IT202100019508A1 - MACHINE FOR THE HANDLING OF FLEXIBLE FLAT ITEMS, SUCH AS LEATHER, FABRICS, SHEETS OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL AND SIMILAR - Google Patents

Description

MACHINE FOR THE HANDLING OF FLEXIBLE FLAT ITEMS, SUCH AS LEATHER, FABRICS, SHEETS OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL AND SIMILAR.

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a machine for handling flat flexible articles, such as leather, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like. A machine according to the invention? to be understood as set up within an industrial production cycle in the tanning sector, or in the textile sector, or in the paper mill sector, or in any technical production sector where the need is felt to manipulate flexible flat items in rapid sequence, such as, for example, hides , fabrics and cardboard.

Nowadays, machines known as "automatic stackers" are used for handling and moving flexible flat articles, for example hides in the tanning sector.

These automatic stackers, for handling large hides, i.e. with overall dimensions of 3.5 meters by 3.5 metres, in turn have dimensions between 4 and 5 meters in width and between 7 and 10 meters in length, where is the length? measured in the feed direction of the handled hides and the width in a horizontal direction transverse to the feed direction of the hides.

These automatic stackers generally comprise at least one fixed loading conveyor, of the carpet type, and a mobile unloading conveyor, also of the carpet type, configured to unload a loaded hide onto a stack of similar hides.

These known automatic stackers, although widespread and appreciated, are constructed in a relatively complex way, comprising two or more stackers. belt conveyors with the respective components and handling means if the belt conveyor ? mobile type.

Furthermore, in addition to being very bulky when in operation, stackers of the known type are also very bulky during transport, with consequent burdens in terms of costs.

Furthermore, known automatic stackers are configured to unload the handled hides onto a pallet placed on the ground near an unloading area or even onto a stand, but only if the unloading carpet conveyor is? mounted on a support structure with means for vertical translation of the entire carpet-type unloading conveyor, which must be cantilevered above the stand, in order to unload the skins.

Task of the present invention ? that of perfecting a machine for handling flat flexible articles, such as leather, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like, which is capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of the prior art.

In particular, a purpose of the invention ? to develop a machine for handling flat flexible items more? compact compared to automatic stackers of the known type, both in operation and in transport configuration.

Another purpose of the invention ? that of developing a machine for handling flexible flat items that is structurally less complex and more? easy maintenance.

A further purpose of the invention ? that of developing a very agile and versatile machine, capable of unloading onto pallets or trestles, without there being the need? to vertically translate a belt conveyor.

The task as well as the aforementioned aims are achieved by a machine for handling flat flexible articles, such as leather, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like, according to claim. Further characteristics of the machine according to claim 1 are described in the dependent claims.

The aim and the aforementioned objects, together with the advantages which will be mentioned hereinafter, are highlighted by the description of an embodiment of the invention, which is given, by way of example but not in limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, where:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a machine for handling flat flexible articles, such as leather, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a central part of the machine for handling flexible flat articles according to the invention;

figure 3 is a perspective view of a first inlet part of the machine according to the invention;

figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a flexible flat article to be handled by the machine according to the invention;

- figure 5 represents another perspective view of the inlet part of the machine according to the invention;

figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the central part of the machine according to the invention;

- figure 6A shows a side sectional view of the machine according to the invention in lowered position,

- figure 6B represents the side view of figure 6A of the machine according to the invention in raised position;

figure 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the central part of the machine according to the invention;

figure 8 is a perspective view of another portion of the central part of the machine according to the invention;

- figure 8A represents a different perspective view of the same portion of figure 8;

- figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the central part of the machine;

- figure 9A represents a detail of figure 9;

figure 10 represents another perspective view of the portion of the central part of the machine of figure 9;

- figure 11 ? a schematic representation of a first operating step of the machine for handling flexible flat articles according to the invention;

- figures 12 to 15 each represent an operating phase of a first example of operation of the machine according to the invention;

- figures 16 to 19 each represent an operating phase of a second example of operation of the machine according to the invention,

- figure 20 represents a variant embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

figure 21 is a perspective view of a variant embodiment of a detail of the machine according to the invention; - figure 22 represents a schematic side view of a machine according to the invention in which ? exemplified a first method of operation of the same machine;

- figure 23 represents a schematic side view of a machine according to the invention in which ? exemplified a second method of operation of the same machine;

- figure 24 represents a schematic side view of a machine according to the invention in which ? exemplified a third method of operation of the same machine;

- figure 25 represents a schematic side view of a machine according to the invention in which ? exemplified a fourth method of operation of the same machine;

- figures 26A to 26D each show a different arrangement and a different orientation of a machine according to the invention;

figure 27 is a plan view of a variant embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

- figure 28 represents the same machine of figure 27 configured to work in an opposite direction with respect to the machine of figure 27;

- figure 29 represents a safety system of the machine according to the invention;

- figure 30 represents a variant embodiment of the safety system of the machine according to the invention.

With reference to the cited figures, a machine for handling flexible flat articles, such as leathers, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like according to the invention ? indicated as a whole with the number 10.

This machine 10 comprises a manipulator unit 11, which in turn comprises:

- a supporting column 12, extending in a first vertical direction X1,

- a movable horizontal guide 13, extending in a second direction X2, transverse to the first direction X1,

- vertical translation means 14 for the controlled translation of the mobile horizontal guide 13 on the supporting column 12,

- two rod holder slides 15 and 16 respectively, each of which is set to translate with corresponding first motor means 17 on said mobile horizontal guide 13,

- two rotating transport rods 18 and 19 respectively, extending according to a third direction X3, transverse to the first X1 and second X2 directions, each of which is mounted on a corresponding rod holder slide 15 and 16.

At least one of the transport auctions ? rotating around its main axis by motor means 20; preferably both the rotating transport rods 18 and 19 rotate around their main axis by means of second motor means 20.

Alternatively, one of the rotating transport rods 18 and 19 can be insane; in which case the movement of a flexible flat article A loaded on the rotating transport rods 18 and 19 ? entrusted to only one of the two rotating transport rods, which ? motorized.

In this first embodiment of the invention, the rotating transport rods 18 and 19 are constrained so as to extend cantilevered from the respective rod holder slides 15 and 16.

The main axis? parallel or coincident with the third direction X3. The machine 10 also comprises an infeed conveyor 21 positioned upstream of the manipulator unit 11.

This input conveyor 21 ? configured in such a way as to move a flexible flat article A in a direction transverse to the third direction X3, i.e. the direction of development of the rotating transport rods 18 and 19; the input conveyor 21, for example, ? configured to move a flexible flat article A in a direction X4 parallel to the second direction X2.

This infeed conveyor 21 comprises a detection system 22 for detecting the perimeter shape of a flexible flat article A while the latter is ? moved by the entrance conveyor 21 itself.

This input conveyor 21 with the detection system 22 ? exemplified in figures 3, 5 and 11.

In the present embodiment, which obviously does not limit the invention, this detection system 22 comprises a series of optical readers 23 supported by a transversal bar 24 above the movable plane 21a of the infeed conveyor 21.

The entrance conveyor 21 ? of the carpet type, to be understood in itself? known.

Are these optical readers 23 connected to a unit? control electronics.

These optical readers 23 are configured in such a way as to scan the flexible flat article A as it passes over the infeed conveyor 21.

The detection system 22 ? configured in such a way as to define the shape and the area of the flexible flat article A, for example a hide, in order to create an image file, for example in bitmap format, and in order to instruct the machine 10 on the exact shape of the ?flexible flat article A before this is handled by the manipulator unit 11.

The space between the optical readers 23 of the detection system 22 can vary from 5 mm to 70 mm, depending on the needs? and the specific technical requirements of use of the machine 10.

Thanks to this detection system 22 the unit? control electronics, through which ? managed and controlled the machine 10, ? configured to acquire data on the position of the center of gravity of the flexible flat article. When is this? above the infeed conveyor 21 and obviously before the flexible flat article A is picked up by the manipulator unit 11.

In particular, the detection system 22 ? configured to determine the position of a weight center line L, which passes through the center of gravity of the flexible flat body A and which divides two areas A01 and A02 of the surface of the flexible flat article A, having the same surface.

The weight line L ? to be understood as defined substantially orthogonally to the translation direction X4 of the same flat flexible article A.

The thickness of the flat flexible article A ? assumed to be constant. This information allows the manipulator unit 11 to lift the flat flexible article A correctly and balanced and deposit the flat flexible article A itself precisely and stably.

In figure 5 ? exemplified how the flexible flat articles A arrive at the infeed conveyor 21 from an arrival conveyor B forming part of a processing line located upstream of the machine 10. The flexible flat articles A, for example hides, arrive sequentially one after the? other from an upstream processing line. Such flexible flat articles A, for example skins, can be of different shapes and sizes, can arrive close to each other at different distances and with different speeds. different, established by the type of processing that the same flexible flat articles A have undergone upstream.

As mentioned above, the entrance conveyor 21 is the portion of the machine 10 where the flexible flat article A, i.e. a leather or a fabric or a cardboard, from the arrival conveyor B is loaded into the machine and measured, both in length and in width, by means of the detection system 22.

In the present, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the supporting column 12, extending in a first vertical direction X1, is preferably telescopic, so as to be able to determine a reduced size during transport and also during the work phases, or so? so that its operating height can be adjusted to adapt to the heights of an infeed conveyor 21 or a deposit support 50.

A deposit support 50 ? it should be understood that it could be a stand 51, as in the figures, or a platform, on the ground or on a trolley, not shown and in any case of a known type.

As clearly visible in figures 6 and 7, the telescopic supporting column 12 therefore comprises:

- a fixed body 30, resting on the ground,

- a mobile body 31, configured to slide on the fixed body 30, - vertical sliding means 32, configured to allow motorized sliding of the mobile body 31 with respect to the fixed body 30.

The fixed body 30 comprises a first tubular frame 70 which in turn comprises a plurality of of uprights, for example four corner uprights 71, joined together by crosspieces and reinforcing braces 72. The movable body 31 comprises a second tubular frame 73 shaped to surround the tubular frame 70 of the fixed body 30.

The vertical sliding means 32, indicated in figures 6 and 10, comprise:

- vertical rails 74, at least one front and one rear, fixed to the outside of the fixed body 30,

- at least one pair of slides 75, one for each rail, fixed inside the mobile body 31,

- means for lifting and lowering the mobile body 31 with respect to the fixed body 30.

For example, and not by way of limitation, the vertical sliding means 32 comprise four vertical rails 74, two on a first side of the fixed body 30, and two on a second side, opposite to the first, of the same fixed body 30.

Still preferably, the vertical sliding means 32 comprises four front slides 75 on the first side, two for each rail 74, and two rear slides 75a.

The lifting and lowering means of the mobile body 31 with respect to the fixed body 30 comprise, for example, a system of belts or chains 76 and pulleys 77 configured to cause the lifting of the mobile body 31.

The vertical translation means 14, for the controlled translation of the movable horizontal guide 13 on the supporting column 12, comprise a guide-holder slide 40, clearly visible in figure 6, hooked by means of a series of shoes 41 to two vertical guides 42 fixed to the body mobile 31.

The vertical translation means 14 also include actuator means for the vertical movement of the guide-holder slide 40.

In the present embodiment of the invention, obviously not limiting the same, the vertical translation means 14 for the controlled translation of the mobile horizontal guide 13 on the supporting column 12 include the lifting and lowering means of the mobile body 31 of the supporting column 12.

In particular, in the present embodiment, these vertical translation means 14 comprise

- a first traction system 82, comprising one or more? flexible traction elements 76a with longitudinal development, for the connection between the fixed body 30 and the mobile body 31, and corresponding transmission elements 77a constrained to the mobile body 31; this first traction system 82 ? configured to determine the vertical translation of the movable body 31 with respect to the fixed body 30;

- a second traction system 83, comprising one or more? flexible traction elements 76b with longitudinal development, for the connection between the fixed body 30 and the guide-holder slide 40, and corresponding transmission elements 77b constrained to the mobile body 31 and configured to determine a support area for the respective flexible element with longitudinal development 76b; this second traction system 83 ? configured to determine the vertical translation of the guide-holder slide 40 on the movable body 31;

- actuator means for moving the movable body 31 with respect to the fixed body 30.

The actuator means comprise a vertical actuator 43, with stem 43a, actuated by an electric gearmotor 84 located at the base of the fixed body 30.

The first traction system 82 includes, for example:

- two flexible elements with longitudinal development 76a, clearly visible in figure 10, connected to the fixed body 30 by means of a pin 85,

- a corresponding first transmission element 77a for each longitudinally extending flexible element 76a, consisting of a fixed pulley, pivoted above the fixed body 30,

- a corresponding second transmission element 77a1, consisting of a mobile pulley, pivoted at the end? of the stem 43a of the vertical actuator 43,

- a fixed constraint point 77a2, defined above the fixed body 30,

Each of the longitudinally extending flexible elements 76a:

- ? fixed at a first end? at pin 85,

- passes over the first deflector element 77a,

- passes under the second deflector 77a1,

- ? fixed to the opposite second extremity? at the fixed constraint point 77a2.

Through the vertical actuator 43 it is possible to move the second transmission element 77a1 upwards or downwards, with consequent lowering or lifting of the movable body 31.

The vertical actuator 43 ? for example of the electric type, with electric drive motor 84.

because the flexible elements with longitudinal development 76a have a fixed length, the translation of the second transmission elements 77a1 causes an opposite translation of the movable body 31 on the fixed body 30.

The second traction system 83 includes:

- two flexible traction elements 76b with longitudinal development, for the connection between the fixed body 30 and the guide-holder slide 40, connected to the guide-holder slide 40 by means of a pin 86,

- and corresponding transmission elements 77b constrained to the upper part of the movable body 31 and configured to determine a support area for the respective flexible element with longitudinal extension 76b,

- a fixed constraint point 77b2, defined above the fixed body 30.

Each of the longitudinally extending flexible elements 77a:

- ? fixed at a first end? at stud 86,

- passes over deflector 77b,

- ? fixed to the opposite second extremity? at the fixed constraint point 77b2.

The lowering or lifting of the movable body 31 determines the simultaneous lowering or lifting of the transmission elements 77b; because? the flexible elements with longitudinal development 77a have a fixed length, the translation of the transmission elements 77b causes an equivalent translation of the guide-holder slide 40 on the movable body 31.

The first traction system 82 also comprises a counterweight system 87 configured to cooperate in lifting the mobile body 31 with respect to the fixed body 30.

This counterweight system 87 includes:

- a mass 87a, placed to translate on corresponding vertical guides 87b inside the fixed body 30,

- one or more flexible elements with longitudinal development 87c, each constrained to a first end? 87d to the mass 87a, and to the second extremity? 87 and to the lower part of the mobile body 31.

The mobile horizontal guide 13 ? then fixed to this guide rail 40.

The movable horizontal guide 13 comprises a beam 13a with one or more? guide rails 13b for the rod-carrying slides 15 and 16, configured for the independent horizontal translation of the rod-carrying slides 15 and 16 on the beam 13a.

The first motor means 17, for the motorized translation of the rod holder slides 15 and 16 on said mobile horizontal guide 13, comprise two independent electric gear motors 15a and 16a respectively, fixed to the beam 13a and configured to drive a respective drive belt 15b and 16b, each of the rod carrying slides 15 and 16 being secured to a drive belt 15b and 16b.

The two rotating transport rods 18 and 19 are mounted on the corresponding rod holder slide 15 and 16 by means of a respective longitudinal member 36 and 37 rigidly fixed to the corresponding rod holder slide 15 and 16.

The rotating transport rod 18 and 19 ? rotatably constrained to the respective side member 36 and 37 by means of two end brackets 38 and 39, clearly visible in figure 9A.

The side members 36 and 37 are defined, for example, by a reticular cross member.

In a variant embodiment of the invention, shown in figure 21, the side members 1036 comprise three tie rods 1036a made of metallic material; for example, at least one of the tie rods ? made of a metallic material, such as for example steel or aluminum, and/or a composite material such as carbon fiber, therefore with characteristics of marked lightness. Preferably, but not exclusively, the three tie rods are made of the same material.

The tie rods 1036a are positioned to define a pyramidal structure whose base ? connected to a rod holder slide 1015 and whose apex supports an end bracket? 1039.

At least one of the rotating transport rods 18 and 19 ? rotating around its main axis by motor means 20.

Preferably both the transport rods 18 and 19 rotate around their main axis by means of motor means 20, clearly visible in figures 8A, 9 and 9A.

These motor means 20 can each consist, for example and not exclusively, of an electric motor kinematically connected to a rotation shaft of a rotating transport rod 18 and 19 by means of a belt, chain or gear transmission.

The motor means 20 are mounted on the respective rod holder slides 15 and 16.

In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated for the sake of simplicity, the motor means are constituted for each rotating transport rod 18 and 19 by an electric motor inserted inside the tubular body of the rotating transport rods 18 and 19 themselves.

The rotating transport rods 18 and 19 each consist of a tubular body with a predominantly longitudinal development.

The transport rods 18 and 19 are fixed offset in height, i.e. they are offset in the vertical direction.

These transport rods 18 and 19 are offset in height between 5 cm and 15 cm, for example by about 10 cm. In this way, in addition to allowing independent horizontal motorisation, the ascent of the flat flexible article A is facilitated during the loading step from the infeed conveyor 21 onto the transport rods 18 and 19 themselves.

Advantageously, the machine 10 according to the invention also comprises a monitoring system 60, visible in figure 10, for monitoring the unloading of the flexible flat articles A, A1, A2 from the manipulator unit 11 to the deposit support 50.

In the embodiment of the invention described here by way of non-limiting example of the invention, this monitoring system 60 comprises a mobile photoelectric device for reading the shape of the flat flexible articles A already? deposited on storage medium 50.

This mobile photoelectric device comprises, for example, a laser detector 61 arranged to slide on a horizontal guide bar 62 carried by the beam 13a.

The monitoring system 60 ? configured to detect the position of the deposit support 50 and the encumbrance determined thereon by the flexible flat articles A, A1, A2 already? deposited.

When, during operation of the machine 10, ? having reached a pre-established quantity of flexible flat articles A, by continuously measuring the shape of the deposit support 50 with the articles A deposited thereon, the monitoring system 60 sends a signal to the unit? control electronics to allow the fully charged deposit medium 50 to be exchanged for another deposit medium which is unloaded.

The monitoring system 60 also has the function of identifying the position and status of the deposit support 50 so that the unit? control electronics move the rotating transport rods 18 and 19 with precise trajectories between the infeed conveyor 21 and the same deposit support 50.

In figure 20 ? shown is a variant embodiment of the machine for handling flexible flat articles according to the invention, indicated therein as a whole by the numeral 110.

This machine 110 comprises two opposing manipulator groups 11 and 11a, respectively.

The machine 110 obviously also comprises, for each manipulator unit 11 and 11a:

- a supporting column 12, extending in a first vertical direction X1,

- a movable horizontal guide 13, extending in a second direction X2, transverse to the first direction X1,

- vertical translation means 14 for the controlled translation of the mobile horizontal guide 13 on the supporting column 12,

- two rod holder slides 15 and 16 respectively, each of which is set to translate with corresponding first motor means 17 on said mobile horizontal guide 13,

- two rotating transport rods 18 and 19 respectively, extending according to a third direction X3, transverse to the first X1 and second X2 directions, each of which is mounted on a corresponding rod holder slide 15 and 16.

The two manipulator units 11 and 11a, positioned symmetrically, work in synchronism, alternating so that one of the two is always in the loading position. The unit control electronics? programmed to manage the anti-collision.

This machine 110 with two manipulator groups 11 and 11a allows to achieve work rates that a machine 10 with a single manipulator group 11 could not achieve.

In figures 11 to 15 and in the scheme of figure 22 ? represented a first operating cycle of the machine 10 according to the invention. This first operating cycle includes the following operating phases:

- a starting phase, indicated with C1.A in figure 22;

- a descent phase of the two transport rods 18 and 19, close together, up to a pick-up point of an article A, at the unloading edge of the infeed conveyor 21, as visible in figure 11; this phase? indicated with C1.B in figure 22;

- an ascent phase of the upstream transport rod 19, to lift the article A, until it passes the level of the infeed conveyor 21; - a backward phase of the upstream transport rod 19, with rotation synchronized with the advancement of article A, until it reaches, above the plane of the infeed conveyor 21 and below article A, for a distance from the downstream transport rod 18 such as to allow the balanced lifting of the same article A; this phase? indicated with C1.C in figure 22;

- a step for lifting and advancing the transport rods 18 and 19 up to a height such as to allow the article A to climb over the deposit support 50; this phase? indicated with C1.D in figure 22; - an advancement step of the transport rods 18 and 19 up to above the deposit support 50; this phase? represented in figure 12 and ? indicated in figure 22 with the number C1.E;

- a descent phase of the transport rods 18 and 19 with rotation of the transport rods 18 and 19 such as not to create friction on the article A, therefore with the upstream transport rod 19 rotating clockwise and with the the downstream transport rod 18 which rotates counterclockwise; this phase? represented in figures 13, 14 and 15 and ? indicated in figure 22 with the number C1.F;

- a final raising phase of the transport rods 18 and 19 up to the starting position of the initial phase.

This first operating cycle of the machine 10 ? suitable, for example, for 'high grain' leathers, i.e. with the noble part of the leather, in the jargon 'grain', facing upwards.

Article A, ie the leather, arrives on the infeed conveyor 21 with the grain facing upwards and is deposited on the deposit support 50 with the grain facing upwards.

In the figures from 16 to 19 and in the scheme of figure 23 ? represented a second operating cycle of the machine 10 according to the invention.

This second operating cycle includes the following operating phases:

- a starting phase, indicated with C2.A in figure 23;

- a descent phase of the two transport rods 18 and 19, close together, up to a pick-up point of an article A, at the unloading edge of the infeed conveyor 21, as visible in figure 11; this phase? indicated with C2.B in figure 23;

- an ascent phase of the upstream transport rod 19, to lift the article A, until it passes the level of the infeed conveyor 21; - a backward phase of the upstream transport rod 19, with rotation synchronized with the advancement of article A, until it reaches, above the plane of the infeed conveyor 21 and below article A, for a distance from the downstream transport rod 18 such as to allow the balanced lifting of the same article A; this phase? indicated with C2.C in figure 23;

- a phase for lifting and advancing the transport rods 18 and 19 up to a height such as to allow the article A to climb over the storage support 50, and at the same time progressive advancement of the upstream transport rod 19 towards the downstream transport 18 and simultaneous anti-clockwise rotation of the upstream transport rod 19 so that the article A is always in a stable position on the two transport rods 18 and 19 during their approach; this phase? indicated with C2.D in figure 23;

- a phase of movement of the transport rods 18 and 19 until a part of the article A ? resting on the storage support 50; this phase? represented in figure 16 and ? indicated in figure 23 with the number C2.E;

- an advancement phase of the transport rods 18 and 19, brought close together, to override the deposit support 50 with synchronized clockwise rotation of the transport rods 18 and 19 themselves such as not to create friction on the article A; this phase? represented in figures 17 and 18; - a descent phase of the transport rods 18 and 19, brought close together, to descend along the deposit support 50 with synchronized anti-clockwise rotation of the transport rods 18 and 19 themselves so as to accompany the resting of the article A on the deposit support 50; this phase? visible in figures 18 and 19 and ? indicated in figure 23 with the number C2.F;

- a final raising phase of the transport rods 18 and 19 up to the starting position of the initial phase.

With this second operating cycle of the machine 10, the article A, ie the leather, arrives on the infeed conveyor 21 with the grain facing upwards and is deposited on the deposit support 50 with the grain facing downwards.

In figures 24 and 25 ? a schematic embodiment of the machine according to the invention, indicated therein with the number 210.

In this embodiment variant, the movable horizontal guide 213 ? supported by two columns 212 and 212A.

These columns 212 and 212A are to be understood as similar to the column 12 described above.

The concept of picking up an article A, i.e. a hide, from the incoming conveyor 21 ? the same as the first and second operating cycles described above.

The difference lies in the deposit phase of articles A, which can be carried out on pi? deposit supports 50, 50A, 50B, which are exemplified in the number of three, but are understood to be two or more.

The advantages of this type of deposit are:

- be able to divide the articles A on the basis of subdivision choices made upstream by the operator and verified by automatic measurement/vision systems of the articles A. The subdivision choices can concern the quality? of the skin itself and/or the size of the skin;

- if the articles A are treated hides, by carrying out a sequential deposit on successive deposit supports, the deposited hides have sufficient time to carry out a ?polymerization? reaction? lasting 10 to 20 seconds; the machine is then programmed and controlled in such a way that the transport time for depositing a hide on a specific deposit support 50, 50A or 50B is greater than the polymerization reaction time, for example a transport time of 20 -25 seconds.

The peculiarity of this embodiment variant of the machine 210? then to understand:

- a second column 212A synchronized in ?electric centesimal axis? (the precision of the synchronized movement allows for high level mechanical stability and rigidity) compared to the first column 212,

- a movable horizontal guide 213 mounted on both the two columns 212 and 212A; the length of the movable horizontal guide 213 depends on the number of storage supports 50, 50A, 50B that one decides to manage. For three storage stations you can? use, for example, a mobile horizontal guide 213 7 meters long.

In figure 24 ? schematized an operating cycle of the type with flower facing upwards, configured to affect three deposit supports 50, 50A and 50B.

In figure 25 ? schematized an operating cycle of the type with flower facing downwards, configured to affect three deposit supports 50, 50A and 50B.

Figures 26A to 26D schematically exemplify the versatility of the machine 10 according to the invention.

All the mechanics, the system on board the machine, the position of the electrical panel and the software have been studied so that the machine 10, 110, 210 can? be installed with the desired configuration. In fact, as can be seen from the layout of figures 26A to 26D, by moving the column 12 from right to left, and by moving the infeed conveyor 21 from right to left, four distinct layouts are obtained capable of operating in the same way of the others and as described above.

Does the software contain a parameter by selecting which the machine will operate? according to one of the solutions schematized in figures 26A to 26D.

In figures 27 and 28 ? schematised in plan view a further embodiment variant of the machine according to the invention, indicated therein with the number 310.

This 310 machine includes:

a manipulator group 311, comprising in turn:

- a first supporting column 312, extending in a first vertical direction X1,

- a second opposite supporting column 312A, equal to the first column 312,

- a first mobile horizontal guide 313, extending in a second direction X2, transverse to the first direction X1,

- a second movable horizontal guide 313A, equal to the first movable horizontal guide 313,

- first vertical translation means 14 for the controlled translation of the first mobile horizontal guide 313 on the first supporting column 312,

- second vertical translation means 14 for the controlled translation of the second mobile horizontal guide 313A on the second supporting column 312A,

- two first rod-holder slides 15 and 16 respectively, each of which is set to translate with corresponding first motor means 17 on said first mobile horizontal guide 313,

- two second rod-holder slides 15 and 16 respectively, each of which is set to translate with corresponding second motor means 17 on said second mobile horizontal guide 313A,

- two rotating transport rods 18 and 19 respectively, extending according to a third direction X3, transverse to the first X1 and second X2 directions, each of which is mounted between two opposite corresponding rod-holder slides 15 and 16, each of which rod-holder slides belongs to one of the two opposite movable horizontal guides 313 and 313A.

This embodiment variant of the machine according to the invention 310 therefore comprises two rotating transport rods which are supported at both ends by means of two opposite movable horizontal guides 313 and 313A which are moved in a coordinated manner to maintain the two rotating transport rods 18 and 19 horizontal and parallel.

This variant of the 310 machine allows you to achieve speeds? of deposit of very high hides. The deposit cycles remain the same as those mentioned above. The structural variations of the machine are:

- elimination of the longitudinal members 36 and 37 supporting the rotating transport rods 18 and 19,

- addition of a second column 312A synchronized in electrical axis to the first column 312,

- the two columns do not have the telescopic but simple upward movement, with a maximum height of 1.7 meters instead of? 3.5 meters for depositing an article A on a deposit support 50,

This embodiment variant of the 310 machine? configured to deposit on platforms at a high rate (8-10 hides per minute).

The structure of this machine 310, with the rotating transport rods 18 and 19, is no longer? cantilevered and without support spars, allows you to achieve speed? displacement of the same transport rods 18 and 19 up to 2-3 meters / second.

The machine according to the invention also comprises two safety braking systems.

A first safety braking system comprises a parking brake for each motor 15a, 16a, 20, 84 of the machine according to the invention.

Therefore each motor, for the ascent-descent of the column, for the movement of the rotating transport rods 18 and 19 on the beam 13a, and for the rotation of the same rotating transport rods 18 and 19, ? equipped with a corresponding parking brake.

Each parking brake ? configured to ensure that the car is not moved or that it does not move when ? off or when? in an arrest phase.

This first safety braking system ? to be considered operative only for the stationing of the mobile parts of the machine when the machine ? stop.

A second safety braking system ? shown in figure 29 in a first embodiment thereof, and in figure 30 in a second embodiment thereof.

This second braking system 78 and 178 ? configured to block the descent of the mobile body 31 with respect to the fixed body 30. In the first embodiment variant of figure 29, the second braking system 78 comprises at least one pneumatic braking shoe 79 mounted on the mobile body 31 and placed to slide on one of the vertical rails 74; preferably the second braking system 78 comprises a pneumatic braking shoe 79 for each of the two vertical rails 74.

These pneumatic braking shoes 79 are normally inoperative, ie open in a configuration which does not cause any braking action.

In the event that a problem occurs, the devices which keep the pneumatic braking shoes 79 open are deactivated, so that the pneumatic braking shoes 79 can perform their braking action by tightening on the respective vertical rail 74. These pneumatic braking shoes 79 are configured in such a way as to stop the free descent of the movable body 31 in a braking distance of less than or equal to 20 cm (therefore allows a downward stroke of the machine not exceeding this distance) after which the parking brakes of the first braking system described above.

In the second embodiment variant of figure 30, the second braking system 178 comprises at least one pneumatic braking shoe 179, integral with the fixed body 30, configured to surround a corresponding vertical bar 180 in turn integral with the mobile body 31.

The second braking system 178 comprises, for example, two pneumatic braking shoes 179, supported by a plate 181 which is in turn fixed to the jacket of the vertical actuator 43 of the lifting and lowering means of the movable body 31 with respect to the fixed body 30.

The vertical bars 180 are for example of a circular section.

These vertical bars 180 are fixed, for example, to the stem 43a of the vertical actuator 43.

When the car 10 ? turned on and functioning normally, and the motors are therefore operative and maintain the set positions, the pneumatic braking pads are released, i.e. open, or configured so as to allow the regular movement of the parts. In the event of a power failure, activation tripping or emergency circuit intervention (emergency mushrooms and/or opening of the machine protection barriers) the motors no longer deliver? power and therefore the movable body 31 and the movable horizontal guide 13, if high, begin to fall.

The second braking system 78 and 178 ? configured in such a way as to create a braking distance less than or equal to 20 cm (it therefore allows a downward stroke of the machine not exceeding this quota) after which? the parking brakes are automatically activated.

In the emergency braking time, assumed to be 2 seconds, are the parking brakes held ?unbraked? by a special CPU-controlled UPS.

Advantageously, the machine according to the invention also comprises a laser system for controlling the position of the mobile horizontal guide 13, ie the position of the cross member 13a.

This laser control system consists of an electronic device with laser technology which continuously sends an analog signal to the PLC of the machine for measuring the height of the crossbar with respect to the ground.

The system continues to monitor the vertical position of the crosspiece in order to activate the safety brake and switch off the machine if there is an inconsistency between the position calculated and controlled by the PLC and the real position of the crosspiece detected by the laser.

The inconsistency can? result from:

- breakage of the main motor pulley commanding the column actuator - breakage of the belts

- slipping of belts for their slackening.

Yes ? in practice it has been observed that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects.

In particular, with the? Invention? developed a machine for handling flat flexible items, such as leathers, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like, capable of picking up a sequence of leathers or fabrics or cardboard, from an arrival conveyor and depositing them one by one on a support of deposit, operating in a completely automatic way and with a speed? of work compatible with the speed? of arrival of the leathers or fabrics or hardcovers from the processing lines upstream of the machine.

Furthermore, with? The invention? development of a handling machine capable of carrying out deposit operations on a deposit medium with three different methods: deposit ?upright?, deposit ?reverse? or ?alternate? deposit, where with ?right? does it mean a deposit in which the side of the leather/fabric/hardback arrived from the entrance conveyor is kept high and deposited like this? how is it in the storage area, with ?reverse? it means a deposit in which the side of the leather/fabric/hardback arrived from the entrance conveyor is turned upside down and deposited upside down in the deposit area, and with ?alternate? or ?right/back? it means a deposit in which the leathers/fabrics/hardboards are deposited, one straight and the next reversed.

Furthermore, with? The invention? development of a lean, agile and light machine, as the weight of the leather/fabric/hardcover does not exceed 10 kg. AND? a minimal solution was therefore studied, creating a structure that is light, agile but solid.

Furthermore, with? The invention? setting up a ?intelligent? that, by means of the described engines and special programs, and through a unit? control electronics, is able to self-learn movements and synchronisms. These features allow the?autonomous and automatic adaptation in the calibration to different shapes, weights and qualities? of leather/fabric/hardcover to handle.

Furthermore, with the? Invention? development of a machine that is easy to transport, that can be opened and closed quickly and easily; in particular, the machine closed and ready for delivery can?? be inserted in an easily transportable compact packaging, for example with overall dimensions: 4 meters x 2 meters x 2 meters.

Again, with the? Invention? development of a machine that is easy to install. The machine according to the invention, in fact, can be opened and installed quickly and easily, avoiding costly and time-consuming commissioning.

In pi?, with the? invention? setting up a machine of easily variable size. Indeed ? It is possible to change the size of the machine in width simply by varying the length of the rotating transport rods 18 and 19.

Last but not least, with the? Invention? development of a machine with which the disposal costs of the machine itself at the end of the working cycle are reduced. Indeed it? built for 90% from recyclable materials such as iron, steel, aluminum, and a low percentage, about 10%, from non-recyclable materials such as conveyor belts on the entrance belt and a few other components.

The invention so? conceived ? susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the components and materials used, provided? compatible with the specific use, as well as? the contingent dimensions and shapes may be any according to the requirements and to the state of the art.

Where features and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference marks, such reference marks are intended to be affixed for the sole purpose of enhancing intelligibility? of the claims and consequently such reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference marks.

Claims (10)

1) Machine (10) for handling flat flexible items, such as leather, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like, characterized in that it comprises a handling unit (11) comprising: - a supporting column (12), extending in a first direction (X1), vertical, - a movable horizontal guide (13), extending in a second direction (X2), transversal to said first direction (X1), - vertical translation means (14) for the controlled translation of said mobile horizontal guide (13) on said supporting column (12), - two rod-holder slides (15, 16), each of which is set to translate with corresponding first motor means (17) on said movable horizontal guide (13), - two transport rods (18, 19), extending according to a third direction (X3) transversal to said first (X1) and second (X2) directions, each of which is mounted on a corresponding rod holder slide (15, 16), at least one of said transport rods (18, 19) being rotating around its main axis by means of second motor means (20). 2) Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an infeed conveyor (21) positioned upstream of said manipulator unit (11) and configured in such a way as to move a flexible flat article (A) in a direction transversal to called third direction (X3). 3) Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that said infeed conveyor (21) comprises a detection system (22) for detecting the perimeter shape of a flexible flat article (A) while the latter is? moved by said input conveyor (21) itself. 4) Machine according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rotating transport rods (18, 19) are constrained so as to extend cantilevered from the respective rod holder slides (15, 16). 5) Machine according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said bearing column (12) ? telescopic. 6) Machine according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mobile horizontal guide (13) comprises a beam (13a) with one or more? guide rails (13b) for the rod-holder slides (15, 16), said first motor means (17), for the motorized translation of the rod-holder slides (15, 16) on said mobile horizontal guide (13), comprising a rack (13c) fixed to the movable horizontal guide (13), and an electric motor (15a, 16a) configured to drive a respective pinion geared to the rack (13c). 7) Machine according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said two transport rods (18, 19) are mounted on the corresponding rod holder slide (15, 16) by means of a respective beam element (36, 37) rigidly fixed to the corresponding rod holder slide ( 15, 16). 8) Machine according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transport rods (18, 19) are fixed staggered in height. 9) Machine according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a monitoring system (60) for monitoring the unloading of the flexible flat articles (A) from the manipulator unit (11) to a storage support (50). 10) Machine according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said machine (110) comprises two opposing manipulator groups respectively (11, 11a).