Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B68—SADDLERY; UPHOLSTERY
  • B68G—METHODS, EQUIPMENT, OR MACHINES FOR USE IN UPHOLSTERING; UPHOLSTERY NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B68G7/00—Making upholstery
  • B68G7/05—Covering or enveloping cores of pads
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B68—SADDLERY; UPHOLSTERY
  • B68G—METHODS, EQUIPMENT, OR MACHINES FOR USE IN UPHOLSTERING; UPHOLSTERY NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B68G15/00—Auxiliary devices and tools specially for upholstery

Definitions

• Conveying system for a production plant of padded objects, and plant comprising said conveying system.
• This invention relates to a conveying system for a production plant of padded objects.
• the invention also relates to a plant comprising said conveying system.
• the invention relates to a system of said type, designed and manufactured in particular for conveying a cover, provided with three sewn sides and a side completely open or partially sewn, inside a plant for the production of pillows, but which may be used in any plant for the production of any padded object obtained starting from a deformable containment casing, that is to say, of variable shape, provided with closed sides and at least one side completely open or partially sewn, for which conveying inside the plant is necessary.
• a plant for the production of padded objects, in particular pillows obtained by filling covers comprises the following units.
• a unit for soring the covers usually arranged stacked in the horizontal direction of the length, a unit for picking up the covers from the storage unit, a unit for filling the cover, a unit for labelling the cover and a unit for sewing the open side of the cover and the label on one of the sides of the cover.
• each processing unit is currently used individually, that is to say, the passage of the semi-processed object from one unit to the next is carried out manually by an operator who picks up the semi-processed object at the outlet from one unit and inserts it in the inlet of the next unit.
• the cover used in the known plants usually has a side completely open, that is to say, wherein the two flaps of the cover are separated from each other along their entire length, or partially sewn, so as to allow the insertion of the filling material in the cover.
• the filling material could escape from the open side of the cover.
• a further drawback of the prior art plants is that the plants are semi automatic so the presence of an operator is necessary who must realign the separate flaps of the cover and who must move from one processing unit to the next one.
• the aim of the invention is therefore to provide a conveying system for a production plant of deformable padded objects which allows the flaps of the cover to be allows maintained aligned during the entire conveying in the plant, in order to ensure a high quality processing.
• Another aim of the invention is to provide a conveying system for a production plant of deformable padded objects which allows a fully automated production.
• Yet another aim of the invention is to provide a conveying system for a production plant of deformable padded objects which allows a high production rate over time.
• the object of the invention is therefore a conveying system of a cover, of the type comprising at least one open or partially open side so as to define an opening, for a production plant of padded objects starting from said cover, of the type comprising at least one processing unit of said cover, comprising a first conveying unit, comprising gripping means designed to grip said at least one side of said cover, designed for conveying said cover from a first position towards a second position at said at least one processing unit of said cover, and a second conveying unit, comprising gripping means designed for gripping said at least one side of said cover, designed for conveying said cover from said second position to a third position, said gripping means of said second conveying unit being configured so as to take said at least one side of said cover in said second position, during the gripping of said at least one side of said cover by said gripping means of said first conveying unit.
• said gripping means of said first conveying unit and said gripping means of said second conveying unit are designed to grip said at least one side of the cover in a same predetermined position of said side of said cover, in said second position.
• said at least one open or partially open side of said cover is formed by a first and a second flap, wherein said gripping means of said conveying unit are designed for the joint gripping of said first and second flap, and said gripping means of said second conveying unit are designed for the joint gripping of said first and second flap of said cover in said second position, during the joint gripping of said first and second flap by said gripping means of said conveying unit.
• said gripping means of said first conveying unit comprise a first gripping device and a second gripping device designed for gripping, respectively, a first portion and a second portion of said at least one side of said cover, said first portion and second portion being provided in positions opposite to each other with respect to said opening, and said gripping means of said second conveying unit comprising a first gripping device and a second gripping device designed for gripping, respectively, said first portion and said second portion of said at least at least one side of said cover.
• said first gripping device and second gripping device of said first conveying unit have a predetermined shape
• said first gripping device and second gripping device of said second conveying unit have a shape to match said first gripping unit and second gripping unit of said first conveying unit.
• said first gripping device and second gripping device of said first conveying unit are movable towards and away from each other along a first axis
• said first gripping device and second gripping device of said second conveying unit are movable towards and away from each other along said first axis.
• said first gripping device and second gripping device of said first conveying unit comprise, respectively, a first lower and upper gripping element shaped like a fork and a second lower and upper gripping element also shaped like a fork, said first lower and upper gripping element of said first gripping device are movable with respect to each other to grip said first portion, said second lower and upper gripping element of said second gripping device are movable with respect to each other to grip said second portion, said first gripping device and second gripping device of said second conveying unit comprise, respectively, a first lower and upper gripping element shaped like a fork and a second lower and upper gripping element also shaped like a fork, said first lower and upper gripping element of said second gripping device are movable with respect to each other for gripping said first portion, and said second lower and upper gripping element of said second gripping device are movable with respect to each other for gripping said second portion.
• said first lower gripping element, of said first gripping device, and second lower gripping element, of said second gripping device are fixed along a third axis, at right angles to said first axis, and said first upper gripping element of said first gripping device, and second upper gripping element of said second gripping device, are movable along said third axis towards and away from said first lower gripping element and second lower gripping element
• said first lower gripping element, of said fist gripping device, and said second lower gripping element, of said second gripping device are fixed according to said third axis and said first upper gripping element of said first gripping device, and second upper gripping element of said second gripping device, are movable along said third axis towards and away from said first lower gripping element and second lower gripping element.
• said first conveying unit comprises a first pair of pins, positioned close to said first gripping device, and a second pair of pins, positioned close to said second gripping device, such as to insert in said opening of said cover and widen in it jointly along said first axis, said pins of said first pair being movable specularly away from and towards each other along said third axis and along a second axis, at right angles to said first and third axis, independently from said first gripping device, and said pins of said second pair being movable specularly away from and towards each other along said third axis and along said second axis, independently from said second gripping device, and said second conveying unit comprise a first pin, positioned close to said first gripping device, movable along said second axis independently from said first gripping device and a second pin, positioned close to said second gripping device, movable along said second axis independently from said second gripping device, said first pin and second pin being designed to insert in
• said system may comprise a first blocking unit comprising an upper gripping device comprising, in turn, a first upper element and a second upper element spaced apart from each other, and a lower gripping device comprising, in turn, a first lower element and a second lower element positioned facing, respectively, said first upper element and second upper element of said upper gripping device so as to allow, jointly, the gripping of said side of said cover, in an area defined between said gripping means of said first conveying unit and gripping means of said second conveying unit, at said second position.
• a first blocking unit comprising an upper gripping device comprising, in turn, a first upper element and a second upper element spaced apart from each other
• a lower gripping device comprising, in turn, a first lower element and a second lower element positioned facing, respectively, said first upper element and second upper element of said upper gripping device so as to allow, jointly, the gripping of said side of said cover, in an area defined between said gripping means of said first conveying unit and gripping means of said second convey
• said system may comprise a second blocking unit comprising a first oblong element and a second oblong element, each rotatable between a raised rest position and a lowered position in which they press a portion of said cover defined, respectively, by each of said gripping means at said third position.
• Another object of the invention is a plant for the production of padded objects starting from a cover, of the type comprising at least one open or partially open side so as to define an opening, comprising a conveying system, said plant comprising a filling unit, positioned at said second position, wherein said cover is conveyed by said first conveying unit, and a labelling and/or sewing unit, positioned at said third position wherein said cover is conveyed by said second conveying unit.
• said cover is fixed to said filling unit by means of a first blocking unit, and said cover is blocked in said third position by means of a second blocking unit.
• Figure 1 is a top plan view of the conveying system, for a production plant of padded objects, according to the invention
• Figure 2a is a top plan view of a cover with a complete opening on a side
• Figure 2b is a top plan view of a cover with a partial opening on a side
• Figure 3 is a perspective side view of a detail of the unit for picking up covers of the plant
• Figure 4 is a front view of a detail of the unit for conveying covers of the plant
• Figure 5 is a perspective side view of the detail of Figure 4.
• Figure 6 is a perspective side view of the unit for filling the plant in an operating position
• Figure 7 is a perspective side view of the unit for filling the plant in a further operating position
• Figure 8a is an exploded view of the filling unit of the plant
• Figure 8b is a perspective side view of the unit for filling the plant and of the first conveying unit acting in conjunction with each other;
• Figure 9 is a front view of the unit for blocking the plant
• Figure 10 is a side perspective view of the system for optimising the filling of the pillow inside the plant
• Figure 1 1 is a perspective side view from above of a component of the conveying system of the plant;
• Figure 12a is a view from above of some structural elements of the conveying system of the plant.
• Figures 12b and 12c are views from above of a second and third embodiment of a structural element shown in Figure 12a;
• Figure 13 is a side perspective view of the device for applying the plant in an operating position
• Figure 14 is a side perspective view of the applicator device of Figure 13 in a further operating position
• Figure 15 is a side perspective view of the sewing device of the plant.
• Figure 16 is a perspective side view of the labelling unit.
• Figures 1 , 2a and 2b show a plant 1 for producing padded objects according to the invention, starting from an empty deformable cover F.
• Said cover F substantially has a rectangular shape and has three closed sides and a side completely open or partially closed or sewn.
• the side completely open or partially closed is formed by a first Fi and a second flap F 2 .
• first flap F 1 and second flap F 2 are separated from each other along their entire length, so as to delimit an opening A along the entire length of the side whilst, if the side is partially closed, said first flap F 1 and second flap F 2 are joined together at least for a first F a and a second F b lateral portion opposite each other, so as to delimit a partial opening A on that side.
• Said plant 1 basically comprises a storage unit M for storing covers stacked laid out flat one on the other in a horizontal direction, a supporting frame B, a conveyor belt N, a unit P for picking up said covers F, a system T for conveying said covers F in said plant 1 , a filling unit 300 for filling the cover F with loose material, a first blocking unit 200 for blocking the opening A of the cover F on the filling unit 300, a system 400 for optimising the filling of the cover F, and an applicator device 500 for applying one or more labels E to the cover F, a second blocking unit 700 and a sewing unit 900.
• said conveying system T comprises a first conveying unit 100 and a second conveying unit 600 mounted on the supporting frame B, slidable along a first axis X, one above the other.
• said pick-up unit P comprises pick-up means, typically adhesives, for picking up said first flap Fi of the upper face of each cover F and for conveying the cover F towards said first conveying unit 100, passing from a storage position to a predetermined position facing the first conveying unit 100.
• pick-up means typically adhesives
• Said conveyor belt N is designed to convey covers F along said first axis X and comprises a plurality of belts N-i, N 2 , ..., N n separated from each other by respective empty zones.
• said first conveying unit 100 comprises a first operating unit 101 and a second operating unit 102, movable along the first axis X, a second axis Y and a third axis Z.
• Said first conveying unit 100 is movable along the first axis X by means of an electrical or pneumatic system S.
• Said first operating unit 101 and second operating unit 102 comprise, respectively, a first gripping device 103 and a second gripping device 104, movable along said first axis X on a first horizontal guide 103’ and a second horizontal guide 104’, for picking up the cover F from said pick-up unit P, respectively at said second lateral portion F b and said first lateral portion F a .
• first pneumatic system Si for the movement of said first pick-up device 103 and second pick-up device 104 along the first axis X there are, respectively, a first pneumatic system Si and a second pneumatic system S 2 .
• Said first pick-up device 103 comprises a first lower fork 105 which is fixed and a first upper fork 106 which is movable along the third axis Z towards and away from said first lower fork 105 in such a way as to allow the picking up and release of said second lateral portion F b .
• said second pick-up device 104 comprises a second lower fork 107 which is fixed and a second upper fork 108 which is movable along the third axis Z towards and away from said second lower fork 107 in such a way as to allow the picking up and release of said first lateral portion of said cover F.
• Said first operating unit 101 and second operating unit 102 comprise, respectively, a first pair 109 of pins 109a, 109b and a second 1 10 pair of pins 1 10a, 1 10b for inserting in the opening A of the cover F and widening it according to the first axis X and the third axis Z.
• the pins 109 a , 109 b of said first pair 109 are movable, by means of a rack and pinion system S 4 , specularly away from and towards each other along the third axis Z and are also movable along the second axis Y independently of said first gripping device 103.
• the pins 1 10 a , 1 10 b of said second pair 1 10 are also movable, by means of a rack and pinion system S 5 , specularly away from and towards each other along the third axis Z and are also movable along the second axis Y independently of said second gripping device 104.
• said plant 1 also comprises a filling unit 300.
• the filling unit 300 comprises a centrifugal blowing unit 301 fixed, beneath, to a base 302 movable, by means of guides, along the axis Y.
• the centrifugal blowing unit 301 comprises a main hollow body, that is, a case 302’ in which is defined an inner chamber 302” where a rotor 303’ is housed.
• the above-mentioned rotor 303’ can be operated by means of an electric motor designed to rotate the rotor 303’ about itself in the relative inner chamber 302”.
• Said inner chamber 302 is in communication, by means of tubes or conduits connected axially to it, with one or more silos for containing the loose material for filling the covers F.
• the expulsion tube 303 is connected to said inner chamber 302” of the case 302’ by means of an oblique intermediate tube 305, directed towards the opening 304, which engages tangentially with the case 302’.
• a pressing element that is, a plunger 306 positioned at the opening of the expulsion tube 303 opposite the above-mentioned opening 304 and movable, by means of a pneumatic system, inside the expulsion tube 303 between a withdrawn position (see Figure 6), wherein the passage of the loose material from the intermediate tube 305 to the expulsion tube 303 up to the opening 304 is allowed, and a forward position (see Figure 7), in which the pressing element 306 protrudes outside the opening 304 for pushing the loose material inside the cover F.
• a pressing element that is, a plunger 306 positioned at the opening of the expulsion tube 303 opposite the above-mentioned opening 304 and movable, by means of a pneumatic system, inside the expulsion tube 303 between a withdrawn position (see Figure 6), wherein the passage of the loose material from the intermediate tube 305 to the expulsion tube 303 up to the opening 304 is allowed, and a forward position (see Figure 7), in which the pressing element 306 protrudes outside
• a mask 307 to act as an interface with the first conveying unit 100.
• the mask 307 has a substantially square shape with four corner cavities 308 formed, respectively, at the four corners of the mask 307.
• the above-mentioned mask may also adopt different shapes, other than square, for example in the shape of a rectangle or another polygon.
• a first groove 309 and a second groove are rotatable, about respective axes of rotation parallel to the third axis Z, between a respective closed position, in which the door 310 closes the relative groove on the front side, that is, on the same side in which there is the opening 304 of the expulsion tube 303, and an open position in which the door 310 is directed substantially parallel to said expulsion tube 303.
• the first door 310 and the second door 31 1 are both subjected to the elastic action of a respective springs which acts on them in such a way as to push them constantly in the relative closing position.
• the mask 307 is also removable, that is to say, removable from the expulsion tube 303 to allow the interchangeability of the mask.
• the plant 1 comprises a first blocking unit 200 for clamping the cover F to said expulsion tube 303.
• Said first blocking unit 200 is mounted on said supporting frame B in front of said filling unit 300 and comprises an upper unit 201 and a lower unit 202.
• the upper unit 201 comprises an upper jaw 203 movable, by means of a pneumatic or electrical system, along the third axis Z designed to block said first flap F 1 of the cover F on the upper face of the mask 307 of the filling unit 300.
• Said upper unit 201 also comprises an upper gripping device 204 movable along the third axis Z, by means of a pneumatic or electrical system, independently from said upper jaw 203.
• Said upper gripping device 204 comprises, in particular, a first upper fork 204 a and a second upper fork 204 b spaced from each other along the first axis X at the opposite sides of the upper jaw 203.
• Said upper gripping device 204 also comprises a pair of upper plates 204 c , 204 d shaped in such a way as to cover the two upper cavities of the four corner cavities 308 of the mask 307 when said upper gripping device 204 reaches the lower end stop along said third axis Z.
• said lower unit 202 comprises a lower jaw 205 movable, by means of a pneumatic or electrical system, along the third axis Z designed to block said second flap F 2 of the cover F on the lower face of the mask 307 of the filling unit 300.
• Said lower unit 202 also comprises a lower gripping device 206 movable along the third axis Z, by means of a pneumatic or electrical system, independently from said lower jaw 202.
• Said lower gripping device 206 comprises, in particular, a first lower fork 206 a and a second lower fork 206 b facing, respectively, said first upper fork 204 a and said second upper fork 204 b in such a way as to allow, together, the gripping of said first lateral portion F a and second lateral portion F b of said cover F during the operation for filling the latter.
• Said lower gripping device 206 also comprises a pair of lower plates 206 c , 206 d shaped in such a way as to cover the two lower cavities of the four corner cavities 308 of the mask 307 when said lower gripping device 206 reaches the upper end stop along said third axis Z.
• said plant 1 comprises a system 400 for optimising filling of the covers F.
• Said system 400 comprises a roller 401 mounted on the supporting frame B above the conveyor belt N for vertically compressing the cover F during the relative filling, to prevent a convexity of the pillow, that is to say, of the filled cover F, reducing the pressure of the loose material on the cover F, and to prevent the filling material from escaping from the filling unit 300.
• Said system 400 for optimising the filing of the cover F also comprises an upper panel 402 movable along the third axis Z and a lower fixed panel 403, both mounted on the supporting frame B one above the between the conveyor belt N and the roller 401.
• an upper opening 402 a at which is mounted an upper gate 402 b movable along the third axis Z so as to open or close said upper opening 402 a .
• a lower opening 403 a at which is mounted an lower gate 403 b movable along the third axis Z so as to open or close said lower opening 403 a .
• Said upper opening 402 a and lower opening 403 a are facing each other.
• Said system 400 for optimising the filling of the covers F also comprises a plurality of pairs of rake-like elements 404 mounted on the supporting frame B in such a way as to pass across the empty zones present between the belts N-i, N 2 , N n of the conveyor belt N and positioned, facing each other, at a distance substantially equal to the width of the cover F.
• Each pair of said plurality of pairs of rake elements 404 is movable along the third axis Z from a position beneath said conveyor belt N to a position above, from where they emerge from said conveyor belt N.
• Each pair of said plurality of pairs of rake elements 404 is also able to oscillate along said second axis Y to uniformly distribute loose material inside the cover F during the relative filling.
• said second conveying unit 600 is movable along the first axis X by means of an electrical or pneumatic system S 3 and comprises a first operating unit 601 and a second operating unit 602 movable along the third axis Z by means of a pneumatic system S 6 , also movable specularly with respect to each other along the first axis X by means of a pneumatic system S 7 and, lastly, also movable along the second axis Y by means of respective pneumatic system S 8 , S 9 .
• Said first operating unit 601 comprises a first gripping device 603 comprising a first fixed upper fork 604 and a first lower fork 605 positioned facing said first upper fork 604 and movable along the third axis Z towards and away from said first lower fork 605 so as to allow the picking up and release of said first lateral portion F a of the cover F.
• said gripping device 603 can also adopt different forms of a fork.
• Said first operating unit 601 also comprises a first pin 606 movable along said second axis Y by means of a link mechanism 607 and a dedicated pneumatic system S10, independently from said first gripping device 603.
• said second operating unit 602 comprises a second gripping device 608 comprising a second fixed upper fork 609 and a second lower fork 610 positioned facing said second upper fork 609 and movable along the third axis Z towards and away from said second upper fork 609 so as to allow the picking up and release of said second lateral portion F a of the cover F.
• Said second operating unit 602 also comprises a second pin 61 1 movable along said second axis Y by means of a link mechanism 612 and a dedicated pneumatic system S-p, independently from said second gripping device 608.
• Said first pin 606 and second pin 61 1 are designed to insert in the opening A of the cover F for making a horizontal slit to allow the application of one or more labels E in the cover F as described in detail below.
• said first gripping device 103 of said first operating unit 101 of said first conveying unit 100, upper gripping device 204 and first upper fork 204 a and second lower fork 206 b of said blocking unit 200 and first gripping device 603 of said first operating unit 601 of said second conveying unit 600 have a shape and dimensions which are complementary to each other, in such a way that during the conveying of the cover F in the plant I, said gripping devices can pick up and release the cover F with continuity, without ever losing said first lateral portion F a and second lateral portion F b of said cover F, as described in detail below.
• said gripping device 603 can have a shape other than that of a fork, providing it allows complementarity with further exchange elements.
• the other fork like elements described above can also have different shapes providing the perform the function of picking up and clamping the cover F.
• a second blocking unit 700 for keeping stationary the pin F a and the second lateral portion F b of the cover F during the application of one or more labels E of the cover F.
• Said second blocking unit 700 comprises, in particular, a bar 701 fixed, horizontally, at a top zone of the lower panel 403, on the side of the panel facing the conveyor belt N.
• the blocking unit 700 also comprises a first blocking unit 702 and a second blocking unit 703 mounted on the supporting frame B above said bar 701.
• the first blocking device 702 comprises, in turn, a fixed support 704 fixed to the supporting frame B and an oblong element 705 articulated to it and rotatable, by means of a dedicated pneumatic system 706, between a raised rest position and a lowered position in which it presses against the upper face of the bar 701 in an area between the two prongs of said first upper fork 604.
• said second blocking device 703 also comprises a fixed support 707, fixed to the supporting frame B, and an oblong element 708 articulated to it and rotatable, by means of a dedicated pneumatic system 709, between a raised rest position and a lowered position in which it presses against the upper face of the bar 701 in an area between the two prongs of the second upper fork 609.
• a blocking apparatus 800 for blocking that is, immobilising, a portion of the label or labels E and allowing the sewing of the latter in the cover F.
• said blocking apparatus 800 comprises a pressing element 801 actuated pneumatically equipped, below, with a horizontal bar 802 oriented parallel to the above-mentioned bar 701 and movable according to the third axis Z between a raised rest position and a lowered position in which it presses against the upper face of said bar 701.
• the above-mentioned plant 1 also comprises a device for generating labels, configured for generating labels to be applied to and attached to the cover F.
• the plant 1 also comprises, in a lower position with respect to the above-mentioned device for generating labels, an applicator device 500 for applying one or more labels inside the cover F following the relative filling.
• the applicator device 500 comprises a gripper 501 formed by a first movable claw 502 and a second claw 503, which is also movable, hinged to the fist claw 502 by a pin 504.
• the applicator device 500 comprises a first pneumatic system 505 acting on the second claw 503 and formed by a first piston 506 and a first cylinder 507, and a second pneumatic system 505’ acting on the first claw 502 and formed by a second piston 506’ and a second cylinder 507’ so as to allow a greater opening of the gripper 501.
• the first pneumatic system 505 and the second pneumatic system 505’ are both connected to a compressed air system, not shown in the drawings, for the movement, to extract and withdraw, of the first piston 506 and the second piston 506’.
• the first piston 506 and the second piston 506’ are respectively connected, in a rotary fashion, to end portions of the second claw 503 and of the first claw 502 in such a way as to be to rotate said first claw 502 and second claw 503 about the pin 504 actuating, individually or together, the first pneumatic system 505 and the second pneumatic system 505’.
• first tip 502 In the first claw 502 and in the second claw 503 are defined, respectively, a first tip 502’ and a second tip 503’ for gripping at least one label E.
• first plate 508 and a second plate 509 configured for allowing, together, when the gripper 501 is in the gripping position, the picking up of at least one label from the above- mentioned device for generating labels.
• first plate 508 and of the second plate 509 are formed, respectively, a first plurality of grooves 510 parallel to each other and a second plurality of grooves 51 1 which are also parallel to each other.
• the applicator device 500 comprises a first comb unit 512 formed by a shaped plate with a first plurality of prongs 513 engaged on the above-mentioned first plurality of grooves 510, and a second comb unit
• the applicator device 500 also comprises a pneumatic movement system 516 for moving the first plurality of prongs 513 and the second plurality of prongs 515 forwards and backwards, that is, between a respective extracted position, wherein said plurality of prongs 513, 515 protrude from the respective front side 508’, 509’ of the first plate 508 and of the second plate 509, and a withdrawn position, wherein said plurality of prongs 513, 515 are substantially flush with said first side 508’, 509’.
• a pneumatic movement system 516 for moving the first plurality of prongs 513 and the second plurality of prongs 515 forwards and backwards, that is, between a respective extracted position, wherein said plurality of prongs 513, 515 protrude from the respective front side 508’, 509’ of the first plate 508 and of the second plate 509, and a withdrawn position, wherein said plurality of prongs 513, 515 are substantially flush with said
• first plurality of grooves 510 and the second plurality of grooves 51 1 have, respectively, a depth greater than the thickness of the first plurality of prongs 513 and of the second plurality of prongs 515, so that when the gripper 501 grips the label E there is a minimum clearance between the latter and said plurality of prongs 513,
• the applicator device 500 performs the function of picking up one or more labels from the device for generating labels gripping a portion of label or labels E between the first plate 508 and the second plate 509 with the above-mentioned plurality of prongs 513, 515 in the withdrawn position.
• the applicator device 500 moves in front of the opening A of the cover F kept open by side first pin 606 and second pin 61 1 in such a way that a horizontal slit is formed between the first flap Fi and the second flap F 2 of the cover F to allow the entrance of the gripper 501 in the cover F.
• the pneumatic movement system 516 moves the first plurality of prongs 513 and the second plurality of prongs 515 into the respective extracted positions, in such a way that the label E is completely or almost completely retained, and therefore kept stationary, between the first plurality of prongs 513 and the second plurality of prongs 515.
• the pneumatic movement system 516 withdraws the first plurality of prongs 513 and the second plurality of prongs 515 up to the respective withdrawn positions, allowing the gripper 501 to position the portion of label protruding from the first plate 508 and from the second plate 509 on the bar 701 and for the blocking apparatus 800 to lower the horizontal bar 802 until blocking the portion of label E and the first flap Fi of the cover F between the bar 701 and the horizontal bar 802.
• the above-mentioned plant 1 also comprises a sewing unit 900 for sewing the opening A of the cover F and with it also the relative label E previously positioned inside the cover F.
• Said sewing unit 900 comprises a sewing device 901 of known type and a dedicated movement system for moving the sewing device 901 along an axis parallel to the first axis X and passing close to the zone of contact between the bar 701 and the horizontal bar 802.
• said sewing device 901 is on the same side of the supporting frame B where there are also said applicator device 500, said first conveying unit 100 and said second conveying unit 600, whilst, said first blocking unit 200 is positioned on the opposite side.
• the conveying system T described above can also comprise said first blocking unit 200 and/or second blocking unit 700 in order to optimise the times for making a pillow, however it can also operate without said first blocking unit 200 and/or second blocking unit 700.
• said conveying system T described above can also be installed in plants for the production of padded objects which do not contain all the processing units described above, or in plants in which the processing units described above are formed differently, without however departing from the scope of protection of the invention.
• Said pick-up unit P picks up, by means of an adhesive coupling, which may also be of another type, the first flap F 1 of the cover F, moving the cover F from a storage position to a predetermined position facing said first conveying unit 100, in particular between said first upper fork 106 and first lower fork 105 of said first gripping device 103 and between said second upper fork 108 and second lower fork 107 of said second gripping device 104.
• Said first lower fork 105 and second lower fork 107 translate along the third axis Z respectively towards said first upper fork 106 and second upper fork 108 in such a way as to pick up, respectively, said second lateral portion F b and said first lateral portion F a of said cover F.
• said first gripping device 103 and second gripping device 104 translate along the first axis X respectively on said first horizontal guide 103’ and second horizontal guide 104’ towards each other to allow the opening A of said cover F to open.
• Said first pair of pins 109 and second pair of pins 110 translate along the second axis Y independently of said first gripping device 103 and second gripping device 104, passing from a withdrawn position to an advanced position, for inserting in said opening A.
• said pin 109 a and pin 109 b of said first pair of pins 109 move away from each other along the third axis Z by means of said rack and pinion system S 4 and, similarly, said pin 1 10 a and pin 1 10 b of said second pair of pins 1 10 move away from each other along the third axis Z by means of said rack and pinion system S5 , so as to move said first flap Fi and second flap F 2 to the maximum opening allowed so as to render the opening A substantially square.
• said pneumatic system S translates said first conveying unit 100 on said supporting frame B along the first axis X towards said filling machine 300, moving the opening A to said mask 307.
• Each pin of said first pair of pins 109 and second pair of pin 1 10 inserts in the respective cavity of said four corner cavities 308 of said mask 307 translating along the second axis Y.
• the opening A of the cover F is fitted on the mask 307.
• Each pin of said first pair of pins 109 and second pair of pins 110 comes out from the respective cavity of said four corner cavities 308 of said mask 307 translating along the second axis Y, in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion, leaving open said corner cavities 308 which are subsequently closed by said first door 310 and second door 311 which move according to the third axis Z in a pneumatic fashion, so that the opening A adheres perfectly to the sides of the mask 307.
• said upper jaw 203 and lower jaw 205 of said blocking unit 200 translates towards each other along the third axis Z.
• first upper fork 204 a and first lower fork 206 a translate along the third axis Z towards each other entering in a complementary fashion between the prongs of said first upper fork 106 and first lower fork 105 of said first gripping device 103.
• said second upper fork 204 b and second lower fork 206 b translate along the third axis Z towards each other entering in a complementary fashion between the prongs of said second upper fork 108 and second lower fork 107 of said second gripping device 104.
• the opening A of the cover F is then securely fitted and fixed to the mask 307 of the filing unit.
• said first gripping device 103 and second gripping device 104 release the cover F and all said first conveying unit 100 translate along said second axis Y away from said cover F and then along the third axis Z and again along the first axis X, returning to the pick-up unit P for picking up a new cover F.
• the filling step starts by means of the filling unit 300 wherein said loose material is blown inside the cover escaping from said case 302’ said expulsion tube 303.
• the loose material is compressed inside the cover F by means of the pusher 306.
• the plant 1 can also comprise a filling unit having features different from those described, without however departing from the scope of protection of the invention.
• said system for optimising the filling 400 acts on said cover F.
• said upper panel 402 translates along the third axis Z towards said lower panel 403, in such a way that said upper opening 402 a and lower opening 402 b define an overall opening with dimensions corresponding to said mask 307.
• said roller 401 holds the covers F pressed during the filling and said pairs of rake-like elements 404 which have come out from said belt N oscillate along the first axis X to shake the cover F make the loose material uniform inside the cover F.
• said upper gate 402 b and lower gate 403 b translate along the third axis Z to move towards and make contact with each other so as to close said upper opening 402 a and lower opening 403 a .
• Said second conveying unit 600 intervenes when the cover A is fitted on the mask 307.
• said second conveying unit translates along the first axis X below the filling unit 300 and positions itself at the latter.
• Said first gripping device 603, first pin 606, second gripping device 608 and second pin 611 translate along the second axis Y moving towards the cover F.
• the prongs of said first upper fork 604 and the prongs of said first lower fork 605 are arranged, in opposite directions, between the prongs of said first upper fork 204 a and first lower fork 206 a .
• the prongs of said second upper fork 609 and the prongs of said second lower fork 610 are arranged, in opposite directions, between the prongs of said second upper fork 204 b and second lower fork 206 b .
• Said first lower fork 605 translates along the third axis Z towards said first upper fork 604 so as to pick up said first lateral portion F a of said cover F
• said second lower fork 610 translates along the third axis Z towards said second upper fork 609 so as to pick up said second lateral portion F b of said cover F
• the upper gripping device 204 and lower gripping device 206 of said blocking unit 200 release the cover F.
• Said upper jaw 203 and lower jaw 205 move away from each other along the third axis Z.
• Said first operating unit 601 and second operating unit 602 move away from each other in such a way as to move towards each other said first flap Fi and second flap F 2 of the cover F.
• Said filling unit 300 translates away from said cover F along said second axis Y.
• Said second conveying unit 600 translates along the first axis X at said second blocking unit 700 which blocks, translating along said third axis Z, the cover F by means of said oblong elements 705 and 708, which make contact on the bar 701 , occupying an area respectively between the two prongs of said first upper fork 604 and the two prongs of said second upper fork 609, as described previously.
• the applicator device 500 picks up the label E generated by the above-mentioned device for generating labels gripping a portion of the label E between the first plate 508 and the second plate 509.
• the same applicator device 500 positions itself in front of the opening A of the cover F kept widened by the first pin 606 and the second pin 61 1 of the second conveying unit 600, and then enters inside the cover F through the same opening A, with a first plurality of prongs 513 and the second plurality of prongs 515 positioned in the respective withdrawn positions so that the label E is kept stationary during the entrance in the cover F.
• the applicator device 500 withdraws the first plurality of prongs 513 and the second plurality of prongs 515 in the respective withdrawn positions and positions itself in such a way as to rest on the bar 701 the portion of label E protruding from the front side 508’ of the first plate 508 and from the front side 509’ of the second plate 509 and previously held between the first plurality of prongs 513 and the second plurality of prongs 515 in the respective extracted positions.
• the pressing element 801 is then lowered until the protruding portion of label E is squashed, and therefore immobilised, by the horizontal bar 802 against the bar 701.
• Said applicator device 500 and said second conveying unit 600 return to the initial position.
• the sewing unit 900 may intervene, which, moving along the first axis X, sews, simultaneously, the label E to the cover F and also the first flap Fi and the second flap F 2 to each other, thereby obtaining a pillow comprising a cover F sewn on one side superposing a first flap F , a second flap F 2 and at least one label E enclosed between said first flap F 1 and second flap F 2 .
• said first blocking unit 200 and second blocking unit 700 are used for optimising and speeding up the operation of the plant 1 , however they can also not be present.
• said second conveying unit 600 intervenes when said first conveying unit 100 is still active, in such a way that said first gripping device 603 of said second conveying unit 600 grips said first lateral portion F a in an internal zone defined by said first gripping device 103 of said first conveying unit 100, and similarly for the second gripping unit 608 of said second conveying unit 600 and said second gripping device 104 of said first conveying unit 100.
• said second conveying unit 600 remains active during both the labelling and sewing steps.
• the conveying system T of a cover F inside a production plant 1 of padded objects allows said cover F to be conveyed in said plant 1 fully automatically from one processing unit to the next without the need for the intervention of an operator.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
• Confectionery (AREA)
• Manufacturing And Processing Devices For Dough (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=62089842

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (1)

Family Cites Families (3)

• 2018
  • 2018-01-09 IT IT201800000639A patent/IT201800000639A1/it unknown
• 2019
  • 2019-01-04 WO PCT/IT2019/050002 patent/WO2019138437A1/en unknown
  • 2019-01-04 EP EP19701147.1A patent/EP3737636B1/en active Active

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