Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of the handling of bi-dimensional objects, such as closed shape objects that are cut from a bi-dimensional layer, e.g. paper or fabric.

Background of the invention

It is known that similar objects are conveyed on the upper surface of a conveyor, where typically a cutting operation occurs, at the end of which these elements are deposited in a collecting device. Without any further intervention, the objects (due their low thickness and weight) would be deposited one onto the other in a substantially random manner, and they may also fold after being released from the conveyor.

This is not helpful for subsequent operation on the objects, in particular if the objects are pieces of fabric that subsequently undergo further process for example sewing process to form a garment or a clothing article. It is thus known to provide a human intervention at the end of the conveyor, in order to manually remove the objects from the conveyor and to place them in a correct position in a relevant collecting area. This is clearly an expensive, uncomfortable and inaccurate operation.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above- mentioned problem.

It is in particular an object of the present invention to provide a solution that provides a precise and accurate positioning of the bi-dimensional objects.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the above-mentioned solution in a manner that can be implemented also in existing machines.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a machine (or system) for cutting bi-dimensional objects from layers, allowing a precise and accurate positioning of the obtained bi-dimensional objects.

Summary of the invention

These and other objects are achieved by the present solution according to one or more of the enclosed claims. Objects of the present invention are in particular a handling and collecting apparatus, a machine, a process for handling and collecting a plurality of bi-dimensional objects, a process for cutting a plurality of bi-dimensional objects from a layer, according to claims 1, 8, 14 and 15 respectively. Preferred aspects are recited in the other dependent claims.

According to an aspect, a handling and collecting apparatus for handling and collecting a plurality of substantially bi-dimensional objects, preferably made of fabric or paper, comprises: a conveyor, arranged to receive the bi-dimensional object from a source, and configured to provide a holding force to draw and hold the bi-dimensional objects from above in use condition; a disengagement device, configured to temporarily oppose the holding force on at least a portion of the conveyor, to disengage the bi- dimensional objects from the conveyor, causing the fall of the bi-dimensional objects towards a collecting area.

It has to be noted that the expression“provide a holding force to draw and hold the bi- dimensional objects from above” is used here to indicate that the bi-dimensional objects are not supported from below (e.g. they are not arranged on the upper surface of a conveyor). The expression is therefore herein used to indicate a drawing and holding force that is able to drawn and retain the bi-dimensional objects in opposition to the gravity force, e.g. against and below a lower surface of the conveyor that is facing the ground or a reference plane towards which the bi-dimensional objects would fall in absence of the holding force. In other words, according to the invention the bi- dimensional objects are not supported on the upper surface of conveyor, while they are drawn and hold to a surface of the conveyor facing the ground so that they are transported in a suspended condition, i.e. without support elements acting from below the bi-dimensional object.

In particular, the disengagement device is typically configured to substantially nullify the holding force, or in any case to reduce it, so that the bi-dimensional object falls by gravity. In other words, the term“oppose the holding force” is used herein to indicate that disengagement device causes the holding force to no longer act (or act in a reduced manner, for example by reducing the magnitude of the holding force) on at least portion of the conveyor. It has been verified that, thanks to the claimed solution, the pattern of the falling of the bi-dimensional objects is substantially constant, i.e. it is repeated in substantially the same manner for subsequent bi-dimensional objects that are handled by an apparatus according to the present invention.

As a result, the bi-dimensional objects can be evenly collected (typically stacked) in a relevant collecting area.

As mentioned, the conveyor is provided with one or more elements (device) providing said holding force to draw and hold the bi-dimensional objects from above in use condition.

According to an aspect, the conveyor is provided with vacuum elements (aspiration elements) configured to suck air from the environment against the conveyor, thus providing the holding force so as to draw the bi-dimensional objects against the conveyor.

According to an aspect, the conveyor is provided with a belt, preferably a belt with one or more holes or apertures, more preferably a foraminous belt.

According to an aspect, the disengagement device comprises a movable element, movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position the movable element opposes the holding force.

In the first position, the interaction between the holding force and the disengagement device is substantially null, or minimum, i.e. the operation of the holding force is substantially not affected by the disengagement device. When the disengagement device is in the first position, the bi-dimensional objects are thus held by the holding force against the conveyor.

When the disengagement device is in the second position, there is an interaction between the holding force and the disengagement device so that, on at least a portion of the conveyor, the holding force is no longer applied (or it is applied in a low manner, reduced with respect to when the disengagement device was in the first position), so that the bi-dimensional objects that are placed at such a portion of the conveyor, are released by the conveyor due to gravity, and fall towards a relevant collecting area.

In particular, in case of vacuum elements, in the second position the disengagement device may be placed in a position that substantially interrupts the air flow at a certain area of the conveyor.

According to possible embodiments, the disengagement device comprises a movable element that is provided with one or more holes (or apertures). According to an aspect, the movable element is configured as a shutter intended to a selectively open/close at least a portion of a hole or opening or passage for said air flow. Said at least one hole or opening or passage for said air flow can be provided on second element (for example a plate) cooperating with said movable element, and provided with one or more holes (or apertures).

According to an aspect, the movable element is movable with respect to a plate provided with one or more holes (or apertures), so that in the first position, the holes of the movable element are at least partially aligned with respect to the holes of the plate, allowing air to pass through both the holes of the movable element and of the plate, while in the second position, the holes of the movable element and of the plate are at least partially (or completely) misaligned, preventing air from passing through the holes, or allowing the passage of an amount of air that is less than the one of the first position.

In a possible embodiment, the movable element is movable in a slidable manner, so that it is movable between a retracted condition and an extracted condition (corresponding to the above mentioned first and second positions).

According to an aspect, the movable element is arranged so that, in use condition, the belt is interposed between the bi-dimensional objects and the movable element.

The disengagement device thus does not touch the bi-dimensional objects, that may be damaged (or at least moved and/or folded in a random, and thus undesired, manner) by such a contact.

An aspect of the present invention also relates to a machine (or system) for processing bi-dimensional objects comprising: a machine conveyor for moving a layer of material preferably along a substantially horizontal direction; a handling and collecting apparatus according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the above-mentioned source of the bi-dimensional objects is the machine conveyor.

According to possible embodiments, the machine further comprises a cutting device, configured to carry out a cut along a plurality of different path (preferably closed path) in the layer, so as to divide the layer into a plurality of bi-dimensional objects and a waste layer surrounding the bi-dimensional objects. Possibly, the machine is also provided with a waste collecting apparatus, for separating the waste layer from the bi- dimensional objects and preferably for also removing the waste layer from the machine conveyor.

According to possible embodiments, the machine conveyor comprises a machine belt and a machine vacuum element configured to suck air from the environment against the belt, so as to draw the bi-dimensional objects against the machine belt.

According to possible embodiments, in plant view, considering the use condition, a portion of the machine conveyor overlaps a portion of the conveyor of the handling and collecting apparatus.

According to possible embodiments, the cutting device is a laser cutting device. According to possible embodiments, the cutting device is movable along at least one, preferably two different directions that are substantially perpendicular with respect to a vertical line, considering the use condition. In other words, the cutting device is movable along two different directions, e.g. in a plane that is preferably parallel with respect to the plane of the machine conveyor on which the bi-dimensional objects are transported.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a process for handling and collecting a plurality of bi-dimensional objects comprising the steps of: i. moving the bi- dimensional objects from a source to a conveyor, the conveyor holding the bi- dimensional objects from above via a holding force; ii. opposing the holding force on at least a portion of the conveyor to disengage the bi-dimensional objects from the conveyor, causing the fall of the bi-dimensional objects.

Such a process can be implemented in a process for cutting a plurality of bi- dimensional objects from a layer, that comprises the steps of: a. cutting the layer along a plurality of different path (preferably closed path), so as to divide the layer into a plurality of bi-dimensional objects and a waste layer surrounding the bi-dimensional objects; b. separating the waste layer from the bi-dimensional objects and removing the waste layer from the machine conveyor; c. performing steps i - ii of the above discussed process. According to possible embodiments, the layer is a fabric, and preferably the bi- dimensional objects are cut along patterns for garments.

According to possible embodiments, the layer is paper or cardboard and preferably the bi-dimensional objects are blanks.

Description of the figures

One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings provided by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic lateral view of a handling apparatus, arranged in a machine for processing bi-dimensional objects comprising, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention. A top view of a detail of figure 1 is visible in the dotted rectangle;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a disengagement device of an embodiment of the present invention, in the first position;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the disengagement device of figure 2, in the second position;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a handling apparatus, arranged in a machine for processing bi-dimensional objects, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to figure, a handling and collecting apparatus 1 (from now on also “handling apparatus 1”) for handling and collecting a plurality of substantially bi- dimensional objects 100 (from now on also“objects 100”) comprises a conveyor 2, arranged to receive the objects 100 from a source (e.g. the machine conveyor 11 of a machine (or system) 10, better discussed later), and configured to provide a holding force F to draw and hold the bi-dimensional objects 100 from above in use condition. The objects 100 are substantially bi-dimensional, so that they have a reduced thickness with respect to the other dimensions.

As an example, the objects 100 can be pieces of a fabric, e.g. pieces cut along patterns for garments or clothing article. As a further example, the bi-dimensional objects can be paper or cardboard blanks that may be subsequently folded to obtain three- dimensional objects (e.g. bags or containers).

According to an aspect, the conveyor 2 is provided with a surface (preferably the surface of a belt 2a) where the bi-dimensional objects are drawn and hold by the holding force. The conveyor surface (or conveyor belt) is preferably horizontal, or substantially horizontal, with respect to the ground or with respect to a reference plane on which the handling apparatus is arranged, or with respect to a plane on which the bi-dimensional objects have to be collected.

The conveyor 2 can be any conveyor element known in the art that is configured to move the objects 100, typically along a substantially horizontal direction. Preferably, the conveyor comprises an endless belt 2a, that is continuously moved along a closed path. The conveyor 2 is typically arranged to hold the objects 100 from above, i.e. it is arranged so that, during use, the objects 100 are drawn and hold to the conveyor 2 in opposition to the gravity force, e.g. against and below the lower surface of the conveyor (such as for example the endless belt 2a of the conveyor). As mentioned, this is obtained via a holding force F, that draws the objects 100 against the conveyor 2 so that they cannot fall under the gravity force.

The holding force F is typically a distributed force, i.e. a force that acts on an area, instead of on a single application point. Preferably, the holding force F is provided by one or more vacuum elements (aspiration elements) 3. As an example, a vacuum element 3 can comprise one or more blowers (not shown in detail) that cause a flow of air directed upwards. As a result, a depression is caused under the vacuum elements, that draws the objects 100 against the conveyor 2.

Other kinds of vacuum elements, e.g. aspirators or similar means, can be used to draw the objects against the conveyor 2.

It is noted that, for simplicity, elements 3 are called“vacuum” (or aspiration) elements. It is however clear that those elements do not need to create vacuum at the conveyor 2, as a generic depression may be enough to attract the objects 100 against the conveyor 2.

Typically, when vacuum elements 3 are used, belt 2a is provided with one or more holes or apertures, preferably a plurality of holes or apertures, more preferably the belt is a foraminous or porous belt 2a, i.e. a belt having pores (or holes of small dimension) through which air can pass. In general, the conveyor 2 (and typically the belt 2a) is configured so that the depression caused by the vacuum elements 3 reaches the area below the conveyor 2, i.e. the area where the objects 100 arrive from the relevant source.

In different embodiments, not shown in detail, other means for generating a holding force F may be used, e.g. magnetic elements, electrostatic elements, etc.

In general, the conveyor 2 is provided with means capable of generating a holding force F that draws the objects 100 against the conveyor 2 itself. The means providing the holding force F typically do not touch (are not in contact with) the objects 100. The handling apparatus 1 is provided with a disengagement device 4, configured to temporarily oppose (i.e. contrast) said holding force F on at least a portion of the conveyor 2, to disengage the objects 100 from the conveyor 2, causing the fall of the bi-dimensional objects 100 towards a collecting area 5.

The disengagement device 4 preferably comprise a movable element 4a, movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position (as e.g. the one shown in figure 1), the disengagement device 4 opposes the holding force, i.e. causes the holding force to no longer act (or act in a reduced manner) on the conveyor 2, and in particular on the objects 100 carried by the conveyor 2.

Typically, such an opposition is limited to only a portion of the conveyor 2. In other words, in preferred embodiment, when the disengagement device is in the second position, there are still areas of the conveyor 2 where the holding force F still draws the objects 100 against the conveyor 2. This is exemplified in figure 1, where there is a portion of the conveyor 2 where the holding force is still present (i.e. where the arrows representing the holding force F are shown via a continuous line), and in another portion of the conveyor 2 the presence of the movable element 4a contrasts the holding force F (that, in such a portion, is shown via a dotted line), so that the holding force F is no longer capable of keeping the objects 100 attached to the conveyor 2. The portion of the conveyor 2 affected by the disengagement device 4 is typically downstream (considering the path of the objects 100) with respect to the portion of the conveyor 2 that is not affected by the disengagement device 4.

In case of vacuum elements 3, the movable element 4a, in the second position, is preferably arranged so as to interrupt (or at least to limit) the flow of air below the movable element 4a. The depression caused by the vacuum elements 3 thus is no longer present (or it is present in a reduced manner), so that it is no longer enough to maintain the objects 100 against the conveyor 2, e.g. against the belt 2a.

According to possible embodiments, as for example shown in figures 2 and 3, the disengagement device 4 comprises a movable element 4a, that is provided with one or more holes 4b. The disengagement device comprises a fixed plate 4c (or in any case a plate 4c with respect to which the movable element 4a is movable), that is also provided with one or more holes 4d and that is arranged so that the movable element 4a and the plate 4c are superimposed one with respect to the other. In a preferred embodiment, as for example shown in the figures, the plate is arranged so that it is interposed between the movable element 4a and the conveyor 2. In the first position, the holes 4b of the movable element are at least partially aligned with respect to (typically at least partially superimposed to) the holes 4d of the plate 4c, so that air can pass through both the holes 4b, 4d of the movable element 4a and of the plate 4c. As a result, a vacuum element 3 (not shown in fig. 2) can cause a depression under the conveyor 2, e.g. by sucking air from the environment below the conveyor 2 via tube 4f.

To achieve the above discussed second position, the movable element 4a can be moved, e.g. translated, so that the hole 4b of the movable element 4a are no more aligned with respect to the holes 4d of the plate 4c, so that to prevent air from passing through both the holes 4b, 4d of the movable element 4a and of the plate 4c. Alternatively, the movable element 4a may be moved in the second position so that the holes 4b and 4d are only partially aligned, allowing the passage of certain amount of air, that is inferior to the amount of air that can pass through holes 4b, 4d in the first position. As a result, in the second position, the holding force can be null, substantially null, or in any case reduced with respect to the first position.

With reference to figures 2 and 3, the movable element can be moved from the first position (shown in figure 2) along a direction (shown in figure 2 by an arrow) until reaching a position where the holes 4b, 4d are no more aligned (i.e. they are no more superimposed), thus obtaining the above discussed second position, shown e.g. in figure 3.

In the shown embodiment, a plurality of holes 4b, 4d. The term“hole” should be interpreted broadly, as a general opening passing through the movable element 4a or the plate 4c. It may be the case that both the elements are provided with a single passing through opening, that may have also a non-circular section. In preferred embodiments, however, both the movable element 4a and the plate 4c are provided with a plurality of holes 4b, 4d. The more the holes are (and smaller the diameter of the holes), faster the passage between the first position and the second position of the movable element can be. The diameter of the holes cannot however reduced too much, otherwise in the first position too little air may pass through the holes, preventing the presence of a holding force as above discussed.

As a result, the objects 100 that arrive at the portion of the conveyor 2 placed below the movable element 4a fall towards a collecting area 5.

The collecting area may be e.g. placed inside a container 5a, into which the objects 100 may be collected, e.g. stacked one onto the other. Alternatively, the collecting area 5 may be placed on a further conveyor 5b (as for example shown in figure 4), onto which a certain number of objects 100 can be grouped, and subsequently moved towards another position. In a possible embodiment, the collecting area 5 may be placed on a conveyor 5b that moves the objects along a direction that is angled (e.g. substantially perpendicular) with respect to the movement of the objects on the conveyor 2, as for example shown in figure 4.

In other possible embodiments, as the one schematically shown in figure 1, the movable element 4a is slidably movable between a retracted position (i.e. the first position) and an extracted position (i.e. the second position). Other kinds of movements, e.g. providing a movable element that is rotatable in a bayonet-like manner, are however possible.

The movable element 4a is preferably arranged so as not to touch the objects 100. Preferably, the movable element 4a is arranged so that, in its second position, the belt 2a of the conveyor 2 is placed between the movable element 4a and the objects 100. The movable element 4a can be provided with different kinds of movement.

In general, in the first position of the movable element 4a, the holding force F is not affected by the disengagement device 4, or in any case is less affected by the disengagement device with respect to the second position.

The movement of the movable element is preferably quick enough to suddenly oppose the holding force F, in a manner allowing a quick detachment of the objects 100 from the conveyor. In preferred embodiments, the movable element is movable from the first position to the second position in less than 5 seconds, in more preferred embodiments in less than 3 seconds, in even more preferred embodiments in less than 1 second.

The quick movement of the movable elements allow the direction of the fall of the objects 100 to be substantially exclusively vertical, so that the fall of subsequent objects is substantially identical, without any (undesired) folding applied to the objects, that can be stacked one onto the other in a precise manner.

According to a possible aspect of the invention, the handling apparatus 1 is coupled to (or part of) a machine (system) 10 for processing the objects 100. Possible embodiments of the machine 10 are for example shown in figures 1 and 4.

In particular, the handling apparatus 1 may be coupled to (and become part of) a pre existing machine 10.

The machine 10 comprises a machine conveyor 1 1, that acts as the source of objects 100 for the conveyor 2 of the handling apparatus 1.

It is noted that, for easiness of description, when both the handling apparatus 1 and the machine 10 are provided with similar elements (e.g. conveyors 2 and 11), the element of the handling apparatus 1 will be referred as“element” while the element of the machine will be referred as“machine element”. As an example, when reference will be made simply to a“conveyor”, the conveyor 2 of the handling apparatus 1 is meant. On the contrary, the conveyor 11 of the machine 10 will be referred as“machine conveyor 11”.

The machine conveyor 11 is typically arranged so as to sustain (support) the objects 100 from below, i.e. so that the objects 100 lean on the machine conveyor 11. The machine conveyor 1 1 is preferably arranged so that, when the objects 100 pass from the machine conveyor 11 to the conveyor 2, they move substantially in a horizontal manner, limiting the lifting movement (i.e. the upward movement against gravity). It has to be noted that in the schematic view of figure 4 the conveyor 2 is arranged at a greater distance (i.e. at greater height from the machine conveyor 11) with respect to the embodiment shown schematically in figure 1. In figure 4 the greater distance (height) of the conveyor 2 from the machine conveyor 11 is provided for clarity and illustrative reasons so that it is possible to show the objects 100 released and stacked on another in the collecting area 5 and in particular on the conveyor 5b. In any case, as mentioned above, it has to be noted that the machine conveyor 11 (and in general the source of objects 100 to be handled) and the conveyor 2 are preferably arranged so that, when the objects 100 pass from the machine conveyor 11 to the conveyor 2, they move substantially in a horizontal manner, i.e. by limiting the lifting movement (i.e. the upward movement against gravity) of the objects passing from the machine conveyor 11 to the conveyor 2.

The objects 100 can be supported on the machine conveyor 11 (e.g. provided with a machine endless belt 11a) only under the action of the gravity force. It is however possible that, such as in the embodiment shown in figure 1, the conveyor 11 is configured to generate a machine holding force MF that draws the objects 100 against the machine conveyor 11. As an example, machine vacuum elements 13 may be provided.

The machine 10 is typically provided with devices 12 performing one or more operations on the objects 100. In preferred embodiments, the machine 10 is providing with a cutting device 12, that is used to obtain the objects 100 from a continuous layer 150 of material.

In particular, the cutting device 12 is typically movable in two different direction, so as to follow a closed path (i.e. it is movable along the perimeter of a bi-dimensional closed shape). Preferably, the cutting device 12 is movable along a substantially horizontal plane. As a result, the cutting device can repetitively cut the perimeter of the objects 100 within the continuous layer 150. The cutting device 12 is preferably a laser cutting device 12, i.e. a cutting device using laser to carry out a cut into the continuous layer 100.

After the cut (i.e. downstream the cut) the continuous layer 100 is thus divided into a plurality of objects 100, that are surrounded by a waste layer 151, i.e. the remaining part of the layer 150 that is outside the objects 100, as e.g. schematically shown in the detail of figure 1.

A waste collecting device 14 can be placed downstream the cutting device 12, to remove the waste layer 151 from the machine conveyor 11 (and thus also from the objects 100). As an example, the waste collecting device may comprise a bobbin around which the waste layer 151 is wound, not shown, or it can be collected in a container 151a as for example shown in figure 4.

It has to be noted that the waste collecting device 14, can be arranged downstream the cutting device 12 and could provide the deviation of the waste layer 151 from above (as for example schematically shown in figure 1 , or from below as for example shown in figure 4), as a result, downstream the waste collecting device 14, only the objects 100 continue to be moved towards the conveyor 2 of the handling and collecting apparatus 1. More in detail, according to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in figure 4, the waste layer 151 is separated from the objects 100 at the end of the machine conveyor 1 1 , so that the waste layer 151 is transported below the collecting area 5 of the objects, such as for example below the conveyor 5b of the collecting area 5, as for example shown in figure 4.

The handling apparatus 1 is preferably arranged so that, in plant view, the conveyor 2 and the machine conveyor 11 partially overlap. In other words, the handling apparatus 1 is preferably arranged so that there is at least one vertical plane P that, considering the operating condition, crosses both the conveyor 2 and the machine conveyor 1 1. During use, the handling apparatus 1 receives objects 100 from a source.

As mentioned, the source is preferably a machine conveyor 11 of a machine 10. Different operations may be carried out on the objects 100 on the machine 10.

In possible embodiments, such as the one shown in figures 1 and 4, a continuous layer

150 of material is fed to the machine 10, preferably the material is provided by a bobbin or reel (as for example shown in figure 4). A cutting device 12 (only schematically shown in figure 4) cuts the objects within the continuous layer 150. The waste layer

151 is then removed from objects 100 and from the machine conveyor 11 , so that only the object 100 are moved forward on the machine conveyor 11.

The objects 100 then reach the conveyor 2 of the handling apparatus 1. The holding force F keeps the objects 100 attached to the conveyor 2 while they are moved forward by the conveyor 2.

Typically, the holding force F is also used to separate the objects from the source (e.g. from the machine conveyor 11). During such an operation, the objects continue their horizontal movement. It is however possible that the objects 100 are also raised, i.e. they are moved in an upward direction towards the conveyor 2, typically by a minimum extent.

The conveyor 2 is placed on top the objects 100, i.e. the objects 100 are drawn against the conveyor 2, under the conveyor 2.

The objects 100 are then moved along the conveyor 2, until they reach a portion of the conveyor where the disengagement device is arranged to separate the objects 100 from the conveyor 2, causing the objects 100 to fall from the conveyor 2.

Typically, the disengagement device 4 comprise a movable element 4a that is alternatively moved between a first and a second position, so that in the second position the movable element cause the objects 100 to fall from the conveyor 2.

Once the objects 100 fall from the conveyor 2, they are collected, typically stacked one onto the other, in the collecting area 5, e.g. in a container 5a (as for example in the embodiment of figure 1) or on a further conveyor 5b (as for example shown in the embodiment of figure 4).