Method and device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements - Patents.com

Abstract

A method for collecting and feeding elongated metal elements, in particular metal profiles, intended for example for cutting and / or bending cycles, comprises the steps of arranging a plurality of elongated metal elements (2) along a longitudinal direction (A) and placing them in a storage compartment (3), disposing a device (1) for collecting and feeding the elements (2) comprising a fixed structure (10, 10') extending along the longitudinal direction (A) and having gripping members (40) arranged in an operating position to collect the elements (2) in a collection area (P), and actuating the gripping members (40) in downward and upward strokes from a collection height to a higher height in order to raise at least a portion of the elements (2) at their respective gripping portions (2a) relative to the storage compartment (3) according to a collection movement.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements, in particular metallic profiles and rods for concrete reinforcement bars, for example for cutting, bending, welding cycles or other processing. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices are known for processing elongated metallic elements, in particular metallic profiles and similar products such as bars, which require feeding these materials, for example to collect these elements in a desired number or directly to carry out cutting and bending operations on parts of said elements.

[0003] It should be noted that the elements in question, in particular metal bars, are generally stored and transported in bundles, which, due to production needs, can be quite long, between 12 and 24 metres.

[0004] Metal elements, especially those intended to reinforce reinforced concrete, prove to be very flexible, even though they are made of steel, since they can be stretched considerably. This situation is accentuated when the ratio between the longitudinal extension of the elements and their respective transverse dimensions is large. Due to this flexibility, these elements easily become entangled with each other when gathered in bundles, so that irregular configurations are assumed.

[0005] In this connection, it should also be noted that the elements used to reinforce reinforced concrete, in addition to being heavy and therefore difficult to handle, are provided with ribs on their outer surface in order to improve their adhesive properties to the covering material, which is generally concrete, but the presence of the ribs further hinders the sliding of the elements relative to each other to be unbundled, which makes unbundling an operation necessary before any processing.

[0006] Known solutions for separating these long metallic elements, in particular steel rods for reinforced concrete, from bundles are bulky and therefore expensive and are sometimes not very reliable for unbundling elements with very small cross-sectional dimensions relative to their length.

[0007] These solutions can include devices equipped with one or more conveyor chains suitable for the transverse support of the elements to be handled. These chains are actuated by an alternating movement, in particular a transverse oscillatory movement that moves the elements in a disentangling manner. This oscillatory movement has the function of disentangling, i.e., unwinding the most entangled elements, and then progressively distributing the groups so as to disentangle groups of elements that are handled in the same plane. Only after this operation can the group or a subsequent machine collect and count the bars.

[0008] However, these solutions, being complex, bulky and expensive, do not fully meet the requirements of certain sectors and are often ineffective and imprecise. Finally, these solutions themselves do not lend themselves to a quick changeover from one type of bar stock to another. A quick changeover is frequently necessary, since in many cases not all the bar stock is used. This means that a different type of bar stock, for example of a different diameter or a different length, must be used, and the remaining bar stock must first be removed from the machine. This operation requires time that is unacceptable due to the manufacturing requirements.

[0009] On the other hand, those devices capable of accumulating elongated metallic elements, preferably rod stock, stored in multiple compartments in a housing are particularly advantageous from a manufacturing point of view, as they are available in a wide range of element diameters and lengths.

[0010] Known in particular from the applicant's EP 1 356 875 is a transversely movable device or fixing device for accumulating metal bars in storage areas in which respective housing compartments are provided for the various types of bars to be accumulated, and which comprises gripping means that can act on both end portions of the bars to be accumulated.

[0011] The same type of device, mobile or fixed relative to the storage location, has the advantage of being equipped with gripping and feeding assemblies of reduced size, but has the disadvantage of limited productivity: indeed, the number of metal bars that can be fed is reduced, for example by pulling the ends of the material to downstream processing machines.

[0012] EP 1980341, EP 1706231 and EP 2268429 show examples of such devices.

[0013] The device providing the movement of the elements, in particular the bars, at each end, is suitable for association with a downstream device equipped with a drawing system for drawing the bars from the bundle. Again, due to the presence of the ribs, the drawing effort to remove the bars from the bundle, which may be quite entangled, is considerable, and is likewise differentiated by the opposing resistance of each bar being drawn. This creates many challenges for the drawing means, which have difficulty in maintaining a grip on several bars simultaneously, especially bars with irregular cross-sections. Consequently, the bars often advance in amounts that are not entirely equal to one another.

[0014] Furthermore, it is limited because it is difficult to pull more than a very limited number of bars, which is a productivity disadvantage.

[0015] Furthermore, EP 1 356 876, also by the same applicant, shows a known device for feeding metal bars which is movable transversely relative to a storage location, in which respective housing compartments are provided for the bars to be accumulated.

[0016] In the latter type of equipment, the bars are accumulated in a central location relative to the bundle. Their use is usually in combination with equipment with a motorized roller bed feed, which makes it possible to handle large quantities of bars simultaneously and therefore to carry out high productivity runs.

[0017] In this case, for example, the bars to be cut are stacked on a feed path with motorized rollers that move them to the shear section. In this way, there is no resistance to forward movement, because the bars are already unwrapped from the stack and move all together. Their number can therefore be significantly greater than in the two cases of the known solutions exemplified above.

[0018] The bars therefore have no difficulty in advancing and are practically unlimited in number, since they are placed on the bed of the motorized rollers. This type of device does not require the bars to be pulled out of the bundle, but instead of devices in which the accumulation takes place at one end of the bar, the bars must be pulled in by clamping with a pulling wheel located only at the head.

[0019] However, the construction of the device according to EP 1 356 876 is a moving bridge-type construction, which is very expensive and bulky. The operating cycle of the device is therefore relatively slow due to the moving mass and the many trips from the locations of the compartments containing the different bundles to the machine that receives them in each cycle. In this case, the device must therefore make one outward movement and one return movement in each cutting cycle, sometimes covering considerable distances. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0020] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1356875 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 1980341 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 1706231 [Patent Document 4] European Patent No. 2268429 [Patent Document 5] European Patent No. 1356876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0021] The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems and to devise a method and a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements, in particular metallic profiles of bars for reinforced concrete.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements which is simple in construction and functional concept, safe, reliable and relatively inexpensive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] The aforementioned goal is achieved according to the invention by a method according to claim 1 for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements and by an apparatus according to claim 21 for collecting and feeding the same elements.

[0024] The method according to the present invention comprises: a. Arranging a plurality of elongated metal elements longitudinally and placing them in a storage compartment; b. Arranging an apparatus for collecting and feeding the same elements, the apparatus comprising a stationary structure, the stationary structure having gripping members extending along the same longitudinal direction and preferably located substantially in the center of said extension, the gripping members being arranged in an operative position for collecting the elements in the collection area; c. Operate the gripping members relative to the storage compartment by an accumulation movement, so as to bring them toward a gripping position substantially in the center of the elements arranged at the accumulation height with a downward stroke, and to raise at least some of the elements respectively in the gripping position with an upward stroke from the accumulation height to a higher height.

[0025] Preferably, after step c, in which the gripping members are actuated in a collecting motion, a desired number of elements from the collected elements are selected by a counting means and / or a selecting means.

[0026] The method according to the invention then provides step d. d. Releasing the accumulated elements to a transfer assembly at a transfer height, and transferring them by a transfer motion to a feed channel located downstream.

[0027] Preferably, in this movement of movement, the elements to be moved are moved, preferably translationally, in a movement that is integral with the movement assembly, thereby maintaining a common regular position of the elements themselves.

[0028] Preferably, after step c of actuating the gripping members in a collecting movement, and preferably after the counting step if provided, the method may provide for separating the selected, chosen and / or counted elements from the remainder of the elements intended to be placed in the storage compartment by means of a separating assembly actuated in a separating movement.

[0029] The method may include certain aspects described in detail below.

[0030] The method comprises the steps of: after step a of arranging a plurality of metallic elongate elements along their length and placing them in a storage section, and before step c of operating the gripping member, the storage section and therefore the bundles contained therein are moved transversely to a collection area below the collection member set in an operating position.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the method, with respect to step a. of providing at least one storage compartment, the method may provide for arranging at least one further storage compartment, which is likewise movable and extends longitudinally below the structure thanks to an opening obtained in the fixed structure. This allows different types of elements to become available for another accumulation cycle, which can be freely accessed simply by suitably moving the respective storage compartment in said accumulation area. Usefully, both the storage compartment and the further storage compartment can be movable.

[0032] With respect to the optional step of moving the storage compartments in the storage direction to the accumulation area, the method may include another step of moving the storage compartments according to a regulating movement transverse to the structures in the accumulation area to evenly distribute the accumulation of elements from the same storage compartment as needed or programmed. This regulated movement advantageously avoids the formation of sink marks in the stacks, which may impair the productivity of the accumulation cycle. In particular, the regulating movement allows the gripping members to avoid making "empty" accumulations from these same sink marks in the event that elements are present in the storage compartments but stacked outside the sink marks.

[0033] Advantageously, the gripping members are of the magnetic type so that they can act by magnetic force on the elements to be integrated with their respective first operating surfaces.

[0034] The step of selecting the desired number of elements as described above is carried out by actuating the selection member in a first selection step, after which the first number of elements, particularly those not in direct contact with the magnetic gripping portion, are removed from the attracting gripping portion of the gripping member, and after a second selection step the second number of excess elements may be excluded from interaction with, particularly contact with, the selection member.

[0035] More precisely, the first selection step is preferably carried out after a forward stroke, preferably through a translational movement parallel to the first operating surface of the gripping member, preferably at a suitably controlled distance between the support of the selection member and the first operating surface of the magnetic gripping member. This first selection step acts on a first number of excess elements, preferably the number of attracted and accumulated elements, but without direct contact with the operating surface of the gripping member. This action can be carried out, in particular, via the abutment of the abutment surface of the selection member, preferably at the edge, in particular the front edge, of the selection member, in accordance with the direction of the forward stroke. In fact, the first number of excess elements are pushed aside by the attracting gripping part of the gripping member via the abutment edge.

[0036] The forward stroke in the selection movement is preferably performed in a transverse direction.

[0037] Advantageously, during the forward stroke, the selection member can, by means of the abutment edge, in particular the leading edge, progressively capture magnetic elements that are not in direct contact with the magnetic gripping member and remove elements that are not in direct contact with the operating surface.

[0038] Preferably, a single layer or a different number of layers of elements can remain sandwiched between the first operating surface of the gripping member and the support surface of the selection member depending on the above-mentioned controlled distance and the cross-sectional dimensions of the elements in the accumulation step.

[0039] In the actuated configuration, the selection member holds the selected element with the support surface.

[0040] Preferably, the forward stroke of the selection member preferably follows a transverse movement, for example between an inoperative configuration within the structure of the device and an operative configuration in which it is withdrawn and moved towards the outside of the structure.

[0041] In particular, in the non-actuated configuration, the selection member is retracted in the direction of the selection movement relative to the gripping member.

[0042] In particular, in the actuated configuration the selection member is advanced in the direction of the selection movement by at least the gripping member relative to the fixed structure.

[0043] The second selection step is preferably performed after a controlled return stroke of the selection member, which stroke is preferably performed between the preferably fully extended configuration and an intermediately extended configuration in which it has been selectively moved forward outside the structure of the device. Conventionally, by controlling the size of the portion of the selection member extended relative to the structure in the intermediate configuration, in particular the gripping member, it is possible to control the number of elements that can be placed and accommodated on the selection member, held and clamped between the first operating surface of the gripping member and the support surface of the selection member, depending on the cross-dimensionality of the elements.

[0044] Then, after bringing the accumulated and possibly selected elements to the transfer height, the method may also include another step of operating the transfer assembly by an insertion movement in the transverse direction to the transfer height from a supply arrangement interacting with the supply path to a receiving arrangement interacting with the gripping members and / or support means for the elements accumulated by the gripping members.

[0045] Advantageously, after said insertion movement, the elements are released to the transfer assembly and then moved in a common, unified manner in the supply configuration by a transfer movement, thereby maintaining the same elements in a consistent, regular arrangement.

[0046] The method may comprise another step of operating any type of counting assembly equipped with detection means configured to detect the actual passage of the transferred elements or, preferably, the weight of the elements in the storage compartment. In this second event, the detection means provide at least one data item relating to the weight of said elements before and after transfer to the processing means, which preferably calculates, at each operating cycle, the number of selected and / or transferred elements based on the transverse dimensions of the elements. Weight detection in the storage compartment is particularly advantageous, since it also makes it possible to monitor the number of elements remaining in the same storage compartment in order to accurately plan subsequent operations.

[0047] The separation movement described above can be performed at an intermediate height between the accumulation height and the transfer height and / or the substantial transfer height.

[0048] The method may further include another step of pre-stacking the released elements onto the moving assembly by a pre-stacking assembly comprising at least one support member alternately movable between a position below the moving height and a position above the moving height effective to raise the elements from the support of the moving assembly.

[0049] The method also provides for actuating the gripping member in a disengagement movement from an actuated position to an inactuated position to store it in the structure, for example as required after a selection action of the selection member or after a support action applied by a support means with a support surface of the accumulated elements.

[0050] In this case, the method may further provide for actuating the gripping member with a translation movement, changing the function of the same member to a support member for the accumulated elements. This translation movement comprises a first stroke and a second stroke. In the first stroke, the gripping member is moved from an inactive position stored within the structure to a height lower than the upper accumulation height, and thus to a height substantially lower than the selected elements, if provided, or to the support member described above. In the second stroke, the same gripping member is withdrawn from the inactive position to an active position outside the structure, and catches the accumulated elements by means of the respective second upper operating surfaces.

[0051] Thereafter, the method may provide for retraction of the selection member or said support means, thereby releasing the accumulated elements at a second operating surface opposite the first operating surface of the gripping member.

[0052] The method may then provide for moving the gripping member in an upward motion from the accumulation height to a transfer height, more precisely to a height substantially the same as or higher than the transfer height, and releasing the accumulated elements to the transfer assembly.

[0053] The device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements according to the invention comprises: a longitudinally deployed fixed structure, preferably in a substantially central position of the same extension, having a gripping member operable in an operating position for collecting elements from a storage compartment, the storage compartment being configured to receive a plurality of elements placed along the longitudinal direction and being arranged in a collecting area below the gripping member in the operating position, the gripping member being operable in a collecting movement in a downward stroke up to a collecting height and in an upward stroke from a higher collecting height; a transfer assembly movable in a transfer movement to a transfer height in order to transfer the accumulated elements to a feed channel arranged downstream; Includes:

[0054] The equipment is very compact, and by linking the collection and transfer to the downstream supply path, the path that the elements must travel from the storage bay to the supply path is likewise compacted, all for the benefit of time and therefore productivity in each collection and transfer cycle.

[0055] Furthermore, the elements are easily moved into the feed path thanks to a moving assembly associated with the same fixed structure, preferably by rollers. This provision allows for easy and regular movement of large numbers of elements, again for productivity advantages.

[0056] The gripping members are preferably operable in a substantially central position of the device, thus making it possible, thanks to the assistance of the above-mentioned moving assembly, to handle the accumulated elements very easily and to carry out feeding operations from one element to another, in particular with the assistance of the roll feeding path.

[0057] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the translation assembly is capable of systematically moving the received element into the feed path in a translation motion.

[0058] Preferably, said movement is a translational movement, in which the accumulated elements are moved towards the feed path integrally with the movement assembly, thereby keeping the regular structure of the elements unchanged.

[0059] Preferably, the moving assembly comprises a moving member that can be actuated to regularly transport the accumulated elements.

[0060] The moving member is preferably made by flexible means, such as, but not limited to, a closed-loop transmission means wound around opposing pulleys, which, by turning, can, for example, transport the element in a regular manner.

[0061] In particular, the removed elements can be usefully arranged in a regular array, which is maintained after the translational movement.

[0062] The device preferably comprises a separating assembly operable in a separating movement to separate the accumulated elements from the rest of the elements present in the storage compartment, after this separating step the accumulated elements are advantageously arranged in an orderly manner.

[0063] The separating assembly can act on said upper portion, where the accumulated elements are held by a gripping member, or alternatively or additionally, on a moving portion on which the moving assembly can operate.

[0064] The gripping members, with their respective first operating surfaces, preferably lower operating surfaces, preferably gather the elements together by magnetic force.

[0065] The apparatus preferably comprises counting and / or selection means for selecting a desired number of elements from the elements collected from the gripping member.

[0066] To this end, the device preferably comprises a movable selection member according to a first selection step, after which a first number of excess elements are removed by pushing them away from the gripping portion of the gripping member.

[0067] The selection member may also be movable in a second selection step, after which a second number of the excess elements are excluded from interaction with the selection member.

[0068] Preferably, the selection member operates at the upper height mentioned above.

[0069] The selection member is movable in a forward translation stroke, preferably parallel to the first operating surface of the gripping member, preferably at a controlled distance between the support surface of the selection member and said first operating surface, and is acted upon in a controlled return stroke by an abutment edge of the selection member.

[0070] The controlled distance is substantially equal to a multiple of the cross-sectional dimension of the elements, preferably equal to a distance comprised between one and two times the cross-sectional dimension of the integrated elements, thereby allowing for the removal of elements that are distant from the first operating surface, i.e., elements that are not in direct contact with the operating surface.

[0071] The gripping members are preferably movable with disengaging movement from the above-mentioned activated position to the inactivated position and are conveniently housed within the structure.

[0072] After this disengagement movement, the accumulated and possibly selected elements can be released for placement on the selection member, if provided, or on equivalent support means arranged at the above-mentioned upper level and below the first operating surface of the gripping member.

[0073] According to a preferred solution, the gripping member has a second operating surface opposite the first operating surface, which, if provided, exchanges the support of the collected and possibly selected elements by means of a selection member.

[0074] In this exchange of support functions, the gripping members cooperate with the selection members, if provided, or with equivalent support means, which are adapted to intervene to support the elements collected by the gripping members via the first operating surface. Preferably, this exchange takes place at the above-mentioned upper level.

[0075] To effect this exchange, the gripping member is preferably movable with a translation movement, after which the gripping member transforms itself into a support member, changing its function, in other words, after said translation movement, the removed element can be placed and supported on the second operating surface of the gripping member.

[0076] Preferably, the translation movement comprises a first stroke and a second support stroke, in which the gripping member is moved from an inoperative position, in which it is retractably arranged in the structure of the device at an upper height after the aforementioned disengagement movement, to a height lower than the upper height, in which the gripping member is preferably withdrawn horizontally out of the structure, thereby capturing the accumulated elements from below.

[0077] As soon as the accumulated elements are placed on the second operating surface, the selection member or equivalent support means also becomes movable with a retracting movement, preferably hidden within the structure of the device, and releases the accumulated elements onto the second operating surface of the gripping member.

[0078] The gripping members are also preferably movable by an upward movement, bringing the accumulated elements from a higher height to a height substantially equal to or preferably slightly higher than the transfer height.

[0079] Alternatively, according to a different solution, the same selection member or the equivalent support means described above can be actuated according to another upward movement, bringing the accumulated elements from the upper height to the transfer height or preferably to a height slightly higher than the transfer height.

[0080] According to a particular aspect, with regard to the accumulation function of accumulating elements, particularly when fixed storage compartments are present, the accumulation assembly is movable at the accumulation height with regular movement along the transverse direction and positioned relative to the elements present in the storage compartment, thereby making it possible to accumulate the elements in a uniform distribution.

[0081] The moving assembly is movable according to an insertion movement, preferably at a moving height in the transverse direction, from a supply configuration interacting with the supply path to a receiving configuration interacting with the gripping member and / or support means for the elements accumulated by the gripping member.

[0082] Preferably, at the transfer height, the accumulated elements can be released as described above, for example by lowering the gripping members or equivalent support means provided, and placed onto the transfer assembly, this release thus advantageously taking place whilst maintaining the regular structure of the released elements.

[0083] The apparatus may also include a pre-stacking assembly that cooperates with the moving assembly and includes at least one support member that is alternately movable between a position below the moving height and a position above the moving height that is effective to raise the element from the support of the moving assembly.

[0084] The device preferably comprises any type of counting assembly equipped with detection means configured to detect the passage of the actual transferred elements or preferably the weight of the elements in the storage compartment. In this second case, the detection means provide at least one data item relating to the weight of said elements before and after transfer to the processing means, which calculates the number of elements selected and / or transferred, preferably in each operating cycle, based on the transverse dimensions of the elements. Weight detection in the storage compartment is particularly advantageous, since it also makes it possible to monitor the number of elements remaining in the same storage compartment in order to accurately plan subsequent operations.

[0085] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the storage compartments can be made movable, for example on wheels, and positioned in the accumulation area.

[0086] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the structure of the device includes an opening extending along its length and made below the structure, which, in a stationary configuration, can also accommodate at least one further movable storage compartment.

[0087] The presence of said openings allows various mobile storage compartments, in particular capable of being loaded with different types of elements, from which they can be drawn in successive cycles of accumulation and supply.

[0088] According to a particular aspect, the structure holding the accumulation and transfer means can be fixed relative to the housing compartment configured to be movable. Thanks to this provision, the elements can be accumulated and transferred without having to resort to costly handling, which is necessary to bring the operating assembly to different storage compartments.

[0089] The device according to the invention may in this case comprise drive means for actuating the movement of the storage compartment or the mobile storage compartment, according to the transverse adjustment movement, relative to the structure, in the accumulation area, so as to evenly distribute the accumulation of elements as needed or in a programmed manner.

[0090] According to an advantageous version of the device, the fixed structure is made as a bridge, whereby the above-mentioned opening is penetrated and allows the passage or accommodation of a storage compartment or an additional storage compartment, thus having the availability for a subsequent cycle of accumulating other elements, possibly elements of a different type.

[0091] Details of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of preferred embodiments of an apparatus for collecting and feeding elongated elements, as well as a method carried out by the same, shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0092] [Figure 1] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 2] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 3] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 3a] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 3b]1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 4] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 5] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 6] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 7] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 8] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 9] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 10] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 11] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 12] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 13] 1A-1D are perspective views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 13a] 1A-1D are perspective views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 14] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 15]1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 16] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 17] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 17a] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 18] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 18a] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 18b] 1A-1D are side views of a device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements in various successive operating steps; [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a front view of a device according to the invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 19a] FIG. 2 is a side view of a device according to the invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a side view of a device according to the invention in a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a rear view of a device according to the present invention, in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 5 is a side view of a device according to the invention in a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 18b, reference number 1 designates an apparatus for collecting and feeding metallic elongated elements 2, in particular metallic profiles and rods.

[0094] The device 1 comprises at least one storage compartment 3 on which the elements 2 can be placed, preferably along a longitudinal direction A (see for example FIG. 13).

[0095] In particular, the elements 2 result from being gathered into bundles and can be positioned in various ways within the respective compartments 3, for example after being lifted from respective storage locations placed on the ground.

[0096] The elements 2 may be assumed to be in a random configuration within the storage compartment 3 and may become disordered, e.g. partially entangled, once the bundles are released from their respective binding means. The degree of mixing of the elements 2 may be directly proportional to the flexibility of the elements 2, e.g. to the ratio between their respective lengths, more precisely between the length and the diameter or transverse dimension of the same elements 2.

[0097] In order to collect some of the elements 2 present in the original bundle, these are preferably separated and untangled from the elements 2 that are to be retained, at least temporarily, in a storage compartment 3, only those that are collected as needed, in one or more collection cycles. This operation can be more difficult if the degree of entanglement within the compartment 3 of the same elements 2 is high.

[0098] In particular, the difficulty of untangling, and therefore separating from the bundle, may be affected by the presence of possible ribs on the outer surface of the elements 2, or other features that make it difficult to slide past each other.

[0099] A storage compartment 3 is arranged in the accumulation area P and allows removal of the elements 2 contained therein.

[0100] More precisely, the accumulation area P is the area below the operating member of the device 1, which same operating member is capable of carrying out at least one accumulation cycle of the element 2, as will be explained in detail below (see FIG. 1).

[0101] In particular, to perform the collection and delivery operations on the desired number of elements 2, the device 1 comprises a series of operating assemblies held by a structure 10.

[0102] The device 1 may also include a gripping assembly 4 (FIG. 7) and preferably a separation assembly 5 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) for stacking elements 2 from the storage compartment 3. The separation assembly 5 cooperates with the gripping assembly 4 to separate the selected elements 2 from other elements 2 that are intended to remain in the storage compartment 3 during each stacking operation cycle.

[0103] The apparatus 1 may also usefully comprise a moving assembly 6 (FIG. 1) for the selected element 2 and a feed path 7 downstream of the moving assembly 6 .

[0104] The gripping assembly 4 is advantageously arranged in an intermediate position, preferably a central position, for example with respect to the longitudinal deployment of the device 1 (see for example FIG. 13).

[0105] In particular, the gripping assembly 4 can be preferably carried centrally by the structure 10 so as to be centrally positioned with respect to the longitudinal extension of the elements 2 to be accumulated, arranged in the storage compartment 3 .

[0106] More precisely, in the aforementioned accumulation position, the storage compartment 3 is positioned below the gripper assembly 4, allowing accumulation of the elements 2 placed therein.

[0107] The gripping assembly 4 comprises magnetic gripping members 40 (Fig. 3) and a selection member 41 (Fig. 7) which cooperate to pick a desired number of elements 2 from the storage compartment 3, preferably not more than the number of elements 2 to be fed into the feed path 7. Alternatively, the gripping assembly 4 comprises, in addition to the gripping members 40, support means for cooperating with the gripping members 40 to at least temporarily support the accumulated elements 2.

[0108] More precisely, the cooperation between the gripping member 40 and the selection member 41 allows for efficient selection of a desired number of elements 2. The desired number of elements 2 is usually less than the generally indefinite number of elements 2 that can be accumulated by the magnetic action applied by the gripping member 40.

[0109] Essentially, the selection member 41 performs a filter function on the elements 2 attracted by the gripping member 40 .

[0110] More precisely, the gripping member 40 is for example preferably made by a permanent magnet or by an electromagnet, or alternatively, the gripping member 40 can be made by an equivalent gripping member.

[0111] The gripping member 40 is movable from a non-operating position in which it can be stored within the structure 10 to an operating position in which it moves forward outside the structure 10 with an actuation movement, and with a disengaging movement back from the operating position (see Figure 8).

[0112] The actuation movement, like the disengagement movement, is preferably a translational movement of the gripping member 40, in particular a substantially horizontal translation.

[0113] The gripping member 40 comprises a first operating surface 40a, which is preferably flat and which, in said operating position, faces towards the storage compartment 3 arranged in the accumulation position and is preferably oriented horizontally.

[0114] The gripping members 40 are furthermore movable with a collecting movement along, preferably substantially perpendicular to, a collecting direction C (see FIG. 4).

[0115] The gathering movement can be performed, for example, but not limited to, by a translational movement. Alternatively, the gripping movement can be performed, for example, by a rotational movement or a suitable combination of a translational and rotational movement.

[0116] The accumulation movement comprises a downward stroke and an upward stroke. The downward stroke preferably draws the elements 2 from an operating height corresponding to the above-mentioned operating position to an accumulation height at which they are lowered into the storage compartments 3 arranged in the accumulation position (see FIG. 3), with the gripping portions 2a (see e.g. FIGS. 11 and 13), preferably centralized with respect to the longitudinal extension of the elements 2. The upward stroke is from an accumulation height at a higher height, for example corresponding to the operating height, or at a higher transfer height, which will be described in more detail below, or at an intermediate height (see FIG. 4).

[0117] The gripping members 40 may furthermore advantageously be provided with a regular movement in the transverse direction B, which is preferably horizontal in order to collect the elements 2 evenly from the storage compartments 3 (see Figures 3a and 3b). Usefully, the gripping members 40 can be moved with the above-mentioned coordinated movement in the collecting section.

[0118] After the above mentioned collection movement, the gripping member 40 raises the aforementioned gripping portion 2 a of the collected element 2 from the storage compartment 3 .

[0119] Preferably, the first operating surface 40a of the gripping member 40 is the lower surface in use, so that the operating surface 40a acts on the gripping portion 2a of the element 2 from above.

[0120] The selection member 41 is preferably made in the form of a support member, thus for example in the form of a shelf that is movable at least by a selection movement (see FIGS. 5 to 8).

[0121] More precisely, the selection member 41 comprises a support surface 41a, which is preferably flat and faces the above-mentioned first operating surface 40a of the gripping member 40 during use, and an abutment surface 41b (see Figure 6), which is arranged on the front side, for example different from the support surface 40a, and which operates in the first selection step, as will be explained in detail below.

[0122] The above-mentioned selection movement is in fact preferably carried out in two steps: in a first selection step, a first number of excess elements 2' are removed from the gathering grip of the gripping member 40; in a second selection step, a second number of excess elements 2'' can then be excluded from the accumulation effected by cooperation between the gripping member 40 and the selection member 41 (see Figures 5 to 8).

[0123] More precisely, said first selection step may be performed after each forward stroke of said selection movement, while said second selection step may be performed after a controlled return stroke of the same selection movement.

[0124] In particular, during the above-mentioned forward stroke of the selection movement, the selection member 41 is movable, preferably by a controlled distance, parallel to the first operating surface 40a from a non-operating configuration within the structure 10 to an operating configuration in which it is moved forward outside the structure 10 and to a configuration facing the gripping member 40 arranged in the operating position at a height reached after the upward stroke.

[0125] The forward stroke in the selection movement is preferably performed in the transverse direction B.

[0126] In fact, during the forward stroke of the selection movement, the selection member 41 is able to progressively capture a first number of excess elements 2' by means of the aforementioned abutment surface 41b and remove them from the pulling grip of the gripping member 40 by actually removing them from the first operating surface 40a.

[0127] At the same time, the element 2 held by the gripping member 40 is clamped between the first operating surface 40a and the support surface 41a of the selection member 41, with a number of layers determined by the above-mentioned controlled distance.

[0128] An associated adjusting movement may be provided between the selection member 41 and the gripping member 40, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first operating plane 40a of the gripping member 40. Through this movement, the selection member 41 is positioned relative to the gripping member 40 at the controlled selected distance described above.

[0129] After this adjusting movement, the distance between the support surface 41 a and the first operating surface 40 a is actually controlled, for example advantageously depending on the transverse dimension of the elements 2 to be accumulated. More precisely, said distance determines the number of layers of elements 2 arranged side by side, which are clamped and held between the first operating surface 40 a and the support surface 41 a at the end of the forward stroke of said selection movement of the selection member 41.

[0130] In fact, at said controlled distance, the selection member 41 performs its own selection or filtering function, leaving a single layer of elements 2 grasped with the grasping member 40, determined by the controlled distance reached after said adjustment movement.

[0131] This distance is advantageously chosen to be substantially equal to, and preferably slightly larger than, the transverse dimension of the elements 2 to be gathered together, so that a single layer of elements 2 can be held by the gathering grip of the gripping member 40 .

[0132] In fact, this controlled distance is advantageously selected to be equal to between one and two times the transverse dimension of the elements 2, so that the pulling grip of the gripping member 40 can hold a single layer of the elements 2.

[0133] In other words, this condition allows any element 2 that is not in direct contact with the operating surface 41a to be removed from the pulling grip of the gripping member 40, selecting instead the single layer of elements 2 that are directly pulled together.

[0134] The above-mentioned controlled return stroke in the selection movement can alternatively be performed between an actuated configuration in which the selection member 41 is moved forward outside the structure 10 at least as far as the gripping member 40, and an intermediate withdrawal configuration in which it is moved forward outside in a selective manner.

[0135] In fact, by controlling the advancement of the gripping member 40 in the intermediate withdrawal configuration, it is possible to control the number of identical elements 2 held and clamped between the first operating surface 40a and the support surface 41a, depending on the cross-sectional dimensions of the elements 2.

[0136] The gripping member 40 is finally preferably movable with a disengagement movement (see FIG. 8 in detail) and following a return stroke of said actuation movement, preferably along said transverse direction B.

[0137] In fact, the gripping member 40 can be moved in said disengaging movement, preferably by a substantially horizontal translational movement, from said operative position to said inoperative position where it can be stored in the structure 10 .

[0138] In the above disengagement movement, the structure 10 or a part thereof preferably acts as an abutment for the element 2 selected by the selection member 41, thereby facilitating the separation of the same element 2 from the gripping member 40. The selected element 2 can thus remain supported on the support surface 41 a of the selection member 41 in this step.

[0139] In other words, in the above-mentioned disengagement movement, the structure 10 interrupts the selected element 2, thereby causing a relative tangential sliding movement between the first operating portion 40a of the gripping member 40 and the element 2. This relative sliding allows a gradual separation of the selected element 2, since the force required to counter the magnetic force is minimal in the tangential direction. In this step, the second number of excess elements 2" that do not find space to be placed on the lower shelf fall into the lower storage compartment 3 (see Figures 7 and 8 in detail).

[0140] It should be noted that, thanks to the selection action performed by the selection member 41 and the disengagement action of the gripping member, the selected elements 2 are placed and arranged on the selection member 41 in a regular configuration at least in the gripping portion 2 a, which means a configuration in which the elements 2 are substantially aligned, preferably arranged substantially equidistant in a single layer, in particular side by side.

[0141] The gripper assembly 4 may be associated with a counting assembly, preferably integral with or associated with the storage compartment 3, according to another otherwise very similar embodiment of the invention.

[0142] The counting assembly includes a detection means configured to detect the weight of the elements 2 placed inside the storage compartment 3 .

[0143] Thanks to the above detection means, in each collection cycle operated by the gripper assembly 4, it is possible to track the number of elements 2 actually collected by processing the detected data, starting from the dimensional characteristics of the elements 2 and therefore the weight of a single element 2 present in each compartment 3. More precisely, this number can be tracked by the difference relative to the weight of the elements 2 remaining in the storage compartment 3. Alternatively, known counting devices of various types can be positioned near the top part of the central section of the structure 10.

[0144] Preferably, after said accumulation movement, at the end of the lifting stroke, the selected element 2 is positioned at a height below the travel height, at which said transfer assembly 6 operates. The gripping assembly 4, or a part thereof, can also be made movable by a lifting motor, bringing the same element 2 above said travel height.

[0145] This lifting movement can affect the selection member 41, the gripping member 40, or both members. For example, in the latter two cases, the gripping member 40 can be activated with the above-mentioned disengagement movement in appropriate steps relative to the lifting of the accumulated elements 2 at the travel height.

[0146] The upward movement can be a translational movement, preferably vertical, or any other movement suitable for the purpose.

[0147] In any case, after the upward movement, above the travel height, the gripped portions 2a of the selected elements 2 are placed on suitable support members in a regular configuration.

[0148] According to a preferred solution, shown in Figures 9 to 12, the gripping member 40 preferably has a second actuation surface 40b opposite the first actuation surface, which replaces the support of the integrated element 2 and is actuated by a selection member 41, or in its absence by an equivalent support means.

[0149] Indeed, the gripping member 40 preferably cooperates with the support surface 41 a of the selection member 41, if provided, or with the above-mentioned equivalent support means, which is configured to intervene to support the elements collected by the gripping member via the first operating surface 40 a. Preferably, this exchange takes place at the above-mentioned upper level.

[0150] For this purpose, the gripping member 40 is preferably movable by a translation movement, after which the gripping member 40 changes its function and transforms itself into a support member. In other words, after said translation movement, the accumulated elements 2 can be placed and supported on the second operating surface 40b of the gripping member.

[0151] Preferably, the translation movement comprises a first stroke and a second support stroke: in the first stroke, the gripping member 40 is moved from an inactive position into the structure 10 of the device 1 at a height lower than the height at which the support surface 41a is located after the disengagement movement; in the second support stroke, the gripping member is preferably pulled out of the structure in a horizontal direction, thereby capturing the accumulated elements from below.

[0152] The selection member 41 or equivalent support means is also movable with respective stopping movements between an alternatively actuated extraction configuration and an inoperative configuration, preferably hidden within the structure 10, in particular for releasing the accumulated elements 2 onto the second operating surface 40b of the gripping member 40.

[0153] The gripping members 40 are also preferably movable by the above-mentioned upward movement, bringing the accumulated elements 2 to a height substantially equal to or preferably slightly higher than the travel height.

[0154] The gripping member 40 is also equipped with a release movement, which preferably lowers the selected element 2 from the transfer height for release to the transfer assembly 6, as will be explained in detail below.

[0155] The separating assembly 5 of the device 1 separates the selected element 2 from the remaining elements 2 in the storage compartment 3, preferably at a transfer height, by raising sections of the selected element 2 stepwise to the same height, preferably at the same part on both sides, starting from the gripping portion 2a and acting in the longitudinal direction A of the selected element 2. At the end of the separating operation, the selected element 2 is positioned elongated along a substantially horizontal direction (see in detail Figures 13 and 13a).

[0156] Alternatively or additionally, the same or another separation assembly 5 can operate at an intermediate height. In this case, separation of the selected elements 2 is easier because the selected elements 2 can bend to a smaller extent due to their own weight. Therefore, the lift stroke required to gradually extend sections of the elements 2 from the bent condition is also reduced.

[0157] The separating assembly 5 comprises at least one separating member 51, preferably arranged on each side relative to the sides of the gripping assembly 4.

[0158] Each separating member 51 is movable by a separating movement along the longitudinal direction A, preferably with a connecting movement, to engage at the bottom of a selected element 2 and effect said separation.

[0159] The separation movement is preferably a translational movement.

[0160] The separation members 51 are preferably movable within the structure 10 with the above-mentioned engagement movement between a retractably vacant position and an engaged position in which each separation member 51 is oriented substantially horizontally to locally support a selected item 2.

[0161] The aforementioned engagement movement can be, for example, a rotational movement or a translational movement between the above positions, or a combination of these movements.

[0162] The separating members 51 are preferably made by rollers mounted in rotation around respective rotating pins, thereby reducing friction between the separating members 51 and the elements 2 during the separating movement.

[0163] Each separating member 51 is mounted on a respective movable frame 52. The movable frame 52 is held by the structure 10 and slides thereon from a position close to the gripping assembly 4 to a spaced position, intervening to support the end of the element 2 to be separated (see Figures 13, 13a).

[0164] The movable frame 52 comprises at least one abutment member 53, preferably in the form of a roller, designed to abut laterally against the selected elements 2 and maintain them laterally during the separation movement.

[0165] As mentioned above, when the above-mentioned accumulation movement of the gripper assembly 4, in particular the upward stroke, brings the elements 2 to an intermediate height between the transfer height and the accumulation height, it may be advantageous to provide a first separation operation on the selected elements 2 from the accumulated stack. This first separation can be performed by the separation assembly 5, which is then vertically movable to reach the transfer height, or by another separation assembly as mentioned. This additional operation may be appropriate, in particular if the elements 2 are highly tangled.

[0166] To facilitate the separation operation, the separation assembly 5 and / or another separation assembly can be associated with a locking member 54, e.g., made by a bracket or pliers, preferably arranged together with the gripping assembly 4. Alternatively or additionally, the locking function can be performed cooperatively by the gripping member 40 and by the selection member 41.

[0167] The locking member 54 is preferably movable with a locking movement, or alternatively, movable between a rest position (see FIG. 10) spaced apart from the stack of elements 2, and a locking position (see FIG. 12) in which it catches and blocks the elements 2.

[0168] In the locked position, the locking member 54 in particular can clamp the element 2 in cooperation with the gripping member 40 which acts as a support.

[0169] The above-mentioned locking movement can be realized by a rotational movement, as in the case shown in the drawings, where the locking member 14 is preferably hinged to the structure 10 and rotates alternately between the mentioned rest position and the locking position. Alternatively, the locking movement can be realized by a translational movement or by a combination of rotary and rotational movements.

[0170] The transfer assembly 6 comprises at least one transfer member 60 movable in a transfer height for alternating insertion movements between a retracted supply configuration 60a in the direction of the supply path 7 for interaction and an advanced receiving configuration 60b allowing the element 2 to be received from the gripping and selection assembly 4, in particular from a selection member 41 arranged above the transfer height (see Figures 13a, 14, 15 and 16).

[0171] Preferably, the moving assembly 6 comprises a plurality of moving members 60, distributed on each side of the gripping member 40, which can be actuated successively, preferably along the longitudinal direction A, in the above-mentioned insertion movement by a drive means 61 in a suitable step relationship to the separation movement of the separating assembly 5.

[0172] Each moving member 60 is also movable with a translational movement along the transverse direction B, preferably maintaining the regular arrangement of the elements 2, in order to appropriately move the elements 2 received in the supply path 7 (see, for example, Figure 16).

[0173] More precisely, each moving member 60 is made of a preferably flexible transmission means, such as a chain or closed belt, wound around opposing pulleys, which can be actuated in a known manner by a respective motor member. Said transmission means 62 defines a closed path provided with an active upper branch and an inactive lower branch. Said means are thus able to regularly move the elements 2 received in supports on the respective upper branches by activating drive means of known type. This movement is therefore essentially achieved without sliding or rotating the elements 2, but in fact through the movement of the elements 2 integrated with the movement means.

[0174] The transfer assembly 6 may also include a pre-stacking assembly 9 (see FIG. 17).

[0175] The pre-stacking assembly 9 serves to stack a group of selected elements 2 in each operating cycle of the gripping assembly 4 up to the desired number of elements 2, which can then be moved together into the feed path 7.

[0176] The pre-stacking assembly 9 may preferably comprise a support element 90 for each moving member 60. The support element 90 is alternately movable between a lower position relative to the moving member 60, in particular relative to the moving portion, and an upper position therefrom, operative to raise the selected element 2 from the support of the moving member 60 (see Figures 17, 17a and 18).

[0177] In particular, when the support element 90 is in the upper position, the support element 90 does not interfere with the moving member 60, and therefore the support element 90 can receive another group of elements 2 selected by the gripping and selection assembly 4.

[0178] Finally, the feed path 7 is preferably made by a roller path 70 (see FIG. 16). The transfer member 60 of the transfer assembly 6 can engage between the rollers 70 to release the selected element 2, as described above.

[0179] A relative loading movement drive is provided between the feed path 7 and the transfer assembly 6 , thanks to which the elements 2 transferred from the transfer assembly 6 are released into the feed path 7 .

[0180] Preferably, this associated loading movement comprises a reciprocating movement between a stationary configuration 70a in which the rollers 70 of the feeding method 7 are below the moving surface and a raised loading configuration 70b in which the rollers 70 are above the same surface, collecting the elements 2 from the reciprocating movement (see Figures 18, 18a and 18b).

[0181] The method for collecting and feeding elongated elements according to the present invention, as well as the operation of the apparatus for implementing it, can be readily understood from the above description.

[0182] In a first step, the elements 2 of a particular batch are released inside a storage compartment 3 located in a collection area P below an operating member of the device 1 (see Figure 1).

[0183] The gripping members 40 are then actuated with an actuation movement above the storage compartments 3 from an inoperative position within the structure 10 to an operative position extended out of the structure 10 (see Figure 3). At the same time, the selection members 41 are arranged in an inoperative configuration, preferably retractable into the structure 10, so as not to interfere with the accumulation operation of the gripping members 40.

[0184] The gripping members 40 are then actuated on a downward stroke towards the storage compartment 3 (see Figures 1 to 3b).

[0185] The more superficial parts of the elements 2 present in the storage compartment 3 are therefore pulled together by the gripping members 40 .

[0186] The gripping members 40 can be actuated transversely in a regular motion to collect the elements 2 evenly from the storage compartments 3 (see Figures 3a and 3b).

[0187] To complete the accumulation step, the gripping member 40 is actuated with an upward stroke, bringing the gripped portion 2a of the element 2 pulled from the accumulation height to an intermediate height or directly above the transfer height (see Figure 4).

[0188] The selection member 41 is then preferably actuated in the selection movement described above.

[0189] First, the selection member 41 performs a first selection step in which it is moved from the first operating surface 40a along the forward stroke by the controlled distance described above.

[0190] This controlled distance is reached, for example, by actuating the selection member 41 with a coordinated movement (see FIG. 5).

[0191] In this way, the first number of excess elements 2' drawn together are caught, in particular by the abutment edge 41b of the same member, and in particular are pushed away from the drawing of the gripping member 40. In this way, said first number of excess elements 2' fall into the storage compartment 3 (see Figure 6).

[0192] The selection member 41 is then actuated on a return stroke in the opposite direction, thereby maintaining or retaining the desired, and in particular the counted number of elements 2, between the support surface 41a and the first operating surface 40a (see Figure 7).

[0193] After the disengagement movement of the gripping member 40, the second number of excess elements 2'' outside the support surface 41a falls into the storage compartment 3 (Fig. 8).

[0194] Thus, the gripping members 40 are preferably actuated in a disengaging movement in this step (see FIG. 9).

[0195] The gripping member 40 is then actuated with the translation movement described above and assumes the function of supporting the accumulated elements 2 and of the subsequent lifting member (see FIGS. 10 to 12).

[0196] In fact, the gripping member 40 is actuated in an upward movement to bring the accumulated and possibly aggregated elements 2 into a transfer area which actuates the transfer assembly 6 (see FIG. 12).

[0197] At this point, or if the separating assembly 5 is vertically movable, already at said intermediate height, the separating assembly 5 can be activated and the separating members 51 moved along the longitudinal direction A. The aggregated number of selected elements 2 are thus separated from the original bundle in the storage compartment 3 and spread out in a substantially linear configuration.

[0198] Advantageously, in this separation step, the locking member 54 cooperates with the gripping member 40 to lock, in particular clamp, the element 2 at the gripping portion 2a.

[0199] The separated elements 2 are thus placed preferably in the center of the gripping member 40 and at both ends of the opposing separating members 51 (see 13a).

[0200] In appropriate relation to the separation step described above, the transfer member 60 of the transfer assembly 6 may intervene at the transfer height (see FIG. 13a).

[0201] More precisely, the moving member 60 is initially actuated in an insertion movement below the selected element 2 by the drive member 61 when the respective part is lifted by the separating member 51 substantially above the moving height.

[0202] In effect, the transfer member 60 is actuated from a supply configuration 60a to a receiving configuration 60b.

[0203] Once the elements 2 are longitudinally extended and the transfer members 60 are inserted under their respective open portions, the gripping members 40 are actuated in a release motion to completely release the selected elements 2 onto the transfer members 60.

[0204] The moving assembly 6 is then driven on the return stroke of the insertion movement, interacting with the feed path 7 in a suitable step relationship to return the moving member 60 to the feed configuration 60a for feeding the feed path 7, while simultaneously freeing up operating space for the gripping assembly 4.

[0205] After the return stroke of the insertion movement, the element 2 is advantageously conveyed in a movement integral with the moving member 60 (see FIG. 16).

[0206] Advantageously, this situation allows the same elements 2 to maintain the same regular configuration released by the selection member 41 .

[0207] Finally, the moving assembly 6 is actuated with a translational movement to move the selected elements 2 into the feed path 7. In particular, the flexible transmission means 62 are moved to translate the elements 2 in the transverse direction B, always maintaining the regular configuration of the elements 2. Furthermore, in this case, the elements 2 are advantageously conveyed with a unitary movement, so that there is no relative movement with respect to said transmission means. In this way, the translational movement likewise maintains the regular arrangement of the elements 2.

[0208] Additionally or alternatively, thanks to the intervention of a pre-stacking assembly 9, it is possible to have the elements 2 waiting before the regular movement.

[0209] In fact, the pre-stacking assembly 9 can support the same elements 2 that are actuated and waiting in an upper position, allowing another group of elements 2 accumulated by the gripping assembly 4 to be stacked in one or more subsequent cycles (see Figures 17, 17a, and 18).

[0210] When the desired total number of elements 2 has been stacked in the pre-stacking assembly 9, the above-mentioned transfer movement can be performed by the transfer assembly 6 (see Figures 18 and 18a). Finally, thanks to the associated loading movement between the feed path 7 and the transfer assembly 6, the desired number or total number of elements 2 can be released and placed in the feed path 7 to be fed to another processing station (see Figures 18, 18a and 18b).

[0211] According to another embodiment shown in Figures 19 and 20, which is otherwise similar to the first embodiment described, the device 1' has at least one, and preferably several, movable storage compartments 3'. For example, as in the case shown, each storage compartment 3' is carried on a carriage or slide 30 that is movable transversely relative to the device 1 according to the transverse direction B. In this way, it is easy to position the elements 2 contained therein on the operating member of the device 1 by simply moving the carriage or slide 30 from, for example, a position spaced apart from the accumulation area P to an operating accumulation position in which at least one storage compartment 3' is located in said accumulation area P (see, for example, Figures 2 and 2a). In particular, the above-mentioned vacant position of the storage compartment 3 can be inside or outside the device 1.

[0212] Thanks to the mobility of the carriage or slide 30, each storage compartment 3 provided can be easily positioned in the above-mentioned operational accumulation position at its disposal.

[0213] Advantageously, even during the same operating cycle of loading, it is possible to adjust the positioning of the carriage or slide 30 in the above-mentioned transverse direction B, thereby allowing for an even accumulation of elements 2 from each original bundle in the storage compartment 3'. Indeed, like the above-described adjustments made in the same direction by the gripping members 40, said adjustments serve to prevent sink marks or "holes" from being created in the storage compartment 3', thereby ensuring optimal effectiveness of the subsequent accumulation or "capture" made by the operating members as described below.

[0214] As described above, the carriage 30 advantageously holds a plurality of storage compartments 3, for example at least one pair, thereby arranging various types of elements 2 in a number of storage compartments 3' so that they can be collected from the device 1' as described above.

[0215] For this purpose, the structure 10' advantageously forms a suitable recess extending longitudinally relative to the base of the structure 10', or the structure 10' may be made in the form of a bridge structure 10' (see Figures 19 and 19a) to allow the carriage 30 to pass through or to be handled in any way.

[0216] In any case, the structure 10' can define a longitudinal opening 11 suitable for extending beyond the accumulation area P in the transverse direction B and allowing the housing of at least one other storage compartment 3 in an advanced position, in a stationary or standby configuration, to place an adjacent storage compartment 3' instead below the operating member of the device 1 (see Figures 19 and 19a).

[0217] In particular, the opening 11 extends longitudinally below the structure 10' beyond said collection area P for the entire length of the elements 2 to be accommodated at least temporarily.

[0218] In the case of the bridge structure 10', the opening 11 may be a through opening.

[0219] In any case, the opening 11 allows another storage compartment 3' of the carriage or slide 30 to be accommodated in a stationary or waiting position beyond the structure 10' when not in use, following the transverse direction B and instead placing the storage compartment 3' required for a given accumulation cycle in the operational accumulation position.

[0220] The operation of the device 1' is generally similar to that described above for the first embodiment.

[0221] In an initial step, the storage compartment 3' is moved in the transverse direction B to a collection position next to the device 1', where it is only observed that the elements 2 to be collected are positioned below the operating member of the device 1'.

[0222] According to a third embodiment shown in Figure 20, which combines the first and second embodiments described above, the gripping assembly 4 can be associated with an auxiliary lifting assembly 8 on the opposite side to the gripping member 40 in the operative position relative to the storage compartment 3 in the adjacent position. More precisely, the auxiliary lifting assembly 8 is arranged below the element 2 placed inside the storage compartment 3'.

[0223] The auxiliary lifting assembly 8 preferably comprises a pushing member 80 configured to push the element 2 from below in the respective position. Preferably, the pushing member 80 acts on the gripping portion 2 a to precisely lift the element 2 and act on the gripping assembly 4.

[0224] The lifting action exerted by the auxiliary lifting assembly 8 also serves to bring the gripping portion 2a closer to the gripping member 40, shortening the downward and upward stroke of the accumulation movement (see Figure 20), which also has the advantage of promoting a homogeneous consumption of the elements 2 present in the storage compartment 3'.

[0225] 21, which is otherwise similar to and combinable with the described embodiments, allows the gripping assembly 40 to be actuated in an up-and-down and possibly lifting motion by means of an articulated drive assembly 42 made, for example, of a pair of oscillating arms 43 acting at opposite ends on the gripping member 40. Alternatively, the articulated drive assembly 42 can comprise a single oscillating arm 43.

[0226] The articulated drive assembly 42 is of small dimensions, indeed it allows the gripper assembly 4 to perform a wide lifting stroke, while maintaining free space in the opening 11 below the structure 10', if provided, thereby allowing the carriage 30 to pass through in order to position any freely selected storage compartment 3' from the available storage compartments 3' into the accumulation operating position.

[0227] In this case, it is also possible, as an alternative, for the gripping member 40 to be driven in an upward movement above the travel height, in particular for the selection member 41 to perform the above-mentioned selection movement.

[0228] Alternatively, the drive assembly 42 can be made by telescoping induction or equivalent means.

[0229] The operation of the third embodiment described is generally similar to the operation of the previous embodiments.

[0230] According to a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 22, which can be combined with the above-mentioned embodiments for compatibility, when the gripping member 40 is not actuated in the above-mentioned conversion movement, the selection member 41 or equivalent support means performs the above-mentioned lifting movement, thereby bringing the accumulated and possibly selected elements 2 from the upper height to the transfer height or, in any case, to the height of the transfer area so that they can be released to the transfer assembly 6.

[0231] The operation of the device is otherwise similar to that described for the previous embodiment.

[0232] Thus, the method according to the invention and the device for implementing the method make it possible to collect and feed elongated elements in an efficient and easy manner.

[0233] In practical embodiments of the present invention, the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions, can be varied according to requirements.

[0234] Technical features referred to in any claim will be followed by reference signs, and such reference signs are included solely for the purpose of improving the understanding of the claims, and therefore, whatever the extent to which each element is identified by such reference signs for illustrative purposes, such reference signs do not imply any limitation in any way.

Claims

1. 1. A method for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements, in particular metallic profiles, for example for welding, cutting and / or bending cycles, comprising: a. Arranging, along a longitudinal direction (A), a number of elongated metallic elements (2) placed in storage compartments (3, 3') located in a collection area (P); b) Arranging a device (1, 1') for collecting and feeding the elements (2), the device (1, 1') comprising a stationary structure (10, 10') having a gripping assembly (4) including gripping members (40) deployed along the longitudinal direction (A) and arranged in an operative position for collecting the elements (2) in the collection area (P); c) actuating the gripping members (40) with respect to the storage compartments (3, 3') by a stacking movement, bringing the gripping members (40) towards the gripping portions (2a) of the elements (2) placed at the stacking height during a downward stroke, and raising at least a portion of the elements (2) with the respective gripping portions (2a) from the stacking height to a higher height during an upward stroke, acting on the elements (2) with their respective first operating surfaces (40a) via magnetic forces; d. In a selection movement, a selection member (41) is actuated from an inoperative configuration to an operative configuration along a direction parallel to the first operating surface (40a), so that a reference edge (41b) of the selection member (41) pushes and removes a first number of excess elements (2') from the pulling grip of the gripping member (40), and the elements (2) remaining in the pulling grip of the gripping member (40) are held and thus selected by the support surface (41a) of the selection member (41), and are sandwiched between the first operating surface (40a) of the gripping member (40) and the support surface (41a) of the selection member (41) in the operative configuration; e. actuating the gripper assembly (4) to release the selected element (2) at a transfer height to a transfer assembly (6) to transfer the selected element (2) to a feed path (7) located downstream; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the operating configuration, the selection member (41) is suitable for supporting the selected element (2) by means of the support surface (41 a), the support surface (41 a) facing downwardly from the first operating surface (40 a) and spaced a controlled distance therefrom, at which the selected element (2) is held.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the selection member (41) is in a retracted position in the inoperative configuration and in an advanced position in the operative configuration along the parallel direction of the selection movement relative to the fixed structure (10, 10') and is advanced at least by the gripping member (40).

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein step d of actuating the selection member (41) is followed by a second step of selection via a controlled return stroke of the selection movement, after which a second number of excess elements (2'') are excluded from interaction with the selection member (41).

5. 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein in the selection movement, the controlled distance is substantially equal to a distance between 1 and 2 times the transverse height of the elements (2), thereby selecting a corresponding number of rows of the elements (2).

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein step e) of activating the gripping assembly (4) to release the element (2) is preceded by a step of separating the selected element (2) from the rest of the element (2) intended to remain at least temporarily in the storage compartment (3) by means of a separating assembly (5, 5') activated with a separating movement along the longitudinal direction (A).

7. 7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the separating movement is carried out at an intermediate height between the accumulation height and the transfer height or substantially the transfer height.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that before step c. of activating the gripping members (40), it comprises moving the storage compartment (3') in the transverse direction (B) to the accumulation area (P) below the gripping members (40) in the activating position.

9. 9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises arranging at least one further storage compartment (3') in a waiting or rest position inside a longitudinally extending opening (11) below the fixed structure (10, 10').

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that during the moving movement, the released elements (2) are moved in an integrated movement with the moving assembly (6), thereby maintaining their respective regular positions unchanged.

11. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises the further step of moving the storage compartments (3, 3') and the gripping members (40) according to a regular movement in a transverse direction (B) in the accumulation area (P) as needed or in a programmed manner, to evenly distribute the accumulation of the elements (2) from the storage compartments (3, 3').

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a further step of actuating the gripping members (40) in a disengaging movement from the actuated position to an inactivated position retractable within the fixed structure (10, 10').

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the disengagement movement and / or the corresponding actuation movement from the inactive position back to the active position is a substantially horizontal translational movement.

14. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that after the disengagement operation, the gripping member (40) is actuated with a translation movement, changing its function and transforming itself into a support member for the selected element (2), the translation movement comprising: a first stroke, during which the gripping member (40) is moved to the inoperative position retractable into the fixed structure (10, 10') at a height lower than an upper accumulation height; and a second stroke, during which the gripping member (40) is withdrawn out of the fixed structure (10, 10'), thereby capturing the selected element (2) from below.

15. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that after the step of actuating the gripping member (40) in the translation movement, it comprises the step of actuating the gripping member (40) in an upward movement to bring the captured element (2) from the higher height to the transfer height.

16. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a further step of actuating the transfer assembly (6) with an insertion movement at the transfer height from a supply arrangement (60a) interacting with the feed path (7) to a receiving arrangement (60b) interacting with the gripping member (40) and / or equivalent support means of the elements (2) collected from the gripping member (40).

17. 17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that after the insertion movement, the elements (2) are released to the moving assembly (6) and then moved integrally to the supply arrangement (60a) by a movement integral with the moving assembly (6), thereby keeping the regular arrangement of the elements (2) unchanged.

18. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a further step of operating a counting assembly equipped with detection means configured to detect the weight of the elements (2) inside the storage compartments (3, 3'), said detection means providing data relating to at least the weight of the elements (2) before and after transferring them to processing means, and counting the elements (2) selected and transferred in each operating cycle made by the gripping members (40).

19. 19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a further step of pre-stacking the released elements (2) by means of a pre-stacking assembly (9), the pre-stacking assembly (9) comprising at least one support member (90) which is alternately movable between a position below the transfer height and a position above the transfer height which operates to raise the released elements (2) from the support of the transfer assembly (6).

20. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping assembly (4) is positioned in a substantially central position with respect to the longitudinal extension of the anchoring structure (10, 10').

21. 1. A device for collecting and feeding elongated metallic elements, comprising a stationary structure (10, 10') deployed along a longitudinal direction (A), and a gripping assembly (4), the gripping assembly (4) comprising gripping members (40) held by the stationary structure (10, 10') and configured to operate in an operating position to collect several of the elements (2) from storage compartments (3, 3'), the storage compartments (3, 3') configured to receive a plurality of the elements (2) in support along the longitudinal direction (A) in a collection area (P) below the gripping members (40) in the operating position, the gripping members (40) comprising a first operating surface (40a) configured to act on the elements (2) by magnetic force, the gripping members (40) being operable in a collection movement in a downward stroke of a collection height and in an upward stroke from the collection height at an upper level, the apparatus comprises a selection member (41) including a support surface (41 a) and a reference edge (41 b) for holding a selected element (2) from the plurality of elements (2), the selection member (41) being operable in a selection movement from an inactive configuration to an active configuration in a direction parallel to the first operating surface (40 a) to push and remove a first number of excess elements (2′) from a pulling grip of the gripping member (40) and hold the selected element (2) between the support surface (41 a) and the first operating surface (40 a) in the active configuration; and a moving assembly (6) movable in a movement movement at a moving height to move the selected element (2) to a feed path (7) arranged downstream, the gripping assembly (40) being configured to release the selected element (2) to the moving assembly (6).

22. 22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the support surface (41a) in the operating configuration faces below the first operating surface (40a) and is spaced a controlled distance from the first operating surface (40a) to hold the selected element (2) in a clamping manner.

23. 23. The device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the selection member (41) is in a retracted position in the inoperative configuration and in an advanced position in the operative configuration along the direction of the selection movement relative to the fixed structure (10, 10'), advanced at least by the gripping member (40).

24. 24. The device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the selection member (41) is further movable in said selection movement in a second selection step performed by a controlled return stroke, after which a second number of excess elements (2'') are excluded from interaction with the selection member (41).

25. 24. Apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the controlled distance is substantially equal to a multiple of the transverse dimension of the element (2), preferably equal to a distance between 1 and 2 times the transverse dimension of the element (2).

26. 26. Device according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that it comprises a separating assembly (5, 5') operable with a separating movement along said longitudinal direction (A) to separate selected said elements (2) from the rest of said elements (2) intended to remain at least temporarily in said storage compartment (3).

27. ​​An apparatus as described in any one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that in the operating position, the storage compartment (3') is movable at least in the transverse direction (B) to the accumulation area (P) below the gripping member (40).

28. 28. Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that it comprises another movable storage compartment (3'), and that the fixed structure (10') in a waiting or rest position comprises an opening (11) extending longitudinally below the fixed structure (10, 10') for locating the other storage compartment (3') inside.

29. 29. Device according to claim 28, characterized in that the fixed structure (10') is bridge-shaped, so that the opening (11) passes through the passages and / or housings of the storage compartment (3') and / or additional storage compartments (3').

30. Device according to any one of claims 21 to 29, characterized in that the movement is a translational movement in order to maintain an unchanged regular arrangement of the released elements (2).

31. 31. Device according to any one of claims 21 to 30, characterized in that it comprises operating means for actuating, as required or in a programmed manner, the gripping members (40) in the storage compartments (3, 3') and in the accumulation area (P) in an associated coordinated movement in the transverse direction (B) so as to evenly distribute the accumulation of the elements (2).

32. 32. Device according to any one of claims 21 to 31, characterized in that the moving assembly (6) is movable according to an insertion movement in the moving height in the transverse direction (B) from a supply arrangement (60a) interacting with the feed path (7) to a receiving arrangement (60b) interacting with the gripping member (40) and / or support means of the elements (2) collected from the gripping member (40).

33. 33. The device according to claim 32, characterized in that the insertion movement is a translational movement between the supply arrangement (60a) and the receiving arrangement (60b), transporting the accumulated elements (2) in a unified movement and maintaining their regular arrangement, respectively.

34. 34. The device according to any one of claims 21 to 33, characterized in that it comprises a counting assembly with detection means configured to detect the weight of the elements (2) when placed inside the storage compartment (3, 3') and to provide at least one data relating to the weight of the selected elements (2) before and after transferring the selected elements (2) to processing means, and to count the selected elements (2) at each operating cycle performed by the gripping assembly (4).

35. 35. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 34, characterized in that it comprises a pre-stacking assembly (9) configured to cooperate with the moving assembly (6) and comprising at least one support member (90) movable alternately between a position below the moving height, in which the pre-stacking assembly (9) does not interfere with the moving assembly (6), and an operating position above the moving height, for lifting the element (2) from the support of the moving assembly (6).

36. A device according to any one of claims 21 to 35, characterized in that the gripping member (40) is movable in a disengagement movement from the operative position to a non-operative position in which it can be stored in the fixed structure (10, 10').

37. 37. The device according to claim 36, wherein the gripping member (40) is movable to change its function so as to transform itself into a support member for the selected element (2) in a conversion movement, the conversion movement comprising a first stroke in which the gripping member (40) is moved from the inoperative position retractable in the fixed structure (10, 10') at a height lower than an upper accumulation height, and a second support stroke in which the gripping member (40) is pulled out of the fixed structure (10, 10') and catches the accumulated element (2) by means of a second upper operating surface (40b), respectively.

38. 38. Device according to claim 37, characterized in that the gripping member (40) is movable in an upward movement to bring the captured element (2) from the upper level to the transfer level.

39. Device according to any one of claims 21 to 38, characterized in that the gripping assembly (4) is positioned substantially in a central position of the longitudinal development of the fixation structure (10, 10').

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