Apparatus and method for picking up at least a portion of a textile article

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for lifting at least a portion of a textile article, the apparatus comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air guide configured to direct at least a portion of an air flow in at least one predetermined direction to generate a lift force capable of lifting at least a portion of the textile article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for picking up at least a portion of a fibrous article. The present invention also relates to the use of such an apparatus. The present invention further relates to a method for picking up at least a portion of a fibrous article.

Background Art

[0002] In the fiber industry, the method of handling fibers is important. Since fibers may have delicate properties, they can be sensitive to damage during handling. Grippers that utilize picking or mechanical clamping are often too rough for many delicate materials. Therefore, there is interest from the market in focusing on the design and function of grippers configured for handling fibers. Another example of a prior art gripper is a gripper that utilizes vacuum. However, a drawback of such a vacuum gripper is that when a double-layer material is provided, the gripper often picks up multiple layers. Also, it cannot be guaranteed that the fibers will not be damaged by the force applied by the vacuum.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus or at least an alternative for picking up at least a portion of a fibrous article.

[0004] The present invention provides an apparatus for picking up at least a portion of a fibrous (article), the apparatus comprising: at least one air inlet configured for the intake of air, particularly compressed air; at least one exhaust port configured for discharging or expelling air; at least one air guiding portion configured for guiding at least a part of the air flow in at least one predetermined direction; and at least one air guiding portion comprises at least one guiding surface; At least one exhaust port and at least one guide surface are arranged such that at least a portion of the airflow is guided along the guide surface when discharged from the at least one exhaust port, such that a lift force is generated or will be generated that can lift at least a portion of the fibrous article.

[0005] The apparatus according to the present invention has several advantages over conventional apparatus configured for picking up at least a portion of a textile article. The apparatus enables the picking up of a portion of a textile article using an air blower instead of a vacuum. The apparatus comprises at least one air guide unit so that at least a portion of the discharged airflow can be guided in a predetermined direction. The air guide unit comprises at least one guide surface, and at least one exhaust port and at least one guide surface are arranged so that at least a portion of the airflow discharged from at least one exhaust port is usually guided in layers along the guide surface. Thus the (layered) airflow generates (temporarily) lift applicable to picking up at least a portion of a textile article. This can be explained at least in part by the pressure difference across the airflow (air jet) that produces the Coanda effect. In fact, the exhaust port and guide surface are arranged so that the air discharged from the exhaust port is deflected toward and / or adheres to the guide surface, which can also be explained at least in part by the Coanda effect. The air guide unit according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain a controlled airflow that can be used to pick up a portion of a textile article in a controlled manner. This can be explained at least in part by the application of at least one air guide configured to guide at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction. The portion of the textile article to be lifted is typically drawn toward the guide surface by the lift of the airflow.

[0006] Using a discharge airflow to lift and / or pick up at least a portion of a textile article is advantageous over using a vacuum for several reasons. While a vacuum would typically pick up multiple layers when a double-layered material is provided, the apparatus according to the present invention allows for the picking up of a single-layer textile article. Furthermore, picking up at least a portion of a textile article using the apparatus according to the present invention is less damaging to the fibers. The textile article is picked up gently and non-destructively. Therefore, the apparatus is applicable to picking up delicate materials. The term "textile article" is used illustratively. The apparatus can also be used to pick up at least a portion of cloth, woven or nonwoven materials. Examples of cloths that can be picked up include linen, cotton, and wool. Where the term "textile" is indicated, the terms cloth, woven or nonwoven may also be used. Non-limiting examples of textile articles include clothing such as jackets, shirts, blouses, sweaters, trousers and / or dresses, as well as towels, sheets, napkins, blankets, and covers. It is also conceivable that the apparatus according to the present invention could be used to pick up medical sheets.

[0007] The apparatus according to the present invention may also be called a gripper, airflow gripper, or Coanda gripper. The apparatus typically utilizes compressed air. Pressurized air may also be used. At least one exhaust port is typically configured to provide laminar flow. Parts of the textile article may be, but are not limited to, corners, edges, corner regions, shoulders, collars, sleeves, buttons, and / or zippers. The intake port is typically configured to be connected to at least one air supply source. This may be, for example, an external air supply source. The apparatus according to the present invention may also include at least one air supply source for providing air, particularly compressed air.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the air guide unit preferably comprises at least one turbulator element configured to generate at least one turbulent boundary layer on the guide surface. The at least one turbulator element may be configured to transform a layered boundary layer into a turbulent boundary layer. The turbulator element may be applied, for example, to prevent the fibrous article from flapping in the airflow and / or to ensure that at least a portion of the fibers stably follow the airflow. By configuring the turbulator element to generate a turbulent boundary layer, the air dispersion of the air discharged from the exhaust port can be controlled at least partially. It may be useful to apply at least one turbulator element at a location where it is desired that the fibrous article be able to stably follow the airflow. It is conceivable that the device, in particular the air guide unit, comprises multiple turbulator elements. It can also be said that at least one guide surface comprises at least one turbulator element.

[0009] In some cases, at least one turbulator element is formed by a mesh. The mesh may be, for example, a woven mesh, a fused mesh, and / or a machined mesh. For example, at least one turbulator element may be a machined mesh formed on the guide surface. At least one turbulator element may be made of metal. At least one turbulator element may comprise, for example, a metal wire. At least one turbulator element is usually positioned in place. However, it is particularly advantageous if the turbulator element, for example, the mesh, defines a predetermined shape and / or pattern. Thus, the dispersion of air becomes more controllable. The predetermined shape and / or pattern may be, for example, a wavy line, a triangle, a roughly straight line, a rectangle, and / or at least part of a circle.

[0010] The preferred position, shape, and / or pattern of the turbulator elements depend on the characteristics of the textile article being picked up, such as its material, shape, and intended portion. In addition to enabling controlled air dispersion, at least one turbulator may be used as an auxiliary gripper when gripping and / or clamping a portion of the textile article.

[0011] It is also conceivable that at least one turbulator is formed by a baffle. In a preferred embodiment, at least one turbulator element is positioned on the guide surface. Since the air discharged from the exhaust port is guided toward the guide surface, positioning at least one turbulator element on the guide surface makes the airflow more controllable. At least one turbulator element may be attached to the guide surface, for example.

[0012] Preferably, at least a portion of the guide surface is substantially flat. Experiments have shown that a substantially flat guide surface provides good guidance for the airflow. However, it is also possible that at least a portion of the guide surface is partially curved. Preferably, the guide surface is of limited dimensions. For example, the guide surface may be of predetermined dimensions to ensure laminar airflow.

[0013] Typically, at least a portion of the guide surface is substantially smooth. This advantageously contributes to the ability of the airflow to follow the guide surface, particularly in layers. Thus, at least a portion of the guide surface can form an unobstructed passage for the airflow. In some cases, at least a portion of the guide surface may be structured. It is conceivable that at least a portion of the guide surface may comprise a surface structure configured to allow air dispersion. The function of the surface structure may be the generation of a turbulent boundary layer. Thus, the structured portion of the surface can essentially form a turbulator element. Thus, it can be said that the surface structure can be an integrally formed turbulator element. Such embodiments are advantageous because they are relatively easy to manufacture. Surface structures can be applied where it is desirable to prevent flapping by allowing a fibrous article to stably follow the airflow. By embodiments of devices having a guide surface that is at least partially smooth and / or at least partially structured, the guidance of at least a portion of the airflow can be optimized relatively simply. It is particularly advantageous if the surface structure defines a predetermined pattern. Air dispersion can be further optimized by such embodiments. The predetermined pattern of the structured surface may be, for example, triangular. This can be useful when the corners of a textile article are being lifted. The triangle is preferably positioned so that its vertices face at least one exhaust port. This configuration can also be applied to externally mounted turbulator elements.

[0014] The apparatus preferably comprises at least one control unit configured to control at least the velocity and / or pressure of the airflow in the apparatus. The apparatus may further comprise at least one drive unit.

[0015] Preferably, at least one exhaust port is positioned substantially parallel to the guide surface, in particular, so that the air is discharged in a direction substantially parallel to the guide surface. In this embodiment, laminar flow of the discharged air is aided. This further contributes to the ability of the discharged air to be guided along the guide surface so as to generate a lift force capable of picking up at least a portion of the textile article. Multiple exhaust ports may be applied. Preferably, the exhaust ports are positioned substantially parallel to each other. The exhaust ports may also be arranged in a circular (or annular) configuration. In such embodiments, the guide surface may surround the exhaust ports. Multiple guide surfaces may also be applied. When multiple exhaust ports are applied, it is advantageous that each exhaust port is positioned substantially parallel to at least a portion of the guide surface. The device may also comprise at least two air guide units and at least two exhaust ports, with the air guide units facing each other so that the portion of the textile article to be picked up can be substantially surrounded by the air guide units.

[0016] Preferably, at least one exhaust port is provided with at least one nozzle, preferably a slit nozzle. The presence of a nozzle can contribute to more controlled air discharge. The exhaust port or air vent is preferably relatively small. Air is usually discharged at a relatively high velocity. The presence of a nozzle, in particular a slit nozzle, can further contribute to controlling the direction and / or characteristics of the airflow. The air vent of the exhaust port or nozzle may have a diameter in the range of, for example, 0.1 to 0.3 mm, e.g., about 0.2 mm. The exhaust port and / or air guide section may further comprise at least one air dispersion section. Such an air dispersion section can contribute to the controlled distribution of air from the exhaust port or nozzle, if present, to the guide surface. Such an air dispersion section may be, for example, at least partially cubic, spherical, and / or rectangular parallelepiped. Preferably, the air dispersion section comprises a slit from which the discharged air is released. A non-limiting example is an air dispersion section having a width between 25 and 75 mm, e.g., about 50 mm. The dimensions of the device can be adapted to its application. A relatively large guide surface and / or air dispersion portion may be applied when a relatively large portion, such as the edge of a textile article, is being addressed.

[0017] Typically, at least one intake port is larger than at least one exhaust port. Therefore, the intake surface of an intake port is usually larger than the exhaust surface of an exhaust port. Preferably, at least one intake port is spaced apart from at least one exhaust port. For example, at least one intake port may be located in the upper region of the device so that (compressed) air is supplied from the top surface of the device into the interior of the device, and at least one exhaust port may be located in the bottom region of the device.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes an internal structure configured to allow air dispersion within the device. This can be advantageous for controlling the airflow.

[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one gripping element configured to grip and hold at least a portion of the picked-up textile article. Thus, after a portion of the textile is picked up by an airflow undergoing the Coanda effect, the lifted portion of the textile article becomes mechanically grippable. The gripping element can cooperate, for example, with at least a portion of the air guide, particularly the guide surface. The combination of airflow and the use of the gripping element can make the gripping more gradual. The gripping element enters before the portion of the textile article is transported to the position where it will be gripped. Thus, the gripping of the textile portion becomes more controllable. Preferably, the gripping element is connected to the air guide so as to be movable, particularly pivotally. The device may also comprise at least one gripping opening configured for gripping after at least a portion of the textile article has been picked up. In some cases, a portion of the air guide and at least one gripping element form such a gripping opening. In a further embodiment, the gripping opening may comprise at least one boundary element configured to block the airflow at least partially. Boundary elements may form part of the air guide section and / or gripping section, where applicable. Preferably, the gripping opening comprises at least two opposing boundary elements, which are configured to at least partially block and / or guide the airflow. The boundary elements are preferably arranged such that they at least partially surround the guide surface of the air guide section. Typically, the airflow can be stopped after a portion of the textile article has been gripped. The device may further comprise at least one second exhaust port configured for exhaust correction.

[0020] The apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to a system for picking up at least a portion of a textile article. The apparatus may include connecting elements configured to implement the apparatus in such a system.

[0021] The present invention also relates in particular to the use of the apparatus according to the present invention for picking up at least a portion of a textile article, preferably in combination with a neural network.

[0022] The present invention further relates to a method of gripping at least a part of a fibrous article, preferably by using the apparatus according to the present invention. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one air flow induced along a guiding surface, and lifting at least a part of the fibrous article by the lift force generated by the air flow induced along the guiding surface. The method may further comprise the step of clamping and gripping the lifted part of the fibrous article. It is conceivable that the air flow is stopped after a part of the fibrous article is clamped and gripped by the gripping mouth and / or clamping elements when the apparatus comprises the gripping mouth and / or clamping elements.

[0023] The present invention will become further apparent based on the following non-limiting clauses. 1. An apparatus for lifting at least a part of a fibrous article, comprising at least one air intake configured for the intake of air, particularly compressed air, at least one exhaust port configured for discharging air, at least one air guiding part configured for guiding at least a part of the air flow in at least one predetermined direction, wherein the at least one air guiding part comprises at least one guiding surface, and the at least one exhaust port and the at least one guiding surface are arranged such that at least a part of the air flow is guided along the guiding surface when discharged from the at least one exhaust port so as to generate a lift force capable of lifting at least a part of the fibrous article or to be generated. 2. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the air guiding part comprises at least one turbulator element configured to generate at least one turbulent boundary layer on the guiding surface. 3. The apparatus according to clause 2, wherein the at least one turbulator element is formed by a mesh. 4. The apparatus according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the at least one turbulator element is formed by a baffle. 5. The device according to any one of clauses 2 to 4, wherein at least one turbulator element is arranged on the guiding surface. 6. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the guiding surface is substantially flat. 7. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein at least a part of the guiding surface comprises a surface structure configured to enable air dispersion. 8. The device according to clause 7, wherein the surface structure defines a predetermined pattern. 9. The device according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the predetermined pattern is triangular. 10. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, comprising at least one control unit configured to at least control the velocity and / or pressure of the air flow of the device. 11. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein at least one exhaust port is arranged substantially parallel to the guiding surface such that air is discharged in a direction substantially parallel to the guiding surface. 12. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein at least one exhaust port comprises at least one nozzle, preferably a slit nozzle. 13. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein at least one intake port is larger than at least one exhaust port. 14. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, comprising an internal structure configured to enable air dispersion within the device. 15. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the air guiding portion comprises at least one air dispersion portion. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, comprising at least one clamping element configured to clamp and hold at least a part of the picked-up fibrous article. 17. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, comprising at least one holding mouth configured for clamping and holding at least a part of the fibrous article after picking up. 18. The apparatus according to Clause 17, wherein the gripping opening comprises at least one boundary element configured to at least partially block the airflow. 19. The apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1 to 18, comprising at least one second exhaust port configured for exhaust correction. 20. Use of any apparatus described in any one of clauses 1 to 19 for picking up at least a portion of a textile article. 21. A method for grasping at least a portion of a fibrous material, preferably by using the apparatus described in any one of the clauses 1 to 19, The steps include providing at least one airflow such that at least a portion of the airflow is guided along a guide surface, The steps include lifting at least a portion of the fibrous article by the lift generated by the airflow guided along the guide surface, A method for providing this. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1a] Figure 1a shows an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1b] Figure 1b shows an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The present invention is further illustrated by non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the following drawings.

[0026] In these drawings, similar reference numerals correspond to similar or equivalent elements or components.

[0027] Figures 1a and 1b show a device 1 of a first embodiment according to the present invention. The device 1 is configured to pick up at least a portion of a textile article 10. The device 1 includes an intake port 2 configured for drawing in air, particularly compressed air, and an exhaust port 3 configured for discharging air. The device 1 also includes an air guide unit 4 configured for guiding at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the air guide unit 4 includes a substantially flat guide surface 5 in the illustrated embodiment. The exhaust port 3 and the guide surface 5 are arranged such that at least a portion of the airflow discharged from the exhaust port 3 is guided along the guide surface 5 so as to generate a lift force capable of picking up at least a portion of the textile article 10. This effect is shown in the drawings. Figure 1a shows the initial state, where the textile article 10 is in the initial state and placed on the surface. After the airflow is activated, air is discharged from the exhaust port 3. The generated lift force guides the textile article 10 toward the guide surface 5. The arrows indicate the movement of the textile article 10. The air guide unit 4 also includes a turbulator element 6 configured to generate at least one turbulent boundary layer on the guide surface 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the turbulator element 6 is formed by a mesh. The turbulator element 6 is positioned on the guide surface 5. Alternatively, the turbulator element 6 may form an integral part of the guide surface 5. The turbulator element 6 exists in a triangular shape. This is advantageous because, in certain situations, the article 10 to be picked up has corners, and the triangle is positioned to prevent the corners from flapping. The device 1 may optionally include a control unit and / or a drive unit (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 and in particular the air guide unit 4 include an air dispersion section 7. The air dispersion section 7 includes slits from which discharged air is released and divided essentially across the guide surface 5. The device 1 also includes two boundary elements 8 configured to block the airflow.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an apparatus 11 of a second embodiment according to the present invention. Apparatus 11 has several components similar to apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1a and 1b. Apparatus 11 includes an intake port 2 configured for drawing in air, particularly compressed air, and an exhaust port 3 configured for discharging air. Apparatus 11 also includes an air guide section 4 configured to guide at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the air guide section 4 includes a guide surface 5 on which a turbulator element 6 is provided. Apparatus 11 also includes a gripping element 20 configured to grip and hold at least a portion of a picked-up textile article (not shown). The gripping element 20 and the air guide section 4 basically define a gripping opening 21. In the illustrated embodiment, a boundary element 8 forms part of the air guide section 4. Alternatively, the boundary element 8 may form part of the gripping element 20. The gripping element 20 is pivotably connected.

[0029] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described herein, and that countless modifications are possible within the framework of the appended claims. In this case, the various inventive concepts and / or technical measures of the above modified embodiments are to be considered to be combined in whole or in part without departing from the idea of ​​the invention described in the appended claims.

[0030] As used in this patent document, the verb "to prepare" and its conjugations are understood to mean not only "to prepare" but also "to include," "to substantially include," "to be formed / composed by," and their conjugations.

Claims

1. A device for picking up at least a portion of a textile article, At least one air intake configured for air intake, At least one exhaust port configured for expelling air, At least one air guide unit configured to guide at least a portion of the airflow in at least one predetermined direction, Equipped with, The aforementioned at least one air guide unit comprises at least one guide surface, The apparatus wherein the at least one exhaust port and the at least one guide surface are arranged such that a lift force capable of picking up at least a portion of the fibrous article is generated or will be generated such that at least a portion of the airflow is guided along the guide surface when discharged from the at least one exhaust port, and the air guide portion comprises at least one turbulator element configured to generate at least one turbulent boundary layer on the guide surface.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one turbulator element is formed by a mesh.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one turbulator element is formed by a baffle.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one turbulator element is arranged on the guide surface.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the induction surface is substantially flat.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the guiding surface comprises a surface structure configured to enable air dispersion.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the surface structure defines a predetermined pattern.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined pattern exists in a triangular shape.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one control unit configured to control at least the speed and / or pressure of the airflow in the apparatus.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one exhaust port is arranged substantially parallel to the guide surface so that air is discharged in a direction substantially parallel to the guide surface.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one exhaust port comprises at least one nozzle.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one intake port is larger than at least one exhaust port.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising an internal structure configured to enable air dispersion within the apparatus.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the air induction section comprises at least one air dispersion section.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least one gripping element configured to grip and hold at least a portion of the picked-up textile article.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising at least one gripping opening configured for pinching and gripping at least a portion of the fibrous article after it has been picked up.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the gripping opening comprises at least one boundary element configured to at least partially block the airflow.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising at least one second exhaust port configured for exhaust correction.

19. Use of the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for picking up at least a portion of the textile article.

20. A method for gripping at least a portion of a textile article by using the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 18, The steps include providing at least one airflow such that at least a portion of the airflow is guided along the guide surface, The steps include lifting at least a portion of the fibrous article by the lift generated by the airflow guided along the guide surface, A method for providing this.

Images