JP2002541349A - Classification of disposable gloves by size - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The present invention relates to an apparatus for semi-automatically sorting gloves according to size from a number of disposable gloves of different sizes. According to the invention, the device comprises a plurality of workstations, each provided with a glove store (1) to be sorted, a program automation device (8), a glove support (2) and a matrix code reader (3). ), A conveyor belt (7) and a compartment (6) for distributing gloves to individual band conveyors. Applies to the processing of gloves used in controlled atmosphere environments.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the classification of gloves consisting of natural materials (latex), plastic materials (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) or polymers (nitrile), which are usually disposable after use and used in a particularly controlled atmosphere environment And identification. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for automatically classifying gloves from a large number of gloves of different sizes according to size, and to an apparatus for performing the method.

According to the present invention, since these products can be automatically identified, it is possible to rework the normally disposable products. The reworking and the reprocessing are performed after the product groups of different sizes are grouped by size.

[0003]

[Prior art]

Currently used gloves are only marked with alphanumeric codes and, in the worst case, are unmarked. The current alphanumeric code is either a code indicating various indications such as a batch number or a factory where gloves are manufactured, or simply a code indicating glove size.

[0004] This type of marking on gloves is minimized to prevent gloves from being contaminated with ink. In fact, these gloves are used in special processes where control is required for any contamination.

[0005] The code commonly used for this type of product, if any,
It does not enable automatic classification. This is due to the inefficiency of the reader for wrinkled and stretchable materials.

[0006] Also, any automatic process does not allow efficient classification by the size of such products.

[0007] There are known sorting operations that have been performed on fabrics that can be bar-coded, but they cannot be replaced with gloves because the labels cannot be applied to gloves. Further, even if a bar code or a direct character / numerical mark is used for the product, the reading efficiency is very poor due to the elasticity and the deformability of the product, so that it is not industrially satisfactory.

[0008]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

The present invention has been made in view of the above, is efficient and cost effective, enables complete identification based on each glove individual, and in much less time in a minimum amount of time. A solution to this problem is provided by proposing a semi-automatic classification method according to size that allows information to be collected.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

To this end, the present invention provides a method for semi-automatic classification of gloves according to size from a number of pre-marked disposable gloves of different sizes. The method comprises the steps of removing each glove from a number of gloves, placing the glove on a holder that can be reshaped to remove its wrinkles,
The desired size of the gloves for the purpose of sending the gloves to the storage container by the step of placing the gloves in front of the two-dimensional matrix code reader and the program automatic controller providing an interface between the reader and the glove orientation system Orienting the glove in the direction of the individual band conveyor corresponding to

According to one feature of the present invention, new gloves that are subjected to a classification process are pre-marked with a special anti-stain, non-allergic ink. The mark can determine whether the glove is facing out or turned over. The code attached is unique for each glove, only one for each.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for semi-automatically sorting gloves according to size from a number of different size disposable gloves. The apparatus for performing the sorting method comprises a plurality of workstations, each having a reservoir containing a glove to be sorted, a program automatic controller, a holder, a matrix code reading and decoding system, a conveyor belt, A compartment for distributing gloves to individual band conveyors.

[0012] According to one preferred feature of the invention, the glove holder is an inflatable holder that cooperates with the ejection device and the blast air introduction device.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent based on the following description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows the entire process line of an apparatus for sorting gloves according to size, showing a series of identically structured workstations A, B, C, D and E. FIG.
Each workstation, shown in more detail in FIG. 1, comprises a glove store 1 to be sorted, which is arranged adjacent to the upper part of the program control 8. The lower part of the program automatic control device 8 has an inflatable holder 2 adapted to accommodate gloves.
Device 5 for discharging a glove having an opening 13 in communication with the cloth member 1
2, said holder 2 being mounted under a cross member, as is clearly shown in FIG. 3. Matrix code reader 3 is holder 2
, And faces a light emitting and / or reflecting background body 4 located on the other side of the holder 2. The luminous background body 4 (FIG. 2) is preferably composed of a transparent plate with a white light installed behind it, which makes the black cord on the glove more sharply contrasted and consequently more. Accurate reading becomes possible. Below the inflatable holder 2, a plate 1 forming a work surface having an opening 15
4, the opening 15 is located vertically above one end of the conveyor belt 7 extending below the storage 1 across the process line.

As shown in FIG. 4, a number of distribution compartments 6 are provided along a belt 7. The lower part of each compartment 6 is open on an individual band conveyor 10. Each band is adapted to send sorted gloves to a storage container 16 at the end of the line (see FIG. 1).

New gloves are pre-marked with a special ink that is resistant to decontamination to enable the following sorting operations. Following classification, the gloves are decontaminated. In addition, the inks selected are virtually free of contamination and non-allergenic to the user. With this special mark, it can be determined whether the glove is turned outside or inside out.

The code on the glove is unique and different for each glove. Therefore, during the effective use period of the glove, the number of times the glove has passed through the classification device can be continuously investigated, and the glove can be traced by a computer to completely trace the trace.

The products to be sorted are stored in the storage 1 of each workstation. Reservoir 1 is large enough to accommodate daily production. The storage 1 is traversed by metal cross bars, not shown, whose function is to eliminate and protect the product stack. A chute is provided at the base of the storage 1 to supply the product to the plate 14 using gravity.

First, an operator fixes gloves on the inflatable holder 2. Inflatable holder 2
Is designed as a blow nozzle housed in a cylinder of suitable dimensions,
Is connected to an opening 13 into which the jet air flow is introduced at a rate of 720 liters per hour. Thus, each glove is held on a holder and exposed to a stream of air. This removes wrinkles in the glove and restores its shape, so that the applied matrix code is as clear as possible. If necessary, the gloves are first turned face up.

Following this operation, the holder 2 is rotated 360 degrees, and the two-dimensional matrix code attached to the glove moves through the reading window of the reader 3. This reader consists of a camera that automatically identifies the code present in the field of view. The reading can be performed directly on the glove on the holder 2 or outside the holder 2 by placing the glove on the reading window by hand. In any case, the deformation rate due to the elasticity of the gloves should not exceed 10% in order to keep the reading efficiency above 95%. The decryptor 19 is used to decrypt codes including glove size and a unique identification number for each glove. The information collected in this way is processed by the program of the automatic controller 8, which determines at least the size of the gloves and the corresponding compartment 6. The gloves that have moved on the conveyor belt 7 are pushed by a mechanism associated with the compartment and fall on the individual band 10 that sends the gloves to the storage container 16. A set of bands 10 is provided for all workstations on the process line. Thus, as many individual band conveyors and containers are provided as there are classification grades present, and each glove is thus oriented in an individual band corresponding to its size. One individual band conveyor may be provided for gloves discharged by the operator.

Of course, the number of identical workstations on a process line can be increased to increase the classification capability without departing from the scope of the present invention. In this case, there will be as many holders, readers, reflective backgrounds and selectors as there are workstations. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide a qualitative and quantitative solution to the identification and classification of gloves of various sizes to be grouped according to size. Thereby, the reworking process and the subsequent packing operation can be performed.

Another embodiment of the holder 2 is shown in FIGS. In this embodiment,
The holder 2 is not of the inflatable type, but has at its periphery two half crowns 17 which are pivoted by pins 18 and extend along the generatrix of the cylinder. One of the two crowns is connected to a power detector 9.

As in the above-described embodiment, the cylindrical holder is in communication with a compressed air source (arrow), and the holder and the crown have openings 11.

The operator places the glove to be inspected on the holder 2 on the crown 17. As shown in FIG. 6, by opening one or both crowns, the glove is pulled with a resistance proportional to the glove size as measured by a force gauge, thus determining the glove size. Compressed air is blown into the glove to restore the glove to its original shape. The holder then rotates 360 degrees and the reader reads the code, which is read by the decoder, as in the previous embodiment. The information combined by the force detector and the decoder is transmitted to the automatic control device. The crowns then approach each other and release the glove onto the conveyor. Subsequent steps are substantially the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a classification device.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a workstation.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a workstation showing a glove holder.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a workstation showing a dispensing compartment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic elevation view of a modified form of the glove holder.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG.

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Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A method for semi-automatically classifying gloves according to size from a number of disposable gloves of different sizes, pre-marked, said method comprising the step of separating each glove from a number of gloves (1). Removing the gloves, placing the gloves on a holder (2) that returns to its original shape, removing the wrinkles; placing the gloves in front of a two-dimensional matrix code reader (3); Orienting the glove in the direction of the individual band conveyor corresponding to the desired size of the glove, for sending to 16), and the program automatic controller (8) provides an interface between the reader and the glove orientation system. A semi-automatic classification method characterized by a process. 2. The new gloves that are subjected to the classification process are pre-marked with a special anti-staining and non-allergic ink, and the markings make the gloves face out, 2. The semi-automatic classification method according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the glove is upside down, and the code added is unique and different for each glove. 3. An apparatus for performing the method of claim 1, wherein the glove is semi-automatically classified according to size from a number of disposable gloves of different sizes, the apparatus comprising: A plurality of workstations (A,... E) each having a storage (1), a program automatic controller (8), a glove holder (2) for removing wrinkles of a glove to its original shape, and reading a matrix code And a decoding system (3, 19), a conveyor belt (7) and a compartment (6) for distributing gloves to individual band conveyors (10).
A semi-automatic classification device characterized by the following. 4. The semi-automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the glove holder is an inflatable holder which cooperates with the discharge system and the outlet opening for the blast air. 5. The glove holder (2) is provided with two pivoting half crowns (17) on the periphery thereof, at least one of which is connected to a force detector (9). A semi-automatic classification device according to item 1. 6. The matrix code reader (3) is arranged on the side of the holder (2) and faces a luminescent and / or reflective background (4) located on the other side of the holder. The semi-automatic classification device according to claim 3, wherein 7. A plate (14) forming a work surface is opened below the holder (2) to form an opening 15, which opening crosses the line of the work station.
4. The semi-automatic sorting device according to claim 3, wherein the semi-automatic sorting device is located vertically above one end of a conveyor belt (7) extending below the above. 8. The semi-automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage (1) comprises a transverse bar and a chute descending towards the plate (14). 9. The conveyor according to claim 3, wherein the distribution compartments are arranged along a conveyor belt, each of which is located on a separate band conveyor.
Or a semi-automatic classification device according to 7. 10. A semi-automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a set of individual band conveyors (10) is provided for all workstations on the line.