Guiding device for bars

Abstract

A guiding device (1) for feeding a bar stock (B) to a machine tool includes a first holding and guiding tool (2, 5) and a second holding and guiding tool (4, 7), which are arranged to define a travel region (3) for the bar stock, the travel region (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (X). The first holding and guiding tool (2, 5) and the second holding and guiding tool (4, 7) are configured to establish one or more contact areas with the bar stock (B) to hold the bar stock (B) in place and guide the bar stock (B) along the travel region (3). The first holding and guiding tool (2, 5) and the second holding and guiding tool (4, 7) extend parallel to the axis (X) and are positioned relative to each other on sides opposite to the longitudinal axis (X). The first holding and guiding tool (2, 5) and the second holding and guiding tool (4, 7) move relative to each other between a rest position (R) and an engagement position (L). In the rest position (R), the first holding and guiding tool (2, 5) and the second holding and guiding tool (4, 7) are at a greater mutual distance and at the furthest position from the travel area (3) to allow the positioning of the rod (B) to be guided along the travel area (3). In the engagement position (L), the first holding and guiding tool (2, 5) and the second holding and guiding tool (4, 7) are at a smaller mutual distance and closer to the travel area (3) to contact the rod (B) to accommodate different diameter values ​​of the rod (B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a guiding device for an automatic loading device for bar stock of a machine tool (such as a lathe), the machine tool being of a single-spindle or multi-spindle type. Background Technology

[0002] Various devices are known for guiding and feeding bar stock onto the spindle of a lathe. Typically, a bar stock feeding device includes a cylinder rotatable about its horizontal longitudinal axis and supporting multiple guides adapted to receive and guide the corresponding bar stock to be fed onto the lathe. The guides are distributed longitudinally along the cylinder and circumferentially within it.

[0003] Current systems for moving and loading bars for machining on machine tools are typically configured with structures that are very complex in both structure and function. These structures have drawbacks and limitations, such as unsatisfactory levels of reliability and high management and maintenance costs.

[0004] More specifically, regarding the bar guiding system, it should be noted that the corresponding structural complexity and considerable overall size are not easy to implement and can actually slow down the bar loading operation. All of these negatively impact the productivity level of the equipment.

[0005] It should be noted that current guiding systems have not proven to be universal enough to adapt to specific production needs every time. For example, known guiding systems cannot accommodate bars with cross-sectional dimensions of different sizes.

[0006] A known example of a guiding device includes a pair of semi-cylindrical elements hinged together and connected to a cylinder. In each pair, one of the two semi-cylindrical elements is in a stationary position relative to the cylinder, while the other semi-cylindrical element is movable relative to the cylinder. In the open position, the semi-cylindrical elements do not contact each other and are therefore spaced apart, thus allowing loading of the bar stock. In the closed position, the two semi-cylindrical elements are close to and in contact with each other to convey and guide the bar stock to the machine tool.

[0007] The aforementioned system is almost universal in accommodating different sizes of the rod to be guided. However, it is practically impossible to convey rods with a diameter larger than the diameter of the region defined internally by the two semi-cylindrical elements for such a guiding device.

[0008] Furthermore, problems may arise when loading thin bars, i.e., bars with a diameter smaller than that of the guide. In fact, problems can occur when using a guide system with a diameter larger than that of the bar to be loaded, because the large extra space available inside the guide—the gap created between the bar and the guide surface—can cause improper positioning and risks jamming the bar, especially when facing the rear section of the lathe.

[0009] Improper use of the aforementioned guiding system may lead to loading system malfunction. Therefore, in cases where the diameter of the bar to be loaded is variable, it is necessary to replace or modify the guiding system to accommodate the diameter of the bar to be loaded, for example by inserting spacers and / or suitable reduction gears inside the conveying area to reduce free space and adapt the guiding device to bars with smaller diameters.

[0010] This requires users to spend a lot of time, and from a financial perspective caused by various factors, the need for bootloaders with different parts, as well as the cost, maintenance, and replacement of bootloaders, are obvious drawbacks.

[0011] Basically, known feeding devices have various limitations, as outlined below. From the perspective of the structure and function of the bar loading and guiding mechanism, the first limitation is usually set by its enormous complexity. From the perspective of the envisioned productivity, this often involves unsatisfactory operating times.

[0012] The second limitation is the potential defects that may arise when using a guide unit, which do not always ensure the correct movement of the bar, especially when the bar has a very small diameter relative to the inside of the guide unit.

[0013] A third limitation, stemming from the structural complexity of known equipment, is the inevitable occurrence of greater reliability problems, leading to costly maintenance interventions. The structural complexity of current loading and guiding systems necessitates substantial production costs and complicates the operation of possible maintenance or replacement of components, inevitably causing long machine downtime and resulting in economic losses for users.

[0014] Other guiding devices for bars are known from EP3456444 and EP0384344.

[0015] Given the above, there is ample room for improvement of existing bar feeding equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0016] One object of the present invention is to improve and simplify the structure and functional equipment for guiding, feeding and traversing bar stock into a machine tool.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a universal guiding device that can be adapted to different production needs, such as bars with small diameters.

[0018] Another objective is to provide a guide device for bars with high operating speeds for travel and feeding, which can significantly reduce bar feed cycle time.

[0019] Another objective is to provide a guide device for traveling and feeding bars, which has a simpler structure and functional configuration than known devices, resulting in lower manufacturing and maintenance costs and shorter downtime for maintenance.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a guide device that is easy to install on any existing bar feed equipment, with significant advantages in terms of cost and assembly time.

[0021] In particular, the device according to the invention is structurally configured in a way that is advantageously simplified compared to prior art devices, and this results in increased mechanical reliability and reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0022] Due to the guiding and receiving actions performed by the second holding and guiding tool, the specific configuration of the device enables the minimization of possible bending during the travel and rotation of the bar, and is adaptable to bars with diameters ranging from a wide range, particularly suitable for thin bars, i.e., bars with very small cross-sections.

[0023] All of the above objectives are achieved by means of the solution according to the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] According to the present invention, these and further features will become more apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 A guiding device according to the present invention for feeding a bar stock to a machine tool is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Details of the guiding device in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a side view of the guiding device;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a side view of the guide device in operation mode;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the guiding device;

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the guiding device shown;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a side view of a part of the bar feeding device that supports the guide device according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 The operation of the traveling device included in the feeding equipment is schematically illustrated;

[0033] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Two embodiments of the guiding device according to the invention are shown in cross-sectional view, which is coupled to a belt-type or conveyor-type traveling device according to two different possible configurations;

[0034] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a guiding device coupled with different types of traveling devices is shown;

[0035] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the traveling device in a stationary position in the feeding device is shown;

[0036] Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 The traveling device is in the operating position. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a guide device 1 is shown for automatically guiding and conveying bar stock B to a machine tool (e.g., a lathe), which may be a single-spindle or multi-spindle type.

[0038] The guiding device 1 includes first holding and guiding tools 2, 5 and second holding and guiding tools 4, 7, which are arranged to define a travel area 3 for feeding the bar stock B to the lathe.

[0039] The travel area 3 extends along the longitudinal axis X, which may, for example, coincide with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bar B to be transferred to the machine tool.

[0040] The first holding and guiding tools 2 and 5 and the second holding and guiding tools 4 and 7 are configured to establish one or more contact areas with the bar B so as to hold the bar B in place and slide longitudinally along the travel area 3 defined by the first holding and guiding tools 2 and 5 and the second holding and guiding tools 4 and 7.

[0041] The first retaining and guiding tools 2 and 5 and the second retaining and guiding tools 4 and 7 extend parallel to axis X and are positioned on the side opposite to longitudinal axis X.

[0042] The first holding and guiding tools 2 and 5 and the second holding and guiding tools 4 and 7 described above are movable relative to each other between the rest position R and the engagement position L. When arranged in the rest position L, the first holding and guiding tools 2 and 5 and the second holding and guiding tools 4 and 7 are at a greater distance from each other and in a position away from the travel area 3, so that the bar B can be guided along the travel area 3 to be positioned therein.

[0043] When positioned at engagement position L, the first retaining and guiding tools 2 and 5 and the second retaining and guiding tools 4 and 7 are at a smaller distance from each other than the travel area 3 and are closer to the travel area 3, so as to contact the bar B and hold the bar B in the correct position along the travel direction A.

[0044] More specifically, the first retaining and guiding tools 2, 5 and the second retaining and guiding tools 4, 7 have housing seats 6 adapted to receive and guide the rod B. Each housing seat 6 has a curved concave profile according to the transverse plane.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the housing base 6 of the first retaining and guiding tools 2, 5 and the second retaining and guiding tools 4, 7 has a semi-circular profile in the transverse plane so as to define a cylindrical travel area 3 with a diameter D when the first retaining and guiding tools 2, 5 and the second retaining and guiding tools 4, 7 are connected to each other.

[0046] In this direction, the first retaining tools 2 and 5 and the second retaining tools 4 and 7 are configured to accommodate different diameter values ​​of the bar B. In particular, the guide device 1 configured in this way can guide the bar B having a diameter that is the same as or smaller than the reference diameter D.

[0047] The housing 6 is coated with a material with anti-friction properties or integrally disposed with a material with anti-friction properties to avoid obstruction and slowing down of the rod B sliding within the travel area 3. For example, the housing 6 may be coated with a piece of material with anti-friction properties or integrally disposed with a piece of material with anti-friction properties, the material being selected from the group consisting of: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite-containing polyamide, metals or metal alloys coated with graphite or ceramic materials.

[0048] The guiding device 1 further includes a driving member 8 connected to the end of the first holding and guiding tool 2, 5 and / or the second holding and guiding tool 4, 7 to move the first holding and guiding tool 2, 5 and the second holding and guiding tool 4, 7 between a rest position R and an engagement position L. The driving member 8 includes a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the first holding and guiding tools 2, 5 include a first series 2 of different guide elements 5 in a block shape. The guide elements 5 are spaced apart from each other and distributed parallel to the axis X.

[0050] The second holding and guiding tools 4 and 7 comprise a second series 4 of different block-shaped guiding elements 7. The guiding elements 7 are spaced apart from each other in positions opposite to the guiding elements 5 of the first series 2 and distributed parallel to the axis X.

[0051] More precisely, the guide elements 5 of the first series 2 are staggered relative to the guide elements 7 of the second series 4, thereby completely encompassing the travel area 3, and thus the bar B is guided and inserted into the aforementioned area. The guide elements 5 of the first series 2 are mechanically connected to the guide elements 7 of the second series 4 by a connecting tool 9, thereby forming a hinged guide structure 17.

[0052] Due to the mechanical connection between guide elements 5 and 7, the first series 2 guide element 5 and the second series 4 guide element 7 can move simultaneously and synchronously between the rest position R and the engagement position L.

[0053] The connecting tool 9 includes a connecting rod element 9, the ends of which are respectively connected to the first series 2 guide element 5 and the second series 7 guide element 4.

[0054] The connecting rod element 9 is configured to rotate about a corresponding pivot 10. The pivot 10 is located in the middle region of the corresponding connecting rod element 9, and is situated between the first series 2 guide element 5 and the second series 4 guide element 7. In this way, the rotation of the connecting rod element 9 results in a displacement that is in the same or opposite direction to the first series 2 guide element 5 and the second series 4 guide element 7.

[0055] The connecting rod element 9 defines a hinged parallelogram connection between the first series 2 of the guide element 5 and the second series 4 of the guide element 7. To establish the hinged parallelogram connection, each second end 12 in the guide element 5 is connected to a corresponding first end 13 in the guide element 7 via a corresponding connecting rod element 9, and each second end 14 in the guide element 7 is connected to a corresponding first end 11 in the guide element 5 via a corresponding connecting rod element 9.

[0056] According to this arrangement, the guide element 5 of the first series 2 and the guide element 7 of the second series 4 start from the rest position R and approach the travel area 3, which is maintained in a position parallel to the axis X, until they enter the engagement position L and contact the bar B.

[0057] The connecting rod element 9 pivots on a rectangular connecting plate 15, which is configured to be mounted on the support cylinder unit 16 of the bar feed device.

[0058] The rectangular connecting plate 15 is secured to the support cylinder unit 16 by a screw tool and / or by a pin tool provided on the pivot 10, so that the screw tool engages with a corresponding hole formed in the support cylinder unit 16. However, other tools for securing the rectangular connecting plate 15 to the support cylinder unit 16 are conceivable.

[0059] As described above, the guide device 1 is configured to be mounted on a device 18 for feeding bar stock B into a machine tool. The device 18 includes the aforementioned cylindrical unit 16 supporting multiple guide devices 1 for simultaneous loading of multiple bar stock Bs, as previously described. The guide devices 1 are circumferentially distributed around the supporting cylindrical unit 16. The device 18 also includes traveling units 20, 30, and 40 for traveling the bar stock B into the machine tool.

[0060] Some embodiments of the traveling units 20, 30, and 40 are shown below.

[0061] In some first embodiments, reference is made to Figures 8 to 10 The traveling unit 20 includes a traction chain or belt tool 22, a traction pusher 21 and / or a bushing holder connected to the traction chain or belt tool 22, and the traction pusher 21 and / or bushing holder is configured to contact the bar B.

[0062] The chain tool 22 is movable to translate the traction pusher 21 and / or the bushing holder, thereby causing the corresponding bar B to travel along the direction of travel A. The chain tool 22 is driven by a brushless electric motor.

[0063] Specifically, pusher 21 contacts the rear end of bar B, applying a pushing force to the latter to advance bar B along the direction of travel A. In other words, pusher 21 is configured to push from the rear end of bar B, while the traction bushing holder into which bar B is inserted is configured to move alternately by “pilgrim steps”: in a retraction step, it slides without gripping the surface of the bar, while moving forward, it grips the bar by friction, causing the bar to move onto the lathe. In another possible embodiment, in conjunction with or as an alternative to the one just disclosed, utilizing chain tool 22, the holder can be coupled to a gripper element capable of closing or opening to grip and release the bar (alternatingly and synchronously with its pilgrim movement) to progressively advance the bar onto the lathe.

[0064] The chain or belt tool 22 may optionally include one, two, or more chains arranged in different possible configurations. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, chain 22A passes through the second retaining and guiding tool 7. Figure 10 In one embodiment, chain 22B passes through the first retaining and guiding tool 5. In another embodiment (not shown), the two configurations just shown may be combined.

[0065] The traveling unit 20 includes receiving and protecting channel tools 24, 25, wherein the traction chain or belt tool 22 is movable. The receiving and protecting channel tools 24, 25 include a contour element 24 that defines a receiving cavity and a hollow contour element 25.

[0066] A contour element 24 with a receiving cavity extends through the internal region of the first retaining and guiding tool 5 and / or the second retaining and guiding tool 7. The contour element 24 has a portion that opens toward the travel region 3, such that a connecting portion protrudes from the corresponding open receiving cavity, the connecting portion connecting a pusher and / or a clamp to a corresponding branch of the chain, the corresponding branch of the chain being placed in and movable within the receiving cavity.

[0067] The hollow profile element 25 intervenes between the first retaining and guiding tool 5 and / or the second retaining and guiding tool 7 and the mechanical connecting element 9. For example, the hollow profile element 25 may have a cross-section of a closed polygonal profile (according to a plane transverse to the axis X), and may be shaped according to a profile element with a closed square or rectangular cross-section. The cross-sectional dimensions of the channel elements 24, 25 are configured to provide sufficient space for the respective chains 22 contained therein, so as not to impede the movement of the latter and not to impede the movement of the first retaining and guiding tool 5 and / or the second retaining and guiding tool 7.

[0068] The chain or belt tool 22 moves along a closed loop that extends within the receiving cavities of the previously disclosed channel tools 24 and 25. Within these cavities, the chain tool 22 moves to translate the traction pusher 21 and / or bushing holder along the travel direction A, thereby enabling the traction pusher 21 and / or bushing holder to perform pushing and pulling functions, as well as accompanying the bar B. In this way, the bar B travels into the machine tool. The movement of the chain or belt tool 22, caused by the brushless electric motor, is reversed so that the pusher 21 can be repositioned (once the complete travel of the bar B has ended) upstream of the rear end of the new bar B to be fed, or the traction bushing holder, which must engage with the new bar B to be fed, can be retracted by an appropriate amount. During the travel movement, the bar B is held in the correct position by guide elements 5 and 7.

[0069] Figure 9-10 Various possible configurations of the traveling unit equipped with the belt and chain tool 22 are shown schematically and as examples. The radial plane P (in) has been indicated. Figure 9 (in the middle), which is defined by the axis X and axis Y of the cylinder, such as Figure 5 As shown.

[0070] like Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment, a chain element 22A (attached to which a pusher or bushing holder) is provided, extending in a plane parallel to the aforementioned radial plane P, passing through the first retaining and guiding tool 5. In another embodiment, as... Figure 10As shown, a chain element 22B (attached to which a pusher or bushing holder is provided) is provided, which extends in a corresponding plane parallel to the aforementioned radial plane P and passes through the second holding and guiding tool 7.

[0071] In another embodiment, chain element 22A and chain element 22B may be provided simultaneously.

[0072] According to another embodiment, the traveling unit 40 includes a slide rail 43 mounted on the cylinder unit 16. A sliding element 41 is movable on the rail 43, and a push element 21 and / or a traction bushing holder are connected to the sliding element 41 to travel the corresponding bar B along the traveling direction A. Similar to those disclosed with reference to a traveling system with tools, in the case of the rail 43 and the sliding element 41 or indicator, one or more holders with gripping elements mounted on the latter can be provided, which are capable of closing and opening to grip and release the thus progressively traveling bar in a manner alternating and synchronized with intermittent stepping movements.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the track 43 includes a magnetic or electromagnetic guide rail, and the sliding element 41 is an electromagnetic or magnetic unit. The sliding motion of the guide rail 43 along the travel direction A and in the opposite direction is determined by the magnetic or electromagnetic interaction between the sliding element 41 and the guide rail 43.

[0074] The sliding element 41 travels along the magnetic guide rail 43, translating the traction pusher 21 and / or bushing holder and the accompanying bar B along the travel area 3. After guiding the bar B onto the machine tool, the sliding element 41 moves backward in the opposite direction to the travel path to allow the travel of another bar B.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the track 43 and the sliding element 41 are connected to each other according to a screw-nut system. The sliding element 41, which is threadedly connected to the track 43, moves in the direction of travel A or in the opposite direction due to the rotation of the track 43 caused by a motor (e.g., a brushless electric motor). The action of pushing and engaging the rod B is the same as that disclosed in the case of the magnetic guide described above.

[0076] According to another embodiment, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the traveling unit 30 includes a belt-type or conveyor-type support and guide member 31, which is configured to supportly receive the rod B on a first side L1 and guide the rod B along the traveling direction A. The traveling unit 30 also includes a belt-type or conveyor-type gripping member 32 extending from the separation position P1 to the locking position P1 in a direction T transverse to the traveling direction A.

[0077] The support and guide member 31 and the gripping member 32 include a belt or conveyor element 33 wound around a pair of wheel elements 34 spaced apart and rotatable about a respective axis W, arranged transversely to the direction of travel A.

[0078] The belt or conveyor element 33 is shaped to contact the side surface of the bar B to apply traction thereon along the direction of travel A.

[0079] In the separated position P1, the gripping member 32 is furthest from the support and guide member 31, resulting in separation from the bar B. In the locked position P2, the gripping member 32 is closer to the support member 31 and presses the bar B longitudinally from the second side L2 opposite to the first side L1 and abuts against the support member 31.

[0080] A travel motor tool M is provided, which is configured to rotate the support and guide member 31 and / or the gripping member 32 in the locked P2 position and to pull and travel the bar B along the travel direction A.

[0081] Motor tools M include brushless electric motors.

[0082] The displacement member Z is further configured to translate the gripping member 32 from the separation position P1 to the locking position P2.

[0083] It is clear from the above that the guiding device 1 has successfully achieved its intended goal. Device 1 demonstrates itself to be a simplified mechanism for guiding the bar stock to be fed into the machine tool.

[0084] Device 1 is suitable for guiding bars with a wide diameter range. In fact, the first holding and guiding tools 2, 5 and the second holding and guiding tools 4, 7 are configured to adapt to the diameter of the bar B during engagement and contact with it. The guiding elements 5, 7 approach and contact the bar as closely as possible to ensure proper travel of the bar onto the machine tool, according to its diameter.

[0085] The guiding device 1 has a very simple structure and functional configuration compared to known devices.

[0086] The simplicity of connecting the structural components of the guiding device 1 means a lower incidence of errors or failures, as well as lower production and maintenance costs.

[0087] The operation of guiding device 1 is fast, efficient, and reliable. Also, due to the machine's simple structure, using device 1 ensures a high level of productivity.

[0088] Any component that is part of the guiding device 1 according to the invention may be replaced by other equivalents in terms of structure and function, and the materials (since they are compatible with their intended specific use) may be appropriately selected according to the requested requirements and the available prior art.

[0089] Variations and / or additions to the above disclosure and the contents shown in the accompanying drawings are possible without exceeding the scope of the claimed protection.

Claims

1. Guiding device (1) for a bar (B) to be fed to a machine tool, comprising a first holding and guiding tool and a second holding and guiding tool, arranged to define a travel area (3) for the bar (B), which extends along a longitudinal axis (X), the first holding and guiding tool and the second holding and guiding tool being configured to establish one or more contact areas with the bar (B) so as to hold the bar (B) in position and guide the bar (B) along the travel area (3), the first holding and guiding tool and the second holding and guiding tool extending parallel to the axis (X) and being positioned opposite each other with respect to the axis (X), the first holding and guiding tool and the second holding and guiding tool being relatively movable between a rest position (R) and an engagement position (L), wherein, In said rest position (R) said first and said second holding and guiding means are in a position of greater mutual distance and farthest from said travel area (3) to allow the positioning of said bars (B) to be guided along said travel area (3), whereas in said engagement position (L) said first and said second holding and guiding means are in a position of smaller distance and closest to said travel area (3) so as to come into contact with said bars (B) to adapt to different diameter values of said bars (B), said first holding and guiding means comprising a first series (2) of different block-shaped guiding elements (5) mutually spaced and distributed parallel to said axis (X) and said second holding and guiding means comprising a second series (4) of different block-shaped guiding elements (7) mutually spaced and distributed parallel to said axis (X), said guiding elements (5) of said first series (2) being arranged staggered with respect to said guiding elements (7) of said second series (4) so as to completely comprise said travel area (3), said guiding elements (5) of said first series (2) being connected to said guiding elements (7) of said second series (4) by connecting means so as to form a hinged guiding structure (17), wherein said guiding elements (5) of said first series (2) and said guiding elements (7) of said second series (4) are movable in a simultaneous and synchronized manner between said rest position (R) and said engagement position (L), characterized in that said connecting means comprise connecting lever elements, the end portions of which are connected respectively to said guiding elements (5) of said first series (2) and to said guiding elements (7) of said second series (4), said connecting lever elements being configured to rotate about respective pivots (10).

2. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein On said first holding and guiding means and on said second holding and guiding means housing seats (6) are provided, adapted to house and guide said bars (B).

3. Guiding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising driving members (8) connected to the end portions of said first holding and guiding means and / or of said second holding and guiding means for moving said first holding and guiding means and said second holding and guiding means between said rest position (R) and said engagement position (L).

4. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein Said pivots (10) are provided in an intermediate region of the respective connecting lever elements and in an intermediate region between said guiding elements (5) of said first series (2) and said guiding elements (7) of said second series (4), so that the rotation of said connecting lever elements causes a displacement equal but opposite in direction to that of said guiding elements (5) of said first series (2) and of said guiding elements (7) of said second series (4).

5. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein Said connecting rod elements define a hinged parallelogram connection between said first series (2) of guide elements (5) and said second series (4) of guide elements (7), so that said first series (2) of guide elements (5) and said second series (4) of guide elements (7), starting from said rest position (R), simultaneously approach said travel area (3) which remains in a parallel position with respect to said axis (X) until it enters said engagement position (L) in contact with said bar (B).

6. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein Each second end (12) of said first series (2) of guide elements (5) is connected to a respective first end (13) of said second series (4) of guide elements (7) by means of a respective connecting rod element, and each second end (14) of said second series (4) of guide elements (7) is connected to a respective first end (11) of said first series (2) of guide elements (5) by means of a respective connecting rod element.

7. The guiding device (1) according to claim 2, wherein Each said housing seat (6) has a curved concave profile in a transverse plane.

8. The guiding device (1) according to claim 2, wherein Each said housing seat (6) has a semicircular profile in a transverse plane so as to define said travel area (3) in the shape of a cylinder having a diameter (D) sized so as to accommodate said bar (B) having a diameter equal to or lower than said diameter (D).

9. The guiding device (1) according to any one of claims 2, 7 or 8, wherein, Said housing seat (6) is coated with or integrally provided in a piece of material having anti-friction properties selected from the group comprising: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite-containing polyamide, metal alloy coated with graphite or ceramic material.

10. The guiding device (1) according to claim 3, wherein Said drive member (8) comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.

11. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein Said connecting rod elements are pivoted on oblong connecting plates (15) configured to be mounted on a barrel unit (16) of a bar feeding device, and said oblong connecting plates (15) can be fixed to said barrel unit (16) by means of screw and / or pin tools provided at said pivots (10) and engaged with respective holes formed on said barrel unit (16).

12. An apparatus (18) for feeding bars (B) to a machine tool, comprising a cartridge unit (16) supporting a plurality of guide devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for simultaneously loading a plurality of said bars (B), wherein, Said guide device (1) is distributed circumferentially around said barrel unit (16) and comprises a unit for traveling said bar (B) to a machine tool.

13. The apparatus (18) of claim 12, wherein, Said unit for traveling said bar (B) comprises: - a belt-type support and guide member (31) configured to support said bar (B) on a first side (LI) and configured to guide said bar (B) along a travel direction (A), - a gripping member (32) of the belt type, which is conveyed along a direction (T) transverse to the direction of travel (A) from a separation position (PI) in which the gripping member (32) is furthest from the support and guide member (31) so as to separate from the bar (B) to a locking position (P2) in which the gripping member (32) is closest to the support and guide member (31) for pushing the bar (B) longitudinally from a second side (L2) opposite the first side (LI) and against the support and guide member (31), - a travel motor means (M) configured to rotate the support and guide member (31) and / or the gripping member (32) in the locking position (P2) to pull and travel the bar (B) along the direction of travel (A).

14. The apparatus (18) of claim 13, wherein, The support and guide member (31) and the gripping member (32) comprise a belt element (33) wound around a pair of wheel elements (34) spaced apart and rotatable about respective axes (W) arranged transversely to the direction of travel (A), the belt element (33) being adapted to contact a lateral surface of the bar (B) to exert a pulling action thereon along the direction of travel (A).

15. The device (18) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The travel motor means (M) comprise an electric motor of the brushless type and wherein displacement means (Z) are further provided to translate the gripping member (32) from the separation position (PI) to the locking position (P2).

16. The apparatus (18) of claim 12, wherein, The unit comprises a chain or belt means (22) driven by an electric motor of the brushless type, the chain or belt means (22) being connected to a pusher (21) and / or to a traction bushing gripper and / or to a gripper with movable jaw elements, the pusher (21) and / or the traction bushing gripper and / or the gripper with movable jaw elements being configured to contact the bar (B), the chain or belt means (22) being movable to translate the pusher (21) and / or the traction bushing gripper and / or the gripper with movable jaw elements to travel a respective bar (B) along a direction of travel (A).

17. The apparatus (18) of claim 16, wherein, An accommodation and protection channel means is provided inside which the chain or belt means (22) is movable, wherein the accommodation and protection channel means comprises a profile element (24) having an accommodation cavity provided inside the first holding and guide means and / or the second holding and guide means, and a hollow profile element (25) interposed between the first holding and guide means and / or the second holding and guide means and the connecting rod element.

18. The apparatus (18) of claim 12, wherein, Said unit comprises a slide rail track (43) mounted on said barrel unit (16) and on which a sliding element (41) is movable, connected to a pusher (21) and / or to a traction bushing holder and / or to a holder with movable jaw elements to advance the respective bar (B) along the advancement direction (A).

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