WO2022033645A1

WO2022033645A1 - Retaining assembly for footwear production conveyor system

Info

Publication number: WO2022033645A1
Application number: PCT/DK2021/050204
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas GØGSIG; Jacob BOSSEN
Original assignee: Ecco Sko A/S
Priority date: 2020-08-11
Filing date: 2021-06-23
Publication date: 2022-02-17

Abstract

A retaining assembly (2) for a footwear production conveyor system, the retaining assembly comprising a base (4) having a first side (8) having a last portion and a second side (6) configured to be connected to a vehicle of said footwear production conveyor system, a locking device configured to have a first position where a last is retained relative to the locking device, and a second position where said last is released relative to the locking device and/or vice versa, a passive opening mechanism configured to be positioned in a predefined region of the footwear production conveyor system where the opening mechanism is configured to interact with the locking device to manoeuvre the locking device from its first position to its second position, and/or vice versa, wherein the locking device comprises at least a first locking mechanism (26) having a first locking part (36) which is connected to the last portion of the base, and a second locking part (38) that is configured to interact with the opening mechanism.

Description

RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR FOOTWEAR PRODUCTION CONVEYOR SYSTEM

Field of the invention

[0001] A retaining assembly for a footwear production conveyor system, the retaining assembly comprising: a base having a first side having a last portion and a second side configured to be connected to a vehicle of said footwear production conveyor system, a locking device configured to have a first position where a payload is retained relative to the locking device. The invention further relates to a footwear production conveyor system.

Background of the invention

[0002] In footwear manufacturing processes, a number of attempts are made to try to automate the production and manufacturing processes for footwear-related items such as footwear, where the attempts are often made in order to increase the effectiveness of the footwear manufacturing processes, as well as to improve the quality of the product resulting from the footwear manufacturing process.

[0003] One of the things worked with is the introduction of robotics to do some of the tasks that traditionally have been performed by workers, especially in the situations where the production is labor intensive and causes fatigue in the workers.

[0004] An issue with prior art footwear production conveyor systems, is that these systems must handle processes and items involved in a footwear manufacturing process, preferably in a fast, cost-efficient, and/or reliable way.

[0005] When working with shoe production, for example in direct injection molding shoe production, the transport system has been envisioned to transport an upper from one position to another position, where the upper is attached to a footwear last, and where the footwear last is inserted into a shoe mould along with the upper to mould a sole assembly to the upper.

[0006] Typically, a last may be used in footwear production, for example to transport an upper and/or in direction injection processing. Typically, a conventional footwear last has a first end having a mounting bracket, which allows the last to be mounted in an injection moulding machine, where the second end (foot shape of the last) carries the upper. The length of an upper may vary from about 15 to 40 cm, and where the last may be attached to the conveyor system using the standard mounting bracket. This means that when the last is accelerated or decelerated by the a transport system, the last may tip off the transport system. A prior art solution to this is to have a locking bracket to fix the last to transport system, where an actuator positioned at an opening station grips the bracket to release the payload, where the actuator pulls the bracket from an closed position to an open position, and vice versa. Such an opening sequence requires a high degree of accuracy and synchronization of the transport system and the actuator and makes the process relatively vulnerable to failures. Thus, there is a need to improve the retaining assembly solutions for a footwear production conveyor systems.

Summary of the invention

[0007] In accordance with the invention a retaining assembly for a footwear production conveyor system is provided, the retaining assembly comprising: a base having a first side having a last portion and a second side configured to be connected to a vehicle of said footwear production conveyor system, a locking device configured to have a first position where a last is retained relative to the locking device, and a second position where said last is released relative to the locking device and/or vice versa, a passive opening mechanism configured to be positioned in a predefined region of the footwear production conveyor system where the opening mechanism is configured to interact with the locking device to manoeuvre the locking device from its first position to its second position, and/or vice versa, wherein the locking device comprises at least a first locking mechanism having a first locking part that is connected to the last portion of the base, and a second part that is configured to interact with the opening mechanism.

[0008] Within the understanding of the present disclosure, the moveable part of a conveyor system may be a vehicle, where the vehicle may be moved from one position to another position, e.g. to transport a payload or to prepare for the transport of a payload.

[0009] Within the understanding of the present disclosure the term “passive” may mean inactivity, no visible reaction, may be static, or have no active participation. I.e. a passive element may mean that the element does not make any significant movements in any direction, and where the rigidity and/or strength and/or stability of the passive element may be used to infer energy to another element, where the other element may be moveable.

[0010] The passive opening mechanism may be a static element, where the locking device may interact with the opening mechanism to move. Thus, the opening mechanisms and the locking device may be adapted to utilize the movement of the base along the conveyor system to apply opening energy to the locking device, and thereby allow the locking device to move from its first position to its second position, and vice versa.

[0011] The provision of the locking device allows the moveable part of the conveyor system, e.g. a vehicle, to move at high speed along the conveyor system, as the locking device ensures that the payload is attached to the payload portion of the base. Even under high accelerations and decelerations the locking device maintains the payload in its position and fixes the payload portion relative to the base. The vehicle may travel along the conveyor system at a speed which is up to 2 m/s, where the acceleration from standstill to full speed may be in a short distance, which may cause a large acceleration of the vehicle as well as the payload.

[0012] The first locking part of the locking mechanism may be utilized to fix the payload in its position relative to the base, when the second locking part interacts with the passive opening mechanism the interaction may cause a movement of the second locking part and/or the first locking part from its first position to its second position where the payload is not fixed to the vehicle, and may be maneuvered away from the base in one or more directions away from the base and/or the payload portion. [0013] The passive opening mechanism may be positioned in a predefined zone of the transport system, and/or the conveyor system, where the zone is defined as one part of the system where the locking device is intended to be in its second position, where the payload is to be released from the vehicle and/or the payload portion of the base. This zone may be an opening zone, where the payload may be removed by hand or by automatic devices, such as robots, so that the payload may be utilized in an area surrounding the opening zone. As an example, the opening zone may be in the area of a direct injection moulding machine, where the payload may be a last for an upper, and where the opening zone is arranged in a region where the last may be removed from the payload portion and loaded into a shoe manufacturing device, such as an injection molding device. Furthermore, the opening zone may be in an area where a payload is loaded onto the vehicle and/or the payload portion of the base portion, so that the payload may be transferred from one position to another position.

[0014] When the vehicle is transported along the conveyor system (transport system) and where the vehicle approaches the opening zone, the vehicle may be slowed down, in order to ensure that when the vehicle enters the opening zone, it is not necessary to decelerate at such a rate that the payload may tilt or fall off from the payload portion. When the vehicle enters the opening zone, the movement of the vehicle along the transport system may initiate the contact between the second locking part and the passive opening mechanism, where the dynamic force of the movement of the vehicle will be transferred to the passive force of the opening mechanism, causing the second end to transfer a force to the locking device, causing the locking device to transform from its first position where the locking device is in its closed position to its second position where the locking device is capable of releasing or receiving payloads to and from the payload portion.

[0015] Furthermore, when the vehicle and/or base are positioned in the opening zone, the locking device may be kept in its second position, where the payload portion may be accessed by external components, and where a payload may be loaded onto the payload portion or may be removed from the payload portion. [0016] When the predetermined operation has been performed in the opening zone, the vehicle and/or the base may be maneuvered and/or moved from the opening zone and onwards along the transport system. When the vehicle and/or base leaves the opening zone, the second part of the locking device may terminate any contact with the passive opening mechanism, causing the locking device to transform from its second position, where it is open, to its first position, where it is closed, and the vehicle may accelerate the vehicle, base and/or the payload to the predetermined transport velocity along the transport system. The transport system may move the vehicle, base and/or payload towards another opening zone, where the payload may be released and/or a payload may be applied to the vehicle and/or to the base. Thus, the kinetic force which is applied to the vehicle may be transferred to a passive and/or static element of the transport system to create an opening force of the locking device.

[0017] The areas of the transport system (conveyor system) which are between the opening zones, may be defined as closing zones, where the locking device is intended to be kept in its first position, i.e. its closed position, so that the payload does not release from the vehicle.

[0018] Thus, it may be possible to use the force that is applied via the transport system to the vehicle and/or the base to cause an opening and/or closing movement to the locking device, in order to simplify the operations of the transport system, and to reduce the need for synchronization of active opening the device along the transport system.

[0019] A conveyor system according to the invention may for example be a footwear production conveyor system, such as a shoe production conveyor system.

[0020] In some embodiments of the invention, the first side of the base may alternatively be a first horizontal side or a first vertical side. Similarly, the second side of the base may alternatively be a second horizontal side or a second vertical side. Such first and second sides may be opposite sides of the base.

[0021] A payload portion may be understood as a last portion. A last portion may for example be suitable for receiving a footwear last. [0022] A first locking part may also be understood as a first end of a locking mechanism and a second locking part may also be understood as a second end of a locking mechanism.

[0023] A passive opening mechanism may also be understood as an opening device.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment the opening mechanism may be a static mechanism. The static mechanism may be in the form of a rigid element which is arranged in the vicinity of the opening zone of the transport system, where kinetic energy of the vehicle when it is in motion may interact with the rigid element, causing the locking device to move from its first position to its second position, or vice versa. The rigid element may be in the form of a bracket, cantilever, strut or any type of element that may interact with the locking device.

[0025] In one embodiment the passive opening device may be arranged in a region which is a predefined distance prior to the opening zone (where the locking device is in its open position) or a predefined distance after the opening zone. The distances before and after the opening zone may be seen in the direction of travel of the vehicle and/or base and may be reversed, in case the vehicle and/or base travels in an opposite direction.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment the locking mechanism may comprise a pivotal connection between the base and the locking device. The locking mechanism may be adapted to pivot from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. The passive opening mechanism may be adapted to force the locking mechanism to pivot, due to kinetic energy applied via a movement of the moveable part (e.g. a vehicle) of a conveyor system, which interacts with a passive and/or stationary part of the conveyor system, such as the opening mechanism.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment the pivotal connection may be positioned between the first locking part and the second locking part of the locking mechanism. The pivotal connection may e.g. be in a region that is between the first locking part and the second locking part of the locking mechanism, where a force applied to the second locking part may cause the locking mechanism to pivot so that the first locking part is moved in a direction away from the payload portion of the base.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment the locking device may comprise a second locking mechanism, positioned on an opposing transverse side of the payload portion. This means that the locking device may comprise a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, where the locking mechanisms are capable of holding the payload in a fixed position relative to the vehicle and/or the base of the retaining assembly. The second locking mechanism may be seen as a mirrored part relative to the first locking mechanism, where the two locking mechanisms operate similarly on each side of the payload portion of the base plate.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment the locking device may comprise a biasing element, configured to bias the first locking mechanism into its first position. The biasing element may be configured to apply a constant force to the first locking mechanism (and/or the second locking mechanism), so that the first locking mechanism is biased into its closed position when the locking mechanism (and/or locking device) is not in contact with the opening device. The biasing element may have a biasing force that is less than the kinetic force that is applied to the locking device via the opening mechanism, so that a force is applied to the biasing mechanism, which may be released when the locking device is released from the opening mechanism.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment the pivotal connection may be positioned closer to the second locking part of the locking mechanism than the proximal end of the locking mechanism. The proximal end may for example be the proximal end of the first locking part. Thus, the second part of the locking mechanism may move less than the first part of the locking mechanism when the force is applied to the second part via the opening mechanism. Thus, the first part of the locking mechanism may be adapted to move a distance that is at a ratio that is larger than the second end. The movement ratio of the first part vs. the second part may be at least 1,5: 1 (where a movement of 1 cm of the first second part is translated into a movement of at least 1,5 cm), or more preferably at least 2:1. Such movement may for example be measured at a point furthest away, radially, from a pivotal connection.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment wherein the first locking mechanism has a second pivotal connection to the base, where the second pivotal connection may be optionally positioned on an opposing side of the base. Thus, the locking mechanism may be a U-shaped bracket, where the two ends of the first locking mechanisms may be pivotally connected to the base. The pivotal connection may be positioned along a common axis, where the common axis may be a pivotal axis of the first locking mechanism. The first part of the locking mechanism may be positioned on one side of the pivotal axis/pivotal connection, while the second part may be positioned on an opposing side of the pivotal axis/pivotal connection. The same may be stated about a second locking mechanism.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment the first locking part of the locking mechanism converges relative to the payload portion for closing or attachment of the payload in its first position and diverges in its second position relative to the payload portion for opening of the locking device. Thus, when the locking mechanism is in its closed position, the first part of the locking mechanism may be forced in a direction towards the payload portion of the base and/or vehicle in order to apply a force to a payload, when a payload is present. Thus, the first part may move into the payload region when it is in closed position and may move away from the payload portion when it is in its open position. This allows the locking mechanism to apply a force to a payload when the payload is present in the payload portion of the base and release the force to the payload when it is to be released from the payload portion.

[0033] In one exemplary embodiment the first and/or the second pivotal connection have a rotational axis that may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base. The pivotal connection may have a pivotal axis that is coaxial with the rotational axis, and where the pivotal axis extends in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base. Thus, when the locking mechanism pivots, the first end may move in a direction that is parallel to a transverse axis of the base, i.e. in a direction away from the payload portion of the base. [0034] In one exemplary embodiment the distal end of the second locking part of the first and/or second locking mechanism may comprise a friction reducing part. The friction reducing part may e.g. be in the form of a bearing, where the bearing is adapted to come into contact with the passive opening mechanism, in order to attempt to reduce the friction of the contact between the opening mechanism and the locking device, the vehicle and/or the retaining assembly. The bearing may be adapted to roll along a surface of the opening mechanism, allowing the locking mechanism to move relative to the opening mechanism and/or the base, to move from its first position to its second position and vice versa.

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment the opening mechanism may comprise an opening part positioned in the predefined region of the conveyor system, configured to interact with the locking mechanism. The opening part may be in the form of a bracket that is positioned in the opening zone of the conveyor system, where the bracket is stationary relative to the conveyor system, and where the vehicle may move relative to the conveyor system and/or the opening part. The opening part may provide a force to the moving part of the conveyor system, so that the kinetic force of the movement of the moving part may be transferred to the opening part, and where the opening part may come into contact with the second part of the locking mechanism, allowing the locking mechanism to transfer from its first position to its second position. When the moving part of the conveyor system leaves the opening zone, the opening moving part may move in a direction away from the opening part, causing the second part to release from the opening part, so that the force is released, allowing the locking device to transfer from its second position to its firs position.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment the opening part may comprise a first end and a second end, where a part of the opening part in the region between the first end and the second end may be configured to provide a counterforce to the locking mechanism. The first end of the opening part may face in a direction that is opposite to the direction of travel, so that when the moving part is moved in a direction towards the opening part, the opening part will intersect the moving part, and allow the moving part to transfer kinetic energy to the passive opening part. This may cause the locking mechanism to bias from its first (locked) position to its second (open position). The second end of the opening part may face the direction of travel, so that when the moving part of the conveyor system leaves the area where it is to be opened, the second end may release the locking device, causing it to bias back to its closed position.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment the opening part may comprise a first inclined portion and a second non-inclined portion, where the first inclined portion may be configured to provide counterforce to the locking mechanism to transform the locking mechanism from its first position to it second position, and/or where the non-inclined portion is configured to maintain the second position of the locking mechanism. The first inclined portion may be adapted to gradually open the locking device from its first position to its second position, so that that the kinetic force applied via the movement of the vehicle may gradually open the locking device along the inclined portion. The non-inclined portion of the opening part may be adapted to maintain the locking device in its open position, so that when the locking mechanism is in contact with the noninclined portion, it may keep the locking device in its open position.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment the opening mechanism may be configured to bias the locking mechanism in a direction that may be at an angle to the direction of travel of the moving part of the conveyor system. The moving part of the conveyor system may move along a movement axis, where the movement axis is parallel to e.g. the directions of rails of the conveyor system. When the locking mechanism meets the passive opening mechanism, the opening mechanism may force the locking mechanism in a direction that is at an angle to the movement axis. E.g. when the movement axis is in a horizontal direction, the opening mechanism may force the locking mechanism in a vertical direction, where the force causes the locking mechanism to move from its first position to its second position or vice versa.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment the retaining system may further comprise a mounting bracket, adapted to interact with the locking mechanism. The mounting bracket may e.g. be of a size that fits into the payload region of the base, and where the locking device (or locking mechanism) is adapted to grip the mounting bracket to hold it in its position when the locking device is in its first position. The mounting bracket may have a size that is smaller than the area of the locking device, when it is its open position, so that the locking device releases the mounting bracket when the locking device is in its second position. The mounting bracket may be a part of the payload and may e.g. be a part of a last assembly when the conveyor system is to be used for shoe production, using lasts to mount uppers.

[0040] An aspect of the invention relates to method for passively moving a locking device of a footwear production conveyor system between a first position and a second position, said method comprising the steps of: connecting a second side of a base to a vehicle of said footwear production conveyor system, wherein said base further has a first side having a last portion; retaining a last relative to said locking device in said first position, wherein the locking device comprises a first locking mechanism having a first locking part which is connected to the last portion of the base; and transporting said last by moving said vehicle to initiate contact between a passive opening mechanism and a second locking part of said first locking mechanism, causing the locking device to transfer from said first position to said second position where said last is released relatively to the locking device.

[0041] A method according to the invention may for example have advantages of a retainer assembly of the invention.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, said footwear production conveyor system comprises one or more opening zones where said locking device is kept in said second position.

[0043] By having multiple opening zones, a more flexible conveyor system is permitted, which is advantageous.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, said method further comprises a step of slowing down said vehicle as it approaches an opening zone of said one or more opening zones. [0045] By slowing down a vehicle, the risk of tilting the vehicle or dropping the last is reduced, which is advantageous. The vehicle may be slowed down independently of other vehicles of the footwear production conveyor system.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, said method further comprises a step of removing said last from said last portion and loading said last into a footwear manufacturing device, such as an injection molding device.

[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, said vehicle accelerates the last to a predetermined transport velocity when the vehicle leaves an opening zone of said one or more opening zones.

[0048] By accelerating the vehicle to a predetermined transport velocity, a last and/or vehicle may be efficiently and reliable transported to another part of the footwear production conveyor system. The vehicle may be accelerated independently of other vehicles of the footwear production conveyor system. In some embodiments of the invention, the predetermined transport velocity of a vehicle relies on whether a last is retained or not. The predetermined transport velocity may for example be larger without a last. This may improve efficiency.

[0049] In one exemplary embodiment, said footwear production conveyor system moves the vehicle and the payload towards another opening zone of the one or more opening zones after leaving an opening zone of the one or more opening zones.

[0050] An aspect of the invention relates to a footwear production conveyor system comprising: one or more vehicles; one or more bases, wherein each base of said one or more bases has a first side having a last portion and a second side, wherein each of said one or more bases is connected to a respective vehicle of said one or more vehicles; one or more locking devices, wherein each of said one or more locking devices is configured to have a first position where a last is retained and a second position where said last is released, wherein each of said one or more locking devices comprises at least a first locking mechanism having a first locking part connected to said last portion of a respective base of said one or more vehicles; and at least one passive opening mechanism positioned in a predefined region of said footwear production conveyor system and configured to interact with a second locking part of said locking device of each of said one or more locking devices to manoeuvre each respective locking device of said one or more locking devices from its first position to its second position.

[0051] A footwear production conveyor system according to the invention may for example have advantages of a retainer assembly of the invention, or of a method of the invention.

[0052] Within the context of the present invention the propulsion system of the footwear production conveyor system may be propelled by rotary or linear motors, or specifically in the form of a magnetic transportation system where the conveyor system may be provided with a plurality of electrical coils, where the electrical coils provide a magnetic propulsion to a magnet which is positioned on the vehicle. For example, a propulsion system of the conveyor system may have a plurality of electrical coils configured to provide magnetic propulsion. Thus, by controlling the electrical signals that are sent towards the coils, the coils can propel the vehicle by applying a magnetic force (field) in the vicinity of the vehicle, and where the electrical signal is transferred from one coil to another to push or pull the vehicle using the magnetic force. Such a system may e.g. be seen in WO 2015/042409.

[0053] W02015/042409 discloses a transport system comprising a guideway having a plurality of regions in which one or more vehicles are propelled, where each such vehicle includes a magnet disposed along each region are a plurality of propulsion coils, each comprising one or more turns that are disposed about a common axis, such that the respective common axes of the plurality of coils in that region are (i) substantially aligned with one another, and (ii) orthogonal to a direction in which the vehicles are to be propelled in that region.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, said footwear production conveyor system comprises at least one last, wherein each last of said at least one last is detachably connected to a respective vehicle of said one or more vehicles. [0055] In one exemplary embodiment, said at least one passive opening mechanism, one or more bases of said one or more bases, and one or more locking devices of said one or more locking devices forms a retaining assembly as disclosed herein.

[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, said footwear production conveyor system is configured to carry out the method as disclosed herein.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, said footwear production conveyor system is configured to carry out any combination of method steps as disclosed herein.

[0058] These method steps may for example be retaining a last, transporting said last, slowing down a vehicle, removing a last, or any combination thereof. Thus, in this context, a combination of method steps may also be a single method step.

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, said footwear production conveyor system comprises a guideway having a plurality of regions in which said one or more vehicles are propelled.

[0060] In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of propulsion coils are disposed along each region.

[0061] In one exemplary embodiment, each vehicle of said one or more vehicles comprises a magnet.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, each propulsion coil of said plurality of propulsion coils comprises one or more turns about a common axis, such that the respective common axes of the plurality of propulsion coils in a region of said plurality of regions are substantially aligned with one another and orthogonal to a direction in which said one or more vehicles are to be propelled in that region.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, each vehicle of said one or more vehicles is accelerated and/or controlled independently from other vehicles of said one or more vehicles. The drawings

[0064] The following is an explanation of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which

Fig. l is a perspective view of a part of a retaining assembly, Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a part of a retaining assembly,

Fig. 3a is a perspective view of an exemplary opening mechanism,

Fig. 3b is a side view of an exemplary opening mechanism,

Fig. 4a is a perspective view of an exemplary opening mechanism,

Fig. 4b is a side view of an exemplary opening mechanism, Fig. 5 is a side view of a part of an exemplary footwear production conveyor system, and

Fig. 6 is a top view of an exemplary footwear production conveyor system.

Detailed description

[0065] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a perspective view and an exploded view of the same part of a retaining assembly 2, where the same reference numbers are used for both Figs. The retaining assembly comprises a base 4, having a first side 8 being adapted to receive a footwear last (not shown) to transport along a conveyor system, and an opposing second side 6 which is adapted to be attached to a moving part of a conveyor system . The base 4 has a longitudinal axis A extending along the length of the base plate 4 and a transverse axis B extending along the width of the base plate 4.

[0066] The base 4 comprises a first end 10 and a second end 12 at the longitudinal ends of the base plate 4, where the first end 10 and the second end 12 may be at an angle from a central area 14 of the base plate 4, preferably at a right angle to the plane of the central area 14. The first side 6 of the base plate 4 is adapted to be connected to a moving part of a conveyor system, where this may be done using one or more spacers 16, 18 which may separate the base plate from the vehicle (not shown). The spacers 16, 18 are optional, and the base plate 4 may be attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle.

[0067] The central area 14 of the base plate 4 may be adapted to receive a payload (not shown) where the payload may be transported along the conveyor system. The central area 14 may be surrounded by an adjustment plate 20, where the adjustment plate may be adapted to receive a payload of a certain size, and where the adjustment plate has an opening 22 which has an inner circumference 24 that may be equal or larger than an outer circumference of the payload to be received. The adjustment plate may be attached to the second side 8 of the base plate 4.

[0068] The retaining assembly may comprise a first locking mechanism 26 and a second locking mechanism 28, where the locking mechanisms 26, 28 are attached via a first pivotal connection 30 to the first end 10 and a second pivotal connection 32 to the second end 12 of the base plate. The pivotal connection may be achieved via a bolt 34, which allow the first end 36 of the locking mechanism to pivot in the direction C shown in Fig. 1, while the second end 38 is configured to pivot in the opposite direction to the first end. The first end 36 of the locking mechanism 26, 28 is configured to pivot from a closed position (as shown in Fig. 1) into an open position, where the first end 36 is pivoted in a direction C away from the central area 14 of the plate. Thus, when the first end 36 is in its closed position it may grip the sides of a mounting bracket (not shown) which may hold the payload and fix the payload relative to the base plate 4. When the first end pivots away from the central area 14, the mounting bracket (or the payload) may be released allowing the payload to move relative to the base plate 4.

[0069] The first locking mechanism 26 and the second locking mechanism 28 may be biased into its closed position (shown in Fig. 1) where a biasing element 40, such as a tension spring, may apply a closing force to the locking mechanism 26, 28. In order to open the locking mechanism 26, 28 and pivot them in an outwards direction C, a force that is larger than the biasing force has to be applied to the locking mechanism 26, 28. The central part 14 of the plate may comprise a pin (not shown) in the mounting openings 44, where the pin may be used to line up a mating opening on the payload, to centre the payload into the opening 22 of the adjustment plate 20.

[0070] The base plate and the remaining parts may be bolted together or formed in their final shape using CNC and/or bending machines, to obtain the shape of the elements in accordance with the present invention.

[0071] The second end 38 of the locking mechanism 26, 28, may be adapted to interact with an opening mechanism, as seen in Fig. 3 and/or Fig. 4, where the second end 28 may be pushed upwards in a vertical direction D using a static and/or passive opening mechanism, which uses the movement of the retaining assembly 2 in the direction B to press the second end in the direction D. The second end 38 of the locking mechanism may be provided with a friction reducing element 42, which may roll along the upper surface 52 of the opening device 50, raising the second end 38 in the direction D along the first inclination surface 54 and/or lowers the second end 38 along the second inclination surface 56, as seen in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. When the second end 38 is in contact with the non-inclined surface 58, the locking device is maintained in its open position. [0072] The opening device shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 may be fixed relative to the conveyors system, and not relative to the moving part of the conveyor system, so that the opening device 50 may provide a counter force to the retaining device 2 to open and close the locking mechanism 26, 28.

[0073] The length and the angle of the inclined surfaces 54, 56 of the opening device 50 controls how quickly the retaining device is transformed from its open position to its closed position. Furthermore, the length of the non-inclined surface defines the distance along the opening zone where the locking device is open. Thus, the device shown in Fig. 3 maintains the retaining device in its open position for a shorter distance than the device 50 shown in Fig. 4, as the length of the non-inclined surface is longer in the device of Fig. 4 than in Fig. 3.

[0074] The second end 38 of the locking mechanism may be at an angle, where the angle is relative to the pivot point towards the second end, to the direction of application of force D, so that the upwards force in direction D may pivot the second end 38 in direction C. If the second end was at an angle that was close to parallel to direction D, the force would have to come from a direction closer to the direction of axis B, to force the second end to pivot.

[0075] Fig. 5 is a side view of a part of an exemplary footwear production conveyor system 62. The conveyor system comprises vehicles 64 propelled by propulsion coils 68 interacting with magnets 63 of the vehicles 64. Thus, by controlling the propulsion coils 68, the vehicles 64 can be controlled and accelerated independently. The vehicles 64 are able to travel in a either way of a propulsion direction 69 defined at least partly by the propulsion coils and a physical guideway 66. The vehicles 64 travel at least partly on or within the guideway 66. The vehicles may for example have wheels or other load bearing elements configured to engage with one or more rails of the guideway 66. The axis of each of the illustrated propulsion coils 68 is substantially orthogonal to the propulsion direction 69.

[0076] Each vehicle 64 is connected, via a base 4, to a locking device with a first locking mechanism 26. The vehicle 64 to the left-hand side has its locking device in a first position where a footwear last 61 is retained to the locking device. For the vehicle 64 on the right-hand side of the illustration, the second end of the locking mechanism 38 interacts with an opening device 50, which is located in a predefined region (e.g. an opening zone 65) of the footwear production conveyor system 62. This interaction has maneuvered the locking device from its first position to its second position, where any footwear last may be released. In this specific illustration, no footwear least is retained to the locking device of the right-hand side vehicle 64.

[0077] Fig. 6 is a top view of an exemplary footwear production conveyor system 62, which has a guideway 66 having a plurality of regions 67. Namely, three regions 67 (illustrated vertically) with opening zones 65, and two regions 67 (illustrated horizontally) without opening zones 65. Two of the regions 67 have neighboring footwear manufacturing devices 70,71 in the form of a lasting station 70 and an injection molding device 71.

[0078] A plurality of vehicles 64 are propelled around the guideways, optionally independently from each other.

[0079] Several opening devices 50 are positioned in predefined regions of the footwear production conveyor system 62. In this specific embodiment, various opening devices 50 are located to a left-hand side of a region of a region 67, to a righthand side of a region of a region 67, and to both the left-hand side and the right-hand side of a region 67. The first locking mechanism 26 of each vehicle can interact with an opening device to either side of the region, and thus only having opening devices to on side is sufficient, despite the vehicle being able to change its orientation by travelling via certain regions.

[0080] The opening devices 50 defined opening zones, in which a footwear last otherwise retained to a vehicle 64 is released. In the illustration, a vehicle is located at an opening zone 65 next to a lasting station 70. Another vehicle is entering an opening zone 65 next to an injection molding device 71. [0081] A footwear manufacturing device 70,71 may also located away from opening zone 65. It may thus, for example perform work on a footwear assembly on a footwear last, while it is attached to a vehicle 64.

[0082] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0083] The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order, but are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering.

[0084] Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0085] It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0086] It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. [0087] It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0088] Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0089] List of references

2 Retaining assembly

4 Base

6 Second side of base

8 First side of base

10 First end of base

12 Second end of base

14 Central area of base plate

16 Spacer

18 Spacer

20 Adjustment plate

22 Opening

24 Inner circumference

26 First locking mechanism

28 Second Locking mechanism

30 First pivotal connection

32 Second pivotal connection

34 Bolts

36 First end of locking mechanism

38 Second end of locking mechanism

40 Biasing element

42 Friction reducing element

44 Mounting opening

46

48

50 Opening device

52 Upper surface

54 First inclination surface

56 Second inclination surface

58 Non-inclined surface.

60 61 Footwear last

62 Footwear production conveyor system

63 Magnet

64 Vehicle 65 Opening zone

66 Guideway

67 Region

68 Propulsion coil

69 Propulsion directions 70 Lasting station

71 Injection molding device

Claims

24 Claims

1. A retaining assembly for a footwear production conveyor system, the retaining assembly comprising: a base having a first side having a last portion and a second side configured to be connected to a vehicle of said footwear production conveyor system, a locking device configured to have a first position where a last is retained relative to the locking device, and a second position where said last is released relative to the locking device and/or vice versa, a passive opening mechanism configured to be positioned in a predefined region of the footwear production conveyor system where the opening mechanism is configured to interact with the locking device to manoeuvre the locking device from its first position to its second position, and/or vice versa, wherein the locking device comprises at least a first locking mechanism having a first locking part which is connected to the last portion of the base, and a second locking part that is configured to interact with the opening mechanism.

2. A retaining assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the locking device comprises a second locking mechanism, positioned on an opposing transverse side of the payload portion.

3. A retaining assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device comprises a biasing element, configured to bias the first locking mechanism into its first position.

4. A retaining assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pivotal connection between the base and the locking device.

5. A retaining assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein the pivotal connection is positioned between the first locking part and the second locking part of the locking mechanism.

6. A retaining assembly in accordance with claim 4 or 5, wherein the pivotal connection is positioned closer to the second locking part of the locking mechanism than the proximal end of the locking mechanism.

7. A retaining assembly in accordance with any of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the first locking mechanism has a second pivotal connection to the base, where the second pivotal connection is optionally positioned on an opposing side of the base.

8. A retaining assembly in accordance with any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first and/or the second pivotal connection have a rotational axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base.

9. A retaining assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking part of the locking mechanism converges relative to the attached payload portion in its first position, and diverges in its second position relative to the payload portion for opening of the locking device.

10. A retaining assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end of the second locking part of the first and/or second locking mechanism comprises a friction reducing part.

11. A retaining assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening mechanism comprises an opening part positioned in the predefined region of the conveyor system, configured to interact with the locking mechanism.

12. A retaining assembly in accordance with claim 11, wherein the opening part comprises a first end and a second end, where a part of the opening part in the region between the first end and the second end is configured to provide a counterforce to the locking mechanism.

13. A retaining assembly in accordance with any one of claims 11-12, wherein the opening part comprises a first inclined portion and a second non-inclined portion, where the first inclined portion is configured to provide counterforce to the locking mechanism to transform the locking mechanism from its first position to its second position, and/or where the non-inclined portion is configured to maintain the second position of the locking mechanism.

14. A retaining assembly in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening mechanism is configured to bias the locking mechanism in a direction that may be at an angle to the direction of travel.

15. A retaining system, comprising a retaining assembly in accordance with claims 1- 14, where the retaining system further comprises a mounting bracket, adapted to interact with the locking mechanism.

16. A method for passively moving a locking device of a footwear production conveyor system between a first position and a second position, said method comprising the steps of: connecting a second side of a base to a vehicle of said footwear production conveyor system, wherein said base further has a first side having a last portion; retaining a last relative to said locking device in said first position, wherein the locking device comprises a first locking mechanism having a first locking part which is connected to the last portion of the base; and transporting said last by moving said vehicle to initiate contact between a passive opening mechanism and a second locking part of said first locking mechanism, causing the locking device to transfer from said first position to said second position where said last is released relatively to the locking device.

17. A method in accordance with claim 16, wherein said footwear production conveyor system comprises one or more opening zones where said locking device is kept in said second position. 27

18. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein said method further comprises a step of slowing down said vehicle as it approaches an opening zone of said one or more opening zones.

19. A method in accordance with claim 17 or 18, wherein said vehicle accelerates the last to a predetermined transport velocity when the vehicle leaves an opening zone of said one or more opening zones.

20. A method in accordance with any of claims 17 to 19, wherein said footwear production conveyor system moves the vehicle and the payload towards another opening zone of the one or more opening zones after leaving an opening zone of the one or more opening zones.

21. A method in accordance with any of claims 16 to 19, wherein said method further comprises a step of removing said last from said last portion and loading said last into a footwear manufacturing device, such as an injection molding device.

22. A footwear production conveyor system comprising: one or more vehicles; one or more bases, wherein each base of said one or more bases has a first side having a last portion and a second side, wherein each of said one or more bases is connected to a respective vehicle of said one or more vehicles; one or more locking devices, wherein each of said one or more locking devices is configured to have a first position where a last is retained and a second position where said last is released, wherein each of said one or more locking devices comprises at least a first locking mechanism having a first locking part connected to said last portion of a respective base of said one or more vehicles; and at least one passive opening mechanism positioned in a predefined region of said footwear production conveyor system and configured to interact with a second locking part of said locking device of each of said one or more locking devices 28 to manoeuvre each respective locking device of said one or more locking devices from its first position to its second position.

23. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with claim 22, wherein said footwear production conveyor system comprises at least one last, wherein each last of said at least one last is detachably connected to a respective vehicle of said one or more vehicles.

24. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with claim 22 or 23, wherein said at least one passive opening mechanism, one or more bases of said one or more bases, and one or more locking devices of said one or more locking devices forms a retaining assembly according to any of claims 1-15.

25. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with any of claims 22 to 24, wherein said footwear production conveyor system is configured to carry out the method according to any of claims 16-21.

26. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with any of claims 22 to 24, wherein said footwear production conveyor system is configured to carry out any combination of method steps of claims 16-21.

27. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with any of claims 22 to

26, wherein each vehicle of said one or more vehicles comprises a magnet.

28. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with any of claims 22 to

27, wherein said footwear production conveyor system comprises a guideway having a plurality of regions in which said one or more vehicles are propelled.

29. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with claim 28, wherein a plurality of propulsion coils is disposed along each region.

30. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with claim 29, wherein each propulsion coil of said plurality of propulsion coils comprises one or more turns about a common axis, such that the respective common axes of the plurality of propulsion coils in a region of said plurality of regions are substantially aligned with one another 29 and orthogonal to a direction in which said one or more vehicles are to be propelled in that region.

31. A footwear production conveyor system in accordance with any of claims 22 to

30, wherein each vehicle of said one or more vehicles is accelerated and/or controlled independently from other vehicles of said one or more vehicles.