Storage apparatus for sheet-like elements, corresponding storage and sorting plant and processing line

Abstract

Storage apparatus (10) for sheet-like elements (100; 200) comprising a frame (11), a plurality of first horizontal beams (12) attached to said frame (11) and disposed in a longitudinal direction (X) defining a first support plane (L) for said sheet-like elements (100; 200), and a plurality of support elements (14) associated with said first horizontal beams (12) and defining a plurality of second vertical support planes (PI-PN) in a transverse direction (Y), wherein said support elements (14) define a plurality of transverse positioning compartments (15) configured to each accommodate a single one of said sheet-like elements (100, 200). The present invention also concerns a corresponding plant for storing and sorting sheet-like elements and a processing line thereof.

Description

[0001] “STORAGE APPARATUS FOR SHEET-LIKE ELEMENTS, CORRESPONDING STORAGE AND SORTING PLANT AND PROCESSING LINE” FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention concerns a storage apparatus for sheet-like elements, in particular glass sheets, but above all insulating glass panels, also known to people of skill in the art by the term “double glazing”. The present invention also concerns a corresponding plant for storing and sorting sheet-like elements made or assembled in a dedicated processing line.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the flat glass processing sector, it is known to use storage apparatuses capable of allowing a temporary storage, and possibly also a selective movement, of glass sheets and insulating glass panels downstream of any processing, such as cutting, grinding, tempering, or downstream of the very assembly of the insulating glass panels.

[0005] Unlike individual finished or semi-finished glass sheets, an insulating glass panel is formed by two or more individual glass sheets joined together, along the perimeter, by a spacer frame or profile made of plastic or metal material. Between two facing glass sheets and the spacer frame there is defined a hollow space, or chamber, which is isolated from the external environment by applying a sealing material.

[0006] The storage of the insulating glass panels occurs in dedicated storage apparatuses, provided with a lateral support wall, inclined by a few degrees with respect to the vertical, against which the panels are stacked against each other, manually or in an assisted manner, and a single base wall on which all the insulating glass panels lie with one side of their perimeter edge.

[0007] Since the insulating glass panels need a certain period of time to pass after assembly for the sealant to catalyze and the assembly to stabilize, it is necessary for the base wall of the storage apparatus to be orthogonal to the lateral support wall. If this were not the case, one or more of the glass sheets forming the double glazing, not being in contact with the base wall, could literally slip causing defects in the final product. The insulating glass panels are laid down against each other on special stands whose lateral support wall is generally inclined by about 4° with respect to the vertical, therefore a portion of the weight of all the subsequent panels is unloaded onto the first panels that are laid down. In addition, when the storage apparatus needs to be moved, the insulating glass panels are tied to it with a further increase in the stress against the lateral support wall, which has to therefore be suitably structured. All this is greatly emphasized when using thermoplastic spacers (supplied in drums in the form of a paste that is hot extruded directly onto the glass), since in this case the insulating glass panels do not tolerate any stress acting between the two or more glass sheets for the first 3 - 6 hours after production.

[0008] The stacked storage of the insulating glass panels also prevents them from being picked up rapidly and selectively, requiring continuous movements and rearrangements that put the integrity of the panels at risk and increase the time required to move them.

[0009] For the storage of individual glass sheets, however, other types of storage apparatuses are known, even of an automated type, in which the glass sheets are stored in individual dedicated positioning compartments that are not however suitable for containing the insulating glass panels. Currently, therefore, a manufacturing enterprise that deals with both processing single glass sheets and also with the assembly of double glazing has to necessarily be equipped with separate and dedicated storage apparatuses, with an increase in costs, spaces required and a more complex warehouse management, while there remains the limitation of a purely manual movement for managing the insulating glass panels, the automation of which is therefore limited.

[0010] There is therefore the need to perfect a storage apparatus for sheet-like elements, a corresponding storage and sorting plant, and a processing line, in particular for insulating glass panels, that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art. To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of providing a storage apparatus in which the insulating glass panels are supported individually, particularly if using thermoplastic spacers, without each one weighing down on the other, and at the same time are supported in such a way that the glass sheets that form the panels do not undergo relative movements that could cause defects in the final product.

[0011] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a storage apparatus for sheetlike elements, in particular insulating glass panels, which has an increased and individualized capacity.

[0012] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a storage apparatus for sheet-like elements, in particular glass sheets, especially insulating glass panels, having a support structure that is lighter and not very bulky.

[0013] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a corresponding storage and sorting plant in which the movement for the storage and the subsequent selection of the sheet-like elements, in particular glass sheets, especially insulating glass panels, is completely automated.

[0014] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a line for processing sheet-like elements, in particular glass sheets, especially insulating glass panels, in which the movement of these elements between two or more operating stations of the line and the storage and sorting plant is also completely automated, regardless of the type of machines or structures present in the stations.

[0015] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea. In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a storage apparatus according to the present invention for sheet-like elements, in particular both glass sheets and also insulating glass panels, comprises a frame, a plurality of first horizontal beams attached to the frame and disposed in a longitudinal direction defining a first support plane for the sheet-like elements, and a plurality of support elements associated with the first horizontal beams and defining, in a transverse direction, a plurality of second vertical support planes. The support elements are attached to the first horizontal beams with a certain angle of inclination with respect to a vertical reference plane. The support elements define a plurality of transverse positioning compartments each delimited, in the transverse direction, by two consecutive rows of support elements and configured to accommodate a single one of the sheet-like elements, or several sheet-like elements inserted in succession without overlaps, wherein the first support plane is orthogonal to the second support planes.

[0018] The storage apparatus allows to support any type of sheet-like element whatsoever, in particular even insulating glass panels, in a condition of perfect orthogonality between the perimeter edge and the lateral surfaces of the glass sheets that constitute them, allowing to prevent, during a step of stabilization of the panels, a reciprocal movement between the glass sheets themselves. Moreover, the presence of individual transverse positioning compartments allows for a very effective storage of the sheet-like elements, which can be moved independently and weigh individually on the respective second support planes, so that the support elements can be made with a lighter structure and be less bulky.

[0019] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the storage apparatus can comprise at least one insert attached to at least some of the first horizontal beams and provided with a rest surface inclined by the same angle of inclination as the support elements and defining the first support plane.

[0020] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one insert can be made in a single piece and can develop essentially along the entire length of the first horizontal beam to which it is attached.

[0021] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of inserts can be attached to the first horizontal beams, each disposed in a position corresponding to a single one of the transverse positioning compartments.

[0022] In accordance with another variant, a plurality of inserts can be attached to the first horizontal beams, each disposed in a position corresponding to two or more of the adjacent transverse positioning compartments.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the at least one insert can be advantageously attached to a flat upper surface of the first horizontal beams.

[0024] In accordance with a variant of the storage apparatus, the first horizontal beams can be inclined by the angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal reference plane which is essentially orthogonal to the vertical reference plane.

[0025] In accordance with another variant of the storage apparatus, the support elements can be disposed orthogonally with respect to the first horizontal beams. Moreover, the storage apparatus comprises positioning means attached at the lower part to the frame and configured to vary the angle of inclination of the second support planes with respect to the vertical reference plane.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the positioning means can comprise a base provided with an attachment surface to which the frame is attached, the attachment surface being inclined by the same certain angle of inclination as the second support planes with respect to a horizontal installation surface of the storage apparatus.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the storage apparatus advantageously comprises a plurality of corresponding second horizontal beams attached to the frame and disposed facing and aligned at the upper part with the first horizontal beams, wherein the support elements are attached with a first end to the first horizontal beams and with an opposite second end thereof to corresponding ones of the second horizontal beams.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the storage apparatus can comprise movement means configured to allow the insertion and extraction of the sheet-like elements into / from one of the transverse positioning compartments, the movement means being normally disposed below the first support plane and operating selectively in the transverse positioning compartments in order to raise or lower one or more sheet-like elements and move them in the transverse direction. The present invention also concerns a corresponding plant for storing and sorting sheet-like elements, which comprises at least one storage apparatus and at least one transfer module disposed in cooperation with the storage apparatus and by means of which the sheet-like elements are moved from one or more pick-up positions toward one or more destination positions. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the at least one transfer module comprises at least one shuttle able to be moved in a longitudinal direction, parallel to the storage apparatus, and provided with a transfer plane to support and transfer the sheet-like elements in a transverse direction, and positioning means to dispose the transfer plane at a height corresponding to a height of the pick-up and destination positions, at least one of these corresponding to the height of a transverse positioning compartment of the storage apparatus.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the positioning means comprise spacer elements to which a framework is attached on which the shuttle is supported sliding.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the spacer elements can be adjusted to different heights with respect to a horizontal installation surface causing an inclination of the framework with an angular excursion equal to the angle of inclination.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the spacer elements are all adjusted to a same height with respect to a horizontal installation surface, and the framework can be attached to the spacer elements inclined by the angle of inclination. In accordance with a variant, the positioning means can comprise lifting members configured to position the temporary transfer plane in a vertical direction, orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions, in order to reach the height of the pick-up or destination position.

[0032] The present invention also concerns a line for processing sheet-like elements comprising at least two operating stations between which there is disposed a storage and sorting plant as above.

[0033] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0035] - fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the storage apparatus for sheet-like elements according to the present invention;

[0036] - fig. 2 is an enlarged detail of fig. 1 ;

[0037] - figs. 3-5 show different variants of the inserts that define the first support plane for the sheet-like elements;

[0038] - fig. 6 is a cross-section view of the storage apparatus of fig. 1;

[0039] - fig. 7 is a lateral view of a variant of the storage apparatus of fig. 1 ;

[0040] - fig. 8 is a lateral view of another variant of the storage apparatus of fig. 1; - fig. 9 is an example diagram of a layout of a line for processing sheet-like elements according to the present invention;

[0041] - figs. 10a, 10b are a lateral view of a part of a storage and sorting plant according to the present invention, showing a first embodiment of the module for transferring the sheet-like elements into two pick-up / destination positions;

[0042] - figs. I la, 11b show a variant of the module for transferring the sheet-like elements of fig. 10;

[0043] - figs. 12a, 12b show a variant of the module for transferring the sheet-like elements of figs. 10 and 11. We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims. To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference to fig. 1, a storage apparatus 10 according to the present invention is configured to allow the storage, preferably automated, of sheet-like elements 100, 200.

[0044] In the following description, the term “sheet-like elements 100, 200” includes both individual glass sheets 100 as well as insulating glass panels 200 having two opposing lateral surfaces 110, 210 and a perimeter edge 111, 211, respectively.

[0045] As shown in fig. 2, an insulating glass panel 200 is formed by at least two separate glass sheets 220, 230 between which a spacer frame or profile 240 is interposed on the perimeter, which is made of plastic or metal material and forms with them a hollow space, or chamber, isolated from the external environment by applying a sealing material 250. In the case of insulating glass panels 200, the lateral surfaces 210 are the two outermost surfaces of each glass sheet 220, 230.

[0046] The lateral surfaces 110, 210 of the sheet-like elements 100, 200 are essentially flat and can have a rectangular, circular, elliptical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, triangular or polygonal shape, or a combination thereof.

[0047] With reference to fig. 1, the storage apparatus 10 comprises a frame 11 which, in an example embodiment, is formed by four vertical uprights 1 1 a disposed in a corner position, a lower perimeter rim 11 b and a corresponding upper perimeter rim 11c.

[0048] A person of skill in the art will understand that the frame 11 just described can be made in various configurations, all falling within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] The storage apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of first horizontal beams 12 attached to the frame 11 and disposed parallel and coplanar to each other in a longitudinal direction X to define, on an upper surface 12a thereof, a first support plane L that forms a rest for the perimeter edge 111, 211 of the sheet-like elements 100, 200.

[0050] When referring to the beams 12 the term “horizontal” indicates a prevalent orientation that does not exclude, as will be described in more detail below, an inclination thereof by a few degrees with respect to a horizontal reference plane O, see for example fig. 8.

[0051] The upper surface 12a is advantageously flat.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as the one shown by way of example in fig. 1, the outermost first horizontal beams 12 can be part of the lower rim l ib.

[0053] The first horizontal beams 12 are spaced apart from each other with a beam pitch Z in a transverse direction Y, orthogonal and coplanar to the longitudinal direction X, whereby the first support plane L is discontinuous.

[0054] According to possible embodiments, the first horizontal beams 12 can for example have a tubular section with a polygonal shape, for example square or rectangular, fig. 6.

[0055] The storage apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of elongated support elements 14 attached, with a first end 14a thereof, to each of the first horizontal beams 12, at a certain distance D with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction X, defining in the transverse direction Y a plurality of second vertical support planes

[0056] PI-PN, each of which is configured to support one of the lateral surfaces 110, 210 of a respective sheet-like element 100, 200.

[0057] According to possible embodiments, the support elements 14 can be attached to the upper surface 12a of the first horizontal beams 12 (fig. 2) or, alternatively, to another surface of the first horizontal beams 12, either directly or by means of dedicated flanges or connection elements.

[0058] The support elements 14 can be, for example, solid or hollow bars with a circular section, all of the same length.

[0059] The support elements 14 define a plurality of transverse positioning compartments 15, each suitable to contain at least one of the sheet-like elements 100, 200, fig. 1. In the event several sheet-like elements 100, 200 share the same transverse positioning compartment 1 , they are lined up with each other without overlapping.

[0060] Each transverse positioning compartment 15 is delimited at the lower part by a portion of the first support plane L and in the transverse direction Y by two rows of consecutive support elements 14. Each transverse positioning compartment 15 is also open in the transverse direction Y to allow the entry and extraction of the sheet-like elements 100, 200.

[0061] The storage apparatus 10 advantageously also comprises a plurality of corresponding second horizontal beams 13 attached to the frame 11 and disposed facing and aligned at the upper part with the first horizontal beams 12 at a common height. In some embodiments, such as the one shown by way of example in fig. 1 , the outermost second horizontal beams 13 can be part of the upper rim 11c.

[0062] The support elements 14 attached to each first horizontal beam 12 can advantageously be attached, with a second end 14b thereof opposing the first end 14a, to a corresponding second horizontal beam 13. The support elements 14 can be rotatably attached between corresponding first and second horizontal beams 12, 13, with the purpose of facilitating the insertion and extraction of the individual sheet-like elements 100, 200 into / from the transverse positioning compartments 15.

[0063] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first support plane L is orthogonal to the second support planes PI-PN.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support elements 14 are attached to the first and second horizontal beams 12, 13 with a certain angle of inclination a with respect to a vertical reference plane V, fig. 2. In general, the vertical reference plane V is essentially orthogonal to a horizontal installation surface of the storage apparatus 10. In the example of fig. 2, the vertical reference plane V is also essentially orthogonal to the upper surfaces 12a of the first horizontal beams 12. In other words, the second support planes PI-PN are inclined by the angle of inclination a with respect to the vertical reference plane V.

[0065] The angle of inclination a can be comprised between about 1° and about 4°, preferably about 1.5° to allow the sheet-like elements 100, 200 to remain in a stable position within their transverse positioning compartment 15 without the danger of being overturned.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the first support plane L can be defined by at least one insert 18 attached to the upper surface 12a of each of the first horizontal beams 12.

[0067] According to a variant, the inserts 18 can be attached to only some of the first horizontal beams 12 for each transverse positioning compartment 15. For example, it would be sufficient to provide the presence of one insert 18 disposed every two, three or more first horizontal beams 12 to still guarantee a support plane L sufficiently extended to ensure a rest for the sheet-like elements 100, 200.

[0068] The inserts 18 are each provided with a rest surface 18a, which defines the first support plane L and is inclined by the same angle of inclination a as the support elements 14. This allows to maintain the condition of orthogonality between the first support plane L and the second support planes PI-PN.

[0069] The inserts 18 are also provided with an opposing anchoring surface 18b by means of which they can be attached to the upper surface 12a of each of the first horizontal beams 12.

[0070] Each insert 18 can have a triangular longitudinal section or a trapezoidal shape, for example a rectangular trapezoidal shape.

[0071] According to some embodiments, a plurality of inserts 18 can be associated with each, or with only some, of the first horizontal beams 12, wherein each insert 18 is disposed on a portion of the upper surface 12a corresponding to a single transverse positioning compartment 15, fig. 3.

[0072] According to some embodiments, a plurality of inserts 18 can be associated with each, or with only some, of the first horizontal beams 12, wherein each insert 18 is disposed on a portion of the upper surface 12a corresponding to two or more adjacent transverse positioning compartments 15, for example three as shown in fig. 4.

[0073] According to some embodiments, a single insert 18 can be provided associated with each, or with only some, of the first horizontal beams 12, which develops essentially for the entire length of each, or of only some, of the first horizontal beams 12, between two opposing head ends thereof, fig. 5.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the inserts 18 can be made of a material suitable for contact with glass, in particular a material having a lower hardness, for example wood, felt, rubber or a plastic material.

[0075] A person of skill in the art will understand that, instead of the inserts 18, a shaping of the upper surface 12a of each first horizontal beam 12 can be provided to realize the condition of orthogonality between the first support plane L and the second support planes PI-PN. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the support elements

[0076] 14 are disposed orthogonally with respect to the first and second horizontal beams 12, 13, fig. 7. In this case, the condition of orthogonality between the first support plane L and the second support planes PI-PN is respected, but it is necessary to determine an inclination of the second vertical support planes PI-PN in order to guarantee a stable position of the sheet-like elements 100, 200 within the transverse positioning compartments 15.

[0077] The storage apparatus 10 therefore comprises positioning means 16 attached to the frame 11 and configured to vary the angle of inclination a of the second support planes PI-PN with respect to the vertical reference plane V. According to some embodiments, the positioning means 16 can comprise a base 19 provided with a horizontal flat surface 19a, resting on the horizontal installation surface of the storage apparatus 10, and an opposing attachment surface 19b on which the frame 11 is installed, the attachment surface 19b being inclined by the angle of inclination a in order to achieve the desired inclination of the second support planes PI-PN.

[0078] According to possible embodiments, not shown, the positioning means 16 can comprise a lifting device disposed in correspondence with a side of the frame 11 parallel to the transverse direction Y in order to incline the storage apparatus 10, disposing the second support planes PI-PN inclined by the desired angle of inclination a. The lifting device can comprise one or more of either a piston, a screw adjustable foot, or other similar equipment.

[0079] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the first horizontal beams 12 can be inclined by the angle of inclination a with respect to a horizontal reference plane O, which is parallel to the installation plane of the storage apparatus 10, that is, orthogonal to the vertical reference plane V. For example, the first horizontal beams 12 can be attached inclined with respect to the frame 11, in particular with respect to the vertical uprights I la, fig. 8. The second support planes PI-PN are, in turn, orthogonal to the first support plane L defined by the first horizontal beams 12 and therefore inclined by the angle of inclination a with respect to the vertical reference plane V.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the storage apparatus 10 can comprise movement means 20 to allow the insertion and extraction of the sheet-like elements 100, 200 into / from one of the transverse positioning compartments 15, fig. 6.

[0081] The movement means 20 are normally disposed below the first support plane L and are configured to operate in one of the transverse positioning compartments 15 at a time, in order to raise or lower one or more sheet-like elements 100, 200 present therein and move them in the transverse direction Y. The movement means comprise a plurality of motorized rollers 21 lined up in the transverse direction Y and spaced apart in such a way as to be vertically aligned between the gaps present between a first horizontal beam 12 and the adjacent one.

[0082] The plurality of rollers 21 is attached to a common support structure 22 which is associated with a vertical guide 23 to raise and lower the rollers 21 between an operating position and a non-operating position, and with a horizontal guide 24 to position the plurality of rollers 21 in correspondence with one of the transverse positioning compartments 15. The activation of the rollers 21 and the displacement of the support structure 22 on the vertical guide 23 and on the horizontal guide 24 is managed by dedicated motors (not shown). Some embodiments of the present invention also concern a storage and sorting plant 300 for sheet-like elements 100, 200, shown by way of example in fig. 9.

[0083] The storage and sorting plant 300 comprises at least one storage apparatus 10 and at least one transfer module 310 disposed in cooperation with the storage apparatus 10 and by means of which the sheet-like elements 100, 200 are moved from one or more pick-up positions toward one or more destination positions which can be disposed at different heights H.

[0084] The storage and sorting plant 300 can be disposed between two operating stations in which the sheet-like elements 100, 200 are processed or manipulated.

[0085] The operating stations, together with the storage and sorting plant 300, form a line 400 for processing sheet-like elements 100, 200.

[0086] According to a possible layout of the processing line 400, the operating stations can comprise a processing station 410 and a packaging station 411. For example, the processing station 410 can comprise a machine 412 for making insulating glass panels; the packaging station 411 can comprise one or more stands 413, or similar structures, where the sheet-like elements 100, 200 are positioned to be prepared for shipment.

[0087] The transfer module 310 can essentially comprise a fixed part, consisting of a framework 311 that supports a preferably linear guide 312 - which can for example comprise a track, a rack or similar devices - and a mobile part, consisting of a motorized shuttle 313 slidably associated with the guide 312, for example by means of sliding blocks 314.

[0088] The guide 312 is disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction X, to the side of the storage apparatus 10, at a distance such that the shuttle 313 can cooperate with one of the transverse positioning compartments 15 at a time in order to deliver or pick up one or more sheet-like elements 100, 200 at a time.

[0089] According to the present invention, the shuttle 313 is configured to pick up at least one sheet- like element 100, 200 at a time from a pick-up position disposed at a certain first height Hi, H2, ...HN, for example measured from the floor plane to a plane where the sheet-like element 100, 200 is supported, and to transfer it to a destination position disposed at a certain second height Hi, H2, ...HN, wherein the first height is different from the second height. Figs. 10-12 show, by way of example, a first height Hl and a second height H2. Considering the different height at which the transverse positioning compartments 15 of the storage apparatus 10 are located, see fig. 8 for example, this solution allows to make the process of transferring, sorting and storing the sheet-like elements 100, 200 in a processing line 400 completely automated, especially if the line is set up to assemble, store and package insulating glass panels 200.

[0090] According to possible movement routes: the pick-up position can correspond to a zone for unloading the sheet-like elements 100, 200 from an operating station, for example from the processing station 410, or from a transverse positioning compartment 15 of the storage apparatus 10; the destination position can correspond to a transverse positioning compartment 15 of the storage apparatus 10 or to a zone for loading the sheet-like elements 100, 200 into another operating station, for example into the packaging station 411. With reference to figs. 10-12, the shuttle 313 comprises an essentially vertical support wall, or back, 315 on which the sheet-like element 100, 200 is laid down with a lateral surface 210 thereof. The support wall 315 defines an essentially vertical temporary support plane Tl.

[0091] The shuttle 313 is also provided with a movement member 316 disposed at the base of the support wall 315 and which can, for example, comprise rollers, conveyor belts, chains, belts or similar elements. The movement member 316 defines an essentially horizontal transfer plane T2 to support and transfer / receive the sheet-like elements 100, 200 in the transverse direction Y.

[0092] The support wall 315 and the movement member 316 are integral with a same bearing structure 320 of the shuttle 313.

[0093] The transfer plane T2 can advantageously be inclined with respect to the vertical reference plane V, preferably by the same angle of inclination a as the support elements 14 of the storage apparatus 10. In this way, the insertion into and extraction from the transverse positioning compartments 15 is simplified. According to possible embodiments, the transfer plane T2 and the temporary support plane Tl can be in a reciprocal relationship of orthogonality, similarly to what described above for the support planes L, PI-PN of the storage apparatus 10.

[0094] According to possible embodiments, the transfer plane T2 can be selectively inclined with respect to the vertical reference plane V by means of dedicated mechanisms, for example so that it adapts to a processing plane of the machine 412 or of the stands 413.

[0095] The transfer module 310 comprises positioning means 317 configured to dispose the transfer plane T2 at a height H corresponding to a height of the pick- up and destination positions, at least one of these corresponding to the height of a transverse positioning compartment 15 of the storage apparatus 10. A person of skill in the art will understand that the height of the transverse positioning compartment 15 essentially corresponds to the height of the upper surface of the rollers 21 when they are operational to raise, lower or move the sheet-like element in the compartment.

[0096] The positioning means 317 can comprise a plurality of spacer elements 318 to which there is attached the framework 311 on which the shuttle 313 is supported sliding along the guide 312. According to one embodiment, the spacer elements 318 can be adjusted to different heights with respect to a horizontal installation surface, generally common to the surface of the storage apparatus 10, causing an inclination of the framework 311 with an angular excursion equal to the angle of inclination a, figs. 10a, 10b. The spacer element 318 can be, for example, a screw adjustable foot or similar equipment.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the spacer elements 318 can all be adjusted to a same height with respect to the one horizontal installation surface, and the framework 311 is attached to the spacer elements 318 already inclined by the angle of inclination a, figs. I la, 11b.

[0098] According to yet another embodiment, the positioning means 317 can comprise lifting members 319 to position the transfer plane T2 in a vertical direction Z orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions X, Y, figs. 12a, 12b. In this case, there may be no need to incline the guide 312 or the entire framework 311, because the vertical positioning is operated by the lifting members 319.

[0099] In this way, when the shuttle 313 moves along the guide 312 it can reach any pick-up or destination position whatsoever, for example it can reach any transverse positioning compartment 15 regardless of its height to pick up or deposit a sheetlike element 100, 200. Fig. 9 schematically shows a possible layout of the processing line 400. In the layout shown, the storage and sorting plant 300 comprises two distinct groups of storage apparatuses 10, of which a first group comprises first storage apparatuses 10a, in particular one, dedicated to receiving the sheet-like elements 100, 200 at exit from the processing station 410, and a second group comprises second storage apparatuses 10b, in particular two, dedicated to sorting and storing the sheet-like elements 100, 200 before their transfer to the packaging station 411. The first and second storage apparatuses 10a, 10b are served by two distinct transfer modules 310, of which a first transfer module 310 is disposed in cooperation with the processing station 410 and with the first storage apparatus 10a; a second transfer module 310 is disposed in cooperation with the first storage apparatus 10a and the second storage apparatuses 10b and with the packaging station 411. A person of skill in the art will understand that the layout of fig. 9 may be subject to countless variants depending on the requirements of the individual customer, the volumes and the production mix, the available space or other factors.

[0100] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the storage apparatus 10 for sheet-like elements 100, 200 as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0101] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of a storage apparatus for sheet-like elements, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0102] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Storage apparatus (10) for sheet-like elements (100; 200) comprising a frame(11) to which there is attached a plurality of first horizontal beams (12) disposed in a longitudinal direction (X) defining a first support plane (L) for said sheet-like elements (100; 200), and a plurality of support elements (14) associated with said first horizontal beams (12) and defining a plurality of second vertical support planes (PI-PN) in a transverse direction (Y) which are inclined by a certain angle of inclination (oc) with respect to a vertical reference plane (V), characterized in that said support elements (14) define a plurality of transverse positioning compartments (15) each delimited in said transverse direction (Y) by two rows of said support elements (14) and configured to accommodate at least one of said sheet-like elements (100, 200), wherein said first support plane (L) is orthogonal to said second support planes (PI-PN).

2. Storage apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one insert (18) attached to at least some of said first horizontal beams (12) and provided with a rest surface (18a) inclined by the same angle of inclination (oc) and defining said first support plane (L).

3. Storage apparatus (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that the insert (18) is made in a single piece and develops essentially along the entire length of the first horizontal beam (12) to which it is attached.

4. Storage apparatus (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of inserts (18) is attached to said first horizontal beams (12), each disposed in a position corresponding to a single one of said transverse positioning compartments (15).

5. Storage apparatus (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of inserts (18) is attached to said first horizontal beams (12), each disposed in a position corresponding to two or more of said adjacent transverse positioning compartments (15).

6. Storage apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said first horizontal beams (12) are inclined by said angle of inclination (oc) with respect to a horizontal reference plane (O) which is orthogonal to said vertical reference plane (V).

7. Storage apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said support elements (14) are disposed orthogonally with respect to said first horizontal beams(12), and in that said storage apparatus (10) comprises positioning means (16)attached at the lower part to said frame (11) and configured to vary the angle of inclination (a) of said second support planes (PI-PN) with respect to said vertical reference plane (V).

8. Storage apparatus (10) as in claim 7, characterized in that said positioning means (16) comprise a base (19) provided with an attachment surface (19b) to which said frame (11) is attached, said attachment surface (19b) being inclined by the same certain angle of inclination (a) with respect to a horizontal installation surface of said storage apparatus (10).

9. Storage apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of corresponding second horizontal beams (13) attached to said frame (11) and disposed facing and aligned at the upper part with said first horizontal beams (12), wherein said support elements (14) are attached with a first end (14a) to said first horizontal beams (12) and with an opposing second end (14b) thereof to said second horizontal beams (13).

10. Storage apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises movement means (20) configured to allow the insertion and extraction of said sheet-like elements (100; 200) into / from one of said transverse positioning compartments (15), said movement means (20) being normally disposed below said first support plane (L) and operating in said transverse positioning compartments (15) in order to raise or lower one or more of said sheet-like elements (100; 200) and move them in said transverse direction (Y).

11. Plant (300) for storing and sorting sheet-like elements (100, 200) comprising at least one storage apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore and at least one transfer module (310) disposed in cooperation with said storage apparatus (10) and by means of which said sheet-like elements (100, 200) are moved from one or more pick-up positions toward one or more destination positions, characterized in that said at least one transfer module (310) comprises at least one shuttle (313) able to be moved in a longitudinal direction (X) and provided with a transfer plane (T2) to support and transfer said sheet-like elements (100, 200) in a transverse direction (Y), and positioning means (317) to dispose said transfer plane (T2) at a height (H) corresponding to a height of said pick-up and destination positions, at least one of these corresponding to the height (HI-HN) of a transverse positioning compartment12. Storage and sorting plant (300) as in claim 11, characterized in that said positioning means (317) comprise spacer elements (318) to which a framework (311) is attached on which said shuttle (313) is supported sliding, wherein said spacer elements (318) are adjusted to different heights with respect to a horizontal installation surface causing an inclination of said framework (311) with an angular excursion equal to said angle of inclination (a).

13. Storage and sorting plant (300) as in claim 11, characterized in that said positioning means (317) comprise spacer elements (318) to which a framework (311) is attached on which said shuttle (313) is supported sliding, wherein said spacer elements (318) are all adjusted to the same height with respect to a horizontal installation surface and said framework (311) is attached to said spacer elements (318) inclined by said angle of inclination (a).

14. Storage and sorting plant (300) as in claim 11, characterized in that said positioning means (317) comprise lifting members (319) configured to position said transfer plane (T2) in a vertical direction (Z), orthogonal to said longitudinal and transverse directions (X, Y), in order to reach said height (H).

15. Line (400) for processing sheet-like elements (100, 200) comprising at least two operating stations (410, 412) between which there is disposed a storage and sorting plant (300) as in any claim from 1 1 to 14.

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