Method and apparatus for metering rubber

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for dimensioning rubber bales (3), comprising a step of determining the length to be cut off a rubber bale (3) in order to obtain a partial rubber bale (9) of a desired mass, a step of conveying the rubber bale (3) into a cutting system (2), and a step of cutting the partial rubber bale (9) having the desired mass and length off the rubber bale (3). In order to determine the length to be cut, a narrow section of the rubber bale is cut off, the surface area of the resulting cut surface is measured, and the length to be cut is calculated on the basis of the measured surface area and the density of the rubber bale. The invention also relates to a corresponding apparatus.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method and device for rubber dosing

[0003] The present invention relates to a method and a device for rubber dosing

[0004] The production of rubber compounds for rubber production usually takes place in so-called internal mixers. For this purpose, a rubber compound is mixed in a mixing device, such as an internal mixer, according to a prescribed mixture recipe and mixing instructions.

[0005] For example, a formulation includes a raw rubber material, a filler, a plasticizer, and chemicals. Typically, various raw rubber materials are added. A typical formulation can contain up to six different raw rubber materials.

[0006] The raw rubber material is usually prepared and delivered in bales. These bales have standardized dimensions and masses. The surface of the bales usually has irregular surfaces or deformations and is wrapped in film or other suitable packaging material.

[0007] The production of a rubber compound requires more than just whole rubber bales. Therefore, the bales must be partially cut and brought to a mass specified by the respective recipe. This process is currently performed manually. An operator cuts the bale subjectively and weighs the cut pieces. The cut piece often does not meet the specified tolerances and must be reworked, or the entire cutting process must be restarted and repeated.

[0008] The cutting can also be automated, as is known, for example, from the published Japanese patent application JP 2020 170 180 A.

[0009] However, automating the cutting process itself does not solve the dimensioning problem described.

[0010] In view of the inadequacies of the existing solutions, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new method for dimensioning rubber bales.

[0011] The present invention relates to a method for dimensioning rubber bales, comprising the following steps, which can be carried out in the order mentioned:

[0012] - Determining the length of a rubber bale to be cut off in order to obtain a partial rubber bale of a desired mass,

[0013] - conveying the rubber bale by means of a conveying device into a cutting system until the rubber bale is positioned to a cutting blade in such a way that the partial rubber bale of the length to be cut off can be separated,

[0014] - Cutting the rubber bale of the desired mass and length from the rubber bale using the cutting system. The cutting system can have one or more blades.

[0015] The entire cutting and automation process can thus be automated. Manual intervention is eliminated. The physical strain on workers is reduced or eliminated.

[0016] By determining a length of the rubber bale that has the desired mass before cutting, a time-consuming, iterative cutting process to achieve the desired mass is eliminated. Cutting off partial rubber bales with an excessive mass is avoided.

[0017] As a result, the entire process becomes more efficient and takes less time.

[0018] The waste of rubber can be reduced.

[0019] By adjusting the mass of rubber more precisely, the composition of the mixture can also be adjusted more accurately and the quality of the rubber mixture and the resulting rubber material can be improved.

[0020] The conveying device may include a device for determining the length and position of the rubber bale. The device for determining the length and position may include suitable sensors. The device may also be electromechanical and include, for example, sliding or sensing elements.

[0021] The cutting system can be installed on the conveyor or be part of the conveyor. The cutting system can also be part of an independent cutting device connected to the conveyor so that the rubber bale can be conveyed continuously and automatically.

[0022] The process for determining the length of the rubber bale to be cut may again comprise the following steps ( Process 1 ):

[0023] - Conveying the rubber bale into the cutting system using the conveyor device,

[0024] - Cutting off a narrow section of a given length of the rubber bale,

[0025] - Further transport of the section to a weighing unit, e.g. a scale, which can also be integrated into the conveyor system,

[0026] - Weighing the mass of the piece on the weighing unit,

[0027] - Repeat the four steps above with further sections,

[0028] - Determination of an average mass per length of the rubber bale based on the measured masses and the length of the sections,

[0029] - Determining the length of the rubber bale to be cut off in order to obtain a partial rubber bale of a desired mass on the basis of the average mass per length.

[0030] The last two steps can be automated using dedicated evaluation electronics.

[0031] The described process does not require complex sensor technology and is therefore associated with minimal equipment and costs. The influence of irregularly shaped surfaces on the mass or length determination can advantageously be considered minimal and is negligible. The process for determining the length of the rubber bale to be cut can additionally or alternatively include the following steps (Process 2):

[0032] - Conveying the rubber bale into the cutting system using the conveyor device,

[0033] - Cutting off a narrow section of the rubber bale so that a flat cutting surface is present,

[0034] - Measurement of the area of ​​the cutting surface,

[0035] - Determining the length of the rubber bale to be cut off in order to obtain a partial rubber bale of a desired mass on the basis of the measured surface area and the density of the rubber bale.

[0036] The influence of irregularly shaped surfaces on the mass or length determination can also be considered here as minimal and is negligible.

[0037] Preferably, some or all of the steps according to process 2 are carried out after some or all of the steps according to process 1.

[0038] Preferably, in particular according to the first steps of process 1, several narrow sections of a rubber bale are cut and weighed until the required total mass of rubber is approximately reached. Subsequently, the surface area of ​​the cut surface is measured, and a cut-off length from the remaining rubber bale is determined, and a corresponding partial rubber bale of the required length is cut off. Preferably, the surface area is measured using an image-capturing system.

[0039] The advantage of measuring a flat cut surface of the rubber bale is that it can be measured much better and more accurately using an image-capturing system than the uneven outer surfaces of the bale. In particular, unlike the rest of the rubber bale, the cut surface is not covered by a film.

[0040] The film on the outside of the rubber bale is generally necessary to prevent the rubber bale from sticking to other materials and to facilitate transport. However, the reflection of the film, as well as unevenness and bulges in the film, complicate volumetric measurement of the rubber bale. The present invention circumvents this problem, as volumetric measurement is no longer necessary. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for a volumetric measurement system, the equipment required and the costs can be reduced.

[0041] The image recording system can, for example, have a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, e.g. ToF cameras, or laser profile sensors.

[0042] The ToF camera, for example, consists of the components lighting unit, optics, such as optical filters, image sensor, control electronics for the lighting unit and the sensor, as well as evaluation electronics for the ToF camera.

[0043] The runtime method (English for runtime : time of flight

[0044] = ToF) is fundamentally based on illuminating the object to be captured—in this case, the cut surface—using a light pulse. The ToF camera then measures the time it takes for the light to reach the object and back for each pixel. This time is directly proportional to the distance of the pixel from the sensor. The camera thus provides a distance measurement for each pixel.

[0045] After positioning the rubber bale in the cutting system, an upper holding device can fix the rubber bale in the position taken from above during cutting, so that the bale does not slip during cutting.

[0046] In addition, after positioning the rubber bale in the cutting system, an additional lower holding device can fix the rubber bale in the assumed position from below during cutting, which improves the hold of the bale and prevents the bale from resting on the conveyor device during cutting.

[0047] For example, the conveyor device lowers or is lowered to secure the rubber bale, so that during cutting, the rubber bale rests forcefully only on the lower holding device and not, for example, on the conveyor device. This prevents damage to the conveyor device during cutting.

[0048] Following cutting, the conveyor can be raised or lowered back to its previous position. Alternatively, the lower support device can also be raised out of the conveyor level.

[0049] The procedure may include the following further steps:

[0050] - conveying the cut(s) to a weighing unit,

[0051] - Weighing the mass of the piece(s) on the weighing unit and further transport of the piece(s) to a mixing device, provided that rubber of the corresponding mass is still to be introduced into the mixing device.

[0052] The cycle time for a weighing process is very short and preferably not higher than 100 seconds.

[0053] The pieces can therefore be used to mix a rubber material. To achieve the exact required mass of rubber, once the total mass of rubber has been approximately reached by adding the pieces, partial rubber bales are formed according to the processes described above, which contain exactly the remaining required mass of rubber.

[0054] The procedure may further comprise the following additional steps:

[0055] - Conveying the partial rubber bale to a weighing unit,

[0056] - Weighing the mass of the partial rubber bale on the weighing unit to check whether the mass of the partial rubber bale is within a specified tolerance range, and

[0057] - If the mass is within the tolerance range, the partial rubber bale is transported to a mixing device; otherwise, the steps for dimensioning another partial rubber bale are repeated. The incorrectly dimensioned rubber block can be sorted out using a conveyor device and transported away, or stored for a later process and then reused for a new mixing process. The rubber bale can also be dimensioned again immediately or at a later time by cutting.

[0058] The mixing device can be an internal mixer for mixing rubber compounds for rubber production. The mixing is carried out according to a specific recipe.

[0059] The rubber bales have standardized masses. The mass of rubber required according to the recipe is generally not a multiple of the standardized bale mass. Therefore, as many whole bales are fed into the internal mixer as permitted by the recipe. The missing fraction of a bale mass to achieve the required total mass is obtained by adding smaller pieces of the rubber bale and a dimensioned partial rubber bale corresponding to the required remaining mass.

[0060] The present invention also relates to the method for feeding a mixing device for rubber production with a predetermined mass of rubber, wherein rubber bales or partial pieces of rubber bales with a known mass are introduced into the mixing device until only a portion of a rubber bale may be added to achieve the predetermined mass of rubber. Subsequently, a partial rubber bale and optionally one or more partial pieces of the rubber bale, which as a whole still have the required mass, are dimensioned using the dimensioning method described above and introduced into the mixing device.

[0061] Preferably, the entire process is automated.

[0062] The present invention further relates to a device for dimensioning a rubber bale, comprising

[0063] - a conveyor device suitable for conveying the rubber bale into a cutting system, wherein the conveyor device has a device for determining the length and position of the rubber bale,

[0064] - the cutting system for cutting off a partial rubber bale or other parts from the rubber bale and forming a flat cutting surface,

[0065] - a sensor for measuring the surface area of ​​the cut surface of the rubber bale,

[0066] - an evaluation electronics for determining the required length of a partial rubber bale to be cut off based on the measured surface area given the density of the rubber bale and a desired mass of the rubber bale.

[0067] In the following, exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to figures. The invention is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0068] The figures show:

[0069] Figure 1: Schematic representation of the first method step of an exemplary method according to the invention. Figure 2: Schematic representation of a further (second) method step of an exemplary method according to the invention.

[0070] Figure 3: schematic representation of a further (third) method step of an exemplary method according to the invention.

[0071] Figure 4: schematic representation of a further (fourth) method step of an exemplary method according to the invention.

[0072] Figure 5: schematic representation of a further (fifth) method step of an exemplary method according to the invention.

[0073] Figure 6: schematic representation of a further (sixth) method step of an exemplary method according to the invention.

[0074] Figure 7: schematic overview of an exemplary process according to the invention.

[0075] Figure 8 : Height profile of an example rubber bale.

[0076] Figure 9 : Graph showing the distribution of the rubber mass over the bale length .

[0077] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Similar elements may be designated by the same reference numeral.

[0078] Figures 1 to 6 schematically show a method according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a conveying device 5 suitable for conveying a rubber bale 3 of a defined weight and mass to a cutting system 1.

[0079] The conveying device 5 comprises, for example, a conveyor belt or conveyor rollers. The conveying device 5 can be spring-mounted to prevent damage to the conveying device 5 during cutting by the cutting system 1.

[0080] The conveyor device 5 can additionally or alternatively be lowerable.

[0081] The conveying device 5 conveys the rubber bale 3 towards the cutting system 1.

[0082] The exemplary cutting system 1 additionally comprises an upper holding device 2 and a lower holding device 7. After being conveyed to the cutting system 1, the rubber bale 3 rests on the lower holding device 7 and on the spring-loaded conveyor belt or the spring-loaded conveyor rollers 5.

[0083] The upper holding device 2 then moves downwards in order to fix the rubber bale 3 together with the lower holding device 7 in a cutting position, i.e. a position which remains unchanged during cutting.

[0084] Subsequently, a section 8 is severed from the rubber bale 3 with the aid of one or more blades of the cutting system 1, thus simultaneously forming a flat cutting surface. In the case of multiple cutting blades, blades can be arranged, for example, above and below the rubber bale 3.

[0085] A typical length of the section 8 normal to the surface plane of the cutting blade 1 is approximately up to 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably between 1 cm and 5 cm or between 1 cm and 3 cm.

[0086] The narrower a section or a partial rubber bale is dimensioned, the more accurately a required mass can be set.

[0087] Behind the cutting system 1, a further conveyor device 6 is positioned, which transports the cut-off section 8 away from the cutting system 1.

[0088] The conveying device 6 may comprise a weighing device such as a scale, or alternatively, may transport the section 8 to a scale. The mass of the section 8 can thus be checked, and the section 8 can be added to a mixing device if at least a corresponding mass of rubber is required.

[0089] According to the method, the mixing device is fed with whole rubber bales 3 until, according to a recipe for the rubber mixture, only a partial mass of a rubber bale 3 may be added. Subsequently, smaller pieces 8 of rubber bales are cut from a whole rubber bale 3 according to the steps in Figures 1 and 2, weighed, and filled into the mixing device. The mixing device can, for example, be an internal mixer. The aforementioned steps according to Figures 1 and 2 can be continued until the required rubber mass for feeding the internal mixer is approximately reached.

[0090] In order to then provide exactly the mass of rubber still required and to achieve the mass of rubber required in the mixing device, two methods are presented according to the invention.

[0091] According to one method, an average mass per length of rubber bale can be calculated from the lengths and masses of the pieces 8 cut off in the steps according to Figures 1 and 2.

[0092] This calculation can be performed automatically by an evaluation electronics system. For this purpose, the evaluation electronics receives data regarding the mass from the scale and data regarding the length of the rubber bale 3 and the cut pieces 8 from a length-measuring device, which can be integrated, for example, into the conveyor system. Such a device can be, for example, a laser profile sensor, an optical, or an electromechanical measuring device.

[0093] Using the determined average mass per length, an average required length can be calculated to obtain a partial rubber bale of a required mass. The method for separating a partial rubber bale 9 is again carried out according to the steps in Figures 1 and 2. A typical length of the partial rubber bale 9 normal to the surface plane of the cutting blade 1 is approximately up to 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably between 1 cm and 5 cm or between 1 cm and 3 cm. For this purpose, the required total mass of rubber must have been sufficiently approximated beforehand using whole rubber bales and parts of whole rubber bales.

[0094] The device attached to the conveyor device 5 for detecting the length and position of the rubber bale 3 ensures that the rubber bale 3 is correctly positioned for cutting and that the cut is carried out to the required length.

[0095] Alternatively, a portion of a rubber bale 3 of a required mass may be separated by proceeding according to the following steps.

[0096] According to Figure 3, the surface area of ​​a flat cut surface 3A of the rubber bale 3 can be determined using a suitable measuring method. Preferably, an image-capturing system 4 is used for this purpose. The cut surface 3A can be considered the base area of ​​the rubber bale 3 perpendicular to the length of the rubber bale 3.

[0097] Based on the area A of the cut surface determined by the image recording system 4 , for example by a laser profile sensor or a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, the mass density p of the rubber bale 3 and the predetermined mass M still required, the required length L can then be calculated, preferably by the evaluation electronics, according to the following formula ( Formula 1 ): ( Formula 1 )

[0098] Formula 1 applies in particular to approximately cuboidal rubber bales with any base shape. For rubber bales that deviate from a standard cuboid shape, an alternative known geometric formula can be chosen.

[0099] The conveyor device 5 conveys the rubber bale 3 into the correct position below the cutting system 1. The device attached to the conveyor device 5 for detecting the length and position of the rubber bale 3 ensures that the rubber bale 3 is correctly positioned for cutting.

[0100] Figure 4 shows how the rubber bale 3 is again secured by the holding devices 2 and 7 in the position intended for cutting. Figure 4 shows an alternative method of securing to Figure 2. The other securing method is also possible in the step shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4.

[0101] Here, in the step according to Figure 4, the spring-mounted conveyor device 5 lowers after the conveying process, so that the rubber bale 3 rests downward on the lower holding device 7 during cutting, but not on the conveyor device 5. Alternatively, the lower holding device 7 moves upward to fix the rubber bale 3 between the holding devices 2 and 7.

[0102] This avoids or prevents the transfer of force from the rubber bale 3 to the conveyor device 5, and any associated potential damage. On the other hand, the fixation of the rubber bale 3 is improved. The partial rubber bale 9 obtained in Figure 5 is then weighed via the conveyor device 6 or conveyed to a scale to check whether the mass of the partial rubber bale lies within a required tolerance range.

[0103] If the mass of the partial rubber bale 9 lies within the specified tolerance range, the partial rubber bale 9 can be added to the mixing device. Otherwise, the partial rubber bale 9 is sorted out or put back and stored.

[0104] The entire conveying of the rubber bales 3 between the cutting system, weighing system and mixing device can be automated via automated conveying devices.

[0105] Alternatively, the rubber bales 3, partial rubber bales 9, and partial pieces 8 can be conveyed to any location other than a mixing device, for example, to a storage system or a transport system. For example, pre-dimensioned partial rubber bales can be stored for subsequent mixing processes, used for other purposes, or resold.

[0106] After cutting, as shown in Figure 6, the holding device 2 and the holding device 7 are loosened again and the rubber bale 3 can be conveyed back to a storage location, for example.

[0107] Preferably, different rubber bales made of different rubber materials are dimensioned using the same cutting system 1. After completion of a dimensioning process for a first rubber material, the dimensioning process for a second rubber material can be carried out.

[0108] A schematic overview of such an exemplary process is shown in Figure 7. In a first step, a robot, robot arm, forklift, or other lifting device 14 picks up a rubber bale 11 of a first material from a supply and places it on the conveyor device 5, which leads to the cutting device 1.

[0109] A defined number of rubber bales 11 are transported directly to the mixing device via the conveyor devices 5 and 6. If the mass introduced into the mixing device reaches a threshold value, after which only a fraction of a rubber bale may be introduced in order to achieve a target value, pieces are cut off from a rubber bale or a partial rubber bale is dimensioned (as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 6) in order to achieve the required remaining mass.

[0110] Subsequently, a further rubber bale 10 of a second material is conveyed by the device 14 via the conveying devices 5 and 6 to the mixing device.

[0111] If a further fraction of a rubber bale 10 is required to achieve a target value for the second rubber material, several pieces 13 can now be cut off and weighed, for example using the method described above, until the required mass is almost reached. For this purpose, a piece 13 can be conveyed directly onto a scale 15.

[0112] Subsequently, using an image-capturing system 4, a partial rubber bale 9 of the still required (residual) mass can be dimensioned according to the second method described above. The remaining section 12 can be used, for example, for the next filling process.

[0113] Figure 8 shows, by way of example, a schematic height profile along the length L of a rubber bale. It can be seen that the bale does not have a uniform height over the length L (perpendicular to the length in the figure).

[0114] Likewise, the width of the rubber bale varies along its length L . The graph in Figure 9 shows that the mass of rubber MK does not increase linearly along the bale length L, but rather increases to varying degrees in different sections.

[0115] Nevertheless, the inventors have found that a volumetric method in which the entire volume of the rubber bale is measured is not necessary to determine the mass of a bale.

[0116] As a rule, it is sufficient to determine the surface area of ​​a cut surface with sufficient accuracy. An image-taking method is advantageous for this. Another advantage of measuring the cut surface is that the bale is not surrounded by a protective film, such as is usually applied around rubber bales for transport and protection. For the subsequent calculation of the mass of the bale, it is assumed that the cross-sectional area is constant along the length L. It has been shown that this approximation is sufficient in practice to determine the required length of a rubber bale with a required mass within a certain tolerance range.

[0117] An exemplary mass of a standardized rubber bale is 35 kg. However, the mass or shape of a rubber bale is not intended to be limited here. The present invention can be applied to rubber bales of all masses and shapes. An exemplary total mass of rubber that can be introduced into the mixing device for mixing is 60 kg. An exemplary tolerance by which the introduced rubber mass may deviate from the required rubber mass is 0.2 kg.

[0118] In the case of the exemplary masses, a whole rubber bale with a mass of 35 kg and a further 25 kg of the same rubber material would have to be fed into the mixing device.

[0119] For this purpose, several pieces, each weighing approximately 5 kg, are cut from another bale of rubber, weighed, measured in length and then introduced into a mixing device.

[0120] For example, a total rubber mass of 24 kg can be achieved if the cut masses from the five pieces actually weighed slightly less than 5 kg each. To then obtain the remaining mass of 1 kg of rubber, a partial rubber bale is dimensioned with the required mass. To do this, the average mass per length of the five previous pieces is calculated. The required length of the partial rubber bale is obtained by dividing the target value for the remaining mass (here 1 kg) by the average mass per length.

[0121] List of reference symbols

[0122] 1 Cutting system 2 upper holding device

[0123] 3,10,11 rubber bales

[0124] 3A cutting surface

[0125] 4 Image recording system

[0126] 5 Conveyor device to the cutting system 6 Conveyor device from the cutting system

[0127] 7 lower holding device

[0128] 8,12,13 section

[0129] 9 partial rubber bales

[0130] 14 Robot 15 Scale

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for dimensioning rubber bales (3), comprising the steps: - determining the length of a rubber bale (3) to be cut off in order to obtain a partial rubber bale (9) of a desired mass, - conveying the rubber bale (3) by means of a conveying device (5) into a cutting system (2) until the rubber bale (3) is positioned relative to a cutting blade in such a way that the partial rubber bale (9) of the length to be cut off can be separated, - Cutting the partial rubber bale (9) of the desired mass and length from the rubber bale (3) using the cutting system (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the conveying device (5) comprises a device for determining the length and position of the rubber bale (3).

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein determining the length of the rubber bale (3) to be cut comprises the following steps: - conveying the rubber bale (3) by means of the conveying device (5) into the cutting system (2), - cutting off a narrow section (8) of a predetermined length of the rubber bale (3), - further transport of the section (8) to a weighing unit (15), - Weighing the mass of the section (8) on the weighing unit (15), - Repeat the 4 steps above with further sections (8) , - Determining an average mass per length of the rubber bale (3) based on the measured masses and the length of the sections (8), - Determining the length of the rubber bale (3) to be cut off in order to obtain a partial rubber bale (9) of a desired mass based on the average mass per length.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein determining the length of the rubber bale (3) to be cut comprises the following steps: - conveying the rubber bale (3) by means of the conveying device (5) into the cutting system (2), - cutting off a narrow section (8) of the rubber bale (3) so that a flat cut surface (3A) is present, - Measurement of the area of the cutting surface (3A), - Determining the length of the rubber bale (3) to be cut off in order to obtain a partial rubber bale (9) of a desired mass on the basis of the measured surface area and the density of the rubber bale (3).

5. A method wherein the steps of claim 4 are performed after the steps of claim 3.

6. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the surface area is measured by an image recording system (4).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the image recording system (4) comprises time-of-flight sensors or laser profile sensors.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein after positioning the rubber bale (3) in the cutting system (2), an upper holding device (6) fixes the rubber bale (3) in the assumed position from above during cutting.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein after positioning the rubber bale (3) in the cutting system (2), an additional lower holding device fixes the rubber bale (3) in the assumed position from below during cutting.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the conveying device (5) is lowered after the conveying process, so that the rubber bale (3) rests force-fittingly only on the lower holding device (7) during cutting.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10 with the following further steps: - conveying the piece(s) (8) to a weighing unit (15), - Weighing the mass of the piece(s) (8) on the weighing unit (15), and further transport of the piece(s) (8) to a mixing device, provided that rubber of the corresponding mass is still to be introduced into the mixing device.

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11 with the following further steps: - conveying the partial rubber bale (9) to a weighing unit (15), - Weighing the mass of the partial rubber bale (9) on the weighing unit (15) to check whether the mass of the Partial rubber bale (9) within a given tolerance range, and - if the mass is within the tolerance range, transport the partial rubber bale (9) to a mixing device, otherwise repeat the steps for dimensioning another partial rubber bale (9).

13. A method for feeding a mixing device for rubber production with a predetermined mass of rubber, wherein rubber bales (3) or parts (8) of rubber bales (3) with a known mass are introduced into the mixing device until only a part of a rubber bale (3) may be added to achieve the predetermined mass of rubber, wherein subsequently a partial rubber bale (9) and optionally one or more parts (8) of the rubber bale (3), which as a whole still have the required mass, are dimensioned using the method according to claim 12 and introduced into the mixing device.

14. Device for dimensioning a rubber bale (3), comprising - a conveying device (5) suitable for conveying the rubber bale (3) into a cutting system (2), wherein the conveying device (5) has a device for determining the length and position of the rubber bale (3), - the cutting system for cutting off a partial rubber bale or other parts (8) from the rubber bale (3) and forming a flat cutting surface (3A), - a sensor (4) for measuring the surface area of the cut surface (3A) of the rubber bale (3), - an evaluation electronics for determining the required length of a partial rubber bale (9) to be cut off based on of the measured area when the density of the rubber bale (3) and a desired mass of the rubber bale (3).

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