WO2022079646A1 - Unwrinkling and stacking system for textile materials - Google Patents

Unwrinkling and stacking system for textile materials Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022079646A1
WO2022079646A1 PCT/IB2021/059427 IB2021059427W WO2022079646A1 WO 2022079646 A1 WO2022079646 A1 WO 2022079646A1 IB 2021059427 W IB2021059427 W IB 2021059427W WO 2022079646 A1 WO2022079646 A1 WO 2022079646A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
garment
stacking
garments
module
curtains
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2021/059427
Other languages
French (fr)
Original Assignee
Autonomy Techlab, Sa Cv
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Autonomy Techlab, Sa Cv filed Critical Autonomy Techlab, Sa Cv
Publication of WO2022079646A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022079646A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/02—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles
    • B65H29/10—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being reciprocated in rectilinear paths
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41H—APPLIANCES OR METHODS FOR MAKING CLOTHES, e.g. FOR DRESS-MAKING OR FOR TAILORING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A41H43/00—Other methods, machines or appliances
    • A41H43/02—Handling garment parts or blanks, e.g. feeding, piling, separating or reversing
    • A41H43/0207—Stacking
    • A41H43/0214—Stacking laying flat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/26—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by dropping the articles
    • B65H29/34—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by dropping the articles from supports slid from under the articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/08—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another
    • B65H31/10—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another and applied at the top of the pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/30—Arrangements for removing completed piles
    • B65H31/3054—Arrangements for removing completed piles by moving the surface supporting the lowermost article of the pile, e.g. by using belts or rollers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/17—Nature of material
    • B65H2701/174—Textile, fibre

Definitions

  • the present invention belongs to the industrial machinery and automation of industrial production processes sectors.
  • the object of the invention is, by means of mechanisms and tools of numerical control, to perform tasks within the textile production industry, as well as to automate processes that are currently performed in a manual way by human operators.
  • the main background of this kind of machinery, used to manipulate textile materials is the QLA cutter-stacker developed by Parker®.
  • the aforementioned machine is fed with fabric supplied in rolls.
  • the fabric is then straightened, smoothed and then its ready to be cut.
  • a mobile device holds the end of the fabric and moves to a desired position according to the longitudinal dimensions required.
  • a saw cuts the fabric straight across the direction of displacement of the fabric and then, the mobile device releases the section of the fabric cut over a stack.
  • the table on which the stack is placed moves downward to compensate for the thickness of the fabric that has been cut and stacked.
  • This table has a conveyor belt that allows dispatching the batches from one side of the machine for an operator to receive.
  • the QLA cutter-stacker has drawbacks.
  • the fabric must be supplied in a controlled manner in form of a constant roll supply. This means that it cannot stack or accommodate previously cut, folded or wrinkled garments.
  • a first object of the invention is to provide a device for stacking of textile garments, where one garment is stacked on top of another.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a device for unwrinkling and stacking of garments.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a device for unwrinkling and stacking of irregularly shaped garments.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a device for unwrinkling and stacking garments of irregular shapes that can be stacked in different directions or orientations.
  • a device for stacking and unwrinkling comprising: (a) a longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 of garment having a front edge, a rear edge and side edges, which includes (a1 ) a mobile device 201 , which moves in the garment feed direction, and includes at least one garment gripper 213 of the front edge of the garment, and (a2) a bar fastening 105 that opposes the longitudinal displacement of the garment; (b) a transverse unwrinkling and stacking module 400, comprising: (b1 ) a pair of curtains of a flexible material, moving from the center to the sides in the direction transverse to the entry of the garment, each of said curtains having a rear end, attached to a winding roller 415 and a front end joined to a holding bar 403 that holds the curtains, and (b2) a central holding bar 302, which opposes to the transverse motion of the garment created by the curtains 401 , the curtains provided of an downward-upward motion which exerts pressure along
  • Figure 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 shows the garment Entry Module 100.
  • Figure 3 shows the Longitudinal Unwrinkling Module 200.
  • Figure 4 shows the Garment Holding and Stacking Module 300.
  • Figure 5 shows the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Module 400.
  • Figures 6A and 6B show gear and pulley system for the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Module 400.
  • Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show shows the Garment Holding and Stacking Module 300 and the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400.
  • Figures 8 shows the Garment Batching Module 500.
  • Figures 9A and 9B show the Uploading Module 600.
  • the proposed invention is a system that unwrinkles and stacks textile garments.
  • the device is able to process simple cuts or pieces of fabric from variable shapes (garments panels), or sewn t-shirts, sweatshirts or hoodies among others (sewn shirts). Both garment panels and sewn shirts are hereinafter referred as garments.
  • the machine of the present invention carries out two sub-processes: (a) longitudinal unwrinkling - allocation of the garment and (b) transverse unwrinkling - releasing of the garment.
  • the initial longitudinal unwrinkling - allocation sub-process consists of placing the garments in their stacking position and in substantially eliminating folds and wrinkles from garments along its length or longitudinal direction of the garment; while the following transverse unwrinkling -releasing process consists of eliminating the wrinkles of the garments in the transverse direction (or across the garment, in the width direction), and allows garments to lay on top of each other without rubbing against each other, since this causes wrinkles.
  • the machine is able to automatically release the stack of garments by means of a conveyor belt integrated into the stacking table.
  • the invention is a set of mechanical elements that, with adequate synchronization and adequately designed movement parameters, allows garments to be received, unwrinkled, stacked up and turned into unwrinkled stacks of garments.
  • the machine according to the present invention comprises
  • a Garment Entry Module 100 It is an assembly that allows taking garments from a conveyor belt and feed them into the garment unwrinkling system.
  • a Longitudinal Unwrinkling Module 200 It is an assembly that allows inputting the garments from the entry module, it places them in the correct position and unwrinkles them longitudinally.
  • a Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Module 400 It is the set of elements that allows garments to be unwrinkled across the garment width by means of a pair of curtains.
  • a Garment Batching Module 500 It is the set of elements by which the stacked pile of garments is deposited on a surface.
  • An output module 600 It is the set of elements that outputs the stack of garments from the machine.
  • the garments get into the machine by means of a garment entry module 100 selected from conveyor belt, a motorized roller bed, a sliding surface, by mean of a manual operator or by a metal ramp which introduces the front edge of the garment into the gripping area of the apparatus of the present invention. So that, the front edge of the garment enters into the machine first, and then the rear edge of the garment.
  • a garment entry module 100 selected from conveyor belt, a motorized roller bed, a sliding surface, by mean of a manual operator or by a metal ramp which introduces the front edge of the garment into the gripping area of the apparatus of the present invention. So that, the front edge of the garment enters into the machine first, and then the rear edge of the garment.
  • the garment entry module 100 is shown in Figure 2; it comprises a garment entry ramp 101 , which leads the garments to be stacked inside de device.
  • the garments come, for example, from a conveyor dryer.
  • the garment input module 100 further comprises one or more auxiliary rollers 102, driven by a motor 1 10 and a transmission belt 103 that transmits the movement of the motor to the rollers 102.
  • Said rollers assist the entry of the garments into the machine of the invention.
  • Said rollers are arranged at the exit of the ramp 101 and optionally, in an intermediate portion of the ramp 101. In an embodiment of the invention, there are arranged two rollers. The thrust exerted by the gravity from the slope of the ramp 101 , the push of the conveyor belt, and the rollers 102 make the garments enter the machine at a controlled speed.
  • Both the ramp 101 and the set of rollers and motor are fixed to a ramp and roller support 108, which is intended to keep the different devices of the garment input system in position.
  • the garment entry module 100 comprises adjustment wheels 109, attached to the ramp 101 to be placed on the conveyor belt or roller of the belt that supplies the garments to the machine of the invention.
  • Adjustment wheels 109 keep the ramp at a suitable distance from the conveyor belt of the previous manufacturing stage (usually a conveyor dryer) and creates a transition between a conveyor dryer roller and the ramp that supplies the garments.
  • Such adjustment wheels 109 are positioned to provide robustness to the system against imperfections that the conveyor belt of the previous manufacturing stage may have, as well as to avoid collisions or that such imperfections make the garments jam or fall in the space between said conveyor belt and the ramp 101.
  • a metallic toothed plate having spaced teeth.
  • Said metallic toothed plate is intended to improve the gripping of the garment by the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200.
  • the toothed plate of the garment input module 100 is matched with a respective toothed plate in turn mounted on the mobile device 201 of the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200.
  • Both toothed plates fit with one another so that upon entering the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 the edge of the garment lies on both toothed surfaces favoring the transfer of the garment from the input module 100 to the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200.
  • the garment input module 100 also comprises a photoelectric sensor 107, which is aimed to detect the presence of an entering garment as well as to send a signal to the control system to execute the unwrinkling and stacking routine.
  • a bounce photoelectric sensor is preferred because it is able to detect a wide variety of garments in terms of size, shape, color, composition and texture.
  • additional photoelectric sensors not shown on the conveyor belt that feed the garments. This helps in preventing errors, in garment counting and quality control.
  • bar 105 provides the slowing down of the passage of the garment.
  • Said bar 105 is arranged on a garment input module support 1 15 and is actuated by a pneumatic piston 104, arranged on said support 1 15.
  • the piston 104 raises and lowers the bar 105 to limit the movement of the garments when the process of longitudinal straight.
  • the object of bar 105 is to fictionally limit the movement of the garment that is pulled by the mobile 201 of the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200.
  • the bar 105 may include a non-slip material, such as rubber or silicone strip to increase the stoppage of the garment and better perform the straightening of the garment.
  • linear guides 106 are provided for bar 105 to assist the movement and restrict it to a single degree of freedom. That is, go up and down vertically.
  • guides are optionally arranged on the ramp 101 so that the garments enter the longitudinal straightening module 200 in a centered manner.
  • the present invention comprises a module for longitudinal unwrinkling 200 of the garments, which aims to fix wrinkles and unroll in the longitudinal axis.
  • the longitudinal unwrinkling module is illustrated in Figure 3.
  • the garment entered into the garment input module 100 is then gripped by a mobile 201 .
  • the toothed end of the ramp 101 fits into the toothed end of the gripper 213 of the mobile 201 , and this allows the garment to run smoothly from one module to the next.
  • the mobile 201 with the gripper 213, grips the lead end of the garment and runs along the longitudinal axis to move and place the garment in a stacking position.
  • the mobile 201 of the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 includes a structured body 202 that runs on two side rails in the longitudinal direction, that is, back and forth in the direction that the garment is supplied.
  • the movement of the mobile 201 is achieved by means of a timing belt 207, which is connected to the mobile 201 by means of a component of fastening 210, fixed to the structured body 202 of the mobile 201.
  • the belt 207 is attached to two pulleys 206, as well as a tensioner pulley 205 keep the timing belt 207 rigid.
  • a motor 203 controls the pulley 206 and moves the timing belt, which moves the mobile 201 backwards and forward.
  • the motor 203 controls the motion of the mobile 201 and bringing it to the initial position to grip the garments with the gripper 213 and take them to the suitable position for stacking.
  • Longitudinal straightening module 200 includes a support structure 204 for assembling the motor and pulleys in a fixed position.
  • the structured body 202 includes a mounting bar 208 to hold in place the gripper 213.
  • Longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 includes one or more gripper 213, preferably two grippers, one adjacent to the other, for example, right and left grippers.
  • the grippers 213 perform simultaneous pressure on the front end of the garment, in order to hold the garment coming from the garment input system 100, as the mobile moves the garment is unwrinkled, and deposited on the curtains 401 of the transverse unwrinkling Module 400. Which in turn places the garments in a stacking position.
  • the gripper 213 is actuated by pistons 209, which provide the movement required by the gripper to hold the garments to the mobile 201 , so that when the mobile 201 moves, it drags the garment with it carrying out the longitudinal unwrinkling process.
  • the gripper 213 include linear guides 212, which limit the movement to a single axis.
  • the structured body 202 includes a bridge 21 1 for the assembly of the Garment Holding and Stacking Module 300, which allows free passage of the mobile 201 while it moves in both directions over a central holding rod 302, during the longitudinal unwrinkling of the garment.
  • the Longitudinal Unwrinkling Module 200 further comprises a limit switch sensor 214, associated with a controller to act on the motor 203 to locate the reference position of the mobile 201 within the workspace. Once the axis is referenced, the controller is in charge of moving the mobile 201 to the required position with precision.
  • the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 is intended to carry out transverse unwrinkling of the garment from the center toward the respective side ends of the garment, in the transverse or wide direction of the garment, to unwrinkle on the transverse axis while simultaneously deposit the garment on a stacking interface.
  • Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 is shown in Figures 4-8.
  • the grippers 213 release the garment 001 , which now lies unwrinkled in the longitudinal direction, over the curtains 401 in closed position.
  • the curtains 401 are two segments of a flexible material, such as canvas, cloth, or other material, that retract from the center towards the sides of the machine of the invention, similar than curtains, in the direction transverse to the direction of entry of the garment.
  • Each of the curtains 401 is attached to the winding rollers 415 on one end, and to a mobile rod 403 on the other end.
  • the curtains 401 are driven by a motor 408 associated with a set 41 1 of gears and pulleys, to transmit controlled movement to a pair of timing belts 412, for the simultaneous and opposing movement of both curtains 401.
  • the components of the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 are arranged on a support 410
  • the movement of the curtains 401 comprises two motions. Firstly, the curtains 401 are pulled towards the center of the machine by the mobile rods 403 attached to the front ends of the curtains 401. In this moment, the curtains are extended or closed. Secondly, the curtains 401 are pulled and rolled up on the winding rollers 415 arranged on the sides of the machine. When this happens, the curtains are rolled up or displayed (un rolled). Said processes are carried out in a synchronized manner so that the curtains are always tense and create a flat surface while they are extended during the longitudinal unwrinkling.
  • the respective mobile rods 403 of each curtain are attached to respective ball bearing slide blocks 402 that runs on respective linear guides 405.
  • Said ball bearing slide blocks 402 are firmly joined to a drive belt 414 that cause the ball bearing slide blocks 402 displace on the linear guides 405.
  • the linear guides 405 limit the movement of the rods 403, so that the curtains can only move towards the center or towards the sides of the machine.
  • the drive belts 414 are disposed adjacent to curtain 401 , and are transverse to curtain winding rollers 415.
  • the motor 408 transmits torque to a shaft 413 through the timing belt 412.
  • the movement of the drive belt 414 pulls the assembly mobiles rods 403 and curtains 401 attached.
  • the movement of the belt is used to get close and get away both curtains simultaneously and thus open and close.
  • the rod 403 of the right curtain is attached to the upper segment of drive belt 414 and next to the right side of drive belt 414, while the remaining rod 403 of the second curtain is attached to the lower segment of drive belt 414 and next to the left of the drive belt 414.
  • Drive belts 414 are in a loop form having a lower segment, a first pulley segment, an upper segment, and a second pulley segment. In this way, when the drive belt 414 rotates clockwise, the upper portion moves to the right, while the lower portion moves to the left.
  • curtain winding rollers 415 With a shaft also associated with the motor 408 by means of the pulleys 426.
  • Said winding rollers 415 consist of a tube having a surface on which the rear end of the curtain is attached and where the curtains are rolled up when the motor transmits power to said rollers 415.
  • the garment When the curtains open, the garment is unwrinkled transversally and then falls into place over the previously stacked garments.
  • Said curtains also work as interface between the stacked garments and the constant feed of single garments. It prevents the wrinkles that would form from the drag created from the feed of single garments on the stacked ones when the mobile 201 transports the fed single garment to the suitable stacking position.
  • FIG. 6A and 6B show respectively the operation in the first instance and second instance of operation that is, closing and opening of the curtains.
  • the motor 408 generates a torque that is used to open and close both curtains, this is to say, get them close or get them away, which are also required to be synchronized.
  • Motor 408 is associated with a gear and pulley assembly 41 1.
  • motor 408 has a shaft 421 having a first pulley 424 at its end.
  • the same shaft 421 has a first gear 422, which is coupled to a second gear 423, said second gear 423 attached to another shaft having a second pulley 425 attached.
  • Pulleys 424 and 425 are in turn connected to respective timing belts 412, so they transmit the torque to drive pulley of shaft 413 and pulley of shaft 432 associated to the rollers 415. That is, said pulleys are arranged in a parallel arrangement, one at one end and the other at an intermediate position of the drive belt. Moreover, an additional tensioning pulley 409 is arranged to ensure torque transmission to the intermediate pulley
  • Ratchets 407 are respectively placed on the transmission shaft 413 and on the roller’s shafts 432.
  • a ratchet 407 is a device that transmits torque only in one direction of rotation.
  • the ratchets are arranged so that the motor 408 moves either the shaft 413 when rotating in one direction, or moves the shafts 432 when rotating in the other.
  • the motor 408 moves either the shaft 413 when rotating in one direction, or moves the shafts 432 when rotating in the other.
  • ratchets there are three ratchets, two associated with each of the winding roller shafts and the other with the shaft 413 which controls the motion of the curtains 401 single drive shaft that transmits torque to the single drive belt 414 and pulley assembly, which allows the first instance or closing of the curtains.
  • a limit switch sensor 406 is provided to assist the controller to locate the reference position of the end of the curtains within the workspace. Once the axis is referenced, the controller is in charge of moving the end of the curtains 401 to the precisely required position.
  • a counterweight mechanism that gives a constant pull to roll de curtains
  • two servomotors which control the winding rollers 415 and the rods 403 independently. In such a case, the synchronization and the constant tension of the curtains must be guaranteed when closed (extended) and opened (rolled up) through the use of a computer controller.
  • the Garment Holding and Stacking Module 300 is shown in Figures 4 and 5, and works with the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400.
  • the module 300 is intended to (a) provide a fixed point along the middle of the garment for transverse unwrinkling, and (b) ensuring that the garment becomes duly stacked over the previous garment already unwrinkled and stacked, that is, one garment on top of another.
  • the longitudinal straightening is achieved by means of the movement of the mobile 201 that draws the garment from the leading edge.
  • the curtains 401 stretch and then unwrinkle the garment from the center to the sides.
  • an element is required to hold the garment so that it can be pulled from the side edges without changing its overall placement.
  • Such a holding function is performed by the central holding rod 302.
  • the central holding rod 302 is placed at the center of the machine: It consists of a long rod that aims to exert pressure all along the center of the garment to prevent it from moving towards either side during the transverse unwrinkling process performed by the curtains 401.
  • the rod 302 has a cross section of any geometry, although a rectangular or square cross section bar is preferred.
  • the bar can include in its lower portion a non-slip material cover, such as a rubber or a silicone grip, to enhance the holding of the garment and better performance of the transversal unwrinkling procedure.
  • the central holding rod 302 has downwardly and upwardly movement. It is fastened from both rear and front ends, and entirety covers the working area. In an embodiment, one end is attached to the body of garment input 1 15 and the opposed end is attached to the transverse unwrinkling system body 410 of module 400.
  • the holding rod 302 during the longitudinal straightening stage is held idle in its upper position away from the input garment. Then, the rod 302 descends synchronously with the opening of the curtains 401. The descent and rise of the bar 302 is carried out by means of a pair of pneumatic pistons 301.
  • the central holding rod 302 does not limit the movement of the mobile 201 because it has the bridge 21 1 at the middle giving the rod 301 freedom to move at all times.
  • the mobile 201 runs above the rod 302 without touching it.
  • the pistons 301 provide movement to the central holding rod 302. They lift it up and allow the garment to go into the machine. Those same pistons go down and hold the position of the garment by pressing it against the stacking surface 510 (or the pile previously stacked garments). This surface 510 is where the stacked garments lie until being released as a batch.
  • the pistons 301 are attached to the central holding rod 302 through respective supports 304.
  • an elongated bar is attached to a support 304 to help in straightening the garments from the top surface of the garments, while the curtains are pulling on the lower surface of the garments.
  • the central holding rod descends into the gap between the curtains, and presses the garment 001 against the pile of garments 002 that lies below.
  • the pile of garment 002 lies on a stacking surface 501 .
  • the central holding rod 302 is placed over the pile of garments 002, the curtains begin to open until the garment 001 falls onto the pile of garments 002, still held in the center by the Central holding rod 302.
  • FIGs 7A, 7B and 7C show the operation of the central holding rod 302 and an optional anti whiplash rod 404.
  • the optional anti whiplash rod 404 is provided on top of the curtains 401 and acts in conjunction with each curtain.
  • Each anti whiplash rod 404 consists of a bar of circular cross section that is placed on the garment surface. Said rods 404 are intended to mitigate the whiplash effect that occurs in the garment when the curtains 401 of the transverse unwrinkling module are opened very abruptly and results in rolling of the side edges of the garment.
  • the anti-whiplash rod 404 provide high stacking speed; however, the unwrinkling can also be reach solely by leaning the garment on the curtains 401 , but using a slower transverse unwrinkling cycle.
  • the anti-whiplash rod 404 consist of two rods on each side of central holding rod 302. They are as long as central holding rod 302. Initially, the rods 404 are coupled to the central holding rod 302 so that they go up and down with it. However, when the central holding rod 302 is pressed against the garment, and the curtains 401 open up, the rods 404 automatically couple to the ball bearing slide blocks 402 that run on the linear guides 405. Due to the antiwhiplash rod 404, the garment is unwrinkled with the curtains 401 below it and the rods slightly above it. So that, when the curtains 401 roll up and move to roll back, they drag the anti-whiplash rod 404 with them throughout the movement and prevent the whiplash of the garment 001.
  • FIGs 8, 9A and 9B show the Batching Module (500) and Unloading Module (600) module of the invention.
  • the module comprises a stacking surface 510 that rests on a movable scissor lift mechanism 501 of variable height that ascends and descends in a controlled manner.
  • the stacking surface 510 receives the garment deposited by the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 and the central holding rod 302.
  • the stacking surface 510 is arranged on the upper part of the scissor mechanism 501 supported on an aluminum frame and the drive rollers 602.
  • This conveyor belt 601 is controlled by the motor 603 by rotating the drive rollers 602.
  • This conveyor belt is the batch releasing system.
  • the scissor mechanism 501 includes a scissor lift pivoted beams arrangement 502 used to adjust the height of the stacking surface.
  • the scissor mechanism 501 includes a slidable joint 503, which is intended to link a linear guide and the pivoted beams 502 of the scissor mechanism, to allow movement of the scissor mechanism.
  • the movement of the scissor lift is achieved by means of a motor 504 associated with a ball screw 505, which transforms the rotary movement of the motor into a linear motion which in turn moves both legs 508 while the fixed legs are anchored to a fixed base 507 thereby allowing the scissor lift to move upwards as shown on Figure 9A and 9B.
  • the motor 504 is associated with a limit switch sensor 506 that assists a controller in locating the reference position of the end of the stacking surface within the workspace. Once the axis is referenced, the controller is responsible for precisely moving the stacking surface to the required position.
  • the scissor mechanism 501 supports a conveyor belt 601 , which provides the surface 510 on which the garments are stacked. Once a batch of garments is complete, the belt is activated to move the batch 002 and eject it from the machine. With this complete, a new stacking process is started to make a new batch of stacked garments or pile.
  • the conveyor belt 601 comprises a drive roller 602 including roller supports 604 attached to the scissor mechanism 501.
  • the conveyor belt 601 obtains its motion from a motor 603 and transmits it to the belt to perform the garment release process.
  • the belt includes a belt tensioner 605 to provide tension to the conveyor belt to ensure its traction and operation in releasing piles of garments.
  • the stacking surface 510 is placed below the curtains 401 . It descends according to the thickness of the fabric of the garments; thus, it provides a constant stacking surface height as it descends and the batch height grows with each additional garment.
  • the stacking module 400 is synchronized with the curtains 401. Once the mobile 201 conducts longitudinal unwrinkling and re-positioning, the curtains 401 open up and the central holding rod 302 descends. At this time, the stacking surface 510 is placed at the suitable height for the curtains 401 to deposit the garment and for the holding rod 302 to press firmly the garment 001 against the stacking surface 510 and the batch 002. Then curtains 401 are pulled apart until they deposit the garment 001 completely over the pile of garments 002.
  • the garments are held together on the upper face, by the force exerted by bar 302 and, on the opposite face, by the stacking surface. That is, in a pile of garments, the upper side of the garment disposed at the top of the pile comes in contact with the bar 302, while the lower side of the garment disposed at the bottom of the pile lies on the stacking surface.
  • the conveyor belt 601 descends a safety distance to ensure that the stacked garments are not misaligned when the curtains safely return to the starting position to repeat a new stacking cycle.
  • the conveyor belt 601 automatically ejects the pile of garments. For this task, the system descends to a releasing position.
  • An auxiliary conveyor system can be used to send the ejected batches to another process within the production line.
  • control system that is in charge of coordinating the execution and sequence of the straightening and stacking process, allows the configuration of parameters such as the number of garments to be stacked to form a batch, the size of the garments to be stacked, and the speed at which the unwrinkled processes are carried out. This way, the system is robust regarding garments of different dimensions, thicknesses and materials, making the system versatile for all types of fabric. This also offers possibilities to be used both for garment panels and sewn shirts.
  • the device of the present invention takes into account some important details within the textile industry that have been limiting in the past, such as the delicacy to manipulate textile materials in order to preserve their integrity, the possibility of preventing folds generated when one textile garment is slipped over another. These peculiarities make them difficult to stack and move compared to other materials.
  • the machine is also robust enough to stack any shape of garments fed; they may have irregular cuts or eccentric shapes, which are usual in the textile manufacturing industry.
  • the Garment Entry Module 100 needs a constant flow of air generated by fans or by compressed air aimed directly to the gap between the conveyor dryer and the ramp 101 helps the entry of the garments by slightly lifting its edge. This prevents it from getting stuck at the contact point between both devices.
  • the use of bearings 109 at the outer end of the ramp 101 is included to keep the safety distance between the conveyor dryer and the ramp 101 . This allows the free movement of the conveyor dryer.
  • the size of the garments to be stacked can vary between 10 cm long and 10 cm wide up to garments 1 meter long by 1 meter wide.
  • the garments can be presented in the form of simple garment panels or previously sewn shirts. The machine is designed considering the integrity of the garments that are handled within the system.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The invention describes an apparatus for receiving, straightening and stacking textile garments individually and that allows the automatic delivery of neat stacks of garments. The device comprises: (a) a longitudinal straight module 200 of a garment having an edge front, a trailing edge and side edges, including (a1) a mobile 201, which moves in the direction of the feeding of the garment by the Garment Entry Module 100, and includes at least one garment gripper 213 that holds the leading edge of the garment; and (b) a Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400, which comprises: (b1) a pair of curtains 401 made of a flexible material, which moves from the center to the sides in the direction transverse to the entry of the garment, each of said curtains has a rear edge, attached to a winding roller 415 and a leading edge attached to a mobile rod 403, and (b2) a central holding rod 302 with upwards and downwards motion (that opposes the transverse displacement of the garment) which exerts pressure along the center of the garment; and (c) a Garment Batching Module 500 for collecting the stacked garments deposited by the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 on a stacking surface 510.

Description

UNWRINKLING AND STACKING SYSTEM FOR TEXTILE MATERIALS
DESCRIPTION
1 . Field of the invention.
[0001] The present invention belongs to the industrial machinery and automation of industrial production processes sectors.
2. General Background of the invention.
[0002] Stacking clothes today is done manually. The object of the invention is, by means of mechanisms and tools of numerical control, to perform tasks within the textile production industry, as well as to automate processes that are currently performed in a manual way by human operators.
[0003] The main background of this kind of machinery, used to manipulate textile materials is the QLA cutter-stacker developed by Parker®. The aforementioned machine is fed with fabric supplied in rolls. The fabric is then straightened, smoothed and then its ready to be cut. A mobile device holds the end of the fabric and moves to a desired position according to the longitudinal dimensions required. Then, a saw cuts the fabric straight across the direction of displacement of the fabric and then, the mobile device releases the section of the fabric cut over a stack. Optionally, the table on which the stack is placed moves downward to compensate for the thickness of the fabric that has been cut and stacked. This table has a conveyor belt that allows dispatching the batches from one side of the machine for an operator to receive. However, the QLA cutter-stacker has drawbacks. The fabric must be supplied in a controlled manner in form of a constant roll supply. This means that it cannot stack or accommodate previously cut, folded or wrinkled garments.
[0004] It should be noted that one of the drawbacks for stacking garments lies in the folds or wrinkles generated on the garment when one textile garment is slipped over another.
[0005] Finally, another advance on the textile handling process is in the research carried out at the University of Berkley, California, where training algorithms applied to anthropomorphic robots can carry out the task of holding, identifying, folding and stacking towels. However, the process is still slow to be applied in industrial contexts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A first object of the invention is to provide a device for stacking of textile garments, where one garment is stacked on top of another.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a device for unwrinkling and stacking of garments.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a device for unwrinkling and stacking of irregularly shaped garments.
[0009] Still another object of the invention is to provide a device for unwrinkling and stacking garments of irregular shapes that can be stacked in different directions or orientations.
[0010] The above objects are achieved by providing a device for stacking and unwrinkling comprising: (a) a longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 of garment having a front edge, a rear edge and side edges, which includes (a1 ) a mobile device 201 , which moves in the garment feed direction, and includes at least one garment gripper 213 of the front edge of the garment, and (a2) a bar fastening 105 that opposes the longitudinal displacement of the garment; (b) a transverse unwrinkling and stacking module 400, comprising: (b1 ) a pair of curtains of a flexible material, moving from the center to the sides in the direction transverse to the entry of the garment, each of said curtains having a rear end, attached to a winding roller 415 and a front end joined to a holding bar 403 that holds the curtains, and (b2) a central holding bar 302, which opposes to the transverse motion of the garment created by the curtains 401 , the curtains provided of an downward-upward motion which exerts pressure along the central axis of the garments; and (c) a garment stacking module 500 to collect the unwrinkled garments deposited by the transverse unwrinkling and stacking module 400 on a stacking surface 510.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Reference is made to the exemplary accompanied drawings:
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 shows the garment Entry Module 100.
[0014] Figure 3 shows the Longitudinal Unwrinkling Module 200.
[0015] Figure 4 shows the Garment Holding and Stacking Module 300.
[0016] Figure 5 shows the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Module 400.
[0017] Figures 6A and 6B show gear and pulley system for the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Module 400.
[0018] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show shows the Garment Holding and Stacking Module 300 and the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400.
[0019] Figures 8, shows the Garment Batching Module 500.
[0020] Figures 9A and 9B show the Uploading Module 600.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The proposed invention is a system that unwrinkles and stacks textile garments. The device is able to process simple cuts or pieces of fabric from variable shapes (garments panels), or sewn t-shirts, sweatshirts or hoodies among others (sewn shirts). Both garment panels and sewn shirts are hereinafter referred as garments.
[0022] To carry out the stacking process the machine of the present invention carries out two sub-processes: (a) longitudinal unwrinkling - allocation of the garment and (b) transverse unwrinkling - releasing of the garment. The initial longitudinal unwrinkling - allocation sub-process consists of placing the garments in their stacking position and in substantially eliminating folds and wrinkles from garments along its length or longitudinal direction of the garment; while the following transverse unwrinkling -releasing process consists of eliminating the wrinkles of the garments in the transverse direction (or across the garment, in the width direction), and allows garments to lay on top of each other without rubbing against each other, since this causes wrinkles. In addition, while placing each garment on the stack or pile it also unwrinkles, flattens or smooths the garments forming and unwrinkled stack or pile. Finally, the machine is able to automatically release the stack of garments by means of a conveyor belt integrated into the stacking table.
[0023] The invention is a set of mechanical elements that, with adequate synchronization and adequately designed movement parameters, allows garments to be received, unwrinkled, stacked up and turned into unwrinkled stacks of garments.
[0024] The machine according to the present invention comprises
[0025] a) A Garment Entry Module 100. It is an assembly that allows taking garments from a conveyor belt and feed them into the garment unwrinkling system.
[0026] b) A Longitudinal Unwrinkling Module 200. It is an assembly that allows inputting the garments from the entry module, it places them in the correct position and unwrinkles them longitudinally.
[0027] c) A Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Module 400. It is the set of elements that allows garments to be unwrinkled across the garment width by means of a pair of curtains.
[0028] d) A Garment Batching Module 500. It is the set of elements by which the stacked pile of garments is deposited on a surface.
[0029] e) An output module 600. It is the set of elements that outputs the stack of garments from the machine.
[0030] GARMENT ENTRY MODULE 100
[0031] The garments get into the machine by means of a garment entry module 100 selected from conveyor belt, a motorized roller bed, a sliding surface, by mean of a manual operator or by a metal ramp which introduces the front edge of the garment into the gripping area of the apparatus of the present invention. So that, the front edge of the garment enters into the machine first, and then the rear edge of the garment.
[0032] The garment entry module 100 is shown in Figure 2; it comprises a garment entry ramp 101 , which leads the garments to be stacked inside de device. The garments come, for example, from a conveyor dryer.
[0033] The garment input module 100 further comprises one or more auxiliary rollers 102, driven by a motor 1 10 and a transmission belt 103 that transmits the movement of the motor to the rollers 102. Said rollers assist the entry of the garments into the machine of the invention. Said rollers are arranged at the exit of the ramp 101 and optionally, in an intermediate portion of the ramp 101. In an embodiment of the invention, there are arranged two rollers. The thrust exerted by the gravity from the slope of the ramp 101 , the push of the conveyor belt, and the rollers 102 make the garments enter the machine at a controlled speed.
[0034] Both the ramp 101 and the set of rollers and motor are fixed to a ramp and roller support 108, which is intended to keep the different devices of the garment input system in position.
[0035] Optionally, the garment entry module 100 comprises adjustment wheels 109, attached to the ramp 101 to be placed on the conveyor belt or roller of the belt that supplies the garments to the machine of the invention. Adjustment wheels 109 keep the ramp at a suitable distance from the conveyor belt of the previous manufacturing stage (usually a conveyor dryer) and creates a transition between a conveyor dryer roller and the ramp that supplies the garments. Such adjustment wheels 109 are positioned to provide robustness to the system against imperfections that the conveyor belt of the previous manufacturing stage may have, as well as to avoid collisions or that such imperfections make the garments jam or fall in the space between said conveyor belt and the ramp 101.
[0036] Next to the set of rollers 102 there is a metallic toothed plate having spaced teeth. Said metallic toothed plate is intended to improve the gripping of the garment by the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200. The toothed plate of the garment input module 100 is matched with a respective toothed plate in turn mounted on the mobile device 201 of the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200. Both toothed plates fit with one another so that upon entering the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 the edge of the garment lies on both toothed surfaces favoring the transfer of the garment from the input module 100 to the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200.
[0037] The garment input module 100 also comprises a photoelectric sensor 107, which is aimed to detect the presence of an entering garment as well as to send a signal to the control system to execute the unwrinkling and stacking routine. A bounce photoelectric sensor is preferred because it is able to detect a wide variety of garments in terms of size, shape, color, composition and texture. Moreover, it is possible to place additional photoelectric sensors (not shown) on the conveyor belt that feed the garments. This helps in preventing errors, in garment counting and quality control.
[0038] Once the garment enters the machine of the present invention through the module 100, the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 pulls the leading edge of the garment; In accordance with the present invention, bar 105 provides the slowing down of the passage of the garment. Said bar 105 is arranged on a garment input module support 1 15 and is actuated by a pneumatic piston 104, arranged on said support 1 15. The piston 104 raises and lowers the bar 105 to limit the movement of the garments when the process of longitudinal straight. The object of bar 105 is to fictionally limit the movement of the garment that is pulled by the mobile 201 of the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200. So, the garment runs at a higher speed at the leading edge rather than at the trailing edge, which causes the garment to straight along its surface, or in the longitudinal direction. The bar 105 may include a non-slip material, such as rubber or silicone strip to increase the stoppage of the garment and better perform the straightening of the garment.
[0039] Optionally, linear guides 106 are provided for bar 105 to assist the movement and restrict it to a single degree of freedom. That is, go up and down vertically. [0040] Also, guides are optionally arranged on the ramp 101 so that the garments enter the longitudinal straightening module 200 in a centered manner.
[0041] LONGITUDINAL STRAIGHTENING MODULE 200
[0042] The present invention comprises a module for longitudinal unwrinkling 200 of the garments, which aims to fix wrinkles and unroll in the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal unwrinkling module is illustrated in Figure 3.
[0043] The garment entered into the garment input module 100 is then gripped by a mobile 201 . The toothed end of the ramp 101 fits into the toothed end of the gripper 213 of the mobile 201 , and this allows the garment to run smoothly from one module to the next. The mobile 201 , with the gripper 213, grips the lead end of the garment and runs along the longitudinal axis to move and place the garment in a stacking position.
[0044] The mobile 201 of the longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 includes a structured body 202 that runs on two side rails in the longitudinal direction, that is, back and forth in the direction that the garment is supplied. The movement of the mobile 201 is achieved by means of a timing belt 207, which is connected to the mobile 201 by means of a component of fastening 210, fixed to the structured body 202 of the mobile 201. The belt 207 is attached to two pulleys 206, as well as a tensioner pulley 205 keep the timing belt 207 rigid.
[0045] A motor 203 controls the pulley 206 and moves the timing belt, which moves the mobile 201 backwards and forward. The motor 203 controls the motion of the mobile 201 and bringing it to the initial position to grip the garments with the gripper 213 and take them to the suitable position for stacking. Longitudinal straightening module 200 includes a support structure 204 for assembling the motor and pulleys in a fixed position. The structured body 202 includes a mounting bar 208 to hold in place the gripper 213.
[0046] Longitudinal unwrinkling module 200 includes one or more gripper 213, preferably two grippers, one adjacent to the other, for example, right and left grippers. The grippers 213 perform simultaneous pressure on the front end of the garment, in order to hold the garment coming from the garment input system 100, as the mobile moves the garment is unwrinkled, and deposited on the curtains 401 of the transverse unwrinkling Module 400. Which in turn places the garments in a stacking position.
[0047] The gripper 213 is actuated by pistons 209, which provide the movement required by the gripper to hold the garments to the mobile 201 , so that when the mobile 201 moves, it drags the garment with it carrying out the longitudinal unwrinkling process. The gripper 213 include linear guides 212, which limit the movement to a single axis.
[0048] In addition, the structured body 202 includes a bridge 21 1 for the assembly of the Garment Holding and Stacking Module 300, which allows free passage of the mobile 201 while it moves in both directions over a central holding rod 302, during the longitudinal unwrinkling of the garment.
[0049] The Longitudinal Unwrinkling Module 200 further comprises a limit switch sensor 214, associated with a controller to act on the motor 203 to locate the reference position of the mobile 201 within the workspace. Once the axis is referenced, the controller is in charge of moving the mobile 201 to the required position with precision.
[0050] When the lead end or (front end) of the garment reaches the suitable stacking position, on the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400.
[0051] TRANSVERSE UNWRINKLING AND STACKING INTERFACE
MODULE 400.
[0052] The Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 is intended to carry out transverse unwrinkling of the garment from the center toward the respective side ends of the garment, in the transverse or wide direction of the garment, to unwrinkle on the transverse axis while simultaneously deposit the garment on a stacking interface. Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 is shown in Figures 4-8. [0053] After unwrinkling the garment in the longitudinal direction, the grippers 213 release the garment 001 , which now lies unwrinkled in the longitudinal direction, over the curtains 401 in closed position.
[0054] The curtains 401 are two segments of a flexible material, such as canvas, cloth, or other material, that retract from the center towards the sides of the machine of the invention, similar than curtains, in the direction transverse to the direction of entry of the garment. Each of the curtains 401 is attached to the winding rollers 415 on one end, and to a mobile rod 403 on the other end.
[0055] As shown in Figure 5, 6A and 6B, the curtains 401 are driven by a motor 408 associated with a set 41 1 of gears and pulleys, to transmit controlled movement to a pair of timing belts 412, for the simultaneous and opposing movement of both curtains 401. The components of the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 are arranged on a support 410
[0056] The movement of the curtains 401 comprises two motions. Firstly, the curtains 401 are pulled towards the center of the machine by the mobile rods 403 attached to the front ends of the curtains 401. In this moment, the curtains are extended or closed. Secondly, the curtains 401 are pulled and rolled up on the winding rollers 415 arranged on the sides of the machine. When this happens, the curtains are rolled up or displayed (un rolled). Said processes are carried out in a synchronized manner so that the curtains are always tense and create a flat surface while they are extended during the longitudinal unwrinkling.
[0057] To carry out the first instance of operation, the respective mobile rods 403 of each curtain are attached to respective ball bearing slide blocks 402 that runs on respective linear guides 405. Said ball bearing slide blocks 402 are firmly joined to a drive belt 414 that cause the ball bearing slide blocks 402 displace on the linear guides 405. The linear guides 405 limit the movement of the rods 403, so that the curtains can only move towards the center or towards the sides of the machine. The drive belts 414 are disposed adjacent to curtain 401 , and are transverse to curtain winding rollers 415. The motor 408 transmits torque to a shaft 413 through the timing belt 412. This moves both mobile rods 403 and the curtains 401 through the drive belts 414, which are placed at the rear and front ends of the rods 403. This is done in order to make a uniform transmission to both ends of the curtains. Respective idler pulleys are placed opposite to the shaft 413 to provide tension to the drive belt 414. Tensing pulley 409 are also arranged in order to provide tension to the drive belt 414.
[0058] The movement of the drive belt 414 pulls the assembly mobiles rods 403 and curtains 401 attached. The movement of the belt is used to get close and get away both curtains simultaneously and thus open and close. For this purpose, the rod 403 of the right curtain is attached to the upper segment of drive belt 414 and next to the right side of drive belt 414, while the remaining rod 403 of the second curtain is attached to the lower segment of drive belt 414 and next to the left of the drive belt 414. Drive belts 414 are in a loop form having a lower segment, a first pulley segment, an upper segment, and a second pulley segment. In this way, when the drive belt 414 rotates clockwise, the upper portion moves to the right, while the lower portion moves to the left. Such an arrangement allows the same band to bring the edges of the curtains closer together, thereby achieving the effect of closing the curtains. It should be mentioned that the curtains do not close to the point that their edges rub, but rather that a separation is maintained that allows the lowering of the central holding rod 302.
[0059] To carry out the second instance of operation, there are disposed curtain winding rollers 415, with a shaft also associated with the motor 408 by means of the pulleys 426. Said winding rollers 415 consist of a tube having a surface on which the rear end of the curtain is attached and where the curtains are rolled up when the motor transmits power to said rollers 415. When the curtains open, the garment is unwrinkled transversally and then falls into place over the previously stacked garments. Said curtains also work as interface between the stacked garments and the constant feed of single garments. It prevents the wrinkles that would form from the drag created from the feed of single garments on the stacked ones when the mobile 201 transports the fed single garment to the suitable stacking position.
[0060] The gear and pulley system 41 1 for the transverse straightening module is depicted in Figures 6A and 6B. Figures 6A and 6B show respectively the operation in the first instance and second instance of operation that is, closing and opening of the curtains.
[0061] The motor 408 generates a torque that is used to open and close both curtains, this is to say, get them close or get them away, which are also required to be synchronized. Motor 408 is associated with a gear and pulley assembly 41 1. In particular, motor 408 has a shaft 421 having a first pulley 424 at its end. In addition, the same shaft 421 has a first gear 422, which is coupled to a second gear 423, said second gear 423 attached to another shaft having a second pulley 425 attached. With such an arrangement, the movement of the motor result in two angular displacements, same in magnitude and torque, but in opposite direction.
[0062] Pulleys 424 and 425 are in turn connected to respective timing belts 412, so they transmit the torque to drive pulley of shaft 413 and pulley of shaft 432 associated to the rollers 415. That is, said pulleys are arranged in a parallel arrangement, one at one end and the other at an intermediate position of the drive belt. Moreover, an additional tensioning pulley 409 is arranged to ensure torque transmission to the intermediate pulley
[0063] Ratchets 407 are respectively placed on the transmission shaft 413 and on the roller’s shafts 432. A ratchet 407 is a device that transmits torque only in one direction of rotation. The ratchets are arranged so that the motor 408 moves either the shaft 413 when rotating in one direction, or moves the shafts 432 when rotating in the other. For example, when timing belt 412 rotates in a first direction, only torque is transferred to drive shaft 413, while roller shaft 432 remains static because of the action of the ratchets 407. When the timing belt 412 rotates in the opposite direction, the torque is only transmitted to the shafts 432, while the shaft 413 remains static.
[0064] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, there are three ratchets, two associated with each of the winding roller shafts and the other with the shaft 413 which controls the motion of the curtains 401 single drive shaft that transmits torque to the single drive belt 414 and pulley assembly, which allows the first instance or closing of the curtains. [0065] To assist the controller to locate the reference position of the end of the curtains within the workspace, a limit switch sensor 406 is provided. Once the axis is referenced, the controller is in charge of moving the end of the curtains 401 to the precisely required position.
[0066] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, instead of the gear, pulleys, and ratchets mechanism it is arranged a counterweight mechanism that gives a constant pull to roll de curtains, or in another embodiment, can be arranged two servomotors which control the winding rollers 415 and the rods 403 independently. In such a case, the synchronization and the constant tension of the curtains must be guaranteed when closed (extended) and opened (rolled up) through the use of a computer controller.
[0067] When the curtains 401 roll up getting apart from each other, they exert friction to the side edges of the garment lying on the curtains, causing the garment to now straights along the transverse direction, eliminating the folds and unwrinkling across the its width.
[0068] GARMENT HOLDING AND STACKING MODULE (300)
[0069] The Garment Holding and Stacking Module 300 is shown in Figures 4 and 5, and works with the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400. The module 300 is intended to (a) provide a fixed point along the middle of the garment for transverse unwrinkling, and (b) ensuring that the garment becomes duly stacked over the previous garment already unwrinkled and stacked, that is, one garment on top of another. As described before, the longitudinal straightening is achieved by means of the movement of the mobile 201 that draws the garment from the leading edge. For transverse unwrinkling and stacking interface, the curtains 401 stretch and then unwrinkle the garment from the center to the sides. However, an element is required to hold the garment so that it can be pulled from the side edges without changing its overall placement. Such a holding function is performed by the central holding rod 302.
[0070] The central holding rod 302 is placed at the center of the machine: It consists of a long rod that aims to exert pressure all along the center of the garment to prevent it from moving towards either side during the transverse unwrinkling process performed by the curtains 401. The rod 302 has a cross section of any geometry, although a rectangular or square cross section bar is preferred. In addition, the bar can include in its lower portion a non-slip material cover, such as a rubber or a silicone grip, to enhance the holding of the garment and better performance of the transversal unwrinkling procedure.
[0071] The central holding rod 302 has downwardly and upwardly movement. It is fastened from both rear and front ends, and entirety covers the working area. In an embodiment, one end is attached to the body of garment input 1 15 and the opposed end is attached to the transverse unwrinkling system body 410 of module 400.
[0072] The holding rod 302 during the longitudinal straightening stage is held idle in its upper position away from the input garment. Then, the rod 302 descends synchronously with the opening of the curtains 401. The descent and rise of the bar 302 is carried out by means of a pair of pneumatic pistons 301. The central holding rod 302 does not limit the movement of the mobile 201 because it has the bridge 21 1 at the middle giving the rod 301 freedom to move at all times. The mobile 201 runs above the rod 302 without touching it.
[0073] The pistons 301 provide movement to the central holding rod 302. They lift it up and allow the garment to go into the machine. Those same pistons go down and hold the position of the garment by pressing it against the stacking surface 510 (or the pile previously stacked garments). This surface 510 is where the stacked garments lie until being released as a batch.
[0074] The pistons 301 are attached to the central holding rod 302 through respective supports 304. In an embodiment of the invention, an elongated bar is attached to a support 304 to help in straightening the garments from the top surface of the garments, while the curtains are pulling on the lower surface of the garments.
[0075] Once the garment has been unwrinkled longitudinally and placed in the suitable position for stacking, the central holding rod descends into the gap between the curtains, and presses the garment 001 against the pile of garments 002 that lies below. The pile of garment 002 lies on a stacking surface 501 . [0076] Once the central holding rod 302 is placed over the pile of garments 002, the curtains begin to open until the garment 001 falls onto the pile of garments 002, still held in the center by the Central holding rod 302.
[0077] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show the operation of the central holding rod 302 and an optional anti whiplash rod 404. The optional anti whiplash rod 404 is provided on top of the curtains 401 and acts in conjunction with each curtain. Each anti whiplash rod 404 consists of a bar of circular cross section that is placed on the garment surface. Said rods 404 are intended to mitigate the whiplash effect that occurs in the garment when the curtains 401 of the transverse unwrinkling module are opened very abruptly and results in rolling of the side edges of the garment. The anti-whiplash rod 404 provide high stacking speed; however, the unwrinkling can also be reach solely by leaning the garment on the curtains 401 , but using a slower transverse unwrinkling cycle.
[0078] The anti-whiplash rod 404 consist of two rods on each side of central holding rod 302. They are as long as central holding rod 302. Initially, the rods 404 are coupled to the central holding rod 302 so that they go up and down with it. However, when the central holding rod 302 is pressed against the garment, and the curtains 401 open up, the rods 404 automatically couple to the ball bearing slide blocks 402 that run on the linear guides 405. Due to the antiwhiplash rod 404, the garment is unwrinkled with the curtains 401 below it and the rods slightly above it. So that, when the curtains 401 roll up and move to roll back, they drag the anti-whiplash rod 404 with them throughout the movement and prevent the whiplash of the garment 001.
[0079] When the curtains are closed again, the anti -whiplash rod 404 move with it, and the holding rod 302 lifts them to await a new garment stacking cycle.
[0080] GARMENT BATCHING MODULE (500) AND UNLOADING MODULE (600)
[0081] Figures 8, 9A and 9B show the Batching Module (500) and Unloading Module (600) module of the invention. The module comprises a stacking surface 510 that rests on a movable scissor lift mechanism 501 of variable height that ascends and descends in a controlled manner. The stacking surface 510 receives the garment deposited by the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 and the central holding rod 302.
[0082] In an embodiment of the invention, the stacking surface 510 is arranged on the upper part of the scissor mechanism 501 supported on an aluminum frame and the drive rollers 602. This conveyor belt 601 is controlled by the motor 603 by rotating the drive rollers 602. This conveyor belt is the batch releasing system.
[0083] The scissor mechanism 501 includes a scissor lift pivoted beams arrangement 502 used to adjust the height of the stacking surface. The scissor mechanism 501 includes a slidable joint 503, which is intended to link a linear guide and the pivoted beams 502 of the scissor mechanism, to allow movement of the scissor mechanism. The movement of the scissor lift is achieved by means of a motor 504 associated with a ball screw 505, which transforms the rotary movement of the motor into a linear motion which in turn moves both legs 508 while the fixed legs are anchored to a fixed base 507 thereby allowing the scissor lift to move upwards as shown on Figure 9A and 9B. The motor 504 is associated with a limit switch sensor 506 that assists a controller in locating the reference position of the end of the stacking surface within the workspace. Once the axis is referenced, the controller is responsible for precisely moving the stacking surface to the required position.
[0084] As previously mentioned, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the scissor mechanism 501 supports a conveyor belt 601 , which provides the surface 510 on which the garments are stacked. Once a batch of garments is complete, the belt is activated to move the batch 002 and eject it from the machine. With this complete, a new stacking process is started to make a new batch of stacked garments or pile.
[0085] The conveyor belt 601 comprises a drive roller 602 including roller supports 604 attached to the scissor mechanism 501. The conveyor belt 601 obtains its motion from a motor 603 and transmits it to the belt to perform the garment release process. In addition, the belt includes a belt tensioner 605 to provide tension to the conveyor belt to ensure its traction and operation in releasing piles of garments.
[0086] The stacking surface 510 is placed below the curtains 401 . It descends according to the thickness of the fabric of the garments; thus, it provides a constant stacking surface height as it descends and the batch height grows with each additional garment.
[0087] The stacking module 400 is synchronized with the curtains 401. Once the mobile 201 conducts longitudinal unwrinkling and re-positioning, the curtains 401 open up and the central holding rod 302 descends. At this time, the stacking surface 510 is placed at the suitable height for the curtains 401 to deposit the garment and for the holding rod 302 to press firmly the garment 001 against the stacking surface 510 and the batch 002. Then curtains 401 are pulled apart until they deposit the garment 001 completely over the pile of garments 002.
[0088] In this way, the garments are held together on the upper face, by the force exerted by bar 302 and, on the opposite face, by the stacking surface. That is, in a pile of garments, the upper side of the garment disposed at the top of the pile comes in contact with the bar 302, while the lower side of the garment disposed at the bottom of the pile lies on the stacking surface.
[0089] This holding of the garment 001 against the pile of garments 002 performed by the central holding rod 302 allows the garment to keep its position during the last phase of stacking
[0090] Once the garment is stacked, in an alternative embodiment, the conveyor belt 601 descends a safety distance to ensure that the stacked garments are not misaligned when the curtains safely return to the starting position to repeat a new stacking cycle.
[0091] Finally, after stacking a predetermined number of garments, the conveyor belt 601 automatically ejects the pile of garments. For this task, the system descends to a releasing position. An auxiliary conveyor system can be used to send the ejected batches to another process within the production line. [0092] CONTROL SYSTEM
[0093] It is important to mention that the control system that is in charge of coordinating the execution and sequence of the straightening and stacking process, allows the configuration of parameters such as the number of garments to be stacked to form a batch, the size of the garments to be stacked, and the speed at which the unwrinkled processes are carried out. This way, the system is robust regarding garments of different dimensions, thicknesses and materials, making the system versatile for all types of fabric. This also offers possibilities to be used both for garment panels and sewn shirts.
[0094] The device of the present invention takes into account some important details within the textile industry that have been limiting in the past, such as the delicacy to manipulate textile materials in order to preserve their integrity, the possibility of preventing folds generated when one textile garment is slipped over another. These peculiarities make them difficult to stack and move compared to other materials. The machine is also robust enough to stack any shape of garments fed; they may have irregular cuts or eccentric shapes, which are usual in the textile manufacturing industry.
[0095] The design currently disclosed is made with industrial grade components to guarantee proper operation, although on the other hand due to the simplification of the functional units it is possible that there are many alternatives to the invention disclosed here but using other types of components in another arrangement of the devices.
[0096] Regarding the mechanism by which the garments are fed into the machine of the invention, there are some possible alternatives. According to an embodiment of the invention, due to its simplicity, this task is carried out by means of a metal ramp 101 that, due to gravity force and the effect of the conveyor belt, places the garment in position to be gripped by the mobile 201 and stacked. In certain cases, there may be problems for the entry of garments such as jams caused by different reasons, for example: due to working with some synthetic fibers and garments made with a very flexible low-density fabric; or when the conveyor belt has imperfections or when it is made of very rigid materials. Due to these problems, it is necessary to consider the smooth edge on the metal plate of the ramp, a suitable coating and finish of the ramp, as well as considering a separation of about 3 millimeters of safety between the ramp 101 and the conveyor belt of the dryer that feeds the device of the present invention.
[0097] To address this, the Garment Entry Module 100 needs a constant flow of air generated by fans or by compressed air aimed directly to the gap between the conveyor dryer and the ramp 101 helps the entry of the garments by slightly lifting its edge. This prevents it from getting stuck at the contact point between both devices. Likewise, the use of bearings 109 at the outer end of the ramp 101 is included to keep the safety distance between the conveyor dryer and the ramp 101 . This allows the free movement of the conveyor dryer.
[0098] In addition, other methods that can be developed to retrieve garments from the conveyor belt of a dryer and feed it into the machine. It is possible to include modules that facilitate the entry of garments through different methods: a roller system which transport the garments into the machine, or even a roller that pushes the garments into the machine from the top or the bottom.
[0099] The size of the garments to be stacked can vary between 10 cm long and 10 cm wide up to garments 1 meter long by 1 meter wide. The garments can be presented in the form of simple garment panels or previously sewn shirts. The machine is designed considering the integrity of the garments that are handled within the system.
[00100] Furthermore, the description includes any combination or subcombination of the elements of different species and I or manufactures described herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize that these features, and therefore the scope of this disclosure, should be interpreted in light of the following claims and any equivalents thereof.
LIST OF PARTS
001 Sample garment
002 Sample garment stack
100 Garment entry module 101 Garment entry ramp
102 Auxiliary rollers
103 Transmission band
104 Pneumatic piston
105 Bar to limit the passage of garments
106 Linear guides
107 Photoelectric sensor
108 Ramp and roller support
109 Adjusting bearings
1 10 Motor
115 Body of Garment input module
200 Longitudinal unwrinkling Module
201 Mobile of the longitudinal unwrinkling system
202 Body of the mobile
203 Motor
204 Support structure
205 Tensioner pulley
206 Toothed pulley
207 Timing belt
208 Support for Gripper assembly
209 Pistons
210 Mobile fastening to Timing belt
21 1 Bridge for the passage Central holding rod
212 Linear guides
213 Garment gripper
214 Limit switch
300 Garment Holding and Stacking Module
301 Pneumatic piston
302 Central holding rod
304 Support or holding rod
400 Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module
401 Curtains
402 Ball bearing slide block
403 Curtain rod
404 Anti whiplash rod
405 Linear guides
406 Limit switch
407 Ratchet mechanism
408 Motor
409 Tensioner pulley
410 Transverse unwrinkling system body
41 1 Gears and pulleys
412 Timing belt
413 Drive shaft 414 Drive belt
415 Curtain winding roller
421 Motor drive Shaft
422 First gear
423 Second gear
424 First pulley
425 Second pulley
426 Winding roller pulley
432 Curtain winding roller shaft
500 Garment Batching Module
501 Scissor lift mechanism
502 Scissor lift pivoted beams
503 Slidable joint
504 Motor
505 Ball screw
506 Limit switch
507 Fixed end of the scissor lift
508 Scissor lift transmission beam
510 Stacking surface
600 Unloading Module
601 Conveyor belt
602 Drive roller
603 Motor
604 Roller support
605 Conveyor belt tensioner
700 Control System

Claims

1 . - A Garment Stacking Machine comprising: a) a Longitudinal Unwrinkling Module 200 of a garment having a front end, a rear end and side edges), the machine including. a mobile 201 , which moves in the longitudinal direction of feeding the garment by the Garment Entry Module 100, and includes at least one garment gripper 213 that holds the front end of the garment, and b) a Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400, comprising: a pair of curtains 401 of a flexible material, which move from the center to the sides, in the direction transverse to the entry of the garment, each of said curtains is attached from the rear end to a winding roller 415 and from the front end to a mobile rod 403, a central holding rod 302, which opposes the displacement transverse of the garment exerted by the curtains, and has upwards and downwards motion to exert pressure along the center of the garment; and c) a Garment Batching Module 500 to collect the stacked garments deposited by the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400 on a surface stacking 510.
2. - The machine for stacking garments, in accordance with the claim 1 , characterized by the mobile 201 which comprises a structured body 202 that runs on lateral rails in the longitudinally direction, the body 202 attached to a transmission belt 207 associated with an engine 203.
3. - The machine is for stacking garments, following claim 1 , characterized in that comprises a clamping bar 105 driven by a piston 104.
4. - The machine for stacking garments, according to claim 1 , characterized in that the curtains 401 consist of a first curtain and a second curtain, the first curtain has a mobile rod 403, attached to the leading edge of the curtain, said edge attached to an upper segment of drive belt 414 while the second curtain has a respective mobile rod 403, attached to the rear edge of the curtain, said edge is attached to a lower segment of drive belt 414.
5. - The machine for stacking garments, in accordance with the claim 1 , characterized in that the winding roller 415 of both curtains are driven by a belt and pulley mechanism associated with a single motor 408.
6. - The machine for stacking garments, in accordance with the claim 1 , characterized in that the winding roller 415 of both curtains and each curtain 403 rod 401 are driven by independent servomotors, associated with a controller.
7. - The machine for stacking garments, in accordance with the claim 1 , characterized in that the Transverse Unwrinkling and Stacking Interface Module 400, furthermore it comprises an anti-whiplash rod 404 held by the central holding rod 302 and move from the center towards the side’s edges of the garment with the curtains 401 attaching themselves to the rods 403 when the central holding rod 302 moves downwards.
8. - The machine for stacking garments, in accordance with the claim 1 , characterized in that the central holding rod 302 is driven by pistons 301 , arranged at each end of the rod.
9. - The garment stacking machine, according to claim 1 , characterized in that the stacking surface 510 has a conveyor belt 601 arranged on a scissor lift mechanism 501.
10. - The machine for stacking garments, in accordance with the claim 1 , characterized in that it also comprises a Garment Entry Module 100 that includes an access ramp assisted by a constant airflow to lift the leading end of the garments.
11. - The machine for stacking garments, in accordance with the claim 1 , characterized in that it also comprises a Garment Batching Module 500 consisting of a 501 scissor lift mechanism, synchronized with the movement of the central holding rod 302.
12. - The machine for stacking garments, in accordance with the claim 1 , characterized in that it also comprises an Unloading Module 600, consisting of a conveyor belt 601 to eject the batches from the machine.
PCT/IB2021/059427 2020-10-16 2021-10-14 Unwrinkling and stacking system for textile materials WO2022079646A1 (en)

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MXMX/A/2020/010988 2020-10-16
MX2020010988A MX2020010988A (en) 2020-10-16 2020-10-16 Stretching and stacking system for textile materials.

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CN114180374A (en) * 2021-12-01 2022-03-15 泉州迈特富纺织科技有限公司 Continuous diving suit cloth and manufacturing method thereof

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2614287A1 (en) * 1987-04-27 1988-10-28 Siadous Claude Machine for stacking material in the form of flexible sheets, as for example hides or pieces of leather
KR19980023056A (en) * 1996-09-25 1998-07-06 이필곤 Multistage Feeder of Expanded Fabric
KR101661294B1 (en) * 2015-07-30 2016-09-29 주식회사 비엠오 Spreading machine and method with anti-wrinkles and air pockets
KR101768496B1 (en) * 2017-02-08 2017-08-31 주식회사 오성산업 A auto roll trimming device
US20180347104A1 (en) * 2017-06-02 2018-12-06 Stanley G. McCabe Separator and stacker for textile articles

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2614287A1 (en) * 1987-04-27 1988-10-28 Siadous Claude Machine for stacking material in the form of flexible sheets, as for example hides or pieces of leather
KR19980023056A (en) * 1996-09-25 1998-07-06 이필곤 Multistage Feeder of Expanded Fabric
KR101661294B1 (en) * 2015-07-30 2016-09-29 주식회사 비엠오 Spreading machine and method with anti-wrinkles and air pockets
KR101768496B1 (en) * 2017-02-08 2017-08-31 주식회사 오성산업 A auto roll trimming device
US20180347104A1 (en) * 2017-06-02 2018-12-06 Stanley G. McCabe Separator and stacker for textile articles

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