Alignment unit for a profiling line

Abstract

The invention relates to an alignment means for a profiling line. The alignment means ( 6 ) is structured for aligning two edges of the item (P) on which a welding must be performed by welding means ( 4 ).

1 . An alignment unit for a profiling line, characterized by comprising alignment means ( 60 ), which alignment means ( 60 ) is so structured as to align two edges (E 1 , E 2 ) of a tubular profile (P) parallel and arranged alongside to one another. 
     
     
         2 . An alignment unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the alignment means ( 6 ) comprises a pair of generally straight guide elements ( 61 , 62 ) which are so structured and arranged as to come into contact with at least one edge area (E 1 , E 2 ) of the profile (P). 
     
     
         3 . An alignment unit according to  claim 2 , wherein the guide elements ( 61 , 62 ) comprise a plurality of cursors ( 61   a,    62   a ) movable along a path closed in a loop and directed parallel to a longitudinal direction (Y). 
     
     
         4 . An alignment unit according to  claim 2 , wherein the cursors ( 61   a,    62   a ) are associated to an articulated chain, which is closed in a loop and movable by rotary actuators (M 1 , M 2 ). 
     
     
         5 . An alignment unit according to  claim 2 , wherein each cursor ( 61   a,    62   a ) has an active face (Af) which is destined to come into contact with the section bar (P) along the active portion of the path. 
     
     
         6 . An alignment unit according to  claim 5 , wherein the active face (Af) exhibits, on a vertical section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the profile (P), an outline which is counter-shaped to the outline of the profile (P). 
     
     
         7 . An alignment unit according to  claim 5 , wherein each cursor ( 61   a,    62   a ) exhibits an overall prismatic conformation comprising the active face (Af). 
     
     
         8 . An alignment unit according to  claim 4 , wherein the cursors ( 61   a,    62   a ) are distributed in two distinct groups; a first group of cursors ( 61   a ) is intended to be positioned in contact with a first edge (E 1 ) of the profile (P); a second group of cursors ( 61   b ) is intended to be positioned in contact with a second edge (E 2 ) of the profile (P). 
     
     
         9 . An alignment unit according to  claim 2 , wherein the guide elements ( 61 , 62 ) are separated by a longitudinal slot ( 7 ). 
     
     
         10 . An alignment unit according to  claim 8 , wherein the first and second group of cursors ( 61   a,    62   a ) are separated by a longitudinal slot ( 7 ). 
     
     
         11 . An alignment unit according to  claim 2 , comprising vertical adjustment means which is so structured as to allow adjustment of the vertical position of each guide element ( 61 , 62 ). 
     
     
         12 . An alignment unit according to  claim 2 , comprising vertical adjustment means being so structured as to allow adjustment of the inclination of each guide element ( 61 , 62 ) on a vertical plane. 
     
     
         13 . An alignment unit according to  claim 2 , comprising horizontal adjusting means being structured for allowing adjustment of the horizontal position of each guide element ( 61 , 62 ). 
     
     
         14 . An alignment unit according to  claim 2 , comprising horizontal adjusting means being structured for allowing adjustment of the inclination of each guide element ( 61 , 62 ) on a horizontal plane.