Manufacturing device for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, manufacturing system, and method for manufacturing an apparel part

Abstract

The invention relates to a manufacturing device (10a; 10b) for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, in particular for manufacturing a footwear part (14a) having a textile upper element (16a), comprising: - a shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000), in particular a footwear last, for shaping the textile element, in particular the textile upper element (16a), thereon; and an adjustable mechanical fixing unit (22a; 22b) for mechanically holding a production element (24a) at the shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000), the production element (24a) being, in particular, a part of the apparel part or an element used during manufacturing of the apparel part.

Description

[0001] On Clouds GmbH 1 / 32

[0002] Manufacturing device for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, manufacturing system, and method for manufacturing an apparel part

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a manufacturing device for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, in particular for manufacturing a footwear part having a textile upper element, and to a manufacturing system comprising such a manufacturing device. In addition, the present invention pertains to a method for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element.

[0005] Background

[0006] Apparel and footwear manufacturing continues to evolve to meet modern expectations for products that are high-performing, comfortable, lightweight, and sustainably produced. Traditionally, techniques such as knitting, weaving, or cut-and-sew have dominated the production of textile-based components. However, these methods often involve significant material waste, require multiple production steps, and depend heavily on manual labor, limiting scalability and efficiency.

[0007] To address these challenges, innovations have emerged that aim to automate the production process, reduce waste, and improve the functional characteristics of textile components. One such innovation is described in WO 2022 / 069583 A1 , which discloses a method for producing a textile material — particularly a shoe upper — by applying a molten thermoplastic filament directly onto a shoe last. The filament is extruded from a spray head in the form of a helical strand and applied in a series of superimposed loops, forming a seamless and structured textile layer directly on the three-dimensional surface of the last.

[0008] This approach represents a significant step toward more automated and material-efficient manufacturing. By depositing material directly onto a shaping tool, it becomes possible to precisely control the placement, layering, and geometry of textile structures. This reduces the need for additional assembly steps and offers the potential for custom-fitted, performance-oriented footwear components.

[0009] However, despite the advantages of such additive and direct-application techniques, fully automating the manufacturing process introduces new technical challenges — particularly regarding the handling and fixation of footwear elements during processing. There remains a need for improved solutions that that allow a highly automated manufacturing process. Addressing these limitations is essential for achieving high-throughput, high-precision, and economically viable automated production systems in the footwear industry.

[0010] Summary

[0011] The invention concerns a manufacturing device for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, in particular for manufacturing a footwear part having a textile upper element, comprising a shaping carrier, in particular a footwear last, for shaping the textile element, in particular the textile upper element, thereon.

[0012] In a first aspect of the invention, which may be considered independently or in combination with other aspects disclosed herein, the manufacturing device may further comprise an adjustable mechanical fixing unit for mechanically holding a production element at the shaping carrier.

[0013] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 2 / 32

[0014] In a second aspect of the invention, which may be envisioned on its own or in combination with other aspects disclosed herein, the manufacturing device may further comprise a holding unit comprising at least one feedthrough for holding a production element at the shaping carrier by a negative pressure.

[0015] Herein, the production element may be a part of the apparel part or an element used during manufacturing of the apparel part.

[0016] The invention further pertains to a manufacturing system for manufacturing an apparel part, in particular a footwear part, comprising a manufacturing device as disclosed herein.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention pertains to a method for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, in particular for manufacturing a footwear part having a textile upper element, using a manufacturing device and / or a manufacturing system as described herein.

[0018] This makes it possible to provide an advantageous fixation of a production element at the shaping carrier. In particular, a switchable fixation of the production element at the shaping carrier and a particularly fast and precise production can be enabled. An apparel part can be produced automatically in a particularly simple way and apparel parts can be provided in an especially efficient and convenient manner. As a result, production can be carried out with minimal personnel requirements.

[0019] The apparel part may be part of an article of apparel or comprise the entire article of apparel. In the context of the present disclosure, the apparel part may be understood to be any personal item able to be worn and / or carried by a human. In particular, this may include footwear, top clothing, e.g. shirts, pullovers or the like, pants, headwear, e.g. helmets, caps or the like, socks, gloves, belts, sweatbands, bags.

[0020] The apparel part may comprise one or more textile elements. The textile element may preferably be a textile. In a preferred embodiment, the textile element may be made from a filament, preferably a thermoplastic filament, e.g. made from a polymer composition. The polymer composition may comprise, for example, polyester, polyamide, polyether block amide (PEBA), for example PEBAX® (Arkema), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), such as Desmopan® 2790A or Desmopan® 9392A (Covestro), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or mixtures thereof. The filament of the textile element may comprise a plurality of path segments, preferably in the form of loops. In other words, the filament forming the textile element may be arranged in a looped manner having several intersecting turns. Such structure is, for example, disclosed in WO 2022 / 069583 A1.

[0021] The apparel part may comprise one or more apparel elements. The apparel element may also be a textile but, alternatively, the apparel element may be a leather element, a rubber element, a synthetic leather element, a (thermo-)plastic element, e.g. an EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate) element, a PU (Polyurethane) element, etc., a feather element, a foam element, a metal element, or the like.

[0022] The shaping carrier may be set up to shape the textile element. For example, the shaping carrier may have a surface, in particular a textile element contact surface, that may be configured to define the shape of the textile element. For example, the textile element may be shaped by applying it to the surface, in particular the textile element contact surface, of the shaping carrier. The textile element contact surface may particularly refer to a surface of the shaping carrier on which the textile element rests after being applied to the shaping carrier, wherein parts of the shaping carrier covered by one or more production elements are preferably included.

[0023] Herein, the production element or elements may be part of the apparel part to be manufactured, for example the apparel element. The production element may also be a further apparel element of the ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 3 / 32

[0024] apparel part. For example, the production element may be a part of the upper of a footwear part, that may, for example, be connected to the textile element, in particular the textile upper element. The production element may be a padding element, a stiffening element, a reinforcing element, a damping element, an insulating element, or the like.

[0025] Alternatively, the production element may also be an element that is only used during manufacturing the apparel part but is not part of the finished apparel part. Such a production element may, for example, be used for shaping the textile element, wherein the production element may be held onto the textile element contact surface area of the shaping carrier, and the textile element may be shaped at least partially by the production element when applied onto the shaping carrier.

[0026] The shaping carrier may comprise a base body, at which at least one movable part may be movably arranged, for example so as to be linearly and / or rotatably movable relative to the base body. By moving the at least one movable part, in particular relative to the base body, geometric properties of the shaping carrier may be modified.

[0027] A sensor unit may be configured to detect or sense a pose of the at least one movable part, for example optically.

[0028] Preferably, the shaping carrier may comprise an actuator for changing the pose of the at least one movable part, in particular relative to the shaping carrier. The actuator may be a screw, a slider, a rotary knob, or the like. The actuator may be integrally formed with the base body and / or the at least one movable part or may be detachably attachable to the at least one movable part for changing a pose of the at least one movable part.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, it may be envisaged that the shaping carrier comprises a drive, for example at least one electric servo motor or the like, to change the pose of the at least one movable part, in particular relative to the base body. The drive may be embedded in the base body of the shaping carrier. The drive may be a chargeable electric servo motor.

[0030] The pose may comprise a position and / or a orientation of the at least one movable part, in particular relative to the base body. The drive may be connected to a communication unit to transfer the information of the drive pertaining the pose of the at least one movable member to the manufacturing system, in particular a control unit. The drive may be connected wirelessly and / or via a wired connection to the communication unit.

[0031] It may be envisaged that the shaping carrier comprises an enclosure skin, that may preferably form an outer surface of the shaping carrier. The enclosure skin may be implemented separately from the at least one movable part and / or the base body. The enclosure skin may be implemented as a flexible wrapping layer. The enclosure skin preferably encloses the at least one movable part and / or the base body. The enclosure skin may be configured to stretch and / or contract, depending on the pose of the at least one movable part, in particular relative to the base body. The enclosure skin may be configured to bridge gaps of the shaping carrier that may be generated by moving the at least one movable part, in particular to avoid gaps at the outer surface of the shaping carrier. It may be envisaged that the enclosure skin is detachably wrapped around the base body and / or the at least one movable part. It may also be envisaged that the enclosure skin may be detached from the base body and / or the at least one movable part for configuring the shaping carrier, in particular for moving the at least one movable part, preferably manually. For example, the enclosure skin is removed from the base body and the at least one movable part and the actuator is ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 4 / 32

[0032] detachably attached to the at least one movable part to adjust a pose of the at least one movable part, preferably relative to the base body.

[0033] After the pose of the at least one movable part is adjusted via the actuator, the actuator may be detached from the at least one movable part and the enclosure skin may be arranged around the base body and / or the at least one movable part.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the movable part may be a heel section being moveable relative to the base body of the shaping carrier. The heel section may also be removably arranged at the base body. The movable heel section may enable an easier removal of the textile element, preferably the textile upper element from the shaping carrier after manufacturing of the textile upper element. In addition, the movable heel section also allows an easier insertion of the shaping carrier back into the textile upper element. The heel section may be designed in such a way that it enables the heel section to easily slide and glide along the textile upper element but still holds the textile upper element tightly to the shaping carrier. The movable heel section can simplify rework processes during the production of the footwear part and repair processes of the article of footwear, which can reduce waste and defect ratios.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the movable part may also be a middle foot section and / or a toe section of the shaping carrier, or the like

[0036] The shaping carrier may comprise at least one inflatable part. The at least one inflatable part may comprise at least a part of an apparel part contact surface of the shaping carrier. For example, the shaping carrier may comprise the base body at which the at least one inflatable part may be arranged. The base body may comprise at least a part of the apparel part contact surface. It may also be envisaged that the at least one inflatable part may constitute the complete apparel part contact surface, wherein the at least one inflatable part may encompass a majority, in particular at least 50 %, preferably at least 75 % and particularly preferable at least 90 % of the outer surface, of the base body.

[0037] The at least one inflatable part also may encompass a minority, in particular less than 50 % of the outer surface of the base body. The at least one inflatable part may be detachably held at the shaping carrier. It may be envisaged that the shaping carrier comprises an outer skin, that may preferably form the apparel part contact surface of the shaping carrier. The outer skin may be implemented separately from the at least one inflatable part and / or the base body. The outer skin may be configured to stretch and / or contract, depending on an inflation state of the at least one inflatable part. The outer skin may be configured to bridge gaps of the shaping carrier that may be generated by inflating and / or deflating the at least one inflatable part, in particular to avoid gaps at the apparel part contact surface of the shaping carrier. It may be envisaged that the outer skin is detachably arranged at the base body and / or the at least one inflatable part.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one inflatable part may substantially form the shaping carrier, wherein the shaping carrier may, in particular, be implemented without the base body. By inflating the at least one inflatable part, different circumference steps, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm, of the shaping carrier may be achieved.

[0039] The at least one inflatable part and / orthe outer skin may be 3D-printed. This allows different shapes of the at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin to be created quickly and flexibly. Complex geometries for the at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin can also be realized. In addition, 3D

[0040] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 5 / 32

[0041] printing offers cost and time savings in the production of the at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin.

[0042] Through 3D printing, the at least one inflatable part may be provided without seams and / or adhesives, in particular without parting lines, ejector pin marks or the like. The at least one inflatable part may have anisotropic properties as a result of 3D printing. The at least one inflatable part may exhibit a layer structure as a result of 3D printing, that may be particularly visible at curved surfaces. Preferably, the at least one inflatable part may be 3D-printed in the method of manufacturing the manufacturing device.

[0043] The 3D-printing is preferably performed in a semi-solid environment, for example in a suspension gel, or the like. In other words, the 3D-printing of the at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin may be performed at least partly without a solid support for the at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin. The at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin may be rinsed with water or the like after printing. The at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin may be made from silicone, polyurethane rubber, foam, plastics, resins, biological materials, liquid wood pulp, liquids metals or any other solidifying material.

[0044] The at least one inflatable part may be fluidically connected to a gas exchange interface of the shaping carrier, to deflate and / or inflate the at least one inflatable part. Two or more inflatable parts may be inflated and / or deflated simultaneously and / or independently of each other. The at least one inflatable part may be directly fluidically connected to the gas exchange interface or via at least one gas duct of the shaping carrier. Preferably, the gas exchange interface is attached to the at least one inflatable part.

[0045] The at least one inflatable part and / orthe gas exchange interface may be connected to a gas supply of the manufacturing system for inflating the at least one inflatable part. The gas supply may at least partially be embodied as a compressed gas supply line and / or may comprise a compressor to provide compressed gas, a blower, a gas pump, or the like.

[0046] The gas supply may be connected to the manufacturing system, in particular the control unit, for providing an information pertaining to the pressure of the shaping carrier, preferably the set gas pressure, to the manufacturing system, in particular to the control unit. The gas supply may be implemented separately from the shaping carrier, in particular separately from the at least one inflatable part. For example, the gas supply may be at least partially integrated with a handling unit. The gas may be air or any other suitable gas for inflating the at least one inflatable part.

[0047] The base body of the shaping carrier may comprise at least one recess area configured to accommodate the at least one inflatable part. The at least one recess area may have various depths into the shaping carrier according to different embodiments of the invention. It may be envisaged that the at least one inflatable part inserted into the at least one recess area is completely accommodated with the at least one recess area or at least partially protrudes from the at least one recess area according to the inflation state of the at least one inflatable part and / orthe depth of the recess area into the shaping carrier.

[0048] The at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin may comprise sections with different flexibilities. Thus, the at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin can exhibit different properties and be adapted to various manufacturing requirements. In particular, specific shapes can be realized especially easily during inflation.

[0049] In other words, the at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin may comprise at least two sections with different mechanical deformation behaviors. The different mechanical deformation behaviors

[0050] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 6 / 32

[0051] and / or flexibilities may be realized by different materials, different wall thickness, different surface structures, and / or via attached, particularly adhered, elements.

[0052] The at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin comprise sections with different wall thicknesses. This allows different flexibility characteristics to be implemented particularly easily.

[0053] The varying of the wall thickness may be continuous and / or discontinuous. For example, it may be envisaged that the at least one inflatable part and / or the outer skin comprise at least two sections that each have a constant wall thickness that differs from each other. For example, the at least one inflatable part and / or outer skin may comprise at least one first section having a first thickness and at least one second section having a second thickness. The first thickness may differ from the second thickness, preferably at least by at least 10 %, by at least 20 % or by at least 50 %.

[0054] Preferably, the apparel part is a footwear part, wherein the footwear part may be part of an article of footwear or comprise the entire article of footwear. An article of footwear may comprise at least an upper, a sole unit and / or a closure unit. The sole unit preferably comprises an outsole and a midsole and may additionally comprise an insole. In a preferred embodiment, the article of apparel, in particular the apparel part, is a sports shoe, in particular a running shoe, a tennis shoe, or the like, a sneaker, a hiking shoe, or the like.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the textile element may be a textile upper element of the footwear part. The textile upper element may be part of the upper or form the entire upper, i.e. the upper may comprise one or more upper elements. The upper may also comprise one or more additional upper elements, wherein the additional upper element may also be a textile, but alternatively a leather element, a rubber element, a synthetic leather element, a (thermo-)plastic element, e.g. an EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate) element, a PU (Polyurethane) element, etc., a feather element, a foam element, a metal element, or the like.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the shaping carrier may be implemented as a footwear last. The footwear last may be used to define the shape of at least the upper element of the upper and preferably the shape of the upper. In particular, in the preferred embodiment in which the apparel part is implemented as a footwear part, the apparel element, in particular the production element, may be a sole element. The sole element may be part of the sole unit or form the entire sole unit. The sole element may, for example, be part of the midsole, the outsole, or the insole, or form the corresponding component. The sole element may, for example, be made, in particular at least partially, from polyester, polyamide, polyether block amide, polyurethane, EVA, polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or mixtures thereof.

[0057] One preferred material combination may be PEBAX® (Arkema) for the midsole and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), such as Desmopan® 2790A or Desmopan® 9392A (Covestro), for the thermoplastic filament. A synthetic rubber may be preferred for the outsole.

[0058] When manufacturing the midsole, softened PEBAX® (Arkema) may be injection-molded and foamed. Alternatively, PEBAX® (Arkema) may be 3D-printed and possibly then foamed to form the midsole. The midsole may afterwards be attached to the footwear last. The rubber outsole may be attached to the midsole by glueing or any other applicable method, in particular before or after attaching the midsole to the footwear last. Finally, the thermoplastic filament, made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), may be applied to the footwear last to form the textile upper element. The midsole may be connected to the textile upper element by applying the thermoplastic filament also partly onto the midsole.

[0059] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 7 / 32

[0060] Alternatively, the textile upper element may be formed by applying the thermoplastic filament, made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), on the footwear last first, whereupon softened PEBAX® (Arkema) may be directly injection-molded or 3D-printed to an underside of the textile upper element, and may afterwards possibly be foamed, to form the midsole. Finally, the rubber outsole may be fastened to an underside of the midsole by any applicable method, for example glueing.

[0061] For increased recyclability, the thermoplastic filament and the sole unit, in particular the midsole, the outsole, and possibly the insole, may all be made from the same material or the same material composition, or at least from chemically similar materials or chemically similar material compositions, like, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0062] The textile element contact surface is preferably part of the apparel part contact surface of the shaping carrier. The apparel part contact surface particularly refers to a surface of the shaping carrier on which the apparel part after being manufactured rests. Preferably, the apparel part contact surface may comprise a production element contact surface, in particular a sole element contact surface. The production element contact surface, in particularthe sole element contact surface, may referto a surface of the shaping carrier on which the production element, in particular the sole element, rests when held to the shaping carrier.

[0063] The manufacturing device may be configured to apply the textile element to the shaping carrier to shape the textile element thereon. The apparel element, in particular the sole element, is preferably fixed to the shaping carrier, in particularthe footwear last, at least while the textile element, in particularthe textile upper element, is applied to the shaping carrier. The manufacturing device may comprise a textile output unit to provide a filament for application onto the shaping carrier to form the textile element. The textile output unit may comprise a dosing unit, a melting unit, and / or a nozzle unit. An example of such a textile output unit is disclosed in WO 2022 / 069583 A1 .

[0064] The melting unit may be configured to melt a filament material, e.g. a polymer composition or the like, which may then be used to manufacture the textile element. The melting unit may include an extruder, with the extruder possibly having a barrel and a screw. The screw may be arranged inside the barrel. The melting device may also include an output material heating unit. The filament material may be melted by the output material heating unit. By means of the nozzle unit the molten filament material may be dispensed.

[0065] The dosing unit may comprise a pump, a pump drive and a dosing head. The pump may be configured to generate pressure for dispensing the molten filament material, as the filament in particular through the nozzle unit. The pump may be configured to control, in particular fine tune, the output pressure of the molten filament material through the nozzle unit. The nozzle unit may comprise one or more gas outlet openings, through which a flow of gas, in particular compressed air, may be output. The flow of gas may be provided to influence the filament emerging from the nozzle unit. Preferably, the nozzle unit is designed in such a way that a helical filament is produced. In a preferred embodiment, this helical shape of the filament may be generated by a corresponding application of gas flow from several gas outlet openings. Alternatively, the nozzle unit may also be rotated to create the helical shape of the filament.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the manufacturing device comprises the handling unit to control an application path of the filament onto the shaping carrier. The application path preferably refers to the relative movement path of the nozzle unit with regard to the shaping carrier. The handling unit may be configured to generate a relative movement of the shaping carrier and the textile output unit, in particular the nozzle ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 8 / 32

[0067] unit. For example, the handling unit may be, preferably detachably, connected to the shaping carrier to move it. Alternatively, or additionally, the handling unit may be connected to the nozzle unit or may also be part of the textile output unit to move the nozzle unit. The handling unit may be implemented as or may comprise a robotic handler or the like.

[0068] The mechanical fixing unit may be integrated with the shaping carrier. The mechanical fixing unit integrated with the shaping carrier may be detachably or permanently integrated with the shaping carrier. By adjusting the mechanical fixing unit, it may at least switch between a release state and a holding state. The mechanical fixing unit may be configured to hold the production element at the shaping carrier, preferably in the holding state. The production element may be released from the shaping carrier when the mechanical fixing unit is in the release state. In otherwords, a holding function of the mechanical fixing unit may be disabled in the release state.

[0069] The mechanical fixing unit may be arranged at least partially on an outer side of the shaping carrier, preferably at least visible and / or accessible, preferably at least in the holding state. The mechanical fixing unit may be arranged on the apparel part contact surface, in particular on the production element contact surface.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the shaping carrier may be a footwear last and the mechanical fixing unit is provided to mechanically hold a, in particular the aforementioned, sole element at the footwear last. This allows an adjustable mechanical fixing of a sole element at a footwear last. A particularly flexible and simple holding function of a sole element at a footwear last can be realized. Through this the production of a footwear part can be automated in a particularly simple and efficient way and a simple and reliable manufacturing device for manufacturing an apparel part can be provided.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical fixing unit may comprise a holding element. The holding element may enclose at least part of the apparel element, preferably the midsole and the shaping carrier. The holding element may be made from a textile fabric, a silicone or the like. The holding element may comprise at least one fastening element so that the holding element can be attached to and later be detached from the shaping carrier and the apparel element during or after applying the thermoplastic filament onto the shaping carrier. The fastening element may be a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a hook fastener or the like. The fastening element may preferably be positioned in an area of the holding element located at the midsole.

[0072] The textile element, in particular the textile upper element, may at least partially be applied to the apparel element, in particular the sole element, thereby connecting the textile element, in particular the textile upper element, to the apparel element, in particular the sole element. The connection of the textile element, in particular the textile upper element, and the apparel element, in particular the sole element, is preferably a material bond.

[0073] Connecting the textile element to the apparel element may be performed while shaping the textile element. Thus, the creation and shaping of the textile element, as well as its connection to the apparel element, can be carried out in a single process step. This enables a particularly fast manufacturing process while using a minimal number of components.

[0074] For example, a first part of the textile element may be formed on the shaping carrier and on the apparel element simultaneously. By applying the filament onto the apparel element, a connection between the filament, in particular the textile element, and the apparel element may be established. Connecting the ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 9 / 32

[0075] textile element to the apparel element may be performed while shaping the textile element, which may be understood to mean also that a first part of the textile element is initially formed by applying the filament to the apparel element to establish the connection between the textile element and the apparel element prior to applying the filament onto the shaping carrier to form a second part of the textile element. The first part may be configured for the connection of the textile element, in particular the textile upper element, to the apparel element, in particular the sole element. The second part may form the actual part of the textile element, in particular the textile upper element, shaped on the shaping carrier. The first part preferably represents a transition area between the apparel element, in particular the sole element, and the actual textile element, in particular the actual textile upper element, shaped on the shaping carrier. The first part and the second part of the textile element are preferably integrally connected and are, in particular, formed from a continuous filament. Preferably, the textile element is formed from a continuous filament or at least from a filament having a length of more than 500 m, in particular of more than 750 m, preferably of more than 1000 m and most preferably of more than 1250 m. Alternatively, the application of the textile element may also proceed in the opposite order, meaning that initially, a first part of the textile element is shaped on the shaping carrier.

[0076] The mechanical fixing unit may comprise at least one mechanical fixing element which is movably arranged with respect to the shaping carrier. The movable mechanical fixing element allows to create a holding state and a release state in a particularly simple manner. Furthermore, an advantageously reliable switching between a holding state and a release state of the mechanical fixing unit can be achieved. This supports the smooth manufacturing of an apparel part. By moving the mechanical fixing element relative to the shaping carrier, the release state or the holding state may be generated. Preferably, the at least one mechanical fixing element is movably mounted inside the shaping carrier.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one mechanical fixing element protrudes from the shaping carrier in the holding state of the mechanical fixing unit. This allows the production element to be held reliably on the shaping carrier. The at least one mechanical fixing element may protrude from the shaping carrier in the holding state to interact with the production element to hold the production element at the shaping carrier.

[0078] The at least one mechanical fixing element may be retracted into the shaping carrier in a release state of the mechanical fixing unit. This makes it particularly easy to remove the production element from the shaping carrier. The mechanical fixing element can be arranged in such a way that collisions with objects or snagging of the mechanical fixing element can be prevented, thus preventing damage. By retracting the mechanical fixing element into the shaping carrier, a particularly space-saving arrangement can be achieved, at least in the release state. Thus, the shaping carrier can be transported particularly conveniently and safely. The at least one mechanical fixing element may be arranged completely within the shaping carrier in the release state.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one mechanical fixing element may be implemented as a penetrating element for at least partially penetrating the production element. This allows mechanical fixation to be provided in a particularly simple and efficient manner. The production of the apparel part, and in particular holding the production element at the shaping carrier, can thus be realized in a cost-effective manner. The penetrating element is preferably implemented as a needle. Alternatively, the penetrating element may be implemented as a screw, as a pin, or the like. The penetrating element may be configured ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 10 / 32

[0080] to at least partially penetrate the production element, preferably in the holding state, to hold the production element at the shaping carrier. In a preferred embodiment, where the production element is implemented as the sole element, the sole element may have a soft texture that is at least partly penetrated, but preferably not substantially damaged, by the penetrating element when held at the shaping carrier.

[0081] The at least one mechanical fixing element may be arranged obliquely to a production element contact surface, in particularthe aforementioned production element contact surface, of the shaping carrier. This allows the production element to be securely and reliably attached to the shaping carrier. Herein, the term “obliquely” may refer to different from parallel and / or different from perpendicular, preferably to an angle greater than 0°, preferably greater than 20°, particularly preferable greater than 30° and less than 90°, preferably less than 70°, particularly preferable less than 50°. The term “obliquely” may also refer to angles greaterthan 90°. A longitudinal axis of the at least one mechanical fixing element may form an angle with the production element contact surface which may be greater than 0°, preferably greater than 20°, particularly preferable greater than 30°. The angle enclosed by the longitudinal axis of the at least one mechanical fixing element and the production element contact surface may be less than 90°, preferably less than 70°, particularly preferable less than 50°. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the at least one mechanical fixing element is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the production element contact surface. The at least one mechanical fixing element may be arranged obliquely in a longitudinal direction of the production element contact surface.

[0082] The mechanical fixing unit may comprise at least one further mechanical fixing element which may be arranged angled with respect to the at least one mechanical fixing element. This allows the production element to be securely and reliably attached to the shaping carrier. The further mechanical fixing element may be implemented analogously to the mechanical fixing element. Herein, the term “angled” may correspond to perpendicular or obliquely, preferably different from parallel. Respective longitudinal axes of the at least one mechanical fixing element and the at least one further mechanical fixing element may be perpendicular to each other or obliquely arranged relative to each other. The respective longitudinal axes of the at least one mechanical fixing element and the at least one further mechanical fixing element may be arranged in a common plane. Alternatively, the respective longitudinal axes of the at least one mechanical fixing element and the at least one further mechanical fixing element may be arranged in different planes. The at least one mechanical fixing element and the at least one further mechanical fixing element may be arranged facing away from each other, but preferably not in opposite directions. By the arrangement of the at least one mechanical fixing element and the at least one further mechanical fixing element away from each other, the production element, in particular the sole element, may be stretched when switching the mechanical fixing unit to the holding state which can improve the holding properties of the production element, in particularthe sole element, at the shaping carrier, in particularthe footwear last.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical fixing unit may comprise an actuation unit for manually actuating the at least one mechanical fixing element. Thus, a particularly simple design of the manufacturing device can be realized as well as a universal applicability. It is particularly easy to adjust the mechanical fixing unit, in particular to switch between the release state and the holding state of the mechanical fixing unit. The term “manually actuating” may refer to an actuation by a person and / or the handling unit, in particular the robotic handler, for example via a robotic arm and / or an end effector. For example, the actuation unit may comprise an eyelet or the like and the robotic handler, which is connected to the footwear ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 11 / 32

[0084] last, may move the footwear last, in particular the eyelet, to a hook of the manufacturing device in order to actuate the at least one fixing element through the interaction of the hook with the eyelet. Alternatively, the actuator unit may comprise a hookorthe like configured to interact with an eyelet orthe like via a movement of the handling unit to actuate the at least one mechanical fixing element. Actuating the at least one mechanical fixing element by means of the actuation unit may correspond to moving the at least one mechanical fixing element relative to the shaping carrier, preferably between the protruded state and the retracted state of the at least one mechanical fixing element. The actuation unit may be connected to the at least one mechanical fixing element. The actuation unit may comprise an actuation element, which may be configured to be moved translatory and / or rotationally to actuate the at least one mechanical fixing element. For example, the actuation element may be configured to be moved translatory and / or rotationally to create a rotational and / or translatory movement of the at least one mechanical fixing element for switching between the holding state and the release state.

[0085] The actuation unit may comprise a handle and a rod which is connected to the handle, and which is implemented to move the at least one mechanical fixing element when moving the handle. Thereby, a reliable actuation unit can be realized easily and cost-effectively. The handle may protrude from the shaping carrier for manual actuation. For example, by moving the handle the rod may be moved to generate a movement of the at least one mechanical fixing element for generating the holding state or the release state. In a preferred embodiment, the handle and / or the rod may be pushable and / or pullable to enable the holding state or the release state. By pushing and / or pulling the rod via the handle, the at least one mechanical fixing element may be pushed or pulled respectively to enable the holding state orthe release state. The rod may have a division, for example into a rod part and at least one further rod part. For example, the at least one mechanical fixing element may be arranged at the rod part, preferably at a free end of the rod part, and the at least one further mechanical fixing element may be arranged at the at least one further rod part, preferably at a free end of the at least one further rod part. The shaping carrier may comprise a guide channel for the rod. The rod may be movably arranged in the guide channel of the shaping carrier. The rod may, for example, be made, in particular at least partially, from Polytetrafluorethylen (PTFE) orthe like. The guide channel and / or the rod may comprise a coating to improve gliding properties of the rod in the guide channel, for example an enamel coating or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the rod and / or the guide channel may be lubricated with a lubricant for improved gliding properties of the rod in the guide channel. The handle is preferably arranged in an upper heel area of the shaping carrier if the shaping carrier is implemented as the footwear last. Alternatively, the handle may be arranged at any other location with regard to the shaping carrier that seems to be suitable for a skilled person. The handle may comprise the eyelet.

[0086] Alternatively, or additionally, the mechanical fixing unit may comprise a drive unit to automatically actuate the at least one mechanical fixing element. Thus, a movement of the at least one mechanical fixing element can be generated automatically which allows an automatic actuation of the mechanical fixing unit in a particularly simple way and enables a highly automated manufacturing process of apparel parts. The drive unit may be connected to an operating resource interface of the shaping carrier for energy supply. The operating resource interface may be configured for connecting to a corresponding interface unit of the handling unit and / or a supply unit of the manufacturing device to exchange at least one operating resource. The drive unit may be supplied with a suitable energy via the operating resource interface.

[0087] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 12 / 32

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit may comprise at least one linear actuator to move the at least one mechanical fixing element. This enables particularly precise control of the at least one mechanical fixing element. A gearbox can be dispensed with so that mechanical losses can be reduced. A drive unit with few moving parts and / or a compact design can be provided. Additionally, or alternatively, the drive unit may also comprise at least one non-linear drive.

[0089] The drive unit may comprise a pneumatic drive and / or an electric drive to move the at least one mechanical fixing element. A drive unit with a fast response time can be provided so that a holding function can be utilized with particular precision by the mechanical fixing unit. The pneumatic drive may be connected to the gas exchange interface of the manufacturing device, in particular the shaping carrier, wherein the pneumatic drive may be supplied with compressed air to operate from the supply unit and / or the handling unit via the gas exchange interface. The gas exchange interface may be part of the operating resource interface. The electric drive may be connected to the operating resource interface, wherein the electric drive may be supplied with electrical energy to operate from the supply unit and / or the handling unit via the operating resource interface. The linear actuator may comprise the pneumatic drive and / or the electric drive.

[0090] The mechanical fixing unit may comprise at least one further drive unit to actuate the at least one further mechanical fixing element. The at least one further drive unit may be implemented analogously to the at least one drive unit. Alternatively, the drive unit may also be configured to actuate the at least one mechanical fixing element and the at least one further mechanical fixing element simultaneously.

[0091] The holding unit for holding the production element at the shaping carrier by a negative pressure may be integrated with the shaping carrier. The holding unit may be detachably or permanently integrated with the shaping carrier. The holding function provided by the holding unit may be adjustable, i.e. it may be enabled, disabled, and / or a holding strength may be adjusted. Preferably, by adjusting the holding unit, it may at least switch between a release state and a holding state, in particular analogous to the mechanical fixing unit. The holding unit may be configured to hold the production element at the shaping carrier, preferably in the holding state. The production element may be released from the shaping carrier when the holding unit is in the release state. In other words, a holding function of the holding unit may be disabled in the release state. Preferably, the holding unit may be configured to hold the production element to the shaping carrier at least while applying the textile element onto the shaping carrier. This allows the manufacturing process, particularly the handling of the shaping carrier, to be easily automated. As a result, production can be carried out with minimal personnel requirements.

[0092] The holding unit, preferably the at least one feedthrough, may be arranged at least partially on an outer side of the shaping carrier, preferably at least visible and / or accessible. The holding unit, preferably the at least one feedthrough, may be arranged on the apparel part contact surface, in particular on the production element contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, the feedthrough may be arranged on the shaping carrier, in particular on the production element contact surface. The holding unit, preferably the at least one feedthrough, may form at least part of the outer surface of the shaping carrier, for example, at least part of the apparel part contact surface, in particular at least part of the production element contact surface.

[0093] The negative pressure at the feedthrough may be provided by a negative pressure unit of the manufacturing device. The holding unit may comprise the negative pressure unit to generate the negative ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 13 / 32

[0094] pressure. The negative pressure unit may comprise a vacuum pump or the like. The negative pressure unit may be fluidically connected to the feedthrough, for example, via the gas duct unit. The negative pressure unit may be arranged separately from the shaping carrier. Alternatively, the negative pressure unit may be at least partially integrated with the shaping carrier. A negative pressure holding element that is particularly suited for holding the production element at the shaping carrier via negative pressure may be part of the production element or part of a fixation unit that is attached to the production element. The negative pressure holding element may be implemented as a surface and / or made from a material that is particularly suited for holding the production element at the shaping carrier via negative pressure, e.g. a rubber element orthe like. The production element may be held directly at the shaping carrier by negative pressure, wherein the production element may be implemented without a negative pressure holding element specifically designed for holding the production element at the shaping carrier.

[0095] The mechanical fixing unit is preferably configured to interact with at least one corresponding mechanical holding element that is part of the production element or part of the fixation unit attached to the production element. The at least one mechanical holding element may be implemented to correspond to the at least one mechanical fixing element of the mechanical fixing unit, for example, as a pinnable material, as a corresponding clamping element, in particular as a clamping recess or the like, as a corresponding form-fitting element, orthe like. The mechanical fixing unit may interact directly with the production element for holding the production element at the shaping carrier, wherein the production element may be implemented without a mechanical holding element specifically designed to interact with the mechanical fixing unit.

[0096] A separate, in particular the previously mentioned, fixation unit may be detachably fixed to the production element, priorto detachably fixing the production element to the shaping carrier using the fixation unit. Advantageously, the fixation unit is removed after the manufacturing of the apparel part. Thus, the production element can be designed in a particularly flexible way, especially since no holding elements need to be permanently integrated into the production element to hold it to the shaping carrier. The production element can be easily adapted or supplemented for holding to the holding unit and / or the mechanical fixing unit. Thus, the holding unit and / or the mechanical fixing unit can be used to hold a variety of different production elements, particularly without needing to adjust the holding unit and / or the mechanical fixing unit respectively.

[0097] The fixation unit may comprise at least one fixation element, e.g. the at least one mechanical holding element and / or the at least one negative pressure holding element. The at least one fixing element may preferably be implemented corresponding to the holding unit to enable interaction with it for holding purposes.

[0098] The type of attachment between the fixation unit and the production element, in particular the apparel element, may differ from the type of attachment between the fixation unit and the shaping carrier, in particular the holding unit and / or the mechanical fixing unit. Alternatively, the types of attachment between the fixation unit and the production element and between the fixation unit and the shaping carrier, in particularthe holding unit and / orthe mechanical fixing unit, may also be the same. Preferably, the fixation unit may be mechanically fixed, for example via one or more pins or needles, orthe like, adhesively fixed, for example, via adhesive tape, or via another fixing method that would seem reasonable to a skilled person. The fixation unit is preferably part of the manufacturing device.

[0099] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 14 / 32

[0100] Furthermore, the fixation unit may be detached from the production element, in particular the apparel element, by using a release unit of the fixation unit. This allows the fixation unit to be removed from the production element in a particularly convenient manner. It also enables an acceleration of the manufacturing process, thereby reducing the cost of producing apparel parts.

[0101] The release unit may comprise at least one release element that is attached to the at least one fixation element of the fixation unit. The release element may be, for example, a push element, a slide element, a hook element, a strap or strip element, or the like. The detaching of the fixation unit from the production element may be performed manually or automatically, preferably via the handling unit. By using the release element, the fixation element may be detached from the production element, in particular the apparel element.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production element may be held at the shaping carrier by negative pressure, in particular provided by the negative pressure unit. Alternatively, the negative pressure may also be generated by the use of compressed air supplied by a compressed air supply of the manufacturing device.

[0103] The holding unit may comprise a plurality of feedthroughs. The plurality of feedthroughs may be arranged, preferably evenly, on the shaping carrier, in particular on the production element contact surface. The plurality of feedthroughs may also be arranged in specific formations and / or patterns, for example in several spaced-apart islands, each having one or more feedthroughs. The islands may have different shapes, such as circle-shaped, square-shaped, rectangle-shaped, line-shaped, triangle-shaped, ellipticalshaped or the like. The feedthroughs may be distributed over a majority area of the production element contact surface. The feedthroughs may have various shapes, such as circular, rectangular, square, triangular, or the like. The feedthroughs may have different sizes. Alternatively, the feedthroughs may also be identical, at least in terms of size and / or shape.

[0104] The shaping carrier, in particular the holding unit, may comprise at least one gas duct channel connected to the at least one feedthrough. The at least one gas duct channel may be configured to connect the feedthrough fluidically to the gas exchange interface of the manufacturing device, in particular the shaping carrier. The at least one gas duct channel may run inside the shaping carrier. The gas exchange interface may be arranged on the shaping carrier, in particular separate to the production element contact surface and / or the textile element contact surface of the shaping carrier. The gas exchange interface may be configured for the supply of negative pressure and / or compressed air to the shaping carrier, in particular to the holding unit.

[0105] The manufacturing device and / orthe manufacturing system may comprise the control unitto control the manufacturing method, in particular the textile output unit, the holding unit, in particular the negative pressure unit and / orthe compressed air supply, the mechanical fixing unit, in particularthe drive unit of the mechanical fixing unit, and / orthe handling unit. In a preferred embodiment, the holding unit may be supplied via the handling unit and / or the supply unit of the manufacturing device with negative pressure and / or compressed air. The handling unit and / orthe supply unit may comprise an interface unit for connecting to the gas exchange interface to exchange gas with the shaping carrier, in particular the holding unit, for providing the negative pressure and / orthe compressed air. Alternatively, the supply unit may also be part of the holding unit and may be integrated with the shaping carrier, too. The gas exchange interface may be part of the operating resource interface. Other operating resources may be electrical energy or the like. ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 15 / 32

[0106] The manufacturing device and / or the manufacturing system may comprise an input unit for a manual user input to control operating parameters of the manufacturing device and / or the manufacturing system. The input unit may be connected to the control unit for the transmission of control commands, in particular data transmission. The input unit may comprise a touchscreen, a keyboard, a button, a knob, or the like.

[0107] The manufacturing device may and / or the manufacturing system comprise a gas duct unit for connecting the shaping carrier, in particular the feedthrough, to the negative pressure unit and / or the compressed air supply, preferably via the operating source interface. The gas duct unit may comprise one or more gas ducts, in particular gas pipes and / or gas tubes and / or the like for fluidically connecting the operating source interface, in particular the gas exchange interface, with the negative pressure unit and / or the compressed air supply. The feedthrough may be fluidically connected to the negative pressure unit and / or the compressed air supply via the gas duct unit and the at least one gas duct channel. The gas duct unit may be integrated with the handling unit or implemented separately from the handling unit.

[0108] Alternatively, or additionally, in one embodiment where the shaping carrier is a footwear last, the holding unit may be configured to hold the sole element at the footwear last by the negative pressure. This allows an adjustable holding function to be provided without any moving parts. This means that a particularly reliable and robust fixation of the sole element to the shaping carrier can be realized, which is advantageously switchable.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the holding unit comprises a sealing unit provided to establish an airtight seal between the production element and the shaping carrier. Thereby, a negative pressure can be kept particularly stable to hold the production element to the shaping carrier, even without continuously evacuating by means of the negative pressure unit and / orthe compressed air supply, and a reliable holding function can be realized. The sealing unit may comprise one or more sealing elements. The sealing element may be implemented as a rubber gasket, in particular as a sealing ring, or the like. The sealing unit may be attached to the shaping carrier, for example adhesively, mechanically or the like.

[0110] The holding unit may comprise a surface channel structure formed on the production element contact surface of the shaping carrier, the surface channel structure being fluidically connected to the feedthrough. This allows the negative pressure for holding the production element on the shaping carrier to be distributed over an area of the production element contact surface. This improves the holding properties of the holding unit. The surface channel structure may be implemented as a trench-like recess or as trench-like recesses in the production element contact surface. The surface channel structure may be covered by the production element when the latter is held at the shaping carrier.

[0111] The sealing unit may enclose the surface channel structure. Through this the negative pressure can be reliably generated via the surface channel structure. The sealing unit may encircle at least a part of the production element contact surface over which the surface channel structure extends. The production element contact surface, the sealing unit and the production element may define a space in which the negative pressure may be generated.

[0112] The sealing unit may encircle a majority area of the production element contact surface. This allows the production element to be pressurized over a large area. Herein, the term “majority area” of a surface may be understood as at least 50 %, preferably at least 75 %, more preferably at least 90 % of the entire

[0113] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 16 / 32

[0114] surface. Thus, the surface channel structure may extend over a majority area of the production element contact surface, too.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the surface channel structure may comprise at least one channel comprising at least one change of direction. This allows the production element to be applied with the negative pressure over a particularly large area, thus achieving advantageous holding properties. The change of direction may include a curve, a bend, an intersection, a combination thereof, or the like.

[0116] The surface channel structure may comprise at least one channel, in particular the aforementioned at least one channel, which may run at least partially along a longitudinal direction of the production element contact surface. In this way, a stable holding of an elongated production element can be achieved. The longitudinal direction may run parallel to a longitudinal axis of the production element contact surface. A channel running at least partially along a longitudinal direction may mean in the present context that at least one section of the channel runs at an angle of at most 30°, preferably at most 20° and most preferably at most 10° to the longitudinal direction.

[0117] Furthermore, the surface channel structure may comprise at least one channel, in particular the aforementioned at least one channel, which may run at least partially angled to the longitudinal direction of the production element contact surface. This can improve the holding properties of the holding unit. The application of the negative pressure by a channel section running at least partially angled to the longitudinal direction enhances the holding force specifically with regard to tilting motions around the longitudinal direction, as it provides lateral stabilization and constrains rotational degrees of freedom. The at least one channel may comprise several channel sections with at least partially different and / or matching orientations with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment the production element contact surface may be curved corresponding to a curvature of a shaping carrier contact surface of the production element. This allows the negative pressure to act particularly effectively to hold the production element on the shaping carrier. The production element can be held reliably and stably at the shaping carrier. If the shaping carrier is a footwear last, the production element contact surface may mirror a footbed’s contour. The shaping carrier contact surface may be in contact with the production element contact surface when the production element is held at the shaping carrier.

[0119] Alternatively, or additionally, the holding unit may comprise at least one suction cup for holding the production element at the shaping carrier. This makes it particularly easy to create a seal to enable an effective suction effect to hold the production element at the shaping carrier. There is no need for an elaborate seal around the production element contact surface. The suction cup may be fluidically connected to the at least one feedthrough. Preferably, the suction cup may be arranged at the at least one feedthrough.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the manufacturing device may comprise a gas exchange interface, in particular the aforementioned gas exchange interface, for connecting to a, in particular the already aforementioned, compressed air supply, wherein the at least one feedthrough is fluidically connected to the gas exchange interface via a suction port of a venturi nozzle. By guiding compressed air through the venturi nozzle, a negative pressure may be generated at the suction port of the venturi nozzle, which may be used to hold the production element at the shaping carrier. This means that compressed air can also be used to hold the production element at the shaping carrier. Thus, during the manufacture of the apparel part and / or the operation of the manufacturing device, compressed air that may already be ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 17 / 32

[0121] available can be used to provide the holding function, so that costs can be saved and a compact manufacturing device and / or manufacturing system can be realized. The venturi nozzle may be part of the manufacturing device, preferably the holding unit. The compressed air supply may be implemented by the handling unit and / or the supply unit.

[0122] The manufacturing device may further comprise a robotic interface for connecting to a, in particular the aforementioned, robotic handler, wherein the robotic interface comprises a centering element for precise positioning of the shaping carrier with respect to the robotic handler. This allows for precise automatic manufacturing of apparel parts. Thus, high quality footwear products can be manufactured in a highly automated manner.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the gas exchange interface is integrated with the robotic interface, in particular with the centering element. This enables a particularly compact design of the manufacturing device.

[0124] For example, the manufacturing system may additionally comprise a printer unit to apply a print onto the apparel part. The manufacturing system may comprise a plasma unit to treat the apparel part, in particular a surface of the textile element and / or the apparel element, for example prior to applying the print via the printer unit. The handling unit may convey the apparel part at least between the textile output unit, the printer unit, a heating chamber, and the plasma unit. The heating chamber may be configured for heating the production element and / or the shaping carrier, preferably prior to the application of the textile element. The mechanical fixing unit and / or the holding unit may be heat-resistant, i.e. may be made from heat resistant materials, up to a temperature of 250°C, preferably up to 300°C and particularly preferable up to 350°C.

[0125] The heating chamber may be implemented as an oven, a heating tunnel, and / or the like. The heating chamber may comprise a controller to maintain a certain temperature of the production element and / or the shaping carrier. After heating via the heating chamber, the production element and / or the shaping carrier may be conveyed to a further manufacturing station, preferably the textile output unit. The conveying is preferably carried out by the robotic handler of the handling unit. The robotic handler may be configured to automatically pick up the production element and / or the shaping carrier from the heating chamber and to convey the production element and / or the shaping carrier to the textile output unit.

[0126] The manufacturing system may be implemented as a footwear manufacturing station that enables the preferably automated production of an article of footwear, in particular of a footwear part. The manufacturing device, the handling unit, the supply unit, the printer unit, and / or the plasma unit may be integrated in the footwear manufacturing station. The footwear manufacturing station may comprise a frame unit, in which the manufacturing device, the handling unit, the supply unit, the printer unit, and / orthe plasma unit may be arranged. The manufacturing device, the handling unit, the supply unit, the printer unit, and / or the plasma unit may be connected to the frame unit. The frame unit may be an enclosure.

[0127] The textile element may be shaped on the shaping carrier by applying a thermoplastic filament onto the shaping carrier to form a plurality of path segments, in particular loops, on the shaping carrier along the application path. This allows for a process that enables the production of a textile element in a very short time. In this way, production costs can particularly be saved. In this context, reference is made to WO 2022 / 069583 A1 , in which the application of a helical filament of a molten polymer composition onto a shaping carrier to form an upper of a footwear article is described. In a preferred embodiment, at least part ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 18 / 32

[0128] of the textile element is applied onto the apparel element to form a plurality of path segments, in particular loops, along the application path, and connecting the textile element to the apparel element.

[0129] The devices and methods disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, these may include a number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps that deviates from the number specified herein to achieve the functionality described. Furthermore, values within the specified ranges in this disclosure are considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily, even if they fall within the stated limits.

[0130] It is specifically noted that all features and characteristics described with respect to a device, as well as methods, are also applicable to methods in an analogous manner and can be used as method steps within the scope of the invention, and are considered disclosed as such. Likewise, method steps disclosed within the context of the present invention are to be regarded as device features that can be incorporated into a device. This means that structural, device-related features mentioned with respect to methods can also be taken into account, claimed, and counted as part of the disclosure within the context of the device claims.

[0131] The present invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures, the description, and the claims include numerous features in combination. The skilled person will appropriately consider the features individually and use them in a sensible combination within the scope of the claims.

[0132] If more than one instance of any of the components described below is present, only one of them may be assigned a reference numeral in the figures and description. The description of this instance can be correspondingly applied to the other instances of the component. If objects are specifically named using ordinal numbers, such as first, second, third object, etc., these serve for naming and / or assigning objects. Therefore, for example, a first object and a third object but not a second object may be included. However, based on the numerals, the number and / or order of the objects could additionally be inferred.

[0133] Brief description of the drawings

[0134] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0135] Fig. 1 contains a schematic representation of a manufacturing system for manufacturing an apparel part, namely a footwear part, comprising a manufacturing device.

[0136] Fig. 2 contains a perspective view of the footwear part manufactured by the manufacturing system.

[0137] Fig. 3 a shows a schematic representation of a shaping carrier of the manufacturing device in a cross-sectional side view.

[0138] Fig. 4 depicts a schematic sequence of a method for manufacturing the footwear part.

[0139] Fig. 5 shows a shaping carrier of a second embodiment in a cross-sectional side view.

[0140] Fig. 6 contains a schematic representation of a part of a manufacturing device of a third embodiment.

[0141] Fig. 7 shows a shaping carrier of the manufacturing device of Fig. 6 in a bottom view.

[0142] Fig. 8 contains a bottom view of a shaping carrier of a manufacturing device of a fourth embodiment.

[0143] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 19 / 32

[0144] Fig. 9 depicts a suction cup of the shaping carrier of Fig. 8, arranged on a bottom side of the shaping carrier, in a perspective view.

[0145] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a part of a manufacturing device of a fifth embodiment.

[0146] Fig. 11 shows a top view of a shaping carrierand a sole element in a sixth alternative embodiment. Fig. 12 shows a bottom view of the shaping carrier and the sole element in the sixth alternative embodiment.

[0147] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a shaping carrier in a seventh alternative embodiment. Fig.14 shows a side view of a shaping carrier in an eight alternative embodiment.

[0148] Fig.15 shows a side view of a shaping carrier in a ninth alternative embodiment.

[0149] Fig.16 shows an isometric view of a shaping carrier in a tenth alternative embodiment.

[0150] Fig. 17 shows cross-sectional views of the shaping carrier in the tenth alternative embodiment. Fig. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an inflatable part in an eleventh alternative embodiment.

[0151] Detailed Description

[0152] Fig. 1 shows a schematic overview of a manufacturing system 12a comprising a manufacturing device 10a for manufacturing a footwear part 14a.

[0153] The manufactured footwear part 14a is depicted schematically in Fig. 2. The footwear part 14a is part of an article of footwear, in particular a running shoe. The footwear part 14a comprises a textile upper element 16a and a sole element 18a. The sole element 18a is part of a sole unit of the article of footwear. The sole element 18a is a midsole. The article of footwear comprises an outsole that is attached to the sole element 18a (not shown here). Alternatively, the manufacturing device 10a can also be configured for manufacturing an apparel part different from a footwear part, having a textile element and / or an apparel element.

[0154] The textile upper element 16a forms an upper of the footwear part 14a. The textile upper element 16a is a textile made from a polymer composition. The textile upper element 16a is formed by a thermoplastic filament. The filament forming the textile upper element 16a consists of a plurality of path segments in the form of intersecting loops (not shown here). Alternatively, the upper can comprise one or more additional upper elements, for example a further textile element, a leather element, a rubber element, a synthetic leather element, a plastic element, a feather element, a foam element, a metal element, or the like, connected to the textile upper element 16a.

[0155] The manufacturing device 10a comprises a shaping carrier 20a for shaping the textile upper element 16a thereon. The shaping carrier20a is embodied as a footwear last. By applying the textile upper element 16a onto a textile element contact surface 26a of the shaping carrier 20a a shape of the textile upper element 16a can be defined (cf. Fig. 1).

[0156] The manufacturing device 10a comprises a textile output unit 62a to apply the textile upper element 16a onto the shaping carrier 20a. The textile output unit 62a is configured for applying at least part of the textile upper element 16a onto the sole element 18a and for connecting the textile upper element 16a to the sole element 18.

[0157] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 20 / 32

[0158] The textile output unit 62a provides a filament F for applying onto the shaping carrier 20a to form the intersecting loops of the textile upper element 16a. The textile output unit 62a comprises a dosing unit 78a, a melting unit 64a and a nozzle unit 76a.

[0159] The melting unit 64a is configured to melt a polymer composition, which is then used to manufacture the textile upper element 16a. The melting unit 64a comprises an extruder having a barrel 66a and a screw 68a. The screw 68a is arranged in the barrel 66a. For melting the polymer composition, the melting unit 64a comprises an output material heating unit (not shown).

[0160] The nozzle unit 76a is configured to dispense the molten polymer composition. The dosing unit 78a comprises a pump 72a, a pump drive 74a to drive the pump 72a and a dosing head 70a. The pump 72a generates pressure for dispensing the molten polymer composition as the filament F through the nozzle unit 76a. The pump 72a is configured to control, in particular fine tune, the output pressure of the molten polymer composition through the nozzle unit 76a. The nozzle unit 76a comprises a plurality of gas outlet openings (not shown here), through which a flow of gas, in particular compressed air, is output. The flow of gas output by the gas outlet openings is used to influence the filament emerging from the nozzle unit 76a to form a helical shaped filament F. The textile output unit 62a and the method of forming the helical shaped filament F is disclosed in more detail in WO 2022 / 069583 A1 .

[0161] The polymer composition is a thermoplastic polyurethane, such as Desmopan® 2790A or Desmopan® 9392A (Covestro). The sole element 18a may be made from PEBAX® (Arkema).

[0162] The manufacturing device 10a comprises a handling unit R to control an application path P of the filament F onto the shaping carrier 20a (in Fig. 1 only part of the application path P is depicted as an example). The handling unit R is configured to generate a relative movement of the shaping carrier 20a and the textile output unit 62a, in particular the nozzle unit 76a. The handling unit R is detachably connectable to the shaping carrier 20a to create the relative movement during the application of the filament F onto the shaping carrier 20a to form the textile upper element 16a. The handling unit R is also configured to move the shaping carrier 20a during the manufacturing process between different manufacturing stations of the manufacturing system 12a. The textile output unit 62a is one such manufacturing station. The handling unit R is implemented as a robotic handler.

[0163] Fig. 3 shows the shaping carrier 20a and an adjustable mechanical fixing unit 22a for mechanically holding a production element 24a at the shaping carrier 20a. The adjustable mechanical fixing unit 22a is part of the manufacturing device 10a. The mechanical fixing unit 22a is permanently integrated with the shaping carrier 20a. The production element 24a corresponds to the sole element 18a. Alternatively, the production element 24a may be an element used during manufacturing of the apparel part but is not part of the finished apparel part.

[0164] The mechanical fixing unit 22a is switchable between a release state and a holding state. The mechanical fixing unit 22a is configured to hold the production element 24a at the shaping carrier 20a in the holding state. The production element 24a is released from the shaping carrier 20a when the mechanical fixing unit 22a is in the release state.

[0165] The mechanical fixing unit 22a is configured to detachably hold the production element 24a at the shaping carrier 20a. The mechanical fixing unit 22a is configured to hold the production element 24a at the shaping carrier 20a at least while the filament F is applied onto the shaping carrier 20a to form the textile upper element 16a. By holding the production element 24a at the shaping carrier 20a during the application ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 21 / 32

[0166] of the filament F onto the shaping carrier 20a, the filament F may also be applied at least partially onto the production element 24a to form a connection between the production element 24a and the textile upper element 16a.

[0167] The mechanical fixing unit 22a is arranged at least partially on a production element contact surface 36a of the shaping carrier 20a. The production element contact surface 36a refers to a surface of the shaping carrier 20a on which the production element 24a, in particular the sole element 18a, rests when held at the shaping carrier 20a.

[0168] The mechanical fixing unit 22a comprises a mechanical fixing element 28a and a further mechanical fixing element 32a. The mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 30a are movably arranged with respect to the shaping carrier 20a. By moving the mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a relative to the shaping carrier 20a, the release state or the holding state may be generated. The mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a are movably mounted inside the shaping carrier 20a.

[0169] The mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a are implemented as penetrating elements, in particular as needles, for at least partly penetrating the production element 24a.

[0170] The mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a protrude from the shaping carrier 20a in the holding state of the mechanical fixing unit 22a. The mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a protrude from the shaping carrier 20a in a holding state of the mechanical fixing unit 22a to interact with the production element 24a to hold the production element 24a at the shaping carrier 120a, in particular by penetrating the production element 24a at least partly. Fig.

[0171] 3 shows the mechanical fixing unit 22a in the holding state, wherein the mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a protrude from the shaping carrier 20a.

[0172] The mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a are retracted into the shaping carrier 20a in the release state of the mechanical fixing unit 22a. The mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a are arranged completely within the shaping carrier 20a in the release state.

[0173] The mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 30a are arranged obliquely to the production element contact surface 36a of the shaping carrier 20a. A longitudinal axis 94a of the mechanical fixing element 28a forms an angle 88a with the production element contact surface 36a of between 35° and 40°. A longitudinal axis 42a of the further mechanical fixing element 32a forms an angle 92a with the production element contact surface 36a of about 60°. Alternatively, the angles 88a, 92a may also have different values.

[0174] The mechanical fixing element 28a is arranged angled with respect to the further mechanical fixing element 32a. An angle 90a between the longitudinal axis 94a of the mechanical fixing element 28a and the longitudinal axis 42a of the further mechanical fixing element 32a has a value of about 95°, wherein the angle 90a may alternatively have also a different value.

[0175] The mechanical fixing unit 22a comprises a drive unit 54a to automatically actuate the mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a.

[0176] The drive unit 54a comprises two linear actuators 80a. A linear actuator 80a of the two linear actuators 80a is arranged at the mechanical fixing element 28a. A further linear actuator 80a of the two linear actuators 80a is arranged at the further mechanical fixing element 32a. The linear actuators 80a are ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 22 / 32

[0177] implemented to move the mechanical fixing element 28a and the further mechanical fixing element 32a respectively.

[0178] The linear actuators 80a are implemented as electric drives. Alternatively, at least one of the linear actuators 80a may be implemented as a pneumatic drive. The linear actuators 80a are connected (not shown here) to an operating resource interface 98a of the shaping carrier 20a. The linear actuators 80a are supplied with electrical energy via the operating resource interface 98a from the handling unit R.

[0179] The manufacturing device 10a comprises a heating chamber 58a. The heating chamber 58a is one of the previously mentioned manufacturing stations of the manufacturing system 12a. A printer unit to apply a print to the footwear part 14a and / or a plasma unit to treat the footwear part 14a are possible further manufacturing stations of the manufacturing system (not shown here).

[0180] The heating chamber 58a is configured to heat the shaping carrier 20a and the production element 24a prior to application of at least the part of the textile upper element 16a onto the production element 24a.

[0181] According to an embodiment, the heating chamber 58a comprises a controller. The controller is configured to maintain a certain temperature of the shaping carrier 20a and / or the production element 24a in the heating chamber 58a. The robot of the handling unit R is configured to automatically pick up the shaping carrier 20a and / or the production element 24a from the heating chamber 58a and to move the shaping carrier 20a and / or the production element 24a during the manufacturing process between different manufacturing stations of the manufacturing system 12, preferably the textile output unit 62a.

[0182] The manufacturing device 10a comprises a direct heat unit 100a for heating the production element 24a prior and / or while applying the textile upper element 16a onto the shaping carrier 20a by a direct heat input.

[0183] This allows the production element 24a to be heated both in the heating chamber 58a and by the direct heat unit 100a. For example, the production element 24a can first be heated in the heating chamber 58a and then specifically with the direct heat unit 100a. The manufacturing device 10a may also be implemented solely with the heating chamber 58a or the direct heat unit 100a.

[0184] The heating of the production element 24a in the heating chamber 58a and / or by direct heat input may soften and / or melt the production element 24a for connecting the textile upper element 16a to the production element 24a when the textile upper element 16a is applied onto the shaping carrier 20a. The direct heat input is provided by irradiation, in particular at least partially electromagnetic radiation. Thus, the direct heat unit 100a comprises an irradiation unit. The irradiation unit comprises a laser unit to provide laser light. Alternatively, or additionally, the electromagnetic radiation may comprise microwave radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the irradiation unit may also comprise an acoustic unit for providing acoustic radiation for heating the production element 24a, in particular by ultrasound.

[0185] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sequence of a method for manufacturing the footwear part 14a having the textile upper element 16a and the production element 18a.

[0186] In one process step, in particular in a heating step 56a, the production element 24a is heated in the heating chamber 58a. Also, the shaping carrier 20a is heated in the heating chamber 58a.

[0187] In one process step, in particular in a fixing step 48a, the production element 24a is detachably fixed to the shaping carrier 20a via the mechanical fixing unit 22a. The production element 24a is mechanically held at the shaping carrier 20a by means of the mechanical fixing unit 22a. The fixing step ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 23 / 32

[0188] 48a may also be performed prior to the heating step 56a. The mechanical fixing elements 28a, 32b are moved out of the shaping carrier 20a to switch the mechanical fixing unit 22a into the holding state. The mechanical fixing elements 28a, 32a protruding from the shaping carrier 20a in the holding state penetrate at least partly the production element 24a to hold it at the shaping carrier 20a. The mechanical fixing unit 22a is heat-resistant, i.e. may be made from heat-resistant materials, up to a temperature of at least 350°C.

[0189] In one process step, in particular in a conveying step 102a, the shaping carrier 20a together with the affixed production element 24a is conveyed to the textile output unit 62a, and in particular held in front of the nozzle unit 76a, in particular via the handling unit R that was previously connected to the shaping carrier 20a.

[0190] In one process step, in particular in a further heating step 60a, the production element 24a is heated by direct heat input, in particular via the direct heat unit 100a. The direct heat unit 100a heats an upper edge area of the production element 24a, onto which the textile upper element 16a is then applied for connection. By heating the upper edge area of the production element 24a, the production element 24a is intended to be softened and / or melted for bonding with the textile upper element 16a. The handling unit R moves the shaping carrier 20a and thus, the production element 24a relative to the direct heat unit 100a in such a way that the upper edge area of the production element 24a is heated.

[0191] In one process step, in particular in a shaping step 44a, the textile upper element 16a is shaped on the shaping carrier20a. In one process step, in particular in a connecting step 50a, the textile upper element 16a is connected to the production element 24a. Connecting the textile upper element 16a to the production element 24a is performed while shaping the textile upper element 16a. For this purpose, the filament F is applied also onto the production element 24a, in particular onto the upper edge area of the production element 24a, for connecting the textile upper element 16a to the production element 24a. The textile upper element 16a is shaped on the shaping carrier 20a by applying a thermoplastic filament F onto the shaping carrier 20a to form a plurality of path segments, in particular intersecting loops, on the shaping carrier 20a along the application path P.

[0192] In one process step, in particular a print step 104a, a print is applied to the footwear part 14a and the footwear part 14a is treated via a plasma unit,

[0193] In one process step 46a, the shaping carrier 20a is separated from the footwear part 14a. The mechanical fixing elements 28a, 32a are retracted into the shaping carrier 20a to switch the mechanical fixing unit 22a into the release state. By retracting the mechanical fixing elements 28a, 32a into the shaping carrier 20a the penetrating connection with the production element 24a is released. The handling unit R removes the shaping carrier 20a from the footwear part 14a, which may also be performed manually.

[0194] The method enables the fully automated production of a footwear part, in which, for example, the manufactured footwear part 14a may be placed into a packaging box or the like as a final step.

[0195] Fig. 5 to Fig. 10 show further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or description of the other embodiments, in particular to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference signs. To differentiate between the embodiments, the letter “a” is placed after the reference signs of the embodiment of Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. In the embodiments of Fig. 5 to Fig. 10, the letter “a” is replaced by the letters “b” to “e”.

[0196] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 24 / 32

[0197] Fig. 5 shows a part of a second embodiment of a manufacturing device 10b. The manufacturing device 10b comprises a shaping carrier 20b. The manufacturing device 10b comprises an adjustable mechanical fixing unit 22b for holding a production element (not shown here), in particular a sole element, at the shaping carrier 20b.

[0198] The mechanical fixing unit 22b comprises two mechanical fixing elements 28b, 32b implemented as needles. The mechanical fixing unit 22b comprises an actuation unit 38b to manually actuate mechanical fixing element 28b and the further mechanical fixing element 32b. The actuation unit 38b is connected to the mechanical fixing elements 28b, 32b. Actuating the mechanical fixing elements 28b, 32b by means of the actuation unit 38b corresponds to moving the mechanical fixing elements 28b, 30b relative to the shaping carrier 20b, in particular between a protruded state and a retracted state of the mechanical fixing elements 28b, 32b. In Fig. 5 the mechanical fixing elements 28b, 32b are arranged in the retracted state that corresponds to a release state of the mechanical fixing unit 22b. The mechanical fixing unit 22b is in a holding state when the mechanical fixing elements 28b, 30b protrude from the shaping carrier 20b.

[0199] The actuation unit 38b comprises a handle 40b and a rod 52b. The rod 52b is connected to the handle 40b and is implemented to move the mechanical fixing element 28b and the further mechanical fixing element 32b when moving the handle 40b.

[0200] By moving the handle 40b the rod 52b is moved to generate a movement of the mechanical fixing elements 28b, 32b for generating the holding state or the release state. The handle 40b and / or the rod 52b are pushable and / or pullable to generate the holding state or the release state. The rod 52b has a division into a rod part 106b and further rod part 108b. The mechanical fixing element 28b is arranged at a free end of the rod part 106b and the further mechanical fixing element 32b is arranged at a free end of the further rod part 108b.

[0201] The shaping carrier 20b comprises a guide channel 110b for the rod 52b. The rod 52b is movably arranged in the guide channel 110b. The handle 40b is arranged in an upper heel area of the shaping carrier 20b. Alternatively, the handle 40b may be arranged at any other location with regard to the shaping carrier 20b that seems to be suitable for a skilled person.

[0202] Fig. 6 shows a part of a third embodiment of a manufacturing device 10c for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, in particular for manufacturing a footwear part having a textile upper element. The manufacturing device 10c comprises a shaping carrier 20c for shaping the textile element, in particular the textile upper element, thereon. The shaping carrier 20c is a footwear last.

[0203] The manufacturing device 10c comprises a holding unit 34c comprising a feedthrough 30c for holding a production element 24c at the shaping carrier 20c by a negative pressure. The production element 24c is a sole element 18c.

[0204] The holding unit 34c is permanently integrated with the shaping carrier 20c. A holding function provided by the holding unit 34c adjustable, i.e. it can at least be enabled and disabled. By adjusting the holding unit 34c, it switches between a release state and a holding state. The holding unit 34c is configured to hold the production element 24c at the shaping carrier 20c in the holding state. The production element 24c is released from the shaping carrier 20c when the holding unit 34c is in the release state. The feedthrough 30c is arranged on the shaping carrier 20c, in particular on a production element contact surface 36c of the shaping carrier 20c.

[0205] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 25 / 32

[0206] The manufacturing device 10c comprises a negative pressure unit 82c to generate the negative pressure at the feedthrough 30c to hold the production element 24c at the shaping carrier 20c. The negative pressure unit 82c is implemented separately to the shaping carrier 20c and the holding unit 34c. The negative pressure unit 82c is fluidically connected to the feedthrough 30c via a gas duct unit 84c of the manufacturing device 10c. The negative pressure unit 82c comprises a vacuum pump or the like. The manufacturing device 10c comprises a gas exchange interface 124c. The gas duct unit 84c is connected to the gas exchange interface 124c to supply the holding unit 34c with the negative pressure from the negative pressure unit 82c.

[0207] The shaping carrier 20c, in particular the holding unit 34c, comprises a gas duct channel 96c connected to the feedthrough 30c. The channel 96c connects the gas exchange interface 24 fluidically with the feedthrough 30c. The gas duct unit 84c comprises a gas pipe 86c for fluidically connecting the negative pressure unit 82c to the shaping carrier 20c, in particular to the gas duct channel 96c via the gas exchange interface 124c.

[0208] The holding unit 34c comprises a sealing unit 112c provided to establish an airtight seal between the production element 24c and the shaping carrier 20c (cf. Fig. 7, wherein the production element 24c is not shown in Fig. 7).

[0209] The holding unit 34c comprises a surface channel structure 114c formed on a production element contact surface 36c of the shaping carrier 20c. The surface channel structure 114c is fluidically connected to the feedthrough 30c. The surface channel structure 114c is implemented as trench-like recesses in the production element contact surface 36c. The surface channel structure 114c is covered by the production element 24c when held to the shaping carrier 20c.

[0210] The sealing unit 112c encloses the surface channel structure 114c. The sealing unit 112c encircles at least a part of the production element contact surface 36c over which the surface channel structure 114c extends. The production element contact surface 36c, the sealing unit 112c and the production element 24c define a space in which the negative pressure is generated when the holding unit 34c is in a holding state.

[0211] The sealing unit 112c encircles a majority of the production element contact surface 36c. The surface channel structure 114c comprises at least one channel 116c comprising at least one change of direction. The channel 116c comprises a plurality of crosses. The channel 116c runs at least partially along a longitudinal direction 118c of the production element contact surface 36c. The channel 116c comprises a plurality of sections running parallel to the longitudinal direction 118c. The channel 116c runs at least partially angled, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction 118c of the production element contact surface 36c. The channel 116c comprises a plurality of sections running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 118c.

[0212] The production element contact surface 36c is curved corresponding to a curvature of a shaping carrier contact surface 120c of the production element 24c.

[0213] The manufacturing device 10c comprises a robotic interface 132c for connecting to a robotic handler (not shown). The robotic interface 132c comprises a centering element 134c for precise positioning of the shaping carrier 20c with respect to the robotic handler. The gas exchange interface 124c is integrated with the robotic interface 132c, in particular with the centering element 134c.

[0214] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 26 / 32

[0215] Fig. 8 shows a part of a fourth embodiment of a manufacturing device 10d. The manufacturing device 10d comprises a shaping carrier 20d and a holding unit 34d for holding a production element (not shown here) at the shaping carrier 20d by a negative pressure. The shaping carrier 20d is a footwear last.

[0216] The holding unit 34d comprises a feedthrough 30d. The holding unit 34d comprises a suction cup 122d for holding the production element at the shaping carrier 20d. The suction cup 122d is arranged at the feedthrough 30d.

[0217] The holding unit 34d may be heat-resistant, i.e. may be made from heat-resistant materials, up to a temperature of at least 350°C.

[0218] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the suction sup 122d. The suction cup 122d is arranged on a production element contact surface 46d of the shaping carrier 20d. The production element contact surface 46d is arranged on a bottom side of the shaping carrier 20d, at which the production element, in particular a sole element, can be held by a negative pressure applied via the suction cup 122d. The suction cup 122d is configured to seal against the production element.

[0219] Fig. 10 shows a part of a fifth embodiment of a manufacturing device 10e. The manufacturing device 10e comprises a shaping carrier 20e and a holding unit 34e for holding a production element 24e at the shaping carrier 20e by a negative pressure. The shaping carrier 20e is a footwear last and the production element 24e is a sole element 18e.

[0220] The manufacturing device 10e comprises a compressed air supply 126e. The compressed air supply 126e is implemented separately to the shaping carrier 20e and the holding unit 34e. The compressed air supply 126e is fluidically connected to a feedthrough 30e of the holding unit 34e via a gas duct unit 84e of the manufacturing device 10e. The manufacturing device 10e comprises a gas exchange interface 124e for connecting to the compressed air supply 126e. The gas duct unit 84e is connected to the gas exchange interface 124e to supply the holding unit 34e with compressed air which is used to create a negative pressure to hold the production element 24e at the shaping carrier 20e. The function is explained below.

[0221] The shaping carrier 20e, in particular the holding unit 34e, comprises a gas duct channel 96e connected to the feedthrough 30e. The gas duct channel 96e connects the gas exchange interface 24e fluidically to the feedthrough 30e. The gas duct unit 84e comprises a gas pipe 86e for fluidically connecting the negative pressure unit 82c to the shaping carrier 20c, in particular to the gas duct channel 96c via the gas exchange interface 124c.

[0222] The feedthrough is fluidically connected to a suction port 128e of a venturi nozzle 130e. By guiding compressed air through the venturi nozzle 130e a negative pressure may be generated at the suction port 128e of the venturi nozzle, which is used to hold the production element 24e at the shaping carrier 20e.

[0223] The manufacturing device 10e comprises a robotic interface 132e for connecting to a robotic handler (not shown). The robotic interface 132e comprises a centering element 134e for precise positioning of the shaping carrier 20e with respect to the robotic handler. The gas exchange interface 124e is integrated with the robotic interface 132e, in particular with the centering element 134e.

[0224] To differentiate between the embodiments, in the embodiments of Fig. 11 to Fig. 18, the numbers “6”, “7”, “8”, “9”, “10” and “11” are added in front of the reference sign.

[0225] Fig.11 and Fig.12 show a further embodiment of the invention, in which a sole unit, preferably a midsole 600 is detachably held at a shaping carrier 602 by a holding element 604. The holding element 604 encloses part of the midsole 600 and part of the shaping carrier 602. In this embodiment the holding ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 27 / 32

[0226] element 604 is made from a textile fabric. The holding element 604 extends along parts of different sections of the shaping carrier 602. The holding element 604 extends along parts of a toe section, a middle foot section and an ankle section of the shaping carrier 602.

[0227] The midsole 600 comprises retaining paths 606, which are essentially designed as recesses. The holding element 604 extends from the shaping carrier602 along the retaining paths 606 of the midsole 600. The retaining paths 606 are configured to keep the holding element 604 in position and prevent the holding element 604 from slipping off the midsole 600 and / or the shaping carrier 602.

[0228] The holding element 604 further comprises two fastening elements 608 for attaching the holding element 604 to and detaching the holding element 604 from the shaping carrier 602 or the midsole 600. In this embodiment, the fastening elements 608 are hook and loop fasteners. The fastening elements 608 are positioned on the side of the holding element 604 that is located at the midsole 600.

[0229] Fig. 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a shaping carrier 700. The shaping carrier 700 comprises a base body 702 and one movable part 704 that is movably arranged at the base body 702. According to this embodiment of the invention, the movable part 704 is designed as a heel section 706 of the shaping carrier 700. The heel section 706 is linearly movable relative to the base body 702. The pose of the heel section 706 corresponds to a position of the heel section 706, in particular relative to the base body 702. Alternatively or additionally, the pose may comprise an orientation of the heel section 706, preferably relative to the base body 702.

[0230] The heel section 706 is movable by means of an actuator 708. The actuator 708 is detachably fixable to the heel section 706 for changing the pose, in particular the position, of the heel section 706. In Fig. 13, the actuator 708 is detachably fixed to the heel section 706 and may be pushed and / or rotated to move the heel section 706 relative to the base body 702, in particular parallel to a longitudinal axis of the actuator 708. The base body 702 comprises a channel 710 that is assigned to the heel section 706 respectively.

[0231] Alternatively or additionally, it may be envisaged that the shaping carrier 700 comprises a drive 712, for example at least one electric servo motor or the like, to change the pose of the heel section 706, in particular relative to the base body 702. The drive 712 is embedded in the base body 702 of the shaping carrier 700.

[0232] The shaping carrier 700 comprises an enclosure skin 714. The enclosure skin 714 forms an outer surface of the shaping carrier 700. The enclosure skin 714 is implemented separately from the heel section 706 and the base body 702. The enclosure skin 714 is implemented as a flexible wrapping layer. The enclosure skin 714 encloses the heel section 706 and the base body 702. The enclosure skin 714 is configured to stretch and / or contract, depending on the pose of the heel section 706, in particular relative to the base body 702. The enclosure skin 714 is configured to bridge gaps of the shaping carrier 700 that may be generated by moving the heel section 706, in particular to avoid gaps at the outer surface of the shaping carrier 700. The enclosure skin 714 is removed for adjusting the pose of the heel section 706 and subsequently reattached.

[0233] The pose of the movable part 704 is determined by a sensor unit (not shown here) of a manufacturing system for manufacturing a footwear part. The sensor unit comprises an optical sensor, such as a camera or image sensor, or the like, for sensing the pose of the movable part 704.

[0234] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 28 / 32

[0235] Fig.14 shows a shaping carrier 800 comprising a plurality of inflatable parts 802. The inflatable parts 802 comprise an apparel part contact surface 804. The inflatable parts 802 are fluid ically connected to a gas exchange interface (not shown here) of the shaping carrier 800 to deflate and / or inflate the inflatable parts 802. The inflatable parts 802 can be inflated and / or deflated simultaneously and / or independently of each other.

[0236] The inflatable parts 802 are connected to a gas supply (not shown here) of a manufacturing system for inflating the inflatable parts 802. The gas supply is fluidically connected to the gas exchange interface via a gas duct unit (not shown here) of the manufacturing system.

[0237] The inflatable parts 802 are arranged onto a middle foot section of the shaping carrier 800. The inflatable parts 802 are arranged in an area on the shaping carrier 800 that is opposite to the area the sole unit is arranged on the shaping carrier 800. The inflatable parts 802 are essentially designed as cushion elements and come in different geometric shapes. The first inflatable part 806 has a circular geometry. The other two inflatable parts 808 have curved geometries, each extending around half of the circle of the first inflatable part 806.

[0238] An outer skin 810 is attached to the shaping carrier 800 and the inflatable parts 802. The outer skin 810 forms the apparel part contact surface 804 of the shaping carrier 800. The outer skin 810 is implemented separately from the inflatable parts 802 and the shaping carrier 800. The outer skin 810 encloses the inflatable parts 802 and the shaping carrier 800. The outer skin 810 is configured to stretch and / or contract, depending on the inflation state of the inflatable parts 802, in particular relative to the shaping carrier 800. The outer skin 810 is configured to bridge gaps of the shaping carrier 800 that may be generated by inflating the inflatable parts 802, in particular to avoid gaps at the apparel part contact surface 804 of the shaping carrier 800.

[0239] The inflatable parts 802 and the outer skin 810 are 3D-printed. The inflatable parts 802 and the outer skin 810 are made from silicone.

[0240] Fig.15 shows a further embodiment of a shaping carrier 900 comprising an inflatable part 902. The inflatable part 902 comprises an apparel part contact surface 904. The inflatable part 902 is arranged onto a middle foot section of the shaping carrier 900. The inflatable part 902 is arranged in an area on the shaping carrier 900 that is opposite to the area the sole unit is arranged on the shaping carrier 900. The inflatable part 902 is essentially designed as a cushion element. An outer skin 906 is attached to the shaping carrier 900 and the inflatable part 902. The outer skin 906 forms the apparel part contact surface 904 of the shaping carrier 900.

[0241] The shaping carrier 900 comprises a recess area 908 configured to accommodate the inflatable 902 part. The depth of the recess area 908 into the shaping carrier 900 is configured in such a way that the inflatable part 902 protrudes from the recess area 908 in an inflated state of the inflatable part 902.

[0242] The inflatable part 902 is arranged on the shaping carrier 900 in such a way that, when inflated, it expands the outer skin 906 of the shaping carrier 900 especially in the direction of the height H of the shaping carrier 900. The inflatable part 902 is designed to provide the outer skin 906 of the shaping carrier 900 in an inflated state with at least a partially rounded area 910 in the height direction H of the shaping carrier 900.

[0243] The inflatable part 902 and the outer skin 906 are 3D-printed. The inflatable part 902 and the outer skin 906 are made from silicone.

[0244] ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 29 / 32

[0245] Fig.16 and Fig. 17 show a further embodiment of a shaping carrier 1000 comprising two inflatable parts 1002. The inflatable parts 1002 comprise an apparel part contact surface 1004. The inflatable parts 1002 are arranged onto a middle foot section of the shaping carrier 1000. The inflatable parts 1002 are arranged in an area on the shaping carrier 1000 that is opposite to the area the sole unit is arranged on the shaping carrier 1000. The inflatable parts 1002 are essentially designed as cushion elements. An outer skin 1006 is attached to the shaping carrier 1000 and the inflatable parts 1002. The outer skin 1006 forms the apparel part contact surface 1004 of the shaping carrier 1000.

[0246] The shaping carrier 1000 comprises two recess areas 1008 configured to accommodate the inflatable parts 1002. The depth of the recess areas 1008 into the shaping carrier 1000 are configured in such a way that the inflatable parts 1002 protrude from the recess areas 1008 in an inflated state of the inflatable parts 1002.

[0247] The inflatable parts 1002 are arranged on the shaping carrier 1000 in such a way that, when inflated, it expands the outer skin 1006 of the shaping carrier 1000 especially in the direction of the width W of the shaping carrier 1000. Fig.17 shows different sectional views of the expansion in the direction of the width W of the outer skin 1006 in relation to the direction of the length L of the shaping carrier 1000. The inflatable parts 1002 are designed so that when inflated, the inflatable parts 1002 do not form a round shape, but rather a flattened shape that still protrudes from the shaping carrier 1000. According to further embodiments, this flattened shape of the inflatable parts 1002 can also be achieved by incorporating flattening elements and / or outlets (not shown here) into the inflatable parts 1002. The flattening elements and / or outlets can be incorporated into the inflatable parts 1002 subsequently and / or during the manufacturing process of the inflatable parts 1002, preferably by 3D-printing.

[0248] The inflatable parts 1002 and the outer skin 1006 are 3D-printed. The inflatable parts 1002 and the outer skin 1006 are made from silicone.

[0249] Fig.18 shows a cross-sectional view of an inflatable part 1100 according to a further embodiment. The inflatable part 1100 is arranged between an outer skin 1102 and a shaping carrier (not shown here). The outer skin 1102 comprises sections with different wall thicknesses. The outer skin 1102 comprises sections with a higher wall thickness 1104 and a section with a lower wall thickness 1106 compared to the sections with the higher wall thickness 1104. The inflatable part 1100 is arranged at the section with the lower wall thickness 1106, so that it can protrude out of the shaping carrier in an inflated state of the inflatable part 1100. The sections with the higher wall thickness 1104 increase the stiffness of the outer skin 1102.

[0250] ONA-21548-P-WO

Claims

On Clouds GmbH 30 / 32Claims1. A manufacturing device (10a; 10b) for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, in particular for manufacturing a footwear part (14a) having a textile upper element (16a), comprising: - a shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000), in particular a footwear last, for shaping the textile element, in particular the textile upper element (16a), thereon; and- an adjustable mechanical fixing unit (22a; 22b) for mechanically holding a production element (24a) at the shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000), the production element (24a) being, in particular, a part of the apparel part or an element used during manufacturing of the apparel part.

2. The manufacturing device (10a; 10b) according to claim 1 , wherein the shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000) is a footwear last and the mechanical fixing unit (22a; 22b) is provided to mechanically hold a sole element (18a) at the footwear last.

3. The manufacturing device (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical fixing unit (22a; 22b) comprises at least one mechanical fixing element (28a; 28b) which is movably arranged with respect to the shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000).

4. The manufacturing device (10a; 10b) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one mechanical fixing element (28a; 28b) protrudes from the shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000) in a holding state of the mechanical fixing unit (22a; 22b).

5. The manufacturing device (10saa; 10b) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one mechanical fixing element (28a; 28b) is retracted into the shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000) in a release state of the mechanical fixing unit (22a; 22b).

6. The manufacturing device (10a; 10b) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one mechanical fixing element (28a; 28b) is implemented as a penetrating element, in particular a needle, for at least partly penetrating the production element (24a).

7. The manufacturing device (10a; 10b) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the at least one mechanical fixing element (28a; 28b) is arranged obliquely to a production element contact surface (36a; 36b) of the shaping carrier (20a; 20b, 602, 700, 800, 900, 1000).

8. The manufacturing device (10a; 10b) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the mechanical fixing unit (22a; 22b) comprises at least one further mechanical fixing element (32a; 32b) which is arranged angled with respect to the at least one mechanical fixing element (28a; 28b).

9. The manufacturing device (10b) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the mechanical fixing unit (22b) comprises an actuation unit (38b) for manually actuating the at least one mechanical fixing element (28b).

10. The manufacturing device (10b) according to claim 9, wherein the actuation unit (38b) comprises a handle (40b) and a rod (52b) which is connected to the handle (40b) and which is implemented to move the at least one mechanical fixing element (28b) when moving the handle (40b).

11. The manufacturing device (10a) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the mechanical fixing unit (22a) comprises a drive unit (54a) to automatically actuate the at least one mechanical fixing element (28a).ONA-21548-P-WOOn Clouds GmbH 31 / 3212. The manufacturing device (10a) according to claim 11 , wherein the drive unit (54a) comprises a linear actuator (80a) to move the at least one mechanical fixing element (28a).

13. The manufacturing device (10a) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the drive unit (54a) comprises a pneumatic drive and / or an electric drive to move the at least one mechanical fixing element (28a).

14. A manufacturing system (12a) for manufacturing an apparel part, in particular a footwear part (14a), comprising a manufacturing device (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method for manufacturing an apparel part having a textile element, in particular for manufacturing a footwear part (14a) having a textile upper element (16a), using a manufacturing device (10a; 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and / or a manufacturing system (12a) according to claim 14.ONA-21548-P-WO

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