ES358567A1 - Fabric handling machines - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for feeding plies of fabric material from a stack to a receiving surface comprises a suction member carried on a support movable between pick-up and depositing positions and a stripper which is relatively movable with respect to the suction member for disengaging a ply therefrom at the receiving surface, both the suction member and the stripper being movable towards or away from the receiving surface at the depositing position. General arrangement, Fig. 1. An elevator 12 supports a pallet 32 on which stacks S 1 , S 2 are located, and is mounted on track 22 for vertical movement under the action of endless chain 26 and sprockets 28, 30, the sprocket 30 being positively driven. A carrier arm 14 provides support for a work head 16 comprising a carriage 46 which is reciprocable along an arm 44 under the action of double-acting fluid-pressure cylinder 42. The carriage 46 supports a plurality of separating devices 60, each connected to tubular members 58. In use, plies of fabric can be separated alternately from stacks S 1 , S 2 , and delivered to a single receiving station by the devices 68, or the plies can be separated in turn from a single stack and fed to two alternative locations. Fixed limit switches LS2, LS3 and adjustable limit switches LS4, LS5, control these functions, the switches being actuated by a flange 80 on the carriage 48, and switches LS3, LS4 and LS5 being equipped with shock absorbers 70, 76, 78. Separating means (Fig. 6).-Each separating device 60 comprises an outer cylinder 116, a hollow tubular member 128 and, interposed therebetween, a stripping element 132 the lower end of tubular member 128 supports ply-gripping means in the form of card cloth 146. The tubular member 128 and stripping element 132 are biased by springs 142, 144, movement being limited by pin 140 which co-operates with slotted openings 136, 138 in the movable elements. Suction is applied to tubular member 128 through horizontal tubular member 58, and air lines 112, 114 supply pressure to tubular member 128 and stripping element 132 for controlled movement against the bias of springs 142, 144. In operation, (a) tubular member 128 is extended and suction applied to grip a ply with the card cloth, Fig. 6 (b) the member 128 is retracted with the ply remaining thereon, (Fig. 7, not shown) (c) the carriage 46 travels to depositing position where the member 128 is again lowered (Fig. 8, not shown) (d) stripper member 132 is lowered to contact the ply (Fig. 9, not shown) (e) suction is cut off, and member 128 is retracted (Fig. 10, not shown), effectively stripping the ply therefrom (f) and member 132 is retracted, leaving the ply at the receiving station. Separation of single sheets is aided by vacuum means 64, Fig. 1, acting on the edge of a stack.