System, plant and method for machining an article

Abstract

A system for machining an article (A), comprising: - a chamber (2) comprising a top wall (2A), a bottom wall (2B), at least one side wall (2C) having an access opening (3), - a laser source (4) located in said chamber (2) and configured to perform a machining process on the article (A), which is positionable in said chamber (2), - a working unit (5) movable along a main direction (D) between a first configuration (C1) and a second configuration (C2), - a gripping element (6), solidly coupled to the working unit (5) and configured to grip the article (A), - a closing wall (7), solidly coupled to the working unit (5) and movable between an open position (7A), where it is away from the chamber (2), and a closed position (7B), where it is coupled to the chamber (2) at the access opening (3) to define a closed compartment (20), in the first configuration (C1) of the working unit (5), the gripping element (6) being outside the chamber (2) and the closing wall (7) being at the open position (7A), in the second configuration (C2) of the working unit (5), the gripping element (6) being inside said chamber and the closing wall being at the closed position, - a control unit, in communication with the movable working unit (5) and with the laser source (4) and configured to enable activation of the laser source (4) as a function of the second configuration (C2) of the working unit (5).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SYSTEM, PLANT AND METHOD FOR MACHINING AN ARTICLE

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The object of the present invention is a system for machining an article, a plant comprising such a system and a related method for machining an article.

[0005] The invention belongs to the field of industrial processes for producing, machining and packaging articles.

[0006] In particular, machining relates to processes for example for marking, engraving, notching that may be performed on an article.

[0007] Preferably, the term “articles” means a single article, individually graspable, transportable and releasable.

[0008] Background art

[0009] By way of non-limiting example, articles according to the present invention can be considered to be food or confectionary products; components or subunits of electronic cigarettes; electronic components; small mechanical parts.

[0010] Therefore, the type of articles does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0011] Generally, such machining processes are performed with laser sources that may be particularly dangerous for the eyes of the operators.

[0012] Usually, operator safety is obtained by combining different physical protections and devices that identify the presence of such protections, activating the laser source only when they are detected.

[0013] Disadvantageously, it is not simple to ensure operator safety in case of moving members or particularly complex systems.

[0014] The Applicant has therefore found that such systems are improvable in terms of operator safety. Object of the invention

[0015] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide a system for machining an article, a plant comprising such a system and a machining method which overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a system for machining an article, a plant comprising such a system and a machining method which achieve increased operator safety.

[0017] The specified technical task and object are substantially achieved by a system for machining an article, a plant comprising such a system and a machining method having the technical features set out respectively in the independent claims and / or in one or more of the dependent claims.

[0018] According to an aspect, the description relates to a system for machining an article, comprising:

[0019] - a chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, at least one side wall having an access opening,

[0020] - a laser source located in the chamber and configured to perform a machining process on the article that is positionable in said chamber.

[0021] The term “machining” means, in a non-limiting manner, marking the article, engraving, cutting or removing a portion of the article.

[0022] The machining system comprises:

[0023] - a working unit movable along a main direction between a first configuration and a second configuration,

[0024] - a gripping element, solidly coupled to the working unit and configured to grip the article and place it in said chamber,

[0025] - a closing wall, solidly coupled to the working unit and movable between an open position, where it is away from the chamber, and a closed position, where it is coupled to the chamber at the access opening.

[0026] When the closing wall is coupled to the chamber, it defines a closed compartment.

[0027] In the first configuration, the gripping element is outside the chamber and the closing wall is at the open position. In the second configuration, the gripping element is positioned inside said chamber and the closing wall is at the closed position.

[0028] The system comprises a control unit in communication with the movable working unit and with the laser source.

[0029] The control unit is configured to enable activation of the laser source as a function of the second configuration of the working unit.

[0030] In other words, the control unit is configured to enable the activation of the laser source when the closing wall is coupled to the chamber and the closed compartment is defined.

[0031] The laser source is configured to emit a laser beam and perform the machining process on the article.

[0032] Advantageously, activating the laser source exclusively when the chamber is closed by the closing wall allows ensuring increased operator safety.

[0033] The laser source may be in a bottom portion of the chamber, directed towards the top wall.

[0034] The system may comprise a first sensor located in said chamber and in communication with the control unit.

[0035] The first sensor is configured to detect the presence of an article inside the chamber.

[0036] Advantageously, the laser source is only enabled following the detection of the presence of the article by the first sensor.

[0037] Advantageously, controlling the activation of the laser source only when the article is present in the chamber avoids damage to the chamber itself. The system may comprise a safety device of the laser source, in communication with the control unit.

[0038] The safety device is configured to shield a beam of the laser source.

[0039] The control unit is thus configured to control activation of the safety device.

[0040] Advantageously, the presence of a safety device ensures further protection for the operator in the case of erroneous activations of the laser source.

[0041] The system may comprise at least a second sensor, located on the side wall in proximity to the access opening and in communication with the control unit, configured to detect a contact of the closing wall against the side wall.

[0042] In other words, the second sensor is configured to detect that the closing wall is in the closing position.

[0043] The second sensor verifies that the working unit is in the second configuration.

[0044] Advantageously, the second sensor ensures an increased safety level because it verifies that the chamber is correctly closed.

[0045] Advantageously, the second sensor verifies that the closed compartment is defined.

[0046] The control unit enables the activation of the laser source only following the activation of the second sensor.

[0047] For example, the second sensor may be of the switch type, for example.

[0048] The system may comprise a supporting arm having a main direction of extension and having a guide along which the working unit is movable.

[0049] According to an aspect, the description relates to a plant for machining an article, comprising:

[0050] - a machining system according to any one of the above features,

[0051] - a conveying line for transporting articles, located in proximity to the machining system.

[0052] At the first configuration, the working unit is movable between a first position, where it is close to the conveying line, and a second position, where it is away from the conveying line.

[0053] The gripping element may be configured to pick up an article from the conveying line when the working unit is in the first configuration.

[0054] The gripping element allows placing the article in the chamber when the working unit is in the second configuration.

[0055] The plant may comprise a checking station located in proximity to the machining system.

[0056] The working unit may be movable in a third position at the checking station.

[0057] The checking station may be interposed between the conveying line and the machining system. Advantageously, the checking station allows assessing if the machining process performed by the laser source was performed correctly.

[0058] The checking station may comprise a camera configured to detect a machining process on the article.

[0059] The camera, in the case where the gripping element is retaining an article, is therefore directed towards the article.

[0060] Advantageously, the camera allows checking if the machining process was performed correctly on the article.

[0061] The gripping element is configured to move the article between the checking station and the camera.

[0062] According to an aspect, the description relates to a method for machining an article, comprising:

[0063] - picking up an article via a gripping element from a conveying line for transporting articles, which places it in a chamber having an access opening,

[0064] - moving a closing wall from an open position, where it is away from the chamber and the gripping element is outside the chamber, to a closed position, where it is coupled to the chamber, at the access opening, defining a closed compartment, and the gripping element is positioned in the chamber,

[0065] - enabling activation of a laser source located in said chamber when the closing wall is in the closed position.

[0066] In other words, the method comprises enabling activation of a laser source to perform a machining process on the article positioned in said closed compartment.

[0067] The method may comprise releasing a safety device of the laser source when the closing wall is coupled to the chamber before enabling the activation of the laser source.

[0068] Enabling activation of a laser source located in said chamber may comprise detecting contact of the closing wall against the side wall.

[0069] Advantageously, enabling the activation of the laser source only after closing the chamber with the closing wall allows ensuring increased operator safety. Brief description of the drawings

[0070] Further features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] - Figure 1 diagrammatically shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a machining plant comprising a machining system according to the present description;

[0072] - Figures 2A-3B diagrammatically show a side view of different configurations of the plant in Figure 1 , with some portions removed for greater clarity;

[0073] - Figures 4A and 4B diagrammatically show a perspective view of an enlargement of a portion of a machining system, according to the present description.

[0074] Reference numeral 1 in Figure 1 indicates a plant 100 for machining an article A.

[0075] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0076] Plant 100 comprises a system 1 for machining articles A.

[0077] System 1 comprises a chamber 2 comprising a top wall 2A, a bottom wall 2B, at least one side wall 2C having an access opening 3.

[0078] Chamber 2 extends mainly along a vertical direction.

[0079] In one embodiment, shown in the accompanying Figures, chamber 2 is parallelepiped in shape.

[0080] In one embodiment (not shown), chamber 2 is cylindrical in shape.

[0081] In one embodiment, chamber 2 has an access door 2D.

[0082] System 1 comprises a laser source 4 located in chamber 2.

[0083] The laser source 4 is configured to perform a machining process on an article A positionable in chamber 2.

[0084] The laser source 4 is configured to emit a laser beam which determines the machining process on article A.

[0085] Machining process means a marking, engraving or notching that may be performed on article A.

[0086] Preferably, the laser source 4 is located in a bottom portion of chamber 2.

[0087] The laser source 4 is directed towards the top wall 2A.

[0088] System 1 comprises a working unit 5 that is movable along a main direction D between a first configuration C1 (shown in Figures 2A-2C) and a second configuration C2 (shown in Figures 3A-3B).

[0089] The main direction D is preferably a horizontal direction.

[0090] The working unit 5 preferably comprises a first portion 5A that extends mainly along the vertical direction and a second portion 5B that extends transversely with respect to the first portion 5A.

[0091] In one embodiment, the working unit 5 therefore is substantially “L”- shaped.

[0092] System 1 comprises a gripping element 6 solidly coupled to the working unit 5.

[0093] The gripping element 6 is configured to grip article A and place it in chamber 2.

[0094] In one embodiment, the gripping element 6 is of the pick and place type, and preferably it is a gripper.

[0095] Preferably, the gripping element 6 is coupled to the second portion 5B of the working unit 5.

[0096] The gripping element 6 moves solidly to the working unit 5.

[0097] Plant 100 comprises a conveying line 101 for transporting articles, located in proximity to the machining system 1 .

[0098] Plant 100 may comprise, in addition to system 1 , a plurality of operating stations (machining and / or control and / or assembly stations) along which article A may be transported along the conveying line 101 .

[0099] In one embodiment, the working unit, when it is in position C2, i.e., when it is away from chamber 2, may move along the vertical direction.

[0100] In particular, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the working unit 5 is movable along the vertical between a position P1 where it is close to the conveying line 101 and a position P2 where it is away from the conveying line 101 .

[0101] In one embodiment, system 1 comprises an arm 11 which extends along the horizontal direction. The supporting arm 11 has a guide (not shown) that extends along arm 11.

[0102] The working unit 5 is coupled to arm 11 and movable along the guide.

[0103] In other words, the working unit 5 may translate along the guide of arm 11 . In one embodiment, system 1 comprises an upright 12 from which arm 11 projects.

[0104] Arm 11 is movable along upright 12 along the vertical direction.

[0105] The working unit 5 moves between position P1 and P2 as a function of the movement of arm 11 along the upright.

[0106] The gripping element 6 picks up article A from the conveying line 101 , when the working unit 5 is in position P1 , and places article A in chamber 2, when the working unit 5 is in the second configuration C2.

[0107] System 1 comprises a closing wall 7 solidly coupled to the working unit 5. Preferably, the closing wall 7 is coupled to the second portion 5B of the working unit 5.

[0108] The closing wall 7 is movable solidly to the working unit 5.

[0109] Preferably, the closing wall 7 is coupled to portion 5B so as to be interposed between the first portion 5A and the gripping element 6.

[0110] The closing wall 7 is movable between an open position 7A, where it is away from chamber 2, and a closed position 7B, where it is coupled to chamber 2 at the access opening 3 to define a closed compartment 20.

[0111] In the first configuration C1 of the working unit 5, the gripping element 6 is outside chamber 2 and the closing wall 7 is at the open position 7A.

[0112] At the second configuration C2 of the working unit 5, the gripping element 6 is positioned inside chamber 2 and the closing wall 7 is at the closed position 7B.

[0113] System 1 comprises a control unit (not shown) in communication with the working unit 5 and with the laser source 4.

[0114] The control unit is configured to enable activation of the laser source 4 as a function of the second configuration C2 of the working unit 5.

[0115] The control unit controls the activation of the laser source 4 when the closing wall 7 is coupled to chamber 2 and the closed compartment 20 is defined. Advantageously, controlling the activation of the laser source 4 exclusively when the closing wall 7 is coupled to chamber 2 and the closed compartment 20 is defined allows ensuring increased operator safety.

[0116] In one embodiment, shown for example in Figures 4A and 4B, system 1 comprises a sensor 8 located in chamber 2 and in communication with the control unit.

[0117] Sensor 8 is configured to detect the presence of an article A inside chamber 2.

[0118] Advantageously, controlling the activation of the laser source 4 when article A is in chamber 2 avoids damaging chamber 2.

[0119] In other words, sensor 8 therefore avoids the beam of the laser source 4 from not hitting article A and risking damage to chamber 2.

[0120] In one embodiment, system 1 comprises a safety device 9 of the laser source 4.

[0121] The safety device 9 is in communication with the control unit.

[0122] The safety device 9 is configured to shield a beam of the laser source 4.

[0123] The control unit is configured to control activation of the safety device 9.

[0124] In one embodiment, the safety device 9 is in the form of a shielding element which is movable between a position 9A and a position 9B.

[0125] In one embodiment, the safety device 9 passes from position 9A to position 9B by means of a rotation.

[0126] In one embodiment, system 1 comprises a sensor 10, located on the side wall 2C in proximity of the access opening 3 and in communication with the control unit.

[0127] Sensor 10 is configured to detect contact of the closing wall 7 against the side wall 2C.

[0128] Sensor 10 is preferably located at an edge of the side wall 2C.

[0129] In other words, sensor 10 is configured to detect when the closing wall 7 is in position 7B and when the working unit 5 is in configuration C2.

[0130] Sensor 10 therefore allows activating the laser source 4 only if chamber 2 is closed, avoiding the escape of the laser beam from chamber 2 itself.

[0131] Advantageously, sensor 10 further ensures optimizing operator safety by controlling the position of the closing wall 7 and the actual closing of chamber 2.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, system 100 comprises a checking station 102 located in proximity of the machining system 1 .

[0133] The gripping element 6 is configured to move article A between the checking station 102 and chamber 2.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, the checking station 102 comprises a camera 103 configured to detect the machining process on article A.

[0135] Camera 103 is located so as to point in the direction of the gripping element 6 when the working unit 5 is in position P5.

[0136] It is an object of the description a method for machining an article A, comprising:

[0137] - picking up an article A from a conveying line 101 for transporting articles A and placing it in a chamber 2 provided with an access opening 3,

[0138] - moving a closing wall 7 from an open position 7A, where it is away from chamber 2 and the gripping element 6 is outside chamber 2, to a closed position 7B, where it is coupled to chamber 2 at the access opening 3 to define a closed compartment 20 and the gripping element is positioned inside chamber 2,

[0139] - enabling activation of a laser source 4 located in chamber 2 when the closing wall 7 is in the closed position 7B.

[0140] In other words, the activation of the laser source 4 located in chamber 2 to perform a machining process on article A positioned in the closed compartment 20 occurs only following the closing of chamber 2.

[0141] In one embodiment, the method comprises releasing a safety device 9 of the source when the closing wall 7 is coupled to chamber 2.

[0142] In one embodiment, enabling activation of a laser source 4 comprises detecting contact of the closing wall 7 against the side wall 2C.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for machining an article (A), said system comprising: a chamber (2) comprising a top wall (2A), a bottom wall (2B), at least one side wall (2C) having an access opening (3), a laser source (4) located in said chamber (2) and configured to perform a machining process on the article (A), which is positionable in said chamber (2), a working unit (5) movable along a main direction (D) between a first configuration (C1) and a second configuration (C2), a gripping element (6), solidly coupled to the working unit (5) and configured to grip the article (A), a closing wall (7), solidly coupled to the working unit (5) and movable between an open position (7A), where it is away from the chamber (2), and a closed position (7B), where it is coupled to the chamber (2) at the access opening (3) to define a closed compartment (20), in the first configuration (C1) of the working unit (5), the gripping element (6) being outside the chamber (2) and the closing wall (7) being at the open position (7A), in the second configuration (C2) of the working unit (5), the gripping element (6) being inside said chamber and the closing wall being at the closed position, a control unit, in communication with the movable working unit (5) and with the laser source (4) and configured to enable activation of the laser source (4) as a function of the second configuration (C2) of the working unit (5).

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the laser source (4) is located in a bottom portion of the chamber (2), directed towards the top wall (2A).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first sensor (8), located in said chamber (2) and in communication with the control unit, the first sensor (8) being configured to detect the presence of an article (A)inside said chamber (2).

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a safety device (9) of the laser source (4), in communication with the control unit and configured to screen a laser ray of the laser source (4), the control unit being configured to control activation of the safety device (9).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one second sensor (10), located at the side wall (2C) in the proximity of the access opening (3), said second sensor (10) being in communication with the control unit and being configured to detect contact of the closing wall (7) against the side wall (2C).

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a supporting arm (11 ) having a main direction of extension (D) and provided with a guide along which the working unit (5) is movable.

7. A plant for machining an article, comprising: a machining system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a conveying line (101 ) for transporting articles, located in proximity to the machining system, when in the first configuration (C1 ), the working unit (5) being movable between a first position (P1), where it is close to the conveying line (101 ), and a second position (P2), where it is away from the conveying line (101 ).

8. The plant according to claim 7, wherein the gripping element (6) is configured to pick up an article from the conveying line (101 ) when the working unit (5) is at the first position (P1 ).

9. The plant according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a checking station (102) interposed between the machining system and the conveying line (101 ),the working unit (5) being movable to a third position (P3) at the checking station (102).

10. The plant according to claim 9, wherein the checking station (102) comprises a camera configured to detect a machining process on the article (A).11 . A method for machining an article (A), comprising: picking up an article (A) via a gripping element (6) which places it in a chamber (2) provided with an access opening (3), moving a closing wall (7) from an open position (7A), where it is away from the chamber (2) and the gripping element (6) is outside the chamber (2), to a closed position (7B), where it is coupled to the chamber (2) at the access opening (3) to define a closed compartment (20) and the gripping element (6) is positioned inside the chamber (2), enabling activation of a laser source (4) located in said chamber (2) when the closing wall (7) is at the closed position (7B).

12. The method according to claim 11 , comprising releasing a safety device (9) of the laser source when the closing wall (7) is coupled to the chamber (2) before enabling the activation of the laser source (4).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein enabling activation of a laser source (4) located in said chamber comprises detecting contact of the closing wall (7) against the side wall (2C) of the chamber (2).

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