WO2016103218A1

WO2016103218A1 - Apparatus for straightening elements of elongated shape

Info

Publication number: WO2016103218A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/059949
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aronne Miglioranza
Original assignee: Schnell S.P.A.
Priority date: 2014-12-23
Filing date: 2015-12-23
Publication date: 2016-06-30

Abstract

The apparatus for straightening elements of elongated shape comprises a straightening unit (10) comprising a plurality of straightening portions (11a, 11b) predisposed to guide the elements to be straightened along a straightening axis (A), an actuating unit (20), comprising a body (22) rotatable in rotary motion according to a rotation axis (B), spaced from the straightening axis (A), and a connection unit (30) for the connection between the straightening unit (10) and the actuating unit (20) for transforming the rotary motion of the rotatable body (22) in a straightening motion of at least one straightening portion (11a) of the straightening unit (10) about the straightening axis (A).

Description

APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING ELEMENTS OF ELONGATED SHAPE

Technical Field

The present invention concerns an apparatus for straightening elements of elongated shape, in particular iron rods and similar products.

Background Art

It has been known that elements with elongated shape, as for example iron rods, used in particular for manufacturing reinforcements for reinforced concrete, are often obtained by rods arranged on rolls and unwound from respective reels to be worked in suitable working machines. These machines generally comprise apparatuses provided with suitable straightening members. The straightening members are usually constituted by working members predisposed to work on the feeding metal rod before it reaches the subsequent working stations, for example, the cut station and sometimes, afterwards, to the folding station. In practice, such apparatuses are predisposed to eliminate both the lack of linearity typical of the rod and the curve caused by the reel winding. To this purpose, the straightening members work the rod by cyclic flexion forces of such intensity that locally exceed the elastic limit of the material, so as to substantially eliminate this curve and make the straightening everlasting.

Different machines are currently known for straightening iron rods. According to a widely known type, illustrated for example in patent EP0947256, the straightening apparatus comprises one or more straightening units constituted by couples of counter rotating wheels, sometimes also grooved, opposite with respect to the axis of the rod, to suitably engage one or two rods being fed between them. The counter rotating wheels are arranged in succession and with the axes parallel one another. The counter rotating wheels gradually correct the curve of the rod, working from sides opposite with respect to the feeding rod, so as to force this latter to get a substantially attenuated sinusoidal profile, which finally gets a rectilinear shape.

However, the apparatuses with counter rotating wheels do not allow to obtain a very accurate straightening of the iron rods, but, conversely, present the advantage of minimizing the alterations of the iron surface which, in the case of the iron rod for reinforced concrete, is provided with ribs suitably predisposed to respect determined characteristics calculated according to a parameter called "coefficient of friction". This kind of straightening machine is commonly called "roller straightening machine".

In a different type of straightening machines, so called rotor straightening machine, the straightening members are inserted inside a rotating member or rotor, predisposed to be driven in rotation about an axis substantially coinciding with the feeding direction of the rod. EP0880415 shows a rotor embodiment for straightening single iron rods, in which the straightening members are constituted by eccentric sleeves distributed inside the rotor, inside which the rod to be straightened is fed. These sleeves are arranged in opposite way with respect to the axis of the same rotor, so as to perform, further to the rotation, a rotating flexion action on the crossing iron rod.

In practice, each straightening element pushes against and rotates about the rod, brushing thereon by the effect of the feeding motion imparted to the rod. In this way the rotor corrects the curve of the iron in all the laying planes.

A further solution disclosed by EP1952906 is intended to straighten single metal rods.

This solution comprises a rotor inside which straightening members are inserted, constituted by rollers rotating according to axes suitably inclined with respect to the longitudinal feeding axis of the rod. In this kind of rotors, also called hyperbolic, the straightening members roll on the external surface of the rod to be straightened, so as to reduce in considerable manner the wear and tear effects due to friction.

The hyperbolic rotor embodiment reduces the risk of damaging the surface of the rod, by virtue of the interaction, substantially of rolling, on the rod being manufactured.

Moreover the so obtained straightening results to be of considerable precision and with a coefficient of friction acceptable for the exigencies of the specific field.

Nevertheless, also the solution with hyperbolic rotors has drawbacks, because the assembly of a rotor of such kind is really complicated.

Moreover, the currently known rotor embodiments, in general, have production limits, as they are not fitted for use in the straightening of many rods simultaneously. To compensate these limits and increasing the production, it is necessary to intervene on the feeding speed of the rod, thus risking to compromise the quality of the straightening.

FR410237 discloses an apparatus for automatically straightening metal wires, comprising a drive shaft provided with eccentric pins, each engaging the end of respective straightening tilting levers, bearing passage holes for the wire to be straightened.

W093/13892 concerns a straightening method for metal wires having circular cross- section, in which the wire to be straightened passes through subsequent circular holes, obtained on a single plate or on counter rotating rolls, operated in a circular translational motion.

GB398800 discloses a bending or straightening press for metal bars, in which there are slides, horizontally sliding in opposite direction upon operation of eccentric members and cams, carrying abutment stops between which the bar to be processed can be placed and in which the stroke of the slides can be adjusted.

Also these solutions do not fully satisfy the exigencies of the field, in particular concerning the possibility of easily adjusting the straightening parameters. Finally, it is important to underline that in known solutions the reliability of the functioning of the mechanic units which interact with the metal rods to be straightened is often widely compromised by the presence of powders, in particular of calamine, generated by the mechanical interaction between the same units and the external surface of the metal rods.

Disclosure

The task of the present invention is that of solving the aforementioned problems, devising an apparatus which operates in an efficient way the straightening of at least one element of elongated shape, in particular of an iron, metal rod and the like, optimizing the mechanic and surface characteristics and allowing in an optimal way the successive processing and application.

Within such task, it is a further scope of the present invention to devise an apparatus which is able to carry out in an optimal way the simultaneous straightening of a plurality of elements of elongated shape, in particular iron rods and the like.

It is a further scope of the present invention to provide an apparatus predisposed to carry out in an optimal way the continuous adjustment of the straightening parameters.

A further scope of the present invention consists in providing an apparatus predisposed to minimize the wear and tear effects on the straightening members.

Finally, it is a scope of the present invention to provide an apparatus with a simple constructive structure, of versatile and reliable use, as well as relatively economic cost. The cited scopes are reached, according to the present invention, by the apparatus according to claim 1 .

The apparatus according to the invention comprises a straightening unit, having a plurality of straightening portions to guide one or more elements of elongated shape along a respective straightening axis, an actuating unit, comprising a body rotatable about a rotation axis spaced from the above mentioned straightening axis, and a connection unit between at least one straightening portion of the straightening unit and the actuating unit, predisposed to transform the rotary motion of the rotatable body in a straightening motion of such at least one connected straightening portion, substantially cyclic and transverse to the straightening axis.

In practice, the connection unit transfers the rotary motion of the rotatable body to at least one straightening portion of the straightening unit, thus transforming the above mentioned rotary motion into a cyclic translational motion of the straightening portion preferably about the respective straightening axis.

Such translational motion is preferably substantially circular and affects the engaged straightening portion, which is cinematically connected with the connection unit. Such straightening motion transmitted to at least one engaged straightening portion imparts to the at least one element to be straightened, fed therein along a straightening axis, an at least partially sinusoidal path.

Such at least partially sinusoidal path exerts a cyclic rotating flexion on the at least one element to be straightened.

Since the at least one element to be straightened is drawn in feeding, as well as subjected to the above mentioned rotating flexion, it is progressively straightened.

The straightening unit comprises an inlet part and an outlet part for the above mentioned one or more elements to be straightened, as well as at least one intermediate part.

One or more elements to be straightened are thus inserted through the above mentioned parts at corresponding passage openings, and fed along a respective straightening axis, for receiving the straightening motion operated by the actuating unit and transferred by the connection unit.

The actuating unit comprises the cited body rotatable about a longitudinal axis, coinciding with the cited rotation axis, distinct from the above mentioned straightening axis.

Preferably, the above mentioned straightening axis is spaced in substantially parallel way with respect to the above mentioned rotation axis of the aforementioned rotatable body. By virtue of such circumstance, it is possible to separate, in particular to shield, the zone occupied by the handling and actuating members, that belong to the actuating unit, from the effective straightening zone, in which operates the straightening unit which, in use, disperses in the environment, dirtying it, a considerable amount of powders and remains of materials. Therefore, the apparatus according to the invention results to be more reliable and steady and of easier maintenance.

Preferably, the straightening unit comprises straightening portions fixed with respect to the actuating unit, alternated with at least one mobile straightening portion, as it is cinematically associated with a respective eccentric part of the rotatable body of the actuating unit. This circumstance enables the at least one element to be straightened, fed through the succession of straightening portions, to complete an at least partially sinusoidal path, to carry out an efficient straightening.

According to the invention, the rotatable body of the actuating unit comprises at least one part eccentric with respect to the above mentioned rotation axis, to which at least one of the above mentioned straightening portions is associated by means of the interposition of the cited connection unit.

The aforementioned at least one eccentric part preferably shapes a part inclined with respect to the rotation axis, that is having an eccentricity which is variable in continuous manner along the same rotation axis, to allow the continuous adjustment of the straightening action, axially displacing the connection of the straightening section/s with the rotatable body.

The apparatus according to the invention comprises an automatic adjustment unit provided with an adjustment actuator and with a mobile support structure operated in mobile manner by the above mentioned adjustment actuator, to adjust the relative position, according to an adjustment motion, along a direction of said rotation axis, between the above mentioned eccentric inclined part and the unit associated with the above mentioned mobile straightening portions.

The aforementioned at least one eccentric part is preferably adjacent to a concentric part, arranged according to the rotation axis of the rotatable body. As a consequence, it is possible to arrange the guide elements in such concentric configuration, in order to align the passage openings on a preparation step of the apparatus. Such circumstance is extremely advantageous as it eases the initial insertion of each element to be straightened, minimizing the preparation time or set-up time with respect to the known apparatuses. For example, in the known rotor embodiments, it is in fact necessary to stop the apparatus and align by hand the straightening tools, to perform the insertion of the elements to be straightened. Subsequently, in the known rotor embodiments, it is necessary to decentralize, by hand, by making consecutive attempts, the same straightening tools.

On the contrary, in the case in which the at least one eccentric part presents an eccentricity variable in preferably continuous way, the apparatus according to the invention allows as well to easily adjust the width of the straightening motion, represented by the motion of substantial translation transmitted by the connection unit, preferably about the respective straightening axis. The adjustment can occur by displacing along the rotation axis the connection of the straightening unit to the rotatable body of the actuating unit. This allows, in other words, to instantly adjust, that is in real time, the size of the straightening action according to the instantaneous conditions, in particular geometrical, of the element being worked without needing to stop the apparatus to perform the adjusting. More precisely, according to an advantageous aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain the instantaneous regulation of the straightening motion, by displacing the connection unit along the part with variable eccentricity, so as to constrain it at a prefixed distance from the rotation axis, corresponding to the desired straightening width.

The apparatus can comprise as well command means, preferably a single command means, to operate the connection unit along the above mentioned rotation direction starting from or through an insertion configuration at which the straightening portions, mobile and fixed, have corresponding substantially aligned passage openings, to ease in considerable manner the insertion of the elements to be straightened. The preparation operations of the apparatus according to the invention require, then, a short time.

The apparatus according to the invention can comprise as well, advantageously, a unit or part of a unit of electronic processing comprising detection means of the position of the connection unit along the rotation axis, corresponding to a determined adjustment of the mobile guide means.

The apparatus can comprise as well storage means of such detected working positions, for using such positioning stored data and automatically setting the adjustment of the apparatus according to the geometrical, mechanical, production and/or surface finishing parameters of the element or of the elements to be straightened.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the rotatable body comprises a plurality of eccentric parts, arranged in succession.

The above mentioned eccentric parts are preferably interspersed with concentric parts of the rotatable body, thus arranged on the same rotation axis.

The eccentric parts can have concordant or discordant eccentricity, for example being staggered by 180°.

Preferably, the straightening portions have plate shape and are arranged with their median plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the actuating unit.

The above mentioned connection unit preferably comprises linear coupling means, for example prismatic, for coupling with the actuating unit.

The above mentioned connection unit transforms the rotation motion of the rotatable body at the respective at least one eccentric part in corresponding linear components, combining them in a substantially cyclic translational motion, transverse to the straightening axis of the at least one straightening portion associated therewith.

The at least one straightening portion associated with the connection unit shapes a connection portion coupled with the above mentioned eccentric part of the rotatable body. Such connection portion can comprise a connection slot inside which the above mentioned eccentric part of the rotatable body is inserted in mobile manner.

The same connection portion of the straightening portion is then linearly guided according to a first direction transverse to the rotation axis and in a second transverse direction, preferably orthogonal to the first transverse direction, by means of respective guide rails carried by the frame of the apparatus.

The connection portion of the above mentioned straightening portion can be connected in different way with the eccentric part of the rotatable body. Such connection portion can comprise eccentric means of rolling support.

According to the invention, the elements to be straightened are fed through the straightening unit substantially along the straightening axis, spaced from the rotation axis of the actuating unit, by inserting the same elements through the inlet part, the at least one intermediate part and the exit part.

This insertion can be easily performed by arranging the rigid body so that the passage openings of the straightening portion are aligned.

Afterwards, the rotatable body of the actuating unit is operated in rotation, thus drawing in a cyclic translational motion, transverse to the straightening axis, the at least one straightening portion associated with the corresponding eccentric part. As a consequence, in particular in case of a plurality of elements inserted through the straightening portions, these are as well drawn in the above mentioned cyclic translational motion, transverse to the straightening axis, without a substantial risk of mutual twisting.

The motion transferred to the at least one associated straightening portion produces on each crossing element inserted therein the desired straightening, as it subjects the same element to a rotating flexion transverse to the straightening axis of the straightening unit. In practice, since the at least one element to be straightened is fed as well along the straightening axis, this continuous action arranges each element to be straightened according to a path at least partially tilting or sinusoidal, predisposed to progressively correct the shape from curved to rectilinear.

The apparatus according to the invention allows to considerably increase the productivity, as it can carry out the simultaneous straightening of any number of elements to be straightened. To this purpose, in fact, each guide element can comprise one or more passage openings, for the insertion of one or more elements to be straightened, without limitations, to carry out the simultaneous straightening.

It is important to underline that the above mentioned connection unit prevents the straightening portion associated therewith to rotate, in particular about the straightening axis. Therefore the elements to be straightened fed through the same portion do not undergo any winding or twisting effect further to the straightening action exerted by the apparatus.

In particular, the presence of the connection unit interposed between the at least one guide element and the rotatable body of the actuating unit keeps the crossing elements or metal rods in a substantially parallel configuration, that is in a bundle of parallel rods, that prevents substantial undesired mutual twisting effects. In practice, the transverse portions of the elements to be straightened keep the same orientation in its laying plane, by virtue of the cited translational motion about the straightening axis.

The apparatus allows, then, the ordered feeding of any number of elements or rods in a bundle, without risking mutual twisting. This ordered arrangement is very advantageous for the subsequent processing of the same rods, for example for the cut and folding, which requires such separated displacement of the rods. Preferably, the plurality of passage openings is arranged side by side, with the corresponding cross-sections substantially aligned, on the guide element, so as to keep the same arrangement that the metal rods have through the drawing means which allow their continuous feeding through the straightening unit.

Moreover, the translational motion, in particular circular, of the at least one straightening portion, mobile about the straightening axis, that draws the at least one element inserted therein, minimizes the wear and tear and/or damage effects of the superficial features of the element to be straightened. In fact, the above mentioned motion of substantial translation, transferred to one or more straightening portions through the cited connection unit, differently from the rotor embodiments of known type, cyclically displaces the mutual contact on the engaged surfaces, the inner surface of the passage openings and the external surface of the element to be straightened, thus considerably reducing the localized effects of wear and tear, and then the superficial damage of the straightened products.

Such circumstance increases the endurance of the guide elements, as it prevents the localized concentration of the wear and tear in a single point, distributing it on the whole contact profile.

It is important to observe that the above mentioned straightening motion practically entails a substantial tangent rolling of the inner surface of the passage openings on the crossing element or on the crossing metal rod, which at the same time is drawn in the above mentioned translational motion about the feeding axis.

Nevertheless, to reduce possible residual twisting actions due to the presence of friction, the apparatus can comprise rolling support means at the passage openings of the element to be straightened.

It is important to observe that the actuating unit of the apparatus can advantageously comprise a further rotatable body, operated in synchronism, or alternatively more than one further rotatable body. The above mentioned rotatable bodies are associated with the connection unit of the above mentioned straightening portions, to transform their rotation motion in the straightening motion of the straightening portions, cyclic and translational, about the straightening axis, as it was previously described.

The provision of a couple of cooperating rotatable bodies has, in particular, the advantage of supporting in balanced manner, from opposite sides, the connection with the associated straightening portions, making superfluous any further support or sliding guide, internal to the frame of the actuating unit, that are otherwise necessary to guide the translational motion of the straightening portions associated therewith.

In practice, in this case, the connection unit, interposed between the first and the second rotatable body of the above mentioned couple, cinematically behaves as a coupling piston rod member, eccentrically articulated to a first shaft and to a second shaft mutually parallel, operated in synchronism. As an alternative, a single shaft can be operated and the other, instead, can be drawn by virtue of the connection with the common coupling piston rod member.

[70] According to such scheme, the motion imparted to such piston rod member is in any case of cyclic translation about a same axis.

[71 ] The apparatus according to the invention comprises, in any case, any embodiment predisposed to transform, by means of the connection unit, a rotary motion, operated in any way, and transferred to the actuating unit, in a translational motion about the straightening axis, of the straightening portions of the elements to be straightened, for each element to be straightened.

Description of Drawings

[72] Details of the invention shall be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for straightening metal rods according to the invention, illustrated for indicative purposes in the attached drawings, wherein:

figures 1 , 2 and 3 respectively show a front, lateral and down-up view of the apparatus according to the invention;

figure 4 shows a view in longitudinal cross-section of the same apparatus according to the plane IV-IV indicated in figure 2;

figure 5 shows a cross section view of the apparatus according to the invention, according to the plane V indicated in figure 3;

figures 6, 7 and 8 respectively show a front, lateral and down-up view of a further embodiment of the invention;

figures 9 and 10 respectively show a longitudinal cross-section view of the same apparatus shown in figures 6, 7 and 9 according to the planes IX-IX and X-X indicated in figure 7;

figure 1 1 shows a view in transverse cross-section of the same apparatus according to the plane XI-XI indicated in figure 8;

figures 12 and 13 respectively show a perspective view of a third embodiment, in different working conditions;

figures 14 and 15 respectively show perspective views of the apparatus shown in figures 12 and 13, represented without protection carter, in the same working conditions;

figures 16, 17 and 18 show a perspective view of the apparatus shown in figures 12 and 13, without protection carter, in respective adjustment configurations.

Best Mode [73] With reference to such figures, the apparatus for straightening elements 2 of elongated shape, such as metal rods or similar products (see figure 1 ) has been indicated as a whole with 1 .

[74] The apparatus shown in figures 1 to 5, in particular, is predisposed to carry out the simultaneous straightening of a plurality of elements of elongated shape, more precisely of a couple of elements 2 simultaneously. However, it is important to notice that the apparatus 1 according to the invention can be as well used for straightening a single element 2 of elongated shape and/or a plurality of elements 2 being worked simultaneously.

[75] In the following, it is taken into account the straightening of metal rods, meaning any element 2, however of elongated shape, which can be straightened by deformation.

[76] The apparatus 1 comprises a straightening unit 10 for metal rods 2 being processed, and an actuating unit 20, predisposed to suitably handle mobile straightening portions of the above mentioned straightening unit 10, to carry out the straightening of the same metal rods (see figure 2).

[77] More in particular, the straightening unit 10 comprises a plurality of straightening portions 1 1 a, 1 1 b arranged in succession along a straightening axis A for each element 2 to be straightened, along which each metal rod 2 to be straightened can be fed.

[78] More precisely, the straightening unit 10 comprises at least one mobile straightening portion 1 1 a connected with the actuating unit 20, mobile relatively to the support frame 21 of the actuating unit 20.

[79] As an alternative, the straightening unit 10 can comprise all the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a or only some of them.

[80] The straightening unit 10 can comprise as well straightening portions 1 1 b fixed with respect to the same support framework 21 .

[81 ] Preferably, the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a are alternated with the fixed straightening portions 1 1 b, along the straightening axis A.

[82] For example, the apparatus 1 shown in figures 1 to 5 comprises an inlet part and an outlet part shaping fixed straightening portions 1 1 b. The shown straightening unit 10 comprises as well three intermediate straightening portions, which are two mobile straightening portions 1 1 a and one central fixed straightening portion 1 1 b, so that the fixed portions are alternated with the mobile portions.

[83] The provided mobile straightening portions 1 1 a, in particular, are fixed to the actuating unit 20 by means of the interposition of a suitable connection unit 30, for receiving a straightening motion about the straightening axis A, as it is described in more detail in the following. Each mobile straightening portion 1 1 a or fixed straightening portion 1 1 b comprises at least one passage opening 12 for the insertion of a metal rod, for example a couple of passage openings 12. In the shown embodiment, the straightening portions 1 1 a, 1 1 b have plate shape, and shape passage openings 12 obtained by means of passing holes, preferably with circular profile, having a flared rim 13, of easy inlet, to ease the insertion of metal rods 2 to be fed.

The passage openings 12 of the fixed straightening portions 1 1 b are aligned at the straightening axis A, while the passage openings 12 of the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a are arranged about the straightening axis A and, in use, are handled about this latter. The actuating unit 20 comprises a rotatable body 22 predisposed to be operated by operation means of known type, according to a rotation motion about a rotation axis B. The rotatable body 22 is supported by the frame 21 by means of the interposition of support means 23 for example of rolling type.

The rotatable body 22 substantially shapes a shaft rotatable about the rotation axis B, which is consequently distinct from the straightening axis A. In particular the straightening axis A, along which are fed the metal rods to be straightened, is spaced from and parallel to the rotation axis B.

The actuating unit 20 is then preferably contained inside the frame 21 , being separated and protected from the zone occupied by the straightening unit 10 by means of the interposition of a shielding of protection means 24. The protection means 24 mainly have the function of shielding the actuating unit 20 from the powders, for example calamine, which detaches from the metal rods being worked.

The protection means 24 can be realized under the shape of a shield, for example a panel, rigid or flexible, for example of rubber or other material, for protecting the mechanic components of the actuating unit 20.

The protection means 24 can for example further comprise shaped gaps 25, at the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a, to allow the connection with the rotatable body 22.

The rotatable shaft 22 supported by the frame 21 comprises at least one eccentric part 26, that eccentrically extends with respect to the above mentioned rotation axis B.

Such eccentric part 26, for example cylindrical, preferably has an eccentricity which is variable in continuous manner, for example increasing in the feed or straightening direction A. The above mentioned eccentric part 26 is preferably obtained from a portion of the rotatable shaft 22 inclined with respect to the same rotation axis B.

In the embodiment shown in particular in figure 3, the rotatable shaft 22 shapes three eccentric parts 26 with eccentricity variable in continuous manner along the direction of the straightening axis A, which effect is that of allowing a continuous adjustment from a concentric condition to a condition of maximal eccentricity. [95] The connection unit 30 connects at least one eccentric part 26 of the actuating unit 20 with at least one mobile straightening portion 1 1 a of the straightening unit 10, so as to transfer to this latter a cyclic translational motion, preferably about the straightening axis A.

[96] More precisely, the above mentioned transferred cyclic motion can occur about the straightening axis A if the at least one mobile straightening portion 1 1 a is shaped so as to result aligned with the fixed straightening portions 1 1 b when the connection of the same portion on the rotatable body 22 is displaced at a concentric part 28. As an alternative, the transferred cyclic translational motion will occur about an axis dislocated with respect to the straightening axis A.

[97] More precisely, the connection unit 30 comprises a structure 31 for example having box shape, fixed in mobile manner to the frame 21 . More precisely, in the shown example, the structure 31 is mobile on the slides 32 along a first transverse direction C, in particular orthogonal to the rotation axis B (see figure 4). The slides 32, for example, can be shaped protruding from opposite end portions 33 of the structure 31 , sliding on respective transverse pillars 27, constrained to the frame 21 according to the above mentioned transverse direction C.

[98] Moreover, the structure 31 comprises, at opposite longitudinal walls 34, rails 35, predisposed to guide the motion of the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a along a second transverse direction D, in particular orthogonal to the rotation axis B and perpendicular to the said first direction C.

[99] The mobile straightening portions comprise a connection portion 14 which extends inside the frame 21 , further to the protection means 24. Such connection portion 14 is linked to the guide rails 35 provided by the structure 31 to guide the motion of the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a along the second transverse direction D.

[100] The connection portions 14, similarly to the end portions 33 or to crossbars 36 of the structure 31 , comprise a guide opening 40, predisposed to allow the passage of the rotatable body 22. More precisely, the guide opening 40 can be obtained by means of a slot with elongated profile, for transferring to the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a the components along the first direction C and the second direction D of the eccentric motion of the eccentric parts 26 provided by the rotatable body 22, so that they are combined in a cyclic simply translational motion of the same mobile straightening portions 1 1 a, transverse to the straightening axis A, preferably about the straightening axis A.

[101 ] Such straightening motion, for example along a trajectory substantially circular about the straightening axis A, produces a rotating flexion action on the crossing rods, longitudinally guiding them into a path at least partially sinusoidal, adapted for the respective straightening. [102] The functioning of the apparatus for straightening iron rods and the like according to the invention can be understood from the preceding description.

[103] In a starting step of setting of the apparatus 1 , a succession of passage openings 12 are preferably aligned as much as possible along a straightening direction A for each element 2, activating the command means that handle the structure 31 along the rotation axis B. In such condition substantially aligned it is possible to perform in an easy way the insertion of each element to be straightened, for example a metal rod that, in this way, can freely cross the machine without forcing.

[104] In particular, each element 2 is inserted through the inlet straightening part, the provided intermediate parts and the exit part along the straightening direction A.

[105] Preferably, through a processing unit and detection means of the position of the structure 31 or of the cited connection portions, it is possible to process and store adjustment settings, according to the technological parameters of each case. By virtue of these settings, the connection with the rotatable body 22 can be automatically displaced along the rotation axis B, to adjust in desired manner the eccentricity of the connection between the at least one eccentric part 26 and the respective associated straightening portion 1 1 a, according to the straightening cycle to be carried out.

[106] The feeding of the at least one element 2 along the straightening direction A is operated.

[107] The rotatable body 22 of the actuating unit 20 is operated in rotation about the rotation axis B, thus drawing the at least one straightening portion 1 1 a, associated with the corresponding eccentric part 26, in the cited cyclic translational motion preferably about the straightening axis A.

[108] As a consequence, in particular in case of a plurality of elements 2 inserted through the straightening portions 1 1 a, 1 1 b, these are drawn as well in the above mentioned translational motion, transverse to the straightening axis A for each element 2, without a substantial risk of mutual twisting.

[109] The motion, transferred to the at least one associated straightening portion 1 1 a, produces on each crossing element 2 inserted therein the desired straightening.

[1 10] In the figures 6 to 1 1 a further embodiment is illustrated, in which the same numbers indicated in the previously described embodiment are used, for indicating features which are functionally and structurally similar.

[1 1 1 ] Instead, the same numbers with superscript signs have been added for the functionally similar but structurally different technical features,

[1 12] In the embodiment in suit, a straightening unit 10', an actuating unit 20', and a connection unit 30' are comprised as well, functionally similar to the corresponding units previously described. [1 13] As a matter of facts, in summary, the cited units perform in the same way the straightening of elements 2 of elongated shape inserted through mobile portions 1 1 a and possibly through fixed portions 1 1 b.

[1 14] Differently from the previously described embodiment, the rotatable body 22 of the actuating unit 20' receives the rotary motion about the rotation axis B from an actuating shaft 50 through the interposition of transmission means 51 .

[1 15] The actuating shaft 50 is preferably arranged inside the frame 21 , being supported by suitable support means 52, for example of the type of the rolling bearings. The actuating shaft 50 is for example placed side by side with the rotatable body 22 along the actuating axis B', carrying transmission means for example of the type of gears, for transferring the rotary motion about the actuating axis B' to the rotatable body 22.

[1 16] In the case illustrated as an example, the transmission means 51 are made up of a couple of toothed wheels respectively keyed on the actuating shaft 50 and on the rotatable body 22. As an alternative, the transmission means 51 can be differently realized, for transferring the above mentioned motion also between non parallel axes B, B'.

[1 17] The connection unit 30' comprises connection portions 14' connected with the rotatable body 22 through rolling support means 70 of eccentric type. The connection portions 14' carry, like in the previously described embodiment, the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a. Such support means 70 minimize the friction effects generated by the aforesaid connection.

[1 18] Differently from the previously described embodiment, the apparatus V comprises as well a structure 31 ' mobile with respect to the frame 21 of the actuating unit 20' for allowing the automatic adjustment of the distance of the passage openings 12 from the straightening axis A, and then also of the produced cyclical motion, for each element 2 to be straightened, also when the apparatus V is working. Such functionality is useful both in the starting setting step of the apparatus 1', for aligning the passage openings 12 and easing the insertion of the elements 2 to be straightened, and during the functioning, to adjust the straightening cyclic motion, that is correcting this motion according to the real results obtained at moment and possibly detected.

[1 19] The structure 31' is then for example fixed in mobile manner to adjustment rails 60, obtained for example on opposite longitudinal walls of the frame 21 , the same structure 31' being guided by suitable guide means 61 . Such guide means 61 are for example obtained by prismatic or cylindrical coupling means. For example, these couplings are realized by means of stems 62 integral, from opposite parts, to the structure 31'. coupled in sliding manner inside sleeves 63 fixed, from opposite sides, to the frame 21 of the actuating unit 20'. [120] The apparatus 1', also in the previously disclosed embodiment, preferably comprises command means, not represented in figure for the sake of simplicity, predisposed to command and control the displacement of the structure 31 ' along adjustment rails 60 according to the adjustment to be performed.

[121 ] These command means can be advantageously realized by a single command, able to perform the displacement of the connection unit 30' along the rotation axis B, preferably starting from or through an alignment configuration of the passage openings 12 to ease in considerable manner the insertion of the elements to be straightened during the starting preparation step of the apparatus 1'.

[122] By virtue of these command means, the apparatus 1 ' may allow as well to automatically adjust the width of the straightening motion, represented by the substantial translational motion transmitted by the connection unit 30', preferably about the straightening axis A.

[123] In practice, the adjustment can occur by displacing along the rotation axis B the connection of the straightening section/s 1 1 a of the straightening unit 10' with the rotatable body 22. This allows, in other words, to adjust in real time the entity of the straightening action according to the contingent conditions, in particular geometrical, of the element being worked, without needing to stop the apparatus for performing the adjustment.

[124] More precisely, the instantaneous adjustment of the straightening motion occurs by displacing the at least one connection portion 14' of the connection unit 30' along the at least one eccentric part 26 with variable eccentricity, so as to fix it thereto at a radial distance prefixed from the rotation axis B, corresponding to the desired straightening width.

[125] The apparatus 1', also in the previously disclosed embodiment, can comprise as well, advantageously, a unit or part of a unit of electronic data processing comprising detection means of the position of the connection unit 30, 30' along the rotation axis B, corresponding to a determined adjustment for the mobile guide and straightening portions 1 1 a.

[126] The apparatus 1 , 1' can comprise as well storage means for such detected working positions, for use of such stored position data and for setting more automatically the working cycle of the apparatus 1 , 1 ' according to the geometrical, mechanic production and/or finishing parameters of at least one or more elements 2 to be straightened.

[127] According to a third embodiment illustrated in figures 12 to 15, the apparatus 1" comprises the rotatable body 22 and a further rotatable body 220, arranged side by side and preferably operated in synchronous rotation by an actuating shaft 500 about respective rotation axes B, by means of the interposition of transmission means 510, for example of the belt type. [128] Alternatively, each rotatable body 22, 220 can be operated autonomously or a body can be operated and draw the further rotatable body, by means of the mutual connection, described in the following.

[129] The above mentioned rotatable bodies 22, 220 are associated with the connection unit 300 at the above mentioned straightening portions 1 1 a, of the straightening unit 10', to transform their rotation motion into a straightening motion of the straightening portions, translational and cyclical, about the respective straightening axis A, as it was previously described.

[130] The provision of a couple of cooperating rotatable bodies 22, 220 has the effect, in particular, to support in balanced manner, from opposite sides, the connection with the associated straightening portions 1 1 a, making superfluous any further support or sliding guide internal to the frame 21 of the actuating unit 200, which are otherwise necessary for guiding the translational motion of the associated straightening portions 1 1 a.

[131 ] In practice, in this case, the connection unit 300 interposed between the first and the second rotatable body 22, 220 of the above mentioned couple, in the shape of the connection portion 14" of each straightening portion 1 1a, cinematically behaves as a piston rod member, eccentrically articulated to a first shaft and to a second parallel shaft represented by the rotatable bodies, operated in synchronism. According to such scheme, the motion given to this piston rod member, that is of connection or coupling, is thus of cyclic translational about a same axis, being optimal for the straightening of the elements to be straightened.

[132] It is important to observe that the figures 12 and 14 show, with dotted line, the straightening axis A for each element 2, in an operative step in which, by virtue of the connection unit 300, the straightening portions 1 1 a are misaligned from the fixed straightening portions 1 1 b, further to the circular translational motion operated by the rotatable bodies 22, 220.

[133] In the figures 13 and 15, instead, the straightening portions 1 1 a result to be in a different condition, of alignment, for example suitable for easing the starting insertion of the elements 2 to be straightened. Such condition can be realized, for example, by virtue of the previously described adjustment operations.

[134] In the same figures, as well as in figures 16 to 18, it is also possible to see an automatic adjustment unit 400 of the straightening motion operated by the actuating unit 20, 20', 200 of the apparatus. It is intended, that such an adjustment unit can be used also in the previously disclosed embodiments for the apparatus 1 .

[135] The automatic adjustment unit 400 comprises ad adjustment actuator 401 , for example a geared motor, predisposed to command the above mentioned adjustment motion, of translation along a direction parallel to the rotation axis B, of the connection between the rotatable shaft 22 or the rotatable shafts 22, 220 to the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a.

[136] Moreover, the adjustment unit 400 comprises an operation member 402, such as an operation screw, coupled with a mobile adjustment structure 403, for example by means of a coupling of the screw-screw-nut type.

[137] More precisely, the operating member 402 can shape an operation shaft having threaded portions, for example end portions. These threaded portions can usefully be coupled with portions with inner thread, screw-nut portions, integral with the cited structure of the mobile adjustment structure 403.

[138] The motion of the adjustment actuator 401 can be transmitted to the mobile adjustment structure 403 also by means different from a transmission of the screw-screw nut type.

[139] The mobile adjustment structure 403 shapes for example a couple of plates, each associated with a coupling portion of the operation shaft 401 , and rigidly associated with a support frame 405 of the connection between the rotatable body 22, 220 and the straightening portions 1 1 a. In practice, the support frame 405 receives the adjustment motion from the operation member 402, producing a relative motion between the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a and the rotatable body 22, 220.

[140] In the shown case, not limiting, the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a perform the cyclical straightening motion on a fixed plane, transverse to the axis B, B'. In practice, the apparatus comprises, for each mobile straightening portion 1 1 a, three piston rod members 410, connected at the opposite ends, respectively with the fixed structure of the apparatus, and with the straightening portions 1 1 a through the interposition of respective spherical couplings.

[141 ] The mobile adjustment structure 403 bears the rotatable body 22, 220 in fixed manner and, by sliding on guides 404, produces the adjustment motion thereof along the respective axis B, B'. Such adjustment motion thus varies the position of the connection between the straightening portions 1 1 a and the rotatable body 22, 220 and, consequently, the width of the circular translational motion transmitted to the portions themselves.

[142] In particular, figure 16 shows a condition of maximum eccentricity of the connection between the straightening portions 1 1 a and the rotatable body 22, 220, and therefore of maximum width of the cyclic translational motion about the straightening axis A.

[143] Figure 17 instead shows a condition of intermediate eccentricity, while figure 18 shows a condition of minimal or none eccentricity, visible in coaxiality between the fixed straightening portions 1 1 b and the mobile straightening portions 1 1 a.

[144] The straightening apparatus and method according to the invention reach the scope of automatically performing the straightening, in particular, of metal rods.

[145] In the practical implementation of the invention, the used materials as well as the sizes may vary according to the needs.

Should the technical characteristics mentioned in the claims be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included for the sole purpose of increasing the understanding of the claims and thus they shall not be deemed limiting the scope of the element identified by such reference signs by way of example.

Claims

Apparatus for straightening elements of elongated shape, comprising a straightening unit (10, 10', 10") having a plurality of straightening portions (1 1 a, 1 1 b), each having at least one passage opening (12) for guiding and straightening at least one said element (2) to be straightened, in continuous feeding along a straightening axis (A), an actuating unit (20, 20', 200) equipped with a rotatable body (22, 220) which is rotatable in rotary motion about a rotation axis (B, B'), said straightening axis (A) being spaced from said rotation axis (B, B'), a connection unit (30, 30', 300) of connection between said straightening unit (10, 10', 10") and said actuating unit (20, 20', 200) for converting said rotary motion of said rotatable body (22, 220) into a substantial translational motion of said at least one straightening portion (1 1 a) of said straightening unit (10, 10', 10") on a cyclic trajectory transverse to said straightening axis (A), characterized in that said rotatable body (22, 220) comprises at least one eccentric part (26) inclined with respect to said rotation axis (B, B ), at which at least one of said straightening portions (1 1 a) is associated through the interposition of said connection unit (30, 30', 300), to receive said substantially translational motion on said cyclic trajectory transverse to said straightening axis (A), and in that it comprises an automatic adjustment unit (400) provided with an adjustment actuator (401 ) and a mobile support structure (403) operated in mobile manner by said adjustment actuator (401 ) so as to adjust according to an adjustment motion along the direction of said rotation axis (B, B') the relative position between said inclined eccentric part (26) of said rotatable body (22, 220) and said connection unit (30, 30^', 300) associated with said mobile straightening portions (1 1 a).

Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that said trajectory transverse to said straightening axis (A) is substantially circular about said straightening axis (A).

Apparatus according one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said straightening portion (1 1 a, 1 1 b) comprises at least one couple of passage openings (12) for said corresponding elements (2) to be straightened, said apparatus being predisposed to simultaneously straighten a corresponding couple of said elements (2).

Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuating unit (200) comprises a further rotatable body (220), configured so as to rotate in synchronism with said rotatable body (22), said rotatable bodies (22, 220) being associated with said mobile straightening portions (1 1 a), through connection means (14") respectively articulated to a said eccentric part (26) of said rotatable body (22) and to a further eccentric part (260) of said further rotatable body (220).

Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said connection means (14") have fixed position in direction of the rotation axis (B, B') of said rotatable body (22) and of said further rotatable body (220), said rotatable body (22, 220) and said further rotatable body (220) being carried by said mobile support structure (403), operated in mobile manner by means of said adjustment unit (400).

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that said connection unit (30) comprises means of linear coupling (27, 32, 35, 40) for coupling with said actuating unit (20), said linear coupling means comprising a structure (31 ) connected in mobile manner with the frame (21 ) of the apparatus, according to a first transverse direction (C) and a second transverse direction (D), said second transverse direction (D) being substantially orthogonal to said rotation axis (B) and substantially perpendicular to said first direction (C), as well as at least one connecting portion (14) fixed to said structure (31 ), said connecting portion (14) comprising a connection slot (40) inside which said at least one eccentric part (26) of said rotatable body (22) is inserted in mobile manner, for transferring respective components to said at least one straightening portion (1 1 a) along said first direction (C) and said second direction (D), of said cyclic motion of substantial translation transverse to said straightening axis (A).

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that said connection unit (30') comprises means for coupling with said actuating unit (20') through means of rolling support (70) of the eccentric type.

8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuating unit (20, 20', 200) is contained within a respective frame (21 ), being separated and protected from the zone occupied by said straightening unit (10, 10', 10") by means of the interposition of protection means (24).

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that said at least one eccentric part (26) is adjacent to a concentric part (28) of said rotatable body (22), at which, further to said adjustment motion, it is possible to place in aligned manner said straightening portions (1 1 a, 1 1 b).

10. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a unit or part of a unit of electronic processing comprising detection means for detecting the position of said connection unit (30, 30') and of said rotatable body (22, 220) along said rotation axis (B, B), corresponding to a determined adjustment for said mobile straightening portions (1 1 a), information storage means of said detected working positions, for using said stored position data and setting the working cycle of the apparatus according to the geometrical, mechanical, production and/or surface finishing parameters of at least one said element (2) to be straightened.

1 1 . Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means of rolling support at said passage openings (12) of said elements (2) to be straightened, for reducing the generated torsional forces.

12. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said straightening axis (A) is substantially parallel to said rotation axis (B, B').