US20200069001A1 - Machine and method for applying glue onto soles of footwear - Google Patents
Machine and method for applying glue onto soles of footwear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200069001A1 US20200069001A1 US16/555,342 US201916555342A US2020069001A1 US 20200069001 A1 US20200069001 A1 US 20200069001A1 US 201916555342 A US201916555342 A US 201916555342A US 2020069001 A1 US2020069001 A1 US 2020069001A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sole
- glue
- brush
- support
- machine according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D25/00—Devices for gluing shoe parts
- A43D25/18—Devices for applying adhesives to shoe parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D25/00—Devices for gluing shoe parts
- A43D25/18—Devices for applying adhesives to shoe parts
- A43D25/181—Devices for applying adhesives to shoe parts by rollers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D25/00—Devices for gluing shoe parts
- A43D25/18—Devices for applying adhesives to shoe parts
- A43D25/183—Devices for applying adhesives to shoe parts by nozzles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D1/00—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials
- B05D1/28—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials performed by transfer from the surfaces of elements carrying the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. brushes, pads, rollers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05D5/00—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures
- B05D5/10—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures to obtain an adhesive surface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D119/00—Driving or controlling mechanisms of shoe machines; Frames for shoe machines
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a machine with a device for applying glue onto soles of footwear and to a method for applying the glue using such a machine.
- These machines or robots usually have a system for moving the tool in space so that it is able to follow suitable paths on the surface of the sole which is fixed inside a suitable seat in the machine.
- the movement system may be for example a movement system with Cartesian axes or a polar system with sufficient degrees of freedom such that it is able to follow with reasonable precision the inner surface of the sole and apply the glue thereon.
- the applicator tool mounted on the application system is a glue spraying nozzle or an axially rotating brush with the glue being dispensed from the inside thereof and supplied to its front end which is in contact with the sole.
- Gluing of the raised edge of the sole must in any case be performed manually also in situations where a high productivity is required since there exists no tool which is able to distribute the glue without imperfections on the raised edge. As mentioned above significant and irregular variations in height of the edge also complicate matters further.
- a rotating brush by nature has edges which are not precise and well-defined and the glue application zone is consequently less precise and risks causing the glue to spill over the edge of the sole.
- the general object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, by providing a machine with a device for applying glue onto the soles of footwear which is able to ensure a satsifactory degree of precision during application of the glue also on soles with particular edges and in particular soles with a raised edge.
- a machine for applying glue onto a sole of footwear comprising a support for a sole, a glue dispensing device and a movement system for moving the device relative to the support under the control of a control system of the machine so as to follow, with the device, gluing paths along a sole placed on the support
- the glue dispensing device comprises a radial brush which is motorized to rotate about its central axis and is designed to pass lightly with its radial periphery along a sole to be glued placed on the support, and a dispensing unit designed to dispense glue on the periphery of the radial brush, the support for the sole being designed to fix a sole with an inner side of the sole directed towards the dispensing device.
- the idea which has also occurred, according to the invention is to provide a method for applying glue onto a sole by means of the aforementioned machine, characterized in that the control system moves the radial brush along paths on the sole with a rotation axis of the radial brush which is kept substantially parallel tangentially to the edge of the sole on the support so as to spread the glue along this edge.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic side elevation view of a machine designed according to the invention
- FIGS. 2 and 3 shows partial schematic views, along two orthogonal directions, of a glue application device of the machine according to FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 shows a partial schematic view of a movement head of the machine according to FIG. 1 with the glue application device
- FIG. 5 shows a partial schematic plan view of a part for supporting the sole in the machine according to FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 shows a partial and perspective schematic view of the movement head of the machine according to FIG. 1 during application of glue onto a sole;
- FIG. 7 shows a partial and enlarged schematic view of an applicator tool of the machine according to FIG. 1 during application of glue onto a sole;
- FIG. 8 show a partial schematic view of a glue applicator tool of the machine according to the invention in a second operating position
- FIG. 9 shows a view similar to that in FIG. 8 and with the applicator tool during application of glue onto a sole;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 show partial schematic views of a machine according to the invention provided with a device for cleaning the glue applicator tools.
- FIG. 1 shows a possible embodiment of a machine according to the invention.
- This machine denoted overall by 10 , comprises a zone 11 for receiving a sole 12 to be glued and a motorized system 13 for moving a glue dispensing device 14 along suitable paths on the sole present in the zone 11 .
- the movement may be automated by means of a per se known computerized control system 15 (for example a suitably programmed microprocessor system).
- a per se known computerized control system 15 for example a suitably programmed microprocessor system.
- the movement system 13 of the machine 10 comprises a head 16 on which the device 14 is mounted and a support 17 designed to receive and fix in position, in the zone 11 , the sole to be glued.
- the support for the sole is designed to fix a sole with an inner side of the sole directed towards the dispensing device. “Inner side of the sole” is obviously understood as meaning the side of the sole intended to be glued to the bottom of a shoe.
- the head 16 and the support 17 are movable relative to each other by means of drives which allow the glue application device 14 to follow the desired paths.
- the movements may be for example interpolated by the control system 15 so as to follow the desired paths, in a manner substantially known per se to the person skilled in the art.
- the movement system 13 may be of the type substantially known and able to be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art and will not be described nor shown in detail here. Essentially, this movement system 13 may comprise the necessary degrees of freedom of movement in the space in order to follow the desired paths with the desired inclination of the operating end of the device 14 .
- the movement may be performed so that the necessary degrees of freedom may be obtained with a movement of the head 16 alone, while keeping the support 17 stationary in the machine, or by means of a combination of relative movements of head 16 and support 17 .
- an advantageous structure may envisage drives for moving the head 16 relative to the support 17 along three orthogonal Cartesian axes 18 , 19 , 20 .
- the movement along one of the Cartesian axes will be the movement of the applicator device 14 towards/away from the planar surface of a sole 12 on the support 17 , in a direction generally perpendicular thereto, while one or both the movements along the other two orthogonal axes ( 19 , 20 in FIG. 1 , with the axis 20 substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) may be obtained with a structure which moves only the head 16 or which alternatively moves only or also the support 17 , as may be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art.
- a motorized carriage 21 moves along the axis 20 and supports a track 22 which extends along the axis 19 and supports in turn a motorized carriage 23 .
- the motorized carriage 23 has, arranged thereon, a further motorized carriage 24 for movement of the head 16 along the axis 18 . In this way the controlled movement of the head along the three orthogonal Cartesian axes 18 , 19 and 20 may be easily obtained.
- the track 22 may be designed so as to move on the carriage 21 along the axis 18 such that the head 16 is moved vertically without the need for the carriage 24 .
- the head 16 comprises further drives for performing desired inclination movements of the device 14 relative to the sole 12 .
- the head 16 may be provided with a first motorized axis of rotation 25 arranged parallel to the axis of displacement 18 so as to allow an orientation movement of the device 14 generally in the plane of the sole (as will be explained below).
- the head 16 will also comprise a second motorized axis of rotation 26 , arranged at angle with respect to the axis 25 .
- the combination of coordinated rotations of the two axes 25 and 26 thus allows inclination of the device 14 so as to orient it within space while it follows the path along the sole.
- the four axes 18 , 19 , 20 and 25 essentially allow positioning of the head, while the angled axis 26 allows inclination of the brush to be performed.
- All the motorized movements of the machine may be controlled by the known electronic control unit 15 in which the paths to be followed may be programmed depending on the model and size of the sole being machined, as is well-known to the person skilled in the art.
- a suitable known man/machine interface (not shown), for example provided with keyboard and display or touch screen display) may also be provided in order to enter the path data, also by means of self-learning, start and stop the various machine operations, carry out tests and calibrations, etc., as is known to the person skilled in the art for this type of machine.
- the support 17 may comprise suitable gripping members 27 , 28 which are arranged opposite each other and are suitably shaped so as to fix between them the sole 12 , gripping it between the front and rear ends (as can be seen also in FIG. 5 ), so that that the entire surface to be covered with the glue is left free of obstacles.
- the gripping members may be advantageously two shaped jaws which are movable towards each other (manually or preferably by means of a motor or cylinder movement) so as to grip the sole between them.
- the system for gripping and fixing the sole may also be different from that shown.
- it may comprise a known suction system or other systems which ensure the grip and the stability of the sole 12 on the support 17 .
- the support 17 may be shaped so as to receive soles which have a form which is not necessarily flat (for example soles also with a very high heel), as may be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show in greater detail the end part of the head 16 with the glue application device 14 .
- This device 14 comprises in an innovative manner a radial brush 30 which rotates about a motorized axis 31 .
- the radial brush 30 has radial bristles which are grouped together along the circumference of the brush to form groups of radial bristles arranged in several planes parallel to each other and transverse to the axis of rotation 31 .
- the groups of bristles may have preferably an approximately circular cross-section, even though different cross-sections may be used if desired.
- the bristles of the radial brush are relatively soft, preferably so as to be able to pass lightly along the sole and flex without a substantial mechanical action which would remove material from the sole.
- the radial brush 31 is designed to be driven rotationally with its periphery against the sole so as to spread glue over it, as schematically shown in the figures.
- the speed of rotation of the brush 30 may be for example between 50 and 150 rpm and preferably is in the region of 100 rpm. The speed may also be programmed depending on the requirements and the machining operations. If desired, the maximum speeds may be even greater than 150 rpm, for example up to 450-500 rpm.
- the device 14 also comprises a dispensing unit 33 designed to dispense the glue on the periphery of the radial brush 30 .
- this dispensing unit is arranged advantageously so as to dispense the glue onto an area of the periphery of the radial brush which is substantially far from (for example on the opposite side to) the support 17 or the peripheral zone of the radial brush which is designed to rest on the sole to be glued.
- the dispensing unit 33 comprises at its front end a small brush 34 which rests with its end against the periphery of the radial brush.
- the brush 34 lies along an axis 35 arranged radially with respect to the radial brush 30 so as to rest radially against the periphery of the radial brush 30 .
- a nozzle 36 which is supplied by a suitable source of glue known per se (for example comprising a duct for receiving glue under pressure from a supply tank).
- the glue may be of any type considered suitable.
- it may be a solvent-based glue.
- the nozzle 36 dispenses the glue between the bristles of the end brush 34 and the brush 34 in turn spreads this glue on the tips of and between the bristles of the radial brush 30 .
- the brush 34 is advantageously motorized so as to rotate about its axis 35 .
- the rotation of the radial brush about the axis 31 allows the glue to be spread uniformly over the entire periphery of the radial brush 30 and the consequent uniform transfer of the glue onto the sole.
- the radial brush 30 will be brought into contact with the sole with an orientation such that the radial brush 30 rotates with a direction of rotation such as pass lightly along the sole towards the free end of the edge of the sole.
- the rotation of the brush will be anti-clockwise in FIG. 2 , such that the bristles of the brush move up along the edge 37 as far as its top free end.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show by way if example a sole 12 with a raised edge 37 .
- An applicator device such as that described according to the invention has been found to be particularly advantageous with these types of sole since any spreading of glue beyond the top end of the sole edge is avoided, while the glue is applied over the whole inner surface of the raised edge and over the zone of the bottom of the sole close to this edge.
- the movement of the radial brush may naturally continue also towards the centre of the sole such as to glue also more central portions of the sole.
- the applicator device 14 may also comprise a protection 38 (for example formed with a metal or plastic strip) arranged along a portion of the periphery of the radial brush 30 so as to prevent the rotation of the brush from causing, owing to the centrifugal force, glue to be propelled in the direction opposite to the edge of the sole, thus soiling zones of the sole which are not intended to be glued.
- the protection may, if necessary, be adjustable position wise.
- FIG. 4 shows in schematic form a possible internal structure of the head 16 and the applicator device 14 .
- a motor 40 may cause rotation of the head about the axis 25
- a motor 41 may cause rotation of the head about the angled axis 26 .
- a motor 42 may cause rotation of the axial brush 33 which contains advantageously the glue dispending nozzle 36 .
- a motor 43 may cause rotation of the radial brush 30 about the axis 31 .
- the motor 43 may be connected to the brush 30 by means of a suitable drive 44 , for example a double right-angled transmission, so as to reduce the dimensions of the head in the region of the brush 30 and allow the brush to be easily moved towards the sole to be glued.
- the device 10 comprises an inlet duct 45 for the glue 45 which must be dispensed and must reach the nozzle 36 .
- the glue passes from the inlet duct 45 to the nozzle 36 via a supply duct 36 which preferably houses inside it a stem 47 which also allows adjustment of the glue flow, for example by means of an adjustable axial movement thereof, allowing opening or closing of the aperture for through-flow of the glue towards the outlet of the nozzle 36 .
- a suitable known rotatable hydraulic joint 48 may be provided in order to allow transfer of the glue from the inlet 45 to the duct 46 which rotates together with the brush 33 .
- FIG. 5 shows by way of example a possible path followed by the radial brush 30 along the edge of the sole placed on the support 17 during operation of the machine.
- the brush 30 may be kept with its axis of rotation 31 substantially parallel tangentially to the edge of the sole in order to spread the glue on the edge by moving along this edge.
- the glue may be spread rapidly, with great precision and without spillage on soles formed with a raised edge, be it with a constant or variable height, advantageously using automatic machines.
- the machine according to the invention has also been found to be particularly suitable for gluing soles without a raised edge, being able to glue perfectly and rapidly the edge of the sole without spillage of glue, whatever the form of the edge.
- FIG. 6 shows the gluing device according to the invention while it glues a sole of the type with a pleated covering layer 50 on an edge of the sole. Owing to the structure of the device it is possible to apply correctly the glue between the pleats of the covering layer 50 without it spilling out onto the side part of the sole which will remain visible after the sole has been mounted on the footwear.
- a further advantage of the applicator device provided according to the invention is that of being able to apply adequately the glue onto the inner part of soles of the internally ribbed type, as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 7 .
- the known glue spreading systems are unable, however, to prevent the glue entering into the chambers between the ribs.
- the device according to the invention allows, instead, the rotating brush to spread the glue substantially only on the ends of the ribs, which will come into contact with the bottom of the shoe, without any glue spreading into the chambers between the ribs, as can be clearly seen from FIG. 7 .
- the protection 38 also helps protect the point of contact between the bristles of the brush 30 and the ends of the ribs so as to prevent the transfer of the glue into the zones close to the surface to be glued.
- FIG. 8 shows a variant of the machine 10 according to the invention.
- the machine 10 has a radial brush 30 which is mounted (for example on a motorized arm 51 ) so as to be movable controllably between the operating position shown in FIGS. 1-7 and a non-operating position shown in solid lines in FIG. 8 .
- the radial brush 30 is raised and moved away from the dispensing unit 33 .
- the movement of the rotating brush shown in FIG. 8 may be used, if desired, to ensure spreading of the glue in the corner between the bottom and the edge of the sole also in the case of well-defined corners.
- the dispensing unit 33 (for example with axial brush 34 ) may spread the glue directly onto the sole 12 , as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the dispensing unit may spread the glue onto an edge zone of the sole on the support. It is thus possible to spread more easily the glue also in the corner between sole 12 and edge 37 .
- the radial brush 30 may then be brought back into the operating position for spreading the glue over the remainder of the surface of the sole, as already described above.
- the dispensing unit 33 may in any case spread the glue also on other points of the surface of the sole as well as in the zone close to the edge.
- the dispensing unit (in particular with the axial brush) may be used to spread the glue over the entire surface of a sole to be glued.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 show a cleaning device 52 which may be included in the machine 10 (for example alongside the zone 11 for supporting the sole).
- This cleaning device 52 comprises a tank 53 containing two cleaning brushes 54 , 55 arranged with their bristles facing and spaced from each other.
- the cleaning brushes 54 and 55 are advantageously cylindrical and are supported by a coaxial shaft 56 controllably rotated by a motor 57 .
- the tank contains advantageously a cleaning liquid which is suitable for the glue used and within which the cleaning brushes are partially immersed.
- this liquid may be a suitable solvent, such as acetone, for solvent-based glues or also water for water-based glues, etc.
- the machine may move the dispensing unit 33 (and in particular the axial brush 34 ) and/or the rotating brush 30 into the space between the cleaning brushes.
- This space is such that the bristles of the cleaning brushes interact for example with the bristles of the axial brush 34 and/or with the bristles of the rotating brush 30 , as is clear from FIGS. 10 and 11 .
- the cleaning brushes may remove the excess and/or partially dried glue.
- the motor 57 may periodically cause rotation of the cleaning brushes so as, in turn, to clean the glue from them by immersing them in the liquid inside the tank.
- the liquid which remains on the cleaning brushes may also ensure better cleaning of the axial brush 34 and the rotating brush 30 which are also rotationally operated during the cleaning cycle.
- scraper elements 58 , 59 for example two elongated elements such as a pin or blade
- scraper elements 58 , 59 which are inserted radially into the brushes 54 , 55 so as to slide along their bristles and help remove the glue from the cleaning brushes during rotation of the brushes.
- the direction of rotation of the radial brush may also be easily reversed (also by merely rotating through 180 degrees the plane of the radial brush) if it is required to apply glue onto particular types of edges (for example edges which are not raised, but have deep folds on the sole part to be glued).
- the movement structure of the head and the structure of the head itself may be different from that shown for moving the applicator device within space.
- a machine provided with an anthropomorphic arm which terminates in the applicator device may be used.
- the unit for dispensing glue onto the radial brush may also be different from that shown.
- the machine may be a machine combined with a station for gluing and/or roughing also the bottom of a shoe.
Landscapes
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
- Coating Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to Italian Application No. 102018000008323, filed Sep. 4, 2018, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a machine with a device for applying glue onto soles of footwear and to a method for applying the glue using such a machine.
- In the production of footwear it is known that there exists the problem of managing to distribute suitably the glue on the soles so that it is uniformly distributed over the whole surface to be glued, while however preventing the glue from spilling out over the edge of the sole and soiling the part of the sole which will be visible after mounting on the footwear.
- This problem occurs in particular in the case of soles with a raised edge or “box” soles. In fact, in the case of these soles it is required to spread the glue both on the bottom and on the inside of the raised edge with great precision in order to avoid deficient gluing or defects resulting from the spilling over of the glue onto the outer part of the sole and the footwear.
- This problem is particularly important since it is becoming increasingly more common to use shoes types (i.e. sports shoes, working footwear, mountain or military boots) which have this type of sole instead of a flat sole. The edge of these soles often is not uniform and may have significant and discontinuous variations in height.
- In the industrial production of footwear, the operations of distributing the glue on the bottom of the soles are performed in most cases using industrial machines or robots, generally having a tool with a rotating brush or a spray nozzle.
- These machines or robots usually have a system for moving the tool in space so that it is able to follow suitable paths on the surface of the sole which is fixed inside a suitable seat in the machine. The movement system may be for example a movement system with Cartesian axes or a polar system with sufficient degrees of freedom such that it is able to follow with reasonable precision the inner surface of the sole and apply the glue thereon.
- Usually, the applicator tool mounted on the application system is a glue spraying nozzle or an axially rotating brush with the glue being dispensed from the inside thereof and supplied to its front end which is in contact with the sole.
- Gluing of the raised edge of the sole must in any case be performed manually also in situations where a high productivity is required since there exists no tool which is able to distribute the glue without imperfections on the raised edge. As mentioned above significant and irregular variations in height of the edge also complicate matters further.
- In the case of machines with spray gluing systems the spraying nozzle makes it difficult to adjust the amount of said glue being dispensed and there is also the risk of the glue being sprayed beyond the edge of the sole. Moreover, for the gluing of soles a brush with bristles is preferred since its mechanical glue spreading action improves the final strength of the bond since it favours the penetration and contact adhesion of the glue. The result, however, is not always satisfactory, in particular in the case of soles with a particular edge, for example rounded edge, or soles with a raised edge.
- In fact, a rotating brush by nature has edges which are not precise and well-defined and the glue application zone is consequently less precise and risks causing the glue to spill over the edge of the sole.
- Attempts to automate the operation of distributing the glue also onto the raised edge of the soles have therefore hitherto not provided satisfactory results and the operation of distributing the glue along the edge of the sole is therefore performed mainly manually, for example using a small brush, similar to a tooth brush, with an obvious enormous increase in the amount of time and therefore labour required, in particular in the case of high production outputs (for example 1000/1200 pairs or more per day). This manual operation requires furthermore skilled operators who are sufficiently experienced in distributing glue in a precise and uniform manner.
- The general object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, by providing a machine with a device for applying glue onto the soles of footwear which is able to ensure a satsifactory degree of precision during application of the glue also on soles with particular edges and in particular soles with a raised edge.
- In view of this object the idea which has occurred, according to the invention, is to provide a machine for applying glue onto a sole of footwear, comprising a support for a sole, a glue dispensing device and a movement system for moving the device relative to the support under the control of a control system of the machine so as to follow, with the device, gluing paths along a sole placed on the support, characterized in that the glue dispensing device comprises a radial brush which is motorized to rotate about its central axis and is designed to pass lightly with its radial periphery along a sole to be glued placed on the support, and a dispensing unit designed to dispense glue on the periphery of the radial brush, the support for the sole being designed to fix a sole with an inner side of the sole directed towards the dispensing device.
- Still in view of the aforementioned object, the idea which has also occurred, according to the invention, is to provide a method for applying glue onto a sole by means of the aforementioned machine, characterized in that the control system moves the radial brush along paths on the sole with a rotation axis of the radial brush which is kept substantially parallel tangentially to the edge of the sole on the support so as to spread the glue along this edge.
- In order to illustrate more clearly the innovative principles of the present invention and its advantages compared to the prior art, examples of embodiments applying these principles will be described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic side elevation view of a machine designed according to the invention; -
FIGS. 2 and 3 shows partial schematic views, along two orthogonal directions, of a glue application device of the machine according toFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 shows a partial schematic view of a movement head of the machine according toFIG. 1 with the glue application device; -
FIG. 5 shows a partial schematic plan view of a part for supporting the sole in the machine according toFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 shows a partial and perspective schematic view of the movement head of the machine according toFIG. 1 during application of glue onto a sole; -
FIG. 7 shows a partial and enlarged schematic view of an applicator tool of the machine according toFIG. 1 during application of glue onto a sole; -
FIG. 8 show a partial schematic view of a glue applicator tool of the machine according to the invention in a second operating position; -
FIG. 9 shows a view similar to that inFIG. 8 and with the applicator tool during application of glue onto a sole; -
FIGS. 10 and 11 show partial schematic views of a machine according to the invention provided with a device for cleaning the glue applicator tools. - With reference to the figures,
FIG. 1 shows a possible embodiment of a machine according to the invention. This machine, denoted overall by 10, comprises azone 11 for receiving a sole 12 to be glued and a motorizedsystem 13 for moving aglue dispensing device 14 along suitable paths on the sole present in thezone 11. - The movement may be automated by means of a per se known computerized control system 15 (for example a suitably programmed microprocessor system).
- Advantageously the
movement system 13 of themachine 10 comprises ahead 16 on which thedevice 14 is mounted and asupport 17 designed to receive and fix in position, in thezone 11, the sole to be glued. As can be clearly seen in the figures, the support for the sole is designed to fix a sole with an inner side of the sole directed towards the dispensing device. “Inner side of the sole” is obviously understood as meaning the side of the sole intended to be glued to the bottom of a shoe. - The
head 16 and thesupport 17 are movable relative to each other by means of drives which allow theglue application device 14 to follow the desired paths. The movements may be for example interpolated by thecontrol system 15 so as to follow the desired paths, in a manner substantially known per se to the person skilled in the art. - The
movement system 13 may be of the type substantially known and able to be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art and will not be described nor shown in detail here. Essentially, thismovement system 13 may comprise the necessary degrees of freedom of movement in the space in order to follow the desired paths with the desired inclination of the operating end of thedevice 14. - For example, four or five degrees of freedom for relative positioning of the
device 14 andsupport 17 may be advantageously provided. - As will become clear below, the movement may be performed so that the necessary degrees of freedom may be obtained with a movement of the
head 16 alone, while keeping thesupport 17 stationary in the machine, or by means of a combination of relative movements ofhead 16 andsupport 17. - In particular, as schematically shown in
FIG. 1 , an advantageous structure may envisage drives for moving thehead 16 relative to thesupport 17 along three orthogonal Cartesianaxes - Advantageously, the movement along one of the Cartesian axes (for example the
axis 18 inFIG. 1 ) will be the movement of theapplicator device 14 towards/away from the planar surface of a sole 12 on thesupport 17, in a direction generally perpendicular thereto, while one or both the movements along the other two orthogonal axes (19, 20 inFIG. 1 , with theaxis 20 substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) may be obtained with a structure which moves only thehead 16 or which alternatively moves only or also thesupport 17, as may be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art. - In the example of embodiment, a
motorized carriage 21 moves along theaxis 20 and supports atrack 22 which extends along theaxis 19 and supports in turn amotorized carriage 23. The motorizedcarriage 23 has, arranged thereon, a further motorizedcarriage 24 for movement of thehead 16 along theaxis 18. In this way the controlled movement of the head along the three orthogonal Cartesianaxes - Alternative embodiments may, however, be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art. For example, the
track 22 may be designed so as to move on thecarriage 21 along theaxis 18 such that thehead 16 is moved vertically without the need for thecarriage 24. - Advantageously, the
head 16 comprises further drives for performing desired inclination movements of thedevice 14 relative to the sole 12. In particular, thehead 16 may be provided with a first motorized axis ofrotation 25 arranged parallel to the axis ofdisplacement 18 so as to allow an orientation movement of thedevice 14 generally in the plane of the sole (as will be explained below). - Advantageously, the
head 16 will also comprise a second motorized axis ofrotation 26, arranged at angle with respect to theaxis 25. As may be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art, the combination of coordinated rotations of the twoaxes device 14 so as to orient it within space while it follows the path along the sole. - In the embodiment described here by way of example, the four
axes angled axis 26 allows inclination of the brush to be performed. - All the motorized movements of the machine may be controlled by the known
electronic control unit 15 in which the paths to be followed may be programmed depending on the model and size of the sole being machined, as is well-known to the person skilled in the art. A suitable known man/machine interface (not shown), for example provided with keyboard and display or touch screen display) may also be provided in order to enter the path data, also by means of self-learning, start and stop the various machine operations, carry out tests and calibrations, etc., as is known to the person skilled in the art for this type of machine. - In order to fix the sole to the
support 17, thesupport 17 may comprisesuitable gripping members FIG. 5 ), so that that the entire surface to be covered with the glue is left free of obstacles. - The gripping members may be advantageously two shaped jaws which are movable towards each other (manually or preferably by means of a motor or cylinder movement) so as to grip the sole between them.
- The system for gripping and fixing the sole may also be different from that shown. For example, it may comprise a known suction system or other systems which ensure the grip and the stability of the sole 12 on the
support 17. - Obviously, the
support 17 may be shaped so as to receive soles which have a form which is not necessarily flat (for example soles also with a very high heel), as may be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art.FIGS. 2 and 3 show in greater detail the end part of thehead 16 with theglue application device 14. - This
device 14 comprises in an innovative manner aradial brush 30 which rotates about amotorized axis 31. Preferably, theradial brush 30 has radial bristles which are grouped together along the circumference of the brush to form groups of radial bristles arranged in several planes parallel to each other and transverse to the axis ofrotation 31. For example, there may be three planes as can be clearly seen inFIG. 3 . The groups of bristles may have preferably an approximately circular cross-section, even though different cross-sections may be used if desired. The bristles of the radial brush are relatively soft, preferably so as to be able to pass lightly along the sole and flex without a substantial mechanical action which would remove material from the sole. - The
radial brush 31 is designed to be driven rotationally with its periphery against the sole so as to spread glue over it, as schematically shown in the figures. The speed of rotation of thebrush 30 may be for example between 50 and 150 rpm and preferably is in the region of 100 rpm. The speed may also be programmed depending on the requirements and the machining operations. If desired, the maximum speeds may be even greater than 150 rpm, for example up to 450-500 rpm. - The
device 14 also comprises a dispensingunit 33 designed to dispense the glue on the periphery of theradial brush 30. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , this dispensing unit is arranged advantageously so as to dispense the glue onto an area of the periphery of the radial brush which is substantially far from (for example on the opposite side to) thesupport 17 or the peripheral zone of the radial brush which is designed to rest on the sole to be glued. - Preferably, the dispensing
unit 33 comprises at its front end asmall brush 34 which rests with its end against the periphery of the radial brush. In particular, thebrush 34 lies along anaxis 35 arranged radially with respect to theradial brush 30 so as to rest radially against the periphery of theradial brush 30. - In the centre of the
brush 34 there is advantageously anozzle 36 which is supplied by a suitable source of glue known per se (for example comprising a duct for receiving glue under pressure from a supply tank). The glue may be of any type considered suitable. For example, it may be a solvent-based glue. - Essentially, the
nozzle 36 dispenses the glue between the bristles of theend brush 34 and thebrush 34 in turn spreads this glue on the tips of and between the bristles of theradial brush 30. - The
brush 34 is advantageously motorized so as to rotate about itsaxis 35. - This improves the uniform dispensing of the glue on the
radial brush 30. - The rotation of the radial brush about the
axis 31 allows the glue to be spread uniformly over the entire periphery of theradial brush 30 and the consequent uniform transfer of the glue onto the sole. - The combined rotation of the
end brush 34 and theradial brush 30 ensures an even more uniform glue spreading action. - Advantageously, during operation of the machine the
radial brush 30 will be brought into contact with the sole with an orientation such that theradial brush 30 rotates with a direction of rotation such as pass lightly along the sole towards the free end of the edge of the sole. For example, the rotation of the brush will be anti-clockwise inFIG. 2 , such that the bristles of the brush move up along theedge 37 as far as its top free end. - This has been found to be advantageous for a precise application as far as the end of the sole edge, avoiding spreading of glue over the sole part which will be visible after it has been mounted on the footwear.
-
FIGS. 2 and 3 show by way if example a sole 12 with a raisededge 37. - An applicator device such as that described according to the invention has been found to be particularly advantageous with these types of sole since any spreading of glue beyond the top end of the sole edge is avoided, while the glue is applied over the whole inner surface of the raised edge and over the zone of the bottom of the sole close to this edge.
- If desired, the movement of the radial brush may naturally continue also towards the centre of the sole such as to glue also more central portions of the sole.
- Advantageously, the
applicator device 14 may also comprise a protection 38 (for example formed with a metal or plastic strip) arranged along a portion of the periphery of theradial brush 30 so as to prevent the rotation of the brush from causing, owing to the centrifugal force, glue to be propelled in the direction opposite to the edge of the sole, thus soiling zones of the sole which are not intended to be glued. The protection may, if necessary, be adjustable position wise. - Adjustment of the position of the
protection 38 may also allow the point of “attack and contact” of thebrush 30 on the sole to be modified.FIG. 4 shows in schematic form a possible internal structure of thehead 16 and theapplicator device 14. - A
motor 40 may cause rotation of the head about theaxis 25, while amotor 41 may cause rotation of the head about theangled axis 26. - A
motor 42 may cause rotation of theaxial brush 33 which contains advantageously theglue dispending nozzle 36. - Finally a
motor 43 may cause rotation of theradial brush 30 about theaxis 31. Themotor 43 may be connected to thebrush 30 by means of asuitable drive 44, for example a double right-angled transmission, so as to reduce the dimensions of the head in the region of thebrush 30 and allow the brush to be easily moved towards the sole to be glued. - The
device 10 comprises aninlet duct 45 for theglue 45 which must be dispensed and must reach thenozzle 36. Advantageously, the glue passes from theinlet duct 45 to thenozzle 36 via asupply duct 36 which preferably houses inside it astem 47 which also allows adjustment of the glue flow, for example by means of an adjustable axial movement thereof, allowing opening or closing of the aperture for through-flow of the glue towards the outlet of thenozzle 36. A suitable known rotatable hydraulic joint 48 may be provided in order to allow transfer of the glue from theinlet 45 to theduct 46 which rotates together with thebrush 33. -
FIG. 5 shows by way of example a possible path followed by theradial brush 30 along the edge of the sole placed on thesupport 17 during operation of the machine. Along this path, thebrush 30 may be kept with its axis ofrotation 31 substantially parallel tangentially to the edge of the sole in order to spread the glue on the edge by moving along this edge. - Owing to the device according to the invention, it has been found that the glue may be spread rapidly, with great precision and without spillage on soles formed with a raised edge, be it with a constant or variable height, advantageously using automatic machines.
- The machine according to the invention has also been found to be particularly suitable for gluing soles without a raised edge, being able to glue perfectly and rapidly the edge of the sole without spillage of glue, whatever the form of the edge.
- For example,
FIG. 6 shows the gluing device according to the invention while it glues a sole of the type with apleated covering layer 50 on an edge of the sole. Owing to the structure of the device it is possible to apply correctly the glue between the pleats of thecovering layer 50 without it spilling out onto the side part of the sole which will remain visible after the sole has been mounted on the footwear. - A further advantage of the applicator device provided according to the invention is that of being able to apply adequately the glue onto the inner part of soles of the internally ribbed type, as shown in the cross-section of
FIG. 7 . - In the case of these soles, spreading of the glue into the open chambers between the ribs may be damaging because, in addition to wastage of glue, gas is formed inside the chambers during setting of the glue once the sole has been applied to the bottom of the shoe. This gas remains trapped between the sole and the bottom of the shoe and may result in weakening of the glued joint and other known problems.
- The known glue spreading systems are unable, however, to prevent the glue entering into the chambers between the ribs.
- The device according to the invention allows, instead, the rotating brush to spread the glue substantially only on the ends of the ribs, which will come into contact with the bottom of the shoe, without any glue spreading into the chambers between the ribs, as can be clearly seen from
FIG. 7 . - The
protection 38 also helps protect the point of contact between the bristles of thebrush 30 and the ends of the ribs so as to prevent the transfer of the glue into the zones close to the surface to be glued. -
FIG. 8 shows a variant of themachine 10 according to the invention. In this variant themachine 10 has aradial brush 30 which is mounted (for example on a motorized arm 51) so as to be movable controllably between the operating position shown inFIGS. 1-7 and a non-operating position shown in solid lines inFIG. 8 . In this non-operating position, theradial brush 30 is raised and moved away from the dispensingunit 33. - The movement of the rotating brush shown in
FIG. 8 may be used, if desired, to ensure spreading of the glue in the corner between the bottom and the edge of the sole also in the case of well-defined corners. In fact, when theradial brush 30 is in the non-operating position, the dispensing unit 33 (for example with axial brush 34) may spread the glue directly onto the sole 12, as shown inFIG. 9 . In particular, the dispensing unit may spread the glue onto an edge zone of the sole on the support. It is thus possible to spread more easily the glue also in the corner between sole 12 andedge 37. Theradial brush 30 may then be brought back into the operating position for spreading the glue over the remainder of the surface of the sole, as already described above. - If need be, the dispensing
unit 33 may in any case spread the glue also on other points of the surface of the sole as well as in the zone close to the edge. For example, the dispensing unit (in particular with the axial brush) may be used to spread the glue over the entire surface of a sole to be glued. -
FIGS. 10 and 11 show acleaning device 52 which may be included in the machine 10 (for example alongside thezone 11 for supporting the sole). - This
cleaning device 52 comprises atank 53 containing two cleaning brushes 54, 55 arranged with their bristles facing and spaced from each other. The cleaning brushes 54 and 55 are advantageously cylindrical and are supported by acoaxial shaft 56 controllably rotated by amotor 57. The tank contains advantageously a cleaning liquid which is suitable for the glue used and within which the cleaning brushes are partially immersed. For example, this liquid may be a suitable solvent, such as acetone, for solvent-based glues or also water for water-based glues, etc. - Periodically the machine may move the dispensing unit 33 (and in particular the axial brush 34) and/or the rotating
brush 30 into the space between the cleaning brushes. This space is such that the bristles of the cleaning brushes interact for example with the bristles of theaxial brush 34 and/or with the bristles of the rotatingbrush 30, as is clear fromFIGS. 10 and 11 . - In this way, the cleaning brushes may remove the excess and/or partially dried glue. The
motor 57 may periodically cause rotation of the cleaning brushes so as, in turn, to clean the glue from them by immersing them in the liquid inside the tank. The liquid which remains on the cleaning brushes may also ensure better cleaning of theaxial brush 34 and the rotatingbrush 30 which are also rotationally operated during the cleaning cycle. - It is also possible to provide
scraper elements 58, 59 (for example two elongated elements such as a pin or blade) which are inserted radially into thebrushes - At this point it is clear how the objects of the invention are achieved.
- With a machine having the glue application device according to the invention it is possible to perform satisfactory gluing operations on soles which also have a very high raised edge; soles with a varying height along the edge (without having to vary dynamically and precisely the height of the dispensing head since small variations in height of the edge are compensated for by the flexibility of the bristles of the radial brush); soles with internal ribs; soles with lined edges; flat soles; welted soles; etc.
- The direction of rotation of the radial brush may also be easily reversed (also by merely rotating through 180 degrees the plane of the radial brush) if it is required to apply glue onto particular types of edges (for example edges which are not raised, but have deep folds on the sole part to be glued).
- Alternatively or in addition, it is also possible to reverse rapidly the rotation of the brush by inverting the direction of rotation of the
motor 43, from anti-clockwise to clockwise and vice versa, also dynamically during formation of the profile. - Obviously the above description of embodiments applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided by way of example of these innovative principles and must therefore not be regarded as limiting the scope of the rights claimed herein.
- For example, the movement structure of the head and the structure of the head itself may be different from that shown for moving the applicator device within space. For example, a machine provided with an anthropomorphic arm which terminates in the applicator device may be used. The unit for dispensing glue onto the radial brush may also be different from that shown. For example, it is possible to provide a gluing roller, instead of the axial brush, or a dispensing nozzle, for example of the spray type, which deposits the glue onto the radial brush.
- During the specific implementation of the characteristics of the present invention other known footwear processing systems may be incorporated in the machine. For example, the machine may be a machine combined with a station for gluing and/or roughing also the bottom of a shoe.
Claims (20)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT201800008323 | 2018-09-04 | ||
IT102018000008323 | 2018-09-04 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200069001A1 true US20200069001A1 (en) | 2020-03-05 |
Family
ID=64316820
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/555,342 Abandoned US20200069001A1 (en) | 2018-09-04 | 2019-08-29 | Machine and method for applying glue onto soles of footwear |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20200069001A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110876511A (en) |
BR (1) | BR102019018244A2 (en) |
TW (1) | TW202017497A (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN111671205A (en) * | 2020-06-17 | 2020-09-18 | 蔡磊 | Shoemaking glue smearing device capable of achieving overturning smearing |
CN114504170A (en) * | 2022-03-07 | 2022-05-17 | 知守科技(杭州)有限公司 | Method and system for spraying glue on soles of flaky soles and storage medium |
CN114832529A (en) * | 2022-05-05 | 2022-08-02 | 中南大学 | Vehicle efficient disinfection-ozone destruction integrated air filter element and production equipment thereof |
CN114983097A (en) * | 2022-05-31 | 2022-09-02 | 福建省华宝智能科技有限公司 | Sole rubberizing device based on visual detection |
CN115088920A (en) * | 2022-08-01 | 2022-09-23 | 丽荣鞋业(深圳)有限公司 | Adjustable gluing device for shoe insole |
CN115969144A (en) * | 2023-01-09 | 2023-04-18 | 东莞市智睿智能科技有限公司 | Sole glue spraying track generation method, system, equipment and storage medium |
CN116138546A (en) * | 2023-02-15 | 2023-05-23 | 湖南日虹科技有限公司 | Soft sole continuous rubberizing device |
CN116637781A (en) * | 2023-04-27 | 2023-08-25 | 深圳市鹏创达自动化有限公司 | Equidistant dispensing method, device and equipment for space curve and storage medium |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN112690537B (en) * | 2020-12-17 | 2022-08-30 | 东莞市李群自动化技术有限公司 | Sole gluing system and glue output control method thereof |
DE102021205536A1 (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2022-12-01 | Adidas Ag | Process for applying materials to shoes |
-
2019
- 2019-08-29 US US16/555,342 patent/US20200069001A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-08-30 TW TW108131285A patent/TW202017497A/en unknown
- 2019-09-02 BR BR102019018244-0A patent/BR102019018244A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2019-09-03 CN CN201910826858.6A patent/CN110876511A/en active Pending
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN111671205A (en) * | 2020-06-17 | 2020-09-18 | 蔡磊 | Shoemaking glue smearing device capable of achieving overturning smearing |
CN114504170A (en) * | 2022-03-07 | 2022-05-17 | 知守科技(杭州)有限公司 | Method and system for spraying glue on soles of flaky soles and storage medium |
CN114832529A (en) * | 2022-05-05 | 2022-08-02 | 中南大学 | Vehicle efficient disinfection-ozone destruction integrated air filter element and production equipment thereof |
CN114983097A (en) * | 2022-05-31 | 2022-09-02 | 福建省华宝智能科技有限公司 | Sole rubberizing device based on visual detection |
CN115088920A (en) * | 2022-08-01 | 2022-09-23 | 丽荣鞋业(深圳)有限公司 | Adjustable gluing device for shoe insole |
CN115969144A (en) * | 2023-01-09 | 2023-04-18 | 东莞市智睿智能科技有限公司 | Sole glue spraying track generation method, system, equipment and storage medium |
CN116138546A (en) * | 2023-02-15 | 2023-05-23 | 湖南日虹科技有限公司 | Soft sole continuous rubberizing device |
CN116637781A (en) * | 2023-04-27 | 2023-08-25 | 深圳市鹏创达自动化有限公司 | Equidistant dispensing method, device and equipment for space curve and storage medium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN110876511A (en) | 2020-03-13 |
TW202017497A (en) | 2020-05-16 |
BR102019018244A2 (en) | 2020-03-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20200069001A1 (en) | Machine and method for applying glue onto soles of footwear | |
US8656975B2 (en) | Weight applicator for a wheel and method for utilizing the same | |
US11014540B2 (en) | Device and method for cleaning and precision machining of workpieces | |
JP2016514036A5 (en) | ||
AU2004242618B2 (en) | A panel edge modification device or unit for a contour edge banding device | |
US4836139A (en) | Adhesive-applying apparatus | |
JP2008536684A (en) | Device for applying fluid to the contour of a substrate | |
JP2012135758A (en) | Device and method for coating object with medium | |
KR20160140786A (en) | Application device | |
HU224539B1 (en) | Coating layer forming machine and method | |
JP6010449B2 (en) | Protrusion coating brush and projection coating method | |
US10448708B2 (en) | Method, device and machine for processing shoes | |
KR20140025111A (en) | Application device for an oil | |
CN207413716U (en) | A kind of anti-curing brush coating device | |
CN107570370A (en) | A kind of anti-solidification brush coating device and brush coating method | |
CN115486610B (en) | Continuous automatic sole plastering equipment | |
CN218073777U (en) | Automatic rubber coating mechanism of spreading machine | |
CN109848001B (en) | Edge head assembly and automatic edge finishing machine | |
CN210187519U (en) | Coating machine | |
CN218246171U (en) | Anti-oxidation spraying device for metal surface | |
CN213886899U (en) | Double-station dispenser | |
BE1030968B1 (en) | METHOD AND SPRAYING DEVICE FOR IN SITU APPLICATION OF RESIN TO AN INNER WALL OF A PIPE | |
CN210131768U (en) | Coating machine | |
US10787155B2 (en) | Device for dispensing chemical onto a tire brush | |
JP5819940B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing tire component part |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MERCALLI, LUCIANO, ITALY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MERCALLI, LUCIANO;REEL/FRAME:050841/0070 Effective date: 20190821 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CERIM S.R.L., ITALY Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME LISTED ON THE COVER SHEET FOR THE ASSIGNMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 050841 FRAME 0070. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:MERCALLI, LUCIANO;REEL/FRAME:050860/0446 Effective date: 20190821 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |