Single piece loading system for controlled separation of elongated workpieces

Abstract

A single piece loading system for the controlled separation of a plurality of elongated workpieces, comprising: a swing structure (12) supported by a support structure (11); a containing carriage (13) and a lifter (14) carried by the swing structure (12); a conveying plane (15) carried by the swing structure (12) and having an end (15a) adjacent to an upper edge (13c') of the containing carriage (13). The swing structure (12) is rotatable between a vertical position, in which the conveying plane (15) is arranged horizontally, and a forward inclined position, in which the conveying plane (15) is inclined and arranged below the upper edge (13c') of the containing carriage (13). The swing structure (12) is also rotatable between the vertical position and a backward inclined position, in which the conveying plane (15) is inclined and arranged above the upper edge (13c') of the containing carriage (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machines for processing long workpieces (such as tubes, profiles, or bars). Specifically, this invention relates to a single-piece feeding system for the controlled separation of multiple long workpieces. Background Technology

[0002] A single-piece loading system for controlled separation of elongated workpieces is known, the single-piece loading system including a swing structure for transferring the elongated workpiece from a hopper to a processing machine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to improve upon the prior art. Specifically, it is necessary to develop a single-piece loading system capable of handling a wide variety of elongated workpieces in terms of size (large or small cross-section), cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular or rectangular cross-section, solid or hollow cross-section, open or closed cross-section), and material (e.g., steel or aluminum).

[0004] This and other objectives are fully achieved by the single-piece feeding system according to the present invention.

[0005] In short, the present invention is based on the concept of providing a single-piece loading system for the controlled separation of multiple elongated workpieces, the single-piece loading system comprising: Support structure; A swinging structure, supported by a supporting structure and capable of rotating relative to the supporting structure; A receiving bracket and a lifting device, supported by a swing structure, the receiving bracket being configured to receive multiple elongated workpieces, and the lifting device being configured to raise and lower the elongated workpieces housed in the receiving bracket; and The conveying plane is supported by a swing structure and has an end adjacent to the upper edge of the receiving bracket. The swing structure can rotate between a vertical position and a forward tilting position. In the vertical position, the conveying plane is horizontally arranged, and in the forward tilting position, the conveying plane is tilted and arranged below the upper edge of the receiving bracket. The swing structure can also rotate between a vertical position and a backward tilting position. In the backward tilting position, the conveying plane is tilted and positioned above the upper edge of the receiving bracket. With the help of the actuation mechanism, the swing structure can be positioned in multiple forward tilt positions and multiple backward tilt positions.

[0006] This system allows for a large angular travel of the oscillating structure between its backward and forward tilt positions, for example, between -20° (and above) and +60° (and above). With this large angular travel, for example, the transfer of workpieces can be managed by adjusting the forward tilt angle of the tilting structure based on the characteristics of the elongated workpieces with different features to be transported, and thus adjusting the forward tilt angle of the transport plane. Alternatively, in the case of elongated workpieces with small cross-sections that might become entangled, the oscillating structure can be oscillated back and forth to rearrange the small cross-section workpieces housed in the receiving bracket, achieving an arrangement that facilitates their transfer onto the transport plane. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are made by way of non-limiting example, in which: Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are perspective views of the single-piece feeding system according to the present invention from different viewpoints; Figures 3 to 5 It is shown Figure 1 A side view of a single-piece feeding system, in which the swinging structure is in the vertical position, the forward tilting position, and the backward tilting position respectively; Figures 6 to 11 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the details of the single-piece feeding system, showing the drive components in different operating positions; Figures 12 to 14 This is a photograph of the display of a single-piece feeding system, showing the continuous steps of movement of a tubular workpiece with a large circular cross-section; and Figures 15 to 17 It is a photograph of the display of a single-piece feeding system, showing the continuous steps of moving a tubular workpiece with a thin circular cross-section. Detailed Implementation

[0008] Figures 1 to 5 With 3D diagram ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and side view ( Figures 3 to 5 This shows a single-piece feeding system 10. Figures 3 to 5 In the diagram, the single-piece loading system 10 is shown in combination with a conveyor C (described below) for transferring elongated workpieces to a processing machine (not shown). On the other side of the conveyor, a pick-up system (not shown) is conventionally provided for transferring elongated workpieces from a storage area (not shown) to the single-piece loading system 10. In the following description, spatial terms (such as "front" and "rear") refer to the direction in which the elongated workpiece is transferred from the storage area to the processing machine (i.e., according to...). Figures 3 to 5The diagram (indicated from right to left) is used. In other words, the front side of the single-piece loading system 10 faces the conveyor / processing machine and the long workpiece leaves from this side, while the rear side faces the storage area and the long workpiece enters from this side. For example, the long workpiece can be a tubular workpiece, a bar, an open or closed section profile.

[0009] The single-piece feeding system 10 includes a fixed support structure 11 and a swing structure (also referred to as an inclined structure) 12 supported by the support structure 11. The axis of rotation of the swing structure 12, which allows it to rotate relative to the support structure 11, is indicated by x.

[0010] The single-piece loading system 10 also includes a receiving bracket 13 and a lifter 14 supported by a swing structure 12. The receiving bracket 13 is configured to receive multiple elongated workpieces P, which... Figures 6 to 11 As shown in the figure. The lifter 14 is configured to lift an elongated workpiece P housed in a receiving bracket 13. In the example shown, the receiving bracket 13 includes a bottom 13a, a side 13b defining the rear of the receiving bracket 13, and a side 13c defining the front of the receiving bracket 13 (this side also forms the wall of the swing structure 12). In the example shown, the bottom 13a and side 13b of the receiving bracket 13 are formed by a grid structure (see [reference]). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Furthermore, the lift 14 is coupled to the receiving bracket 13 so that the movable portion of the receiving bracket 13 (i.e., the bottom 13a and the rear portion 13b) can move along the wall 13c of the swing structure 12. Figures 3 to 5 Translation in the direction indicated by arrow z. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the receiving bracket 13 may be fixed relative to the swing structure 12. In this case, the lift 14 may include a movable bottom platform arranged inside the receiving bracket 13.

[0011] The single-piece loading system 10 also includes a conveying plane 15, which is supported by the oscillating structure 12 and has an end adjacent to the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13 (i.e., the upper edge of the wall 13c of the oscillating structure 12). In the example shown, the conveying plane is orthogonal to the front side of the receiving bracket 13, that is, orthogonal to the wall 13c of the oscillating structure 12.

[0012] The conveying plane 15 may include at least one drive member 16 (e.g., drive teeth) arranged to move along the conveying plane 15 in the conveying direction y, such that an elongated workpiece lifted by the lifter 14 beyond the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13 and reaching the conveying plane 15 can be conveyed along the conveying plane 15 in a controlled manner.

[0013] In the example shown, the oscillating structure 12 is formed by multiple modules arranged side-by-side along the length of the single-piece loading system 10. This configuration allows the single-piece loading system 10 to be configured based on the length of the elongated workpieces to be processed by the system.

[0014] The single-piece loading system 10 also includes an actuation mechanism 17 for rotatably actuating the oscillating structure 12. The actuation mechanism 17 includes a continuous motion actuator or a stepping actuator. In the example shown, the actuation mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism 17 and includes: an arcuate rack 17a integral with one of the support structure 11 and the oscillating structure 12 (in the specific example shown, the arcuate rack 17a is integral with the support structure 11); and a motorized gear 17b engaging the arcuate rack 17a and supported by the other of the support structure 11 and the oscillating structure 12 (in the specific example shown, the motorized gear 17b is supported by the oscillating structure 12). The arcuate rack 17a extends concentrically with the axis of rotation x of the oscillating structure 12.

[0015] like Figure 3 As can be observed, the projection of the rotation axis x onto the horizontal plane is preferably arranged in the central region m between the projection A of the foremost point of the vertically positioned swing structure 12 onto the horizontal plane and the projection B of the last point of the vertically positioned swing structure 12 onto the horizontal plane, in which the conveying plane 15 is arranged horizontally. "Central region" means that, for example... Figure 3 The structure shown is in a vertical position. The region is centered at the midpoint O between projections A and B and has a range smaller than the distance between projections A and B on the horizontal plane projected on the axis of rotation x, for example, equal to half the distance between projections A and B.

[0016] On the one hand, the swing structure 12 can Figure 3 The vertical position and Figure 4 The structure can rotate between the indicated forward tilt positions. In the forward tilt position, the conveying plane 15 is tilted and positioned below the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13. On the other hand, the swing structure can rotate between the vertical position and the horizontal position. Figure 5 The device rotates between the indicated tilt positions, in which the conveying plane 15 is tilted and positioned above the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13. In other words, the oscillating structure 12 can follow an arc trajectory centered on the rotation axis x, wherein the point of the arc trajectory corresponding to the vertical position is positioned at a height higher than the points corresponding to the limits achievable in the forward and backward tilt positions. For example, the points corresponding to the limits could correspond to forward tilt angles of +60° and greater, and backward tilt angles of -20° and greater, respectively, measured vertically.

[0017] The actuation mechanism 17 is configured such that the oscillating structure 12 can be positioned in multiple forward tilt positions and multiple backward tilt positions. In other words, the oscillating structure 12 is not only able to move from its vertical position to a single forward tilt position and from a single forward tilt position to a vertical position, or from its vertical position to a single backward tilt position and from a single backward tilt position to a vertical position, but is able to move between multiple intermediate positions between two extreme positions, depending on the type of elongated element to be processed and the specific process conditions (as will be explained below).

[0018] exist Figures 3 to 5 In the diagram, the single-piece loading system 10 is shown in combination with a conveyor C for transferring long workpieces to a processing machine (not shown). In the example shown, the conveyor C is formed by multiple conveying modules arranged side-by-side along the length of the single-piece loading system 10. Figure 4 In this configuration, the oscillating structure 12 is in a transition position. This means that the oscillating structure 12 and the receiving bracket 13 have rotated at an angle relative to the horizontal, allowing the lifter 14 to push a certain number of elongated workpieces beyond the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13 onto the forward-leaning conveying plane 15. The number of workpieces to be separated can be precisely adjusted by the rotational movement angle of the oscillating structure 12, the translational movement of the lifter 14 relative to the oscillating structure 12, and the translational movement of the drive member 16 relative to the conveying plane 15. Figure 4 In the transfer position, the forward-leaning conveyor plane 15 intersects with the horizontal conveying plane defined by the conveyor C and formed by a circular conveyor device (e.g., belt or chain). Once a workpiece or workpiece to be sent to the processing machine is positioned on the forward-leaning conveyor plane 15 and abuts against the drive member 16, movement of the drive member 16 toward the conveyor C allows the workpiece or workpiece to fall along the forward-leaning conveyor plane 15 at a speed controlled by the movement of the drive member 16 until it reaches the horizontal conveying plane of the conveyor C. The arrangement of the inclined conveyor plane 15 relative to the horizontal conveying plane of the conveyor C ensures that once the drive member 16 passes a point during its translational movement along the conveyor plane 15, it is completely below the horizontal conveying plane of the conveyor C, allowing the conveying of one or more workpieces across the horizontal conveying plane of the conveyor C.

[0019] refer to Figures 6 to 11The drive member 16 is fastened to an annular conveyor 16a (e.g., a chain), which is then driven between a drive gear 16b and a driven gear 16c. The drive gear is further driven by a motor (not shown). The upper branch of the annular conveyor 16a is arranged parallel to and slightly below the conveying plane 15. The annular conveyor 16a allows the drive member 16 to translate along the conveying plane 15. When the translational direction of the annular conveyor 16a and the translational direction of the drive member 16 are oriented away from the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13, this movement allows the workpiece P, arranged on the conveying plane 15 as described above, to move together. However, specifically, the translational directions of the annular conveyor 16a and the drive member 16 can be reversed, such that the translational direction is oriented towards the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (As shown), particularly in cases where it is necessary to return a workpiece P arranged on the transport plane 15 to the receiving bracket 13. Advantageously, the drive member 16 is capable of reaching a limit position where the drive member 16 extends beyond the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13. This arrangement facilitates the transfer of workpiece P into the receiving bracket 13. Furthermore, if friction between workpieces prevents a single workpiece from sliding out of a stack contained in the receiving bracket 13 and raised to a height exceeding the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13, applying reciprocating movement to the drive member 16 extending toward the receiving bracket 13 can be useful for loosening such workpieces.

[0020] Figure 8 The diagram shows a drive member 16 that tilts forward as the constrained portion of the annular conveyor 16a passes the gear 16c closest to the horizontal conveying plane of the conveyor C. This tilting lowers the drive member 16 below the horizontal conveying plane of the conveyor C, thereby preventing the drive member 16 from interfering with the workpiece P being transported on the conveying plane.

[0021] refer to Figures 9 to 10 The drive member 16 is equipped with an adjustable support element 16d, which is mounted on the drive member 16 to provide a support surface 16d' for the elongated workpiece P. The inclination of this support surface relative to the conveying plane 15 is adjustable. In the illustrated embodiment, this inclination is manually adjustable, but in other embodiments, the adjustment can be motorized. This is to avoid... Figure 9 The diagram shows a situation where multiple workpieces are positioned one on top of the other on the drive member 16. Indeed, this situation is undesirable because it hinders the controlled separation of the elongated workpiece P. By adjusting the inclination of the support element 16d to compensate for the inclination of the conveyor plane 15, the support surface 16d' can indeed be made vertical or slightly overhanging, thereby preventing multiple elongated workpieces P from being positioned one on top of the other.

[0022] refer to Figure 11The actuator 16e, also carried by the swing structure 12, is provided with a blocking element 16f, which is inclined relative to the conveying plane 15 and can extend or retract relative to the actuator 16e. The blocking element 16f is arranged such that it extends beyond the conveying plane 15 in its extended position. The actuator 16e can be actuated to form an inclined barrier on the conveying plane 15. Thus, if multiple elongated workpieces P on the drive member 16 are positioned one on top of the other, and the drive member 16 moves until the multiple elongated workpieces intersect the position of the blocking element 16f, the inclined barrier causes the workpieces positioned above to fall off, and these workpieces are subsequently positioned against each other on the drive member 16 instead of being positioned one on top of the other.

[0023] The single-piece loading system 10 may also include multiple vibrating elements 18 mounted on the receiving bracket 13 and / or the lifter 14, operable to apply controlled vibration to elongated workpieces housed in the receiving bracket 13. Using such vibrating elements can facilitate movement / repositioning of workpieces within the receiving bracket, particularly when the workpieces have a relatively high-friction material that may make it difficult for them to slide against each other or against the material of the receiving bracket 13. For example, if the workpieces housed in the receiving bracket 13 are aluminum tubes with square or rectangular cross-sections, the friction between the tubes may make it difficult for a single tube to slide out of a stack housed in the receiving bracket 13 and raised to allow the first layer of workpieces to extend beyond the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13. If controlled vibration is applied to the receiving bracket 13 and / or the lifter 14, this vibration is transmitted to the tubes, thereby disengaging the first workpiece in the stack on the drive member 16. The tilt angle of the oscillating structure 12 needs to be adjusted to be large enough to make the action of the vibrating elements effective, but not so large as to prevent multiple tubes from disengaging in groups. More specifically, to overcome static friction using gravity, a very high angle of inclination would be required, resulting in many workpieces falling as a whole: applying controlled vibrations allows static friction to be overcome at a smaller angle, thus making the loading tube smoother.

[0024] The single-piece loading system 10 may include a control system, specifically an artificial intelligence-based control system. At the input level, the control system includes an image acquisition device 20, such as a camera, targeting the receiving tray 13 and the conveying plane 15. In the example shown, the image acquisition device 20 is integrated with the oscillating structure 12. The image acquisition device 20 is adapted to acquire a time-varying sequence of images (e.g., video) of the elongated workpiece P in the receiving tray 13 and on the conveying plane 15 during the transfer of the elongated workpiece from the receiving tray 13 to the conveying plane 15. The image acquisition device 20 is positioned such that the front end of the elongated workpiece P is visible in the image sequence. For example, the image acquisition device 20 is positioned at one end of the oscillating structure 12.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 The control system of the single-piece loading system 10 also includes an electronic processing unit 30 (specifically, an electronic processing unit with artificial intelligence), which includes a graphics processing unit and is configured to receive an image sequence as input and assign sequence tags to the elongated workpieces P based on their position and the probability of them arriving at the conveyor plane 15. This probability is calculated and updated in real time based on parameters such as, for example, the type and material of the elongated workpiece P, the position of the elongated workpiece P in the receiving bracket and on the conveyor plane, the relative positions of multiple elongated workpieces P to each other, and the position of the moving portion of the single-piece loading system 10. The electronic processing unit 30, coupled to the image acquisition device 20, processes the moving images in real time and enables front-edge analysis of the entire group of workpieces by counting the workpieces, measuring and verifying the cross-sections of the workpieces, and measuring the position of the head of the workpiece in the image sequence. This allows verification of the number of workpieces on the drive member 16 and verification of the correct support of the workpieces on the drive member 16 during joint movement / conveyance. Specifically, the movement of the elongated workpiece P is tracked and monitored along the entire conveyor plane 15. This is particularly useful, for example, in the case of long, thin and relatively flexible workpieces, for which it can be verified that the workpiece does not rigidly follow the drive member during the movement of the drive member 16.

[0026] A control device 40 (e.g., a PLC) is coupled to an electronic processing device 30 and is configured to control the movement of the oscillating structure 12, the elevator 14, and / or the drive member 16 based on the positioning of the elongated workpiece relative to the conveyor plane 15 and the drive member 16 in the sequence of images being acquired (or, in one embodiment, based on the positioning of a sequence tag). The control device 40 may be further configured to control a vibrating member 18 (if present).

[0027] The processing and control unit operates based on an artificial intelligence algorithm. The first function of this algorithm is to collect data during the learning phase from various tests performed on workpieces of different diameters, shapes, and materials under different stacking conditions in the receiving bracket 13.

[0028] The acquired data is then processed and analyzed by artificial intelligence. In this data processing step, the software acquires the necessary information and data to complete subsequent steps (i.e., decision-making steps).

[0029] In the decision-making process, the software compares and correlates the input data with data stored in the system's database and determines the action.

[0030] Figures 12 to 17 This is a photograph of display 50, which shows an example of a single-piece process applied to a set of large-diameter pipes. Figures 12 to 14) and an example of a modular process applied to a set of small-diameter pipes ( Figures 15 to 17 (live video).

[0031] In these photographs, the left sub-window of display 50 shows the control area including the receiving bracket 13 and the transport plane 15 (with the drive member 16). As can be seen in the figure, the corresponding front end of the elongated workpiece P is shown from the front and drawn in the corresponding box. For each tracked end / tube, the processing system assigns a corresponding sequence tag based on its position and the probability of reaching the transport plane 15. Thus, tag "0" is assigned to the tube closest / with the highest probability, and correspondingly increasing tags "1", "2", etc., are assigned to the other tubes in the receiving bracket 13. The right sub-window of display 50 shows the geometric reconstruction of the monitored element: the front wall 13c of the receiving bracket 13 with its upper edge 13c', the bottom surface of the receiving bracket 13 or the lifter 14, the tube profile, the transport plane 15, and the drive member 16. In this photograph, the tilt of the oscillating structure 12 is imperceptible because, as mentioned earlier, in the indicated embodiment, the camera 20 is integrated with the oscillating structure 12, and therefore the image reference frame is integrated with the oscillating structure.

[0032] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The image shows the receiving tray 13 being raised to bring a portion of the stacked tubes therein above the height of the conveyor plane 15. Labeling of these portions may change accordingly from one image to another.

[0033] Figure 13 This illustrates that the stacking balance is disrupted when the first layer of tubes is brought completely above the height of the conveyor plane 15. Consequently, due to the tilt of the swing structure 12, a workpiece tends to fall into the portion of the conveyor plane 15 defined by the drive member 16, which is positioned at a distance less than the diameter of a single tube from the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13.

[0034] Figure 14 The diagram illustrates how a single workpiece falls onto and rolls / slides along the conveyor plane 15 via the retraction of the drive member 16, with the drive member 16 moving along with it during this movement. Simultaneously, other workpieces move away from the conveyor plane 15 by lowering the receiving bracket 13.

[0035] In another example, Figure 15 and Figure 16The receiving bracket 13 is raised to bring a portion of the stacked tubes above the height of the conveyor plane 15, thus disrupting the stacking balance. Due to the tilt of the swing structure 12, some of the workpieces fall into the portion of the conveyor plane 15 defined by the drive member 16, which is positioned at a distance from the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13 equal to several times the diameter of a single tube. This allows thin and relatively flexible tubes, which may therefore exhibit a certain tendency to entangle, to be arranged continuously parallel to each other, abutting against the drive member 16. By lowering the receiving bracket 13, the remaining workpieces move away from the conveyor plane 15.

[0036] Figure 17 This illustrates that by moving the drive member 16 toward the upper edge 13c' of the receiving bracket 13, all workpieces (except one) on the conveying plane 15 are pushed back into the receiving bracket 13.

[0037] If the workpiece cannot be arranged on the conveying plane 15 because it is over-entangled in the receiving bracket 13, the control system can decide to return all workpieces to the receiving bracket 13 and actuate the motor of the swing structure 12 to swing it back and forth, thereby rearranging the tube.

[0038] After the rearrangement, subsequent attempts at modularization can be implemented.

[0039] The single-piece loading system 10 may include additional image acquisition devices located at different positions to increase the amount of information acquired and evaluate the optimal strategy for improving loading and single-piece efficiency. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a second image acquisition device 60 is provided (only in... Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the second image acquisition device is adapted to acquire a sequence of side images (time-varying, e.g., video) of an elongated workpiece P. In the sequence of side images acquired by the second image acquisition device 60, the corresponding side surfaces of the elongated workpiece P are visible.

[0040] In the example described, only some of the possible loading and unitization optimization strategies are shown; however, it is evident that a system based on processing images by means of artificial intelligence applied to the described oscillating structure enables the identification of alternative optimization strategies and the selection of the optimal strategy as specific operating conditions change, and thus enables the creation of a database of such strategies, thereby improving system learning so as to continuously improve processing efficiency.

[0041] For example, the system can allow for the effective management of the possibility of loading non-conforming elongated workpieces, and in practice, whenever a non-conforming elongated workpiece is located at the top of the stack, it allows for the recursive rejection of the non-conforming elongated workpiece into the receiving tray 13 in an appropriate manner so that only conforming elongated workpieces are loaded and non-conforming workpieces are left in the receiving tray 13.

Claims

1. A single-piece loading system for controlled separation of multiple elongated workpieces, the single-piece loading system comprising: Support structure (11); The swing structure (12) is supported by the support structure (11) and is rotatable relative to the support structure; The receiving bracket (13) and the lifting device (14) are supported by the swing structure (12), the receiving bracket (13) is configured to receive a plurality of elongated workpieces (P), and the lifting device (14) is configured to lift the elongated workpieces (P) contained in the receiving bracket (13). as well as The conveying plane (15) is supported by the swing structure (12) and has an end (15a) adjacent to the upper edge (13c') of the receiving bracket (13). The swing structure (12) is rotatable between a vertical position and a forward tilt position. In the vertical position, the conveying plane (15) is horizontally arranged, and in the forward tilt position, the conveying plane (15) is tilted and arranged below the upper edge (13c') of the receiving bracket (13). The characteristic feature is that the swing structure (12) can also rotate between the vertical position and the tilted position, in which the conveying plane (15) is tilted and arranged above the upper edge (13c') of the receiving bracket (13). The swing structure (12) can be positioned in a plurality of forward tilt positions and a plurality of backward tilt positions by means of an actuation mechanism (17).

2. The single-piece feeding system according to claim 1, wherein, The actuation mechanism includes a rack and pinion mechanism (17) for moving the swing structure (12), the rack and pinion mechanism (17) including: an arcuate rack (17a) integral with one of the support structure (11) and the swing structure (12); and a motor gear (17b) engaging with the arcuate rack (17a) and supported by the other of the support structure (11) and the swing structure (12).

3. The single-piece feeding system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The swing structure (12) is rotatable relative to the support structure (11) about a rotation axis (x), the projection of the rotation axis on the horizontal plane being arranged in the central region (m) between the projections (A, B) of the foremost and last points of the swing structure (12) in the vertical position on the horizontal plane.

4. The single-piece feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The swing structure (12) can follow an arc trajectory centered on the axis of rotation (x), wherein the point of the arc trajectory corresponding to the vertical position is arranged at a height higher than the point corresponding to the limit that the swing structure (12) can reach in the forward tilt position and the backward tilt position.

5. The single-piece feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conveying plane (15) includes at least one drive member (16) arranged to move along the conveying plane (15) in the conveying direction, such that an elongated workpiece (P) lifted by the lifter (14) beyond the upper edge (13c') of the receiving bracket (13) and reaching the conveying plane (15) can be conveyed along the conveying plane (15) in a controlled manner.

6. The single-piece feeding system according to claim 5, wherein, The drive member (16) is equipped with an adjustable support element (16d) mounted on the drive member (16) to provide a support surface (16d') to the elongated workpiece (P), the inclination of which is adjustable relative to the conveying plane (15).

7. The single-piece feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an actuator (16e) carried by the oscillating structure (12), the actuator being provided with a blocking element (16f), the blocking element being inclined relative to the conveying plane (15) and capable of extending or retracting relative to the actuator (16e), wherein, The blocking element (16f) is arranged such that when in the extended position, the blocking element extends beyond the conveying plane (15).

8. The single-piece feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conveying plane (15) is orthogonal to the front side (13c) of the receiving bracket (13).

9. The single-piece feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: An image acquisition device (20) is aimed at the receiving bracket (13) and the conveying plane (15). The image acquisition device (20) is adapted to acquire an image sequence of an elongated workpiece (P) located in the receiving bracket (13) and on the conveying plane, wherein the corresponding front end of the elongated workpiece (P) is visible in the image sequence. An electronic processing device (30) is arranged to process the image sequence; as well as A control device (40) is coupled to the electronic processing device (30) and arranged to control at least one of the swing structure (12), the lifter (14) and the drive member (16) based on the image sequence.

Images