Protection and control device for the access to processing machines

Abstract

The protection and control device (1) for the access to processing machines comprises: one base frame (2) which can be located in the proximity of an access (B) to a processing machine (A); one door element (3) constrained to the base frame (2) and movable by sliding along a substantially vertical direction of movement (4) between at least: - one closing position wherein the door element (3) is lowered to close the access (B); - one opening position wherein the door element (3) is lifted to clear the access (B); blocking means (7) adapted to block the descent of the door element (3) between the opening position and the closing position, the door element (3) abutting against at least one obstacle (C) along the direction of movement (4).

Description

[0001] PROTECTION AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR THE ACCESS TO PROCESSING MACHINES

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a protection and control device for the access to processing machines.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] To date, the use of special processing machines provided with working tools, which are employed to carry out certain operations on semi-finished products, is becoming increasingly common.

[0006] The aforementioned processing machines generally define an internal working area, in which one or more working tools are mounted and which is accessible from the outside via an access, obtained on the base structure of the processing machine itself.

[0007] The working tools are operated and moved within the aforementioned working area in order to operate one or more semi-finished products which are introduced into the same working area via the access.

[0008] As is well known and as can be easily guessed, the working area can be very dangerous for the safety of operators, precisely because of the presence of moving parts that can exert high force.

[0009] In this regard, the use of sliding doors which are mounted on the processing machines, where the access to the working area is located, and which, when needed, are made to descend so as to close the access, in order to prevent access to the working area, is well known and widespread.

[0010] The sliding doors of known type do however have some drawbacks that are mainly attributable to the fact that, during descent, they can bump into and damage any objects or portions of a user’s body placed along the movement path. It is easy to appreciate that the sliding door can compress to the point of crushing the intercepted object or portion of a user’s body, leading to serious consequences, especially for the user’s health.

[0011] Added to this is the fact that in the event that the sliding door hits a very strong object, it may happen that the sliding door itself suffers severe damage to the point of breaking, thus needing to be repaired or replaced.

[0012] Description of the Invention

[0013] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a protection and control device for the access to processing machines which allows the extent of damage caused to any objects and / or portions of a user’s body contacted during the descent of the same device to be limited.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to devise a protection and control device for the access to processing machines which allows the extent of damage sustained by the same device to be limited, in the event of a collision with an object, as it descends.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to devise a protection and control device for the access to processing machines which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use and cost-effective solution.

[0016] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this protection and control device for the access to processing machines having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0017] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a protection and control device for the access to processing machines, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a processing machine comprising a protection and control device for the access to processing machines according to the invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is an exploded, partly enlarged, axonometric view of the protection and control device for the access to processing machines according to the invention; Figure 3 and Figure 4 are partly enlarged side views of the protection and control device according to the invention under two different conditions of use.

[0021] Embodiments of the Invention

[0022] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a protection and control device for the access to processing machines.

[0023] Within the scope of this disclosure, it has been assumed that the protection and control device 1 is mounted on a processing machine A employed to carry out special processing operations on semi-finished products.

[0024] The processing machine A is schematically shown in Figure 1 and is of a type known to the technician in the field.

[0025] The processing machine A defines a working area which can be accessed via an access B, defined on the bearing structure of the processing machine A.

[0026] The protection and control device 1 is mounted on the bearing structure of the processing machine A, where the access B is located, and is used to open / close the latter to allow / prevent access to the working area.

[0027] The protection and control device 1 comprises: at least one base frame 2 which can be located in the proximity of the access B to the processing machine A; at least one door element 3 constrained to the base frame 2 and movable by sliding along a substantially vertical direction of movement 4 between at least: one closing position wherein the door element 3 is lowered to close the access B; one opening position wherein the door element 3 is lifted to clear the access B.

[0028] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the base frame 2 comprises a first upright 5 and a second upright 8, which is substantially parallel to the first upright 5.

[0029] The door element 3 is associated with the first upright 5 and with the second upright 8 in a sliding maimer.

[0030] The uprights 5, 8 are substantially parallel to the direction of movement 4.

[0031] The uprights 5, 8 are arranged, in use, at the perimeter edges of the access B and are arranged substantially vertically.

[0032] According to the invention, the protection and control device 1 comprises blocking means 7 adapted to block the descent of the door element 3 between the opening position and the closing position, the door element 3 abutting against at least one obstacle C along the direction of movement 4.

[0033] With reference to the figures, the blocking means 7 are associated with the base frame 2 where the second upright 8 is located.

[0034] In detail, the second upright 8 consists of a containment and sliding body 8 which is adapted to contain, at least partly, the blocking means 7 and which internally defines a guide with which the door element 3 is associated in a sliding maimer. Thanks to the presence of the blocking means 7, it is possible to block the descent of the door element 3 when, along the relevant descent path, there is an obstacle C with which the door element 3 collides.

[0035] By blocking the descent of the door element 3, it is possible to limit the damage that can be done to the obstacle C which, should the door element 3 continue to descend, could be crushed and damaged significantly.

[0036] In addition to this, thanks to the intervention of the blocking means 7, it is possible to limit the extent of the damage that the door element 3 may suffer as a result of hitting the obstacle C.

[0037] In the figures, the obstacle C is shown, for purely illustrative and representative choice, with the arm of an operator engaged in the use of the processing machine A.

[0038] However, it is necessary to point out that the obstacle C may be of a different nature and, e.g., be of the type of an object placed where the access B is located, so that it crosses it, without this in any way affecting the operation of the protection and control device 1 according to the invention.

[0039] With reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the obstacle C is not present along the downward path of the door element 3, which is free to descend to close the access B.

[0040] In this condition, the blocking means 7 do not intervene.

[0041] Figure 4, differentially, shows a different condition wherein the operator’s arm, the obstacle C, is placed across the access B, thus intercepting the door element 3 during the relevant descent.

[0042] In the latter condition, the blocking means 7 intervene to block the descent of the door element 3.

[0043] Advantageously, the blocking means 7 comprise: at least one braking surface 9 made on the base frame 2; at least one braking device 10 associated with the door element 3 and movable between a first position, wherein it is moved away from the braking surface 9 so as to allow the descent of the door element 3, and a second position, wherein it abuts against the braking surface 9 preventing the door element 3 from descending.

[0044] Figure 3 shows the braking device 10 at the first position while Figure 4 shows the braking device 10 at the second position.

[0045] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the braking surface 9 is defined on one of the inner surfaces of the containment and sliding body 8, arranged where the braking device 10 is located.

[0046] Conveniently and as shown in Figure 2, the braking device 10 comprises at least one base body 11, 12, associated with the door element 3, and at least one braking body 13, associated in rotation with the base body 11, 12 around a substantially horizontal axis of rotation 14.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the braking body 13 is positionable abutting against the braking surface 9 at the second position.

[0048] The base body 11, 12 comprises a first base element 11 and a second base element

[0049] 12 having a substantially elongated conformation and associated with the door element 3 so as to be substantially parallel to the direction of movement 4.

[0050] In other words, the base bodies 11, 12 are, in use, substantially vertical.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the first base element 11 and the second base element 12 are mutually spaced apart to define at least one gap 15 wherein the braking body

[0052] 13 is mounted.

[0053] The braking device 10 comprises a pin body 16 adapted to connect the braking body 13 to both base elements 11, 12 and defining the axis of rotation 14.

[0054] It is possible to say that the braking body 13 is hanging from the base body 11, 12.

[0055] During the rotation around the axis of rotation 14, the braking body 13 is moved within the gap 15.

[0056] Conveniently, the braking body 13 comprises at least one eccentric portion 17 with respect to the axis of rotation 14 and positionable abutting against the braking surface 9 at the second position.

[0057] Advantageously, the braking device 10 comprises at least one elastic retaining element 18 associated with the braking body 13 and adapted to keep the braking body 13 abutting against the braking surface 9 at the second position.

[0058] The elastic retaining element 18 is placed between the braking body 13 and the base body 11, 12.

[0059] Conveniently, the protection and control device 1 comprises activation means 19 adapted to place the braking device 10 to the second position when the obstacle C is present during the descent of the door element 3 along the direction of movement 4.

[0060] The activation means 19 are associated with the base frame 2 where the second upright 8 is located and are positioned internally to the containment and sliding body 8.

[0061] The activation means 19 comprise at least one activation body 19 movable as a result of the force exerted by the door element 3 between a contact position, wherein it abuts against the braking body 13 at the first position, blocking the rotation thereof, and an away position, wherein it is spaced apart from the braking body 13 at the second position, allowing the rotation thereof.

[0062] As can be seen in the figures, the braking body 13 defines a recess 20 into which the activation body 19 can be at least partly inserted, the latter positioning itself inferiorly to the braking body 13 and supporting it from below.

[0063] The presence of the activation body 19 prevents the eccentric portion 17 of the braking body 13 from rotating around the axis of rotation 14.

[0064] In this special condition, the activation body 19 is at the contact position, shown in Figure 3.

[0065] As soon as the activation body 19 is moved away from the braking body 13, according to maimers to be described in detail later, the braking body 13 is no longer supported from below and the eccentric portion 17 is free to rotate around the axis of rotation 14, positioning itself abutting against the braking surface 9 and blocking the descent of the door element 3.

[0066] In this special condition, the activation body 19 is at the away position, shown in Figure 4.

[0067] Conveniently, the protection and control device 1 comprises movement means 21 of the door element 3 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to enable the movement of the door element 3 along the direction of movement 4.

[0068] Preferably, the movement means 21 comprise: at least one guiding profile 22 associated with the base frame 2 and developing longitudinally along the direction of movement 4, the door element 3 being mounted within the guiding profile 22 in a sliding maimer; at least one supporting body 23, 24 associated with the door element 3; at least one actuator device 26 associated with the supporting body 23, 24 and adapted to move the supporting body 23, 24 along the direction of movement 4.

[0069] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment, the guiding profile 22 is defined on the first upright 5.

[0070] Still with reference to the figures, the supporting body 23, 24 and the actuator device 26 are associated with the base frame 2 where the second upright 8 is located and are positioned internally to the containment and sliding body 8.

[0071] The actuator device 26 can be pneumatically or electrically operated.

[0072] Conveniently, the supporting body 23, 24 comprises: at least a first portion 23, rigidly associated with the door element 3; at least a second portion 24 coupled to the first portion 23 in a removable manner and rigidly associated with the actuator device 26, the second portion 24 being arranged, in use, inferiorly to the first portion 23; connecting means 25 adapted to allow coupling / uncoupling the first portion 23 to / from the second portion 24.

[0073] In light of this, it is possible to say that the movement means 21 can be placed, alternately, at a work position, wherein the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 are coupled by the interposition of connecting means 25, and at a home position, wherein the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 are uncoupled. When the movement means 21 are at the work position, the driving force is transmitted from the actuator device 26 to the door element 3 which can be made to slide, in an upward or downward way, along the direction of movement 4.

[0074] When the movement means 21 are at the home position, the driving force is not transmitted from the actuator device 26 to the door element 3 which cannot be moved along the direction of movement 4.

[0075] Preferably, the connecting means 25 are of the magnetic type.

[0076] With special reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the first portion 23 is made of metallic material and the connecting means 25 comprise one or more elements made of ferromagnetic material associated with the second portion 24.

[0077] When the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 are placed in contact, the elements made of ferromagnetic material magnetically interact with the first portion 23, resulting in coupling between the first portion 23 and the second portion 24.

[0078] When an external force, counteracting the magnetic interaction, operates between the first portion 23 and the second portion 24, there is detachment of the first portion 23 from the second portion 24.

[0079] The activation body 19 is rigidly associated with the second portion 24.

[0080] The second portion 24 is intended to disconnect from the first portion 23 as a result of the force exerted by the obstacle C on the door element 3 and to move the activation body 19 away from the braking body 13 to enable the latter to be positioned at the second position.

[0081] With reference to Figure 3, if the door element 3 does not intercept the obstacle C during the descent thereof, the movement means 21 are kept at the work position.

[0082] In such a case, the actuator device 26 transmits the driving force to the second portion 24 which drags therewith the first portion 23, which in turn drags therewith the door element 3.

[0083] Differently and as visible in Figure 4, in the event of the door element 3 intercepting the obstacle C during the descent thereof, the movement means 21 are placed at the home position due to the detachment of the first portion 23 from the second portion 24 as a result of the force exerted by the same obstacle C on the door element 3.

[0084] The actuator device 26 continues to operate, transmitting the driving force only to the second portion 24, which continues to descend, dragging the activation body 19 therewith.

[0085] In this way, the braking body 13 rotates around the axis of rotation 14, positioning itself against the braking surface 9 and blocking the descent of the door element 3 to which it is connected.

[0086] The operation of the protection and control device according to the invention is as follows.

[0087] The users of the protection and control device 1, if they wish to close the access B to the processing machine A, intervene on the movement means 21, activating the actuator device 26.

[0088] The actuator device 26 moves the supporting body 23, 24 along the direction of movement 4, downwards, thus causing the door element 3 to descend to the closing position.

[0089] As soon as the users wish to make the access B accessible, they again operate the actuator device 26 which moves the supporting body 23, 24 along the direction of movement 4, upwards, thus causing the door element 3 to rise until it reaches the opening position.

[0090] If the door element 3, during its descent, intercepts an obstacle C placed where the access B is located, the blocking means 7 and the activation means 19 operate in the maimer described above.

[0091] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the presence of the blocking means makes it possible to limit the extent of damage caused to any objects and / or portions of a user’s body contacted during the descent of the door element.

[0092] In addition, due to the presence of the blocking means, it is possible to limit the level of damage suffered by a door element in the event of a collision with an intercepted object during the closing phase.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Protection and control device (1) for the access to processing machines, comprising: at least one base frame (2) which can be located in the proximity of an access (B) to a processing machine (A); at least one door element (3) constrained to said base frame (2) and movable by sliding along a substantially vertical direction of movement (4) between at least:- one closing position wherein said door element (3) is lowered to close said access (B);- one opening position wherein said door element (3) is lifted to clear said access (B); characterized by the fact that it comprises blocking means (7) adapted to block the descent of said door element (3) between said opening position and said closing position, said door element (3) abutting against at least one obstacle (C) along said direction of movement (4).2) Protection and control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said blocking means (7) comprise: at least one braking surface (9) made on said base frame (2); at least one braking device (10) associated with said door element (3) and movable between a first position, wherein it is moved away from said braking surface (9) so as to allow the descent of said door element (3), and a second position, wherein it abuts against said braking surface (9) preventing said door element (3) from descending.3) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises activation means (19) adapted to place said braking device (10) in said second position when said obstacle (C) is present during the descent of said door element (3) along said direction of movement (4).4) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said braking device (10) comprises at leastone base body (11, 12), associated with said door element (3), and at least one braking body (13), associated in rotation with said base body (11, 12) around a substantially horizontal axis of rotation (14).5) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said braking body (13) comprises at least one eccentric portion (17) with respect to said axis of rotation (14) and positionable stopped against said braking surface (9) in said second position.6) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said braking device (10) comprises at least one elastic retaining element (18) associated with said braking body (13) and adapted to keep said braking body (13) stopped against said braking surface (9) in said second position.7) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said activation means (19) comprise at least one activation body (19) movable as a result of the force exerted by said door element (3) between a contact position, wherein it abuts against said braking body (13) in said first position, blocking the rotation thereof, and a receding position, wherein it is spaced away from said braking body (13) in said second position, allowing the rotation thereof.8) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises movement means (21) of said door element (3) which are associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to enable the movement of said door element (3) along said direction of movement (4).9) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement means (21) comprise: at least one guiding profile (22) associated with said base frame (2) and developing longitudinally along said direction of movement (4), said door element (3) being mounted within said guiding profile (22) in a sliding maimer;at least one supporting body (23, 24, 25) associated with said door element (3); at least one actuator device (26) associated with said supporting body (23, 24, 25) and adapted to move said supporting body (23, 24, 25) along said direction of movement (4).10) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (23, 24, 25) comprises: at least a first portion (23), rigidly associated with said door element (3); at least a second portion (24) coupled to said first portion (23) in a removable maimer and rigidly associated with said actuator device (26), said second portion (24) being arranged, in use, inferiorly to said first portion (23); connecting means (25) adapted to allow coupling / uncoupling said first portion (23) to / from said second portion (24).11) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said connecting means (25) are of the magnetic type.12) Protection and control device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said activation body (19) is rigidly associated with said second portion (24), said second portion (24) being intended to disconnect from said first portion (23) as a result of the force exerted by said obstacle (C) on said door element (3) and to move said activation body (19) away from said braking body (13) to enable the latter to be positioned in said second position.

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