TITLE: ANTI-FALLING BLOCKING DEVICE IN APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH MOBILE EQUIPMENTS AND RELATED APPARATUS

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of blocking systems in apparatus provided with vertically movable equipments which intervene in such a way as to prevent the equipment from falling or to allow it to be blocked by securing it to a support structure of the apparatus itself. In particular, the present invention finds advantageous application in automated warehouse systems where the movable equipment is responsible for moving products from or to different storage areas of the warehouse itself.

STATE OF THE ART

Safety devices are known from the state of the art to prevent the descent or fall of movable equipments provided with vertical movement inside more or less complex apparatuses, such as in automated warehouses. In fact, the movable equipments are typically associated to loads whose stability must be guaranteed during the movements. In special conditions there is also the need to block the downward movement of the movable equipment, for example in the case of malfunctions that could lead to the load falling vertically, or cases where action must be taken to immediately block the downward movement, for example in the case of inadvertent intrusion of an operator into the area below the movable equipment.

Blocking systems of known type are therefore designed to be fixed to the movable equipment in such a way as to prevent them from falling or descending by securing/blocking them to the support structure.

A blocking system of known type typically consists of a braking group associated with the movable equipment whose task is to guide/move, in the moment of need, a blocking element, or pin, in a suitable seat provided on the support structure. An actuating group then has the task of activating the blocking element in said moment of need.

Operationally, in case of need, the actuating group will move the blocking element for the insertion thereof inside the appropriate seat. This action will stop and hinder the relative downward movement of the movable equipment with respect to the support structure.

The braking action that enables the movable equipment to be blocked, with possible load on board, is expressed in a corresponding dissipation of energy within the braking group. The amount of dissipation of the energy of the braking group in the blocking systems used in commercialised equipment, such as for example in palletisers or automated warehouses, is typically regulated to ensure desired safety standards.

Blocking systems of known type provide that the dissipation of energy of the braking group is obtained through the sole mechanical deformation of the blocking element and/or of the appropriate seat which, by absorbing said energy due to the impact, must be sized in such a way as to deform, but not to fracture. Such deformation of the blocking element generally prevents the subsequent use thereof and needs the complete replacement of the blocking system. Other known blocking systems additionally provide for the mutual sliding with friction of special braking surfaces, in which the friction force is obtained by fixing suitable screws which keep the braking surfaces in contact.

Therefore, a part of the energy, which is not easily controllable, is dissipated by friction, while the remaining part is dissipated by the mechanical deformation described above.

A drawback of this technique is linked to the reduced reliability of the system since the friction force is dependent on the tightening torque of the screws.

This tightening action is not easily controllable and/or adjustable, making it difficult to determ ine/predict the exact amount of energy dissipation.

EXPOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is therefore or at least partially overcome the drawbacks characterising the solutions known in the background art.

A main object of the present invention is to propose an alternative blocking system to the systems of known type.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a more reliable blocking system than the systems of known type.

A further object of the present invention is to propose a blocking system which allows the predetermination of the desired dissipation level.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a blocking system which allows an adjustment of the desired dissipation level.

These and other objects are achieved by virtue of the features of the invention reported in the independent claims 1 and 8. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

In particular, in a first aspect thereof, the present invention makes available an anti-falling blocking device adapted to be connected to an equipment, said equipment being adapted to be moved vertically with respect to a support structure, said anti-falling blocking device comprising:

- a blocking element adapted to be positioned in a neutral position adapted to allow the free vertical movement of said equipment with respect to said support structure and in a blocking position adapted to block the downward movement of said equipment with respect to said support structure, wherein in said blocking position said blocking element is inserted in at least a seat of a plurality of seats aligned vertically associated to said support structure; a support element of said blocking element; a device for actuating said blocking element from said neutral position to said blocking position; a connection element adapted to be fixed to said equipment and comprising a seat adapted to receive said support element of said blocking element and configured to allow a relative movement between said support element and said connection element;

- braking means adapted to adsorb and disperse energy between said connection element and said support element of said blocking element when said blocking element is positioned in said blocking position; characterized in that said braking means comprise:

- at least one first sliding surface integral with said support element and at least one second sliding surface integral with said connection element and adapted to be put in contact with said first sliding surface;

- elastic pushing means adapted to define the friction force between said at least one first surface and said at least one second surface.

Preferably, the actuating device comprises automated means for the blocking element.

In a preferred embodiment, the automated means comprise a piston system and/or an electric motor.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating device comprises electric power, preferably autonomous electric power and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic supply means, etc.

Preferably, the elastic pushing means comprise a spring, preferably a disc spring or a wave spring.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic pushing means comprise an adjustable spring.

In a preferred embodiment, the seat of the connection element has an eyelet shape.

In a second aspect thereof, the present invention makes available an apparatus comprising a support structure and an equipment movable with respect to said support structure in at least a vertical direction, said support structure comprising a plurality of seats aligned vertically adapted to receive a blocking element of an anti-falling blocking device connected to said movable equipment; wherein said anti-falling blocking device is made as described above.

Preferably, said plurality of seats aligned vertically are made in a rod fixed to the support structure and/or directly on the support structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for moving said equipment in a vertical direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises signal generating means for said actuating device.

Preferably, said signal generating means comprise, but are not limited to, acceleration sensor means and/or an anti-intrusion barrier and/or a push button.

In a preferred embodiment, said apparatus consists of an automated warehouse and/or a palletiser and said support structure is associated to a frame adapted to define one or more areas for storing a product and said movable equipment is associated to a movable equipment for moving the product from or to said one or more storage areas of the warehouse and/or palletiser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the illustrated figures in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 : illustrates in axonometric view an apparatus using an anti-falling blocking device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2: illustrates an enlarged detail of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3: illustrates an enlarged detail of Figure 2; Figure 4: illustrates an exploded view of the anti-falling blocking device illustrated in Figure 3 isolated from the rest Figure 5: Illustrates a vertical section view of Figure 3. Figures 6 to 9: illustrate the sectional view of the anti-falling blocking device during subsequent operating phases inside the apparatus of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, an apparatus 1 is shown within which an anti-falling blocking device 30 is advantageously used according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The construction and operating details of the anti-falling blocking device 30 are shown in Figures 4 to 9 and further described below. According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the apparatus 1 of the invention consists of a pal letiser and/or automated warehouse 1 in which a frame 4 adapted to define one or more areas for storing a product to be palletised and/or stored and a movable equipment 6 responsible for moving the product from one or more storage areas are identified. It is understood however that what is described above has a value of non-limiting example, therefore a generic lifting structure comprising a frame 4 adapted to define one or more working positions and a movable equipment 6 that moves between said one or more working positions is considered from now as falling within the same protective scope. In general, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a support structure and an equipment movable with respect to said support structure in at least a vertical direction. An apparatus according to the invention is advantageously equipped with an antifalling blocking device associated to the movable equipment. Apparatuses according to the invention may comprise, for example, in addition to those mentioned above, depalletisers, wrapping machines, labelling machines etc. For the sake of simplicity, the figures show the constituent elements of the apparatus which we will generically call warehouse 1 according to the invention, namely the frame 4 and the movable equipment 6, while details, of a type per se known in the sector, which do not affect the inventive concept expressed by the present invention are omitted, such as, for example, the shelving structure of the frame defining the various storage areas, or any heads for layers of product, or forks for pallets associated to the movable equipment 6 that allow the product(s) to be picked up when packaged on pallets.

The equipment 6 is adapted to be moved at least in a vertical direction Z with respect to the support structure 4. For this purpose, movement means 8 are preferably provided which are adapted to allow this vertical movement of the equipment 6.

It is evident that the equipment 6 can also be suitably moved in a horizontal direction to allow its movement between adjacent warehouse areas. Movement means, not illustrated, may therefore be suitably configured to allow such a horizontal movement.

The movement means 8 preferably comprise a pair of motors 8a, 8b integral with the support structure 4 and respective belts 10a, 10b connected at their ends 11 a, 11 b to the equipment 6. The actuation of the motors 8a, 8b allows the equipment 6 to be raised or lowered with respect to the support structure 4.

In embodiment variants, not illustrated, the means for the vertical movement can be made in a manner that is different and equivalent to what is described here, such as for example a single motor, one or more hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, a rack-pinion system etc.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the movable equipment 6 preferably comprises a movable structure 12, better visible in Figure 1. Any other elements, such as for example a head for the layers of product, a fork for pallets as mentioned above, can be associated to the movable equipment 6.

The movement means 8 will be suitably sized to allow the vertical movement, in particular the lifting, of the movable equipment 6 together with the load consisting of the products to be stored or picked up from the storage areas of warehouse 1 .

According to an aspect of the present invention, at least an anti-falling blocking device 30 is connected to the equipment 6. In the illustrated embodiment, it is envisaged to preferably use a pair of anti-falling blocking devices 30, equally built, connected at two points of the equipment 6 (one on the right and one on the left). In the following, reference will be made to the left anti-falling blocking device 30, it being clear that what is described can be extended mutatis mutandis to the right device.

In embodiment variants, not illustrated, it is then possible to provide for a different number of blocking devices for each equipment, at most even a single device.

The anti-falling blocking device 30 defines a safety device adapted to prevent the equipment 6 from descending or falling. The anti-falling blocking device 30, as described below, is adapted to intervene in particular conditions to block the downward movement of the equipment 6.

The blocking of the equipment 6 takes place at a suitable blocking seat 16a between a plurality of seats 16 aligned vertically associated to the support structure 4, as visible in Figure 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the seats 16 are preferably made in a rod 18 fixed to the support structure 4. The seats 16 may also be made directly on the support structure 4 without the need for any fixing.

The anti-falling blocking device 30 according to the invention preferably comprises a blocking element 32, or pin, adapted to be positioned in a neutral position, preferably a retracted position, adapted to allow the free vertical movement of the equipment 6 with respect to the support structure 4, as shown for example in Figure 5 or 6.

In such a neutral position, the blocking element 32 does not interfere with any of said plurality of seats 16 and the equipment 6 is free to be moved vertically upwards or downwards.

The blocking element 32 of the anti-falling blocking device 30 is then adapted to be positioned in a blocking position adapted to block the downward movement of the equipment 6 with respect to the support structure 4, as shown for example in Figure 9. In such a blocking position, the blocking element 32 is inserted in at least one seat 16a of said plurality of seats 16.

The positioning of blocking element 32 in the blocking position within a seat 16a is preferably carried out by the anti-falling blocking device 30 following the occurrence of particular conditions.

A particular condition is constituted by malfunction which causes the free fall of the equipment 6, for example following the breakage of the belts 10a, 10b and/or of the motors 8a, 8b.

In a preferred embodiment, such a condition may be detected by suitable sensor means, not shown, which may comprise on board movement means 8, e.g., a sensor detecting the breakage of the belt, an encoder detecting a number of revolutions not expected for the motor, or for example an accelerometer mounted on board the equipment 6 or on board the antifalling blocking device 30 or other equivalent systems known to a person skilled in the art.

In the event of a free fall, the sensor means are capable of providing a fall alarm signal to the anti-falling blocking device 30.

Another particular condition consists in the need to forcibly and immediately block the equipment 6 for safety reasons linked to the intervention of an operator in the area of action of equipment 6.

For example, in a preferred embodiment, this condition can be detected by suitable automatic sensor means, or anti-intrusion barriers, capable of providing an alarm signal to the anti-falling blocking device 30 upon detection of operator intrusion or more simply such an alarm signal to the anti-falling blocking device

30 can be generated by a stop push button/mushroom suitably activated by the operator himself.

In detail, as further illustrated in Figures 4 to 9, the anti-falling blocking device 30 preferably comprises a support element 34 of the blocking element 32 within which the blocking element 32 can slide and position itself in at least said two neutral and blocking positions. Preferably, the support element 34 comprises a flange provided with a through hole 36 for the blocking element 32. Preferably, the blocking element/pin 32 and the through hole 36 of the support element 34 are cylindrical in shape. However, any other shaped may be envisaged in embodiment variants.

The anti-falling blocking device 30 then preferably comprises an actuating device 40 of the blocking element 32 capable of moving the blocking element 32 from the neutral position to the blocking position and subsequently preferably returning the blocking element 32 from the blocking position to the neutral position.

The actuating device 40 preferably comprises a pneumatic piston adapted to act at a first end 32a of the blocking element. The actuating device 40 may alternatively comprise a hydraulic piston or an electric motor or any alternative known to a person skilled in the art.

Electric power means, preferably autonomous pneumatic and/or electric and/or hydraulic supply means, are configured to ensure the operation of the actuating device from the neutral position to the blocking position, even in the absence of pneumatic or electrical or hydraulic power from the factory in which the apparatus 1 is installed, so as to always guarantee the safety of the application. The actuating device 40 is also preferably configured to intervene and move the blocking element 32 from the neutral position to the blocking position when said particular conditions occur. For example, the actuating device 40 is preferably equipped with signal detecting means installed on board the movement means 8, or on board the equipment 6 or the anti-falling blocking device 30 in order to be able to intervene in the event of free fall.

Or, the actuating device 40 is preferably equipped with means for detecting a signal from suitable automatic sensor means, or anti-intrusion barriers, or with a stop push button/mushroom operated by an operator. In preferred embodiments, these signals are provided to the actuating device 40 by means of a wired or wireless communication.

The anti-falling blocking device 30 preferably comprises a connection element 50 adapted to be fixed to the equipment 6, more preferably to the movable structure 12. The connection element 50 is preferably connected to the equipment 6 by means of fixing screws 52.

The anti-falling blocking device 30 is connected to the equipment 6 at a through opening 12a, more preferably a through opening 12a of the movable structure 12. The through opening 12a, preferably with an eyelet shape, is preferably configured to allow a relative movement between elements of the blocking device 30 and the movable structure 12 itself, as better described below.

The connection element 50 comprises a seat 54 adapted to receive the support element 34 of the blocking element 32. The seat 54, preferably with an eyelet shape, is preferably configured to allow a relative movement between the support element 34 and the connection element 50 itself.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the anti-falling blocking device 30 comprises braking means 60 adapted to absorb and dissipate energy between the connection element 50 and the support element 34 of the blocking element 32 when the blocking element 32 is positioned in the blocking position. Preferably, the braking means 60 comprise at least one first sliding surface 62 integral with the support element 34 and at least one second sliding surface 64 integral with the connection element 50. The sliding surfaces 62, 64 are adapted to be put in mutual contact, in particular during the movement of the blocking element 32 from its neutral position to the blocking position, as described better below with reference to the operating phases of the anti-falling blocking device 30 and as shown in particular in Figure 9.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the antifalling blocking device 30 comprises elastic pushing means 70 adapted to define the friction force between the sliding surfaces 62, 64.

The elastic pushing means 70 preferably comprise a spring 74 whose action is to define a mutual pushing force between the support element 34 and the connection element 50 and thus, consequently, between the respective sliding surfaces 62, 64.

In a preferred embodiment, the spring 74 comprises a disc and wave spring sized with an appropriate coefficient of elasticity to generate a pre-determined friction force between the sliding surfaces 62, 64. In a preferred embodiment variant, the elastic pushing means comprise adjustable pushing means, for example, springs with a fixed or variable elastic constant, or multiple springs which allow to widen and manage the calibration margins.

In general, an adjustable spring adapted to allow the setting of an appropriate coefficient of elasticity to generate a pre-determined friction force between the sliding surfaces 62, 64 is intended.

The term adjustable spring also refers to a spring in which it is possible to adjust the preload adapted to vary the force of the spring in the operating phase.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the spring 74 is mounted outside the support element 34 and rests at side on an abutment element 76 fixed to the support element 34 and rests at the other side on a pushing element 78 movable with respect to the support element 34.

The pushing element 78 exerts the pushing action from the spring 74 against the connection element 50.

The respective contact surfaces 78a, and 78b of the pushing element 78 and the connection element 50 define further sliding surfaces which affect the friction force generated by the braking means 60. With reference to Figures 6 to 9, the operation of the anti-falling blocking device 30 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is described below.

Figure 6 relates to a first condition of normal operation of the apparatus/warehouse 1 of the invention in which the movable equipment 6 with its anti-falling blocking device 30 is moving vertically, downwards or upwards, with respect to the frame 4.

The blocking element 32 is in the neutral, or retracted, position and does not interfere with any of the plurality of seats 16 associated to the frame 4 so that the equipment 6 is free to be moved vertically.

It is assumed that in the operating situation illustrated in Figure 6, a condition occurs that causes the activation of the anti-falling blocking device 30 (e.g. a malfunction resulting in the free fall of the equipment 6 or the manual intervention by an operator by activating a stop mushroom).

Figure 7 illustrates an instant following such activation in which it can be noted that the blocking element 32 has been moved into the blocking position by the actuating device 40. In such a blocking position, the blocking element 32 is inserted into the first seat 16a among the plurality of seats 16 it encounters.

With the blocking element 32 in the blocking position inside the seat 16a, the movable equipment 6 together with the anti-falling blocking device 30 continue their descent until the blocking element 32 comes to rest on the bottom of the seat 16a, as illustrated in Figure 8.

From this condition, the braking means 60 come into action to absorb and dissipate the energy between the connection element 50 and the support element 34 of the blocking element 32 until reaching the final blocking position illustrated in Figure 9.

During this transition phase, i.e. from the condition illustrated in Figure 8 to the final condition illustrated in Figure 9, the elements constituted by the blocking element 32, the support element 34, the spring 74, the abutment element 76, the pushing element 78 and the actuating device 40 remain in a fixed position while the equipment 6 and the connection element 50 continue their movement of vertical fall. This movement is permitted by the eyelet shape of the through opening 12a and the seat 54 of the connection element 50.

At the same time, as mentioned, the braking means 60 come into action and, in particular, the friction between the sliding surfaces 62, 64, 78a, 78b absorbs and dissipates the energy necessary to block the movable equipment 6 (and any load/product on board the equipment 6).

The energy will preferably be dissipated in the form of thermal energy.

From what has been described above, it is evident how the antifalling blocking device of the invention 30 allows to obtain a blocking system that is alternative to systems of known type.

Advantageously, through the use of elastic pushing means according to what described above, it is possible to precisely define the friction force between the sliding surfaces within the braking means of the anti-falling blocking device, thus being able to guarantee the correct operation of the anti-falling blocking device and predetermine any possible operating limits.

The reliability of the device will be higher than in the systems of known type. Furthermore, in this way the mechanical deformation of the blocking element and/or of the appropriate seat which, in known systems, absorb all the energy due to the impact, is reduced or eliminated. Such deformation of the blocking element in particular generally prevents the subsequent use thereof and needs the complete replacement of the blocking system .

Still advantageously, through the use of adjustable pushing means, for example an adjustable spring, it will be possible to adjust said friction force between the sliding surfaces within the braking means of the anti-falling blocking device, thus being able to adapt the same blocking device to different uses depending on the weights involved in the construction of the equipment and/or on the weight of the products moved by the equipment itself. It is understood however that what is described above has an illustrative and non-limiting purpose, therefore, possible variants of detail that may be necessary for technical and/or functional reasons, are considered from now falling within the same protective scope defined by the claims indicated below.