Apparatus for handling objects

Abstract

Apparatus for moving objects comprising: a first column 2, a second column 4 said first 2 and said second 4 columns each comprising an 8, 8' constraint plane configured to be constrained to the object to be moved, handling means 12 configured to move said constraint plane 8, 8' characterized in that said first 2 and said second 4 columns comprise at least one battery configured to allow them to be powered during operation.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR HANDLING OBJECTS

[0002] This invention concerns a device for moving objects, in particular a device for moving objects on which welding, assembly and maintenance operations must be carried out.

[0003] Rotary lifts are well-known for welding, assembly, and maintenance work. They typically comprise a pair of opposing columns, each containing a constraint plane associated with the object being handled. These objects can be quite large, including train carriages, motor vehicles, chassis, trailers, tanks, or other light or heavy machinery or artifacts of various kinds. Motors then move the constraint plane — i.e. , it is translated, generally along the vertical axis, and rotated — to position the object in the easiest position for machining operations. These operations generally require the operator to physically move around the workpiece to reach the desired position.

[0004] These well-known solutions, however, are not fully satisfactory since the working area in which the operator finds himself moving is often complicated to navigate due to the dimensions posed by the object being moved as well as by the handling apparatus.

[0005] The aim of this invention is to propose a device for moving objects that overcomes the drawbacks of known solutions.

[0006] Another aim of the invention is to propose a device that is simple to operate. Another aim of the invention is to propose a device that is safe to operate.

[0007] Another aim of the invention is to propose a device that is simple and quick to make and install.

[0008] Another aim of the invention is to propose a device that can be used in different environments.

[0009] Another aim of the invention is to propose a device that can be configured according to the needs of each use.

[0010] Another aim of the invention is to propose a device that is an alternative and / or improvement on known solutions.

[0011] Another aim of the invention is to propose a device that can be produced at low costs.

[0012] All these purposes, and others which will clearly emerge from the description, are achieved by means of an apparatus for moving objects having the characteristics described in claim 1 .

[0013] Other structural and functional characteristics of the present invention and the related advantages compared to the known art will become even clearer and more evident from an examination of the following description, referring to an exemplary and preferred, but not limiting, embodiment of the apparatus for moving objects which is the object of the present invention, and from the attached drawings, where:

[0014] Figure 1 shows the apparatus according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0015] Figure 2 shows it in a second embodiment,

[0016] Figure 3 shows a detail of a slave column of a device according to the invention.

[0017] As can be clearly seen from the figures, this invention relates to an apparatus for moving objects, particularly for moving objects requiring welding, assembly, and maintenance. Preferably, this invention relates to a positioning apparatus 1 , and more preferably to a three-axis positioning apparatus.

[0018] In particular, the apparatus 1 according to the invention may comprise a first column 2 and a second column 4. The two columns 2 and 4 may be conveniently configured to operate in a master-slave configuration, in which the first column 2 acts as the master and the second column 4 acts as the slave. In one embodiment, the two roles may be reversed, with the first column 2 acting as the slave and the second column 4 acting as the master. In an alternative embodiment, the two columns may be configured to operate in a master / master configuration, particularly if both have a second motor, as will be clear later.

[0019] Suitably, each column may comprise a frame 6, 6' configured to contain, at least partially, the additional components of the column itself.

[0020] Each column 2, 4 may conveniently include handling devices configured to allow for simple and easy movement; for example, it may include wheels (not shown). Furthermore, each column may include anchoring devices configured to allow for stable and reversible attachment to a floor.

[0021] Traditionally, each column 2, 4 may include a constraint plane 8, 8', configured to be associated with the object to be manipulated.

[0022] Advantageously, each column 2, 4 can comprise a first motor (not shown) configured to move said constraint plane 8, 8' along a vertical axis. Suitably, the movement can be transmitted by means of appropriate first transmission means 10, 10', for example by means of a worm screw. Advantageously, both columns 2, 4 can have a substantially corresponding first motor, in particular they can have a motor powered by 24 V, or 48 V, or alternative DC voltages with direct start. In particular, therefore, said first motor can be directly connected to a power source, as will be clear later. Alternatively, each column can comprise a drive or a VFD that allows the movement speed of the first movement means 12 to be varied.

[0023] Furthermore, each column 2, 4 may include a second motor 12, configured to allow rotation of the constraint plane 8, 8' around at least one axis. The movement may be transmitted by means of appropriate second transmission means 14, for example, by means of an epicyclic gearmotor that, through a pinion, rotates a toothed fifth wheel which, in turn, connected to the constraint plane, rotates the piece. Advantageously, both columns 2, 4 may have a second, substantially corresponding motor 12, and in particular a motor controlled by a drive that allows the rotation speed to be varied.

[0024] Advantageously, each column 2, 4 may include a power source, and in particular, may include at least one battery, and preferably at least one battery pack (not shown). Preferably, said at least one battery may be 24V DC or 48V DC, or other voltages. Each column 2, 4 may conveniently include a corresponding connection to the electrical network, for example a battery charger, configured to allow the at least one battery to be recharged. Each column 2, 4 may conveniently be configured not to function when connected to the electrical network. Advantageously, the at least one battery may be installed inside the frame 6, 6' at the base, in order to improve the stability of the column itself. Preferably, if multiple batteries are present, they may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis of the column 2, 4. Each column 2, 4 may conveniently be equipped with a corresponding switch that allows the at least one battery to be disconnected.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, each column 2, 4 may comprise a first sensor configured to detect the position of the constraint plane 8, and, in particular, may comprise a limit switch sensor configured to detect when the constraint plane is at and / or near the maximum upper position. In this way, it is possible to achieve redundancy that prevents any damage to the machinery due to incorrect control by the user.

[0026] Furthermore, the device may also conveniently include a second sensor configured to detect the weight of the object associated with the constraint plane 8. For example, the second sensor may include a load cell or other sensors. This way, it is possible to prevent incorrect use of the machinery, and in particular, its use for lifting excessive weights.

[0027] Advantageously, each column 2, 4 may include a corresponding control and management unit (not shown), which may, for example, be a PCB, configured to control the operation of the column's components, and in particular the first and second motors, and the power supply. Alternatively, the control and management unit may include a PLC.

[0028] Advantageously, only the master column, for example the first column, can include corresponding input means 16 configured to allow a user to send commands to the control and management unit, in particular controls that allow the device 1 to be operated, and therefore both the first 2 and the second column 4 to be operated. In particular, said input means can include a keyboard and / or a touchscreen. Advantageously, said input means can be positioned directly on the frame 6 of the column.

[0029] Advantageously, at least the master column, or even both columns 2, 4, can have suitable output means, configured to send information on the operation of the column 2, 4 and / or its components and / or of the apparatus 1 to a user. For example, said output means can be configured to send to a user information on the state of charge of the battery.

[0030] Advantageously, said input and output means can be connected to said control and management unit.

[0031] Advantageously, said control unit installed in a column 2, 4 and management can be connected to suitable communication means, configured to allow the sending / receiving of information and / or instructions to / from a control and management unit positioned on the other column 4, 2, and / or an additional device controlled by a user. Advantageously, said communication means can be wireless. Preferably, said communication means can be WiFi. Advantageously, each column 2, 4 can include a transmitter and a receiver, and preferably a transceiver.

[0032] Conveniently configured to detect whether column 2, 4 is connected to the mains and, if so, can prevent a user from operating the first and / or second motor.

[0033] Advantageously the control and management unit can be configured to detect whether the battery associated with columns 2 and 4 is low, or has a charge level below a predefined and / or user-selected value, and, if so, can prevent a user from operating the first and / or second motor. Alternatively, the control and management unit can be configured to send a warning message if a user attempts to operate the device when one or more of columns 2 and 4 has a battery with a charge level below a predefined value.

[0034] Advantageously, the control and management unit can be configured to allow the use of only one motor at a time - i.e., when the first motor is running, the second motor is stopped, and vice versa. Alternatively, the control and management unit can be configured to send a warning message if a user attempts to operate the device when one or more of columns 2 and 4 are charging.

[0035] Appropriately, the control and management unit is configured to block the operation of the first motor following a signal from the first and / or second sensor, and preferably this block can override any other control sent by a user.

[0036] From what has been said, it is clear that the innovative device is particularly advantageous, indeed, optimal, as it allows the user to work in a work environment where the risk of tripping is limited.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Apparatus for moving objects comprising: a first column (2), a second column (4) said first (2) and said second (4) columns each comprising: a constraint plane (8, 8') configured to be constrained to the object to be moved, handling means (12) configured to move said constraint plane (8, 8'), the apparatus being characterised in that said first (2) and said second (4) columns comprise at least one battery configured to allow it to be powered during operation.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that said first (2) and said second (4) columns operate in master / slave configuration.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that said first (2) and said second (4) columns operate in master / master configuration.

4. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that each column (2, 4) comprises a frame (6, 6') configured to contain, at least partially, the further components of the column itself.

5. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that each column (2, 4) comprises movement means configured to allow it to be moved in a simple and easy manner.

6. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that each column (2, 4) comprises wheels.

7. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that each column (2, 4) comprises anchoring means, configured to allow its stable and reversible association with a floor.

8. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that each column (2, 4) comprises a first motor configured to move said constraint plane (8, 8') along a vertical axis.

9. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that each column (2, 4) comprises a second motor (12, 12'), configured to allow rotation of the constraint plane 8, 8' around at least one axis.

10. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that each column (2, 4) comprises a connection to the electrical network in order to recharge said at least one battery.11 . Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that each column (2, 4) comprises a corresponding control and management unit, which for example can be a PCB, configured to control the operation of the components of the column itself.

12. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that both columns (2, 4) can have a substantially corresponding first motor.

13. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said first motor is a 24 V DC motor with direct start.

14. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said second motor is a motor controlled by a drive which allows the rotation speed to be varied.

15. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said at least one battery is installed at the base of the column (2, 4).

16. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that only the master column (2, 4) comprises corresponding input means (16) configured to allow a user to send commands to the control and management unit.

17. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said control and management unit installed in a column (2, 4) can be connected to suitable means of communication, configured to allow the sending / receiving of information and / or instructions to / from a control and management unit positioned on the other column (4, 2), and / or a further device controlled by a user.

18. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said control and management unit is configured to detect whether the column (2, 4) is connected to the electrical network and, if so, can prevent a user from operating the first and / or second motor.

19. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that it comprises: at least one first sensor configured to detect the position of the constraint plane (8); at least one second sensor configured to detect the weight of the object constrained to the constraint plane (8); and that the control and management unit is configured to block the operation of the first motor following a signal from the first and / or second sensor.

20. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterisedin that said control and management unit can be configured to detect whether the battery associated with the column (2, 4) is flat, or in any case has a charge level lower than a predefined and / or user-selected value, and, if so, can prevent a user from operating the first and / or second motor. If the batteries are flat, the machine locks out; some motors cannot be excluded and the machine would not be able to function.

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