Fabric mattress cutting equipment with improved fabric feature detection

Abstract

The present invention refers to a fabric cutting equipment (1) comprising at least one cutting head (2), a cutting table (3) capable of housing a mat of fabric sheets, a support beam (4), a processing and control system (5). Said equipment (1) further comprises at least one verification element (6) comprising at least one capacitive sensor (7) operatively connected to the processing and control system (5), the verification element (6) is movable between a first position, at which the verification element (6) is adjusted to be away from the mat of fabric sheets housed on the cutting table (3) and a second position, at which the capacitive sensor (7) of the verification element (6) is adjusted to be level with the mat of fabric sheets housed on the cutting table (3). Fig. 1

Description

Title of invention: Cutting equipment for fabric mattresses with improved detection of fabric characteristics

[0001] Scope of application

[0002] More generally, the present invention relates to cutting equipment with improved detection of tissue characteristics, in particular for identifying the specific nature of this tissue.

[0003] The present invention relates essentially to the field of automatic fabric mattress cutting machines, widely adopted in the textile industry for the mass production of clothing or other components from fabrics, in particular from several sheets of fabric, stacked and cut simultaneously by such a machine.

[0004] Known art

[0005] As is well known in this specific technical field, automatic fabric cutting systems have developed over the years, particularly in the form of multiple sheets of fabric stacked and cut simultaneously, called fabric mattresses. The objective of these automatic systems is to improve the quality of the cut itself, while minimizing waste, and at the same time reducing cutting times, in order to maximize the quantity produced in a daily cycle.

[0006] In mass production, several sheets of fabric are cut from a "piece" (usually in the form of a roll) of a chosen fabric, generally overlapping to form what is called the "mat"; then, the mat is cut through its entire thickness along predefined cutting lines corresponding to the pieces to be sent for assembly.

[0007] Machines for cutting fabric mattresses are distinguished from those intended for so-called "single-panel" cutting (which, in practice, also includes cuts comprising a few panels, generally up to four.

[0008] The cutting equipment of the known art comprises a cutting head comprising a cutting element intended to cut this mattress along lines corresponding to the garments to be produced and a support beam adapted to move such a cutting head.

[0009] WO 2019 / 185440 A1, from the same applicant, describes a method for verifying the cutting of at least one sheet of fabric positioned on a cutting table, with a step of detecting using an image capture device a snapshot of said sheet of fabric and a step of verifying the collimation between the sheet of fabric and the cutting table.

[0010] The cutting element and its support are also collectively referred to in technical jargon as a "carriage".

[0011] Motorized actuating means are then generally used to lift and lower the carriage.

[0012] Furthermore, in the known art, solutions are sometimes provided for determining the excursion of the carriage or cutting element alone as it approaches and moves away from the fabric mat to be cut, so that the operating settings can be specifically determined.

[0013] Although the solutions of the known art are currently very functional, they have a certain number of drawbacks and leave a certain number of questions unanswered.

[0014] In particular, the difference between the different fabric mattresses is due to the difference in "hardness" between the stacked fabrics, which naturally results in a different reaction of the cutting element upon contact with the fabric mattress.

[0015] The "hardness" of the fabric, which then cascades down the entire mattress and increases with the number of layers, is a characteristic related to such things as yarn thickness, thickness of the entire fabric, number of weft and warp intersections in the fabric, weft frequency, finishing processes, etc.

[0016] The different reaction of the cutting element in contact with materials of different "hardness" requires different parameters to be defined, the risk of error is higher and everything depends on the operator's ability to define these parameters, which may concern the speed of movement (parallel to the cutting table above the fabric mat) and oscillation (approaching and moving away from the fabric mat), the suction of a possible plastic film generally adopted in the industry to suck up the fabric mat, the sharpening as well as more specific parameters of geometry and execution.

[0017] Additionally, inaccurate cuts may occur due to even the slightest unwanted twisting.

[0018] For the moment, the only possible measurement concerns the height of the fabric, but it is clear that the height of the fabric can be a secondary parameter compared to the actual hardness, which also depends on other characteristics as indicated.

[0019] The technical problem of the present invention is therefore to design a device or system making it possible to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the known art.

[0020] Another objective is to provide an intelligent device, capable of recognizing the characteristics of the fabric mattress to be cut and modifying the cutting parameters accordingly in order to improve the quality of the manufactured product.

[0021] Another objective is to provide a device optimized from a functional point of view, but also from a structural point of view, to carry out the cutting operation efficiently and cost-effectively.

[0022] Another objective is to provide a device whose structure is robust to allow prolonged operation in one or more work cycles without requiring frequent maintenance.

[0023] The objective of the present invention is to provide a device for making cuts quickly.

[0024] Finally, the objective of the invention is to provide a device which can also be implemented in existing systems through appropriate modifications, thus not requiring a complete replacement.

[0025] Summary

[0026] The idea behind the present invention is to provide a device which implements a function of recognizing the hardness of the mattress material to be cut, in order to specifically adapt the settings of the cutting equipment.

[0027] Based on this solution idea, the technical problem is solved by a cutting equipment for a fabric mattress comprising at least one cutting head, a cutting table adapted to accommodate a mattress of fabric sheets, a support beam and a processing and control system.

[0028] Furthermore, the cutting equipment according to the invention comprises at least one verification element with at least one capacitive sensor operatively connected to the processing and control system, the verification element being movable between a first position, at which it is set to be spaced from the mat of fabric sheets housed on the cutting table and a second position, at which the capacitive sensor of the verification element is set to be level with the mat of fabric sheets housed on the cutting table.

[0029] This solution has the advantage of detecting the hardness of the sheet to be cut before cutting, this information then being transmitted to the processing and control system, which is able to vary the cutting parameters according to this.

[0030] Examples among others of the cutting parameters set in the processing and control system include: cutting speed (parallel to the cutting table above the fabric mat), oscillation speed (approaching and moving away from the fabric sheet mat), suction level on any plastic film generally adopted in the industry to vacuum the fabric sheet mat, different cutting geometries set (from above or on a contour) to avoid breakage of the cutting element, etc.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the verification element is connected to the cutting head.

[0032] The advantage lies in the possibility of deciding where to "test" the fabric thanks to the mobility of the cutting head, and the most appropriate point to be tested can also be set to simplify the work.

[0033] This solution also has the advantage of merging several components and making the entire equipment more compact.

[0034] In another embodiment, the verification element is connected to the support beam.

[0035] This solution has the advantage of being very solid structurally.

[0036] In another embodiment, the verification element comprises an arm connected to the cutting table, this arm comprising a portion suspended from the cutting table.

[0037] This solution has the advantage of making the verification element completely independent of the other components of the cutting equipment, which also facilitates its replacement or repair during maintenance, as well as the possibility of positioning the verification element in different positions depending on actual needs.

[0038] Still according to another embodiment of the invention, the cutting equipment comprises a support surface placed on the cutting table to be interposed between the cutting table and the mattress of fabric sheets to be housed, the support surface comprising at least one cavity inside which the verification element moves between the first position and the second position.

[0039] This solution therefore makes it possible to check the fabric sheet mattress "from bottom to top", in a position opposite the cutting element, which also allows immediate checking when the fabric sheet mattress is placed on the support surface, thus optimizing the processing and control time before cutting.

[0040] Preferably, the verification element comprises a telescopic rod.

[0041] This solution has the advantage of being easy to implement, efficient and reproducible.

[0042] However, nothing prevents a different solution, such as the adoption of two articulated half-rods, or even other solutions.

[0043] It is also preferable to move the verification element between the first and second position by means of a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.

[0044] This solution has the advantage of being very fast and moderately complex.

[0045] The verification element can also be moved between the first and second position by means of an electric actuator.

[0046] This solution has the advantage of being very precise in defining the desired excursion.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the capacitive sensor sends analog signals to the processing and control system.

[0048] This solution has the advantage of guaranteeing very precise resolution of the signal.

[0049] Alternatively, the capacitive sensor can send digital signals to the processing and control system.

[0050] This solution has the advantage of being more insensitive to noise, and therefore poses fewer distortion problems, and allows easier transmission.

[0051] Other characteristics and advantages of the cutting equipment according to the present invention will be discussed in the description below of a preferred embodiment given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the appended figures. Brief description of the figures

[0052] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a cutting equipment according to the present invention;

[0053] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a cutting equipment according to the present invention;

[0054] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of cutting equipment according to the present invention;

[0055] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a cutting equipment according to the present invention;

[0056] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a schematic view of an operation of a verification element according to the present invention.

[0057] In the various figures, similar elements will be identified by similar reference numbers. Detailed description

[0058] With reference to the attached [Fig.l], 1 indicates generally and schematically a cutting equipment produced in accordance with the present invention.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the cutting equipment 1 comprises a cutting table 3 on which the mattress of fabric sheets T to be cut will be transported. The cutting equipment 1 also comprises a support beam 4, on which at least one cutting head 2 is provided.

[0060] The mattress of fabric sheets T clearly rests on this cutting table 3.

[0061] The cutting head 2 comprises a movable cutting element (not shown) which approaches and moves away from the mattress of fabric sheets T.

[0062] In this embodiment by way of non-limiting example, the cutting head 2 is further connected to a processing and control system 5.

[0063] This processing and control system 5 is represented generically in the figures by a remote control system, but nothing clearly prevents to provide another miniaturized control system, directly or indirectly connected in correspondence, for example, with the cutting head 2 or the support beam 4 and operated on the same system or still remotely but via an associated mobile device.

[0064] The cutting head 2 is also preferably movable along the transverse dimension of the cutting table 3.

[0065] The movement of the support beam 4 and the cutting element makes it possible to cover the entire cutting table 3.

[0066] The cutting equipment 1 according to the invention further comprises a verification element 6 comprising at least one capacitive sensor 7 operatively connected to the processing and control system 5.

[0067] In the present embodiment, a single processing and control system 5 is therefore provided for managing the movement of the cutting head 2 and for a functional link with the capacitive sensor 7 of the verification element 6.

[0068] However, nothing prevents the use of separate systems having a single function, or miniaturized and applied to each component to be controlled.

[0069] The verification element 6 is movable between a first position, at which it is set to be spaced from the mattress of fabric sheets T housed on the cutting table 3 and a second position, at which the capacitive sensor 7 is set to be level with the mattresses of fabric sheets T housed on the cutting table 3.

[0070] Non-contact capacitive sensors may be provided to detect objects within their measurement range by utilizing the interaction of the object with the external alternating electric field generated by the sensor.

[0071] At the heart of such a capacitive sensor is an electrode that generates an outgoing alternating electric field on the sensing surface. The object in the measuring range influences the electric potential of the alternating field or increases the capacitance. This change is signaled to the oscillator. The signal level in the oscillator changes. This change in signal level is measured, compared to the internally defined threshold and switches the output stage for the binary sensors via a Schmitt trigger.

[0072] The operational distances of this capacitive sensor can be achieved depending on the size and material properties of the target, the size of the sensor and the installation conditions.

[0073] It is also possible to opt for capacitive sensors operating by contact, the capacitive sensor 7 then being placed right against the mattress of fabric sheets T.

[0074] Thanks to the communication of the capacitive sensor 7 with the processing and control system 5, it is possible to define and recognize the firmness and the “hardness” of the T-fabric sheet mattress material that is about to be cut, in order to identify and select the correct cutting parameters.

[0075] Examples of the cutting parameters adjusted in the processing and control system include: cutting speed (parallel to the cutting table above the fabric sheet mat), oscillation speed (approaching and retracting from the fabric sheet mat), the above-mentioned suction level, different cutting geometries adjusted (from above or along a contour) to avoid breaking of the cutting element, etc.

[0076] In other words, the verification element 6 is activated before the cutting of the cutting head and brings the capacitive sensor 7 from a position far from the fabric sheet mat T until it reaches it to detect its "hardness", send its signals to the processing and control system 5 to select a correct cutting mode.

[0077] Thanks to the capabilities of the capacitive sensor 7, it is possible to interpret the type of fabric of the fabric sheet mattress T, which allows, with or independently of the height of the fabric, to automatically choose the most appropriate cutting parameters by means of dedicated software.

[0078] The capacitive sensor 7 can be connected to the processing and control system 5 by cable or in wireless mode.

[0079] Furthermore, the data sent by the capacitive sensor 7 to the processing and control system 5 can be in the form of analog or digital signals.

[0080] On the one hand, analog signals guarantee a very precise resolution of the signal, while, on the other hand, digital signals are more insensitive to noise, and therefore pose few distortion problems, and allow easier transmission.

[0081] In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the verification element 6 is installed and connected to the cutting head 2.

[0082] In particular, the verification element 6 comprises, still by way of example and in a non-limiting manner, a telescopic rod 11 connected at one end 12 to the cutting head 2 and comprising the capacitive sensor 7 at the opposite end 13.

[0083] The capacitive sensor 7 can thus move from its first position of non-use to its second position, in which the capacitive sensor 7 is at its operational distance.

[0084] The use of the telescopic rod 11 is simple, efficient and reproducible.

[0085] However, nothing prevents a different solution, such as the adoption of two articulated half-rods, or even other solutions for the movement between the first and second position of the capacitive sensor 7.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, the verification element 6 is moved between the first position and the second position by means of a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator (not shown).

[0087] This choice has the advantage of being very quick and moderately complex.

[0088] According to an alternative embodiment, the verification element 6 is moved between the first position and the second position by an electric actuator (not shown).

[0089] This alternative solution defines the desired excursion very precisely.

[0090] Nothing prevents different solutions, such as a manually operated telescopic rod 11.

[0091] [Fig.2] shows another embodiment, in which the verification element 6 comprising the telescopic rod 11 is mounted on the support beam 4.

[0092] This allows the capacitive sensor 7 to be close to the cutting head 2 but independent of it.

[0093] It is therefore advantageous to carry out localized detection near the specific cutting point, but in the case of the necessary replacement of the cutting head 2, the verification element is structurally disconnected from it.

[0094] [Fig. 3] shows a third embodiment, in which the verification element 6 further comprises an arm 8 connected to the cutting table 3.

[0095] The arm 8, in the embodiment by way of non-limiting example, comprises a part 8B orthogonal to the cutting table 3 and connected to an edge 14 of the cutting table 3 and a suspended part 8A parallel to the cutting table 3.

[0096] The free end 15 of the suspended part 8A is connected to the end 12 of the telescopic rod 11.

[0097] Nothing prevents a different solution, for example with the telescopic orthogonal portion 8A and the fixed rod 11, or an arm 8 in the form of an arc and elastically movable when approaching and moving away from the cutting table 3, or even an arm 8 positioned differently on the equipment 1, for example placed on the support beam 4 with a combination of the embodiments presented above.

[0098] All of these illustrative variations and others obvious to a person skilled in the art are included in the appended claims.

[0099] [Fig.4] illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, in which the equipment 1 further comprises a support surface 9 placed on the cutting table 3.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the support surface 9 is raised relative to the cutting table 3, but nothing prevents its thickness from being varied and it from being completely pressed against the cutting table 3.

[0101] The bearing surface 9 provides a cavity 10. However, nothing prevents having a bearing surface 9 with several cavities 10.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the verification element 6, comprising the telescopic rod 11, is connected to the cutting table 3 by its end 13 and moves towards the outside of the cutting table 3 towards the bearing surface 9 inside the cavity 10.

[0103] The mattress of fabric sheets T is placed on the support surface 9.

[0104] Therefore, the hardness of the fabric is checked from below, the checking element moving from the first non-use position to the second use position, and the next cut is made from above.

[0105] As can be seen, in the present embodiment, the verification element 6 is fixed in a position with a large cavity 10 of the bearing surface 9, but nothing prevents providing different dimensions of the cavity 10 or several cavities 10, just as nothing prevents, for example in the case of several cavities 10, providing a verification element 6 movable along the cutting table 3 below the bearing surface 9, for verification in different positions, depending on specific requirements.

[0106] Thus, summarizing with reference to [Fig.5], the concept underlying the present invention provides for the use of a capacitive sensor 7, movable between a first non-operational position and a second operational position where it is at the operational distance, which depends on the size and material properties of the target, the size of the capacitive sensor 7 chosen and the installation conditions in the case of a capacitive sensor with non-contact operation, or which provides for striking the mattress of fabric sheets, in the case of contact operation.

[0107] When the capacitive sensor 7 is in the second position, it is able to determine the firmness and hardness of the material, these data are sent by an analog or digital signal, as required, to the processing and control system 5, which, on the basis of the received data, modifies the cutting parameters to be set and sent as a command to the cutting head 2.

[0108] The present invention solves the technical problem and has many advantages, the first of which is undoubtedly the fact that greater cutting precision can be guaranteed by the equipment 1, since the cutting takes into account a more detailed mapping of the particular characteristics of the fabric.

[0109] Added to this advantage is of course the quality of the cut and the products manufactured downstream, which also has an impact on the amount of waste produced.

[0110] Furthermore, there are immediate advantages in terms of independence from the work of an operator, who can be freed from the task of verifying the correct parameters to be entered into the processing and control system 5.

[0111] Even more advantageously, the solution according to the present invention reduces the risk of error, the parameters being detected locally by a widely proven sensor and automatically sent for processing, which is followed, always automatically, by a correct cut.

[0112] Therefore, high automation, which is increasingly sought after in industrial processes, can be advantageously emphasized.

[0113] Equipment 1 according to the present invention has the advantage of being sufficiently robust to ensure prolonged operation without particular maintenance.

[0114] However, even in the latter case, these measures are simple and quick to implement.

[0115] Another advantage is the speed and sequentiality between the detection of the cutting parameters and the actual cutting, which makes it possible to optimize processing times and the corresponding costs.

[0116] Finally, an advantage of the present invention is that it can also be implemented on pre-existing cutting equipment by means of modifications and assemblies which do not have a particular impact in terms of complexity and associated costs.

[0117] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made to the equipment according to the present invention, while remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0118] For example, nothing prevents changing the positioning of the capacitive sensor 7, specifically choosing the capacitive sensor 7 best suited to the specific requirements, adjusting the first position and the second position depending on the operational distance, if the capacitive sensor operates without contact with the fabric sheet mat, and changing the shapes and materials of the components described above.

Claims

Claims

1. Cutting equipment (1) for a fabric mat comprising: at least one cutting head (2), a cutting table (3) adapted to accommodate a fabric sheet mat; a support beam (4); a processing and control system (5); characterized in that it further comprises at least one verification element (6) comprising at least one capacitive sensor (7) operatively connected to said processing and control system (5), said verification element (6) being movable between a first position, at which said verification element (6) is adjusted to be spaced from the fabric sheet mat accommodated on said cutting table (3) and a second position, at which said capacitive sensor (7) of said verification element (6) is adjusted to be level with the fabric sheet mat accommodated on said cutting table (3).

2. Cutting equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the checking element (6) is connected to the cutting head (2).

3. Cutting equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the checking element (6) is connected to the support beam (4).

4. Cutting equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein said checking element (6) comprises an arm (8) connected to said cutting table (3), said arm (8) comprising a suspended portion (8A) on said cutting table (3).

5. Cutting equipment (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a bearing surface (9) placed on said cutting table (3) to be interposed between said cutting table (3) and said mattress of fabric sheets to be housed, said bearing surface (9) comprising at least one cavity (10), inside which said verification element (6) moves between said first position and said second position.

6. Cutting equipment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said checking element (6) comprises a telescopic rod (11).

7. Cutting equipment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said verification element (6) is moved between said first position and said second position by means of a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.

8. Cutting equipment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said checking element (6) is moved between said first position and said second position by means of an electric actuator.

9. Cutting equipment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said capacitive sensor (7) sends analog signals to the processing and control system (5).

10. Cutting equipment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said capacitive sensor (7) sends digital signals to the processing and control system (5).

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