Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21D43/00—Feeding, positioning or storing devices combined with, or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, apparatus for working or processing sheet metal, metal tubes or metal profiles; Associations therewith of cutting devices
  • B21D43/006—Feeding elongated articles, such as tubes, bars, or profiles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21D11/00—Bending not restricted to forms of material mentioned in only one of groups B21D5/00, B21D7/00, B21D9/00; Bending not provided for in groups B21D5/00 - B21D9/00; Twisting
  • B21D11/10—Bending specially adapted to produce specific articles, e.g. leaf springs
  • B21D11/12—Bending specially adapted to produce specific articles, e.g. leaf springs the articles being reinforcements for concrete
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21F—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF METAL WIRE
  • B21F23/00—Feeding wire in wire-working machines or apparatus
  • B21F23/005—Feeding discrete lengths of wire or rod

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for supplying elongated metal elements, in particular metal profiles and rods in bars, for example intended for a bending or calendering cycle.
• Apparatuses are known for processing elongated metal elements, in particular metal profiles and similar products in bars, which comprise at least one drive group and at least one bending group.
• the drive group generally consists, for example, of one or more pairs of counter-rotating wheels, at least one of which is motorized, opposed with respect to a supply direction of the elements to be supplied.
• the bending group on the other hand, consists, for example, of a bending head comprising a central mandrel, around which a bending pivot can be operated in rotation, on a respective bending plane.
• the elements supplied to the bending head can thus be subjected to one or more bending operations in succession, in order to produce shaped products, open or closed profile brackets, therefore flat products, or three-dimensional products intended for scaffolding of building structures.
• the patent EP2714296 of the same Applicant illustrates for example an apparatus for making two-dimensional and three-dimensional brackets, comprising guide means for supplying a metal rod along a supplying direction, a first bending group comprising a first central bending mandrel and a first eccentric bending pivot rotatable about the first central mandrel to bend the metal rod on a worktable, a second bending group comprising a second central mandrel and a second bending pivot movable around the second central mandrel to bend the metal rod on a bending plane inclined with respect to the worktable.
• the application EP 3225322 illustrates a bending method and apparatus for manufacturing pieces bent in several dimensions.
• the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems by devising a method and an apparatus for allowing the supply of elongated metal elements, intended to 29.371 . PC.19 .. EN
• shaped products such as brackets or shaped products in general, for the scaffolding of buildings.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supplying elongated metal elements, of simple constructive and functional conception, having a safe and reliable use, as well as a relatively inexpensive cost.
• the method provides for identifying or setting, in a control unit of the apparatus for processing an elongated metal element, for the same element, an optimal orientation of a theoretical cross-section with respect to a fixed reference system, integral with the apparatus supplying the element itself.
• the aforementioned optimal orientation represents the orientation of the aforementioned theoretical section, which corresponds to the minimum tendency of the element to rotate about its own longitudinal axis when it is supplied by a drive group of the supplying apparatus and is possibly subjected to bending operations.
• the aforementioned optimal orientation represents the orientation assumed by the element engaged between the aforesaid members of the drive group, which corresponds to the maximum resistance to rotation, generated by contact with the same members.
• the aforementioned optimal orientation is represented by the orientation following which the aforesaid ribs react to the contact with the drive members by means of a torque reaction to the rotation about its own longitudinal axis.
• a greater resistance of the element to the spontaneous axial rotation, favourable to make the orientation of the element itself stable, and therefore optimal, can in particular be determined by the onset of a resistant torque, the amount of which, in particular in the case in which the driving members have a flat contact profile, is in turn given by the amount of the opposing thrust actions exerted by the drive members on the element itself, multiplied by the distance between the actions.
• the method therefore provides for inserting the element to be supplied into a drive group provided with the aforesaid driving members, along a supply direction coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the element itself, as well as detecting, by means of a detection device, an actual orientation of the inserted element with respect to the same fixed reference system at a detection plane.
• This detection to determine the actual orientation, can be performed while the element is stationary or moving along the supply direction.
• a processing step is carried out, preferably in real time, by means of processing means associated with the detection device and configured to process, precisely, the possible deviation between the actual orientation detected by the detection device and the set optimal orientation, for example calculated, for the same element.
• the detection of the actual orientation of the element can include the step of reconstructing, by means of the aforementioned processing means, an instantaneous image of the detected section of the element at the detection plane.
• the step of processing any deviation between the actual orientation and the optimal orientation may include a step of comparison between the aforementioned reconstructed instantaneous image and a set image, relating to the aforementioned optimal orientation.
• the element is therefore tightened at at least one section, freed from possible tightening possibly operated by other members of the apparatus, in order to be rotated by means of an orientation device, about the same longitudinal axis, by an angle such as to compensate for the deviation previously elaborated, so as to position the element according to the aforementioned optimal orientation.
• the element can then be tightened again by the members of the apparatus, for example the drive members, and released by the tightening of the orientation device, in order to be 29.371 . PC.19 .. EN
• the detection device operates the detection, for respective sections passing through the detection plane, of further actual orientations, during the successive phases of supplying of the element itself, at predetermined time intervals or continuously, to monitor any deviation of the orientation from the optimal orientation detected for the same sections.
• the method may require to interrupt the supply of the element and restoring the optimum orientation, according to the steps described above.
• the optimal orientation for a given element to be supplied can be calculated, for example by the same processing means, considering the moment of inertia, in particular the minimum moment of inertia, of a theoretical section of the element for example with respect to a barycentric axis.
• the method provides for identifying, through the calculation or experience of previous work cycles, the orientation, which, based on the actual geometry of the section of the element, offers greater resistance to rotation around its own longitudinal axis.
• This greater resistance can be generated by the occurrence of a torque resistant to rotation, determined by the fact that the opposite thrust actions of the driving members, due to the contact of particular irregularities of the profile of the element itself, for example ribs, are arranged spaced and parallel.
• the method also provides for the detection of the actual orientation of the element, in order to identify, calculate or determine the direction of the spontaneous rotation of the element.
• the orientation device is used to keep an intercepted section tight during a bending step of the element being processed, so as to avoid undesired displacements, in particular rotations, from the optimal orientation.
• These rotations can be caused by the irregularity of the contact between the element itself and the operating members, for example the bending members, determined by the apparently random positioning of the irregularities of the profile of the element, for example of the typical ribs of the metal rod.
• the orientation device can also be used to make three-dimensional pieces, making the controlled rotation of the element being processed as well as re-establishing the optimal orientation following undesired rotations of the element being processed.
• the step of actuating the orientation device is preceded by a step in which each guiding or towing means adapted to engage the element to be fed releases the element itself, so as to allow the subsequent controlled rotation for positioning according to the optimal orientation.
• the element to be supplied is a metal bar or a metal rod, for example of a predetermined size.
• the apparatus according to the invention identify the aforementioned optimal orientation of the element to be supplied by monitoring next detections of the actual orientation, by means of a sort of self-learning.
• the control unit of the apparatus by means of the aforementioned detection device, monitors the actual orientation of the metal element, identifying a stable or more stable orientation between the aforementioned detections.
• the aforementioned stable orientation may correspond to an orientation of the section of the element, which, once reached, remains substantially unchanged for the element being supplied.
• the method can also preferably provide for saving this stable orientation, identified through successive readings, for each type of element, so as to be able to set it later in a processing cycle that uses the same type of element.
• the method according to the invention can provide for inserting an elongated element in a drive group provided with driving members along a supply direction, detecting a first initial actual orientation of the elongated element, stationary or in motion along the supply direction, and detecting, for example after a predetermined time interval or before or after a first bending, at least one further actual orientation.
• the method provides for processing, by processing means of the control unit of the apparatus, a possible deviation between the first detection and the second detection, indicative of a corresponding rotation of the element itself along its longitudinal axis coinciding with the aforesaid supply direction.
• the element is blocked, tightened by an orientation device and rotated so as to compensate for this deviation, so as to restore the initial orientation, or in any case a desired orientation.
• the apparatus that implements the method according to the invention therefore comprises a drive group, provided with driving members, for supplying an element along a feeding direction, which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the element itself. Thanks to the 29.371 . PC.19 .. EN
• the apparatus allows the detection of the actual orientation of the element arranged on the apparatus to be supplied, and its positioning according to the optimal orientation in any case identified, pre-established by the operator, calculated or identified by monitoring subsequent actual orientations through the detection device.
• the detection device is arranged next to the drive group, where the element is initially inserted to be subsequently supplied.
• the detection device like the orientation device, can be arranged at will along the supply axis of the element.
• the same detection device can be for example an optical device, in particular a laser gauge or a profilometer, or a mechanical device, for example a mechanical probe.
• the orientation device is preferably made of a rotatable pincer member.
• the provided orientation device can perform both the function of orienting the element at the beginning of the work cycle, and, for example, the function of rotating the element during the bending cycle, intervening between successive bending steps, to produce, in particular, three-dimensional pieces.
• Figures 1 to 4 respectively show a front view of an apparatus for supplying metal elongated elements according to the invention, in successive operating steps;
• Figures 5 to 7 and 8 to 10 respectively show a schematic front view, in perspective and side view of the same apparatus in different operating steps.
• the reference numeral 1 generally indicates an apparatus for supplying elongated metal elements 2, in particular metal profiles and rods.
• each element 2 to be fed may be known or calculated by processing means associated with the apparatus 1 itself, an optimal orientation 21 with respect to its own longitudinal axis, at which the element itself has a minimum tendency to spontaneous rotation around the same longitudinal axis.
• this optimal orientation 21 can be calculated on the basis of the moment of inertia of section 20, in practice of a theoretical section of the element 2, with respect to a 29.371. P .
• barycentric axis or, in any case, it can represent the orientation at which the same element puts up the maximum resistance to the rotation around its own longitudinal axis.
• the apparatus 1 therefore comprises a drive group 3, a detection device 4 and an orientation device 5, adapted to bring together the element 2 arranged for the following processing, according to the aforementioned optimum orientation 21 or in any case to a desired orientation or reference.
• the apparatus further comprises, preferably, a cutting group and a bending group, of a known type, not shown in the figure for simplicity.
• the apparatus may comprise, instead of a traditional bending group, or in addition to it, a calendering group.
• the drive group 3 may comprise, in a known manner, at least one pair of counter-rotating wheels 30, 31 opposite to a supply direction A along which the element 2 is inserted and subsequently supplied.
• each pair of opposite wheels 30, 31 tangentially defines an insertion channel for an element 2 to be supplied and preferably comprises, in a known manner, a grooved peripheral edge, to engage the element 2 so interposed.
• the element 2 can be preferably inserted through a series of guide members 32, for example pairs of guide wheels opposite to the supply direction A, usually neutral.
• the detection device 4 comprises at least one detecting member, for example of the optical or mechanical type, configured to detect the orientation of the element 2 at a detection zone, preferably a detection plane 6.
• a detection plane 6 preferably a detection plane 6.
• the detection device 4 which can be made for example by means of a video camera associated with an image processing unit, a laser gauge or a profilometer, in case of an optical type, or a mechanical probe, in case of a mechanical type, is capable of detecting the orientation of a section 20 which crosses the aforesaid detection plane 6, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the element 2, in a fixed reference system, such as for example the fixed frame of the apparatus 1 .
• the detection device 4 is advantageously arranged along the series of operating members of the apparatus 1 , arranged to interact along the supply direction A with the element 2, so as to detect the actual orientation 22 of the detected section 20 and, therefore, substantially of the element 2, in an initial processing step, when the element 2 is inserted in the drive group 3.
• the detection device 4 it is in fact preferable for the detection device 4 to be as close as possible to the drive group 29.371. P .
• the detection device 4 can detect the actual orientation 22 of the element 2 at the detection plane 6, by detecting, in particular, some portions of the section 20 of the same element 2 which represent irregularity with respect to a perfectly axisymmetric profile, in particular circular. By following these irregularities during the supply of the element 2 along the supply direction A it is therefore possible to detect the direction and amount of a possible rotation, generally not desired, of the element 2 supplied around the respective longitudinal axis.
• such irregularities may include ribs 2a, in particular longitudinal, and/or ribs 2b (see in particular Figures 1 , 5, 6, 8, 9).
• the greater resistance of the element 2 to the spontaneous axial rotation favourable to make the orientation of the element 2 itself stable, and therefore optimal, can in particular be determined by the onset of a resistant torque, whose extent derives in turn from the extent of the opposing thrust actions F exerted by the drive members 30, 31 on the element itself, multiplied by the distance d between the thrust actions F.
• the optimum orientation 21 corresponds to an orientation of an axial plane containing the ribs 2a, inclined by an angle a with respect to a median longitudinal plane P orthogonal to the contact areas of the drive members 30 ,31.
• the orientation device 5 can be made by means of a gripping member, for example a pincer member, operable in rotation, in order to tighten the element 2 at a respective section and operate its controlled rotation around its longitudinal axis.
• a gripping member for example a pincer member
• the orientation device 5 can therefore be made for example by means of a pair of clamps 50, 51 , preferably suitably shaped, which are opposite with respect to the supply direction A and, therefore, to the channel for inserting the drive group 3, alternately movable between a release condition and a tightening condition of an element 2 to be supplied.
• the clamps 50, 51 are usefully configured to be operated in rotation, in a controlled manner, as described before.
• the clamps 50, 51 can advantageously include a shaped clamping seat, for example having a triangular or V-shaped profile.
• the apparatus 1 further comprises processing means, associated with the orientation device 5 and preferably forming part of a control unit of the apparatus itself, suitable for 29.371 . PC.19 .. EN
• the orientation device 5 can therefore be actuated correspondingly in a controlled manner, in order to rotate the element 2 around the respective longitudinal axis in the appropriate direction and thus arrange it according to the optimum orientation 21 set.
• the controlled activation of the orientation device 5 therefore is necessary to ensure that the element 2 is oriented so as to present the slightest tendency to any spontaneous and uncontrolled rotation.
• the element 2 can be inserted in the insertion channel of the drive group 3, along the supply direction A.
• the detection device 4 detects the actual orientation 22 of the element 2 at the detection plane 6 and transmits this data to the associated processing means.
• the aforementioned processing means then calculate the possible deviation between the actual orientation 22 and the optimal orientation 21.
• the orientation device 5 can operate the tightening of the element 2 itself at a respective section intercepted by the clamps 50, 51 .
• any other present gripping, guiding or driving members release the element 2 so that it is free to be rotated.
• the orientation device 5 is operated in rotation, so as to position the element 2 according to the optimum orientation 21.
• the orientation device 5 can release the element 2, in order to allow the drive group 3, as well as any other member involved, to engage the same element 2, supplying it to the downstream processing group, preferably to a bending head and possibly a cutting unit, to make two-dimensional or three-dimensional products according to requirements, or to a calendering group.
• the method according to the invention can provide for inserting the elongated element 2 in the drive group 3 along the supply direction A, of detecting a first actual orientation 22 of the element 2 itself.
• This first actual orientation 22 can be detected just before or just after carrying out a first bending on

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Bending Of Plates, Rods, And Pipes (AREA)
• Coating By Spraying Or Casting (AREA)
• Wire Processing (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=63965792

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (1)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 2018
  • 2018-07-24 IT IT102018000007479A patent/IT201800007479A1/it unknown
• 2019
  • 2019-07-22 AU AU2019311408A patent/AU2019311408A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-07-22 EP EP19758518.5A patent/EP3826784A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-07-22 WO PCT/IT2019/050171 patent/WO2020021582A1/en unknown
  • 2019-07-22 JP JP2021501344A patent/JP2022503459A/ja active Pending

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