Moving device for moving roller boxes

Abstract

A moving device for moving roller boxes. A moving device for moving roller boxes, comprising: a support structure (10), movable along a vertical direction; a transport plane (11), firmly attached to the support structure (10) with respect to movement in a vertical direction, and movable with respect to the support structure (10) along a horizontal transverse direction (x), wherein the transport plane (11) is predisposed to translate objects (o) along a horizontal transport direction (y); three operating arms (21, 22, 23), firmly attached to the support structure (10), each of which is provided with spindles (s) rotating around axes of rotation that are coplanar, horizontal and perpendicular to the transport direction (y).a main arm (21) is provided with motorized spindles (s) and is movable along the transverse direction (x) between a first operating position and a second operating position, to selectively interact with one of the two roller boxes (b1, b2).

Description

1 / 14 “MOVING DEVICE FOR MOVING ROLLER BOXES” DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device for moving roller boxes.

[0002] In ceramic tile production lines, it is necessary, at certain stages of the process, to be able to interrupt the continuous flow of tiles, creating buffers or temporary storage areas both before and after the kiln exit. These temporary storage areas are obtained by means of roller boxes comprising a plurality of roller planes. The roller planes are superimposed on each other. Both the raw material input from the glazing line or press and the fired material output from the kiln are stored in the roller planes.

[0003] Roller boxes are managed in special storage stations. A storage station is configured to handle two adjacent roller boxes, alternately intended for loading or unloading raw material or flammable material. Typically, two boxes are used to ensure continuity of operation in the production process. In fact, while one roller box is loading or unloading material, an empty or full roller box can be introduced or removed at the adjacent station.

[0004] In the storage stations currently available, to load or unload each plane of the roller boxes, a motorized roller plane is used, mounted on a crossbar that moves vertically and horizontally so that it can be freely positioned at the height of each plane of the roller boxes and, therefore, be able to transfer the material from one plane of the roller box to the line or vice versa.

[0005] To motorize a roller box plane, motion devices are currently used that comprise a plurality of drive spindles, mounted on arms that move vertically and horizontally along Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 62 / 84 2 / 14 of specific guide sides. In practice, there are two vertically movable arms for each roller box, which extend to the height of the plane to be motorized (for loading or unloading) and connect to the rollers, moving horizontally, lifting them and activating them in rotation. Normally, there are four movable arms, two for each roller box, and they are vertically and horizontally movable in pairs in each pair of roller boxes.

[0006] The motion devices currently available are relatively heavy and robust. In fact, the two pairs of arms supplied with motorized spindles have a substantial weight, which requires the appropriate adoption of motor means. Furthermore, the two pairs of arms require a double spindle motorization system to allow independent drive of the roller planes of the two side-by-side roller boxes.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to offer a handling device for moving roller boxes that simplifies currently available handling devices.

[0008] The functionalities and advantages of the present invention will emerge more fully from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in a non-limiting example in the accompanying Figures, wherein: Figure 1 is an isometric and schematic view of a roller box; Figure 2 is an isometric and schematic view of the drive device according to the present invention, in which there are two roller boxes, one of which is shown in dashed lines; Figure 3 is an isometric and schematic view of the device according to the present invention; Figure 3a is an enlargement of Figure 3; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view, presented in a vertical plane, of a first roller box and some of its components. Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 63 / 84 3 / 14 device, according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view, presented in a vertical plane, of a second roller box and some components of the device, according to the present invention.

[0009] The handling device, according to the invention, is particularly suitable for handling roller boxes of the type shown in Figure 1. The roller box comprises two vertical and parallel side walls (101, 102). The side walls (101, 102) are held in place and coupled to each other by crossbars and / or threaded rods, and are associated with a base structure for ground support, in a manner known in the art.

[00010] The side walls (101,102) support a plurality of rollers (R), arranged with parallel horizontal rotation axes. The rollers (R) are distributed in groups within which their rotation axes are coplanar, so as to define a plurality of shelves (P). Figure 1 shows only some rollers (R), located in the lower area of ​​the box. In reality, there are as many rollers as there are pairs of seats distributed on the side walls (101,102). Each shelf (P) is therefore defined by a certain number of rollers (R) coplanar with each other and tangential to a horizontal transport plane (T) (Figure 4).

[00011] Each roller (R) is supported at its ends in intermediate seats obtained through the side walls (101,102). In one possible embodiment, the ends of the rollers are coupled with a certain clearance within their respective seats, so that the rollers can rotate around their axis if associated with a rotary motor. In an alternative embodiment, the ends of the rollers are coupled to their seats by means of bearings or roller bushings. In any case, the ends of the rollers (R) face the outside of the side walls (101,102) to be accessible to a kinematic drive mechanism, which will be better illustrated in the description. Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pages 64 / 84 4 / 14 below, structured to couple with the ends of the rollers and to drive the rollers into rotation.

[00012] The drive device for moving roller boxes, according to the present invention, comprises a support structure (10), movable along a vertical direction.

[00013] In the embodiment presented, preferred but not exclusive, the support structure (10) is vertically movable along a rolling structure (90), comprising a pair of sides (91) to which the support structure (10) itself is slidingly associated.

[00014] In particular, the support structure (10) is contained between the two sides (91). The two sides (91) are joined at the top by a crossbar (92).

[00015] Motor means, within the reach of those skilled in the art, are interposed between the support structure (10) and at least one of the sides (91) to allow vertical sliding of the support structure (10). The guide and sliding means, within the reach of those skilled in the art, are associated with the sides (91) and / or the support structure (10) to stably guide the support structure (10) in its vertical movement.

[00016] Alongside the support structure (10) and the rolling structure (90), the moving device comprises two operating stations (P1,P2) side by side. Each operating station is structured to house a roller box. Each operating station simply has the form of a free space for the positioning of a roller box, which may rest on the ground, or may be provided with a base or other structure to support a roller box. In the embodiment presented, the operating stations (P1,P2) have the form of a free space provided with a base.

[00017] The moving device, according to the present invention, further comprises a transport plane (11), Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 65 / 84 5 / 14 firmly attached to the support structure (10) with respect to movement in the vertical direction. The transport plane (11) is designed to translate objects (O) along a horizontal transport direction (Y). In the embodiment presented, the transport plane (11) has the form of a motorized roller conveyor, but it could be obtained in other forms known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the transport plane (11) is movable with respect to the support structure (10) along a transverse direction (X), horizontal and perpendicular to the transport direction (Y).

[00018] In the embodiment presented, the transport plane (11) is associated with a support structure for the same, to which the motor means are attached to operate the transport plane (11) itself. The support structure of the transport plane (11), in turn, is slidingly attached to the support structure (10) along the transverse direction (X).

[00019] The device, according to the present invention, comprises a main arm (21), solidly attached to the support structure (10), which is provided with a drive mechanism, predisposed to engage with a plurality of coplanar rollers (R) defining a shelf (P). In a possible, but not exclusive, embodiment illustrated in the Figure, the drive mechanism comprises a plurality of spindle rollers (S), rotating around axes of rotation that are coplanar, horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of transport (Y). Motor means, known to those skilled in the art, are predisposed to drive the rotation of at least some spindles (S).

[00020] The main arm (21) is provided with a motorized kinematic drive mechanism. This motorized kinematic drive mechanism is suitable for rotating the rollers (R) of a shelf (P) of a roller box. In the embodiment presented, the motorized kinematic drive mechanism comprises a plurality of spindles (S), driven in rotation by means known to those skilled in the art. The spindles (S) have two opposite ends (S1,S2), projecting from the sides Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 66 / 84 6 / 14 opposite the main arm (21), so as to be able to couple with the rollers (R) of the two roller boxes (B1,B2) arranged on opposite sides of the main arm (21), as will be better illustrated below.

[00021] The main arm (21) is movable along the transverse direction (X) between a first operating position and a second operating position.

[00022] In the first operational position, the main arm (21) is moved towards the first operational station (P1), so as to be able to engage the kinematic drive mechanism with the rollers of a shelf of a first roller box (B1). Essentially, in the first operational position, the main arm (21) is able to engage its kinematic drive mechanism with the rollers of a shelf of the first box (B1) located in the first operational position (P1). Preferably, in the first operational position, the main arm (21) does not engage the second box (B2). In the embodiment presented, each spindle (S) engages a first end (S1) with the end of a roller (R) of a shelf (P) of the first box (B1).

[00023] In the second operational position, the main arm (21) is moved towards the second operational station (P2), so that it can engage the kinematic drive mechanism with the rollers (R) of a shelf (P) of a second roller box (B2) located in the second operational station (P2). Essentially, in the second operational position, the main arm (21) is able to engage its kinematic drive mechanism with the rollers of a shelf of the second box (B2). Preferably, in the second operational position the main arm (21) does not engage the first box (B1). In this case, each spindle (S) engages a second end (S2) with the end of a roller (R) of a shelf (P) of the second box (B2).

[00024] The transport plane (11) is mobile along the transverse direction (X) to selectively align with the first station. Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 67 / 84 7 / 14 operational (P1) or with the second operational station (P2). In other words, the transport plane (11) is mobile along the transverse direction (X) between a first position, located on one side of the main arm (21), where it is placed in front of the first operational station (P1), and a second position, located on the opposite side of the main arm (21), where it is placed in front of the second operational station (P2). Furthermore, the transport plane (11) is disposed close to the end of the main arm (21), firmly attached to the support structure (10). In other words, the main arm (21) projects at one end of the transport plane (11).In Figures 2 and 3, the transport plane (11) is aligned with the main arm (21) and with the first operating station (P1) along the transport direction (Y), so that the transport plane (11) and a shelf (P) of the first box (B1), engaged with the main arm (21) substantially form a single continuous transport plane.

[00025] In this way, when the main arm (21) engages and actuates a shelf (P) of a roller box (B1,B2), the transport plane (11) is arranged in a coplanar manner and aligned with the transport plane defined by the rollers of the activated shelf, so that objects can be transferred between the shelf and transport plane (11) in one direction or another, along the transport direction (Y).

[00026] In practice, to operate on the first box (B1), that is, to activate one of the roller shelves of the first box (B1), the device brings the main arm (21) into alignment with the shelf of the first box (B1) to be activated, through the vertical translation of the support structure (10). Once the desired alignment has been achieved, the main arm (21) moves to the first operational position, so that the kinematic drive mechanism engages the rollers of the shelf to be activated. In the solution presented, the motorized spindles (S) of the main arm (21) engage the end of the rollers of the shelf to be activated facing the main arm (21). Actuating the kinematic drive mechanism, in the case Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 68 / 84 8 / 14 represented by the motorized spindles (S), to rotate the shelf rollers in one direction or another, it is possible to transfer the objects on the shelf of the first box (B1), or move the objects away from the shelf of the first box (B1).

[00027] To operate on the second box (B2), the steps are the same as described above, with the difference that the main arm (21), having reached the desired shelf of the second box (B2), moves to the second operating position.

[00028] With only the main arm (21), the drive device, according to the present invention, is therefore capable of operating on two roller boxes (B1,B2) arranged side by side in the operating area of ​​the arm itself (21).

[00029] In the presented embodiment, preferred but not exclusive, the device comprises a main arm (21), a first terminal arm (22) and a second terminal arm (23). This embodiment is particularly suitable for operating in roller boxes, where the rollers are inserted into the seats obtained through the side walls (101,102) without the interposition of rolling elements between the ends of the rollers and the seats themselves.

[00030] The operating arms (21,22,23) are substantially coplanar with each other, in the same horizontal plane, and are separated from each other by a distance that allows the positioning of a roller box (B1,B2) between two adjacent arms, as shown in Figure 2. In essence, a roller box (B1) can be positioned between the main arm (21) and the first arm (22), another roller box (B2) can be positioned between the main arm (21) and the second arm (23).

[00031] The transport plane (11) is mobile along the transverse direction (X) to selectively align with the first operational station (P1), as well as with the first arm (22) and the main arm (21), or with the second operational station (P2), as well as with the second arm (23) and the main arm (21). Furthermore, the transport plane (11) is arranged close Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 69 / 84 9 / 14 at one end of the operating arms (21,22,23) facing or firmly attached to the support structure (10). In other words, the operating arms (21,22,23), when aligned with the transport plane (11), project at one end of it. In Figures 2 and 3, the transport plane (11) is aligned with the main arm (21) and with the first arm (22) along the transport direction (Y), so that the transport plane (11) and a shelf (P) of the first box (B1) engaged with the two arms (21,22) substantially form a single continuous transport plane.

[00032] In this way, when the operating arms (21,22,23) engage and activate a shelf (P) of a roller box (B1,B2), the transport plane (11) is arranged in a coplanar manner and aligned with the transport plane defined by the rollers of the activated shelf, so that objects can be transferred between the shelf and the transport plane (11) in one direction or another, along the transport direction (Y).

[00033] The external operating arms (22,23) are movable in the transverse direction (X) between an active position and an inactive position.

[00034] In the active position, the outer arm (22) is moved towards the main arm (21). Similar to the main arm, the first outer arm (22), in the active position, is able to engage its kinematic drive mechanism with the rollers of a shelf of the first box (B1). In particular, in the embodiment presented, each spindle (Sa) of the first outer arm (22) engages its end with the end of a roller (R) opposite to the end engaged by the spindle (S) of the main arm (21). In the inactive position, the first outer arm (22) is located at a greater distance from the main arm (21) compared to the active position. In the inactive position, the first outer arm (22) is not able to engage its kinematic drive mechanism with the rollers of a shelf of the first box (B1). In other words, in the inactive position, the spindles (Sa) are displaced from the rollers of the first box (B1).

[00035] In the active position, the second external arm (23) is Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 70 / 84 10 / 14 displaced towards the main arm (21). Similar to the main arm, the second external arm (23), in the active position, is able to engage its kinematic drive mechanism with the rollers of a shelf of the second box (B2). In particular, in the embodiment presented, each spindle (Sb) of the second external arm (23) engages its end with the end of a roller (R) opposite to the end engaged by the spindle (S) of the main arm (21). In the inactive position, the second external arm (23) is located at a greater distance from the main arm (21) compared to the active position. In the inactive position, the second external arm (23) is not able to engage its kinematic drive mechanism with the rollers of a shelf of the second box (B2). In other words, in the inactive position, the spindles (Sb) are displaced from the rollers of the second box (B2).

[00036] With only three operating arms, the handling device, according to the present invention, is therefore capable of operating on two roller boxes (B1,B2) arranged side-by-side in the operating area of ​​the operating arms themselves.

[00037] In practice, to operate on the first box (B1), i.e., to activate one of the roller shelves of the first box (B1), the device brings the operating arms into alignment with the shelf of the first box (B1) to be activated, through the vertical translation of the support structure (10). Once the desired alignment has been achieved, the main arm (21) moves to the first operating position, so that the kinematic drive mechanism engages the rollers of the shelf to be activated, while the first arm (22) moves to the active position. In the solution presented, the motorized shafts (S) of the main arm (21) engage the end of the rollers of the shelf to be activated facing the main arm (21), while the shafts (Sa) of the first arm (22) engage the opposite ends of the rollers of the shelf to be activated.Activating the kinematic drive mechanism, in this case represented by the motorized spindles (S), to rotate the shelf rollers in one direction or another, is. Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 71 / 84 11 / 14 It is possible to transfer the objects on the shelf of the first box (B1), or to move the objects away from the shelf of the first box (B1).

[00038] To operate on the second box (B2), the steps are the same as described above, with the difference that the main arm (21), having reached the desired shelf of the second box (B2), moves to the second operating position and the second arm (23) moves to the active position.

[00039] In one possible embodiment, the drive mechanisms of all operating arms (21,22,23) may be motorized, or the drive mechanism of the main arm (21) alone could be motorized. In a further possible embodiment, the drive mechanisms could work without load, i.e., perform the function of rotary support for the rollers (R), which could be driven in rotation by other means.

[00040] Preferably, the main arm (21) can assume a neutral position, intermediate between the first and second operational positions along the transverse direction (X). In the neutral position, the main arm (21) is located so as not to engage either of the two roller boxes (B1, B2). With the main arm (21) in the neutral position and the first and second arms (22, 23) in the inactive position, the roller boxes can be inserted and extracted at the two operational stations (P1, P2) without interfering with the operational arms (21, 22, 23).

[00041] As already illustrated, the transport plane (11) is associated with the support structure (10) to selectively align with the first arm (22) and the main arm (21), or with the second arm (23) and the main arm (21), that is, so that it can align with the rollers of the shelf to be activated. In the solution shown, the transport plane (11) is coplanar with the rotation axes of the spindles (S). In this way, when the operating arms (21, 22, 23) engage and activate a shelf, the transport plane (11) is arranged in a coplanar manner with the transport plane defined by the Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 72 / 84 12 / 14 rollers of the activated shelf, so that objects can be transferred between the shelf and the transport plane (11) in one direction or another, along the transport direction (Y).

[00042] The support structure (10) is vertically movable between at least one first position, in which the transport plane (11) is coplanar with a supply / discharge line (81) for the objects, and a plurality of loading / discharge positions, in each of which the operating arms (21,22,23) are located with the spindles (S) coplanar and aligned with the rotation axes of the rollers of a roller box shelf (B1,B2).

[00043] Essentially, by vertically displacing the support structure (10), the transport plane (11) can be positioned at the height of a supply / discharge line (81) for the objects to be moved. When translating along the transverse direction (X), the transport plane (11) can align with the line (81) and receive from the line (81), or discharge onto the line (81), a certain number of objects (O).

[00044] In the first case, the transport plane (11), after receiving the objects (O) from the line (81), is brought to the height of a shelf of a roller box (B1,B2), by translating the support structure (10). Furthermore, the transport plane (11), translating in relation to the support structure (10) along the transverse direction (X), aligns itself with the roller box (B1,B2) whose shelf is intended to receive the objects (O) present in the transport plane (11). As already illustrated, once the alignment with the shelf of the intended roller box (B1,B2) has been achieved, the main arm (21) is moved to the first or second operational position, simultaneously activating the movement of the first or second arm (22,23) in the active position, depending on the box to be used, so that the kinematic drive mechanism engages the rollers of the shelf to be activated.Activating the kinematic drive mechanism for the rotation of the shelf rollers and, in the same direction, the plane of. Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 73 / 84 13 / 14 transport (11), it is possible to transfer objects from the transport plane (11) to the roller box shelf. With a reverse sequence to that described, it is possible to remove objects present on a shelf of a roller box, transferring them to the transport plane (11) and from there to the line (81).

[00045] Preferably, the drive device comprises a counterweight system, connected to the support structure (10) to support, at least partially, the weight associated with the support structure (10). In one possible embodiment, the counterweight system comprises a flexible element (71), for example, a flexible rope or chain, which, at one end, is attached to the support structure (10), while at the other end it is attached to a mass of predetermined weight. The mass may be sliding within one of the sides (91). The flexible element (71) is associated with a central area of ​​the support structure (10), to support the support structure (10) in a substantially barycentric area. By means of at least two return members, for example, pulleys or gears working without load, the flexible element is guided along a path C from the point of attachment to the support structure (10) to the mass enclosed in a side (91).The return elements are arranged so that a horizontal section of the flexible element (71) is contained in the crossbar (92), and so that a vertical section, which joins the mass, is contained in the corresponding side (91).

[00046] The use of a counterweight system allows relieving the load on the motor means used to lift the support structure (10), i.e., to move the support structure (10) upwards.

[00047] The drive device, according to the present invention, allows the inconveniences of current devices to be resolved.

[00048] In fact, the presence of a single main arm (21), which Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 74 / 84 14 / 14 can be activated to interact with one of the two boxes (B1,B2) flanking each other, allowing the total number of operating arms to be reduced to three and therefore significantly reducing the total weight associated with the support structure (10). This reduces the complexity of the moving device. In addition, the lower weight associated with the support structure (10) reduces the energy required to move the support structure and the operating arms (21,22,23) upwards. Petition 870220022711, dated 03 / 16 / 2022, pp. 75 / 84

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. A moving device for moving roller boxes, comprising: a support structure (10), movable along a vertical direction; a transport plane (11), firmly attached to the support structure (10) with respect to movement in the vertical direction, and movable with respect to the support structure (10) along a horizontal transverse direction (X), wherein the transport plane (11) is predisposed to translate objects (O) along a horizontal transport direction (Y); two operating stations (P1, P2) side by side, each of which is structured to house a roller box (B1, B2); characterized by: comprising a main arm (21), firmly attached to the support structure (10), which is provided with spindles (S) rotating around rotation axes that are coplanar, horizontal and perpendicular to the transport direction (Y);the main arm (21) being movable along the transverse direction (X) between a first operational position and a second operational position; in the first operational position, the main arm (21) being moved towards a first operational station (P1) so as to be able to engage the rollers of a shelf of a first roller box (B1); in the second operational position, the main arm (21) being moved towards a second operational station (P2) so as to be able to engage the rollers of a shelf of a second roller box (B2).

2. Handling device, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising: two external operating arms (22, 23), solidly attached to the support structure (10), each of which is provided with spindles (S) rotating around rotation axes that are coplanar, horizontal and perpendicular to the transport direction (Y), each of which is movable along the transverse direction (X) between an active position and an inactive position; when in the active position thereof, an external arm (22, 23) being located at a shorter distance from the main arm (21) and being able to engage the rollers of a shelf of a respective roller box (B1, B2); when in the inactive position, an external arm (22, 23) is located at a greater distance from the main arm (21) compared to the active position, and is unable to engage the rollers of a shelf in a respective roller box (B1, B2).

3. Handling device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the main arm (21) is predisposed to assume a neutral position, intermediate between the first and second operational positions along the transverse direction (X), in which the main arm (21) is located so as not to engage either of the two roller boxes (B1, B2).

4. A drive device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the transport plane (11) is coplanar with the spindle rotation axes (S).

5. Handling device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the transport plane (11) is movable along the transverse direction (X) to selectively align with the first operating station (P1) or with the second operating station (P2).

6. Handling device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the transport plane (11) is disposed in close proximity to one end of the main arm (21).

7. Handling device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by comprising a counterweight system, connected to the support structure (10) to support, at least partially, the weight associated with the support structure (10).

8. Movement device, according to claim 7, Petition 870240019927, dated 08 / 03 / 2024, page 11 / 12 3 / 3 characterized by the counterweight system comprising a flexible element (71) which, at one end, is attached to the support structure (10), while at the other end it is attached to a mass of predetermined weight.

9. Handling device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by comprising a supply / discharge line (81), arranged to supply / receive objects to / from the transport plane (11).

10. Handling device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the support structure (10) is vertically movable between at least one first position, in which the transport plane (11) is coplanar to a supply / discharge line (81) for the objects, and a plurality of loading / discharge positions, in each of which the main arm (21) is located with the spindles (S) coplanar and aligned to the rotation axes of the rollers of a roller box shelf (B1, B2).

11. A movement device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the support structure (10) is vertically movable along a rolling structure (90), comprising a pair of sides (91) to which the support structure (10) is slidingly associated. Petition 870240019927, dated 08 / 03 / 2024, p. 12 / 12

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