings 9 (in this case, four) corresponding to the number of objects 4 are formed. Furthermore, the shape and size of each first opening 9 correspond to the shape and size of the objects 4 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, each first opening 9 is formed to a size that allows the pressing member 13 (described later) and the objects 4 to pass through. Note that the first openings 9 correspond to the "openings". Also, the mounting surface 11 may have a shape other than rectangular when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the mounting section 3 includes a sheet-like first elastic member 34. The first elastic member 34 is positioned on the mounting surface 11 so as not to overlap with the first opening 9 in a vertical view. Here, the sheet material 10 is placed on the mounting surface 11 via the first elastic member 34.

[0023] The base member 32 supports the mounting member 31 from below. The base member 32 is also positioned so as not to overlap with the first opening 9 when viewed in the vertical direction. As described above, the pressing part 2 is movable along the vertical direction, while the mounting part 3 is fixed in position at the separation and discharge part 104. In this example, the base member 32 is fixed to a support base or fixing member provided at the separation and discharge part 104. In the examples of Figures 1 and 4, a pallet P is positioned below the first opening 9. The object 4 separated from the sheet material 10 passes through the first opening 9 and falls onto the pallet P.

[0024] The guide members 33 are members that guide the movement of the object 4 as it passes through the first opening 9 and falls onto the pallet P. Here, the guide members 33 are rod-shaped members that run vertically. Each of the multiple guide members 33 is positioned to extend downward from the surface facing the underside of the mounting member 31. Here, the multiple guide members 33 are provided along the periphery of the first opening 9. These guide members 33 are positioned corresponding to each of the multiple first openings 9. In this way, the object 4, separated from the sheet material 10, falls while being guided by the multiple guide members 33 and is placed onto the pallet P. Therefore, the object 4 can be stacked on the pallet P in the correct orientation. The pallet P on which the object 4 is stacked may be placed on the floor as shown in Figure 1, or it may be placed on a conveying device such as a conveyor.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the pressing unit 2 includes a contact member 5 having a contact surface 12 that contacts the sheet material 10 placed on the mounting surface 11 from above, a pressing member 13 that presses the object 4, and a support member 6 that supports the pressing member 13 from above and is configured to be movable relative to the contact member 5 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the pressing member 13 is fixed to the support member 6. Therefore, the support member 6 is configured to be movable relative to the contact member 5 and the pressing member 13 in the vertical direction. In this example, the pressing unit 2 includes a plurality of pressing members 13.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the pressing section 2 is configured such that, in a clamping state with the sheet material 10 sandwiched between the mounting surface 11 and the contact surface 12, the support member 6 descends relative to the contact member 5, thereby pressing the object 4 from above with the pressing member 13 to separate it. In this embodiment, in the clamping state, as the support member 6 descends, the pressing member 13 also descends integrally with the support member 6. As a result, the object 4, which has not yet been separated from the sheet material 10, is pressed from above. Then, the pressing of the pressing member 13 cuts the multiple joints 81, and the object 4 is completely separated from the sheet material 10.

[0027] The contact member 5 is a member having a contact surface 12 formed on its downward-facing surface. In this embodiment, the contact surface 12 is positioned so as not to overlap with the object 4 in the clamped state when viewed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the contact surface 12 is positioned so as not to overlap with the pressing member 13 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, the contact surface 12 is positioned along the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the contact member 5 has a second opening 18 through which the pressing member 13 can be inserted. The second opening 18 is formed to penetrate the contact member 5 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the second opening 18 is positioned so as to overlap with the pressing member 13 and the object 4 in the clamped state when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, the pressing part 2 has a plurality (in this case, four) of pressing members 13 (Figure 6). The second opening 18 is formed in a plurality (in this case, four) corresponding to the number of pressing members 13.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the pressing portion 2 includes a sheet-like second elastic member 28. The second elastic member 28 is provided on the contact surface 12. The second elastic member 28 is positioned so as not to overlap with the second opening 18 when viewed in the vertical direction. Here, the contact surface 12 of the contact member 5 contacts the sheet material 10 from above via the second elastic member 28.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 7, the support member 6 is configured to support a plurality (in this case, four) of pressing members 13 from above. Here, the support member 6 is a plate-shaped member that follows a horizontal plane. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, each pressing member 13 is fixed to the lower surface 6a of the support member, which is the surface facing downwards of the support member 6. In this example, the pressing member 13 comprises a pressing body portion 16 that contacts and presses the object 4 of the sheet material 10 from above, and a pressing support portion 15 that supports the pressing body portion 16 from above. The upper end of the pressing support portion 15 is fixed to the lower surface 6a of the support member. The pressing support portion 15 is a rod-shaped member that follows the vertical direction.

[0030] In this example, the multiple pressing support parts 15 are arranged so as to overlap with the second opening 18 formed in the contact member 5 when viewed from above. Also, in the illustrated example, each pressing support part 15 is supported by multiple (in this case, two) pressing support parts 15 arranged separately in the X direction. The pressing body part 16 has a pressing surface 17 on its downward-facing surface that contacts and presses against the object 4 from above. Here, the pressing surface 17 is formed to follow the horizontal plane. In the illustrated example, a third opening 19 is formed that penetrates both the pressing body part 16 and the support member 6 in the vertical direction. Multiple (in this case, four) third openings 19 are formed corresponding to multiple (in this case, four) pressing body parts 16. The pressing support parts 15 are positioned so as not to overlap with the third opening 19 when viewed from above. The third opening 19 is formed so as to penetrate the central region (central region in the X and Y directions) of each pressing surface 17. The formation of the third opening 19 reduces air resistance when the pressing member 13 descends and presses against the object 4. In this example, the shape and size of the pressing body 16 and the second opening 18 correspond to the shape and size of the object 4 when viewed in the vertical direction. The shape and size of the pressing surface 17 also correspond to the shape and size of the object 4 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the pressing portion 2 is equipped with a sheet-like third elastic member 26. The third elastic member 26 is provided on the pressing surface 17. The third elastic member 26 is positioned so as not to overlap in a vertical view with respect to the third opening 19. Here, the pressing surface 17 contacts the object 4 (the object 4 before it is separated from the sheet material 10) from above via the third elastic member 26. The first elastic member 34, the second elastic member 28, and the third elastic member 26 may each be molded from the same material, or they may be molded from different materials. By using such a sheet-like elastic member, it is easier to avoid situations where the sheet material 10 slides and moves, for example, from the mounting surface 11. Also, because the sheet material 10 is in contact with such an elastic member, it is easier to avoid situations where the sheet material 10 is damaged due to direct contact with the member.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the pressing portion 2 connects the contact member 5 and the support member 6, and includes a plurality of guide members 8 that guide the relative vertical movement of the support member 6 with respect to the contact member 5. In this example, fastening members are used as guide members 8. More specifically, the guide members 8 are fastening bolts. Here, the guide member 8 includes a fastening body portion 8b with a male thread formed at its tip portion (lower end portion), and a fastening head portion 8a provided at the base portion (upper end portion) of the fastening body portion 8b.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the support member 6 has a plurality of through holes 61 through which the fastening body portion 8b of the guide member 8 can be inserted. With the fastening body portion 8b inserted into the through holes 61, the tip portion of the fastening body portion 8b is configured to screw into a female screw hole (not shown) formed in the contact member 5. In other words, the guide member 8 is fixed to the contact member 5 at the tip portion of the fastening body portion 8b. On the other hand, the guide member 8 is not fixed to the support member 6, but is inserted into the through holes 61 of the support member 6. In this way, the support member 6 can slide vertically relative to the contact member 5 while being guided by the guide member 8. The through holes 61 are sized so that the fastening head portion 8a, which is wider than the fastening body portion 8b, cannot be inserted. As described above, the guide member 8 and the through holes 61 formed in the support member 6 are provided as a guide mechanism for the support member 6 to move vertically relative to the contact member 5. Alternatively, the support member 6 may have a female screw hole, the contact member 5 may have a through hole 61, and the fastening body 8b may be inserted through the through hole 61 and fixed to the contact member 5. On the other hand, a linear motion guide mechanism may be used as such a guide mechanism. For example, when using a slide rail and a slider as a linear motion guide mechanism, the slide rail may be fixed to the contact member 5 and the slider may be attached to the support member 6. Thus, the configuration of the guide mechanism can be changed as appropriate.

[0034] The multiple guide members 8 are arranged so as not to overlap with the object 4 in the clamped state when viewed from above, and are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction along the horizontal plane. In this example, the multiple guide members 8 connect the support member 6 and the contact member 5 at positions that do not overlap with the object 4 in the clamped state and the second opening 18 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the multiple guide members 8 are arranged separately from each other in the X and Y directions. Accordingly, the insertion hole 61 of the support member 6 and the female screw hole (not shown) of the contact member 5 are formed at positions corresponding to each guide member 8. In the example of Figure 7, the support member 6 and the contact member 5 are each rectangular plate-shaped members when viewed from above. The guide members 8 connect the four corners of these members when viewed from above. The guide members 8 also connect the ends on the same side in the Y direction in the central region in the X direction of these members.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the separation device 1 is equipped with a non-contact rebound mechanism 7 that applies a non-contact repulsive force to prevent the relative downward movement of the support member 6 with respect to the contact member 5. When the support member 6 is lowered while the sheet material 10 is sandwiched between the mounting surface 11 and the contact surface 12, this repulsive force acts as a force that pushes the sheet material 10 downwards on the contact surface 12. Therefore, the sheet material 10 can be properly sandwiched between the mounting surface 11 and the contact surface 12. In this embodiment, the non-contact rebound mechanism 7 sets the vertical distance L (Figure 3) between the contact member 5 and the support member 6 so that the clamping load that sandwiches the sheet material 10 between the mounting surface 11 and the contact surface 12 is equal to or greater than a specified value N. Here, the distance L is the distance in the reference state where the support member 6 is not moving relative to the contact member 5 (in this example, the state where the support member 6 has not been lowered). In other words, the support member 6 is floating relative to the contact member 5 due to the repulsive force between the first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24. In the clamping state shown in Figure 4, the vertical distance L between the support member 6 and the contact member 5, when the support member 6 is not being pushed down from above, is set based on a specified value N for the clamping load. In this case, for example, to set a distance L that satisfies the specified value N or greater, the number and size of the first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24 can be adjusted. The specified value N for the clamping load is set to a value sufficient to restrict the horizontal movement of the portion of the sheet material 10 sandwiched between the mounting surface 11 and the contact surface 12 when the pressing member 13 presses the object 4 in the clamping state. Note that the values ​​of the specified value N and the distance L can be appropriately varied depending on the material of the sheet material 10.

[0036] The non-contact repulsion mechanism 7 comprises a first magnet 14 provided on the contact member 5 and a second magnet 24 provided on the support member 6. The first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24 are arranged so that their polarity surfaces, which repel each other, face each other in the vertical direction. In this example, the first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24 are both permanent magnets. More specifically, these magnets are neodymium magnets, but are not limited to this, and other types of magnets may be used. In this embodiment, the non-contact repulsion mechanism 7 comprises a plurality of first magnets 14 and a plurality of second magnets 24 corresponding to each of the plurality of first magnets 14. As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the plurality of first magnets 14 and the plurality of second magnets 24 corresponding to each of the first magnets 14 are arranged so that they face each other in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the first magnet 14 is embedded in the contact member 5. The surface of the first magnet 14 facing upward is positioned so that it can be seen from above the upper surface 5a of the contact member, which is the upper surface of the contact member 5. Similarly, the second magnet 24 is embedded in the support member 6. The side of the second magnet 24 facing downwards is positioned so that it can be seen from below the lower surface 6a of the support member.

[0037] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, each of the multiple first magnets 14 and second magnets 24 is arranged so as to overlap with the contact surface 12 and with the line segment connecting adjacent guide members 8 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, the multiple first magnets 14 are arranged separately in the X and Y directions. Similarly, the multiple second magnets 24 are also arranged separately in the X and Y directions. These first magnets 14 and second magnets 24 are also arranged so as to overlap with the mounting surface 11 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, multiple (two in this case) first magnets 14 are arranged, each corresponding to one second magnet 24 (facing each other in the vertical direction). Each first magnet 14 and each corresponding second magnet 24 are arranged on a line segment connecting adjacent guide members 8 in the X or Y direction. In the illustrated example, the upper surface of the first magnet 14 (the first opposing surface 14a facing the second magnet 24) is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the downward-facing surface of the second magnet 24 (the second opposing surface 24a facing the first magnet 14) is formed in a circular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Both the first opposing surface 14a and the second opposing surface 24a are flat surfaces. The shape and size of the opposing surfaces of the first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24 can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] In the illustrated example, one pair of magnets (a first magnet 14 and its corresponding second magnet 24) is positioned so as to overlap, in a vertical view, with the line segment connecting a pair of adjacent guide members 8 that are at the same position in the X direction and spaced apart in the Y direction. Another pair of magnets is also positioned so as to overlap, in a vertical view, with the line segment connecting a pair of adjacent guide members 8 that are at the same position in the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction. In the illustrated example, the first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24 are positioned according to the position of the second opening 18. Specifically, some of the multiple second openings 18 are formed in the end region of the first side Y1 in the Y direction of the contact member 5. Therefore, these magnets are not positioned on the line segment connecting two adjacent guide members 8 that are located in the end region of the first side Y1 in the Y direction and are in the X direction. Thus, the positions in which the first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24 are positioned can be appropriately changed according to the positions in which the second opening 18 and the guide members 8 are positioned.

[0039] In this example, as shown in Figure 4, in the reference state where the support member 6 is not moving relative to the contact member 5 (in this example, not being lowered), the pressing surface 17 of the pressing member 13 is positioned so as not to protrude below the contact surface 12. Here, in the reference state, the pressing surface 17 is positioned above the contact surface 12 (dotted line in Figure 4). More specifically, the pressing surface 17 is housed in the second opening 18 formed in the contact member 5. In contrast, when the support member 6 is lowered in the clamping state, the pressing surface 17 protrudes below the contact surface 12. As a result, the pressing member 13 presses the object 4, which is not separated from the sheet material 10, from above and is inserted into the first opening 9. Then, the pressing by the pressing member 13 cuts the multiple joints 81, and the object 4 is completely separated from the sheet material 10.

[0040] In the illustrated example, multiple objects 4 contained within a single sheet material 10 are pressed simultaneously by multiple pressing members 13. Consequently, the multiple objects 4 are separated from the single sheet material 10 at the same time. Each separated object 4 is then guided by a guide member 33 and falls, and is stacked on a pallet P.

[0041] In the illustrated example, since one sheet material 10 contains four objects 4, four pressing members 13 are provided. However, the number of pressing members 13 can be appropriately changed according to the number of objects 4. Also, in the illustrated example, the pressing surface 17 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the object 4 (in this case, the same shape), but it does not necessarily have to be a shape corresponding to the shape of the object 4.

[0042] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of first openings 9 are formed in the same number as the number of objects 4 contained in one sheet material 10 was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a single first opening 9 is formed is also possible, regardless of the number of objects 4 contained in one sheet material 10.

[0043] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24 are each permanent magnets was described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The first magnet 14 and the second magnet 24 may each be, for example, electromagnets or the like.

[0044] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of first magnets 14 and a plurality of second magnets 24 corresponding to each of the first magnets 14 are provided was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which one first magnet 14 and one second magnet 24 corresponding to each other are provided may also be used.

[0045] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which each of the multiple first magnets 14 and second magnets 24 is arranged so as to overlap with the line segment connecting adjacent guide members 8 when viewed in the vertical direction, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. Each of the multiple first magnets 14 and second magnets 24 does not necessarily have to overlap with the line segment connecting adjacent guide members 8 when viewed in the vertical direction. Here, it is preferable that the multiple first magnets 14 and second magnets 24 are arranged so as to overlap with at least the contact surface 12 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0046] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the vertical distance L between the contact member 5 and the support member 6 is set such that the clamping load that sandwiches the sheet material 10 between the mounting surface 11 and the contact surface 12 is equal to or greater than a specified value N. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the sheet material 10 is made of a material that is easily deformed by pressure, an upper limit value for the clamping load may be set, and the vertical distance L between the contact member 5 and the support member 6 may be set so that the clamping load is less than the set upper limit value. Alternatively, the vertical distance L between the contact member 5 and the support member 6 may be set so that the clamping load is equal to or greater than a specified value N and less than the upper limit value set as described above.

[0047] (6) The configurations disclosed in each of the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0048] [Summary of the above embodiments] The following is a summary of the separation device described above.

[0049] The separation device relating to this disclosure is a separation device for separating an object which is a part of the sheet material from a sheet material, The system comprises a mounting section having a mounting surface on which the sheet material is placed, and a pressing section positioned above the mounting section, sandwiching the sheet material between them. The pressing portion comprises a contact member having a contact surface that contacts the sheet material placed on the aforementioned surface from above, a pressing member for pressing the object, and a support member that supports the pressing member from above and is configured to be movable relative to the contact member in the vertical direction. The mounting portion has an opening that opens downward from the mounting surface described above to receive the object after it has been separated. The pressing portion is configured such that, in a clamping state with the sheet material sandwiched between the aforementioned placement surface and the contact surface, the support member descends relative to the contact member, thereby pressing the object from above with the pressing member to separate it. The system includes a non-contact rebound mechanism that applies a non-contact repulsive force to prevent the relative downward movement of the support member with respect to the contact member.

[0050] With this configuration, the object can be properly separated from the sheet material by pressing it from above with a pressing member while the sheet material is sandwiched between the mounting surface and the contact surface. Furthermore, the separated object can be received in the opening formed in the mounting section. Therefore, the object separated from the sheet material can be properly recovered. Furthermore, this configuration allows the sheet material to be pressed from above by the contact surface by utilizing the repulsive force that attempts to prevent the support member from descending relative to the contact member. Therefore, the sheet material can be properly sandwiched between the contact surface and the mounting surface. In addition, even when the object is pressed by the pressing member, it is easier to avoid the sheet material being moved and misaligned while sandwiched between the contact surface and the mounting surface. Furthermore, this configuration incorporates a non-contact rebound mechanism, which reduces the likelihood of malfunctions compared to using a contact-type rebound mechanism. Consequently, it also facilitates a reduction in the burden of maintenance work. Thus, this configuration allows for the proper separation of the object from the sheet material while reducing the possibility of malfunctions.

[0051] Here, in a configuration that includes a non-contact repulsion mechanism that applies a repulsive force in a non-contact manner to prevent the relative downward movement of the support member with respect to the contact member, the non-contact repulsion mechanism comprises a first magnet provided on the contact member and a second magnet provided on the support member, Preferably, the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged so that their polarities, which repel each other, face each other in the vertical direction.

[0052] In this configuration, the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged so that their polarity surfaces, which repel each other, face each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, by utilizing the repulsive force between the magnets that results from this arrangement, a repulsive force that attempts to prevent the relative downward movement of the support member relative to the contact member can be applied non-contactually.

[0053] Furthermore, in a configuration that includes a non-contact repulsion mechanism that applies a repulsive force in a non-contact manner to prevent the relative downward movement of the support member with respect to the contact member, it is preferable that the non-contact repulsion mechanism comprises a plurality of first magnets and a plurality of second magnets corresponding to each of the plurality of first magnets.

[0054] This configuration includes multiple first magnets and multiple second magnets corresponding to each of the multiple first magnets, making it easy to generate the repulsive force necessary to prevent the relative downward movement of the support member with respect to the contact member.

[0055] Furthermore, the pressing portion connects the contact member and the support member and includes a plurality of guide members that guide the relative vertical movement of the support member with respect to the contact member. The contact surface is positioned such that, when viewed in the vertical direction along the vertical axis, it does not overlap with the object in the clamped state. The multiple guide members are arranged so as not to overlap with the object in the clamped state when viewed from above, and are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction along the horizontal plane. Preferably, each of the multiple first magnets and second magnets is arranged such that, when viewed in the vertical direction, it overlaps with the contact surface and also overlaps with the line segment connecting adjacent guide members.

[0056] In this configuration, since multiple guide members are arranged spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction, the support member can move appropriately in the vertical direction relative to the contact member. Furthermore, since each of the multiple first magnets and second magnets overlaps the contact surface when viewed in the vertical direction and is also arranged to overlap with the line segment connecting adjacent guide members, the repulsive force that would otherwise hinder the relative downward movement of the support member relative to the contact member can be appropriately applied as a force that the contact surface exerts on the sheet material.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vertical distance between the contact member and the support member is set such that the clamping load that sandwiches the sheet material between the aforementioned mounting surface and the contact surface is equal to or greater than a specified value.

[0058] With this configuration, the vertical distance between the contact member and the support member can be set in advance so that the clamping load is greater than or equal to a specified value. Therefore, the sheet material can be stably clamped between the mounting surface and the contact surface while the object can be separated from the sheet material.

[0059] The separation device relating to this disclosure only needs to be able to achieve at least one of the effects described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1: Separation device 2: Pressing part 3: Mounting section 4: Object 5: Contact member 6: Support member 7: Non-contact rebound mechanism 8: Guide member 9: First opening (opening) 10: Sheet material 11: Mounting surface 12: Contact surface 13: Pressing member 14: First Magnet 24: Second Magnet 101:Paper feed section 102: Punching section 103:Removal section 104: Discharge section L: Setting interval (vertical distance between contact member and support member) N: Default value

Claims

1. A separation device for separating an object which is a part of the sheet material from a sheet material, The system comprises a mounting section having a mounting surface on which the sheet material is placed, and a pressing section positioned above the mounting section, sandwiching the sheet material between them. The pressing portion comprises a contact member having a contact surface that contacts the sheet material placed on the aforementioned surface from above, a pressing member for pressing the object, and a support member that supports the pressing member from above and is configured to be movable relative to the contact member in the vertical direction. The mounting portion has an opening that opens downward from the mounting surface described above to receive the object after it has been separated. The pressing portion is configured such that, in a clamping state with the sheet material sandwiched between the aforementioned placement surface and the contact surface, the support member descends relative to the contact member, thereby pressing the object from above with the pressing member to separate it. A separation device comprising a non-contact repulsion mechanism that applies a repulsive force in a non-contact manner to prevent the relative downward movement of the support member with respect to the contact member.

2. The non-contact repulsion mechanism comprises a first magnet provided on the contact member and a second magnet provided on the support member. The separation device according to claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged such that their polarity surfaces, which repel each other, face each other in the vertical direction.

3. The separation device according to claim 2, wherein the non-contact repulsion mechanism comprises a plurality of first magnets and a plurality of second magnets corresponding to each of the plurality of first magnets.

4. The pressing portion connects the contact member and the support member and includes a plurality of guide members that guide the relative vertical movement of the support member with respect to the contact member. The contact surface is positioned such that, when viewed in the vertical direction along the vertical axis, it does not overlap with the object in the clamped state. The multiple guide members are arranged so as not to overlap with the object in the clamped state when viewed from above, and are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction along the horizontal plane. The separation device according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of first magnets and second magnets is arranged so as to overlap the contact surface and overlap with the line segment connecting adjacent guide members when viewed in the vertical direction.

5. The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vertical distance between the contact member and the support member is set such that the clamping load that sandwiches the sheet material between the mounting surface and the contact surface is greater than or equal to a specified value.

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