Device for transferring bars

Abstract

A device (100) for transferring bars (B) from a first position to a distinct second position, comprising: two support elements (175), each adapted to support from below a respective portion of a bar (B) located in the first position; and a motor-driven motion system (180, 185) adapted to simultaneously impart to each of said support elements (175) one and the same movement in a respective vertical plane; said motion system (180, 185) being configured: such that said movement comprises at least one vertical component, for raising the bar (B) with respect to the first position, and one horizontal component, for moving the bar (B) from the first position toward the second position, and such that each support element (175) remains parallel to itself during said movement, at least from the first position to the second position.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING BARS

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for the automatic transfer of bars, in particular bars (sticks) for suspending products, between two distinct positions.

[0004] The products concerned are generally cured meat products; however, it is not excluded that they may be cheeses, pet food products, food products containing alternative proteins, or any other food product.

[0005] Advantageously, although not exclusively, the device according to the invention may be used to transfer the aforesaid bars from a first position, to which they may be conveyed by a first conveyor - for example, arranged downstream of an automatic device for loading products onto the bars - to a distinct second position, at which they may be released to a second conveyor - situated, for example, upstream of an automatic loader for loading the bars, with the products suspended therefrom, onto frames, trolleys or racks.

[0006] Background Art

[0007] It is well known that certain cured meat products, such as salamis, coppa, pancetta and others, are subjected to processing operations, including curing, during which they are kept hanging, for a predetermined period of time, inside chambers having controlled climatic conditions.

[0008] In industry, such products are often hung on bars, generally made of metal (for example steel or aluminium), having a cross-section which may indifferently be circular, rectangular, square, triangular, star-shaped, inverted-U-shaped, or of any other form, each of said bars being capable of supporting a plurality of cured meat products by means of a loop of the cord by which they are tied.

[0009] Said bars are then loaded, together with other similar bars, onto suitable support structures, such as frames, trolleys or racks, which are subsequently placed in the curing chambers.

[0010] In order to automate the processes and reduce human labour, devices are available on the market which are capable of automatically threading the loops of the cured meat products onto the bars, as well as devices capable of automatically loading the bars, with the cured meat products hanging therefrom, onto the support structures.The transfer of the bars from the former devices to the latter devices may be carried out by means of handling robots (for example anthropomorphic arm robots), which, however, entail extremely significant overall dimensions, costs and limitations in vertical development.

[0011] Accordingly, the aforesaid transfer is still often carried out by manual intervention of an operator, who picks up the bars loaded with cured meat products, for example from a conveyor arranged at the outlet of the device that threads the loops, and delivers them to the device that loads them onto the support structures, for example by placing them on an inlet conveyor.

[0012] It is, however, evident that such human intervention, in addition to being physically demanding for the operator, thereby constituting a strenuous activity and a potential source of injury, entails additional time which slows down the entire process, thereby reducing its efficiency and productivity.

[0013] It should furthermore be pointed out that, although the foregoing discussion has referred, for the sake of simplicity, to the exemplary case of cured meat products, the same procedures, albeit sometimes carried out in slightly different ways, are also performed with the other products mentioned in the introduction, thereby giving rise to the same drawbacks set out above.

[0014] Disclosure of the Invention

[0015] An object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawback of the known art by providing a device capable of automatically transferring bars, in particular bars (sticks) with products hanging therefrom (e.g. cured meat products, cheeses or other food products), between two distinct positions, preferably, though not necessarily, between a device that loads the products onto the bars and a device that loads the bars loaded with products onto suitable support structures.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to achieve the aforementioned object by means of a solution that is simple, rational and relatively inexpensive.

[0017] These and other objects are achieved by virtue of the features of the invention set out in the independent claims. The dependent claims define preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention, although not strictly necessary for its implementation.In particular, one embodiment of the present invention provides a device for transferring bars, preferably bars (sticks) loaded with hanging products (e.g. cured meat products, cheeses or other food products), from a first position to a distinct second position, comprising:

[0018] - two support elements each adapted to support from below a respective portion of a bar located in the first position, and

[0019] - a motor-driven motion system adapted to simultaneously impart to each of said support elements one and the same movement in a respective vertical plane, said motion system being configured:

[0020] - such that said movement comprises at least one vertical component, for raising the bar with respect to the first position, and one horizontal component, for moving the bar from the first position toward the second position, and

[0021] - such that each support element remains parallel to itself during said movement, at least from the first position to the second position.

[0022] Thanks to this solution, the bars are automatically transferred, while keeping them parallel to themselves, from the first position, where they may be conveyed by a first conveyor — for example, but not necessarily, arranged at the outlet of a device configured to load the bars with the products — to the second position, where they may be released to a second conveyor — situated, for example, but not necessarily, at the inlet of a device configured to load the bars loaded with products onto suitable support structures.

[0023] All this by means of a translatory movement which, in particular, makes it possible to keep the products substantially stationary on the bars (that is, avoiding the risk of slipping off), and which may be repeated in a timed cycle, for example in order effectively to coordinate operation of the first conveyor with that of the second conveyor.

[0024] Furthermore, if the movement of the support elements is smooth in the horizontal plane, it is advantageously possible to reduce the risk of breakage of the loops or detachment thereof from the product or from the clipping members thereof, owing to the considerably more limited oscillations.

[0025] This device may therefore be advantageously used in all cases, such as that outlined above, in which the first position (pick-up position) may be located at a different height from the second position (release position), that is, where it is necessary to overcome a difference in height.However, it may also prove advantageous in cases in which the first position and the second position are located at the same height, for example for transferring bars on which products of small diameter are hanging, or products for which the distance between the bars is so small as not to allow adoption of alternative solutions, such as alignment of two successive chain conveyors, since it would not be possible to avoid interference between the return portion of the second chain conveyor and the bar following the one to be picked up.

[0026] A further advantage of the device according to the invention is represented by the possibility of carrying out the transfer with smaller overall dimensions, both longitudinally and transversely.

[0027] A further advantage is that the solution is independent of the length and diameter of the products, for example salamis, which may be hung on the transferred bars.

[0028] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, each support element may be shaped as a fork (or U-shaped body) having its concavity facing upward and, for example, a flat bottom (for bars having a rectangular cross-section) or a semicircular bottom (for bars having a circular cross-section).

[0029] In this way, the support elements are capable of retaining the bars (whatever their crosssection may be) in an extremely stable and safe manner, reducing the risk of falling. Within the scope of the present invention, the motion system of the support elements may comprise, for each support element, a walking beam mechanism, or an articulated parallelogram mechanism, or any other kinematic mechanism capable of imparting to each support element the movement outlined above, that is, with vertical and horizontal components.

[0030] However, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the motion system may comprise:

[0031] - two support arms adapted to rotate synchronously about one and the same horizontal axis of rotation, each of said arms carrying a respective support element in a position spaced apart from the axis of rotation, preferably at the same distance as the other support element, and

[0032] - two compensation mechanisms, each of which is configured to keep a respective support element parallel to itself during rotation of the support arm.Compared with other systems, this solution with a rotating support arm ensures greater operational versatility, allowing more effective integration with the constraints that may derive from operation of the first and / or second conveyor, thus ensuring a smoother process capable of better adapting to production requirements.

[0033] In particular, one aspect of the invention provides that the compensation mechanism may comprise a flexible transmission member, for example a chain, wound in a closed loop around at least two wheels, for example two toothed wheels, having the same diameter, of which a first wheel is fixed and coaxial with the axis of rotation of the support arm, and a second wheel is movable, carried by the support arm at a distance from the axis of rotation, to which the support element is fixed.

[0034] This type of compensation mechanism, unlike other mechanisms capable of maintaining parallelism, such as the articulated parallelogram, offers the advantage of generally being more compact and less bulky, as well as allowing the support arm to perform complete rotations without any hindrance.

[0035] In this context, the compensation mechanism may further comprise at least a third wheel, for example a third toothed wheel, mounted on the support arm and adapted to remain in contact with the flexible transmission member, the position of said third wheel being adjustable in order to vary the tension of the flexible transmission member itself.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, the motion system may comprise, for each support element, an adjustment system configured to allow, at least when the support arm is stationary, adjustment of the orientation of the support element with respect to the support arm itself, about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0037] Thanks to this adjustment system, it is advantageously possible to calibrate the orientation of the support element, for example in order to ensure that its concavity is oriented perfectly vertically and upwardly, compensating for any small differences due, for example, to unavoidable manufacturing and / or assembly tolerances, or due to normal wear. In particular, a particularly simple embodiment provides that the adjustment system may be configured to allow variation of the angular position of the first wheel about the axis of rotation.

[0038] In this manner, by rotating the first wheel, for example while the support arm is stationary, the flexible transmission member is also actuated, which in turn causes rotation of the second wheel and therefore of the support element associated therewith.By way of example, said adjustment system may comprise a support shaft, which is coaxially fixed to the first wheel and is rotatably coupled to the support arm, so as to be rotatable with respect thereto about the axis of rotation.

[0039] In some embodiments, said support shaft may in turn be rotatably and coaxially inserted into a cylindrical hinge pin, which is integral with the support arm.

[0040] The adjustment system may further comprise fastening means for locking the support shaft in a plurality of different angular positions with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0041] Returning to the motion system, the invention provides that the latter is generally motor-driven, that is, that the device comprises one or two motors, preferably electric or pneumatic motors, adapted to bring it into operation.

[0042] For example, the device could comprise two of said motors, which could individually be intended to drive a respective one of the aforementioned support arms, and be controlled so as to ensure perfect synchronism thereof.

[0043] A preferred aspect of the invention provides, however, that the transfer device may comprise a single motor adapted to rotate all of the support arms about the axis of rotation. Use of a single motor offers the advantage of limiting costs and ensuring, in a relatively simple and reliable manner, that rotation of the support arms takes place simultaneously. In some embodiments, said motor may be adapted to rotate a distribution shaft, to which each support arm may be kinematically connected through a respective kinematic mechanism comprising a flexible transmission member, for example a chain, wound in a closed loop around at least two wheels, for example two toothed wheels, of which a first wheel is coaxially fixed (e.g. keyed) to the distribution shaft, and a second wheel has an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation and is rotationally integral with the support arm.

[0044] The second wheel of the kinematic mechanism may be coaxially fixed (e.g. keyed) to the aforementioned cylindrical hinge pin which is fixed to the support arm.

[0045] In order to allow correction of possible machining errors, alignment of the two driving wheels arranged on the distribution shaft may be performed by means of keys inserted into seats formed in the distribution shaft itself.

[0046] Each kinematic mechanism may further comprise at least a third wheel, for example a third toothed wheel, which is adapted to remain in contact with the flexible transmission member and whose position is adjustable in order to vary the tension of the flexible transmission member itself.According to another aspect of the invention, the device may comprise an electronic control unit configured to control the motion system according to a mode selected from:

[0047] - causing each support arm to perform complete rotations about the axis of rotation in a predetermined direction,

[0048] - causing each support arm to oscillate by rotating alternately in opposite directions about the axis of rotation.

[0049] Both of these solutions make it possible cyclically to move each support element from the first position to the second position, thus allowing transfer of a plurality of bars in sequence.

[0050] The first mode, which does not require reversal of motion, offers the additional advantage of greater ease of coordination with the possible first and second conveyor, and therefore the possibility of achieving higher transfer frequencies.

[0051] The second mode, which provides for reversal of motion, instead offers the advantage of reducing the stroke of the support arms and, consequently, of limiting the overall dimensions of the device.

[0052] Irrespective of the mode adopted, the electronic control unit may be configured to rotate each support arm continuously or intermittently, stopping it for a certain period of time in one or more waiting positions.

[0053] As partly anticipated above, the invention also provides a bar-handling system, preferably for bars loaded with hanging products (e.g. cured meat products, cheeses or other food products), comprising:

[0054] - a first conveyor adapted to advance a plurality of bars oriented parallel to one another along a first direction of advancement, for example horizontal, orthogonal to the orientation of the bars themselves,

[0055] - a second conveyor adapted to advance a plurality of bars oriented parallel to one another along a second direction, for example horizontal, vertical or inclined, orthogonal to the orientation of the bars themselves, and

[0056] - the device outlined above, interposed between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, for transferring the bars from one to the other.

[0057] By taking advantage of the transfer device, this embodiment of the invention makes it possible to cause the bars to follow, in an automated manner, a complex path through a plurality of conveyors that are structurally independent.For example, though not exclusively, this system may therefore be useful for integrating a device adapted to hang the products on the bars with a device adapted to load the bars with the hanging products onto suitable support structures, such as frames, trolleys or racks.

[0058] In this way, it is also possible to uncouple the bar magazine of the loop-inserting machine from the number of bars to be loaded in the different levels of frames, trolleys or racks.

[0059] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0060] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the figures illustrated in the accompanying sheets of drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, associated with a device for loading bars onto support structures. Figure 2 is a top view of the assembly of Figure 1.

[0062] Figure 3 is section Ill-Ill of Figure 2.

[0063] Figure 4 is an enlarged portion of Figure 2.

[0064] Figure 5 is an enlarged portion of Figure 3, corresponding to that of Figure 4.

[0065] Figure 6 is a further enlarged portion of Figure 2.

[0066] Figure 7 is an enlarged portion of Figure 3, corresponding to that of Figure 6.

[0067] Figure 8 is an enlarged detail of Figure 1.

[0068] Figure 9 is an enlarged portion of Figure 1, in which many details have been omitted in order to highlight the features of the invention.

[0069] Figure 10 is an enlarged detail of Figure 9.

[0070] Figure 11 is a side view of the transfer device according to the invention, isolated from the remainder of the assembly of Figure 1.

[0071] Figure 12 is a front view of the device of Figure 11.

[0072] Figure 13 is section XIII-XIII of Figure 12.

[0073] Figure 14 is section XIV-XIV of Figure 11.

[0074] Figures 15 to 24 show a detail of Figure 3, relating to the transfer device according to the invention, wherein the latter is shown in a corresponding number of different positions during operation.Detailed Description

[0075] The device according to the present invention, one example of which is indicated by 100 in the aforementioned figures, is intended for moving bars B, in particular bars (sticks) loaded with products.

[0076] In the following description, the products are indicated as cured meat products S, for example salamis, pancetta, coppa or others, although it is not excluded that they may be cheeses, pet food products, food products containing alternative proteins or any other food product.

[0077] The bars B, which are preferably made of metal (e.g. steel or aluminium), may have a cross-section of any shape, for example rectangular, square, circular, hexagonal, starshaped, inverted-U-shaped, etc., and may furthermore preferably all have the same length, or substantially the same length.

[0078] Each bar B may support a plurality of cured meat products S, for example hanging by means of a loop of the cord by which they are tied, or of their clipping, arranged in a row and preferably equally spaced along the longitudinal extension of the bar B.

[0079] In order to keep the cured meat products S at the correct distance, each bar B may have transverse recesses individually adapted to receive and retain the loop of a respective cured meat product S.

[0080] Returning to the device 100, it is generally intended to transport a plurality of said bars B loaded with cured meat products S, one at a time, from a first position to a second position.

[0081] In particular, the bars B may be conveyed to the first position, one at a time, by a first conveyor 105, and may be transported by the device 100 to the second position, to be picked up, again one at a time, by a second conveyor 110.

[0082] The first conveyor 105 may be arranged at the outlet of a device, not illustrated since known per se, which is intended automatically to hang the cured meat products S on the bars B, for example by inserting each bar B into the loops of the respective cured meat products S or, more precisely, by threading the loops of the cured meat products S onto each bar B, while the latter is held in position by said device itself.

[0083] For example, the first conveyor 105 may belong to said device and may be the conveyor on which the device places the bars B after loading them with the cured meat products S.In any case, the first conveyor 105 may be a linear conveyor, that is, a conveyor adapted to advance the bars B loaded with cured meat products S in sequence (one after the other and stepwise, optionally varied according to the diametrical dimensions of the product), while keeping them parallel and coplanar to one another, preferably horizontal, along a predetermined straight direction of advancement X, preferably horizontal and perpendicular to the bars B themselves.

[0084] As better illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the first conveyor 105 comprises, for example, two advancement groups 115, each of which is adapted to receive, in a resting manner, a respective portion of each bar B, in the present case a respective one of the opposite end portions of the bar B.

[0085] In particular, each advancement group 115 may comprise a flexible member 120, for example a chain, which is wound in a closed path around a plurality of return wheels (not visible), for example toothed wheels, in such a way that said path has an operative portion which is straight and parallel to the direction of advancement X.

[0086] The operative portions of the flexible members 120 of both advancement groups 115 are coplanar with one another and arranged side by side in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of advancement X, and preferably have the same longitudinal extension. Each flexible member 120 may further have a plurality of projecting teeth 125, arranged in succession along the entire path of the flexible member 120, preferably equally spaced from one another, for example associated with each link of the chain, so that between each pair of consecutive teeth 125 there is defined a receiving seat for a bar B.

[0087] Each bar B may therefore be supported, preferably at the opposite ends thereof, simultaneously on the operative portions of both flexible members 120, perpendicularly thereto, and spaced apart (preferably equally spaced) from the adjacent bars B, for example by an amount equal to the pitch between the teeth 125.

[0088] The first conveyor 105 is also preferably motor-driven, that is, it may comprise at least one motor, preferably an electric or pneumatic motor, adapted to bring it into operation. Said motor, not illustrated since conventional per se, may for example be adapted to rotate at least one of the return wheels of each advancement group 115, for example by means of a distribution shaft connecting them, so as to cause sliding of the flexible members 120, simultaneously, in the same direction and at the same speed.More preferably, the motor may be adapted to rotate at least one of the return wheels of each advancement group 115 through kinematic transmissions comprising chains or positive belts, which make it possible to use a shaft whose position does not interfere with transfer of the bars B with the cured meat products S hanging therefrom.

[0089] However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, each advancement group 115 may be provided with a respective motor adapted to drive at least one of its return wheels, provided that operation of both motors is coordinated, for example by an electronic control unit, so that sliding of the flexible members 120 nevertheless takes place simultaneously, in the same direction and at the same speed.

[0090] In this way, in fact, sliding of the flexible members 120 causes translation of the bars B loaded with cured meat products S along the direction of advancement X, while keeping them parallel to one another.

[0091] Preferably, activation of the first conveyor 105 by the motor or motors may be intermittent, for example periodic or cyclic, so that advancement of the bars B takes place in discrete steps separated by stop periods, for example in steps having a length equal to the distance between two consecutive bars B (e.g. equal to the distance between two consecutive teeth 125).

[0092] In this way, each bar B is caused to occupy a series of predetermined consecutive positions along the direction of advancement X, which are the same for all the bars B.

[0093] The last of these positions may represent the aforementioned “first position”, in which each bar B is picked up by the device 100, as will be explained in detail below.

[0094] Turning now to the second conveyor 110, it may be arranged at the inlet of a loading device 130, which is intended automatically to load the bars B with the cured meat products S onto a support structure 135.

[0095] For example, the second conveyor 110 may belong to said loading device 130 and may be the conveyor that receives the bars B with the cured meat products S, so that the loading device 130 may load them onto the support structure 135.

[0096] The support structure 135, which may be a trolley, a frame, a rack or the like, is preferably a movable structure which, after loading, may be moved away from the device 130 so as to be transported, for example, into a curing chamber for the cured meat products S. The second conveyor 110 may be adapted to advance the bars B loaded with cured meat products S in sequence (one after the other), while keeping them parallel and coplanar toone another, preferably horizontal, along one or more predetermined directions of advancement perpendicular to the bars B themselves.

[0097] In particular, the second conveyor 110 may lift each bar B, moving it in a predetermined straight direction of advancement Z, vertical or possibly inclined, upwardly.

[0098] Thereafter, the second conveyor 110 may optionally lower each bar B, moving it in a predetermined straight direction of advancement Z’, vertical or possibly inclined, downwardly.

[0099] As better illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the second conveyor 110 may comprise, for example, two advancement groups 140, each of which is adapted to support, in a resting manner, a respective portion of each bar B, preferably a respective one of the opposite end portions of the bar B itself.

[0100] In particular, each advancement group 140 may comprise a flexible member 145, for example a chain, which is wound in a closed path around a plurality of return wheels 150, for example toothed wheels, in such a way that said path has at least a first operative portion which is straight and parallel to the direction of advancement Z, optionally followed by a second operative portion which is straight and parallel to the direction of advancement 71.

[0101] The first and the second operative portion of each flexible member 145 are coplanar and arranged side by side, in a direction orthogonal to the directions of advancement Z and Z’, respectively with the first and the second operative portion of the other flexible member 145, and preferably have the same longitudinal extension as the latter.

[0102] Each flexible member 145 may further have at least one support bracket 155, more preferably a plurality of support brackets 155 (for example at least two), arranged in succession along the path of the flexible member 145.

[0103] Each support bracket 155 of one flexible member 145 is aligned, in a direction orthogonal to the directions of advancement Z and Z’, with a corresponding support bracket 155 of the other flexible member 145.

[0104] In this way, each pair of mutually aligned support brackets 155 is capable of supporting, in a resting manner, one and the same bar B, for example the opposite ends thereof. Each bar B must therefore be supported simultaneously on both support brackets 155 of one pair, thus being oriented perpendicularly to the operative portions of both flexiblemembers 145, and spaced apart from the bar B preceding it, for example by an amount equal to the pitch between the various pairs of support brackets 155.

[0105] In the illustrated example, the second conveyor 110 comprises only two pairs of support brackets 155. However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the pairs of support brackets 155 may be more than two.

[0106] In order to reduce the risk of accidental falls, each support bracket 155 may be shaped as a cradle having its concavity facing upward and adapted to contain the bar B on three sides (see Figure 8).

[0107] Said cradle may further be shaped in such a way as to provide, with the bar B, for example with a bar B having a rectangular cross-section or in any case a polygonal cross-section, a prismatic coupling which prevents the bar B from rotating about its own axis.

[0108] For example, the cradle may have a squared shape with a flat base at right angles to two vertical side flanks, which are also flat.

[0109] In order to keep the bars B parallel to themselves, also following changes in the direction of advancement, each support bracket 155 may be connected to the respective flexible member 145 by means of an oscillating arm 160, which is hinged to the flexible member 145 according to a horizontal axis of rotation, parallel to the axis of rotation of the return wheels 150, and coinciding with the axis of rotation of the oscillating arm 160 carrying the opposite support bracket 155 associated with the other flexible member 145.

[0110] In order to increase stability, it is nevertheless possible to allow oscillation of the oscillating arm 160 only in correspondence with the return wheels 150, and to prevent it, or in any case limit it, along the other portions of the path, for example by means of a suitable guide system.

[0111] The second conveyor 110 is also preferably motor-driven, that is, it may comprise at least one motor, preferably an electric or pneumatic motor, adapted to bring it into operation. Said motor, not illustrated since conventional per se, may be adapted to rotate at least one of the return wheels 150 of each advancement group 140, for example by means of a distribution shaft connecting them without interfering with passage of the cured meat products S (e.g. arranged to connect the lower return wheels 150), so as to cause sliding of the flexible members 145, simultaneously, in the same direction and at the same speed. However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, each advancement group 140 may be provided with a respective motor adapted to drive at least one of its return wheels150, provided that operation of both motors is coordinated, for example by an electronic control unit, so that sliding of the flexible members 145 nevertheless takes place simultaneously, in the same direction and at the same speed.

[0112] In this way, in fact, sliding of the flexible members 145 causes translation of each pair of support brackets 155 along the directions of advancement Z and Z’, while keeping the bars B loaded with cured meat products S transported thereby parallel to one another. Preferably, activation of the second conveyor 110 by the motor or motors may be intermittent, for example periodic or cyclic, so that advancement of each pair of support brackets 155 takes place in discrete steps separated by stop periods.

[0113] However, it is not excluded that, in some embodiments, movement of the second conveyor 110 may be continuous, at least during the actual loading steps.

[0114] In any case, by moving along the path defined by the flexible members 145, each pair of support brackets 155 is adapted to move a bar B loaded with cured meat products S, first by lifting it while proceeding along the direction of advancement Z, and subsequently by lowering it while proceeding along the direction of advancement Z’.

[0115] By means of the latter lowering movement, the bar B may be released / supported on a third conveyor 165, which is subsequently adapted to advance it in a horizontal direction of advancement X’, preferably straight, so as to leave space for release of the next bar B and progressively form a row of bars B, loaded with cured meat products S, which lie coplanar, preferably on a horizontal plane, mutually parallel and orthogonal to the direction of advancement X’.

[0116] This third conveyor 165 may be structurally similar to the first conveyor 105, but is associated with an elevator which allows it to translate in a vertical direction, moving within the support structure 135 to be loaded.

[0117] In particular, said support structure 135 may provide a plurality of vertically superposed loading levels, each of which is defined by a pair of shelves 170, coplanar, parallel and separated by a distance slightly smaller than the length of the bars B.

[0118] The third conveyor 165 is vertically movable in the space comprised between the shelves 170 of each loading level.

[0119] In this way, the third conveyor 165 may be positioned at a height slightly above that of a loading level to be filled and, after having formed the row of bars B loaded with cured meat products S, with subsequent transfer of all the bars B of one level into the depositionposition, it may be lowered, so that all the bars B of the row just formed simultaneously rest, through their opposite ends, on the two shelves 170 defining that loading level. This procedure may be repeated for all the loading levels, proceeding from top to bottom, until the support structure 135 is completely filled, whereupon it may be moved away and replaced with another empty support structure 135.

[0120] Finally, turning to the device 100 according to the present invention, it may be intended to transfer the bars B from the first position, for example that defined by the first conveyor 105, to a second position, for example located along the ascending portion of the path defined by the flexible members 145 of the second conveyor 110, so that it may be automatically picked up by a pair of support brackets 155.

[0121] As better illustrated in Figure 9, the device 100 comprises two support elements 175, preferably identical to one another, which are adapted to support from below, simultaneously, a respective portion of the bar B (loaded with cured meat products S) located in the first position, preferably a portion located near a respective end.

[0122] For example, the support elements 175 may be mutually aligned along a direction, preferably horizontal, parallel to the bar B located in the first position, and may be spaced apart by an amount smaller than the distance separating the advancement groups 115 of the first conveyor 105, so as to pass therebetween without interference and without even causing interference between the cured meat products S of the bar B being picked up and the cured meat products S of the following bar B.

[0123] Each of said support elements 175 may be generally shaped as a fork (or U-shaped body) having its concavity facing upward, so as to embrace the respective portion of the bar B on three sides, thereby retaining it more stably.

[0124] Said fork may further be shaped in such a way as to provide, with the respective portion of the bar B, for example in the case where the bar B has a rectangular cross-section or in any case a polygonal cross-section, a coupling which prevents, or at least hinders, possible rotations of the bar B about its own axis.

[0125] For example, the fork may define a substantially squared concavity having a flat base at right angles to two vertical side flanks, which are also flat.

[0126] Especially in the case of bars B having a circular cross-section, the fork may have a substantially semicircular bottom section, for example with two parallel and vertical straight portions and with two diverging inclined portions, so that the friction coupleprevents, or at least limits, the possibility of rotation of the bars B about their longitudinal axis.

[0127] In the example shown, for reasons which will become clearer below, each support element 175 is defined by two identical shaped plates, each having, for example, the shape of said fork (see Figure 10), which are integral with one another, exactly facing one another along a direction parallel to the bar B and spaced apart by a small gap.

[0128] In other words, each pair of closely spaced shaped plates, shaped as a fork, that is to say as a U, defines a single support element 175, thereby conferring greater stability and mechanical strength on the latter.

[0129] However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, each support element 175 may be formed by more than two shaped plates or, alternatively, by a single monolithic body. The device 100 further comprises a motion system adapted to impart to each support element 175 a movement in a respective vertical plane.

[0130] Said movement is the same for both support elements 175 and is simultaneous and at the same speed, so that the latter always remain aligned with one another along a direction parallel to the bar B.

[0131] In particular, the motion system is configured such that said movement comprises at least one vertical component, for raising the bar B (with the cured meat products S hanging therefrom) from the first position, and one horizontal component, for moving the bar B (with the cured meat products S hanging therefrom) from the first position toward the desired second position.

[0132] Preferably, said two components of the movement may be performed simultaneously, that is, in such a way that the support elements 175 move vertically while also moving horizontally.

[0133] Furthermore, the motion system is configured such that, at least during said movement from the first position to the second position, each support element 175 remains parallel to itself, that is, performs a translation, for example in such a way that the concavity of the fork defined thereby remains constantly facing upward and parallel to itself.

[0134] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, each support element 175 may, for example, be carried by a respective support arm 180, which is adapted to rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation Y and is spaced apart from the support element 175 itself.In particular, both support arms 180 may have the same axis of rotation Y, which may be parallel to the direction of alignment between the support elements 175, that is to say to the bar B located in the first position, and be spaced apart from each of them by the same amount.

[0135] In this way, following rotation (simultaneous, in the same direction and at the same speed) of the two support arms 180, both support elements 175 are adapted to move along a circular trajectory, centred on the axis of rotation Y, which comprises the desired vertical component and horizontal component.

[0136] Preferably, though not necessarily, the two support arms 180 may rotate at constant speed, thereby obtaining a smooth movement in the horizontal plane, with consequent reduction of the inertial oscillations of the cured meat products S hanging from the transported bar B.

[0137] In order to keep each support element 175 parallel to itself along the whole of said circular trajectory, that is to say during rotation of the respective support arm 180, the motion system may further comprise, for each support element 175, a suitable compensation mechanism.

[0138] As better illustrated in Figure 13, one aspect of the invention provides that said compensation mechanism may comprise a flexible transmission member 185, for example a chain, which is wound in a closed path around at least two return wheels, for example two toothed wheels, namely a first wheel 190 and a second wheel 195.

[0139] The first wheel 190 is coaxial with the axis of rotation Y of the support arm 180 but is fixed, that is, it is intended to remain stationary while the support arm 180 rotates.

[0140] The second wheel 195 is instead movable, that is, it is carried by the support arm 180 at a distance from the axis of rotation Y, so as to be movable, driven by the support arm 180, along a circular trajectory.

[0141] The second wheel 195 is further pivoted to the support arm 180, so as to be free to rotate, with respect to the support arm 180, about its own central axis Y’.

[0142] Said central axis Y’ is parallel to and spaced apart from the axis of rotation Y and preferably coincides with the central axis Y’ of the second wheel 195 associated with the other support arm 180.

[0143] In this way, any rotation of the support arm 180 causes not only the second wheel 195 to perform an arc-of-circle trajectory about the axis of rotation Y, but also, thanks to theflexible transmission member 185 connecting it to the fixed first wheel 190, to rotate about itself about the axis of rotation Y’, in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the support arm 180.

[0144] In particular, the first wheel 190 and the second wheel 195 preferably have the same diameter, for example the same pitch diameter, so that the angle of rotation performed by the second wheel 195 about the axis Y’ is always equal to the angle of rotation performed, in the opposite direction, by the support arm 180 about the axis Y.

[0145] Each support element 175 may therefore be directly fixed to the second wheel 195 of the respective compensation mechanism, with the result that, whatever position is assumed by the support arm 180, the support element 175 always maintains the same orientation, that is, remains parallel to itself, which may for example be calibrated so that the concavity of the fork always faces upward.

[0146] From the constructional point of view, the two shaped plates which, as previously mentioned, may overall define the support element 175, may be fixed on opposite sides of the second wheel 195, so that the latter is received, together with a portion of the flexible transmission member 185, in the gap separating them.

[0147] The support arm 180 may likewise be defined by a pair of plates, possibly suitably shaped, which face one another and are spaced apart so as to define a second gap, and which are joined together, for example by means of one or more spacers, so as to be rotationally integral.

[0148] The second wheel 195, as well as the respective support element 175 and the flexible transmission member 185, may therefore further be received in the gap defined between the plates of the support arm 180, preferably being pivoted to both of them.

[0149] In the illustrated embodiment, the first wheel 190 is instead cantilever-fixed to only one of the plates defining the support arm 180, namely the outermost one.

[0150] However, in order to achieve greater structural strength, it may be preferable to increase the size of the inner plate, in such a way as also to provide the first wheel 190 with a second support point, in a manner similar to the second wheel 195.

[0151] Each compensation mechanism may further comprise at least a third wheel 200, for example a third toothed wheel, installed on the respective support arm 180, for example between the two plates defining it, which is adapted to remain in contact with the flexible transmission member 185 and whose position is adjustable, for example manually andfor example by means of a screw adjustment system, in order to vary / regulate the tension of the flexible transmission member 185 itself.

[0152] The constructional solution of the arms 180 described above is particularly advantageous in terms of strength, although the possibility of adopting other constructional solutions is not excluded, for example with a single thicker plate and cantilever-mounted wheels. In order to be rotatable about the axis Y, each support arm 180 may be hinged to a fixed structural part 205 of the device 100, which may in turn be fixed to a supporting frame of the first and / or second conveyor 105 and 110, or, more generally, of the device for loading the cured meat products S onto the bars B and / or of the device for loading the bars B with the cured meat products S onto the support structures 135.

[0153] For example, the structural part 205 of the device 100 may comprise, for each support arm 180, a flat side wall, which may in turn be defined by a pair of parallel plates, facing one another and firmly joined together, for example with the interposition of spacers, so as to define a third gap.

[0154] More particularly, each support arm 180 may be hinged to the structural part 205 by means of a hinge pin 210, having an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation Y, which is fixed, for example flanged, to the support arm 180, for example to one of the plates defining it, and may be rotatably inserted into a corresponding cylindrical seat formed in and / or fixed to the structural part 205.

[0155] The first wheel 190 of each compensation mechanism may be fixed to the same structural part 205, for example so as to be positioned on the opposite side of the hinge pin 210 with respect to the plate of the support arm 180 to which the latter is fixed.

[0156] For example, each hinge pin 210 may be shaped as a cylindrical sleeve, and each first wheel 190 may be fixed to a support shaft 215, which is coaxially and rotatably inserted into the hinge pin 210 of the respective support arm 180 and which, for example by projecting on the opposite side, may be stably fixed to the structural part 205 by suitable locking means.

[0157] Said locking means are preferably of the releasable type, so that, at least when the support arm 180 is stationary, it is possible to release the support shaft 215 from the structural part 205 and rotate it, for example manually, inside the respective hinge pin 210, and then lock it again in a different angular position, more preferably in a plurality of different angular positions.In this way, at least when the support arm 180 is stationary, it is possible to adjust / calibrate the angular position of the first wheel 190 of the compensation mechanism, thereby allowing, through the transmission member 185 and the second wheel 195, simultaneous adjustment of the angular position of the support element 175, for example in order to ensure that its orientation corresponds to the desired one, in the present case with the concavity of the fork facing upward, while compensating for any differences due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances.

[0158] To this end, the locking means may comprise, for example, a lever 220 having a first end fixed to the free end of the support shaft 215, projecting from the hinge pin 210, and a second end fixed to a slider 225, which may slide along an arcuate slot 230 of the structural part 205 (see Figure 11 ), centred on the axis of rotation Y, and may be locked therein in any position, for example by means of a screw.

[0159] The device 100 is preferably motor-driven, that is, it may comprise at least one motor, preferably an electric or pneumatic motor, adapted to bring into operation the motion system of the support elements 175, in the example the support arms 180.

[0160] In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 comprises one single motor or gearmotor 240, preferably electric or pneumatic, which is adapted to rotate all, in the present case both, of the support arms 180 about the axis of rotation Y.

[0161] Said motor 240 may, for example, be adapted to rotate a distribution shaft 245, preferably oriented parallel to the axis of rotation Y, which is kinematically connected to each support arm 180 through a respective kinematic mechanism.

[0162] Each kinematic mechanism may comprise a flexible transmission member 250, for example a chain, wound in a closed path around at least two return wheels, for example two toothed wheels, of which a first wheel 255 is coaxially fixed (e.g. keyed) to the distribution shaft 245 (see Figure 13), and a second wheel 260 has an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation Y and is rotationally integral with the respective support arm 180.

[0163] For example (see Figure 14), the second wheel 260 of each kinematic mechanism may be coaxially fixed (e.g. keyed) to the aforementioned hinge pin 210 which is fixed to the respective support arm 180.

[0164] In order to allow correction of possible machining errors, keying of the first wheel 255 arranged on the distribution shaft 245 may be performed by means of a key inserted into a seat formed in the distribution shaft 245 itself.Each kinematic mechanism may further comprise at least a third wheel 265, for example a third toothed wheel, which is adapted to remain in contact with the flexible transmission member 250 and whose position is preferably adjustable, for example manually, in order to vary the tension of the flexible transmission member 250 itself.

[0165] Although the case of a single motor 240 has been illustrated, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, each support arm 180 may be rotated by a respective motor, provided that operation of both motors is coordinated, for example by an electronic control unit, so that rotation of the support arms 180 nevertheless takes place simultaneously, in the same direction and at the same speed.

[0166] In this way, in fact, rotation of the support arms 180 causes translation of both support elements 175 which, while always remaining parallel to themselves and aligned with one another along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation Y, proceed along a circular trajectory passing from the first position, for example (as illustrated in Figures 3 and 9) from the position of picking up the bar B (with the cured meat products S hanging therefrom) from the first conveyor 105, to the second position, for example to the position of delivering the bar B to the second conveyor 110 (as illustrated in Figure 21).

[0167] In particular, starting from the first position (see Figure 3), the support arms 180 are controlled to rotate in the direction corresponding to lifting of the support elements 175 (as illustrated by the sequence of Figures 15 to 20), so as to lift the bar B, for example from the first conveyor 105, and also move it horizontally, proceeding along the circular trajectory, toward the second position (see Figure 21 ), for example by moving it away from the first conveyor 105 and closer to the second conveyor 110.

[0168] Since, during said displacement, the orientation of the support elements 175 remains constant, the bar B also performs a substantial translation, while constantly remaining parallel to itself.

[0169] Once the second position has been reached, the support elements 175 may be stopped, for example while waiting for the bar B carried thereby to be picked up, as outlined above, by a pair of support brackets 155 of the second conveyor 110.

[0170] Alternatively, when the support elements 175 reach the second position, the support brackets 155 may already also be in position, with the consequence that the support arms 180 may not be stopped and may continue to move.In both cases, once freed from the bar B, the support elements 175 may be brought back to the first position so as to repeat the cycle and transfer a second bar B (with the cured meat products S hanging therefrom), which in the meantime may have been brought into the first position by the first conveyor 105, and so on until any number of bars B has been transferred.

[0171] In particular, in order each time to bring the support elements 175 back to the first position, the support arms 180 may be rotated always in the same direction (as illustrated in the sequence of Figures 22 to 24), thereby effectively making them perform complete rotations about the axis of rotation Y.

[0172] In this way, dead times are reduced, since, while the support elements 175 perform the return stroke, the first conveyor 105 may simultaneously be activated in order to bring the next bar B into the first position from which it will be picked up.

[0173] However, it is not excluded that, in order each time to bring the support elements 175 back to the first position, the support arms 180 are rotated backwards, thereby overall obtaining an alternating oscillation thereof about the axis of rotation Y.

[0174] In this way, the lower part of the device 100 remains substantially free and, therefore, possibly usable for other purposes; on the other hand, it is necessary to control advancement of the first conveyor 105 so that it takes place after the support elements 175 have already returned to the first position, thereby slightly increasing the dead times.

[0175] In both cases, and especially in the case in which the support arms 180 perform complete rotations always in the same direction, operation of the first conveyor 105, the second conveyor 110 and the device 100 may be coordinated to the point of allowing continuous movement of the support arms 180. However, it is not excluded that, in some embodiments, rotation of the support arms 180 may take place intermittently, by stopping them for a certain period of time in one or more waiting positions, including, for example, the first position and / or, possibly, but generally less preferably, the second position.

[0176] Irrespective of the mode adopted, operation of the device 100 may be commanded and / or controlled by an electronic control unit (not illustrated since known per se, for example a PLC), which is connected to the motor or motors 240 and is suitably configured / pro-grammed to execute the selected operating mode.

[0177] As anticipated, operation of the device 100, thanks to rotation of the support arms 180, performs the function of singly or individually transferring one bar B at a time from the firstconveyor 105 arranged at the outlet of the device intended to load the bars B with the cured meat products S, to the second conveyor 110 arranged at the inlet of the loading device 130 for loading the bars B onto the support structures 135.

[0178] In this way, said transfer makes it possible to coordinate the first conveyor 105 with the second conveyor 110, while keeping them functionally independent, for example by avoiding the need for the capacity of the first conveyor 105, or of its chains, to correspond to the depth of the support structure 135 to be filled.

[0179] Although the foregoing description has concerned application of the device 100 to a loading device 130, generally considered to be of the compact type, the same device 100 could be used to transfer the bars B onto other loading systems for fixed or movable magazines, possibly more complex and bulkier, or onto intermediate transport and / or accumulation systems and / or systems intended for other uses.

[0180] In particular, the device 100, illustrated for transferring the bars B from a horizontal conveyor to a substantially vertical conveyor (or lifter), could also be used in reverse, for transferring the bars B from a substantially vertical conveyor (or lifter) to a horizontal conveyor, or for transferring the bars B between two horizontal conveyors, or conveyors of any other type.

[0181] More specifically, a device 100 such as that illustrated above could advantageously be used in all cases in which the first position (pick-up position) is located at a different height from the second position (release position), that is, where it is necessary to overcome a difference in height.

[0182] Even in the case in which the first position and the second position are located at the same height, the device 100 may be advantageously used to transfer bars B on which products, for example cured meat products S, of small diameter are hanging, or products for which the distance between the bars B is so small as not to allow adoption of alternative solutions, such as alignment of two successive chain conveyors, since it would not be possible to avoid interference between the return portion of the second chain conveyor and the bar following the one to be picked up.

[0183] A further advantage of the device 100 is represented by the possibility of carrying out the transfer with smaller overall dimensions, both longitudinally and transversely.In conclusion, it should also be noted that, in other embodiments, the motion system with rotating arms 180 previously described in relation to the device 100 could be replaced by other systems capable of producing substantially the same type of movement.

[0184] One of said systems could provide that each support element 175 is carried by an articulated parallelogram mechanism, known per se to be capable of producing a roto-trans-lational movement which could be used to keep the support element 175 always in the same orientation during a simultaneous circular displacement.

[0185] However, said system could operate only in alternating-motion mode, with a consequent reduction in the number of bars B transferable per unit time.

[0186] Another motion system could be a mechanism adapted to impart to each support element 175 a walking beam movement, that is, with a “rectangular” cycle (rather than “circular” as in the previous solutions).

[0187] Such a mechanism could comprise, for each support element 175, a member with vertical movement, for lifting and depositing the bar B, and a member with horizontal movement, for reaching the pick-up and gripping positions.

[0188] In order to ensure synchronism and obtain a smooth movement of the bars B, while limiting oscillations of the cured meat products S, it would, however, be preferable for said movement members to be brushless linear actuators or functionally similar devices. Therefore, due to the high number of actuators and their type, said solution could prove more costly than the others, without necessarily providing greater efficiency.

[0189] Both of the alternative solutions proposed above may further entail greater overall dimensions, which could require the transfer to be carried out in at least two steps, with deposition of the bars B in an intermediate station, thereby increasing costs and constructional complexity.

[0190] Obviously, a person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications of a technical-applicative nature to all that has been described above, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (100) for transferring bars (B) from a first position to a distinct second position, comprising:- two support elements (175), each adapted to support from below a respective portion of a bar (B) located in the first position, and- a motor-driven motion system (180, 185) adapted to simultaneously impart to each of said support elements (175) one and the same movement in a respective vertical plane,said motion system (180, 185) being configured:- such that said movement comprises at least one vertical component, for raising the bar (B) with respect to the first position, and one horizontal component, for moving the bar (B) from the first position toward the second position, and- such that each support element (175) remains parallel to itself during said movement, at least from the first position to the second position.

2. A device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said motion system comprises, for each support element (175):- two support arms (180) adapted to rotate synchronously about one and the same horizontal axis of rotation (Y), each of said arms carrying a respective support element (175) in a position spaced apart from the axis of rotation (Y), in such a manner that the two support elements (175) are located at the same distance from the axis of rotation (Y), and- two compensation mechanisms, each of which is configured to keep a respective support element (175) parallel to itself during rotation of the support arm (180).

3. A device (100) according to claim 2, wherein said compensation mechanism comprises a flexible transmission member (185), wound in a closed loop around at least two wheels (190, 195) having the same diameter, of which a first wheel (190) is fixed and coaxial with the axis of rotation (Y) of the support arm (180), and a second wheel (195) is movable, carried by the support arm (180) at a distance from the axis of rotation (Y), to which the support element (175) is fixed.

4. A device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the motion system comprises, for each support element (175), an adjustment system configured to allow, at least when the support arm (180) is stationary, adjustment of the orientation of the support element (175) with respect to the support arm (180) itself, about an axis (Y’) parallel to the axis of rotation (Y).

5. A device (100) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein said adjustment system is configured to allow variation of the angular position of the first wheel (190) about the axis of rotation (Y).

6. A device (100) according to claim 5, wherein said adjustment system comprises a support shaft (215), which is coaxially fixed to the first wheel (190) and is rotatably coupled to the support arm (180), so as to be rotatable with respect thereto about the axis of rotation (Y).

7. A device (100) according to claim 6, wherein said support shaft (215) is rotatably and coaxially inserted into a cylindrical hinge pin (210), which is integral with the support arm (180).

8. A device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the adjustment system comprises fastening means (220, 225) for locking the support shaft (215) in a plurality of different angular positions with respect to the axis of rotation (Y).

9. A device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising a motor (240) adapted to rotate all of the support arms (180) about the axis of rotation (Y).10.A device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the motor is adapted to rotate a distribution shaft (245), to which each support arm (180) is kinematically connected through a respective kinematic mechanism comprising a flexible transmission member (250), wound in a closed loop around at least two wheels (255, 260), of which a first wheel (255) is coaxially fixed to the distribution shaft (245), and a second wheel (260) has an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation (Y) and is rotationally integral with the support arm (180).

11. A device (100) according to claims 7 and 10, wherein the second wheel (260) of the kinematic mechanism is coaxially fixed to the hinge pin (210).

12. A device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, comprising an electronic control unit configured to control the motion system according to a mode selected from:l ' l- causing each support arm (180) to perform complete rotations about the axis of rotation (Y) in a predetermined direction,- causing each support arm (180) to oscillate by rotating alternately in opposite directions about the axis of rotation (Y).13.Adevice (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each support element (175) is shaped as a fork having its concavity facing upward.

14. A device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said motion system comprises, for each support element, a walking beam mechanism or an articulated parallelogram mechanism.

15. A bar-handling system comprising:- a first conveyor (105) adapted to advance a plurality of bars (B), oriented parallel to one another, along a first direction of advancement (X), orthogonal to the orientation of the bars (B) themselves,- a second conveyor (110) adapted to advance a plurality of bars (B), oriented parallel to one another, along a second direction of advancement (Z), orthogonal to the orientation of the bars (B) themselves, and- a device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, interposed between the first conveyor (105) and the second conveyor (110), for transferring the bars (B) from one to the other.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the second conveyor (110) belongs to a loading device (130) configured to load the bars (B) onto a support structure (135).

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