WO2005087385A1

WO2005087385A1 - Apparatus for moving industrial products

Info

Publication number: WO2005087385A1
Application number: PCT/IT2004/000124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianni Scaunich
Original assignee: Esse Gi Di Scaunich Gianni
Priority date: 2004-03-15
Filing date: 2004-03-15
Publication date: 2005-09-22

Abstract

Apparatus for moving industrial products, in particular profiles and plates of aluminium or of light alloys, intended for painting and/or decorating, comprising a support structure (1), two or more frames (2) for loading and unloading the products (pieces) and means for moving said frames (2) apt to cyclically allow a position swap between said frames (2), so as to concomitantly allow corresponding loading, unloading and processing phases.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MOVING INDUSTRIAL PROD UCTS

Description

The present invention refers to an apparatus for moving industrial products, in particular profiles and plates of aluminium or of light alloys, intended for painting and/or decorating.

Oft-times, in the field of industrial-scale production of artefacts, there is the problem of carrying out loading and moving steps for a large quantity of materials as rapidly as possible, so as to optimally exploit processing plant capabilities. An example of such a demand may be found in the field of the production of decorated and/or painted artefacts, in particular profiles and plates of aluminium or of light alloys. To date, the step of decorating artefacts of steels or of light alloys occurs, via the depositing of a layer of paint onto the material, by stoving in suitable ovens. A specific decorating system, using a sublimation transfer technique, is disclosed in EP 0950540. With such a processing method the stoving phase lasts about 2 min.

The extant decorating systems provide the use of a frame onto which the profiles are placed in order to be inserted into the oven. The processing cycle provides first of all a loading phase, and then the loaded frame is moved inside of the oven for the stoving. At the end of the stoving the frame^'is όutletted from the oven in order to unload the material, upon having reached a sufficiently low temperature.

In the plants designed according to the known art the moving of the material occurs manually, by means of a trolley that is inserted into the oven by means of rails. First of all, such a system does not safeguard the operator, who is forced to work near the oven, and moreover it entails a low productivity, as the oven is unused during the loading, unloading and cooling phases.

The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving artefacts overcoming the drawbacks mentioned hereto referring to the known art.

This problem is solved by an apparatus for moving industrial products according to claim 1 and by a system for decorating and/or painting artefacts of metallic materials according to claim 13.

The present invention provides several relevant advantages. The m ain advantage lies in an increase in the productivity of the system, by virtue of the concomitant presence on a single system of plural frames for moving the artefacts, allowing both to speed up the abovedescribed passive phases and to use the oven also during said phases. Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, also the times related to the required cooling downtime can be optimized, with a further increase in the productivity.

Other advantages, features and the operation modes of the present invention will be made apparent in the following detailed description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example and without limitative purposes. Reference will be made to the figures of the annexed drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; figure 2 shows a sectional plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; figure 3 is a side view of the system of figure 2; figure 4 shows in a perspective view the construction details of the frame for moving the artefacts; figure 5 is a side view of the frame of figure 4; figure 6 shows, in a perspective view, the detail of a frame sliding guide; figure 7 is a side view of the frame sliding system; figure 8 shows a partial perspective view of a frame with a vacuum distribution system; figure 9 and 10 are perspective views of a sealing blocking device according to the present invention; figures 11 A to 11 D illustrate the operation of the device of figure 10; and figures 12A to 12G illustrate the operation of an apparatus for moving according to the present invention. Referring initially to figure 1, an apparatus for moving comprises a support structure 1 for frames 2, onto which profiles 4 are loaded, and it is coupled to an oven 3 for the stoving phases. The moving structure 1 comprises a plurality of working zones, in this embodiment comprising two transit zones 13 and 14, and two loading and unloading zones 15 and 16.

According to a preferred embodiment the oven 3 is of a sublimation type, in which the decorative or protective paint is transferred, from a bag 25 of plastic material wrapping the artefact, during a phase of permanence at a high temperature.

The oven 3 comprises two zones, located aside said transit and loading/unloading zones, in particular a stoving zone 11 and a zone for inletting to and outletting from the oven 3.

The moving of the frames 2 between the stoving zone 11 and the inlet zone 12 occurs by means of a trolley 31 mounted on rails 32, onto which the frames 2 are rested.

The structure 1 is located beside the oven 3, at a height equal to the trolley 31. The structure 1 is formed by U-shaped guides 17, onto which there are rested two or more frames 2, here in a number equal to three, and it further comprises resting bases 18 and means for moving (not shown in the figure). According to the preferred embodiments, the means for moving comprises direct current (DC) motors arranged so as to allow, via chains, the motion of the frames 2 on the working plane defined by the structure for moving.

Moreover, there is advantageously provided a control system, e.g. with a programmable microprocessor, supervising the moving of the frames according to schemes and timings preset by the user.

The frames 2 are mounted on balls 21 fixed to the frame with bearings 22, so as to allow the motion of the frame in any direction on a plane. As it is illustrated in figure 3, the balls 21 couple to the U-shaped guides 17, so as to slide therein. Thus, the frames 2 can move onto the U-shaped guides 17, resting on a set of balls 21 sized so as to bear the weight of the frame 2 and of the products moved.

Moreover, the trolley 31 provides U-shaped guides 33 allowing to move the frames 2 from the structure 1 to the oven 3.

The U-shaped guides 17 are positioned so as to allow the motions of the frames 2 along two orthogonal axes; referring to figure 2, the motion takes place parallelly and perpendicularly to the apparatus, respectively, so as to move the frames 2 in all the zones 13, 14, 15 and 16.

Referring to figure 8, the frames 2 are formed by a netlike structure and comprise supports for the profiles 4, a vacuum distribution system 26 to generate vacuum between the bags 25 for color transferring and the profiles 4, sealing systems 5 in which the bags 25 are inserted and temperature detecting probes.

The temperature detecting probes provide a connecting system for connecting to the working zones 11 , 12, to monitor the temperature at any working zone in order to control the length of the processing phases.

Via the distribution system 26, the air between the bag 25 and the profile 4 is sucked so as to ensure the perfect adhesion and therefore the optimal transferring of the colors.

In the apparatuses for decorating artefacts by sublimation according to the known art, the sealing of the bags into contact with the rolled profile (laminate) takes place by sealing systems that are markedly subjected to wear. In fact, in these systems there is a gasket that is pressed against a stationary ring, causing a marked wear. Moreover, the sealing systems constructed according to the known art are not of ready use.

The present invention further relates to a sealing blocking device for treating industrial products, comprising a cup apt to slide on a pipe, a plate connected to one end of said pipe coupling to said cup, characterized in that said cup has a taper and said plate comprises a sealing ring arranged along its periphery. Referring to figures 9 and 10, the sealing devices 5 according to the present invention allow to overcome the drawbacks of the known art. These sealing devices 5 comprise a cup 51 having a taper apt to receive a plate 54, onto which there is shaped a periphery seat for containing a sealing ring 52. Thus, the sealing material is into contact with the sidewall of the cup and such a contrivance limits the wear of the blocking device. The cup 51 is free to slide on a pipe 53, by means of a hole obtained onto the bottom of the cup 51. The pipe 53 is connected to the distribution system 26 for sucking the air between the bag 25 and the profile 40.

The pipe 53 has, at one end thereof, a thrust system comprising a rod 55 for moving, hinged thereto, and a lock/unlock device 56. Onto the rod 55 there is obtained a guide 59 sliding on a pin 57 restrained on a support base 58 of the sealing device 5. Thus, by acting on the rod

55 it is possible to move the pipe 53 along an axial direction.

The sealing devices 5 are mounted, coupled the one in front of the other one, on the frames 2. Each pair of sealing device 5 receives one profile. In the embodiment there are ten pairs of sealing device 5, with which 10 profiles can be loaded in a single frame. Moreover, each frame has connection systems for connecting the distribution systems to a vacuum pump. The connection systems comprise a male connector and a female connector, one thereof movable and positioned onto the frames 2, and another one thereof fixed and positioned onto the structure 1. The connection system allows the transit of vacuum at connected male and female connectors, whereas upon disconnecting the two connectors therebetween, vacuum is preserved into the vacuum distribution system 26 by means of a sealing valve, positioned in the movable connector located onto the frames 2.

Referring to figures 12A to 12D, the processing cycle starts with three frames 2 positioned onto the zones 13, 14 and 15, respectively. An operator 71 positions profiles 4 onto the frame located at the loading zone 15, for half of the loading capacity of the frame itself. Prior to the loading operation, the profiles 4 have to be wrapped with the bags 25, onto which the decorating paint is deposited. Once the profiles 4 have been rested onto the frame, the bags 25 have to be inserted in the sealing devices 5, to then generate vacuum between the bag 25 and the profile 4. The bag is restrained between the cup 51 and the sealing ring 52.

Referring to figures 11A to 11D, in order to carry out this operation it is necessary to move away the plates 54 applied on the pipes 53, by acting with the rods 55. Thus, there is left a wider space for resting the profiles 4. Upon placing the profiles 4, the plates 54 are neared again and inserted into the bags 25. Then, acting manually, the cups 51 are thrust towards the plates 54, until restraining the bag 25 between the cup 51 and the sealing ring 52.

Upon having effected the restraining, the air between the bag 25 and the profile 4 is sucked in order to ensure a perfect adhesion between said parts. As it is illustrated in figure 12B, at the end of the step of loading the first half of the profiles, the frame located at the zone 15 is moved, via the chains driven by electric motors, toward the zone 16 where a second operator loads the second half of the profiles, again according to the modes described above. Concomitantly to the moving of a frame from the zone 15 to the zone 16 a further frame, initially positioned onto the zone 14, moves toward the zone 15 and the frame of the zone 13 moves to the zone 14. Thus, an operator can half-load the frame that is now positioned onto its working site, i.e. in the zone 15.

The moving of the frames takes place synchronically, so that all operators may concomitantly work on different frames. The loading operations, and also the unloading operations, as it will be apparent hereinafter, are carried out at a distance from the oven, so as to ensure maximum safety to the operators.

Upon completing the loading of the first frame, the latter is moved to the stoving zone 11, where the decorating takes place, transiting from the zones 13 and 12. Thus, a further frame can move to the zone 16, at which it will be loaded for the second half by an operator.

Likewise, a further frame could enter the loading zone 15, at which it will be half-loaded by the operator.

The loading capacity of the frames 2 is sized so that the time required for the half-loading of the frame be approximately equal to the stoving time. Thus, upon ending the stoving of the profiles the operator will also have completed the loading of the subsequent frame.

Therefore, at the end of the stoving a frame exits the oven and enters the transit zone 14, transiting the zones 12 and 13, as in figure 12D.

Thus, the way is cleared for the subsequent frame, which, upon completing the loading phase, moves toward the stoving zone 11 , first transiting the zone 13, as illustrated in figure 12E. Concomitantly, a further frame can move from the first loading zone 15 to the zone 16, thereby clearing the zone 16 at which there may arrive the frame containing the profiles just processed. The latter may be unloaded upon reaching the zone 16.

Prior of carrying out the unloading phase, using the pipe 53 cold air is blown inside the bags 25, to allow the detachment of the bag 25 from the profile 4, and therefore an easy removal thereof.

Referring to figures 12F and 12G, during the moving of the frame toward the oven, the frame, which now is at zone 15, is first unloaded and half-reloaded. Concomitantly, there can be completed the loading of the frame at the zone 16. Thus, the cycle is completed and starts over from the situation described above according to figure 12C. All operations are controlled by temperature detecting probes, allowing to adjust the moving rate of the trolleys and optionally to command cooling stops. Both the length of the stoving phase and the cooling time optimal to allow a perfect adhesion of the colors to the surface of the profile 4 are adjusted by the temperature of the frame at the zone interested by the corresponding operation. Accordingly, it is necessary to monitor the temperature at any zone and, therefore, the frames 2 are provided with temperature detecting probes that, at any working zone, can link up to the motor control system and optionally prolong or shorten one of the processing phases.

The present invention was hereto described referring to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that there may be other embodiments, afferent to the same inventive kernel, all falling within the protective scope of the claims appended hereinafter.

Claims

1. An apparatus for moving industrial products, in particular profiles and plates of aluminium or of light alloys, intended for painting and/or decorating, characterized in that it comprises a support structure (1 ), two or more frames (2) for loading and unloading the products (pieces) and means for moving said frames (2) apt to move each of said frames (2) independently from the others above said support structure (1).

2. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to claim 1 , wherein said frames (2) are mounted on balls (21) fixed to said frames with bearings (22).

3. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frames (2) comprise a vacuum distribution system (26).

4. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frames (2) further comprise connecting systems for connecting the distribution systems (26) to a vacuum pump.

5. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for moving is apt to cyclically allow a position swap between said frames (2), so as to concomitantly allow corresponding loading, unloading and processing phases.

6. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frames (2) comprise means for detecting^'the temperature.

7. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for moving comprises at least one electric motor and a chain drive system.

8. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for moving comprises a control system, e.g. a programmable microprocessor, supervising the moving of the frames according to schemes and timings preset by a user.

9. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support structure (1) comprises distinct zones (13, 14, 15, 16) for the loading/unloading operations (15, 16) and for the operations of cooling (13) and transferring (14) from the working zones (11 , 12).

10. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support structure (1) comprises U-shaped guides (17) for guiding the motions of the frames (2).

11. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support structure (1 ) is apt to be associated to an extant system for processing said products.

12. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to the preceding claim, wherein said extant plant is an oven (3).

13. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to the preceding claim, wherein said oven (3) is of a sublimation type for decorating artefacts of metallic materials, in particular profiles or plates.

14. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said oven (3) comprises connecting means for the mechanical connection to said apparatus for moving.

15. A plant for decorating and/or painting artefacts of metallic materials, characterized in that it comprises an apparatus for moving according to one or more than one of the preceding claims.

16. A sealing blocking device for treating industrial products, comprising a cup (51) apt to slide on a pipe (53), a plate (54) connected to one end of said pipe (53) coupling to said cup, characterized in that said cup has a taper and said plate (54) comprises a sealing ring (52) arranged along its periphery.

17. The sealing blocking device according to claim 16, wherein said pipe (53) is apt to let air flow therethrough.

18. The sealing blocking device according to claims 16 or 17, -wherein the pipe (53) can slide along a longitudinal direction with respect to a support base (58).

19. The sealing blocking device according to the preceding claim, comprising a rod (55) for moving said pipe (53).

20. The sealing blocking device according to claim 18 or 19, comprising a lock/unlock device (56) for said pipe (53).

21. The plant for decorating and/or painting artefacts of metallic materials according to claim

15. characterized in that it comprises a sealing blocking device according to any one of the claims 16 to 20.

22. The apparatus for moving industrial products according to any one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said frames (2) comprise a sealing blocking device according to any one of the claims 16 to 20.