Equipment and methods for collecting elongated products

Abstract

An apparatus for collecting elongated products (preferably metal products) includes a first receiving device (11) movable between a working position and a conveying position, wherein the first receiving device (11) is capable of receiving a plurality of elongated products (P) from a processing machine, and wherein the elongated products (P) are picked up at the conveying position. The invention also relates to a method for collecting the elongated products (P) and machinery (100) for processing them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and methods for collecting elongated products (preferably metals).

[0002] In particular, the present invention can be used to collect in an orderly and automated manner and in uniform groups several elongated products having the same or similar or equivalent shapes, to move them to a manual or automatic conveying and picking area, and then store and / or transport them for use.

[0003] The term "long product" as used herein and below generally refers to a product manufactured from a slender rod (which may have been straightened), such as wire, reinforcing bar, round or square piece, etc., with a circular, polygonal, or flat cross-sectional shape. For example, the long product can be a medium or large stirrup, a straight rod, or a shaped part bent at one or both ends. Background Technology

[0004] Various cutting and bending machines, also known as stirrup making or forming machines, are known for manufacturing stirrups and / or forming parts from bundles of straight rods, as well as from metal coils made of, for example, steel.

[0005] Starting with metal wire coils, these machines can also straighten metal wire before cutting and bending it. They can also process simple straight rods.

[0006] In the production of the aforementioned metal products, there are issues regarding the discharge at the end of processing and the collection and movement of these products for possible subsequent operations (such as packaging, bundling, storage, and transportation).

[0007] To facilitate discharge, stirrup manufacturing / forming machines typically have an inclined working surface, so that once a work cycle is completed, the metal product can simply fall off without the need for extraction devices or specialized operators.

[0008] Below the working surface, there is usually a device for collecting metal products. This device typically includes a container (such as a trolley) that is movable so that it can be filled to its full capacity as products are gradually produced by the machine.

[0009] Once full, the container moves to the conveying area, where products are picked up individually or in groups, either automatically or manually, and may be bundled.

[0010] One known drawback of the equipment is that the machine itself must stop whenever the container is full and moves away from the machine toward the conveyor area. This results in wasted time and decreased productivity.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to improve an apparatus and method for collecting elongated products (preferably metals) that can overcome at least one drawback of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for collecting elongated products, which allows processing machines to operate continuously or almost continuously.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for collecting elongated products that is simple and inexpensive, and ensures great safety in the presence of a dedicated operator, for example, during the unloading process.

[0014] Another objective is to refine a method for collecting elongated products that allows for increased overall productivity of the machinery and reduced production costs.

[0015] The applicant designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The main technical solution of this invention is described and characterized in the main technical solution of this invention. The dependent technical solutions of this invention describe other features or variations of the main inventive concept of this invention.

[0017] In accordance with the above objectives, an apparatus for collecting elongated products (preferably metal products) overcomes the limitations and eliminates the defects present in the prior art. The apparatus includes a first receiving device capable of a first movement between a working position and a conveying position. In the working position, the receiving device is positioned near a machine for processing elongated products, and in the conveying position, the receiving device is positioned away from the processing machine as described above, where the metal products are picked up or released.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the device as described above further includes at least one second receiving device, which is also capable of reciprocating the first movement between the working position and the conveying position as described above. Furthermore, at least one of the first or second receiving device is adapted to also perform at least a second movement to be in a position that does not interfere with the other.

[0019] Because one of the two receiving devices has a non-interfering position, the two receiving devices can continuously exchange their working and conveying positions with virtually no interruption, which means that there will always be or almost always be a receiving device associated with the processing machine.

[0020] According to some embodiments, a machine is provided for processing elongated products (preferably metal products), the machine comprising a processing machine and equipment for feeding the processing machine. The machine also includes equipment for collecting the elongated products as described above.

[0021] According to some embodiments, a method for collecting the elongated product as described above is also provided, the method comprising moving a first receiving device between a working position and a conveying position. The method also comprises moving a second receiving device between the working position and the conveying position. Furthermore, during the reciprocating movement between the working position and the conveying position, at least one of the first or second receiving device also moves vertically to a position at least without interfering with the other.

[0022] This equipment and method advantageously allow for continuous operation without stopping the processing machine. This allows for increased overall machine productivity and significantly reduces machine downtime, which typically requires rebalancing of some components after a shutdown. Attached Figure Description

[0023] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, which are given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a machine for processing elongated metal products, wherein there are devices for collecting elongated products according to some embodiments described herein;

[0025] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Showing different operating positions Figure 1 The equipment;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Zoomed-in details.

[0027] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarification. Detailed Implementation

[0028] We will now refer in detail to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are non-limiting examples, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The wording and terminology used herein are also intended to provide non-limiting examples.

[0029] Some embodiments described using the accompanying drawings relate to an apparatus for collecting elongated products (preferably metal products), which are generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in the drawings.

[0030] The equipment 10 includes a first receiving device 11 that is movable between a working position and a conveying position, wherein the first receiving device 11 is capable of receiving a plurality of metal products P from the processing machine 110, and wherein an elongated product P is picked up in the conveying position.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the device 10 includes a second receiving device 13, which is also movable between a conveying position and a working position. Furthermore, at least one of the first receiving device 11 or the second receiving device 13 may also be vertically movable in this particular case to at least be in a position that does not interfere with the other, and to allow for interchange of their respective positions without requiring the processing machine to stop.

[0032] According to some embodiments described herein, between the conveying position and the working position, the first receiving device 11 moves along the operating direction X on the first moving guide 12, while the second receiving device 13 moves along the operating direction X on the second moving guide 14, the second moving guide 14 being further inward than the first moving guide 12, and the second receiving device 13 moving in the opposite direction to the first receiving device 11.

[0033] The first receiving device 11 includes a box 15, which can also be vertically moved to move from a lowered state (preferably, the box 15 is in the working position or the conveying position when the first receiving device 11 is in the working position or the conveying position) to an elevated state (the box 15 is in the elevated state when the first receiving device 11 moves from the working position to the conveying position), and vice versa.

[0034] Specifically, in the raised state, the box 15 is at a higher level than the second receiving device 13, so the second receiving device 13 can slide below it.

[0035] By properly coordinating the movement of the first receiving device 11 and the second receiving device 13, this solution allows for continuous operation without having to stop the machine 110 used to process the elongated product P.

[0036] According to some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the box 15 is laterally defined by a pair of parallel and opposing side wings 18 and a corresponding pair of parallel and opposing edges 19, and is further defined at the bottom by a bottom 16, on which the elongated product P always gathers. The side wings 18, edges 19, and bottom 16 define an upwardly opening receiving space that is substantially parallelepiped in shape. In particular, the side wings 18 are parallel to the operating direction X, while the edges 19 are laterally positioned relative to the operating direction X, and in this particular case, substantially orthogonal to the operating direction X. Advantageously, the presence of the edges 19 and side wings 18 prevents the elongated product P from falling, especially when the box 15 is raised or lowered.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the box 15 is provided with a pair of support portions 23, each support portion 23 being cantilevered to a corresponding one of the side wings 18 outside the receiving space. The distance between the support portions 23 substantially defines the overall lateral dimension of the box 15.

[0038] The support portion 23 may be integral with or attached to the side wing 18. In the example described herein, the support portion 23 has an inverted U-shaped profile facing the first downward-facing movement guide 12.

[0039] Box 15 may include sorting elements 17 that project vertically from the bottom 16 and divide the receiving space. For example, these sorting elements 17 may be arranged in a checkerboard pattern according to a uniform or non-uniform configuration to define multiple partitions in which elongated products P can be grouped, thus preventing them from being scattered. Such defined partitions can be used to collect elongated products P of different shapes and lengths to sort them into uniform groups.

[0040] The first receiving device 11 also includes a support portion 20 on which a slider is mounted, and a box 15 corresponding to the support portion 23 is attached to its upper part. The support portion 20 slides on the first moving guide 12 to move the first receiving device 11 in the operating direction X.

[0041] based on Figure 4 As shown in the accompanying drawings, each support portion 20 includes a support body 27 with associated wheels 28 attached to its front and rear portions, capable of sliding on the first moving guide 12. The support body 27 has a general extension or length in the direction of the moving guide 12 and has an upper surface 29 on which the support portion 23 can rest, for example, when the box 15 is in a lowered state. The support body 27 preferably has a length equal to, or even better, greater than, the distance between its edges 19 to ensure stability during movement.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the support portion 20 has an associated corresponding drive device 21, which can be selectively activated to adjust their movement and forward speed.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first moving guide 12 includes at least two tracks 22, which are laterally spaced apart from each other by a distance L1, particularly in a direction orthogonal to the operating direction X. In this particular case, the distance L1 is approximately equal to the length of the edge 19 in the same direction. The two tracks 22 are coplanar and define sliding channels on both sides within which the first receiving device 11 and the second receiving device 13 slide.

[0044] Preferably, the first receiving device 11 slides on two pairs of tracks 22. A corresponding support 20 is associated with each pair of tracks 22. The two pairs of tracks 22 are laterally spaced apart by a distance L1, while tracks 22 of the same pair are close to each other, for example, at a distance equal to the width of the support 27. Figure 4 As shown. Advantageously, sliding on the paired tracks 22 allows for more precise and stable movement.

[0045] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first receiving device 11 also includes a lifting part 24, which is disposed between the corresponding support part 20 and the box 15, and is capable of bringing the box 15 from a lowered state to a raised state, and vice versa.

[0046] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the lifting portion 24 can be pivotally connected at the lower part to the support portion 20, particularly to the support body 27, and at the upper part to the box 15, particularly to the support portion 23, preferably corresponding to the end closest to the edge 19.

[0047] Each lifting section 24 includes a pair of levers 25, 26, wherein the first lever 25 is motorized, while the second lever 26 is idle. The first lever 25 is associated with a cylinder piston-type drive device 31 that allows its rotation, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0048] The first lever 25 and the second lever 26 can be partially recessed into the seat 30 of the support 27. Thus, when they rotate, moving the box 15 from the raised state to the lowered state, levers 25 and 26 are almost entirely within the seat 30, and therefore the support portion 23 can rest on the upper surface 29 of the seat 30, as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0049] According to possible embodiments, the lifting of box 15 can also be carried out in other ways. For example, as an alternative to a lever mechanism, one or more hydraulic or pneumatic jacks can be provided, which allow box 15 to be lifted vertically.

[0050] Specific reference Figures 1 to 3 The second receiving device 13 includes a collection plane 32 that can slide along the second moving guide 14. The second moving guide 14 includes at least two tracks 37 parallel to the operating direction X and the track 22. The tracks 37 are also coplanar with the track 22 and are located within the sliding channel as described above.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the collecting plane 32 is particularly capable of sliding on four equidistant tracks 37 slidably attached below the collecting plane 32. The outermost tracks 37 are spaced apart by a distance L2 that is shorter than the distance L1.

[0052] Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the collection plane 32 is laterally defined by a pair of parallel and opposing sidewalls 33 and a pair of parallel and opposing headwalls 34, and is defined at the top by a collection base 35 on which the elongated product P is gathered each time. The distance between the sidewalls 33 substantially defines the overall lateral dimension of the collection plane 32. In particular, the sidewalls 33 are parallel to the operating direction X, while the headwalls 34 are laterally positioned relative to the operating direction X, and in this particular case, are substantially orthogonal to the operating direction X. Needless to say, the sidewalls 33 are parallel to the flanks 18, while the headwalls 34 are parallel to the edges 19.

[0053] According to possible embodiments, the collection plane 32 may be provided with lateral receiving elements, such as walls, edges, or side wings, which can define a physically defined receiving volume to prevent the elongated product P from falling during movement of the collection plane 32 or when the elongated product P is collected on the collection base 35.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the overall lateral dimension of the collection plane 32 is smaller than the overall lateral dimension of the box 15. This is necessary to allow the collection plane 32 to pass under the box 15 without causing mutual interference when moving from the working position to the conveying position.

[0055] According to some embodiments and similar to those provided for box 15, collection plane 32 may include sorting elements 36 that project vertically from collection base 35, which divide collection base 35 to define multiple receiving areas, so that even elongated products P with different shapes and lengths can be gathered in the receiving areas to prevent them from scattering.

[0056] According to some embodiments, tracks 22, 37 are longitudinally defined by a travel end element 40, which can be used as a brake damper and can be integrated with a position sensor to determine the position of the housing devices 11, 13.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the device 10 includes an optical or laser type sensor 38 at an intermediate position between the working position and the conveying position, capable of detecting the passage of the receiving devices 11, 13. The sensor 38 includes two receiving and transmitting towers 39, which are disposed on the side of the track 22 outside the sliding channel. The height of the towers 39 is approximately equal to (preferably greater than) the height of the box 15 in the raised state. This allows control of the reciprocating vertical position between the box 15 and the collecting surface 32.

[0058] Figures 1 to 3Some embodiments described herein also relate to a machine 100 for processing an elongated product P (preferably a metal product), the machine 100 including a processing machine 110, equipment for feeding the elongated product P to the processing machine 110, and a collection device 10.

[0059] According to possible embodiments, the processing machine 110 may be selected from the group consisting of cutting and forming machines, bending and forming machines, and machines for cutting to a certain size or other machines.

[0060] Referring specifically to the example described herein, processing machine 110 is a bending and forming machine including a work plane 111 on which two bending units 112 are mounted, capable of defining a specific bend that an elongated product P must have. A traction unit 113 is also located on the work plane 111, capable of feeding one or more elongated products P to the bending units 112 at a time. Between the bending units 112 is a clamping retaining element 114, which may be movable and capable of supporting and holding the elongated product P during processing. The work plane 111 is inclined downwards such that each elongated product P manufactured can fall by gravity and be collected by a collecting device 10.

[0061] According to some embodiments, a method for collecting elongated products P (preferably metal products) is provided. The method includes moving a first receiving device 11 between a working position and a conveying position. In the working position, the first receiving device 11 is capable of receiving multiple elongated products P from a processing machine, and in the conveying position, the metal products P are picked up.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the method also provides that a second receiving device 13 is also moved between the conveying position and the working position. Furthermore, at least one of the first receiving device 11 or the second receiving device 13 is also moved vertically to a position that does not interfere with the other.

[0063] The method provides a first filling step in an operable and cyclical manner, in which the first receiving device 11 moves to a working position, where it remains to receive a first set of metal products P from the processing machine, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0064] Once the first receiving device 11 is filled, the method provides a first conveying step in which the first receiving device 11 moves toward a conveying position, where it pauses to allow the pickup of a first set of metal products P, such as... Figure 2As shown in the diagram. Simultaneously with the first conveying step, the method provides a second filling step, in which the second receiving device 13 moves toward a working position, where it remains to receive a second set of metal products P from the processing machine, as shown. Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0065] Still referencing Figure 2 During this movement, as the first receiving device 11 and the second receiving device 13 slide toward each other, the box 15 rises vertically to cross the collection plane 32.

[0066] Finally, the method provides a second conveying step that occurs simultaneously with the first filling step, in which the second receiving device 13 moves toward the conveying position, where the second receiving device 13 stops to allow the picking up of the second set of metal products P.

[0067] In this way, long products P can be manufactured and collected continuously without interrupting the processing machines or generating collection "lungs".

[0068] Obviously, modifications and / or additions can be made to the apparatus and method for collecting elongated products (preferably metal products) as described above, without departing from the scope and field of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0069] In the appended claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are for ease of reading only and should not be construed as limiting factors of the scope of protection claimed in any particular claim.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for collecting elongated products (P), the apparatus comprising a first receiving device (11) adapted to reciprocate a first movement between a working position and a conveying position, wherein the first receiving device (11) is disposed near a processing machine of the elongated product (P) in the working position, and wherein the first receiving device (11) is disposed away from the processing machine in the conveying position, the apparatus (10) characterized in that the apparatus comprises at least a second receiving device (13) also capable of reciprocating the first movement between the conveying position and the working position, and at least one of the first receiving device (11) and the second receiving device (13) is adapted to further perform at least a second movement to a position that does not interfere with the other. in, The first receiving device (11) is movable along the operating direction (X) on the first moving guide (12), wherein the second receiving device (13) is movable along the operating direction (X) on the second moving guide (14), the second moving guide (14) being more inward than the first moving guide (12), the second receiving device (13) moving in the opposite direction to the first receiving device (11), and wherein the first receiving device (11) includes a support portion (20) with a slider and a lifting portion (24), the support portion (20) with the slider sliding on the first moving guide (12), a box (15) attached to the top of the support portion (20) with the slider, and the lifting portion (24) disposed between the support portion (20) and the box (15).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box (15) can also be moved vertically to move from a lowered state to an elevated state and vice versa, and the box (15) in the elevated state is at a higher level than the second receiving device (13).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each lifting section (24) includes a pair of levers (25, 26), wherein the first lever (25) is motorized and the second lever (26) is idle, and the levers (25, 26) are pivotally connected at the lower part to the support section (20) and at the upper part to the box (15).

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second receiving device (13) includes a collection plane (32) that can slide along the second moving guide (14), and the overall lateral dimension of the collection plane (32) is smaller than the overall lateral dimension of the box (15).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The box (15) and the collection plane (32) include corresponding sorting elements (17, 36) that project vertically from the bottom (16) of the box (15) and from the collection base (35) of the collection plane (32), respectively, the sorting elements (17, 36) being capable of defining multiple partitions for accommodating the elongated product (P).

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The device includes a sensor (38) at an intermediate position between the working position and the conveying position, the sensor (38) being capable of detecting the passage of the first receiving device (11) and the second receiving device (13) and / or their reciprocating vertical position.

7. A machine for processing elongated products, the machine comprising a processing machine (110) and equipment for feeding the processing machine (110), characterized in that, The machinery includes the device (10) for collecting the elongated product (P) as described in claim 1.

8. The machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The processing machine (110) is selected from the group consisting of a machine for cutting and shaping the elongated product (P), a machine for bending and shaping the elongated product (P), and a machine for cutting the elongated product (P) into a certain size.

9. A method for collecting elongated products, the method comprising reciprocating a first receiving device (11) between a working position and a conveying position, wherein the first receiving device (11) is capable of receiving a plurality of elongated products (P) from a processing machine at the working position, and wherein the elongated products (P) are picked up or released at the conveying position, the method being characterized in that the method further comprises reciprocating a second receiving device (13) between the conveying position and the working position, wherein during the reciprocating movement between the working position and the conveying position at least one of the first receiving device (11) and the second receiving device (13) also moves in a direction such that it is at least in a position that does not interfere with the other, wherein the first receiving device (11) moves in a direction such that it is in a position that does not interfere with the other at the first moving position. The second receiving device (13) moves along the operating direction (X) on the moving guide (12), and moves along the operating direction (X) on the second moving guide (14). The second moving guide (14) is further inward than the first moving guide (12). The second receiving device (13) moves in the opposite direction to the first receiving device (11). The first receiving device (11) includes a support (20) with a slider and a lifting part (24). The support (20) with the slider slides on the first moving guide (12). A box (15) is attached to the top of the support (20) with the slider. The lifting part (24) is disposed between the support (20) and the box (15).

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