Seat ironing system and operating method thereof

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a seat ironing system and an operating method thereof, the seat ironing system comprising: a first vision unit for capturing an image of a seat; a seat preheating unit for preheating the seat, which has passed through the first vision unit, to a predetermined temperature; an ironing robot unit equipped with a steam ironing unit for removing wrinkles of the seat, which has passed through the seat preheating unit; and a seat heat-treating unit for heat-treating the seat, from which wrinkles have been removed by the ironing robot unit, wherein the ironing robot unit removes the wrinkles of the seat on the basis of seat image information provided from the first vision unit.

Description

Sheet ironing system and its operating method

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet ironing system and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a sheet ironing system and an operating method thereof configured to effectively remove wrinkles from a sheet.

[0002] Typically, vehicle seats are finished by installing headrests and various adjustment devices, then covering the perimeter with fabric or leather. However, the process of covering the perimeter with fabric or leather can result in numerous wrinkles forming on the seat cover. These wrinkles must be removed through a separate wrinkle removal process.

[0003] In the past, to remove wrinkles from seat covers, workers would hold a steam iron in their hands and iron the seat covers one by one.

[0004] However, conventional wrinkle removal methods often fail to completely remove wrinkles from seat covers, leading to reduced work efficiency. Furthermore, the wrinkle removal process is associated with a high rate of seat cover damage and frequent worker safety accidents.

[0005] Accordingly, various research and developments are being conducted on seat ironing systems that automatically remove wrinkles from seat covers using robots rather than manual labor.

[0006] The technical problem of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a sheet ironing system and an operating method thereof that effectively remove wrinkles from a sheet.

[0007] In order to achieve the above technical task, one embodiment of the present invention provides a sheet ironing system including a first vision unit that photographs a sheet; a sheet preheating unit that preheats a sheet that has passed through the first vision unit to a predetermined temperature; an ironing robot unit equipped with a steam ironing unit that removes wrinkles from a sheet that has passed through the sheet preheating unit; and a sheet heat treatment unit that heat-treats a sheet from which wrinkles have been removed through the ironing robot unit, wherein the ironing robot unit removes wrinkles from the sheet based on sheet image information provided from the first vision unit.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet preheating unit includes a heating booth having a preheating space in which sheets are accommodated; and a heating unit that preheats sheets moved into the preheating space, and the heating unit can be selectively operated depending on the material of the sheet that has entered the preheating space.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit includes a first heater installed in the heating booth and preheating a cushion sheet provided on the seat; and a second heater installed in the heating booth and preheating a back sheet provided on the seat, wherein the first heater and the second heater may be infrared heaters.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ironing robot unit has a first sheet wrinkle removal robot and a second sheet wrinkle removal robot that perform a wrinkle removal operation on a sheet depending on the material of the sheet, wherein the first sheet wrinkle removal robot performs a wrinkle removal operation on a sheet made of leather, and the second sheet wrinkle removal robot performs a wrinkle removal operation on a sheet made of fabric.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sheet wrinkle removal robot is provided in a plurality, and the plurality of first sheet wrinkle removal robots can remove wrinkles from a sheet through cooperative work.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sheet wrinkle removal robot is equipped with a first steam ironing unit for removing wrinkles from a sheet, and the first steam ironing unit includes: a fixed mount coupled to a mounting plate of the first sheet wrinkle removal robot; a sheet pressure steam roller having a fluid receiving space formed therein and rotating in close contact with the sheet by the operation of the first sheet wrinkle removal robot to perform ironing; a hot air supply unit supported and fixed to the fixed mount and supplying hot air into the interior of the sheet pressure steam roller; and a pair of steam supply units for supplying steam generated from a steam tank into the interior of the sheet pressure steam roller, wherein the sheet pressure steam roller may be provided with a plurality of spray holes formed at predetermined intervals.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the steam supply unit is configured to supply steam to a fluid supply guide spaced apart at a predetermined interval that supports both ends of the sheet pressurized steam roller, the hot air supply unit is coupled to a hot air distribution unit that communicates with the fluid supply guide, and hot air discharged from the hot air supply unit is distributed and supplied to the spaced apart fluid supply guide through the hot air distribution unit, and steam and hot air discharged from the steam supply unit and the hot air supply unit to the fluid supply guide can be supplied to the fluid receiving space.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a movement control unit supported by the fixed mount, wherein the movement control unit includes: a pair of support frames coupled to one side and the other side of the fixed mount so as to face each other; a shaft support unit coupled to the inside of the support frame; a shaft coupled to an end of the fluid supply guide and penetratingly inserted into the shaft support unit; a stopper coupled to an end of the shaft; and an elastic spring penetratingly inserted into the shaft, one end of which is supported by the shaft support unit and the other end of which is supported by the fluid supply guide, wherein the sheet pressurizing steam roller may be configured such that at least one of pressure control and tilting is possible by the movement control unit during the process of being pressed against the sheet.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet pressurized steam roller comprises a rotating roller part having a roller pipe having a cylindrical shape and having a fluid receiving space formed therein, and a roller cover part that closes open both sides of the roller pipe; a roller support pin that is inserted through a pin insertion hole formed in the fluid supply guide and supports the rotating roller part to the fluid supply guide; and a bearing in which an outer ring is supported by a bearing support part provided in the roller pipe and an inner ring is supported by the roller support pin, and a first communication hole communicating with a fluid movement path formed inside the fluid supply guide and a second communication hole communicating with the first communication hole are formed in the roller support pin, and the rotating roller part can rotate while being supported by the roller support pin.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of roller support pins is provided with an expansion portion having a third communication hole formed therein that communicates with the second communication hole, and a flange portion provided in the expansion portion is configured to connect the pair of roller support pins that are formed to face each other, and a plurality of discharge holes for discharging steam and hot air into the fluid receiving space are formed in the expansion portion, and the third communication hole may be formed to have a larger hole size than the second communication hole.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer periphery of the roller pipe is formed into a round shape, and the roller pipe may be formed of an aluminum material.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the injection holes formed in the roller pipe may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the roller pipe, and at intervals of 15 to 30° along the circumference of the roller pipe with respect to an imaginary central axis.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first vision unit may be provided with a first camera unit for photographing a sheet from which wrinkle removal is to be performed, wherein the first camera unit may include a first photographing unit for photographing a cushion sheet portion of the sheet; and a second photographing unit for photographing a back sheet portion of the sheet, and the second vision unit may include a second camera unit for photographing residual wrinkles of the sheet; and a processor for receiving image information of the residual wrinkles of the sheet photographed from the second camera unit, wherein the second camera unit may include a third photographing unit for photographing the cushion sheet portion of the sheet; and a fourth photographing unit for photographing the back sheet portion of the sheet.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured to calculate the number, position, and size of residual wrinkles within the sheet based on the residual wrinkle image information, and the number, position, and size of residual wrinkles within the sheet calculated by the processor can be displayed on the monitor unit.

[0021] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for operating a sheet ironing system, wherein a first vision unit comprises a step of photographing a wrinkle state of a sheet; a sheet preheating unit comprises a step of preheating a sheet that has passed through the first vision unit; an ironing robot unit comprises a step of removing wrinkles of a sheet that has passed through the sheet preheating unit; a sheet heat treatment unit comprises a step of heat-treating a sheet that has passed through the ironing robot unit; and a second vision unit comprises a step of photographing residual wrinkles of a sheet that has passed through the sheet heat treatment unit, and a processor provided in the second vision unit calculates the number, location, and size of residual wrinkles in the sheet based on residual wrinkle image information provided from a second camera unit provided in the second vision unit, thereby determining whether residual wrinkles exist in the sheet.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined from the processor that there are residual wrinkles in the sheet, the residual wrinkles in the sheet can be removed using a residual wrinkle removal robot or manually.

[0023] The effects of the sheet ironing system and its operating method according to the present invention described above are as follows.

[0024] According to the present invention, a sheet ironing system is provided with a sheet preheating unit that preheats the sheet to a sufficient temperature. Since the sheet preheating unit preheats the sheet before ironing, wrinkles in the sheet can be effectively removed during the ironing process.

[0025] According to the present invention, a plurality of first sheet wrinkle removal robots are configured to effectively remove wrinkles occurring on a leather sheet through cooperative operation. A first steam ironing unit mounted on the first sheet wrinkle removal robot is configured to remove wrinkles from the sheet while being pressed against the sheet. The first steam ironing unit removes wrinkles from the sheet through the rotation of a sheet pressure steam roller. The first steam ironing unit can effectively remove wrinkles from the sheet compared to a conventional steam ironing unit having a flat ironing surface. In other words, the first steam ironing unit according to the present invention can effectively remove wrinkles from a sheet even on a curved sheet surface.

[0026] This first steam ironing unit is equipped with a movement control unit that adjusts the pressure and tilt of the sheet pressure steam roller. This movement control unit adjusts the sheet pressure steam roller to press the sheet with a predetermined pressure. Accordingly, the sheet pressure steam roller can perform the same wrinkle removal work on all sheet surfaces. Furthermore, the movement control unit is designed to allow for not only pressure control but also tilting, enabling effective sheet ironing on sheets of various shapes.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a sheet ironing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a first vision unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a sheet preheating unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a second vision unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of a second vision unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 is an operation flow chart of a second vision unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first steam ironing unit viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first steam ironing unit viewed from below according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a hot air supply unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing the interior of a sheet pressurized steam roller according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of Fig. 7.

[0039] Fig. 12 is an exemplary diagram showing a state in which a sheet pressurizing steam roller according to one embodiment of the present invention is pressurized.

[0040] FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram showing a tilting state of a sheet pressure steam roller according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 14 is an exemplary diagram showing the movement flow of steam and hot air according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0043] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only "directly connected" but also "indirectly connected" with other elements intervening. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies that the other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0044] In the present invention, upper and lower parts mean being located above or below the target member, but do not necessarily mean being located above or below with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a sheet ironing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing a first vision unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a sheet preheating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a second vision unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the second vision unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the second vision unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the sheet ironing system (8000) may include a first vision unit (1000), a sheet preheating unit (2000), an ironing robot unit (3000), a first steam ironing unit (4000), a second steam ironing unit (5000), and a sheet heat treatment unit (6000). The sheet ironing system (8000) may further include a second vision unit (7000) arranged in a subsequent process of the sheet heat treatment unit (6000).

[0048] The first vision unit (1000) is configured to determine the current state of the seat. The seat in the present invention may be, for example, a vehicle seat.

[0049] This first vision unit (1000) is equipped with a first camera unit (1100) to determine the current state of the sheet on which the wrinkle removal work is to be performed. In this way, the sheet image information captured through the first camera unit (1100) can be provided to the sheet preheating unit (2000) and the ironing robot unit (3000) to be described later. Here, the sheet image information captured through the first camera unit (1100) can be various information such as the material of the sheet, the location, shape, and size of the wrinkles formed on the sheet, etc.

[0050] The first camera unit (1100) may be, for example, a smart camera capable of online sharing. Accordingly, sheet image information captured by the first camera unit (1100) may be provided to the sheet preheating unit (2000) and the ironing robot unit (3000) immediately after capture.

[0051] In the present invention, a first camera unit (1100) is described as an example in which a first photographing unit (1110) for photographing the cushion seat area of ​​a seat and a second photographing unit (1120) for photographing the back seat area of ​​the seat are provided. Here, the number of photographing units provided to the first camera unit (1100) is not limited to a specific number, and may be provided in various numbers as long as the wrinkles of the seat can be more accurately identified.

[0052] The sheet preheating unit (2000) may include a heating booth (2100) and a heating unit (2200).

[0053] The heating booth (2100) has a preheating space (2110) formed inside which a sheet is accommodated.

[0054] The heating unit (2200) is installed in the heating booth (2100) and is configured to preheat the sheet that has entered the preheating space (2110).

[0055] The sheet preheating unit (2000) is configured to operate only when the material of the sheet is leather, based on the sheet image information provided from the first camera unit (1100). In other words, the sheet preheating unit (2000) is configured to operate the heating unit (2200) only when the material of the sheet is leather among the sheets that entered the preheating space (2110) through the preheating entry unit (not shown).

[0056] Such a sheet preheating unit (2000) is configured to operate selectively depending on the material of the sheet.

[0057] This sheet preheating unit (2000) preheats the sheet in advance before the sheet is moved to the ironing robot unit (3000), so that the wrinkle removal work of the sheet by the operation of the ironing robot unit (3000) can be performed more effectively.

[0058] This heating unit (2200) may include a first heater (2210) and a second heater (2220).

[0059] Here, the first heater (2210) is arranged to face the cushion sheet of the seat and to preheat the cushion sheet. And the second heater (2220) is arranged to face the back sheet of the seat and to preheat the back sheet.

[0060] The first heater (2210) and the second heater (2220) may be formed of, for example, infrared heaters that are configured to allow heat penetration into the interior of the sheet. Here, the first heater (2210) and the second heater (2220) do not necessarily have to be formed of infrared heaters, and may be formed of various heaters as long as the sheet can be preheated effectively. In this way, the sheet preheated in the sheet preheating unit (2000) can be moved to the ironing robot unit (3000) through the preheating exit unit (2120).

[0061] Meanwhile, the ironing robot unit (3000) is configured to iron the sheet to remove wrinkles formed on the sheet.

[0062] Such an ironing robot unit (3000) may include a first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) and a second sheet wrinkle removal robot (3200).

[0063] Here, the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) and the second sheet wrinkle removal robot (3200) are configured to operate selectively depending on the material of the sheet (leather or fabric). That is, the ironing robot unit (3000) is configured to selectively operate the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) or the second sheet wrinkle removal robot (3200) based on the sheet image information provided from the first vision unit (1000).

[0064] Here, the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) is equipped with a first steam ironing unit (4000) capable of effectively ironing leather sheets.

[0065] And the second sheet wrinkle removal robot (3200) is equipped with a second steam ironing unit (5000) that can effectively iron sheets made of fabric.

[0066] In this way, the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) and the second sheet wrinkle removal robot (3200) are each equipped with a steam ironing unit that can effectively iron the sheet depending on the material of the sheet, so that the wrinkle removal work of the sheet can be performed effectively.

[0067] In the present invention, a configuration in which two first sheet wrinkle removal robots (3100) are used will be described as an example. A plurality of such first sheet wrinkle removal robots (3100) may be provided, and the plurality of first sheet wrinkle removal robots (3100) work together to remove wrinkles formed on the sheet. For example, two first sheet wrinkle removal robots (3100) may work together to intensively remove wrinkles from a back sheet where many wrinkles may form.

[0068] This first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) is designed to effectively remove wrinkles from leather sheets without causing the sheets to become pressed due to high temperatures.

[0069] Here, the specific details of the first steam ironing unit (4000) mounted on the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) and which substantially removes wrinkles from leather seats will be described later.

[0070] And the second sheet wrinkle removal robot (3200) is equipped with a second steam ironing unit (5000). This second steam ironing unit (5000) is configured to effectively remove wrinkles that have occurred on sheets made of fabric. This second steam ironing unit (5000) removes wrinkles that have occurred on cushion sheets and back sheets made of fabric through the operation of the second sheet wrinkle removal robot (3200).

[0071] Meanwhile, the sheet heat treatment unit (6000) is configured to heat treat the sheet from which wrinkles have been removed by the ironing robot unit (3000). This sheet heat treatment unit (6000) is configured to remove wrinkles in the sheet that may not be completely removed by the ironing robot unit (3000) and may remain minutely through the heat treatment process.

[0072] Meanwhile, the second vision unit (7000) may include a second camera unit (7100) and a processor (7200). Here, the second camera unit (7100) includes a third photographing unit (7110) and a fourth photographing unit (7120) that photograph the remaining wrinkles of the sheet.

[0073] This second vision unit (7000) is configured to detect residual wrinkles within the sheet that have passed through the sheet heat treatment unit (6000).

[0074] Here, the third photographing unit (7110) equipped in the second vision unit (7000) is configured to photograph the cushion seat area of ​​the seat, and the fourth photographing unit (7120) equipped in the second vision unit (7000) is configured to photograph the back seat area of ​​the seat. The third photographing unit (7110) and the fourth photographing unit (7120) are configured to photograph the remaining wrinkles in the seat. Here, the number of photographing units equipped in the second camera unit (7100) is not limited to a specific number, and may be equipped in various numbers as long as the remaining wrinkles in the seat can be more accurately identified.

[0075] In this way, the image information of the remaining wrinkles of the sheet captured from the third photographing unit (7110) and the fourth photographing unit (7120) can be provided to the processor (7200). Then, the processor (7200) is configured to calculate the number, location, and size of the remaining wrinkles in the sheet based on the image information of the remaining wrinkles provided from the third photographing unit (7110) and the fourth photographing unit (7120).

[0076] In this way, various information, such as the number, location, and size of residual wrinkles within the sheet calculated by the processor (7200), can be displayed through a monitor (not shown) installed within the site. The monitor does not need to be installed in a specific location, and for example, it can be placed anywhere within the work site where residual wrinkle removal is actually performed. Accordingly, the worker can receive various information, such as the number, location, and size of residual wrinkles within the sheet, through the monitor.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 6, the operation process of the second vision unit (7000) will be schematically examined. First, the second camera unit (7100) equipped with the third photographing unit (7110) and the fourth photographing unit (7120) photographs the remaining wrinkles within the sheet. Here, the second camera unit (7100) transmits the photographed residual wrinkle image information to the processor (7200). (S7100)

[0078] Next, the processor (7200) determines whether there are any remaining wrinkles in the sheet. (S7200)

[0079] In this way, if the processor (7200) determines that there are no remaining wrinkles in the sheet, the sheet undergoes a final inspection. (S7500)

[0080] In contrast, if the processor (7200) determines that there are residual wrinkles in the sheet, the processor (7200) displays information about the number, location, and size of the residual wrinkles in the sheet through the monitor unit. (S7300)

[0081] Remaining wrinkles within the sheet are then removed using a wrinkle removal robot (not shown) or manually. The removal of remaining wrinkles within the sheet is performed based on information calculated by the processor (7200) (the number, location, and size of remaining wrinkles within the sheet). In the manual process, the worker can directly iron the sheet to remove any remaining wrinkles. (S7400)

[0082] In this way, the sheet from which residual wrinkles have been removed undergoes a final inspection. (S7500)

[0083] If we take a brief look at the overall operation process of the sheet ironing system (8000) described above, first, the first vision unit (1000) photographs the wrinkle state of the sheet.

[0084] Next, the sheet preheating unit (2000) preheats the sheet that has passed through the first vision unit (1000). At this time, the sheet preheating unit (2000) is configured to preheat the sheet only when the material of the sheet is leather.

[0085] Next, the ironing robot unit (3000) removes wrinkles from the sheet passing through the sheet preheating unit (2000).

[0086] Next, the sheet heat treatment unit (6000) heat-treats the sheet that has passed through the ironing robot unit (3000).

[0087] Next, the second vision unit (7000) photographs the remaining wrinkles of the sheet that has passed through the sheet heat treatment unit (6000). This second vision unit (7000) determines whether there are any remaining wrinkles within the sheet. If there are any remaining wrinkles within the sheet, the remaining wrinkles within the sheet are removed using a residual wrinkle removal robot or manually.

[0088] Finally, a final inspection of the sheet is performed.

[0089] The sheet ironing system (8000) according to the present invention can minimize the defect rate of the sheet due to wrinkles in the sheet.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first steam ironing unit as viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first steam ironing unit as viewed from below according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a hot air supply unit as viewed from below according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an exemplary view showing the inside of a sheet pressurizing steam roller as viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 7, FIG. 12 is an exemplary view showing a state in which a sheet pressurizing steam roller as viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is an exemplary view showing a state in which a sheet pressurizing steam roller as viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is an exemplary view showing a flow of steam and hot air as viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 14, the first steam ironing unit (4000) is coupled to the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) to iron the sheet.

[0092] Here, the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) is equipped with a mounting plate (3101) on which the first steam ironing unit (4000) is mounted. The first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100) is equipped with a multi-joint robot arm (3102), so that the first steam ironing unit (4000) can be automatically moved to various required positions by the operation of the robot arm (3102).

[0093] This first steam ironing unit (4000) may include a fixed mount (4100), a sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200), a hot air supply unit (4300), and a steam supply unit (4400).

[0094] Here, the fixed mount (4100) is coupled to the mounting plate (3101) of the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100), so that the first steam ironing unit (4000) can be supported and fixed to the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100).

[0095] And the steam supply unit (4400) is configured to provide steam generated from a steam tank (not shown) to a sheet pressurized steam roller (4200).

[0096] This steam supply unit (4400) may be configured as a hose pipe structure. One end of this steam supply unit (4400) is connected to a steam tank that generates steam by heating water using a heat source such as electricity. The other end of the steam supply unit (4400) is configured to supply steam generated from the steam tank to a fluid supply guide (4520). As such, the configuration for moving steam generated from the steam tank to the steam supply unit (4400) of the hose pipe structure is a previously known configuration, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] Meanwhile, the hot air supply unit (4300) is supported and fixed to a fixed bracket (4110) provided on a fixed mount (4100).

[0098] This hot air supply unit (4300) is configured to supply hot air into the interior of the sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200). Accordingly, the steam supplied to the fluid supply guide (4520) through the steam supply unit (4400) can be changed into the form of fine steam by the hot air supplied from the hot air supply unit (4300). This fine steam can ultimately be sprayed onto the sheet through the injection hole (4213). That is, the hot air supply unit (4300) can prevent the steam supplied from the steam supply unit (4400) to the sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200) from changing into water. Accordingly, the steam sprayed onto the sheet through the injection hole (4213) can be sprayed in the form of fine steam. Therefore, when the sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200) pressurizes and irons the sheet, it is possible to prevent stains from occurring on the vehicle sheet or damage to the surface of the sheet.

[0099] Such a hot air supply unit (4300) may include a casing (4310), a blower unit (4320), a heating unit (4330), and a discharge pipe (4340).

[0100] Here, an internal space is provided inside the casing (4310).

[0101] A blower (4320) may be placed in this internal space. Here, the blower (4320) may be, for example, a fan.

[0102] And, an external air inlet (4311) is formed on one side of the casing (4310), so that when the blower (4320) operates, external air can be introduced into the interior of the casing (4310). In this way, the air introduced into the interior of the casing (4310) can be discharged through a discharge pipe (4340) coupled to the other side of the casing (4310). The air introduced through the external air inlet (4311) can be, for example, air filtered of dust and foreign substances.

[0103] And the discharge pipe (4340) is hollow and is connected to the other side of the casing (4310). This discharge pipe (4340) is configured to communicate with the internal space of the casing (4310). Accordingly, air discharged from the casing (4310) can be discharged to the hot air distribution unit (4510) through the discharge pipe (4340).

[0104] And the heating unit (4330) is provided in the discharge pipe (4340). Such a heating unit (4330) may be a heating element heated by, for example, electricity. Such a heating unit (4330) controls the temperature of the steam discharged through the sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200) so that the steam is discharged at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature. Here, the rotating roller unit (4210) that is pressed against the sheet may be made of an aluminum material having high thermal conductivity. In this way, the rotating roller unit (4210) that is pressed against the sheet does not need to have its temperature separately controlled depending on the type of leather sheet.

[0105] A plurality of air movement holes (4331) are formed at predetermined intervals in the heating unit (4330). Here, the air movement holes (4331) are formed in the longitudinal direction of the heating unit (4330) and are formed to penetrate the heating unit (4330). The air movement holes (4331) heat the air introduced into one side of the heating unit (4330) to a certain temperature and then discharge the air to the other side of the heating unit (4330).

[0106] In this way, the air heated by the heating unit (4330) is supplied to the hot air distribution unit (4510) coupled to the discharge pipe (4340).

[0107] And the hot air distribution unit (4510) distributes and supplies heated air (hot air) supplied from the hot air supply unit (4300) to a pair of fluid supply guides (4520) at predetermined intervals. This hot air distribution unit (4510) is configured to be in communication with the fluid supply guide (4520).

[0108] Meanwhile, the fluid supply guide (4520) is configured to supply steam supplied from the steam supply unit (4400) and hot air supplied from the hot air supply unit (4300) to the inside of the sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200).

[0109] These fluid supply guides (4520) are provided at predetermined intervals and are configured to support the sheet pressurized steam roller (4200). These fluid supply guides (4520) are configured to support both ends of the sheet pressurized steam roller (4200).

[0110] A fluid movement path (4501) is formed inside the fluid supply guide (4520). Accordingly, steam and hot air supplied from the steam supply unit (4400) and the hot air supply unit (4300) can be supplied to the fluid receiving space (4201) through the fluid movement path (4501). Here, the fluid supply guide (4520) and the hot air distribution unit (4510) are preferably made of a material that is less affected by the external temperature. That is, the hot air distribution unit (4510) and the fluid supply guide (4520) are preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity. This is to prevent heat loss from occurring due to heat exchange with the outside by the steam and hot air moved through the hot air distribution unit (4510) and the fluid supply guide (4520).

[0111] Meanwhile, the sheet pressurized steam roller (4200) may include a rotating roller part (4210), a roller support pin (4220), and a bearing (4230).

[0112] Here, the rotating roller part (4210) may have a roller pipe (4211) and a roller cover part (4212).

[0113] These roller pipes (4211) have a cylindrical shape and form the overall outer shape of the rotating roller section (4210).

[0114] A fluid receiving space (4201) is formed inside the roller pipe (4211) to receive steam and hot air supplied from the steam supply unit (4400) and the hot air supply unit (4300). In this way, the steam and hot air guided to the fluid receiving space (4201) can be sprayed to the outside through a plurality of injection holes (4213) formed in the roller pipe (4211).

[0115] The outer surface of this roller pipe (4211) is configured to be pressed against the sheet, and the roller pipe (4211) can be made of aluminum material with excellent thermal conductivity.

[0116] Since the plurality of injection holes (4213) formed in the roller pipe (4211) inject fine steam guided to the fluid receiving space (4201) onto the sheet, the wrinkle removal work of the sheet can be effectively performed.

[0117] Here, the injection holes (4213) formed in the roller pipe (4211) may be arranged at predetermined intervals, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the roller pipe (4211). In addition, the injection holes (4213) may be arranged at intervals of 15 to 30° along the circumference of the roller pipe (4211) with respect to the imaginary central axis of the roller pipe (4211). Here, if the injection holes (4213) are arranged at an angle of less than 15° along the circumference of the roller pipe (4211), the amount of fine steam emitted to the outside through the injection holes (4213) may become too large. In addition, if the injection holes (4213) are arranged at an angle of more than 30° along the circumference of the roller pipe (4211), there is a problem that the fine steam cannot be effectively injected onto the sheet. Therefore, it is preferable that the injection holes (4213) be arranged at intervals of 15 to 30° along the circumference of the roller pipe (4211) based on the imaginary central axis of the roller pipe (4211).

[0118] And the roller cover part (4212) is connected to the open both sides of the roller pipe (4211). This roller cover part (4212) is configured to close both sides of the open roller pipe (4211). Here, the outer periphery of both sides of the roller pipe (4211) is formed in a rounded shape. This is because, for example, when the outer periphery of the roller pipe (4211) is formed in an angular shape, scratches or the like may be generated on the sheet by the outer periphery of the angular roller pipe during the process of removing wrinkles from the sheet. Therefore, it is preferable that the outer periphery of the roller pipe (4211) is formed in a rounded shape.

[0119] And the roller pipe (4211) is provided with a bearing support member (4214) that supports the bearing (4230). In this way, while the bearing (4230) is supported by the bearing support member (4214), the roller cover member (4212) supports and fixes the bearing (4230). Here, the outer ring (4231) of the bearing (4230) can be supported and fixed by the bearing support member (4214).

[0120] And the roller support pin (4220) is inserted and fixed into the pin insertion hole (4502) formed in the fluid supply guide (4520). This roller support pin (4220) supports and fixes the rotating roller part (4210) to the fluid supply guide (4520). This roller support pin (4220) supports the inner ring (4232) of the bearing (4230) while being inserted and coupled into the pin insertion hole (4502), and allows the rotating roller part (4210) to be supported on the fluid supply guide (4520). This roller support pin (4220) is provided with a bearing fixing member (4223) so that shaking of the bearing (4230) can be prevented.

[0121] Inside the roller support pin (4220) of this type, a first communication hole (4221) communicating with a fluid movement path (4501) and a second communication hole (4222) communicating with a fluid receiving space (4201) are formed. Here, the first communication hole (4221) and the second communication hole (4222) are formed to be in communication. Accordingly, fine steam (steam and hot air) moving through the fluid movement path (4501) can move to the third communication hole (4225) through the first communication hole (4221) and the second communication hole (4222).

[0122] Such roller support pins (4220) may be provided with an expansion member (4224). Such expansion member (4224) is provided at an end of the roller support pin (4220), and a flange member (4227) may be provided at an end of the expansion member (4224). Accordingly, a pair of roller support pins (4220) facing each other may be coupled to each other by the flange member (4227).

[0123] A third communication hole (4225) is formed in this expansion member (4224) that is in communication with the second communication hole (4222). Accordingly, the fine steam that has moved to the third communication hole (4225) through the second communication hole (4222) can be discharged into the fluid receiving space (4201) through a plurality of discharge holes (4226) formed in the expansion member (4224). A plurality of these discharge holes (4226) can be formed at predetermined intervals along the circumference of the expansion member (4224).

[0124] This expansion member (4224) is configured to guide the fine steam discharged through the second communication hole (4222) toward the inner center of the rotating roller member (4210) and discharge it. Accordingly, the fine steam can be effectively discharged to the outside through the injection hole (4213).

[0125] The size of the third communication hole (4225) communicating with the second communication hole (4222) is formed to be larger than the second communication hole (4222). Accordingly, the fine steam discharged into the fluid receiving space (4201) can be effectively diffused. Accordingly, the fine steam can be supplied uniformly at any location in the fluid receiving space (4201).

[0126] And the bearing (4230) is configured to be supported by the bearing support member (4214) and the roller support pin (4220). Accordingly, in the process of moving the rotating roller member (4210) while being pressed against the sheet by the first sheet wrinkle removal robot (3100), the rotating roller member (4210) can be rolled (rotated) based on the roller support pin (4220).

[0127] In this sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200), the rotating roller part (4210) having a cylindrical shape presses the sheet so that the sheet is pressed in a linear contact manner. In other words, in the case of a conventional steam ironing part having a flat ironing surface, the sheet and the ironing surface are in surface contact, so effective ironing is not possible for various shapes of the sheet (curved surfaces, bent areas, etc.). However, since the rotating roller part (4210) of the present invention presses the sheet in a linear contact manner, wrinkles on the sheet can be effectively removed even if the sheet has various shapes.

[0128] Meanwhile, the movement control unit (4600) is configured to enable at least one of pressure control and tilting of the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) during the process of the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) being pressed against the sheet.

[0129] This movement control unit (4600) may include a support frame (4610), a shaft support unit (4620), a shaft (4630), a stopper (4640), and an elastic spring (4650).

[0130] Here, the support frames (4610) form a pair facing each other. These support frames (4610) are respectively connected to one side and the other side of the fixed mount (4100).

[0131] And the shaft support (4620) is coupled to the inside of the support frame (4610). The shaft support (4620) is configured to support the shaft (4630) coupled to the end of the fluid supply guide (4520) and simultaneously guide the movement direction of the shaft (4630).

[0132] And the shaft (4630) is inserted through the shaft support (4620). This shaft (4630) guides the movement of the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) in the forward and backward directions during the process in which the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) moves while pressing the sheet.

[0133] A stopper (4640) is coupled to the end of the shaft (4630) to prevent the shaft (4630) from being separated from the shaft support (4620).

[0134] And the elastic spring (4650) is inserted through the shaft (4630). One end of the elastic spring (4650) is supported on the shaft support (4620), and the other end is supported on the fluid supply guide (4520).

[0135] Such an elastic spring (4650) is configured to be compressed when the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) is pressed with a force exceeding a predetermined force. That is, when a force greater than the elastic force of the elastic spring (4650) is applied to the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) in the process of the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) being pressed against the sheet, the elastic spring (4650) is compressed. At this time, the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) presses the sheet with a predetermined force by the compressed elastic spring (4650).

[0136] And when a force less than a predetermined force is applied to the sheet pressurized steam roller (4200), the compressed elastic spring (4650) can be restored.

[0137] In this way, since the movement control unit (4600) is equipped with an elastic spring (4650), the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) can press the sheet with a constant force. Accordingly, the sheet wrinkle removal work can be performed under the same conditions for all sheet surfaces.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 12, when the sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200) presses the sheet, the same pressing force may be applied to a pair of spaced elastic springs (4650) to achieve the same compression, or as shown in FIG. 13, different pressing forces may be applied to each elastic spring (4650) to tilt the sheet pressurizing steam roller (4200).

[0139] In this way, the movement control unit (4600) adjusts the pressure and tilt of the sheet pressure steam roller (4200) to suit various sheet shapes, such as curved and flat sections of the sheet surface. Accordingly, the wrinkle removal work of the sheet can be effectively performed.

[0140] However, this is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited by the scope of the description of this embodiment.

[0141] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0142] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. The first vision unit that takes pictures of the sheet; A sheet preheating unit that preheats the sheet passing through the first vision unit to a predetermined temperature; An ironing robot unit equipped with a steam ironing unit that removes wrinkles from a sheet that has passed through the above sheet preheating unit; and It includes a sheet heat treatment unit that heat-treats a sheet from which wrinkles have been removed through the above ironing robot unit. A sheet ironing system in which the above ironing robot unit removes wrinkles from a sheet based on sheet image information provided from the first vision unit.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sheet preheating section, A heating booth in which a preheating space is formed to accommodate the sheet; and It includes a heating unit that preheats the sheet moved to the above preheating space, A sheet ironing system characterized in that the above heating unit is selectively operated according to the material of the sheet entering the preheating space.

3. In paragraph 2, The above heating part, A first heater installed in the above heating booth and preheating a cushion sheet provided on the seat; and It is installed in the above heating booth and includes a second heater that preheats the back sheet provided on the seat, A sheet ironing system, characterized in that the first heater and the second heater are infrared heaters.

4. In paragraph 1, The above ironing robot part, It has a first sheet wrinkle removal robot and a second sheet wrinkle removal robot that perform the work of removing wrinkles from the sheet depending on the material of the sheet. A sheet ironing system characterized in that the first sheet wrinkle removal robot performs a sheet wrinkle removal operation on a sheet made of leather material, and the second sheet wrinkle removal robot performs a sheet wrinkle removal operation on a sheet made of fabric material.

5. In paragraph 4, The above first sheet wrinkle removal robot is equipped with a first steam ironing unit for removing wrinkles from the sheet, The above first steam ironing unit is, A fixed mount coupled to the mounting plate of the first sheet wrinkle removal robot; A sheet pressurized steam roller having a fluid receiving space formed therein and rotating in close contact with the sheet by the operation of the first sheet wrinkle removal robot to perform ironing; A hot air supply unit that is supported and fixed to the above fixed mount and supplies hot air into the interior of the sheet pressurized steam roller; and A sheet ironing system comprising a pair of steam supply units for supplying steam generated from a steam tank into the interior of the sheet pressurized steam roller, wherein the sheet pressurized steam roller is formed with a plurality of injection holes at predetermined intervals.

6. In paragraph 5, The above steam supply unit is configured to supply steam to fluid supply guides spaced at predetermined intervals that support both ends of the sheet pressurized steam roller, The hot air supply unit is coupled to a hot air distribution unit that is in communication with the fluid supply guide, and the hot air discharged from the hot air supply unit is distributed and supplied to the fluid supply guide spaced apart through the hot air distribution unit. A sheet ironing system characterized in that steam and hot air discharged from the steam supply unit and hot air supply unit to the fluid supply guide are supplied to the fluid receiving space.

7. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a movable control unit supported on the above fixed mount, The above movement control unit, A pair of support frames coupled to one side and the other side of the fixed mount so as to face each other; A shaft support member coupled to the inside of the above support frame; A shaft coupled to the end of the fluid supply guide and inserted through the shaft support; a stopper coupled to the end of the shaft; and It includes an elastic spring that is inserted through the shaft, one end of which is supported by the shaft support, and the other end of which is supported by the fluid supply guide. A sheet ironing system characterized in that the sheet pressure steam roller is configured to be capable of at least one of pressure control and tilting by the movement control unit during the process of pressing the sheet tightly against the sheet.

8. In paragraph 6, The above sheet pressurized steam roller, A rotating roller unit having a roller pipe having a cylindrical shape and a fluid receiving space formed therein, and a roller cover unit that closes open sides of the roller pipe; A roller support pin that is inserted through a pin insertion hole formed in the fluid supply guide and supports the rotating roller part to the fluid supply guide; and The outer ring is supported on a bearing support provided on the roller pipe, and the inner ring includes a bearing supported on the roller support pin. A sheet ironing system characterized in that the roller support pin has a first communication hole communicating with a fluid movement path formed inside the fluid supply guide and a second communication hole communicating with the first communication hole, and the rotating roller part rotates while being supported by the roller support pin.

9. In paragraph 8, The roller support pins forming a pair are provided with an expansion portion having a third communication hole formed therein that communicates with the second communication hole. The flange portion provided in the above expansion member is configured to connect a pair of roller support pins facing each other, In the above expansion section, a plurality of discharge holes are formed to discharge steam and hot air into the fluid receiving space. A sheet ironing system characterized in that the third communication hole is formed with a larger hole size than the second communication hole.

10. In paragraph 8, A sheet ironing system, characterized in that the injection holes formed in the roller pipe are arranged at predetermined intervals along the length of the roller pipe, and at intervals of 15 to 30° along the circumference of the roller pipe with respect to an imaginary central axis.

11. In paragraph 1, A sheet ironing system further comprising a second vision unit for detecting residual wrinkles in the sheet that have passed through the sheet heat treatment unit.

12. In paragraph 11, The first vision unit is provided with a first camera unit for photographing a sheet from which wrinkle removal is to be performed, wherein the first camera unit comprises a first photographing unit for photographing a cushion sheet portion of the sheet; and a second photographing unit for photographing a back sheet portion of the sheet. A seat ironing system characterized in that the second vision unit includes a second camera unit that photographs the remaining wrinkles of the seat; and a processor that receives image information of the remaining wrinkles of the seat photographed from the second camera unit, wherein the second camera unit includes a third photographing unit that photographs the cushion sheet portion of the seat; and a fourth photographing unit that photographs the back sheet portion of the seat.

13. In paragraph 12, A sheet ironing system characterized in that the processor is configured to calculate the number, location, and size of residual wrinkles in the sheet based on the residual wrinkle image information, and the number, location, and size of residual wrinkles in the sheet calculated by the processor are displayed on the monitor unit.

14. The first vision section is a step for photographing the wrinkle state of the sheet; The sheet preheating section is a step of preheating the sheet passing through the first vision section; The ironing robot section is a step for removing wrinkles from a sheet that has passed through the sheet preheating section; The sheet heat treatment section is a step of heat treating the sheet that has passed through the ironing robot section; and The second vision unit includes a step of photographing the remaining wrinkles of the sheet that has passed through the sheet heat treatment unit, A method of operating a sheet ironing system, wherein a processor provided in the second vision unit calculates the number, location, and size of residual wrinkles in the sheet based on residual wrinkle image information provided from a second camera unit provided in the second vision unit, thereby determining whether residual wrinkles exist in the sheet.

15. In paragraph 14, A method of operating a sheet ironing system, characterized in that, when it is determined from the above processor that there are residual wrinkles in the sheet, the residual wrinkles in the sheet are removed using a residual wrinkle removal robot or manually.

Images