Apparatus for separating bars and corresponding separation method

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for dividing a plurality of bars (50) into bundles, the bars (50) being fed transverse to a certain direction of feed (D1) on a feeding plane (120), comprising a separation device (11) at least partly selectively mobile at least in a first direction (D3) of separation at least inclined with respect to the feeding plane (120), and at least in a second direction (D2) of disentanglement substantially orthogonal to the direction of feed (D1).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING BARS AND CORRESPONDING SEPARATION METHOD”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns an apparatus for separating a plurality of bars into desired, numerically defined groups, for example to prepare the bars for the formation of homogeneous bundles. By the term bars, here and hereafter in the description and claims, we generally mean a long rolled product, such as traditional metal bars, that is, the type intended for building reinforcement, known by the term “rebar” (an abbreviation of the English term “reinforcing bar”), but also rods, wires, or other types of products destined for storage and distribution of bundles.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is known to provide bar handling stations, which is part of a rolling mill production line following cold cutting operations, for long rolled products, such as bars generally, in which the bars are separated into homogeneous bundles, for example consisting of a variable number of bars, as a function of their diameter and length values, in order to reach a desired weight of the bundle created, for example of the order of 2 tons.

[0006] WO 2022 / 269650 and US 2019 / 321876 disclose apparatuses for dividing and separating a plurality of bars into bundles.

[0007] Typically, the bars have diameter values comprised between about 8mm and about 40mm, and length values comprised between about 6m and about 24m; the number of bars required to form the bundle of the desired weight is normally calculated from the specific combination of these values.

[0008] It is also known that these bar handling stations substantially consist of roller or chain conveyors, for transporting the bars, which also comprise a counter device, toward which the roller ways or chain conveyors feed an uneven number of bars (generically indicated with reference number 50 in figs, la, lb, 1c and Id), that is, substantially in bulk, in which some are parallel to each other but with uneven ends (fig. la), some are partly overlapping or intertwined (figs, lb and Id), that is, they may have curvatures or a development that is not strictly rectilinear (fig. 1c).

[0009] In known bar bundle handling stations, the counter device cooperates with corresponding end portions of the bars, so as to both count them and also separate them individually, at least with regard to the end portions with which it cooperates. The counted bars are then fed, in the desired number, toward a bar collecting pocket.

[0010] A known example of such a counter device provides a motorized worm screw mechanism, whose helical seatings cooperate with the ends of the bars in order to move them away from each other by a certain pitch and allow them to be counted by corresponding sensor members suitable for this purpose. Also in this type of known counter device, downstream of the motorized mechanism there is provided a wheel for moving the bars which has radial seatings that cooperate individually with each end of the counted bars, both in order to keep them separated with a reciprocal space that is sufficient to start a separation sequence, and also to function as a buffer in the steps of separating the bars and forming the bundles.

[0011] In known stations there is also provided a separator or dividing apparatus which provides a plurality of interception elements, for example in the shape of a shark fin, disposed along the length of the bars and able to be selectively raised with respect to a plane of translation of the bars themselves to allow only the desired number of bars to pass toward the collecting pocket.

[0012] However, by using known interception elements, considering that they operate by rising from below toward the translation plane of the bars and that the counter device acts only on the end portions of the bars, that is, leaving their remaining portions still partly intertwined with each other, division and separation inaccuracies can occur. In fact, situations can occur in which one or more bars, whose ends are kept outside the bundle count, have their remaining portions that are on top of the bars which have counted for the formation of the bundle.

[0013] These inaccuracies mainly lead to problems caused by the bars being disposed intertwined, also known as “roping”, as well as the formation of bundles with the wrong number of bars or blockages in the separation, with possible operating downtime for maintenance. In addition, given the uncertainty of the reciprocal positioning of the bars being fed, there is a consequent unpredictability in the error of separation by the interception element, meaning that the repeatability of the formation of the bundles is not guaranteed. There is therefore the need to perfect an apparatus for dividing and separating bars and to perfect a corresponding method that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0014] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of correctly dividing and separating the bars to be grouped into a bundle from the others being fed, regardless of possible misalignments, overlaps or intertwining of the bars themselves.

[0015] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and perfect a method for dividing and separating bars into bundles, in which it is possible to guarantee, in a substantially repeatable maimer, a correct division of the bars corresponding to the counting carried out by the counter device.

[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that allows to divide the bars to form bundles in a simple and effective manner, and without requiring substantial modifications to current known counter devices and, more generally, to current bar feeding machines provided in the bundle forming steps.

[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that allows to improve the quality of supply of the bundles of bars.

[0018] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0021] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, an apparatus and method according to the present invention are applied for dividing and separating a plurality of bars, such as for example bars coming from steel rolling processes, which, once defined in terms of diameter and length, are fed, for example by means of chain conveyors, on a feeding plane, in a transverse condition with respect to a certain direction of feed.

[0022] The apparatus according to the present invention is integrated into a larger bar handling station in which a counter device can also be provided, which cooperates with corresponding end portions of the bars so as to both count them and also separate them individually, at least as regards the end portions with which it cooperates.

[0023] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus can be provided downstream of the counter device and essentially comprises a separation device which is, at least in part, selectively mobile at least in a first direction of separation. The latter is defined at least inclined, or advantageously substantially orthogonal, with respect to the feeding plane.

[0024] In this way there is defined a first resting position of the separation device, in which it is raised from the bars with respect to the feeding plane, and a second operating position of the separation device, in which it is at least partly inserted between the bars.

[0025] Advantageously, the insertion of the separation device between the bars, in the second position, occurs as a function of the counting action carried out by the counter device, so that at least part of the separation device is interposed between the ends of the bars counted for the formation of the bundle and the ends of the remaining bars.

[0026] Furthermore, always according to the present invention, the separation device is at least partly selectively mobile at least in a second direction of release, which is substantially orthogonal to the direction of feed, that is, substantially longitudinal to the prevailing extension of the bars.

[0027] Therefore, with the solution according to the present invention, the sequential combination of the movement in the first direction, in order to interpose the separation device between the bars to be grouped into a bundle and the others, and the movement in the second direction that is longitudinal to the bars, defines a substantially comb-like action of the separation device, so as to leave, on one side, the bars selected in the desired number required for the formation of the bundle and, on the other side, the others, simultaneously disentangling any misalignments, overlaps or intertwining between the bars themselves.

[0028] Doing so achieves at least the advantage of being able to guarantee, in a substantially repeatable maimer, both that the risk of random intertwining of the bars, known as “roping”, is eliminated, and also a correct division and separation of the bars corresponding to the count carried out by the counter device, regardless of possible misalignments, overlaps or intertwining caused by the feeding.

[0029] Another advantage of the solution according to the present invention lies in being able to divide the bars for the formation of bundles in a simple and effective maimer, without requiring substantial modifications to current known counter devices and, more generally, to current bar feeding machines provided in the bundle forming steps.

[0030] Moreover, with the solution according to the present invention it is possible to improve the quality of supply of the bundles of bars.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the separation device comprises at least one separation stem disposed, during use, substantially parallel to the first direction of separation and configured both to be physically inserted, at least partly, between the bars, and also to realize the action of disentanglement and release of the bars in the second direction of disentanglement.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the separation device comprises first kinematic means configured to actuate the selective movement of the separation stem in the first direction of separation, and second kinematic means configured to actuate the selective movement of the same stem in the second direction of disentanglement and release.

[0033] Advantageously, the first and second kinematic means can comprise corresponding drive members configured to actuate the selective movement thereof in the corresponding first or second direction. In the same way, as a function of the design of the device with respect to the feeding plane, the collecting pockets or other characteristic elements of the bar handling station in which the apparatus according to the present invention can be installed, each of the first or second kinematic means can comprise specific guide and sliding members, for example with sliding blocks, racks or others, to mechanically realize the movements in the corresponding first or second direction.

[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the separation device comprises at least one support fin, advantageously two opposing fins, extending radially with respect to the separation stem. Each fin is configured to be interposed between the bars and the feeding plane, at least in the second operating position. In this way, the bars are managed both laterally, by the stem, and also at the lower part, by the fins, guaranteeing the separated position is maintained for the formation of the bundle of bars, in particular during the action of disentanglement performed by the stem during the selective movement in the second direction of disentanglement.

[0035] In an advantageous solution of the present invention, the support fins are associated with the stem in a selectively pivoting maimer, thus allowing to overcome any obstacles, such as for example feeding chain conveyors, always keeping the bars separated in the desired manner, in particular during the movement in the second direction of disentanglement.

[0036] In some advantageous solutions, third kinematic means can be provided, which are configured to actuate the selective rotation of the separation stem with respect to the first direction of separation. With this solution according to the present invention, particularly in embodiments in which the separation device provides one or more support fins, the third kinematic means allow the stem to be selectively rotated, so that the fins extend in a direction substantially longitudinal to the bars when the separation device is in the first resting position, and, instead, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bars when the separation device is in the second operating position. The two relatively rotated conditions of the fins allow, when they are longitudinal, for a facilitated insertion of the stem between the bars and, when they are transverse, for a correct management of the bars from below.

[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises at least one separator member, for example in the form of a tooth mobile from the bottom upward, disposed in association with the feeding plane. The separator member is configured to temporarily cooperate with corresponding ends of the bars, so as to determine a temporary obstacle preventing the counted bars from accidentally re-mixing with the others. Moreover, the preventive obstacle action exerted by the separator member acts as a lead-in for the insertion of the stem between the bars, when the separator device is moved in the first direction of separation.

[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises at least one clamping member, advantageously two, disposed in cooperation with the feeding plane and configured to cooperate with corresponding ends of the bars to perform a certain clamping thereof with respect to the feeding plane. This advantageous solution allows to define a mechanical contrast to the natural resistance that the bars operate during the movement of the stem, in the second direction of disentanglement, preventing the bars from moving together with the stem in the second direction, with consequent malfunctions and reduction in quality of the separation carried out.

[0039] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0041] - figs, la, lb, 1c and Id schematically show four of the possible conditions for feeding bars to an apparatus for dividing and separating such bars, according to the present invention;

[0042] - fig. 2 shows a bar handling station in which an apparatus for dividing and separating bars, according to the present invention, is installed in a first operating condition;

[0043] - fig. 3 shows an enlarged detail of the apparatus of fig. 2, in a first operating condition;

[0044] - fig. 4 shows an enlarged detail of the apparatus of fig. 2, in a second operating condition;

[0045] - fig. 5 a shows a detail of fig. 4, in a first operating condition;

[0046] - fig. 5b shows a detail of fig. 4, in a second operating condition;

[0047] - fig. 6a shows a second operating condition of the apparatus of fig. 2;

[0048] - fig. 6b shows a detail of fig. 6a;

[0049] - fig. 7 shows a third operating condition of the apparatus of fig. 2;

[0050] - fig. 8 shows a fourth operating condition of the apparatus of fig. 2;

[0051] - fig. 9 shows a fifth operating condition of the apparatus of fig. 2; and

[0052] - fig. 10 shows a final operating condition of the apparatus of fig. 2;

[0053] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0054] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0055] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0056] With reference to the attached drawings, an apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises a bar handling station 100 to which a plurality of bars 50 are fed, for example coming from steel rolling processes, which bars 50, once defined in terms of diameter and length, are divided into desired numerically defined groups, for example to prepare the formation of homogeneous bundles.

[0057] Typically, the bar handling station 100 comprises a plurality of chain conveyors 110 configured to cooperate transversely with the bars 50 and feed them on a feeding plane 120 in a certain direction of feed DI.

[0058] The bar handling station 100 also provides a counter device 130, which cooperates with corresponding end portions of the bars 50, so as to both count them and also separate them individually, at least with regard to the end portions with which it cooperates. The bars 50 thus counted are then fed, as we shall see, in the desired number toward a bar collecting pocket 140.

[0059] Briefly, the counter device 130 is provided with a motorized worm screw mechanism 150, whose helical seatings cooperate mechanically with the ends of the bars 50 to move them away from each other by a certain pitch and allow them to be counted by corresponding sensor members, indicated generically with reference number 160, of a substantially known type and suited to this purpose. Downstream of the sensor members 160, the counter device also provides a wheel for moving the bars 50, of a type substantially known and not shown in the drawings, which provides radial seatings that cooperate individually with each end of the counted bars 50 to keep them separated from each other immediately before the formation of the bundles. The apparatus 10 according to the present invention is applied downstream of the counter device 130 and upstream of the collecting pocket 140, and substantially comprises a separation device 11 and a translation guide 12, disposed substantially orthogonal to the direction of feed DI above the bars 50 at exit from the counter device 130.

[0060] The translation guide 12 substantially consists of a boxed beam 13, on which corresponding linear guides 14 are mounted, while the separation device 11 comprises a support frame 15, on which corresponding sliding wheels 16 (figs. 3 and 4) are provided, configured to slide in a guided maimer inside the linear guides 14. In this way, the separation device 11 can slide linearly with respect to the translation guide, in a direction D2 of disentanglement and release, substantially orthogonal with respect to the direction of feed DI of the bars 50.

[0061] The assembly between the translation guide 12 and the sliding wheels 16, together with a drive member of a substantially known type and not shown in the attached drawings, defines corresponding kinematic means 18, configured to actuate the selective movement of the separation device 11 in the direction D2 of disentanglement and release.

[0062] The separation device 11 also comprises a separation stem 17 with a substantially cylindrical shape slidably mounted on the support frame 15, in a direction D3 of separation substantially orthogonal to the feeding plane 120.

[0063] In this way, the separation device 11 is selectively configurable between a first resting position (figs. 2, 3 and 6a), in which its separation stem 17 is raised with respect to the bars 50, in relation to the feeding plane 120, and a second operating position (figs. 4, 7 8 and 9), in which its separation stem 17 is at least partly inserted between the bars 50 destined for the formation of the bundle and the other bars coming from the counter device 130.

[0064] In particular, the movement in the direction D2 of disentanglement and release, when the separation device 11 is configured in the second operating position, causes the separation stem 17 to realize an action of disentanglement of the bars 50.

[0065] Kinematic means 19 are also part of the separation device 11, in this specific case provided with a drive member 20 and rack kinematics 21 (figs. 3, 4, 5a and 5b), configured to actuate the selective movement of the separation stem 17 in the direction D3 of separation.

[0066] The same separation device 11 according to the present invention also comprises additional kinematic means 22, which are connected to the separation stem 17 and are configured to actuate the selective rotation thereof, with respect to an axis X substantially parallel to the direction D3 of separation. In the solution shown, the kinematic means 22 comprise at least one drive member 23 and a pair of toothed wheels 24, which actuate the rotation of the separation stem 17 with a desired speed reduction.

[0067] The separation device 11 according to the present invention also comprises a pair of support fins 25, extending radially and from opposite sides with respect to the separation stem 17. The orientation of the pair of support fins 25, also due to the combined effect of the movement in the direction D3 of separation and the rotation of the separation stem 17 around the axis X, is such that they are located above the bars 50 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction D2 of disentanglement, with the separation device 11 configured in the resting position, while they assume a position interposed between the bars 50 and the feeding plane 120 and substantially parallel to the direction of feed DI, with the separation device 11 configured in the operating position.

[0068] Advantageously, the two support fins 25 are mounted substantially pivoting with respect to the separation stem 17. In fact, as shown in figs. 5a and 5b, by means of the action of a drive member 26, which is kinematically connected to the support fins 25, the latter can be selectively moved between a position raised from the feeding plane 120 (fig. 5a) in which they allow any obstacles, such as for example the chain conveyors 110, to be overcome, and a lowered position in which they are rotated substantially in contact with, or just above, the feeding plane 120 (fig. 5b). This selective movement of the support fins 25 allows to always keep the bars 50 separated in a desired maimer, also preventing an accidental positioning of one or more bars 50 below the support fins 25 themselves, in particular during the movement in the direction D2 of disentanglement.

[0069] The apparatus 10 according to the present invention also comprises a separator member 27 (fig. 6b), conformed to define at least one tooth 28 and a contrast surface 29. In particular, the separator member 27 is disposed in association with the feeding plane 120 and is selectively mobile, for example by means of a known actuator not shown in the drawings, between a lowered position, in which the tooth 28 is located below the feeding plane 120, and a raised position, in which the feeding tooth protrudes from the feeding plane 120 to temporarily cooperate with corresponding ends of the bars 50, so as to determine a temporary obstacle preventing the counted bars 50 from accidentally re-mixing with the others.

[0070] This partial and preventive separation of the bars 50 serves as a lead-in for the insertion of the separation stem 17 between the bars 50 themselves, when the separation device 11 is moved in the direction D3 of separation and assumes the operating position.

[0071] In the raised position of the separator member 27, the contrast surface 29 also protrudes from the feeding plane 120 and acts as a lower rest for the ends of the bars 50 destined for the formation of the bundle.

[0072] The apparatus 10 according to the present invention also comprises two clamping members, 30a and 30b respectively, which are disposed in cooperation with the feeding plane 120, on opposite sides with respect to the tooth 28 of the separator member 27. Each clamping member 30a and 30b is configured to cooperate through pressure with the ends of the bars 50 destined for the formation of the bundle, and in particular with those resting on the contrast surface 29 of the separator member 27. In fact, the pressure exerted on the ends of these bars 50 allows for a certain clamping thereof with respect to the feeding plane 120.

[0073] In this way, a mechanical contrast is defined to the natural resistance that the bars 50 operate during the movement of the separation stem 17 in the direction D2 of disentanglement, preventing the bars 50 from moving in the longitudinal direction together with the separation stem 17.

[0074] A command and control unit 31, of a substantially known type and only schematized in fig. 2, is also part of the apparatus 10 according to the present invention, which is electronically connected to the command parts of the separation device 11, such as for example, but not limited to, the kinematic means 17, 18 and 22, as well as to the drive member 26, or to components of the bar handling station, such as, for example, the chain conveyors 110, the counter device 130, the collecting pocket 140 and others.

[0075] The command and control unit 31 can be of the programmed or programmable type, to coordinate both the counting of the bars 50 and also their separation through the coordinated and combined action of the separation device 11 at least in the direction D3 of separation and the direction D2 of disentanglement.

[0076] With particular reference to the sequence of figs. 2, 6a, 7, 8 and 9, the operation of the apparatus 10 described heretofore, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

[0077] Once the counter device 130 has counted and separated the ends of the bars 50 destined for the formation of the bundle, according to the parameters provided as a function of the diameter and length of the individual bars 50, the separator member 27 is activated, preparing the ends of the counted bars 50 on its contrast surface 29 and defining an insertion gap for the separation stem 17.

[0078] Substantially simultaneously, or in any case in close succession, the clamping members 30a and 30b are activated to clamp the bars 50 longitudinally.

[0079] Once these operations are completed, a first separation step is initiated, in which the separation device 11 is moved in the direction D3 of separation so as to pass from the resting position to the operating position, with the support fins 25 rotated transversely below the bars 50.

[0080] Once this operating condition has been reached, a second disentanglement step is initiated, in which the separation device 11 is moved in the direction D2 of disentanglement by actuating, with its separation stem 17, a progressive “comblike” action of disentanglement of the bars 50.

[0081] At the end of these operations, that is, when the separation device 11 has travelled the entire length of the bars 50, exiting from their overall dimension, the separation device 11 is raised into the resting position in the direction D3 of separation, with the support fins 25 rotated into the raised position (fig. 10) so as to not interfere with the bars 50. The bars 50 thus separated are released from the clamping devices 3030a and 30b, and sent to the collecting pocket 140. The separation device 11 is returned to its initial position (fig. 2) and a new separation cycle is initiated.

[0082] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the apparatus 10 and to the method as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0083] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of apparatus for separating bars and corresponding separation method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0084] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (10) for dividing and separating a plurality of bars (50) into bundles, said bars (50) being fed transverse to a certain direction of feed (DI) on a feeding plane (120), the apparatus comprising a separation device (11) at least partly selectively mobile at least in a first direction (D3) of separation at least inclined with respect to said feeding plane (120), and at least in a second direction (D2) of disentanglement and release substantially orthogonal to said direction of feed (DI), characterized in that said first direction (D3) of separation is substantially orthogonal to said feeding plane (120) and defines a first resting position of said separation device (11), in which it is raised from said bars (50) with respect to said feeding plane (120), and a second operating position of said separation device (11), in which it is at least partly inserted between said bars (50), in that said separation device (11) comprises at least one separation stem (17) disposed, during use, substantially parallel to said first direction (D3) of separation and configured at least to disentangle said bars (50) in said second direction (D2) of disentanglement and release, in that said separation device (11) comprises at least one support fin (25) extending radially to said separation stem (17) and configured to be interposed between said bars (50) and said feeding plane (120), at least in said second operating position, and in that the apparatus comprises at least one separator member (27) disposed in association with said feeding plane (120) and configured to selectively and temporarily cooperate with corresponding ends of said bars (50), so as to determine a temporary obstacle preventing the counted bars (50) from accidentally re-mixing with the others.

2. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said separation device (11) comprises first kinematic means (19) configured to actuate the selective movement of said separation stem (17), at least in said first direction (D3) of separation, and second kinematic means (18) configured to actuate the selective movement of said separation stem (17), at least in said second direction (D2) of disentanglement and release.

3. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said at least one support fin (25) is associated with said separation stem (17) in a selectively pivoting maimer.

4. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said separation device (11) comprises at least two support fins (25) extending radially and from opposite sides to said separation stem (17).

5. Apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims from 2 onward, characterized in that said separation device (11) comprises third kinematic means (22) configured to actuate the selective rotation of said separation stem (17), with respect to an axis (X) substantially parallel to said first direction (D3) of separation.

6. Apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one separator member (27) disposed in association with said feeding plane (120) and configured to selectively and temporarily cooperate with corresponding ends of said bars (50).

7. Apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one clamping member (30a, 30b) disposed in cooperation with said feeding plane (120) and configured to cooperate with corresponding ends of said bars (50) to prevent the longitudinal sliding of said bars (50) with respect to said feeding plane (120).

8. Apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one command and control unit (31) electronically connected at least to said separation device (11) and configured at least to selectively coordinate the movement of said separation device (11) at least in said first direction (D3) of separation and at least in said second direction (D2) of disentanglement.

9. Method for dividing and separating a plurality of bars (50) into bundles, said bars (50) being fed transverse to a certain direction of feed (DI) on a feeding plane (120) in an apparatus as in any claims hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least a first separation step in which at least part of a separation device (11) is selectively moved at least in a first direction (D3) of separation at least inclined with respect to said feeding plane (120), and at least a second disentanglement and release step in which at least part of said separation device (11) is selectively moved in a second direction (D2) of disentanglement substantially orthogonal to said direction of feed (DI).

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