METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ORDERLY UNLOADING

ELONGATED PRODUCTS

Technical Field

[01] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for orderly unloading elongated products, in particular shaped bars.

Prior art

[02] Apparatuses which are not fully automatic, and which can be defined as "semi-automatic", are known in various sectors of processing of elongated products.

[03] For example, in the sector of processing bars for the reinforcement of reinforced concrete, steel bars, commonly called "steel", can be bent by special bending, shaping or clamping machines, respectively at one or the opposite ends, to give rise to steel called "shaped wires o rebars", or in a substantially closed profile, to form products called "stirrups" or "long stirrups" depending on the size, intended to reinforce the reinforced concrete. One or several bars can be machined at the same time.

[04] These apparatuses perform most of the necessary operations, usually the most tiring and dangerous part for the operator, such as cutting, bending or handling the cutting and bending tools, while leaving other operations to the operators.

[05] More precisely, the operations that remain the responsibility of the operator are complex and highly variable, therefore difficult to automate.

[06] Recently, apparatuses have been designed and manufactured by the Applicant that makes the loading, selection and counting of the bars completely automatic, up to processing and unloading with handling means.

[07] Application no. WO 01/91936 discloses an example of an automatic bar bending apparatus.

[08] However, the specific sector feels the need to improve the unloading operations, as currently the processed products are unloaded in a disorderly manner downstream of the processing apparatuses.

[09] It should be noted that, in the specific sector in particular, the processed products are in themselves bulky, with linear dimensions of the order of one or more metres.

[10] Therefore, processed and unloaded products, even if done automatically, are the more cumbersome and difficult for operators to handle, the more they are in a disordered state. This also increases the time, the need for resources and the spaces to be provided within the means of transport, generally trucks.

[11] Operators are therefore exposed to product handling operations, which are difficult but also risky. In fact, products are generally unloaded at an unloading station on board or alongside the processing apparatus, thus forcing operators to work close to moving mechanical parts. To avoid this risk, alternatively, the work cycle of the apparatus is stopped, thus worsening productivity.

Disclosure

[12] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems mentioned in the prior art, by devising a method and apparatus for unloading elongated products, in particular bars for the reinforcement rod of reinforced concrete, which allows the unloading of the products to be carried out automatically and in an orderly manner, optimizing overall dimensions and productivity.

[13] Within this aim, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that carries out the ordered discharge of the products with a simple and functional structure, which is reliable in operation and has great flexibility of use.

[14] The cited objects are achieved, according to the invention, by the method of claim 1 , as well as by the apparatus of claim 7.

[15] The method for orderly unloading elongated products involves preparing a bending and/or curving operating station to operate at least one processing cycle, in particular of bending and/or curving, on said products, oriented along a longitudinal direction on a work surface, an unloading station, to receive said products on an unloading surface, a transfer device, to carry out at least one transfer cycle of the products between the operating station and the unloading station, comprising a gripping member movable between an open configuration to release the products and a closed configuration to retain the products, and a control unit configured to process a release sequence of the products to the unloading station.

[16] The method provides for processing by the control unit one said release sequence of the products to the unloading station depending on the type, in particular of the geometry of the products. More precisely, the sequence of release is elaborated according to the geometry assumed by the products following a respective bending and/or curving cycle.

[17] The method also provides for performing a machining cycle on the work surface, in particular of bending and/or curving, on a first set of products at the operating station.

[18] Hereinafter, "processing" means, in particular, a bending and/or curving process.

[19] According to the method, the transfer of the first set of products from the working surface to the unloading surface is carried out by means of the transfer device.

[20] Thereafter, the first set of products is released onto the unloading surface, activating the gripping member from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[21] The steps of carrying out a further processing cycle, a transfer and release cycle for a second set of products are then repeated, performing the step of releasing the second set by controlling the control unit. In particular, according to the release sequence processed by the control unit, a second set of products is deposited in the unloading station in a parallel configuration at a controlled distance from the first set, or in a side-by-side configuration and overturned specularly with respect to a longitudinal side of the processed products, or the second set is stacked on the first set.

[22] Advantageously, the storage configuration is controlled according to the geometry assumed by the products following the respective bending/curving cycle.

[23] Preferably, this deposit configuration is also controlled based on a nesting logic of the plant.

[24] Preferably, this configuration is also controlled according to the following transport phases, optimally compacting the processed products.

[25] Preferably a third set of products, processed by the operating station, is transferred, depositing, via the control unit, the third set in a separation space defined by said controlled distance between the first set and the second set.

[26] According to a particular aspect of the invention it is possible to provide for superimposing at least one further layer of sets of products released according to the steps indicated above, on the first set, on the second set and on the third set, thereby forming a first layer abutting against the discharge surface. This first layer is in fact sufficiently compact and stable, to provide a suitable support surface for a next layer of products.

[27] According to a particular aspect, it is possible to provide, by controlling the control unit, for preparing the second set in said overturned configuration, obtaining said overturned configuration through a specific, in particular mirrored, processing cycle or, alternatively, overturning through the transfer device the second set, before releasing it in said side-by- side and overturned configuration or before stacking the second set on top of the first set. In practice, it is possible to overturn the configuration of a set of products, by appropriately operating the product processing phases on the operating station, or by moving the already processed products in a tilting motion by the transfer device.

[28] According to a particular aspect of the method, the control unit provides, in the processed sequence of releasing, for depositing the second set of products in a parallel configuration at a controlled distance from the first set, or in a configuration side by side and specularly overturned with respect to a longitudinal side of the processed products, if the products are of the square or double square type, or to stack the second set on the first set if the products are of the stirrup or long stirrup type.

[29] The method may provide for detecting by means of a sensor element the presence and/or position of obstacles for the gripping member in the phases of releasing the products on the unloading surface and/or on further products already arranged thereon, and for sending a respective presence and/or position data to the control unit to control the steps of releasing the products. In this way, the release of the products is substantially accompanied up to a preferably minimum level from the unloading floor or from a layer of products already laid down and therefore the orderly arrangement of the products is not substantially affected by a possible fall of a minimum extent. [30] The apparatus according to the invention, for orderly unloading elongated products, in particular shaped bars, comprises an operating station for operating at least one processing cycle on products oriented along a longitudinal direction on a work surface.

[31] The apparatus also includes an unloading station, for receiving the processed products on an unloading surface.

[32] The apparatus further comprises a transfer device for operating at least one transfer cycle of the processed products between the operating station and the unloading station, comprising a gripping member movable between an open configuration for releasing the products and a closed configuration for retaining the products.

[33] The apparatus also comprises a control unit configured to process at least one sequence of releasing the products to the unloading station depending on the geometry assumed by the products following a processing cycle, in particular of bending and/or curving.

[34] Preferably, the control unit is also configured to process at least one processing cycle and/or the combination of said processing cycle with a cycle of transfer or release.

[35] Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one sensor element, configured to detect the position and/or the presence of obstacles for the gripping member and to send a data indicating the position and/or the detected presence to the control unit.

[36] The sensor element is preferably arranged on the gripping member of the transfer device.

[37] The apparatus preferably comprises an ejector assembly, operable to convey the processed products along an ejecting direction.

[38] The ejector assembly is preferably oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction, so as to convey the products along a transversal, in particular perpendicular, ejecting direction.

[39] The ejector assembly preferably comprises a plurality of separate transport routes, spaced apart so as to define at least a distance therebetween, useful as a safe access space for operators or means of transport.

[40] The ejector assembly is made by means of at least one conveyor or chain system.

[41] In particular, the roller tracks can be made up, for example, of motorized conveyor belts.

[42] The transfer device preferably comprises an articulated arm, at whose end said gripping member is carried.

[43] The articulated arm may comprise at least a first member and a second member, mutually articulated at an intermediate axis of articulation.

[44] The articulated arm can also be articulated below the work surface of the operating station, at a constraint axis.

[45] According to the invention, a computer program is provided which includes instructions which, when the program is executed on the control unit of the apparatus according to the invention, allow the apparatus to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention.

Description of drawings

[46] The details of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for orderly unloading elongated products, which implements the method according to the invention, illustrated by way of example in the attached drawings, in which:

Figures 1 , 2 and 3 are respectively a perspective, plan and side view of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 3a is an enlarged view of a detail of the apparatus shown in Figure 3;

Figures 4 and 5 respectively show a plan view of the apparatus in different operating steps; Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 7a, 7b and 7c are respectively a plan view of products in three successive packaging steps, for products of different embodiments;

Figures 8, 9 and 10 respectively show a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus according to the invention, in a step of unloading of different products.

Description of embodiments of the invention

[47] With particular reference to these figures, 1 indicates as a whole the apparatus for orderly unloading elongated products 2, in particular steel bars or rods for reinforced concrete. The apparatus 1 illustrated by way of example is suitable for forming ordered packs 20 of the processed products 2 (see in particular Figures 1 and 5).

[48] The apparatus 1 includes an operating station 3, for processing the products 2, an unloading station 4 and a transfer assembly 5, to transfer the processed products 2 from the operating station 3 to the unloading station 4.

[49] The apparatus can also include a control unit configured to process at least one cycle of releasing the products 2, as described in detail hereafter.

[50] The operating station 3 can include for example one or more operative units 30, for example bending and/or curving units 30 known in the art, for bending and/or curving the products 2. Alternatively, the operating station 3 can include different operating assemblies, to carry out different processes on the products 2.

[51] The apparatus described hereinbelow includes a pair of bending units to produce, in particular, shaped and/or curved products at one or both ends, but according to the invention, apparatuses may be provided in which there is only one bending assembly.

[52] The operative station 3 is suitable for receiving and processing the products 2, oriented on a work surface, for example horizontal or inclined, along a longitudinal direction A.a

[53] The unloading station 4 is preferably adjacent to the operative station 3, so that it is adapted to quickly collect and eject the processed products 2. It has an unloading plane R>, for example arranged horizontally.

[54] Advantageously, the unloading station 4 can be created for example next to the operative station 3, or even directly on the ground.

[55] Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in particular in Figures 1 - 5, the unloading station 4 may include an ejector assembly 40, to eject the products 2 along an ejection direction B. The ejector assembly 40 is preferably motorized.

[56] The ejector assembly 40 can be oriented transversally, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction A, so as to transport the products 2 along a transversal, in particular perpendicular, ejection direction B.

[57] The transversal orientation of the ejector assembly 40 is particularly advantageous, as it allows the products 2 to be quickly spaced from the operative station 3, bringing them to a safer area for the operators' intervention.

[58] Alternatively, the ejector assembly 40 can be oriented in a different way, for example parallel to the longitudinal direction Y, to eject the products 2 in that direction.

[59] The ejector assembly 40 can comprise a single transport path 41 or a plurality of separate transport paths 41 , as in the case illustrated in the figures.

[60] The transport paths 41 , in particular if oriented transversally to the operative station 3, are preferably spaced so as to define at least a distance D therebetween, useful as a safe access space, presumably on the ground, for the operators, who can thus easily carry out the binding operations of the ordered packages 20 of products 2. Furthermore, the distance D may be used for the entry of a vehicle for transporting the products 2, such as for example a forklift.

[61] Preferably, it is possible to isolate the operative station 3, the transfer device 5 and a first, adjacent part of the transport paths 41 with a safety barrier C, to allow the operators to intervene freely in a second, final part of the transport paths 41 , even during the cycles of processing and transfer, without having to stop the apparatus 1 (see Figure 2). This circumstance is particularly advantageous as it increases the productivity of the apparatus 1.

[62] The safety barrier C can be created for example by a sensor system, connected to the control unit of the apparatus 1 , aimed at avoiding, for example through specific alerts, the presence of operators within a guarded area. It is possible to provide the safety barrier C both in the case of an ejector assembly 4 oriented to transport the products 2 longitudinally and in the case where it is oriented to transport them transversely.

[63] At least one conveying path 40 may be made by a belt or chain conveying system.

[64] The transfer assembly 5 is preferably arranged in an intermediate position between the operative station 3 and the unloading station 4.

[65] The transfer assembly 5 comprises at least one transfer device 50 preferably mounted integral, that is integrated, to a respective operating unit 30. For example, the transfer device 50 can be constrained, in particular pivoted, on the inner or outer side, with respect to the longitudinal direction A, of the operating unit 30.

[66] Preferably, the transfer assembly 5 comprises a transfer device 50 at the service of each operating unit 30 (see Figure 1 ).

[67] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 may comprise at least one further transfer device, dissociated from the operating units, for example intermediate, fixed or movable independently between the operating units 30 themselves, otherwise completely similar to each transfer device 50.

[68] The transfer devices 50 can therefore be operative in cooperation along the entire longitudinal development of the apparatus 1 , thus allowing, in particular, the handling, transfer and unloading in sequence of the products 2 on the unloading plane R> at the unloading station 4.

[69] Each transfer device 50 preferably comprises an articulated arm 51 and at least one gripping member 52 carried at the opposite end of the articulated arm 51.

[70] The articulated arm 51 is preferably mounted underneath the work surface a, preferably articulated, in particular articulated or pivoted, at the base of the operating unit 30 underneath the work surface a.

[71] More precisely, the articulated arm 51 preferably comprises at least a first member 51 a and a second member 51 b, mutually articulated at an intermediate articulation axis 53 (see Figure 3). The arm 51 is also articulated, preferably by the same first member 51a, below the work surface a of the operating unit 30 at a constraint axis 54 (see Figure 3). Alternatively, the articulated arm 51 may comprise a greater number of articulated members, also provided with different, in particular further, degrees of freedom.

[72] The articulated arm 51 is in turn articulated to the gripping member 52 at an orientation axis 55, in particular at the ends (see Figure 3a).

[73] In particular, the intermediate axis 53, the constraint axis 54 and the orientation axis 55 are preferably parallel to said longitudinal direction A.

[74] The transfer device 50 is movable, in particular tiltable, in an unloading motion, preferably tilting, between a first position on the work surface at the operative station 3 and a second position on the unloading surface R> at the unloading station 4.a

[75] The transfer device 50 can be movably operated in said transfer motion by means of a respective motor assembly.

[76] The transfer assembly 5 advantageously allows the collection of a number of products 2 according to any orientation and the release of the same number of products 2 on the unloading plane R>, in an ordered configuration, in particular in abutment and, if it is a plurality of products 2, stacked, i.e. superimposed, on each other. In order to obtain this effect, the gripping member 52, of each transfer device 50 involved, is oriented following an orientation motion, in particular with an overturning, empty or during the step of retaining the number of products 2, to accomplish the release of the products 2.

[77] In particular, the gripping member 52 can be overturned, following said orientation motion, first on one side and then on the opposite side with respect to the articulated arm 51 to which it is articulated, as described in detail hereafter.

[78] Furthermore, the gripping member 52 can be oriented, following the aforementioned overturning with a respective passage opening 7 downwardly facing, in particular towards the unloading plane R> itself. In other words, thanks to said overturning, the gripping member 52 can be overhanging, in the overturned configuration, with respect to the passage opening 7.

[79] This circumstance permits for example to accompany the number of bars 2 on the unloading surface R> to the unloading station 6, abutting thereon, and to separate from this same unloading surface R>, with a motion of lifting of the gripping member 52.

[80] More precisely, the articulated arm 51 is preferably shaped so as to overturn the gripping member 52, through corresponding rotations around said joints, for example around the intermediate axis 53 and the orientation axis 55.

[81] The same articulated arm 51 is also able to collect and transfer the products 2 in said path, between the first position and the second position, without causing any sliding in the number of products 2 being gripped, avoiding misalignments, which are undesirable especially if the products are bent bars, therefore with a center of gravity positioned externally to the respective longitudinal axis.

[82] Likewise, the transfer device 50 can unload the products 2, without altering their orientation and ordered arrangement. In fact, thanks to the particular kinematics of the articulated arm 51 which carries the gripping member 52, the products 2 are accompanied to the unloading station 4 and released from above, bringing the gripping member 52 into an open configuration. This circumstance enables, in particular, the ordered stacking, therefore the ordered superposition, of the products 2.

[83] Release "from above", means that the passage opening 7 of the gripping member 52 faces downwardly in the released condition.

[84] The kinematic configuration of the solution described for the transfer device 50 is to be considered preferred, but not limiting. In particular, it is possible to provide that the articulated arm 51 includes a different number of members and that the constraints between them can be different, therefore giving rise to different relative, rotational and/or translational motions, according to axes oriented in different ways.

[85] The gripping member 52 is preferably of the clamping type (see Figure 3a).

[86] It preferably comprises a pair of jaws 52a at least one of which is movable relative to the other in a closed and open motion, between an open configuration and a closed configuration. More precisely, in the open configuration, the jaws 52a are spaced apart from each other to release the products 2 or to insert them through the passage opening 7, while in the closed configuration the jaws 52a are mutually brought closer, to enclose and intercept a number of products 2.

[87] In particular, the jaws 52a are shaped in such a way as to define therebetween a receiving space which in the closed configuration is closed, allowing said number of products 2 to be held, in particular clamped, while in the open configuration it is open through the passage opening 7.

[88] In particular, at least one jaw 52a can internally form a respective recess and an inwardly protruding end portion.

[89] The recess, in particular, can at least partially have a flat wall, intended to face parallel to a respective flat wall of the opposing recess, such that the products 2 retained in the reception space in the closed configuration are arranged close to each other on the same level.

[90] A layer of an elastic material, for example rubber, can be applied to the flat wall of at least one recess to maintain the positioning of the products 2 during the overturning and transferring steps of the products 2, as described in detail hereinbelow.

[91] Finally, the transfer device 50 can be equipped with at least one sensor element 56, for example of an optical, magnetic or mechanical type, configured to detect the position and/or presence of obstacles for the gripping member 52 in the release step, and to send data indicating the position and/or presence detected to the control unit. For example, the sensor 56 can detect the distance from the unloading surface R> and/or from products 2 already released thereon.

[92] More precisely, the sensor element 56 allows the products 2 to be released, accompanying them precisely to the desired release position. This provision reduces the quota at which products 2 are released, thereby avoiding breaking down their ordering.

[93] Preferably the sensor element 56 is arranged at the gripping member 52 (see Figure 3a), for example on a respective jaw 52a. Alternatively or in addition, it is possible to provide at least a visual sensor element, for example integrated in a vision system, arranged in a suitable position even if not on board of the gripping member 52, capable of performing the same function.

[94] The operation of the apparatus according to the invention is understandable from the previous description.

[95] The products 2 can be processed simultaneously in "sets" of a plurality of products 2, in which the products 2 are superimposed on each other, and subsequently deposited on the ground, on a pallet or on the ejector assembly 40, to eject the products 2 processed without the apparatus 1 having to stop at the end of each cycle, waiting for an operator to have freed the apparatus 1 from the processed products 1 with lifting means.

[96] More precisely, in the case of products 2 with an "open" profile, for example L-shaped or C- shaped, at an early stage a first set 2a of products 2 is transferred from the work surface onto the unloading surface by means of the transfer assembly 5 (see Figure 6a).aP

[97] The transfer device 50 releases the products 2 resting on the unloading surface, accompanying them substantially up to the surface, therefore without making them fall or almost without making them fall. This is particularly advantageous in the case of bars or rods for reinforced concrete, which, having a circular section and a high elasticity, in the absence of an "accompanied" release may be unstable in the superimposed arrangement.p

[98] Thereafter, the transfer unit 5 transfers a second set 2b of products 2, spaced from the first set 2a of a separation space at least sufficient to receive a third set 2c therebetween. In fact, it should be noted that the size of the gripping member 52 prevents it from accompanying the next second set 2b in a configuration next to the first set 2a. In fact, to accompany the second set 2b to the unloading surface, the separation space must be at least equal to the size of the gripping member 52 or to the transverse dimension of the products 2 being processed. P

[99] However, it is possible to reduce as much as possible said separation space between the first set 2a and the second set 2b, to obtain a compact bundle 20, without resorting to uncontrolled release due to falling, thanks to the provision of the sensor element 56. In practice, the sensor element 56 can detect a given distance and/or position of the gripping member 52 with respect to the unloading surface and/or potential obstacles, including the products 2 already possibly deposited on the same plane. The sensor element 56 can then send this data to the control unit, so that the latter commands the release of the products 2 when the gripping member 52 is at a minimum height from the discharge plane. In the presence of products 2 already deposited on the unloading surface, this minimum height is substantially equal to the thickness of these products (2), for example of the first set 2a already resting on the same surface. In this way, the transfer is substantially accompanied up to the minimum height and therefore the orderly arrangement of the products 2 is not substantially affectedby a possible fall of a minimum release distance (see Figure 6b). PPP

[100] Subsequently, the transfer assembly 5 can preferably transfer a third set 2c of products 2, placing it in said separation space, interposed between the first set 2a and the second set 2b. In this condition, the products 2 of the different sets 2a, 2b, 2c are preferably brought together as much as possible, so as to be stably compacted in a bundle 20 and to facilitate the subsequent binding and lifting steps (see Figure 6c).

[101] The first set 2a and the second set 2b thus act as a "containment" for the third set 2c, so obtaining a bundle 20 composed and ordered substantially firmly, more precisely, sufficiently firmly to ensure the performance of the subsequent operations, for example lifting, to be carried out, in the specific sector.

[102] It is possible to deposit additional sets of products 2, spacing them out of said separation space and interposing an additional set therebetween.

[103] Alternatively or in addition, it is possible to superimpose on a layer of set of products 2, released according to the sequence of steps as featured above so as to form the substantially firm bundle 20, a further layer of set of products 2, arranging them according to the same release sequence.

[104] This method is particularly suitable for L-type open-profile products 2, called "square", equipped with one or more folds only at one end. In particular, the method prevents the overlapping of the sides of the products 2, providing to create an intermediate separation space with each transfer and, subsequently, filling this space with a further set of products 2. In other words, the products 2 are arranged on the discharge plane in a configuration substantially parallel to a controlled distance.

[105] For open profile products 2 with one or more folds at each end, for example of the double L-type, called "double squares", it is possible to proceed as hereinbefore described, with the only difference that the method provides for spacing only one folded end portion parallel, while the other is superimposed (see Figures 7a - 7c). However, the result is an ordered and compact bundle 20. In particular, the spacing and subsequent filling at a bent end portion keeps the package 20 firm, preventing the individual products 2 from sliding freely, fanning out.

[106] The same shaped products 2, with an open profile and with one or both bent ends, can be packaged according to the method in a different way, to avoid that when they are lifted they tend to overturn due to the torque that is generated with respect to the gripping area and the operator must intervene to arrange the load, for example when it is on the truck bed, operating uncomfortably among other products 2 already arranged.

[107] According to the method, said products 2 can be arranged "back to back" by the apparatus 1. In practice, these products 2 can be arranged on the unloading surface in a side-by-side and specularly overturned configuration with respect to a longitudinal side of the product 2.

[108] As illustrated in figures 7a, 7b, 7c, the first set 2a and the second set 2b of products 2 are arranged with the bent portions facing opposite sides, so they can be clamped together firmly by a binding similar for example to a slip knot and, when they are lifted in order to be transferred onto trucks or to other stations, even if the cantilevered portions do not remain perfectly horizontal, the bundle 20 is balanced as a whole and therefore does not overturn.

[109] Furthermore, the package 20 is substantially horizontal so as not to require the intervention of the operator (see Figures 8 and 9, which show respectively double squares and products called "bottlenecks", having a double fold at each end).

[110] In the case of closed profile products, of the type called "stirrups" or, for larger dimensions, "long stirrups", the method involves stacking the sets of products 2 processed from time to time. It should be noted that the brackets have closing hooks, bent towards the inside of the profile at 90° or 135°. Therefore, there is an overlap of the rod at these hooks, which locally doubles the thickness of the bracket. The method thus involves stacking sets of products 2, with an alternatively overturned orientation, so as not to overlap all the hooks of different sets 2 stacked in consecutive cycles and to keep the stacking of the brackets substantially balanced, in particular vertical.

[111] For this purpose, the method preferably involves activating the processing cycle, via the control unit, so as to produce the products 2 from time to time with the hooks oriented in a staggered manner.

[112] Alternatively, in the case of long stirrups, it is possible to stack the sets of products 2 without staggering the hooks, taking advantage of the high flexibility of the material. In this case, in fact, it is possible to stack the sets 2a, 2b by inserting the hook of a set inside the already deposited set, preventing it from creating its own thickness, to compact the bundle 20 and keep it substantially vertical.

[113] The apparatus for orderly unloading elongated products according to the invention therefore achieves the aim of achiving orderly unloading of the products to be operated in an optimal manner, optimizing production efficiency.

[114] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and the dimensions, may be modified depending on needs.

[115] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.