Device for handling elements

Abstract

To provide a device for handling adjacent elements such as stacks of sheet elements or boxes.SOLUTION: The device for handling elements comprises a body (4) fitted with a stop (6); and a stem (5) which is longitudinally movable and rotatable relative to the body (4). The stem comprises a flange (7) at one end with a gripping surface (22). The stop (6) is movable between a release position and a gripping position, the stop (6) moving from its release position to its gripping position when the stem (5) is longitudinally displaced relative to the body (4) by the stem actuating a compression spring (16). The body (4) also comprises a closing spring (9) which actuates a locking element (10) that locks the stem (5) relative to the body (4).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for handling elements arranged adjacent to one another. In particular, the device is designed, inter alia, to capture, lift and move stacks of sheet elements, such as multiple sheets of textile material, paper or cardboard sheets, or thin flexible or rigid metal sheets, adjacent to other stacks and resting on a flexible surface such as a modular brush surface, without collapsing the stack of sheet material or affecting adjacent stacks. [Background technology]

[0002] Preparing stacks of laminate elements for processing, such as stacks of fabric parts, stacks of printing or metal foils for printing, etc., can require separating them from adjacent stacks. Often, processing such stacks of laminate elements involves cutting various closed shapes (parts, patterns, etc.) within the area of ​​such stack of laminate material, and such cut parts require separation from adjacent material.

[0003] Various devices are known for handling adjacent stacks of sheet material. When several stacks are adjacent to one another separated only by a cutting groove, it is very difficult to access the bottom of the stack through the cutting groove in order to grab, lift and hoist the stack without affecting the other stacks adjacent to the grabbed stack.

[0004] Existing grippers do not allow access through this very small cutting slot and therefore can only access the bottom of the stack in areas where there are no adjacent stacks, which limits the flexibility in handling and therefore the potential for more efficient handling.

[0005] There are existing devices that are designed to act on stacks of sheets only via their free side edges, but that do not solve the problems mentioned above.

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for an adjacent device for handling elements that allows for the handling of such stacks through small gaps as well, such as the cut grooves created after cutting a large stack longitudinally.

[0007] In order to overcome these inconveniences, a device for handling elements has been devised as described in document EP 4177023 A1 by the same applicant as the present application, which describes a device for handling elements, the elements being separated by at least one slot or gap, the device comprising a rod having a stop and a rod including a flange at one end that is longitudinally movable and rotatable relative to the rod, whereby a gripper is defined between the stop and the flange for gripping the elements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] EP4177023A1 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The subject of the present invention consists of a device for handling adjacent elements, for example a stack of sheet elements or boxes, which allows the capture, lifting and movement of elements such as a stack of sheet elements, for example a laminated multi-ply fabric that is subjected to a multi-layer or single-layer cutting process according to a garment pattern without breaking said stack of sheet material, said stack of elements being supported on a floating surface, for example a brush surface.

[0010] Furthermore, the object is to provide an improved device relative to the device described in the above-mentioned document EP 4177023 A1.

[0011] The device according to the invention is defined in claim 1 and is configured to allow access to the lower part of the element, and therefore to be able to start manipulating the element also through gaps or small longitudinal grooves created in the cutting process, without having to access only through the free ends of said element, thus overcoming the limitations of the current state of the art.

[0012] Other optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] To this end, according to one embodiment, the device for handling elements comprises: a body provided with a stop; - a stem longitudinally movable and rotatable relative to the body, the stem including a flange at one end, an upper surface of the flange defining a gripping surface, thereby defining a gripper between the stop and the gripping surface of the flange for holding the element; - the stop is movable between a free position and a retaining position, the stop moving from its free position to its retaining position to activate the compression spring as the stem moves longitudinally relative to the body; The body also includes a closing spring that activates a locking element that locks the stem to the body.

[0014] In addition, the body preferably includes a spiral that rotates the stem when the body moves longitudinally relative to the stem.

[0015] In this way, rotation of the stem occurs automatically when the device is pressed against the surface on which the element rests, and its locking in the holding or closed position also occurs automatically, facilitating manipulation of the element.

[0016] Preferably, the locking stop is movable relative to the body and rotates about its central axis, and is slightly angled towards the gripper to allow a degree of freedom for the stack of clamped material to clamp the material at the edge of the gripping surface, thus preventing the sheet material from inadvertently disengaging from the gripper.

[0017] Advantageously, the locking element is connected to an unlocking button, the unlocking button being movable between a release position and a holding position, whereby the unlocking button is moved from its holding position to its release position to unlock the stem relative to the body. Additionally, when the stem is locked and the unlocking button is in a position to unlock the stem, the unlocking button is locked by a compression spring and an internal locking element to prevent the stem from inadvertently opening during handling or transport.

[0018] Thus, to unlock the device or return the device to the unlocked or open position, the stem must be pressed and the unlock button must be pressed simultaneously.

[0019] Advantageously, the unlock button has a different color than the rest of the gripper housing to act as an appearance for a visual detection element that identifies a unique open / closed gripper.

[0020] Additionally, the gripper of the present invention may have additional windows on either side, also of different colors, to make it easier for the visual detection element to distinguish between open and closed grippers, such as when the gripper is tilted rather than vertical.

[0021] Preferably, the stem includes a heel located at the flanged end, the heel protruding relative to the flange at this end, whereby the heel is the part that comes into contact with the surface on which the handled element is supported.

[0022] In addition, the heel may be movable, for example by a spring compression effect, to facilitate rotation of the stem during closing of the gripper and to provide vertical stability to the assembly once the gripper is locked and waiting to be lifted with the stack of attached sheet material.

[0023] Preferably, the gripping surface of the shank flange is a movable, rotating and inclined surface to facilitate insertion of the clamp through the slot between two stacks of sheet material, to provide a larger support surface when the gripper is closed, and to give the stack of clamped material a degree of freedom to clamp the material at the edge of said surface, thus preventing the sheet material from accidentally detaching from the gripper. In this case, because both the stop and the gripping surface of the flange are rotatable, a more secure clamp is obtained and prevents the clamped material from slipping out of the gripper.

[0024] Additionally, the stem preferably includes a plurality of teeth that complement the locking elements, although these teeth may be replaced by any friction or similar system.

[0025] Additionally, the top stop of the gripper may be closed and have a support arm to hold the gripper in an upright position waiting to be lifted over some very light sheet material.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the compression spring includes a cap for moving the locking element, and additionally the unlock button includes a locking portion for preventing the movement of the locking element.

[0027] Additionally, the gripper of the present invention includes a gripping head for facilitating gripping and transport of said gripper having a stack of sheet material attached thereto, said head having a shape suitable for gripping by an automated and / or robotic arm suitable for moving on an overhead rail system or the like.

[0028] Advantageously, said gripping head comprises a ferromagnetic element to facilitate its capture using a magnetic element installed in an automated or robotic arm.

[0029] Additionally, the gripper of the present invention includes an electronic tag that can be placed anywhere on the gripper (body, gripper head, etc.) to record, identify, and track clamped materials throughout the industrial process.

[0030] The grippers of the present invention are suitable for manual applications where multiple grippers are used by a single person, and for automated applications where a robotic arm uses multiple grippers or a single gripper acts as a fixed tool on the robotic arm.

[0031] In order to supplement the description given and to facilitate a better understanding of the features of the present invention, according to preferred examples of practical embodiments thereof, a set of drawings are attached hereto as an integral part of said description, the following being shown by way of example and not by way of limitation: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a device for handling elements according to the invention in its released or open position; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a device for handling elements according to the invention in its clamped or closed position; [Figure 3] 1 is a top view of a device for handling elements according to the present invention in its unlocked or open position, in which the position of the unlock button can be seen, which does not substantially protrude relative to the body of the device. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view of a device for handling elements according to the invention in its clamped or closed position, in which the position of the unlocking button protruding relative to the body of the device can be seen. FIG. [Figure 5] 1A-1C are perspective views illustrating the operation of the device for handling elements according to the invention; [Figure 6] 1A-1C are perspective views illustrating the operation of the device for handling elements according to the invention; [Figure 7] 1A-1C are side views illustrating the operation of the device for handling elements according to the invention; [Figure 8] 1A-1C are side views illustrating the operation of the device for handling elements according to the invention; [Figure 9] 1A-1C are side views illustrating the operation of the device for handling elements according to the invention; [Figure 10] 1A-1C are perspective views illustrating the operation of the device for handling elements according to the invention; [Figure 11] 1A-1C are perspective views illustrating the operation of the device for handling elements according to the invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a device for handling elements according to the present invention; [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a device for handling elements according to the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a device for handling elements according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a device for handling elements according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 16] A detailed cross-sectional view of the heel area. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a manipulation device according to the present invention for use with a robotic arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention is given below with the aid of the above-mentioned drawings.

[0034] First of all, it should be noted that for simplicity, the invention is carried out in the context of a stack of sheet elements, however, the device and method according to the invention can also be used to handle any other adjacent elements separated by a groove or gap.

[0035] The described device for handling stacks of sheet elements makes it possible to capture, lift and move one stack of sheet elements (1) from a plurality of successive adjacent stacks (1) that are separated from one another by respective slots (2) created by a previous step of multi-layer cutting of the stack of sheet elements (1).

[0036] Successive stacks (1) are placed on a floating surface (3), such as a conveyor belt. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, surface (3) consists of a series of flexible brushes onto which stacks (1) rest, but it could also be foam, carpet, etc.

[0037] The device is configured to allow access to the underside of the bottom sheet element of the stack (1) through the slot (2).

[0038] The device comprises a body (4), the interior of which houses a stem (5), and the body (4) has an upper end via which the body can be attached to a robotic arm (23) or similar element.

[0039] The body (4) includes a stop (6), which in the illustrated embodiment is displaced relative to the remainder of the body (4), and the body (4) is associated with a compression spring (16) fitted with a cap (14), which presses against the stop (6) as will be explained later.

[0040] Additionally, around the stop (6), the gripper can include a support arm (20) for holding the gripper in an upright position, closed on some very light sheet material and waiting to be lifted.

[0041] The piston stem (5) is capable of longitudinal movement relative to the body (4) and of rotation about its longitudinal axis.

[0042] The stem (5) comprises at one of its ends, the lower end according to the drawing, a flange (7), which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem (5).

[0043] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the flanges (7) preferably have rounded edges to facilitate movement and to prevent possible damage to the sheet elements of the stack (1) and the brushes forming the surface (3).

[0044] The flange (7) defines a clamp base (22) having an upper surface thereof.

[0045] The gripping surface (22) may be formed by a portion remote from the stem (5), in this case a movable gripping surface (22), which is in a vertical position as a result of inserting the gripper between the stack of laminated material, and which is in a horizontal position as a result of rotating the stem (5) and contacting the lower part of the stack (1) of laminated material to be clamped.

[0046] This gripping surface (22) together with the stop (6) defines a gripping surface for holding the stack of sheet elements (1) for handling.

[0047] Furthermore, the stem (5) includes a heel (12) at the end provided with the flange (7), said heel (12) protruding relative to the flange (7) at said end, and said heel (12) has a rounded shape at its distal end to prevent damage to the brushes forming the surface (3).

[0048] Furthermore, the heel (12) may be movable, for example by compression effect of a spring (17), to facilitate rotation of the stem during closing of the gripper and to provide stability to the assembly when the gripper is locked but waiting to be lifted with the stack of sheet material held in place.

[0049] The stem (5) also includes a plurality of teeth (13) that complement the locking elements (10) of the stem (5), the operation of which will be explained below.

[0050] Additionally, the clamp subject matter of the present invention includes an electronic tag (21) for wirelessly recording, identifying and tracking the material clamped within the clamp throughout the industrial process.

[0051] Additionally, the gripper subject of the present invention includes a gripping head (19) for facilitating the gripping and transport of said gripper with the stack of sheet material (1) attached thereto, said head (19) having a shape suitable for gripping by an automated and / or robotic arm (23) suitable for moving on an overhead rail system or the like.

[0052] Advantageously, said gripping head (19) comprises a ferromagnetic element to facilitate its capture using a magnetic element installed in an automated or robotic arm (23).

[0053] The operation of the device according to the invention is as follows: the clamp is defined in its open or free position by the stop (6) and the gripping surface (22), the stop (6) is oriented over the point at which the element (1) is clamped and the stem (5) is oriented to coincide with the groove (2).

[0054] The operator then simply moves the clamp vertically downwards until it closes, locking the mechanism and leaving element (1) clamped.

[0055] The inner workings of the device are explained below.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5 and described above, stop (6) is oriented over the point where element (1) is clamped, and orients stem (5) to coincide with groove (2).

[0057] The operator then holds the upper end of the stem (5) and moves the body (4) along the stem (5) until the lower end of the stem (5) contacts the surface (3) via the heel (12).

[0058] When the heel (12) of the stem (5) contacts the surface (3), the stem (5) remains vertically stationary while the body (4) continues to move downwards.

[0059] As the body (4) continues to move downward, the spiral (8) within the body (4) automatically rotates the stem (5) about its longitudinal axis, causing the flange (7) to position itself flush under the stop (6).

[0060] As the body (4) continues to move downwards, when the element (1) contacts the stop (6), the downward movement of the body (4) causes the compression spring (16) associated with the stop (6) to compress.

[0061] When the compression spring (16) reaches a tare force, the cap (14) of the compression spring (16) vertically displaces the locking element (10) associated with the closure spring (9), which may vary depending on the material of the stack (1) being clamped.

[0062] This movement triggers this closing spring (9), which activates the locking element (10) on the piston stem (5) to prevent vertical movement of the piston rod (5), and the element (1) is held in place by the force of the compression spring (16).

[0063] Next, when the locking spring (9) is activated, the locking element (10) of the piston stem (5) moves the unlocking button (11) outward.

[0064] In addition, when the lock spring (9) is activated and the compression spring (16) moves downward, the lock element (10) of the piston stem (5) moves downward, and its movement is fixed by the lock portion (15) of the unlock button (11).

[0065] This adds the safety that to unlock the clamp, vertical movement of the piston stem (5) is required first, followed by actuation of the unlock button (11).

[0066] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the unlock button (11) is substantially hidden when the gripper is in the free or open position and protrudes when the gripper is in the clamped or closed position.

[0067] Such an unlock button (11) may have a colour that is partially or totally different from the rest of the device, for example yellow, so that the unlock button (11) may be an indicator to an automated machine vision system that the gripper is closed, and may therefore be an element that does not protrude when the gripper is open and that protrudes when the gripper is closed.

[0068] Additionally, the gripper of the present invention may be provided with windows (18) on either side to present a different color than the rest of the device when the gripper is closed and to facilitate detection for automated machine vision systems.

[0069] Alternatively, the gripper of the present invention may not have the spiral (8) resulting in a smaller body (4), and the resulting gripper is suitable for automated insertion systems such as robotic arms, since such automated systems perform the rotation that the spiral (8) would otherwise perform.

[0070] Although reference has been made to specific embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the described device is susceptible to many variations and modifications and that all of the details mentioned may be replaced by technical equivalents without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 stack 2 slots 3 surface 4 Main unit 5 Stem 6 stops 7 flange 8. Spiral 9 Closing spring 10 Rock Elements 11 Unlock button 12 Heels 13 teeth 14 Cap 15 Rock Club 16 compression spring 17 Spring 18 Windows 19 Grip head 20 Support Arm 21 Electronic tags 22 Gripping surface, clamp base 23 Robot Arm

Claims

1. A device for handling elements (1) separated by at least one groove or gap (2), comprising: a body (4) provided with a stop (6); a stem (5) longitudinally movable and rotatable relative to said body (4), said stem including a flange (7) at one end having a gripping surface (22) thereby defining a clamp between said stop (6) and said gripping surface (22) for holding an element (1); the stop (6) is movable between a release position and a retention position, and the stop (6) moves from its release position to its retention position when the stem (5) moves longitudinally relative to the body (4) by actuating a compression spring (16); The device is characterized in that the body (4) also includes a closing spring (9) which activates a locking element (10) which locks the stem (5) relative to the body (4).

2. 2. The device for handling elements according to claim 1, wherein the body (4) includes a spiral (8) that rotates the stem (5) when the stem (5) moves longitudinally relative to the body (4).

3. 3. The device for handling elements according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (10) is connected to an unlocking button (11), the unlocking button (11) being movable between a free position and a holding position, whereby in order to unlock the stem (5) relative to the body (4), the unlocking button (11) is moved from its holding position to its release position.

4. 4. A device for handling elements according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stem (5) comprises a heel (12) located at the end provided with the flange (7).

5. 5. A device for handling elements according to claim 4, wherein said heel (12) projects relative to said flange (7) at said end.

6. 6. A device for handling an element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stem (5) comprises a plurality of teeth (13) complementary to the locking element (10).

7. 7. The device for handling elements according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the compression spring (16) comprises a cap (14) for moving the locking element (10).

8. 4. The device for handling elements according to claim 3, wherein the unlock button (11) comprises a locking portion (15) that stops the movement of the locking element (10).

9. 9. A device for handling elements according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stop (6) is movable relative to the body (4).

10. 10. A device for handling elements according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stop (6) is tiltable.

11. 11. A device for handling elements according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping surface (22) is movable relative to the remainder of the flange (7).

12. 6. A device for handling elements according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the heel (12) is movable relative to the stem (5).

13. A device for handling elements according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a support arm (20) positioned around said stop (6).

14. A device for handling elements according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising an electronic tag (21).

15. 15. A device for handling elements according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a gripping head (19).

16. 16. A device for handling elements according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a side window (18) showing instructions.

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