IT202300008733A1 - Apparatus and method for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the industrial invention entitled:

"Apparatus and method for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats"

The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats and to a related method for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats.

The objects referred to in this description may comprise a semi-finished product or a finished product and a transport device, called a puck, for the semi-finished or finished products configured to hold and support the product in a predetermined orientation.

In automated manufacturing and/or packaging processes, such objects are transported by movable seats between a plurality of operating stations along a processing path. The movable seats house the objects and transport them along the processing path while maintaining them in predetermined positions and orientation, for example to perform operations on the objects such as filling, capping, labeling and the like.

Each mobile station is configured to travel along the processing path following a pre-established motion law to synchronize the position of the object with the various operations to be performed in the operating stations.

To place the objects on the processing path, the objects are brought to a receiving station from which they are transferred to the mobile stations at times, rates and frequencies that ensure that the mobile stations can comply with the law of motion imposed on them.

In the Applicant's experience, objects may arrive at the receiving station at rates, intervals and frequencies that are not always compatible with the rates, intervals and frequencies required for transfer to mobile locations.

Typically, for example, objects may pile up in the receiving station, one after the other, waiting to be transferred to the mobile locations.

The Applicant perceived that if the cadence, rate and frequency with which objects arrive at the receiving station were decoupled from the cadence, rate and frequency with which objects are transferred to the mobile stations, the objects could be transferred to the mobile stations compatibly with the laws of motion of the mobile stations independently of the cadence, rate and frequency with which objects arrive at the receiving station.

The Applicant has found that the above can be achieved by picking up one object at a time from the receiving station and transporting it to a mobile base with a transport speed suitable for synchronising it with the law of motion of the mobile base, avoiding at least initially picking up and transporting a subsequent object so as not to constrain the laws of motion of the two objects.

The present invention therefore concerns, in a first aspect, an apparatus for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats.

Preferably, a longitudinally extending feed path from a pickup station to a release station is provided.

Preferably, at least one transport device is provided along the feed path, extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end.

Preferably, said at least one transport device is configured to transport an object to be fed along the feed path from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, the first end of the transport device is configured to pick up said object.

Preferably, the second end is configured to release said object.

Preferably, in a pick-up position of the first end of the transport device, the first end of the transport device engages the pick-up station to pick up the item to be fed from the pick-up station.

Preferably, in a first end disengagement position of the transport device, the first end of the transport device is moved away from the pick station and does not engage the pick station.

Preferably, the first end of the transport device is movable longitudinally along the feed path from the pick-up position to the disengagement position.

Preferably, in a release position of the second end of the transport device, the second end of the transport device engages said release station to release the object to be fed into the release station.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats.

Preferably, a first end of at least one transport device, which extends longitudinally between said first end and a second end, moves to a pickup station.

Preferably, a single object is picked up from the picking station through said first end of the transport device.

Preferably, the picked object is transported along the transport device and along a feed path to the second end of the transport device.

Preferably, move the first end of the transport device along said feed path and away from the pick-up station.

Preferably, moving the first end of the transport device along said feed path and away from the pick-up station is done simultaneously with transporting the picked object along the transport device and along a feed path toward the second end of the transport device.

Preferably, the picked object is released at a release station when the picked object reaches the second end of the transport device.

The objects to be fed to the conveyor line can be brought to the collection station without respecting a law of motion synchronized with the respective transport locations.

The first end of the at least one transport device is movable into the pick-up position to pick up an object at the pick-up station. The transport device then transports the object picked up from the first end to the second end away from the pick-up station. The object can thus be fed to the respective transport location by synchronizing it with the respective transport location. After pick-up, the second end can be moved away from the pick-up station so that the next object is not picked up and transported while the previous object is synchronized with the respective transport location.

The feed path extends in a longitudinal direction. In this specification and the subsequent claims, terms such as ?longitudinal? and ?longitudinally? refer to directions parallel to the longitudinal direction of the feed path and/or to magnitudes or extensions measured parallel to such longitudinal direction. In the preferred use configuration of the apparatus, the longitudinal direction is parallel to a horizontal plane.

Terms such as ?transverse? and ?transversely? refer to directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the feed path and/or to quantities or extensions measured orthogonal to that longitudinal direction. In the preferred operating configuration of the apparatus, the transverse direction is parallel to a horizontal plane.

Terms such as ?vertical? and ?vertically? refer to directions orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the feed path and/or to quantities or extensions measured orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transverse directions. In the preferred operating configuration of the apparatus, the vertical direction is orthogonal to a horizontal plane.

Terms such as ?advanced? or ?advancing? refer to a relative position or movement in the direction from the pick-up station to the release station parallel to the direction of transport.

Terms such as ?backward? or ?retract? refer to a relative position or movement in the direction from the release station to the pick-up station parallel to the direction of transport.

Terms such as ?downstream? or ?upstream? refer to positions relative to the supply path.

The present invention may have at least one of the preferred features described below. Such features may therefore be present individually or in combination with each other, unless expressly stated otherwise, both in the apparatus for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats and in the method for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats of the present invention.

Preferably, the second end of the transport device is movable longitudinally along the feed path from the release position to a disengagement position where the second end of the transport device is moved away from the release station and does not engage the release station.

Preferably, the second end of the transport device is moved to a release station before releasing the picked object at the release station.

Preferably, the second end of the transport device moves at the release station simultaneously with transporting the picked object along the transport device and along a feed path to the second end of the transport device.

Preferably, the second end of the transport device moves along said feed path and away from the release station after releasing the picked object at the release station.

Preferably, the first end of the transport device moves along said feed path and away from the pick station after releasing the picked object at the release station.

The second end of the transport device is movable to the release position where the transport device transports the object accompanying it to the release station to release it into a movable seat on the processing line. The second end is then movable from the release position to the disengagement position to release the transported object and the movable seat and allow the movable seat and the object to be moved.

Preferably, when said first end is in the pick-up position, said second end is in the disengagement position and when said first end is in the disengagement position, said second end is in the release position.

Preferably, a longitudinal distance between the first end and the second end remains constant while the first end is moved between the pick-up position and the disengagement position.

Preferably, said at least transport device comprises a longitudinally movable support carriage from a rearward position to a forward position.

Preferably, moving the first end to the pick-up station comprises moving said support carriage to a rearward position.

Preferably, moving the second end to the release station comprises moving said support carriage to the forward position.

Preferably, in the rearward position of the support carriage the first end is in the pick-up position.

Preferably, in the forward position of the support trolley the first end is in the disengaged position.

Preferably, in the rearward position of the support trolley the second end is in the disengaged position.

Preferably, in the forward position of the support trolley the second end is in the released position.

Preferably, said at least one transport device comprises a transport surface extending from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, said transport surface is longitudinally movable from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, picking up a single object through said first end comprises contacting said object with said conveying surface at said first end and retaining said object at said conveying surface.

Preferably, transporting the picked object along the transport device and along a feed path to the second end of the transport device comprises moving said transport surface from the first end to the second end while retaining said object to said transport surface.

Preferably, retaining said object to said conveying surface comprises preventing reciprocal longitudinal sliding between said object and said conveying surface.

Preferably, said transport surface is longitudinally movable from the first end to the second end independently of a movement of the first end from the pick-up position to the disengagement position.

Preferably, said transport surface is longitudinally movable from the first end to the second end independently of a movement of the second end from the disengaged position to the released position.

Preferably, said conveying surface is configured to hold the object to be fed while said conveying surface is moved from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, said transport surface is moved from the first end to the second end with a first motion law and said first end is moved from the pick-up position to the disengagement position with a second motion law that can be configured independently of the first motion law.

Preferably, said transport surface is moved from the first end to the second end with a first law of motion and said second end is moved from the disengaged position to the released position with a second law of motion that can be configured independently of the first law of motion.

Preferably, said conveying surface is configured to retain the object to be fed by means of static friction.

Preferably, said conveying surface is configured to hold the object to be fed without longitudinal slippage between the conveying surface and the object to be fed while said conveying surface is moved from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, said at least one transport device comprises a first guide member.

Preferably, said conveying surface is mounted on said first guide member at said first end.

Preferably, moving said conveying surface from the first end to the second end comprises rotating said first guide member.

Preferably, said first guide member is longitudinally movable from a rearward position in which said first end is in the pick-up position to a forward position in which said first end is in the disengagement position.

Preferably, moving the first end to the pickup station comprises moving said first guide member to a rearward position.

Preferably, said at least transport device comprises a second guide member.

Preferably, said conveying surface is mounted on said second guide member at said second end.

Preferably, moving said conveying surface from the first end to the second end comprises rotating said first guide member.

Preferably, said second guide member is longitudinally movable from a rearward position in which said second end is in the disengaged position to a forward position in which said first end is in the released position.

Preferably, moving the first end to the pickup station comprises moving said first guide member to a rearward position.

Preferably, said first guiding member is mounted on said support carriage.

Preferably, said second guiding member is mounted on said support carriage.

Preferably, when said support carriage is in the forward position said first guide member is in the forward position.

Preferably, when said support carriage is in the retracted position said first guide member is in the retracted position.

Preferably, when said support carriage is in the forward position said second guiding member is in the forward position.

Preferably, when said support carriage is in the retracted position said second guiding member is in the retracted position.

Preferably, a fixed frame is envisaged.

Preferably, said support carriage is mounted so that it can be slidably moved between the rearward position and the forward position on the fixed frame.

Preferably, said transport device comprises a motorized roller.

Preferably, said motorized roller is mounted directly on said fixed frame.

Preferably, moving said support carriage between the rearward position and the forward position comprises maintaining said motorized roller in a fixed longitudinal position.

Preferably, said motorized roller is hinged to said fixed frame.

Preferably, said motorized roller is not movable by translation with respect to said fixed frame.

Preferably, said motorized roller engages said conveying surface to move said conveying surface onto said first guide member and second guide member.

Preferably, moving said conveyor surface from the first end to the second end comprises rotating said motorized roller.

Preferably, two transport devices are provided.

Preferably, said two transport devices comprise said at least one transport device and a further transport device.

Preferably, the further transport device is arranged along the feed path opposite the feed path to said at least one transport device.

Preferably, the additional transport device extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end.

Preferably, said two transport devices are configured to transport the object to be fed along the feed path interposed between the two transport devices from the first ends of said two transport devices to the respective second ends of said two transport devices.

Preferably, the first ends of said two transport devices are configured to pick up said object.

Preferably, the second ends of said two transport devices are configured to release said object.

Preferably, in a pick-up position of the first end of the further transport device, the first end of the further transport device engages the pick-up station to pick up the object to be fed from the pick-up station.

Preferably, in their respective pick-up positions, the first end of the transport device and the first end of the further transport device pick up said object to be fed together.

Preferably, said object to be fed is received between the first end of the transport device and the first end of the further transport device at the respective pick-up positions.

Preferably, in a disengaged position of the first end of the further transport device, the first end of the further transport device is moved away from the pick-up station and does not engage the pick-up station.

Preferably, the first end of the additional transport device is movable longitudinally along the feed path from the pick-up position to the disengagement position.

Preferably, when the first end of the transport device is in the pick-up position, the first end of the further transport device is in the pick-up position.

Preferably, when the first end of the transport device is in the disengaged position, the first end of the further transport device is in the disengaged position.

Preferably, in a release position of the second end of the further transport device, the second end of the further transport device engages said release station to release the object to be fed into the release station.

Preferably, in their respective release positions, the second end of the transport device and the second end of the further transport device release said object to be fed together.

Preferably, said object to be fed is released between the second end of the transport device and the second end of the further transport device in the respective release positions.

Preferably, in a disengaged position of the second end of the further transport device, the second end of the further transport device is moved away from the release station and does not engage the release station.

Preferably, when the second end of the carrying device is in the released position the second end of the additional carrying device is in the released position.

Preferably, when the second end of the transport device is in the disengaged position, the second end of the additional transport device is in the disengaged position.

Preferably, the second end of the additional transport device is movable longitudinally along the feed path from the release position to the disengagement position.

Preferably, in the disengaged position the first end is arranged between the pick-up position and the release position.

Preferably, in the disengaged position the second end is arranged between the pick-up position and the release position.

Preferably, the two transport devices are mounted at a pre-established distance from each other.

Preferably, said feed path is defined in a passage volume extending longitudinally between said two transport devices from said pick-up station to said release station.

Preferably, said passage volume has a constant width longitudinally.

Preferably, this width is substantially equal to the width of the object to be fed.

Preferably, the first end of the further transport device moves parallel to the first end of the at least transport device.

Preferably, the first end of the further transport device is moved while keeping the first end of the further transport device at the same longitudinal height as the first end of the at least transport device along the feed path.

Preferably, the second end of the further transport device moves parallel to the second end of the at least transport device.

Preferably, the second end of the further transport device is moved while keeping the second end of the further transport device at the same longitudinal height as the second end of the at least transport device along the feed path.

Preferably, a withdrawal mechanism is provided.

Preferably, the pick mechanism is configured to hold and longitudinally advance a row of feed items from a receiving station to the pick station.

Preferably, the pick mechanism is configured to advance the items to be fed at a constant speed.

Preferably, the pick mechanism is configured to hold and advance the objects in the row of objects to be fed into contact with each other.

Preferably, when the first end is in the pick position an object further down the row of objects to be fed placed at the pick station is held and advanced by both said pick mechanism and said at least one transport device.

Preferably, when the first end is in the pick-up position the first end is overlapped by the pick-up mechanism.

Preferably, when the first end is in the disengaged position an object further down the row of objects to be fed placed in the pick station is held and advanced only by said pick mechanism.

Preferably, a row of items to be fed is advanced at a constant speed to the pick station.

Preferably, picking a single item from the picking station includes picking an item further down the row of items to be fed.

Preferably, picking a single item from the picking station comprises picking said downstream item while said downstream item is advanced at a constant velocity.

Preferably, transporting the picked object along the transport device and along a feed path comprises accelerating the picked object from said constant velocity and subsequently slowing the picked object.

Preferably, releasing the picked object at a release station includes stopping the picked object at the release station.

Preferably, stopping the picked object at the release station is done while the picked object is held by the transport device.

Preferably, moving the second end of the transport device along said feed path and away from the release station is done while the picked object is held by the transport device at the release station until the second end engages the release station.

Preferably, when the first end is in the disengaged position the first end is not overlapped by the pick-up mechanism.

Preferably, the second end of the transport device is moved to a release station before releasing the picked object at the release station.

Preferably, the second end of the transport device moves along said feed path and away from the release station after releasing the picked object at the release station.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, made with reference to the attached drawings and provided for indicative and non-limiting purposes, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a top view of an apparatus for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a top view of the object feeding apparatus to a processing line equipped with movable seats of Figure 1 with some components removed;

- Figures 3 and 4 show top views of components of the apparatus for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats in Figure 1;

- Figures 5 to 10 show respective schematic views of the apparatus for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats of Figure 1 in respective different operating configurations.

An apparatus for feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats, illustrated in figure 1, is indicated by the numerical reference 1.

The processing line referred to in this description comprises a plurality of movable seats S, illustrated schematically in figures 5 to 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the processing line comprises a rotating member S1. The movable seats S are defined by recesses in the rotating member S1. The rotating member S1 can rotate around a rotation axis R to move the movable seats S.

The movable seats S are configured to stably house an object 5 to be machined, as illustrated in figures 9 and 10. The movable seats S are open on one side to allow access to the object 5. In the illustrated embodiment, each movable seat S is partially shaped to the object 5 to be machined to stably support it and allow accurate position control. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable seats S are closed on three sides so as to partially envelop the object 5.

The feeding apparatus 1 comprises a fixed frame 2 having a support base configured to rest on a floor. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed frame 2 is positioned in correspondence with the rotating member S1.

The feeding apparatus 1 comprises a receiving station 10 configured to receive objects 5, 6, 7 to be fed to the processing line. The objects 5, 6, 7 to be fed to the processing line are brought to the receiving station 10, for example by means of a conveyor, not illustrated. The receiving station 10 is defined in a fixed position with respect to the fixed frame 2.

The feeding apparatus 1 comprises a pick mechanism 11. The pick mechanism 11 is configured to receive the objects 5, 6, 7 at the receiving station 10 and advance them to a pick station 12 along a pick path 14. The pick station 12 is defined at a fixed position relative to the fixed frame 2.

The pick path 14 extends longitudinally from the receiving station 10 to the picking station 12. The pick mechanism 11 is configured to advance the received objects 5, 6, 7 from the receiving station 10 to the picking station 12 in single file, preferably at a constant speed. The objects in single file are advanced adjacent to each other from the receiving station 10 to the picking station 12.

The picking mechanism 11 comprises two picking devices 20 located on opposite sides of the picking path 14. Each picking device 20 extends longitudinally from the receiving station 10 to the picking station 12.

The two pick-up devices 20 laterally delimit a pick-up volume 21 defined between the pick-up devices 20 and extending from the receiving station 10 to the pick-up station 12. The pick-up path 14 is defined in the pick-up volume 21. The pick-up volume 21 is open longitudinally at the receiving station 10 and at the pick-up station 12. The pick-up volume 21 is configured to be traversed by the objects 5, 6, 7 to be fed from the receiving station 10 to the pick-up station 12. The pick-up volume 21 has a constant transverse width along its longitudinal direction. The transverse width of the pick-up volume 21 is substantially equal to the width of a single object 5 to be fed.

Each pickup device 20 comprises a first rolling member 25, located at the receiving station 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rolling member 25 comprises a toothed wheel. The first rolling member 25 is pivoted on the fixed frame 2 and can rotate about a vertical axis. The first rolling member 25 is not movable longitudinally with respect to the fixed frame 2.

Each pickup device 20 comprises a second rolling member 26, located at the pickup station 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rolling member 26 comprises a toothed wheel. The second rolling member 26 is pivoted on the fixed frame 2 and can rotate about a vertical axis. The second rolling member 26 is not movable longitudinally with respect to the fixed frame 2.

Each pickup device 20 includes a pickup belt 27 which is wrapped around the first rolling member 25 and the second rolling member 26. One of the first rolling member 25 and the second rolling member 26 is motorized and configured to drive the pickup belt 27. The pickup belt 27 is made at least partially of elastomeric material.

The pickup belt 27 has a transport branch 28 and a return branch 29. The transport branch 27 extends from the first rolling member 25 to the second rolling member 26. At the transport branch 28, the pickup belt 27 extends longitudinally from the receiving station 10 to the pickup station 12. At the transport branch 28, the pickup belt 27 is facing the pickup volume 21, oriented vertically.

At the conveyor branch 28, the pick belt 27 is configured to advance from the receiving station 10 to the pick station 12.

Each pickup device 20 further comprises a plurality of strikers 30 configured to press the transport branch 28 of the pickup belt 27 toward the pickup path 14 as the pickup belt 27 advances from the receiving station 10 to the pickup station 12. The strikers 30 are positioned opposite the pickup path 14 to the transport branch 28.

The abutment members 30 are elastically deformable and configured to generate a spring force against the transport branch 28 of the collection belt 27 and towards the collection path 14. Each abutment member 30 comprises an S-shaped bent blade, extending from an end fixed to the fixed frame 2 to a free end configured to abut against the collection belt 27. The S-shaped bent blade is elastically flexible so as to exert the spring force against the transport branch 28 of the collection belt 27 towards the collection path 14.

The pick-up belts 27 of the pick-up devices 20 are configured to contact an object 5; 6; 7 placed in the receiving station 10 between the respective transport branches 28 and to advance it from the receiving station 10 to the pick-up station 12, forming a row 5, 6, 7 of objects to be fed.

The objects 5, 6, 7 are received at the receiving station 10 and advanced by holding them by the pick-up belts 27 while the pick-up belts 27 are advanced from the receiving station 10 to the pick-up station 12. Each object 5; 6; 7 is held by the pick-up belts 27 when it is inserted between the pick-up belts 27 by making the pick-up belts 27 adhere superficially to the object 5; 6; 7.

The striker members 30 are configured to press the pick belts 27 against the objects 5, 6, 7 as each object 5; 6; 7 moves along the pick path 14 to generate a static friction force between the pick belt 27 and the object 5; 6; 7.

The apparatus 1 comprises at least one transport device 35. In the illustrated embodiment the apparatus 1 comprises two transport devices 35.

The transport devices 35 are configured to pick up the objects 5, 6, 7 in turn at the pick station 12 and advance them to a release station 36 along a feed path 38. The release station 36 is defined in a fixed position relative to the fixed frame 2.

The feed path 38 extends longitudinally from the pick-up station 12 to the release station 36. The feed path 38 is parallel and preferably aligned with the pick-up path 14 and is configured as a continuation of the pick-up path 14. Preferably, the two transport devices 35 are mirror images of the pick-up path 14.

A passage volume 39 is defined longitudinally between the pick station 12 and the release station 36, between the transport devices 35. The supply path 38 is defined in the passage volume 39. The passage volume 39 is open longitudinally at the pick station 12 and at the release station 36. At the pick station 12, the passage volume 39 communicates with the pick volume 21. The passage volume 39 is configured to be traversed by the objects 5, 6, 7 to be fed from the pick station 12 to the release station 36. The passage volume 39 has a constant transverse width along its longitudinal direction, defined by the transverse distance between the transport devices 35. The transverse width of the passage volume 39 is substantially equal to the width of a single object 5; 6; 7 to be fed.

Each transport device 35 comprises a support carriage 40, shown in figure 1, longitudinally movable from a rearward position (shown in figure 1) to a forward position (not shown). Each support carriage 40 comprises respective slides 40a which engage a respective guide 40b fixed to the fixed frame 2 and extended longitudinally. The slides 40a slidably engage the guide 40b to allow the support carriage 40 to slide from the rearward position to the forward position and vice versa.

The support carriages 40 of the two transport devices 35 are movable between the rearward position and the forward position together, so that they are arranged in the same longitudinal position.

The movement of the support carriages 40 of the two transport devices 35 from the retracted position to the advanced position is carried out by a single motor (not illustrated), preferably of the electric type. A connecting rod-crank assembly 40c is configured to transform a rotary movement of the motor into a linear movement of the support carriages 40.

Each transport device 35 comprises a first guide member 41. The first guide member 41 is mounted on the support carriage 40. The first guide member 41 is rotatably mounted on the support carriage 40, preferably idle. In the illustrated embodiment, the first guide member 41 comprises a toothed wheel.

Each first guide member 41 is movable between a rearward position in which it engages the pick-up station 12, illustrated in figures 2, 3 and 5, and a forward position in which it does not engage the pick-up station 12, illustrated in figure 8. In the forward position, the first guide member 41 is longitudinally interposed between the pick-up station 12 and the release station 36.

The first guide member 41 is moved between the respective rearward and forward positions by the respective support carriage 40. In particular, the rearward position of the support carriage 40 corresponds to the rearward position of the first guide member 41 and the forward position of the support carriage 40 corresponds to the forward position of the first guide member 41. When the first guide members 41 of the two transport devices 35 are in their respective rearward positions, the pick-up station 12 is interposed between the two first guide members 41.

Each first guide member 41 in the rearward position is superimposed on the pick-up mechanism 11, and in particular on the second rolling member 26 of a respective pick-up device 20.

Each transport device 35 comprises a second guide member 42. The second guide member 42 is mounted on the carrier carriage 40. The second guide member 42 is rotatable relative to the carrier carriage 40, preferably in an idle manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the second guide member 42 comprises a toothed wheel. The second guide member 42 is aligned with the respective first guide member 41 in the longitudinal direction. The second guide member 42 is longitudinally spaced from the respective first guide member 41.

Each second guide member 42 is movable between a rearward position in which it does not engage the release station 36, illustrated in figures 2, 3 and 5, and a forward position in which it engages the release station 36, illustrated in figure 8. In the rearward position, the second guide member 42 is longitudinally interposed between the pick-up station 12 and the release station 36.

The second guide member 42 is moved between the respective rearward and forward positions by the respective support carriage 40. In particular, the rearward position of the support carriage 40 corresponds to the rearward position of the second guide member 42 and the forward position of the support carriage 40 corresponds to the forward position of the second guide member 42. When the second guide members 42 of the two transport devices 35 are in their respective forward positions, the release station 36 is interposed between the second guide members 42.

Each transport device 35 includes a motorized roller 44. The motorized roller 44 is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame 2. The motorized roller 44 is positioned longitudinally between the first guide member 41 and the second guide member 42. The motorized roller 44 is transversely spaced from the first guide member 41 and the second guide member 42 on the opposite side of the feed path 38. In the illustrated embodiment the motorized roller 44 includes a toothed wheel. The motorized roller 44 is driven by a rotary motor fixed to the fixed frame 2. Preferably, the motorized rollers 44 of the two transport devices 35 are driven by the same motor. The motorized rollers 44 of the two transport devices 35 are driven independently of the support carriages 40. Each motorized roller 44 is not movable longitudinally with respect to the fixed frame 2.

Each transport device 35 comprises a first deflection roller 45. The first deflection roller 45 is mounted idly on the fixed frame 2. The first deflection roller 45 is longitudinally and transversely spaced from the motorized roller 44. The first deflection roller 45 is longitudinally positioned between the first guide member 41 and the motorized roller 44. The first deflection roller 45 is transversely positioned between the first and second guide members 41, 42 and the motorized roller 44.

Each transport device 35 comprises a second deflection roller 46. The second deflection roller 46 is mounted idly on the fixed frame 2. The second deflection roller 46 is longitudinally and transversely spaced from the motorized roller 44. The second deflection roller 46 is longitudinally positioned between the motorized roller 44 and the second guide member 46. The first deflection roller 45 is transversely positioned between the first and second guide members 41, 42 and the motorized roller 44.

Each conveyor 35 includes a conveyor surface 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor surface 50 is defined by a belt. The conveyor surface 50 is wrapped around the first guide member 41 and the second guide member 42 along a wrap path 50a. The wrap path 50a of the conveyor surface 50 engages the motorized roller 44. The first diverter roller 45 is configured to engage the conveyor surface 50 to divert the wrap path 50a from the motorized roller 44 to the first guide member 41. The second diverter roller 46 is configured to engage the conveyor surface 50 to divert the wrap path 50a from the second guide member 42 to the motorized roller 44. The conveyor surface 50 is oriented vertically along the wrap path 50a. The motorized roller 44 is configured to engage the conveyor surface 50 to divert the wrap path 50a from the second guide member 42 to the motorized roller 44. The conveyor surface 50 is oriented vertically along the wrap path 50a. configured to actuate the conveyor surface 50 to move it along the winding path 50a.

Each transport device 35 extends longitudinally from a first end 51 to a second end 52. The first end 51 and the second end 52 are defined on the winding path 50a. The first end 51 of the transport device 35 is defined at a position where the transport surface 50 is on the first guide member 41. The second end 52 of the transport device 35 is defined at a position where the transport surface 50 is on the second guide member 42. Movement of the transport surface 50 alone along the winding path 50a does not change the positions of the first end 51 and the second end 52.

The first ends 51 of the two transport devices 35 are positioned in the same longitudinal position along the feed path 38. The first ends 51 of the two transport devices 35 are spaced transversely from each other. Similarly, the second ends 52 of the two transport devices 35 are positioned in the same longitudinal position along the feed path 38. The second ends 52 of the two transport devices 35 are spaced transversely from each other. The second end 52 of each transport device 35 is spaced longitudinally from the respective first end 51 and aligned therewith along a longitudinal direction.

The first end 51 of each transport device 35 is movable longitudinally along the feed path 38 from a pick-up position, shown in Figures 2, 3, 5 to a disengagement position, shown in Figure 8. In the pick-up position, the first end 51 engages the pick-up station 12. In the disengagement position, the first end 51 does not engage the pick-up station 12 and is longitudinally disposed between the pick-up station 12 and the release station 36. When the first ends 51 of the two transport devices 35 are in their respective pick-up positions, the pick-up station 12 is interposed between the first ends 51. When the first ends 51 of the two transport devices 35 are in their respective disengagement positions, the pick-up station 12 is not interposed between the first ends 51.

The rearward position of the first guide member 41 of each transport device 35 corresponds to the pick-up position of the first end 51 and the forward position of the first guide member 41 corresponds to the disengagement position of the first end 51.

The first end 51 of each transport device 35 is moved between the respective pick-up and disengagement positions by the respective support carriage 40. In particular, the rearward position of the support carriage 40 corresponds to the pick-up position of the first end 51 and the forward position of the support carriage 40 corresponds to the disengagement position of the first end 51.

The second end 52 of each transport device 35 is longitudinally movable along the feed path 38 from a disengaged position, illustrated in figures 2, 3, 5 to a release position, illustrated schematically in figure 8. In the release position, the second end 52 engages the release station 36. In the disengaged position, the second end 52 does not engage the release station 36 and is longitudinally disposed between the pick-up station 12 and the release station 36.

When the second ends 52 of the two transport devices 35 are in their respective release positions, the release station 36 is interposed between the second ends 52. When the second ends 52 of the two transport devices 35 are in their respective disengagement positions, the pick-up station 12 is not interposed between the first ends 51.

The rearward position of the second guide member 42 corresponds to the disengagement position of the second end 52 and the forward position of the second guide member 42 corresponds to the release position of the second end 52.

Each second end 52 is moved between the respective disengagement and release positions by the respective support carriage 40. In particular, the rearward position of the support carriage 40 corresponds to the disengagement position of the second end 52 and the forward position of the support carriage 40 corresponds to the release position of the second end 52.

The first end 51 and the second end 52 of each transport device 35 are jointly movable. The pick-up position of the first end 51 corresponds to the disengagement position of the second end 52 and the disengagement position of the first end 51 corresponds to the release position of the second end 52. The longitudinal distance between the first end 51 and the second end 52 remains constant as the first end 51 moves between the pick-up position and the disengagement position and the second end 52 moves between the disengagement position and the release position correspondingly.

The transport surface 50 of each transport device 35 has a transport branch 53 and a return branch 54. The transport branch 53 extends from the first end 51 to the second end 52. At the transport branch 53, the transport surface 50 extends longitudinally from the first guide member 41 to the second guide member 42.

At the transport branch 53, the transport surface 50 of each transport device 35 faces the passage volume 39 and is configured to advance along the winding path 50a from the first end 51 to the second end 52. The motorized roller 44 is configured to operate the advancement of the transport surface 50 from the first end 51 to the second end 52 on the transport branch 53.

The return branch 54 of each transport device 35 extends from the second end 52 to the first end 53. The return branch 54 is spaced transversely from the transport branch 53 on the opposite side of the transport branch 53 with respect to the feed path 38. At the return branch 54, the transport surface 50 engages the first deflection roller 45, the motorized roller 44 and the second deflection roller 46.

Each transport device 35 further comprises a plurality of abutment members 55 configured to press the transport branch 53 of the transport surface 50 toward the feed path 38 as the transport surface 50 advances from the pick-up station 12 to the release station 36. The abutment members 55 are positioned opposite the feed path 38 from the transport branch 50. The abutment members 55 are elastically deformable and configured to generate a spring force against the transport branch 53 of the transport surface 50 and toward the feed path 38. Each abutment member 55 comprises an “S”-bent plate extending from an end fixed to the support carriage 40 to a free end configured to abut the transport surface 50. The “S”-bent plate is elastically flexible so as to exert spring force against the transport branch 53 of the transport surface 50 towards the feed path 38.

The transport devices 35 are configured to pick up one object 5; 6; 7 at a time from the pick station 12. In particular, the transport devices 35 are configured to pick up the object 5 furthest downstream from the row of objects 5, 6, 7 that are advanced by the pick mechanism 11.

The conveyor surface 50 of each conveyor device 35 is configured to contact an object 5 located in the pick station 12 between the respective conveyor legs 53 when the first end 51 is in the pick position, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and to advance the object from the first end 51 to the second end 52, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8.

To feed a workpiece to the processing line equipped with movable seats, a plurality of workpieces 5, 6, 7 are received at the receiving station 10 and arranged in single file.

The row of objects 5, 6, 7 to be fed is advanced from the receiving station 10 to the feeding station 12 along the pick path 14. The row of objects 5, 6, 7 is received and advanced by the pick mechanism 11. The objects 5, 6, 7 are advanced along against each other.

Object 5, furthest down the row of objects 5, 6, 7, arrives at pick-up station 12 first.

The first end 51 of each transport device 35 is moved into the pick-up position. While the first end 51 is in motion, it engages the pick-up station 12 and the transport surface 50 comes into contact with the object 5. When the transport surface 50 comes into contact with the object 5, the speed of the transport surface (dictated by the first law of motion) is adjusted so as not to have slippage with respect to the object 5, which advances held by the pick-up mechanism 11.

The first end 51 of each transport device 35 reaches the pick-up position and picks up the object 5 furthest down the row of objects. The transport surfaces 50 of the transport devices 35 hold the object 35. The object 5 is held by the transport surfaces 50 by inserting it between the transport surfaces 50 and causing the transport surfaces 50 to contact the object 5 superficially. The transport surfaces 50 exert a static friction force against the object 5 sufficient to hold the object 5 without mutual slippage.

The object 5 is advanced by being held by the transport surface 50 of each transport device 35 while the transport surfaces 50 are advanced from the first end 51 to the second end 52.

The striker members 55 press each conveying surface 50 against the object 5 as the object 5 moves along the feed path 38 to maintain the static friction force between the conveying surface 50 and the object 5.

As the picked object 5 is advanced from the first end 51 toward the second end 52, the first end 51 of each transport device 35 is moved from the pick position to the release position, as illustrated in Figures 5 to 8.

While the picked object 5 is moving within the pick station 12 and the first end 51 is moving from the pick position towards the disengagement position, the object 5 is held by both the pick mechanism 11 and the transport devices 35, as illustrated in Figure 6 until it exits the pick station 12, disengaging the pick mechanism 11. During this time interval, the speed of the transport surfaces 50 of the transport devices 35 is synchronized with the speed of the pick belts 27 of the pick devices 20 so as to hold the picked object 5 without sliding against each other.

The first end 51 is brought into the disengagement position so as not to engage the next object 6 in the row of objects 5; 6; 7 until it is returned to the pick-up position. When the picked object 5 disengages the pick-up station 12, its speed is regulated independently of the speed of the next object 6. In particular, the object 5 is accelerated towards the release station and subsequently slowed down. The object 5 is advanced with a motion law such as to synchronize its arrival at the release station 36 with the presence of a mobile seat S in the release station. The motion law of the object is given by the combination of a first motion law of the transport surface 50 with respect to the support trolley 40 and a second motion law of the support trolley 40 with respect to the fixed frame 2 (which corresponds to the motion law of the first end 51 and of the second end 52). The first law of motion and the second law of motion are independent of each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the release station 36 is positioned along the path of the movable seats S of the processing line. The processing line successively advances the movable seats S and temporarily stops them at the release station 36 in a respective stop position. The release station 36 is positioned at the stop position of the movable seats S.

As object 5 advances from first end 51 to second end 52 of each transport device 35, second end 52 is brought into release position at release station 36.

The second end 52 of each transport device 35, moving from the disengaged position towards the released position, engages the release station 36 when a respective movable seat S is stopped in the stop position at the release station 36. In the illustrated embodiment, this can be achieved by synchronizing the movement of the support carriage 40 dictated by the second law of motion with the movable seat S.

The object 5 advances according to the first law of motion so as to arrive at the second end 52 of each transport device 35 when the second end 52 reaches the release position. From the moment in which the first end 51 does not engage the pick-up station 12, the first law of motion can be applied only to the picked object 5 independently with respect to the motion of the next object 6, held by the pick-up mechanism 11.

The picked up object 5 reaches the release station 36 and enters the mobile seat S guided by the transport surfaces 50.

After transporting the object 5 to the release station 36, the second end 52 of each transport device 35 is moved from the release position to the disengagement position to release the object into the release station 36. While the second ends 52 are moved from the release position to the disengagement position and until they engage the release station 36, the transport surfaces 50 retain the object 5 in the release station 36. The transport surfaces 50 are advanced toward the second end 52, in accordance with the first law of motion, synchronized with the movement of the second end 52, in accordance with the second law of mode, so as to maintain the object in a stationary position at the release station 36 until the second ends 52 engage the release station 36. During this time interval the object is held by both the transport devices 35 and the respective mobile headquarters S.

When the second ends 52 free the release station 36, the movable seat S to which the object has been fed can be moved along the trajectory of the processing line, which is not parallel and preferably orthogonal to the feeding path 36.

Claims (15)

1. Apparatus for feeding (1) objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats, comprising: a feed path (38) extending longitudinally from a pick-up station (12) to a release station (36), and at least one transport device (35) located along the feed path (38), extending longitudinally from a first end (51) to a second end (52) and configured to transport an object (5) to be fed along the feed path (38) from the first end (51) to the second end (52), wherein the first end (51) of the transport device (35) is configured to pick up said object (5) and wherein the second end (52) is configured to release said object (5); wherein the first end (51) of the transport device (35) is longitudinally movable along the feed path (38) from a pick-up position, wherein the first end (51) of the transport device (35) engages the pick-up station (12) to pick up the object (5) to be fed from the pick-up station (12), to a disengagement position wherein the first end (51) of the transport device (35) is moved away from the pick-up station (12) and does not engage the pick-up station (12); and wherein in a release position of the second end (52) of the transport device (35), the second end (52) of the transport device (35) engages said release station (36) to release the object (5) to be fed into the release station (36). 2. The feeding apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second end (52) of the transport device (35) is movable longitudinally along the feeding path (38) from the release position to a disengagement position where the second end (52) of the transport device (35) is moved away from the release station (36) and does not engage the release station (36). 3. Feeding apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein when said first end (51) is in the pick-up position, said second end (52) is in the disengagement position and when said first end (51) is in the disengagement position, said second end (52) is in the release position. 4. Feeding apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least transport device (35) comprises a support carriage (40) longitudinally movable from a rearward position, in which the first end (51) is in the pick-up position, to a forward position, in which the first end (51) is in the disengagement position. 5. Feeding apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one transport device (35) comprises a transport surface (50) extending from the first end (51) to the second end (52) and movable longitudinally from the first end (51) to the second end (52), said transport surface (50) being configured to retain the object (5) to be fed while said transport surface (50) is moved from the first end (51) to the second end (52). 6. Feeding apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein said at least one transport device (35) comprises a first guide member (41) on which said transport surface (50) is mounted at said first end (51), said first guide member (41) being longitudinally movable from a rearward position in which said first end (51) is in the pick-up position to a forward position in which said first end (51) is in the disengagement position. 7. A feeding apparatus (1) according to claim 6, when dependent on claim 2, wherein said at least transport device (35) comprises a second guide member (42) on which said transport surface (50) is mounted at said second end (52), said second guide member (42) being longitudinally movable from a rearward position in which said second end (52) is in the disengaged position to a forward position in which said second end (51) is in the released position. 8. Feeding apparatus (1) according to claims 4 and 7, wherein said first guide member (41) and second guide member (42) are mounted on said support carriage (40) and wherein when said support carriage (40) is in the forward position said first guide member (41) and second guide member (42) are in the forward position and when said support carriage (40) is in the backward position said first guide member (41) and second guide member (42) are in the backward position. 9. Feeding apparatus (1) according to claim 8, comprising a fixed frame (2) on which said support carriage (40) is mounted and slideably movable from the rear position to the forward position, wherein said transport device (35) comprises a motorised roller (44) mounted directly on said fixed frame (2), said motorised roller (44) engaging said transport surface (50) to move said transport surface (50) on said first guide member (41) and second guide member (42). 10. Feeding apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising two transport devices (35), said two transport devices comprising said at least one transport device (35) and a further transport device (35) arranged along the feed path (38) opposite the feed path (38) to said at least one transport device (35), said further transport device (35) extending longitudinally from a first end (51) to a second end (52), wherein said feed path (38) is interposed between the two transport devices (35); wherein said two transport devices (35) are configured to transport the object (5) to be fed along the feed path (38) from the first ends (51) of said two transport devices (35) to the second ends (52) of said two transport devices (35), wherein the first ends (51) of said two transport devices (35) are configured to pick up said object (5) and wherein the second ends (52) of said two transport devices (35) are configured to release said object (5); wherein the first end (51) of the further transport device (35) is longitudinally movable from a pick-up position, wherein the first end (51) of the further transport device (35) engages the pick-up station (12) to pick up the object (5) to be fed from the pick-up station (12), to a disengagement position wherein the first end (51) of the further transport device (35) is moved away from the pick-up station (12) and does not engage the pick-up station (12); and wherein in a release position of the second end (52) of the further transport device (35), the second end (52) of the further transport device (35) engages said release station (36) to release the object (5) to be fed into the release station (36). 11. Feeding apparatus (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second end (52) of the further transport device (35) is longitudinally movable along the feed path (38) from the release position to a disengagement position where the second end (52) of the further transport device (35) is moved away from the release station (36) and does not engage the release station (36). 12. Feeding apparatus (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said two transport devices (35) are mounted at a predetermined distance from each other, said feeding path (38) being defined in a passage volume (39) extending longitudinally between said two transport devices (35) from said pick-up station (12) to said release station (36) and having a constant width longitudinally. 13. A feeding apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a pick-up mechanism (11) configured to retain and longitudinally advance a row of objects (5, 6, 7) to be fed from a receiving station (10) to the pick-up station (12), wherein when the first end (51) is in the pick-up position an object (5) further downstream of the row of objects (6, 7) to be fed located at the pick-up station (12) is retained and advanced by both said pick-up mechanism (11) and said at least one transport device (35), and wherein when the first end (51) is in the disengagement position an object (6) further downstream of the row of objects (5, 6, 7) to be fed located at the pick-up station (12) is retained and advanced only by said pick-up mechanism (11). 14. A method of feeding objects to a processing line equipped with movable seats, comprising: move a first end (51) of at least one transport device (35), which extends longitudinally between said first end (51) and a second end (52), in correspondence with a collection station (12); pick up a single object (5) from the pick-up station (12) through said first end (51) of the transport device (35); transport the picked object (5) along the transport device (35) and along a feed path (38) towards the second end (52) of the transport device (35) and, at the same time, move the first end (51) of the transport device (35) along said feed path (38) and away from the picking station (12); release the picked object (5) at a release station (36) when the picked object (5) reaches the second end (52) of the transport device (35). 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising move the second end (52) of the transport device (35) to a release station (36) before releasing the picked object (5) into the release station (36); move the second end (52) of the transport device (35) along said feed path (38) and away from the release station (36) after releasing the object (5) picked up at the release station (36).