HANDLING APPARATUS FOR PRODUCTS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT OF THE SAME APPARATUS

Technical field

[01 ] The present invention relates to a handling apparatus for products, in particular metal stirrups and similar products, as well as a method for automatically adjusting the same apparatus.

Background art

[02] Apparatuses able to handle automatically products of different types are known. Such apparatuses may comprise a manipulator assembly, for example an anthropomorphic arm, bearing one or more gripping means, suitable for picking up a product from a first station, transferring it, possibly orientating it, and releasing it in a second station.

[03] More specifically, in the technical sector of the processing of metal bars or sections for reinforcing reinforced concrete, it is known the use of handling apparatuses provided with an anthropomorphic robotic arm, suitable to grab products during processing or already made, move them and release them in an unloading station, wherein, for example in the case of stirrups machines, they are stacked on top of each other.

[04] For example, patent application WO 96/28271 illustrates a gripping device provided with jaws or gripping fingers for handling products in the form of rods or bars. The gripping device is arranged at the end of a robotic arm, partially rotatable about a gripping axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fingers and rotatable relative to the robotic arm about a hinging axis parallel to the gripping axis. The gripping device can be displaced between a fixed position and the hinging axis, and is connected to a control device, for example a pneumatic cylinder, suitable to stress the gripping device with a force in the opposite direction with respect to the hinging axis and to the fixed position. The gripping device can thus collapse, in a resilient way and without substantial resistance, to limited, forced movements exerted on the gripping means by an article gripped by the jaws, in particular a rotation about the hinging axis, a rotation around the gripping axis and a displacement against the hinging axis.

[05] To cite further examples, patent application DE 102007039384 illustrates a handling apparatus and a method for modifying the positioning of the joints of the apparatus. Patent application US 2016/339590 describes a robotic system provided with an actuator reconfigurable assembly. The international application WO 2014/143436 illustrates an apparatus and a method for the automatic conversion of the pitch of pickup heads. Patent application US 2012/280527 illustrates a reconfigurable actuator applicable to a robotic arm. Finally, patent application US 2012/279602 discloses a supply system for a module of a reconfigurable actuator applicable to a robotic arm. [06] It is very important in the handling apparatus for products to ensure a stable and safe grip of the products, when picking up the products and while moving them . In particular, during the movement, the product is subjected to dynamic actions, which can cause unacceptable deformations.

[07] Furthermore, in the specific sector of metal section machining, in particular in the production of stirrups, the need is felt to change frequently and quickly the production cycle, hence the geometry of the workpieces. This entails the need to adapt frequently both the setting of the apparatuses responsible for processing, and the setting up of the handling apparatus and, in particular, the arrangement of the involved gripping means.

[08] While the setting of the processing apparatus usually takes place automatically, and therefore very quickly, on the other hand the handling apparatuses of the known type require considerable time to carry out the necessary adjustments.

[09] In particular, during the change step of the production cycle, it is necessary to modify the relative positioning of the gripping means, with jaws or the like, so as to ensure correct handling of the pieces to be grabbed.

[10] Currently, the adjustment of the gripping means of the handling apparatuses is carried out manually, therefore while the apparatus is stationary. Therefore, this practice, besides not guaranteeing optimal precision, influences negatively the production yields, slowing down considerably the production cycle.

Presentation of the invention

[1 1 ] The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, by devising a handling apparatus for products and a method for the automatic adjustment of the same apparatus, allowing to optimally handle the products, as well as to optimally adjust the means involved in the step of handling.

[12] Another object of the present invention is to provide a handling apparatus for products of simple constructional and functional conception, provided with safe and reliable use, as well as a relatively economical cost.

[13] The aforementioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the handling apparatus for products according to claim 1 , by the method for automatically adjusting the same apparatus according to claim 16, as well as by the method for the automatic handling of products according to claim 17.

[14] The handling apparatus according to the invention comprises a robotic arm being mobile in a controlled manner to transfer at least one product at a time from a first operating station to a second operating station.

[15] The robotic arm is preferably operated upon command of a control unit.

[16] The robotic arm, in particular, is provided with a gripping assembly comprising a support frame and at least one gripping device, for example of the gripper type, provided by the aforementioned support frame and suitable for gripping and holding the aforementioned product in correspondence of a respective portion.

[17] The support frame comprises at least one adjustment guide, along which the gripping device can be moved when the gripping device is arranged in an unlocked condition, and lockable when the gripping device is arranged in a locked condition.

[18] The apparatus can be associated with an adjustment station, provided with a retaining assembly comprising at least one reference member, suitable to intercept the aforementioned gripping device, thus enabling, through the controlled actuation of the aforementioned robotic arm, the relative displacement of the gripping device with respect to the aforementioned adjustment guide, when said device is in the aforementioned unlocking condition.

[19] The reference member advantageously comprises a receiving seat for the gripping device, shaped like a fork, able to receive the same device between opposing walls, blocking it for carrying out the aforementioned adjustment operations.

[20] A sensor element is preferably applied in correspondence of said shaped receiving seat to detect a measurement of the distance of the gripping device.

[21 ] In the unlocking condition, it is thus possible to operate the positioning of the gripping device in correspondence of a selected position with respect to the aforementioned support structure, and the locking in the aforementioned selected position, by placing the gripping device in the aforementioned locking condition.

[22] Thanks, in particular, to the movement ability of the same robotic arm, according to the invention, it is possible to completely realize any adjustment operation of the gripping assembly.

[23] More precisely, it is possible to adjust automatically, thanks to the cooperation between the robotic arm and the adjustment station, the positioning of the at least one gripping device of the aforementioned gripping assembly.

[24] This is essentially due to the fact that the connection between the gripping device and the support frame of the gripping assembly can be removed and activated automatically, thus making it possible the relative displacement, along the aforementioned adjustment guides, of the device itself.

[25] More precisely, the gripping assembly comprises means for locking the at least one gripping device, which can be activated and deactivated automatically, for locking and unlocking the same device along the adjustment guide, respectively.

[26] It is possible to activate the locking means preferably by means of an associated control unit, for example integrated into the apparatus for controlling the robotic arm.

[27] Moreover, thanks to the provision of the retaining assembly of the adjustment station, it is possible to keep the gripping device fixed, while the adjustment guides are being displaced in a controlled manner together with the robotic arm, thus realizing a relative motion between the gripping device the guides themselves, which realizes the desired adjustment of the gripping device with respect to the support structure of the gripping assembly. In essence, this adjustment is advantageously carried out by exploiting the ability to move and control the robotic arm itself, without requiring dedicated actuator and control members, which would weigh down the apparatus.

[28] The adjustment station is preferably fixed with respect to the robotic arm bearing the support frame, and arranged in a position preferably within the range of the robotic arm itself, so as to allow the quick and effective execution of the adjustment operations.

[29] The gripping device may comprise locking means which can be activated and deactivated automatically, connecting means to the support structure, of any type, preferably of the mechanical, or magnetic, or fluid-dynamic type.

[30] The locking means can be activated and deactivated by the corresponding actuation of an actuator member, for example a pneumatic actuator member.

[31 ] The actuator element can be associated with the locking means, preferably carried by the same gripping device.

[32] Alternatively, the actuator member can be applied to the adjustment station, to act on the gripping device, when it is intercepted by the aforementioned retaining assembly. In this case, the gripping assembly is advantageously lightened.

[33] Preferably, the locking means allow a discrete adjustment, in correspondence of predetermined positions, along the aforementioned adjustment guide, to ensure a secure and steady locking.

[34] The locking means comprise at least one connecting element, which can be activated preferably by actuation of the aforementioned pneumatic actuator member, in the respective adjustment guide of the support structure, to lock the gripping device accordingly.

[35] The locking means may comprise one or more, for example a pair, of pluggable connecting elements, for each gripping device.

[36] Each of the aforementioned pluggable connecting element preferably comprises a pluggable element or pin.

[37] Preferably, the connecting element can be plugged into a suitably shaped seat, to allow a safe and precise coupling. Preferably this coupling is conical.

[38] Alternatively, the locking means can operate, instead of by being plugged in the respective seats, by friction acting on the adjustment guide, and the displaceable gripping device can slide continuously along the adjustment guide.

[39] The gripping assembly may comprise one or more further gripping devices, which can be positioned or fixed with respect to the support frame. [40] The gripping assembly preferably comprises the minimum number of gripping devices which allows a safe and stable grip of the products to be handled, so as to contain the weight and cost of the apparatus, considering, in this specific case, to possibly provide a hyperstatic type of grip, if the products to be handled tend to easily deform .

[41 ] The gripping assembly preferably comprises a pair of gripping devices, each being preferably movable along a respective adjustment guide.

[42] The apparatus may comprise a pair of adjustment guides arranged inclined on a plane defined by the support structure.

[43] In particular, in the case where the apparatus is intended for handling products of the type of metal stirrups, the adjustment guides are arranged preferably perpendicular.

[44] Advantageously, the support structure of the gripping assembly further comprises an abutment member, which is adapted to lock a respective portion of the product being held by the gripping device, so as to guarantee a stable grip during movement and / or the pickup of the product.

[45] Conveniently, the abutment member comprises an operative surface against which the aforementioned portion of the product is locked, to keep, in particular during movement, the same product in a desired configuration and / or to limit, or to avoid, possible deformations due to the action of gravity.

[46] The abutment member is arranged preferably in correspondence of the intersection between the adjustment guides, if provided and if arranged incident.

[47] The abutment member can act as a simple support or comprise a magnetic or magnetizable body, for example made by an electromagnet, so as to cooperate, by means of a magnetic action, with the at least one gripping device to hold the product firmly during the movement.

[48] The abutment member can be usefully associated to an auxiliary gripping device cooperating with it, to retain a respective portion of a product, arranged in correspondence of an operating surface of the abutment member itself.

[49] The aforementioned auxiliary gripping device can be actuated alternately between an active configuration, retaining the aforementioned portion of product, and an inactive configuration of rest with respect to the retaining action.

[50] Preferably the auxiliary gripping device is of the jaw type. A first jaw and a second jaw, cooperating, are preferably arranged on opposite sides to the operating surface of the abutment member.

[51 ] Said jaws can alternatively be oscillated between an open active configuration, retaining, and an inactive closed configuration, of rest.

[52] Said jaws can be oscillated preferably with respect to an axis which is parallel to the plane of the operating surface of the abutment element, arranged between the operating surface itself and the support structure of the gripping assembly.

[53] The aforementioned operating surface of the abutment element may comprise notches on opposite sides, to allow the passage of the aforementioned jaws shaping the auxiliary gripping device, from the inactive configuration, of rest, to the active configuration, retaining the portion of the product intercepted in correspondence of the operating surface.

[54] Alternatively or additionally, the gripping assembly may comprise one or more further gripping devices, fixed to the support structure, suitable for gripping the product in correspondence of respective portions, for example in correspondence of an angular portion in case of stirrups or of a distal portion, for example in the case of shaped pieces of elongated shape.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[55] The details of the invention will become more evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the handling apparatus for products, as well as a method for the automatic adjustment of the same apparatus, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 to 4 show a perspective view of a handling apparatus for products according to the present Invention, in different operating steps;

Figures 5 and 6 show a plan view of a gripping assembly used in the apparatus according to the invention, in respective adjustment conditions;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the same assembly;

Figures 8, 9 and 10 show respectively a perspective view of the same gripping assembly, from different angles;

Figures 1 1 a, 1 1 b respectively show a sectional view according to a median transverse plane and a perspective view, with the protective casing shown in transparency, of a portion of the gripping assembly used in the apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 12a, 12b show respectively the same views shown in Figures 1 1 a, 1 1 b, in a different operating phase;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of said gripping assembly according to a different embodiment;

Figures 14 and 15 show a side view of the gripping assembly illustrated in Figure 13 under different operating conditions;

Figure 16 shows a front view of a particular adjustment station associated with the apparatus according to the invention.

Embodiments of the invention

[56] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, 1 globally refers the handling apparatus for products, in particular for products of the type of metal stirrups. The handling apparatus according to the invention may be equally used for handling products of different shapes and types, in any case intended to be gripped by gripping devices, to be picked up from a first operating station and transferred to a second operating station.

The apparatus 1 comprises a robotic arm 2, fixed to a respective support base 21 , and bearing a gripping assembly 3 for handling the products.

The robotic arm 2 is movable, in a known manner, upon command of a control unit and upon actuation of suitable actuator members, not shown for simplicity, to bring, for example, the gripping assembly 3 in correspondence of a pickup station for the products to be handled, to pick up at least one product and transfer it to a release station.

The gripping assembly 3 comprises a support structure 31 , for example of a box-like shape, containing at least one support device 32 which can be positioned selectively with respect to the support structure 31 itself. In the illustrated embodiment, in particular, in Figures 5 to 10, the support structure 31 of the gripping assembly 3 has a pair of movable gripping devices 32.

The support structure 31 can also bear at least one further gripping device 33 arranged in a fixed manner with respect to the structure itself (see Figure 5).

Each gripping device 32, like the further fixed gripping device 33, preferably comprises, but without limitations, a gripping element 34 of the gripper type suitable to grab or retain and to release a portion of the product to be handled (see in particular Figures 1 1 a, 1 1 b). More precisely, each movable gripping device 32 comprises a frame 35 on which the operating gripping element 34 is fixed.

The position of each gripping device 32 is therefore automatically adjustable, on command of appropriate actuator means, on the support structure 31 , so as to be adapted rapidly to the shape and size of the products to be handled each time (see in particular Figure 7).

More precisely, the support structure 31 comprises at least one adjustment guide 36, along which the at least one gripping device 32 is mounted movable and lockable. According to the embodiment, illustrated by way of example in Figures 5 to 10, the support structure 31 comprises a pair of adjustment guides 36, on each of which a respective gripping device 32 is movable, in particular sliding.

Moreover, again by way of example, it is possible to provide that the fixed gripping device 33 is aligned with one of the adjustment guides 36 provided, for example, to cooperate with the respective gripping device 32 which can be moved during handling of the elongated pieces, which are oriented in the direction of the same adjustment guide 36. Each adjustment guide 36 forms preferably a slot, along which the respective gripping device 32 is movable, for example sliding. Each adjustment guide 36 is preferably made of a suitable wear-resistant material, for example steel.

[67] Each gripping device 32 is alternately placed in a movable condition, for the correct positioning along the adjustment guide 36, and in a locked condition, thanks to the provision of suitable locking means 37.

[68] In the aforementioned mobile condition, the locking means 37 are deactivated, to allow the gripping device 32 to move along the adjustment guide 36, whereas in the locked condition, the locking means 37 lock the gripping device 32 in a selected position along the adjustment guide 36.

[69] Preferably, the locking means 37 are carried by the gripping device 32, in particular fixed to the frame 35, and are used for locking or, alternatively, for unlocking the respective gripping device 32 along the respective adjustment guide 36.

[70] The locking means 37 can preferably comprise at least one connecting element 38, preferably a pair of connecting elements 38, which can be actuated between an active locking configuration, i.e. connecting the adjustment guide 36, and an unlocking configuration, in correspondence of which each provided connecting element 38 is disconnected from the same adjustment guide 36, allowing the respective gripping device

32 to move along the same adjustment guide 36.

[71 ] Preferably, the connecting element 38 can be a pluggable element or, alternatively, connectable in another way, for example by screwing or by friction to the adjustment guide

36.

[72] Each connecting element 38 can be actuated by an actuator member 39, preferably of the pneumatic type or, alternatively, of a different type, provided that it is suitable for this purpose.

[73] The connecting element 38 can, for example, be made by means of an inserted pin, sliding transversely to the adjustment guide 36. The aforementioned pin preferably comprises a coupling head 40, for example of a flared shape, adapted to be housed in respective seats 41 , of a mated shape, obtained in succession along the adjustment guide 36.

[74] Contrasting means 42, for example of the elastic type, can act on the connecting element 38 to contrast the connection or disconnection from the adjustment guide 36.

[75] In the illustrated case, the contrast means 2 are suitable to contrast the disengagement of the connecting element 38 itself from the housing seat 41 selected each time.

[76] For example, in the embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example, said contrast means 42 are made by means of a helical spring inserted axially inside a cup 43, to which, in correspondence of an opposite end to said engagement head 40, the connecting element 38 is constrained. Said helical spring is interposed between the bottom of the cup 43 and the support frame 35 of the movable gripping element 32. The coupling head 40, which projects from the opposite side of the adjustment guide 36, is in turn constrained to the actuator member 39, so as to be alternately extracted and inserted, on the contrast of said helical spring, into the seat 41 , each time selected, of the adjustment guide 36 (see, in particular, Figures 1 1 a and 12a).

In this extraction and insertion motion, the cup 43 can further act as an abutment against the frame 35 of the gripping device 32.

Preferably, the actuator member 39 is arranged inside the support structure 31 , preferably inside a respective protective casing, while the gripping element 34 projects outwardly from the same structure 31 , on the opposite side with respect to the interposed adjustment guide 36.

The gripping device 32 can therefore comprise connecting elements 44 for connecting the actuator members 39 to the frame 35 bearing the gripping element 34 (see for example Figures 1 1 b, 12b). These connecting elements 44 can be fastening elements of the known type.

The gripping device 32 can also comprise a detecting body 45, carried by the frame 35, suitable for being detected by detection means, as better described below.

The support structure 31 can also bear an abutment member 46, particularly advantageous when the apparatus 1 is used for the handling of metal stirrups (see Figures 8 and 9).

The abutment member 46 may, for example, perform the function of guaranteeing a certain configuration, for example planar, of the picked-up product. More precisely, the abutment member 46 is configured to contrast or limit the occurrence of undesired deformations of the product, for example due to the action of gravity acting on the product itself during handling.

The abutment member 46 has an operating surface 47 against which a portion of the product to be handled can abut during the step of picking up and / or handling.

It may also be useful, particularly for the handling of stirrups, that the adjustment guides 36 provided in pairs are arranged on the support structure 31 along mutually incident directions, for example arranged perpendicularly (see Figure 5), so as to allow the gripping elements 34 to grab respective portions of perpendicular arms of the same brackets. The abutment member 46 is then preferably arranged in correspondence of the vertex between the incident directions of the two respective adjustment guides 36, so as to retain a respective angular portion of the stirrup to be handled.

The abutment member 46 may comprise magnetic activation means, for example of electric type, so as to block pieces of metallic material in a bidirectional manner, by means of an abutment, on one side and on the other, by an attraction force acting in the surrounding space, thus cooperating to safely pick up the products to be handled arranged according to any spatial conformation.

Advantageously, the abutment member 46 can comprise an electromagnet, so as to allow the optimum control of the attraction action exerted by the same. In other words, this action of attraction can be adjusted or attenuated in a controlled manner, to avoid the interference with operating steps unrelated to the sole handling, when, for example, the gripping assembly 3 operates the deposit of the picked-up products or when it approaches the stirrup machine and to its elements, to operate the picking up of the products.

It is also possible to provide, according to a particular embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 15, that the abutment element 460 is associated with an auxiliary gripping device 330, preferably of the gripper type, to ensure an optimum grip of the product during the step of handling.

In particular, the auxiliary gripping device 330 can be activated alternately between an active configuration, retaining a portion of product, and an inactive configuration of rest with respect to the retaining actions. More precisely, in correspondence of said inactive configuration, the auxiliary gripping device 330 is not able of retaining an aforementioned portion which is in correspondence of the operating surface 470.

Said auxiliary gripping device 330 can comprise a first jaw 331 and a second jaw 332, arranged on opposite sides with respect to the operating surface 470 of the abutment element 460. The operating surface 470 in turn preferably comprises, in correspondence of the aforementioned opposite sides, respective notches 471 , intended to allow the passage of the respective jaw 331 , 332 when the auxiliary device 330 is brought from the inactive configuration to the active configuration. The notches 471 , however, are preferably shaped so as not to jeopardize the support or abutment function exerted by the operating surface 470.

In practice, the auxiliary device 330 cooperating with the operating surface 470 of the abutment element 460 is in the aforementioned inactive configuration when the first jaw 331 and the second jaw 332 are mutually moved away in an opening configuration, in particular backward with respect to the operating surface 470, while it is in the aforementioned active configuration, when the first jaw 331 and the second jaw 332 are in a closed configuration, mutually approaching, so as to firmly retain a portion of product in correspondence of the operating surface 470 (see Figures 14 and 15).

The apparatus 1 can also be associated with an adjustment station 5 able to cooperate with the gripping assembly 3 to automatically operate the adjustment thereof.

The robotic arm 2 can in fact be actuated, upon command of the same control unit which controls the handling steps, to reach said adjustment station 5, and to cooperate with it for adjusting the positioning of the gripping elements 34 on the support structure 31 , as better described below. [94] The adjustment station 5 comprises a support 51 and a retaining assembly 52 carried by the support 51 .

[95] The retaining assembly 52 comprises for example a reference member 53, preferably a fork bracket, suitable for receiving and intercepting a respective gripping element 34 between two opposing walls of said fork in a respective receiving seat 54, so as to block it, referring it securely to a fixed spatial reference system, represented by the same adjustment station 5.

[96] In practice, the receiving seat 54 can have a shape such as to intercept and lock the gripping element 34, ensuring a correct insertion and therefore the certain reference with respect to said spatial reference system.

[97] When the gripping element 34 of a movable gripping device 32 is brought to the adjustment station 5 following a corresponding approach motion, and locked in the receiving seat 34, it is possible, by unlocking the respective locking means 37 and thus placing the gripping device 32 in the movable condition, to operate the adjustment along the adjustment guide 36. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the gripper assembly 3 comprises elements for consenting to the locking and unlocking of the movable gripping devices 32, or which comprises actuating elements suitable for locking and unlocking the same movable gripping devices 32.

[98] It is also possible to provide that the actuator member 39 is applied to the adjustment station 5 in a fixed manner, rather than on the gripping device 32, so as to lighten the gripping assembly 3.

[99] The adjustment is then carried out simply by operating, by means of the control unit of the robotic arm 2, the gripping assembly 3 in a controlled adjustment motion. If, for example, the adjustment guides 36 are substantially rectilinear, this motion is substantially translated.

[100] In essence, the controlled adjustment motion takes place thanks to the relative motion between the adjustment guide 36 and the gripping device 32, when this is locked in the adjustment station 5 and made mobile along the adjustment guide 36 by the deactivation of the locking means 37.

[101 ] The control station 5 can also comprise at least one sensing sensor element 55, for example of a laser type, suitable to detect the position of the aforementioned detecting body 45, for each gripping device 32. This detection can be useful, for example, to detect the initial positioning of the gripping devices 32, brought by the gripping assembly 3. For example, the initial reading can be performed by approaching, in a controlled manner and / or in a determined position, the robotic arm 2 to the sensor element 55 itself.

[102] Alternatively, different detection means can be used, for example of an optical or mechanical type. [103] According to a particular embodiment shown in Figure 16, the adjustment station 5 comprises a sensor element 550 applied to the retaining assembly 52 in correspondence of the receiving seat 54. In this way, the gripping device 32 can be detected directly along the approaching path to the adjustment station 5, without requiring deviations from this path.

[104] The aforementioned sensor element 550 is preferably of the laser type, in particular a direct diffuse photocell, provided with a transmitting element and a receiving element, so as to detect the distance from the gripping device 32, so as to verify the correct arrangement of the gripping assembly 3. It may indeed happen that, following the handling operations, unexpected dynamic actions act on the gripping assembly 3, modifying its structure.

[105] Moreover, the adjustment station 5 can usefully comprise at least one fixed centering tip 6, preferably three non-aligned centering tips 6, adapted to allow the abutment with at least one corresponding abutment element, not shown for simplicity, on the gripping assembly 3, to operate the initial setting, then the initial determination of the position and orientation of the gripping head 3 of the apparatus.

[106] The method for automatically adjusting the handling apparatus for products is easily comprehensible from the above disclosure.

[107] During the initial step of setting, upon switching on the apparatus 1 , if detection means 45, 55, 550 are provided, it is possible to make a first reading of the positioning of the gripping device 32 or of the gripping devices 32 on the support structure 31 of the gripping assembly 3. In this case, the gripping assembly 3 is approached, in a determined position and according to a determined orientation, to the adjustment station 5, to carry out this reading, which is communicated to the control unit. This same unit processes the received data and verifies the need to adjust the position of the gripping devices 32 or to start a production cycle.

[108] In any case, the control unit records or stores the initial positioning of the gripping devices 32 on the gripping assembly 3.

[109] Subsequently, if it is necessary to adjust the position of the movable gripping devices 32, or after a first production cycle, the movable arm 2 is again approached, according to a motion controlled by the control unit, to the adjustment station 5.

[1 10] The gripping assembly 3 is oriented and moved so as to insert a first gripping element 34 of a first gripping device 32, in correspondence of the receiving seat 54 of the retaining assembly 52. Subsequently, the inserted gripping device 32 is automatically brought into a condition unlocked by the locking means 37 upon actuation of the actuator member 39, so as to remove any obstacle to the free movement of the gripping device 32 along the respective adjustment guide 36. It is preferably the control unit of the apparatus that controls the activation or deactivation of the locking means 37.

[1 1 1 ] The control unit processes the adjustment motion required for the specific gripping device

32, in the following production cycle, and activates accordingly the robotic arm 2. In practice, the control unit actuates the adjustment motion through the relative motion between the support structure 31 , which in the case is movable, and the retaining assembly 52, which in the illustrated case is fixed.

[1 12] After the adjustment, the gripping device 32 is brought back into the locked condition, thanks to the activation of the locking means 37 and disconnected from the receiving seat

54.

[1 13] According to the same adjustment process, it is possible to adjust each additional gripping device 32 on the gripping assembly 3.

[1 14] Finally, it is possible to start the scheduled production cycle for the correct handling of products from a first operating station to a second operating station.

[1 15] The gripping assembly 3 is positioned in correspondence of the first operating station wherein there is a product to be picked up.

[1 16] The at least one gripping device 32, positioned in the selected position along the respective adjustment guide 36, is actuated to intercept and retain the product to be moved.

[1 17] A portion of the product is therefore locked by the abutment member 46, 460 arranged on the gripping assembly 3, to keep the same product retained in a desired configuration, in particular to reduce possible deformations.

[1 18] Finally, the product retained by the gripping assembly 3 is moved towards the second operating station and released there by the same gripping device 32.

[1 19] The apparatus, disclosed by way of example, is susceptible of several modifications and variations depending on the different requirements.

[120] In particular, engaging, screwing or other elements may be provided for connecting or disconnecting automatically, according to the invention, each mobile gripping device from the respective adjustment guide.

[121 ] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as shape and dimensions, may be any according to requirements.

[122] Where the technical features mentioned in any of the claims are followed by reference numerals, these reference numerals are included to improve the comprehension of the claims only, and consequently they have no limiting effect on the object of each element identified by way of example by these reference numerals.