Loading/unloading units for profiles

A loading/unloading unit for loading/unloading profiles having a longitudinal main axis of extension, wherein at least one predetermined section is defined on a profile transverse to a longitudinal main axis of the profile, may include: a platform extending longitudinally along a first axis and transversely along a second axis, wherein the platform is configured to receive one or more profiles along the first axis, wherein the platform includes loading and unloading areas, and a pick-up area spaced apart from the loading and unloading areas; and handling means associated with the platform and configured to carry the one or more profiles between the loading and unloading areas. The handling means may include one or more orientation devices that can be pulled up from the platform along a third axis, perpendicular to the first and second axes, and that are configured to rotate the profile about the longitudinal main axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Italian Patent Application No. 102019000019550, filed on Oct. 22, 2019, in the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (“IPTO”), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a loading/unloading unit for loading/unloading profiles having a substantially longitudinal main axis. This unit may be added, for example, in a profile machining center as is typically in warehouses or industrial plants for machining profiles.

BACKGROUND ART

Profiles are commonly used in the fabrication of structures and supporting elements in metal constructions (including frames of doors, windows, etc.). Typically, these profiles are machined by machining units for milling, drilling or cutting.

Equipment is known to be used for displacing such profiles before and after machining. In particular, known loading/unloading units carry the profiles from a loading area, in which an operator or a machine load the profiles to be machined, to an unloading area, in which the machined profiles are unloaded. These loading/unloading units comprise first and second conveyor belts for carrying the profiles from the loading area to the unloading area, in particular in a direction of movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the profile.

More in detail, the first conveyor belt carries the profiles from the loading area to a pick-up area, in which pick-up/unloading means will later carry the profile to the machining unit. On the other hand, the second conveyor belt, which is spaced apart from the first in the direction of movement, receives the machined profiles from the pick-up/unloading means and carries them to the unloading area.

It should be noted that the profiles to be machined may have complex shapes and sections, which may also differ from one another. Therefore, during machines, the profiles must be properly oriented. The prior art suggests the use of support elements, also known as profile templates, which support the profiles and prevent them from assuming improper orientations during processing. More in detail, these support elements are arranged by an operator at the same time as the profiles, when loading them on the first conveyor belt. By this arrangement, the loading/unloading means carry the profile to the machining unit in its proper orientation.

PROBLEMS OF THE PRIOR ART

Prior art units suffer from a first drawback associated with the support means for proper profile orientation. The arrangement of these support elements by the operator reduces throughput and increases the risk of improper profile orientations. A further drawback associated with the use of the support elements is the need to provide special profile templates for each type of section of each profile. This increases space requirements in the warehouse for storing such support elements before use, increases the costs associated with the disposal of these templates and affects the manufacturing costs of the profiles.

Furthermore, the position of the unloading area downstream from the loading area requires the arrangement of at least two access zones for access to the loading/unloading unit to deposit and pick-up the profiles. This translates into longer times for manufacturing a machined profile with the need for large spaces for the arrangement of the loading/unloading unit.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a loading/unloading unit that can obviate the above discussed drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a loading/unloading unit that is able to automate profile loading operations before machining.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a loading/unloading unit that can optimize profile loading/unloading operations by reducing the dimensions of the unit.

The aforementioned technical purpose and objects are substantially fulfilled by a loading/unloading unit that comprises the technical features as disclosed in one or more of the accompanying claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Even when this is not expressly stated, the individual features as described with reference to the particular embodiments shall be intended as auxiliary to and/or interchangeable with other features described with reference to other exemplary embodiments.

Referring to the accompanying figures, numeral100designates a loading/unloading unit for loading/unloading profiles1according to the present invention. As shown for example inFIG.12this unit100may be associated in operation with a profile machining unit200, which is not part of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment as shown inFIG.12, the loading/unloading unit100is configured to carry the profiles from and toward the machining unit200. The latter unit is in turn configured to carry out machining operations on the received profile1, such as drilling, milling, cutting.

Particularly referring toFIGS.1and2, the loading/unloading unit100is configured to receive profiles to be machined from an operator or loading means and to handle the loaded profiles1. More in detail, each profile1has a longitudinal main axis A-A of extension and at least one predetermined section Sp defined on the profile1transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A. By way of example, the predetermined sections Sp may be “L” to “T” or polygonal shapes as shown inFIG.2. The profiles1are conventionally machined profiles and may be made of different materials such as metal, plastic or aluminum.

The loading/unloading unit100as shown inFIGS.1-3comprises a platform10. This profile10, extending longitudinally along a first axis X-X and transversely along a second axis Y-Y perpendicular to the first axis X-X, is configured to receive one or more profiles1along the first axis X-X. Preferably, the profiles1are arranged on the platform10with their longitudinal main axis A-A substantially parallel to the first axis X-X. In particular, the profile1has a bottom surface1afacing the platform10and a top surface1bopposite to the bottom surface Ia.

The platform10has a loading area11, an unloading area12and a pick-up area13.

The loading area11is configured to receive one or more profiles1to be machined from an operator or loading means.

The unloading area12is configured to receive one or more profiles machined by the machining unit200and to facilitate pick-up of machined profiles by an operator or by unloading means (not shown) outside the loading/unloading unit100.

The pick-up area13, which is spaced apart from the loading area11and from the unloading area12along the second axis Y-Y, is configured to route the profiles1to be machined toward the machining unit200and to receive the machined profiles from the machining unit200. Preferably, the pick-up area13is configured to receive a profile1to be routed to the machining unit and to receive the routed profile once it has been machined by the machining unit.

The unit100comprises handling means20in particular associated with the platform10and configured to carry the profiles1between the loading area11and the unloading area12, as shown inFIGS.4and5.

Preferably, the handling means20comprise a plurality of first conveyor belts21, as shown inFIG.5. More preferably, the handling means20comprise second conveyor belts22, as shown inFIG.4, associated with the first conveyor belts21.

In particular, the first conveyor belts21are configured to receive the profiles1in the loading area11and carry the profiles1along the second axis Y-Y from the loading area11to the pick-up area13. The second conveyor belts22are configured to receive the profiles1in the pick-up area13and carry the profiles1along the second axis Y-Y from the pick-up area12to the unloading area12.

More preferably, the handling means20are configured to reversibly move between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, as shown inFIG.1, the first conveyor belts21and the second conveyor belts22are arranged side by side along the first axis X-X. In the second configuration, as shown inFIG.2, the first conveyor belts21are rigidly translated along the second axis Y-Y relative to the second conveyor belts22to an intermediate loading area14downstream from the pick-up area13along the second axis Y-Y.

Advantageously, the juxtaposition of the first21and second22conveyor belts reduces the dimensions of the loading/unloading unit while facilitating profile loading/unloading operations at the loading area and the unloading area respectively.

It shall be noted that the first conveyor belts21are configured to rigidly translate relative to the second conveyor belts22from the loading area11to the intermediate loading area. In particular, the first conveyor belts21are configured to translate toward the pick-up area13and parallel to the second axis Y-Y partially past the pick-up area13. Thus, the first conveyor belts21carry the loaded profiles1to the intermediate loading area14. Preferably, the first conveyor belts21are driven by actuator means, not shown. These actuator means are, for example, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic pistons or other actuators known to the skilled person.

More in detail, the first conveyor belts21are also configured to carry the profiles1along the second axis Y-Y from the intermediate loading area14to the pick-up area13.

In the preferred embodiment, the platform10has the loading area11level with the unloading area12. In other words, loading of the profiles to be machined and unloading of the machined profiles occur on the same side of the platform10.

Advantageously, by providing the loading area11level with the unloading area12the dimensions of the loading/unloading unit are reduced and the profile loading/unloading operations are facilitated.

Preferably, the first conveyor belts21define a loading surface21aand the second conveyor belts22define an unloading surface22a. It shall be noted that the loading surface21ais raised with respect to the unloading surface22a. By this arrangement, when the handling means20are in the first configuration the profiles may be loaded on the loading surface21aof the first conveyor belts21, as shown inFIG.1.

More preferably, the second conveyor belts22can be moved along a third axis Z-Z, perpendicular to the first axis X-X and to the second axis Y-Y, relative to the first conveyor belts21. More preferably, the second conveyor belts22are hinged at the loading area11and the unloading area12. Thus, when the handling means20are in the second configuration the unloading surface22amay be moved to a raised position with respect to the loading surface21athat is level with the pick-up area13, as shown inFIG.3. By this arrangement, as the machined profiles are unloaded onto the unloading surface22aof the second conveyor belts22interference with the first conveyor belts21is prevented.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first conveyor belts21are juxtaposed to the second conveyor belts22along the first axis X-X in alternate arrangement. Preferably, the loading/unloading unit100has one or more second conveyor belts22spaced apart along the first axis X-X arranged between two first conveyor belts21, also spaced apart along the first axis X-X. More preferably, three second conveyor belts22are arranged between two first conveyor belts21.

The loading/unloading unit100comprises one or more orientation devices30, as shown inFIGS.6,8,9and10, which are designed to be pulled up from the platform10along the third axis Z-Z. The devices are configured to rotate a profile1about its respective longitudinal axis A-A.

Advantageously, the orientation devices30ensure proper orientation of the profile1before machining irrespective of the shape of the predetermined section Sp.

Advantageously, the orientation devices30afford proper automated orientation of the predetermined section of the profiles without requiring any action by an operator.

Preferably, each orientation device30is configured to reversibly move between a rest configuration, as shown inFIG.1, in which it fits in the profile10, and a pull-out configuration, as shown inFIG.9, in which it is at least partially pulled up from the platform10along the third axis Z-Z. By this arrangement, the orientation devices30rotate the profile1relative to its longitudinal main axis A-A from the rest configuration to the pull-up configuration.

More preferably, the orientation devices30are spaced apart from each other along the first axis X-X, at the pick-up area13. More in detail, the orientation devices30are arranged between two second conveyor belts22.

Advantageously, the uniform arrangement of the orientation devices30allows uniform rotation of the profile.

More preferably, as shown inFIG.9, each orientation device30comprises an orientation member31for rotating the profile, which can rotated about a correction axis B-B parallel to the first axis X-X and/or can translate along the second axis Y-Y relative to the platform10.

According to a preferred embodiment, each orientation member31adapted to be pulled up from the platform10is configured to rotate the profile1when its respective orientation device moves from the rest configuration to the pull-up configuration.

Preferably, each orientation device30, as shown inFIG.6, comprises first actuator means34aconfigured to pivot the orientation member31about a pivot pin35. According to the preferred embodiment in which each orientation member31is also able to translate, the respective orientation device30comprises second actuator means34b, which are configured to move the orientation member32along the second axis Y-Y.

According to a preferred embodiment, each orientation device30, as shown inFIGS.6,8,9and10, comprises at least one abutment member32that is designed to be pulled up from the platform10and is configured to retain the profile1during transition from the rest configuration to the pull-up configuration of the orientation device30. Preferably, each orientation device30comprises third actuator means34cwhich are configured to move the respective abutment member32along the third axis Z-Z. More preferably, each abutment member32is configured to reversibly move between the rest configuration, in which it fits in the platform10, and an abutment configuration in which it is pulled up from the platform10. In particular, in the abutment configuration each abutment member32retains the profile along the second axis Y-Y as the orientation devices31move from the rest configuration to the pull-up configuration, thereby assisting the rotation of the profile1.

Advantageously, each abutment member32facilitates a proper rotation of the profile1and prevents undesired translational displacements of the profile.

According to a preferred embodiment, the loading/unloading unit100comprises a control unit40in signal communication with each orientation device30, further details on the control unit40being provided hereinbelow.

In a preferred embodiment, the loading/unloading unit100comprises one or more retaining devices50, as shown inFIGS.7-10, which are designed to be pulled up from said platform10and are in signal communication with the control unit. Each retaining device50is configured to detect a first section parameter S representative of the orientation of the predetermined section Sp relative to the first axis X-X and to send it to the control unit. Preferably, each retaining device50is configured to reversibly move between the rest configuration, in which it fits in the platform10, and a measuring configuration in which it is pulled up from the platform10. More preferably, each retaining device50comprises a stationary jaw51and a moving jaw52, moving in a clamping direction C-C parallel to the second axis Y-Y from and to the stationary jaw51to retain the profile1and detect the first section parameter. In particular, as each moving jaw52abuts the profile1interposed between the moving jaw52and its respective stationary jaw51, it measures the first section parameter. More in detail, the first section parameter is associated with the width of the section of the profile interposed between the stationary jaws51and the moving jaws52and is measured by assessing the distance from the jaws51,52. The control unit40is thus configured to compare the first section parameter with a first reference section parameter Sp1representative of the desired orientation of the predetermined section Sp relative to said first axis X-X. In addition, the control unit40is configured to generate a first orientation correction signal Sc to rotate said profile using the orientation devices30if the first section parameter S1differs from the first reference section parameter Sp1.

In particular, the first reference section parameter Sp1is associated with the width of the predetermined section Sp having the proper orientation to carry out the desired machining operation in the machining unit200.

Advantageously, the retaining devices50can check proper orientation of the predetermined section Sp of the profile by shape memory.

Advantageously, as the moving jaws52are approaching, the retaining devices50can properly orient the longitudinal axis A-A of the profile between the jaws51,52if it is not parallel to the first axis X-X.

More preferably, each retaining device50comprises first54aand second54bactuator means, configured to reversibly move the first jaw51and the second jaw52along the third axis Z-Z between the rest configuration and the measurement configuration. In addition, each retaining device50comprises third actuator means54cwhich are configured to move the moving jaw in the clamping direction C-C.

According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining devices50are spaced apart from each other along the first axis X-X, in the pick-up area13. Preferably, the retaining devices50are alternated with the orientation devices along the first axis X-X. In particular, each orientation device30and each retaining device50are respectively disposed between two second conveyor belts22. This will facilitate orientation adjustment and retention of the profile.

Advantageously, the retaining devices50cooperate with the orientation devices30to properly orient the profile in the pick-up area13. In particular, the retaining devices50retain the profile1once it has been rotated by the orientation devices30. Then, before transfer of the profile1from the pick-up area13to the machining unit200, the orientation devices move from the pull-up configuration to the rest configuration thereby retracting the orientation member31into the platform10.

It shall be noted that the retaining devices50are configured to retain the section as it is being carried from the pick-up area13to the machining unit200to maintain proper orientation of the predetermined section Sp.

According to a preferred embodiment, the abutment member32, the moving jaw51and the stationary jaw52of each orientation device30and of each retaining device50extend along a second axis of rotation E-E parallel to the third axis X-X from a fixed end proximate to the platform10at a free end. In particular, the abutment member32, the moving jaw51and the stationary jaw52of each orientation device30and of each retaining device50are adapted to rotate about their respective second axis of rotation E-E to assist the sliding movement of the profile from the pick-up area13to the machining unit200. In other words, the abutment member32, the moving jaw51and the stationary jaw52are in the form of rollers adapted to rotate about their respective second axis of rotation E-E. Advantageously, the rotation of each abutment member32, each movable jaw51and each stationary jaw52optimizes the sliding movement of the profile1.

According to a preferred embodiment, each orientation device30and each retaining device50comprise a roller33,53, as shown inFIGS.4and5, which can be pulled up from the platform10and extends along a first axis of rotation D-D parallel to the second axis Y-Y of the platform10. In particular, each roller33,53is able to rotate about said axis of rotation D-D and is configured to raise the profile1with respect to the platform10, along the third axis Z-Z.

More in detail, each orientation device30and each retaining device50are configured to reversibly move between the rest configuration, in which their respective rollers33,53fit in the platform and a support configuration, in which their respective rollers33,53are pulled up from the platform10and raise the profile1in the pick-up area13. Preferably, each orientation device30comprises fourth actuator means34dwhich are configured to move the respective roller33along the third axis Z-Z from the rest configuration to the support configuration. On the other hand, each retaining device50comprises fourth actuator means54dconfigured to move their respective rollers53along the third axis Z-Z from the rest configuration to the support configuration. In certain embodiments, alternative to the above, the loading/unloading unit comprises actuator means configured to reversibly move the rollers33,53from the rest configuration to the support configuration.

It shall be noted that the actuator means34a,34b,34c,34dof the orientation device30and the actuator means54a,54b,54c,54dof the retaining device50are, for example, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic pistons or other actuators known to the skilled person.

Advantageously, as the profile lays on rollers33,53the displacement of the profile along the first axis X-X from the loading area to the machining unit200is facilitated.

Also advantageously, as the profile is raised from the platform10damage to the outer surface of the profile10during orientation is avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit40is configured to control handing of the profiles1and the orientation of the predetermined section Sp of the profiles1relative to the first axis X-X. Preferably, the control unit is in signal communication with the handling means20. In particular, the control unit40, which can be programmed by an operator via an interface41allows the profiles to be handled according to the machining work to be carried out thereupon. In addition, the control unit40allows the profiles1to be rotated by acting on the orientation devices30according to the desired orientation of the predetermined section Sp.

According to a preferred embodiment, the loading/unloading unit100comprises measurement means60in signal communication with the control unit40. The measurement means60are configured to acquire a second section parameter S2representative of the orientation of the predetermined section Sp relative to the first axis X-X and to send it to the control unit40. The second section parameter S2is associated with the distance of the top surface1bfrom a reference surface such as, for instance, the platform10. The control unit is thus configured to compare the second section parameter S2with a second reference section parameter Sp2representative of the desired orientation of the predetermined section Sp relative to the first axis X-X. In addition, the control unit is configured to generate a second orientation correction signal Sc2to rotate the profile using one or more orientation devices30if the second section parameter S2differs from the second reference section parameter Sp2.

In particular, the second reference section parameter Sp2is associated with the height of the predetermined section Sp with respect to a reference plane having the proper orientation to carry out the desired machining operation in the machining unit200.

Advantageously, the measurement means60provide an additional check on proper orientation of the predetermined section Sp.

Preferably, the measurement means60comprise a measuring element61which is adapted to move with at least three degrees of freedom associated with the respective first X-X, second Y-Y and third Z-Z axes. The measuring element61is configured to measure at least the second section parameter S2by abutting the top surface1bof the profile1.

According to a preferred embodiment, the loading/unloading unit100comprises conveyor means70which are configured to handle the profiles from the platform10to the machining unit200and vice versa preferably along the first axis X-X. The conveyor means70comprise at least one clamp71which is configured to grip the bar and drag it along the rollers33,53. It shall be noted that, in operation, the conveyor means70act on the profile1retained by the retaining devices50which has been already properly oriented by the orientation devices30.

According to a preferred embodiment, the loading/unloading unit10comprises a slide guide62, which is spaced apart from the platform10along the third axis Z-Z and is preferably in a raised position over the pick-up area13. Preferably, the conveyor means70and the measurement means60are associated with the slide guide. Thus, the clamp71is able to slide on the slide guide62along the first axis X-X and the measuring element61is able to move on the profile according to its degrees of freedom.

For clarity the operation of the loading/unloading unit100will be now explained from the step of loading one or more profiles1to the step of carrying the profiles from the pick-up area to the machining unit200and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the profiles1are loaded on the platform10on the loading surface21aof the first conveyor belts21one at a time. Once one profile1has been loaded into the loading area11, the first conveyor belts21translate the loaded profile1along the second axis Y-Y toward the pick-up area13, thereby clearing the area11for any subsequent sections1.

Once the maximum limit of profiles supported by the platform10has been reached, the handling means20move from the first configuration to the second configuration. Thus, the loaded profiles1are carried to the intermediate loading area14downstream from the pick-up area13, as shown inFIG.2. It shall be noted that, in the second configuration, the first conveyor belts21are arranged at least partially between the second conveyor belts22at the pick-up area13.

Then, once the first conveyor belts21have been driven they carry a profile to the pick-up area13by translating it from the intermediate loading area14along the second axis Y-Y as shown inFIG.8.

Once one profile1has been carried to the pick-up area13, the abutment members32move from the rest configuration to the abutment configuration whereas the jaws51,52, move from the rest configuration to the measurement configuration, as shown inFIG.8.

Then, the rollers33,53move from the rest configuration to the support configuration thereby lifting the profile from the floor. Afterwards, the moving jaws52translate along the second axis Y-Y to abutment against the raised profile1. By this arrangement, if the longitudinal axis A-A is not parallel to the first axis X-X, the approaching movement of the moving jaws52can straighten the longitudinal axis A-A of the profile to an orientation parallel to the first axis X-X, as shown inFIG.10.

Then, the measurement devices50measure the first section parameter S1. This parameter is sent to the control unit40which checks proper orientation of the profile1by comparing the first section parameter S1with the first reference section parameter Sp1associated with the profile. If the orientation is not as desired, the control unit generates the first correction signal Sc1to rotate the profile1.

Hence, the moving jaws52are moved away from the profile and the orientation devices30move from the rest configuration to the pull-up configuration. In particular, the orientation members31rotate about their respective correction axis B-B by an angle associated with the first correction signal. Then, the rotated orientation members31translate along the second axis Y-Y toward their respective abutment member32. Thus, when the orientation members31abut the profile1, they rotate the predetermined section Sp about the longitudinal axis A-A by pivoting on their respective abutment members32, as shown inFIG.9.

Once the profile1has been rotated, the moving jaws52translate back toward the stationary jaws51and abut the profile1, as still shown inFIG.10. By this arrangement, the profile1is retained in the rotated position between the jaws51,52which prevents further undesired rotations.

Then, the orientation devices30move from the pull-up configuration to the rest configuration to avoid interference with subsequent operations. Now, the measurement means60acquire the second section parameter S2. This parameter is sent to the control unit40which checks proper orientation of the profile1by comparing the second section parameter S2with the second reference section parameter Sp2associated with the profile. If the orientation is not as desired, the control unit generates the second correction signal Sc2to rotate the profile1.

It shall be noted that, in case of wrong detection of the second section parameter S2, the rotation operations are repeated. Conversely, if the orientation is correct for both the first section parameter S1and the second section parameter S2, the profile2is routed toward the machining unit200by means of the conveyor means70, as shown inFIG.11. These means drag the profile1on the rollers33,53while keeping it retained by the retaining devices50with the proper orientation of the predetermined section Sp.

Before transfer of the profile machined by the machining unit200to the loading/unloading unit100, the jaws51,52, the abutment members32, and the rollers33,53move back to the rest configuration. Furthermore, the second conveyor belts22move the unloading surface22ato a raised position with respect to loading surface21aat least at the pick-up area13. Thus, the conveyor means70transfer the machined profile from the machining unit200to the pick-up area13, as shown inFIG.3.

Then, once the machined profile has been placed on the unloading surface22a, at the pick-up area, the second conveyor belts22carry the profile toward the unloading area12thereby clearing the pick-up area13. Thus, the pick-up area is free for the next profile from the intermediate loading area. Finally, the machined profiles are carried to the unloading area12where they are picked up by an operator or by unloading means.