阅读说明：本技术 自动采样系统和方法 (Automatic sampling system and method ) 是由 T·埃布洛涅 于 2019-09-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于在成形后并在预定方向上移动时对橡胶条采样的自动采样系统(100)和自动采样方法。(The present invention relates to an automatic sampling system (100) and an automatic sampling method for sampling a rubber strip after shaping and while moving in a predetermined direction.)

1. An automated sampling system (100) for collecting a sample from a rubber strip (1000) after the rubber strip (1000) has been formed and moved in a predetermined direction, the system (100) comprising:

an anvil (102) comprising a cylinder of a predetermined diameter and having a circumferential surface (102a) engaging the rubber strip during its movement, said anvil being fixed such that it can rotate about a rotation axis (X); and

a punch (106) having a cylindrical housing (106a), the cylindrical housing (106a) having a predetermined length extending between a sampling end (106 a') and an opposite mounting end (106a "), the punch comprising:

a die cutter (108) disposed at the sampling end for perforating the rubber strip and obtaining a sample (500) of the rubber strip during movement thereof, the punch having an annular blade (108a) of a predetermined diameter;

a fastening support element (110) provided at the mounting end to perform mounting of a punch (106) relative to a drive shaft (112), the punch being rotatably attached to the drive shaft (112), the punch rotating in the same direction as the movement of the rubber strip;

an ejector (114) arranged within a housing (106a), the ejector moving along a common longitudinal axis (Y) in the ejector, the housing and the die cutter, the ejector comprising a structure (114a) having a predetermined length extending between a release end (114 a') and an opposite attachment end (114a "), the release end having a hemispherical surface (S), characterized by a conical surface area facilitating release of a sample, and the attachment end comprising a fastener (116); and

a rod-type cylinder (118) constituting a piston (120) with a rod (120a) and a chamber (122) in which the piston slides, said rod-type cylinder comprising a fastening device for connecting the piston and the expeller (114) such that the movement of the piston in the chamber upon the supply of pressurized fluid affects a corresponding movement of the expeller between a standby position and a release position.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the ejector further comprises a recess (114b) in the structure (114a), wherein the hook (126) is arranged such that it extends from the hemispherical surface (S) when the ejector is in the standby position, and such that each sample (500) is released by the ejector when the ejector is in the release position.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the hook comprises an arm (128) having an inclined surface (128a), the inclined surface (128a) engaging a corresponding inclined surface (114 b') of the recess (114b) to enable complementary movement of the ejector (114) relative to the attached hook.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the arm has an engagement end (128b), a catch (128c) being provided at the engagement end (128b), the catch (128c) comprising one or more recesses (128d) for hooks for engaging a sample taken from the rubber strip while the rubber strip is being sampled by the die cutter (108).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the punch further comprises a guide ring (130) having an opening (130a), the guide ring being arranged at the sampling end of the housing (106a) along a common longitudinal axis in the housing, the die cutter and the ejector to guide the ejector between the standby position and the release position.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening support element comprises two or more conduits in fluid communication with respective conduits (124) of a rod cylinder supplied with pressurized fluid.

7. An automated method for sampling a rubber strip (1000) moving in a predetermined direction, the method comprising the steps of:

a first stage of the method, comprising the steps of:

a step of forming the rubber strip into a predetermined thickness;

after forming, the step of guiding the rubber strip to the automatic sampling system of any one of claims 1 to 6, passing the rubber strip between an anvil (102) and a punch (106);

a step of rotating the punch in the same direction as the movement of the rubber strip with the ejector in the standby position;

a second stage of the process, comprising the steps of:

a step of sampling the rubber strip by the die cutter (108) with the ejector held in a standby position and the hook (126) engaging the rubber strip while the punch is continuously rotated; and

a step of collecting a sample (500) with a die cutter;

a third stage of the process comprising the steps of:

a step of engaging the sample collected in the second stage with the ejector held in the standby position and the hook ensuring the sample collected while the punch is rotated toward the downward position;

a fourth phase of the method, comprising the steps of:

a step of supplying pressurized fluid to the rod cylinder (118) to effect a corresponding movement of the expeller (114) from the standby position to the release position, this step being carried out simultaneously with the continuous rotation of the punch to the downward position; and

a step of releasing the sample from the hemispherical surface (S) to a recovery device.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of training the system (100) to discern at least one of an optimal size and an optimal frequency of sampling the rubber strip.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising classifying the generated samples by a self-learning means.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to the sampling of rubber strips to check the performance of the rubber strips. More particularly, the invention relates to automatic sampling of rubber to prevent accidental changes in rubber properties after the rubber strip is formed.

Background

In the field of the production of rubber mixtures, it is known to carry out the rubber mixing process in a mixing line constituting an external and/or internal continuous and/or discontinuous mixer. In the mixer (continuous and discontinuous), the dispersion and mixing ratios of the raw materials (e.g., chemicals) can be modified. Therefore, it is desirable to test the physical properties of rubber to ensure its quality, reproducibility, and processability downstream of a tire manufacturing line (e.g., by performing different methods, including extrusion methods). The tests may include those used to determine the rheological, visual and other properties of the material, such properties being understood by the skilled person as characterizing the mixing regime of the rubber mixture. Unexpected changes in rubber properties may require stopping the rubber mixing line and may also involve processes upstream and/or downstream of the rubber mixing line. Therefore, rubber compound samples are periodically tested in order to maintain quality control and productivity control in a rubber compound manufacturing environment.

In known sampling methods, samples may be taken from unvulcanized rubber in the form of a sheet or strip made by an extruder or multi-roll calender. Several solutions have been proposed in the prior art to obtain these samples, including JP 2007-171117 (which discloses a passage of a sheet of rubber from an extruder between an anvil and a reciprocating knife located in the anvil, said knife having an aperture in which a sample of rubber is taken by lowering the knife onto the sheet and a void which obtains the sample to transport it towards a sample measuring device); document JPH05306975 (which discloses a cutting device of a sample forming apparatus that forms a sample by perforating a rubber strip immediately after forming the rubber strip while continuously conveying the rubber strip). In these configurations, it is necessary to slow down, almost completely stop, the delivery of the rubber strip.

In another known system, shown in fig. 1 and 2, an automated sampling system (or "system") 10 is provided. The system does not involve stopping the delivery of the rubber strip during the sampling period. The system 10 includes an anvil 12 and a rotary punch (or "punch") 16, the anvil 12 being rotatably attached to a stationary support 14, the rotary punch (or "punch") 16 being rotatably attached to a drive shaft 18 (see arrow a in fig. 1). The anvil 12 comprises a cylinder of predetermined diameter and has a circumferential surface 12a that engages the rubber strip 20 as the rubber strip 20 moves along the path between the anvil and the press 16 (see arrow B in fig. 1).

The punch 16 includes a cylindrical housing 22 of a predetermined length extending between a sampling end 22a and an opposite mounting end 22 b. At the sampling end 22a of the housing 22 is provided a known cylindrical die cutter (or "knife") 24 having an annular blade 24 a. The annular blade 24a has a predetermined diameter to perforate the rubber strip 20 and collect a sample of the rubber strip 20 during its transfer between the anvil 12 and the punch 16.

The punch 16 also includes a reciprocating ejector (or "expeller") 26 located inside the punch. The ejector 26 has a predetermined length between the release surface 26a (see fig. 2) and the opposite attachment surface 26 b. The release surface 26a is a flat surface for releasing each rubber sample obtained by the die cutter 24. The attachment surface 26b includes a fastener 28 having known fastening means (e.g., screw engagement, welding, adhesive, and equivalent means). The ejector 26 further comprises an elongated recess 26c in which recess 26c a hook 28 is arranged such that the hook can engage each rubber sample while the rubber strip is sampled by the die cutter 24.

The punch 16 also includes an actuator 30, the actuator 30 constituting a piston 32 having a rod 32a and a chamber 34 in which the piston slides. The actuator 30 is selected from commercially available actuators. The rod 32a of the piston 32 comprises a known fastening device corresponding to the fastening means 28, so as to enable the connection of the piston and the ejector 26. The piston 32 is actuated by pressurized fluid (e.g., compressed air) from a conduit (not shown). As a result, the movement of the piston 32 effects a corresponding movement of the ejector 26 between a standby position, in which the fastening means 28 extends from the release surface 26a of the ejector, so that said release surface 26a is ready to engage the sample while the rubber strip is being sampled by the die cutter 24, and a release position, in which the fastening means 28 no longer engages the sample taken from the rubber strip 20 and the sample is released by the ejector 26.

However, in the case where the viscous sample remains adhered to the release surface 26a of the ejector 26, the system 10 does not guarantee release of the sample. In addition, particles passing between the die cutter 24 and the ejector 26 may cause the ejector to jam or the actuator to bend when returning to the standby position. The guiding of the expeller 26 therefore causes problems of premature wear of the seals at the level of the stem 32a of the piston 32. The collection of samples from viscous mixtures or slivers is particularly problematic: if the rubber element gets stuck between the fastening means and the ejector, the movement of the ejector may be prevented in the extended position.

Thus, current systems do not ensure a sufficient success rate of continuous sampling of the continuously moving rubber strip. In addition, current systems do not guarantee a sufficiently efficient sample transport for analyzing samples collected from a continuously moving rubber strip.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to an automatic sampling system for taking samples from a rubber strip after the rubber strip has been formed and while moving in a predetermined direction. The system includes an anvil having a cylinder of a predetermined diameter and having a circumferential surface that engages the rubber strip during movement thereof, the anvil being fixed such that it can rotate about an axis of rotation. The system also includes a punch having a cylindrical housing of a predetermined length extending from a sampling end to an opposite mounting end. The punching machine includes:

-a die cutter provided at the sampling end for perforating the rubber strip as it moves and obtaining a sample of the rubber strip, the die cutter having an annular blade of a predetermined diameter;

a fastening support element provided at the mounting end for enabling mounting of the punch relative to a drive shaft to which the punch is rotatably attached, the punch rotating in the same direction as the movement of the rubber strip;

-an ejector arranged within the housing, the ejector moving along a common longitudinal axis in the ejector, the housing and the die cutter, the ejector comprising a structure having a predetermined length extending between a release end and an opposite attachment end, the release end having a hemispherical surface, characterized by a tapered surface facilitating release of the sample, and the attachment end comprising an attachment; and

-a rod-type cylinder having a piston with a rod and a chamber in which the piston slides, the rod-type cylinder comprising a fastening device for connecting the piston and the expeller such that, when a pressurized fluid is supplied, the movement of the piston in the chamber effects a corresponding movement of the expeller between a standby position and a release position.

In some embodiments, the ejector further comprises a recess in the structure, and wherein the fixed hook is arranged such that the hook extends from the hemispherical surface when the ejector is in the standby position, and such that each sample is released from the ejector when the ejector is in the release position.

In some embodiments, the hook includes an arm having an inclined surface that engages a corresponding inclined surface of the recess to enable further movement of the ejector relative to the attached hook. In some embodiments, wherein the arm has an engagement end at which a catch is provided, the catch comprises one or more grooves such that the hook can engage a sample taken from the rubber strip while the rubber strip is being sampled by the cylinder-punch.

In some embodiments, the punch further comprises a guide ring having an opening, the guide ring being arranged at the sampling end of the housing along a common longitudinal axis in the housing, the die cutter and the ejector to enable guiding the ejector between the standby position and the release position.

In some embodiments, the fastening support element comprises two or more conduits in fluid communication with corresponding conduits of the rod cylinder supplied with pressurized fluid.

The invention also relates to an automated method for sampling a rubber strip moving in a predetermined direction. The method comprises the following stages:

-a first stage of the process comprising the steps of:

o a step of forming the rubber strip into a predetermined thickness;

o a step of guiding the rubber strip to the disclosed automatic sampling system after the rubber strip has been formed, passing the rubber strip between the anvil and the punch;

o a step of rotating the punch in the same direction as the movement of the rubber strip with the ejector in the standby position;

-a second stage of the process comprising the steps of:

o a step of sampling the rubber strip by the die cutter with the ejector held in the standby position and the hook engaged with the rubber strip while the punch is continuously rotated; and

o collecting a sample with a die cutter;

-a third stage of the process comprising the steps of:

a step of engaging the sample collected in the second stage with the ejector held in the standby position and the hook ensuring the sample collected while the punch is rotated toward the downward position;

-a fourth phase of the method comprising the steps of:

o a step of supplying pressurized fluid to the rod cylinder to effect a corresponding movement of the expeller from the standby position to the release position, this step being carried out simultaneously with the continuous rotation of the punch to the downward position; and

o a step of moving the sample from the hemispherical surface towards the recovery device.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of training the system to discern at least one of an optimal size and an optimal frequency of sampling the rubber strip.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises classifying the samples generated by the self-learning device.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below.

Drawings

The nature and various advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout and in which:

fig. 1 shows a front cross-sectional view of a known automatic sampling system, and fig. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the known automatic sampling system.

Fig. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an automatic sampling system of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a punch press of the system of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the ejector of the press machine of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 shows a partial schematic view of the die cutter and guide ring of the press of fig. 4 abutting the anvil of the system of fig. 3.

Fig. 7 and 8 show partial cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a hook of the punch of fig. 4.

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 3 in communication with a pressurized fluid supply conduit.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a method performed by the system of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 3-10, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, an embodiment of an automatic sampling system (or "system") 100 is shown. In the sampling method implemented by the system 100, the sample is obtained by perforating unvulcanized rubber in the form of a sheet or strip of rubber 1000 (see fig. 10) that is shaped by an extruder or multi-roll calender (not shown). Rubber strip 1000 is shaped to have a top surface 1000a, an opposing bottom surface 1000b, and a predetermined thickness between the two surfaces (see fig. 10). The system 100 collects samples from the rubber strip 1000 immediately after the rubber strip 1000 is formed in the mixing line and while traveling in a predetermined direction (see arrow C in fig. 10). As used herein, the terms "sheet," "strip," "layer," and known equivalents thereof are interchangeable.

Referring to fig. 3-6, the system 100 includes an anvil 102, the anvil 102 having a cylinder of a predetermined diameter and having a circumferential surface 102a (see fig. 10) that engages an upper surface 1000a of the rubber strip during its movement. The anvil 102 is rotatably fixed (e.g., relative to the fixed support 104) such that the anvil may rotate about an axis of rotation X.

The system 100 also includes a rotary punch (or "punch") 106, the rotary punch (or "punch") 106 having a cylindrical housing (or "housing") 106a having a predetermined length extending between a sampling end 106 a' and an opposite mounting end 106a ". At the sampling end 106 a' of the housing 106a is provided a die cutter (or "knife") 108 for perforating the rubber strip 1000 as it moves between the anvil 102 and the punch 106 and for obtaining a sample of the rubber strip.

The die cutter 108 includes an annular blade 108a having a predetermined diameter that can be modified according to the desired sample size. A fastening support element 110 is provided at the mounting end 106a "to enable a secure mounting of the punch 106 relative to a drive shaft 112 to which the punch is rotatably attached (see fig. 10). The punch 106 rotates about the rotational axis of the drive shaft 112 in the same direction as the movement of the rubber strip 1000. Therefore, the punch 106 can rotate clockwise (see arrow D in fig. 10) or counterclockwise.

A reciprocating ejector (or "ejector") 114 is disposed inside the housing 106a along a common longitudinal axis Y in the ejector, housing and die cutter 108. The ejector 114 moves within the housing 106a (and within the die cutter 108 during a sampling cycle) along a common longitudinal axis Y (see fig. 4). The ejector 114 includes a structure 114a having a predetermined length extending between a release end 114 a' and an opposite attachment end 114a ". The attachment end 114a "includes a fastener 116 having known fastening means (e.g., screw engagement, welding, gluing, and equivalent means). The release end 114 a' includes a hemispherical surface S characterized by a tapered surface area that contacts each sample collected by the die cutter 108 (see fig. 5). The hemispherical surface S facilitates the release of each sample by folding back on itself, which solves the problem of adhesion when releasing the samples.

Referring again to fig. 3-6 and also to fig. 7-9, the ejector 114 has an elongated recess (or "recess") 114b in the structure 114 a. A hook 126 is located in the recess 114b and includes an arm 128 of spring steel type material. Hooks 126 are attached to housing 106a such that the hooks can engage each sample taken from the rubber strip while the rubber strip is being sampled by die cutter 108. The arm 128 of the hook 126 includes an inclined surface 128a, which inclined surface 128a engages a corresponding inclined surface 114 b' of the recess 114b when the ejector 114 is in the release position (as described below). There is a space between the inclined surfaces to enable additional movement of the ejector 114 relative to the attached hook.

Arm 128 has an engagement end 128b forming a catch 128 c. Capture 128c can include one or more additional splines including one or more splines 128d that optimize capture of the sample. It should be understood that the catch 128c may be modified according to the characteristics of the ejector 106 (e.g., its length, the depth of the recess 114b, etc.) and according to the characteristics of the rubber (e.g., its viscosity, its thickness). System 100 may include several embodiments of hook 126 (e.g., in a kit) to perform various sampling cycles.

Referring again to fig. 3-9, the punch 106 further includes a rod cylinder 118, the rod cylinder 118 defining a piston 120 having a rod 120a and a chamber 122 in which the piston slides. The rod cylinder 118 is selected from commercially available cylinders. The rod 120a of the piston 120 comprises a known fastening device corresponding to the fastening means 116 of the ejector 114, thereby enabling the connection of the piston and the ejector.

As a result of the supply of pressurized fluid (e.g., compressed air), the piston 120 moves in reciprocating motion in the chamber 122. The fastening support element 110 includes two or more conduits (not shown) that are in fluid communication with corresponding conduits 124 of the supply rod cylinder 118 during a sampling cycle (see fig. 3 and 9). The movement of the piston 120 effects a corresponding movement of the expeller 114 along the common longitudinal axis Y. As a result, the ejector 114 moves between a standby position (in which the hooks 126 extend from the hemispherical surface S of the ejector 114 so that the hooks 126 are ready to engage the sample while the rubber strip is being sampled by the die cutter 108) and a release position (in which the hooks 126 no longer engage the sample taken from the rubber strip and the sample is released to the recovery device by the ejector 114).

In the standby position of the ejector 114 (shown in fig. 3, 6 and 9 and in the first, second and third stages 1, 2 and 3 of fig. 10, respectively), the hook 126 extends from the hemispherical surface S of the ejector, so that the hook 126 is ready to engage the bottom surface 1000b of the rubber strip 1000, while said rubber strip 1000 is sampled by the die-cutter 108 (see stage 2 of fig. 10). In the release position of the ejector 114 (shown in fig. 4, 7 and 8 and stage 4 of fig. 10), the movement of the ejector causes the inclined surface 114 b' of the recess 114b to follow the corresponding inclined surface 128a of the arm 128. As a result, the catch 128c of the arm 128 is lifted from the bottom surface 1000b of the rubber strip 1000, and the sample is held on the hemispherical surface S of the ejector 114.

Referring again to fig. 4 and 6-8, the punch 106 further includes a guide ring 130, the guide ring 130 having an opening through which the ejector 114 passes during a sampling cycle. The guide ring 130 is disposed at the sampling end 106 a' of the housing 106a along a common longitudinal axis in the housing, guide ring, die cutter 108, and ejector 114. The guide ring 130 enables the ejector 114 to be guided between a standby position, in which the ejector is held in the housing 106, and a release position, in which the ejector 114 passes through the opening 130a and the interior of the die cutter 108 during a sampling cycle. The guide ring 130 also prevents particles from clogging the ejector 114 and from accumulating in the housing 106a of the punch 106.

Referring to fig. 10, an embodiment of a method is disclosed that employs the system 100 described above with reference to fig. 2-9.

In an embodiment of the method of performing the invention, in a first stage of the method (see stage 1 of fig. 10), the method comprises the steps of: rubber strip 1000 having a predetermined thickness between its upper surface 1000a and its bottom surface 1000b is shaped (e.g., from a known extruder or a known calender) (not shown). After forming, the rubber strip 1000 is fed to the system 100 such that the rubber strip 1000 passes between the anvil 102 and the punch 106 (see arrow C). With the ejector 114 in the standby position, the punch 106 is rotated in the same direction as the rubber belt 1000.

During a second phase of the method (see phase 2 in fig. 10), the method comprises a sampling step, depending on the rotation of the punch 106. This step includes the step of lifting the rubber strip 1000 so that the bottom surface 1000b of the rubber strip 1000 engages in the punch 108. In this step, with the ejector 114 held in the standby position, the hook 126 engages the rubber strip 1000 while the punch 106 is continuously rotated. In addition, the die cutter 108 presses the rubber strip 1000 against the circumferential surface 102a of the anvil 102 by engaging with the bottom surface 1000b of the rubber strip 1000. Under this pressure, the rubber strip 1000 is pushed into the die cutter 108 so that the sample remains captured by the die cutter.

During a third phase of the method (see phase 3 of fig. 10), the method comprises a step of engaging the sample 500 obtained in the previous step. In this step, the ejector 114 is held in the standby position. In this step, hook 126 secures sample 500 while punch 106 is turned to the down position (represented by stage 4 in fig. 10).

During a fourth stage of the method (see stage 4 in fig. 10), pressurized fluid (e.g., compressed air) is supplied to the rod cylinder 118 such that the piston 120 moves into the pressurization chamber 122. This movement, performed simultaneously with the continued rotation of the punch 106 towards the downward position, also affects the corresponding movement of the ejector 114. In this step, the guide ring 130 guides the ejector 114 from the standby position inside the housing 106a to the release position inside the die cutter 108 (see arrow E in fig. 10). As a result, angled surface 128a of arm 128 of hook 126 engages angled surface 114 b' of recess 114b and hook 126 no longer engages sample 500.

In the downward position, the ejector 114 releases the sample 500 from the hemispherical surface S to a recovery device (e.g., a conveyor belt or conveyor) (not shown). The recovery device transports all samples to the laboratory for the required analysis.

The rubber strip 1000 keeps moving until the end of the cycle of the sampling method. Within each cycle, the punch 106 may be rotated several times according to the number of samples scheduled for that cycle.

The period of the sampling method may be implemented by PLC control and may include pre-programming of operational information. For example, a profile may be associated with each shaped rubber strip, characterized by the number of samples to be collected during a programmed sampling period, the size of the samples to be collected, the sampling frequency, and the receipt and transmission of data representing the sample transfer for analysis. The PLC controls the required sample list and compares it with the collected samples.

For all embodiments, the monitoring system may be put in place. If analysis of the sample reveals an unexpected change in rubber properties, the monitoring system may stop the rubber mixing line and/or system 100 in which the rubber strip 1000 is formed. At least a portion of the monitoring system may be disposed in a portable device such as a mobile network device (e.g., a cellular phone, a laptop, a portable network-connected device, a portable network-connected wearable device, and/or any combination and/or equivalent).

In embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may receive voice commands or other audio data representing requests for samples under analysis and/or the current state of the samples. The request may include a request for a current state of the sampling period. The generated response may be represented audibly, visually, haptically (e.g., with a haptic interface), and/or virtually.

In an embodiment, the method may include the step of training the system 100 to identify an optimal size and/or an optimal sampling frequency for the rubber strip. The training step comprises classifying the generated samples by self-learning means. The classification may include, but is not limited to, parameters of the strip from which the sample was obtained (e.g., its thickness, length, rubber formulation, etc.), parameters of the sample (e.g., its thickness, diameter, number of samples obtained, etc.), and the duration of the sampling period.

The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Ranges denoted as "between a and b" include both "a" and "b" values.

While particular embodiments of the disclosed apparatus have been shown and described, it will be understood that various changes, additions and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention as described should not be limited except as by the appended claims.