APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND COLLECTING A PLURALITY OF SUBSTANTIALLY BI-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for handling and collecting a plurality of substantially bi-dimensional objects (100) comprises: a conveyor (2), arranged to receive the bi-dimensional object from a source, and configured to provide a holding force (F) to draw and hold the bi-dimensional objects from above; a disengagement device (4), configured to temporarily oppose the holding force on at least a portion of the conveyor, to disengage the bi-dimensional objects from the conveyor, causing the fall of the bi-dimensional objects towards a collecting area (5).

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for handling and collecting a plurality of substantially bi-dimensional objects (100), preferably made of fabric or paper, the apparatus comprising: a conveyor (2), arranged to receive said bi-dimensional object (100) from a source, and configured to provide a holding force (F) to draw and hold said bi-dimensional objects (100) from above; a disengagement device (4), configured to temporarily oppose said holding force (F) on at least a portion of said conveyor (2), to disengage said bi-dimensional objects (100) from said conveyor (2), causing the fall of said bi-dimensional objects (100) towards a collecting area (5).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor (2) comprises at least one vacuum element (3) configured to suck air from the environment against said conveyor (2) to provide said holding force (F).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said conveyor (2) is provided with a belt (2a), preferably a foraminous belt, preferably at least one vacuum element (3) being configured to suck air from the environment against said belt (2a), so as to draw said bi-dimensional objects against said belt (2).

4. The apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein said disengagement device (4) comprise a movable element (4a), movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position the movable element (4a) opposes said holding force (F).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein said movable element (4a) is movable in a slidable manner.

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said movable element (4a) is arranged so that, in use condition, said belt (2a) is interposed between said bi-dimensional objects (100) and said movable element (4a).

7. The apparatus according to any claims 4 to 6, when depending from claim 2, wherein in the second position the movable element (4a) interrupts the drawing of air on at least part of said conveyor (2).

8. A machine (10) for processing a bi-dimensional object (100) comprising: a machine conveyor (11) for moving a layer (150), preferably a continuous layer, of material; a handling and collecting apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said source is said machine conveyor (11).

9. The machine (10) according to claim 8, further comprising a cutting device (12), configured to carry out a cut along a plurality of different paths in said layer (150), so as to divide said layer (150) into a plurality of bi-dimensional objects (100) and a waste layer (151) surrounding said bi-dimensional objects (100).

10. The machine (10) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a waste collecting device (14), for separating said waste layer (151) from said bi-dimensional objects (100) and preferably for also removing said waste layer (151) from said machine conveyor (11).

11. The machine (10) according to any preceding claims 8 to 10, wherein said machine conveyor (11) comprises a machine belt (11a) and at least one machine vacuum element (13) configured to suck air from the environment against said machine belt (11a), so as to draw said bi-dimensional objects (100) against said machine belt (11a).

12. The machine (10) according to any preceding claims 8 to 11 wherein, in plant view, considering the use condition, a portion of said machine conveyor (11) overlaps a portion of said conveyor (2) of said handling and collecting apparatus (1).

13. The machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said layer (150) is a fabric, and wherein preferably said bi-dimensional objects are cut along patterns for garments, or wherein said layer (150) is made of paper or cardboard and wherein preferably said bi-dimensional objects are blanks.

14. A process for handling and collecting a plurality of bi-dimensional objects (100) comprising the steps of: i. moving said bi-dimensional objects (100) from a source to a conveyor (2), said conveyor (2) holding said bi-dimensional objects (100) from above via a holding force (F); ii. opposing said holding force (F) on at least a portion of said conveyor (2) to disengage said bi-dimensional objects (100) from said conveyor (2), causing the fall of said bi-dimensional objects (100).

15. A process for cutting a plurality of bi-dimensional objects (100) from a layer (150) comprising the steps of: a) cutting said layer (150) along a plurality of different paths, so as to divide said layer (150) into a plurality of bi-dimensional objects (100) and a waste layer (151) surrounding said bi-dimensional objects (100); b) separating said waste layer (151) from said bi-dimensional objects (100) and removing said waste layer (151) from said machine conveyor (11); c) performing steps i-ii of claim 14.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037] One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings provided by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic lateral view of a handling apparatus, arranged in a machine for processing bi-dimensional objects comprising, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention. A top view of a detail of FIG. 1 is visible in the dotted rectangle;

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a disengagement device of an embodiment of the present invention, in the first position;

[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the disengagement device of FIG. 2, in the second position;

[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a handling apparatus, arranged in a machine for processing bi-dimensional objects, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] With reference to figure, a handling and collecting apparatus 1 (from now on also “handling apparatus 1”) for handling and collecting a plurality of substantially bi-dimensional objects 100 (from now on also “objects 100”) comprises a conveyor 2, arranged to receive the objects 100 from a source (e.g. the machine conveyor 11 of a machine (or system) 10, better discussed later), and configured to provide a holding force F to draw and hold the bi-dimensional objects 100 from above in use condition. The objects 100 are substantially bi-dimensional, so that they have a reduced thickness with respect to the other dimensions.

[0043] As an example, the objects 100 can be pieces of a fabric, e.g. pieces cut along patterns for garments or clothing article. As a further example, the bi-dimensional objects can be paper or cardboard blanks that may be subsequently folded to obtain three-dimensional objects (e.g. bags or containers).

[0044] According to an aspect, the conveyor 2 is provided with a surface (preferably the surface of a belt 2a) where the bi-dimensional objects are drawn and hold by the holding force. The conveyor surface (or conveyor belt) is preferably horizontal, or substantially horizontal, with respect to the ground or with respect to a reference plane on which the handling apparatus is arranged, or with respect to a plane on which the bi-dimensional objects have to be collected.

[0045] The conveyor 2 can be any conveyor element known in the art that is configured to move the objects 100, typically along a substantially horizontal direction. Preferably, the conveyor comprises an endless belt 2a, that is continuously moved along a closed path. The conveyor 2 is typically arranged to hold the objects 100 from above, i.e. it is arranged so that, during use, the objects 100 are drawn and hold to the conveyor 2 in opposition to the gravity force, e.g. against and below the lower surface of the conveyor (such as for example the endless belt 2a of the conveyor). As mentioned, this is obtained via a holding force F, that draws the objects 100 against the conveyor 2 so that they cannot fall under the gravity force.

[0046] The holding force F is typically a distributed force, i.e. a force that acts on an area, instead of on a single application point. Preferably, the holding force F is provided by one or more vacuum elements (aspiration elements) 3. As an example, a vacuum element 3 can comprise one or more blowers (not shown in detail) that cause a flow of air directed upwards. As a result, a depression is caused under the vacuum elements, that draws the objects 100 against the conveyor 2.

[0047] Other kinds of vacuum elements, e.g. aspirators or similar means, can be used to draw the objects against the conveyor 2.

[0048] It is noted that, for simplicity, elements 3 are called “vacuum” (or aspiration) elements.

[0049] It is however clear that those elements do not need to create vacuum at the conveyor 2, as a generic depression may be enough to attract the objects 100 against the conveyor 2.

[0050] Typically, when vacuum elements 3 are used, belt 2a is provided with one or more holes or apertures, preferably a plurality of holes or apertures, more preferably the belt is a foraminous or porous belt 2a, i.e. a belt having pores (or holes of small dimension) through which air can pass. In general, the conveyor 2 (and typically the belt 2a) is configured so that the depression caused by the vacuum elements 3 reaches the area below the conveyor 2, i.e. the area where the objects 100 arrive from the relevant source.

[0051] In different embodiments, not shown in detail, other means for generating a holding force F may be used, e.g. magnetic elements, electrostatic elements, etc.

[0052] In general, the conveyor 2 is provided with means capable of generating a holding force F that draws the objects 100 against the conveyor 2 itself. The means providing the holding force F typically do not touch (are not in contact with) the objects 100.

[0053] The handling apparatus 1 is provided with a disengagement device 4, configured to temporarily oppose (i.e. contrast) said holding force F on at least a portion of the conveyor 2, to disengage the objects 100 from the conveyor 2, causing the fall of the bi-dimensional objects 100 towards a collecting area 5.

[0054] The disengagement device 4 preferably comprise a movable element 4a, movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position (as e.g. the one shown in FIG. 1), the disengagement device 4 opposes the holding force, i.e. causes the holding force to no longer act (or act in a reduced manner) on the conveyor 2, and in particular on the objects 100 carried by the conveyor 2.

[0055] Typically, such an opposition is limited to only a portion of the conveyor 2. In other words, in preferred embodiment, when the disengagement device is in the second position, there are still areas of the conveyor 2 where the holding force F still draws the objects 100 against the conveyor 2. This is exemplified in FIG. 1, where there is a portion of the conveyor 2 where the holding force is still present (i.e. where the arrows representing the holding force F are shown via a continuous line), and in another portion of the conveyor 2 the presence of the movable element 4a contrasts the holding force F (that, in such a portion, is shown via a dotted line), so that the holding force F is no longer capable of keeping the objects 100 attached to the conveyor 2.

[0056] The portion of the conveyor 2 affected by the disengagement device 4 is typically downstream (considering the path of the objects 100) with respect to the portion of the conveyor 2 that is not affected by the disengagement device 4.

[0057] In case of vacuum elements 3, the movable element 4a, in the second position, is preferably arranged so as to interrupt (or at least to limit) the flow of air below the movable element 4a. The depression caused by the vacuum elements 3 thus is no longer present (or it is present in a reduced manner), so that it is no longer enough to maintain the objects 100 against the conveyor 2, e.g. against the belt 2a.

[0058] According to possible embodiments, as for example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the disengagement device 4 comprises a movable element 4a, that is provided with one or more holes 4b. The disengagement device comprises a fixed plate 4c (or in any case a plate 4c with respect to which the movable element 4a is movable), that is also provided with one or more holes 4d and that is arranged so that the movable element 4a and the plate 4c are superimposed one with respect to the other. In a preferred embodiment, as for example shown in the figures, the plate is arranged so that it is interposed between the movable element 4a and the conveyor 2. In the first position, the holes 4b of the movable element are at least partially aligned with respect to (typically at least partially superimposed to) the holes 4d of the plate 4c, so that air can pass through both the holes 4b, 4d of the movable element 4a and of the plate 4c. As a result, a vacuum element 3 (not shown in FIG. 2) can cause a depression under the conveyor 2, e.g. by sucking air from the environment below the conveyor 2 via tube 4f.

[0059] To achieve the above discussed second position, the movable element 4a can be moved, e.g. translated, so that the hole 4b of the movable element 4a are no more aligned with respect to the holes 4d of the plate 4c, so that to prevent air from passing through both the holes 4b, 4d of the movable element 4a and of the plate 4c. Alternatively, the movable element 4a may be moved in the second position so that the holes 4b and 4d are only partially aligned, allowing the passage of certain amount of air, that is inferior to the amount of air that can pass through holes 4b, 4d in the first position. As a result, in the second position, the holding force can be null, substantially null, or in any case reduced with respect to the first position.

[0060] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the movable element can be moved from the first position (shown in FIG. 2) along a direction (shown in FIG. 2 by an arrow) until reaching a position where the holes 4b, 4d are no more aligned (i.e. they are no more superimposed), thus obtaining the above discussed second position, shown e.g. in FIG. 3.

[0061] In the shown embodiment, a plurality of holes 4b, 4d. The term “hole” should be interpreted broadly, as a general opening passing through the movable element 4a or the plate 4c. It may be the case that both the elements are provided with a single passing through opening, that may have also a non-circular section. In preferred embodiments, however, both the movable element 4a and the plate 4c are provided with a plurality of holes 4b, 4d. The more the holes are (and smaller the diameter of the holes), faster the passage between the first position and the second position of the movable element can be. The diameter of the holes cannot however reduced too much, otherwise in the first position too little air may pass through the holes, preventing the presence of a holding force as above discussed.

[0062] As a result, the objects 100 that arrive at the portion of the conveyor 2 placed below the movable element 4a fall towards a collecting area 5.

[0063] The collecting area may be e.g. placed inside a container 5a, into which the objects 100 may be collected, e.g. stacked one onto the other. Alternatively, the collecting area 5 may be placed on a further conveyor 5b (as for example shown in FIG. 4), onto which a certain number of objects 100 can be grouped, and subsequently moved towards another position. In a possible embodiment, the collecting area 5 may be placed on a conveyor 5b that moves the objects along a direction that is angled (e.g. substantially perpendicular) with respect to the movement of the objects on the conveyor 2, as for example shown in FIG. 4.

[0064] In other possible embodiments, as the one schematically shown in FIG. 1, the movable element 4a is slidably movable between a retracted position (i.e. the first position) and an extracted position (i.e. the second position). Other kinds of movements, e.g. providing a movable element that is rotatable in a bayonet-like manner, are however possible.

[0065] The movable element 4a is preferably arranged so as not to touch the objects 100. Preferably, the movable element 4a is arranged so that, in its second position, the belt 2a of the conveyor 2 is placed between the movable element 4a and the objects 100.

[0066] The movable element 4a can be provided with different kinds of movement.

[0067] In general, in the first position of the movable element 4a, the holding force F is not affected by the disengagement device 4, or in any case is less affected by the disengagement device with respect to the second position.

[0068] The movement of the movable element is preferably quick enough to suddenly oppose the holding force F, in a manner allowing a quick detachment of the objects 100 from the conveyor. In preferred embodiments, the movable element is movable from the first position to the second position in less than 5 seconds, in more preferred embodiments in less than 3 seconds, in even more preferred embodiments in less than 1 second.

[0069] The quick movement of the movable elements allow the direction of the fall of the objects 100 to be substantially exclusively vertical, so that the fall of subsequent objects is substantially identical, without any (undesired) folding applied to the objects, that can be stacked one onto the other in a precise manner.

[0070] According to a possible aspect of the invention, the handling apparatus 1 is coupled to (or part of) a machine (system) 10 for processing the objects 100. Possible embodiments of the machine 10 are for example shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0071] In particular, the handling apparatus 1 may be coupled to (and become part of) a pre-existing machine 10.

[0072] The machine 10 comprises a machine conveyor 11, that acts as the source of objects 100 for the conveyor 2 of the handling apparatus 1.

[0073] It is noted that, for easiness of description, when both the handling apparatus 1 and the machine 10 are provided with similar elements (e.g. conveyors 2 and 11), the element of the handling apparatus 1 will be referred as “element” while the element of the machine will be referred as “machine element”. As an example, when reference will be made simply to a “conveyor”, the conveyor 2 of the handling apparatus 1 is meant. On the contrary, the conveyor 11 of the machine 10 will be referred as “machine conveyor 11”.

[0074] The machine conveyor 11 is typically arranged so as to sustain (support) the objects 100 from below, i.e. so that the objects 100 lean on the machine conveyor 11. The machine conveyor 11 is preferably arranged so that, when the objects 100 pass from the machine conveyor 11 to the conveyor 2, they move substantially in a horizontal manner, limiting the lifting movement (i.e. the upward movement against gravity).

[0075] It has to be noted that in the schematic view of FIG. 4 the conveyor 2 is arranged at a greater distance (i.e. at greater height from the machine conveyor 11) with respect to the embodiment shown schematically in FIG. 1. In FIG. 4 the greater distance (height) of the conveyor 2 from the machine conveyor 11 is provided for clarity and illustrative reasons so that it is possible to show the objects 100 released and stacked on another in the collecting area 5 and in particular on the conveyor 5b. In any case, as mentioned above, it has to be noted that the machine conveyor 11 (and in general the source of objects 100 to be handled) and the conveyor 2 are preferably arranged so that, when the objects 100 pass from the machine conveyor 11 to the conveyor 2, they move substantially in a horizontal manner, i.e. by limiting the lifting movement (i.e. the upward movement against gravity) of the objects passing from the machine conveyor 11 to the conveyor 2.

[0076] The objects 100 can be supported on the machine conveyor 11 (e.g. provided with a machine endless belt 11a) only under the action of the gravity force. It is however possible that, such as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the conveyor 11 is configured to generate a machine holding force MF that draws the objects 100 against the machine conveyor 11. As an example, machine vacuum elements 13 may be provided.

[0077] The machine 10 is typically provided with devices 12 performing one or more operations on the objects 100. In preferred embodiments, the machine 10 is providing with a cutting device 12, that is used to obtain the objects 100 from a continuous layer 150 of material.

[0078] In particular, the cutting device 12 is typically movable in two different direction, so as to follow a closed path (i.e. it is movable along the perimeter of a bi-dimensional closed shape). Preferably, the cutting device 12 is movable along a substantially horizontal plane. As a result, the cutting device can repetitively cut the perimeter of the objects 100 within the continuous layer 150. The cutting device 12 is preferably a laser cutting device 12, i.e. a cutting device using laser to carry out a cut into the continuous layer 100.

[0079] After the cut (i.e. downstream the cut) the continuous layer 100 is thus divided into a plurality of objects 100, that are surrounded by a waste layer 151, i.e. the remaining part of the layer 150 that is outside the objects 100, as e.g. schematically shown in the detail of FIG. 1.

[0080] A waste collecting device 14 can be placed downstream the cutting device 12, to remove the waste layer 151 from the machine conveyor 11 (and thus also from the objects 100). As an example, the waste collecting device may comprise a bobbin around which the waste layer 151 is wound, not shown, or it can be collected in a container 151a as for example shown in FIG. 4.

[0081] It has to be noted that the waste collecting device 14, can be arranged downstream the cutting device 12 and could provide the deviation of the waste layer 151 from above (as for example schematically shown in FIG. 1, or from below as for example shown in FIG. 4), as a result, downstream the waste collecting device 14, only the objects 100 continue to be moved towards the conveyor 2 of the handling and collecting apparatus 1. More in detail, according to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in FIG. 4, the waste layer 151 is separated from the objects 100 at the end of the machine conveyor 11, so that the waste layer 151 is transported below the collecting area 5 of the objects, such as for example below the conveyor 5b of the collecting area 5, as for example shown in FIG. 4.

[0082] The handling apparatus 1 is preferably arranged so that, in plant view, the conveyor 2 and the machine conveyor 11 partially overlap. In other words, the handling apparatus 1 is preferably arranged so that there is at least one vertical plane P that, considering the operating condition, crosses both the conveyor 2 and the machine conveyor 11.

[0083] During use, the handling apparatus 1 receives objects 100 from a source.

[0084] As mentioned, the source is preferably a machine conveyor 11 of a machine 10. Different operations may be carried out on the objects 100 on the machine 10.

[0085] In possible embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a continuous layer 150 of material is fed to the machine 10, preferably the material is provided by a bobbin or reel (as for example shown in FIG. 4). A cutting device 12 (only schematically shown in FIG. 4) cuts the objects within the continuous layer 150. The waste layer 151 is then removed from objects 100 and from the machine conveyor 11, so that only the object 100 are moved forward on the machine conveyor 11.

[0086] The objects 100 then reach the conveyor 2 of the handling apparatus 1.

[0087] The holding force F keeps the objects 100 attached to the conveyor 2 while they are moved forward by the conveyor 2.

[0088] Typically, the holding force F is also used to separate the objects from the source (e.g. from the machine conveyor 11). During such an operation, the objects continue their horizontal movement. It is however possible that the objects 100 are also raised, i.e. they are moved in an upward direction towards the conveyor 2, typically by a minimum extent.

[0089] The conveyor 2 is placed on top the objects 100, i.e. the objects 100 are drawn against the conveyor 2, under the conveyor 2.

[0090] The objects 100 are then moved along the conveyor 2, until they reach a portion of the conveyor where the disengagement device is arranged to separate the objects 100 from the conveyor 2, causing the objects 100 to fall from the conveyor 2.

[0091] Typically, the disengagement device 4 comprise a movable element 4a that is alternatively moved between a first and a second position, so that in the second position the movable element cause the objects 100 to fall from the conveyor 2.

[0092] Once the objects 100 fall from the conveyor 2, they are collected, typically stacked one onto the other, in the collecting area 5, e.g. in a container 5a (as for example in the embodiment of FIG. 1) or on a further conveyor 5b (as for example shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4).