Device for attaching end caps to roller shutter curtains and for subsequently winding up the curtains

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains.Prior art

[0002] A roller shutter for windows and glass doors comprises a curtain made up of a plurality of slats which are identical to one another and coupled to one another along respective longitudinal edges by means of suitable coupling appendages coupled to hollow seats. The slats are in fact shaped so as to be able to be mutually coupled to one another. The coupling zones are configured to allow partial rotation between the slats about the longitudinal direction. As a result of this freedom of rotation between the slats, the roller shutter may roll up on itself. In this way, the shutter curtain may be completely or partially raised or lowered by rolling one or more slats into a suitable container arranged above the window or glass door space, depending upon the opening requirements of the space itself.

[0003] To prevent the slats from slipping out of one another as a result of longitudinal sliding between appendages and hollow seats, it is known to provide the slats with end caps that, by coupling to the end profile of the slat, retain the coupling appendage inside the relevant hollow seat.

[0004] Lines are known for producing slats and subsequently assembling them to form curtains. IT PD20090144 A1 describes an apparatus for applying end caps according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Generally, these production and assembly lines are also equipped with an apparatus at the output that is adapted to: apply end caps on each individual slat (or every two slats) of the assembled curtains in output from the line, and wind the curtains provided with caps around a winding spindle.

[0006] This apparatus has an important operational limitation linked to the fact that it requires the continuous assistance of an operator called upon to perform the following operations: unfolding the curtain entering the apparatus so as to move one slat as far as possible away from the other, thus allowing each individual slat to be positioned correctly at the end cap applicator; guiding the initial connection of the curtain to the winding spindle.

[0007] The presence of an operator continuously dedicated to assisting the apparatus renders the production line inefficient.

[0008] In the production of curtains for roller shutters, there is therefore a need to completely automate the aforesaid apparatus, so that the presence of an operator is not necessary.Disclosure of the invention

[0009] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to eliminate in whole or in part the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art, by providing an apparatus for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains that does not require continuous assistance from an operator during its normal operation.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains that is simple and economical to manufacture.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains that is simple and easy to manage.Brief description of the drawings

[0012] The technical features of the invention, according to the aforementioned objectives, may be clearly seen in the content of the claims below, and the advantages thereof will become more readily apparent in the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent one or more purely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments thereof, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains according to the invention, illustrated with a shutter curtain arranged therein; Fig. 2 and 3 are, respectively, a top view and a front view according to arrow III of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an orthogonal sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 3 according to the section plane A-A shown therein, illustrated with some parts removed to better illustrate others; Fig. 5 and 6 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of stopping a shutter curtain in a reference position at the entrance of the cap application station, coming from the feeding station, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 7 and 8 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of engaging (by means of a secondary manipulator) a shutter curtain that has been stopped in the reference position in order to be transferred to the cap application station, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 9 and 10 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of the shutter curtain entering (by means of the secondary manipulator) in the cap application station, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 11 and 12 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of the shutter curtain advancing (by means of a main manipulator) in the cap application station, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 13 and 14 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of positioning (by means of the main manipulator) the shutter curtain at the cap applicator devices in the cap application station, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 15 and 16 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of coupling the shutter curtain to spindles of the winding units of the winding station, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 17 and 18 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of winding the shutter curtain around the spindles of the winding units of the winding station, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 19, 20 and 21 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of picking up the shutter curtain wound around the spindles of the winding units by means of an elevator, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2, in a perspective view from above and in an orthogonal view from above; Fig. 22 and 23 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of transferring the wound shutter curtain from the winding station to an underlying transport line by means of the elevator, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 24 and 25 show a part of the apparatus of Fig. 4 relating to the cap application station, the winding station and the transport line in a step of depositing the wound shutter curtain onto the transport line by means of the elevator, respectively in an orthogonal view equivalent to that of Fig. 2 and in a perspective view from above; Fig. 26 and 27 are two perspective views of an example of a wound shutter curtain and of two spindle heads used for winding, respectively shown separately and coupled to the curtain; Fig. 28 is an orthogonal sectional view of the wound curtain illustrated in Fig. 27 according to a section plane passing through one of the two spindle heads; Fig. 29 is a perspective view from above of the apparatus in Fig. 1, shown with some parts removed to better illustrate others and some components of the apparatus in a different operating position; and Fig. 30 is an orthogonal sectional view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 15 according to the section plane G-G shown therein, illustrated with some parts removed to better illustrate others. Detailed description

[0013] The apparatus for applying end caps to curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains according to the invention has been denoted as a whole with the numeral 100 in the accompanying figures.

[0014] For simplicity of presentation, "the apparatus 100 for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains" will simply be identified as "apparatus 100."

[0015] Here and in the remainder of the description and the claims, reference will be made to the apparatus 100 in the condition of use. Therefore, any references to a lower or upper position or to a horizontal or vertical orientation should be interpreted in this sense.

[0016] Operationally, the apparatus 100 is intended to operate downstream of a curtain forming and assembly line that feeds said apparatus 100 with curtains 50 for roller shutters.

[0017] In particular, a shutter curtain 50 that may be fed to the apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of slats associated with each other in a traditional manner.

[0018] According to a general embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig. 1 to 4, the apparatus 100 extends along an apparatus axis X and comprises, in sequence between an inlet 1 and an outlet 2 along said apparatus axis X, the following operating stations: a curtain feeding station 110; a cap application station 120; and a curtain winding station 130.

[0019] More specifically, as may be seen in particular in Fig. 1, the curtain feeding station 110 comprises a first curtain support structure 111 adapted to define a support surface for at least one shutter curtain 50.

[0020] Operationally, the first curtain support structure 111 is intended to receive one shutter curtain 50 at a time exiting from a curtain forming and assembly line (not shown in the accompanying figures) located upstream of said apparatus 100.

[0021] In particular, as shown for example in Fig. 1, 2 and 4, the first curtain support structure 111 is intended to receive the curtain 50 in an unwound configuration, i.e., with the slats oriented in the direction of their length transversely to said apparatus axis X and therefore all resting individually on the support surface defined by the first support structure 111.

[0022] Preferably, the curtain feeding station 110 also comprises movement means 112 adapted to move said curtain 50 on said support surface parallel to said apparatus axis X from said inlet 1 towards said outlet 2.

[0023] In particular, as shown in Fig. 1 to 4, the first curtain support structure 111 comprises a support frame 113 above which a plurality of support beams 114 is associated, arranged parallel to the apparatus axis X. Operationally, the curtain 50 is intended to slide on the top of these beams 114.

[0024] Advantageously, the support beams 114 may in turn be slidingly mounted on the support frame 113 to be movable transversely to the apparatus axis X so as to be able to adapt their distribution to the width of the curtain (defined by the length of the slats) and thus adequately support it. For this purpose, the first curtain support structure 111 is provided with means for moving the beams 114.

[0025] Alternatively, the support beams 114 may be mounted fixed on the support frame 113 at a non-constant pitch, for example which increases passing from one side of the first curtain support structure 111 to the other so as to be able to support curtains of different widths: the curtains having a smaller width will be placed on the side where the beams are thickest; the curtains having a larger width will extend to the area where the beams are sparsest.

[0026] Preferably, the movement means 112 adapted to move said curtain 50 on the support surface parallel to the apparatus axis X may consist of a plurality of belt conveyors, each of which may advantageously be integrated into one of the aforesaid support beams 114.

[0027] As may be seen in particular from Fig. 1 and 2, the cap application station 120 comprises a second curtain support structure 121 which defines a curtain sliding track 120a along the apparatus axis X as a continuation of the support surface defined by the first curtain support structure 111 of the feeding station 110.

[0028] As shown in particular in Fig. 1 to 4, the cap application station 120 comprises on each side of said track 120a: a cap applicator device 123a, 123b adapted to apply caps to the ends of the slats of the curtain; and a curtain positioning device 122a, 122b adapted to advance the curtain along said track 120a, progressively bringing the ends of the slats to the cap applicator devices.

[0029] A cap applicator device is known per se to a person skilled in the art and will not be described in detail. It is merely noted that this device comprises at least: a cap firing gun 127 (see Fig. 29), which operates on a cap insertion axis transverse to the apparatus axis X to insert one cap at a time on each slat; and a cap magazine 128, which is connected to said gun to supply it with the caps.

[0030] Advantageously, the cap applicator device 123a, 123b and the curtain positioning device 122a, 122b may be operated so as to apply a cap on each slat or a cap every two slats.

[0031] Advantageously, the cap application station 120 comprises a support structure 1200 that extends transversely to said apparatus axis X, in particular below the curtain sliding track 120a. At least one of said two cap applicator devices 123a, 123b is slidingly associated with said support structure 1200 to be movable transversely to said apparatus axis X so as to adapt the transverse width of said track to the width of said curtain 50.

[0032] As shown in particular in Fig. 1, 2 and 4, the support structure 1200 consists in particular of a frame comprising at least two linear guides 1201, 1202 which extend transversely to the apparatus axis X over the entire width of the curtain sliding track. At least one of the two cap applicator devices 123a, 123b, preferably both, is / are slidingly mounted on said two linear guides 1201, 1202, to be movable transversely to the apparatus axis X and thus to be able to adapt the transverse width of said track to the width of said curtain 50.

[0033] Preferably, said second curtain support structure 121 consists of a plurality of beams 1210 that extend parallel to said apparatus axis X between said two cap applicator devices 123a, 123b and are slidingly associated with said support structure 1200 (in particular with the two linear guides) to also be movable transversely to said apparatus axis X together with cap applicator devices so as to adapt their position to the width of said curtain 50.

[0034] Advantageously, each curtain positioning device 122a, 122b is movable transversely to the apparatus axis X so as to be able to adapt its position to the width of the curtain.

[0035] Preferably, each curtain positioning device 122a, 122b is integral with one of said two cap applicator devices 123a, 123b to be movable together therewith transversely to the apparatus axis X.

[0036] As may be seen in particular in Fig. 15 to 20, the curtain winding station 130 is adapted to wind a shutter curtain 50 in output from said cap application station 120 around a winding axis Y orthogonal to said apparatus axis X. For this purpose, the winding station 130 comprises two winding units 132a, 132b axially opposite along the axis Y, each of which is provided with an engagement seat 1322 for the first slat of the curtain.

[0037] Advantageously, at least one of said two winding units 132a, 132b is axially movable along the winding axis Y (i.e., transversely to said apparatus axis X) so as to adapt the distance with respect to the other winding unit to the width of said curtain 50.

[0038] Furthermore, the apparatus 100 comprises a management and control unit 140, programmed to control the operation of each station and coordinate the operation of the stations according to a predefined operating sequence.

[0039] In particular, the management and control unit 140 is programmed to adapt, in a coordinated manner transversely to the apparatus axis X, the position of the cap applicator devices, the curtain positioning devices and the winding units in order to adapt the apparatus 100 to the width of the curtain 50 to be treated.

[0040] According to a first aspect of the invention, as illustrated in Fig. 5 and 6, the cap application station 120 comprises at its inlet at least one retractable stop element 124 which is adapted to stop the first slat 51 of said curtain 50 in a predefined reference position along said apparatus axis X.

[0041] Advantageously, said at least one retractable stop element 124 may be integrated on one of the beams 1210.

[0042] Preferably, the cap application station 120 comprises at its inlet two or more retractable stop elements 124 which are aligned with each other transversely to the apparatus axis X and are adapted to stop the first slat of said curtain 50 at multiple points so as to avoid misalignments of the curtain with respect to the direction transverse to the apparatus axis X, which passes into said predefined reference position. Advantageously, each of said two or more retractable elements 124 may be integrated on one of the beams 1210.

[0043] Preferably, each retractable stop element 124 may consist of a peg slidingly inserted into a portion of the second curtain support structure 121 to move orthogonally with respect to the support surface defined thereby to move between a working position, in which it protrudes with respect to said support surface (Fig. 5 and 6), and a rest position, in which it does not protrude with respect to said support surface (Fig. 7 and 8). The peg may be moved by any linear actuator 125 (for example a pneumatic cylinder).

[0044] Operationally, the retractable stop element 124 may be operated on command by the management and control unit 140 according to the signal emitted by a presence sensor 126 adapted to detect the arrival of a curtain 50 in proximity to the retractable element 124.

[0045] According to a second aspect of the invention, as illustrated in Fig. 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13, each curtain positioning device 122a, 122b comprises a main manipulator 1220 which: is movable parallel to said apparatus axis X with a cyclic forward and backward movement within the cap application station 120; and is adapted to reversibly engage in grip, by means of a toothed portion 1221, a predefined group of slats with each forward movement to progressively advance the curtain 50 in steps in said sliding track parallel to said apparatus axis X, positioning one slat at a time according to a predefined pitch at said two cap applicator devices 123a, 123b.

[0046] Said toothed portion 1221 is defined by a first array of teeth 11, each of which is adapted to be inserted between one slat and another in order to distance them from each other as much as possible.

[0047] According to a third aspect of the invention, the winding station 130 comprises a third curtain support structure 131 which is adapted to define an extension of said track up to near the two slat engagement seats of the two winders and is movable between: an active position, in which it creates a curtain support surface from said cap application station to near the two slat locking seats of the two winding units by extending said track, and a passive position, in which it does not engage or only partially engages the space between said cap application station and said two winding units so as not to hinder the winding movement of the curtain around the axis Y.

[0048] By virtue of the invention and in contrast to known solutions, the apparatus 100 for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains does not require continuous assistance from an operator during its normal operation and is therefore much more efficient.

[0049] In particular, the apparatus 100 is automatically capable of performing the following operations: unfolding the curtain entering the apparatus so as to move one slat as far as possible away from the other, thus allowing each individual slat to be positioned correctly at the end cap applicator; guiding the initial connection of the curtain to the winding unit.

[0050] More specifically, due to the retractable stop element 124, it is possible to stop the first slat of said curtain 50 in a predefined reference position along said apparatus axis X. This allows each curtain positioning device to engage the curtain at the entrance of the cap application station always in the same position, facilitating the operation itself and making the subsequent positioning of each individual slat at the cap applicator devices more controllable.

[0051] Furthermore, due to the fact that each curtain positioning device 122a, 122b comprises a main manipulator 1220 equipped with a first toothed portion 1221, it is possible to automatically advance the curtain inside the cap application station 120 with the slats distanced from each other as much as possible (open configuration) in a stabilized manner.

[0052] The combined action of the retractable element 124 and the first toothed portion 1221 makes the positioning of the slats at the cap applicator devices 123a, 123b very reliable and precise, making it possible to effectively automate the operations traditionally carried out manually.

[0053] Finally, the presence of the third curtain support structure 131 allows the first slat 51 of the curtain 50 to be guided into the slat engagement seats 1322 of the two winding units 132, 132b in a reliable and safe manner. This makes it possible to effectively automate this operation, which has traditionally been carried out manually.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, each curtain positioning device 122a, 122b comprises a secondary manipulator 1230 which is movable parallel to said apparatus axis X between: a gripping position, in which said secondary manipulator 1230 engages the first slat of said curtain 50 placed in said predefined reference position (Fig. 7 and 8); and a release position, in which said secondary manipulator 1230 disengages the first slat of said curtain 50 in a predefined release position downstream of said predefined reference position inside said cap application station (Fig. 9 and 10).

[0055] Operationally, the management and control unit 140 is programmed to activate said main manipulator 1220 once the curtain 50 has entered said cap application station 120 with the first slat of the curtain placed in said predefined release position. In other words, the secondary manipulator 1230 is responsible for the initial transfer of the curtain inside the cap application station, while the main manipulator 1220 is responsible for the controlled movement of the curtain inside the cap application station.

[0056] Advantageously, the secondary manipulator 1230 comprises a gripping element adapted to engage a single slat. In particular, the gripping element defines a concave seat (preferably with a curved profile) at which said gripping element is intended to engage the first slat of the curtain. Unlike the main manipulator 1220, the secondary manipulator 1230 has no teeth intended to be inserted between one slat and another. This choice is dictated by the fact that, when the curtain 50 is in the predefined reference position, the slats of the curtain may all (or at least a portion of them) be placed side by side (closed configuration) or distanced from each other (open configuration). Operating in this situation with the main manipulator 1220 could cause damage to the slats because there would be no certainty of teeth slipping between the slats. For this reason, it is preferable to operate with the secondary manipulator to transport the first slat to the predefined release position. The other slats of the curtain - dragged forward by the first slat - inevitably tend to distance themselves from each other, thus preparing for the intervention of the main manipulator 1220 and the associated first toothed portion.

[0057] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Fig. 6, 8, 10 and 12, the secondary manipulator 1230 is movable parallel to the apparatus axis X integrally with said main manipulator 1220.

[0058] Alternatively, the secondary manipulator 1230 is movable parallel to the apparatus axis X independently of said main manipulator 1220. However, this solution is more complicated in design than the first.

[0059] Advantageously, the secondary manipulator 1230 and the first toothed portion 1221 of said main manipulator 1220 are both movable orthogonally to the plane defined by the second support structure 121 to engage and disengage the curtain 50.

[0060] Preferably, the secondary manipulator 1230 and the toothed portion 1221 are movable orthogonally to the plane defined by the second support structure 121 independently of each other. For this purpose, they are each provided with their own linear actuator 1501 and 1502.

[0061] Advantageously, the movement of the first toothed portion 1221 of said main manipulator 1220 parallel to the apparatus axis X is controllable by means of one or more position sensors connected to said management and control unit 140, so that at the end of its forward movement the toothed portion 1221 may be stopped in at least one predefined position at which one of the slats dragged by said toothed portion at said two cap applicator devices is centered with the cap insertion axes of the cap applicator devices.

[0062] As illustrated in Fig. 6, 8, 10 and 12, the aforesaid one or more position sensors are preferably associated with a second array of teeth 1222 which: has the same pitch as the first array of teeth; is fixedly positioned parallel to the apparatus axis X and defines the position which the first array of teeth must assume in order for one of the slats dragged by the main manipulator 1220 to be centered with the cap insertion axes of said cap applicator devices 123a, 123b.

[0063] More specifically, the second array of teeth 1222 extends parallel to the first array of teeth 1221 in positions staggered transversely to the apparatus axis X.

[0064] Preferably, the second array of teeth 1222 is movable orthogonally to the plane defined by the second support structure 121 to engage and disengage the curtain 50.

[0065] For this purpose, the second array of teeth 1222 is provided with its own linear actuator 1503, which may move it between: a lowered position, in which it engages a predefined number of slats; and a raised position, in which it does not engage the slats.

[0066] Advantageously, the second array of teeth 1222 is also defined by a plurality of teeth 12, each of which is adapted to be inserted between one slat and another to distance them from each other as much as possible.

[0067] Operationally, the management and control unit 140 is programmed to bring said second array of teeth 1222 into the lowered position after the main manipulator 1220 - aligning the first array 1221 with the second array 1222 - has advanced the curtain inside the cap application station. In this position, the second array 1222 may replace the first array 1221 by locking the curtain in place to allow the cap to be inserted and leaving the main manipulator 1220 (with the associated first array 1221) free to go backwards to prepare to engage another group of slats of the same curtain 50 so as to advance it further. This reduces downtime.

[0068] Preferably, the main manipulator 1220 and the associated first toothed portion 1221 are movable parallel to the apparatus axis X by means of a linear actuator 1223, which in particular may consist of an electric cylinder 1223. The use of an electric cylinder ensures greater precision and control in movements, also making the system more easily adaptable to variations in the size of the curtains treated by the apparatus 100.

[0069] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the third curtain support structure 131 consists of one or more retractable elements 1310, each of which is movable (as may be seen from Fig. 11, 13 and 17) between: an extracted position, corresponding to said active position, in which it extends parallel to said apparatus axis X as an extension of said curtain sliding track 120a up to near the two slat locking seats 1322 of the two winders (see Fig. 13), and a retracted position, corresponding to said passive position, in which its extension parallel to said apparatus axis X with respect to said track is at least partially reduced with respect to the extracted position so as not to hinder the winding movement of the curtain around the axis Y (see Fig. 17).

[0070] Advantageously, each of said retractable elements 1310 is movable transversely to said apparatus axis X so as to adapt its position to the width of said curtain 50.

[0071] Advantageously, said third curtain support structure 131 is integrated in said cap application station 120.

[0072] Preferably, each of said retractable elements 1310 is slidingly associated with a beam 1210 of said second curtain support structure 121 to be movable between said extracted position and said retracted position. In particular, the movement may be entrusted to a linear actuator 1311.

[0073] Advantageously, each of said two winding units 132a, 132b is integral with one of said two cap applicator devices 123a, 123b. In this way, the two winding units 132a, 132b may adapt to the width of the curtain 50 automatically in a manner coordinated with the cap applicator devices 123a, 123b.

[0074] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, each of said two winding units 132a, 132b comprises a motorized spindle 1320 which is coaxial to the winding axis Y and in turn comprises a spindle head 1321 on which an engagement seat 1322 is obtained for the first slat of the curtain.

[0075] More in detail, as shown in particular in Fig. 26, 27 and 28, the engagement seat 1322 is defined by a slot which is obtained on the spindle head 1321. The slot extends for a predefined depth in the axial direction and also extends transversely to the winding axis Y along a chord of the outer circumference of the spindle. The slot is open both on the front surface of the spindle (i.e., the surface orthogonal to the winding axis Y) and on the side surface of the spindle head (comparable to a cylindrical body coaxial to the winding axis Y). Thus, operationally, when the chord along which the slot extends is arranged parallel to the support surface defined by the third curtain support structure 131, the slot is accessible from the first slat of the curtain 50 which slides on the third curtain support structure 131.

[0076] Advantageously, each of said two winding units 132a, 132b comprises one or more position sensors adapted to detect the position of the slot and thus allow the management and control unit 140 to control the rotation of the motorized spindle 1320 by acting, for example, on an electric motor 1326 of the spindle (Fig. 30) so as to arrange the slot parallel to the plane defined by the third curtain support structure 131.

[0077] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Fig. 30, each of said two winding units 132a, 132b comprises a first linear actuator 1323 (e.g., a pneumatic cylinder) which is adapted to move the spindle along the winding axis Y between: an extracted position, in which said spindle head 1321 projects in said track 120a so that the respective engagement seat 1322 is accessible to the first slat 51 of said curtain (see Fig. 14), and a retracted position, in which said spindle head 1321 is distanced from said track to disengage said curtain (Fig. 23).

[0078] As illustrated in Fig. 26 and 30, the spindle head 1231 of each of said two winding units 132a, 132b is preferably axially floating and provided with an elastic abutment element 1324 arranged inside said engagement seat 1322 to interpose itself in use between said spindle head 1321 and the slat 51. Each of said two winding units 132a, 132b further comprises a second linear actuator 1325 (e.g., a pneumatic cylinder) which is adapted to axially move the spindle head between: a locked position, in which said spindle head 1321 (already in the extracted position) is pushed axially against said slat 51, compressing said elastic abutment element, and an unlocked position, in which said spindle head 1321 is axially distanced from said slat 51, decompressing said elastic abutment element.

[0079] In this way, due to the presence of the elastic abutment element 1324 and the second linear actuator 1325, it is possible to stably lock the first slat of the curtain 50 in position on the two winding units.

[0080] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Fig. 19, each of said two winding units 132a, 132b comprises a guide roller 133, which is supported above the spindle head and is vertically movable (e.g., by means of a linear actuator 134) so as to engage the curtain 50 being wound so as to accompany in rotation at least the last slats of the curtain itself.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig. 1 to 4, the apparatus 100 comprises a transport line 150 which extends parallel to the winding axis Y below the two winding units 132a, 132b.

[0082] In particular, the transport line 150 may comprise a main roller conveyor 151, preferably provided with side rails 152 adapted to contain the curtains wound along the main roller conveyor. Preferably, the side rails 152 are defined by roller conveyors to facilitate the sliding of the wound curtain, reducing the risk of creep.

[0083] Advantageously, the apparatus 100 further comprises an elevator 160 that is adapted to pick up the wound curtain from said winding station 130 and deposit it on said transport line 150.

[0084] In particular, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, the elevator 160 may consist of a plurality of horizontal arms 161 which are distributed along the transport line 150 in the portion corresponding to the winding station 130 and are vertically movable between a base elevation, where they are below the transport line, and a top elevation, where they are above the transport line to come into contact with the wound curtain.

[0085] Advantageously, the plurality of horizontal arms 161 is movable parallel to the transport line in order to adapt the positions of the individual arms to the width of the curtain.

[0086] Operationally, each horizontal arm 161 is inserted between two rollers of the roller conveyor so as to have the vertical path free between the two operating elevations.

[0087] Advantageously, in the portion corresponding to the winding station 130, the roller conveyor forming the side bank adjacent to the winding station 130 is interrupted and replaced by individual slides 153, each of which is aligned with a roller of the main roller conveyor 151. In this way, the horizontal arms 161 may move freely between the two operating elevations without being hindered by the side bank.

[0088] Advantageously, the management and control unit 140 is connected to said elevator 160 and is programmed to move said first actuator 1323 from said extracted position to said retracted position once the elevator 160 is in proximity to the wound curtain, i.e., to the top level.

[0089] The invention allows numerous advantages to be obtained, which have already been described in part.

[0090] The apparatus 100 for applying end caps to curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains does not require continuous assistance from an operator during its normal operation.

[0091] The apparatus 100 is simple and economical to produce.

[0092] The apparatus 100 is simple and easy to manage.

[0093] The invention thus conceived therefore achieves its intended objectives.

[0094] Obviously, in practice it may also assume different forms and configurations from the one illustrated above, without thereby departing from the present scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus (100) for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains, wherein said apparatus (100) extends along an apparatus axis (X) and comprises in sequence between an inlet (1) and an outlet (2) along said apparatus axis (X) : - a curtain feeding station (110) comprising a first curtain support structure (111) adapted to define a support surface for at least one shutter curtain (50) in an unwound configuration with the slats oriented in the direction of their length transversely to said apparatus axis (X) and preferably comprising movement means (112) adapted to move said curtain (50) on said support surface parallel to said apparatus axis (X) from said inlet (1) towards said outlet (2); - a cap application station (120) defining, by means of a second curtain support structure (121), a curtain sliding track (120a) along the apparatus axis (X) as a continuation of the support surface of the feeding station, and comprising on each side of said track a cap applicator device (123a; 123b) adapted to apply caps to the ends of the slats, and a curtain positioning device (122a; 122b) adapted to advance the curtain (50) along said track, progressively bringing the ends of the slats at the cap applicator devices; - a curtain winding station (130) which is adapted to wind a shutter curtain (50) in output from said cap application station (120) around a winding axis (Y) orthogonal to said apparatus axis (X) by means of two axially opposite winding units (132a;132b), each of which is provided with an engagement seat (1322) for the first slat (51) of the curtain (50); - a management and control unit (140), programmed to control the operation of each station and coordinate the operations of the stations according to a predefined operating sequence, wherein said cap application station (120) comprises at the inlet thereof at least one retractable stop element (124) which is adapted to stop the first slat (51) of said curtain (50) in a predefined reference position along said apparatus axis (X), wherein each curtain positioning device (122a; 122b) comprises a main manipulator (1220), which is movable parallel to said apparatus axis (X) with a cyclic forward and backward movement, and which is adapted to reversibly engage in grip, by means of a first toothed portion (1221), a predefined group of slats with each forward movement to progressively advance the curtain (50) in steps in said sliding track along said apparatus axis (X), positioning one slat at a time according to a predefined pitch at said two cap applicator devices, wherein said toothed portion (1221) is defined by a first array of teeth (11), each of which is adapted to be inserted between one slat and another to distance them from each other as much as possible, and wherein said winding station comprises a third curtain support structure (131) that is adapted to define an extension of said track (120a) up to near the two slat engagement seats (1322) of the two winders, characterized in that said toothed portion (1221) is defined by a first array of teeth (11), each of which is adapted to be inserted between one slat and another to distance them from each other as much as possible; and in that the third curtain support structure is movable between: - an active position, in which it creates a curtain support plane from said cap application station to near the two slat engagement seats (1322) of the two winding units by extending said track, and - a passive position, in which it does not engage or only partially engages the space between said cap application station and said two winding units so as not to hinder the winding movement of the curtain around the winding axis (Y).

2. Apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein each curtain positioning device (122a; 122b) comprises a secondary manipulator (1230) which is movable parallel to said apparatus axis (X) between: - a gripping position, in which said secondary manipulator (1230) engages the first slat (51) of said curtain (50) placed in said predefined reference position; and - a release position, in which said secondary manipulator (1230) disengages the first slat of said curtain (50) in a predefined release position downstream of said predefined reference position inside said cap application station and wherein said management and control unit (140) is programmed to activate said main manipulator (1220) once the curtain (50) has entered said cap application station with the first slat of the curtain placed in said predefined release position.

3. Apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein said secondary manipulator (1230) is movable parallel to said apparatus axis (X) integrally with said main manipulator (1220).

4. Apparatus (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said secondary manipulator (1230) and the first toothed portion (1221) of said main manipulator (1220) are both movable orthogonally to the plane defined by the second support structure (121) for engaging and disengaging the curtain (50), preferably independently of each other.

5. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the first toothed portion (1221) of said main manipulator (1220) parallel to the apparatus axis (X) is controllable by means of one or more position sensors connected to said management and control unit (140) so that at the end of its forward movement said first toothed portion (1221) can be stopped in at least one predefined position at which one of the slats dragged by said first toothed portion at said two cap applicator devices is centred with the cap insertion axes of said cap applicator devices.

6. Apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein said one or more position sensors are associated with a second array of teeth (1222) which: - has the same pitch as the first array of teeth (1221); - is fixedly positioned parallel to the apparatus axis (X) and - defines the position which the first array of teeth (1221) must assume in order for one of the slats dragged by the main manipulator (1220) to be centred with the cap insertion axes of said cap applicator devices (123a; 123b).

7. Apparatus (100) according to claim 6, wherein said second array of teeth (1222) is movable orthogonally to the plane defined by the second support structure (121) to engage and disengage the curtain (50).

8. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main manipulator (1220) and the associated first toothed portion (1221) are movable parallel to the apparatus axis (X) by means of a linear actuator (1223), preferably an electric cylinder.

9. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said management and control unit (140) is programmed to activate said main manipulator (1220) once the curtain (50) has entered said cap application station with the first slat of the curtain placed in said predefined release position.

10. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cap applicator station (120) comprises a support structure (1200) extending transversely to said apparatus axis (X) and wherein at least one of said two cap applicator devices (123a, 123b) is slidingly associated with said support structure (1200) to be movable transversely to said apparatus axis (X) so as to adapt the transverse width of said track to the width of said curtain (50).

11. Apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein said second curtain support structure (121) consists of a plurality of beams (1210) extending parallel to said apparatus axis (X) and are slidingly associated with said support structure (1200) to be movable transversely to said apparatus axis (X) so as to adapt their position to the width of said curtain (50).

12. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said third curtain support structure (131) comprises one or more retractable elements (1310), each of which is movable between: - an extracted position, corresponding to said active position, in which it extends parallel to said apparatus axis (X) as an extension of said track up to near the two slat locking seats of the two winders, and - a retracted position, corresponding to said passive position, in which its extension parallel to said apparatus axis (X) with respect to said track is at least partially reduced with respect to the extracted position so as not to hinder the winding movement of the curtain around the winding axis (Y).

13. Apparatus (100) according to claim 12, wherein said third curtain support structure (131) is integrated in said cap application station (120).

14. Apparatus (100) according to claim 13, when dependent on claim 11, wherein each of said retractable elements (1310) is slidingly associated with a beam (1210) of said second curtain support structure (121) to be movable between said extracted position and said retracted position.

15. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said two winding units (132a;132b) is movable transversely to said apparatus axis (X) so as to adapt the distance with respect to the other winding unit to the width of said curtain (50).

16. Apparatus (100) according to claim 15, wherein each of said two winding units (132a;132b) is integral with one of said two cap applicator devices (123a, 123b).

17. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said two winding units (132a;132b) comprises: - a motorised spindle (1320) which is coaxial with the winding axis (Y) and in turn comprises a spindle head (1321) on which an engagement seat (1322) is obtained for the first slat (51) of the curtain; - a first linear actuator (1323) which is adapted to move the spindle along the winding axis (Y) between an extracted position, in which said spindle head (1321) projects in said track (120a) so that the respective engagement seat is accessible to the first slat of said curtain, and a retracted position, in which said spindle head (1321) is distanced from said track (120a) to disengage said curtain.

18. Apparatus (100) according to claim 17, wherein said spindle head (1231) is axially floating and is provided with an elastic abutment element (1324) arranged inside said engagement seat (1322) to interpose itself in use between said spindle head and said slat, and wherein each of said two winding units (132a;132b) comprises a second linear actuator (1325) which is adapted to axially move the spindle head between a locking position, in which said spindle head (1321) is axially pushed against said slat, compressing said elastic abutment element, and a release position, in which said spindle head (1321) is axially distanced with respect to slat, decompressing said elastic abutment element.

19. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a transport line (150) extending parallel to the winding axis (Y) below the two winding units (132a; 132b) ; - an elevator (160) which is adapted to pick up the wound curtain from said winding station and deposit it on said transport line (150).

20. Apparatus (100) according to claim 19, when dependent on claim 17 or 18, wherein said management and control unit (140) is connected to said elevator (160) and is programmed to move said first cylinder (1323) from said extracted position to said retracted position once the elevator is near the wound curtain.