Underpants transfer station and transfer method

Abstract

The invention discloses an underpants transfer station and a transfer method, and belongs to the technical field of underpants processing.The underpants transfer station comprises a transfer track and a plurality of transfer devices, the transfer devices are of a vertically-arranged annular structure, and the periphery of the transfer track is a guide rail face; the transfer devices comprise suction cups, and the suction cups are used for sucking the underpants; in the two adjacent transfer devices, at least one transfer device comprises a rotary driving mechanism, and the rotary driving mechanism is used for driving the suction cups to rotate, so that the waistline openings of all the underpants are adjusted to be in the same direction; the transfer device is movably arranged on the guide rail face of the transfer rail and can circularly move along the periphery of the transfer rail so that the underpants can be transferred to the discharging platform from the picking platform through the suction cups. According to the underpants transfer station, a plurality of transfer devices can be smoothly adjusted on the transfer track in a limited space and convey the underpants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwear processing technology, and more specifically, to an underwear transfer station and transfer method. Background Technology

[0002] Some underwear on the market is triangular in shape, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in order to reduce fabric waste during the manufacturing process, when cutting underwear sheets from the pant body material, the production line cuts two adjacent underwear sheets into an alternating pattern. In this pattern, the two alternating underwear sheets are folded and processed at a folding station with the same alternating arrangement until the underwear is basically formed. To facilitate subsequent packaging, the formed underwear needs to be transferred to the packaging station. During this process, the alternating underwear needs to be adjusted to face the same direction.

[0003] For example, the three-dimensional underwear processing system and method provided in Chinese patent document (CN 118648738 B) mainly completes the underwear transfer work at the transfer station. The transfer station uses transfer devices to transfer the underwear from the processing station to the folding and packaging production line. During the underwear transfer, the orientation of the underwear arranged in front and back is adjusted so that the waist opening of the underwear is in the same direction or opposite to the transport direction, and then transported to the next process. Multiple transfer devices are generally operated simultaneously.

[0004] Due to cost constraints and space limitations, the movement path of the transfer device within the transfer station is generally short. Within this short path, it is quite challenging to adjust the orientation of the tightly packed underwear and achieve smooth transportation.

[0005] In existing technologies, in order to transfer underwear, some transfer devices need to temporarily stop moving during the operation of the transfer device to avoid other transfer devices, which is inefficient.

[0006] The relevant technologies do not provide effective solutions to the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] 1. The technical problem that the invention aims to solve The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of transfer efficiency when transferring underwear with alternating forward and reverse sides at existing transfer stations.

[0008] 2. Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: an underwear transfer station, used to adjust underwear with opposite waist opening directions to face the same direction during the transfer process; comprising: a transfer track, which is a vertically arranged annular structure, and the outer periphery of the transfer track is a guide rail surface; A pickup platform, used to provide underwear to be transferred, is located above or below the transfer track; The material feeding platform is used to collect the transferred underwear. It is located above or below the transfer track and is opposite to the picking platform. Several transfer devices are provided, each including a suction cup for adsorbing underwear; in two adjacent transfer devices, at least one transfer device includes a rotary drive mechanism for driving the suction cup to rotate, so that the waist openings of all underwear are adjusted to face the same direction; the transfer devices are movably mounted on the guide surface of the transfer track, and the transfer devices can circulate along the outer periphery of the transfer track to transfer underwear from the pick-up platform to the unloading platform by means of the suction cup.

[0009] Furthermore, the pickup platform is located below the transfer track, and the discharge platform is located above the transfer track. A negative pressure is formed on the lower surface of the discharge platform to adsorb the underwear that has been transferred; or, the pickup platform is located above the transfer track, and the discharge platform is located below the transfer track. A negative pressure is formed on the lower surface of the pickup platform to adsorb the underwear to be transferred.

[0010] Furthermore, the transfer track has two straight rails extending horizontally, namely an upper straight rail and a lower straight rail, with the guide surface of the upper straight rail facing upward and the guide surface of the lower straight rail facing downward.

[0011] Furthermore, the transfer track also includes two arc-shaped side rails, making the transfer track waist-shaped; the upper and lower straight rails are connected on both sides by two side rails, and the upper and lower straight rails transition to the side rails by arcs.

[0012] Furthermore, the transfer device also includes a linear drive mechanism for driving the suction cup to extend or retract in a linear motion.

[0013] Furthermore, the transfer track is equipped with several trigger switches, and the transfer device also includes an action trigger sensor. The trigger sensor is electrically connected to the linear drive mechanism and the rotary drive mechanism. When the trigger sensor senses the trigger switches at different positions on the transfer track in sequence, the suction cup extends / retracts / rotates.

[0014] Furthermore, the trigger switch includes two extend switches, two retract switches, one rotary switch, and one rotary switch; the extend switches are used to trigger the suction cup to extend, the retract switches are used to trigger the suction cup to retract, the rotary switches are used to trigger the suction cup to rotate to adjust the direction of the waist opening of the underwear, and the rotary switches are used to trigger the suction cup to rotate back to the initial circumferential position.

[0015] Furthermore, the lower rail is equipped with an extension switch and a retraction switch, which allows the suction cup to extend when sucking up the underwear and retract after sucking up the underwear; the upper rail is equipped with an extension switch and a retraction switch, which allows the suction cup to extend when delivering the underwear and retract after delivering the underwear.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper and lower straight rails have a first side and a second side, respectively; the rotary switch is located on the first side or on the lower straight rail near the first side, and the rotary switch is located on the second side or on the upper straight rail near the second side. The suction cup has an angle with the horizontal plane when it rotates.

[0017] Furthermore, the linear drive mechanism is fixed to the frame of the transfer device; the transfer device also includes a mounting bracket; the rotary drive mechanism is fixed to the mounting bracket; the rotary drive mechanism is connected to the suction cup, thereby driving the suction cup to rotate; and / or, the linear drive mechanism includes a rotary motor, a belt drive mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism, the rotary output shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the ball screw mechanism through the belt drive mechanism, and the nut of the ball screw mechanism is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket, thereby driving the suction cup to perform linear motion.

[0018] Furthermore, all transfer devices include a rotary drive mechanism for driving the suction cups to rotate; when adjusting the underwear orientation, in two adjacent transfer devices, both suction cups rotate 90° and the rotation directions of the two suction cups are opposite, or, in two adjacent transfer devices, one suction cup is stationary in the circumferential direction and the other suction cup rotates 180°.

[0019] Furthermore, among two adjacent transfer devices, only one transfer device includes a rotary drive mechanism; when adjusting the direction of the underwear, the transfer device equipped with the rotary drive mechanism rotates its suction cup 180°.

[0020] Furthermore, the guide rail surface is arranged with stators, and the frame of the transfer device is equipped with movers that cooperate with the stators, forming a suspension gap between the movers and the stators.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a first negative pressure conveyor belt with its adsorption surface facing downwards, and a feeding platform as part of the first negative pressure conveyor belt; and / or, a pickup platform as a second conveyor belt, with the pickup platform as part of the second conveyor belt.

[0022] This application also provides a method for transferring underwear, employing an underwear transfer station as described above, where several transfer devices form a continuous operating unit on a transfer track. The method includes the following steps: a) The transfer device moves to a position opposite to the pickup platform, the suction cup in the transfer device extends to pick up underwear from the pickup platform, the suction cup retracts, and the transfer device is offset from the pickup platform; b) The suction cup in the transfer device rotates to adjust the orientation of the underwear; c) The transfer device moves to a position opposite to the unloading platform, the suction cup in the transfer device extends, the unloading platform receives the underwear, and the suction cup retracts; d) The transfer device is offset from the unloading platform, the suction cup rotates back to its initial circumferential position, and the transfer device returns to step a.

[0023] Furthermore, the transfer track is waist-shaped; all the suction cups of the transfer device rotate only on the arc track of the transfer track, while on the straight track of the transfer track, the suction cups are stationary in their circumferential direction.

[0024] 3. Beneficial effects Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this invention has at least the following beneficial effects: (1) The underwear transfer station of this application has a transfer device that always moves along the outer periphery of the vertically arranged transfer track. The rotation and transfer of underwear are completed on the outer periphery of the transfer track, which fully expands the activity space of the suction cup of the transfer device and greatly reduces the possibility of mutual interference between several transfer devices. This improves the work efficiency of the transfer station when transferring underwear with alternating front and back in a limited space. In detail, when the picking platform is located on the lower side of the transfer track and the feeding platform is located on the upper side of the transfer track, when the transfer device picks up the underwear, the suction cup is located below the transfer track and is basically parallel to the horizontal plane. Then the transfer device continues to move, and the transfer device as a whole gradually rises along the trajectory of the transfer track. The suction cup tends to be vertical and faces the outside of the transfer track, completely offset from the picking platform in space. Finally, the underwear is conveyed upward, so that multiple transfer devices can smoothly adjust and convey underwear on the transfer track. (2) The underwear transfer station of this application has two straight rails extending horizontally, namely an upper straight rail and a lower straight rail. The guide surface of the upper straight rail faces upward and the guide surface of the lower straight rail faces downward. When the suction cup picks up and puts out the material, the transfer device is located on the straight rail, which makes the operation more stable and facilitates the suction cup to adhere to the thin underwear. (3) The transfer station for underwear in this application includes two arc-shaped side rails, making the transfer track waist-shaped. Specifically, the upper and lower straight rails are connected on both sides by two side rails, and the upper and lower straight rails transition to the side rails with arcs. This design makes the movement of the transfer device more smooth when it circulates between the upper and lower straight rails of the transfer track, facilitating high-speed operation.

[0025] For other beneficial effects, please refer to the detailed implementation section. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the underwear manufacturing process in the existing technology; Figure 2 This is a simplified structural diagram of an underwear transfer station according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the guide rail surfaces of a transfer track according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer device structure of a transfer track according to an embodiment of this application; Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 100. Transfer track; 110. Guide rail surface; 120. Upper straight rail; 130. Lower straight rail; 140. Side arc rail; 150. Extension switch; 160. Retraction switch; 170. Rotary switch; 180. Rotary switch; 190a. First side; 190b. Second side; 200. Pickup platform; 300. Material feeding platform; 400. Transfer device; 410. Suction cup; 420. Trigger sensor; 430. Mounting bracket; 440. Rotary motor; 450. Gear transmission mechanism; 460. Rotary motor; 470. Belt transmission mechanism; 480. Ball screw mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein.

[0029] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an underwear transfer station for adjusting underwear with opposite waist opening directions to face the same direction during the transfer process. The underwear used is primarily briefs.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the underwear transfer station includes a transfer track 100, a pick-up platform 200, a discharge platform 300, and several transfer devices 400. The pick-up platform 200 provides underwear to be transferred, and the discharge platform 300 collects underwear after transfer. Several transfer devices 400 are movably mounted on the transfer track 100. The transfer devices 400 pick up underwear from the pick-up platform 200 and transfer the underwear to the discharge platform 300.

[0032] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the transfer track 100 is a vertically arranged ring structure, and the outer periphery of the transfer track 100 is a guide surface 110. Optionally, the transfer track 100 can be an elliptical, rectangular, waist-shaped or other custom-defined closed ring track.

[0033] The guide surface 110 can be one of two cooperating contact surfaces in a mechanical guide system, used to guide and support the precise movement of moving parts along a specific trajectory (e.g., a straight line, an arc, or a circle). Specifically, the transfer track 100 is mechanically connected to the transfer device 400, and the transfer device 400 and the transfer track 100 are rigidly or slidingly engaged, relying on mechanical contact to transmit loads and provide guidance.

[0034] Preferably, the guide rail surface 110 can also be the surface in the magnetic levitation system that realizes the levitation and guidance functions. This surface refers to a special surface on the transfer track 100 that interacts with the electromagnetic components on the transfer device 400. Specifically, the transfer track 100 and the transfer device 400 are connected by an electromagnetic guide rail. The transfer track 100 achieves non-contact motion guidance of the transfer device 400 through an electromagnetic field, and relies on electromagnetic force to achieve levitation, propulsion, and positioning. This electromagnetic guide rail connection is particularly suitable for underwear production systems with high-speed, precision, and dust-free requirements.

[0035] The specific connection between the transfer track 100 and the transfer device 400 can be referred to the prior art, and will not be described in this application.

[0036] Specifically, the guide rail surface 110 is equipped with stators, and the frame of the transfer device 400 is equipped with movers that cooperate with the stators. A floating gap is formed between the movers and the stators to realize the electromagnetic guide rail connection between the transfer track 100 and the transfer device 400.

[0037] Both the picking platform 200 and the unloading platform 300 face the guide rail surface 110 of the transfer track 100.

[0038] The pickup platform 200 is located above or below the transfer track 100. The unloading platform 300 is located above or below the transfer track 100, and is opposite to the pickup platform 100. That is, when the pickup platform 200 is above the transfer track 100, the unloading platform 300 is below the transfer track 100, and when the unloading platform 300 is above the transfer track 100, the pickup platform 200 is below the transfer track 100.

[0039] Specifically, when either the picking platform 200 or the unloading platform 300 is located above the transfer track 100, its lower surface has negative pressure.

[0040] As an alternative, such as Figure 2 As shown, the pickup platform 200 is located below the transfer track 100, and the unloading platform 300 is located above the transfer track 100. A negative pressure is formed on the lower surface of the unloading platform 300 to adsorb the transferred underwear. The pickup platform 200 can form a negative pressure to adsorb the underwear, or it can not be provided with a negative pressure and only serve to support the underwear.

[0041] As an alternative, the pickup platform 200 is located above the transfer track 100, and the unloading platform 300 is located below the transfer track 100. A negative pressure is formed on the lower surface of the pickup platform 200 to adsorb the underwear to be transferred. The unloading platform 300 may have a negative pressure to adsorb the underwear, or it may not have a negative pressure and only provide support for the underwear.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the transfer device 400 includes a suction cup 410 for adsorbing underwear. Specifically, the suction cup 410 is movably connected to the frame of the transfer device 400. The suction cup 410 is in the shape of a straight plate, and several suction holes are opened on the plate to fit the underwear and prevent wrinkles from forming during the adsorption process.

[0043] To ensure that the orientation of adjacent underwear is uniform, at least one of the two adjacent transfer devices 400 includes a rotation drive mechanism for driving the suction cup 410 to rotate, so that the waist opening of all underwear is adjusted to the same orientation.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the transfer device 400 is movably mounted on the guide surface 110 of the transfer track 100 and can move cyclically along the outer periphery of the transfer track 100 to transfer underwear from the pickup platform 200 to the unloading platform 300 via the suction cup 410.

[0045] In this way, the transfer device 400 always moves along the outer periphery of the vertically arranged transfer track 100. The transfer device 400 completes the rotation and transfer of the underwear on the outer periphery of the transfer track 100, which fully expands the working space of the suction cup 410 of the transfer device 400 and greatly reduces the possibility of interference between several transfer devices 400. This improves the working efficiency of transferring underwear with alternating front and back sides in a limited space. As a specific implementation method, when the picking platform 200 is located on the lower side of the transfer track 100 and the material feeding platform is flat... When platform 300 is located above transfer track 100, when transfer device 400 picks up underwear, suction cup 410 is located below transfer track 100 and is basically parallel to the horizontal plane. Then transfer device 400 continues to move, and the entire transfer device 400 gradually rises along the trajectory of transfer track 100. Suction cup 410 tends to be vertical and faces the outside of transfer track 100, completely offset from pickup platform 200 in space. Finally, it conveys underwear upward, so that multiple transfer devices 400 can smoothly adjust and convey underwear on transfer track 100.

[0046] As a comparative example, if the transfer track 100 is a horizontally arranged ring structure, and the lower surface of the transfer track 100 serves as the guide surface 110, when the transfer device 400 moves along the guide surface 110, the suction cup 410 always faces the horizontal plane, and performs the work of picking up, rotating, and delivering underwear on this basis. If multiple transfer devices 400 work at the same time, mutual interference may easily occur in the limited space.

[0047] The underwear transfer station in this application adopts an innovative layout that fully adapts to the adjustment needs of the underwear production line during the underwear transfer process. Multiple transfer devices 400 do not need to stop due to mutual avoidance, thus ensuring work efficiency.

[0048] Optionally, the transfer track 100 can be an arc track.

[0049] Preferred, such as Figure 2 As shown, the transfer track 100 has two straight rails extending horizontally, namely an upper straight rail 120 and a lower straight rail 130. The guide surface of the upper straight rail 120 faces upward, and the guide surface of the lower straight rail 130 faces downward. When the suction cup 410 picks up and places materials, the transfer device 400 is located on the straight rail, which makes the operation more stable and facilitates the suction cup 410 to adhere to the thin underwear.

[0050] As a specific solution, when the picking platform 200 is located below the transfer track 100 and the unloading platform 300 is located above the transfer track 100, the guide surface of the lower straight rail 130 is opposite to and parallel to the upper surface of the picking platform 200, and the guide surface of the upper straight rail 120 is opposite to and parallel to the lower surface of the unloading platform 300.

[0051] Optionally, the upper straight rail 120 and the lower straight rail 130 are connected on both sides by two side straight rails extending in the vertical direction, and the upper straight rail 120 and the lower straight rail 130 are respectively connected to the side straight rails with rounded corners.

[0052] Preferred, such as Figure 2 As shown, the transfer track 100 also includes two arc-shaped side rails 140, giving the transfer track 100 an waist-like shape. Specifically, the upper straight rail 120 and the lower straight rail 130 are connected on both sides by the two side rails 140, and the upper straight rail 120 and the lower straight rail 130 transition into the side rails 140 with arcs. This design makes the movement of the transfer device 400 smoother when it circulates between the upper straight rail 120 and the lower straight rail 130 of the transfer track 100, facilitating high-speed operation.

[0053] Specifically, the underwear transfer station of this application also includes a first negative pressure conveyor belt. The suction surface of the first negative pressure conveyor belt is set downward. The feeding platform 300 is part of the first negative pressure conveyor belt. After the suction cup 410 sends the underwear to the corresponding position of the feeding platform 300, the first negative pressure conveyor belt sends the underwear out in sequence.

[0054] Specifically, the underwear arranged alternately front and back enters the pickup platform 200 in sequence. The pickup platform 200 is a second conveyor belt and is part of the second conveyor belt.

[0055] Preferably, the transfer device 400 further includes a linear drive mechanism for driving the suction cup 410 to extend or retract linearly. This design allows the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 to be more flexible in its vertical direction, thereby further avoiding other transfer devices 400 through linear movement.

[0056] Optionally, the motion of the rotary drive mechanism and the linear drive mechanism is triggered by the controller according to a periodic time.

[0057] As another optional and preferred solution, such as Figure 2 As shown, the transfer track 100 is equipped with several trigger switches, and the transfer device 400 also includes an action trigger sensor 420. The trigger sensor 420 is electrically connected to the linear drive mechanism and the rotary drive mechanism. When the trigger sensor 420 senses a trigger switch, the suction cup 410 extends / retracts / rotates. The trigger sensor 420 can be directly connected to the linear drive mechanism and the rotary drive mechanism, or it can be connected to them via a controller. This design offers higher accuracy and efficiency, making it more suitable for large-scale underwear production.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 2As shown, the trigger switch includes two extend switches 150, two retract switches 160, one rotary switch 170, and one return switch 180. The extend switches 150 trigger the suction cup 410 to extend, the retract switches 160 trigger the suction cup 410 to retract, the rotary switch 170 triggers the suction cup 410 to rotate to adjust the waist opening direction of the underwear, and the return switch 180 triggers the suction cup 410 to rotate back to its initial circumferential position. The multiple trigger switches work together to cover various operating modes of the suction cup 410, allowing for smooth switching between these modes.

[0059] The aforementioned trigger switch is preferably a non-contact switch, such as a photoelectric trigger switch, a capacitive trigger switch, or an inductive trigger switch. Contact trigger switches are difficult to handle the high-intensity production process of underwear and are prone to mechanical damage, resulting in time-consuming and labor-intensive maintenance.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the upper rail 120 is equipped with an extend switch 150 and a retract switch 160, allowing the suction cup 410 to extend when picking up underwear and retract after picking it up. The lower rail 130 is equipped with an extend switch 150 and a retract switch 160, allowing the suction cup 410 to extend when delivering underwear and retract after delivering underwear. Thus, adjacent transfer devices 400 can avoid each other in a timely manner, taking turns picking up underwear in a short period of time.

[0061] It is worth noting that the descriptions of the "extending" movement of the suction cup 410 in this application all correspond to the suction cup 410 moving away from the transfer track 100, and the descriptions of the "retracting" movement of the suction cup 410 all correspond to the suction cup 410 moving towards the transfer track 100.

[0062] Preferred, such as Figure 2 As shown, the upper straight rail 120 and the lower straight rail 130 have a first side 190a and a second side 190b on their sides, respectively.

[0063] As a specific embodiment, when the transfer device 400 moves along its conveying direction, the transfer device 400 will cycle along the sequence of "lower straight rail - first side - upper straight rail - second side" on the transfer track 100.

[0064] Rotary switch 170 is located on the first side 190a, or on the lower straight rail 130 near the first side 190a; rotary switch 180 is located on the second side 190b, or on the upper straight rail 120 near the second side 190b; suction cup 410 has an angle with the horizontal plane when rotating. In this way, when the entire transfer device 400 moves upward or downward along the outer periphery of the transfer track 100, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 only begins to rotate or turn, without occupying the time and space of the horizontal section, further reducing the risk of interference with another transfer device 400 on the rear side. Based on this, the transfer track 100 can be shortened as much as possible, thus balancing production line transfer efficiency and production line manufacturing costs.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, as a structural refinement of the transfer device 400 to realize the linear motion and rotation function of the suction cup 410, the transfer device 400 also includes a mounting frame 430, on which a rotary drive mechanism is fixed. The linear drive mechanism is fixed to the frame of the transfer device 400.

[0066] The rotary drive mechanism is connected to the suction cup 410, thereby driving the suction cup 410 to rotate. Specifically, the rotary drive mechanism is a rotary motor 440, and the rotary output shaft of the rotary motor 440 is connected to the suction cup 410 through a gear transmission mechanism 450.

[0067] As an optional solution, the linear drive mechanism includes a linear actuator. The telescopic end of the linear actuator is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 430, thereby driving the suction cup 410 to perform linear motion. The linear actuator can be an electric push rod, a linear motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder, etc.

[0068] Or, as an alternative, such as Figure 4 As shown, the linear drive mechanism includes a rotary motor 460. The rotary output shaft of the rotary motor 460 is connected to a ball screw mechanism 480 through a belt drive mechanism 470. The nut of the ball screw mechanism 480 is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 430, thereby driving the suction cup 410 to extend or retract. This solution makes the linear motion of the suction cup 410 smoother and more precise, and is more suitable for high-speed, high-volume, and lightweight underwear transfer processes.

[0069] During the above process, the rotary drive mechanism moves synchronously with the suction cup 410. This design has a simple structure and stable transmission.

[0070] Specifically, the trigger sensor 420 is mounted on the frame of the transfer device 400.

[0071] Since one of the main functions of the transfer device 400 in this embodiment is to adjust the underwear arranged in alternating directions to the same orientation to facilitate subsequent packaging, the following solutions can be used to achieve this purpose: Option 1: All transfer devices 400 include a rotary drive mechanism, which is used to drive the suction cup 410 to rotate.

[0072] Based on this device, when adjusting the direction of the underwear, both suction cups 410 in the two adjacent transfer devices 400 rotate 90°, and the rotation directions of the two suction cups 410 are opposite. Specifically, after the two adjacent pairs of underwear are rotated 90° in opposite directions, the underwear arranged in a front-back pattern can be adjusted to face the same direction.

[0073] Alternatively, based on this device, within two adjacent transfer devices 400, one suction cup 410 is stationary in the circumferential direction, while the other suction cup 410 rotates 180°, and the underwear arranged in alternating directions can also be adjusted to face the same direction.

[0074] Solution 1 is more flexible and can be programmed to adapt to various underwear orientation requirements.

[0075] Option 2: Of the two adjacent transfer devices 400, only one transfer device 400 includes a rotary drive mechanism; when adjusting the direction of the underwear, the suction cup 410 of the transfer device 400 equipped with the rotary drive mechanism rotates 180°. Option 2 is more cost-effective than Option 1.

[0076] This embodiment also provides a specific method for transferring underwear, employing the underwear transfer station described above. The underwear transfer station includes several transfer devices 400, which form a continuous operation unit on the transfer track 100. The method includes the following steps: a: The transfer device 400 moves to a position opposite to the pickup platform 200, the suction cup 140 in the transfer device 400 extends out and picks up the underwear from the pickup platform 200, the suction cup 140 in the transfer device 400 retracts, and the transfer device 400 and the pickup platform 200 are offset. b: The suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 rotates to adjust the direction of the underwear; c: The transfer device 400 moves to a position opposite to the unloading platform 300, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 extends, the unloading platform 300 receives the underwear, and the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 retracts. d: The transfer device 400 is offset from the unloading platform 300, the suction cup 410 rotates back to its initial circumferential position, and the transfer device 400 returns to step a.

[0077] As a refinement of the above method, such as Figure 2As shown, the picking platform 200 is located below the transfer track 100, and the unloading platform 300 is located above the transfer track 100. The method includes the following steps: A1: The transfer device 400 moves above the pickup platform 200, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 extends downward and picks up the underwear from the pickup platform 200, and the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 retracts and leaves from above the pickup platform 200. B1: The suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 rotates to adjust the direction of the underwear; C1: The transfer device 400 moves to below the feeding platform 300, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 extends upward, the feeding platform 300 picks up the underwear, and the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 retracts. D1: The transfer device 400 moves away from below the unloading platform 300, the suction cup 410 rotates back to its initial circumferential position, and the transfer device 400 returns to step A1.

[0078] As another refined embodiment, the picking platform 200 is located above the transfer track 100, and the unloading platform 300 is located below the transfer track 100. The method includes the following steps: A2: The transfer device 400 moves to below the pickup platform 200, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 extends upward and picks up the underwear from the pickup platform 200, and the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 retracts and leaves from below the pickup platform 200. B2: The suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 rotates to adjust the direction of the underwear; C2: The transfer device 400 moves above the feeding platform 300, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 extends downward, the suction cup 410 places the underwear on the feeding platform 300, and the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 retracts. D2: The transfer device 400 leaves the top of the unloading platform 300, the suction cup 410 rotates back to its initial circumferential position, and the transfer device 400 returns to step A2.

[0079] This embodiment also provides a specific method for transferring underwear, referring to... Figure 2 As shown, the underwear transfer station includes several transfer devices 400, which are divided into a first transfer device 400 and a second transfer device 400. The first transfer device 400 and the second transfer device 400 are alternately arranged on the transfer track 100 along the conveying direction to form a continuous operation unit. The method includes the following steps: S1: The first transfer device 400 moves to above the pickup platform 200, the suction cup 410 in the first transfer device 400 extends downward to pick up the underwear from the pickup platform 200, and the suction cup 410 in the first transfer device 400 retracts and leaves from above the pickup platform 200. S2: The suction cup 410 in the first transfer device 400 rotates 90° clockwise, so that the waist opening of the underwear is in the same direction as the transport direction; S3: The first transfer device 400 moves to the lower side of the feeding platform 300, the suction cup 410 in the first transfer device 400 extends upward, the feeding platform 300 picks up the underwear, and the suction cup 410 in the first transfer device 400 retracts. S4: The first transfer device 400 leaves from below the unloading platform 300, the suction cup 410 in the first transfer device 400 rotates 90° counterclockwise, the suction cup 410 in the first transfer device 400 rotates back to its initial circumferential position, and the first transfer device 400 returns to step S1. In step S1, after the first transfer device 400 moves away from above the pickup platform 200, the second transfer device 400 takes over the work of the first device. Except for the different rotation direction in the steps, the second transfer device 400 performs all the actions of the first transfer device 400 in steps S1 to S4. After the second transfer device 400 moves away from above the pickup platform 200, the first transfer device 400 then takes over the work of the second transfer device 400. Specifically, in step S2, the suction cup 410 of the second transfer device 400 rotates 90° counterclockwise; in step S4, the suction cup 410 of the second transfer device 400 rotates 90° counterclockwise, returning to its initial circumferential position.

[0080] Specifically, the suction cup 410 opens the negative pressure when it picks up the underwear, and closes the negative pressure when it delivers the underwear.

[0081] Optionally, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 extends only after the transfer device 400 moves above the pickup platform 200; after the suction cup 410 picks up the underwear, the transfer device 400 remains stationary on the transfer track 100, and after the suction cup 410 retracts, the transfer device 400 moves away from above the pickup platform 200.

[0082] Preferably, during the process of the transfer device 400 moving above the pickup platform 200, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 extends synchronously, the suction cup 410 picks up the underwear, and during the process of the suction cup 410 retracting, the transfer device 400 moves away from above the pickup platform 200 to immediately avoid adjacent transfer devices 400.

[0083] Optionally, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 will only extend after the transfer device 400 moves to below the feeding platform 300; after the suction cup 410 delivers the underwear, the transfer device 400 will remain stationary on the transfer track 100. After the suction cup 410 retracts, the transfer device 400 will move away from above the picking platform 200.

[0084] Preferably, during the process of the transfer device 400 moving above the pickup platform 200, the suction cup 410 in the transfer device 400 extends synchronously. After the suction cup 410 delivers the underwear, during the process of the suction cup 410 retracting, the transfer device 400 moves away from above the pickup platform 200 to immediately avoid adjacent transfer devices 400.

[0085] Preferably, during the transfer station operation, all transfer devices 400 continuously circulate along the transfer track 100 without any interruption, thereby efficiently transferring the underwear.

[0086] As a preferred embodiment, the transfer track 100 is waist-shaped, and the suction cups 410 of all transfer devices 400 rotate only on the arc-shaped rail of the transfer track 100. On the straight rail of the transfer track 100, the suction cups 410 are stationary in their circumferential direction.

[0087] In this application, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," "linking," and "socketing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0088] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An underwear transfer station, used to adjust underwear with opposite waist opening directions to face the same direction during the transfer process; characterized in that, include: The transfer track is a vertically arranged ring structure, with the outer perimeter of the transfer track being a guide surface; A pickup platform, used to provide underwear to be transferred, is located above or below the transfer track; The material feeding platform is used to collect the transferred underwear. It is located above or below the transfer track and is opposite to the picking platform. Several transfer devices, each including a suction cup for adsorbing underwear; in two adjacent transfer devices, at least one transfer device includes a rotation drive mechanism for driving the suction cup to rotate, such that the waist openings of all underwear are adjusted to face the same direction. The transfer device is movably mounted on the guide rail surface of the transfer track. The transfer device can move cyclically along the outer periphery of the transfer track to transfer underwear from the pick-up platform to the unloading platform via suction cups.

2. The underwear transfer station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pickup platform is located below the transfer track, and the unloading platform is located above the transfer track. A negative pressure is created on the lower surface of the unloading platform to absorb the transferred underwear; or... The pickup platform is located above the transfer track, and the unloading platform is located below the transfer track. A negative pressure is formed on the lower surface of the pickup platform to absorb the underwear to be transferred.

3. The underwear transfer station according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transfer track consists of two straight rails extending horizontally, namely an upper rail and a lower rail. The guide surface of the upper rail faces upward, and the guide surface of the lower rail faces downward.

4. The underwear transfer station according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transfer track also includes two arc-shaped side rails, making the transfer track waist-shaped; the upper and lower straight rails are connected on both sides by two side rails, and the upper and lower straight rails transition to the side rails by arcs.

5. The underwear transfer station according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The transfer device also includes a linear drive mechanism, which drives the suction cup to extend or retract in a linear motion.

6. The underwear transfer station according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transfer track is equipped with several trigger switches, and the transfer device also includes an action trigger sensor. The trigger sensor is electrically connected to the linear drive mechanism and the rotary drive mechanism. When the trigger sensor senses the trigger switches at different positions on the transfer track in sequence, the suction cup extends / retracts / rotates.

7. The underwear transfer station according to claim 6, characterized in that: The trigger switch includes two extend switches, two retract switches, one rotary switch and one rotary switch; The extend switch is used to trigger the suction cup to extend, the retract switch is used to trigger the suction cup to retract, the rotate switch is used to trigger the suction cup to rotate to adjust the direction of the waist opening of the underwear, and the return switch is used to trigger the suction cup to rotate back to the initial circumferential position.

8. The underwear transfer station according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lower rail is equipped with an extension switch and a retraction switch, which allows the suction cup to extend when it picks up the underwear and retract after it has finished picking up the underwear. The upper rail is equipped with an extend switch and a retract switch, which allows the suction cup to extend when the underwear is dispensed and retract after the underwear is dispensed.

9. The underwear transfer station according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper and lower straight rails have the first and second sides on their respective sides; The rotary switch is located on the first side or at the end of the lower straight rail near the first side, and the rotary switch is located on the second side or at the end of the upper straight rail near the second side. The suction cup has an angle with the horizontal plane when it rotates.

10. The underwear transfer station according to claim 5, characterized in that: The linear drive mechanism is fixed to the frame of the transfer device; The transfer device also includes a mounting bracket; a rotary drive mechanism is fixed to the mounting bracket; the rotary drive mechanism is connected to the suction cup, thereby driving the suction cup to rotate; And / or, the linear drive mechanism includes a rotary motor, a belt drive mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism. The rotary output shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the ball screw mechanism through the belt drive mechanism. The nut of the ball screw mechanism is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket, thereby driving the suction cup to perform linear motion.

11. The underwear transfer station according to claim 1, characterized in that: All transfer devices include a rotary drive mechanism, which is used to drive the suction cup to rotate. When adjusting the direction of the underwear, in two adjacent transfer devices, both suction cups rotate 90° and the rotation directions of the two suction cups are opposite, or in two adjacent transfer devices, one suction cup is stationary in the circumferential direction and the other suction cup rotates 180°.

12. The underwear transfer station according to claim 1, characterized in that: Of the two adjacent transfer devices, only one transfer device contains a rotary drive mechanism; when adjusting the direction of the underwear, the transfer device with the rotary drive mechanism rotates its suction cup 180°.

13. The underwear transfer station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide rail surface is equipped with stators, and the frame of the transfer device is equipped with movers that cooperate with the stators, forming a suspension gap between the movers and the stators.

14. The underwear transfer station according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first negative pressure conveyor belt, with the adsorption surface of the first negative pressure conveyor belt facing downwards, and the material discharge platform being part of the first negative pressure conveyor belt; and / or, The pickup platform is the second conveyor belt, and the pickup platform is part of the second conveyor belt.

15. A method for transferring underwear, characterized in that, Using the underwear transfer station as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, a plurality of transfer devices form a continuous operation unit on a transfer track. The method includes the following steps: a: The transfer device moves to a position opposite to the pickup platform, the suction cup in the transfer device extends and picks up the underwear from the pickup platform, the suction cup in the transfer device retracts, and the transfer device and the pickup platform are offset. b: The suction cup in the transfer device rotates to adjust the direction of the underwear; c: The transfer device moves to a position opposite to the feeding platform, the suction cup in the transfer device extends, the feeding platform receives the underwear, and the suction cup in the transfer device retracts; d: The transfer device is separated from the unloading platform, the suction cup rotates back to its initial circumferential position, and the transfer device returns to step a.

16. The method for transferring underwear according to claim 15, characterized in that: The transfer track is waist-shaped; all the suction cups of the transfer device rotate only on the arc track of the transfer track, while on the straight track of the transfer track, the suction cups are stationary in their circumferential direction.

Images