FR2617874A1 - AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR SPRAYING AND CUTTING MESH FABRICS - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic machine for vaporizing and cutting mesh fabrics, characterized in that two working zones 41a 41b are defined on a support frame 41, one of which 41a is intended to arrange the fabrics to be cut on the table 5, 6 of fabric support, while in the second zone 41b, the cutting of the fabric is carried out by the action of the cutting means 42, said cutting means comprising: - a bridge 17 extending transversely over the table 5, 6 with fabric and movable in the longitudinal direction of the table itself; - A carriage 8 movable along the bridge in a direction forming a right angle with the longitudinal direction of the fabric table; - A pair of scissors 7 carried by the carriage and capable of turning around a vertical axis forming a right angle with the direction of movement of the carriage and the bridge, said carriage, bridge and scissors being controlled concerning their movement by means respective actuation controlled in turn in an uninterrupted manner by a digital control unit provided with self-teaching software.

Description

Automatic machine for vaporizing and cutting La mesh fabrics

  The present invention relates to an automatic machine for vaporizing and cutting mesh fabrics. of the type comprising a support frame provided with at least one support table for the fabric. on the top, the knitted fabrics being spread on this table, a unit of vaporis.age to send steam on the fabrics spread on the table, and cutting means to perform the

  cutting operations on vaporized fabrics.

  In particular, the above machine is designed to be used for

  cut clothing and the like from knitted fabrics.

  We know that there are automatic machines adapted to deploy one or more fabrics on a table and cut out the models of the pieces forming a garment. However, said automatic machines can only be used in the field of woven fabrics, whereas on the contrary, they cannot be

  used in the field of knits concerned by the present invention.

  In the field of knitted fabrics, said operations are currently carried out by machines essentially comprising (as shown in FIG. 1) a single fabric support table. on which one or more fabrics are spread manually. The fabrics are then vaporized by a lowering of a plate 3 above, this plate being articulated along one side of the fabric table and through which the steamer is passed. Then, once the plate 3 has been lifted, there is a sheet of paper with the outline of the pattern to be cut on the fabrics, and one of the operators, schematically designated by 1 and 2, cuts the fabric according to the outline marked on paper with scissors

  having a reciprocating blade, mounted on a cradle in an appropriate manner.

  Using these machines always takes a long time, because operators 1 and 2 are inactive for the duration of the spray, and one of them remains inactive for the entire time that the other operator spends cutting the fabric by means of scissors 4. In addition, due to the presence of the vaporized plate 3, the two operators are obliged to act while being disposed on the same side of the

2 6 1 7 8 7 X

  machine. which causes problems when the deployment of fabrics and cutting must be carried out, because of the notable width "a" of the table

fabric support.

  The main object of the invention is to provide a machine of the type described above, in which the two operations of vaporization and cutting of fabrics are carried out automatically in an appropriate zone of the machine, while the operators, in another zone, remove the pre-cut fabrics and deploy the new fabrics to be cut. In this way, it is possible to eliminate all the dead times existing in machines of the continuous type. The above object of the invention, as well as others, would be achieved in that there is provided an automatic machine for spraying and cutting knitted fabrics, characterized in that two working zones are defined if said support frame, one of them being intended to arrange the fabrics to be cut on the fabric support table, while in the second zone, the cutting of the fabric will be effected by the action cutting means, said cutting means coaprenant a bridge extending transversely over the fabric table and movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the fabric table. itself, a carriage movable along the bridge, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the length of the fabric table, a pair of scissors carried by the carriage and capable of turning around a vertical axis forming a right angle with the two directions of movement of the carriage and the bridge, said bridges, carriage and scissors being controlled for their movement by respective actuating agents, themselves controlled in an uninterrupted manner by a digital control unit with self-teaching software , capable of storing data concerning a first cycle of manual cutting of such a way, that the cycle

  can be repeated automatically.

  Other advantages and features will be better understood using the

  description below of a preferred embodiment of an automatic machine

  for the vaporization and cutting of the pile fabrics according to the present invention, indicated by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which the figures represent: FIG. 1: a view in perspective schematically represent a vaporizing and cutting machine the fabrics according to the present invention; Figure 2: a schematic plan view of a machine according to the invention;

26 17874

  Figure 3: a side perspective view in section of the machine according to the invention; Figure 4: a plan view of a fabric support table of the machine according to Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5: a sectional view of a table. fabric along line V-V in Figure 4; Figure 6: a schematic plan view of the spray unit forming part of the invention; Figure 7: a sectional view of the va.porisage unit along line VIIVII of Figure 6; Figure 8: a sectional view of the spray unit follow the line VIII-V III of Figure 7; Figure 9: a perspective view of a detail representing the axes of movement of the various members provided to perform the cutting of the fabrics; figure 10: a side view of a nail which must be positioned in common with

  similar nails on the fabric tables of the machine to fix the fabrics to.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The reference numeral 40 generally designates an automatic machine for spraying and cutting.

  of mesh fabrics according to the present invention.

  The machline 40 includes a support frame 41-on. Two work areas are defined: in a work area 41a, operators 1 and 2. disposed on either side of the frame, deploy the mesh fabrics , designated by 36 in Figures 4 and 5, on a fabric support table, and in a second work area 41b, located after the first area 41a, the fabrics themselves are

  subject to spraying and cutting operations.

  -It is advantageous to provide a first fabric support table 5 and a second fabric support table 6, arranged in a coplanar manner with respect to each other, and movable on a support frame 41 in order to be able to move relative to one another. To this end, as shown in FIG. 3. the first fabric table 5 is supported by four hydraulically controlled cylinders 10 mounted on a chassis 11 movable by means of wheels 12 along the horizontal guides 13 fixed to the support chassis 41. Another hydraulic cylinder 14, fixed to the support frame 41. and acting on the frame 11,. performs the various movements of the first fabric table 5 from the position shown in Figure 3, to the position which, in the same figure, is

2 6 1 7 8 7 4

  occupied by the second fabric table. 6. Of course, the movements of the first feed table: fe 5 can be carried out using a plurality of

  known means different from those described above.

  The second fabric tabtle 6 is mounted, quent to. it, in a sliding manner on respective guides, integrally with the support frame 41 and can be moved, by appropriate means, from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position which, in the same figure, is occupied by the fabric table 5. During this movement, the first fabric table 5 is slightly lowered with respect to the fabric table 6 by means of the support cylinder 10, to then be brought to

  again in alignment with the second table when the movement is complete.

  The possibility of alternating the position of the fabric support tables 5 and 6 allows operators 1 and 2 to replace the cut fabrics 36 which are spread over the

  table placed in the first work area 41a, with the new fabrics s.

  cut, while in the second work area 41b, occupied by the other table

  fabric, spraying and cutting other fabrics 36 is performed.

  The arrangement of the fabrics 36 to be cut on the fabric tables 5 and 6 is preferably effected using a bridge element 17 sliding along the support frame 41 and moved manually in the region of the first zone of work 41a. The bridge member 17 has a transverse piece 18 used as a means to facilitate the stretching of the fabrics on the corresponding tables 5 or 6, respectively. In addition, thanks to the transverse piece 18, it is possible to check the alignment of the patterns of the mesh fabrics by relating to the geometry of the fabric tables 5 or 6. at a glance. In fact, operators 1 and 2 must necessarily deploy the mesh 36 by hand and the bridge element 17, which is manually movable, is just usable to assist the visual control of the boss, in order to avoid that the fabric is not arranged obliquely or in an irregular manner Preferably, each of the fabric tables 5 and 6 is provided with a number of brushes 20 distributed uniformly over the surface on which the fabrics are spread out. All the brushes project in an identical manner from the respective fabric tables 5 or 6 and fulfill two functions, namely, to keep the fabrics 36 slightly raised by bringing them to the fabric table to facilitate the subsequent cutting operations. and avoid that

  fabrics do not move accidentally on fabric tables.

  As clearly shown in Figure 5, preferably each fabric table 5,

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  6 shows a box-like structure in which a hollow space 19, ending in a plurality of holes 21. formed on the fabric table on which the fabrics are arranged, is defined. Preferred. As shown in Figure 4, the holes 21 and the brushes 20 are arranged in a staggered arrangement. of

  so as to extend in all directions.

  A suction cap 22, extending over the entire width of the fabric table, 6. is connected to said hollow space 19. The cap 22 of each work table 5,6 is adapted to be connected to a coupling tube 24 exiting from an extractor 23 fixed to the support frame 41, when the corresponding table is arranged dens the

second work area 41b.

  The assembly constituted by the holes 21, the hollow space 19, the suction cap 22 and the extractor 23, aims to pass the steam quickly and uniformly through the fabrics 36 during the vaporization stage, without any risk of condensation. In addition, at the end of spraying, when the extractor 23 is

  kept in operation, dries and quickly cools fabrics.

  If necessary, in order to reduce the drying and cooling time of the fabrics 36 at the end of the spraying, it is possible to operate a second extractor similar to the extractor 23. According to a variant, the extractor 23 can be controlled by a two-speed motor, the higher speed being used for

drying.

  It is advantageous that. the holes 24 can be used to drive special nails 33 (FIG. 10) in the fabric tables 5,6, these nails: being suitable for fixing the fabrics to said tables. Each nail 33 has a cylindrical rod 33a which can penetrate into one of the holes 21 and is provided with a stop -33b suitable for pressing against the fabric table 5 or 6, as shown in FIG. 5. A possible positioning of the nails relative to the fabric 36 on which we are working is represented

by the axes 34 of Figure 4.

  The vaporization of the fabrics 36 is carried out by a vaporization unit essentially comprising a steam distributor 15 connected to a boiler 16, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. In the example shown, the boiler 16 is placed separately from the machine 40 and in if it is too far from the machine, it would be useful to install a superheater 35 immediately upstream of the distributor 15, in order to cause the vaporization of the condensate which is likely to form in the connecting pipe

the boiler to the distributor.

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  In an original way. the distributor 15 extends transversely to the fabric tables 5 and 6 and is slidably mounted on the support frame 41, so as to be movable along the table 5 or 6 placed in the area 41b, as shown in the arrow "F1" in FIG. 2. The distributor 15 operates according to known methods. However, it is desirable that its movement speed can vary as required. It should be noted here that the movements of the distributor 15 can be carried out by a motor or on the command of a single speed motor, in which case a mechanical or hydraulic speed controller is interposed. As clearly shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the distributor 15 comprises a housing 29 provided, in its lower part, with a distribution plate 25 facing the table 5 or 6 and having a number of distribution holes 28 evenly distributed. The distribution holes 28 communicate with a chamber 29a formed between the housing 29 and the distribution plate 25 and in which a distribution pipe 30 extends. Said distribution pipe has one end 31 connected to the boiler 16 after interposition superheater if necessary. and as shown in FIG. 7, it continuously crosses the chamber 29a. its second end 31a being hermetically closed. The vapor exits from the pipe 30 through holes 32 in the upper part. UJn or more heating elements 26 are also provided to be placed in the distribution plate 26, preferably made of aluminum, these heating elements having the function of causing the evaporation of the condensate which can be deposited on the plate. Said condensate is preferably collected in grooves 27 formed longitudinally in the plate 25 above the heating elements 26; In accordance with the present invention, the cutting of the fabrics 36 is carried out automatically by the action of the cutting means generally designated by 42 in FIGS. 2, 3 and 9. C: the cutting means 42 include in an original way a bridge 9 which extends transversely to and over the fabric tables 5 and 6. The bridge 9, sliding in the support frame 41, is movable in the direction "Y". FIG. 9 along the tables has been provided? _%, in

  the region of the second work area 41 b.

  A carriage 8, slidably mounted on the bridge 9, is movable along the bridge itself in a direction "Y", forming a right angle with the direction of the

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  "X" movement of the bridge. The movements of the carriage 8 and of the bridge 9 take place for example by means of direct current motors provided with ball screws, or the like.

equivalent technical means.

  Carried in rotation by a chatriot 8 around an axis "Z '. Is a pair of

  scissors 7 provided with a rotary blade 7a. operating along a horizontal axis.

  As shown in Figure 5. the axis of rotation "Z" of the scissors 7 must pass preferably through the meeting point between the fabric 36 and the outer peripheral edge of the blade 7a. It is advantageous that. since the fabric 36 is held in an elevated position by the brushes 20. the blade 7a can easily carry out the cutting without its peripheral-external edge interfering with the fabric table 5 or 6; By scissors 7 moving in an appropriate manner follow the directions "X and" Y and directing them in an appropriate manner around the axis "Z". It is possible to make the blade 7a follow any which route in the whole region of the

second work area 41 b.

  The displacements and the movements of the scissors 7 in the directions "X" and "Y" and around the axis "Z" are controlled in an uninterrupted manner by a digital control unit, preferably of the microprocessor type, not described here. because known per se. A self-instructional software is introduced in said control unit which, once the manual cutting cycle with self-instruction has been carried out, makes it possible to automatically follow the same cutting pattern a

infinite number of times.

  The operation of the machine follows the invention, described above essentially concerning the structure, is as follows:

  In the beginning, operators 1 and 2. using the bridge element 17.

  extend a fabric 36 to be cut on the fabric table 5 or 6 placed in the first work area 41a. For this purpose, the transverse piece 18 is made to slide under the fabric 36 which is brought progressively to the brushes 20 of the fabric table or 6 and then, fixed along its edges by nails 33. Next, the pattern of the garment to be cut is placed on the fabric 36. However,

  said pattern can also be drawn directly on the fabric.

  The control unit being in self-teaching mode, the scissors 7 are guided manually so that the rotary blade 7a can follow the entire perimeter of the model drawn. At the end of this operation, the control unit has memorized all the paths followed by the blade. An example of such a path is

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  indicated in dotted lines in FIG. 4, where the initial starting point of the blade 7a is

indicated by "0".

  That's when the real production work begins. Operators 1 and 2 spread out and fix the cloth 36 on the cloth table 5 which is supposed to be in the

first work area 41a.

  By lowering the push button at the start of the cycle, the table 8x fabric 5 is slightly lowered by control of the support cylinders 10 and, under the action of the cylinder 14, it moves towards the second working zone 41b, while in at the same time, the fabric table 6 moves in the opposite direction. At the end of the race,

  the support cylinders 10 raise the table 5 again, so that it is at.

table level 6.

  Operators 1 and 2 remove from table 6 the fabrics 36 previously cut. and have new fabrics to cut on this table. At the same time, the steam distributor 15 is moved on the table 5 and vaporizes the

'36 fabrics arranged there.

  At the end of the return stroke of the distributor 15, the die means: oupa; e 42 is activated and, controlled by the control unit, it performs the cutting of the fabrics

  -36 according to the pre-clearance memorized cycle.

  When the cutting is finished, the scissors 7 return to the starting point "0" and the fabric table is lowered again. Tables 5 and 6 perform a new reciprocal displacement, modifying their positioning. and then, the table 5 is again brought back to the level of the table 6. Thus, the operators 1 and 2 can remove the fabrics 36 from the table 5 and dispose of new fabrics on

this table.

  The cycle described above is repeated continuously.

  The present invention achieves the objectives sought.

  It should be noted that the above description does not represent the only mode of

  possible realization of the present invention. In fact, a cutting machine according to the invention can comprise a table with a fixed fabric and the cutting means as well as the vaporization unit can be able to operate along the entire length of the support frame 41. In this case , operators 1 and 2 could vaporize the fabrics in turn in the two areas of

  work defined by the support frame.

Claims (13)

  1. Automatic machinery for vaporizing and cutting mesh fabrics. of type c: omprenlalt: - a support frame provided with at least a first fabric support table. on the top, table on which mesh baskets are spread; - a vaporization unit for vaporizing the fabrics deployed on the fabric table; - cutting means for carrying out the cutting operations on vaporized fabrics, characterized in that two working zones (4le, 41b) are defined on said support btti (41), one of which (41a) is intended to arrange the fabrics to be cut on the fabric support table (5,6), while in the second zone (41 tb, the cutting of the fabric is carried out by the action of the cutting means, said means cutting machine comprising: - a bridge (17) extending transversely over the fabric table (.5,6) and movable in the longitudinal direction of the table itself; - a carriage (8 ) movable along the bridge in a direction forming a right angle with the longitudinal direction of the fabric table; - a pair of scissors (42) carried by the carriage and capable of turning around a vertical axis forming a tun angle straight with the direction of movement of the carriage and the pontl, said bridge carriage and scissors being controlled concerning their movement by means respective actuation actuated in turn in an uninterrupted manner by a digital control unit provided with self-teaching software capable of entering into memory the data concerning a first manual cutting cycle, so that said first   cycle can be repeated automatically.   2. Machine according to claim 1. characterized in that said scissors cut the stars by means of a rotary blade a. following a horizontal axis.   3. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a certain number of brushes, intended to support the fabrics and to keep them slightly raised relative to the fabric support table are distributed uniformly on said cloth table.   4. Machine according to claim 1. characterized in that it comprises a first fabric table and a second fabric table which are aligned in a 2 6 1 7 8 7 4   coplanar relationship, and which are each arranged in the region of one of these: zones. working, said tables being movable on the support frame to mutually modify their position so as to be subjected in turn to the spraying of   fabrics and to the action of the cutting means.   5. Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that at least the first fabric table is carried by hydraulic support cylinders mounted on a movable frame according to guides carried by the support bases to move the table from the first work area in the second work area and vice versa, while the second fabric table is moved in the opposite direction, said support cylinders being arranged so as to cause the lowering of the first table. fabric under the second table. stuff during   the movements of the tables themselves.   6. Machine according to claim 4, characterized in that each fabric table has a boot-like structure defining a hollow space inside, which leads to a plurality of through holes formed in the lae. upper part of the fabric table itself, said hollow space being connected to a suction cap adapted to. be ra: ccordé a extractor mounted on the support frame, when the corresponding fabric tabtle is positioned in the second Work zone.   7. IMachine according to claim 1, characterized in that the vaporization unit acts on the second working area e.avnt the intervention of the cutting means. 8. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said vaporization unit comprises a steam distributor connected to a boiler and extending transversely to the fabric table, and that it is movable along the   table itself to distribute the steam over the knitted fabrics.   9. Machine according to claim 8, characterized in that said steam distributor comprises a box provided on its lower part with a distribution plate facing the fabric table and has a plurality of distribution holes. uniformly distributed and communicating with a chamber defined between the plate and the housing, a distribution pipe extending in said   room and communicating with said boiler.   10. Machine according to claim 9, cracterisce in that a plurality of heating elements are housed in said distribution pla.qe to cause   evaporation of any condensate formed inside the distributor.   1 1 11. Miachine according to claim 11, characterized in that said plate is provided with a plurality of grooves disposed above said chiauffat elements   to collect any condensate formed in the distributor.   12. Machine according to claim 9, charac: terized in that said distribution pipe passes directly through the cha.mbre formed in said housing and that one of its ends is in common with the boiler and the second end is hermetically closed, a plurality of through holes intended for the   steam distribution being provided on the upper part of said pipe.   13. Machine according to claim 1. characterized in that a bridge element is slidably mounted on the support frame in the region of the first working zone, said bridge element extending transversely F la1 fabric table and being movable along its length to facilitate spraying fabrics on this table.