U.S. patent application number 09/778866 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-20 for unit for sorting and transferring sheets of glass.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOTTERO S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Aimar, Giacomo, Bisotto, Sebastiano, Mattio, Roberto.
Application Number | 20010022927 09/778866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11457391 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010022927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mattio, Roberto ; et
al. |
September 20, 2001 |
Unit for sorting and transferring sheets of glass
Abstract
A unit for sorting and transferring sheets of glass has a number
of carriages, each having a number of compartments for receiving
respective sheets of glass; and a sorting device for supporting the
sheets and feeding each of the sheets into a respective
compartment; the sorting device having a support for supporting a
sheet and rotating about an axis of rotation; and the carriages
being arranged in a ring about the rotary support.
Inventors: |
Mattio, Roberto; (Piasco,
IT) ; Bisotto, Sebastiano; (Boves, IT) ;
Aimar, Giacomo; (Cervasca, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON SPIVAK MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT PC
FOURTH FLOOR
1755 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
BOTTERO S.p.A.
Cuneo
IT
|
Family ID: |
11457391 |
Appl. No.: |
09/778866 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/331.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 49/067 20130101;
B65G 49/068 20130101; B65G 2249/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/331.03 |
International
Class: |
B65G 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 8, 2000 |
IT |
T02000A 000 124 |
Claims
1. A unit (1) for sorting and transferring sheets (2) of glass; the
unit (1) comprising a number of carriages (29), each having a
number of compartments (33), each for receiving at least one
respective sheet (2) of glass; and sorting means (6, 16) for
supporting the sheets (2) and feeding each of the sheets (2) into a
respective compartment (33); characterized in that said sorting
means (6, 16) comprise rotary supporting means (7, 16) rotating
about an axis (10) of rotation; and in that said carriages (29) are
arranged in a ring about said rotary supporting means (7, 16).
2. A unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said rotary
supporting means (7, 16) comprise a single slide track (15) for the
sheets (2); and said sorting means (6, 16) also comprise conveying
means (16, 20) for moving one sheet (2) at a time along said slide
track (15).
3. A unit as claimed in claim 2, characterized by also comprising
first actuating means (11) for rotating said rotary supporting
means (7, 16) in opposite directions about said axis (10) of
rotation, and for aligning said slide track (15) with each said
compartment (33).
4. A unit as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said
conveying means (16, 20) comprise gripping means (16); and second
actuating means (20) for moving said gripping means (16) in
opposite directions parallel to said slide track (15).
5. A unit as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said second
actuating means comprise an electric motor (21), and a mechanical
transmission (22) activated by said electric motor (21).
6. A unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said
supporting means (7, 16) comprise a circular platform (7) coaxial
with said axis (10) of rotation.
7. A unit as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said
compartments (33) extend radially about said circular platform
(7).
8. A unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized by also comprising a
fixed structure (24) fixed with respect to said axis (10) of
rotation; said fixed structure (24) defining a number of seats
(26), each housing a relative said carriage (29); and releasable
retaining means (31) being provided to retain each said carriage
(29) in a fixed position inside the relative seat (26).
9. A unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized by also comprising
unloading means (16, 37, 39) for unloading said carriages (29) when
withdrawn from said sorting means (6, 16); said unloading means
(16, 37, 39) comprising further rotary supporting means (16, 37)
rotating about a further axis (38) of rotation.
10. A unit as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said axes
(10)(38) of rotation are separate.
11. A unit as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said axes
(10)(38) of rotation are parallel.
12. A unit as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said
further rotary supporting means (16, 37) comprise a single further
slide track (15), and further gripping means (16) for moving one
sheet (2) at a time along said further slide track (15).
13. A unit as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that said
unloading means (16, 37, 39) comprise a further fixed structure
(39) fixed with respect to said further axis (38) of rotation and
identical with the fixed structure (24) of said sorting means (6,
16).
14. A unit as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that said
unloading means (16, 37, 39) also comprise further actuating means
(11) for rotating said further rotary supporting means (16, 37) in
opposite directions about said further axis (38), and for aligning
said further slide track (15) with each compartment (33) on the
carriages (29) retained by said further fixed structure (39).
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a unit for sorting and
transferring sheets of glass.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As is known, processed and/or contoured sheets of glass are
produced on systems comprising a break-off station for successively
producing a number of sheets of the same or different size and
shape, and from where the sheets are normally transferred to
respective finishing stations for further processing. To simplify
transfer to the finishing stations, the sheets from the break-off
station are first sorted and then each transferred to the
respective station.
[0003] As is known, for example, from Patent EP 0 620 171 B1, the
sheets are sorted and transferred using a sorting and transfer unit
comprising a number of racks movable to and from respective work
stations and each comprising a number of compartments arranged side
by side in a straight direction and extending perpendicularly to
the straight direction to each receive a respective sheet. The
sheets are each conveyed to the respective compartment by a
carriage traveling in a direction parallel to said straight
direction, and are inserted inside the respective compartments by
means of a linear actuator controlled, together with the carriage,
by a central control unit.
[0004] Though used, known sorting units of the above type have the
major drawback of being extremely bulky, especially in the straight
rack alignment and carriage travel direction, so that application
is limited, especially in existing plants.
[0005] Moreover, using known sorting units, the time taken to
insert the sheets inside the compartments increases alongside the
number of racks, since, the greater the number of compartments, the
longer the carriage takes to travel in said straight direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a unit
for sorting and transferring sheets of glass, designed to provide a
straightforward, low-cost solution to the above problems.
[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a unit
for sorting and transferring sheets of glass; the unit comprising a
number of carriages, each having a number of compartments, each for
receiving at least one respective sheet of glass; and sorting means
for supporting the sheets and feeding each of the sheets into a
respective compartment; characterized in that said sorting means
comprise rotary supporting means rotating about an axis of
rotation; and in that said carriages are arranged in a ring about
said rotary supporting means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A non-limiting embodiment of the invention will be described
by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a unit for sorting and
transferring sheets of glass;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a larger-scale plan view of a detail in FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a larger-scale view of a detail in FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a larger-scale section along line IVIV in FIG.
2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Number 1 in FIG. 1 indicates as a whole a unit for sorting
and transferring sheets 2 of glass of the same or different shape
and size and originating from a break-off station 3 where
previously notched large-size sheets of glass (not shown) are
broken up, in the example shown, by a known manipulator 4 not
described in detail. In the example shown, manipulator 4 feeds the
broken-off sheets 2 successively to unit 1 under the control of a
known control unit 5 not described in detail and forming part of
unit 1.
[0014] Unit 1 also comprises a supporting device 6 in turn
comprising a floor-mounted structure 9, and a flat circular
platform 7 having a vertical axis of symmetry 10 and connected to
structure 9 to rotate about axis 10 in an axially-fixed position.
Platform 7 is rotated in opposite directions about axis 10 by an
actuating assembly 11 (FIG. 4) comprising an electric motor 12
controlled by unit 5, and a mechanical transmission 13--in the
example shown, a gear transmission having a countershaft 14 coaxial
with axis 10 and connected integrally to platform 7. On the top
surface of platform 7 is formed a support and slide track
15--preferably a roller track (FIGS. 2 and 4)--which extends
diametrically across platform 7, and on which one sheet 2 at a time
is rested on edge by manipulator 4 and rolled along by a powered
gripper 16 (FIG. 4). Gripper 16, which is of known type, is carried
by and rotated together with platform 7, extends upwards from the
top surface of platform 7, and comprises a bottom connecting
portion 18 (FIG. 4) connected in sliding manner to a relative
straight guide 19 (FIG. 2) connected integrally to platform 7 and
extending parallel to and alongside slide track 15.
[0015] With reference to FIG. 2, gripper 16 is moved in opposite
directions along guide 19 by a device 20 comprising a motor 21
controlled by unit 5, and a mechanical transmission 22--preferably
a rack and pinion type, the rack of which is connected integrally
to the platform and indicated 23 in FIG. 2.
[0016] With reference to FIG. 1 and particularly FIG. 2, platform 7
is surrounded partly by a fixed reference and connecting structure
24, which defines a ring of radial seats 26 of the same shape and
size, arranged about platform 7, and each tapering towards platform
7. More specifically, each seat 26 is defined by a bottom wall 27
adjacent to platform 7 and lower than the supporting surface of
track 15; and two vertical lateral walls 28 converging towards
bottom wall 27 and defining the inlet of respective seat 26 on the
opposite side to platform 7. Each seat 26 houses a respective
sheet-conveying carriage 29, which is the same size and design as
the other carriages 29, is guided in and out of respective seat 26
by a number of vertical rollers 30 connected in rotary manner to
the inner surfaces of relative lateral walls 28, and is retained
inside respective seat 26 by a known releasable retaining device 31
comprising, for example, one or more pneumatic retaining members
fitted, in the example shown, to lateral walls 28.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 2 and particularly FIG. 3, each carriage 29
is complementary in shape to that of seats 26, and comprises a
number of compartments 33 (FIG. 3), each for receiving a respective
sheet 2 and each having a respective inlet/outlet 33a facing
platform 7. More specifically, compartments 33 are arranged
fan-wise, so that, when carriages 29 are retained inside any of
seats 26, compartments 33 extend radially with respect to the axis
of rotation 10 of platform 7, and each defines an extension of
track 15 when platform 7 is rotated, so that the sheet 2 on track
15 can be simply slid radially into any compartment.
[0018] With reference to FIG. 1, unit 1 also comprises one or more
unloading stations 34--only one shown in FIG. 1--for unloading
carriages 29 and located a distance from structure 24. Each
unloading station 34 houses an assembly 35 for unloading and
withdrawing sheets 2 and comprising a circular platform 37 of the
same size and design as platform 7 and rotating about a respective
axis 38 parallel to axis 10; a powered gripper 38a identical with
gripper 16; and a fixed structure 39 of the same size and design as
structure 24, and the component parts of which are indicated using
the same reference numbers as for the corresponding parts of
structure 24. Unit 1 also comprises a known conveyor 40 (shown
schematically) for withdrawing the sheets 2 unloaded at station 34,
and for feeding each sheet 2 to a respective processing station or
to a store (not shown).
[0019] With reference to FIG. 1, unit 1 also comprises an
intermediate or holding station 41 interposed between structures 24
and 39 and for housing a number of carriages 29 waiting to be
unloaded or transferred to structure 24.
[0020] Operation of unit 1 will now be described with reference,
for the sake of simplicity, to one empty carriage 29 retained
inside one of seats 26 on structure 24, and as of the condition in
which a sheet 2 to be transferred is gripped by manipulator 4, and
platform 7 is set to the angular position shown in FIG. 2, in which
inlet 15a of track 15 is positioned facing manipulator 4.
[0021] As of the above condition, sheet 2 is positioned on edge and
rested inside inlet 15a of track 15, and is then gripped by gripper
16 and slid along track 15 to extend across platform 7. At this
point, platform 7 is rotated about its axis to align inlet 15a of
track 15 with an inlet 33a of one of compartments 33, and gripper
16 is operated again to slide sheet 2 along track 15, in the
opposite direction to before, and gradually into compartment 33.
The above operations are repeated for each broken-off sheet 2 to
insert each sheet 2 inside a given compartment 33, and, when
compartments 33 are all engaged, carriage 29 is released from
structure 24 by deactivating retaining device 31, and is either
transferred to holding station 41 pending further transfer, or is
inserted directly and locked inside one of seats 26 on structure
39. At this point, platform 37 is rotated to align inlet 15a of
track 15 with inlet 33a of one of compartments 33; and the relative
sheet 2 is then gripped by gripper 16 and drawn gradually out of
compartment 33 and on to platform 37, which is rotated about axis
38 to align track 15 with conveyor 40, on to which sheet 2 is
pushed by gripper 16 in the opposite direction to before.
[0022] As compared with known solutions, unit 1 described is
obviously extremely compact, and can therefore be installed in any
plant, including existing ones. This is mainly due to arranging the
carriages in a ring about a two-way rotary conveyor platform fitted
with a member for loading the sheets successively on to the
platform and unloading the sheets successively into respective
compartments on one of the carriages according to a given delivery
sequence.
[0023] As compared with known solutions, unit 1 is also extremely
straightforward to produce and control, by the sheets 2 being
picked up, transferred and inserted inside the relative
compartments one at a time.
[0024] Despite the sheets being picked up, transferred and inserted
inside the compartments one at a time, the unit described provides
for fast insertion as compared with known solutions, by the angular
displacement of platform 7 being at most substantially 180.degree.
regardless of the number of carriages used.
[0025] Using identical assemblies for unloading and loading
carriages 29 makes unit 1 even more compact, and, above all,
reduces manufacturing, maintenance and service costs by, for
example, halving spare part storage requirements.
[0026] Clearly, changes may be made to unit 1 as described herein
without, however, departing from the scope of the present
invention. In particular, both platforms 7 and 37 could be replaced
with different rotary structures for supporting and moving sheets 2
to and from compartments 33 of carriages 29. Unit 1 may be built
without both or either of structures 24, 39, and carriages 29
locked in fixed angular positions about axes 10, 38 otherwise than
as described by way of example. In particular, carriages 29 may be
powered and programmed to travel along predetermined paths to and
from relative platforms 7, 37, possibly via one or more
intermediate holding stations.
[0027] Finally, broken-off sheets 2 may be fed on to platform 7 by
devices other than a manipulator, e.g. overhead conveyors, and may
be fed along the tracks by gripping means other than those
described, and which may provide for simply pushing or also
supporting the sheet for transfer.
* * * * *