Intelligent sorting equipment for flat glass and plates in general, its integrated system and method of operation

Abstract

An equipment (1) designed to optimize the process of storing, transporting, and handling flat sheets or plates (V) in industrial environments, such as flat glass, acrylic, or MDF boards. The robust structure, composed of metallic profiles, includes longitudinal slots (6a) to accommodate the edges of the plates (V), while inclined metallic profiles (7) support metallic tubes (8a, 8b), forming an inclined grid to support their height. The equipment (1) includes a tiltable auxiliary roller (9) to facilitate handling of the plates, in addition to an automatic locking system that ensures safety during transport. On the front portion, an indicator LED strip (10) provides a clear view of the status of each slot (6a), assisting in inventory control.

Description

[0001] INTELLIGENT SORTING EQUIPMENT FOR FLAT GLASS AND PLATES IN GENERAL, ITS INTEGRATED SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION Technical Field

[0002]

[0001] The present patent application relates to sorting equipment for the storage, transport, and handling of solid plates in general, such as acrylic plates, MDF, and others, but especially for flat glass plates. It also relates to the integrated system of the equipment for management and control of the operations involved, as well as the method of operation enabled by this integration of sorting equipment and management system.

[0003]

[0002] It concerns an innovative model of sorting equipment developed to optimize the process of handling flat plates in industrial environments. This equipment is designed to meet the needs of the manufacturing and plate handling industries, especially the glass industry, including glass, acrylic, and MDF factories, companies specialized in processing glass and plates in general, and other establishments dealing with large quantities of flat materials of different sizes and thicknesses.

[0004]

[0003] With a robust structure and the incorporation of advanced technologies, the sorter provides an efficient and safe solution for storing, transporting, and handling plates. Its construction allows multiple plates to be accommodated in an organized manner, facilitating access and movement of materials, which is essential for industrial operations requiring high precision and care in material handling.

[0005]

[0004] In addition to its storage capacity, the intelligent sorter is equipped with digital control systems and visual indicators that assist in inventory management and workflow optimization. The use of sensors, indicator lights, and a digital control panel ensures that operators can monitor and control the status of each solid plate in real time, minimizing errors and increasing operational efficiency.

[0006]

[0005] The application of this intelligent sorter extends to several sectors that require safe and efficient handling of flat plates, including civil construction, furniture and decoration production, manufacturing of windows and doors, and other related industries. Its introduction into the workplace improves organization and safety, while significantly contributing to the reduction of time and operational costs, making it an indispensable tool for any company seeking excellence in handling flat plates.

[0007] Background of the Invention

[0006] Currently, the equipment used for storing, transporting, and handling flat glass plates in industrial environments is mostly constructed with robust metallic structures that provide support for large plates. Such equipment generally has a flat base with several vertical or inclined supports, allowing insertion and organization of glass plates in rows. Casters, usually installed on the bases of the equipment, allow movement within factories or work areas.

[0008]

[0007] By way of example, reference can be made to document BR 202018015282- 9, which claims an easel-type equipment for supporting and transporting glass plates. Said easel has two central columns formed by side legs in the shape of an “A,” fixed on support shoes and joined together by a lower bracing beam.

[0009]

[0008] Another reference is document W02005105541 A1 , which, in free translation, discloses glass sheet handling equipment comprising a wheeled trolley with a vertical support shaft for a selected position and at least two vacuum grippers mounted on the trolley to engage the glass sheet at displaced positions along its height.

[0010]

[0009] In any case, it is known that conventional models of such sorting equipment for glass plates have relatively simple constructions, lacking advanced monitoring and control technologies. These devices are designed to support the weight of the plates and facilitate their transport but do not include automated or intelligent systems offering additional functionalities to optimize handling and storage processes.

[0011]

[0010] Existing equipment has structures for allocating glass plates, but this is done through simple fitting, without any safety or locking system. The absence of auxiliary systems for insertion or locking of the plates leads to slippage or falling during storage or transport, posing risks to operators and potential material losses.

[0012]

[0011] Traditional equipment is not equipped with sensors or digital systems to monitor the occupancy and status of the glass plates, which hinders efficient inventory management and traceability of stored plates.

[0013]

[0012] The lack of visual or audible indicators makes it difficult to quickly identify the status of each plate, making the handling process more prone to human error.

[0014]

[0013] The absence of auxiliary components, such as safety stops, plate insertion aids, integrated operational systems, luminous or audible indicators, etc., makes plate handling less safe and less efficient, increasing the physical workload on operators.

[0015]

[0014] Furthermore, traditional sorters lack status indicators in the plate allocation slots, making it impossible to obtain a clear and immediate visualization of storage conditions, thus impairing efficient material control and organization.

[0016]

[0015] Likewise, equipment operating through an integrated system that enables autonomous and safe actions for a precise and modern method of plate handling in a factory environment has never before been seen.

[0017] Objectives of the Invention

[0018]

[0016] To solve the problems of the prior art mentioned above, the inventor proposes a sorting equipment for storage and handling of flat and solid plates, such as glass plates or other materials, which incorporates a robust structure with efficient locking mechanisms, monitoring sensors, visual and audible indicators, integrated system, digital connectivity with ERP systems, and an intuitive control panel. These innovations increase safety, operational efficiency, and accuracy in inventory management, offering an advanced and adaptable solution for the industry.

[0019] Description of the Figures

[0020]

[0017] Having been explained in summary, the invention is now detailed with reference to the attached figures, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 - illustrates the intelligent sorting equipment in isometric view;

[0022] Figure 2 - illustrates the equipment in side view;

[0023] Figure 3 - rendered image of the equipment in isometric view;

[0024] Figure 4 - detailed rendered view showing the lower portion of the sorting equipment, where the base supports the plate with slots, each containing a limit sensor, as shown in Detail A;

[0025] Figure 5 - detailed front view of the base of the equipment, showing the tiltable roller in its lowered position;

[0026] Figure 6 - detailed view according to the previous figure, showing the tiltable roller in its raised position, held in place by a parrot-beak type latch;

[0027] Figure 7 - detailed view of the latch that holds the roller in the raised position, serving as a stop for the plates; Figure 8 - sequence of two images illustrating the insertion and allocation of a plate, in this case a glass plate, in one of the available slots of the equipment;

[0028] Figure 9 - illustrates the equipment in use, with plates being stored and / or handled, aided by the visual indication of LEDs at the base, as shown in Detail B.

[0029] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030]

[0018] As shown in the attached figures, the present invention relates to an “INTELLIGENT SORTING EQUIPMENT” (1), designed for storing, transporting, and handling flat plates (V) such as glass, acrylic, MDF, etc., in industrial environments.

[0019] Said equipment (1) consists of a robust structure formed by metallic profiles, preferably steel, comprising a flat base (2) provided with four casters (3), two of which have locking mechanisms.

[0031]

[0020] From the flat base (2) rises a rear vertical wall (4) of rectangular frame type, formed by a pair of vertical profiles interconnected by an upper bar (4a) and an intermediate bar (4b) below the first.

[0032]

[0021] Connecting the base (2) and rear wall (4), metallic profiles form the side walls (5) of the equipment (1), opposed to one another, said equipment (1) having no front wall, i.e., frontally open for insertion and removal of plates (V).

[0033]

[0022] The flat base (2) supports a support plate (6) whose upper surface is molded to form a pattern of multiple identical and equidistant longitudinal slots (6a), each wide enough to receive the edge of a flat plate (V).

[0034]

[0023] From the upper bar (4a) of the rear wall (4) extends a pair of inclined metallic profiles (7), opposed, supported on the side walls (5) and extending to the front portion of the flat base (2), where they are fixed.

[0035]

[0024] Between these inclined metallic profiles (7), several equidistant metallic tubes (8a) are arranged in the same inclination, coinciding with the slots (6a) of the support plate (6), where they are fixed.

[0036]

[0025] Said pattern of metallic tubes (8a) forms an inclined grid for receiving flat plates (V), being fixed to the upper bar (4a) of the rear wall (4).

[0037]

[0026] A second set of metallic tubes (8b), positioned coinciding with the first (8a), also extend from the support plate (6) to the intermediate bar (4b) of the rear wall

[0027] Thus, the first and second sets of metallic tubes (8a and 8b) form two coinciding grids arranged in a “V” shape, providing double support (upper and lower) for the plates (V) inserted in the slots (6a).

[0038]

[0028] The front end of the flat base (2) supports a rolling cylinder or auxiliary roller (9), arranged for sliding insertion and removal of plates (V).

[0039]

[0029] Said roller (9) is tiltable through opposed shafts in bearings fixed to the base (2), so as to assume a lowered position aligned with the front of the base (2), and a raised position, upright at 90° over the front portion of the base (2).

[0040]

[0030] The roller (9) presents on one side a fixed latch (9a) coinciding with an automatic latch (9b) of the parrot-beak type welded to one of the inclined profiles (7), to retain the roller (9) in the raised position.

[0041]

[0031] In this way, the roller (9), in the raised position, functions as a stop for the plates (V), preventing accidental displacement during transport.

[0042]

[0032] On the front portion of the flat base (2), an indicator LED strip (10) is positioned so as to align an RGB LED indicator with each slot (6a) of the support plate (6), providing a visual indication of the status of each plate (V) or of each available slot.

[0043]

[0033] On the rear wall (4), more precisely on the upper bar (4a), a signaling mast (11) is fixed, at the end of which are disposed audible and luminous indicators (12), as well as an individual identification plate (13) of the equipment unit (1).

[0044]

[0034] The luminous indicator (12) comprises preferably a green and a red light {or other preferred colors}.

[0045]

[0035] The equipment (1) also adopts, preferably on one of the side walls (5), a tablet or digital control panel (14) with LCD touchscreen and WiFi connection, providing a user interface for the digital control system of the equipment (1), enabling operation control through an application with system functionalities.

[0046]

[0036] In each slot (6a), a limit switch sensor (15) is provided, configured for automatic identification of the allocation and presence of a plate (V) in the respective slot.

[0047]

[0037] The sensor (15) is preferably a 60 mm lever switch, specially bent for this equipment (1).

[0038] The sensor (15) may also be capacitive or of another type capable of identifying the presence and position of the plate (V) in the equipment (1).

[0048]

[0039] The equipment (1) has a rechargeable battery with an autonomy of approximately 11 hours, said battery and other electronic components being hidden and protected in a side cabinet (16) fixed to the equipment (1).

[0049]

[0040] In another variation, the equipment (1) may be of the fixed type, without lower casters (3), dispensing with the battery, being directly connected to a 12V power supply through a 110V / 220V input transformer.

[0050] Operation of the Invention

[0051]

[0041] Once the structure and components of the sorting equipment (1) have been detailed, its mode of operation is described below.

[0052]

[0042] Each unit of equipment (1) can be registered in the integrated management system, which allows identification, monitoring, and control of operations involving the handling of flat plates (V).

[0053]

[0043] The system is capable of identifying each unit of equipment (1), registering its number of slots (6a), classification as mobile or fixed, and integrating it into the overall management environment.

[0054]

[0044] Through the system, operators can associate a specific equipment (1) with a particular client, production order, or type of plate (V).

[0055]

[0045] Each plate (V), after cutting, receives a label (E) with a unique QR code, containing information such as size, material, client, dimensions, destination, and other relevant data.

[0056]

[0046] The operator scans the QR code, and the system indicates which equipment (1) should receive the plate (V), activating the green luminous indicator (12) of the corresponding equipment (1) and identifying available slots (6a) through the limit sensors (15), lighting the corresponding LED indicators (10) in green {or another predefined color}.

[0057]

[0047] When the plate (V) is inserted into the indicated slot (6a), the sensor (15) detects its presence, and the system may turn off or change the LED indicator (10) to red, confirming receipt and registering the plate (V) in the slot (6a).

[0048] The system also allows issuing priority orders. When such an order is given, the green luminous indicator (12) and the LED indicator (10) of the slot (6a) containing the priority plate (V) are activated to direct the operator.

[0058]

[0049] In processes such as grinding or furnace feeding, the system may autonomously define the order of plates (V) according to criteria such as size, machining priority, or predefined layouts.

[0059]

[0050] The interface allows operators to visualize in real time the available inventory of plates (V), their positions in equipment units (1), and pending operations.

[0060]

[0051] In case of error, such as insertion of a plate (V) in the wrong slot (6a) or in the wrong equipment (1), the red luminous indicator and the audible alarm (12) are automatically activated until the error is corrected.

[0061]

[0052] In cases of misplacement or unauthorized removal, the system can activate the digital camera of the control panel (14) to record the operation.

[0062]

[0053] The integrated system thus ensures safe, fast, and error-free handling of plates (V), improving productivity and reducing material losses.

[0063] Advantages of the Invention

[0064]

[0054] The intelligent sorting equipment (1), with its integrated system, presents several advantages over conventional models:

[0065] • Improved safety due to auxiliary roller (9), locking system, and alarms;

[0066] • Improved inventory control via sensors (15), LED indicators (10), and digital interface (14);

[0067] • Increased operational efficiency, minimizing errors and reducing handling time;

[0068] • Full integration with ERP systems via MQTT protocol and APIs;

[0069] • Possibility of autonomous operation with generation of layouts and optimized workflows;

[0070] • Versatility of models (mobile with battery or fixed with power supply).

[0071] Industrial Application

[0072]

[0055] The present invention can be applied in industries requiring storage, transport, and handling of flat plates in general, especially in the glass, acrylic, and MDF sectors.

[0056] It is also suitable for use in companies that process large plates, in civil construction, and in factories of furniture, windows, and doors.

[0073]

[0057] The introduction of the intelligent sorter (1) in industrial environments contributes to improving organization, safety, and productivity, while reducing costs and risks.

[0074]

[0058] Its integrated system ensures compatibility with modern production and management processes, enabling real-time monitoring and automation of workflows.

[0075]

[0059] In summary, the intelligent sorter (1) represents an innovative, versatile, and indispensable solution for industries dealing with flat plates, meeting the increasing demand for efficiency and safety in material handling.

[0076]

[0060] It should be understood that variations in the constructive details of the intelligent sorting equipment (1), as well as its integrated system and method of operation, may be made by those skilled in the art, provided that they fall within the scope of the claims.

[0077]

[0061] Therefore, the scope of protection should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather defined by the following claims.

[0078]

[0062] The figures and descriptions provided are illustrative and non-limiting, serving only to aid in the understanding of the invention.

[0079]

[0063] Having described and illustrated the invention, it is hereby declared that the invention fulfills the conditions of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, being claimed as an exclusive property right.

Claims

Claims1. INTELLIGENT SORTING EQUIPMENT, being a sorting equipment (1) for storing, transporting, and handling flat plates (V) such as glass, acrylic, MDF, etc., in industrial environments, said equipment (1) consisting of a robust structure formed by metallic profiles, preferably steel, comprising a flat base (2) provided with four casters (3), two of which have locking mechanisms, wherein from the flat base (2) rises a rear vertical wall (4) of rectangular frame type, formed by a pair of vertical profiles interconnected by an upper bar (4a) and an intermediate bar (4b) below the first, and connecting the base (2) and rear wall (4), metallic profiles form the side walls (5) of the equipment (1), opposed, said equipment (1) being without a front wall, i.e., frontally open for inserting and removing the plates (V), said sorting equipment (1) characterized by: the flat base (2) supports a support plate (6) whose upper surface is molded to form a pattern of multiple identical and equidistant longitudinal slots (6a), each wide enough to receive the edge of a flat plate (V); from the upper bar (4a) of the rear wall (4) extends a pair of inclined metallic profiles (7), opposed, supported on the side walls (5) and extending to the front portion of the flat base (2), where they are fixed; between these inclined metallic profiles (7), several equidistant metallic tubes (8a) are arranged in the same inclination, coinciding with the slots (6a) of the support plate (6), where they are fixed; said pattern of metallic tubes (8a) forms an inclined grid for receiving flat plates (V), being fixed to the upper bar (4a) of the rear wall (4); a second set of metallic tubes (8b), positioned coinciding with the first (8a), also extend from the support plate (6) to the intermediate bar (4b) of the rear wall (4), whereby the first and second sets of metallic tubes (8a and 8b) form two coinciding grids arranged in a V-shape, providing double support (one upper and one lower) for the plates (V) inserted in the slots (6a); the front end of the flat base (2) supports a rolling cylinder or auxiliary roller (9), arranged for sliding insertion and removal of plates (V), said roller (9) being tiltable through opposed shafts in bearings fixed to the base (2), so as to assume a lowered position aligned with the front of the base (2), and a raisedposition, upright at 90° over the front portion of the base (2), said roller (9) presenting on one side a fixed latch (9a) coinciding with an automatic latch (9b) of the parrot-beak type welded to one of the inclined profiles (7), to retain the roller (9) in the raised position; on the front portion, the flat base (2) adopts an indicator LED strip (10), positioned so as to align an RGB LED indicator (10) with each slot (6a) of the support plate (6), as a visual indication of the status of each plate (V) or of each available slot; on the rear wall (4), more precisely on the upper bar (4a), a signaling mast (11) is fixed, at the end of which are disposed audible and luminous indicators (12), as well as an individual identification plate (13) of the equipment unit (1), said luminous indicator (12) presenting a green and a red light {or another preferred color}; the equipment (1) also adopts, preferably on one of the side walls (5), a tablet or digital control panel (14) with LCD touchscreen and WiFi connection, providing a user interface for the digital control system of the equipment (1), enabling operation control through an application with system functionalities; in each slot (6a) a limit switch sensor (15) is provided, configured for automatic identification of the allocation and presence of a plate (V) in the respective slot; the equipment (1) has a rechargeable battery with an autonomy of 11 hours, said battery and other electronic components being hidden and protected in a side cabinet (16) fixed to the equipment (1).

2. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1 , characterized in that the support plate (6) preferably comprises between 24 and 100 slots (6a).

3. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1 , characterized in that the auxiliary roller (9) is coated with a rubber sleeve.

4. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control panel (14) uses the MQTT protocol for communication between the sorting equipment system (1) and a central server, in addition to integration capacity with ERP systems via dedicated APIs.

5. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor (15) is preferably a 60 mm lever switch, specially bent for this equipment (1).

6. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor (15) may be a capacitive sensor or another type capable of identifying the presence and position of the plate (V) in the equipment (1).

7. EQUIPMENT, according to claim 1 , characterized in that the equipment (1) presents a fixed model variation, without lower casters, dispensing with the battery, being directly connected to a 12V power supply through a 110V / 220V input transformer.

8. INTEGRATED SYSTEM for managing and controlling the equipment (1) as defined in claim 1 , being a digital system provided for the control and management of both the equipment (1) and the handling and transportation operations of the plates (V) in an industrial environment, characterized by: enabling identification and registration of each unit of equipment (1), allowing its recognition as an individual unit and its essential operational characteristics, such as number of slots, classification as mobile or fixed, and integration into the system as an added unit; providing a simple and intuitive user interface allowing the operator to assign an equipment (1) to a specific client, specific operation, set of plates, or any other relation between equipment (1) and plates (V) regarding their destinations, types, or identification groups; being capable of autonomously triggering and controlling the luminous and audible indicator (12) and the LED indicators (10) of each unit of equipment (1) according to its individual identification, in addition to acting autonomously on the application displayed on the control panel (14) of the unit and on the activation of its digital camera; being capable of identifying the presence and absence of a plate (V) in a slot (6a) of the equipment (1) through action of the sensors (15) and commanding the individual LED indicators (10) of each slot (6a) according to information received from these sensors (15), said command including defining the LED color, turning on, off, or blinking; providing a QR code generation and reading tool for identifying different plates (V), designed to allow quick identification of each plate (V) and its assignmentto a unit of equipment (1) according to its individual identification and its respective slots (6a) in availability or unavailability; being capable of autonomously defining a specific arrangement of the plates (V) already identified by the system, said arrangement being optionally selectable by the operator, for example by plate size, machining priority, or another predefined order; being capable of autonomously generating layouts with positioning configurations of the plates (V) for furnaces or other equipment, displaying a graphical representation of the positioning layout defined from the plates already identified by the system and positioned in available equipment units (1); the system’s user interface being provided with accessible menus and screens to display plate inventory, priority itineraries, registered procedures, alerts, and messages.

9. METHOD OF OPERATION of the equipment (1) according to claim 1 , through the integrated system as defined in claim 8, characterized by: registering the equipment (1) units in the system, assigning to each specific functions or determinations according to the industry’s logistics; after cutting, each plate (V) receiving a label (E) with a unique QR code containing specific plate information such as size, material, client, dates, dimensions, destination, etc.; the operator reading the QR code of a plate (V), where the system identifies which equipment (1) should receive said plate (V) according to pre-established designations, activating the green luminous indicator (12) on the respective equipment (1), signaling its position to the operator, and automatically identifying all available slots (6a) in said equipment (1) through information from the sensors (15), triggering the respective LED indicators (10) with green light {or another predefined color}; when the plate (V) is inserted into an available slot (6a), the respective sensor (15) detects its presence, whereupon the system may turn off or change the color {to red, for example} of the respective LED indicator (10) to signal receipt, registering this action and linking the plate (V) and its data to the correspondingslot (6a), thereby enabling tracking and management in subsequent operations; during handling, the operator may trigger a priority order, where the system identifies priority plates (V) to be processed, activating the green luminous indicator (12) of the equipment (1) containing the priority plate and the LED indicator (10) of the corresponding slot (6a); said LED indicator (10) may light or blink in green or another predefined color; when using a bilateral grinder, for example, the operator may choose plate indication by size or other measure, where the system indicates, in order, the equipment (1) and corresponding slots (6a) for plate withdrawal in ascending or descending size order or other measure, facilitating grinding, reducing unnecessary movements, and maximizing productivity; in processes using furnace equipment (FO), the operator may request a plate layout (LE) for furnace processing, where the system autonomously defines a specific layout according to plates previously identified and positioned in equipment units (1), sequentially signaling each unit and slot (6a) containing a plate suitable for the layout (LE), thus directing the operator for correct positioning; if a plate (V) is inserted in the wrong slot (6a) or in the wrong equipment (1), the system activates the red luminous and audible indicator (12) on the respective equipment (1) until the plate (V) is removed; if a plate (V) is removed from an incorrect slot (6a), the system activates the red luminous and audible indicator (12) until the plate (V) is reinserted in the correct slot (6a); in the event of misplacement or removal of plates (V), the system activates the digital camera of the tablet (14) to photograph the operation and the operator; at any stage of internal processing or dispatch, the operator selects the stage to be performed, and the system responds with precise and ordered location and indication of each equipment (1) and plate (V) to be inserted or removed.

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