WO2025134169A1

WO2025134169A1 - Apparatus and method for processing metal elongated elements

Info

Publication number: WO2025134169A1
Application number: PCT/IT2024/050264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aronne Miglioranza
Original assignee: Schnell SpA
Current assignee: Schnell SpA
Priority date: 2023-12-22
Filing date: 2024-12-19
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-22

Abstract

The apparatus for processing metal elongated elements comprises a feeding channel (3, 3') for supporting at least one element (2) fed along a feeding direction (A), at least one operative unit (4, 4') defining a work surface (α) and comprising an insertion seat (40) to receive the element (2), arranged along an operative direction (B) parallel or coinciding with the feeding direction (A), an unloading station (6), arranged adjacent to the operative unit (4, 4') and defining an unloading surface (β) capable of receiving in support the element (2) coming from the seat (40) of the operative unit (4, 4'), a transfer assembly (5) comprising at least one transfer device (50) having a movable arm (51, 51'), positioned between the feeding channel (3, 3') and the unloading station (6) and a gripping member (52), carried by the arm (51, 51') and movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, to grip and release at least one element (2) at a time.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING METAL ELONGATED ELEMENTS Technical field

[01] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for processing metal elongated elements, in particular iron rods for reinforced concrete, obtained by cutting from bars or rolls.

Prior art

[02] It is known to use steel bars commonly called "irons", bent at one or opposite ends, in this case called "shaped item", or irons bent in a substantially closed profile, called "brackets" or "stirrups" or “long stirrups” depending on the size, to make reinforced concrete reinforcements. To make these products, apparatuses are generally used that subject the ends of the iron rod, straight or pre-straightened, to an appropriate series of processes, in particular bending.

[03] More in particular, bending apparatuses are currently known that allow the creation of shaped products, brackets or "stirrups" or “long stirrups”, starting from metal profiles unwound from rolls, then suitably straightened, cut to size and then bent.

[04] Alternatively, apparatuses are known that bend bars already cut to a certain length suitable for the size of the shaped items to be obtained.

[05] Such apparatuses usually comprise a towing assembly for feeding the elements along a longitudinal feeding direction, as well as one or more bending units each comprising a bending head for shaping the ends of the fed metal elements.

[06] In particular, each bending head comprises a bending tool normally consisting of a central bending spindle and of an eccentric bending pin, as well as an abutment that prevents the workpiece from moving.

[07] Alternatively, according to a known solution, the bending tool consists of a double spindle crossed by a seat for the bars which also acts as an abutment during the bending step always carried out by an eccentric pin.

[08] In conventional apparatuses, each bending head is in any case constrained to the bending unit, which is fixed or movable in a longitudinal direction to the axis of the bar to be shaped. Apparatuses are known in which one bending unit is fixed, while the other is movable. Apparatuses with operation similar to that described, in which both bending units are movable, are also known.

[09] Such apparatuses of known type generally carry out bending cycles, through a suitable alternation of bending steps and relative movement between the bending units, but do not allow to fully automate the unloading steps of the bars.

[10] Certain solutions have been proposed to automate the handling, in particular the loading, of the bars to the bending units. [11] For example, European patent EP0419441 illustrates an apparatus for bending bars, comprising two bending units respectively equipped with a gripping member, with the function of a transfer member, tilting between a receiving position and an insertion position at which the bars are inserted in the space interposed between the two bending units.

[12] Other examples of apparatuses for processing metal elongated elements, which employ transfer members, are illustrated in patents EP 0835702, WO 2023/112070 of the same Applicant, GB 871913.

[13] However, the known solutions do not fully meet the needs of the specific sector, as they generally have a complex, therefore cumbersome and expensive structure and, moreover, do not allow the automatic unloading of processed products.

Disclosure

[14] The task of the present invention is to solve the problems mentioned in the prior art, by devising an apparatus and a method for processing elongated metal elements, which allows the unloading of the processed elements to be carried out automatically and in a versatile and orderly manner.

[15] Within this task, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that achieves the aforesaid unloading with a simple and functional structure, equipped with reliable operation and great flexibility of use.

[16] The cited objects are achieved, according to the invention, by the apparatus according to claim 1 , as well as by the method according to claim 18.

[17] The apparatus for processing metal elongated elements, according to the invention, comprises a feeding channel for supporting at least one element fed along a feeding direction.

[18] The apparatus also comprises at least one operative unit defining a work surface and comprising an insertion seat to receive the element, arranged along an operative direction parallel or coinciding with the feeding direction.

[19] The apparatus also comprises an unloading station, arranged adjacent to the operative unit and defining an unloading surface capable of receiving in support the element coming from the seat of the operative unit.

[20] The apparatus further comprises a transfer assembly comprising at least one transfer device having a movable arm, positioned between the feeding channel and the unloading station, and a gripping member, carried by the arm and movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, to grip and release at least one element at a time.

[21] The transfer device comprises an activation device connected to the arm, configured to move the arm according to a reciprocating translation motion between a first, rearward position, in which the gripping member is aligned with the seat of the operative unit, and a second, advanced position, in which the gripping member is advanced with respect to the seat of the operative unit, to unload the element into the unloading station.

[22] The transfer device preferably comprises a positioning device, configured to move the gripping member carried by the aforesaid arm at least between an active configuration, in which the gripping member is substantially aligned with the seat on the work surface, and an extraction configuration, in which the gripping member is protruding and/or lifted from the seat, to extract the element therefrom.

[23] The positioning device is also preferably configured to position the gripping member in an inactive configuration, in which the gripping member is underneath the work surface, in particular so as not to interfere with it, during the aforesaid reciprocating motion of translation, or to intercept, with a transversal motion with respect to the work surface, the element when it is already inserted in the seat.

[24] The positioning device can also be configured to position the gripping member in a collecting position, in which the gripping member is aligned with the feeding channel along the feeding direction, to collect the element therefrom and insert it into the seat, achieving the aforesaid active position.

[25] The activation device preferably comprises a base, carrying the aforesaid arm, an actuator member and transmission means for transmitting a motion operated by the actuator member, so that the base is movable of the aforesaid reciprocating translation motion.

[26] The arm is preferably articulated to said base.

[27] The gripping member can advantageously be articulated to the arm around an orientation axis and operable in a tilting motion around said orientation axis, between a first collecting orientation, at which the gripping member is oriented to collect the element from said seat, and a second orientation of unloading, rotated with respect to the first orientation around the orientation axis, at which the gripping member is oriented to release the element in the unloading station.

[28] The gripping member preferably comprises a pair of jaws of which at least one is movable relative to the other between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[29] At the aforesaid first orientation, the gripping member carries respective gripping jaws facing, in use, in a first direction, oriented in opposite direction with respect to the work surface, to intercept or extract the element from the seat, in particular with a movement from the bottom upwards, while at the aforesaid second orientation, the gripping member is tilted, therefore it carries the same jaws facing, in use, in a second direction, oriented towards the unloading surface, in particular downwards, to release the element in the unloading station preferably underneath. [30] The apparatus preferably comprises a plurality of transfer devices, at least one being movable along the operative direction to engage the element.

[31] The aforesaid arms of the transfer devices are independently movable, in particular in the aforesaid reciprocating motion of translation.

[32] The apparatus may comprise at least one pair of operative units, arranged along the operative direction.

[33] Preferably at least one operative unit is movable in the operative direction and at least one transfer device is fixed thereto.

[34] Preferably at least one of the transfer devices is arranged in an intermediate position between a pair of operative units.

[35] Said operative unit is preferably a bending unit.

[36] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the feeding channel can coincide or be aligned with the operative direction and comprise at least one opening, arranged along the respective longitudinal development, to allow the arm to access inside the feeding channel and operate, by means of the gripping member, to collect each element while it is supported by the feeding channel.

[37] Said feeding channel can be made by means of a cover which is movable, between a support configuration, active in the support of the at least one element along the operative direction, and a spaced out configuration, to allow the extraction of the processed element from the feeding channel and the transfer thereof towards the unloading station. Alternatively, the feeding channel can be made in the form of a movable support base, without front cover.

[38] The method for processing metal elongated elements, according to the invention, comprises the step of arranging a feeding channel capable of receiving at least one element along a feeding direction, at least one operative unit for processing the element, defining a work surface and comprising an insertion seat to receive the element arranged along an operative direction parallel or coinciding with the feeding direction, an unloading station, to receive on an unloading surface the element coming from the operative unit, and a transfer assembly comprising at least one transfer device having a movable arm, placed between the feeding channel and the unloading station and a gripping member, carried by the arm and movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, for gripping and releasing at least one element at a time.

[39] The method then provides for arranging the arm in a first position, wherein the gripping member is aligned with the seat of the operative unit on the work surface.

[40] The element is then fed along the feeding channel and inserted into the seat of the operative unit.

[41] The method also provides for intercepting the element, by activating the gripping member from the open configuration to the closed configuration, to lock the element, and in appropriate phase relationship, in particular before or after the aforesaid step of intercepting the element, to operate the operative unit to process the element.

[42] Subsequently, the method provides for disengaging the element from the aforesaid seat by means of a relative movement away of the operative unit and the gripping member.

[43] The element retained by the gripping member is then transferred, in a transfer path, by operating the arm, according to a reciprocating motion of translation, from the aforesaid first position to a second, advanced position, wherein the gripping member is advanced with respect to the seat of the operative unit, to unload the element in the unloading station.

[44] The method then provides for releasing the element in the unloading station, by operating the gripping member from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[45] According to a particular aspect, the method may provide that the aforesaid unloading surface of the unloading station is movable and that the step of releasing the element is coordinated to a movement of the aforesaid movable unloading surface, controlled by a control unit, configured to allow, through the control of said movement, the arrangement, for example superimposed or side by side, of the element in relation to an element already unloaded onto the movable unloading surface.

Description of the drawings

[46] The details of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for bending bars implementing the method according to the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: figures 1 to 9 show a perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention in successive operative steps according to a first operative cycle, respectively; figures 1a to 9a show a side view of the same apparatus, in the steps illustrated in figures 1 to 9, respectively; figure 1 b shows an enlarged side view of a detail of the apparatus illustrated in figure 1a; figures 3b and 4b show respectively an enlarged perspective view of a part of the apparatus illustrated in figures 3 and 4; figures 10 to 18 show a perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention in successive operative steps of a second operative cycle, respectively; figures 10a to 18a show a side view of the same apparatus, respectively in the steps illustrated in figures 10 to 18; figure 19 shows a perspective view of a detail of a transfer device of the apparatus according to the invention; figures 20, 21 show a perspective view of the aforesaid transfer device, from opposed sides, in a first operative position; figures 22, 23 show a perspective view of the same transfer device, from opposed sides, in a second operative position; figures 24 to 26 show a side view of means for guiding the insertion of elements to be processed by means of the apparatus according to the invention, in successive operative steps; figures 27 and 28 show respectively a perspective view and an enlargement of a detail of the apparatus according to the invention in a further embodiment.

Description of embodiments of the invention

[47] With particular reference to these figures, the apparatus for processing of elongated elements 2, in particular iron rods for reinforced concrete, is indicated as a whole with 1.

[48] The apparatus 1 comprises a feeding channel 3, intended to support at least one element 2 at a time.

[49] The element 2 is fed along the feeding channel 3 in a feeding direction A.

[50] The feeding channel 3 therefore comprises a support bottom for the elements 2, openable or displaceable, to allow the release thereof. In particular, it can be closed or opened frontally, to contain or not lateral displacements of the elements 2 themselves during the feeding step.

[51] The apparatus 1 also comprises at least one operative unit 4, capable of receiving each element 2 from the feeding channel 3 along an operative direction B, parallel or coinciding with the feeding direction A, a transfer unit 5 and an unloading station 6, intended to receive the elements 2 processed by the operative unit 4 by means of the transfer unit 5.

[52] The operative unit 4, which defines a work surface a, on which each element 2 is processed, is for example made by a bending and/or curving unit.

[53] The apparatus 1 preferably comprises at least one pair of operative units 4, of which for example one is fixed and the other movable along the operative direction B. In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, each operative unit 4 is made up of a bending head of known type, carrying an insertion seat 40 for an element 2 or for a plurality of superimposed elements 2, for example defined by a central spindle member 41 , around which an eccentric pin 42 is rotatably mounted. In a known manner, each element 2 inserted in the seat 40 is intercepted by the eccentric pin 42 which, by rotating around the spindle member 41 , operates the bending of the element 2 (see figures 2 and 3).

[54] The transfer assembly 5 comprises at least one transfer device 50, preferably a plurality, in particular at least one pair, of transfer devices 50, configured to transfer the elements 2 from the seat 40 of the operative units 4 to the unloading station 6.

[55] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 18, the transfer assembly 5 comprises three transfer devices 50, one for each operative unit 4 and a third transfer device 50 arranged in an intermediate position. Alternatively, the transfer devices 50 may be provided in a different, greater or lesser number.

[56] In particular, it is possible to provide that a respective transfer device 50 is fixed to the frame of each operative unit 4, and that the third transfer device 50 is instead arranged in an intermediate position between the pair of operative units 4, along the operative direction B. In particular, the latter transfer device 50 can be provided fixed or movable in the operative direction B.

[57] The transfer devices 50 fixed to the operative units 4 can therefore be movable together with them, where they are movable, along the operative direction B.

[58] In particular, each transfer device 50 comprises a movable arm 51 and a gripping member 52, carried by the arm 51 and operable in an opening and closing motion, for gripping and releasing at least one element 2 at a time (see figures 19 to 23).

[59] More precisely, the gripping member 52 is preferably of the jaw type.

[60] It preferably comprises a first jaw 53 and a second jaw 54, movable in the aforesaid opening and closing motion, alternatively between an open configuration, at which the jaws 53, 54 are spaced out by a distance such as to allow the free passage between them of an element 2 or more elements in sequence, and a closed configuration, at which the jaws 53, 54 are approached, so as to engage an element 2 that is interposed between them, to retain it in the grip (see in particular figure 19, which illustrates the gripping member 52 in the closed configuration, with two elements 2 inserted in sequence, intercepted and therefore retained).

[61] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the gripping member 52 is carried by a support head 55 carrying linear guide means 56, along which the jaws 53, 54 can be operated by an actuator member according to a relative motion of translation, for a mutual approach and movement away, which realizes the aforesaid opening and closing motion of the gripping member 52 (see in particular figure 19). Alternatively, the jaws 53, 54 can be hinged to the support head 55, so as to be operated according to a relative tilting motion, which realizes the aforesaid opening and closing motion of the gripping member 52.

[62] The gripping member 52 is also adjustable with respect to the arm 51 according to an orientation axis C, parallel to the operative direction B.

[63] More precisely, the gripping member 52 is operable in a tilting motion around the orientation axis C, between a first, collecting orientation 52a, at which the jaws 53, 54, in particular, are oriented to collect the element 2 from the seat 40 of the operative unit 4, and a second, unloading orientation 52b, rotated with respect to the first orientation 52a around the orientation axis C, at which the jaws 53, 54, in particular, are oriented to release the element 2 in the unloading station 6 (see in particular figures 20, 21 , in which the gripping member 52 is arranged in the first orientation 52a and figures 22, 23, in which the gripping member 52 is arranged in the second orientation 52b).

[64] Preferably, at the first orientation 52a the gripping member 52 carries the jaws 53, 54 facing, in use, in a first direction D, for example oriented upwards with respect to the work surface a, to intercept or extract from the seat 40 the element 2 with a movement from the bottom upwards, while at the second orientation 52b the support head 55 is tilted, therefore carrying the same jaws 53, 54 facing, in use, in a second direction E, for example oriented downwards with respect to the unloading surface p, to release the element 2 in the unloading station 6 preferably underneath.

[65] For clarity, the first direction D, perpendicular to the work surface a and oriented in a direction that goes from a position underneath to a position above the work surface a itself, and in figure 8a the second direction E, perpendicular to the unloading surface and oriented in a direction that goes from a position above to a position on the unloading surface p itself, have been indicated in figure 5a.

[66] Said orientation motion can be achieved by means of an orientation device 60, for example comprising an actuator member 61 of known type and transmission means 62 connected to the actuator member 61 and to the gripping member 52. The transmission means 62 may include a plurality of pulleys 63, one of which is arranged coaxial to said orientation axis C and integral with the gripping member 52, and a flexible closed-circuit element 64, for example of the belt type, wound around the pulleys 63. In the case illustrated by way of example, the pulleys 63 include a pair of opposed pulleys and a third tensioning pulley, but different configurations are possible, with a different number of pulleys, as long as they are suitable for the purpose (see figures 22 and 23).

[67] Each arm 51 is mounted movable in a direction transverse to the operative direction B.

[68] In particular, each arm 51 is movable according to a reciprocating translation motion between a first, rearward position 51a, in which the gripping member 52 is aligned with the seat 40 of the operative unit 4, and a second, advanced position 51 b, in which the gripping member 52 is advanced with respect to the seat 40 of the operative unit 4, to unload the element 2 in the unloading station 6 (see figures 20 and 21 , in which the arm 51 is in the first position 51a and figures 22 and 23, in which the arm 51 is in the second position 51 b).

[69] Between the first position 51a and the second position 51b each arm 51 can assume intermediate positions 51c.

[70] More precisely, the arm 51 carrying the gripping member 52 is connected to an activation device 70 configured to move the arm 51 according to the aforesaid translation motion (see figures 20 and 23).

[71] The activation device 70 comprises a movable base 71 , carrying the arm 51 , an actuator member 72 of known type, and transmission means 73 for transmitting the motion operated by the actuator member 72 to the base 71 .

[72] The actuator member 72 forms for example an electric motor.

[73] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 23 by way of example, the transmission means 73 comprise a closed-circuit flexible element 74, of the belt or chain type, and at least one pair of opposed pulleys 75, around which the flexible element is wound, so as to define a first branch and a second branch of the winding circuit. Preferably the transmission means comprise one or more further tensioning pulleys 75.

[74] The base 71 is fixed to the flexible transmission element 74, to allow the advancement and retraction of the arm 51 along respective transfer guides 76 (see in particular figure 22).

[75] The base 71 is preferably made of a trolley or of a chute.

[76] In practice, thanks to the activation device 70, the base 71 is movable with the aforesaid translation motion parallel to the work surface a to bring the arm 51 between the aforesaid first position 51a and the aforesaid second position 51b.

[77] In particular, the base 71 is preferably located underneath the work surface a, so as not to interfere with the processing of the element 2 that takes place on the surface itself.

[78] The gripping member 52 emerges from the same work surface a in a controlled manner, in particular to block and/or extract the element 2 from the seat 40, as described below.

[79] In fact, each arm 51 is preferably also movable at least between an active configuration, in which the gripping member 52 is substantially aligned with the seat 40 on the work surface a, and an extraction configuration, in which the gripping member 52 is protruding from the seat 40 to extract one or more elements 2 therefrom.

[80] Preferably, the arm 51 can also be positioned in an inactive configuration, in which the gripping member 52 is underneath the work surface a, for example so as not to interfere with it, during the aforesaid translation motion, or to intercept with a transversal motion with respect to the work surface a itself, in particular perpendicular to it, the element 2 when it is already inserted in the seat 40 and therefore is located on the work surface a.

[81] In addition, the arm 51 can also be positioned in a collecting position, in which the gripping member 52 is aligned with the feeding channel 3 along the feeding direction A, to collect the element 2 therefrom and insert it into the seat 40, achieving the aforesaid active position.

[82] To this end, the arm 51 is associated with a positioning device 80, configured to move the gripping member 52 between the aforesaid positions, in particular to extract the element 2 from the seat 40 and/or to bring the gripping member 52 into the inactive position, so as not to interfere with the work surface a.

[83] Preferably, the arm 51 is hinged to the base 71 around an oscillation axis D and operated by the positioning device 80 between said inactive and/or active and/or extraction positions.

[84] The positioning device 80 comprises an actuator element 81 , for example of a pneumatic or hydraulic type, connected to the respective ends of the base 71 and to the arm 51 , so as to operate the movement thereof (see in particular figure 22).

[85] The apparatus 1 also preferably comprises at least one inserter device 90, configured to facilitate the insertion of the element 2 inside the seat 40.

[86] The inserter device 90 practically performs the function of a chute, facilitating the passage of the element 2 from the feeding channel 3, in which it is arranged along the feeding direction A, to the seat 40, in which it is arranged in the operative direction B (see figures 24 to 26).

[87] The inserter device 90 comprises a guide member 91 , as well as an actuator member 92, connected to the guide member 91 to operate it to move in appropriate phase relationship.

[88] The guide member 91 is operated movable by the actuator member 92 alternately between a rest position 91a, at which it does not interfere with the work surface a, in particular it can be arranged underneath it (see figure 24), and an operative position 91 b, in which it is approached to the seat 40 and emerged from the work surface a, to guide with a respective profile the passage of the element 2 from the feeding channel 3 to the seat 40 (see figure 26).

[89] Between said rest position 91a and said operative position 91 b, the guide member 91 can be arranged in intermediate positions 91c, for example emerged from the work surface a and approaching the seat 40 (see figure 25).

[90] The guide member 91 can be made by means of a suitably shaped vane, to guide with a respective operative profile 93 the passage of the element 2 to the seat 40 of the operative unit 4. In said operative position 91b, the operative profile 93 of the guide member 91 is preferably oriented according to a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the work surface a.

[91] The actuator member 92 can be realized by means of a pneumatic or hydraulic linear actuator, comprising a piston element 95, movable in a known manner between an extracted condition and a rearward condition, articulated to the guide member 91 (see figures 25 and 26).

[92] Preferably, the apparatus comprises an inserter device 90 associated with each operative unit 4 and/or with each arm 51 .

[93] The apparatus 1 may also comprise at least one auxiliary support device 96, to support the element 2 in the processing steps, in particular when it is retained by at least one gripping member 52.

[94] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of support devices 96, arranged in succession along the longitudinal development of the apparatus 1 itself, as well as, preferably, upstream and/or downstream of the operative units 4, to offer a support distributed along the longitudinal development of the element 2 to be processed. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 18, for example, seven support devices 96 are provided, applied to the feeding channel 3, for example at a respective cover. A different number of support devices 96 is also possible.

[95] Each support device 96 comprises a movable arm 97, for example suitably shaped to support the element 2.

[96] In practice, the arms 97 cooperate with the gripping members 52 carried by the arms 51 of the transfer assembly 5.

[97] The arms 97 are movable alternately between a non-interference configuration 97a, spaced out from the operative direction B, and a support configuration 97b, close to the same direction, to support the element 2 preferably when it is gripped by the gripping members 52. Preferably, the arms 97 are tiltable between said configurations (see for example figure 2).

[98] Each support arm 97 is, for example, made in the form of a shaped lever, for example L- shaped, comprising a support end which, in the support configuration, is preferably oriented horizontally, so as to support the element 2 when it is arranged along the operative direction B.

[99] The support devices 96 are preferably independently activatable, through independent control of respective activation members associated therewith, so as to selectively act on the elements 2 being processed.

[100] The unloading station 6 defines an unloading surface p on which the processed elements 2, for example bent at one or both ends, are positioned orderly by the transfer assembly 5 (see in particular figures 1a and 1b).

[101] In particular, the transfer assembly 5 is preferably arranged in an intermediate position between the feeding channel 3 and the unloading station 6.

[102] The unloading station 6 may for example comprise support means, such as platforms or belts, in order to orderly house the processed elements 2.

[103] The unloading surface can be made movable, upon command of an apparatus control unit 100, configured at least to allow, through the control of the movement of the surface itself, the arrangement of the element 2 during the release step, in relation to an element 2 already unloaded onto the same movable surface, for example an arrangement superimposed or side-by-side to the latter.

[104] The operation of the apparatus according to the invention can be understood from the above description.

[105] At least one element 2 to be processed, in particular to be bent, is fed along the feeding direction A inside the feeding channel 3. In the following, the case in which only one element 2 is processed by the apparatus 1 is illustrated, but it is possible to provide that several elements 2 are handled and processed at the same time, in a completely similar manner.

[106] Thanks to the cooperation of the inserter devices 90, with the guide members 91 operated from the rest position 91a to the operative position 91b, the element 2 is guided from receipt inside the feeding channel 3 to insertion between the seats 40 of the operative units 4. The case is illustrated in which the element 2 is processed by both operative units 4, but it is possible to provide, alternatively, that a single operative unit 4 or a different number of operative units 4, is involved in the processing.

[107] An element 2 coming from the feeding channel 3 is therefore arranged on the work surface a along the operative direction B (see figures 1 , 1a and 1b). In this step, the gripping members 52 of the transfer devices 50 are arranged in the active position, aligned on the work surface a along the operative direction B, and with the jaws 53, 54 in the open configuration, ready to receive the element 2 between them. In this step, moreover, the arms 97 can be selectively operated in the support configuration 97b, to preferably support the element 2 in a distributed manner.

[108] The element 2 inserted in the seat 40 of the operative units 4 is then locked by the gripping members 52. In particular, the jaws 53, 54 are operated in the closed configuration, to retain the element 2 (see figure 2).

[109] The guide members 91 are then operated in the rest position 91a, so as not to interfere with the successive processing of the element 2 on the work surface a.

[110] At this point, the operative units 4 or one of them can be operated to carry out the work cycle provided for the element 2. For example, according to what is illustrated in the processing example shown in figures 3 and 3b, the element 2 can be bent at the opposite ends, by suitably activating the eccentric pin 42 around the central spindle member 41 .

[111] Subsequently, the eccentric pin 42 returns to a position of disengagement of the element 2 (see figure 4b which, like figure 3b, for simplicity shows with the same reference number the place of application of the pin 42, instead of the pin 42 itself). Likewise, the arms 97 are operated in the non-interference configuration 97a, spaced out from the operative direction B (see figure 4a).

[112] Subsequently, each arm 51 engaging the element 2 is operated in the extraction configuration, in which the gripping member 52 is protruding from the seat 40, to extract the element 2 therefrom (see figure 5). In particular, the jaws 53, 54 face towards the first direction D (see figure 5a).

[113] The arms 51 that retain the element 2 are then moved with the aforesaid translation motion, from the first position 51a, rearward, to the second position 51 b, advanced (see figure 6).

[114] In appropriate phase relationship with respect to the transport of the arms 51 from the first position 51a to the second position 51 b, through intermediate positions 51c, the respective gripping members 52 are tilted around the orientation axis C, to orient the jaws 53, 54 towards the unloading surface P of the unloading station 6, in particular with the jaws 53, 54 facing the second direction E (see figures 7 to 8a).

[115] Each gripping member 52 is then arranged in the open configuration, to release the element 2 so as to preferably position it orderly on the unloading surface , for example stacked on other elements 2 already unloaded (see figure 8a).

[116] Finally, the arms 51 are operated again in the first position 51a, rearward at the seats 40, while the gripping members 52 are arranged in the non-interference configuration, underneath the work surface a, so as not to interfere therewith (see figure 9a).

[117] Figures 10 to 18 instead show a different processing cycle, suitable, in particular, for processing so-called "short" elements 2, which have a reduced longitudinal development.

[118] In this case, in fact, it is possible to provide that the element 2 being processed is handled and transferred by a pair of transfer devices 50, while a third transfer device 50, preferably the intermediate one, can be operated to load and retain a new element 2. In practice, in this case, the transfer devices 50 can perform, in time overlap, different operations, of loading on the one hand and of transport and unloading on the other.

[119] In fact, the element 2 coming from the feeding channel 3 is loaded along the operative direction B, inserted inside the seats 40 of the operative units 4 (see figure 10).

[120] The guide members 91 are therefore positioned in the operative position 91 b, while the arms 97 can be kept in the non-interference configuration 97a, since the support operated by the operative units 4 can be sufficiently distributed.

[121] As described above, the gripping members 52 are arranged in the closed configuration, so as to lock respective portions of the element 2 intercepted by them along the operative direction B, while the guide members 91 are operated in the rest position 91a, so as not to interfere with the successive operative steps (see figure 11a).

[122] Subsequently, as described above, the operative units 4 are operated to process the element 2, by suitably moving in a forward stroke and a return stroke the eccentric pin 42 (see figures 12 and 13).

[123] The gripping members 52 of a selection of the transfer devices 50, for example the pair of external transfers, then extract the element 2 from the seats 40 (see figure 14a) to transport it towards the unloading station 6 (see figure 15), by virtue of the movement of the arms 51 from the first position 51a, rearward, to the second position 51b, advanced, through intermediate positions 51c.

[124] Preferably during this transport, the gripping members 52 are operated in the aforesaid tilting motion around the tilting axis C, to turn the element 2 towards the unloading surface P and unload it thereon, in a manner completely similar to that described above (see figures 16 to 18).

[125] In such a circumstance, the remaining transfer device 50, the intermediate one for example, can start a new operative cycle. In particular, it remains stationary, with the respective gripping member 52 aligned with the operative direction B, in the open configuration, ready to receive a new element 2 coming from the feeding channel 3 (see in particular figure 17).

[126] While the transfer devices 50 that have operated the transport return to the first position 51a, the third transfer device 50 can therefore tighten and lock the new loaded element 2, so that the operative units 4 can operate the processing cycle. In particular, the transfer devices 50 returning from the previous transport cycle can also repeat a transport cycle on the new element 2, positioning themselves in the non-interference configuration, underneath the work surface a to engage and extract it, as described above.

[127] According to a further embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figures 27 and 28, the apparatus T, otherwise completely similar to the apparatus 1 described above, comprises a single fixed operative unit 4’, which is operative on the work surface a.

[128] The feeding channel 3’, inside which the elements 2 are fed, one or more at a time, is arranged downstream of the operative unit, according to the feeding direction, directly along the operative direction B.

[129] In practice, in this case, the feeding direction A coincides with the operative direction B.

[130] The feeding channel 3’ is advantageously made by means of a cover 30 or a movable bottom, in particular tiltable, between a support configuration, active in the support of the elements 2 along the operative direction B, and a spaced out configuration, to allow the extraction of the processed elements 2 from the feeding channel 3’ and the transfer thereof towards the unloading station 6.

[131] The apparatus T comprises at least one arm 5T, preferably a plurality of arms 5T, operative between the feeding channel 3’ and the unloading station 6, to operate by virtue of the aforesaid translation motion the transfer of the elements 2 processed by the operative unit 4’.

[132] The same cover 30 then comprises for each arm 5T an opening 31 , arranged along the respective longitudinal development, to allow the arm 5T to access inside the feeding channel 3’ and operate, by means of the gripping member 52, to collect each element 2 while it is supported by the feeding channel 3’.

[133] The operation of the apparatus T is completely similar to that described above.

[134] It is only noted that the element 2 is fed along the feeding channel 3’, arranged along the operative direction B, downstream of the operative unit 4’. The element 2 is processed by the operative unit 4’, preferably bent for example at the head and/or tail, and thus retained by the gripping members 52 of the transfer devices comprising the arms 51 ’, to then be transferred to the unloading station 6.

[135] The apparatus for processing metal elongated elements according to the invention therefore achieves the object of allowing to optimally operate the processing of these elements, in particular allowing to optimally handle the processed elements.

[136] In practice, any materials can be used according to requirements, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, the dimensions and the contingent shapes.

[137] Where technical features mentioned in each claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the understanding of the claims and accordingly they do not have any limiting value on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing metal elongated elements, comprising a feeding channel (3, 3') for supporting at least one said element (2) fed along a feeding direction (A), at least one operative unit (4, 4') defining a work surface (a) and comprising an insertion seat (40) to receive said element (2), arranged along an operative direction (B) parallel or coinciding with said feeding direction (A), an unloading station (6), arranged adjacent to said operative unit (4, 4') and defining an unloading surface (P) capable of receiving in support said element (2) coming from said seat (40) of said operative unit (4, 4'), a transfer assembly (5) comprising at least one transfer device (50) having a movable arm (51 , 51'), positioned between said feeding channel (3, 3') and said unloading station (6), and a gripping member (52), carried by said arm (51 , 51') and movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, to grip and release at least one said element (2) at a time, said transfer device (50) comprising an activation device (70) connected to said arm (51 , 51'), configured to move said arm (51 , 51') according to a reciprocating translation motion between a first rearward position (51a), in which said gripping member (52) is aligned with said seat (40) of said operative unit (4, 4'), and a second advanced position (51b), in which said gripping member (52) is advanced with respect to said seat (40) of said operative unit (4, 4'), to unload said element (2) into said unloading station (6).

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said gripping member (52) is articulated to said arm (51 , 5T) around an orientation axis (C) and operable in a tilting motion around said axis of orientation (C), between a first collecting orientation (52a), at which said gripping member (52) is oriented to collect said element (2) from said seat (40), and a second orientation (52b) of unloading, rotated with respect to said first orientation (52a) around said orientation axis (C), at which said gripping member (52) is oriented to release said element (2) in said unloading station (6).

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at said first orientation (52a) said gripping member (52) carries respective gripping jaws (53, 54) oriented, in use, in a first direction (D), said first direction (D) being oriented in an opposed direction with respect to said work surface (a), to intercept or extract from said seat (40) said element (2), in particular with an upward movement, while at said second orientation (52b) said gripping member is overturned, therefore it carries the same jaws (53, 54) oriented, in use, in a different direction (E), said different direction (E) being oriented towards said unloading surface (P), in particular downwards, to release said element (2) in the unloading station (6) preferably located below.

4. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transfer device (50) comprises a positioning device (80), configured to move said gripping member (52) carried by said arm (51 , 5T) at least between an active configuration, in which said gripping member (52) is substantially aligned with said seat (40) on said work surface (a), and an extraction configuration, in which said gripping member (52) is protruding and/or lifted from said seat (40), to extract said element (2) therefrom.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said positioning device (80) is also configured to position said gripping member (52) in an inactive configuration, in which said gripping member (52) is underneath said work surface (a), in particular so as not to interfere with it, during said reciprocating motion of translation, or to intercept, with a transversal motion with respect to said work surface (a), said element (2) when it is already inserted in said seat (40).

6. The apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein said positioning device (80) is also configured to position said gripping member (52) in a collecting position, wherein said gripping member (52) is aligned with said feeding channel (3, 3’) along said feeding direction (A), to collect said element (2) therefrom and insert it in said seat (40), achieving said active position.

7. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said activation device (70) comprises a base (71), carrying said arm (51 , 5T), an actuator member (72) and transmission means (73) for transmitting a motion actuated by said actuator member (72), so that said base (71) is movable with said reciprocating translation motion.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said arm (51 , 51 ’) is articulated to said base (71 ).

9. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said gripping member (52) comprises a pair of jaws (53, 54) at least one of which is movable relative to the other between said open configuration and said closed configuration.

10. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a plurality of said transfer devices (50), at least one being movable along said operative direction (B) to engage said element (2).

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said arms (51 , 5T) of said transfer devices (50) are independently movable, particularly in said reciprocating motion of translation.

12. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises at least one pair of operative units (4), arranged along said operative direction (B).

13. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one said operative unit (4) is movable in said operative direction (B) and wherein at least one said transfer device (50) is fixed thereto.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein at least one of said transfer devices (50) is arranged in an intermediate position between said at least one pair of said operative units (4).

15. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said operative unit (4, 4’) is a bending unit.

16. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said feeding channel (3') is aligned with said operative direction (B) and comprises at least one opening (31), arranged along the respective longitudinal development, to allow said arm (5T) to access inside said feeding channel (3') and to collect, using said gripping member (52), each said element (2) while it is supported by said feeding channel (3').

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said feeding channel (3’) is made by means of a cover (30) or a bottom, movable between a support configuration, active in the support of said at least one element (2) along said operative direction (B), and a spaced out configuration, to allow the extraction of said processed element (2) from said feeding channel (3’) and the transfer thereof towards said unloading station (6).

18. A method for processing elongated metal elements, comprising the steps of: a. arranging a feeding channel (3, 3') capable of receiving at least one said element (2) along a feeding direction (A), at least one operative unit (4, 4') for processing said element (2), defining a work surface (a) and comprising an insertion seat (40) to receive said element (2) arranged along an operative direction (B) parallel or coinciding with said feeding direction (A), an unloading station (6), to receive on a discharge surface (P) said element (2) coming from said operative unit (4, 4'), and a transfer assembly (5) comprising at least one transfer device (50) having a movable arm (51 , 5T), placed between said feeding channel (3, 3') and said unloading station (6) and a gripping member (52), carried by said arm (51 , 5T) and movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, for gripping and releasing at least one said element (2) at a time; b. arranging said arm (51 ) in a first position (51a), wherein said gripping member (52) is aligned with said seat (40) of said operative unit (4, 4’) on said work surface (a); c. feeding said element (2) along said feeding channel (3, 3’) and inserting said element (2) in said seat (40) of said operative unit (4, 4’); d. intercepting said element (2), by operating said gripping member (52) from said open configuration to said closed configuration, to lock said element (2) and in appropriate phase relationship, particularly before or after said step of intercepting said element (2), e. operating said operative unit (4, 4’) to process said element (2); f. disengaging said element (2) from said seat (40) by means of a relative movement away between said operative unit (4) and said gripping member

g. transferring said element (2) retained by said gripping member (52), in a transfer path, by operating said arm (51 , 51 ’), according to a reciprocating movement of translation, from said first position (51a) to a second advanced position (51 b), wherein said gripping member (52) is advanced with respect to said seat (40) of said operative unit (4, 4’), to unload said element (2) in said unloading station (6); h. releasing said element (2) in said unloading station (6), by operating said gripping member (52) from said closed configuration to said open configuration.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, in order to release said element (2) into said unloading station (6), it provides for operating said gripping member (52) in a tilting motion around an axis of orientation (C), at which said gripping member (52) is articulated to said arm (51 ), between a first collecting orientation (52a), at which said gripping member (52) is oriented to collect said element (2) from said seat (40), and a second orientation (52b) of unloading, rotated with respect to said first orientation (52a) around said orientation axis (C), at which said gripping member (52) is oriented to release said element (2) in said unloading station (6).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein at said first orientation (52a) said gripping member (52) carries respective gripping jaws (53, 54) oriented, in use, in a first direction (D), said first direction (D) being oriented in an opposed direction with respect to said work surface (a), to intercept or extract from said seat (40) said element (2), in particular with an upward movement, while at said second orientation (52b) said gripping member is overturned, therefore it carries the same jaws (53, 54) oriented, in use, in a second direction (E), said second direction (E) being oriented towards said unloading surface (3), in particular downwards, to release said element (2) in the unloading station (6) preferably located below.

21. The method of any one of claims 18-20, wherein said unloading surface (P) of said unloading station (6) is movable and wherein said step h) of releasing said element (2) is coordinated with a movement of said movable unloading surface (3), controlled by a control unit (100), configured to allow, through the control of said movement, the arrangement, for example superimposed or side by side, of said element (2) in relation to an element (2) already discharged onto said movable unloading surface (P).