Apparatus for feeding hides in a hide treatment or processing line

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of production lines or facilities for the treatment or processing of flexible laminar elements such as natural leather, synthetic leather, fabric, etc. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the tanning industry, with the aim of providing a device for feeding hides to a processing or treatment production line in as flat and wrinkle-free a disposition as possible.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of production lines or plants for the treatment or processing of flexible laminar elements.

[0002] Flexible laminar elements include natural leathers, synthetic leathers, fabrics, non-woven fabrics, flexible plastic materials and similar or related materials, in which the thickness extension is much smaller than the other two dimensions (length and width).

[0003] The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable in the tanning industry, with the aim of feeding the hides towards the processing or treatment production line in a flat and wrinkle-free arrangement as much as possible. BACKGROUND

[0004] In the tanning process, and more generally in the case where large pieces of hide must be handled, on the treatment and processing production lines, in particular on the conveying surfaces with which these production lines are equipped, the correct loading of the hide pieces is a quite prominent problem. The sequential loading of the individual hide pieces must in fact ensure that they are positioned in an orderly manner and, above all, that the hide is perfectly straight on the surface, generally without the presence of inverted flaps, folds, wrinkles or irregularities. Machines that require this absolutely flat arrangement of the hide to ensure the quality of the processing, in particular include machines for the spray application of finishing liquids (resins or dyes).

[0005] There is therefore a need for a device capable of effectively straightening the hide, preferably with minimal human intervention.

[0006] Various (partially or totally) automated solutions have been tested, but their success is hindered by the size, weight, irregular profile of the hide and the nature of the material itself.

[0007] The present invention is suitable for this situation, providing a device capable of removing folds, wrinkles, inverted flaps, etc. in an increasingly safe and reliable manner, in the case of the completely or partially automated feeding of individual hides to a work surface, such as (but not necessarily) the entry conveyor of a spray production line. SUMMARY

[0008] The essential characteristics of the hide feeding device in a hide treatment or processing production line according to the present invention are defined by the first of the attached claims. Other additional characteristics are defined in the other claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The characteristics and advantages of the hide feeding device in a production line for the treatment or processing of hides according to the present invention will become clearer from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1is a bottom plan view of a feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, with a series of levelling devices mounted thereon; Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the apparatus from the leather entry side and with entry levelling devices according to a first embodiment of the present application; Figure 1 Figure 3 is Figure 2 is an enlarged axonometric view of the device already shown in Figure 4 is again Figure 1 an axonometric view of the apparatus from the leather exit side and with exit levelling devices according to a second embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is Figure 1 is an enlarged portion of the bottom view of the apparatus to show more clearly the exit levelling devices according to the second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] With reference to the drawings, the apparatus according to the present application comprises a conveying surface ST, which in the example described is the upper surface of a conveyor belt 11. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the conveyor belt 11 is formed by an assembly of parallel belts 111 that encircle a worktable 1, which is supported by a base 12 arranged upstream of the machine to which the hides are to be fed. In some embodiments, the conveyor belt 11 can be integrated with the aforementioned apparatus and perform the function of a feed belt for the hides.

[0011] The direction of transport X and the transverse direction Y of the hides are defined by and on the conveyor belt 11, so that the conveying surface ST is in fact a geometrical plane XY embodied (see in particular Figure 4 ). The third Cartesian direction Z is represented by the perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0012] A handling apparatus (not shown) generally provides for the lifting of the individual hides, their movement and their release onto the conveying surface ST. The configuration of such a handling apparatus, if present, is not within the scope of the present application, since it can generally adopt various alternative solutions, for the purposes of the present application considered herein it is sufficient that the apparatus ensures the release of the individual hides onto the conveyor belt 11. Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present application can be envisaged as an integral part of the handling system and / or of the downstream processing line, or as a structurally and functionally independent unit.

[0013] ​In order to effectively plane straight the hides on the conveying surface ST, for example, mobile members 2 for engaging the hides can be provided, which comprise, for example, one or more pairs of bars 21 movable, for example, on a plane parallel to the plane XY. The bars 21 can be, for example, articulated at a first end arranged on respective sides of the conveyor, and therefore also of the conveying surface ST, about a hinge axis orthogonal to the surface, i.e. parallel to the direction Z, and can also have a longitudinal extension equal to about half or slightly less than half the extension of the conveying surface ST in the transverse direction Y, described above. The rotation of the bars, preferably controlled by respective actuators, therefore occurs between an open position, in which the bars are arranged generally along the sides of the conveyor belt 11, releasing the space above it in a practically complete manner, and a closed position, in which the bars are positioned above the plane with an arrangement aligned with the transverse direction Y.

[0014] The mobile members 2 can also combine their action with that of air jet members (not shown), for example and preferably in the form of at least one tubular rod for dispensing a pneumatic flow, which extends above the conveying surface ST along the transverse direction Y, and on which a plurality of jet nozzles are opened.

[0015] Operationally, if the device described above is adopted, when the hide falls on the conveying surface ST, it enters the action range of the bars 21, which initially, in the closed position, i.e. aligned along the transverse direction Y, engage the hide and then, by moving to the open position, ensure that it straightens the hide in all directions, eliminating any folds / creases that can have formed, in particular but not exclusively on the front portion of the hide, due to the opening by rotation described above. The pneumatic jet also intervenes then to prevent the creation of unwanted folds / creases or overlaps on the material during the actuation of the bars and / or to complete the straightening of any residual folds / creases.

[0016] In some embodiments, a fold control sensor (thickness sensor, such as a barrier, profilometer or other) is provided to check the presence of folds and evaluate the effectiveness of the action of the straightening members (mechanical and pneumatic) before proceeding with subsequent actions, such as repeating the operation of the bars or stopping the production line to avoid damage or process problems.

[0017] In one main aspect of the present application, the device provides for the adoption of a levelling device that can act in synergy with the systems described above, but also independently of them, which can be beneficial to the specific effectiveness of the device, in particular the safety from unwanted folds in the leather.

[0018] The drawings provide a representation of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present application, which comprises providing straightening and levelling devices for hides, in particular aimed at reliably removing certain types of lateral folds / creases generated during the handling of hides. Indeed, when the robotic arm picks up the hide from the cradle / platform or when the hide is placed on the conveyor belt, relative folds / creases can be generated between the hide and the conveyor belt, in particular on the downward-facing side flaps.

[0019] In order to straighten this type of folds / creases, the apparatus according to the present application uses levelling devices, according to a first and a second embodiment, placed respectively at the entry edge STi and at the discharge / exit edge STu of the conveying surface ST, which can have the features mentioned in the group indicated by reference number 3 for the entry levelling devices according to the first embodiment, and in the group indicated by reference number 4 for the exit levelling devices according to the second embodiment.

[0020] The entry levelling devices 3, if provided, are arranged below the conveying surface ST and, at least for at least one extended section, along the entry edge STi, while the exit levelling devices 4, if provided, are arranged below said conveying surface ST and, at least for at least one extended section, along the exit edge STu.

[0021] The apparatus according to the present application provides for the implementation of at least one entry levelling device 3 and / or at least one exit levelling device 4.

[0022] In one embodiment, the apparatus according to the present application provides for the implementation of at least one exit levelling device 4.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, however, the apparatus provides for the implementation of two entry levelling devices 3 and / or two exit levelling devices 4.

[0024] In the example shown in the drawings, the apparatus comprises two devices (entry levelling devices 3 of the first embodiment and exit levelling devices 4 of the second embodiment). However, the present application also includes partial implementations with one or more entry levelling devices 3 adapted to straighten the folds of the input hide or one or more exit levelling devices 4 adapted to straighten the folds of the output hide.

[0025] The levelling devices 3, 4 shown in the drawings make use of a belt 31, 41 provided with protruding elements spaced along the belt.

[0026] The protruding elements can be protruding brushes / bristles 31a, 41a, preferably made of nylon or other fibre material with similar consistency and stiffness, or protruding elements of a rigid nature, such as folds of sheet metal.

[0027] The belts 31, 41 are wound in a loop and are driven by pulleys 32, 42 so as to provide straight sections 31', 41' on the belts running orthogonally to the transport direction X of the hides.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least one of the pulleys 32, 42 is electrically powered to assist the mechanical drive and the position change of the belts 31, 41 around the pulleys 32, 42.

[0029] The positioning of the levelling devices 3, 4 is such that at the entry and / or exit, a straightening action is exerted on the hides immediately below the conveying surface ST at the entry edge STi and / or at the exit edge STu. The straight sections 31', 41' of the belts 31, 41 of the levelling devices 3, 4 extend immediately adjacent to the respective edge (entry / exit) of the belt and can present slightly different configurations depending on the process requirements.

[0030] The two preferred configurations will be described below with reference to an exemplary entry levelling device 3, which illustrates a first configuration, and to an exemplary exit levelling device 4, which illustrates a second configuration.

[0031] However, both the entry levelling device 3 and the exit levelling device 4 can present either of the two configurations. Moreover, in embodiments providing both an entry levelling device 3 and an exit levelling device 4, the configuration of the entry levelling device 3 can be the same or different from the configuration of the exit levelling device 4.

[0032] With reference to one or more entry devices 3 shown in the figures, the position change plane of the belt 31 is substantially orthogonal to the conveyor plane or conveying surface ST and the straight section 31' is directed towards the conveying surface of the belt ST with brushes 31a (Fig. 2) or with a brush 31a (Fig. 3) at the end of the straight section 31'. Figures 1 to 3 In particular, the entry levelling device 3 shown in particular in Figures 1 to 3 includes a small frame 33 supporting a pulley 32 extending along the YZ plane. The small frame 33 is cantilevered mounted on the base 12 by means of brackets 33a and, in one embodiment, the small frame is adapted to support a drive 34 for one of the pulleys 32, i.e. the drive pulley. In a preferred embodiment, the cantilevering of the frame 33 with respect to the base 12 is such that the straight section 31' of the belt 31 is a few centimetres (for example 3 cm) outside the front edge STi, measured in the X direction, and likewise the free (upper) end of the brush 31a is at a distance of a few centimetres (even about only 1 cm or less) below the conveying surface ST, measured in the Z direction.

[0033] On the contrary, more specifically, with reference to one or more exit levelling devices 4 shown in particular in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the position change plane of the belt 41 is substantially parallel to the conveying surface ST and the straight section 41' is directed towards the conveying surface of the belt ST with brushes 41a (Fig. 4) or with a brush 41a (Fig. 5) at the end of the straight section 41'. Figure 5 Figure 1The position transformation plane of the belt 41 is substantially parallel, or in any case close to parallel (for example with an angle comprised between -10° and 10°) to the transport plane or conveying surface ST. The straight section 41' thus causes the brush 41a to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the conveying surface ST, towards the outer side of the belt, and not towards the conveying surface ST.

[0034] The lead-out levelling device 4 also comprises a frame 43 which supports pulleys 42, however, the pulleys 42 extend along a plane XY or a plane at a moderate angle thereto. In one embodiment, a drive 44 for one of the pulleys 42, i.e. the drive pulley, is mounted on the frame 43. Also in this case, the brush 41a (and the straight section 41' of the belt) is arranged at a distance of a few centimetres (for example between 2 and 6 cm) from the conveying surface ST, measured along the direction Z.

[0035] In one embodiment, the frame 43 is cantilevered mounted on the base 12 so as to bring the straight section 41' of the belt 41 and the brush 41a a few centimetres (for example 3 cm) outside the leading edge STi, measured in the X direction.

[0036] In alternative embodiments, one or more lead-out levelling devices 4 are equipped with an additional function, i.e. mobility along the transport direction X from a first position retracted with respect to the lead-out edge (STu) to a second position beyond the lead-out edge (STu).

[0037] The mobility of the lead-out levelling device 4 allows the straight section 41' to assume a more or less advanced position according to the needs of the processing or working line.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the present application comprises at least one actuator member 45, such as for example a pneumatic piston, configured to move the lead-out levelling device 4 from said first position to said second position.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one actuator member 45 acts on the frame 44 of the lead-out levelling device 4 in response to a signal emitted by a sensor able to detect the presence of the output hide Figure 5 .

[0040] This mobility allows the levelling device 4 to act on the hide, avoiding the possible jamming that could be generated by the interaction of the brush 14a with the portion of hide that first reaches the lead-out edge STu. The levelling device 4 can in fact assume an initial retracted position, hidden at no more than the lead-out edge STu, and, when actuated, protrude from the conveyor belt, beyond said lead-out edge STu, for example about 5 cm in the X direction, so as to interact with the surface of the hide adjacent to the conveyor belt and facilitate its straightening by removing any wrinkles.

[0041] Moreover, the implementation of sensors that detect the presence of leather at the entry and exit points allows automating the process and minimizing human intervention.

[0042] In one embodiment, the movement of the device is allowed by means of plates 46 integral with the base of the conveyor belt on which the linear guides are fixed. The linear guides allow the alternate movement of the frame 43 by means of two carriages.

[0043] Therefore, in both cases, the action of the brushes 41a is to engage the underlying hide immediately adjacent to the entry / exit edges of the conveying surface (ST). According to the preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides at least two levelling devices 3, 4 per side, with the position of the movement of the belts 31, 41 changing direction in Figure 1 indicated by arrows Fl and F2, so that in the straight sections 31', 41' the direction of movement is towards the respective side of the conveying surface ST, i.e. towards the outer side of the conveyor belt; in this way, the position of the movement changes direction between the two levelling devices 3, 4 in each pair of entry 3 or exit 4 levelling devices.

[0044] Advantageously, the alternate arrangement of brushes / bristles 31a, 41a with empty spaces along the belts 31, 41 allows the levelling devices 3, 4 to perform a mechanical straightening action under the hide. In this way, the friction generated by the brushes / bristles 31a, 41a allows them to "engage" any folds / creases present in the hide and facilitate the straightening of the material towards the outside.

[0045] The advantages of the apparatus according to the present application are evident from the foregoing description. The present application provides a system that ensures the loading of the hide for subsequent processing with an arrangement substantially free from folds or creases, wrinkles or any other significant flatness defects, with an unprecedented performance level in the reference field and with almost no need for labour. This is true even if the hide to be treated is very irregular, thick or has different degrees of porosity.

[0046] The apparatus described can be part of a plant for processing or working flexible laminar elements; in general, examples of production lines that can include the apparatus can include all production lines of machines that use various types of conveyor belts or use feeding belts.

[0047] Up to this point, the present application has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present application. It is intended that other embodiments involving the same inventive core can exist, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the claims indicated below.

Claims

1. An apparatus for feeding a flexible layered element into a production line for processing or manufacturing the flexible layered element, the apparatus comprising a conveying surface (ST), preferably parallel to a plane (XY), for conveying the flexible layered element between an entry edge (STi) and an exit edge (STu) according to a transport direction (X), the apparatus characterized in that it comprises at least one entry leveling device (3) and / or at least one exit leveling device (4), the entry leveling device being disposed below the conveying surface (ST) and having at least one extension section along the entry edge (STi), the exit leveling device being disposed below the conveying surface (ST) and having at least one extension section along the exit edge (STu), wherein the at least one entry leveling device (3) and the at least one exit leveling device (4) are adapted to facilitate the straightening of the flexible layered element.

2. The device according to claim 1, comprising at least one lead-out leveling device (4).

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The at least one inlet leveling device (3) and the at least one outlet leveling device (4) include a belt (31, 41) provided with at least one protruding member (31a, 41a), the belt (31, 41) being wound into a loop and driven by pulleys (32, 42) to provide a straight section (31', 41') that changes position in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (X), the at least one protruding member (31a, 41a) being configured to engage a flexible layered element near the inlet edge (STi) and / or the outlet edge (STu) and to facilitate its unfolding on the transport surface (ST).

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The belt (31, 41) is provided with a plurality of protruding members (31a, 41a) spaced apart along the belt (31, 41).

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the pulleys (32, 42) is electrically powered.

6. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The at least one protruding component is a brush (31a, 41a), preferably made of nylon or other fibrous material with similar consistency and stiffness.

7. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one protruding member is made of a material with rigid properties.

8. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The belts (31, 41) of at least one entering leveling device (3) and / or at least one exiting leveling device (4) are configured to undergo position changes according to a position change plane substantially orthogonal to the conveying surface (ST).

9. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein, The belts (31, 41) of at least one entering leveling device (3) and / or at least one exiting leveling device (4) are configured to change position according to a position change plane that is substantially parallel to or nearly parallel to the conveying surface (ST).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one lead-out leveling device (4) is capable of moving along the transport direction (X) from a first position retracted relative to the lead-out edge (STu) to a second position beyond the lead-out edge (STu).

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one entry leveling device (3) is capable of moving along the transport direction (X) from a first position retracted relative to the entry edge (STi) to a second position beyond the entry edge (STi).

12. The device according to claim 10 or claim 11, comprising at least one actuator (45) configured to move the at least one lead-out leveling device (4) and / or the at least one lead-in leveling device (3) from the corresponding first position to the corresponding second position.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one actuator (45) is configured to move the at least one lead-out leveling device (4) and / or the at least one entry leveling device (3) from the corresponding first position to the corresponding second position in response to a signal emitted by the at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being capable of detecting the presence of the flexible layered element approaching the lead-out edge (STu) and / or the entry edge (STi), respectively.

14. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 13, comprising at least two entry leveling devices (3) spaced apart along the entry edge (STi) and / or at least two exit leveling devices (4) spaced apart along the exit edge (STu), wherein the straight sections (31', 41') of the belts (31, 41) of the at least two entry / exit leveling devices (3, 4) are configured to change position in opposite directions toward the respective sides of the conveying surface (ST).

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conveying surface (ST) is the upper surface of the conveyor belt (11).

16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a deployment member for straightening the flexible layered element disposed above the transport surface (ST), the deployment member being adapted to facilitate a planar arrangement of the flexible layered element on the transport surface (ST).

17. A facility or production line for handling or processing flexible layered elements, comprising the equipment according to any one of the preceding claims.

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