WO2024105710A1 - Method for optimizing cutting and assembly for handling elongated products - Google Patents

Abstract

The method for optimizing the cutting of elongated products, in particular bars or metal profiles for reinforced concrete, includes the steps of arranging in succession along a longitudinal feeding direction (Y) a feeding zone (5), a cutting assembly (3) and a measuring path (4) for the products (2), the measuring path (4) being configured to receive the cut products (2a) from the cutting assembly (3). The method also involves arranging a storage magazine (6) downstream of the measurement path (4) divided into a plurality of compartments (7), to receive the cut products (2a).

Description

Description

METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING CUTTING AND ASSEMBLY FOR HANDLING ELONGATED PRODUCTS Technical Field

[01] The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the cutting and an assembly for handling elongated products, in particular metal bars or profiles for reinforced concrete.

Prior art

[02] Apparatuses for producing cut-to-measure bars are known, usually comprising in succession: a feed line for the raw material, a cutting assembly, generally of the shear type, and a measuring line, at which the raw material is positioned to measure starting from a respective separation section to perform the cut at the desired longitudinal distance. Subsequently, the raw material is discharged to form the same bundle or different bundles of bars cut to size.

[03] More precisely, such apparatuses are able to cut to size, for example, one or more bars that make up the reinforcement of buildings with a reinforced concrete structure.

[04] Therefore a need to both cut the bars to the desired size, and to group them in an orderly manner into bundles, in order to carry out any subsequent processing step and delivery, exists.

[05] In particular, bar cutting has the problem of optimization, i.e. the need to combine cutting operations of different sizes, making so-called "nesting", in order to minimize the waste or scrap of the raw material.

[06] It is indeed a complicated operation, once carried out by an operator who, however experienced, could mentally manage a limited number of combinations, trying to combine different cutting lengths in order to minimize waste. Currently, thanks to the development of special computer or software programs and the computing power of modern computers, it is possible to easily calculate the cutting combinations that guarantee the minimum of waste and, at the same time, optimization, that is, the best management of the processing cycles downstream of the cutting station.

[07] Generally, the production downstream of the cutting station requires, for a given cutting measure, a certain number of cut products. To obtain this certain number it may be necessary, in order to reduce waste, to repeat several cutting cycles, thus obtaining, together with the products of the required size, other products of other sizes, required for as many processes to be arranged at the same time. Therefore, while waiting to reach the required number for each measure, the cut products are collected in bundles and temporarily housed in special compartments. The still incomplete bundles, in formation, are called "open", while the completed bundles become so-called "closed" bundles.

[08] The Applicant has developed a method and an apparatus, desclosed in application no. WO 2021/156899, aimed at achieving the optimization of the cutting of elongated products. In particular, the apparatus comprises a measuring path adapted to be arranged downstream of a cutting assembly and a handling assembly, operating at least on the side of the measuring path and equipped with at least one gripping device, for collecting, transferring and unloading the cut products to a storage magazine, arranged on the side of the measuring path itself and divided into a plurality of compartments adapted to house the cut products. The apparatus therefore allows the measuring path to be quickly cleared, as well as making full use of the storage magazine.

[09] For example, it is noted that if a cutting cycle involves the combination of different lengths, for example three, four and five metres, starting from a raw material with a length of twelve metres, and if this combination is repeated several times, the aforementioned handling assembly is able to directly clean the measuring path or to clean any pre-storage compartments located next to it, transferring the different types of products into respective compartments of the storage magazine, suitable for housing both open bundles, being formed, and closed bundles.

[10] The above mentioned solution makes it possible to optimize both cutting activities and those of the downstream stations, creating a large pool of cut products in the storage magazine.

[11] Patent US 7047785 discloses an example of a transfer device for metal bars suitable for use in a cutting and/or bending plant.

[12] However, the specific sector of the processing of elongated products, in particular bars for reinforced concrete, requires to further improve the efficiency levels already achieved.

[13] In particular, the need is felt to optimize the use of the storage magazine, rationalizing the use of the compartments in order to make full use of their capacity. For example, it may happen that in order to quickly clean the measuring path or the pre-storage compartments, arranged on the side of it, the magazine compartments are filled dispersively, for example that several compartments are occupied with cut products of the same length. In addition, it may happen that, always with a view to quickly transferring the products, released in an orderly succession on the measuring path, spaces are generated in the magazine, intended to remain empty because they are too short to house the cut items.

[14] More precisely, a need exists in the art for optimizing the use of a storage magazine, served by a handling assembly capable of quickly cleaning the measuring path or special temporary storage compartments arranged on the side of it.

Disclosure

[15] The aim of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems, by devising a method for optimizing cutting, a handling assembly and an apparatus for handling elongated products, which optimizes spaces and production efficiency.

[16] Within this aim, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly for handling elongated products, of simple constructive and functional design, which is safe and reliable in operation, as well as relatively unexpensive.

[17] The foregoing objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the method for optimizing the cut according to claim 1 , as well as by the assembly for handling elongated products according to claim 6 and by the apparatus for handling elongated products according to claim 12.

[18] The method according to the invention provides for arranging a feeding zone, a cutting assembly and a measuring path for the products, in succession along a line oriented according to a longitudinal direction, the measuring path being configured to receive products cut by the cutting assembly.

[19] Said longitudinal direction has, hereinbelow, a geometric meaning and therefore includes all parallel lines having a longitudinal orientation.

[20] A storage magazine is arranged operationally downstream of the measuring path, divided into a plurality of longitudinally extending compartments.

[21] The compartments are preferably arranged side by side, extending longitudinally along parallel lines according to the longitudinal direction, for example at least on one side or on both sides of the measuring path.

[22] Each compartment defines, in particular, one or more storage stations for housing the cut products.

[23] The storage stations are arranged in longitudinal succession.

[24] Furthermore, a handling assembly is provided comprising at least one gripping device configured to seize the cut products. The gripping device is movable in a collecting motion, in an unloading motion and in a transferring motion relative to the measuring path.

[25] The handling assembly is particularly advantageous for handling a plurality of products at a time.

[26] The handling assembly may in particular comprise a support structure carrying the at least one gripping device.

[27] The gripping device extends, in particular, along the longitudinal direction.

[28] The method involves elaborating a map of the storage stations, for the magazine, in particular for each compartment of the magazine, by means of a control unit, and also detecting, for each station, whether it is occupied or free. In particular, the control unit can preferably detect, if it is occupied, to what extent it is occupied, in whole or in part, so as to optimize the occupancy coefficient of the magazine.

[29] More precisely, the control unit can process a two-dimensional map of the storage stations.

[30] The method then provides for feeding a number of products along the measuring path and operating the cutting assembly in a cutting cycle, so as to make one or more consecutive cuts on the fed products and obtain a number of cut products for each cut. At the end of the cutting cycle, each number of cut products is positioned at a respective longitudinal position.

[31] More precisely, the number of cut products can be found at the end of the cutting cycle on the measuring path or in a pre-storage compartment, placed next to it, following an overturning or a transfer by falling from the measuring path.

[32] The control unit allocates a specific station, free or occupied, in a compartment of the processed map, for each number of cut products.

[33] This map preferably includes the longitudinal and transversal coordinates of the stations.

[34] The same unit checks whether for each number of cut products the longitudinal position is aligned in the longitudinal direction to said allocated station and, in case of misalignment, processes a longitudinal movement capable of establishing the alignment therebetween.

[35] The gripping device is then activated in the collecting motion to collect the number of cut products in the cutting cycle, holding the number of cut collected products.

[36] The gripping device is then activated in the transfer motion, along a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, holding the number of cut collected products.

[37] In an appropriate phase relationship, preferably at the same time, the number of cut products is moved, upon command of the control unit, in said longitudinal movement if, in the step of checking whether the longitudinal position is aligned with the assigned station, the control unit has detected a misalignment.

[38] For each number of cut products, the gripping device is positioned at the assigned station in a respective compartment of the storage magazine.

[39] The gripping device is operated in the unloading motion to release the number of cut products to the assigned station in a magazine compartment.

[40] In particular, the method can involve taking the number of cut products from the measuring path or from at least one temporary pre-storage compartment, located next to the measuring path, into which the number of cut products is transferred to be stored temporarily after cutting.

[41] In particular, the number of cut products can reach the pre-storage compartment by overturning and/or falling from the measuring path.

[42] The number of cut products can reach the pre-storage compartment, directly in said longitudinal position or it can be brought there by translation on the measuring path or by means of conveyors associated, in particular placed side by side, with the pre-storage compartment itself.

[43] These pre-storage compartments have the function of allowing the measuring path to be quickly cleaned, being accessible directly, preferably by simple overturning or by falling, from the measuring path adjacent to them. The pre-storage compartments allow, in particular, to temporarily store products resulting from the repetition of identical cutting cycles. [44] According to a feature of the method, the number of cut products is advantageously moved in the longitudinal direction, in one direction or in the opposite direction, to assume the longitudinal position of the assigned station, after being collected by the handling assembly from the measuring path or from the temporary pre-storage compartments, if applicable, and before being stored in the magazine compartments.

[45] This longitudinal movement of the cut products can be carried out according to the method by the same handling assembly, which is able to independently move the products taken along the longitudinal direction, or by other means, for example by means of a positioning path preferably with rollers, possibly also useful for other purposes, for example to transport products from the storage area to the subsequent processing area.

[46] In particular, the method can provide for positioning the number of cut products on the positioning path and operating the same path to move the number of cut products in the longitudinal movement in the longitudinal direction.

[47] The method can provide for usefully moving the positioning path in the direction transversal to the magazine, to cooperate with the handling assembly for the transfer of the cut products.

[48] The method may provide that, before allocating a specific station, data relating to a presetting of the intended cutting cycles are transmitted to the control unit, in subsequent operating cycles, and that the control unit processes said allocated station based on such presetting.

[49] The method may provide that, to process said two-dimensional map, the extent to which a workstation is occupied is also detected.

[50] The method can also provide that in the step of processing the two-dimensional map, data relating to the cut products contained therein are also collected for each occupied station, such as the number of pieces and/or the cutting length and/or the diameter and/or data relating to the customer and/or to the order and/or to further identifying elements aimed at recognizing and correctly positioning the cut products in the place of use, which can be for example a construction site.

[51] The handling assembly for elongated products according to the invention, in particular bars or metal profiles for reinforced concrete, includes a support structure and at least one gripping device, carried by the structure and extending along a longitudinal direction.

[52] The gripping device can be movably carried by said structure.

[53] The gripping device is movable in a collecting motion to collect the products, in a transfer motion along a transverse direction to transfer the collected products and in an unloading motion to release the collected products or part of them.

[54] The gripping device comprises a plurality of gripping members arranged along the longitudinal direction and selectively operable. [55] The handling assembly is combined with a control unit, configured to control a longitudinal displacement of the gripping members along the longitudinal direction.

[56] The gripping members, individually or in groups, can be carried by frames movably mounted on the structure, to be operated in said controlled longitudinal movement, independently, along the longitudinal direction.

[57] The structure of the handling assembly can include one or more parallel tracks, arranged in the longitudinal direction, on which the frames are movably mounted.

[58] Each group or single gripping member is preferably carried by a frame by means of a mobile stem, in particular extendable to bring, in operation, the gripping member alternately in a lowered condition and in a raised condition.

[59] According to a particular aspect, the handling assembly can comprise transmission means, carried by the support structure, on which the gripping members are mounted integrally, to be operated in the longitudinal movement controlled in the longitudinal direction.

[60] The transmission means can be of the flexible type, for example of the belt or chain type, wrapped around a longitudinal guide to define a first longitudinal branch and a second longitudinal branch, which are substantially parallel.

[61] The transmission means of flexible type are wrapped preferably using a closed profile.

[62] The gripping member preferably comprises a pair of jaws which can be operated alternatively between an open condition, in which the jaws are moved away from each other, and a closed condition, in which the same jaws are brought together, so as to grip the products. This conformation or another equivalent one allows to stably embrace, in particular, a plurality of products, providing them with support from below.

[63] The apparatus for handling elongated products, in particular bars or metal profiles for reinforced concrete, according to the invention, includes a measuring path suitable for being arranged downstream of a cutting assembly in a longitudinal direction, to receive for each cutting operation a number of products cut by the cutting assembly.

[64] The apparatus also includes a storage magazine, operationally arranged downstream of the measuring path and comprising a plurality of compartments extending in the longitudinal direction.

[65] Each compartment is suitable, more precisely, to house the cut products in respective stations, arranged in succession according to the longitudinal direction.

[66] The apparatus further comprises a handling assembly operating at the measuring path and comprising at least one gripping device movable in a collecting motion, to collect the number of cut products, in a transfer motion to transfer the number of cut products to the magazine and in an unloading motion, to unload the number of cut products inside a magazine compartment, and a control unit configured to process a two-dimensional map of the occupied and/or free stations of the magazine and to allocate a determined location of the map drawn up based on the number of cut products.

[67] The two-dimensional map includes the longitudinal and transversal coordinates of the storage stations.

[68] The control unit is preferably configured to update the map at each cutting cycle.

[69] The gripping device of the handling assembly can be movable in the longitudinal direction to move the number of cut products in the longitudinal direction by a controlled longitudinal displacement, processed by the processing unit, to reach the assigned station.

[70] The apparatus may include a positioning path operationally interposed between the measuring path and the magazine, to move the number of cut products in the longitudinal direction by means of a motion controlled by the control unit, to align it with the determined station.

[71] The positioning path can preferably be made up of a motorized roller conveyor or a conveyor belt.

[72] The positioning path can be usefully movable along transverse guides through the magazine, to bring the number of cut products towards the assigned position.

[73] The magazine preferably extends to at least one side of the measuring path.

[74] The apparatus may comprise at least one temporary pre-storage compartment, arranged on the side of the measuring path, and tilting means, arranged along the measuring path, for transferring the number of cut products, from the measuring path to the pre-storage compartment.

Description of drawings

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cutting system, comprising an apparatus for handling elongated products, equipped with the handling assembly according to the invention;

Figures 2 - 10 are respectively a perspective view of a portion of the system illustrated in Figure 1 , in subsequent operational steps;

Figure 7a is an enlargement of a particular indicated within a circle in figure 7;

Figures 11 - 17 are respectively a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus according to the invention, provided with a handling assembly in a second embodiment, in subsequent operational steps;

Figures 18 and 19 are a front view of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, respectively;

Figures 20 and 21 are a schematic plan view of the apparatus according to the invention, respectively in a second and third embodiment. Description of embodiments of the invention

[76] With particular reference to the figures, a plant for cutting elongated products 2, in particular bars for manufacturing reinforcements for reinforced concrete, is indicated by the reference number 1. It is noted that just for simplicity the figures schematically show a single product 2 of possibly enlarged dimensions, however, intending that it can also represent several products.

[77] The plant 1 for cutting products 2 comprises, in particular, a cutting unit 3 adapted to divide by cutting operations the products 2 into cut products 2a, an apparatus 100 for handling the cut products 2a and a control unit 500 for optimizing, in particular, the cutting and/or operations downstream thereof.

[78] The plant 1 may in fact comprise, downstream of the apparatus 100, a station 200 for processing the cut products 2a, for example bending and/or curving, and an unloading station 300, for transferring the products to other sites (see Figure 1 ).

[79] The cutting unit 3 is interposed between a feeding zone 5 and a measuring path 4, arranged in succession along a longitudinal direction Y (see Figures 20 and 21 , described in more detail below).

[80] The mentioned feeding zone 5 can be made, for example, by means of a roller path, on which the products 2 can be fed in the longitudinal direction Y (see Figure 1 ). Alternatively, the feeding zone 5 can define an area in which suitable means can feed, for example by traction, the products 2, arranging them along the longitudinal direction Y on the measuring path 4.

[81] The measuring path 4 is configured to receive the cut products 2a, for example aligned in succession along the longitudinal direction Y, on a respective receiving plane 4a.

[82] More precisely, the products 2 to be cut, in particular bars, in any number, one or more, can be fed forward along the longitudinal direction Y, to the feeding zone 5 and subsequently carried to the measuring path 4, beyond the cutting assembly 3, to be advanced, at a programmed cutting length with respect to the cutting plane of the shears.

[83] At each cutting cycle it is possible to provide that only one product 2 is cut, as well as, more usually, a plurality of products 2. Intending both cases, hereinbelow, for simplicity, reference is being made to a plurality.

[84] The cut products 2a can optionally be transported further along the longitudinal direction Y after cutting, for example to arrange them at a desired longitudinal height or position along the longitudinal direction Y, as described in detail hereafter.

[85] Each product 2, of a given initial length, can usually be cut into several cut products 2a of shorter length, even different from each other. For example, if a product 2 is twelve meters long, it can give rise, following subsequent cutting operations of the same cycle, to pieces, i.e. cut products 2a, respectively, for example, of three, four and five meters long, arranged in succession on the receiving plane 4a. In this case essentially no waste is produced.

[86] The cut products 2a, even different ones, can simultaneously make up different, so-called "open" bundles of cut products 2a being formed.

[87] Each bundle, which in the specific sector is defined as an "item" or "label", contains the cut products 2a that are part of a particular order. Each order is characterized, in particular, by a certain number of bundles or labels, usually of a different type. Each bundle may comprise cut products 2a from different cutting cycles, according to the current nesting program.

[88] For simplicity, hereafter the bundles are intended "open" as long as they are incomplete, therefore until the required quantity of cut products 2nd is reached, whereas they are defined "closed" bundles at their respective completion, that is when said quantity required for the specific bundle is reached.

[89] It should be noted that different quantities of products 2 can be cut in successive cutting cycles, with combinations of lengths that can also be different in the different cycles. As a result, it is highly likely that cut products 2a, intended for the same bundle, but processed in successive cutting cycles, are positioned after cutting on the receiving plane 4a at different heights along the longitudinal direction Y. The combination of lengths, as well as their order in succession for each cutting cycle, are preferably controlled by said control unit 500, to allow optimal management of cutting and downstream operations, as described in detail hereinbelow.

[90] The apparatus 100 comprises, in addition to said measuring path 4, a storage magazine 6 and a handling assembly 10 for the cut products 2a, cooperating with the cutting assembly 3. The apparatus 100 may be, as far as it is compatible, of the type disclosed in application WO2021/156899, which is considered incorporated in the present application.

[91] The storage magazine 6 is preferably and usefully arranged on the ground. The storage magazine 6 is operatively arranged downstream of the measuring path 4, preferably at least partly on a side or on both sides thereof.

[92] Preferably, the magazine 6 also extends longitudinally beyond the measuring path 4 along the longitudinal direction Y.

[93] More precisely, the storage magazine 6 comprises a plurality of compartments 7 for storing the cut products 2a.

[94] These compartments 7 are preferably arranged side by side, extending longitudinally along parallel lines according to the longitudinal direction Y, on one side or on both sides of the measuring path 4, so as to allow the cut products 2a, also obtained following different cutting cycles, to be arranged therein, in an orderly manner, by the handling assembly 10.

[95] Each compartment 7 of the storage magazine 6 can then advantageously receive, by means of the handling assembly 10, cut products 2a, obtained in different, even non- consecutive, cutting cycles, and constituting open bundles, if incomplete, and closed bundles, if complete.

[96] The compartments 7 can be advantageously made on the ground, therefore in large numbers and at a very low cost. This makes it possible to house numerous "open" bundles, that is, to leave an equally high number of orders "open" at the same time in magazine 6, thus guaranteeing the availability of a large number of possible combinations for an optimized management, called "nesting", of the cutting and the downstream operations.

[97] Nesting, in particular, can ensure the maximum reduction of waste, especially if in the presence of a magazine 6 of high receptive capacity. More precisely, the nesting is able to achieve the better results the higher the number of bundles that the control unit 500 can keep open is, therefore the higher the number and the longitudinal extension of the compartments 7 constituting the magazine 6. For this reason it is important to have the largest possible magazine 6, but it is also important that it is well exploited, avoiding the formation of unusable empty spaces.

[98] Each compartment 7 is preferably defined by separating members 7a, adapted to define between them a containment space, for example in the shape of a cradle, for the cut products 2a (see Figure 2).

[99] More precisely, the control unit 500 assigns to each bundle of cut products 2a a position in a compartment 7 of the magazine 6, positioned at a determined height in the longitudinal direction Y, and usefully controls that the respective cut products 2a are moved, if necessary, along the longitudinal direction Y, to bring them to said determined height.

[100] The system 1 can further comprise one or more temporary pre-storage compartments 8, flanked by the measuring path 4, on one side or on both sides, and suitable for temporarily receiving the cut products 2a, made available along the measuring path 4 itself.

[101] The pre-storage compartments 8 can be created using a containment structure, for example also in the shape of a cradle, preferably arranged at an intermediate level between the measuring path 4 and the storage compartments 7.

[102] More precisely, pre-storage compartments 8 may be advantageously made at a lower height than the measuring path 4, to quickly receive the products 2a therefrom, for example by falling, (see Figure 1 ), thus leaving on the receiving surface 4a the space needed to receive the products of a subsequent cut.

[103] For example, the measuring path 4 can be equipped with tilting members 9, to cause the movement of the cut products 2a from the receiving surface 4a to the relevant adjacent prestorage compartment 8 (see Figure 3).

[104] The tilting members 9 can be made for example by means of respective levers, preferably a plurality for each pre-storage compartment 8, alternatively movable between an inactive configuration, submerged with respect to the receiving plane 4a, and an active configuration, emerged and inclined upwardly to said plane, at which the cut products 2a are raised from the receiving plane 4a and tilted towards a respective pre-storage compartment 8. In this condition, the tilting members 9 may preferably act as a slide for the cut products 2a.

[105] The pre-storage compartments 8 make the apparatus 100 even more efficient, as they allow the measuring path 4 to be immediately cleaned and act as a buffer while waiting for the handling assembly 10 to be able to handle the cut products 2a, as described in detail hereinbelow. In particular, the handling assembly 10 can quickly transfer the cut products 2a from the pre-storage compartments 8 to the magazine 6.

[106] The handling assembly 10 in fact performs the function of filling the compartments 7 of the storage magazine 6. Preferably, the handling assembly 10 also performs, if necessary, the function of taking the closed bundles from the compartments 7 to send them to the subsequent processing steps.

[107] The handling assembly 10 may also usefully perform the function of rearranging the magazine 6, compacting its occupancy, for example to clean a section required for maintenance operations, upon command of the control unit 500.

[108] The handling assembly 10 includes at least one gripping device 11 , configured to be movable at least in a collecting motion, in a transferring motion and in an unloading motion, to collect, transfer and unload the cut products 2a, in particular from the receiving surface 4a of the measuring path 4 or from a pre-storage compartment 8, to the respective compartments 7 of the storage magazine 6, for composing several "open" or "closed" bundles of the products 2a cut to size. These collecting, transferring and unloading motions can also be used to collect the closed bundles from the compartments 7 in order to send them to the subsequent processing steps.

[109] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 - 10, the apparatus 100 includes a single gripping device 11. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the apparatus 100 includes several gripping devices 11 , for example a pair of gripping devices 11 , placed side by side, transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction Y and preferably operable independently.

[110] Each gripping device 11 comprises at least one gripping member 11 a, preferably a set, i.e. a plurality, of gripping members 11a, movable, preferably independently, and carried by a support structure 12 of the handling assembly 10 (see for example Figure 2).

[111] Each gripping member 11a is preferably made like grippers or jaws or with equivalent means, including magnetic or electromagnetic means, to collect, hold and unload the cut products 2a.

[112] The gripping member 11a may comprise a pair of jaws which can be operated alternatively, between an open condition, in which the jaws are moved away from each other, and a closed condition, in which they are brought together, so as to grip the cut products 2a. Alternatively or additionally at least one gripping member 11a can be made as disclosed in the application WO2021/156899.

[113] Preferably, the gripping members 11 a of the gripping device 11 are arranged in succession along the longitudinal direction Y and can be operated, even selectively, alternatively between the open condition and the closed condition, and between a raised condition and a lowered condition, according to a collecting direction Z and a unloading direction Z, which are preferably coinciding and substantially vertical. Preferably, the gripping members 11a can accompany the unloading of the cut products 2a so as to reduce the generation of noise, keeping it considerably below the maximum allowed limit.

[114] The gripping device 11 is further movable in said transfer motion in a transfer direction X, that is preferably transverse.

[115] Preferably, the gripping members 11a perform a stroke in the collecting motion such as to lift the cut products 2a by a minimum height, sufficient to guarantee the collection, so as to minimize the use of energy resources, as well as the cycle times.

[116] Advantageously, the method according to the invention allows the cut products 2a, lying on the measuring path 4 or in the pre-storage compartments 8, to be transferred to the storage compartments 7 at a different height or coordinate in the longitudinal direction Y, compared to the original one, that is, to the one in which they are located before they are collected from the measuring path 4 or from the pre-storage compartment 8. In other words, these cut products 2a, before being deposited in the storage compartments 7, can be transferred along the longitudinal direction Y, in particular in both directions, to achieve a new height or position in the longitudinal direction Y, suitable for optimal use of the storage compartments 7. In particular, the method according to the invention can allow all the products 2a of the same bundle, even those cut in successive cutting cycles, to be grouped together.

[117] In practice, the longitudinal transfer of the cut products 2a to reach the new desired longitudinal position takes place parallel to the longitudinal development of the measuring path 4, i.e. in the longitudinal direction Y.

[118] Advantageously, the gripping members 11 a of the gripping device 11 can be selectively activated, individually and/or in groupings 15 of individual adjacent gripping members 11a. In the case illustrated for example in Figures 1 - 10 each grouping 15 comprises three gripping members 11a. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a different number of gripping members 11 a for each grouping 15, as long as it is suitable for the purpose.

[119] The groupings 15 or the individual gripping members 11 a can be carried by frames 16, for example carriages or slides, movably mounted on the structure 12, for example by the interposition of rolling or sliding means 17. More precisely, each frame 16 is movably activated, in independent fashion, by means of special activation members of the type known in the art, by a longitudinal motion along the longitudinal direction Y. The longitudinal motion is preferably controlled by the control unit 500 of the plant 1 , to manage the positioning of the cut products 2a in the magazine 6, in particular in the longitudinal direction Y, as described in detail hereafter.

[120] The structure 12 may comprise one or more parallel tracks, arranged along the longitudinal direction Y, along which the frames 16 may be moved.

[121] For example, the different frames 16 can be mounted in succession on a single track, being thus aligned in the longitudinal direction Y.

[122] Alternatively, the different frames 16 may be mounted on different parallel tracks.

[123] In this case, the gripping members 11a carried by the frames 16 can be transversely spaced on the structure 12, corresponding to the transverse distance between said tracks, for example by a distance at least equal to the transverse dimension of the gripping members 11a. Therefore, the gripping members 11a may be moved along the longitudinal direction Y freely. This solution allows in fact different gripping members 11 a to occupy even temporarily, without interference, the same position along the longitudinal direction Y. This happens for example in the stroke of one or more gripping members 11a which, being in a first longitudinal position at one end of the tracks, must reach a second longitudinal position at the opposite end, crossing intermediate longitudinal positions, in which at least one further gripping member 11 a is already present.

[124] Each grouping 15 is carried by the frame 16 for example through one or more movable, in particular extendable, stems 18, to allow the gripping members 11a to alternatively reach said lowered and raised condition.

[125] The groupings 15 can be moved in a synchronized or staggered fashion, in any case controlled, both in the collecting direction Z and/or unloading direction Z, and in the longitudinal direction Y.

[126] Furthermore, for example, several groupings 15 can be moved simultaneously, to cooperate in the handling of the same bundle of cut products 2a and/or to meet to the needs of optimization of the magazine 6. The operation of the groupings 15, both in cooperation and individually, is preferably controlled by the control unit 500, in order to optimally manage all the handling steps, as described in detail hereinbelow.

[127] More precisely, the products 2a cut in a cutting cycle, usually of different lengths, can preferably be taken simultaneously from the measuring path 4 and/or from a pre-stocking compartment 8. In an appropriate temporal relationship, the collected products, being gripped by the gripping members 11a, can be selectively moved in the longitudinal direction Y, conveniently operating one or more frames 16 in said longitudinal motion, as well as being transferred by the transfer motion of the handling assembly 10 along the transfer direction X and finally deposited in even different unloading cycles. This makes it possible to store and possibly accumulate cut products 2a of different length in different positions of compartments 7 of the magazine 6.

[128] Moreover, the control operated by the control unit 500 of the system allows to displace, both in the longitudinal direction Y and in the transverse direction X, the cut products 2a, in order to make optimal use of the available space of the magazine 6, to meet the different production needs.

[129] Furthermore, the longitudinal movement operated by the handling assembly 10 can take place in a very precise manner, maintaining substantially unchanged the attitude along the longitudinal direction Y that the cut products 2a assume on the measuring path 4. This is due to the fact that during the longitudinal movement the same products are held by the gripping members 11 a without reciprocal displacements occurring.

[130] In the same way, the gripping device 11 can be movable with a further collecting motion and a further unloading motion, to collect "closed" bundles of cut products 2a from the compartments 7 and unload them at subsequent operating stations. In this step the handling assembly 10 can be operated in a further transfer motion, preferably according to the transfer direction X.

[131] Also in this case, it is possible to usefully provide that the gripping members 11 a are operated selectively, i.e. involving in each collecting and/or unloading cycle only the gripping members 11 a, in particular only the groupings 15, affected by the longitudinal extension and by the position of the cut products 2a to be handled.

[132] It should be noted that the handling assembly 10 is preferably suspended above the measuring path 4, in particular extending beyond the latter, to preferably reach every part of the magazine 6. In this way the handling assembly 10 can cross the measuring path 4, passing over it, from one side of it to the other.

[133] In particular, the support structure 12 can be supported in a sliding manner by a stroke path 13, in particular raised with respect to the measuring path 4, preferably by a pair of stroke paths 13, spaced apart along the longitudinal direction Y.

[134] Each stroke path 13 is preferably supported in turn by respective uprights 14 (see Figure 1 )-

[135] The support structure 12 can advantageously be operated movably along respective guides made by the stroke paths 13, to carry out the aforementioned transfer motion along the transversal direction X.

[136] Said stroke path 13 can extend transversally from one lateral border to the other of the magazine 6, for example from the processing station 200 to the unloading station 300.

[137] In this regard, the unloading station 300 can for example be made up of a flatbed or a trailer, capable of receiving the closed bundles housed therein from the handling assembly 10 (see Figure 1 ).

[138] Preferably, the unloading structure 300 is movable on special guides parallel to the longitudinal direction Y, to bring the products 2a to the use station or directly onto the means of transport, generally on trucks.

[139] The control unit 500 of the plant is configured to optimize the occupancy coefficient of the magazine 6, maximizing its buffer function between the cutting operation and the downstream operations. The control unit 500 therefore allows these operations to be managed, such that the requirements of one operation do not influence the operational flow of the other and vice versa.

[140] More precisely, the control unit 500 is configured to receive as input a map of the occupied stations and/or free stations along the compartments 7 of the magazine 6. For example, said map can be obtained by recording in the memory of the control unit 500 the stations occupied at each unloading cycle of the cut products 2a in the magazine 6.

[141] This map preferably includes the longitudinal and transversal coordinates of the stations.

[142] This map can therefore be continuously updated by the control unit 500.

[143] Alternatively or in addition, said map of the occupied stations can be obtained by receiving images of the magazine 6, processing therefrom instantaneous information on the occupied and/or free stations. For this purpose, the control unit 500 can be associated with a suitable vision system.

[144] However it is obtained, the processing of said map can include, for each occupied station, the association of data indicative of the type of cut products 2a contained, such as for example the number of pieces, the cutting length and diameter, and related data to the customer, to the order and other identifiers aimed at recognizing and correctly positioning the products in the place of use, for example on construction sites. This data can be appropriately combined and processed to obtain other information useful for managing orders such as, for example, the weight and the loading list.

[145] The control unit 500 is furthermore configured to assign to each number of cut products 2a in each cutting cycle a station, either occupied or free, in a specific compartment 7.

[146] The allocation of the station is preferably carried out by the control unit 500 in view of optimal management of the magazine 6, which takes into account the scheduled orders. In particular, this management is aimed at reducing unused empty spaces, uniting them into larger spaces, which can instead be used by the cut products 2a of the scheduled orders. In this way, the occupied spaces are compacted, freeing up useful space.

[147] The control unit 500 preferably also receives the programming of the cutting cycles 3 as input. It then elaborates the best position to be allocated from time to time to the cut products 2a, also considering in the calculation the succession of cutting cycles programmed for the cutting unit 3. This succession is in turn generally determined as a function of the maximum reduction in waste.

[148] The control unit 500 is also configured to control the movements of the handling assembly 10 and/or of the individual gripping members 11a, in particular in the longitudinal direction Y and transverse direction X, calculated on the basis of the coordinates of the position allocated to the cut products 2a from time to time. Said movements, as well as the displacements of the products in the unloading direction, can be operated to occur in succession or, more advantageously, in overlapping times.

[149] The control unit 500 can also be configured to manage the reordering of the magazine 6, sending respective movement commands to the handling assembly 10. More precisely, the reordering of the magazine 6 can be carried out by the handling assembly 10, by moving the cut pieces 2a already present in the magazine 6 on command of the control unit 500, for example to compact the occupied stations, reducing the fragmentation of the free stations, or to achieve a certain free space, required for maintenance activities.

[150] The control unit 500 can also be configured to manage the emptying operations of the magazine 6, based on the programmed processing or delivery activities.

[151] More precisely, the control unit 500 can be configured to process an optimal succession of trips for the handling assembly 10 and an optimal management of the magazine 6, based on the programming of the cutting, processing, for example bending and/or curving, and delivery operations.

[152] The operation of the apparatus for handling elongated products, which implements the method for optimizing cutting according to the same invention, is understandable from the foregoing description.

[153] In a preparation phase the control unit 500 receives a list of the products to be produced as input data and processes or updates a map of the occupied and/or free stations in the magazine 6.

[154] In an initial operative step a number of cut products 2a, for example of different lengths, is made available in a succession downstream of the cutting assembly 3 on the measuring path 4 (see Figure 2).

[155] Thereafter, the cut products 2a are preferably transferred, for example by operating the tilting members 9, to a respective pre-storage compartment 8 (see Figure 3, in which the occupied pre-storage compartment 8 and the measuring path 4 are visible, and the measuring path 4 can therefore receive a further number of cut products 2a). Meanwhile, the handling assembly 10 can usefully complete a loading, transferring and unloading cycle.

[156] The handling assembly 10 is then positioned together with the gripping device 11 in a raised condition at the pre-storage compartment 8 to get ready to collect said number of cut products 2a (see Figure 4).

[157] In a suitable phase relationship, the control unit 500 has processed a data relating to the longitudinal and transverse positioning of each series or number of cut products 2a to be taken, available along the pre-storge compartment 8. Therefore, the groupings 15 of gripping members 11 a can be operated in said longitudinal motion, if necessary, under the control of the control unit 500, to be appropriately positioned, for example in a centered manner, with respect to the cut products 2a to be taken.

[158] Then, the gripping device 11 comprising the groupings 15 is actuated in the collecting motion according to the collecting direction Z, first arranging the gripping members 11a in a lowered condition, so as to engage the number of cut products 2a in a closed condition (see Figure 5). The groupings 15 affected by the collection are then moved in the lifted condition, to lift the cut products 2a, from the pre-storage compartment 8 (see Figure 6). Preferably, the lifting height is reduced to the minimum necessary for the purpose, to also reduce time and energy costs.

[159] In a suitable phase relationship, the control unit 500 identifies a station and allocates it for each number of cut products 2a, which are involved in the collecting cycle. Essentially, for each series of cut products 2a, the control unit 500 processes an unloading station, defined by longitudinal and transverse coordinates, in a compartment 7 inside the magazine 6.

[160] Likewise, the control unit 500 checks whether the respective assigned position for each series of cut products 2a is aligned in the longitudinal direction Y to the current longitudinal position of the same series and, in case of misalignment, processes a longitudinal displacement of alignment.

[161] The control unit 500 can then command the transfer of the cut products 2a.

[162] In particular, the gripping device 11 of the handling assembly 10 is moved in a raised condition in the transfer direction X according to the transfer motion, to be positioned at a first compartment 7 in which there is the first unloading position processed for at least a first part of cut products 2a (see Figure 7).

[163] At least one grouping 15 of the gripping device 11 is then selectively actuated in the unloading motion, to unload said portion of cut products 2a, operating, in the open condition, the respective gripping members 11 a at the processed longitudinal position, inside said compartment 7, preferably accompanying said delivery in the lowered condition, so as to minimize the generation of noise (see Figure 8). In this way, an "open" bundle can be formed in a free station, or integrated or completed in a station already occupied in the respective compartment 7 or a "closed" bundle can be transferred directly to a free station.

[164] In an appropriate phase relationship, for example while the grouping 15 unloads the respective cut products 2a or while the gripping device 11 is in transfer motion, the control unit 500 can command the longitudinal displacement in the longitudinal motion of at least one further grouping 15 of gripping members 11 a, to reach the further position assigned to a further part of cut products 2a, in the same compartment 7 or in another compartment 7 of the magazine 6 (see Figure 9). In particular, it is possible to usefully reduce the transfer times of the products by overlapping at the same time the execution of different steps, for example steps of unloading and of longitudinal displacement, thanks to the selective and independent operation of different groupings of the handling assembly 10.

[165] Subsequently, the handling assembly 10 can be usefully operated to complete the unloading of the cut products 2a being gripped by the remaining gripping members 11 a. For example, a further grouping 15 of gripping members 11 a can be selectively actuated in the unloading motion, as described above, to unload respective cut products 2a at the station processed by the control unit 500 (see Figure 10).

[166] Once the unloading of the cut products 2a has been completed, the handling assembly 10 can then repeat further collecting, transferring and unloading cycles, aimed at transporting "closed" bundles or, advantageously, while making, integrating or completing respective "open" bundles in compartments 7, similarly to what was described above.

[167] According to a further embodiment illustrated by way of example in Figures 11 to 19, which are for the remainder completely similar, it is possible to perform the longitudinal movement of the gripping members 11a of the handling assembly 110 in a different way. It should be noted that reference numerals common to the embodiment as aforesaid have been used in the figures to indicate respective technical characteristics that are structurally and/or functionally similar.

[168] In this case, the handling assembly 110 comprises transmission means 19 carried by the support structure 12, on which the gripping members 11 a of the gripping device 11 are mounted integrally, to be operated synchronized in said longitudinal motion.

[169] More precisely, the transmission means 19 can be made by means of flexible chain or belt means, wound along a longitudinal guide 20 to define a first longitudinal branch 20a, for example a lower one, and a second longitudinal branch 20b, for example an upper one, substantially parallel. The flexible means 19 are movably operated along the branches 20a, 20b by motor members 21 known in the art, to move integrally the gripping members 11 a in a controlled manner.

[170] In practice, the gripping members 11 a are mounted in succession on the outside of the transmission means 19, so that they may extend, for example, along a branch thereof and, following said longitudinal movement, can pass from the lower branch 20a to the upper branch 20b of the longitudinal guide 20.

[171] The longitudinal guide 20, in turn, is hung on the structure 12 by means of special stems 18 completely similar to those described above. In fact, the stems 18 can be equally extendable to alternately bring the gripping members 11a between the raised condition (see Figure 11 ) and the lowered condition (see Figure 12), to carry out the collecting and unloading cycles.

[172] The operation of the apparatus 100 which includes the handling assembly 110 is entirely similar to what was previously described. It is only noted that once the cut products 2a have been taken from the measuring surface 4a or from a pre-storage compartment 8 (see Figures 11 - 13), the transmission means 19, upon command of the control unit 500 , can be operated in said longitudinal motion to move the collected cut products 2a in the longitudinal direction Y, so as to reach the processed longitudinal position (see Figure 14), corresponding to the allocated station, either free or occupied, in a compartment 7, of the magazine 6.

[173] In an appropriate phase relationship, preferably while said longitudinal motion is carried out, the handling assembly 110 is operated in the transfer direction X, to reach the assigned compartment 7, arranged along the transversal coordinate of the assigned station, elaborated by the controll unit 500 (see Figure 15).

[174] The gripping device 11 is therefore operated in the unloading direction Z, to bring the gripping members 11a into a lowered condition. The gripping members 11a involved are then operated in the open condition, to release the products 2a into the designated compartment 7, in the longitudinal coordinate developed (see Figures 16 and 18), to return thereafter to the raised condition (see Figures 17 and 19).

[175] According to a further embodiment of the apparatus, not illustrated, for the remainder completely similar, the handling assembly can be made with groupings as in the first illustrated embodiment, in which said longitudinal motion, in the longitudinal direction Y of each grouping, instead of being obtained with movable carriages, is obtained in a completely similar way to what is illustrated in this last embodiment by means of flexible chain or belt means, wound along a longitudinal guide. In this embodiment, the cut products 2a can be passed from one grouping to another simply by synchronizing the longitudinal motion of the gripping members 11a.

[176] According to a further embodiment of the apparatus 100', illustrated schematically in Figure 20, for the reminder entirely similar, it is possible to provide that said longitudinal motion of the cut products 2a is performed in a different way to reach the free station identified by the control unit 500 in the magazine 6. For simplicity, also in this case, in order to simplify understanding, the same reference numbers have been used in the figure, to indicate features that are functionally and/or structurally the same or similar to those described previously.

[177] The apparatus 100' can include the handling assembly 10', in which the gripping members 11a can also be fixed in the longitudinal direction Y, differently from what was previously described.

[178] The apparatus 100' includes a positioning path 30, operationally interposed between the measuring path 4 and the magazine 6, to move the cut products 2a in the longitudinal direction Y.

[179] The positioning path 30 can be created for this purpose by a motorized roller path, for example arranged fixed to the side of the measuring path 4 and/or of the pre-storage compartments 8 if provided, suitable for receiving the cut products 2a and to move them, upon command of the control unit 500, in the longitudinal direction Y to reach the longitudinal coordinate corresponding to the free position in the magazine 6, identified by the same control unit 500. Alternatively, the positioning path 30 can be created by a conveyor belt or by other similar means.

[180] The plant T including the apparatus 100' can include the processing station 200, for example for bending, arranged in line with the positioning path 30, so that the latter can feed it directly. The positioning path 30 can therefore perform a double function: positioning the cut products 2a in the longitudinal direction Y to fill an empty station assigned in a step of controlled filling of the magazine 6, and feeding the processing station 200, in a collecting step from magazine 6 or direct feed from the measuring path 4.

[181] The handling assembly 10' in each step may be used for transferring, collecting and unloading the cut products 2a respectively in the direction of transfer X, collection Z and unloading Z.

[182] The operation of the apparatus 100' is entirely similar to what was previously described. It is observed that the handling assembly 10' has in this case the object of feeding the positioning path 30, whenever the cut products 2a must be positioned in the longitudinal direction Y differently from how they are released on the measuring path 4, to then be transferred from the same handling assembly 10' to the compartment 7 in which there is the allocated place, empty or in which there are other identical products of the corresponding open bunch, identified by the control unit 500.

[183] According to a third embodiment illustrated schematically in Figure 21 , entirely similar to the embodiment just described, the apparatus 100" includes a positioning path 30' which is movable in the transfer direction X, as well as capable of moving in the longitudinal direction Y the cut products 2a, resting thereon.

[184] Preferably the positioning path 30' is made by a carriage or a positioning slide. The positioning path 30’ is therefore mounted movable by a transverse motion along transverse guides or tracks 31 that extend transversely, in particular in the transfer direction X, to at least one side of the measuring path 4.

[185] The movable positioning path 30’ can also be equipped with means known in the art for unloading, for example by gravity, the cut products 2a.

[186] Moreover, the positioning path 30’ may comprise loading means, for example of the gripper type, for collecting the cut products 2a.

[187] Advantageously, the plant 1" may in this case comprise a second processing station 200’, for example of curving, which can be fed by the same movable positioning path 30’, providing for this a stroke of the transverse motion, which extends between the first processing station 200 and the second processing station 200’. [188] The operation of the apparatus 100" is entirely similar to what was previously described.

[189] It is noted that, by virtue of the transverse movement capacity of the movable positioning path 30’, the control unit 500 can command a reciprocating, transverse matching movement between it and the handling assembly 10’, which reduces the delivery times of the cut products 2a.

[190] In addition, the longitudinal movement of the cut products 2a on the positioning path 30’, required by the control unit 500 to reach the longitudinal coordinate of an allocated position, either free or occupied, in the magazine 6, can be carried out in the shadow of the transverse movement of the positioning path 30’, also defined by the control unit 500, to reach said allocated free position.

[191] The partial overlapping of said longitudinal and transverse motions makes it possible to reduce the handling times of the cut products 2a as much as possible.

[192] Alternatively, the longitudinal movement of the cut products 2a can be carried out on the positioning path 30’ and if necessary all or part of the movement in the transverse direction X can be carried out by the handling assembly 10’ which, after collecting the cut products 2a in the new longitudinal position, can also lay down the cut products accompanying them in the unloading direction Z.

[193] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and the dimensions, may be modified depending on needs without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[194] 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.

Claims

Claims A method for optimizing the cutting of elongated products, in particular metal bars or profiles for reinforced concrete, comprising the steps of:

(a) arranging in succession along a line oriented according to a longitudinal direction (Y) a feeding zone (5), a cutting assembly (3) and a measuring path (4) for said products (2), said measuring path (4) being configured to receive cut products (2a) from said cutting assembly (3);

(b) arranging downstream of said measuring path (4) a storage magazine (6) divided into a plurality of longitudinally extending compartments (7), each said compartment (7) defining several storage stations for said cut products (2a), arranged in longitudinal succession;

(c) arranging a handling assembly (10, 110, 10’) comprising a support structure (12) and at least one gripping device (11 ), carried by said structure (12) and extending along said longitudinal direction (Y), said gripping device (11 ) being configured to grip said cut products (2a), said gripping device (11 ) being movable in a collecting motion, in an unloading motion and in a transfer motion relative to said measuring path (4);

(d) processing a two-dimensional map of said storage stations, for said magazine (6), by means of a control unit (500), said map comprising longitudinal and transverse coordinates of said storage stations, and also detecting for each station whether it is occupied or free, so as to optimize the coefficient of occupation of said magazine (6);

(e) feeding from said feeding zone (5) a number of said products (2) along said measuring path (4) and operating said cutting assembly (3) in a cutting cycle, so as to make one or more consecutive cuts on said fed products (2) and obtain one said number of cut products (2a) for each cut, each said number of cut products (2a) being positioned at a respective longitudinal position at the end of said cutting cycle;

(f) allocating, by means of said control unit (500), a given position, either free or occupied, in one said compartment (7) of said processed map, for each said number of cut products (2a);

(g) checking by means of said control unit (500) whether for said number of cut products (2a) said longitudinal position is aligned, according to said longitudinal direction (Y), with said allocated station and, in case of misalignment, processing a longitudinal movement suitable for establishing an alignment therebetween; (h) operating said gripping device (11 ) in said collecting motion to collect said number of cut products (2a), said gripping device (11 ) holding said number of collected cut products (2a);

(i) operating said gripping device (11 ) in said transfer motion, along a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction (Y), holding said number of collected cut products (2a) and, in an appropriate phase relationship, preferably at the same time,

(j) moving, on command of said control unit (500), said number of cut products (2a) in said longitudinal movement along said longitudinal direction (Y) if, in the step g. checking whether said longitudinal position is aligned with said allocated station, said control unit (500) has detected said misalignment;

(k) positioning said gripping device (11 ) at said allocated station in a respective compartment (7) of said storage magazine (6);

(l) operating said gripping device (11 ) in said unloading motion to release said number of cut products (2a) in said allocated station in said compartment (7) of said magazine (6). The method of claim 1 , wherein said step h. of operating said gripping device (11 ) in said collecting motion involves collecting said number of cut products (2a), from said measuring path (4) or from at least a temporary pre-storage compartment (8), arranged at the side of said measuring path (4), in which said number of cut products (2a) is transferred to be temporarily stored after cutting. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said step j. of moving said number of cut products (2a) in said longitudinal movement involves operating said gripping device (11 ) in a longitudinal motion in said longitudinal direction (Y). The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said step j. of moving said number of cut products (2a) involves preparing a positioning path (30, 30') downstream of said measuring path (4), positioning said cut products (2a) on said positioning path (30, 30') and operating said positioning path (30, 30') to move said number of cut products (2a) in said longitudinal movement in said longitudinal direction (Y). The method of claim 4, wherein it includes the further step of moving said positioning path (30') in said direction transverse to said magazine (6), to cooperate with said handling assembly (10') in transferring said number of cut products (2a). The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said step f). of allocating a specific station via said control unit (500) is preceded by the step of transmitting to said control unit (500) data relating to a programming of the intended cutting cycles, and of processing, via said control unit (500), said station allocated according to said programming. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said step d). of processing said two-dimensional map involves, for each occupied station, also detecting the extent to which said station is occupied. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said step d). of processing said two-dimensional map includes also detecting, for each occupied station, data relating to said cut products (2a) contained therein, such as the number of pieces and/or the cutting length and/or the diameter and/or related data to the customer and/or to the order and/or to further identifying elements suitable for recognizing and correctly positioning the cut products (2a) in the place of use. A handling assembly for elongated products, in particular for metal bars or profiles for reinforced concrete, comprising a support structure (12) and at least one gripping device (11 ), carried by said structure (12) and extending along a longitudinal direction (Y), said gripping device (11 ) being movable in a collecting motion to collect said products (2a), in a transfer motion along a transversal direction to transfer said collected products (2a) and in an unloading motion to release said collected products (2a) or part of them, said gripping device (11 ) comprising a plurality of gripping members (11a) arranged along said longitudinal direction (Y) and selectively operable, said handling assembly (10) being combined with a control unit (500), configured to control a longitudinal movement of said gripping members (11 a) along said longitudinal direction (Y), characterized in that said gripping members (11 a) are carried, individually or in groupings (15), by frames (16) movably mounted on said structure (12), to be operated in said controlled movement, independently, along said longitudinal direction (Y), said structure (12) comprising distinct tracks parallel to said longitudinal direction (Y), on which said frames (16) are movably mounted or in that it includes transmission means (19) carried by said support structure (12), on which said gripping members (11a) are mounted integrally, to be operated in said controlled movement in said longitudinal direction (Y), said transmission means (19) being of the flexible type, wrapped around a longitudinal guide (20) to define a first longitudinal branch (20a) and a second longitudinal branch (20b), which are substantially parallel. A handling assembly of claim 9, wherein each grouping (15) or single gripping member (11 a) is carried by said frame (16) by means of a movable stem (18), in particular extendable to bring, in operation, said gripping member (11 a) alternately in a lowered condition and in a raised condition. A handling assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein said gripping member (11a) includes a pair of jaws which can be operated alternatively between an open condition, in which said jaws are moved away from each other, and a closed condition, in which they are placed side by side, so as to enclose said cut products (2a). An apparatus for handling elongated products, in particular metal bars or profiles for reinforced concrete, comprising a measuring path (4) suitable for being arranged downstream of a cutting assembly (3) in a longitudinal direction (Y), to receive at each cutting operation a number of cut products (2a) from said cutting assembly (3), a storage magazine (6) operationally arranged downstream of said measuring path (4) and comprising a plurality of compartments ( 7) extended in said longitudinal direction (Y), each compartment (7) being suitable for housing said cut products (2a) in respective stations, arranged in succession according to said longitudinal direction (Y), a handling assembly (10, 110, 10'), operating at said measurement path (4), comprising a support structure (12) and at least one gripping device (11 ), carried by said structure (12) and extending along a longitudinal direction (Y), said gripping device (11 ) being movable in a collecting motion, to collect said number of cut products (2a), in a transfer motion to transfer said number of cut products (2a) to said magazine (6) and in unloading motion, to unload said number of cut products (2a) inside said compartment (7) of said magazine (6), and a control unit (500) configured to process a two-dimensional map of said stations, occupied and/or free, of said magazine (6), said map including longitudinal and transversal coordinates of said storage stations, and to allocate a specific station of said elaborated map to said number of cut products (2a). The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said control unit (500) is configured to update said map at each cutting cycle. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein it includes a handling assembly (10, 110) according to any one of claims 6 - 11. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein it includes a positioning path (30, 30') operationally interposed between said measuring path (4) and said magazine (6), to move said number of cut products (2a) in said longitudinal direction (Y) by means of a motion controlled by said control unit (500), to align it with said given position. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said positioning path (30, 30') is made up of a motorized roller conveyor or a conveyor belt. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said positioning path (30') is movable along transversal guides (31 ) through said magazine (6), in a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction (Y), to bring said number of cut products (2a) towards said allocated station. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 - 17, wherein said magazine (6) extends to at least one side of said measuring path (4). The apparatus of any one of claims 12 - 18, wherein it includes at least a temporary prestorage compartment (8), arranged at a side of said measuring path (4), and tilting means (9), arranged along said measuring path (4), to transfer said number of cut products (2a), from said measuring path (4) to said pre-storage compartment (8). A plant for cutting elongated products, in particular metal bars or profiles for reinforced concrete, comprising a cutting assembly (3) for cutting said products (2) to size, a feeding zone (5) for said products (2 ) to be cut, arranged upstream of said cutting assembly (3), with respect to a longitudinal direction (Y), and an apparatus of any one of claims 12 - 19, arranged downstream, according to said longitudinal direction (Y) of said cutting assembly (3).