AU427116B2 - Improvements in or relating to shoe upper conforming machines - Google Patents

Description

18, 60770 The present invention concerns improvements in or relating to shoe upper conforming machines for conforming portions of a shoe upper, at opposite sides of the shoe in the region corresponding to the ball joint of the foot, to the shape of corresponding portions of a last within the upper. The region just referred to (where there may be sharp divergences in the contour of the last bottom heightwise and widthwise of the last) will be hereinafter referred to as.the joint region, the portion at the inner side of the shoe being referred to as the inside joint region and the portion at the outer side as the outside joint region. The word shoe is used herein to indicate outer footwear generally, whether complete or in the process of manufacture. There will be hereinafter described a convenient construction of machine, provided by the invention and illustrative thereof, the illustrative machine being a shoe upper conforming machine having means, provided by a last support, for supporting, bottom up, a last carrying a shoe upper and an insole, with respect to lasting instrumentalities for operating in the joint region of the shoe, at opposite sides thereof, said instrumentalities comprising upper gripping means for gripping portions of the upper in said joint region and tensioning- t e-upper about the last, and wiper means for wiping said portions of the upper inwardly over the corresponding portions of the insole, the various

2. 427.116

18,607/7o ins'trumentalities of the- naehind °being operated by means of fluid under pressure. A full description of the operation of the various instrumentalities of the illustrative machine will be found in the complete specification of our copending application INo.50530/69 from which the present application is divided. In shoe manufacture, as in other industries, there is a desire to reduce the amount of skill and adjustment necessary to perform an operation on a workpiece, and in shoe manufacture, one aspect of this desire is in the wish to reduce the care and adjustment necessary when presenting to one machine a succession of shoes of various styles and sizes. It is an object of the invention to provide a machine adapted for use in conforming a shoe upper around the joint region of a last, which machine will, without manual adjustment, operate satisfactorily on left and right shoes of a range of shapes and sizes. It is a further object of the invention to provide a shoe upper conforming machine of the kind referred to in the preceding paragraph which will with little or no manual adjustment operate satisfactorily on shoes supported on-lasts of a range of styles, sizes and makes. In the use of shoe manufacturing machines required to operate with little or no adjustment on a variety of shoes, a major problem to be overcome is that of the presentation of the shoe to a machine in the

427,116

18, 607 7 correct orientation with respect to operating instrumentalities of that machine so that they may operate satisfactorily within the limits of tolerance of their operating range.

In the use of the illustrative machine hereinafter described a last having an insole positioned thereon and an upper secured to the insole at points adjacent to the joint region by a previous pulling-over operation, is presented in a bottom-up position to the machine and placed on a peg of the last support. The operation of the machine is then started, and the last is clamped so that it is orientated in the correct lengthwise direction for travel from a loading position into an operating region of the machine. The next step in the automatic sequence of operations of the machine comprises causing the last support to travel, lengthwise of the last,.partially into the machine until the last bottom lies directly below a substantially horizontal bar positioned lengthwise with respect to the last, whereupon such travelling movement of the last support is interrupted. The last support is then raised until the insole on the last bottom is held firmly in contact with the under-side of the bar at a portion of the joint region thereof and at the extreme heel end of the last. As the last support is raised as just above referred to, some pitching movement of the last i.e. movement about a widthwise axis of the last, may take place in bringing the insole into

427,116

1-8, 6017po engagement with the bar at the joint region and at the heel end. This arrangement ensures that, no matter whether the shoe being operated upon is a flattie type or one of a high heeled type having a well-defined break at the joint region, the joint region-will be appropriately positioned with respect to the general plan3 of the wipers. Wihen the last is located against the substantially horizontal bar, the last support then continues its interrup .ed travel in said direction lengthwise of the last towards an operative position in which the joint region of the shoe bottom is correctly positioned with respect to the operatinrG instrumentalities of the machine, the bar, against which~ the shoe bottom is clamped as above described, being free to rove with the shoe in that direction. This travel continues until.the shoe arrives in operative position as detected by a sensing finger, of sensing means nositioned to engage arid detect the arrival of the joint region of the last bottom at the operative position of the machine. It will be understood that such an arrangement positions the shoe correctly with respect to the operating instrumentalities despite variations in length of the shoe being operated upon. The travel of the last support is now halted and a toe clamping mechanism moves up to engage the vamp of the upper on the'last. The shoe is now firmly clamped in the desired position to be operated upon. The machine is provided with two upper gripper

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18,607po assemblies, each comprising a fixed jaw member and a

movable jaw member and capable of gripping a portion of

the upper at one side of the shoe in the joint region.

When the last is halted in operative position in the machine

these gripper assemblies are permitted to drop to a level

at which the fixed jaw member of each assembly is resting

on the insole on the last. The gripper assemblies are

then swung apart -so that each assembly travels towards

the adjacent feather edge of tn last. Whether the last

presented to the machine is for a left of a right shoe,

the fixed jaw member of the gripper assembly adjacent'the

inner side of the shoe will reach the edge at that

side before the fixed jaw member of the other gripper

assembly reaches the edge on the outer side of the

shoe, since the last is presented to the operating region

in such a manner that its own longitudinal centre line

approximately corresponds to that of the machine at the

operating region. The illustrative machine hereinafter

described is provided with means whereby whichever jaw

Smember reaches the edge first, the amount of pull exerted

by the jaw members of the opposite gripper assembly on

the upper during the subsequent pulling operation is

adjusted in a manner and for reasons to be explained below.

When each fixed jaw member of the two gripper

assemblies reaches the adjacent edge, the fixed jaw

Smember drops slightly over the edge, and this dropping

of the fixed jaw member is arranged to bring about

termination of outward movement of the associated gripper

6. 427.116

18, 607/70 assembly (in accordance with the width of the particular shoe being operated upon) while an insole hold-down member associated with the gripper assembly rests on the marginal portion of the insole. At this stage in the cycle of operations of the machine, two upper locating members, one on each side or the last, gather marginal portions or the upper into'a position where they may be gripped as the movable jaw members of the gripper assemblies are closed upon the fixed jaw members.

The invention provides a machine suitable for use in conforming a shoe upper to the shape of a last in the joint region of a shoe at opposite sides thereof comprising a last support means for supporting a last carrying a shoe upper and an insole, and operating instrumentalities including upper gripping means comprising two assemblies of jaw members adapted to grip marginal portions or the upper at opposite sides or the shoe at the joint region, and to move to pull said upper taut about the last, means for moving the assemblies outwardly, from positions which they initially occupy opposite the exposed face of the insole, in a direction towards edge portions or the insole, and means for positioning the last upon the last support means so that the joint region occupies a predetermined position widthwise with respect to the gripper assemblies, in order that, on outward movement being imparted to the assemblies, the

4 27.1 16

18, 607 gripper assembly at the inside joint region reaches the corresponding edge portion of the insole first, the machine also having means for automatically limiting the pull exerted on the upper by the other gripper assembly. In order that the invention may be more-

fully understood, there now follows a detailed description to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings of the illustrative machine above referred to. It is

to be clearly understood, however, that the illustrative machine is selected for description merely by way of exemplification of the invention and not by way of limitation thereof. In the drawings Figure I is a-view in right side elevatibon of the illustrative machine at the beginning of a cycle of operations; Figure 2 Is a -view of operating instrumentalities. (in particular upper gripping means-and insole hold-down d irection of rod~s) of the machine substantially in thed arrow III of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view, also in the direction of arrow

III of Figure 1 of operating mechanism associated with the

upper gripping means, parts shown in Figure 2 having been removed, and some parts being broken away or in section; Figure 4 is a view in right -side elevation of the

portion of the machine shown in Figure 3;

8. 427.1 16

1 8, 607/70 Figure 5 is a view, in the direction of the arrow III of Figure 1, showing parts associated with an upper gripper assembly and an upper locating member at one side of the machine, some parts being shown broken away or in section; Figure 6 is a section on VI VI of Figure 3; Figure 7 is a plan view of a portion of one of two upper gripper assemblies of the machine, the assembly being sho-iw at a stage in the cycle of operations at which the feather edge portion of the last has been detected, some parts being broken aw.ay or in section; Figures 8 and 9 together show the electrical circuitry of the illustrative machine, Figure 9 being a continuation of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a diagram of the pneumatic circuitry associated with cylinders A, 1W, Y, C and V of the illustrative machine; SFigure 11 is a similar diagram relating to cylinders B, D, E, F, U, G and H; and Figure 12 is a similar diagram relating to cylinders J, K, L and M. As shown in Figure 1, the illustrative machine :omprises a frame, including side frame members 2 spaced widthwise of the machine and supporting a C-frame 4. bracket 6 extends forwardly and rearwardly in the machine,- i rear end portion being secured between the side frame lembers 2. A forward end portion of the bracket 6 has

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18 607/7o secured to it a front end piece 7, while a similar end piece (not shown) is secured towards the rear of the bracket. The end pieces carry a pair of guide rods 8 also extending forwardly and rearwardly in the machine and spaced apart heightwise. Slidably mounted on the guide rods 8 is a block 10 which, as will shortly be described, carries a last support means fo' supporting, bottom up, a last 64 carrying a shoe upper and insole, the support including a last peg 24. A downwardly projecting extension 12 of the block 10 provides a mounting for a transverse pivot 14 for a two armed lever 16, a forwardly extending arm of which pivotally supports a lower end portion of a cylinder of a piston-and-cylinder arrangement Y, hereinafter for brevity referred to as the cylinder Y. A'rearwardly extending arm of the lever 16 (the arms being of substantially equal length) similarly supports a lower end portion of a similar cylinder C. As will be hereinafter described the cylinders Y and C provide for upward movement of the last 0 support, the cylinders extending substantially vertically of the machine. Piston rods of the cylinders Y and C are pivotally connected, at their upper end portions, respectively to blocks 18, 20 which extend forwardly and rearwardly respectively from a-plate-like portion 26 of a bracket assembly, the blocks being secured to an underside of the plate-like portion 26. Secured to an upper side of the plate-like portion 26 is a support member

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1 8,607/7o which carries an upstanding last peg 24. The bracket assembly includes arms 28 (spaced widthwise of the machine and only one shown) extending upwardly and forwardly at opposite sides of the plate- like portion 26 (to which they are secured). For guiding the last peg 24 in its heightwise movement under the influence of the cylinders Y and C as hereinafter described, the block 10 has an upwardly and somewhat forwardly extending arm 11 integrally formed with the block, an upper end portion of the arm 11 carrying a cross shaft 13 on outer end portions of which are pivoted bosses provided on forward end portions of a pair of links 15 (spaced widthwise of the .machine). Rearward end portions of the links 15 of which one only is shown; are pivotally connected to the arms S28 of the bracket assembly.

Upper end portions of the arms 28 are connected to the.cylinder of a piston-and-cylinder arrangement A (conveniently referred to hereinafter as cylinder A). The piston of cylinder A is connected by means of a piston red 30 .to a block supported'between and pivotally connected to upper end portions of spaced parallel levers 34 (only one shownm). Each of the levers 34 is pivotally connected (substantially at a mid point of the lever) to one of the arms 28. Lower end portions of the levers 34 are pivotally connected to a block 42 which itself has a rear-:ardly extending liq pivotally connected to a clamp

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1 8, 607 o7 means (not sho n) for clamping the last 64 securely in

place on the last pin 24 by means of a last plate 62 fixed in the region of the mouth of a last peg socket provided in the last.

Prior to the commencement of a cycle of operations of the machine, the block 10 occupies a forward position as sho~.. in Figure 1 ready for a last to be placed upon the last peg 24.

U!hen the operation of the illustrative machine is cormienced, the piston rod 30 of the cylinder A is withdrawn into the cylinder, an action which will be hereinafter referred to as instroking (the reverse

movement being referred to as outstroking), to cause the levers 34 to-pivot about' their miid points. This movement of the levers 34 causes the block 42 to move to the right (as viewed in Figure 1) and thus to cause the clamp means to clamp the last securely in place on the last pin and

in correct alignment for its subsequent advance into

the machine. The last 64 supports an insole and an upper which has been pulled over at the forepart and tacked by means of a back tack in the heel region.

1:ean.-hile a cylinder arrangement W has instroked to cause a bar 66, -which is horizontal or substantially so, to move forwardly (lengthwise of the bar) along a guideway with respect to front and rear guide means indicated at 67 (supported as hereinafter described) in a direction

427.1 16 towards the operator. 18, 0 7 /7o The cylinder is fixedly supported on a plate

63 fixed on a cross-piece 368 supported by a rear pair

of support members 78 and has a rearwardly directed piston

rod 69 connected by a tie member 71 to a rearward end portion

of a rod 73 which is slidably supported for endwise

movements in a bearing member 75 supported by the plate 63.

A front end portion of the rod 73 is fixedly secured to a rearward-portion of the bar 66. Figure 1 shows the bar

66 in its most foriard position. A lower surface 72

of the bar 66 is provided with a serrated edge except

at a forward end portion thereof, where the surface 72

is formed by a lower surface of a small block 74 pivoted

in the bar, there being a microswitch S7 located one side

of the bar 66, an operating plunger of the microswritch

being arranged to be actuated by a setscrew on the block 74.

The bar 66 is free to move forwardly and rearwardly with

respect to the guideways, but all movement in other

directions is restrained..

A last having been clamped upon the last

support (while occupying the position shown in Figure 1)

by operation of the clamping means the last support is

caused to travel from the loading position towards an

operating position in the machine, lengthwise of the last,

the travel being interrupted automatically (as hereinafter

described) when the last bottom lies directly below the

bar 66. Such movement of the last support is caused by

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U, 607/7o instroking of a cylinder arrangenent B, the cylinder

itself being secured to the side frame members 2 by

means of a fixing bracket 68. The associated piston

rod 70 is connected to the block 10, and, as the rod

retracts into the cylinder B, the block 10 is dramwn,

rearwards from the position in which it is shown in

Figure 1, along the guide rods 6, together with the

cylinders Y and C, the last clanping mechanism and the

last itself, until the last lies directly below the

lower surface 72 of the bar 66 with the insole spaced

therefrom. The instroke movement of the cylinder B

S is then temporily interrupted, by the operation of a

further microswitch (S5 in Figure 8) fixed to the cylinder B

by an operating projection of a rod 162 extending rearwards

from the block 10, parallel to the piston rod 70, and

supported as hereinafter described.

At this point, the cylinders Y and C are

caused to outstroke, and their respective piston rods

rise to lift the last 64 up until the insole supported

by the last touches the surface 72 of the bar 66 above

the joint region of the last bottom and also at the

extreme rear tip of the heel seat, the last support being

rocked as required. It will be understood that the

last is now held so that the ball joint regon-is appropriately positioned (irrespective of the heel height

of the shoe) with respect to the general plane of the

wiping means hereinafter described.

427.116 i 8,607 The tip of the heel seat touches the block 74 which pivots slightly and the microswitch 37 is tripped.

This causes the instroking action of cylinder B to be

re-commenced to cause the last (and the bar 66) to travel

rearwards until such movement is again arrested as will

be hereinafter described, such movement being automatically

arrested when the joint region of the insole has been

moved rearwardly sufficiently to bring it into operative

position (lengthwise of the shoe) with respect to the

lasting instrumentalities of the machine.

Arrival of the shoe in operative position is

detected by sensing means, including a sensing finger,

fully described in the specification of our copending

application Ro. 19(05 1i When the last arrives in the operative position

a toe clamp mechanism operates to clamp the last firmly

during subsequent operation of the lasting instrumentalities

of the machine.

Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the C-frame

4 supports a bracket 164 (U-shaped in plan) in each arm

of which is secured an upper end portion of one of

two hollow tubes 166. A lower end portion of each tube

166 is secured to one of two castings 168 secured to the

side frame members 2. A support rod 170 passes through the

length of each tube 166 and is a loose fit therein, each rod being attached at its lower end portion to a block 172

having a recess 174 therein to receive a projection 176

427.116

8, 607/7 on a member 178 which is fixed to the free end of a piston

rod 180 of a cylinder E on the one side and the piston rod 181 of a cylinder D on the other side of the machine (Figure The cylinders D and E are fixedly secured to portions 183 of the side frame members 2. Each rod 170 has an upper portion 182 of smaller diameter than the

remainder of the rod, thus providing a shoulder 184.

The upper portion 182 of each rod passes through a hole

in one of two plates 186, each plate having a projecting lip 188 hich, when the machine is in an inoperative condition, rests upon one of two latches 190 each pivotable about a pin 192 extending, widthwise of the C- machine, from a lug upstanding from a bracket 193 supported on the arms of the bracket 164. A cylinder I, having a piston rod 194, is carried by the bracket 193 and is arranged so that the outstroking piston rod will strike a plate 196 extending between and fixed to the latches 190 to cause the latches to release the plates 186. Two inverted U-shaoed brackets 198, one mounted on the upper surface of each of the plates

186, are each provided with a constant tension spring 200 attached thereto and mounted on an extension 202 of the

C-frame 4 (see Figure 1).

Below each-plate 186 and connected thereto by rods 204 (best seen in Figure 3) is a sleeve 206 having a square internal cross section (see Figure 7) and

427,116

1R,607170 mounted for heighltwise sliding movement on a block 208, which block in turn has a circular bore to receive the tube 166. The tube 166 is a sufficiently loose fit in the block to permit rotation of the block about the tube. This rotation is brought about through the action of a cylinder G on one side and a cylinder H on the other side of the machine, piston rods of these cylinders being pivotally connected at cuter ends thereof to a first end of each of two links 210 which have their second ends secured to the lower ends of the two blocks 208 (Figure 4) and are supported in position by split collars 211. Also mounted for rotary movement on the tubes 166 are two castings 212, one being mounted on each tube 166 belr.- the split collar 211. Two lugs 214 on each casting 212 support a pivot 216 on which is mounted one of two links 218, each connected to a common pivot point 220

mounted on a piston rod 222 of a cylinder arrangement P, which is connected, through a supporting bracket mounted between upstanding portions of the C-frame 4, to a side clamp assembly having side clamp members adapted to engage side portions of an upper pulled about the last by the

upper gripping means so as to maintain the upper in its- pulled condition when the gripping means release their grip as wiping instrumentalities of the machine commence operation. The wiper instrumentalities.which are supported on extension members 224 one arranged at each side of the

427.116- last when in operative position, include, one on each side, a block 234 for movement to.ards and away from the -last by means of one of two cylinders S and T, (only T shown in Figures 1 and Full details of the construction and operation of the wiper instrumentalities, and of the side clamp assembly are given in the specification of our copending application !Pa.50530/69.' As previously mentioned, the lower end of each rod 170 is attached to its-block 172. When the cylinders _E and D outstroke, the rising piston rods 1.0, 181 will raise the rods 170 until the blocks 172 approach the undersides of the associated casting 168. As the blocks 172 move past a pair of nicrosi-itches ("19 associated with rod 170 moving under the action of cylinders 3, and S20 with the rod 170 moved by cylinder D) these switches are operated to initiate action of the side clamp assembly operating cylinder P. It is possible to prevent either the cylinder D .or the cylinder E from fully completing the outstroking action of the piston rod associated therewith for a purpose -Fnich has been hereinbefore explained. Figure 6 shows two book-shaped spacer members 256, 258 (seen also in Figure 3) pivoted on reduced upper end portions 257, 259 of pillars 263, 265 secured at lower ends thereof to the portions 183 of the side frame members. The spacer members 256, 258 are linked together through ties 260, 261 and 262. A spring 2614 normally maintains the spacer

427.1 16

18, 6071m 258 in a position such that it embraces the rod 170 and prevents the block 172 associated with the cylinder E abutting against the casting 168.-- Alternatively, if it is desired to shorten the stroke length of the cylinder D instead of the cylinder E, then a cylinder U situated at the side of the cylinder D is caused to instroke. A flexible wire 266 is connected to the piston rod of the cylinder U and passes over a pulley 268 to be secured to one end of the tie 261. Thus, the consequent dowmnard movement of the wire 266, on the cylinder U instroking, pulls the tie 261 into the position shown in -Figures 3 and 6, where the spacer member 258 has pivoted about-the portion 259 of the pillar 265 to clear the rod 170 on that side, and the spacer member 256 has moved to limit the stroke of the cylinder D. A description of the upper gripper assemblies and associated hold-do.m

rods will now be given. From the viewpoint of the operator, immediately in front of the parts shown in Figure 3 are the operating instrumentalities shown in Figure 2. The relative positions of the main parts of both Figures are shown in Figure 1, and the general outline of certain parts of Figure 3 shown in chain-dotted lines in Figure 2, the parts of Figure 2 being mounted on two brackets indicated at 270, one of these two brackets being secured to each

of the two sleeves 206 (Figure 4).

In Figure 2 are show'm two upper gripper assemblies

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18,607/70 indicated at 272 each comprising a pair of jaw members 276 and 280 hereinafter described. As each assembly, together with its associated parts, is identical to, but a mirror image of, the other, one only will now be

described. A member 274 of generally U-shaped cross-section (see particularly Figure 7) is secured to the bracket 270 by means of an extension 275. The member 274 is

provided at its lower end with a pivot pin 278

on w-.hich is mounted a movable jaw member 280, which is movable towards and away from a fixed jaw member 276 provided on the member 274 so as to extend downwardly therefrom. Also pivotally mounted about the pin 278

and extending through a hollow body portion of the

movable jaw member 280 is an upper edge detecting

memiber 282 provided with a projection 284 passing through a slot in the movable jaw member 280 and, when the movable jaw member 280 is closed on the fixed jaw member 276,

arranged to project into an aperture in the fixed jaw

member 276. The construction and operation of the upper

edge detecting member is fully described in the specification of our copending application 50531/69 also divided from our application Fo.50530/69. .A bracket 310 (Figure 2) secured to the upper end portion of the member 274 supports at a pivot point 312 a collar 314 to which is rigidly fixed a cylinder of a piston and cylinder arrangement L (or which includes

427.1 16

18, 607 7o a piston having two piston rods, a first piston rod 316 an extension 317 of which is pivotally connected to the movable jaw 280, and a second (upwardly extending) piston rod 318 having a threaded end portion screwed into a block 320. The collar 314 supports two parallel rods 322 spaced apart fore and aft in the machine, upper ends of the rods being secured to a bracket 324 (see.also Figure Secured to the bracket 324 by an arm 326- is a microswitch assembly 328 including a microswitch (S8, S9), which may be operated by a rod 330 that passes through an aperture in the bracket 324 and is screwed in the block 320, thus forming an extension to the piston rod 318. A spring 332 surrounding the rod 330 bears against the under surface of the bracket 324 and is held at its lower end against an adjustable stop collar 334 threaded-upon the rod 330. Thus when air is supplied to a loer chamber of cylinders L or II so that the piston rod 316 is instroked to maintain the jaw members 276 and 280 open, the piston rod 318 is outstroked, maintaining the microswitch (S8 or S9) closed and the spring 332 compressed. The bracket 310 also supports a cylinder of a piston-and- cylinder arrangement Q (or The casing of the cylinders Q and R each support a microswitch assembly 335 including microswitches S12 and S13 respectively. A piston rod 337 of each cylinder is secured to a block 336 having an extension 338 extending through a slot 339 in the member 274. The extension 338 is provided with

427.116

S18,607/7o a bore through hich an insole hold-do-wn rod 340O is slidable. The insole hold-down rod also passes slidably through an aperture in an extension 342 to the bracket 310. Ho ever, the a-mount of slidinr movement is restricted by a collar 344 secured to the rod 340 at a point beneath the extension 338 of the block 336 and also by a pin 346 projecting from the portion of the rod 340 visible between the extensions 338 and 342. Further down its length the insole hold-doi-.m rod passes slidably through a block 348 secured to the member 274, and the extreme lower end portion 350 of the rod 340 is of slightly narrower diameter than the remainder of the rod 340 and adapted to press against the marginal portions of the insole. An abutment surface 352 isprovided on the end portion 350 and is arranged to operate on the advance of the wiper instrumentalities, as described in the specification of our c.opending application No. 50532/69. At the opposite end of the rod 340 a projection 343 is carried on a portion 341 of narrower diameter than the rod 340, for operating an associated microswitch (S12 or S13). The extension 275 to the member 274 is,.as mentioned above, secured to the bracket 270 extending fron the sleeve 206, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7. Also supported on the sleeve 206 by means of.a bracket 354 (Figure 5) is a cylinder K (a cylinder J being similarly supported on the opposite side of the machine) A piston rod 356 of cylinder K is secured to a block 357

22. 427.116

18,607/7o. pivotally mounted on one arm 358 of a two-armed cranked lever 359 having a second arm 360. The lever 359

is pivoted about a stud 362 screwed into the extension 275 of the member 274. At the lower end of the arm 360 is secured a forked upper-engaging and locating member 364, which is movable between an inoperative position (indicated in chain dotted lines in Figure and an operative position in which it encloses the movable jaw member 280 when that member 280 is closed upon the fixed jaw member 276. In the operation of the machine, when the last has been securely clamped in the desired position by action of the toe clamp mechanism the upper gripper assemblies 272 have been lowered in the machine by an outstroking action of the cylinder 11 causing the plate 196 and the associated latches 190 to pivot about 192 and allow each sleeve 206 to slide down its associated

block 208, this sliding movement being controlled by the

constant tension springs 200. The fixed jaw member

276 of each assembly 272 and the end portions 350 of the insole hold-down rods 340 now come to rest upon the insole.

At this time each of the cylinders G and H instrokes to

swing the entire assembly 272 associated therewith and all other parts secured to the sleeves 206 together with

the block 208, about the tube 166 (clockwise as seen in

Figure 7, anticlockwise at the other side of the machine).

427.116

SUl 607p/70 SThis results in the fixed jaw members 276 moving apart from each other, until one of them (which one will depend on

whether a left or a right shoe has been presented to the machine) arrives at the edge of the shoe and drops over.

The insole hold-domwn rod 340 associated with that fixed

jaw (which rod until now has been held relative to the

member 2714 by the pin 346 resting on top of the extension

338 of the block 336) will, how.ever, now remain resting on the insole. The distance that the fixed jaw member

travels dow-nwards as it drops over the edge the feather edge) will be limited by the extension 338

of the block 336 resting on the collar 344 secured to the

hold-down rod as is shown in Figure 3, but the slight relative movement between the merber 274 and the rod 3140 is arranged to operate the microswitch S12 or S13

as the case may be to halt the stroke of the cylinder G or H. This is brought about since the cylinders Q and R also

drop slightly, being connected to the member 274 as before

explained, and the microswitches 312, 313 carried on

those cylinders are operated as they travel past the

projections 343 on the upper portions 341 of the rods

340. When both fixed jaw members have dropped over the

feather edge of the last in this manner and both

microswitches S 12 and 313 have been operated to stop

the movement of the fixed jaw members, the cylinders

J and K both instroke to cause the two-armed lever 359

24. 427.116

607-/7o to pivot about the stud 362 to bring in the upper engaging and locating member 364 on each side of the shoe to gather the upper towards the last to ensure that the upper lies in a position to be gripped by the jaw members of the upper gripper asemblies 272. Until this point in the operation of the machine, air has been supplied to cylinders L and M.to keep the piston rods 316 instroked, the piston rods 318 outstroked and the springs 332 compressed. Iow this air is permitted to flow to exhaust and, under the influence of the springs 332, piston rods 318 instroke and piston rods 316 out stroke to cause the movable jaw members 2SO to close on the fixed jaw members 276 under spring pressure only, trapping the upper therebetween on both sides of the last. The cylinders D and E now comnence to outstroke slowly to raise the gripper assemblies and, since the jaw members 276 and 280 are only held by spring pressure (spring 332) the upper is permitted to slip through the jam members as each gripper assembly 272 rises. This. movement continues until the upper has slipped through the ja-.w members 282 sufficiently to permit the projection 284 to enter the aperture in the fixed jaw nember 276. This causes the stroke of the cylinder E (or of cylinder D on the other side of the machine which operates in an identical manner)to be halted while the jaw members 280, 276 are closed under full pneumatic pressure. At this point, the cylinders D and E re-commence their

427.116

6 0 7/7o outstroking action but this time at a faster rate. According to whether the last presented to the machine is for a right shoe or a left shoe, so the spacer 256 or 258 is in position to limit the stroke of cylinder D or

E respectively. Yhen the cylinders D and E have outstroked as far as is permitted by the spacer members 256, 25S, the side clamping assembly operating cylinder P cormnences to outstroke slowly to cause the links 218 to swing the castings 212 with their lugs 2 14, in opposite directions, about the associated tubes 166. As a consequence of this, the plate-like extensions 224 swing in a manner to bring the side clamp assemblies towards the last imtil the side clamp members engage the sides of the last having the upper positioned thereon in a pulled condition. The wiping instrumentalities then operate as described in our application No. 50532/69. The operating sequence of the instrumentalities of the illustrative machine will now be described with reference to the electrical and pneumatic circuits shown in Figures 8 to 12. A-last with an insole and upperin position thereon is placed on the last peg and the "start,, button is pressed. On operation of the "start" button, (switch Sl), relay RI is energised, closing relay contacts RI/1, RI/2, RI/3 and opening relay contact RI/4. Relay contact RI/I

18, 607 in closing, holds relay RI in the energised state, and also energises relay R2. Relay contacts R2/I, 2/2, 2/3 and 2/5 are then closed and relay 2/4 is opened. Relay contact 2/2 in closing, energises solenoid valve SVi which reverses valve VI, perymittinZ an air supply to reach valve V39 ahere it is blocked for the moment, and to valve V36 to cause cylinder VI to instroke to bring the horizontal bar 66 to a forvrard position. Air from the valve Vl also passes through a line having a flow restrictor and a reservoir, which act as a pneumatic time delay,. to reverse the valve V36 to exhaust the cylinder U and to leave it in that condition for the remainder of the cycle. Air then also passes through valve V36 to act as pilot air to reverse the valve V39, allowing the air supply that was previously blocked to. reach the cylinder A through a switch operated valve which is switch-operated to permit the cylinder A to instroke thus clamping the last in position cn the last. support 22 as previously mentioned. The increased pressure in the cylinder A operates pressure switch PS3 which, through the now closed relay contact energises solenoid valve SV2. At the same time, since the relay contact R1/2 and switch S4 are both closed, solenoid valve SV3 is also energised. This causes the cylinder B to instroke, since air pressure is now supplied to the cylinder chamber on the rod side of the piston, while the other chamber leads to exhaust

427.116

1 8, 607/70 through valve V3. The instroking action of cylinder B

draws the last support and the last into the machine

and this movenent closes switch S2, thus holding solenoid

valve SV1 in the energised state for the rest of the

cycle. As cylinder B continues to instroke, switch

S4 is opened, thus de-energising the solenoid valve SV3.

The valve V3 then reverts to its original position so

that air pressure is now being supplied to both chambers

of the cylinder to equalise the force on each side of the

piston thus arresting its stroke. Air is in fact

supplied to the chmaber at the head end of the cylinder

at slightly less pressure to allow for piston rod area in the other chamber. At the same moment as the

switch S4 is opened switch 35 on cylinder B is closed

by the action of the rod 162, causing solenoid valve SV4

to be energised, reversing valve V4 which causes cylinder

C to outstroke, since the chamber on the rod side of the piston is now connected to exhaust through valve V4, thus raising the forepart of the last towards the horizontal bar 66. At the same time air is supplied through V4 to cylinder Y which outstrokes to raise the heel end of the last also. The last is raised in a controlled by reason of a flow restrictor and pressure

_r egulator in the pressure line to the valve V4. The

solenoid valve SV4 also causes valve V30 to reverse, thus

supplying a pressure impulse to cylinder N from its associated reservoir. The cylinder M outstrokes to

28. 427.116

1 8, 60 7 release the latches 190 holding the gripper assemblies and is returned by a spring as pressure bleeds off through a flow restrictor. As the heel end of the last touches the horizontal bar 66, switch S7 is reversed thus energising the solenoid valve SV3 again. This re-opens the valve V3 to exhaust and the cylinder B continues to instroke. The switch S4 remains open and the switch S5 remains closed for the remainder of the cycle. The cylinder B continues to instroke until a sensing finger of the sensing means mounted in association with the horizontal bar 66 as mentioned above is raised level with the underside 72 of the bar by contact with the.highest portion of the joint region of the advancing last. At this point, switch S6 is tripped open to de-energise relay Rl. Until the switch S7 was reversed by the heel end of the last touching the horizontal bar, the switch S6 was protected from being prematurely opened in the event of the forepart of the last contacting it on rising (as is liable to happen with flat-heeled shoes) by being "shortedn out through a line held open by the original position of the switch S7. The relay contacts Rl/2 and R1/3 return to their opened condition and relay contact RI/4 closes. Since relay contact P2/1 is still closed, relay R2 remains energised. The opening of the relay contact RI/2 de-energises the solenoid valve SV3 which halts the stroke of cylinder B by equalising the force on the two sides of the piston as before. The

607 /7o closing of the relay contact P-1/4 energises solenoid valve SV17 which reverses valve VI7 to instroke cylinder F, thus causing the toe clamp mechanism to operate against the vamp of the upper. The closing of the relay contact RI/4 also energises solenoid valves SI6 and SV13 which results in the cylinders D and E instroking following the reversal of valves V6 and V7. The instroking action of the cylinders D and E causes the gripper assemblies 272 to be lowered until the fixed jaws 276 rest upon the joint region of insole. Increased pressure in the cylinder F trips pressure switch PS27 which energises solenoid valves and SVS, (since relay contacts R3/3 and R4/3 are still in their closed positions, relays R3 and T4 not yet having been energised). opening valves V15 and V8 to exhaust, and at the same time energises solenoid valves SV16 and SV9 supplying air pressure to the cylinders G and H respectively to cause them to instroke. The action of. the cylinders G and H is to cause the gripper assemblies to-swing radially away from each other towards the feather edge. Assuming the operator has presented a last for a left shoe to the machine, then the gripper assembly controlled by the cylinder 11will be the first to drop over the feather edge on the inside of the joint in the manner previously explained. This dropping movement closes switch S13, which permits energisation of relay 114,

427.116

8,607 o which is then held in the energised state by the closing of relay contact RI4/I. Simultaneously relay contact R4/3 opens,. thus de-energising the solenoid valve SV8. This causes the valve V8 to reverse and permit equal force to be applied to both-sides of the piston in the cylinder H to halt its stroke. "Keanwhile pressure in

a line from the valve V8 causes cylinder U to instroke (overcoming the spring therein) by holding valve V31 open (V30 also being open) to permit air from the line from valve V17 associated with the cyiinder F (toe clamp) to be supplied also to the cylinder U. Operation of the cylinder U is arranged to reverse the position of the spacing members 256, 258 so that the appropriate spacing member 256 is inserted to limit the length of stroke of the cylinder D as hereinbefore explained. An air line leads off from the air line from the valve V8 at a point between valves V30 nd V31 to reverse valve V29. Thus when switch S12 is subsequently operated by the gripper assembly associated with the cylinder G dropping over the feather edge and relay R3 is energised, opening relay contact R3/3, de-energising the solenoid valve SVI5 and allowing equalising air pressure to enter the cylinder G through valve V15 to halt the cylinder stroke, the pressure signal in the air line from valve to the valve V29 is blocked since valve V29 is now closed. Alternatively, assuming the machine is required

31. 427.116 to operate on a last-for a right shoe, then the gripper assembly controlled by the cylinder G will be the first to drop over the feather edge, operating the switch S12 to energise relay R3 which is then held in the energised condition by the closing of relay contact R3/1. Energisation of the solenoid valve SVI5 follows the closing of relay contact R3/3. Air is thus permitted to pass through to valve V15 to provide equal force on each side of the piston in the cylinder G to halt its stroke. Air also passes from the valve V15 through the valve V-29 which is.open, to reverse the valves V30 and V31, thus opening the chamber of the cylinder U on the rod side of the piston to exhaust. In addition, air from the valve V17 associated with the cylinder F is blocked by the reversed valve V31 and the cylinder U remains outstroked under the influence of its spring. Xihen the switch S13 is subsequently operated by the gripper assembly aecociated with the cylinder H dropping over the feather edge, the signal from valve V8 is blocked by valve having been reversed so that the cylinder U is unaffected. Thus the spacing member 258 remains in its rest position to limit the stroke of the cylinder E.

Whether the last presented to the machine is -for a-left or a right shoe, when the feather edge has been detected on both sides of the last, it will be seen that the relays R3 and R4 are both energised. The

427.116

S8, 60 7/ro consequent closing of relay contacts R3/2 and R4/2

energises solenoid valves SV10 and SV11 to result in the

cylinders J and K instroking to bring in the upper engaging members 364. Increased pressure in the cylinders J and K closes pressure switches PS10 and PS11, energising

solenoid valves SV18 and SV20 so that valves V18 and

respectively are reversed to open cylinders L and to exhaust, which cylinders until now have been supplied

with air to maintain the moving jaws of the gripper

assemblies in the open position. This permits the jaws to close under the:influence of the springs 332 associated

with the cylinders L and M so that the upper is relatively loosely held therebetween. Closure of the jaws opens switches S8. and S9 and thus de-energises the solenoid

valves SV13 and SV6 to cause valves V13 and V14 associated

with the cylinder E and valves V6 and V7 (cylinder D) to

reverse thus causing these two cylinders to outstroke.

However, the exhaust lines in operation through the non- energised solenoid valves SV14 and SV7 respectively are those

which are provided with flow restrictors. Thus the lasting margins of the uppers are permitted to slip through

the slowly rising jaws until the edge of the upper is

detected by the jaws closing fully to operate switch S14 first, or switch S15 according tothe side on which the

edge of the upper is first detected. In closing, S14 will energise solenoid valve SV21 to permit air to be supplied to cylinder Ii to augment the spring pressure and close

427.1 16 the ~10, 6 0-7/onnematic pressure. associated jaws under full At the sane time the switch S14 will energise solenoid valve SV5 to provide equal force on each side of the piston in the cylinder D and halt its stroke. 'hen the switch is closed then solenoid valves SVI9 and SVl2 are similarly -energised to give respectively full gripping pressure to the jaws associated with the cylinder L and to provide equal force on each side of.the piston in the cylinder E to halt its stroke. The pressure increase in the cylinders L and M (jaw gripping )closes pressure s-itches PS16 and PS17 respectively to energise relay R5, which is then held in the energised condition by the closing of relay contact R5A. Relay contacts R5/2 and R5/3 open to de-energise the solenoid valves SV5 and SV12 respectively to terminate the position of equalised force on the pistons of the cylinder D and of the cylinder E. Simultaneously, relay contact R5/5 reverses, de-energising solenoid valves SVIO and SVll to cause the cylinders J and K to outstroke under the influence of the supply of air through valves VIO and VII respectively and thus withdraw the upper engaging members 364. Reversal of the relay contact R5/5 also ensures that the solenoid valves SVI8 and SV20 remain energised to keep the cylinders L and V connected to exhaust so that the jaws remain on full gripping pressure. Relay contact R5/4 also closes to energise the solenoid valves SV7 and SV14 to reverse them

3427 1

1 60 7 o so that each is connected to exhaust through an exhaust

.line which has no flow restrictor. Thus since the solenoid

valves SV5 and SV12 are now de-energised, cylinders D and E

are permitted to outstroke normally, that is, relatively fast. The stroke of the two cylinders D and E continues until the respective stops are reached. It will be

remembered that according to whether the machine is operating on a left or right last, the spacing member is inserted to limit the stroke of either cylinder D or cylinder Z. As the stroke of each of the cylinders nears

completion, switch S19 is closed by movement from cylinder D and switch S20 from cylinder E. Closing

these two switches permits energisation of solenoid valve SV22 which by reversing valve V22 causes cylinder P to outstroke slowly, there being a flow restrictor provided in the exhaust line therefrom, and the side. clamp assemblies are brought gently in against the pulled upper on the last to raintin it in its fully pulled position thereon when the gripping pressure of the jaws is released (overcoming the influence of the springs associated rith cylinders L and MK) by the de-energising of the solenoid valves SV21 and SV19 which is brought about by the opening of relay contacts R6/2 and R6/3 when relay- R6-is-energised by the operation of pressure switch PS18. This pressure switch PS18 is arranged to operate from the to pressure drop in the chamber of cylinder P that is open

427.116

18, 6077o exhaust while the cylinder is outstroked, but the action of

PS18 is delayed by a flow restrictor in the line from

cylinder P so that the side clamp pads are under full

clamping pressure before relay R6 is energised to result

in the gripping pressure of the jaws being released.

In addition relay R6/5 opens to maintain the solenoid

valves SV6 and SV13 in a de-energised condition and the

cylinders Dand E fully outstroked. The operation of

the wiper instrumentalities then takes place, as mentioned

above.

-36- 427.116

Claims (1)

1. *8607 The claims defining the invention are as

   follows

   1. A machine suitable for use in conforming

   a shoe upper to the shape of a last in the joint region

   of a shoe at opposite sides thereof comprising a last

   support means for supporting a last carrying a shoe upper

   and an insole, and operating.instrumentalities including

   upper gripping means comprising two assemblies of jaw

   members adapted to grip marginal portions of the upper

   at opposite sides of the'shoe at the joint region,

   and to move to pull said upper taut about the last, means

   for moving the assemblies outwardly, from positions which

   they initially occupy opposite the exposed face of the

   insole, in a direction towards edge portions of the insole,

   and means for positioning the last upon the last support

   means so that the joint region occupies a predetermined

   position widthwise with respect to the gripper assemblies,

   in order that, on outward movement being imparted to the

   assemblies, the gripper assembly at the inside joint region '-ezc -reaches the corresponding portion of the insole first,

   the machine also having means for automatically limiting

   the pull exerted on the upper by the other gripper assembly.

   2. A machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein

   the last, with upper and insole thereon is supported bottom.

   up in the machine,'sa~d--asembly-ef-'i--member-r-ea-oC &a-ia mblcs-.of the upper gripping means being caused

   18, 607 17m to move outwardly as aforementioned from a position where the assembly rests supported on the insole inwardly of the edge thereof to a position where it is no longer

   supported on the insole and drops under the influence of gravity to a position lower than that at which it rested on the insole.

   3. A machine as claimed in claim 2 whterein there is provided insole hold-down means associated with each said assembly of jam members, said hold-down means

   including a rod engageable with the edge of the insole when the associated assembly has dropped to the lower- position.

   41. A machine as claimed in elaim*3 wherein each said assembly of jaw members is provided with an upper engaginp, and locating member adjacent thereto and adapted to gather marginal portions of the. upper into such a position that the jaw members on closing in the operation of the machine grip said marginal portions.

   A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having fluid operated pisto n and cylinder devices, one associ ated with each of the two assemblies of jaw members for moving the assemblies to pull said upper taut about the last in the operation of the machine, wherein the means for automatically limiting*the pull exerted

   -427.1.16.

   18, 607/ 7 on the upper by the gripper assembly at the outside joint

   region comprises two spacer members, one for each piston and

   cylinder device, each one adapted to occupy alternative

   positions, in one of which positions the spacer member

   limits the stroke of the piston of the associated piston

   and cylinder device while in the other position the spacer

   member does not so limit the stroke of the piston.

   6. A machine as claimed in claim 5 wherein

   the spacer members are spring-biased into one of the

   alternative positions, movement into the other pcaition

   being controlled by the action of a microswiitch arrangement

   operable on termination of the outward movement of the

   gripper assembly at the inside joint region of the shoe.

   Dated thi f. ayf. O

   THE IZ7' t 7 -A C7!UERY COMPANY CF A FC'PFRiETARY LIMITED

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