JP2023548548A - Apparatus and method for picking up at least a portion of a textile article - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for picking up at least a portion of a textile article. The device includes an inlet, an outlet and an air guide. The air guide is configured to direct at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction such that a lifting force is generated that can pick up at least a portion of the textile article.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for picking up at least a portion of a textile article. The invention also relates to the use of this device. The invention further relates to a method for picking up at least a portion of a textile article.

In the textile industry, the way fibers are handled is important. Fibers can be sensitive to handling damage due to their delicate nature. Grippers that utilize pinching or mechanical clamping are often too rough for many delicate materials. As such, there is market interest in the design and functionality of grippers configured for fiber handling. Another example of a gripper according to the prior art is a gripper that utilizes a vacuum. However, a drawback of such vacuum grippers is that when provided with dual layer materials, the grippers often pick up multiple layers. Also, it cannot be guaranteed that the fibers will not be damaged by the forces exerted by the vacuum.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved device or at least an alternative for picking up at least a portion of a textile article.

To that end, the present invention provides a device for picking up at least a portion of a fiber (article), the device comprising:
at least one inlet configured for the intake of air, in particular compressed air;
at least one exhaust port configured to discharge or exhaust air;
at least one air guiding portion configured to guide at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction;
Equipped with
the at least one air guiding section comprises at least one guiding surface;
The at least one air outlet and the at least one guiding surface are arranged such that at least a portion of the airflow is directed at least one portion of the airflow to The liquid is arranged so that when it is discharged from the two exhaust ports, it is guided along the guiding surface.

The device according to the invention has several advantages over conventional devices configured for picking up at least a portion of a textile article. The device allows a portion of the textile article to be picked up using a blow of air instead of using a vacuum. The device comprises at least one air guide so that at least a portion of the exhaled airflow can be guided in a predetermined direction. The air guiding section includes at least one guiding surface, and the at least one exhaust port and the at least one guiding surface are configured such that at least a portion of the airflow discharged from the at least one exhaust port is guided along the guiding surface, usually in a layered manner. It is arranged so that The (laminar) airflow thus (temporarily) generates a lifting force that can be applied to pick up at least a portion of the textile article. This can be at least partially explained by the pressure difference across the air stream (air jet) resulting in the Coanda effect. In fact, the outlet and the guide surface are arranged in such a way that the air discharged from the outlet is deflected towards and/or sticks to the guide surface, which is also explained at least in part by the Coanda effect. can be done. The air guide according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a controlled air flow that can be used to pick up a portion of a textile article in a controlled manner. This can be explained, at least in part, by the application of at least one air guide configured to direct at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction. The portion of the textile article to be lifted will normally be drawn towards the guide surface by the lifting force of the airflow.

Using a discharge air stream to lift and/or pick up at least a portion of a textile article is advantageous over using a vacuum for several reasons. If a double layer material is provided, a vacuum would normally pick up multiple layers, but the device according to the invention allows single layer textile articles to be picked up. Also, picking up at least a portion of a textile article using the device according to the invention is less likely to damage the fibers. The textile article is picked up gently and non-destructively. The device is therefore applicable for picking up delicate materials. The term textile article is used by way of example. The device can also be used to pick up at least a portion of cloth, woven material or non-woven material. Examples of fabrics that may be taken are linen, cotton, wool, etc. Where the term "fiber" is indicated, the terms cloth, woven or non-woven can also be used. Non-limiting examples of textile articles are clothing such as jackets, shirts, blouses, sweaters, pants and/or dresses, as well as towels, sheets, napkins, duvets, covers, and the like. It is also conceivable that the device according to the invention is used for picking up medical sheets.

The device according to the invention may also be referred to as a gripper, airflow gripper or Coanda gripper. The device typically utilizes compressed air. It is also conceivable that pressurized air is applied. The at least one outlet is typically configured to provide laminar flow. A portion of a textile article can be a predetermined portion such as, but not limited to, a corner, an edge, a corner area, a shoulder portion, a collar, a sleeve, a button, and/or a zipper. The air intake is typically configured to be connected to at least one air supply source. This may be, for example, an external air supply source. It is also conceivable that the device according to the invention comprises at least one air supply source for the provision of air, in particular compressed air.

In an advantageous embodiment, the air guide comprises at least one turbulator element, preferably configured to generate at least one turbulent boundary layer at the guide surface. The at least one turbulator element may be configured to change the laminar boundary layer to a turbulent boundary layer. The turbulator element may be applied, for example, to prevent flapping of the textile article in the airflow and/or to ensure that at least a portion of the fiber follows the airflow in a stable manner. Air dispersion of air discharged by the exhaust port may be controlled, at least in part, by the turbulator element being configured to create a turbulent boundary layer. It may be useful to apply at least one turbulator element at a location where it is desired that the textile article be able to follow the airflow in a stable manner. It is conceivable that the device, in particular the air guide, comprises a plurality of turbulator elements. It can also be said that the at least one guiding surface comprises at least one turbulator element.

In some cases, at least one turbulator element is formed by a mesh. The mesh may be, for example, a woven mesh, a monolithic mesh and/or a machined mesh. For example, it is also conceivable for at least one turbulator element to be a machined mesh formed in the guiding surface. The at least one turbulator element may be made of metal. The at least one turbulator element may for example comprise a metal wire. At least one turbulator element is typically placed in position. However, it is particularly advantageous if the turbulator elements, for example meshes, define a predetermined shape and/or pattern. Air dispersion is therefore more controllable. The predetermined shape and/or pattern may be, for example, at least a portion of a wavy line, a triangle, a substantially straight line, a rectangle, and/or a circle.

The preferred location, shape and/or pattern of the turbulator elements depends on the characteristics of the textile article, such as the material, shape and intended portion of the textile article being picked up. In addition to allowing controlled air distribution, the at least one turbulator may be used as a gripping aid during gripping and/or clamping portions of the textile article.

It is also conceivable that the at least one turbulator is formed by a baffle. In a preferred embodiment, at least one turbulator element is arranged on the guiding surface. By arranging at least one turbulator element on the guiding surface, the airflow becomes more controllable, since the air discharged by the outlet is directed towards the guiding surface. The at least one turbulator element may be attached to the guiding surface, for example.

Preferably, at least a portion of the guiding surface is substantially flat. It has been found experimentally that a substantially flat guiding surface provides good guidance for airflow. However, it is also conceivable that at least a part of the guiding surface is partially curved. Preferably the guiding surface is of limited dimensions. For example, it is conceivable that the guide surface is of a certain size in order to ensure a laminar air flow.

Typically, at least a portion of the guide surface is substantially smooth. This advantageously contributes to the fact that the airflow can follow the guiding surface, in particular in a laminar manner. Thus, at least a portion of the guiding surface may form an unobstructed path for airflow. Optionally, at least part of the guiding surface may be structured. It is conceivable that at least part of the guide surface comprises a surface structure configured to allow air distribution. The function of the surface structure may be the creation of a turbulent boundary layer. The structured portion of the surface may thus essentially form a turbulator element. It can therefore be said that the surface structure can be an integrally formed turbulator element. Such embodiments are advantageous because they are relatively easy to manufacture. The surface structure can be applied where it is desired to allow the textile article to follow the airflow stably and prevent flapping. By means of embodiments of the device with at least partially smooth and/or at least partially structured guiding surfaces, the guiding of at least part of the airflow can be optimized in a relatively simple manner. It is particularly advantageous if the surface structure defines a predetermined pattern. Air distribution can be further optimized with such an embodiment. The predetermined pattern of the structured surface may be present, for example, in the form of a triangle. This can be useful when corners of a textile article are picked up. The triangles are preferably arranged such that the vertices of the triangles face at least one outlet. This configuration can also be applied to externally attached turbulator elements.

The device preferably comprises at least one control unit configured to at least control the speed and/or pressure of the airflow of the device. The device may further include at least one drive unit.

Preferably, the at least one outlet is arranged substantially parallel to the guide surface, in particular such that the air is discharged in a direction substantially parallel to the guide surface. In this manner, laminar flow of discharge air is assisted. It further contributes to the ability of the discharge air to be directed along the guiding surface so that a lifting force is generated that can pick up at least a portion of the textile article. It is contemplated that multiple exhaust ports may be applied. Preferably, the exhaust ports are arranged substantially parallel. It is also conceivable that the exhaust ports are arranged in a circular (or annular) configuration. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the guiding surface surrounds the exhaust port. It is also possible that multiple guiding surfaces are applied. If multiple outlets are applied, it is advantageous if each outlet is arranged substantially parallel to at least a part of the guiding surface. the device comprises at least two air guides and at least two exhaust ports, the air guides facing each other such that the portion of the textile article to be picked up can be substantially surrounded by the air guides; can also be considered.

Preferably, the at least one outlet comprises at least one nozzle, preferably a slit nozzle. The presence of nozzles may contribute to a more controlled ejection of air. The exhaust or air vents are preferably relatively small. Air is typically expelled at a relatively high velocity. The presence of nozzles, especially slit nozzles, may further contribute to controlling the direction and/or characteristics of the airflow. The air outlet or nozzle air hole may have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 mm, for example about 0.2 mm. The outlet and/or the air guide may further include at least one air distribution section. Such an air distribution section may contribute to a controlled distribution of air from the outlet or, if present, the nozzle to the guiding surface. Such air distribution portions may, for example, be at least partially substantially cubic, spherical and/or rectangular. Preferably, the air distribution part comprises a slit through which the discharge air is released. A non-limiting example is an air distribution section having a width of between 25 and 75 mm, for example about 50 mm. The dimensions of the device can be adapted to its application. Relatively large guide surfaces and/or air distribution sections may be applied when relatively large sections are taken up, such as edges of textile articles.

Typically, the at least one inlet port is larger than the at least one outlet port. Therefore, the intake surface of the inlet is usually larger than the exhaust surface of the outlet. Preferably, the at least one inlet is spaced apart from the at least one outlet. For example, it is conceivable that at least one inlet port is provided in the upper region of the device, such that (compressed) air is fed into the interior of the device from the top surface of the device, and at least one outlet port is provided in the bottom region of the device. .

In a preferred embodiment, the device includes internals configured to allow air distribution within the device. This can be advantageous for controlling air blowing.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one clamping element configured to clamp and grip at least a portion of the picked up textile article. Thus, after a portion of the textile article has been picked up by the Coanda effect air current, the lifted portion of the textile article can be mechanically gripped. The clamping element can for example cooperate with at least a part of the air guide, in particular with the guide surface. Through a combination of airflow and the use of clamping elements, clamping can be more gradual. The clamping element enters before the portion of the textile article is conveyed to the position where it is clamped. Therefore, the clamping of the fiber portion can be further controlled. Preferably, the clamping element is movably, in particular pivotably, connected to the air guide. It is also conceivable that the device comprises at least one gripping mouth configured for a clamping grip after pick-up of at least a portion of the textile article. In some cases, a part of the air guide and at least one gripping element form such a gripping mouth. In further embodiments, the gripping mouth may include at least one boundary element configured to at least partially block airflow. The boundary element may form part of the air guide and/or the clamping element if applied. Preferably, the gripping mouth comprises at least two opposing boundary elements, the boundary elements being configured to at least partially block and/or direct the airflow. The boundary elements are preferably arranged such that they at least partially surround the guiding surface of the air guiding section. Typically, the airflow may be stopped after a portion of the textile article has been gripped. The apparatus may further include at least one second exhaust port configured for exhaust compensation.

The device according to the invention can be applied to a system for picking up at least a portion of a textile article. It is conceivable that the device comprises a connecting element configured to implement the device in such a system.

The invention also relates in particular to the use of the device according to the invention for picking up at least a part of a textile article, preferably in combination with a neural network.

The invention further relates to a method for gripping at least a portion of a textile article, preferably by making use of a device according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one airflow guided along a guiding surface; picking up at least a portion of the textile article by a lift force generated by the airflow directed along the guiding surface. The method may further include the step of pinching and gripping the picked up portion of the textile article. If the device is provided with a gripping spout and/or a clamping element, it is conceivable that the air flow is stopped after a portion of the textile article has been clamped and gripped by the gripping spout and/or clamping element.

The invention will be further elucidated based on the following non-limiting clauses.
1. A device for picking up at least a portion of a textile article, the device comprising:
at least one inlet configured for the intake of air, in particular compressed air;
at least one exhaust port configured to discharge air;
at least one air guiding portion configured to guide at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction;
Equipped with
the at least one air guiding section comprises at least one guiding surface;
The at least one air outlet and the at least one guiding surface are arranged such that at least a portion of the airflow is directed at least one portion of the airflow to The apparatus is arranged to be guided along the guiding surface when discharged from the two exhaust ports.
2. 2. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the air guide comprises at least one turbulator element configured to generate at least one turbulent boundary layer at the guide surface.
3. 3. The device according to clause 2, wherein the at least one turbulator element is formed by a mesh.
4. 4. A device according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the at least one turbulator element is formed by a baffle.
5. 5. The device according to any one of clauses 2 to 4, wherein at least one turbulator element is arranged on the guiding surface.
6. 6. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the guiding surface is substantially flat.
7. 7. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein at least part of the guide surface comprises a surface structure configured to allow air distribution.
8. 8. Apparatus according to clause 7, wherein the surface structure defines a predetermined pattern.
9. 9. The device according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the predetermined pattern is triangular.
10. 10. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, comprising at least one control unit configured to at least control the speed and/or pressure of the airflow of the device.
11. 11. A device according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the at least one outlet is arranged substantially parallel to the guide surface such that air is discharged in a direction substantially parallel to the guide surface.
12. 12. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the at least one outlet comprises at least one nozzle, preferably a slit nozzle.
13. 13. A device according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the at least one inlet is larger than the at least one outlet.
14. 14. A device according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, comprising internals configured to allow air distribution within the device.
15. 15. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the air guiding section comprises at least one air distribution section.
16. 16. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, comprising at least one clamping element configured to clamp and grip at least a portion of the textile article picked up.
17. 17. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, comprising at least one gripping mouth configured for clamping gripping after pick-up of at least a portion of the textile article.
18. 18. The device of clause 17, wherein the gripping mouth comprises at least one boundary element configured to at least partially block the airflow.
19. 19. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, comprising at least one second exhaust port configured for exhaust correction.
20. Use of a device according to any one of clauses 1 to 19 for picking up at least a part of a textile article.
21. 20. A method of gripping at least a portion of a textile, preferably by using a device according to any one of clauses 1 to 19, comprising:
providing at least one airflow such that at least a portion of the airflow is directed along a guiding surface;
picking up at least a portion of the textile article by lift generated by the airflow directed along the guiding surface;
How to prepare.

FIG. 1a shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. FIG. 1b shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The invention is further elucidated by the non-limiting exemplary embodiments described in the following drawings.

In the drawings, like symbols correspond to similar or equivalent elements or structures.

Figures 1a and 1b show a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 is configured to pick up at least a portion of a textile article 10. The device 1 comprises an inlet 2 configured for the intake of air, in particular compressed air, and an outlet 3 configured for the discharge of air. The device 1 also includes an air guiding section 4 configured to guide at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the air guide portion 4 comprises a guide surface 5, which in the illustrated embodiment is substantially flat. The air outlet 3 and the guiding surface 5 are such that at least a portion of the airflow discharged from the outlet 3 is directed along the guiding surface 5 such that a lifting force is generated that can pick up at least a portion of the textile article 10. It is arranged like this. This effect is shown in the drawing. FIG. 1a shows an initial situation, in which the textile article 10 is in its initial state and placed on a surface. After the airflow is activated, air is discharged through the exhaust port 3. Due to the generated lifting force, the textile article 10 is guided towards the guiding surface 5. The arrows indicate movement of the textile article 10. The air guide 4 also comprises a turbulator element 6 configured to generate at least one turbulent boundary layer at the guide surface 5 . The turbulator element 6 is formed by a mesh in the embodiment shown. A turbulator element 6 is arranged on the guiding surface 5. On the other hand, it is also conceivable for the turbulator element 6 to form an integral part of the guide surface 5. The turbulator elements 6 are present in a triangular shape. This is advantageous because the article 10 to be picked up is a corner in certain circumstances and its triangle is arranged in such a way that the corner can be prevented from flapping. The device 1 may optionally include a control unit and/or a drive unit (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the device 1 and in particular the air guide 4 comprises an air distribution section 7 . The air distribution part 7 comprises a slit through which the discharged air is emitted and is divided essentially over the guide surface 5 . The device 1 also comprises two boundary elements 8 configured to block the airflow.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the device 11 according to the invention. Device 11 has some components similar to device 1 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The device 11 comprises an inlet 2 configured for the intake of air, in particular compressed air, and an outlet 3 configured for the discharge of air. The device 11 also comprises an air guide 4 configured to guide at least a portion of the air flow in at least one predetermined direction. In the embodiment shown, the air guide 4 comprises a guide surface 5 provided with turbulator elements 6 . The device 11 also comprises a clamping element 20 configured to clamp and grip at least a portion of a picked up textile article (not shown). The gripping element 20 and the air guide 4 essentially define a gripping mouth 21 . In the embodiment shown, the boundary element 8 forms part of the air guide 4 . On the other hand, it is also conceivable for the boundary element 8 to form part of the clamping element 20 . The clamping elements 20 are pivotally connected.

It is clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, and that countless variations are possible within the framework of the appended claims, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. In this case, the various inventive concepts and/or technical measures of the above-mentioned variant embodiments may be combined completely or partially without departing from the idea of the invention described in the appended claims. Conceivable.

As used in this patent document, the verb "comprise" and its conjugations mean not only "comprise" but also "comprise," "substantially include," "formed/consisted of," and its conjugations. is understood to include.

Claims (20)

A device for picking up at least a portion of a textile article, the device comprising:
at least one inlet configured for the intake of air, in particular compressed air;
at least one exhaust port configured to discharge air;
at least one air guiding portion configured to guide at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction;
Equipped with
the at least one air guiding section comprises at least one guiding surface;
The at least one air outlet and the at least one guiding surface are arranged such that at least a portion of the airflow is directed at least one portion of the airflow to The air guiding section is arranged to be guided along the guiding surface when discharged from the two exhaust ports, and the air guiding section is configured to generate at least one turbulent boundary layer at the guiding surface. A device comprising two turbulator elements. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one turbulator element is formed by a mesh. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one turbulator element is formed by a baffle. 4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one turbulator element is arranged on the guiding surface. 5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least part of the guiding surface is substantially flat. 6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least part of the guide surface comprises a surface structure configured to allow air distribution. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the surface structure defines a predetermined pattern. 8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined pattern is triangular. 9. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one control unit configured to at least control the speed and/or pressure of the airflow of the device. 10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one outlet is arranged substantially parallel to the guide surface such that air is discharged in a direction substantially parallel to the guide surface. 11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one outlet comprises at least one nozzle, preferably a slit nozzle. 12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one inlet is larger than the at least one outlet. 13. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising internals configured to allow air distribution within the device. 14. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the air guide comprises at least one air distribution section. 15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least one clamping element configured to clamp and grip at least a portion of the picked up textile article. 16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising at least one gripping mouth configured for clamping gripping after pick-up of at least a portion of the textile article. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the gripping mouth comprises at least one boundary element configured to at least partially block the airflow. 18. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising at least one second exhaust port configured for exhaust correction. 19. Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for picking up at least a portion of a textile article. 19. A method of gripping at least a portion of a textile article, preferably by utilizing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising:
providing at least one airflow such that at least a portion of the airflow is directed along a guiding surface;
picking up at least a portion of the textile article by lift generated by the airflow directed along the guiding surface;
How to prepare.

Images