Apparatus for handling and collecting a plurality of substantially bi-dimensional objects

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for handling and collecting a plurality of substantially bi-dimensional objects (100) comprises: a conveyor (2), arranged to receive the bi-dimensional object from a source, and configured to provide a holding force (F) to draw and hold the bi-dimensional objects from above; a disengagement device (4), 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 (5).

1 . Apparatus ( 1 ) for handling and collecting a plurality of substantially bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ), preferably made of fabric or paper, the apparatus comprising:
 a conveyor ( 2 ), arranged to receive said bi-dimensional object ( 100 ) from a source, and configured to provide a holding force (F) to draw and hold said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) from above;   a disengagement device ( 4 ), configured to temporarily oppose said holding force (F) on at least a portion of said conveyor ( 2 ), to disengage said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) from said conveyor ( 2 ), causing the fall of said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) towards a collecting area ( 5 ).   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the conveyor ( 2 ) comprises at least one vacuum element ( 3 ) configured to suck air from the environment against said conveyor ( 2 ) to provide said holding force (F). 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein said conveyor ( 2 ) is provided with a belt ( 2   a ), preferably a foraminous belt, preferably at least one vacuum element ( 3 ) being configured to suck air from the environment against said belt ( 2   a ), so as to draw said bi-dimensional objects against said belt ( 2 ). 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein said disengagement device ( 4 ) comprise a movable element ( 4   a ), movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position the movable element ( 4   a ) opposes said holding force (F). 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus ( 1 ) according to  claim 4 , wherein said movable element ( 4   a ) is movable in a slidable manner. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus ( 1 ) according to  claim 4  or  5 , wherein said movable element ( 4   a ) is arranged so that, in use condition, said belt ( 2   a ) is interposed between said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) and said movable element ( 4   a ). 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to any  claims 4  to  6 , when depending from  claim 2 , wherein in the second position the movable element ( 4   a ) interrupts the drawing of air on at least part of said conveyor ( 2 ). 
     
     
         8 . A machine ( 10 ) for processing a bi-dimensional object ( 100 ) comprising:
 a machine conveyor ( 11 ) for moving a layer ( 150 ), preferably a continuous layer, of material;   a handling and collecting apparatus ( 1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said source is said machine conveyor ( 11 ).   
     
     
         9 . The machine ( 10 ) according to  claim 8 , further comprising a cutting device ( 12 ), configured to carry out a cut along a plurality of different paths in said layer ( 150 ), so as to divide said layer ( 150 ) into a plurality of bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) and a waste layer ( 151 ) surrounding said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ). 
     
     
         10 . The machine ( 10 ) according to  claim 8  or  9 , further comprising a waste collecting device ( 14 ), for separating said waste layer ( 151 ) from said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) and preferably for also removing said waste layer ( 151 ) from said machine conveyor ( 11 ). 
     
     
         11 . The machine ( 10 ) according to any preceding  claims 8  to  10 , wherein said machine conveyor ( 11 ) comprises a machine belt ( 11   a ) and at least one machine vacuum element ( 13 ) configured to suck air from the environment against said machine belt ( 11   a ), so as to draw said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) against said machine belt ( 11   a ). 
     
     
         12 . The machine ( 10 ) according to any preceding  claims 8  to  11  wherein, in plant view, considering the use condition, a portion of said machine conveyor ( 11 ) overlaps a portion of said conveyor ( 2 ) of said handling and collecting apparatus ( 1 ). 
     
     
         13 . The machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said layer ( 150 ) is a fabric, and wherein preferably said bi-dimensional objects are cut along patterns for garments, or wherein said layer ( 150 ) is made of paper or cardboard and wherein preferably said bi-dimensional objects are blanks. 
     
     
         14 . A process for handling and collecting a plurality of bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) comprising the steps of:
 i. moving said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) from a source to a conveyor ( 2 ), said conveyor ( 2 ) holding said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) from above via a holding force (F);   ii. opposing said holding force (F) on at least a portion of said conveyor ( 2 ) to disengage said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) from said conveyor ( 2 ), causing the fall of said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ).   
     
     
         15 . A process for cutting a plurality of bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) from a layer ( 150 ) comprising the steps of:
 a) cutting said layer ( 150 ) along a plurality of different paths, so as to divide said layer ( 150 ) into a plurality of bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) and a waste layer ( 151 ) surrounding said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 );   b) separating said waste layer ( 151 ) from said bi-dimensional objects ( 100 ) and removing said waste layer ( 151 ) from said machine conveyor ( 11 );   c) performing steps i-ii of  claim 14 .